Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1807-01-24 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 14, of Vol. XV.]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1807.
[Whole No. 742.]
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   JANUARY. D. Of. F. Ses. REMARKS.     1 Sunday, 11 5 7 16 to 22   2 Monday, 7 10 5 33 11 15   3 Tuesday, 7 9 5 44 12 7   4 Wednesday, 7 8 5 56 morn. Day's leng. gh. 144m.   5 Thursday, 7 7 5 morn. 0 59   6 Friday, 7 6 5 0 1 51   7 Saturday, 7 5 5 15 2 43  
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS.—SECOND SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY, JAN. 2.
MR. DANA (Connecticut). Mr. Speaker. In the second judicial circuit of the United States, prosecutions are now pending for supposed offences which are not defined by the Constitution, or any existing treaty or statute of the United States. They are prosecutions at common law. In four cases warrants have been issued by order of courts; the parties have been arrested, and are holden for trial. Two of the prosecutions are against printers, for publications which have appeared in their papers. Two are against clerical gentlemen, for words which they are said to have uttered. The charges extend to various questions respecting political conduct and morality, and religion—concerns of public life—concerns of private life, and of the invisible world.
In a legislative view of the subject, it is a primary inquiry. Whether this vast range should be allowed to any public accuser, holding a place at will under the government of the United States?
If abuses of the freedom of speech, as well as abuses of the freedom of the press, are to be left indefinitely to the rebuking vigilance of subordinate executive officers, there is a further question to be considered. What shall be the doom of those who may be adjudged offenders? At common law, according to English jurists, libellers may be subjected to fine and corporal punishment at the discretion of the court. The corporal punishment extends to imprisonment and the pillory, to which may be added mutilation of ears, according to the doctrine stated by Sir Edward Coke, in his report of a case decided in the Star-Chamber. Security too may be required for good behaviour indefinitely; it has been required during life. The amount of the fine, the duration of the imprisonment, have no specific limits.
In trials for libels, interesting questions have occurred with respect to evidence. Shall proof of the publication and of the meaning stated in the accusation be considered by the jury as conclusive evidence of the guilt of the party accused, however innocent may have been his intention? A question of this nature has given rise to a famous statute in Great-Britain: The bill was introduced by a distinguished member of the House of Commons, who has lately deceased.
If a British statute, enacted several years since the establishment of American independence, can be supposed to affect public prosecutions in the United States, there is another question respecting evidence, to which that statute does not extend. Shall the party who is charged with uttering scandalous falsehood, have the liberty, in his defence, to prove the truth of what he has uttered? This liberty was denied by the court of the Star-Chamber in England. This liberty was denied in the famous case of Zenger, who was tried in this country before the American revolution; and recently—in one of the States comprehended within the second judicial circuit of the United States—on the trial of Croswell, this liberty was not allowed.
This summary statement, Mr. Speaker, is my apology to the house for requesting attention to the subject of prosecutions, conducted by law officers of the United States, for libelous publications, or defamatory words. That the subject may be fairly presented for consideration, I have prepared a resolution for the appointment of a select committee. The topics of inquiry being intimately connected with the principles of the political system of the United States, it has been supposed proper to have the resolution discussed in committee of the whole; and I hope the house will give it that direction.—The resolution is in these words:—
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire whether prosecutions at common law should be sustained in the courts of the United States for libelous publications or defamatory words, touching persons holding offices or places of trust under the United States; and whether it would not be proper, if the same be sustained, to allow to the parties prosecuted the liberty of giving the truth in evidence; and that the committee report by bill or otherwise.
[Here a question of order arose, whether the resolution should first be referred to a committee of the whole, or to a select committee, to report thereon. Messrs. Bidwell, Campbell, Alexander, and others, were for the reference to a select committee. Messrs. Dana, Quincy, Ely, and others advocated its reference to a committee of the whole. We do not
think it necessary to detail all the debate on the question of order.]
Mr. J. Clay (of Penn.) was in favor of referring to a committee of the whole. "I" says he "understand that in the second circuit of the United States, sundry prosecutions have been commenced at common law; and I also understand that by the common law the party prosecuted for a libel is not allowed to exonerate himself by giving the truth in evidence. It will be recollected that even the sedition act, so obnoxious to a large portion of the community, allowed the party prosecuted to prove the truth of what he had published. If the statement is correct, it appears that a party prosecuted now is worse off than he would be even under the sedition law. If this is so, I hope the motion will prevail, and the evil be corrected."
Mr. Eppes (of Virg.) I shall vote for the motion, though I conceive the resolution is not drawn right in order to bring the subject before a committee of the whole. The resolution goes to discuss the question whether law should be passed authorizing the truth to be given in evidence. For my part I with the resolution was more extensive. I with it went to discuss and settle the question, whether a Judge of any court of the United States, may in any case try and punish a man at common law. I have no hesitation in saying he has no right, and I would cordially unite in impeaching and removing from office any Judge who dare assume such a power. To show, however, that I am not afraid to meet this question in any shape in which it can be brought forward, I will vote for the motion, though it appears to me in form.
Mr. Dana. In preparing the resolution, I wished to call the attention of the House to the general subject of prosecutions at common law for libelous publications, or defamatory words. I have stated certain proceeding as reasons for attending to the subject: But in making that statement, as well as in forming the resolution, it has been my wish, Mr. Speaker, to present the subject in such a manner as could not justly disoblige any portion of the House. I was not insensible of the interest with which such topics had been regarded in this country; and the various opinions or prejudices of others have been so much considered that I have abstained from proposing to give any specific direction to the deliberations of the House.
When the resolution shall be taken up in committee of the whole, it will be in order to move amendments for modifying it as may be most acceptable to gentlemen. Certainly, it will then be in order to make a motion for varying the resolution so as to render it declaratory of principles which may be entertained by the majority.
Mr. G. W. Campbell. I do not wish it understood that I am disposed to prevent an examination of this subject. If any doubt exist in regard to the law, they ought to be settled. I thought, however, that most of the States had, in their constitutions, provided for the liberty of giving the truth in evidence. And the constitutions and laws of the States are, I believe, binding on the federal courts, when sitting in the respective States.
Mr. Smith wished that a more specific resolution might be substituted; and he hoped there would be no difference of sentiment on the principle of the resolution.
Mr. Eppes. There are two subjects of importance connected with the resolution before the house: 1st, Whether the common law of England is a part of the law of the United States—and 2d, Whether in cases of prosecutions for libels the truth can be given in evidence. I have drawn up two resolutions, which by way of argument I will read, and which if the gentleman from Connecticut will withdraw his, I will propose to the house.
[Mr. E. then read two resolutions. The first went to declare it a violation of the constitution to try and punish any person at common law in a court of the United States. The second went to declare it a natural right in all trials for the party prosecuted to give the truth in evidence.]
Mr. Dana. It was intended to present the main topics for consideration in a mode which would give no cause of displeasure, in a form which should be the least exceptionable. If I have failed in this, I have failed in a purpose which was near my heart. I supposed it clear, that the resolution might be modified in committee of the whole as should be agreeable to the majority.
The gentlemen from Virginia (Mr. Eppes) might offer his resolutions as amendments in committee of the whole. But, on a subject of this nature, I hope he will not think it improper if I hesitate to give such a pledge as might be implied in agreeing to propose his resolutions. As I heard them stated, they seemed to be some inaccuracy of expression; I presume, however, they have been drawn in haste, since the gentleman first spoke. Altho' he may be prepared to agree to the propositions, yet the nature of the subject is such that any declaratory proposition I could wish for time to consider.
In committee of the whole, the majority may decide, whether there shall be a select committee, and what instructions shall be given if a committee should be appointed.
Mr. Eppes. The resolutions which I have offered are not, perhaps, technically accurate. They were drawn in haste, but as I am not a professional man, they might have been inaccurate if drawn with deliberation and care. I conceive, however, that the objection of the gentleman from Connecticut to a specific resolution is not well founded. A resolution proposed in a specific form for investigation, neither implies that its mover is persuaded of its expediency, nor pledges him to support it. I will solemnly declare again, that I do most religiously believe the common law of England has no obligation and confers no authority in the United States, and I do also religiously believe, that every citizen has a natural, a constitutional right to give the truth in evidence.
The question to refer Mr. Dana's resolution to a committee of the whole, was taken and carried.—Ayes 57.—Nays 41.—Made the order of the day for Thursday next.
MONDAY, JAN. 5.
A message was received from the President, in attendance to a resolution of the House of Dec. 26th, giving a statement "of the number and state of the frigates, and such other information touching this subject, as may be in his possession. Also a message containing the laws passed in the Michigan territory, during the year 1805."
Petitions from sundry inhabitants of New-York, praying for further fortifications of that harbor, were referred.
Mr. Tenney , from the committee of revival and unexpired business, offered a resolution to the following effect: "Resolved, that the committee of commerce and manufactures, be instructed to inquire into the expediency of continuing the prohibition of intercourse with certain parts of St. Domingo." Carried.
The bill providing for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States was taken up in committee of the whole.
The 2d section is in these words, "And be it further enacted, that the trial of the above-mentioned offences, may be had in any of the districts or territories, where any of the acts constituting the offence shall have been committed, and all the acts constituting the offence, may be brought in evidence on such trial, in whatever part of the United States, or the territories thereof, they may have been committed."
Mr. Eppes moved to strike out this section: considering it improper that a trial should take place but where the offence was committed.
Mr. Dawson and Mr. Bidwell opposed the motion to strike out; on account of the impossibility in many cases of bringing offenders to trial for crimes commenced and committed in different places.
After some debate, the question on striking out the 2d section, was taken and lost—21 only being in favor of it.
TUESDAY, JAN. 6.
A bill providing for a survey of the sea coasts of the United States, was read twice, and referred.
A committee was appointed to enquire into the expediency of continuing a post road from Natchez to New-Orleans, through West Florida, with consent of the Spanish Governor.
A bill for the relief of Capt. George Little, was read a third time and passed.—Ayes 70.—Nays 51.
The committee on the subject reported, that all just and equitable claims against the United States for services during the revolutionary war, ought to be provided for by law, any thing in the statute of limitation to the contrary notwithstanding.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7.
A bill to appeal the duty on Salt, and to continue the duties called the Mediterranean Fund, was read twice, and referred.
Volunteers. —A bill to authorize the President to accept the services of 30,000 volunteers, was read twice.
The bill for preventing the Slave Trade was again called up and discussed.—Mr. Bidwell moved the addition of a section, providing, that no negro forfeited by the law should be sold for a slave.
Mr. Quincy agreed to the amendment as far as it went; but it did not provide what should be done with them, after forfeited to the United States.—He wished them sold only for a term of years; yet he would not have them sold in States permitting slavery, contrary to the laws and policy of those States.
Mr. Alston. —"We have no right to interfere with the laws of the States.—I should have no objection to the amendment, if the words were added, "in any State whose laws prohibit slavery."
Mr. Bidwell disapproved of this modification.—He did not with the United States should sell human flesh in any State.
Mr. Early (Georgia) said, if the gentleman from Mass. (Mr. Bidwell) and other northern gentlemen, would have their opinions
respected, he should recollect the southern gentlemen had also their feelings.—With how bad a grace, he added, does this come from him, who seconded the motion of the gentleman from New-Jersey (Mr. Sloan) who would turn loose among us as freemen those negroes. Such is the respect that gentleman has for our feelings.—He wished some practical plan could be hit upon to remedy the evil.
Mr. Alston , wished to ask, why gentlemen fear to have money go into the treasury from this source? Do they fear a dollar of this kind will contaminate other money there.
The yeas and nays were taken on Mr. Bidwell's motion—Yeas 60—Nays 60.—The Speaker said, he was against the motion.—So it was lost. Bill ordered for a third reading.
THURSDAY, JAN. 8.
A petition on the subject of fortifying N. York harbor, and one from the salt-manufacturers of Sag-harbor, were presented.
A resolution passed directing the Secretary of the Treasury, to report a statement of the public debt, at various periods, since 1801.
A resolution to carry into effect the treaty with the Chickasaw Indians, was agreed to.
The Slave Trade Prohibition bill was read a third time:—After a long, and warm debate, the bill was recommitted to a committee of 17, one from each State, further to amend it.
MARYLAND ADDRESS.
The Legislature of the state of Maryland, 34 to 20 have agreed to present the following Address to the President.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, ESQ. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
It being congenial with republican principles to consider the devotion of the public service as originating from nobler motives than those which are excited from the expectation of pecuniary rewards;—under this impression, we think the approbation of a grateful people, the greatest reward a nation can bestow on her deserving executive.
The Legislature of Maryland, cordially approving our administration, eminently distinguished for wisdom, moderation, firmness and equity, would not act agreeable to the will of the people, and to their own feelings, if they were to neglect at this critical moment to assure you of their unabated confidence in your wisdom and virtue.
The policy which has characterized your administration, has augmented the happiness and prosperity of this fortunate country. The American character has been eminently exalted abroad, & the happiness of the people, the design of government, encreased & promoted at home.
In vain have the machinations of despotism been levelled at the principles of our government. Your vigilance and wisdom have always been directed towards the protection of those principles which completely secure to us life, liberty and property.
When we take a retrospective view of the transatlantic convulsions, and at present behold all Europe engulphed in the misery of war and despotism, we are obliged to approve of those measures which have averted from us those horrors and calamities.—We cordially hope the same wisdom which has guided and protected us thus far, may be enabled to annihilate the demon of conspiracy, the offspring of desperate and abandoned men, who, backed by foreign aid, expect to benefit and aggrandize themselves from the destruction of that constitution which has exalted us to our now elevated station. Our great confidence in your wisdom and the wisdom of Congress, warrants the anticipation of a complete frustration of their treasonable designs.
Wishing to live in peace and friendship with all the world, we sincerely hope our negotiations with foreign governments will be honorably and amicably adjusted;—if the reverse, a firm, energetic, and dignified alternative will meet our support.
But, Sir, while we bear testimony of our approbation of your administration, permit us to solicit you again to take the helm of our government.
We know, that retiring with the blessings of a great nation is desirable, and that your republican principles induce you to with a rotation in office, but we hope that amor patriae which is so natural to you, will permit your name to be placed among the candidates for the next President of the United States.
That you may long live to enjoy the confidence and attachment of the American people, is the wish of the Legislature of Maryland.
Foreign Intelligence.
GRAND ARMY—BULLETIN No. XIV. DESSAU, OCT. 23, 1806.
MARSHAL Davoust arrived on the 10th, at Wirttemberg, and surprised the bridge over the Elbe, at the moment the enemy had set it on fire.
Marshal Lannes is at Dussau: the bridge was burned, and the Marshal has set men at work to re-build it.

The Marquis of Lucchesini presented himself at the advanced posts of our army, with a letter from the King of Prussia. The Emperor sent the Grand Marshal of the palace, Duroc, to confer with him.
Magdeburg is blockaded. The general of division Legrand, on his march to Magdeburg, took a number of prisoners. Marshal Soult's division is posted round the town. The grand duke of Berg has sent thither the chief of his staff-major general Belliard.—This general saw there the prince of Hohenlohe. The language of the Prussian officers is much changed—they are clamorous for peace. "What does your Emperor wish, they say to us? Is he forever to pursue us thus hotly? We have not had one moment of respite since the battle." These gentlemen, were, no doubt, accustomed to the manoeuvres of the seven years war—they were desirous of a truce of three days for burying the dead.—"Do you think of the living, was the answer of the Emperor? and leave to us the charge of burying the dead: there is no occasion for a truce for that."
The confusion in Berlin is extreme; all the good citizens who inwardly groan for the false turn given to the politics of their country, attribute, with reason, to the incendiaries excited by England, all the sad effects that have followed their machinations—the cry against the Queen is loud and universal.
It seems that the enemy are about rallying beyond the Oder.
The Elector of Saxony has thanked the Emperor for the generosity with which he has treated him; and the effect of which is to withdraw him from the influence of Prussia. However a considerable number of his soldiers have perished in this uproar.
The Imperial head-quarters were at Dessau the 21st.
BATTLE OF MAIDA.
Extract of a letter from an Officer of Rank.
MESSINA, AUG. 1.
"You will probably, before you receive this, have heard the official account of our brilliant victory over Regnier's army in the plains of St. Euphemia, on the 4th ult. It may not, however, be unacceptable to you to learn a few particulars of the action, which I had a most favorable opportunity of seeing from the commencement to the end."
"We landed on the 1st. We were most grossly misinformed, respecting the nature of the country, and of Regnier's force, which we were assured did not exceed two thousand men, and that the country was so mountainous, that hardly any but a goat or mule could pass; we were also assured that all Calabria would rise to join us in a mass the instant our embarkation was known. The very reverse of all this turned out to be the fact: we found a fine open campaign country, where you might have drawn up fifty thousand men in order of battle: not a Calabrian joined us till they saw us victorious; and instead of two thousand men, whom we expected to attack when we marched towards Maida, we saw about eight thousand of the enemy drawn up in a most advantageous situation."
"Regnier, from his situation, could distinctly count every man of our force as we advanced; and seeing us so much inferior in numbers, he ordered his army to move forward into the plain to attack us, in full confidence that our defeat and rout would be more complete, than if he had waited to receive our attack; and, certainly, had we been worsted on the open plain on which we engaged, very few of us could have escaped from their cavalry."
"On finding the enemy advancing to attack us, their force so much greater than what was expected, there was for a few moments a halt, and some indecision and consultation on our part, what was most advisable to be done: to have retreated would have been shame and defeat, and even to wait their attack would have been extremely dangerous, where we had expected to be the assailants."
"Our light brigade, and 78th & 81st regiments, which were in advance, were therefore ordered to attack the enemy, and by them the action was commenced.—The light brigade was opposed to the celebrated fine regiment of French Infantry Le Cerf, which bore as high a character in their service, as Gen. Moore's does in ours. After firing two rounds, they ceased firing, supported their arms, and advanced upon us to the charge, whilst our gallant fellows immediately did the same to meet them. It was the most awful and anxious moment I ever experienced, as I beheld these two corps approach each other, with a firm and rapid pace, to the work of destruction: and we could plainly see a smile of confident presumption on the faces of the enemy, as if they were certain of overturning us at the first charge. The French, however, on seeing the undaunted resolution with which our men moved forward, began to slacken their pace, and waver in their ranks, when we had got within about fifty yards of them; and as we still pushed on, they soon halted, as if afraid to advance farther and ashamed to fly. When within a few paces of them, our men came to the charge, and dashed at them full speed with their bayonets; and in one instant afterwards the enemy were routed, and every man who could run took to his heels, though we had the bayonet so close to their breasts, before they broke, that more than half of them were killed or mortally wounded, nearly on the ground where they were drawn up."
"Never, perhaps, were the firmness and courage of the two nations with the bayonet, more fairly put to the test, than on this occasion; and after this proof, let no British regiment ever hesitate to meet a French one at that weapon, for you may rest assured, that they will not stand the actual charge from it, whatever they may threaten. I was in a situation to see the conduct distinctly of every man of both regiments as they advanced upon each other, and I solemnly assure you, that no part of the British line for one moment hesitated or hung back, and that the whole of this French boasted regiment, when we came within a few yards of them, either halted, wavered or fled; and in no one point of their whole line could they properly have been said to stand or oppose our charge."
"Whilst this was going on, the 78th and 81st attacked that part of the French line opposed to them, with the most determined bravery; and, after giving and receiving two volleys, they also advanced upon the French to charge them; but the latter immediately gave way, from the effects of our fire, before our men got within two hundred yards of them. They made several attempts to rally afterwards, but were so closely pressed that they were soon totally defeated.—These three corps bore the chief brunt of the battle, which hardly lasted an hour before the French army fled in all directions, and was so completely routed, that I sincerely believe, if we had had 500 cavalry, not 50 men of them could have escaped."
"The French cavalry had the finest ground in the world to act upon, had they been inclined to charge in good earnest; but on part of the 2 d h t regiment wheeling back to receive them when they attempted to out-flank us, their courage failed them, and they shrunk from the trial."
"It is impossible to do ample justice to the cool intrepidity which the whole of our troops showed on this occasion; and the 78th regiment in particular, which is entirely composed of young Highlanders (hardly a man of them above twenty years of age) advanced to the attack with an enthusiasm that astonished and delighted every British officer, as much as it appalled the enemy."
"We had but few guns on either side; the French had four and we six. Their guns were very ill managed and pointed—ours, admirably well."
* This regiment is wholly composed of Irishmen, being the renowned Inniskilling Regiment.
"Our loss in killed and wounded is 12 officers and 300 men. We buried upwards of 900 of the enemy on the field, and about 1600 more wounded and taken prisoners."
"From the returns of the French Regiments, which we obtained from Gen. Compere, it appears, that the enemy had 7553 rank and file in the action, exclusive of officers, whilst our whole army, including officers, did not exceed 4950, so that the enemy out-numbered us by nearly 3000 men."
"We are doubly pleased to think, that the braggadocio Regnier should have commanded the army we so completely defeated, with such inferior numbers; and, in his account of the battle of Maida we fancy he will hardly venture a second time to assert, that the English displayed neither courage, intrepidity, or talents, in the field , as he vaunted in his history of the Egyptian campaign."
"After the action, the Calabrians, seeing the French no longer invincible, every where took arms, and all the French out-posts in the country have been cut off, and in general they have been literally cut to pieces by the justly enraged natives. Regnier's army has, since the battle, been reduced to less than 3000 men, and they are so dispirited and panic-struck, that they fly even before the Calabrians; and I am convinced, that it will require at least forty thousand men to subdue that country again."
ANOLAM, OCT. 28.
The theatre of war, which was till now in the environs of Mark, draws nearer and nearer to the boundaries of Pomerania; there was a battle near Templin; a cannonade was heard here this day—a war treasure arrived to-day.
STETTIN, OCT. 28.
The corps of Hohenlohe, and the French troops, came, according to report, to action yesterday, near Neustadt-Oberswaid, from whence the news is expected; the French troops are expected here to-day or to-morrow. The English Consul has left this place.
WAXEL, OCT. 28.
The Baron Von Reeden, lieutenant-governor of this place, is this moment returned from the head quarters of Gen. Daendals, and brings official accounts, that the Duchy of Oldenburg is to remain completely neutral.
WESTPHALIA, OCT. 29.
The county of Lingen is taken possession of for his Majesty the King of Holland; not by military force, but by an address from the administrative College at Munster; all the Prussian eagles and other arms, are also taken down by order of Gen. Michau, and no Prussian uniform dare to be worn any longer.
A requisition is made on the county of 120 horses, 60 head of cattle, and it is said that a larger demand will be made; it is likewise reported that Embden and Minden are in possession of French and Dutch troops.
FRANCE.
PARIS, OCT. 30.
The following letter was sent to the King of Prussia by the Emperor of the French on the 13th of Oct. It was said it fell into the hands of Prince Hohenlohe, and was kept from the King some hours, till the battle of Oct. 14, had commenced.
It is reported, that the King of Prussia then said—"If this letter had arrived sooner, perhaps we would not have fought—but the heads of those young men are olated in such a manner, that if there had been yesterday any mention of peace, I could not have brought back to Berlin one third part of my army."
Sir, My Brother,
I have only received, on the 7th, the letter of your Majesty of the 25th of September. I am sorry that you have been made to sign that kind of pamphlet.* I answer it only to pro-
* This relates to a letter of the King of Prussia, of 20 pages of mere rhapsody, which, certainly, the King has not read or understood. We cannot print it, because every thing that belongs to the private correspondence between sovereigns, remains in the portfolio of the Emperor, and does not come to the knowledge of the public, if we publish that of his Majesty's, it is because many copies of it having been printed at the head-quarters of the Prussians, where it was found very beautiful—a copy of it came to our hands. —Note to the Mouiteur .
test to you, that I shall never attribute to your Majesty the things contained therein—all are contrary to your character and the honor of both. I pity and despise the writers of such a work. I have received, immediately after, the note of your minister of the 1st of October. You have given me a rendezvous for the 8th, and, as a valiant Knight, I have kept my word; I am in the heart of Saxony. May your Majesty believe me, I have such forces that with all your's, you cannot long contend with me for victory.
But why should we shed so much blood? For what end? I shall hold the same language to you that I have held to the Emperor Alexander two days before the battle of Austerlitz.—Would to heaven that men, either sold or fanatical, greater enemies to yourself, and to your reign, that they are to me and my nation, had not given the same counsels to produce the same result.
Sir, I have been your friend for these six years. I am not willing to profit by this vertigo, which gives the impulse to your counsels, and which has made you commit political errors, at which Europe is yet astonished, and military errors, the enormity of which Europe will soon resound. If you had asked me in your note, possible things, I would have granted them—you have asked my dishonor—you might have been certain of my answer. You then waged war against me—the alliance is broken forever.
But why should we have our subjects butchered? I do not value a victory purchased by a number of the lives of my children. If I were just entering the military career, and if I could fear the chances of combats, this language might be misplaced. Sir, your Majesty shall be vanquished; you will have committed to hazard the tranquility of your life, the existence of your subjects, without the shadow of a pretext. You are as yet untouched, you can treat with me in a manner conformable to your rank. Before a month has passed away you will treat in a different situation—you have suffered yourself to be acted upon by simulations that were calculated and artfully prepared. You have often told me that you had rendered me some services; well? I am willing to give you the greatest proof of my gratitude. You have yet in your power to snatch your subjects from the ravages and calamities of war—it has scarcely begun; you may terminate it, and thereby do a thing grateful to all Europe.
If you listen to those frantic men, who, fourteen years ago, wanted to take Paris, and who have embarked you in a war, and immediately after an offensive plan equally inconceivable, you will do your people an injury which the rest of your life cannot amend.—Sir, I have nothing to gain against your Majesty; I wish nothing, nor did I ever wish any thing from you; the present war is impolitic. I feel that perhaps I am irritating in this letter a certain susceptibility natural to every sovereign; but the present circumstances allow of no softenings; I tell you things just as I think them.
Besides, your Majesty, give me leave to say, that it is no great discovery for Europe to learn, that France is three times more populous, as brave, and as warlike, as the dominions of your Majesty. I have given you no real cause for war. Order this swarm of evil-minded and inconsiderate men to be before your throne, in that respectful silence that is due to you; I restore tranquility in your own breast as in your dominions. If you never again find in me an ally, you will find a man desirous of only making wars when indispensably necessary to the policy of my people, and not to shed blood in a contest with sovereigns who have with me no opposition of industry, commerce and policy .
I pray your Majesty to see in this letter nothing but the desire I have of sparing the blood of men, and to withhold from a nation that geographically cannot be at enmity with mine, the bitter regret of having too much life.

ened to ephemeral sentiments, that are excited and calmed so easily among the people.
I pray to God, Sir, my Brother, to keep you in his holy and sacred keeping.
Your Majesty's good Brother, (Signed) NAPOLEON:
JAMAICA. KINGSTON, NOV. 20.
The Tobago Schooner of 12 guns, Lieut. Salmon, was captured on the 29th ult. by the privateer brig General Ernouff, after an action of nearly an hour and an half, and carried into Bat-terre, Guadalupe. The defence of this vessel is highly honourable to her officers and crew. The Tobago mounted 12 guns, and carried only 50 men; the General Ernouff 16 guns and 130 men: notwithstanding which the contest was most gallantly sustained against the enemy's numbers, and did not, until one officer was killed, Lieut. Salmon, and 13 of his crew were wounded, 3 of his guns dismounted, and the vessel cut up in her rigging, sails, &c. fall into the enemy's hands, who also suffered considerably in wounded, and had 3 men killed.
Domestic Occurrences.
SOUTH-CAROLINA.
CHARLESTON, DEC. 27.
CAPT. Callender , in the ship Portland, from Bordeaux, has brought accounts down to the 7th November. The French Imperial head quarters was at Delfau, on the 22d October.—It was probable the advanced columns were nearer Berlin. Bonaparte is stated to have entered Berlin, without opposition, the 24th Oct. The records and treasure had previously been removed. But it was apparent, that Berlin was not the end of the French conquests:—Large reinforcements were on their way to the Grand Army:—10,000 of the troops lately in Italian Dalmatia, were on the march for Saxony, under Gen. Seras; and 20,000 Bavarians, under Gen. Deroi, were advancing towards Berlin.—Added to these, the French army of reserve at Frankfort, and the French Dutch army of the North, were also moving into Germany.
PENNSYLVANIA.
HARRISBURGH, JAN. 3.
On Monday last, the sentence of the law was executed on James M'Gowan, in the suburbs of this borough, for the murder of Jacob Eschelman. Although the day was one of the coldest this season, a large number of both sexes assembled at an early hour about the jail, with a view to catch a sight of the unhappy object. About 12 o'clock, the culprit was brought out of the prison, when a lane was formed by the several militia companies which attended on this occasion; in this opening he marched with much firmness behind the cart which contained his coffin, to the gallows. Here he expressed a desire to address the spectators, and begged a little liquor to exhilarate his spirits; as he was thinly clad, and the weather intensely cold, some of the gentlemen on duty afforded him a bottle, containing about half a pint, to taste; this he took, and before any interference could be made, he drained it to the last drop—The effects of this rather changed the tragedy to a farce. He became enraged with the executioner—tore off part of the mask the latter had put on to conceal himself, and even knocked him down from the cart.—Indeed such was his behaviour in these his last moments, that it in a great degree, eradicated that compassion which many felt for him during his confinement. He was launched into eternity precisely at 1 o'clock.
KENTUCKY. LEXINGTON, DEC. 25. FROM THE WESTWARD.
The last accounts from Frankfort, stated the Legislature still to be in conclave.
The governor is said to have ordered 500 militia, to be stationed at different points on the Ohio, to intercept suspicious boats attempting to pass.
A gentleman direct from Cincinnati, states, that a number of men were
stationed there, and two or three barges in the stream, to stop all boats from passing until a satisfactory account of them should be given. He further states that several boats, supposed to be a part of Burr's flotilla, had been detained above, on board of one was Mrs. Blennerhasset, her husband having succeeded in descending the river, with about 16 boats. He further informs, that a company of troops were on their march, to protect the arsenal at the mouth of Licking.
Col. Burr, the source of alarm, which produced all these precautionary movements, was, it is said, at Gen. Jackson's, 10 miles from Nashville, on Wednesday last.
JAN. 3.
Col. Lyon, on his way to Congress, passed here yesterday: He says the rumours about Burr are without foundation; and further, that he intended going round by water, (it must be via New Orleans) to call Gen. Eaton to an account for circulating reports injurious to his character!
STATE OF NEWYORK.
ALBANY, JAN. 19.
On Saturday afternoon last, one of the most afflictive and melancholy occurrences took place in this vicinity, that it has ever been our painful duty to record. Miss Jane Ann Lansing, eldest daughter of Sanders Lansing, Esq. of this city, being on her way to Schodach, in a sleigh, in company with Gerrit Y. Lansing, Esq. and 2 young ladies, her connexions, was drowned. The sleigh, it seems, fell through the ice very suddenly, on one of the branches of the river, about ten miles below town—and in the terror and confusion of the moment, the unfortunate Jane Ann was lost sight of by her companions.—She is supposed to have sprung or been thrown out of the sleigh, and to have sunk immediately under the ice. Providentially her companions were saved from sharing in her untimely and much lamented fate. Her body was taken up in about an hour after the catastrophe, and was brought to town on Sunday afternoon.
JAN. 13.
Our correspondent at N. Orleans, under date of the of the 8th ult. says, "Commodore Shaw has purchased the fine coppered fchr. Ranger, and intends to arm and man her immediately. The recruiting service commenced some days ago."
Capt. Hubble, of the brig Polly, who arrived at Charleston, on the 27th ult. in 26 days from Laguira, informs that two days before he sailed, a Schooner with dispatches, arrived from Vera Cruz, and brought information that the capital of Mexico had been nearly destroyed, by an inundation. When the last accounts were received, the city had been overflowed for ten days, the water being four feet deep.
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS.—SECOND SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, JAN. 9.
THE House again went into Committee, on the bill providing for the punishment of certain crimes. A new section was introduced by Mr. Bidwell, which was advocated by Messrs. N. Williams, Sisson, and Bowell; and opposed by Messrs. Quincy, Dwight, Dawson, E. Y. and Daws; and carried—Ayes 52. Noes 48.—The committee rose, reported progress, but no order was taken on the report.
MONDAY, JAN. 12.
The bill for repealing the duties on Salt, and continuing the Mediterranean Fund duties, was taken up in committee of the whole.
Mr. Quincy moved, to amend the bill, by substituting only a repeal of part of the duty on Salt; and a total repeal of the duty, on bohea tea; and a repeal of part of the duties on coffee, leaching and other black teas. This motion was opposed; and negatived. Ayes 7. The committee rose, and reported the bill.
In the House, Mr. Daws, moved to strike out the section to continue the Mediterranean Fund duties; which was also opposed, and negatived—Ayes 21. Noes 104.
Mr. N. Williams moved to strike out that part of the bill which repeals the duty on Salt. Yees 12. Nays 129. The bill then passed to a third reading.
TUESDAY, JAN. 13.
The bill for repealing the acts imposing duties on Salt, and for continuing the Mediterranean Fund, was read the third time.
Messrs. J. Randolph, J. Clay, Varnum and Bidwell, advocated—and Mr. Quincy opposed the bill. Messrs. Broome and Daws declared themselves in favor of taking off the duties on Salt, but against continuing the Mediterranean Fund.
The bill passed by a great majority—with only five negatives.
The house took up the report of the committee of the whole on the bill providing for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States.
The amendments proposed to the first section were agreed to.
The whole of the second section was struck out.
On agreeing to the new section, proposed by Mr. Bidwell, Mr. Elliot, spoke at considerable length against it—when the house adjourned without deciding upon it.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14.
The house were all this day engaged on the bill providing for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States. Ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.—House adjourned at 3 o'clock.
WARREN:
SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 1807.
FROM JAMAICA.
The Charleston Courier of the 8th inst. furnishes the following extracts from Jamaica papers:
KINGSTON, DEC. 6.
The Aetna frigate of 40 guns, the Aethusa, of 38 guns, and the Latona, of 36 guns, sailed from Port-Royal on Saturday morning, for the purpose, we understand, of taking possession of the Dutch island of Curacoa.
We understand, by recent accounts from the Caraccas, that among the French troops lately landed there from the Imperial brig Austerlitz, and a Schooner, are 250 Cannoniers, and four French General Officers; and that the Government were thrown into considerable consternation from this unexpected reinforcement than they were at the coming of Miranda, conceiving it was the first step of the French government to gain possession of that country.
Accounts have been received which state that Col. Burr's army was daily expected at New Orleans.
The report of the destruction of Barracoa [Cuba] by the English, is contradicted by an arrival from thence as late as the 16th Dec.
There were 3,652,276 bushels of salt, imported into the United States, in 1805; and 15,644 bushels exported.
A letter from Calcutta, dated 1st Sept. last, mentions, that the Arab who destroyed Capt. Orne's, of Salem, has cut off two English ships in the Red Sea; in consequence of which the government of Bombay have dispatched a frigate to capture him, that he may receive the just punishment due a pirate.
There is some reason to suspect that an understanding is likely to take place between the chiefs of the blacks in St. Domingo, and the French commandant there. FERRAND is said to have offered very liberal terms of accommodation, and that they were not treated with violence nor even with indifference.
[N. Y. Paper.]
In the House of Representatives, on Friday the 9th inst. Mr. Early, from the committee of commerce and manufactures, reported a "bill to continue in force for a further time, the act, entitled an act to suspend the commercial intercourse between the United States and certain parts of the island of St. Domingo;" which was read twice, and referred to a committee of the whole on Wednesday.
In the Senate of the United States, Gen. Smith moved for a committee to inquire whether an augmentation of the "Standing Army" of the U. States is not necessary.—He thought an additional force necessary.
MARRIED.
In Newport, on the 12th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Eddy, Mr. OLIVER VANCE, to Miss ELIZABETH MOULTON, daughter of Mr. Michael Moulton.
DIED.
In Newport, on the 11th inst. Mr. HENRY POTTER, in the 71st year of his age. In Albany, ROBERT JOHNSON, the man who attempted to rob the house of Mr. Fye. He died of the wound he received.
Herald Ship News.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
ENTERED. Sloop Alonzo, Westcott. Schrs. Ann & Susan, Bennett, Phebe, Loring. CLEARED. Sloop Philadelphia, Crane. FROM New-York ditto Cádiz FOR Newbern
NEW-YORK, JAN. 19.
Arrived, brig Olivia, Leubner, from Guadalupe, and 32 days from Antigua (where she was last by the British) Spoke, Jan. 10th, a fchr. 10 days from Boston for George Town. The fchr. John, Cattrall, from Guadalupe for New-York, had been sent into Antigua by a privateer. [Part of the Olivia's cargo was condemned.]
Also, brig Argonaut, Folger, 47 days from Port-Au-Prince, (Jam.) Jan. 10, about 30 leagues from Sandy-Hook, was boarded by the British cutter Sylvia, from New-York, and had Joba Crow, of Amboy, and James Pratt,
seamen, pressed. The boat of the Argonaut was ordered along side of the cutter, with the brig's papers—on her return, the boat filled and sunk, and it was with difficulty the people in her were saved. Capt. Foer, then boarded the cutter, said he was in distress, for provisions, but they answered that they had no boat, and flood off. The treatment which Capt. F. received, he states, as inhuman and abusive.
The ship Walser, Capt. Homer, from Amsterdam via the Isle of May, on Friday morning last, about one o'clock went ashore 40 miles to the eastward of Sandy-Hook, and has bilged—crew saved. In sending to, a light was observed on shore, which was taken for the light-house—but discovering their mistake, the ship struck before they could get her about. The Walser is owned by Mr. Joseph Ott, of this city, and was in ballast. She had a passage of between 70 and 80 days from Amsterdam, and touched at the Isle of May, where she could obtain no salt, owing to its scarcity.
CHARLESTON, JAN. 7.
Arrived, brig Brunswick, Campbell, Port Antonio 19 days. Left, D. C. 17, ship Hope, Shaw, for this port in 12 days; brig Sumner, Smith, for Norfolk in 5; brig Sally, Pratt, for New York in 12. D. C. 22d, off Cape Antonio, was boarded by a French or Spanish privateer, who anchored the Brunswick under that cape, and detained her two days, and searched every part of the vessel for money. Four days before they had boarded the brig Speculator, and robbed Mr. Kenish, a passenger of two negro servants. The same evening, Captain Campbell was boarded by the British Schooner Gipsy, which immediately went in pursuit of the privateer.
SHIPPING MEMORANDA.
A Jamaica paper of the 3d December states, that all American vessels, arriving off, and attempting to enter Rio Bueno, Dry Harbour, St. Ann's bay, and Orberior, should be directed to proceed to Montego Bay, for entrance.
A letter from Port-au-Prince, dated 23d Nov. last states—"Mr. Williams, of Baltimore, has lately arrived in this city, in the British ship Boyd, from London, with an estimated cargo of upwards of 200,000 dollars, under a British licence from the King—it says, "to any port or ports in St. Domingo or Haiti, not in the possession of our enemies."—Several other vessels are daily looked for under the same kind of permission.—They are granted to all British subjects."
Of the British Jamaica fleet which suffered so severely off this coast in August last, 73 have arrived in Great Britain, 13 foundered (in which 70 seamen besides passengers were drowned 141 saved) two were abandoned, some of which, the Cors. was picked up and towed into a Southern port, two arrived in the United States, eight parted company, whose fate is not recollected, one arrived at Bermuda, and one remains unaccounted for. Total 109.
Two American ships from Bordeaux for New Orleans, prizes to the British sloops of war Lark and Minion, were fell in with on their way to Antigua, 18th Dec.
Three British ships of the line were in Hampton Roads, 9th inst.
An hermaphrodite brig has been seen ashore at Cape Romano.
A Spanish boat from Barracoa lately robbed the fchr. Amelia, of 600 dollars, and small stores.
The Ranger, Mercer, from Jamaica at Charleston, was plundered by a Spanish privateer. The Nancy, Wookey, of Edenton, was plundered by the same privateer.
The Nancy, Powers, from Jamaica, at Norfolk, was plundered by a French privateer.
The brig Sally, Johnson, of Newport from Charleston for Havana, was sent into Nassau, December 21st, by the private vessel of war Fanny.
AUCTIONS.
On the 10th day of March next.
A QUANTITY of Stock, viz. Cows, Czen, 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 Luing, the Hog Neck FARM, so called.
WILLIAM D'WOLF, Adm'r.
*Someret, Jan. 20, 1807.
On Monday the 26th inst. at 10 o'Clock, A. M. is fair weather, if not the first fair day, at the late Dwelling House of JOSHUA KENT, late of Barrington, deceased.
HOUSEHOLD Furniture, Farming Utensils, and Stock, viz.—One Horse, Oxen, Cows and Young Cattle, and a number of Tons of English and Salt Hay.—Conditions of Sale made known at said time and place.
JOSHUA BICKNALL, Adm'r.
*January 10, 1807.
LOST, on the 16th inst. supposed between Bristol and Howland's Ferry, a black Morocco POCKET-BOOK, containing 19 Dollars.—The finder by leaving it and its contents with the Subscriber, shall be liberally rewarded.
JOSEPH P. GOFFE.
*Warren, Jan. 17, 1807.
TO LET
THAT well noted Stand, formerly occupied by Mr. Josiah Munroe, in Warren, which is convenient for any kind of business.—Terms made easy by applying to
JOHN WATSON, in Rehoboth, or
MATHEW WATSON, in Providence.
*January 7, 1807.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
PROLOGUE TO TASTE.
T ASTE,—What is Taste? the quality we find That gives the Ton to man and woman kind.
Flavia, whom mufin covers, not conceals, Who kindly all we with, and more reveals; Before, behind, profufely cut away, Gives to the gazing eye, a grand display; What Time her glowing charms the ball-room grace, The bolter'd bosom, the enamell'd face; Legs, arms, and elbows, delicately red; The borrow'd trefles, the thric-feather'd head, And bag of camphor, which, with magic care, Secures the flipp'ry virtue of the fair. Thus dreft, undreft, made of paint and pafte, Accomplifh'd Flavia gives the law to tafte.
What youth is he, with ladies by each fide, All martial circumftances, prompt, and pride, The crimfon fafh around him loofely flung, The fworf befide him negligently hung, Gay epaulette on either fhoulder fpread, The plumed hat high tow'ring o'er his head; And yet fo prim, fo tapering in the waift, His ftep fo ftately, you would fwear fhe's lac'd! 'Tis captain *****, of diftinguifh'd note, Who looks a woman in a foldier's coat; 'Tis captain *****, and the fex declares, The tafte of captain ***** equals theirs.
Peace to fuch Tafte! But when I look around, Here genuine Tafte, here real Feelings found, 'Tis yours to night to weep the widow's tear, The rising race of Poverty to rear. Each charm, ye fair, with double luftre grac'd, When Beauty fmiles, and Charity is Tafte.
From the NEWPORT MERCURY.
Extract from CARRI STRANGER IN IRELAND.
I HAVE in the courfe of this tour mentioned fome circumftances to illuftrate the character of the low Irish; and a little clofer view of it, may not be unpleafant.
"In this clafs of fociety, a ftranger will fee a perfect picture of nature.—Pat ftands before him, thanks to thofe who ought long fince to have cherifhed and inftructed him, as it were "in mudder's (mother's) nakednefs." His wit and warmth of heart are his own, his errors and their confequences will not be regiftered againft him. I fpeak of him in a quieftent ftate, and not when fuffering and ignorance led him into fenes of tumult, which inflamed his mind and blood to deeds that are foreign to his nature. We know that the beft when corrupted become the worft, and that the vulgar mind when overheated will rush headlong into the moft brutal exceffes, more efpicially if, in purfuing a fummery remedy for a real or fuppofed wrong, it has the example of occasional cruelty and oppreffion prefented by thofe againft whom it advances.
"The lower Irish are remarkable for their ingenuity and docility, and a quick conception; in thefe properties they are equalled only by the Ruffians. It is curious to fee with what feanty materials they will work, they build their own cabins, and make bridles, ftirrups, cruppers, and ropes for every ruftic purpofe, of hay; and Britifh adjutants allow that an Irish recruit, is fooner made a foldier of, than an Englifh one.
"That the Irish are not naturally lazy, is evident from the quantity of laborious work which they will perform, when they have much to do, which is not frequently the cafe in their own country, and are adequately paid for it, fo as to enable them to get proper food to fupport fevere toil.—Upon this principle, in England, an Irish labourer is always preferred. It has been afferted by Dr. Campbell, who wrote in 1777, that the Irish recruits were in general fhort, owing to the poverty of their food; if this affertion were correct, and few tourists appear to have been more accurate, they are much altered fince that gentleman wrote; for moft of the Irish military regiments which I faw, exhibited very fine-looking men, frequently exceeding the ordinary ftature; and at the fame time I muft confefs, I do not fee how meagre diet is likely to curtail the height of a man. Perhaps the Doctor might have feen fome mountaineer recruits, and mountaineers are generally lefs in all regions, according to the old adage:—
"The higher the hill, the fhorter the grafs."
"If I was gratified by contemplating the militia of Ireland, I could not fail of deriving the greateft fatisfaction from feeing thofe diftinguifhed heroes, the volunteers of Ireland: this army of patriots, compofed of catholics as well as proteftants, amounts to about
eighty thoufand men; when their country was in danger, they left their families, their homes, and their occupations, and placed themfelves in martial-array againft the invader, and the difturber of their repofe: they fought, bled, and conquered; and their names will be enrolled in the grateful page of hiftory, as the faviours of their native land.
"What they have done, their brethren in arms on this fide of the water are prepared and anxious to perform; and whenever the opportunity occurs, will cover themfelves with equal glory.
"The handfomeft peasants in Ireland are the natives of Kilkenny and the neighbourhood, and the moft wretched and fqualid near Cork and Waterford, and in Munfter and Connaught. In the county of Roftcommon the male and female peaftantry and horfes are handfome; the former are fair and tall, and poffefs great flexibility of mufcle: the men are the beft leapers in Ireland: the finelt hunters and the moft expert huntfmen are to be found in the fine fporting county of Farmanagh. In the county of Meath the peasants are very heavily limbed. In the county of Kerry, and along the weftern fhore, the peasants very much refemble the Spaniards in expreffion of countenance, and colour of hair.
"The lower orders will occasionally lie, and fo will the lower orders of any other country, unlefs they are inftucted better; and fo should we all, had we not been corrected in our childhood for doing it. It has been afferted that the low Irish are addicted to pilfering: I met with no inftance of it perfonally. An intelligent friend of mine, one of the largeft linen manufacturers in the north of Ireland, in whofe houfe there is feldom lefs than twelve or fifteen hundred pounds in cash, furrrounded by two or three hundred poor peasants, retires at night to his bed without bolting a door, or faftening a window. During lady Cathcart's imprifonment in her own houfe in Ireland, for twenty years, by the orders of her husband, an affair which made a great noife fome years fince, her ladyfhip wifhed to remove fome remarkable fine and valuable diamonds, which fhe had concealed from her husband, out of the houfe; but having no friend or fervant whom fhe could truft, fhe fpoke to a miferable beggar-woman who ufed to come to the houfe, from the window of the room in which fhe was confined. The woman promifed to take care of the jewels, and lady Cathcart accordingly threw the parcel containing them to her out of the window; the poor mendicant conveyed them to the perfon to whom they were addreffed; and when lady Cathcart recovered her liberty fome years afterwords, her diamonds were fafely reftored to her. I was well-informed that a difpofition to inebriation amongft the peaftantry had rather fubfided, and had principally confined itfelf to Dublin.
"The inftuction of the common people is in the lower ftate of degradation. In the fummer a wretched uncharactarized itinerant derives a fcanty and precarious fubfiftence by wandering from parifh to parifh, and opening a fchool in fome ditch covered with heath and furze, to which the inhabitants fend their children to be inftucted by the miferable breadlefs being, who is nearly as ignorant as themfelves; and in the winter, thefe pedagogue pedlars go from door to door, offering their fervices, and pick up juft fufficient to prevent themfelves from perifhing by famine. What proportion of morals and learning can flow from fuch a fource into the mind of the ragged young pupil, can eafily be imagined, but cannot be reflected upon without ferious concern. A gentleman of undoubted veracity ftated not long fince before the Dublin Affociation for distributing Bibles and Teftaments amongft the poor, that whole parifhes were without a Bible."
WHY LIFT THE HAT.
WHEN a man bowed to a quaker and took off his beaver, the quaker quaintly enough interrogated him, Friend, would'ft have me take off my coat?—Some one, however, who feems to have enquired into thefe fubjects, has the following obfervations on the queftion.
Fashions, like prejudices, have commonly fome latent utility; this should be investigated and recorded, in order to prevent attempts to lay a-fide the convenient. The old way of bowing had no fuch merit. Capita autem aperiri afpectu magiftratum nec veneracionis caufa juffere fed ut Varro aucor eft valetudinis quo firmiora confuetudine ea fierent. Nat. Hift. Lib. 28, c. 6. According to Pliny then, we pulled off our hats in falutation that we might be lefs apt to catch cold; for our cuftom, no doubt, was derived from the Romans. It did not anfwer this purpofe, for the Englifh of the laft generation were remarkable for catarrhous diforders. Now that hats have neither tafks nor corners, he would recommend, from a motive of convenience, to touch rather than lift them!
ABROAD men fometimes pafs for more and fometimes for lefs, than they are worth. The politician rolls himfelf up like a hedge-hog before ftrangers; but in private he fhoofs his quills. Tiberius was celebrated by thofe who did not know him; but his rhetorical tutor hefitated not to pronounce him Luto et sanguine maceratum . Liberty and leifure develop character. It is in the domestic circle, in the family parlour, in his gown and flippers, in giving orders to his fervants, that a man is thoroughly feen. Here he acts without difguife or reftaint. Here he affumes no unnatural airs of importance, but calmly difpenfes with his foreign manners, and makes no extravagant pretentions. Whether accuftomed to rule in the Senate, to expound in the defk, or to contend in the field, he claims no factitious confequence, when he enters his own manfion. The tenderness of a wife inftantly arches his brow, and he gladly exchanges the robe or the fword, the high-toned voice or the ftately port, for the prattle of his children, and the puerilities and fports of the hearth.—Here unopinioned by fafhion, he acknowledges the dominion of nature, and neither a ftranger or bachelor intermeddles with his joy.
He will not blufh that has a father's heart To take in childifh play a childifh part: But bends his furdy neck to any toy, That youth takes pleafure in, to pleafe his boy. [Anthology.]
A PARAGRAPH appeared not long fince in one of the Englifh journals, of the following import: "A woman was ducked in the Thames, at Kingfton in Surrey, in a chair preferred for that purpofe, purfuant to fentence on an indifcment for being a common fcold." This appears fomething like what in modern language is called a boax , and formerly a take in or a banter ; yet it is certain that ducking was a punifhment for like offences by the common law of England.—The fame punifhment was likewife inflicted in France, efpicially thofe parts which were in poffeffion of England, as appears by an ancient manufcript of the following import. If a woman be convicted of fcolding or abuse, fhe fhall have a chord faftened under her arm pits and be caft three times into the water; and if any one upbraid her with it, fuch perfon fhall pay ten pence; and if it be a woman that upbraids, fuch woman fhall pay ten pence or be ducked three times, and this fum of ten pence fhall be for the ufe of the public. Ducking could not have been thought of then, as it would now, to make it equivalent to ten pence!
THE Chinese phyficians never preferibe bleeding, but allay the heat of the body by abftinence, diet, and cooling herbs; faying, that if the pot boils too faft, it is better to reduce the fuel than to lade out the water.
DIRECT TAX.
PURSUANT to an Act of Congrefs, intitled "An act to lay and collect a Direct Tax within the United States," will be held at public fale at the dwelling of Benjamin Howland, Esq. in Tiverton, on the 27th day of February, A. D. 1807, at 10 o'Clock in the forenoon, the undermentioned eftates, fituated in faid Tiverton, or fo much thereof, as may be neceffary to fatisfy the taxes due thereon, together with cofts and charges, unlefs the faid Taxes, cofts, and charges, fhall 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.     Wm. Borden, Wm. Borden, houfes & land 9 54   Paul Croftman, P. Croftman, houfe & land 76   Sufannah Cory, Wm. Fremer, houfe & land 3 16   Ruffel Fith, Ruffel Fith, land 1 4   Stephen Grinnell, Daniel Grinnell, houfe & land 46   Lewis Grinnell, Lewis Grinnell, land 31   Richard Gifford, Richard Gifford, land 1 29   Isaac Hart, Isaac Hart, land 85   Godfrey Lake, Godfrey Lake, land 31   G. Manchester, G. Manchester, land 41   P. Manchester, P. Manchester, houfe & land 32   Henry Negus, Henry Negus, land 24   Reftrom Sanford, Reftrom Sanford, land 31   Elizabeth Tripp, Elizabeth Tripp, land 61   Sarah Taber, Sarah Taber, land 59   Abial Tripp, Abial Tripp, land 1 26   Ichabod Willifon Ichabod Willifon land 1 29   John Wilcox, John Wilcox, houfe & land 53   Wm. Woodie, Wm. Woodie, houfe & land 2 64  
BY NICHOLAS E. DURFEE, Collector. TIVERTON, Dec. 22, 1806
WHEREAS the Hon. Court of Probate, for the Town of Warren, appointed the Subscriber Administrator to the Eftate of
BETSEY SANDERS, late of Warren, widow, deceafed.—All perfons having demands againft faid Eftate, are hereby notified to exhibit the fame to the Subfcriber, at his dwelling houfe.—All perfons indebted to faid Eftate, are requested to make immediate payment to
NATHANIEL SANDERS. January 8, 1807.
N. M. Burr,
Has juft received a fresh supply of well chosen and feafonable GOODS,
and offers them for Sale at reduced prices, on accomodating and liberal terms, confifting of
UPERFINE middling and low priced BROADCLOTHS. KERSEYMERES, KERSEYS, KERSEYNETTS, SERGES, VESTINGS, COATINGS, DUFFILS, FEARNOTS, FLANNELS, BAISES, SWAN-SKINS, DOMETS, Rose BLANKETS, WILEBORES, & DURANTS.
A valuable choice of fashionable twilled, ftriped & plain VELVETS, uncommonly low. Factory Cotton & India CHECKS. Cambric and common DIMOTIES. India COTTONS, SHEETING & SHIRTING, cheap. CALLICOES, Irish LINNENS, brown HOLLAND.
SHAWLS of the neweft tafte: BANDANNOE HANDKERCHIEFS, per piece. Check'd and pucker, ditto. Ladies and Gentlemen's black, lead coloured & mix'd Worfted 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 Affortment of Iron Hollow WARE, HAND-IRONS, FLATT-IRONS & Cart BOXES.
Coarfe and fine SALT. Black PEPPER, CASSIA & CINNAMON, per Hundred or Dozen. CLOVES, NUTMEGS, & ALLSPICE, per Pound. GINGER and PEARL ASHES, per Keg or Dozen. TOBACCO and SEGARS. 10 Barrels choice Cyder: VINEGAR. 100 Straw TUMBLERS. 300 Rolls Paper HANGINGS & BORDERS; a fresh Supply; old Stock felling at Coft. REDWOOD, LOGWOOD, FUSTIC, ALUM, COPPERAS, VITRIOL, AQUA FORTIS & SALT PETRE. POWDER, SHOT and FLINTS. A great Variety of Cart, Horfe, 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 Parington's Earthen WARES. HOPS, CHALK, GLUE, BRIMSTONE, ROSIN & VERDIGREASE. Japan and Capel VARNISH, Gold LEAF. Spirits of TURPENTINE, Paint BRUSHES and Pumice STONE.
3d & 18t Proof RUM, BRANDY, CHERRY, GENEVA, Sherry and Currant WINES. CODFISH, COFFEE, SHELLS, FLOUR, RAISINS and MOLASSES. Hylon, Hylon-Skin and Souchong TEAS.
A fresh and valuable Affortment of genuine DRUGS and MEDICINES at very reduced Prices, fuperior to rivalry with the whole train of Imported and Domeftic patent Medicines, now in rage; of which are extra's the famous Billious CO-DIAL, Cooley's Vegetable ELIXIR, or Cough Drop, and Rawfon's and Wheaton's Lich OINTMENT and BITTRES.
CASH, and the bigheft Price given for clean Cotton and Linn RAGS. Warren, Dec. 3, 1806