Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1807-05-02 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN, (R. I.)—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 23, of Vol. XV.]
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1807.
[Whole No. 751.]
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   MAY. D. OF. F. P. Sea. REMARKS.     3 Sunday, 5 17 1 40 5 27   4 Monday, 5 17 3 36 6 10 [AM.   5 Tuesday, 5 58 7 34 6 52 Day's len. 14h.   6 Wednesday, 5 57 7 4 7 38 G. Elect. Newp.   7 Thursday, 5 56 7 16 8 36 N. ♂ oh. 14m.   8 Friday, 5 55 7 23 9 18   9 Saturday, 5 54 7 18 10 12  
LAW OF THE UNITED STATES.
AN ACT
To prohibit the importation of Slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eight.
Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, it shall not be lawful to import, or bring into the United States, or the territories thereof, from any foreign kingdom, place, or country, any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with intent to sell or dispose of such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, as a slave, or to be held to service or labour.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That no citizen or citizens of the United States, or any other person, shall, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight, for himself or themselves, or any other person whatsoever, either as master, factor, or owner, build, fit, equip, load or otherwise prepare, any ship or vessel, in any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, or shall cause any ship or vessel to sail from any port or place within the same, for the purpose of procuring any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, from any foreign kingdom, place, or country, to be transported to any port or place whatsoever within the jurisdiction of the United States, to be held, sold, or disposed of as slaves, or to be held to service or labour, and if any ship or vessel shall be fitted out for the purpose aforesaid, or shall be caused to sail for as aforesaid, every such ship or vessel, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, shall be forfeited to the United States, and shall be liable to be seized, prosecuted, and condemned, in any of the circuit courts or district courts, where the said ship or vessel may be found or seized.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That all and every person so building, fitting out, equipping, loading, or otherwise preparing or sending away, any ship or vessel, knowing or intending that the same shall be employed in such trade or business, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, or any ways aiding or abetting therein, shall severally forfeit and pay twenty thousand dollars; one moiety thereof to the use of the United States, and the other moiety to the use of any person or persons who shall sue for and prosecute the same to effect.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That if any citizen or citizens of the United States, or any person resident within the jurisdiction of the same, shall, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, take on board, receive, or transport from any of the coasts or kingdoms of Africa, or from any other foreign kingdom, place or country, any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, in any ship or vessel, for the purpose of selling them in any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States as slaves, or to be held to service or labour, or shall be in any ways aiding or abetting therein, such citizen or citizens or person shall severally forfeit and pay five thousand dollars; one moiety thereof to the use of any person or persons who shall sue for and prosecute the same to effect; and every such ship or vessel in which such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, shall have been taken on board, received or transported as aforesaid, her tackle, apparel and furniture, and the goods and effects which shall be found on board the same, shall be forfeited to the United States, and shall be liable to be seized, prosecuted, and condemned in any of the circuit courts or district courts in the district where the said ship or vessel may be found or seized. And neither the importer nor any person or persons claiming from or under him shall hold any right or title whatsoever, to any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, nor to the service or labour thereof, who may be imported or brought within the United States, or territories thereof, in violation of this law, but the same shall remain subject to any regulations not contravening the provisions of this act, which the legislatures of the several states or territories, at any time hereafter may make, for disposing of any such negro, mulatto, or person of colour.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That if any citizen or citizens of the United States or any other person resident within the jurisdiction of the same, shall from and after the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and
eight, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, take on board any ship or vessel from any of the coasts or kingdoms of Africa, or from any other foreign kingdom, place or country, any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with intent to sell him, her or them, for a slave or slaves, or to be held to service or labour, and shall transport the same to any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, and there sell such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, so transported as aforesaid, for a slave or to be held to service or labour, every such offender shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor and being thereof convicted before any court having competent jurisdiction, shall suffer imprisonment for not more than ten years nor less than five years, and be fined not exceeding ten thousand dollars, nor less than one thousand dollars.
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons whatsoever, shall, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, purchase or sell any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, for a slave, or to be held to service or labour, who shall have been imported, or brought from any foreign kingdom, place or country, or from the dominions of any foreign state, immediately adjoining to the United States, into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, after the last day of December, one thousand eight hundred and seven, knowing at the time of such purchase, or sale, such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, was so brought within the jurisdiction of the United States, as aforesaid, such purchaser and seller shall severally forfeit and pay for every negro, mulatto, or person of colour, so purchased or sold as aforesaid, eight hundred dollars; one moiety thereof to the United States and the other moiety to the use of any person or persons who shall sue for and prosecute the same to effect. Provided, That the aforesaid forfeiture shall not extend to the seller or purchaser of any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, who may be sold or disposed of in virtue of any regulation which may hereafter be made by any of the legislatures of the several states in that respect in pursuance of this act, and the constitution of the United States.
Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That if any ship or vessel shall be found, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, in any river, port, bay, or harbor, or on the high seas, within the jurisdictional limits of the United States, or hovering on the coast thereof, having on board any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, for the purpose of selling them as slaves, or with intent to land the same, in any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, contrary to the prohibition of this act, every such ship or vessel, together with her tackle, apparel, and furniture, and the goods or effects which shall be found on board the same, shall be forfeited to the use of the United States, and may be seized, prosecuted, and condemned, in any court of the United States, having jurisdiction thereof. And it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, and he is hereby authorized, should he deem it expedient, to cause any of the armed vessels of the United States to be manned and employed to cruise on any part of the coast of the United States, or territories thereof, where he may judge attempts will be made to violate the provisions of this act, and to instruct and direct the commanders of armed vessels of the United States, to seize, take and bring into any port of the United States all such ships or vessels, and moreover to seize, take and bring into any port of the United States all ships or vessels of the United States, wheresoever found on the high seas, contravening the provisions of this act, to be proceeded against according to law, and the captain, master, or commander of every such ship or vessel, so found and seized as aforesaid, shall be deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall be liable to be prosecuted before any court of the United States, having jurisdiction thereof; and being thereof convicted, shall be fined not exceeding ten thousand dollars, and be imprisoned not less than two years, and not exceeding four years. And the proceeds of all ships and vessels, their tackle, apparel, and furniture, and the goods and effects on board of them, which shall be so seized, prosecuted and condemned, shall be divided equally between the United States and the officers and men who shall make such seizure, take, or bring the same into port for condemnation, whether such seizure be made by an armed vessel of the United States, or revenue cutter thereof, and the same shall be distributed in like manner, as is provided by law, for the distribution of prizes taken from an enemy: Provided, That the officers and men, to be entitled to one half of the proceeds aforesaid, shall take care every negro, mulatto, or person of colour, found on board of any ship or vessel, so by them seized, taken, or brought into port for condemnation, and shall deliver every such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, to such person or persons as shall be appointed by the respective states, to receive the same; and if no such person or persons shall be appointed by the respective states, they shall deliver every such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, to the overseers of the poor of the port
or place where such ship or vessel may be bro't or found, and shall immediately transmit to the governor or chief magistrate of the state, an account of their proceedings, together with the number of such negroes, mulattoes, or persons of colour, and a descriptive list of the same, that he may give directions respecting such negroes, mulattoes, or persons of colour.
Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That no captain, master, or commander of any ship or vessel, of less burthen than forty tons, shall from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, take on board and transport any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, to any port or place whatsoever, for the purpose of selling or disposing of the same as a slave, or with intent that the same may be sold or disposed of to be held to service or labour, on penalty of forfeiting for every such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, so taken on board and transported as aforesaid, the sum of eight hundred dollars; one moiety thereof to the use of the United States, and the other moiety to any person or persons, who shall sue for, and prosecute the same to effect: Provided, however, that nothing in this section shall extend to prohibit the taking on board or transporting on any river, or inland bay of the sea, within the jurisdiction of the United States, any negro, mulatto or person of colour, (not imported contrary to the provisions of this act) in any vessel or species of craft whatever.
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That the captain, master, or commander of any ship or vessel of the burthen of forty tons or more, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, sailing coastwise, from any port in the United States, to any other port or place within the jurisdiction of the same, having on board any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, for the purpose of transporting them to be sold or disposed of as slaves, or to be held to service or labour, shall, previous to the departure of such ship or vessel, make out and subscribe duplicate manifests of every such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, on board such ship or vessel, therein specifying the name and sex of each person, their age and stature, as near as may be, and the class to which they respectively belong, whether negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with the name and place of residence of every owner, or shipper of the same and shall deliver such manifests to the collector of the port, if there be one, otherwise to the surveyor, before whom the captain, master, or commander, together with the owner, or shipper, shall severally swear or affirm, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that the persons therein specified were not imported or brought into the United States, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, and that under the laws of the state, they are held to service or labour; whereupon the said collector or surveyor shall certify the same on the said manifests, one of which he shall return to the said captain, master, or commander, with a permit specifying thereon the number, names, and general description of such persons, and authorizing him to proceed to the port of his destination. And if any ship or vessel, being laden and defined as aforesaid, shall depart from the port where she may then be, without the captain, master, or commander, having first made out and subscribed duplicate manifests, of every negro, mulatto, and person of colour, on board such ship or vessel, as aforesaid, and without having previously delivered the same to the said collector or surveyor, and obtained a permit, in manner as herein required, or shall previous to her arrival, at the port of her destination, take on board any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, other than those specified in the manifests, as aforesaid, every such ship or vessel, together with her tackle, apparel and furniture, shall be forfeited to the use of the United States, and may be seized, prosecuted and condemned in any court of the United States, having jurisdiction thereof; and the captain, master, or commander of every such ship or vessel, shall moreover forfeit, for every such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, so transported, or taken on board, contrary to the provisions of this act, the sum of one thousand dollars, one moiety thereof to the United States, and the other moiety to the use of any person or persons who shall sue for, and prosecute the same to effect.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That the captain, master, or commander of every ship or vessel, of the burthen of forty tons or more, from and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eight, sailing coastwise, and having on board any negro, mulatto or person of colour, to sell or dispose of as slaves, or to be held to service or labour, and arriving in any port within the jurisdiction of the United States, from any other port within the same, shall, previous to the unlading or putting on shore any of the persons aforesaid, or suffering them to go on shore, deliver to the collector, if there be one, or if not, to the surveyor residing at the port of her arrival, the manifest certified by the collector or surveyor of the port from whence she sailed, as is herein before directed, to the truth of which, before such officer, he shall swear, or affirm, and if the collector or surveyor shall be satisfied there-with, he shall thereupon grant a permit for un-
loading or suffering such negro, mulatto, or person of colour, to be put on shore, and if the captain, master, or commander of any such ship or vessel being laden as aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to deliver the manifest at the time and in the manner herein directed, or shall land or put on shore any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, for the purpose aforesaid, before he shall have delivered his manifest as aforesaid, and obtained a permit for that purpose, every such captain, master or commander, shall forfeit and pay ten thousand dollars, one moiety thereof to the United States, the other moiety to the use of any person or persons who shall sue for and prosecute the same to effect.
NATHANIEL MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEORGE CLINTON. Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
March 2d, 1807.
APPROVED,
TH: JEFFERSON.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
61st BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH GRAND ARMY. Landsberg, Feb. 13, 1807.
THE battle of Eylau was at first represented by several of the enemy's officers as a victory. This was believed at Konigsburg the whole of the evening of the 9th. However, the Russian army and the head-quarters making their appearance soon after, excited a great alarm. Presently some cannon shots were heard, and the French were seen masters of a small eminence, which commanded the whole Russian camp.
The Russian General declared he would defend the place, which in some degree encreased the despondency of the inhabitants, who expected nothing less than to undergo the same fate that Lubeck had experienced; but, happily for the city of Konigsberg, it was not among the objects of the French General to drive the enemy out of his position!
The number of dead in Generals and officers of the Russian army is considerable.
In consequence of the battle of Eylau, upwards of 5000 wounded Russians, left upon the field, and in the neighbouring hospitals, have fallen into our hands. Part of them are since dead; the others, who were slightly wounded, have encreased the number of the prisoners of war; 1500 have been sent back to the Russian army! It is thought the Russians had 15000 wounded, exclusive of the 5000 who fell into the hands of the French.
The army is gone into quarters.
Marshal Mortier has advanced into Swedish Pomerania.
PROCLAMATION.
Soldiers!—We began to enjoy a little rest in our winter quarters, when the enemy fell upon our advanced corps, and shewed themselves upon the Lower Vistula. We marched against them. We have pursued them upwards of thirty leagues. They have fled to their entrenchments, and again passed the Pregel. In the battles of Bergfried, Deppen, Hoff, and Eylau, we have taken sixty-five pieces of cannon, sixteen standards, and killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, 40,000 men. Since we have baffled the designs of the enemy, we shall again return to the Vistula and occupy our cantonments! Should the enemy then dare to disturb us, it shall be to his sorrow, for beyond the Vistula, as well as beyond the Danube, in the middle of a hard winter, or in the beginning of autumn, we will always remain French soldiers, and soldiers of the Grand Army.
SIXTY-SECOND BULLETIN.
Liebstadt, Feb. 21, 1807.
The right of the grand army has been victorious, like the centre and the left, General Essen at the head of

25,000 men, advanced to Ostrolenka on the 15th, along the two banks of the Narew. When he arrived at the village of Flacis Lowawa, he met the advanced guard of Gen. Savary, who commanded the 5th corps.
On the 16th at break of day, Gen. Gazano with a part of his division, made an oblique movement upon the advanced guard. At nine in the morning he met the enemy, on the road to Novogorod, attacked, defeated, and put him to the rout. But at the same moment the enemy attacked Ostrolenka by the left bank. General Campana, with a brigade of the division of Gen. Gazan, and Gen. Ruffin, with a brigade of the division of Gen. Oudinot, defended that small town. Gen. Savary sent thither the General of division Reide, Chief of the Staff of the army. The Russian infantry, in several columns, endeavoured to carry the town. The enemy was suffered to advance half the length of the streets, when he was marched against and charged. He was three times cut down, and left the streets covered with dead. The loss of the enemy was so great that he abandoned the town, and took a position behind the sand-hills which cover it.
The divisions of Gen. Suchet and Oudinot advanced: at noon the heads of their columns advanced to Ostrolenka. Gen. Savary drew up his little army in the following manner:—Gen. Oudinot commanded the left, in two lines; General Suchet the centre; and Gen. Reide, commanding a brigade of the division of Gazan, formed the right. He covered himself with all his artillery, and marched against the enemy. The fire was very brisk; the enemy gave way on all sides, and was followed fighting during three leagues.
The next day the enemy was pursued several leagues, but without being perceived. His cavalry had retreated the whole night. General Suwarow, and several officers of the enemy are slain. The enemy have abandoned a great number of wounded, 1200 have been taken off the field, and more are bringing in every instant. Seven pieces of cannon and two standards are the trophies of this victory. The enemy have left 1300 dead on the field of battle. On our side we have had 60 men killed, and from four to five thousand wounded. But a loss most sensibly felt, is that of the General of brigade Campana, who was an officer of great merit.
SIXTY-THIRD BULLETIN.
Ostrolenka, Feb. 28, 1807.
"The army is now in cantonments behind the Passarge."
"The Russians advanced to Braunberg with 10,000 men, on the 26th; but General Dupont drove them across the Passarge again. We took 16 cannon, two standards, and 2000 prisoners."
"A Russian column was attacked at the village of Peterwalde, on the 25th. The General, his staff, many lieut. colonels, and other officers and 400 men were made prisoners."
"His Majesty has given the command of the 5th corps to Marshal Massena. Marshal Lannes continues sick."
"The garrisons of Colberg and Dantzig, make frequent forays, but are always repulsed with loss. Marshal Lefebvre has marched closely to invest Dantzig."
"According to various reports, the enemy lost more than 30,000 men at the battle of Eylau."
"This stands in the French paper—but from dates in the body of the Bulletin is evidently a mistake."
SIXTY-FOURTH BULLETIN.
Ostrolenka, March 2, 1807.
"The town of Elbing furnishes great resources to the army; a great quantity of Wine and Brandy was found there."
"The Ambassadors from Constantinople and Persia, have reached Poland on their way to Warsaw."
"After the battle of Eylau, the Emperor passed every day several hours upon the field of battle, a horrible spectacle, but which duty rendered necessary. It required great labour to bury all the dead. A great number of Russian slain were found with the insignia of Orders. It appears that among them there was a Prince Repnin. Forty-eight hours after the battle, there were still upwards of 500 wounded Russians whom we had not yet been able to carry off. Brandy and bread were carried to them, and they were successfully conveyed to the Hospital."
"Let any one imagine to himself upon the space of a square league, 9 or 10,000 dead bodies, 4 or 5000 horses killed, whole lines of
knapsacks, broken pieces of muskets and sabres, the ground covered with cannon balls, howitzer shells and ammunition; 24 pieces of cannon, near which were lying the bodies of their drivers, killed at the moment when they were striving to carry them off: all this was the more conspicuous upon a snow ground: this spectacle is calculated to inspire Princes with the love of peace and an abhorrence of war."
"The following are some details of the engagement of Braunberg:—Gen. Dupont marched against the enemy in two columns.—General Brivere, who commanded the right column, fell in with the enemy at Ragarn and drove him towards the river which runs before this village. The left column drove the enemy towards Villenberg, and the whole division shortly after stretched out of the wood. The enemy, being driven from his first position, was obliged to fall back upon the river which covers the town of Braunberg: he at first made a resolute stand, but General Dupont marched against him, overthrew him with a quick step, and entered with him into the town, the streets of which were choked up with the Russian slain."
"Since the arrival of the French army upon the Vistula, we have taken from the Russians in the engagement of Pultusk and Golyn, 89 pieces of cannon; at the engagement of Bergfried, 4 pieces; in the retreat of Allenstein, 5 pieces; at the engagement of Dopen, 16 pieces; at the engagement of Hoff, 12 pieces; at the battle of Eylau, 24; at Braunberg, 16; and at the engagement of Ostrolenka, 9 pieces: total, 175 pieces of cannon."
"It has been remarked upon this subject, that the Emperor never lost any cannon in the armies which he has commanded, either in the first campaigns of Italy and Egypt, in that of the army of reserve, in that of Austria and Moravia, or in that of Russia and Poland."
DENMARK. COPENHAGEN, MARCH 3.
Accounts from Petersturg, state, that Gen. Rogin, of the Russian Imperial guards was killed at Eylau; and General De Tolloy, and two other Generals wounded.
The Russian column, late Buxhovden's, did not join that of Benningsen, till it reached Eylau.
POLAND. WARSAW, FEB. 25.
General Suwarow, (Prince Imilinski, and son of the famous Marshal Suwarow) is dead of his wounds near Ostrolenka. Gen. Budberg was killed.—The French found 1100 dead Russian bodies, and found 2400 wounded in the villages. We lost 60 men killed and between 4 and 500 wounded. Among the killed, we sincerely regret Gen. Campana.
FRENCH-PRUSSIA.
BERLIN, MARCH 7.
The French Grand Army is in winter quarters behind the Passarge (a small river which empties into the Vistula a few miles S. of Thorn.)—Its left wing leans on Marienwerder and Elbing.
A Russian division, 10,000 strong, having advanced against Braunberg, at the summit of our winter cantonments; Gen. Dupont was ordered to attack it;—which he did on the 26th Feb. and obliged it to recross the Passarge, with the loss of 16 pieces of cannon, two stands of colors, and 2000 prisoners.—Our loss in killed is not worth mentioning.
Another hostile column having arrived at Peterwalde, on the 25th, Gen. Belair attacked it, repulsed it, and took 400 prisoners, among whom was General Von Korff, his staff, and other officers. The enemy's party, at first consisting of 10 battalions, was reduced to about 1600.
Gen. Dombrowski, in marching against Danzic, met the Prussian garrison thereof near Dorschau, threw it into disorder, took 600 prisoners and six pieces of cannon; and pursued it several hours.—Marshal Lefebvre has joined with his corps, which with the Saxons, is destined to blockade Danzic.
Marshal Angereau, who is wounded, has obtained leave to go to Paris; and Marshal Massena commands at Warsaw, vice Lannes who is ill.
FRANKFORT, MARCH 3.
Letters from Berlin create hopes of peace; and assure us, it is not improbable that in a short time we may hear of the conclusion of the preliminaries.
MARCH 11.
For some days there has been much talk about an armistice between the belligerent powers; but we have not learnt the authority for this report.
BERNE, SWITZERLAND, MARCH 8.
We have had a prophetess here, a girl about 4 years old, who predicted that the end of the world was nigh at hand. She had a great number of fanatic followers. In one of their tumultuous assemblages they put to death the priest. Several of these devil-possessed wretches have been arrested. The scene of their meeting was at the village of Rapperswyl.
ENGLAND. LONDON, MARCH 16.
Mr. Pierrepont, who arrived on Friday from the Continent, brought with him, we understand, the copy of a Treaty of Alliance between the Courts of Prussia, Sweden, and London. Mr. Pierrepont came direct from Memel, and is supposed to have bro't the latest intelligence from the theatre of war. The Russians, it is said, began to fall back from Prussian Eylau on the evening of the 9th, an operation in which there was no attempt on the part of the enemy to molest them. On the following day they encamped within two German miles of the scene of action, and by the 12th crossed the Pregel. During these movements part of the garrison of Koningsburg marched out to a distance of twelve miles from that city, and having their flank covered by the Russian main army, attacked a French advanced guard, which it defeated, and returned, with an Eagle, and 5000 prisoners. Their Prussian Majesties were at Memel, in the neighbourhood of which about 40,000 Prussian troops were assembled, and considerable stores both of corn and forage collected. It was the general opinion both at Koningsburg and Memel that the French intended to abandon the Upper Vistula and Narew, and to concentrate themselves between Thorn and Marienwerder. The out-posts upon the latter river had all been called in; and Savary, after his ineffectual attempt upon Von Essen's corps, retreated from Ostrolenka to Sieroc; where it was supposed he would endeavour to maintain himself until the hospitals at Warsaw were cleared. General Von Essen was, it is said, as far advanced as Doben on the Lakes, on the 18th, in his way to the main army. The junction of his corps would, we hope, give the Russians such a superiority as would enable them to resume that system of operations which they have found so successful.
A general salute was fired from the batteries along the French coast on Thursday. It is not unlikely but the salute may have been occasioned by the return of Bonaparte to the capitol.
A report has been current for the last two or three days of the existence of a very unpleasant misunderstanding in the Cabinet on the subject of the Roman Catholic Officer's Bill. The schism, it is reported, rose to such a height that Lord Sidmouth, who was out-voted in the Cabinet, actually resigned his situation as President of the Council. It is said that Lord Ellenborough also seceded from the Council. Several Cabinet Councils have also been held on this important subject, the result of which we understand to be that the Bill will either be new modified or wholly withdrawn for the present. Upon this understanding, it is stated, Lords Sidmouth and Ellenborough have consented to resume their seats at the Council board.
MARCH 17.
Letters have been received from a person of consideration at St. Petersturg, which contain some further particulars of the battle of Eylau than have yet been published in this country. Bonaparte's Guards, it is known, were among the troops that attacked the centre of the Russian. The French reserve was ordered to advance to the attack of the Russian centre: they refused, and were ordered to be fired upon by one of the French divisions. They returned the fire, and several were killed on both sides.
When the Messenger left Petersturg, that city had been illuminated, and he saw six French standards displayed as trophies of victory on the grand parade. It was rumoured that Murat was killed. The frequent reverses experienced by the enemy had caused much
discontent to prevail in their ranks. One of their Generals is reported to have deserted, and to have arrived at Petersturg; but be this as it may, we are assured, from respectable authority, that numbers of the privates had actually deserted and that at the date of the last advices, upwards of 500 of them had passed the frontiers of Galicia.
It is strongly reported in Paris, and indeed appears to be generally credited, that Marshal Murat—the Grand Duke of Berg, as he is called—has died of the wounds he received in the battle of Eylau.
MARCH 21. CHANGE OF MINISTERS.
The certain change to be made in the Administration, naturally excites much public attention. The cause of the change is thus stated: A few days since Lord Howick introduced into the House of Commons a bill for the admission of Catholics into the army and navy, and securing to them the free exercise of their religion. Under his pretence, the Ministers intended to surprise the King's confidence into a consent to a total repeal of the test laws, as far as the army and navy are concerned.—The King, always scrupulously anxious on this point, demanded of his Ministers an explanation of all the buts and bounds of their project; which ascertained, he entered his protest, warmly, against the measure. The Ministers, after many consultations, and finding the King inexorable, agreed to abandon the measure:—But his Majesty, provoked at the attempt to impose upon him; demanded of the Cabinet Councillors a promise never in future, in any contingency, to bring the subject again forward. To this the Ministers refused to accede; but came to the resolution to hold their offices until the King, in the exercise of his Constitutional prerogative, should see fit to remove them. His Majesty immediately conferred with Lord Eldon [late Mr. Scott, and Lord Chancellor] Lord Hawkesbury [late Secretary of State] and Lord Hardwicke, and afterwards sent the appointment of First Lord of the Treasury to the Duke of Portland, with directions to him to nominate a new Administration. His Grace has signified his acceptance of the office; and will, on Wednesday lay the new arrangement before his Majesty.
This event gives joy and grief to the outs and ins —The Morning Chronicle (the leading Ministerial paper) after stating that Ministers could not accede to the condition imposed on them, says "The removal of the present Ministers will be a matter of most serious regret to the feelings of every individual in this country. But it remains for the King to exercise his undoubted prerogative in retaining the servants who act upon principle, or in calling to his councils persons who may be more tractable."
The Courier (an opposition paper) says, "The Ministerialists grow desperate as they approach dissolution;—they threaten to hold meetings, to pass Resolutions, nay, to refuse voting supplies, in order to frighten the Crown from carrying its present intentions into effect.—His Majesty, they ought to be pretty well convinced, is not to be frightened out of the performance of his duty.—He will not be awed by the noise and uproar of a faction; nor mistake the voice of that faction for that of people. The King will do his duty; and the People will do their's in standing by their King; and detecting any efforts to swindle the consent of their Monarch to a measure to which they know he has the most conscientious and insuperable objections. If necessary, the King will dissolve his Parliament, and call a new one."
The Political Review says, "The base-ness of the Ministerial attempts to render the Sovereign unpopular, is only exceeded by the black treachery with which it was attempted, in an underhand manner, to swindle his Majesty into an acquiescence with a project that is not only repugnant to his conscience, but in direct distance of his Coronation Oath , of the articles of union with Scotland, and of the peace, safety and prosperity of the British Empire.—We sincerely congratulate the country on the fall of the most contemptible and inefficient Ministry which ever disgraced a nation; a motley and anomalous collection of individuals, who arrogantly assumed to themselves the comprehension of all the rank, weight and talents of the kingdom; who have made nothing but promises, and committed nothing but faults. The nation will again lift up its head. For, whoever may be the persons into whose hands the administration may be confided, we are confident they must be in better hands than the present work of all bad administrations. The people of England will stand by their beloved and patriotic Sovereign in this great crisis."
Various lists of the New Ministry are in circulation.—The following is considered as most probable:—
Duke of PORTLAND, First Lord of the Treasury, vice Lord GRENVILLE. Lord CASTLEREAGH, Chancellor of the Ex. vice Lord HENRY PETTY. Lord HAWKESBURY, Foreign Sec'y, vice Lord HOWICK. Mr. CANNING, Home Sec, vice Earl SPENCER. Mr. YORK [brother of the Earl of HARWICKE] Secretary of State for War Dept. vice Mr. WYNDHAM. Lord CAMDEN, President of the Council, vice Lord SIDMOUTH. Lord ELDON, Lord Chancellor, vice Lord ERSKINE. Lord MELVILLE, First Lord of the Admiralty, vice Mr. GRENVILLE.

Earl of WESTMORELAND, Lord Privy Seal, vice Lord HOLLAND. Earl of MULGRAVE, Master-General of the Ordnance, vice Earl of MOIRA. Earl of CHATHAM, President Board of Control, vice Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. ROSE, Treasurer of the Navy, vice Mr. SHERIDAN. Mr. DUNDAS, Sec'y at War, vice ———. Mr. PERCEVAL, Attorney-General, vice Sir ARTHUR PIGOT. Sir V. GIBBS, Solicitor-Gen. vice Sir SAMUEL ROMILLY. Messrs. HUSKINSON and BOURNE, Secretaries of the Treasury, vice Messrs. VANSITART and FREEMANTLE. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Earl of HARDWICKE, or Marquis of ABERCORN, vice the Duke of BEDFORD. Lord REDESDALE, Chancellor of Ireland, vice Mr. PONSONBY.
Domestic Occurrences.
ORLEANS. NEW-ORLEANS, MARCH 10. WE understand that EDWARD LIVINGSTON, Esq. of this city is preparing for the PRESS, a view of the late extraordinary occurrences that have taken place in this territory.—There is no doubt such a work from his PEN, will be received with avidity by the public—and, we sincerely hope, that our information on this subject may prove, as we believe it, correct. Friday last, came on before the United States District Court, in this city, the trial of the honorable JAMES WORKMAN, on a charge of High Misdemeanor, in planning and setting on foot an expedition for the conquest and emancipation of Mexico. The evidence on the part of the United States, having been gone through, Mr. WORKMAN refused to examine a witness in his defence, and submitted his cause to the jury without argument. The jury retired, and in a few minutes returned with a verdict, NOT GUILTY.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 27. Extract of a letter from an officer of the Navy to his brother in New York, dated "Natchez, March 22, 1807." "On the 19th inst. a duel was fought between my commander lieut. Jones and our much esteemed friend lieut. James T. Leonard. They exchanged three shots without effect; but unfortunately on the fourth round, lieut. L. received a very serious injury from his antagonist's ball entering the lumber region and wounding his kidneys. I am now very happy, however, to inform you, that the wound which at first was deemed mortal, has since put on favourable appearances, and great hopes are entertained for his safety."
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, APRIL 23. It is reported that 12,000 French conscripts, who were on their way lately from Paris to Mentz, overpowered their guard, and disbanded themselves. According to the public papers, the Austrian army is more numerous at present by 40,000 men, than at any period during the last war.
WARREN:
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1807.
Disappointment of the receipt of Printing-Paper occasioned the Herald's non appearance for several weeks past.
Commerce of America—In four days ending the 21st of April, 115 vessels arrived at the port of New-York, and on the last day 60 entered. On the same day property to the amount of 5 millions of dollars was entered at the port of Philadelphia. In the course of 3 days last week, 40 vessels arrived at Boston from foreign ports. From the 1st of December to the 21st of March, 154 American vessels arrived at Liverpool (Eng.) and on the 16th Feb. there were 137 American vessels laying in that harbor. Ship Favorite, Russell, from Bay of all Saints, arrived at Providence on Thursday last, informs, that Monte Video was taken by the English about the middle of January.
A Parisian Artist has obtained a patent for a new invention of a machine for joining the sides of all flexible matter. It is called the Devil among the Tailors, as he asserts, it will be particularly serviceable in preparing clothing for the army or navy, as a man can do as much in a given time, with the machine, as one hundred knights of the thimble, with a needle.
At the execution of three murderers in London, on the 23rd of February last, a dreadful scene was exhibited, occasioned by the pressure of an immense crowd of spectators,
which is said to have been greater than was ever witnessed, at a public execution. Nearly forty persons, men and women, were trampled to death, besides hundreds who were bruised, more or less, some with limbs broken, the flesh torn off the legs of others, &c. When the populace had dispersed, several hundred pair of shoes were picked up in the streets, with boots, cloaks, bonnets, &c. &c.
We are authorised to state, (says the National Intelligencer) for the information of merchants and others, trading to Caracas, on the Spanish Main, that AUGUSTIN MADIN, at La Guaira, is not to be considered as holding, at this time, any consular or commercial agency from the government of the United States.
On the 27th of November last, a number of British ships of war, commanded by Sir Edward Pellew, entered the harbour of Batavia, and burnt 18 large ships that had been ran ashore by the Dutch, who made a stout though unavailing resistance from their batteries.—During the engagement, some of the American vessels were obliged to slip their cables and run out, to keep clear of the shot, which flew thick about them. Among the vessels destroyed was the Phoenix frigate, of 32 guns; Adventurer, 20 guns; the Sea-Flower, of 14 guns; and three Company's ships; the rest were private vessels, one of which was a Prussian.—The account adds, "No one could behold the destruction of so many fine ships, without lamenting the evils inseparable from war, and particularly regretting that so large a portion of the misfortune should fall to the lot of private persons, most of whom were probably opposed to the principles and actions which first occasioned hostilities."
MARRIED.
On the 19th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Mester, Mr. THOMAS GRASON, of Scituate, to Miss AMY CALLENDER, of Providence.
DIED.
At Rehoboth, on the 26th ult. THOMAS CARTER, Esq. in the 74th year of his age; a distinguished revolutionary patriot. He was a member of the first Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, in 1775; and commanded a Regiment of Militia in the expedition upon Rhode-Island in 1778. Being a firm opposer of the insurrection by Shays, and his deluded followers in 1786, and a decided supporter of the Constitution and Washington and Adams' Administration of the Federal Government; he maintained through life, an honourable consistency of political principles and conduct. He was a believer in the Christian Scriptures, a member of the Christian Church, and exemplary in his attendance upon Divine Worship and Ordinances. As he enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens, while living; so they did him the honour at his death. His remains were followed to the house of silence, by an unusually numerous train of relatives and friends. After his interment, an appropriate sermon was delivered in the Meeting-house, to a crowded and solemn assembly.
Herald Ship News.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT. ENTERED. FROM Sloop Lydia, Burt, North-Carolina — Priscilla, Harrison, Charleston — Polly, Norris, New-York — Eagle, Tripp, ditto — Elvira, Knap, ditto Schr. Venetia, Marshall, ditto — Azubah & Ruthy, Dunwell, Havana Brig Lyon, Clift, Demerara Ship Good-Intent, Dennis, Liverpool CLEARED. FOR Sloop Friendship, Walker, Norfolk — Fame, Bliss, New-York — Halcyon, Cahoon, ditto Schr. Martha, Rich, ditto — Mount-Vernon, Shove, Philadelphia DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE. ENTERED. FROM Schr. Diana, Stoddard, Charleston — Union, Clark, New-York — George, Potter, Alexandria CLEARED. FOR Sloop Rolla, Earle, Charleston — Columbia, Avery, Georgetown — Warwick, Crofts, Albany — Alonzo, Westcott, New-York — Prudence, Foot, St. Bartholomew's — Arvin, Morley, St. Thomas Schr. Skey, Bears, Boston Brig. Hiram, Mauran, Matanzas — Swift, Noyes, Copenhagen Ship Asia, Pearce, Batavia via Lisbon
NEW-YORK, APRIL 27. Arrived, brig Thomas, Cooke, of New Bedford, 52 days from Certe. March 31, lat. 36, 25, long. 55, 47. spoke ship Hiram, McKean, of Newport, 30 days from New-Orleans for Antwerp. April 9, lat. 36, 14, long. 56, 12, spoke ship Factor of Providence, 11 days from Savannah for Liverpool, having on board Capt. Manning and crew, of the schr. Columbia, for New-York, which was abandoned on the 1st of April, 90 days from Cadiz, leaking so as not to be kept free.
BALTIMORE, APRIL 24. Arrived, ship Diana, Holbrook, 43 days from Liverpool. In sight of Cape-Henry light-house, was boarded by the British frigate Melampus, and detained 3 hours, and pressed John Morrey, with a protection.
Also, ship Globe, Bailey, 42 days from London. March 24, lat. 52, 30 spoke brig Hanaah, of Cohasset, 10 days from Boston, for Amsterdam. April 21, within 6 miles of Cape-Henry, was boarded by an officer from the British frigate Melampus, Capt. Hawk, who impressed Nicholas Workman, German, with a protection, who has sailed out of this port for nice years; Thomas Malone, born in New-York, with a protection, and Charles Turner, born in Philadelphia, without a protection—all kidnapped within the territory of the United States. Capt. B. had so many hands pressed from him, that he could not have navigated the ship had he not received assistance from the passengers.
Also, schr. Philanthropist, Munroe, 10 days from St. Jago de Cuba. Left, brig Zone,
Jordan, brought in a prize; Mount Vernon, Pierce, Dighton, do.; schr. Harper, Alexandria, do. Spoke going in, schr. Batley, Boston, 15 days from Baltimore. There are six privateers out of St. Jago and five out of Barracoa, fitted out for the express purpose of capturing neutral vessels bound to British ports, or having British manufactures on board under the late decree.
SHIPPING MEMORANDA.
The Flora, Adams, from New-Orleans for Europe, has been towed into New-Providence, after being on the Florida-shore, and was repairing.
The French corvette Lynx, has been captured by the British.
The brig Caroline, Adams, of Boston, at Nantes from Lisbon, having been to England since the decree of the Emperor of France, was not admitted to entry or to go on shore, until orders from Paris—expected he should be ordered away with his cargo.
Schr. Princess Ann, of Snow-hill, has been towed into the Chesapeake, by a Marblehead brig from Rochelle for Philadelphia.
The Clarissa & Eliza, has been driven on shore near Wilmington.
The ship Eleanor, Taylor, of Providence, was left at Amsterdam, March 12th.
Two vessels belonging to Newport, one commanded by Capt. Hys, left Rio de Janeiro for the River Plate the beginning of Dec. last.
The ship Resource, Magee, of Providence, was at Monte Video in January last.
At Plymouth (Eng.) March 29, the ship General Clarkson, Konkin, from New-York, for Amsterdam, detained by the British frigate Crocodile—a prize-master and eight men were put on board the General Clarkson, and on her way to Plymouth, she carried away her foremast, split her sails, strained the ship and otherwise damaged her; and when thus disabled, brought her to anchor about two leagues from land on a reef of rocks; the captain of the frigate then took out his officers and crew, and pressed three of the Gen. Clarkson's men, and abandoned her. The next morning Capt. C. made a signal of distress, and was assisted by Admiral St. Vincent.
Brig Commerce, of Rhode-Island, for Jamaica, has been captured by a French privateer, and carried into St. Jago de Cuba.
TO PRINTERS.
THE Editor of this Paper wishes to dispose of his PRINTING-OFFICE, with its establishment; or to let it on Shares:—As there are a number of Public Offices in Town—the daily increase of its inhabitants, its growing Commerce, &c. He thinks will be an object to a ready, industrious person to undertake it.—An early application is requested.
A JOURNEYMAN PRINTER, that is steady, industrious, and a good Workman, is wanted. May 2, 1807.
NEW GOODS.
Elizabeth Croade, TAKES the earliest opportunity to inform her Friends, Customers and the Public, that she has just received and now opening for Sale a large and beautiful assortment of Spring & Summer Goods, the chief of which were bought with ready money, and upon the very best terms, which she is enabled and determined to sell Cheap. (Particulars in the next Herald.) May 1, 1807.
DAVID BROWN, jun.
RETURNS Thanks to his Customers, and the Public in general, for the encouragement he has received, for two years past, in his Profession. He continues the GOLD and SILVERSMITH'S BUSINESS, and repairing Watches and Clocks, near the Spread Eagle, at the Sign of a Gold Watch, where he invites all who may incline to favour him with their Employment, to call, and hopes to give such Satisfaction as will induce them to call again. He keeps constantly on Hand a handsome Assortment of Silver Spoons, large and small Silver Thimbles, by the Dozen or single one; Gold Beads of various Prices, Bottom Pins, Finger Rings, and other Kinds of Jewelry. Any Articles that he has not ready made, can be had at a very short Notice, executed in the neatest Manner. He has Eight Day Clocks ready made, which he will warrant to be of the first Quality. Warren, April 24, 1807.
TO BE SOLD
At PUBLIC AUCTION, On the 3d Day of Aug. at 10 o'Clock, P. M. on the Premises.
A VALUABLE FARM most pleasantly situated, lying in the Town of Barrington, about Six miles from Providence Bridge, and 2 1/2 miles from the Town of Warren, it contains about 70 ACRES of LAND, with a large Dwelling House, BARN, and CORN CRIBB, an excellent Well of Water, and an Orchard, it is a good stand for a Public House and has been occupied for many years; the whole Farm is under good improvement, it is well watered with Springs that are never dry, a large proportion of mowing Ground with an excellent Garden for Onions and other vegetables, the remainder is good tillage.—Conditions, 1400 Dollars will be expected down, remainder a liberal credit will be given with good Security. VIAL ALLEN. Barrington, April 30, 1807.
NOTICE.
THE co-partnership of Messrs. NATHAN and STEPHEN DAVOL is by mutual consent dissolved. NATHAN DAVOL, STEPHEN DAVOL. Warren, April 30, 1807.
AT a Probate Court specially convened April 18, 1807. Resolved, that Messrs. Seth Peck & Coomer Hall, Commissioners on the Estate of Simon Burr, be authorised to receive Claims and Demands against said Estate until the 1st Monday in July next, then to report to the Court of Probate. Witness, WILLIAM BARTON, Pro. Clerk. Warren, May 2, 1807.
FOR SALE
BY the SUBSCRIBER, an excellent FARM in Barrington, containing about 60 Acres, lying on Rhombetick-Point, having the Narragansett-Bay on the West, East by a straight and beautiful Road, running from North to South of the Premises. Said Farm is very conveniently proportioned in Salt and English Meadow, Pasture and Tillage Land, and well fenced with Stone Wall; it is exceedingly well watered during the whole Year, and is abundantly furnished with good Stump for Building, &c. and has beside the Beauty of its Situation, the Excellency of its Soil, the Advantages of fishing and fowling on its Banks; it has also a variety of Conveniences, too many to mention in an Advertisement. A good Deed will be given of the Premises, and Terms of Payment made easy. SAMUEL SMITH. Barrington, April 24, 1807.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. In General Assembly, February Session, A.D. 1807.
RESOLVED, That the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars be appropriated to the purchase of the evidences of the registered public debt of this State, under the direction and management of Commissioners, to be appointed by the General Assembly.
Resolved, That CHRISTOPHER FOWLER, WILLIAM HAMMOND, jun. & JAMES RHODES, Esqrs. be appointed Commissioners to purchase the said evidences of the said registered public debt, in such way and manner, and on such terms, as they may think most advantageous to the public interest. That said Commissioners give public notice of their appointment in the news-papers, advertising the Creditors holding such evidences, to send to them, or either of them, on or before the first Monday of May next, sealed proposals of the terms on which they will sell the same; and that if proposals, equally advantageous to the State, shall be made for the sale of a greater amount of said debt than can be purchased by the sum hereby appropriated, the amount thereof shall be applied, in a ratable proportion, to the demands of the several creditors. A true Copy, Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
IN Conformity to the above-resited Act, the Commissioners therein appointed will receive from the holders of this State's Certificates of registered Debt, sealed proposals of the terms on which they will sell the same, and request they may be transmitted (toll-free postage) to either of us, and directed to said Commissioners, on or before the first Monday of May next, being the time limited by said Act. CHRISTOPHER FOWLER, WILLIAM HAMMOND, jun. JAMES RHODES. Newport, March 8, 1807.
FOR SALE
ONE half of a commodious Two Story Dwelling-House, and Lot of LAND adjoining thereto, situated in a central part of this Town. The House contains Six good Rooms, a Garret, Wash Room, and two excellent partitioned Cellars under the same, with a Well of Water convenient to the back door. The Lot measures about 42 Feet on the Main-street, exclusive of the House, and runs back 66 Feet. The House is in a good state of repair, and is in all respects a very eligible situation. It is offered on very advantageous terms to the purchaser, who may name his own time of payment.—For further particulars enquire of the Printer. Warren, March 14, 1807.
NOTICE is hereby given, That the Subscriber having been duly appointed Executor to the last Will and Testament of JAMES MARTIN, late of Barrington, deceased, and has taken upon him that trust by giving bonds according to Law.—All Persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment; and all those having demands, are desired to exhibit them for settlement. CYRIL MARTIN. Barrington, March 18, 1807.
FOR SALE,
A ONE STORY Dwelling-House, in good Repair, with four Rooms and Closet on the Ground, has a good Cellar and an excellent Well of Water, and Twelve Acres of LAND, two of which is Marsh; situate about one Mile from Warren on the East side of the Road leading to the Tavern lately occupied by Major NATHAN MUNRO, of Rehoboth, deceased—said Land has an out side Fence, part of which is Stone-Wall and runs from the Road to the River.—For Terms apply to JONATHAN SMITH, Warren, March 10, 1807.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
FROM THE CONTINEL.
[THE follies of fashion are pretty well hit off in the following.]
TO KITTY.
AT the Court of OLYMPUS, assembled by FASHION, The Gods pass'd a decree, that FASHION preside:—
She descended;—and Earth gave the Goddess applause, While REASON and SENSE stood abash'd at the cause,
Lo! from SMALLPEACE, now issues a thing with a crop, ('Twould offend the dear creature to call it a—fop!)
To the needle's great AJAX he fruitfully goes, And is fitted with breeches—and bag-tail small cloaths:
Of the Belles—but then 'twould be deemed unpolite, As to you, charming KITTY! I sit down to write;
EVERY MAN A THIEF BY NATURE.
TO A LADY.
LISTEN to me, my dearest creature, Every man's a thief by nature: See the little girls and boys,
AGATHIAS AND MARIA.
AN AFFECTING INTERVIEW.
IN a Village, not far from the Metropolis of the British Empire, lived a gentleman of small fortune, who had a daughter named Maria; and the Widow of a Naval Officer, who had a son named Agathias.
So near a neighbourhood naturally brought on an acquaintance; and as there was but one good school in the place, Agathias and Maria were educated together.
They were both remarkable, not only for their beauty but understanding; and therefore it is not strange, that they became insensibly attached to each other by a reciprocal tenderness, of which they knew neither the power nor the name.
Agathias was about two years older than Maria; and when he was about seventeen, it was thought proper that he should go to sea.
All things were therefore, prepared for his voyage; and the ship, in which he was to sail, was commanded by his uncle. Agathias, when he went to take leave of Maria and her family, bid them adieu with great cheerfulness and good humour, but reserved his last compliments for her.—He tenderly embraced her, and seemed to have much to say, but at last quitted her without being able to utter a word, and with such emotions as were visible to all present.
This particular, was soon known to her companions, who were continually teasing her about her sweetheart; but she was more deeply interested in the subject of their mirth, than they imagined.
In a few weeks, there was a visible alteration in the appearance of poor Maria. She became pale, melancholy, and silent. Her health gradually declined, and her friends dreaded a consumption, but were not able to discover the cause.
After some months, she could not, without great difficulty, be induced to eat. She was consumed by a perpetual hectic. In a twelvemonth she was worn to a skeleton, and her melancholy increased into a most deplorable madness.
Her parents, with great reluctance, at last consented to put her into a private mad-house, where she continued three years, and was then pronounced incurable. As she could not be taken home, and, as the expence of keeping her abroad was very great, her parents were further persuaded to remove her to Bedlam, not without some hopes of a cure from a different treatment. Here she continued five years longer, when a trifling accident first discovered the cause of her disorder.
Some of her companions, who went to see her, carried her a few sweet-meats in a paper, and this paper, was found the next day, by the woman who had the care of the ward having these words pricked in it with a pin; "Poor Agathias: Are you in your grave? Or have you forgotten your unhappy Maria?—But she will never forget you!"
This paper the woman gave to Maria's father, who immediately conceived its full meaning, and by ordering other pieces of paper to be often dropped in her room, and afterwards taken away, he obtained many confirmations of the purport of the first, and could no longer doubt, but that the love of Agathias had reduced his Maria to this state of extreme and hopeless misery.
Eight years had now passed, since Maria was first confined, & Agathias's mother and family had removed into a remote part of Yorkshire.—Agathias had been abroad the greatest part of the time, and being now just returned, had passed his examination, and obtained a lieutenant's commission.
As love had not impressed the idea of Maria upon Agathias's memory so deeply as it had impressed the idea of Agathias upon Maria's, and as he had no connection with the village where she had lived, did not at the age of twenty-five, think much of those with whom he had been acquainted as eighteen.
Chance, however, carried him to his old neighbourhood, and then the sight of the place, where he had enjoyed the cheerful innocence of childhood, renewed a thousand ideas that were associated with it, and he could not pass by the house, where Maria's parents still lived, without enquiring after the family.
He was received by the father and mother with great courtesy, as a stranger; for time had so changed his person, that they did not know him.
When he discovered himself, the father instantly burst into tears at the recollection of his daughter's misfortune, and the mother sunk down in a swoon.
Agathias, who could not conceive the cause of the distress, which his presence had produced, stood still in great consternation, and feared to ask any question, lest he might increase it.
The father, after having a little recollected himself, attempted to account for his behaviour, but was not able. A third person, however, who happened to be present, and was well acquainted with the affair related it to Agathias, who listened till pity had revived his love, and, upon a silent comparison of the pleasure which he had once shared with her, and of the misery to which she was reduced by the same cause, the tears, almost without his knowledge stole down his cheeks, and he stood some time silent;—then recollecting himself at once, and assuming his natural vivacity, he said to the father, "Come, Sir, I beg, that if anything in my power can serve her, you would be comforted;—to-morrow you shall give me leave to see her."
To this the old man gladly consented; and, the next day Agathias hastened to the cell, where he found the once blooming, sprightly alone, pale and dejected, supporting her feeble body with her hands placed upon
her knees, and looking with a kind of fixed insensibility upon the ground.
Agathias, after he had recovered from the first shock of such a spectacle, went to her, and gently taking her hand, called her by her name. His voice awakened her remembrance in a moment. She instantly started from her seat. Her eyes sparkled with eagerness, and her cheeks glowed with blushes. She held him at a distance, and gazed at him with a piercing and fixed attention. Still she was silent; but he still urging her to speak, and asking if she knew him, she at length fetched a deep sigh, and said, "Yes, I know you very well:—You are Agathias."
He was so moved at this incident, that he caught her in his arms, and wept over her, in an excess of fondness, uttering many tender and passionate exclamations of love and pity.
It had been remarked, that during the whole time of her confinement, the affliction of her mind had never once been relieved by tears.—But now, they burst from her in a sudden and copious shower. Her look grew more expressive, and her reason seemed already to have returned.
When he went away, she asked him tenderly, if she should see him again: And, upon assuring her, that he would be always with her, she replied with a sigh, though with perfect composure, "Then I shall be well."
If Agathias had not been before enamoured of her beauty, he was now in love to distraction with her distress.
The next morning, he went again to the hospital, and was told that Maria had wept incessantly many hours after he had left her;—that she was then more calm and composed, ate what was brought to her, while her guard staid with her—and desired she might have some change of clothes, about which she had, till then, been totally indifferent.
When he entered her cell, and enquired how she had rested, her answer was ready and pertinent. He remained with her the whole day, and she still behaved with a reserve, and becoming decency, like one conscious of having been in a disorder, from which she was recovered.
In this manner he continued to visit her near two months, and being then convinced that no degree of disorder remained, she was removed to a more commodious apartment:—Her health and beauty returned:—Her parents and Agathias were overjoyed at the change—and soon after, they were married.
They continued to live at her father's house, and, in about ten months, she brought Agathias a son, which, perhaps, was the only thing that could increase their happiness.
A FRAGMENT.
*** "WHAT is the meaning of that? said Henry to Polemon.—My young friend, you will be informed immediately. And at the same time the pastor being sufficiently near to be understood, called out to them, and they instantly repeated, it is he!
"These are my good friends," continued Polemon, "the inhabitants of the hamlet where I make my residence. I have been their pastor these forty years; and behold, forty years have I been cherished by them. As I never happen to be from home so late, without doubt, they were afraid some accident might have befallen me, and hastened to seek me."
"The tender affection I have for them, the cares I lavish on them, the assistance I give them, the pains I take to maintain among them peace and union, and to form their children to industry and affectionate obedience, have never been lost. They love me as sincerely desiring their welfare, and respect me as a father.—What I possess, is theirs; what they have, is mine. The living attached to my place is so small, that it is always employed beforehand to the comfort of the least easy of the Canton: but, in return, those who are more prosperous do not let me want for any thing; and
if I were not myself to set bounds to their generosity, I should always have more than is necessary."
"As long as I live, I shall remember, with delightful emotion, the day when they thought that a dangerous malady was plunging me into the tomb:—that moment was to me the sweetest of my life."
"The violence of the disorder with which I was attacked had already gained such a height, that I suffered no more for having suffered more than nature could sustain: I had my recollection while plunged into a degree of lethargy, the linking of which, after acute pains, had for me an inexpressible tranquillity. Such profound silence reigned in the room where I was, that I thought myself alone, and employed my efforts to trim myself in my bed, and enjoy once more the sight of heaven, through a window.—What was my surprise when I saw the apartment filled with my parishioners! The sudden emotion which this divine picture excited, added to my strength; I held out my hand; they hastened towards me. Blessed be God! they cried, he gives us back our father."
"O, my son! I indeed desired to be restored to them, since my existence contributed to their happiness: but I think the desire of quitting life, at that moment, prevailed over that of seeing it prolonged. O when, at that instant, my soul enjoyed more than tranquillity, how consoling it seemed to me, to appear before the Eternal, enveloped in the affection of the righteous and surrounded by the blessings of the poor!"
CONCORD SEED,
Just come to hand, a fresh and genuine assortment of Kitchen Garden Seed, and for sale by
NATHAN M. BURR,
as follows.
FLESH COLOURED Onions, Silver Skin, ditto. Blood Beet, Common, ditto. Carrot Seed, Parsnip do. Real Head Lettuce, Drum Head Cabbage, Cucumber and Raddish, 1 Bushel best early Rhode-Island PEAS. 20th March 1807.
NATHAN D. READ,
Late of Providence Sail Maker.
HAVING removed to Somerset and taken that large and commodious SAIL-LOFT, late the property of Mr. JOHN PETTIS, deceased, where he propels carrying on the SAIL MAKING BUSINESS, and solicits the Custom of the Public in general; every attention will be paid to those who favour him with their Custom, and their favours thankfully acknowledged.
LIKEWISE wanted as Apprentices in the above business two BOYS of about Sixteen Years of Age. *Somerset, March 20, 1807.
LOST
ON Tuesday the 3d instant, between CALSE CARR's, 2d, and Little Bridge, in Warren, a SILVER WATCH with a black rim round the face, Gold Hands, a Joint Steel Key, and large Seal with the Square and Compass engraved thereon, hung to a Worsted Chain.—Whoever has found the same and will lodge it at the Printing-Office, or deliver it to the Subscriber, shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble.
NATHANIEL WHEELER.
*Swansey, March 6, 1807.
WE the Subscribers having been duly appointed by the Hon. Court of Probate for the Town of Warren, Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims against the Estate of
BETSEY PEARCE,
late of Warren, widow, deceased, represented insolvent; do hereby give notice, that Six Months from the 27th Day of February 1807, are allowed to the Creditors of said Estate to bring in and prove their respective Claims, and those who do not bring in their claims within that time will be precluded according to Law.
SETH BECK, COOMER HAIL. } Coms
ALL Persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment to
BENJAMIN CRANSTON, Adm'tr.
*Warren, Feb. 27, 1807.
FOR SALE
A SHOP, Sixteen Feet by Fourteen, eight Feet Posts.
NATHANIEL PHILLIPS;
Warren, March 20, 1807.