Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1807-02-21 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 18, of Vol. XV.]
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1807.
[Whole No. 746.]
A View of the Progress of the Post Office Department.
   The several periods referred to. Number of post-offices. Length of post roads. Weekly transportation of the mail in carriages, furnished for the accommodation of travellers. Weekly transportation of the mail in sulkeys and on horseback. Amount of the weekly transportation of the mails. Amount of the yearly transportation of the mails.     March 3, 1793. 195 5621 8567 7062 16229 845458   March 3, 1797. 539 14226 14902 19708 34610 1799720   March 3, 1801. 957 21840 24490 34380 58870 3057994   January 24, 1803. 1283 24458 30172 37228 67400 3540800   January 10, 1807. 1848 31616 41528 45090 80528 4499450  
REMARKS.
Since the 24th January, 1802, the convenience, utility, and security of mail coaches have been extended in different parts of the United States, over post roads to the distance of 3,035 miles, where they never had been contemplated previous to that period.
Since the third of March 1801, the post-roads have increased 44 3/4 per cent. The establishment of mail coaches has been increased 63 3/4 per cent. The daily transportation of the mail by stages, has increased 2427 miles, and the whole daily transportation of the mail has increased 3950 miles.
* Of which distance it is carried in stages 215 9456 miles, and on horseback, or in sulkeys, 2340000 do.
4499450 do.—which proves that the daily progress of the mail exceeds 12327 miles each day in the year.
GIDEON GRANGER, Post-Master-General.
GENERAL POST-OFFICE, January 12, 1807.
THE following will show the expenditure and net proceeds of the Post-Office department, for one year from July 1, 1805, to July 1, 1806, viz.
   Amount of balances on Post-Masters' accounts. Expense of transportation of the mail. Incidental expenses of the general Post-Office. Net proceeds of the Post-Office department.     From July 1, to October 1, 1805. 71329 26 56180 79 397 52 19780 95   October 1, to Decem. 31, 1805. 73941 89 61596 29 3029 07 9316 53   January 1, to April 1, 1806. 73146 54 69929 45 2226 75 993 34   April 1, to July 1, 1806. 81978 64 60118 69 2473 73 19181 22   Total, 305396 33 248025 22 8102 07 49289 04  
The contracts for the roads established at the last session of Congress, commenced the 1st, day of October 1806, are not included in the above schedule.
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   FEBRUARY. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. REMARKS.     22 3 7 6 16 20 14 8 51 1 51 2 51 3 51 4 51 F. @ 8 1/2, morn.   23 6 35 8 7 21 9 53   24 6 34 6 8 37 10 47   25 6 33 6 9 53 11 42   26 6 31 6 11 10 1 morn. Day's len. 11h.   27 6 30 8 12 28 0 37   28 6 28 6 1 46 1 34  
SALES AT AUCTION.
TO BE SOLD,
On Monday the 2d day of March next, at 1 o'Clock P. M. at the House of the Subscriber—consisting of—
BEDS and BEDING—CHAIRS— and sundry other articles of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE—Terms made known at the time and place of Sale.
AARON HAILE, Adm'r.
*Warren, Feb. 6, 1807.
On the 10th of March next, at 1 o'Clock P. M. at the Dwelling-House of the late SIMEON POTTER, Esq. of Swansey, deceased.
THAT Noted place called the James Brown FARM, on Gardner's Neck, now in the occupation of James Luther, Esq. containing Two Hundred Acres, being the same, more or less.—For further information enquire of said James Luther, Esq. on the premises, or of the Subscriber, in Warren.
MARY GARRETT.
*Warren, Feb. 5, 1807.
On the 10th day of March next.
A QUANTITY of Stock, viz. Cows, Oxen, Young Cattle, &c.—And a Quantity of Hay, at the Dwelling-house of the late Simon Potter, Esq. deceased.
...ALSO... To be Sold at the same time and place, by Messrs. Hopkell Mc Neal & Thomas Laing, the Hog Neck FARM, so called.
WILLIAM D'WOLF, Adm'r.
*Somerset, Jan. 20, 1807.
NOTICE.
WHEREAS the Hon. Court of Probate, for the Town of Warren, appointed the Subscriber Administrator to the Estate of
BETSEY SANDERS,
late of Warren, widow, deceased.—All persons having demands against said Estate, are hereby notified to exhibit the same to the Subscriber, at his dwelling house.—All persons indebted to said Estate, are requested to make immediate payment to
NATHANIEL SANDERS.
*January 8, 1807.
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS.—SECOND SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONDAY, JAN. 26.
MR. S. SMITH, (Maryland) from the Senate, entered, and observed that he was charged with a confidential message from the Senate.—The galleries were ordered to be cleared. The House were in secret for about an hour, when the injunction of secrecy was taken off, and the doors were opened. The subject of the message, was a bill which the Senate had passed on Friday, suspending the writ of habeas corpus, for the term of three months, in which they requested the concurrence of the House.
MR. EPPES (Virg.) moved to reject the bill:—upon which motion an interesting and animated debate took place. The motion was supported by Messrs. Eppes, Burwell, Elliot, Randolph, Smilie, Sloan, and Dand; and opposed by Messrs. Varnum and Bidwell. The bill was rejected—Yea 113—Nays 19.
A message was received from the President, enclosing an affidavit of General Wilkinson, which states a conversation between him and Mr. Swartwout, relative to the conspiracy of Burr.
SATURDAY, JAN. 31.
A little before 12 o'clock, a quorum appeared and the Speaker took the chair.
On motion of Mr. Mosely, (Con.) Mr. Sturges (Con.) had leave of absence from Friday next to the end of the session.
An engrossed bill to secure certain shores and waters to the district of Mississippi, and for authorizing the building of a custom-house at New-Orleans, was read the third time and passed. The bill directs that surveyors be appointed to reside at Pittsburgh, Charlestown, Marietta, Louisville, and Natchez, all on the Ohio; and appropriates 20,000 dollars to build a custom-house at New-Orleans.
The house proceeded to consider the report of the committee of the whole on the bill to authorize the issuing of debentures in certain cases.
The 2d section grants relief in certain cases where merchants have been prevented, by unavoidable necessity, giving bonds and taking the cash in ten days, as the law prescribes.
MR. EPPES (Virg.) moved to strike out this section. This motion gave rise to a long debate. It was supported by Messrs. Eppes, D. R. Williams, Holland and Sloan; and opposed by Messrs. J. Clay, Quincy, Early and Broome; and lost—Ayes 43—Nays 49.
Some further debate took place on an amendment offered by Mr. D. R. Williams.—The speakers were Messrs. D. R. Williams, J. Clay, Early, Sloan, Varnum, Dand, and Broome.
Half after 3 o'clock, adjourned to Monday.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4. GUN-BOATS.
It was moved, after filling the blank with 250,000 dollars, that the words, "and other vessels," should be added after gun-boats.
MR. ELIOT, in the course of his remarks, spoke of the system advanced some days since by Mr. Nelson, that of leaving the cities if attacked as worse than that of Huddibras.
He that fights and runs away, May live to fight another day.
but here we are to run away without fighting, that we may live to run away another day.
MR. LLOYD thought it indecorous to comment on the remarks of a gentleman not present (Mr. Nelson has leave of absence) who could not reply. He thought also that his colleague's sentiments were mistaken: he believed, he said, that rather than be at the enormous expense of fortifying the whole coast, it would be better to retire from it.
MR. L. said, he should vote against any appropriation for gun-boats—he considered the system of gun-boats as a matter of experiment, and he doubted their utility.
He moved that the subject be postponed till Monday fortnight, that he might be present.
MR. GREGG. There is no necessity for haste in this business.—The gentleman from Vermont, (Mr. Eliot) has expressed his apprehensions of a war before the next session of congress. I have no fear of it; I have no doubt of an accommodation with any nation, between whom and ourselves any difficulties now exist, or have existed.
This resolution gives the president the power of arming the whole navy. I do not consider it necessary to give this power.
MR. LYON. What influences my vote is, I really believe there is danger of war to be commenced by the persistence and aggressions of the Spanish officers on our south western frontier. My belief is founded on the official information which is before this house. That information tells us, that the Spanish troops withdrew until they received news from the negotiations on foot. I ask if any favorable news has arrived? Is there any like to arrive? I fear not. I think we must have a treaty or a war with Spain. The documents tell us so, and I believe the Spaniards are preparing for it, while we are folding our hands and saying, let us be peace, peace.
MR. SMILIE. If the gentleman from Kentucky expects a war is the westward, or what advantage will be the fortifications of our ports to prevent it?—I know not on what ground the gentleman from Vermont builds his fears that the navy will be needed during the coming recess—it is not probable, I cannot stretch my credulity so far as to believe there is any danger of a war with either England or Spain.—Whatever difficulties we have had with England, or whatever infatuation we may have received, I trust they will be adjusted. They are not such as to justify our going to war with them.—It is not their interest nor ours, to go to war.
MR. S. moved a postponement till Monday next.
MR. MOMFORD calculated that New-York could be fully defended for about 300,000 dollars, in the manner in which the extracts he had read would suggest.—He would not fold his arms and cry, peace, peace, when its continuance is so uncertain—a preparation for war is the best security for peace.—20,000 dollars are appropriated to build a custom-house at New-Orleans, and 20,000 are to be appropriated to defend a few coast of 1500 miles! What would be the sound of this to the old world! Mr. M. hoped that 100,000 dollars, at least, would be appropriated.
MR. ELLIOT said, he had been misunderstood. He did not say that he expected war would take place during the recess—but that the moment of danger would be then. He believed that war could not be avoided without great national disgrace. It cannot be, and gentlemen all know it.—Yet he still expected war would be avoided, whatever might become of national honor!
MR. FISK saw no prospect and entertained no fear of war. He considered fortifications useless, or worse.—What are the experiments shown in history, where fortifications have been so prevalent?—What but wars and bloodshed almost constant?
Are we now in more danger than 1798? We did not feel then, though at war, the apprehensions some gentlemen seem now to feel. There is no danger of war with England—and against them only need we fortify on the ocean.
MR. MASTERS.—We never contended for a partial defence, for New-York only. The most vulnerable and important cities ought, however, to be first defended.—Shall we fly, like the Arabs, to the mountains? Seventy thousand people flying to the hills for safety from one city, and 20,000 from another!—What a picture! Shall we longer be the scorn and the ridicule of the enemies of a republican government? Shall we continue defenceless and suffer insults and injuries?—20,000 dollars!—This sum is recommended by the secretary at war—if this be his system, I would be glad if the good old patriot would retire from office—I do not like such a system,
MR. RENSALAER spoke against the postponement. The people of New-York wished to know their fate.—If a complete battery cannot be erected that will keep off a fleet, let us at least be able to resist a single 50 gun ship. Except Norfolk, there is no part so exposed. Who have petitioned you? All characters of the city—No party affair. Do their repeated petitions deserve no notice?
MR. R. here gave a statement of the situation of Fort Jay. The harbor can be fully fortified; but this we do not now ask. We ask 2 or 300,000 dollars, to erect two batteries, to be able to withstand a single ship at least. Are we to wait till a ship is laid by the side of the city, and we are put under contribution, before gentlemen will think of granting us protection.
The ayes and noes were taken for postponing 40, against it 76.
THURSDAY, FEB. 5.
MR. STANTON offered the following resolution: Resolved, that a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of making provision by law for authorizing the President of the United States to cause to be erected in suitable places, on the margin of the ocean, at his discretion, not exceeding — arsenals and docks, for the accommodation and repairing such ships and vessels as may be rendered unfit for service in gales of wind or in action with the enemies of the United States, and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise. The resolution was negatived;—Yea 44—Nays 48.
The House then took up the unfinished business of yesterday, respecting fortifications, &c. The question was taken on the motion made yesterday, to insert the words, "and other armed vessels," in the second section (so as to leave it to the discretion of the President to fit out the frigates) as follows:—Nays 54.
MR. MOMFORD hoped that the whole of the second section (appropriating 250,000 dollars for the building of 50 gun-boats) would be struck out, in order to appropriate the entire sum to the repair of fortifications. He said that gun-boats would not answer for the protection of ports. It had been offered (he observed) that this was nothing but an electioneering trick—that after the spring election no more would be thought of fortifications. But what was the fact? The legislature of the state of New-York had instructed their representatives to do all their endeavours to procure the fortification of the port of New-York, and the memorials from that city tended to the same object.
MR. SMILIE was opposed in striking out the whole sum. He should be willing to take 100,000 dollars out of it, for the purpose of applying it to the fortification of New-York, and the remainder to be applied to the building of gun-boats. As to fortifying New-York completely, he thought that impracticable.
MR. THOMAS, concurred in opinion with the gentleman from Pennsylvania. He therefore hoped the house would not agree to the amendment made in committee of the whole.—(To fill the blank with 250,000 dollars)
MR. COOK thought that 250,000 dollars were entirely too much to appropriate for gun-boats, even if none of that sum should be expended on fortifications. These vessels were a mere experiment, and in some places they were in little repute. New-York (he said) was the London of America—it contained a vast deal of property, and ought to be well defended. He even thought 150,000 dollars too much for gun-boats.
The question was taken on agreeing to the amendments made to the 2d section in committee of the whole (appropriating 250,000 dollars for the purpose of building 50 gun-boats) and they were rejected.
MR. THOMAS moved to fill the blank with 150,000 dollars.
MR. RANDOLPH asked, whether the House were acting with their accustomed caution and diffidence in appropriating public money. If he thought that 150,000, or 1,500,000 dollars would answer any good purpose, he would cheerfully vote for it. But it had been well observed, that these vessels were a mere experiment; and if they should prove to be good for nothing, he thought that enough had been expended on them. He did not pretend to say, that they were good for nothing; but he had no information to induce him to believe they were good for much. When he saw the House looking with a niggard eye on every dollar, and turning it over and over, before they would make appropriations for the support of a regular army or navy, he was astonished to see them appropriating hundreds of thousands of dollars on vessels which might hereafter be converted into bay crafts, if indeed they would even answer that purpose. If we refuse to build vessels of war, which might act on the offensive as well as the defensive, why should we throw away hundreds of money on vessels of which we did not know the use? When he saw them engaged in a naval battle, and come off victorious, he should have no objection to vote more

money on them. There was but one object of which gun-boats were calculated, and that was the defence of the mouths of such rivers as the Mississippi. He thought that there was a great disproportion in the vote granting only 20,000 dollars for the fortification of all the harbours of the United States, and 250,000 dollars for the building of gun-boats. He hoped that even 250,000 dollars would not be appropriated for that purpose.
Mr. Stanton hoped the gentleman (Mr. Randolph) would decline his opposition to the proposed appropriation. He had seen and was well acquainted with the use of gun-boats, two of them (he said) in shallow water and during a calm, would be able to take a frigate, which in fact were both in combat with them, on account of their carrying such heavy metal.
Mr. D. R. Williams moved to strike out the whole section.
Mr. Randolph inquired what number of men it would take to man these vessels; he did not mean to sail along the Chesapeake, but to fight. Where was the use of building gun-boats, if we had not men to man them! He might be wrong; and he hoped if they were built, he should prove to be wrong—but he wanted information.
Mr. Elmer thought it was absurd to keep vessels lying at our docks at a continual expense, and build others, the use of which we did not know. He thought this would be bad economy, as well as throwing away money upon an experiment. It would be much better to equip the vessels we already had. The gun-boats at present built were not manned; where then was the use of building others? He had been in favor of authorizing the President to equip either frigates or gun-boats, as necessity might require; but this the House had refused to do.
Mr. Holland was opposed to appropriating 250,000 dollars for building gun-boats, from a belief that the country was in a state of profound peace, and that therefore they would have nothing to do. When wanted, they could be built in a very short time. He thought that in two or three months government could build a thousand of them—perhaps two or three thousand. As therefore, they could be of no use now, and would only rot, he should vote against any further appropriation.
Mr. Gregg wished to postpone the subject, in order to get information from the Secretaries of the War and Navy departments.
Mr. Fisk said, that experience had proved the utility of gun-boats. In the war with Tripoli, we had been obliged to hire them. They were particularly calculated for the extensive sea coast of the United States. Besides, the expense of building eighteen of these vessels did not exceed that of building one frigate; and they did not require the same experience to manage; for in case of necessity, they might be manned from the merchant vessels.
Mr. Early moved to postpone the further consideration of the second resolution till Monday week. He wished to gain further information on the subject, particularly as the Secretary of the Navy had stated it as the President's opinion, that 60 additional gun-boats should be built, which would require an appropriation of 300,000 dollars.
This motion, after some debate, was lost. Mr. Eppes moved to postpone it until Monday, which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Early, Resolved, that the President of the United States be requested to lay before this House such information as may be in possession of the Executive department, tending to show the efficacy of gun-boats in the protection and defence of ports and harbours, and a particular list of such of the ports and harbours of the United States as may in his opinion, be defended, or essentially assisted in being defended, by gun-boats; together with the number which may be considered necessary for each.
A committee of two members was appointed to carry the resolution to the President.
On motion of Mr. Thomas, the first resolution (appropriating 20,000 dollars for the repair of fortifications) was referred to a select committee, for the purpose of bringing in a bill.
FRIDAY, FEB. 6.
A message was received from the President, containing an application from the heirs of Beaumarchais, thro' the French minister, Tureau, for the payment of a large sum, which they claim of the government of the United States.
Mr. Ely disliked the tone and terms of the application. He hoped it would be on the table, and after being printed, the house might dispose of it as they pleased. He thought it couched in indecorous and authoritative terms.
Mr. Gregg considered it as an answer of the French government to the statement of the Secretary of State, and moved that it be referred to the committee of claims.—Carried.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7.
Mr. Latimore offered the following resolution, which was agreed to.
Resolved, That the committee of commerce and manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing and maintaining an institution at Natchez, for the relief of sick and disabled boatmen, out of such funds as may be constituted by a tax upon persons employed in the navigation of the Mississippi.
NOTE. • Have Congress once decided against Beaumarchais claim? If it has, is it new evidence or the mere opinion of the French Government which is to induce a reversal of that decision? How stated precedents respecting the interference of governments in the claims of individuals? Has the American Republican Government ever so interfered? Has the British Government ever interfered as to any claim on Congress?
and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Thomas from the committee to whom was referred the resolution agreed to by the house on the subject of fortifications presented a bill for fortifying the ports and harbours of the United States, which was referred to a committee of the whole on Monday.
Mr. Lyon offered the following resolution which was agreed to:
Resolved, That the committee of ways & means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of retaining a greater proportion of the duties on articles, the growth or manufacture of foreign countries, which may be re-exported.
Mr. Broom offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That it is expedient to make farther provision by laws for securing the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus to persons in custody, under or by color of the authority of the United States, which was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Varum offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That it be expedient, in addition to the sums otherwise appropriated to fortifying the ports and harbours of the United States, to appropriate a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars to enable the President of the United States, to cause the port and harbour at New-York to be better fortified and defended.
After a short debate, this resolution was ordered to lie on the table.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the governor and judges of the Michigan territory, representing that in obedience to an act of congress they have laid out a town, a plan of which they submit, and that they have made progress in the adjustment of the titles to lands, and the distribution of the donations contemplated by the said act.
A bill was received from the Senate entitled an act confirming claims to land in the district of Vincennes, which was referred to the committee on public lands.
A bill was likewise received from the Senate, entitled an act to reduce the expenses attending the administration of justice in the district of Columbia, which was referred to a committee of the whole on Tuesday.
The amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill for the relief of William Heero, were agreed to.
The house resumed the consideration of the bill authorizing the issuing debentures in certain cases.
Mr. D. R. Williams moved to recommit the bill.—This motion, after debate, was lost.
The question was then put on engrossing the bill for a third reading, and the yeas and nays, after debate, taken which were Yeas 53—Nays 53.—The Speaker declaring himself in the negative, the question and the bill were lost.
SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, THURSDAY, FEB. 5, 1807.
A debate of considerable interest occurred on the following resolution:
Resolved, That a series of land be granted to the Chesapeake and Delaware canal company, upon their giving bond, conditioned to transfer to the United States a number of the shares of the capital stock of said company, at the rate of two hundred dollars a share, equal to the proceeds of the sales of the land granted to them; and conditioned to sell the said land within a certain time, and to furnish to the Secretary of the treasury a true account of the sales.
Messrs. Bayard and Pickering supported the resolution; Mr. Adams opposed it; and Messrs. Giles and Baldwin suggested doubts respecting it.
When the question was taken, and the resolution agreed to—Ayes 20—Nays 6.
Late Foreign Intelligence.
THIRTY-NINTH BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Posen, Dec. 7, 1806.
CONTAINS an account of the surrender of Hameln, (in Hanover) to Gen. Savary;—That Russia had declared war against Turkey, that the Russians had surrounded Chaczan and Bender; had passed the Dniester, and invested Jassa;—and that Gen. Michelson commands the Russians in Wallachia, (Turkey.) That the Prussian army under Gen. Bennison, had left the Vistula: That Davoust's H. Q. were at Praga, (beyond the Vistula) with his advance on the Bug. Murat was at Warsaw.
FORTY-FIRST BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Posen, Dec. 11, 1806.
Announces the passage of Davoust's advance across the Bug, at the mouth of the Wike; and an affair in the village of Pomikuwo, between a Russian and French detachment.—The French lost 20 men. Dec. 10, Angereau crossed the Vistula, near Utrata—Belgieres was stretching out from Thorn. Gen. Gouvion [formerly a Major in the service of the United States] is Governor of Warsaw. The Russians have burnt the suburbs of (towards) Breslaw. The King of Prussia had
been at the Russian H. Quarters, and gone to Koenigsburg, where the Queen was.
HOLLAND. HAGUE, DEC. 17.
A royal decree of his Majesty the King of Holland has been issued forbidding any vessels to depart the kingdom, without a special royal licence; and security given that its cargo shall not be discharged in an English, or any other enemy's port, and directing the immediate seizure of all vessels arriving in the kingdom; to be released only by royal licence.—Fishing boats are placed under the strictest regulations to have no communication with enemy's vessels; and the Postmasters are required to remit instantly to the ministry, all letters coming from or going to England.
The King's message was couched in the following terms:
Gentlemen, we send you the bill announced to you on the first of this month. Considering, that amongst monarchical states, Holland is the only one which has no order of knighthood; considering that the Dutch nation is celebrated in the annals of the world, both by the genius of its inhabitants, and by their military history, and that it is our duty to leave no means, neglected to preserve it in the rank and respectability which it has always enjoyed; wishing in consequence to institute public rewards for those of our subjects who have distinguished themselves and may distinguish themselves throughout every class, and particularly for the officers in the land and sea service; we propose to you to pass the following decree:—
ART. I. A grand order of the kingdom shall be created, under the name of Order of the Union, and likewise a Royal Order of Merit, destined for civil and Military actions. II. The grand order of the union shall consist of thirty great crosses at most. The grand order of the union shall not be endowed. The expenses of its administration shall be provided for by the persons to whom the king shall have granted this distinction. III. The royal order of merit shall be endowed with an annual revenue of 60,000 florins. This revenue shall form part of the annual budget of the state.—V. The king is declared chief, grand master and founder of the two orders. His successors shall be chiefs and grand masters in perpetuity. VI. The king shall appoint the grand crosses, commanders and knights of the two orders, assisted by a chapter formed by three of the oldest commanders, the three oldest knights and a grand chancellor of the order, chosen amongst the commanders, and shall be at the same time treasurer. VII. The king shall order all the regulations concerning the decorations, administration and discipline of the two orders, as well as the administration and distribution of the funds set apart for the endowment of the royal order of merit.
(Signed) LOUIS.
Their High Mightinesses having taken into consideration his majesty's message, the bill was converted into a law in the same sitting.
DUTCH NOBILITY.
A bill has been sent to their High Mightinesses, announcing the creation of two Grand Orders, one the Order of the Union, the other, the Royal Order of Merit. The first consists of 30 Great Crosses. The Royal Order of Merit is endowed with an annual revenue 60,000 florins; to be raised by taxes: The King is the Chief, Grand-Master, and Founder of both orders; and appoints all the Grand Crosses, Commanders and Knights. Their high Mightinesses immediately passed the bill into a law.
VIENNA, DEC. 6.
Several of the regiments which formed our army of neutrality in Bohemia, are already returned to Austria, and among others, the regiment of Wucasewich, which is arrived at Czers, in Lower Austria. The regiment of houlans of Archduke Charles is expected every moment in the envi-
rons of Vienna. Other corps of the same army, have received orders from the aulic council of war, to repair to the environs of Oedinburgh in Hungary, and, as we learn are already on their march thither. The regiments of Sztarry and Kerpen, which were to march to Bohemia, have received counter orders. The direct letters from that kingdom state, that the general rendezvous of the troops which return from the frontiers, is the city of Prague, whence each corps is to march to its further destination. The measures taken for the establishment of military magazines in Bohemia, have in like manner been countermanded within this short time. In Moravia, the troops are also ordered back into the interior and concentrated near Olmutz. The number of the troops which have returned within these few weeks into both Galicias, may amount to about 20,000 men.
GERMANY. FRANKFORT, DEC. 15.
They write from Vienna that the French Ambassador, General Andreossi continues to have frequent conferences with the secretary of state, Count de Stadion. It is thought in that capital, that objects of the highest importance are negotiating between the two courts.
DEC. 19.
All the intelligence from Hungary agrees in stating that peace has been definitively signed between the Porte and Servians. It adds that Czerni Georges, to whom has been granted the title of Prince of Servia, is to march into Moldavia, with 40,000 men, in order to join the army which the Grand Seigneur has assembled in that province, to oppose the Russians.
RAMBOUGH, DEC. 12.
General Michaud arrived here on the 9th inst. He has been appointed by the Emperor and King Napoleon, Governor of the Hanse Towns. Gen. Laval, who commanded in our town, has been appointed Governor of the country of Mecklenburg.
The French have set at liberty the Privy Counsellor Ephraim, of the Jewish religion, who was in confinement at Custrin, by order of the King of Prussia.
Intelligence from Sweden states, that all the troops there have received orders to hold themselves in readiness to march. Defensive preparations are making in Finland.
FRANCE. PARIS, DEC. 28.
The Russian troops which had advanced towards the Vistula, have fallen back as precipitately as the season and the ill state of the roads would permit. In the mean time, whilst all military movements have been difficult, every part of Poland occupied by the French army has already given itself a kind of political and military organization. The French every where receive testimonies of affection and enthusiasm, which surpass all they had hoped for. The false measure which the King of Prussia was led to take against the Polish Nobles who should show themselves disposed to stand up for the independence of their country, has redoubled their generous efforts; it has forced the most irresolute to determine immediately, and has reduced them all to the happy necessity of accelerating the glorious period of the national regeneration.
The Imperial Decree which declares the British Islands in a state of blockade, was published at Milan on the 12th inst. to this publication was appended a decree of the Prince Viceroy, to ensure the execution of this grand measure throughout the kingdom of Italy.
It is asserted that his Majesty, wishing to give to the King of Spain a proof of his friendship and desirous also to see the Spanish army on a respectable footing, which may enable it to co-operate towards the common advantage, has not only authorised the recruiting for Spain of 25,000 men, to be taken from amongst the Prussian prisoners, but has consented that 25,000 men more shall be put at the disposal of the Government of Madrid, with

the sole condition that the Prussian prisoners, amongst whom they shall be freely enlisted and can only be employed in the military service.
ENGLAND. LONDON, DEC. 16. PARLIAMENT.
This day the Lord Chancellor informed the House of Lords, that his Majesty was not able to be present at the meeting of Parliament, but would, on a convenient day, state his reasons for calling them together.
The Swedes were reinforcing their troops in Stalsund. Marshal Mortier still continued on the frontier of Swedish Pomerania. The bullets say he is to join the Grand Army.
The King of Holland has taken possession of Odenburgh, Delmonhoft, Varel, and Kniphausen.
Domestic Occurrences.
MARYLAND. BALTIMORE, FEB. 5. From our Correspondent. NEW-ORLEANS, DEC. 30.
Dear Sir, NEW-ORLEANS now is a theatre of oppression and tyranny—Wilkinson has had a number of persons arrested on a charge or suspicion of being guilty of misprison of treason against the United States—and has, as he says, adopted measures for having them safely conveyed to the president of the United States. Whether they will be intercepted by a Spanish force and sent to the mines, or hung, or arrive safe at Washington, time will determine. To-day an officer (lieutenant in the army, was arrested on the same charge, and it is said the general intends having 8 or 10 more arrested as being concerned in the plot. God only knows the issue of the general's measures; but I assure you they have given rise to the most serious alarms: never perhaps were such acts of tyranny exercised, except in ill-fated Ireland.—There are a thousand conjectures afloat: all is wrapped in mystery; and it is the opinion of many, very many, that the general has committed himself, and knowing that nothing but a desperate effort can save him from the inevitable disgrace and punishment which awaits the violators of the laws. You could hardly imagine that Aaron Burr, a man of the first talents and information in our country, would communicate his intentions to the commander of the American army, unless he was assured of his co-operation; and, unless some designs inimical to the interest and welfare of our government were meditated, where was the necessity for a cypher between them? You have herewith a publication of Edward Livingston's which as it regards the general's conduct and observations in court is substantially correct, and I flatter myself the other statements will not be found to deviate from truth. He paints the general's conduct in glowing colors; but not more so than they deserve; Livingston's publication has just been printed this evening, and God knows the effect it may have. The writer's reward may be a dungeon, and the printer's a trouncing, such is the awful crisis at which we have arrived. No name is put to this for obvious reasons. It may be intercepted. You will know who it comes from and I rely on your not letting it fall into the hands of the general's creatures.
N. B. I would not wish to convey an idea by the preceding observations, that none of the persons are guilty of the charges: on the contrary, it is believed that there are some of them who ought to receive the punishment due to so base a crime. But it is the usurpation of authority that excites alarm, and gives rise to fears in the breast of almost every independent man, who will not crouch to the "powers that be."
"The general has men engaged in repairing the forts and breast works: there are about 500 effective soldiers in the garrison, and perhaps 150 volunteers—measures are also taking to have the militia ready in case of danger. But I believe Burr is defeated by the general's discovering the plot;
and perhaps if he had never had an expectation that the army here would co-operate with him, he would never have made an effort to disturb the tranquillity of the union."
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, FEB. 12. FROM NEW-ORLEANS.
Letters and papers to the 9th Jan. are received from New-Orleans, by yesterday's mail—That place continued in a state of extravagant apprehension, which the excessive zeal of the military commandant by no means contributed to allay. The following is the notice circulated by General Wilkinson:—
This day at about one o'clock, the Aid-de-Camp of General Wilkinson read the following in the Coffee-house and had it entered on the books.
GENERAL WILKINSON
Regrets that it is not in his power, from a pressure of public interests, which imperiously command his attention, to be at the Coffee-house as he intended this day.
He therefore takes this mode of warning the merchants and ship owners, to hold their vessels in readiness to haul off into the stream, should it be found necessary, on the shortest notice—but he begs that this may be considered merely as a salutary precaution, nor that he believes Col. Burr is at Natchez, or that he will ever reach this city, under his own volition—and he warns the citizens not to respect the rumours in circulation, because the general by a letter from Colonel Burr's own hand, written to Dr. Boltman, is authorised to say, that the colonel's utmost calculation of force did not exceed 6000, and that he would in person precede the main body with 2000 men to Natchez, where he intended to halt.
The faithful citizen may be assured that with moderate exertions only, and the decisive expulsion of traitors, the storm will burst over the heads of its authors, and hurl them headlong to perdition, whilst the inhabitants of this city shall dwell in security.
WARREN:
SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 1807.
COMMUNICATION.
The Philanthropic Society will meet at Col. Cole's Hall, on Monday the 23d inst. precisely at 7 o'clock A. M. for their Election—At Eleven they will move to the Baptist Meeting House, where a public discourse by the Rev. Mr. Gisson will be pronounced on the occasion.
POSTSCRIPT.—By this Day's Mail.
IMPORTANT!!
NEW YORK, FEB. 19.
The fast sailing ship Oliver Ellsworth, whose arrival at the Hook we noticed on Tuesday, came up last evening, after a passage of 37 days from Liverpool. Capt. Bennett has positively favoured the editor of the Mercantile Advertiser with a regular file of London papers to the 4th, and Liverpool papers to the 5th of January inclusive. He sailed on the 7th.
Our advices from the continent are not so late by several days as we had previously received by the Emelina from Bordeaux. But these papers have enabled us to announce officially the important intelligence that a Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between the United States and Great Britain was signed on the last day of December.—Capt. Bennett, at the request of the American Consul, detained the Oliver Ellsworth 24 hours, that he might receive on board the messenger charged with dispatches for our Government; but he did not arrive in season.
LONDON JAN. 3.
We are to congratulate our commercial readers on the adjustment of the difference between Great-Britain and America.—A letter, of which the following is a copy, was, with due attention to the mercantile interest of the country, transmitted to Philip Sansom, Esq. chairman of the committee of American merchants, and by him sent to Lloyd's, and the American Coffee-Houses.
Downing Street. Jan. 1, 1807.
Sir, I have the honour of acquainting you, for the information of the merchants concerned in the trade with America, that the treaty of amity, navigation, and commerce, between his Majesty and the United States of America, was yesterday signed by the Commissioners respectively appointed for the purpose by the two governments. The treaty will be immediately transmitted to America; but until the ratifications on both sides shall have been exchanged, it cannot be made public.
I have the honour to be, &c.
HOWICK.
Philip Sansom, Esq. Chairman of the Committee. The very important terms of this arrangement we are no otherwise acquainted with than
from report, but we understand, that the circumstanced trade with the Belligerent Powers, thro' America, is to be allowed under certain conditions. We heartily congratulate the country upon the accommodation of a misunderstanding, which we understand, the enemy were sedulously endeavouring, both by their agents in the United States, and the corrupt and disloyal factions which disgrace that country, to kindle into a war.
GOTTENBURG, JAN. 4.
The Emperor of Russia, we understand, has issued a short but spirited Manifesto, in which he declares that he will use all the means which Providence has put in his power, to extinguish the common Enemy of Man: and that, if necessary, he will bring 500,000 men in the field for that purpose.
NEW-YORK, FEB. 19.
The Government of the United States have received dispatches from Gen. Armstrong, our minister at Paris. He states, amongst other things, that in an interview with the French minister of marine he was informed that the decree issued from Berlin on the 21st of November, declaring the British Isles in a state of blockade, was not intended to operate against American Commerce; but that the Convention between this country and France should be rigidly adhered to.
MARRIED.
In Baltimore, Master JOHN RICHARDSON, aged 15, to Miss PHEBE MARIA F. FULLERTON, aged 13!! In Philadelphia, Mr. MOSES COFFIN, to Miss CAROLINE GRAVES.—This may literally be termed, a dead match!! In Schenectady, quite sudden and unexpectedly, Mr. THOMAS DOTY, aged 72, to Miss PEGGY CORNICK, aged 15!! In Richmond, (Virg.) Mr. CHARLES RICHARDSON, Jun. to Miss MARY M. S. ALEXANDER, after a tedious courtship of two hours and a half!! In Providence, on the 8th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Wilson, Master HENRY THURSTON, aged 16, to Miss SALLY EATON, aged 32!!
DIED.
In Salem, Mr. MARSHALL LEAVITT, Printer, aged 19. In Newport, on Monday last, Mr. WILLIAM POTTER, in the 68th year of his age.
Herald Ship News.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
ENTERED. From Sloop Sally, Windflow, New-York Fair Play, Remington, Richmond Sch. Federal, Updike, Havana Brig Clothier, Coffin, Martinique CLEARED. For Ship Commerce, Lyon, Africa
PORT OF WARREN.
THURSDAY, Feb. 19.—Br. brig Amy, Haile, 25 days from Pointe Pierre (G) Jan. 26, was boarded by the privateer Little Bannister, and tossed politely, the ord taken the same day, brig —, Dickson, cargo sugar and coffee, belonging to New York, from Pointe Pierre, and sent her into Antigua. Sailed in company, Norris, for Newport. Left Jan. 25, sch. Harriot, Bunter, for Newburyport, in 5 days; Hazard, —, ditto, in 20; Peace, —, ditto, in 14; brig —, Swanwood; Elizabeth, Gulf, do. 14; Sloop Ann, Stickley, for Boston, in 5. Spoke, Feb. 1, a sch. from Martinique, for Boston. 10th, sch. Joseph, Reed, of Smeeter, 20 days from St. Vincent, for Georgetown.
List of American vessels detained in Antigua. Dec. 29, brig Charles Williams, Liverpool, from Martinique for New-York.—January 1, sch. Harrison, Jenkins, from Guadalupe for Newbern.—7 b, sch. Enterprise, Georgetown, from Baltimore, bound to Martinique, and sch. L. K. Thompson, from Guadalupe for Boston.—12th, brig Washington, Eders, from Boston, for Guadalupe, papers examined, and acquired —13 b, brig Nance, Seaborn, from Guadalupe for Boston, her cargo on freight, 60 hds. sugar labelled.—Sally Ann, Channing, from New-York, bound to Guadalupe, labelled.—14th, brig Jane, Parton, lost in by the sloop of war Circe, Capt. Pigeon, released, and to sail next day for Guadalupe.
Loss of the ship Diana, at sea, Jan. 9th, 1807. The ship Diana, Capt. James Budge, belonging to Messrs. Thomas Ley & Son, merchants of Boston, 40 days from St. Ubes, for Baltimore, loaded with salt. January 8th, in lat. 34 N. long. 74 W. having hard gales from the Westward, at 8 A. M. spruce a-leak, which increased hourly. At 4 P. M. spoke brig Amazon, Capt. Stone, from Newburyport for Wilmington; Capt. Budge requested Capt. Stone to keep him company that night, which he did. The Diana making water that night so fast that both pumps could not keep her free, at 10 A. M. Jan. 9th, having 4 feet water in the hold, Capt. R. bore down for the Amazon, and requested Capt. Stone to take himself and the crew off, as they found it impossible to keep her up any longer. When Capt. B. and crew left the Diana, she had 9 feet water in her hold, and in one hour after they left her she went to the bottom. Capt. Budge and crew return Capt. Stone their sincere thanks for his generous and humane treatment while they were on board his vessel.—(Wilmington (N. C.) paper, Jan. 27.)
KINGSTON, (JAM.) DEC. 13.
Ship Mary, Crow, from Bonay.—The Mary, on the 13th of Dec. at 3 P. M. near Ceyenne, descried two floating sail standing towards her, from which she endeavoured to escape, taking them to be French cruisers. At 10 P. M. they came up with her, when she sustained a running action with them till near day light next morning, when, having her boatswain killed, her captain and several men wounded, her mainmast and bowsprit seriously
damaged, six or eight shot between wind and water, her sails and rigging much shattered, and after using every exertion against their supposed enemies, with great reluctance Capt. Crow was compelled to strike; but to his great satisfaction the two vessels proved to be his Majesty's ships Dart, of 30, and Wolverine, of 18 guns, Capt. Spear and Collier, which were sent some time ago from Barbadoes to cruise off Cayenne, in hope of intercepting a large French privateer of 36 guns, reported to be fitting out there, and for which they unfortunately mistook the Mary. Capt. Spear and Collier were extremely sorry for the accident, and rendered Capt. Crow every assistance in their power.
The Mary, carries twenty 9 and 6 pounders, and at the time of the unfortunate accident, had on board 45 seamen. Capt. Crow was severely wounded in the left side, and slightly in the left arm, but we are happy to add that he is in a fair way to recover; the boatswain had both his legs shot off, and expired shortly after; six seamen were badly wounded, and five negroes killed, and six wounded.
Western Mail arrives on
Tuesdays, at 11 o'clock, forenoon Thursdays do. do. Saturdays do. do. Arrives at Providence the nights preceding. NATHANIEL PHILLIPS, P. M. Post Office, Warren, Feb. 20 1807.
Just received, and for Sale, by
Nathan M. Wheaton, A Quantity of Turks-Island Salt, of a good Quality—ALSO, a handsome assortment of Crockery Ware, Groceries, &c. at Retail. Warren, Feb. 10, 1807.
FOR SALE, BY
Nathaniel Burr & Son, 5000 of good BRICK. Rehoboth Feb. 20, 1807.
N. M. Burr,
Has just received a fresh supply of well chosen and fashionable
GOODS,
and offers them for sale at reduced prices, on accommodating and liberal terms, consisting of
SUPERFINE middling and low priced BROADCLOTHS. KERSEYMERES, KERSEYS, KERSEY. NETT, SERGES, VESTINGS, COATINGS, DUFFILLS, FEARNOTS, FLANNELS, BAISES, SWAN-SKINS. DOMESTICS, RAIL BLANKETS, WILEBORES, & DURANTS. A valuable choice of fashionable twilled, striped & plain VELVETS, uncommonly low. Factory Cotton & India CHECKS. Cambic and common DIMOTIES. India COTTONS, SHEETING & SHIRTING, cheap. CALL COES, Irish LINNENS, brown HOLLAND. SHAWLS of the new-est fashion. BANDANNOES HANDKERCHIEFS, per piece. Check'd and picked, ditto. Ladies and Gentlemen's black, lead coloured & mix'd Woolled STOCKINGS. Ladies Cotton MITTS & GLOVES. Cotton UMBRELLAS. Factory COTTON WARP & FILLING, per Bundle &c. at Factory prices.
A neat Supply of HARDWARE, with a great assortment of Iron Hollow WARE, HAND-IRONS, FLATT-IRONS & Cart BOXES.
Coarse and fine SALT. Black PEPPER, CASSIA & CINNAMON, per Hundred or Dozen. CLOVES, NUTMEGS, & ALLSPICE, per Pound. GINGER and PEARL ASHES, per Kg or Dozen. TOBACCO and SEGARS. 10 Barrels choice Cyder VINEGAR. 100 Straws TUMBLERS. 300 Rolls Paper HANGINGS & BORDERS, a fresh Supply; old stock selling at Cost. REDWOOD, LOGWOOD, FUSTIC, ALUM, COPPERAS, VITRIOL, AQUA FORTIS & SALT PETRE. POWDER, SHOT and FLINTS. A great Variety of Cast, Horse, Chaise and Hunting WHIPS, mounted on Whalebone. 6 Dozen choice Sweet Olive Bottle OIL. A large Supply of Cooper's Cedar and Oak WARES, BASKETS, &c. Household Porington's Barben WARES. HOPS, CHALK, GLUE, BRIMSTONE, ROSIN & VERDIGRASE. Japan and Cast VARNISH, Gold LEAF. Spirits of TURPENTINE, Paint BRUSHES and Pumice STONE.
3d & 1st Proof RUM, BRANDY, CHERRY, GENEVA, Sherry and Currant WINES. CODFISH, COFFEE, SHELLS, FLOUR, RAISINS and MOLASSES. Hyson, Hyson-Skin and Souchong TEAS.
A fresh and valuable Assortment of genuine DRUGS and MEDICINES at very reduced Prices, superior to rivalry with the whole train of Imported and Domestic patent Medicines, now in rage; of which are extra's the famous Billings CO. DIAL, Cooley's Vegetable ELIXIR, or Cough Drops, and Rawson's and Wheaton's Ich OINTMENT and BITTERS.
CASH, and the biggest Price given for clean Cotton and Linen Rags. Warren, Dec. 6. 1806

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
From the VERMONT CENTINEL.
THE SHIPWRECK.
N OW bending o'er the lofty yard The jovial seaman reefs his sail; The swinging beam he grapples hard, And sings defiance to her gale.  Though hidden rocks and sea-built clouds, Impede the daring vessel's way, The Boatwain clings the lee-fore-throws, Undaunted pipes the midnight lay.  But songs, and pipes, avail no more, Nor ought the active sailors do; She's struck upon the craggy shore! A horrid death! a ghastly view!  Yet tho' upon the utmost brink Or verge of time, the guileless few; The gallant seamen, stop to drink, And laugh at terror's pale fac'd crew.  Now furious rolls the curving surge, The thin in many atoms flies, And 'gainst the rocks with fragments urg'd, Each mangled seaman doubly dies!  But dry those tears that gently flow, And cease those sighs of pity lost; Though seamen's bodies sink below, Their souls, to God, shall go aloft.
MISCELLANY.
FROM THE ANTHOLOGY.
Extrait from a letter written by a gentleman of Boston, dated Geneva, Sept. 26. 1806.
INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE DESTRUCTION OF SEVERAL VILLAGES.
T HERE is an event, which happened just before our arrival in Switzerland, of which no particular account may have yet reached America, and which I think cannot be uninteresting, especially to those of our friends who have visited this charming country. Indeed it is too disastrous to be related or read with indifference.
"If you have a large map of Switzerland, I beg of you to look for a spot in the canton of Schwetz, situated between the lakes of Zug and Lowertz on two sides, and the mountains of Rigi and Rössberg on the others. Here, but three weeks ago, was one of the most delightful fertile vallies of all Switzerland; green, and luxuriant, adorned with several little villages, full of secure and happy farmers. Now, three of these villages are forever affaced from the earth, and a broad waste of ruins, burying alive fourteen hundred peasants, overpreads the valley of Lowertz.
"About 5 o'clock in the evening of the 3d of September, a large projection of the mountain of Rössberg, on the north east, gave way, and precipitated itself into this valley; and in less than four minutes completely overwhelmed the three villages of Goldau, Büsingen, and Rathlen, with a part of Lowertz and Oberart. The torrent of earth and stones was far more rapid than that of Lava, and its effects as resistless and as terrible. The mountain in its descent carried trees, rocks, houses, and every thing before it. The mass spread in every direction, so as to bury completely a space of charming country, more than three miles square. The force of the earth must have been prodigious, since it not only spread over the hollow of the valley, but even ascended far up the opposite side of the Rigi. The quantity of earth, too, is enormous, since it has left a considerable hill in what was before the centre of the vale. A portion of the falling mass rolled into the lake of Lowertz, and it is calculated that a fifth part is filled up. On a minute map you will see two little islands marked in this lake, which have been admired for their picturesque-ness. One of them is famous for the residence of two hermits, and the other for the remains of an ancient chateau, once belonging to the house of Hapsburg. So large a body of water was raised and pushed forward by the falling of such a mass into the lake, that the two islands, and the whole village of Seven, at the southern extremity, were, for a time, completely submerged by the passing of the swell. A large house in this village was lifted off its foundations and carried half a mile beyond its place. The hermits were absent on a pilgrimage to the abbey of Finidein.
"The disastrous consequences of this extent extend further than the loss
* Supposed to be the Rev. Mr. BUCKINGHAM.
of such a number of inhabitants in a canton of little population. A fertile plain is at once converted into a barren tract of rocks and calcareous earth, and the former marks and boundaries of property obliterated. The main road from Art to Schwetz is completely filled up, so that another must be opened with great labour over the Rigi. The former chapel of a large stream is choked up, and its course altered; and as the outlets and passage of large bodies of water must be affected by the filling up of such a portion of the lake, the neighbouring villages are still trembling with apprehension of some remote consequences, against which they know not how to provide. Several hundred men have been employed in opening passages for the stagnant waters, in forming a new road for foot passengers along the Rigi, and, in exploring the ruins. The different cantons have contributed to the relief of the suffering canton of Schwetz, and every head is at work to contrive means to prevent further disasters.
"The number of inhabitants buried alive under the ruins of this mountain, is scarcely less than fifteen hundred. Some even estimate it as high as two thousand. Of these, a woman and two children have been found alive, after having been several days under ground. They affirm that while they were thus entombed, they heard the cries of poor creatures who were perishing around them, for want of that succour which they were so happy as to receive. Indeed it is the opinion of many well informed people, that a large number might still be recovered; and a writer in the Publiciste goes so far as to blame the inactivity of the neighbouring inhabitants; and quotes many well-attested facts to prove that persons have lived a long time, buried under snow and earth. This at least is probable in the present case, that many houses, exposed to lighter weight than others, may have been merely a little crushed, while the lower story, which in this part of Switzerland is frequently of stone, may have remained firm, and thus not a few of the inhabitants escaped unhurt. The consternation into which the neighbouring towns of Art and Schwetz were thrown, appears indeed to have left them incapable of contriving and executing those labours which an enlightened compassion would dictate.
"The mountain of Rössberg, as well as the Rigi, and other mountains in its vicinity, are composed of a kind of brittle calcareous earth, and pudding stone, or aggregated rocks. Such a prodigious mass as that which fell, would easily crumble by its own weight, and spread over a wide surface. The bed of the mountain, from which the desolation came, is a plane inclining from north to south. Its appearance, as it is now laid bare, would lead one to suppose that the mass, when it moved from its base, slid for some distance before it precipitated itself into the valley. The height of the Spitzberg (the name of the projection which fell) above the lake and valley of Lowertz, was little less than two thousand feet. The composition of the chain of the Rigi, of which the Rössberg makes a part, has always been an obstacle in the way of those system makers, who have built their hypotheses upon the structure of the Alps. It has nothing granitic in its whole mass, and though nearly six thousand feet above the sea, is green and even fertile to its summit. It is composed of nothing but earth and stone, combined in rude masses. It is also remarkable that the strata of which it is composed, are distinctly inclined from the north toward the south, a character which is common to all rocks of this kind through the whole range of Alps, as well as to the greater part of calcareous, schistous, and pyritick rocks, & also to the whole chain of the Jura.
"It was about a week after the fall of the mountain, that our route through Switzerland led us to visit this scene of desolation; and never can I forget the succession of melancholy views, which presented themselves to
our curiosity. In our way to it, we landed at Art, a town situated at the southern extremity of the lake of Zug; and we skirted along the western boundary of the ruins, by the side of Mount Rigi, toward the lake of Lowertz. From various points on our passage, we had complete views of such a scene of destruction, as no words can adequately describe. Picture to yourself a rude and mingled mass of earth and stones, bristled with the shattered parts of wooden cottages, and with thousands of heavy trees, torn up by the roots, and projecting in every direction. In one part you might see a range of peasants' huts, which the torrent of earth had reached with just force enough to overthrow and tear in pieces, but without bringing soil enough to cover them. In another were mills broken in pieces by huge rocks, transported from the top of the mountain, which fell, and carried high up the opposite side of the Rigi. Large pools of water had formed themselves in different parts of the ruins, and many little streams, whose usual channels had been filled up, were burbling out in various places. Birds of prey, attracted by the smell of dead bodies, were hovering all about the valley. But the general impression made upon us by the sight of such an extent of desolation, connected, too, with the idea that hundreds of wretched creatures were at that moment alive, buried under a mass of earth, and inaccessible to the cries and labours of their friends, was too horrible to be described or understood. As we travelled along the borders of the chaos of ruined buildings, a poor peasant, wearing a countenance ghastly with woe, came up to us to beg a piece of money. He had three children buried in the ruins of a cottage, which he was endeavouring to clear away. A little further on, we came to an elevated spot, which overlooked the whole scene. Here we found a painter seated on a rock, and busy in sketching its horrors. He had chosen a most favourable point. Before him, at the distance of more than a league, rose the Rössberg, from whose bare side had rushed the destroyer of all this life and beauty. On his right was the lake of Lowertz, partly filled with the earth of the mountain. On the banks of this lake was all that remained of the town of Lowertz. Its church was demolished; but the tower yet stood amid the ruins, shattered, but not thrown down. The figures which animated this part of the drawing, were a few miserable peasants, left to grope among the wrecks of one half their village. The foreground of the picture was a wide desolate sweep of earth and stones, relieved by the shattered roof of a neighbouring cottage. On the left hand spread the blue and tranquil surface of the lake of Zug, on the margin of which yet stands the pleasant village of Art almost in contact with the ruins, and trembling even in its preservation.
"We proceeded, in our descent, along the side of the Rigi, toward the half-buried village of Lowertz. Here we saw the poor curate, who is said to have been a spectator of the fall of the mountain. He saw the torrent of earth rushing toward his village, overwhelming half his people, and stopping just before his door! What a situation! He appeared, as we passed, to be superintending the labours of some of the survivors, who were exploring the ruins of the place. A number of new made graves, marked with a plain pine cross, showed where a few of the wretched victims of this catastrophe had just been interred.
"Our course lay along the borders of the enchanting lake of Lowertz. The appearance of the slopes, on the eastern and southern sides, told us what the valley of Goldau was a few days since, smiling with varied vegetation, gay with villages and cottages, and bright with promises of autumnal plenty. The shores of this lake were covered with ruins of huts, with hay, with furniture and clothes, which the vast swell of its waters had lodged on the banks. As we were walking
mournfully along toward Schwetz, we met with the dead body of a woman, which had been just found. It was stretched out on a board, and barely covered with a white cloth. Two men, preceded by a priest, were carrying it to a more decent burial. We hoped that this sight would have concluded the horrors of this day's scenery, and that we should soon escape from every painful vestige of the calamity of Schwetz. But we continued to find relicks of ruined buildings for a league along the whole extent of the lake; and a little beyond the two islands, mentioned above, we saw, lying on the shore, the stiff body of a peasant, which had been washed up by the waves, and which two men were examining, to ascertain where he belonged. Our guide instantly knew it to be one of the inhabitants of Goldau. But I will mention no more particulars. Some perhaps that have been related to me are not credible, and others which are credible are too painful.
"The immediate cause of this calamitous event is not yet sufficiently ascertained, and probably never will be. The falls of parts of hills is not uncommon; and in Switzerland especially, there are several instances recorded of the descent of large masses of earth and stones. But so sudden and extensive a ruin as this, was, perhaps, never produced by the fall of a mountain. It can be compared only to the destruction made by the tremendous eruptions of Etna and Vesuvius. Many persons suppose that the long and copious rains, which they have lately had in this part of Switzerland, may have swelled the fountains, in the Rössberg sufficiently to push this part of the mountain off its inclined base. But we saw no marks of streams issuing from any part of the bed which is laid bare. Perhaps the consistency of the earth in the interior of the mountain was so much altered by the moisture which penetrated into it, that the projection of the Spitzberg was no longer held by a sufficiently strong cohesion, and its own weight carried it over. Perhaps as the earth is calcareous, a kind of fermentation took place sufficient to loosen its foundations. But there is no end to conjectures. The mountain has fallen, and the villages are no more.
"I cannot but reflect upon my weakness in complaining of our long delay at Strasburg. If we had not been detained there ten days, waiting for our passports, we should have been in Switzerland the 3d of September, probably in the vicinity of the lake of Lowertz—perhaps under the ruins of Goldau. Several travellers, or rather strangers, were destroyed; but whether they were there on business or for pleasure, I know not. Among them are several respectable inhabitants of Berne, and a young lady of fine accomplishments and amiable character, whose loss is much lamented. My dear friend, bless God that we are alive, and enjoying so many comforts.
DIRECT TAX.
PURSUANT to an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to lay and collect a Direct Tax within the United States," will be sold at public sale at the dwelling of Benjamin Howard, Esq. in Tiverton, on the 27th day of February, A. D. 1807, at 10 o'Clock in the forenoon, the undermentioned estates, situated in said Tiverton, or so much thereof, as may be necessary to satisfy the taxes due thereon, together with costs and charges, unless the said Taxes, costs, and charges, shall be paid previous to that time.
   Name of proprietor or occupant in Oct 1798. Name of reputed owner in Oct 1798. Kinds of Estates. TAX D. C.     Wm. Borden, Wm. Borden, houses & land 9 54   Paul Crossman, P. Crossman, house & land 76   Susannah Cory, Wm. Frazar, house & land 3 16   Russell Fish, Russell Fish, land 1 4   Stephen Grinnell, Daniel Grinnell, house & land 46   Lewis Grinnell, Lewis Grinnell, land 3 3   Richard Gifford, Richard Gifford, land 1 29   Isaac Hart, Isaac Hart, land 8 5   Godfrey Lake, Godfrey Lake, land 3 3   G. Manchester, G. Manchester, land 4 3   P. Manchester, P. Manchester, house & land 3 2   Henry Negus, Henry Negus, land 2 4   Refrom Sanford, Refrom Sanford, land 3 3   Elizabeth Tripp, Elizabeth Tripp, land 6 3   Sarah Taber, Sarah Taber, land 5 2   Abial Tripp, Abial Tripp, land 2 26   Ichabod Williston Ichabod Williston land 1 29   John Wilcox, John Wilcox, house & land 5 3   Wm. Woodle, Wm. Woodle, house & land 2 64  
BY NICHOLAS E. DURFEE, Collector.
*TIVERTON, Dec. 22, 1806.