Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1806-01-25 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 17, of Vol. XIV.]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1806.
[Whole No. 683.]
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONDAY, DEC. 30, 1805.
A BILL for extending the powers of the Surveyor-General to the territory of Louisiana, was read and referred.
The bill supplementary to the act making provision for the payment of claims under the French Convention, came from the Senate, with amendments; which were concurred in.
The Long-Island Sound light-house, and Roxbury port of delivery bill, passed.
A bill for making a road from the Potomac to the river Ohio, came from the Senate, and was referred. The bill appropriates 50,000 dollars to the object.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31.
The President, by message, informed the house, that New-York is the only debtor State which has discharged any of the balances on fortifications; and that she had been credited 222,810 dollars on that account.
Mr. Elliot moved the following resolution, viz. Resolved, That it is expedient to provide by law for sitting Navy Yards, on or near the Atlantic Ocean, for the reception of the ships of war of the U. States.—Referred to a Committee on The President's message.
John Dorr had leave to withdraw his petition.
A Committee was appointed to inquire into the expediency of making further provision for the faithful performance of the duties of Marshals.
Mr. Findlay observed that he had a confidential communication to make; on which the galleries were closed, and continued closed about half an hour.
The report of the Committee of Claims, on the case of Return J. Meigs, was concurred in.
The President communicated to Congress a very long report of Governor Hull, and Judge Woodward, of the territory of Michigan, on the concerns of that territory.
THURSDAY, JAN. 2.
Mr. Varnum, from the committee on the subject, reported a Resolution, That it is not expedient to adopt measures for the classification, or new organization of the militia; which was referred to a committee of the whole.
ARTICLES OF WAR.
The bill establishing the rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States, was taken up in committee of the whole, Mr. J. C. Smith in the chair. The power given to courts-martial in cases of mutiny to punish with death, it was moved should be struck out. This was opposed by Messrs. Varnum and Nelson, and disagreed to.—The same power given in cases where one offers violence to an officer, it was also moved should be struck out. This motion was advocated by Messrs. Campbell, Cook and Southard, who contended that these resolutions made mere machines of the soldiers; that every article appeared stained with blood; and that their severity would deter men from entering the service. It was opposed by Messrs. Nelson, Smilie, Mason and Talmadge, who represented the necessity of the bill standing as it had hitherto done in this respect. They drew a picture of the army without discipline, where every soldier might think himself at his own disposal—of an army being ordered to attack the enemy, and an officer refusing, and drawing his sword on his commanding officer. The necessity of a code of laws for the military differing from the civil law was demonstrated; and having by the law as it stands, gone through the revolutionary war with success, and in peace found no ill consequence arising therefrom, they thought it neither prudent, nor even safe, to adopt the amendment.
The motion was lost by a large majority.
Mr. Quincy presented a petition from the manufacturers of hats in Boston, complaining of the difficulty in procuring furs from the Indians, and complaining of the conduct of the agent for Indian affairs, and similar to others on that subject from Philadelphia and New-York.
The report of the Secretary of State, in favour of the claim of Capt. Landais, formerly commander of the Alliance frigate; for four vessels captured by her, and sent into Denmark; but which were restored to the British by that court; was referred to a committee of the whole.
Of the reports on private petitions, &c. was one on that of Salvans Catalina, a Tripolitan pilot. Commodore Preble having informed the committee, that the petitioner had been paid to the full extent of every thing promised him, he had leave to withdraw his petition.
FRIDAY, JAN. 3.
A memorial complaining of corruption and illegal practices, in the election of Michael Lieb, (from Philadelphia) was presented by Mr. Findlay, and referred to the committee of elections.
The Articles of War bill again engaged the attention of the house; but was not completed.
Mr. Randolph informed the house that he had something of a confidential nature to communicate, on which the galleries were cleared. When they were opened, an adjournment took place until Monday.
[The proceedings of Monday, Jan. 6, were inserted in the last Herald.]
THE following is the report of the Committee, of which Mr. Varnum was chairman. It was referred to the consideration of the committee of the whole, on the 6th inst.
The Committee, to whom was referred so much of the Message of the President of the United States, of the 3d of December, as relates to the organization and classification of the militia, and to the augmentation of the land forces,
REPORT IN PART:
In relation to a classification and new organization of the militia. The most extensive views of this part of the subject, which has occurred to the committee, is, a division of the militia into four classes, in the following manner, viz. Those between eighteen and twenty-one years of age, to compose one class; those between twenty-one and twenty-five, to compose a second class; those between twenty-five and thirty-five, to compose a third class; and those between thirty-five and forty-five, to compose a fourth class, each class to be under a separate organization, and to be commanded by separate corps of officers.—To this kind of organization, as it relates to the first class, we are met by a constitutional objection. By the constitution of the United States, Congress are empowered "to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, reserving to the states, respectively, the appointment of the officers."
By some of the state constitutions, it is provided, that the captains and subalterns of the militia shall be chosen by such of the persons who compose the respective companies, as are upwards of twenty-one years of age, so that there is no constitutional provision by which such states can appoint others to command a class of the militia composed of minors.
Knowledge of tactics, and an acquaintance with subordination and discipline, are acquirements of such importance to our national defence, that the promotion of them among the militia, ought to be a primary object with the government, and, no doubt, is exceedingly desirable in the minds of the individual citizens. But such means ought to be adopted by the government, as are best calculated to effect the object, with as little fatigue and expense to individuals, as the nature of the case will admit. It is conceived, that the fatigue and expense of military discipline is, in a very great degree, proportionate to the population of the different parts of the country where the duty is performed, or, in other words, it is proportionate to the distance each individual, composing the different corps, is compelled to travel to reach his place of parade: Under the present organization of the militia, this idea is fully verified; the difference in the expense of militia meetings in those parts of the country where the inhabitants are the most dispersed, when compared with similar meetings in the more populous parts is apparent; and, besides, the nature of the case compels us to believe, that the same cause will produce a similar disparity in military acquirements.
These, however, are evils which grow out of the nature of the case, and cannot be remedied but by the increase of population, because the principles of the organization are calculated to render the formation of the different corps as compact as is consistent with proper military arrangement.
By the organization and classification of the militia in the manner which has been named, the limits of each corps must be extended over four times the quantity of territory it now occupies, and consequently would burden the citizens with a proportionate additional expense in the acquisition of a competent portion of military information, or operate as a proportionate preventative to such acquisition. The subject has been viewed in another point of light, that is, to call on the two senior classes to exercise but once in a year, so as to proportion the quantum of exercise to the extension of the corps. In this case all the evils attendant on the extension of the different corps over additional territory, will attach to the junior classes, which could attach to them in the other case; and the consequent hazard of a failure in discipline will remain.
Military knowledge, like that of every other science, without practice, is soon forgotten; and although it is not probable that the whole of the militia will be needed in the field, at any one time, yet, in case of invasion, it is very possible that all who are in the vicinity of the assailants, may be necessary, and as it is uncertain at what point an enemy may make his attack, all should be prepared to meet such an event; but from a deficiency in discipline, or the want of a competent knowledge in tactics in the two senior classes only, an important opportunity for a speedy extermination of
an enemy might be lost, and the lives of many valuable citizens be put in jeopardy. It is therefore believed that this experiment is inadmissible.
Another view of the subject has suggested a classification of the militia, by ages, under the existing organization, for the sole purpose of designating those persons who are under twenty-five years of age, as the only proper objects of militia duty in the field, except in cases of great emergency, and in their particular vicinage. From eighteen to twenty-one years of age, is a period of life in which the young men of the United States are employed in completing an education, in pursuit of mechanical information, or in acquiring a necessary acquaintance with some other branch of business, occupation or profession, on the improvement of which they calculate to obtain a subsistence; from twenty-one to twenty-five, they are improving their previous acquirements in their various occupations and professions, and thereby laying a foundation for a decent support of themselves and families through life. This is a period also, at which the young men of the United States generally engage in matrimony, and become chargeable with families, all which renders their time as dear to them from eighteen to twenty-five years of age, as at any other period of life.
It would seem therefore, that an arrangement, which would compel this part of our citizens to bear the principal part of the burthen of national defence, might justly be deemed a departure from that principle of distributive justice, which ought to be a paramount characteristic of the government of the United States.
That young men would better endure the fatigues of a long campaign, than those more advanced in life, is not doubted; but whether on a sudden emergency they would be more useful in repulsing an enemy than an equal number of enrolled militia, from eighteen to forty-five, is a question of no doubt; if, however, it should be considered that the advantage is in favour of the young men, it is confidently believed, that the advantage in that case, to the public, would not be of a sufficient magnitude to justify the government in imposing on them such an unequal burthen.
If the proposed system should be adopted, the total derangement of the existing organization of the militia must be the consequence. It may be proper here again to remark, that by the constitution of the United States is vested in the general government, the power "to provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States;" but the same article of the constitution is expressive, in "reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress." By this arrangement in the constitution, the powers necessary to produce an efficient militia, are divided between the general government and the state governments. In pursuance of the power vested in the general government, on this subject, Congress did, in the year 1792, pass an act to establish an uniform militia throughout the United States, which act seems to embrace all the principles in the case delegated to Congress. Soon after the passage of that law by Congress, a consideration of the subject was assumed by the legislatures of the states; and laws have been passed by all the states for carrying that system into effect, so that by the co-operation of the general government and the state governments, the militia are now completely organized and officered throughout the union. It is now thirteen years since this system has been in operation; the people practising under it have in a great degree become acquainted with it, and attached to it; and in many parts of the union military discipline is rapidly progressing under it, and it cannot with propriety be doubted, that the militia of the United States, under the existing organization are amply competent to a defence against the intrusion of any invading enemy. To derange this system then, and introduce one totally new and untried, one in which it is not certain that the state legislatures will concur, and which is of doubtful aspect, as it relates to the approbation of the body of the people, would, in the opinion of the Committee, at this important crisis of our national affairs, be putting too much at risk.
They, therefore, recommend the following Resolution:
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to adopt measures for the classification or new organization of the militia.
DETACHED THOUGHTS.
THERE cannot be a more glorious object in creation, than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator, by doing most good to his creatures.
IN your friendships and in your enmities, let your confidence and your hostilities, have certain bounds: Make not the former dangerous, nor the latter incredible.
CONTINUATION OF LATE AND MORE IMPORTANT FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE;
RECEIVED BY THE WAY OF NORFOLK:— FRENCH DATES TO THE 20TH NOV.
SUMMARY.
VIRGINIA. NORFOLK, JAN. 7.
CAPT. Gordon, who arrived here on Saturday, in the ship Highland Mary, in 35 days from Bordeaux, has favored us with the Moniteur , and other Paris papers to the 20th Nov. and the Bordeaux papers to the 26th of the same month.
The intelligence which they contain is of the highest importance to the political world. The event which first attracts our attention, is the rapid advance of the French Grand Army to Vienna. We do not perceive by any of the papers we have received, that the Emperor of the French had actually entered Vienna, but he was within a few leagues of that capital, and no enemy to oppose him. In fact he only delayed his entry, in order to adjust some ceremonial, and to make it more solemn and impressive. It will appear incredible that a mighty empire should be overthrown in six weeks, and without one battle in which the ancient valor of the nation was displayed.
In Italy the French arms have in every instance been attended with success.
The King of Prussia adheres to his neutrality, or rather continues his partiality for France, and his unconquerable hatred of Austria.
France, is raising another most formidable army of 200,000 men, to follow the grand army, either to second its operations, or to act as an army of reserve in case of need.
France has concluded a treaty with the King of Naples and two Sicilies, by which it is stipulated, that France will withdraw her troops from the states of that King, provided he will not permit the forces of the combined powers to pass through his dominions.
In several of the Paris, and some of the German journals, a Continental Peace is supposed to be certain and immediate. It will be observed that the Emperor of the French was to proceed shortly to Munich to hold a general Congress for that purpose; it is confidently asserted in some of these journals, that the Emperors of Russia and Austria have made overtures to the Emperor of the French, through the mediation of Prussia.
With England, France appears determined to prosecute the war with vigour—she commenced the formation of another camp at Boulogne, to which place a part of the imperial guard had actually arrived. Bonaparte, it is said, as he passed to the Rhine, observed, that he would pass his Christmas in Vienna, and Easter in London.
The defeat of the combined fleet was known in France; the Moniteur preserved a sullen silence, whilst two of the minor journals, ventured, to notice the action in these words:— "Authentic letters from Madrid assert in a positive manner, that Admiral Nelson died of the wound he received in the engagement of the 21st October, four English Captains, as well as a great number of officers of every rank, lost their lives in it; it is a fact now clearly ascertained, that Admiral Collingwood has not been able to capture a single ship of the combined fleet, which were dispersed in the storm. The death of Admiral Nelson alone is an undoubted defeat for the English Navy!" Jerome Bonaparte arrived in the city of Naantz on the 20th of November.
PARTICULAR DETAILS.
TWENTIETH BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH GRAND ARMY.
Lintz, 16th Brumaire, (7th Nov.).
The engagement at Amstetten did great honour to the cavalry, and particularly to the 9th and 10th regiments of hussars, and to the grenadiers of the division of the general Gudinot.
The Russians have since accelerated their retreat; they in vain cut down the bridges upon the Ips, which were quickly re-established, and Prince Murat arrived as far as the abbey of Molk.
A reconnoitering party has posted off to Bohemia. We have taken very considerable magazines, both at Freystadt and as Martrnhausen.
Lintz, 17th Brumaire, (8th Nov.).
At the battle of Amstetten we took 1800 prisoners, 700 of whom are Russians.
Prince Murat has established his head-quarters at the abbey of Molk. His advanced posts are near St. Pölten (St. Hypolite.)

On the 17th, general Marmont directed his march towards Leoben. — On his arrival at Weger, he met the regiment of Ciulay, charged it and took 400 prisoners, among whom one colonel and several officers. He continued his march. All the columns of the army are in grand manœuvre.
TWENTY-FIRST BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH GRAND ARMY.
*Molk, 19th Brumaire, 10th Nov. year 14.
On the 16th Brumaire, the army of Marshal Davoust directed its march from Steyer to Naydhoffen, Martenzell and Lilienfeld. By this movement, it extended its front beyond the left of the enemy's army, which was supposed to be ready to make a stand on the heights of Hyppolite; and from Lilienfeld it marched towards Vienna by the high road leading directly to it.
On the 17th the advanced guard of this Marshal being yet several leagues from Marientzell, met the corps of Gen. Marefeldt which was marching towards Neustadt for the purpose of covering Vienna on that side. The Gen. of brigade Heudelet, commander of Marshal Davoust's advanced guard, attacked the enemy with the greatest vigour, routed him, and pursued him for the space of five leagues.
The result of this engagement of Marientzell was the taking of three stands of colours, 16 pieces of cannon, and 4000 prisoners—among whom are the colonels of the regiments Joseph de Colleredo and Douchmeister, and 5 majors.
On the 18th in the morning, Prince Murat arrived at St. Hyppolite. He gave directions to the general of Brigade of Dragoons, Sebastians, to push forward towards Vienna. All the court and grandees have left the capital. It had been already announced, at the advanced posts that the Emperor was preparing to quit Vienna.
The Russian army have effected its retreat to Krems, by recrossing the Danube, fearing no doubt to see its communication with Moravia cut off, by the movement which Marshal Mortier made on the left bank of the Danube.
The avenues of Vienna on this side do not resemble the avenues of the great capitals. From Lintz to Vienna there is but one high road; a great many rivers, such as the Ips, the Elaph, the Molk, the Traisen, &c. have only bad wooden bridges over them. The country is covered with forests of pine trees; at every step inexpugnable positions, where the enemy in vain endeavoured to make a stand. He was always apprehensive of seeing himself passed and turned by the columns which manœuvred beyond the flanks.
All the intercepted letters speak only of the frightful chaos which Vienna exhibits. The war was undertaken by the Austrian cabinet against the advice of all the princes of the Imperial family. But Colleredo, led by his wife, who, a French woman, bears the most envenomed hatred to her country; Cobentzel accustomed to tremble at the very name of a Russian, in the persuasion that every thing must bend before them, and to whom, moreover, it is possible the agents of England may have found means to introduce themselves, in fine, that miserable Mack, who had already acted such a great part for the renewal of the second coalition, these are the influences that have proved stronger than those of all wise men and all the members of the imperial family.
*Thirty miles west of Vienna.
ARMY OF ITALY.
The Marshal of the Empire MASSENA, Commander in Chief of the army of Italy, to the Marshal of the Empire, Berthier, Minister of War. At the head-quarters of St. Martin, 7th Brumaire (29th Oct.) year 14.
According to the march of the grand army, Monsieur le Maréchal, and always guided by the idea of conforming my movements to theirs, I attacked this morning, about five o'clock. The following is the statement of my dispositions, and of their result:
General Seras, commanding on my left the 5th division, had orders to
cross the Adige at Polo. The object of his movements was to stop the troops that might come down from the valley of the Adige at Poliselle.
I had ordered General Verdier, commanding at my right the 2d division, to manœuvre with the troops which compose it, and four regiments of cavalry, from Ronco as far as Alabro, so as to disquiet the enemy.
At the moment appointed for the execution of these movements, I made the first division, commanded by General Duhesme, cross the bridge of the old castle of Verona.—These troops vigorously attacked the heights of the Val-Pantene, and turned round the castle of St. Felice. Profiting then of the advantage of their position, I forced the enemy to evacuate Veronetta. The palisades of the new bridge were immediately knocked down, and the division of horse rangers under the orders of Gen. Espague, that of grenadiers under the orders of Gen. Patourneau, the reserve of cavalry, commanded by Gen. Monnet, and the third division, commanded by Gen. Molitor, crossed Veronetta, and gained the high road to St. Michael, where the Austrians opposed us with infantry and cavalry, protected by several pieces of cannon. I ordered different charges of cavalry, which were executed with vigour, and which I caused to be supported by companies of grenadiers placed at the right and left of the road; the enemy was routed, the village of St. Michael carried, and in one of these charges, the squadron of my guides made 500 infantry lay down their arms.
The division of Molitor powerfully seconding the march of our grenadiers, we drove the Austrians before us beyond St. Martin, and we at length took position at Vago. I shall pursue my advantages to-morrow morning, and will drive the enemy as far as I can. He has left great numbers on the field of battle; we took about 1600 prisoners, and two pieces of cannon. We have, on our side, lost very few men, and have had only a hundred wounded.
I learn this evening that General Seras has happily executed his movement, and that in taking possession of the positions which I had indicated, he has made a certain number of prisoners.
I caused to be taken down towards Persago the barks found at Veronetta, to carry over the division Verdier. I have the honour to salute you.
MASSENA.
FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS.
STRASBURGH, NOV. 26.
On the 9th Nov. Marshal Angereau's head-quarters were at Stockack. On the 10th he set out anew on his march; the right column of his army struck off towards Buckhorn, and filed along the upper part of the Eastern borders of the lake of Constance, by Laugenauger to Lindau and Bregenz. The centre column directed its march from Prulendorff to Savenburg, and from thence by Wangen and Ysny to Immenstadt. The left column which departed from Moeskirch on the 10th, marched off by Waldsee and Lentzkirch to Kempten, where it was to learn its further destination. If it be true as is asserted to-day, that the Austrian General Wolfskehl has surrendered by capitulation to a column sent against him by Marshal Ney, from Inspruck, and which cut off his retreat, Marshal Angereau will have for the moment no enemy to fight against, and may act in concert with Marshal Ney, against the Italian Tyrol.
FRANCE.
PARIS, NOV. 20.
The public were yesterday in expectation of receiving the confirmation of the news afloat for some days past, upon the entry of the French into Vienna, which was to have taken place on the 10th Nov. but the 21st Bulletin, which the Moniteur gives dated from Molk, the same day, making no mention of this desirable event, seems to belie the news. However, if it be observed that on the morning of the 18th Prince Murat was only ten or twelve leagues from Vienna, and that
he detached the same day a corps of dragoons towards that city, from whence the emperor and his court had already departed, it will readily be conceived that, there being no further resistance, the first division of the army may really have entered the capital the 19th, and possibly the emperor Napoleon himself may have made his entry the same evening that the Bulletin is dated.
NUREMBERGH, NOV. 1.
We know now in a positive manner what to believe of the intentions of Prussia towards all the belligerent powers. A new rescript of the Prussian Cabinet, addressed to the inhabitants of the Prussian provinces in Franconia, removes all doubts. The Regencies of the Margraviate of Anspach and Bareuth immediately caused it to be published, with the following introduction:
"It has been lately made known to all the Prussian authorities, that all foreign armies shall be proceeded against to avoid all species of excess, in the same manner and with the greatest impartiality. But as through misunderstandings and ignorance of the true intentions of the government, it has been reported that his Majesty the King of Prussia wished to take an active part in the war; it has been enjoined us to make known to the people that the military preparations of Prussia merely relate to the maintenance of the strictest neutrality; that the measures hitherto taken are only intended to insure the guarantee of the same, and that no other interpretation must be given them. We in consequence repeat all the authorities, and order them to make known to those under their jurisdiction, that all the reports touching the participation of his Majesty in the war, are destitute of all foundation; and this declaration is made in order to prevent and hinder all illegal acts on the part of individuals and communes."
It is confidently asserted that the King of Prussia will employ his mediation, and that count Hangwitz, who was lately at Vienna, will repair for this purpose to Munich.
MISCELLANEOUS PARAGRAPHS. VIENNA, NOV. 2.
The Court Chancellor has gone to Prague, to take measures for calling out the militia for the defence of Bohemia. The Court Courant, contains the following paragraph:—
"Though at this period the loyalty of all the inhabitants of the Austrian Monarchy is so eminently displayed, the conduct of a patriot of high rank deserves to be particularly noticed. He has declared his intention of giving up his accustomed mode of living, and of allotting his servants to the defence of the country. He also gives up his carriage until the restoration of peace, and is to pay into the public Treasury the amount of the maintenance of his coach and servants."
BANKS OF THE MAIN, NOV. 4.
The French army in Germany has a military Printing Press, it accompanies the Head-Quarters. It is said that Prince Murat is to proceed on an important mission to an eminent German Court. Since the arrival of Talleyrand, at Head-Quarters, it is said that very important diplomatic concerns are under consideration. Some expect that the negotiations will lead to an armistice.
ENGLAND.
LONDON, NOV. 25.
Government has received advices of the safe arrival of the expedition under Gen. Don, in the Weser. The troops landed; amounted to 15,000, and are to act with the Russian and Swedish troops from Pomerania.
The expedition under Gen. Don, will be followed by at least 50,000 troops, of which, one fifth will be cavalry.
The victories off Trafalgar and Ferrol have deprived the enemy of 23 ships of the line, and of 1700 pieces of cannon—of between 20 and 30,000 seamen—of four Admirals, one General, and almost all their best Naval Officers.
His Majesty has been pleased to order, that the remains of Lord Nelson shall lie in state in the painted chamber
in Greenwich Hospital. After this ceremony, the corpse is to be removed, in the King's barge, to the Tower, from which place the funeral proceeds, in grand procession, to St. Paul's Cathedral.
Domestic Occurrences.
VIRGINIA.
NORFOLK, JAN. 6.
FROM the accounts published in the French bulletins, it appears, that the meeting and defeating their enemy, were the same. The modern Cæsar, may, in imitation of the ancient, say veni, vidi, vici! The Austrian cabinet appears no less confounded, than the armies are dismayed. The Emperor of Austria abandoned his capital on the approach of the French, and retired to Bohemia. We cannot in this place resist the insertion of an anecdote of BONAPARTE, well known in the diplomatic circles of Paris, and related to us by a gentleman of veracity from France.—Some time last summer, Bonaparte, in speaking to the Austrian Minister, observed—"Your Master wants war, does he? Tell him from me, that if he obliges me to go to war, I will sleep in his bed before Christmas." That he will perform his promise, the present details sufficiently prove.
We have just seen a copy of a private letter from an officer of the French navy, dated Cadiz, Nov. 1, by which it appears, that the loss of the combined squadron was greater than before stated: L'Aigle and L'Indomptable were also lost; the former on the Spanish coast, and the latter in Cadiz bay, so that only ten sail of thirty-three remain.
FEDERAL CITY.
WASHINGTON, JAN. 12.
MESSAGE from the President of the United States, transmitting Documents and papers relative to complaints by the government of France, against the commerce carried on by American citizens to the French Island of St. Domingo.
TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
In compliance with the request of the Senate, expressed in their resolution of Dec. 27, I now lay before them such documents and papers (there being no other information in my possession) as relate to complaints by the government of France, against the commerce carried on by the citizens of the United States to the island of St. Domingo.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
January 10th, 1806.
The first is a letter from Gen. Turreau to the Secretary of State, complaining of citizens of the United States, engaged in an unlawful commerce with the rebels of St. Domingo, and of their using force to protect it, by arming their vessels, &c.
The second is from the same to the same, directing the notice of the secretary to his former note, which had not received any answer, reiterating his former complaint. He concludes by saying—
"The system of tolerance which produces this commerce, which suffers its being armed, which encourages by impunity its extension and its excess, cannot longer remain: and the Emperor and King, my master, expects from the dignity and candor of the government of the union, that an end be put to it promptly."
From Mr. TALLEYRAND to General ARMSTRONG, without date, but received in Gen. ARMSTRONG's letter to the Secretary of State, of the 10th Aug. 1805.
Sir—I have several times had the honor to call your attention to the commerce carried on from the ports of the United States to those of St. Domingo, occupied by the rebels.—These commercial communications would appear to be almost daily increased. In order to cover their true destination, the vessels are cleared for the West-Indies, without a more particular designation of the place, and with these commissions, provisions, arms, and other objects of supply, of which they stand in need, are carried to the rebels of St. Domingo.
Although these adventurers may be no more than the result of private speculations, the government of the United States is not the less engaged to put an end to them, by a consequence of the obligations which bind together all the civilized powers, all those who are in a state of peace. No government can second the spirit of revolt of the subjects of another power; and, as in this state of things, it cannot maintain communications with them, it ought not to favour those which its own subjects maintain.
It is impossible that the government of the United States should longer shut its eyes upon the communications of their commerce with St. Domingo. The adventurers for that island, are making with a scandalous publicity. They are supported by armed vessels—at their return, feasts are given, in order to vaunt the success of their speculations; and the acknowledgment, even the eulogies of the government, are so much relied upon, that it is at these feasts, and in the midst of an immense concourse, where are found the first authorities of the country, that the principles of the government of Hayti are celebrated, and that vows are made for its duration.
I have the honor, Sir, to transmit to your excellency, an extract of an American journal, in which are contained sundry details of a feast, given in the port of New-York, on board of a convoy which had arrived from St. Domingo.
The ninth feast, given to the government of Hayti, cannot fail, Sir, to excite your indignation. It is not, after having covered every thing with blood and with ruins, that the rebels ought to have found apologists in a nation, the friend of France.

But they do not stop at their first speculations. The company of merchants which gave a feast on the return of their adventure, is preparing a second convoy, and proposes to place it under the escort of several armed vessels.
I have the honor, Sir, to give you this information, in order that you may be pleased to call the most serious attention of your government towards a series of facts, which it becomes its dignity and candor no longer to permit. The federal government cannot so far separate itself from the inhabitants of the United States, as to permit to them, acts and communications, which it thinks itself bound to interdict to itself; or, as to think that it can distinguish its own responsibility from that of its subjects, when there is in question an unparalleled revolt, whose circumstances, and whose horrible consequences, must alarm all nations, and who are all equally interested in seeing it cease.
France ought to expect from the amity of the United States, and his majesty charges me, Sir, to request in his name, that they interdict every private adventure, which, under any pretext or designation whatsoever, may be destined to the ports of St. Domingo, occupied by the rebels.
Receive, General, the assurances of my high consideration.
(Signed) CH. M. TALLEYRAND. To his Excellency General Armstrong, Minister Plenipotentiary of the U. S.
From Mr. TALLEYRAND to General ARMSTRONG. PARIS, 29th Thermidor, 13th year, (16th August, 1805.)
Sir—Since the letter I had the honor to write to you on the 2d Thermidor, concerning the armaments which were making in the ports of the United States for the western part of St. Domingo, fresh information upon this point, confirms every thing which had been received. The adventurers for St. Domingo are publicly made; vessels are armed for war, to protect the convoys; and it in virtue of contracts entered into between Desfosses and American merchants, that the latter send him supplies and munitions of war.
I add, Sir to the letter which I have the honor to write to you, a copy of a sentence given at Halifax, in the matter of a merchant of New-York, who had conveyed into the revolted part of St. Domingo three cargoes of gun-powder, and who was taken on his return by an English frigate.
If even in the English tribunal, where this prize was condemned, the whole island of St. Domingo was considered as a French colony, how can the federal government tolerate that the rebels of this colony should continue to receive from America, succours against the parent country? It is impossible that that government should be ignorant of the armaments making in its ports. Too much publicity is given to them, not to render it responsible, and it ought to perceive that it is contrary to every system of peace and good friendship, to suffer longer in its ports armaments evidently directed against France.
Without doubt, the federal government would not wish, in order to favour certain private speculations, to give new facilities to rebellion and robbery (brigandage); and tolerance of a commerce so scandalous, would be unworthy of it. Neither your government nor his Majesty can be any longer indifferent to it; and as the seriousness of the facts, which occasion this complaint, obliges his Majesty to consider as good prizes every thing which shall enter the ports of St. Domingo, occupied by the rebels, and every thing coming out, he presumes himself that the government of the United States will take, on its part, against this commerce, at once illicit and contrary to all the principles of the law of nations, all the repressive and authoritative measures proper to put an end to it. This system of impunity and tolerance can no longer continue; and his majesty is convinced, that your government will think it due from its frankness promptly to put an end to it.
Receive, Sir, the assurance of my high consideration. (Signed) CH. M. TALLEYRAND. To his Excellency General Armstrong.
NEW YORK. NEW-YORK, JAN. 12. We understand that dispatches from Mr. Munroe, to the Secretary of State, arrived on Saturday morning, in the ship Cato, from Liverpool, and were immediately forwarded to the seat of government. It is said that the difficulties between the British government and this country are amicably adjusted, in consequence of a spirited remonstrance from the London Merchants.
JAN. 15. The expedition against Boulogne, under Sir Sydney Smith, though planned with much nautical skill, had, at the date of our last advices, owing to the weather, proved utterly abortive. Every thing had been arranged by Sir Sydney for a gallant attack on the place; the line was actually leading in, the bombardment had commenced, and the hope of success animated every bosom; when, to the mortification of all concerned, the wind, which had before been favourable, shifted to another quarter, and blew a gale. The preservation of the squadron was now the object of attention. The largest vessels were in imminent danger of going ashore, and the smaller vessels rolling guawale to.
With much difficulty the expedition, after sustaining very considerable damage, returned to the Downs. It is supposed that so much injury has been received as will prevent any attempt on the same extensive scale for the season.
MAS. BOSTON, JAN. 16. FROM GIBRALTAR.—Capt. Lamson, who arrived here on Tuesday last from Gibraltar, confirms the account, that thirteen of the English line of battle ships, engaged off Ca-
dis, were at Gibraltar, totally dismasted; and that four of Lord Nelson's, prizes were also there.—He adds, that two of the Spanish prizes got into Malaga, after the action; that the British ships were very severely injured; and that they lost a great number of men.
FROM THE WEST-INDIES.—The N.Y. Gazette of the 10th inst. states, "That letters had been received by a respectable house in that city, of the date of the 5th Dec. announcing, that an order had, the preceding week, been issued at Laguire and Porto Cavello, totally prohibiting the further exportation of Co-coa, Coffee, and Hides."
The same paper also states, that letters were received there from St. Croix, importing, "That the French squadron, which lately failed from Rochefort, consisting of four sail of the line, and six frigates, had arrived at St. Pierre, (Mart.)—and that a large force was expected to follow them immediately."
WARREN: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1806.
AMERICAN SEAMEN IMPRESSED.
Extract of a letter from Mr. SETH BARTON, son of Col. DAVID BARTON, of this town, dated
"Funchall, (Madeira) Sept. 21, 1805."
"HONORED PARENT, "I suppose you have been informed of our misfortune. We failed from Rio de la Plata, in the ship Mary-Ann, capt. Cory, of Providence, on the 3d of Dec. and were captured in the English channel, by his Britannic Majesty's ship Polyphemus, of 64 guns, capt. Lawson. We then being under Spanish colours, they took all the Spanish seamen out, who were made prisoners of; and as Americans, who had good protection, made slaves. We had the misfortune to be on board, the Polyphemus about three months before we got into England; and when we arrived at Plymouth, we wrote to the American Consul in London, and to the Vice-Consul in Plymouth, from whom we got an answer, that capt. Cory had made application for our discharges—but before the Consul could do any thing for us, they sent us on board the Reasonable 64, capt. Rowly, and in her carried us to sea. I was in their service 6 months and 19 days; and the Reasonable touching at the island of Madeira, on the 28th of August, between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning, I swam from her, and had the good fortune, thro' my Maker's divine pleasure, to get safe on shore, with one pair of trousers, one shirt, a handkerchief, and my protection, with which I went to Mr. Lemarr, the American Consul, and that gentleman received me in a fatherly manner, gave me clothes, and sent me to live in his house, until he could procure a passage for me."
"I left on board five of my countrymen, and old shipmates in the Mary-Ann, viz.—CHARLES FANNY BOWEN, of Providence, nephew to Doctor William and Pardon Bowen.—JOHN GORTON OLIN—THOMAS RICE GREEN, and BENJAMIN HATCH, all of Warwick, or East-Greenwich; and they have all protections but HATCH. I left likewise THOMAS WOOD, of Stonington. I am sure they never will be liberated, unless by the interference of the government of the United States."
MEMORANDA.—A letter from captain Schott, of Boston, dated at Tortola, Nov. 18, mentions the impressment of one of his men, Joseph Richings, by capt. Rose, of his Majesty's ship Circe. When capt. S. exhibited the protection, the captain of the frigate detained it, and kept the man. Richings has a sister at New York, by the name of Elizabeth Screes. The protest of capt. S. against this shameful proceeding, will undoubtedly be forwarded to government.
Capt. Lamson, arrived at Boston, left at Gibraltar, Nov. 20, ship Aurora, Hall, detained by the British brig Indefatigable, loaded with wheat from Bordeaux, for Villareal, condemned-hull and cargo; brig Mary-Ann, from New-York, for Cadiz, with slaves, liberated by the Court, and waiting the motions of the prize agent. Spoke, Dec. 15, the British frigate Cleopatra, of 32 guns, Capt. Wight, who boarded Capt. L. and impressed two seamen, EDWARD HAYS, of New-York, and EDWARD AVERY, of Newport; and sent on board Captain JOHN SOMAS, having previously impressed him. The Captain of the frigate informed, that he intended cruising off Bermuda until he had impressed his complement of men; and that he wanted 110.
From LISBON.—Accounts are received at New-York, from Lisbon, stating, "That the crops of wheat have been much less than was expected, both there and in Spain—and that in Portugal they are laying up large quantities of grain from France, to provide against a scarcity which is expected in the winter."
The ordinary revenue of the United States for 1806, is estimated at 12,500,000 $ the Mediterranean fund, arrests of internal duties, direct tax, &c. will produce 1,000,000 $; the specie in the treasury 4,575,000. Making 18,075,000, at the service of government for 1806. The permanent expenses are estimated at 11,150,000 $; the extraordinary demands for 1806, amount to 4,000,000 $—making together 15,150,000 dollars. Leaving 2,625,000 dollars unappropriated.
Jerome Bonaparte arrived in the city of Nantz on the 20th of November, and was received with the highest civil and military distinctions. He was, it is said, on his route for Brest, to join the fleet at that place, which, animated by the presence of his Imperial Majesty's brother, would (says the French journals) be impatient to give the English battle. They will probably think better on that subject.
U. S. REVENUE.
The following statement of payments made into the Treasury of the United States by the several Collectors of Customs, during four years, commencing April 1, 1801, and ending the 31st of March, 1805, exhibits the amount of Revenue of the respective Ports in the Union:
   NEW-HAMPSHIRE— DOLLS. CTS.   PORTS. PAYMENTS.     Portsmouth, 484,513 41 484,513 41   MASSACHUSETTS—   Boston, 6,408,400 26   Salem, 1,034,498 07   Portland, 545,265 66   Newburyport, 400,614 30   Kennebec, 168,984 64   Gloucester, 104,049 61   Bath, 96,927 19   Marblehead, 92,439 48   Wiscasset, 89,422 45   New-Bedford, 71,227 50   Biddeford, 61,941 62   Nantucket, 58,395 41   Plymouth, 57,256 99   Waldoborough, 52,932 96   Penobscot, 51,366 63   Dighton, 35,200 61   Camden, 32,900   York, 26,698 72   Edgartown, 21,879 21   Barnstable, 15,042 58   Frenchman's Bay, 614 48   Ipswich, 600   Machias, 500   Passamaquoddy 212 42 9,427,370 79   CONNECTICUT—   New-Haven, 510,637 15   Middletown, 382,757 31   New-London, 283,049 88   Fairfield, 72,900 46 1,248,344 80   RHODE-ISLAND—   Providence, 781,556 12   Newport, 399,916 70   Bristol, 106,600 1,279,072 82   VERMONT—   Vermont, 4 022 83 4 022 83   NEW-YORK—   New-York, 12,862,020 87   Hudson, 14,200 43   Sagg Harbour, 2,456 76   Champlain, 1,200 12,879 878 06   NEW-JERSEY—   Great Egg-Harbour, 5,700   Perth-Amboy, 5,150   Berlingen, 2, 52   Bridgetown, 1,000 14,002   PENNSYLVANIA—   Philadelphia, 7,777,965 14 7,777,965 14   DELAWARE—   Wilmington, 230,327 87 230,327 87   MARYLAND—   Baltimore, 3,861,963 08   Snow-Hill, 12,156 48   Oxford, 3,840 56   Vienna, 2,500   Havre de Grace, 950   Chester, 350 3,881,760 12   VIRGINIA—   Norfolk, 1 646 700 97   Petersburg, 510,506 17   Alexandria, 467,761 23   Richmond, 290,032 43   Tappahannock, 93,249 97   Folly Landing, 8,900   Cherrystone, 7,134 63   East-River, 6,624   Yorktown, 1,500   Dumfries, 340 3 032 749 40   NORTH-CAROLINA—   Wilmington, 319,110 07   Newbern, 146,429 95   Edenton, 129,505 57   Washington, 67,234 64   Beaufort, 10,000 672,280 23   SOUTH-CAROLINA—   Charleston, 3,031,639 77   Georgetown, 33,786 56   Beaufort, 4,500 3,069,926 33   GEORGIA—   Savannah, 914,039 73   Brunswick, 11,318 34   St. Mary's, 3,551 27 928,909 54   TENNESSEE—   Fort Adams, 26 900   Muscogee, 3,400   Palmyra, 1,370 31,670   MICHIGAN—   Michilimackinack, 33,005 05   Detroit, 18,132 51,137 05   ORLEANS—   New-Orleans, 23,791 83 23,791 83   COLUMBIA—   Georgetown, 15,950 15,950   KENTUCKY—   Louisville, 20   Allburgh, 1,145 1,165   TOTAL— 45,174,837 22  
Gen. MOREAU, is a conversation, lately, on the subject of Bonaparte's successes in Germany, is said to have observed, "It was not a difficult matter for a French army to penetrate to Vienna, but the difficulty lay in getting back in safety."
COMMERCIAL.
Norfolk, Dec. 30.—Most of our readers, but more particularly our commercial friends, whose property is implicated, will remember, that the Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court in New-Providence, had by interlocutory sentence, detained certain American vessels, for further proof as to the nature of the trade between this country and the island of Cuba. A gentleman of this place, having property in this situation, has procured from the proper authority of that island, an official document, which states, that the port of Cavanass was opened to neutrals all the last war, and has been opened in the same manner, since Jan. last, and that the opening of that port, Mariel, Guajabon, Jaruco, &c. is not a thing lately determined on, but they have, like the Havana, been opened, during war, for a length of time. It further states the necessity of vessels loading at Cavanass, &c. and clearing out at Havana, being dependencies on the custom-house there. We do not know what effect this will have on the Judge, but confess we are not sanguine; the disposition for condemnation being too pronounced to afford any grounds for the hope of acquittal.
Near 32 millions feet of lumber were exported from the flourishing town of Portland, last year.
An Isle of France price current of Sept. 27, mentions, that the market is so glutted that the prices are merely nominal.
Markets good at Havana, 24th ult. Flour was selling at 18 and 20 dollars.
MARINE NEWS.
A large ship is said to be ashore on Great Egg Harbor, said to be from Barcelona. The brig Polly, William Collins, master, from St. Pierre, (Mart.) of and from Boston, loaded with sugar, molasses and co-coa; was wrecked on the night of the 29th ult. on Barnegat Beach; the principal part of the cargo will be saved, but much damaged.
The U. S. brig Vixen, left Gibraltar, Nov. 11th, for Malaga.
The brig McIntosh, of Boston, left Cayenne, 7th Dec. for Carolina;—the Ocean, of Boston, for Oronoque, failed from Cayenne, 22d Dec.
The ship Stagg, of Boston, from Teneriffe, for St. Thomas, captured by the Patriot privateer, of Tortola; and the ship Robereau, of Baltimore, from Bordeaux, for New Orleans; have been carried into Barbadoes, and condemned, vessels and cargoes.
The schr. Adventure, Norris, from Halifax for New-York, sunk at sea on the 5th inst.; crew saved.
The ship Columbia, Lewis, from Lisbon, for New-York, went ashore at Little Egg Harbour on the 5th inst.
There are nine United States frigates lying in the Eastern branch of the Potomac.
The sch. James, Rogers, with iron and hemp, 117 days from the Baltic for Boston, arrived at Neshann the 14th Dec. in distress, having experienced remarkable bad weather; being obliged to lay 100 22 days since they failed.
The schr. Mohawk, Quarles, of Norfolk, arrived at Cape-Francois, was demanded by the black rotation consignee; the captain, however, not having confidence in him, delivered only about 1000 dollars property to him, observing that when that was sold and accounted for, he would deliver more.—On this being known to his black Majesty, Desfilles, an armed force was ordered on board, and the cargo taken out.
Kingston, (Jam.) Nov. 28.
The American ship Citizen, from Black-River to this port, a prize to the armed schr. Brunswick, got on shore on Heshire Point on the 12th inst. and is dismasted and bilged.
December 4. The American schr. Echo, from Baltimore, with a cargo of dry goods, for Jeremie, taken by a French privateer, and re-taken by his Majesty's brig Pelican, was brought into Port Royal yesterday.
Nassau, (New-Providence) Dec. 10.
The sch. Caroline, (belonging to Messrs. Maynard and Lemb, of Boston, and chartered by John Rice) with 275 bds. of molasses, from the Bay, of Hunds, in attempting to make the Havanna, was fallen in with by the armed sch. Mars, Capt. Gibson, and sent in here for adjudication.
Bristol-Road Lottery.
THE Managers of the BRISTOL ROAD LOTTERY hereby give Notice, that they have sold the greater part of the Tickets—that they have a prospect of disposing of the remainder in a short time. A postponement of the drawing of said Lottery has necessarily taken place, but the same will positively commence on MONDAY, the 3d day of FEBRUARY next. Those who are disposed to adventure in this Lottery, so well calculated to promote equally the interest of the adventurers and the public good, are requested to apply soon, or it will be too late to avail themselves of this opportunity of profitable speculation.
JOSEPH REYNOLDS, WILLIAM D'WOLF, WILLIAM PEARSE, THOMAS CHURCH, WILLIAM COGGESHALL, } Managers. Bristol, Jan. 18, 1806.
A few Tickets in the above Lottery may be had of the Editor of this paper. NOW is the important crisis!—The GODDESS OF FORTUNE awaits a levee.—Tickets are ready for admission, and on MONDAY, the 3d of February, her wheels will be in motion.—Apply soon, or the chance will be lost.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
FROM THE NEW-YORK EVENING POST.
WRITTEN BY A HUSBAND, ON THE XIV th ANNIVERSARY OF HIS MARRIAGE.
ONCE more, my dear Mary, the circling Sun, His annual course round the world has repeated; And since our hymeneal connexion begun, This day fourteen years have been fully completed. Heaven heard us declare, That each comfort and care, With hearts join'd in one we would constantly share; Till TIME the last sand of our glass should expend, And DEATH cut the ties of a lover and friend.  What mingled emotions arise at the view Of life's checker'd road, which we've travelled together; The griefs that we suffer'd, the joys that we knew, Prosperity's sunshine—misfortune's foul weather. What hopes, and what fears! What smiles, and what tears! Fill up the mix'd map of these fast fleeting years! But changes of seasons and fortune, still tend To strengthen the ties of a lover and friend.  Around to behold such a numerous race Of girls and of boys, the dear pledge of affection; Their minds fraught with sense, and their persons with grace, Should sweeten our labours, and banish dejection. May each anxious care, These pledges to rear, Cement our affection, and make them more dear; And the bland name of Parent its influence lend, To give a new zest to a Lover and Friend.  If Providence smiles, and increases our store, The boon will be enjoyed with a wise moderation; A portion shall still be assign'd to the poor, For tho' poor, and despis'd, they are all our relations.  Or if heaven lessen Each temporal blessing, Our cup will be full while each other possessing. And PEACE, live a dove, on our cot shall descend, To sweeten the cares of a lover and friend.  Inspir'd by love, with those feelings sublime; And join'd heart and hand in those bonds so consol- ing, Together we'll glide down the swift stream of TIME, Which fast to ETERNITY's ocean is rolling; Then as age comes apace, May we grow in each grace, And run with new vigour the good Christian race! Till heaven's kind message with death shall descend, And call to the skies, both the lover, and friend!
LORD NELSON.
Interesting biographical sketch of the life of Lord NELSON.
IN the year 1770, his Lordship entered on board the Raisonable , of 64 guns, commanded by his maternal uncle Captain Suckling, and from him he received the rudiments of naval tactics. We cannot follow him through the brilliant career of his services in every quarter of the globe—first in the West-Indies: afterwards with Lord Mulgrave to the North Pole, where as our readers know, the two ships were long enveloped in ice, and where the labor of the crews could hardly move them amidst the shoals. At this early period the eager character of his mind displayed itself. He procured a sort of boat to move, either on or off the ice, to explore channels. And a pleasing anecdote is told of the youth at this time. He was one night missing from the ship; search was made for him in all directions—it was imagined he was lost. As day broke he was discovered at a distance on the ice, with a musket, in pursuit of an immense bear, which he had followed the whole night in hopes of killing. On his return, Captain Lutwidge demanded what motive could have induced him to quit the ship at such an hour, and in such a season? The young hero, with great simplicity replied—"I wished, Sir, to get the skin for my father." He then went to the East-Indies; and, on his return, was made a Lieutenant in 1777. He then went to Jamaica, in the Lowestoffe , as second Lieutenant. In a strong gale of wind they captured an American letter of marque. The first Lieutenant was ordered to board her; but after attempting it, he returned on account of the sea running so high. The Captain exclaimed, "have I then no officer who can board the prize?" The master ran to the gangway—"No," exclaimed Nelson, "It is my turn now, if I come back it will be your's." He was made post in June 1779, and his first ship was the Hitchinbroke . From this time his services became so conspicuous as to be generally known, and we need not enumerate the brilliant series, as it is indelibly imprinted on every heart.
We cannot, however, refrain from inserting here the narrative of Lord Nelson's first encounter with the Santissima Trinidada , in 1797, as most admirably drawn up by Colonel Drinkwater:
"When Sir John Jarvis, (now Lord St. Vincent) on the 14th February, 1797, had accomplished his bold intention of breaking the enemy's line, the Spanish Admiral, who had been separated to windward with his main body, consisting of 18 ships of the line, from nine ships that were cut off to leeward, appeared to make a movement, as if with a view to join the latter. This design was completely frustrated by the timely opposition of Commodore Nelson, whose station in the rear of the British line afforded him an opportunity of observing this manœuvre; his ship, the Captain , had no sooner passed the rear of the enemy's ships that were to windward, than he ordered her to wear, and stood on the other tack towards the enemy. In executing this bold and decisive manœuvre, the Commodore reached the sixth ship from the enemy's rear, which bore the Spanish Admiral's flag, the Santissima Trinidada , of 136 guns: a ship of four decks, reported to be the largest in the world. Notwithstanding the inequality of force, the Commodore instantly engaged the colossal opponent, and for a considerable time had to contend not only with her, but with her seconds a-head and a-stern, each of three decks. While he maintained this unequal combat, which was viewed with admiration, mixed with anxiety, his friends were flying to his support, the enemy's attention was soon directed to the Culloden , Capt. Troubridge, and in a short time after to the Blenheim , of 90 guns, Capt. Frederick, who opportunely came to his assistance. The intrepid conduct of the Commodore staggered the Spanish Admiral, who already appeared to waver in pursuing his intention of joining the ships cut off by the British fleet; when the Culloden's timely arrival, and Capt. Troubridge's spirited support of the Commodore, together with the approach of the Blenheim , followed by Rear-Admiral Parker, with the Prince George , Orion , Irresistable , and Diadem , not far distant, determined the Spanish Admiral to change his design altogether, and to throw out the signal for the ships of the main body to haul their wind, and make sail on the larboard tack. Not a moment was lost in improving the advantage now apparent in favor of the British squadron; as the Rear-Admiral Parker's division approached the enemy's ships in support of the Captain (Commodore Nelson's ship) and her gallant seconds, the Blenheim and Culloden , the cannonade became more animated and impressive. In this manner did Commodore Nelson engage a Spanish three-decker, until he had nearly expended all the ammunition in his ship; which had suffered the loss of her fore-top-mast, and received such considerable damage in her sails and rigging, that she was almost rendered bors du combat . At this critical period, the Spanish three-decker having lost her mizen-mast, fell on board a Spanish two-decker, of 84 guns, that was her second; this latter ship consequently now became the Commodore's opponent, and a most vigorous fire was kept up for some time, by both ships, within pistol-shot. It was now that the Commodore's ship lost many men, and that the damages already sustained, through the long and arduous conflict which she had maintained, appeared to render a continuance of the contest in the usual way precarious, or perhaps impossible. At this critical moment, the Commodore, from a sudden impulse, resolved on a bold and decisive measure; and determined, whatever might be the event, to attempt his opponent's sword in hand—the boarders were summoned, and orders given to lay his ship on board the enemy. Fortune favours the brave! Nor on this occasion was she unmindful of her favorite. Ralph Willet Miller, the Commodore's Captain, so judiciously directed the course of his ship, that he laid her aboard the starboard quarter of the Spanish 84—her sprit-sail-yard passing over the enemy's poop, and hooking in her mizen shrouds; when the word to board being given, the officers and seamen, destined
for this perilous duty, headed by Lieut. Berry, together with the detachment of the 69th regiment, commanded by Lieut. Pearson, then doing duty as marines on board the Captain, passed with rapidity on board the enemy's ship; and in a short time the San Nicolas was in the possession of her intrepid assailants. The Commodore's ardour would not permit him to remain an inactive spectator of this scene. He was aware that the attempt was hazardous; and he thought his presence might animate his brave companions, and contribute to the success of this bold enterprise; he therefore, as if by magic impulse, accompanied the party in this attack; passing from the fore-chains of his own ship into the enemy's quarter gallery, and thence thro' the cabin to the quarter-deck, where he arrived in time to receive the sword of the dying commander, who had been mortally wounded by the boarders. He had not been long employed in taking the necessary measures to secure this hard-earned conquest, when he found himself engaged in a more arduous task. The stern of the three-decker, his former opponent, was placed directly amidships of the weather beam of the prize San Nicolas ; and from her poop and galleries the enemy sorely annoyed with musketry the British, who had boarded the San Nicolas . The Commodore was not long in resolving on the conduct to be adopted upon this momentous occasion; the two alternatives that presented themselves to his unshaken mind, were to quit the prize, or instantly board the three-decker.—Confident in the bravery of his seamen, he determined on the latter. Directing, therefore, an additional number of men to be sent from the Captain on board the San Nicolas , the undaunted Commodore, whom no danger ever appalled, headed himself the assailants in this new attack, exclaiming—Westminster Abbey, or glorious Victory! Success in a few minutes, and with little loss, crowned the enterprize. Such indeed was the panic occasioned by his preceding conduct, that the British no sooner appeared on the quarter-deck of their new opponent, than the Commandant advanced;—and asked for the British Commanding Officer, dropped on the knee, and presented his sword, apologizing at the same time for the Spanish Admiral's not appearing, as he was dangerously wounded. For a moment Commodore Nelson could scarcely persuade himself of this second instance of good fortune; he therefore ordered the Spanish Commandant, who had the rank of a Brigadier, to assemble the officers on the quarter-deck, and direct means to be taken instantly for communicating to the crew the surrender of the ship. All the officers immediately appeared:—and the Commodore had the surrender of the San Josef duly confirmed, by each of them delivering his sword. The Coxswain of the Commodore's barge (John Sykes, since dead) had attended close by his side throughout this perilous attempt. To him the Commodore gave in charge, the swords of the Spanish officers as he received them; and the undaunted tar, as they were delivered to him, tucked these honourable trophies under his arm, with all the coolness imaginable. It was at this moment also, that a British sailor, who had long fought under the Commodore, came up in the fulness of his heart and excusing the liberty he was taking, asked to shake him by the hand, to congratulate him upon seeing him safe on the quarter-deck of a Spanish three-decker. This new conquest had scarcely submitted, and the Commodore returned on board the San Nicolas when the latter ship was discovered to be on fire in two places. At the first moment appearances were alarming; but the presence of mind, and resources of the commodore and his officers in this emergency, soon got the fire under. A signal was immediately made by the Captain for boats to assist in disentangling her from the two prizes; and as she was incapable of further service until refitted, the Commodore again hoisted his pendant for the moment, on board La Minerva frigate; and in the evening shifted it to
the Irresistible , Captain Martin, but as soon as the Captain was refitted, he re-hoisted his pendant on board the latter ship. For such distinguished gallantry on the 14th February, he received the insignia of the Bath, and the gold medal, from his Sovereign, and was also presented with the freedom of London in a gold box.
It is most remarkable that Lord Nelson should have survived the many severe wounds, and still more exhausting fatigues, which he suffered before he was struck by the fatal shot. But that first great endowment of nature—an inextinguishable spirit, bore him through all his sufferings; and no experience of dangers had served to abate his ardour.
He was engaged in upwards of one hundred and twenty-four actions with the enemy, in all of which his bravery and skill were conspicuous.—He lost one eye at Calvi, and one arm at Tenerife, and on all occasions proved that he thought his body as well as his mind were the property of his country. His humanity was as conspicuous as his courage and his judgment. In the memorable battle of the Nile, which will be recorded in the annals of mankind till the human race shall be wholly extinct, knowing that the wounded of his own ships would be taken care of, he bent his first attention to those of the enemy. He established a truce with the commandant of Aboukir, and through him made a communication to the commandant of Alexandria, that it was his intention to allow all the wounded Frenchmen to be taken ashore to proper hospitals, with their own surgeons to attend them, a proposal which was assented to by the French, and carried into execution the following day. That amidst all the glow of patriotism and the exultation of victory, the Hero did not lose sight of humanity and a sense of compassion for his fellow creatures.
Such were the splendid talents, and the unparalleled services of this distinguished man.
We need not state to our readers the various titles and honors which were bestowed, not only by his own Sovereign, but by all the Potentates and Kings of the World, our Allies, on Lord Nelson. Having no children by the lady whom he married in 1787, Frances Woodward Nesbitt, the widow of Dr. Nesbitt, of Nevis, he procured the titles of Baron and Viscount Nelson of the Nile, to descend to the collateral branches of his family. He is therefore succeeded in his titles by the Rev. Dr. William Nelson, Vice Dean of Canterbury, now Lord Viscount Nelson, whose son, Horatio, a most promising young youth, is at Eton, and his daughter, the Hon. Charlotte Mary Nelson, a beautiful and accomplished young lady, is at Merton Place. He has two sisters, both married, Mrs. Bolton and Mrs. Matham, and who have numerous families. Those made always a part of his happy family at Merton, and they with every other friend will be inconsolable at his loss.
FOR SALE,
THAT well-known FARM, situated five miles from Warren, ten from Providence, and half a mile from Elder Hick's meeting-house; lying on the road from Boston to said Warren, also on the road leading from Warren to Dighton Four Corners; on which is a good Dwelling-House, Barn, and Corn Crib; an excellent Well of Water, and three Orchards.
Said Farm contains one hundred and twenty acres of excellent Land, well fenced with Stone Wall, in Four Acre Lots; is well wooded, a large proportion of which is Walnut, and watered; and a sufficient stream of Water, with good Falls, to carry a Grist or Salt Mill four months in a year. Also, Five acres of Cedar Swamp, and two pieces of Salt Marsh. The whole will be sold together or in separate Lots, as will best suit the purchaser or purchasers:—For further particulars inquire of the Subscriber, living on the Premises.
EPHRAIM MARTIN.
*Rehoboth, December 16, 1805.
ALMANACKS
for 1806,
For Sale, at this Printing-Office, by the Dozen, or Single.
CASH given for clean Cotton and Linen RAGS, at the Printing-Office.