Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1806-02-01 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 18, of Vol. XIV.]
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1806.
[Whole No. 684.]
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONDAY, JAN. 6, 1806.
THE Speaker laid before the House a letter received by him from David Ramsay, representing that his son, though possessed of a prostration, had been impressed by the British; and that notwithstanding his most strenuous exertions, he is unable to obtain his release. The letter is couched in unfeigned, but pathetic terms, and concludes in the following manner: "I lost an estate by lending money to carry on the revolutionary war, and I suffered every thing but death, by being a prisoner among them (the British) in Canada. I lay fifteen months in close confinement, when I bore the rank of a full captain; and if this is all the liberty I have gained, to be bereaved of my children in that form, and they made slaves, I had rather to be without it. I hope that Congress will take some speedy methods to relieve our poor distressed children from under their wretched hands, whose tenderest mercy is cruelty."
Referred. Mr. Varum from the committee on that part of the President's message which relates to the organization of the militia, the augmentation of the land forces, &c. made a further report in part, submitting a bill, authorizing a detachment of the militia of the United States; which were referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
The bill authorizes the President of the United States to require the Executives of the respective States to hold their quota of one hundred thousand militia in readiness to march at a moment's warning; authorizes the acceptance of volunteer corps as a part of the detachment, and appropriates dollars for the purposes of the act.
Mr. Clinton presented a memorial from the merchants of the city of New-York.
The memorial commences with expressing the deepest anxiety and alarm at the recent conduct of Great-Britain, as invasive of neutral rights, and destructive of the just and heretofore authorized trade of the United States. The memorialists declare their most decided protest against the doctrine recently set up by British tribunals, which they pronounce to be in direct violation of an incontestible right. They repel with indignation the insinuation of fraud or chicane. They say that, in the British doctrine, they perceive that the ancient land mark is removed, but they cannot see in its room a beacon to direct their course. They view that doctrine as indicative a system devised for the entire destruction of the colonial trade, which forms the most important branch of foreign commerce. From this unprecedented doctrine they appeal to the ancient principles which regulate the intercourse of nations. They declare that the maintenance of such a principle as Britain asserts, must in the present unparalleled situation of affairs, be destructive to the commerce of the United States.
After these and other impressive preliminary remarks, the memorialists proceeded to a detail of some of the most serious consequences that could not fail to result from the assertion of the British doctrine. Among these it is represented that it could not fail to disturb the whole interior relations of the citizens of the United States of every description—that it would deprive us of foreign articles that we want and compel us either to take articles that we do not want, or to suffer our surplus produce to perish on our hands—that it would probably lead to retaliating measures on the part of other nations than Great-Britain, which would inevitably draw in their train the devastation of war—that it would turn capital into new channels; that it would lead to the conclusion that every essential article of subsistence was contraband—and that under the pretext of destroying the trade of her enemies, Great-Britain is about to appropriate to her own use that of her friends.
The memorialists represents the humiliating and oppressive conduct of British ships of war before the ports and harbours of the United States; repel the insinuation that the American flag is the fraudulent cover of enemies' property; and declare that the portion of this commerce attached to the port of New-York is so trifling as to be altogether unworthy of notice. The memorialists declare a firm reliance on the justice and energy of the government, and a confidence in their doing nothing which shall abandon the great rights of commerce.
Representing the defenceless state of their port, they express a hope that energetic measures will be pursued for its defence.
They state the opinion that in the present state of our naval force, it is time to cease parleying with the pirates of the West-Indies.
They conclude with representing the present crisis as peculiarly serious and perilous, and as requiring the co-dial co-operation of every class of citizens with the government of the United States.
The memorial is stated to have been signed by the unanimous order of the merchants assembled on the 26th of December.
On the motion of Mr. Clinton, this memorial was referred to a committee of the whole
on the state of the union; and ordered to be printed.
This memorial of which we have thus given a very imperfect sketch, is couched in terms of dignity, is animated by a bold spirit, and is replete with important information and argument.
THURSDAY, JAN. 9.
Mr. Gregg, from the committee appointed on so much of the President's message as relates to a naval peace establishment, having obtained leave, submitted a bill in addition to an act, entitled an act supplementary to the act providing for a naval peace establishment, and for other purposes; which was referred to a committee of the whole House on Tuesday.
The bill repeals the second and fourth sections of the act recited in the title—authorizes the President to keep in actual service in time of peace so many of the frigates and other public armed vessels, as in his judgment the nature of the service may require, and to cause the residue to be laid up in ordinary in convenient ports—directs the public armed vessels in actual service in time of peace to be officered and manned as the President shall direct, provided that the officers shall not exceed thirteen captains, nine makers commandant, seventy-two lieutenants, and one hundred and fifty midshipmen, who are to receive no more than half their monthly pay while not under orders for actual service, and provided that the whole number of able seamen, ordinary seamen, and boys shall not exceed nine hundred and twenty-five; the President being at liberty to appoint for the vessels in actual service, as many surgeon's mates, sailing masters, chaplains, pursers, boatswains, gunners, sail-makers, and carpenters, as may in his opinion be necessary.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole—Mr. J. C. Smith in the chair—on the 8th article of the bill establishing rules and articles of war for the government of the armies of the United States.
Having verbally amended this article, the committee rose, and the House confirmed the amendment, and ordered the article to be amended, to be engrossed for a third reading to-day.
The House took into consideration, and concurred in the amendment proposed by the Senate to the bill providing light-houses on Long-Island Sound. The bill, therefore, only requires the signature of the President, to be a law. The amendment directs the Secretary of the Treasury to have the lights so constructed as to be distinguishable from all other lights in the neighbourhood.
When, about 12 o'clock, on the motion of Mr. Thomas, the galleries were cleared. They remained closed until 4 o'clock, when the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, JAN. 10.
The engrossed bill providing rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States, was read a third time and passed—Ayes 55—Nones 11.
Mr. J. C. Smith, from the committee of claims, made a report on the petition of George H. Lovejoy, concluding with a resolution that the prayer of the petition ought not to be granted, in which the house concurred.
Mr. Holmes presented a memorial from the common council of Alexandria, praying that the provisions of the 3d section of the act of Congress relative to quarantines may be extended to the district of Columbia, that there may be erected at Jones' Point the necessary buildings for the accommodation of sick and disabled seamen; and that a general quarantine establishment may be made at Jones' point at the public expence, which was referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Mr. Thomas presented certain proceedings of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, relative to the conveyance of the mails and the imposition of postage, which was referred to the post-office committee.
SATURDAY, JAN. 11.
A petition was presented from the inspectors of the Customs for the port of Philadelphia, praying for an increase of their compensation, and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary at War, exhibiting a statement of the number of fire arms the property of the United States fit for use, designating the places where they are deposited; by which it appears, that exclusive of the arms in the hands of the troops in the service of the United States, there are deposited in various places.
113,501 muskets with bayonets.
3,666 rifles.
62 sabres.
1,988 pair of pistols, and
918 carbines.
This communication was referred to the committee appointed on the arming of the militia.
MONDAY, JAN. 13.
A message was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Coles, his Secretary, comprising a statement of the measures of the Executive relative to obtaining the co-operation of the Ex-Bathaw of Tripoli against the reigning Bey, and the application of the Ex-
Bathaw for compensation for services rendered the United States, accompanied by various elucidating documents. Referred to a committee of seven.
Mr. Spalding presented a memorial from the Legislature of Georgia, representing the existence of differences with the state of North Carolina relative to boundaries; and that, having exhausted every means of compromise with North-Carolina they are under the necessity of making an appeal to the justice of the general government, whose interposition they solicit, to ascertain the 35th degree of North latitude, and thereby to determine the boundary between the two states.
Referred to a committee of five members.
About 12 o'clock the galleries were again cleared on motion of Mr. Jackson. The House did not rise till near five o'clock.
TUESDAY, JAN. 14.
The House commenced their proceedings this morning, at 11 o'clock, contrary to their usual course, in secret sitting having yesterday adjourned while the doors continued closed, and while confidential business was depending.
The House continued sitting until three o'clock, when the doors were opened, and an adjournment ensued.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15.
Two messages were received from the President of the United States by Mr. Coles, his Secretary.
On exhibiting a statement of the application of the executive contingent fund of 20,000 dollars; from which it appears that 1987 dollars and 50 cents thereof have been applied to the support of the territorial governments of Michigan and Louisiana, until special appropriations are made therefor; and that the balance remains unexpended in the Treasury.
This message was referred to the committee of Ways and Means.
The other message enclosed the report of the Directors of the Mint, containing a statement of the operations of that institution during the last year.
On the suggestion of Mr. Bidwell, who observed that he had a communication to make that required closed doors, the galleries were cleared about 12 o'clock, and remained closed till 4, when the house adjourned.
THURSDAY, JAN. 16.
A letter was received from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting a statement of the amount of duties and drawbacks on goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into the United States, and exported therefrom during the years 1802, 1803, and 1804.
A letter was likewise received from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting his reports on the petitions of the inspectors of the customs of the cities of New-York, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
The report contains a statement of facts, waving any explicit opinion as to the propriety of increasing the existing compensation of inspectors, except during the period of the prevalence of epidemic diseases. Referred to the committee of Ways and Means.
The memorial of the merchants and traders of the city of Philadelphia, of like tenor with that noticed in the proceedings of the Senate, was referred to a committee of the whole on the state of the union.
Leave having been given, Mr. J. Randolph submitted from the committee of Ways and Means a bill making an additional appropriation for the naval service during the year 1805, which was referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow.
About 12 o'clock the galleries were again cleared. They remained closed for about two hours, when the doors were opened.
The bill to repeal the act to authorize the receipt of evidences of the public debt in payment for the lands of the United States, and for other purposes relative to the public debt, was passed through a committee of the whole, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
When at the instance of Mr. J. Randolph, the galleries were again cleared, about half past two o'clock. They continued closed until 3 o'clock.
SENATE.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15.
On the question shall it be
Resolved , That that part of the President's message which relates to the spoliation of our commerce on the high seas, and informs us of the new principles assumed by the British courts of Admiralty, as a pretext for the condemnation of our vessels in their prize courts be referred to a select committee.
Determined in the affirmative—Yees 25—Nones 3—as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. Adair, Anderson, Baldwin, Bradley, Candler, Fenner, Gilman, Hillhouse, Howland, Kitchell, Logan, Maclay, Mitchell, Moore, Smith, of Maryland, Smith, of New-York, Smith, of Ohio, Smith, of Tenn. Smith, of Vt. Sumner, Tracy, Turner, White, Worthington and Wright.
NONES—Messrs. Adams, Pickering, and Plumer.
COMMITTEE—Messrs. Smith, of Md. Mitchell, Anderson, Logan, Tracy, Adams, and Baldwin.
A memorial was presented from the merchants of Philadelphia, commenting in strong terms on the injustice of the late British orders, and representing the various outrages committed on the American commerce.
Referred to Messrs. Anderson, S. Smith, Baldwin, Mitchell, Logan, Tracy, and Adams.
On motion of Dr. Logan the Senate resumed the consideration of his motion for leave to bring in a bill to prohibit the commercial intercourse between the United States and the French Island of St. Domingo.
The question was taken up by yeas and nays, without debate—Yees 21—Nones 7—as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. Adair, Anderson, Baldwin, Bradley, Candler, Fenner, Gilman, Howland, Kitchell, Logan, Maclay, Moore, Smith, of Md. Smith, of New-York, Smith, of Ohio, Smith, of Tenn. Smith, of Vt. Sumner, Turner, Worthington and Wright.
NONES—Messrs. Adams, Hillhouse, Mitchell, Pickering, Pomer, Tracy, and White.
When Dr. Logan offered the bill which was read twice.
It prohibits the allowance of clearances from the time when due information shall be received at the several custom-houses of the passage of the act, until the end of the next session of Congress.
FOREIGN ARTICLES.
OF FORMER DATES—RECEIVED BY THE WAY OF NORFOLK.
GERMANY. VIENNA, OCT. 27.
HIS Majesty the Emperor is once more set off for the army. The Archduke Ferdinand is returned to Bohemia, to take the command of an army, and the Archduke Paletine is gone to Hungary to organize the Hungarian levy.
It is still said that the Archduke Charles will take the chief command of the army in Germany, and will be replaced in that of Italy by the Archduke John. All the battalion of reserve are repairing by forced marches to join the grand army. The first column of the second Russian army lately passed through Brun, in Moravia.
HAMBURGH, NOV. 2.
The Emperor of Russia has quit Berlin. He had received a courier from Gen. Kutusow, who, they say, asked new instructions of his majesty, after expressing to him the surprise he felt upon arriving on the theatre of war, at meeting only a remnant of 16 or 18 thousand Austrians, instead of 80 thousand which he was to have found there. It is said, that these dispatches and some others received from Vienna, have hastened the departure of the Czar. He goes directly to Prague, and from thence to the army of Gen. Kutusow.
The wish of the whole north of Germany will be accomplished, if by the new negotiations begun between the court of Berlin and the cabinets of Paris and Petersburg, this electorate be again comprised in the limits of the Prussian neutrality. People begin to flatter themselves that it will be so; and it is thought that his majesty has taken possession of Hanover only to keep from the Prussians and Swedes the pretext that called them to it. The French are shut up in Hameln, and it is thought that the Russians will not advance beyond Lewenburg.
Nov. 3. The Russians and Swedish army which is now crossing the country of Mecklenburg is only 20 thousand men; but it is asserted that it will be reinforced by some more Russians and Swedish regiments. One of the first that was embarked at the Revel, met with a very great loss; eleven vessels, laden with cossacks and horses, foundered, not a single man was saved. The Hanoverian legion, about 3000 men has also landed.
SIXTEENTH GRAND ARMY BULLETIN, Ried, Nov. 2, 1805.
Prince Murat arrived before Lam-bach the 31st October, Eight Rus-

lian battalions were ordered to protect the Austrian rear. They were charged with impetuosity, and after a brisk fire of musketry, were thrown into disorder, and fled to Lambach. Marshal Davoust threw a bridge of boats across the Traun. The enemy attempted to cross the left bank. They were attacked and defeated. Gen. Bison was wounded.
Marshal Davoust's division occupy the height in and about Lambach. Marshal Soult is at Wels; Marshal Lannes will be at Lintz this evening. Gen. Marmont is marching to turn the position of the Enns.
General Kellerman has advanced from Salzburg, against a column of the enemy retreating towards Corinthia. They took a strong position in the defile of Calling; but were attacked, and 5000 men made prisoners. The rest of the column (3000) were dispersed in the heights. Gen. Woble had his coat shot to rags.
The German Emperor has been at Wels, where he learnt the fate of his troops at Ulm, the ravages of the Russians, and the discontent of the people. He returned immediately to Vienna.
The ground is covered with snow, and the weather as cold as January.
SEVENTEENTH GRAND ARMY BULLETIN. H. Q. Lambach, Nov. 3, 1805.
Marshal Davoust's piquets are near Steyer.—Marshal Lannes was at Lintz this day, where he found considerable magazines. In the hospitals, among the sick, were 100 Russians. Fifty Russians have been taken prisoners; and two pieces of Russian artillery. At Lambach, a Russian General, and Austrian Colonel, were killed.—General Caffarelli now commands Gen. Bison's division.
The Emperor's head quarters are here. The season is very rigorous.—Magazines of salt have been found here, worth several millions: and at Lintz the chest contained several hundred thousand florins.
Vienna is in consternation. It appears that the residue of November will see great and important events. Several Russian deserters have arrived to-day. The 18th and 19th Bulletins have not been received. The material contents of the 20th, 21st and 22d have been.
Domestic Occurrences.
FEDERAL CITY.
WASHINGTON, JAN. 14.
OUR fears, of what might be the result of the private deliberations of Congress, have at length subsided.—The affair, is nothing more than an appeal from the government of France to our justice and magnanimity, relative to the trade now carried on by certain citizens of the United States with the black merchants of St. Domingo. She claims the right of demanding an interdiction of this commerce, on the plea, that the Island is in a state of revolt; and that these Merchants are rebels to France. As the Independence of the government of Haiti is a question that involves some doubts, and may be the subject of legal discussion, we are not prepared to say, how far the present claims of France are correct and proper.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, JAN. 16.
From Washington, January 13.
"EX-BASHAW OF TRIPOLY."
"A few minutes after the House of Representatives had proceeded to business this day, a message in writing from the President of the United States was delivered to the Speaker."
"The message and the documents accompanying it were very long. It stated, that he laid before the Senate and House of Representatives, the application for assistance, of the Ex-Bashaw of Tripoly, HAMET CARAMELI. It takes a view of that part of the war with Tripoly, where Mr. Eaton joined the forces of the Ex-Bashaw."
"It appears that after putting the Ex-Bashaw into possession of the city of Derne, a place of great importance
in that country, he was unable to raise a force sufficient to co-operate with us by land against Tripoly—and that Col. Lear, for this, amongst other reasons, when all was ready to make an attack by sea, thought it the best time to negotiate for a peace."
"It also appears, that the Ex-Bashaw's expectations went to being placed upon the throne by means of the American force—this hope is by the message of this day, called 'a mistaken idea.' It also admits that all the Ex-Bashaw got by the peace was, and that with considerable difficulty, the release of his family. So far as to the message, at present, it being ordered to be printed. It is clear from this communication, that after the unfortunate HAMET had obtained the release of his family, he had not wherewithal to maintain them, or even the means of securing their safety, or perhaps his own life.—It did not appear what part of the world the unhappy man has taken refuge in; but from one of the documents accompanying the message, we are told that Eaton and O'Bannon had resolved to conquer or perish with Hamet. Mr. Eaton avows a co-operation with him, which he admits to be synonymous to an alliance. This admission, now recognized by the President, certainly places Hamet upon the footing of an ally. It will therefore behoove Congress to look into the state in which we left this ally, when Mr. Lear patched up this peace."
[U. S. Gazette.]
Mr. Bowdoin, our Ambassador to the Court of Madrid, was, at the period of the last advices, at Paris. Mr. C. Pinckney's functions ceased on Mr. Bowdoin's arrival, and he has resided for his health in the neighborhood of Lisbon since. Mr. Erving, our charge des affaires , is at Madrid, and through him, or through Mr. Bowdoin, only, can authentic information, concerning our claims on Spain be expected to be communicated. The late report of advices by Mr. Parish, is unfounded.—Aurora.
NEW-YORK. NEW-YORK, JAN. 22.
British Consul-General's Office, New-York, 14th January, 1806.
To Officers on half-pay, residing in the United States of America.
NOTICE is hereby given, by direction of the Right Honourable the Paymaster General of his Majesty's forces, that the affidavit of officers on half-pay and military allowances, who reside in the United States of America, commencing subsequently to the 24th of December, 1805, will not be passed at this office, unless the officer's place of residence, and also the country, district, or place, for which the Magistrate acts, before whom the affidavit is made (the competency of whom must be certified by the British Consul, if any shall be resident in the Province or State, or by the Governor, Chief Justice, or some other person in authority, in the government thereof) are therein specified, agreeably to the undermentioned form.
DO. THOMAS, Acc't.
A. B. maketh oath, that he hath not, between the 24th day of _____ and the 25th day of _____ any other place, or employment of profit, civil or military, under his Majesty, besides his allowance of half-pay (or his military allowance, as the case may be) as a reduced _____ in
[The officer is to sign his name here, together with his place of residence.]
Sworn before me, at _____ this _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six.
[The magistrate is to sign his name here, and the county or place for which he acts.]
N. B. Chaplains must insert, in their affidavits, the following words, between the words "Majesty," and "besides," viz. "or any Ecclesiastical Benefice in Great-Britain or Ireland."
No alterations or interlineations of any sort will be allowed to be made in the above mentioned affidavit.
On Monday the Hon. Court of Oyer and Terminer, for the city and county of New-York, closed its session. We cannot at this time particularize the various crimes, of which it has taken cognizance, and the different
criminals whom it has doomed to punishment. Francisco Son, the Portuguese, convicted of murder, yesterday received his sentence. It was delivered by Judge Tompkins, in a manner which does honor to his head and heart, as a judge, a man, and a christian. It was emphatically impressive and pathetic. During the time employed in pronouncing the sentence, the prisoner stood in silence, the tears streaming down his face, and his eyes frequently elevated to heaven. When the sentence was explained to him by the Portuguese Consul, Mr. Monteiro, he uttered a cry of agony, and fell motionless and senseless on the floor. He was conveyed away by the attending officers. The concourse of spectators was immense, and the whole scene strikingly solemn and affecting.—M. G.
FATAL DUEL.
The following is an extract of a letter from a correspondent in Pittsburgh, to the editor of the United States Gazette, dated Jan. 10, 1806.
On Wednesday last, (the 8th inst.) a duel was fought in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, between Tarleton Bates, Esq. the Prothonotary of Alleghany county, and a person of the name of Stewart, a storekeeper here, in which Mr. Bates was killed at the second fire. The ball of his antagonist entered the upper part of his breast, about an inch left of the centre, and lodged in his left shoulder passing near his heart. He immediately fell and almost immediately expired. Political animosity and party disputes led to this fatal catastrophe.
Legislature of Massachusetts.
FRIDAY, JAN. 17.
AT 12 o'clock, the two Houses assembled in the Representatives' Chamber, when his Excellency the Governor, preceded by the Sheriff of Suffolk, and attended by His Honor the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Council, and the Secretary of the State, came in, and delivered the following
SPEECH:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—
WE have the pleasure to meet again in circumstances of public prosperity. The productions of the last year have been fully sufficient to supply the wants of the people, although at one season the prospect was unfavourable; and they have been exempt from the fatal sickness with which some principal towns in other States have been visited. We are therefore bound to acknowledge the kind interposition of Providence in our behalf.—At the same time it becomes us to make use of the most effectual precautions that can be devised, to guard our fellow-citizens against the return of that devastating disease.
The President's late Message to Congress announces, that a treaty has been concluded with Tripoli, in which the ransome of our countrymen was agreed to, and to which the successful enterprises conducted by one of our fellow-citizens undoubtedly contributed.—But we are in like manner informed, that the injuries we have received from some of the nations of Europe may lead to the employment of force, and that preparatory measures for that purpose are expedient.—This subject calls for attention, so far as it shall be necessary to complete the order and discipline of the militia. You will find by the Adjutant-General's return, that every part of the Commonwealth is in a state of military organization, except Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands, and that the number of our militia, so organized, is near six y-seven thousand—the greater part of whom are armed and equipped agreeably to law.
Since your former session, the Agents for building the State Prison, have completed that service; and in compliance with the act, passed on the 15th last June, the Officers of the Institution have been appointed, and regulations have been made for the government of the convicts; a copy of them will be laid before you. Warrants have also been directed to the sheriffs of the counties, where criminals, who had been sentenced to hard labour, were imprisoned, requiring them to remove such convicts to the State Prison, and thirty-four have been removed accordingly.—You will perceive the necessity of attending to this subject during the present session, as the act expires on the first day of June, and the General Court of the next year will not be able to make the necessary arrangements concerning it before that time.
The Constitution makes it the duty of the Legislature, frequently to assemble for the redress of grievances—for correcting, strengthening and confirming the laws, and for making new laws, as the common good may require. These several objects, I have no doubt, will receive your attention. If any of the existing laws are found to be oppressive or injurious in their effects, they will be altered or repealed; if any fail to answer the intended purpose, you will correct and amend them; and if useful regulations are not observed, or the design of the Legislature which established them is eluded, you will adopt such measures as shall tend to give them strength and efficacy; and you will enact such additional laws, as the general
interest of the State, or the accommodation of particular corporate bodies or individuals may require.
It is possible, however, that in a government like ours, where the acts and resolves of the Legislature are sometimes passed with great facility and expedition, the laws may too numerous, and be extended to cases too minute and particular. The unnecessary interference of government with the private concerns of the people, will always be a source of mischief; their understanding is competent to the direction of their own affairs, and when left to itself will generally lead them to measures the most beneficial, both to themselves and the public.
Frequent alterations of the law are likewise attended with inconveniences, as they sometimes produce effects which were not foreseen, and occasion greater evils than they were designed to remedy. They tend to weaken the government by administering the confidence of the people in the stability of its councils; for uniform measures alone can preserve its reputation, or procure durable advantages to the State. It is of importance too, that the laws should be understood by the citizens; but if they are often changed, they will not be understood, nor, indeed will their real tendency be always known; the most judicious plans of improvement may require a number of years to produce their beneficial effects, and the want of consistency in the measures of government would defeat the purposes which they are intended to accomplish. It would therefore be unwise to substitute new and opposite systems, until experience has proved, that those which are already in use are manifestly inconvenient.
But changes in the Constitution of Government are more injurious than in the system of laws; even small innovations may destroy its principles. The framers of the National Constitution had before them, not only the forms which had been preferred by the several States, but those also which before that time had been devised in other ages and nations; and though the repeated experiments which have since taken place in Europe, may suggest matter for warning, they afford nothing for imitation. If notwithstanding, it is found by experience, that the Constitution operates very unequally, or the construction of any part is doubtful, amendments may be necessary to alter or explain it. But it is vain to expect that all will be satisfied. Free Governments admit of an endless variety of modifications, and the opinions entertained of their respective merits are equally various. When the Constitution was established, perhaps no man that became subject to it, was perfectly pleased with every part. It was the result of mutual concession, and such indeed must always be the case, when a form of Government is voluntarily accepted by a Community.
Almost every nation, at some period of their existence, have enjoyed the privileges of a free State; but how few have preserved them!—they have been lost by the inconstancy of the citizens, or forfeited by their vices. In many Republics, repeated variations in the mode of Government have taken place, as different parties happened to predominate, until the people became weary of changes, and preferred the quiet of absolute power, to the tumults of perpetual revolution. In the minds of some men, there seems to be a restlessness, which renders them dissatisfied with any uniform course of things, and makes them eager in the pursuit of novelty: they abound in projects, and are ever meditating some fanciful change in the plan of Government, which their imaginations present as useful. But men of great ambition are still more dangerous; they commonly make the fairest pretences to principle, though they are actuated only by self-interest. If the Constitution or Laws of their country present obstacles to the accomplishment of their wishes, they employ every artifice to alter or abolish them; and if individuals oppose their attempts, they are equally artful and solicitous to destroy their influence, and render them odious to their fellow-citizens.
Few men, even in a prosperous community, are fully satisfied with their condition; a great part are easily induced to believe, that there is something wrong in the Government or Laws which might be rectified to their advantage; they therefore readily embrace any specious proposal to effect an alteration. The crafty and ambitious know how to avail themselves of this disposition to change, and encourage their followers to expect, that the amendments they propose will perfectly suit their case, and produce the very blessing they wish; in this way, they not only effect their immediate object, but acquire an influence which enables them afterwards to accomplish the most destructive innovations. Such persons encourage hopes that can never be realized, and excite complaints which the most wise and benevolent Administration is unable to remove.
Indeed, we are generally apt to ascribe too much to the efficacy of Laws and Government, as if they alone could secure the happiness of the people; but no laws will be sufficient to counteract the influence of manners which are corrupted by vice and voluptuousness; and it is beyond the power of any Government to render the circumstances of the citizens easy and prosperous, if they want the habits of industry and frugality.—Government is necessary to preserve the public peace, and protect the persons and property of individuals; but our social happiness most chiefly depends upon other causes; upon simplicity and purity of manners; upon the education that we give our children; upon a steady adherence to the customs and institutions of our ancestors; upon the general diffusion of knowledge, and the prevalence of piety and benevolent affections among the people.
Our forms of Government, are doubtless, like all other human institutions, imperfect; but they will insure the blessings of freedom to the citizens, and preserve their tranquility as long as they are virtuous; and

no Constitution that has been or can be formed, will secure those blessings to a depraved and vicious people.
The unanimity which appeared in both branches of the Legislature, when a proposed amendment to the National Constitution was disapproved by you at the last session, may seem to render these remarks superfluous; but as the Constitution of this State does not require, that such amendments shall be laid before the Executive, for approbation; and as other questions of this kind are likely to arise, I trust there is no impropriety in suggesting these reflections, or in adding my testimony in favour of the principles you adopted, in the instance to which I refer.
Yoo, Gentlemen, I presume, will do all in your power, to preserve and perpetuate the advantages enjoyed by our fellow-citizens; by supporting the good order of society, and increasing the influence of virtuous manners; and by cherishing schools and seminaries of learning, where our youth may be instructed in the rights and benefits of equal Government, and strengthened in their abilities to assert and preserve them. As the University of Harvard College is placed by the Constitution under the peculiar patronage of Government; and as it is made the special duty of the Legislatures and Magistrates of the State, at all times to cherish it, you will in a particular manner be disposed to afford that Institution such encouragement and support as its circumstances may render necessary.
The spirit of candour and of mutual deference, which were manifested in both Houses at your former session, afford the best assurance, that your views will continue to be directed to the common good. If, from the state of the public mind, there is danger of the impulse of party spirit, you will be convinced that every unnecessary dispute, which would have a tendency to inflame that passion should be avoided; and I hope and trust, that such proofs of justice and impartiality will appear in all your measures, as the most dissatisfied will be forced to reflect.
CALEB STRONG.
JAN. 17th, 1806.
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
In my message to both houses of Congress, at the opening of their present session, I submitted to their attention, among other subjects, the oppression of our commerce and navigation by the irregular practices of armed vessels, public and private, and by the introduction of new principles, derogatory of the rights of neutrals, and unacknowledged by the usage of nations.
The memorials of several bodies of merchants of the United States are now communicated, and will develop these principles and practices which are producing the most ruinous effects on our lawful commerce and navigation.
The right of a neutral to carry on commercial intercourse with every part of the dominions of a belligerent, permitted by the laws of the country (with the exception of blockaded ports, and contraband of war) was believed to have been decided between Great-Britain and the United States, by the sentence of their commissioners, mutually appointed to decide on that and other questions of difference between the two nations; and by the actual payment of the damages awarded by them against Great-Britain, for the infractions of that right. When, therefore, it was perceived that the same principle was revived, with others more novel, and extending the injury, instructions were given to the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at the court of London, and remonstrances duly made by him, on this subject, as will appear by documents transmitted herewith. These were followed by a partial and temporary suspension only, without any disavowal of the principle. He has, therefore, been instructed to urge this subject anew, to bring it more fully to the bar of reason, and to insist on rights too evident, and too important to be surrendered. In the mean time, the evil is proceeding under adjudications founded on the principle which is denied. Under these circumstances the subject presents itself for the consideration of Congress.
On the impressment of our seamen, our remonstrances have never been intermitted. A hope existed at one moment, of an arrangement which might have been submitted to, but it soon passed away, and the practice, though relaxed at times in the distant seas, has been constantly pursuing in those in our neighbourhood. The grounds in which the reclamations on this subject have been urged, will ap-
pear in an extract from instructions to our minister at London, now communicated.
TH: JEFFERSON.
January 17th, 1806.
WARREN:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1806.
MARRIED—In Newport, Mr. SAMUEL ALLEN to Miss DAMARIS CARR, daughter of Mr. Samuel Carr.
In Providence, Mr. JOHN BENNET to Miss ANN BAZZELL.
In North Providence, Mr. PATTON R. LEONARD, of Raynham, (Ms.) to Miss AMY HAWKINS.
DIED—In Newport, Mrs. ELIZABETH COLE, aged 78, relict of Col. Edward Cole. Capt. PILEG WOOD, aged 65.
In the Moro Castle, (Havana) Dec. 21, where he had long been confined, the celebrated General BOWLES.
BEWARE OF COUNTERFEITS.
Several counterfeit Two Dollar Bills, purporting to be of the Farmer's Exchange Bank, have lately been detected at said Bank. The counterfeits are on a soft loose paper, and has none of the light red shade which the true bills have, although the general appearance of the bills are somewhat similar—they may be easily discovered when compared with the true bills by the signatures. It is said that there are Five Dollar Bills of the same bank in circulation.—Providence Phoenix.
CAUTION.—A lady, in this city, a few days since, very nearly lost her life, by burning charcoal, in a chafing dish, in a close room.—After being a few minutes in the room, she felt unpleasantly, and opening the door, immediately fell. She remained half an hour in a state of insensibility: when it pleased God to restore her to life.—Frequent caution is necessary, to remind people that the vapour of charcoal is extremely noxious, being purely fixed air.—New-London paper.
The Legislature of the State of South Carolina have ceded to the United States the forts and fortifications around Charleston.
The titles of the late Lord NELSON, (says a late London paper) were "Viscount Nelson, and Duke of Bronté." The United Parliament voted him a pension of 3000l. per annum, for his own life, and that of his two next heirs. The East-India Company presented him with 10,000l. The Grand Seignor gave him, as a mark of obligation and esteem, a diamond sigrette and a pelice, value 4000l. From the Emperor of Russia he received a diamond box, worth 2,500l. From the King of Naples he received presents to the value of 5000l. with the Dukedom of Bronté, and an estate of the value of 3000l. per annum. In a word, every sovereign in Europe, every city of note, or commercial company of credit, requested him to accept something as a mark of their esteem. The victories which Lord Nelson achieved were considered as not being conferred upon his own country, solely but upon the whole society of Europe. They were all indeed indebted to him, and it is but justice to add, that they acknowledged it.
GREAT FAILURE.—Capt. Meek, lately arrived at Marblehead from Bilboa, reports, that the great French Banker, RECAMIER, had failed for an hundred millions of livres. This man was not more famed for his extensive banking concerns, than for being the husband of the most beautiful woman of the age. CARR, in his very entertaining work, "The Stranger in France," gives some curious and interesting particulars relative to this enchanting woman.
A Philadelphia paper of Jan. 22, says—Yesterday morning, about three o'clock, a fire was discovered in the house, occupied as a tavern by Mr. Howland, first west of the Permanent Bridge on Schuylkill. The flames had gained such ascendancy before the alarm was spread, as to render all efforts to extinguish them unavailing; and the family, consisting of the landlord and wife, and four children, (one of whom an infant) with difficulty and peril made their escape from the devouring element. A black man, who slept in the kitchen, first alarmed the family; but unfortunately suffocated in his efforts to find and unbolt the door, and was burnt to ashes. It is due to the respective Hose and Fire Companies, to state, that notwithstanding the distant situation of the fire, and the badness of the walking, the citizens turned out with an alacrity and ardor highly honorable—we understand that not less than five hundred persons crossed the bridge on this occasion.
Fortunately the wind was from the north-east, thereby bearing the flakes of fire in a direction from the bridge; otherwise we might perhaps have had to regret the destruction of that elegant and costly superstructure.
From a London paper, of November 19.
HIGH COURT OF ADMIRALTY.
On Friday the Right Hon. Sir William Scott proceeded to the adjudication of the following ship case:
La Anna, Laporte, master.—This vessel, laden with a cargo of merchandise and specie, was seized by the private ship of war Miserva, John Stewart, commander, and brought to London. It was contended, on the part of the claimants in the cause, that the vessel in question was captured within the territory of the United States of America—ship and cargo restored, and the question of costs and damages reserved till next court day.
THE RURAL MOURNER:
A SENTIMENTAL FRAGMENT.
***** ALAS! fair Eliza, why is thy cheek wet with sorrow's glistening tear? Cannot the child of sensibility alleviate thy woe? Seest thou not that lonely flower, the grace of the blooming lawn? How beautiful in its appearance! Its sweets are wasted by the passing zephyr to the distant vale!—Yes, I behold it, replied the mourner, it blooms in nature's fairest charms, untouched by the rude finger of the spoiler—so did my Edward. Bounteous nature had been no less partial to him, than to that lovely flower. The modest blush of his cheek, outvied the carnation of the rose. The lustre of his eye, when sparkling with the tear of sympathy, could sooth the sorrows of affliction. The harmony of his voice could lull to rest the drooping child of misery. His soul was the seat of heaven-born compassion. My Edward, the virtues delighted in him. He was upright, therefore he was happy. We danced and we sung—discontent never cast a shade to cloud mutual serenity. All that knew him, loved him. At his appearance sadness fled away. Indeed, I had my share of sorrow, for a while it corroded my bosom, but Edward gave me back to tranquillity.—Grief passed off as the dew which the sun exhales.—Look now, behold that pensive flower, it has faded, it has drooped, it withers away. Its verdant leaves are dispersed to the clouds, and not one fragment of its sweet resemblance remains.—Yes, Edward, such was thy fate! Thou didst fade as the flower. Thine head was bowed to the high command of the angel of death. Thy virtues and thy remains now rest together. Thrice has Cynthia returned, and shed her silver beams on thy mossy turf. Morn, noon and eve have I visited thy weeping willow shade, and embalmed thy dust with the hollowed tears of love. I will adorn thy little space with the fairest flowers of spring. The fragrant hony suckle shall flourish on thy tomb. Its branches will I twine to screen the turf from the falling shower. I will water it with my tears, and as they pour for Edward, it will flourish with a brighter verdure. Still shall be live in the remembrance of Eliza; his form shall be ever present to my delighted imagination. Oft do I repeat his words, that yet found as music to my ear, "Eliza, I knew thy love, cherish my memory, and be happy." Soft as the breath of morn, gentle as the smooth gliding stream, was the voice of Eliza. Each morn she visits the lonely spot, and chants those tender soothing airs, that were taught her by Edward, when pensive melancholy overshadowed her bosom.
SHIP NEWS.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
CLEARED. Sloop Fame, Justin, Hiram, Brownwell, For New-York Africa
DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE.
CLEARED. Sloop Friendship, Warner, For New-York
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
ENTERED. Sloop Olive, Barney, Polly & Nancy, Gardner, Sch. Union, Eddy. From Baltimore Ditto Havanna For
CLEARED. Sloop Rebeckah, Hicks, Sally, Read, Deborah, Saunders, Fair-Play, Wood, Betty, Bowen. Providence Ditto Norfolk Edenton Charleston (S. C.)
The brig Warren, Capt. Coggeshall, of this port, arrived at Bilboa, 21st Dec. bound to New-Orleans. The Neptune, Arnold, from North-Kingston, has arrived at Charleston, in 19 days.
The sloop Triton, Dean, of and from Rhode-Island, with molasses, for Norfolk, has ran on shore in Lythaven Bay.
The Swedish ship Johanna Elizabeth, Barnur, was spoken with, Jan. 6, lat. 28, out 46 days from Lisbon, for Charleston; this is probably the ship, on board of which Mr. Pinckney was passenger.
Sch'r. Joseph, Conn, from Cape-Francois to Savannah, is captured by three British ships of war, and carried into Nassau.
A sloop, 36 days from Rhode-Island, with her mast and bowsprit sprung, was going into Charleston; Jan. 9; as was the Industry, M'Carthy, from New-Port.
The following is a correct list of the number of vessels at present lying in the harbour of New-York:—Ships 118—Brigs 96—Schooners, including a three-masted, 90—Sloops 26—Total 320.
BOSTON, JAN. 28.
The storm which commenced on Thursday last did no material damage in this harbour, although it increased to a gale. The ship Juno, Bates, which failed for Batavia, was driven from her anchorage, in Nantasket Roads, and went ashore on Rainford's Island; but has since been got off without damage. The pilot who arrived from the Vineyard yesterday, in-
forms that nineteen sail of vessels were driven on shore at Homes' Hole and Edgarton, on Thursday night; among these are, ship Bellarius, Capt. Pease, from Cape-of-Good-Hope, belonging to Mr. Crowninshield, of Salem, she is bilged. Ship Active, belonging to Messrs. Nichols & Hodges, of Salem. The latter and many other vessels it is expected may be got off without very serious damage. There were about thirty sail of vessels lying at the Vineyard previous to the storm.
The late gale was felt very severely at Cape Ann. A brig from Guadalupe, for Portland, owned by Mr. David Greene, drifted out of the harbour, in the gale and has not been heard of since; from her situation, the Captain, and most of the crew being sick, it is feared she is gone ashore—the schr. Phoenix, also belonging to Portland, and owned by Joseph McLellan and Son, cut away her fore-mast and rode out the gale. Capt. Ryan, who arrived at Wilmington 7th inst. left Trinidad Dec. 14th, informs, that a few days before he failed, 7000 Negroes had revolted and embodied at Port of Spain with an intention of destroying the place and committing a general massacre of the whites; that Martial Law was immediately proclaimed; the troops and inhabitants turned out, and the King of the Insurgents with 17 of their ringleaders were taken, examined and committed to prison; but on the 14th at 4 o'clock, when Capt. Ryan was under way, there was a general alarm fired and the bloody flag hoisted.
COMMERCIAL.
BOSTON, JAN. 27.
Interesting extract of a letter from London, dated 21st November, 1805.
"This Government has granted licences to neutral vessels who take in a proportion of their cargoes in Great-Britain, to proceed to the Spanish colonies to the south of the Line, provided the return cargoes are engaged to be brought to this country; and I have now several expeditions of this nature under my directions for the account of houses on the Continent, who prefer subjecting themselves to the conditions ministers have imposed for the toleration of that trade, to the risk of detention and its consequences, even in the event of restitution."
A letter has been received from St. Marcos, by the way of Falmouth—marked, by the Hazard, of New-Buryport. It is dated Dec. 26, and gives the following statement of the Market there, viz: "Lumber, 100 dolls. per M; red oak Staves, fell well; Shingles, bring a good price; Codfish, 8 to 10 dolls; Herrings, 10; Mackerel, 15; Salmon, 18; good Cheeses, none at market; Pork, 28; Beef, 16; Coffee, 15 cents; Logwood, 10 per M; Cotton, 10; Sugars, 5; coarse German Goods generally in demand. Arrived, schr. Friendship, from Baltimore."
RANGING TIMBER.
WANTED immediate'y, 10,000 feet of RANGING TIMBER, for which Cash will be paid on delivery—any Person wishing to Contract for the same, will call on the Subscriber:—Also Wanted.
Two or three APPRENTICES to the ROPE-MAKING BUSINESS, apply to CHARLES WHEATON.
*Warren, Jan. 31, 1806.
WHEREAS I have contracted to support DAVID PEARSE, during his natural Life, and he has lately absconded from my House, I hereby forward all Persons from harbouring or trusting him on my account, as I will not pay for any boarding or other Charge on his account, but will receive and provide for him. BENJAMIN MARTIN. Barrington, Jan. 29, 1806.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, } January 30th, 1806.
THE Creditors of WILLIAM BAR-TON the second, of Warren, in the county of Bristol, butchers, are hereby notified to appear, if they shall think fit, at the General Assembly, to be holden at East Greenwich, on the fourth Monday of February next, then and there to show cause, if any they may have, why his petition for the benefit of an act, passed in June, A.D. 1756, entitled, "An Act for the relief of insolvent Debtors," ought not to be granted. *SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
BRISTOL-ROAD
LOTTERY.
THE Managers of the BRISTOL ROAD LOTTERY hereby give Notice, that they have sold the greater part of the Tickets—that they have a prospect of disposing of the remainder in a short time. A postponement of the drawing of said Lottery has necessarily taken place, but the same will positively commence on MONDAY, the 3d day of FEBRUARY next. Those who are disposed to adventure in this Lottery, so well calculated to promote equally the interest of the adventurers and the public good, are requested to apply soon, or it will be too late to avail themselves of this opportunity of profitable speculation.
JOSEPH REYNOLDS, WILLIAM D'WOLF, WILLIAM PEARSE, THOMAS CHURCH, WILLIAM COGGESHALL, } Managers. Bristol, Jan. 18, 1806.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEME.
  1 Prize of 1500 Dollars is 1500 Dollars.   1 500   3 Prizes of 200 210 600   5 100 500   10 50 500   10 25 250   31 10 310   1230 8 9840   1291 Prizes. 14000   2709 Blanks. For the Lottery, 2000   4000 Tickets, at 4 dolls. each, are 16000 
A few Tickets in the above Lottery may be had of the Editor of this paper. NOW is the important crisis!—The Goddess of FORTUNE awaits a levee.—Tickets are ready for admission, and on MONDAY, the 3d of February, her wheels will be in motion.—Apply soon, or the chance will be lost.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
FROM AN ENGLISH MAGAZINE.
ON YOUTH.
BY MRS. MOODY.
B LITHSOME Goddess! sprightly Youth, Source of innocence and truth, Fairest virtues form thy train, Choicest blessings crown thy reign; As thy opening charms advance, See them all around thee dance; See them all around thee bow, Weaving garlands for thy brow; Health presents her ruddy face, Vigour offers active grace; Mirth bestows her harmless wiles, Sportive frolics, cheerful smiles. Beauty, from her genuine springs, In thy lap her treasure flings: These combine to deck thy mien, And on thy placid front are seen. Nature brings her purest fires, Love that glows with chaste desires; Friendship, undebased by Arts, Candour's unsuspicious heart; Valour's generous ardent flame, Burning with the thirst of fame; These, in simple colours dress'd, Grace the mirror of thy breast; Genius gives the tuneful quire, Thine the harp and thine the lyre; Thine the Poet's glowing themes, Thine are Fancy's purest dreams; Thine are Music's softest powers; Thine are Lite's harmonious hours; Thine the jocund spirits gay, Dancing fans that round thee play; Hope, that every with supplies, Thoughtless Ease that Care defies; Virtues, pleasures, half divine, These, enchanting Youth! are thine.
COWPER—THE POET.
The following humorous letter of the above admired author, (written previous to the publication of the first volume of his poems) will show the facility of his rhyming talents:
To the Rev. JOHN NEWTON,
"MY VERY DEAR FRIEND,
"I AM going to send, what when you have read, you may scratch your head, and say, I suppose, there's no body knows, whether what I have got, be verse or not; by the tone and the time, it ought to be ryhme; but if it be, did ever you see, late or yore, such a ditty before?
"I have writ charity, not for popularity, but grave as I could, in hopes to do good; and, if the reviewers should say, "To be sure the gentleman's muse wears Methodist shoes, you may know by her pace, and talk about grace, that she and her bard have little regard for the taste and fashions, and ruling passions, and hoydenning play of the modern day; and though she assume a borrowed plume, and now and then wear, a tittering air, 'tis only her plan to catch if she can, the giddy and gay, as they go that way, by a production on a new construction: she has baited her trap, in hopes to snap, all that may come, with a sugar plumb." His opinion in this, will not be amiss; 'tis what I intend, my principal end, and if I succeed, and folks should read, till a few are brought to a serious thought, I shall think I am paid for all I have said, and all I have done, though I have run many a time after a rhyme, as far as from hence to the end of my sense, and by hook or crook, write another book, if I live and am here another year.
"I have heard before of a room with a floor laid upon springs, and such like things, with so much art in every part, that when you went in you were forced to begin a minuet pace, with an air and a grace, swimming about, now in and now out, with a deal of state, in a figure of eight, without pipe or string, or any such thing; and now I have writ in a rhyming fit, what will make you dance, and as you advance, will keep you still, though against your will, dancing away, alert and gay, till you come to an end of what I have penn'd; which that you may do, ere Madam and you are quite worn out with jiggling about, I take my leave; and here you receive a bow profound, down to the ground, from your humble me W. C."
ANECDOTE.
A LAD stepped into a huckster's shop, who, by the way did not always consider honesty as one of the cardinal virtues, and asked him to trust his father for a cheese.—"I never trust any one," said he, "Why not, (said the lad) my father has trusted you, he says, more than he will again."—"Never a farthing, (said the huckster) he owes me now."—"I know it, (answered the lad, because he trusted you to set it down."
AMERICAN MANUFACTURES.
From the Charleston Times.
To the Manufacturing Citizens of the Eastern States.
A PLANTER of the State of South-Carolina, takes the liberty to propose to you an object of manufacture, in his opinion, well worthy of your attention; and in which opinion he is not singular, but from a communication he has had with many respectable planters, who with himself hold a number of slaves, and wish to see them clothed in the winter season, with the manufactures of our own states, rather than be dependant on foreign supplies of this kind; as our country can never be said to be independent, while we rely entirely on foreign cloth to cover us. The present time we deem highly propitious for the beginning of the manufactures of cloth in the eastern states. The fabric recommended is a warp of cotton, and to be filled with wool dyed brown or in its natural colour; to be seven-eights of a yard wide, and to be well milled, of good thickness, dressed on the surface. For such cloth from 55 to 75 cents per yard might be readily obtained, if delivered in Charleston in the months of September and October. The stained cotton could be bought in Charleston, fitting for this manufacture, at the rate of from 16 to 40 cents per pound; a quantity of wool, which is now thrown aside for want of a market, might also be had at a low rate; and thus a beneficial exchange of our raw materials for your manufactures, would be established. I wish the interprising spirit of my fellow citizens to the Northward, would make the experiment above recommended; I can assure them of success, if the cloth is well made, and of sufficient warmth to make our people warm in winter.—Negro cloths imported from England are yearly advancing in price to an extent this season (the best 92 cents per yard;) and the next season it may be expected by the troubles of war, it will be 100 cents, and perhaps more. In our revolutionary war, we were at first put to many shifts and difficulties for clothing of our slaves comfortably in winter, but in a little time, we got the better of it, and many of us made to our plantations as much cloth of this kind as clothed all our people in a warm, comfortable manner; but on the return of peace we returned to our former habits of buying imported cloth, which then was reasonable in price; but of late, and the present season, the prices are greatly advanced, which in my opinion makes the present time favorable to the introduction of our manufactures, besides the advantage of strengthening the bond of our union. I wish it to be understood, that I have no private interested motives in this hint, am as little embarrassed in my fortune as any man, therefore find as little difficulty in paying these high prices for imported negro cloth—but it has long been a wish of mine to see our supplies of this article come from the Eastern States of our Union; and no time was ever more favorable to the introduction of them than the present.
A NATIVE OF S. CAROLINA.
THE ZEGRIS :
A Spanish Novel.
IT was about the middle of one of those nights, which in the spring season, are so beautiful on the coast of Grenada. The surface of the sea was smooth; the heavens serene. The air, loaded with the fragrance of myrtle and orange trees, and with the variety of perfumes which nature lavishes in those delightful regions, was agitated by the gentle breath of zephyr. The majestic silence of the night was interrupted only by the nightingales of these charming groves.
On a sudden, the tranquillity of these beautiful scenes, the residence of happiness and peace, was disturbed by the voice of war. Don Lewis de Ferrez, who was walking in his garden with his family, was surprised by the discharge of fire arms, and tumultuous cries in one of the adjacent houses. The keepers of all the villages an-
nounced a descent of the corsairs of Barbary, and spread universal consternation.
Don Lewis dispatched his son to assemble the militia of the hamlet. He took to arms, left his house under the guard of his servants, and hastened to join his vassals. They already amounted to more than one hundred; and reinforcements continually arrived. He sent assistance to the house attacked; and judging, from the general alarm, that the enemy would not fail to retreat, he repaired to a small creek, which was the only part where the pirates could have landed.
As don Lewis had foreseen, it happened: the pirates were hastening to this spot with their plunder. A discharge of fire arms put them to flight, about eight or ten excepted, who bravely made a stand, with bayonets fixed, to cover the flight of their companions. The incessant fire of the Spaniards was so effectual, that, at last, of this handful of brave men, one alone remained. He endeavoured to gain the ships; but they were already at sea, and crowding sail from the shore.
The gallant behaviour of this prisoner procured every mark of respect from don Lewis. He was conveyed to the castle, with the wounded, among whom was don Michael, the son of don Lewis. This young nobleman's wound appeared, the next day, to be very alarming; insomuch, that the sentiments of kindness, which don Lewis had begun to conceive for his prisoner, were very sensibly changed. He entered the apartment in which he was confined: he spoke to him, but received no answer. The prisoner did not understand the Spanish language; but don Lewis spoke the Arabic with great fluency. 'Slave,' said he, 'you have wounded my son; if he die, expect to be treated without mercy.' The slave, looking at don Lewis, with an air of indifference, answered, 'Have I not already shewn you that I am not afraid to die? Go, christian; I have lost all that is dear to me, and life is no longer of moment.'—Don Lewis then asked him from what part of Barbary he came.—'From Barbary!' replied he; 'I know no such country. You call my country by that name; but we also give it to the land of christians. My nation bears an immortal enmity to thine; and whatever thou mayst do, thou canst not augment it.'
These bold expressions, far from irritating don Lewis, inspired him with an exalted opinion of his prisoner. He perceived that this African was not a man of vulgar rank. A few days after, don Michael being declared to be in a state of convalescence, the father, in the transports of his joy, was desirous to treat his prisoner with marks of particular distinction.
The two sisters of don Lewis were desirous of seeing this haughty corsair. He sent for him into their presence. They were struck with his noble air, and with his modest, yet not abject deportment. Don Lewis informed the African, that his son was no longer in danger, and that his captivity should be made as easy to him as possible. He was to be considered as a prisoner on parole, and to be treated as one of the family till happier times. The slave thanked don Lewis for his humanity: 'All places,' said he, 'are now alike to me. There is but one alone that could afford me pleasure. But you are capable, my lord, of exalted generosity; and I would, therefore, presume to request a favour of still greater consequence in my eyes.'
Don Lewis kindly encouraging him to proceed, the African thus continued: 'Your people, my lord, have plundered me; but I do not complain: it is the custom of this kind of war. One inestimable treasure has escaped them. I may not, however, always be so fortunate. I may not always fall into such hands as yours; and I entreat you to take charge of the precious deposit.'—At these words, he took from his arm a bracelet, on which was a beautiful portrait. He bore it to his lips; and tears flowed from the eyes
of a corsair, who seemed to be unacquainted with tears. 'This,' said he, presenting the portrait to don Lewis, 'this is my treasure. The moment I recover my liberty, I will redeem it, at whatever ransom you may fix.'
The two sisters, although unacquainted with his language, could not but observe the emotions, and understand the expressions, of a passionate heart. They looked at the portrait, and felt the most tender concern for such a faithful lover.—Don Lewis, smiling, returned his treasure. 'Keep it yourself,' said he; 'it is yours without a ransom: and it shall never be taken from you.' The grateful African thanked don Lewis, as well as the lovely sisters who had appeared so much interested in his favour. The curiosity of the ladies could not be concealed; and, on their requesting to know for whom the portrait was intended, he answered, with all the expressions of the most ardent passion, that it was the very imperfect resemblance of his mistress, the adorable Azida, who was more beautiful than the hours of paradise, and to whose perfections no mortal could do justice. The sisters smiled at this passionate answer, and then enquired of what country was this paragon of beauty.—'Azida,' answered he, 'is the daughter of Ali Huroc of Tetuan. The name of Huroc is famous in the Mediterranean. He is a rough corsair, it is true; but with me he has the highest merit: he is the father of Azida.'—'You failed from Tetuan, then,' said don Lewis.—'Yes,' answered the slave; 'but, for my part, I have no inclination for these cruizes, since we seldom meet with any but weak and defenceless enemies. But the inflexible Huroc will give his daughter to none but a sailor like himself; and what is there I could not do to obtain Azida?'
In the mean time, the Moorish vessels had returned to Tetuan. The news of their disaster, and of the capture of Saydan, could not be conveyed to Huroc, who was at that time confined to his bed by a severe indisposition. Azida was the first who heard the fatal news. It was too much for a mind already distracted by the supposed loss of her lover. Her female attendants were long apprehensive for her life; and it was many days before tears came at length to her relief.—'Ah me!' said the beauteous forlorn, 'I weep! while Saydan is perhaps in chains! Is this a moment for tears, when I ought to fly to his rescue?'—She went instantly to collect her gold and jewels: she hastened to find her brother Abdallah. She could not speak; she laid her gold and jewels before him; her looks expressive of unutterable woe.—'Do not despair, my dear sister,' said the sympathizing Abdallah: 'if the angel of death has not extended his hand over him, if he be only a slave, I will answer for his liberty. I will see about it.'—A ray of hope entered the heart of Azida. She pressed the hand of her brother with the sweet violence of impatient wishes. 'See about it!' said he; 'but it must be to-day, it must be this instant.'—Abdallah left her, to take the necessary measures for the ransom of his sister's gallant lover; but he would not take any of the gold and jewels, which she had brought for that purpose.
[Concluded next week.]
THE Subscribers being by the Honorable Court of Probate, for the Town of Barrington, appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims and Demands against the Estate of FRANCIS DEVEREUX HUNT, late of said Barrington deceased, represented Insolvent, and six months being allowed for that purpose:—We hereby notify the Creditors of said Estate to exhibit their claims against said Estate to either of us, at our respective dwellings within said time, or they will be precluded by Law.
SOLO. TOWNSEND, jun. } Com. JOHN SHORT, jun. } Barrington, Jan. 13, 1805.
N. B. All who are any way indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment, to AMARIAH LILLY, Adm'tr.
CASH given for clean Cotton and Linn RAGS, at the Printing-Office.