The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1801-04-03 00:00:00

The National Intelligencer,
AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. I. WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, NEW-JERSEY AVENUE, NEAR THE CAPITOL. No. LXVI.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1801.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
FOR SALE, A Valuable Tract of LAND,
LYING in part on the main Richmond road, a mile from the Rappahannock River, four Miles below Fredericksburg, (in a healthy and agreeable neighbourhood,) containing about five hundred and thirty three ACRES well watered upon the said Tract there are about two hundred and fifty acres of Wood Land, the greater part of which is equal if not superior in quality to any high lands, yet uncultivated in South Carolina. There are upon it a dwelling house, necessary out houses, a very large barn, and a most valuable Mill seat, with a mill-house already built, capable of Manufacturing Twenty thousand Bushels of wheat annually, after being put in perfect repair. There is also upon it about sixty Acres of first rate meadow land, part of which is already reclaimed and has produced very heavy crops of Timothy Hay. The above Land is bounded by the lands of Gen. A. Spotwood, Messrs. Wm. Herndon, Mann Page, Francis Taliaferro, and the Tract the subscriber at present lives on. Any further description I deem unnecessary as those who may be disposed to purchase will of course view the land. Upon said tract there are about one hundred and thirty Bushels of Wheat sown, the greater part of which look well and promising.
The said tract of land will be sold by the subscriber at private or public sale, three fourths of the purchase money to be paid on the day of sale, and the balance in twelve months, bearing interest from the date, the purchaser giving bond with approved security. If not sold by private sale, by the first Monday in May next, it will then be sold on the premises on that day if fair, if not the next day to the highest bidder. The land in the mean time will be shown to any person who may wish to purchase by Messrs Francis Taliaferro, James Tutt, Wm. Darnaby and the subscriber.
LAURENCE BROOKE.
March 18, 1801.
LOTS FOR SALE,
In the City of WASHINGTON.
THE SUBSCRIBER offers for Sale a number of valuable Lots beautifully situated between the Capitol and the Eastern Branch. Also a few Lots to be let on lease for ninety nine years in the vicinity of the Navy yard.
WILLIAM PROUFF.
City of Washington. December 12, 1800. N. B. A few Tons of good Meadow Hay, one Kilo of Bricks, and some Cord Wood.
W. P.
NAILS.
ALL Kinds of Hammered and Cut Nails, and Brads, Sold at my store in this place, between the President's house and the Six buildings, at the following prices for Cash only.
Hammered Nails and Brads.
   By cwt. or 1.2 cwt by retail under 56     20dy Nails 12 1-2 d. per lb 13 1-2 d per lb   12dy do 13 13 3-4   10 do 13 3-4 14 1-2   8 do 15 15 1-2  
Deck and Spike Nails, 11 1-2
Cut Nails and Brads.
   20dy Nails 9 1-2 10 1-2   10 do 10 11   8 do 11 12   6 do 12 13   4 do 13 1-2 14   3 do 14 1-2 15  
SAMUEL MINTIRE.
Washington, Feb. 6, 1801.
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Public Sale of LOTS, IN WASHINGTON CITY.
WILL be Sold at Public Auction, to the highest bidder, on Friday the 1st day of May next, at William Tunnicliff's Hotel. Two Hundred Lots, situated Eastward of the Capitol and near to the Eastern Branch Ferry—The terms will be one half Cash and the other half at 60 days on Notes negotiable at the Bank of Columbia satisfactorily endorsed. An indisputable title will be given by.
GEORGE WALKER.
Washington, March 2, 1801.
May 1
LOTS.
IN different eligible situations in the City for Sale or Lease on ground rent—Likewise,
100 Casks inspected Rhode Island LIME.
A number of Quarter and half and Casks of MADEIRA WINE, of a superior quality, by JOHN SICKNEY
At his building opposite Rhodes Tavern President's Square. Washington, March 2, 1801. captf.
BUILDERS.
WILLIAM LOVERING, of George-Town, and WILLIAM DYER, of the City of Washington, having commenced partnership in the Architectural and Carpenter line of business, which they are determined to carry on with assiduity, integrity and dispatch, hope for the patronage of their friends and the public.
Having a number of the best workmen now employed, are ready to execute any orders which they are determined shall be done in the best workman like manner for those who will please to favor them with their commands.
Orders directed to W. LOVERING, Gay Street near the Union Tavern, George-Town, or to W. DYER, 1 Street, North of the new War Office, City of Washington, will be punctually attended to.
N. B. WM. LOVERING has been in the practice of drawing for and superintending great part of the Buildings in the City of Washington and its Vicinity.
Washington, April 1.
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JOHN GARDNER, TAYLOR.
GRATEFUL for the past favors, begs leave to inform his Friends and the Public, that he still carries on the Taylor business at his residence in F Street, nearly opposite Rhodes's Hotel, City of Washington. He will keep on hand a constant supply of Cloths, Kerseymeres, Nankeens and every other article in the business of the best quality and at the cheapest prices.
He trusts his experience and steady attention to Business, will secure to him the Public patronage.
Washington City, } April 1. }
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NOTICE.
THE subscriber informs his friends and the public, that the Circuit Court of the district of Columbia, has appointed him a NOTARY PUBLIC, for the county of Washington in said district, and having for a long time past acted he trusts satisfactorily in that capacity in the City of Washington, under the authority of the state of Maryland, he is induced to hope he shall continue to receive a liberal share of the business in that line, which he hereby respectfully solicits.
HENRY WHETCROFT
March 26. 1801.
To be sold to the highest bidder, at Montgomery Court-house Maryland, on Monday the 6th April next, and terms made known on said day.
THE following Tracts of Land adjoining, well adapted to farming and planting with a sufficiency of wood land, in a beautiful and healthy part of the Country, 4 miles from the above named Court House, and 18 from the City of Washington. One called Earnhill containing 20574 Acres, on which is a framed dwelling house 24 by 16 feet, with two brick chimneys, a Barn 60 by 24 feet, shingled roof, & Shedded all round, a Kitchen and other convenient houses—Apple and Peach Orchards 10 or 12 Acres of Meadow, is well set with Timothy, and more can be made. The other Wickham goodville, containing 2711-2 Acres, on which is a Framed Dwelling House, 20 by 16 feet, Kitchen, stone milk House 12 feet square—Tobacco and other houses, 12 or 15 Acres of Meadow well set in Timothy, and 70 Acres more can be made. A never failing stream runs through said land, so that the meadows may be watered with ease.
Also on the first day of May next, will be offered at Mr. Tunnicliff's Tavern; one, the most Westerly of the Old Six buildings in the City of Washington, now occupied by Mr. John Coyle.
HONORE MARIN
Montgomery County, } 17th March. 1801. }
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CONVEYANCER'S OFFICE.
THOMAS HERTY has opened an office a few yards from the CAPITOL, on the New Jersey Avenue, where he will attend daily till 3 o'clock during the sitting of Congress, and in the afternoon, at his office opposite the LITTLE HOTEL—Conveyances of land, wills, mortgages, leases, assignments, copartnership deeds and dissolutions, marriage settlements and separations, orders of licence and composition, bills of sale of vessels, slaves, and other chattels, bonds of conveyance, and other bonds, powers of attorney awards, manumissions, partitions, exchanges, petitions, annuities, post obits, leasmen's wills and powers, and all other instruments in the above line, are drawn according to the best import of the same respectively, with the utmost punctuality, accuracy, secrecy, and dispatch, and on moderate terms.
Titles investigated, and opinions given where necessary.
N. B. Herty's Abridgment of the laws of Maryland, approved and sanctioned by the Attorney General and Legislature of Maryland, may be had at the above office, price Six Dollars neatly bound and lettered; also Herty's Digest of the Laws of the United States, price Three Dollars, neatly bound and lettered. December, 1800. twtf
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 1801.
That an enlightened and strict adherence to those sound and liberal principles, expressed in the inaugural Speech, should command favour, and beget confidence in the minds of the good and the moderate of all parties, is to their honor. That the same circumstance should excite peevishness, and betray into the extremes of misrepresentation, an uneasy few, was to be expected.—A letter from Washington, published in the Philadelphia Gazette of the 25th ult. merits notice. Had this writer have been the constant and unceasing attentions paid to the Executive, by all descriptions of persons, and have known the multiplied republican and federal letters sent to the city, approbating almost in terms of extravagance, its principles and its conduct; he would have spared his observations.
It is unimportant, in examining the merits of a transaction, to enquire if an influence existed which might, or might not, have operated in its production. The understanding, and the experience of the Executive, are universally recognized, as abundantly competent to all the duties of his administration—It seeks no apology for improper measures, from intruding influence—It receives information, but acts itself.
This solitary complainer states, that Mr. Jefferson, has departed from his professions. That a violent party had prevailed on him, to act a violent part: that he had illegally withheld Justices commissions from persons, for whom they had been made out by Mr. Adams: that he had made improper appointments in their stead; and that he had delayed making his appointments, during the sitting of the Senate, at which the friends of both the present and the past administration were alarmed.
All these charges are recited, that it might be seen, how far disappointment and chagrin could push themselves. Attention is due to the charge of illegally withholding the commissions.—In the opinion of those who know Mr. Jefferson, he would be the last person who would commit, or defend a violation of the law. As President, he is authorised to nominate, and with the consent of the Senate, to appoint "Ambassadors, Consuls, Judges, and other officers:" and he has a power of appointing many officers without that consent. He is to fill up all vacancies which may happen during their recess, "by granting commissions." These are the words of the law, granting commissions. The appointment then of a person to an office, is in law, to grant him a commission. The nomination, the Senate's advising, and a vacancy's happening, are only pre-requisites, or conditions, upon which the right of making the actual appointment devolves alone on the President.
By law, the Secretary is to make out, affix the seal, and then record all the civil commissions of the officers of the United States appointed by the President. The Statute expressly requires, that the signing should precede the sealing. Neither of these necessary particulars, leading to, nor all of them, make an appointment. It, until completed, is only in making or about to be made. While it is progressing in the hand of the Executive, he may stop short, withhold the consummating act from the commission which had been in forming, or send it to the person for whom it was designed.
Public discretion is not obliged, and ought never to lose sight of the objects for which it was granted. The happiness of the community depends essentially on the wisdom and the integrity of its officers. The Executive is responsible for having proper persons placed in office. Nothing short of his utmost and last exertion, to effect this purpose, is a discharge of his duty. The three ministerial acts
of the Secretary are either no part of the appointment, or they are to be considered as acts of the President, performed by another. It is he, who is to appoint, not he, and the Secretary together, exercising a joint power. The signing does not make the appointment. Signing is not, in the language of the law, granting a commission. This being done, it is still unsealed, unrecorded, unfinished. The President has not executed his power, by the mere act of signing, nor do the subsequent acts follow of course. Crime or folly, after the signing, and while the commission is in making, may render the candidate infinitely unfit for receiving, or incapable of holding it. Supposing the commission complete, the recording, the last Statute official requisite, to have taken place; still the business is not yet finished, the officer is not yet made, the vacancy is not yet filled. The appointment is not completed by the President's actual grant. The words of the law are, he shall appoint by granting the commission. He holds it in his hand. His thumb is on it—It is ready to be delivered. As yet, it is, and may be withheld. He has not granted it. Knavery, partiality, or innocent mistake, may have imposed on him. His personal knowledge does not, cannot extend, to every character. Recommendations may have been procured, by corrupt means, or from impure sources. New facts, or information of old ones, may forbid procedure; may render it criminal, a breach of trust, a desertion of his highest duty. Shall the President, under the sanction of the seal of the United States; under the awful solemnities of his oath; under the more solemn obligations of a sacred deposit, by a free people, for their own good; shall he, it is asked, call things by lying names, and in the act of delivering the commission, in the words of the commission itself, lay to the candidate, "to corruption, or to stupidity."
"Reposing especial trust and confidence in your integrity, prudence and ability, I do appoint you a justice to keep the peace, &c."
Is it necessary to repeat, that after the signing by the President, and before the recording, or a convenient time, for the delivery of a commission, the candidate may have travelled through the whole circle of baseness and wickedness. His iniquities may have found him out. Treason, forgery, perjury, bribery, fraud, and other high crimes and misdemeanors, may have been committed. Previous to the perpetration of the above-stated atrocities, or anterior to the knowledge of them, the President had made out a commission for the culprit. It has been recorded, and he has it in hand. Under these circumstances, shall he deliver it? Shall he delegate the authority of the government to an outrageous violator of its laws, call upon a traitor to his country, to preserve the peace of the county? Shall he put into an office, a man incapable of holding it, for the only purpose of an instant removal, by impeachment, or other legal process? Shall the same letter which conveys a commission, to an officer depending for his continuance, on the will of his creator, inform him he is not to act, that his services are not wanted. Shall the same person, who may be the bearer of a commission, which the President is obliged to send, be charged with a warrant, to apprehend the commissioned person, on a charge of high misdemeanors? On the principles of the objection, a commission being made out, must it be delivered, or sent, to the leader of a western, or a northern insurrection? Should it be sent to a Shays under the old, or a Shays under the new government, while a proclamation may be preparing, offering a reward, for the capture of the offender. To admit it would be right, to withhold a commission, in the strong cases above supposed, is admitting a discretion, and of course a right to decide, when to apply it. Its existence being conceded, the objection is at an end, for at present, the question is not, in reference to the wisdom, with which it has been exercised, but to the mere point of right. The objection to the right of retaining, and the

obligation to deliver, being urged from a single circumstance, of the commission being made out, they involve all the absurdity of the foregoing consequences.
The change of the administration, the powers of the government passing into different hands, can make no difference on the question of right. Power has no successor, it is the same vested in the person of Mr. Adams, or Mr. Jefferson; what the existing President could not, his predecessor could not have done, had he continued in office.
In a more general view of the subject, it ought to be asked for what reason could government intrust the office-filling power, to the presidential decision until a commission had progressed to the act of sealing, and withhold it, in the acts of recording and delivering. It is however understood, but not asserted, that the commissions in question, were not so far completed, as to be recorded; the fact may be ascertained. A commission for an office is like other grants. The law considers it as such. One essential to all grants which are made by sealed instruments, whether they convey authority, privilege, or property, is, that they should be consummated by, and take effect from the delivery of the instruments.
The preceding observations, on the existence and existence of a right questioned in a late paper, are submitted to the consideration of fairness, discernment, and candor. Remarks on the prudence and wisdom of those measures which are arraigned in the same publication, may be made at some future opportunity. The Intelligence does not mean to arrange itself with party formality, and the sharpness and subtlety of personal altercation on public questions. Its columns are consecrated to spread information, useful and important to the people. Possessing as it does the peculiar advantage of publishing from the seat of government, it will, from time to time, make such statements and explanations as may appear necessary, and with which, it is hoped honesty and real patriotism will be satisfied.
DIED. —At Old Town on Penobscot river, ORONO , chief of the Penobscot tribe of Indians, aged 113.
—On Thursday week at Baltimore deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, Citoyen PIERRE HENRY LOUIS , Agent of the French Republic in that city.
RAPINE, CONRAD AND CO.
BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS, Corner of South B Street & New-Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol
H AVE just received, in addition to their former assortment, a choice collection of Books in every department of Literature; amongst which are, Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-walker, a new Novel, by the author of Wieland, Ormond, &c. 3 vols. price 3 dollars. Arthur Mervyn; or, Memoirs of the year 1793. vol. 2d price 1 dollar. The Beggar Girl and her Benefactors, by Mrs. Bennet author of Welsh Heiress, &c. &c. 3 vols. price 3 dollars. The Children of the Abbey, by Regina Maria Roche, 2 vols. price 2 dollars. Vdegerte, Queen of Norway, from the German of Kotzebue, 2 vols. price one dol. 50 cents. Junius' Letters to the People of England, price 87 cents. The Constitutions of the United States, with all the late amendments to the different Constitutions, price one dollar. Staunton's account of Lord McCartney's Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, price 3 dollars. The Spectator, 8 vols. Rollin's ancient history, ten vols. Pope's works, 8 vols. Adams' Defence of the Constitutions, 3 vols. Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, with the Appendixes, complete. Count Rumford's Essays, 2 vols. Hume's History of England with Smollett's continuation, twelve vols. Millot's Elements of General History, 5 vols. Anderson's British Poets, thirteen vols. royal 8vo, elegant. Godwin's Political Justice, 2 vols. Enquirer. Bibles, Testaments, spelling books, Dictionaries Grammars, &c. &c. R. C. & Co. Have always on hand a general assortment of School books in the Latin, Greek, and English Classics; with writing paper, and wrapping paper, quill, wafers, wax, ink powder, copy and cyphering books, &c. &c. all which they will sell on the most reasonable terms.
March 19, 1801.
FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
HAMBURG, Jan. 30. The principal article of intelligence this day is the declaration transmitted by Russia to Constantinople, that the Porte ought not to allow the English expedition to act against Egypt; and that should it persist in countenancing that measure, such a conduct might lead to consequences very fatal to the Porte.
It is added, that the possession of Egypt is guaranteed by Russia to France, and that the latter guarantees to the former the possession of Malta, which is to be re-taken by the Russians who are still in France, with the assistance of French troops.
On the 23d inst. the ratification of the act of accession on the part of Prussia to the convention of the maritime powers of the North was sent from Berlin to Peterburgh; but it is notwithstanding firmly believed that the present good understanding between Prussia and England will not be interrupted, because Prussia has ratified the convention under certain modifications.
It is reported that the exportation of the remainder of the corn from Russia to Sweden, which had been agreed to in the last treaty, has been countermanded. Some new differences are stated to have arisen in the North.
The communication between Russia and Germany is at present very much contracted. Those who pass are but couriers. The rumour, that the yellow fever had broken out at Dantzic, is destitute of foundation.
The British charge d'affaires at Copenhagen has officially announced to that court the embargo laid upon the Danish vessels in the ports of England: at the same time efforts are making to detach Denmark from the confederacy with Russia; but it is too late.
Letters from the Hague of the 17th ult. state, "that the Batavian rescriptions, payable after peace, and the bills upon the Vienna Bank, have considerably fallen at Amsterdam, owing to the uncertainty of peace, and the dubious state of affairs in the north."
COPENHAGEN, Dec. 30.
It is determined that our armament shall extend to 25 vessels of all rates, without reckoning those we have in the Mediterranean. If Sweden arms an equal number of vessels, and Russia double, which she can do without effort, and which she ought to do to play the part which she worthily aspires to, the three maritime powers of the North will present to England a mass of naval forces which she will not easily brave, especially if the combined fleet keeps the roads of the Baltic. The English cannot abstain for one year conveniently their habitual navigation in this sea; not only because they draw their naval stores, for which they have now more than ever an enormous consumption, but also because they find in one of their principal markets. These are the motives which make us less fear the resentment of England, which we have not provoked. The rights which we claim are claimed by every neutral power.
Dec. 31.—Our Government vigorously continues what are called its defensive measures. The castle of Cronenberg was somewhat neglected for some years; the crisis of the month of August produced the commencement of some works which were discontinued as soon as that crisis was over. They are now renewed. Fifteen thousand six dollars were appropriated to them in the course of the last week. They are incessantly at work in the naval arsenals at Copenhagen. They have already procured the number of seamen necessary to arm at least fifteen or sixteen vessels of different rates, which they propose to have ready for the ensuing spring. These last instructions were sent off to M. de Rosencrantz, more than three weeks since with full powers, and we every moment expect to hear that he has signed the famous northern Convention.
To accelerate the naval movements, a considerable number of workmen have been brought from the maritime provinces of Denmark; several detachments of whom have already arrived, and were immediately put into employment. It is said, that a ship will be immediately equipped for the purpose of a blockade, and stationed with several other vessels, for the defence of the Sound.
The importation of all English merchandise has been prohibited in Russia, and an inventory has been taken of all the English property now in the Russian states.
A number of Englishmen now in the territories of his imperial majesty, have
left them in conformity to an Ukase issued in respect to them.
PARIS, January 24. The convention signed on the 16th December, at Petersburg, between the Northern Courts, rests on the same basis as the convention of 1780.
Letters from the North inform us, that Russia has just concluded with Sweden a treaty of subsidies and commerce, one of the articles of which states, that the two Powers shall concur in retaking the Isle of Malta. The same letters assure us, that in the spring a very numerous Russian fleet will arrive at Copenhagen.
Arrete of 30th Nivose, (Jan. 20.) The Consuls of the Republic, upon the report of the Minister for foreign affairs decree as follows:
Article 1. It is forbidden to all ships of the Republic, and to all those fitted out as privateers, bearing the French flag, to attack the ships of war or merchantmen of his Majesty the Emperor of all the Russians and of his subjects.
2. It is on the contrary ordered to all French ships to afford succour and assistance to all Russian ships.
3. Every Russian prize which shall be taken after the 1st of next Ventose (28th February) shall be declared null by the council of prizes.
4. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the minister of Marine, and of the Colonies, are charged with the execution of the present Arrete which shall be inserted in the Bulletin of the laws.
(Signed) The First Consul. BUONAPARTE. By the First Consul. (Signed) The Secretary of State. H. B. MARET.
LONDON, January 26.
The French official paper of the 21st contains a translation of the late order in council for the detention of Swedish and Danish ships, which the new ally of Paul the first does not blush to call "the greatest violation of the rights of nations and of sovereigns, that the madness of ambition, avarice, and despotism ever dictated to any government." The Moniteur observes upon this order in a note, that it makes no mention of the court of Berlin because the electorate of Hanover is too near to Prussia."
If there were any difficulty in understanding the observation of the Moniteur, it would be in our power to remove its obscurity, by making known, what we have for some time been informed of, the intentions of the king of Prussia to occupy both the electorate of Hanover and the more important city of Hamburgh, our last key to the continent of Europe. Under what pretexts, with what views, and with what certainty of not being forced to exceed his intentions, his Prussian majesty has taken this resolution, we cannot at this moment explain. There is certainly candour in the manner in which it has been made known, and there is no doubt of the repugnance with which his majesty would be driven to the extremes of hostility to this country.
Hamburgh, as we have more than once ventured to intimate, might be occupied by the Prussians as guardians of the neutrality of the north of Germany, and our connection might be more safe and permanent with the continent under the king's auspices, than it can be considered from the good will and weakness of the senate. But what motives will be assigned for taking possession of Hanover it may not altogether become us to predict, although under the present circumstances of the continent, it is unlikely it should remain unmolested under the government of its regency.
Such is the information which it is our duty to communicate to the public, and it would be misplaced and unprofitable to attempt to throw any veil over the importance or the unhappiness of its contents. The French government, professing of the unaccountable madness and depravity which disfigure, disgrace & dislocate the continent, will evidently succeed in their project, of shutting us out from the rest of Europe, unless the court of Berlin shall faithfully and vigorously defend the neutrality of Hamburgh. The army of observation at Bourdeaux, governed by the ambassador Lucien Buonaparte at Madrid, forbids us to expect that our connection with Portugal will very long survive. We owe it only at present to the policy of Buonaparte, who would not expose the Brazils and Goa to the enterprizes of this country. The surrender of Ancona, executed by the Republic, and the ruin of
the house of Austria, very plainly tell us that we shall soon be cut off from Trieste, & the Adriatic sea; as the dependence of Naples upon Russia and the interference of the latter power in its favor, as strongly indicate that we shall be cut off from the coasts of Sicily and Naples.
It will not be said that we have dissembled in this statement any part of the unhappy circumstances which threaten us at the present moment from a conspiracy, more unnatural if it be possible than unwise; and more unprecedented even than it is unjust. It is not by concealing the inconveniences we may suffer, or the dangers to which we are exposed, that we can hope to surmount them. It is by confronting, by examining, by weighing them together with our own means of defence and opposition, that we are to triumph over the new and unknown predicament in which we are placed. We have a navy, and a naval administration of which we are justly proud; and without ingratitude to which as well as folly, we can never tremble before the confederate squadrons of the earth. We know from all history and experience, that leagues have never triumphed over single powers, if these latter have been able to make head against their first inroad and violence; we know they have never persevered to the common object, and that even the prospect of success is the signal of their dissolution.
We have reason to hope that the spirit, the perseverance, and the pride of this great nation will rise in proportion to the malice and ingratitude of those neighbours, whose states and independence the British arms, more than any other human cause or means, have hitherto defended. If the justest league which was ever formed in the history of man has failed before our eyes, from the selfishness, ambition, or madness of the allies, can we fear that the present combination, containing in its bosom all the seeds of dissolution—uniting in itself the most contending objects, the most irreconcileable characters—wanting every principle, every pretext and colour of justice, policy, or honor—can long endure? If nothing be wanting in our part—if the occasion and necessity call forth the patriotism and energy of the United Empire, we may have some dangers to encounter, some difficulties to struggle through, and some ingenious sacrifices to make upon the altar of our country; but, under Providence, we may be certain of the victory! If we look at these misguided and unhappy states who now so ignominiously crowd the heels of Buonaparte, and point their weapon at their benefactors, what encouragement, what motive have they for perseverance, and what promise of success? Can they strike a blow at England which will not reverberate against their own bosom—can they inflict a wound that must not recoil into their own vitals?
It is impossible, therefore, to doubt that the present struggle will be more violent than lasting, or that the combination will long survive the first losses and disappointments of the allies. If we have nothing to fear from weakness and dissention at home, there will be little to apprehend from the strength and union of the enemy. There can be nothing desperate in our circumstances, but from our own needleless and unpardonable despair!
LONDON, Feb. 4. PEACE.
On Friday last, at 12 o'clock, a meeting was held at Mott-Hall, in Wakefield of the merchants, wool-drappers, manufacturers, and others connected with the woollen trade in that town and neighbourhood, to take into consideration the propriety of presenting a petition to the king for a speedy peace.
W. Dawlon, Esq. was unanimously called to the chair, and opened the business of the day by stating with great clearness and precision the object of the meeting—to convey to his majesty a faithful representation of the distressed state of this part of the country, accompanied with a petition for peace. He observed that no time could be more proper for presenting such a petition than the present, when the Imperial parliament was just assembling, that the Irish members who were strangers to this state of the country, might be made acquainted with its real situation. It was also highly necessary to inform the minister himself that the sentiments of the people were changed with respect to the war and their general and ardent wish was peace. He hoped the resolutions and petition which would be proposed were so strictly just, and expressed in so temperate a manner, that they would be unanimously approved by all present. He then proposed to read the resolutions. Some gentlemen totally unconcerned in the trade of the country had intruded themselves with

an intention to defeat the object of the meeting, and with that view made a motion to dissolve it. To this it was objected, as, that none but persons immediately connected with the woollen manufacture had been called to attend, it was highly improper for the clergy, military, and others not in trade, to interfere in the proceeding. Some altercation took place, and the meeting being objected to as a partial one, it was admitted that, so far as it was confined to the woollen trade of the country alone, it was indeed not a general, but a partial or particular meeting; but that it had been regularly and publicly called, and was most numerously and respectably attended by that class of persons who were materially suffering by the continuance of the war, and who formed by much the greatest part of the inhabitants of the West riding.
Much disapprobation was shewn at the interruption, and it was determined by a very great majority that the business of the meeting should be immediately proceeded upon. The resolutions were then read and agreed to.—
It was then proposed by one gentleman to substitute the words "just and necessary war," instead of "unfortunate war." The amendment, though meeting the approbation of the chairman, was warmly, and almost unanimously rejected. The petition was then read and agreed to without a division.
A gentleman of great respectability, who came with an avowed intention to oppose the meeting, declared that the resolutions and petition met with his approbation; and that his only objection was to the propriety of the time, and concluded by moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, for his able and impartial conduct, which was unanimously agreed to.
This meeting was more numerously attended than any ever remembered in Wakefield and the ardent wish for peace was most clearly, decidedly, and unequivocally expressed.
LONDON, February 7. Lord Castlereagh (Stewart) has, it is said given notice to his friends in Ireland, and in this country, that it is his intention to move very shortly in the house of commons for the suspension of the tests and disqualifications, which still affect the civil state of the Roman Catholics in Ireland. It is said that he finds himself pledged to bring forward this measure, as it was by this promise and engagement he obtained the concurrence of the Catholic interest to the union.
Upon the other hand, we hear it is insisted upon by a majority of his majesty's ministers that the measure is highly dangerous and premature in the present state of things, and before the favorable effects of the union should have been sufficiently experienced in other circumstances, which are absolutely necessary to precede and prepare for this alteration.
The Earl of Clare (Fitzgibbon) the chancellor of Ireland, is at the head of the party which is for delaying the complete emancipation of the Catholics; but doubts still more serious and difficult of solution have occurred in the highest places whether the concession in question be not altogether at variance and irreconcilable with that article of the Corporation Oaths by which his majesty is bound to defend and maintain the Protestant religion.
The following is the clause alluded to—it was introduced into the coronation oath after the abdication of James the second, and tendered to king William.
"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the laws of God, the true profession of the gospel, and the Protestant reformed religion as by law established?" Answer: "I WILL."
It was premature to enter into the discussion of a question which involves considerations of an abstracted and peculiar nature farther than to state our individual expectation that the objection will not prove unremovable. The policy of immediate emancipation from the test acts is more difficult to be reconciled with the faith of this country, if it has been pledged by the marquis Cornwallis and lord Castlereagh.
His Majesty's Council must be deeply embarrassed by the dilemma in which they are placed, between acceding to a measure which they consider dangerous, and violating a promise so suddenly given by a competent authority; that it must be regarded as national in the fullest and most comprehensive sense. But lord Castlereagh cannot certainly be censured for taking the only means in his power to redeem his pledge with the Irish Catholics, and to obtain for them the conditions he promised as the minister for Ireland. Mr. Pitt, it is believed, will second and support his motion.
St. PETERSBURGH, Jan. 5. On the 25th of December, the following decree of his Imperial majesty was published in the court Gazette:
There shall be three armies formed, namely, the first under the command of count Von der Pahlen, gen. of cavalry, at Brest, in Lithuania; the second under the command of Golenischtschew Kutusow, gen. of infantry, at Volhinnia; and the third under the command of Field Marshall Count Salkow, at Witebsk.
The first, under that of the gen. of cavalry, count Von der Pahlen, will consist of nine regiments of cavalry, five of grenadiers, 14 of musketry, and 4 regiments of chasseurs, besides ten battalions of grenadiers, 3 regiments of artillery, 3 companies of flying artillery, 3 companies of pioneers, with miners and sappers, and 6 regiments of cossacks.
The second, under the command of gen. of infantry, Golenischtschew Kutusow, will consist of 12 regiments of cavalry, 24 regiments of infantry, besides 6 regiments of chasseurs, 11 battalions of grenadiers, 3 regiments of artillery, 2 companies of flying artillery, 3 companies of pioneers, with miners and sappers, and 7 regiments of cossacks.
The third army under the command of Field Marshall count Salkow, will consist of 3 regiments of cavalry, 7 regiments of infantry, a battalion of grenadiers, and two regiments of artillery.
The general of cavalry, Orlow, will be stationed at Pinsk, with 20 regiments of cossacks. The army under the command of the gen. of cavalry, count Von der Pahlen, will consist, among others, of the corps of Lieutenant Gen. Essen, and the corps of Lieutenant Gen. Saken. Two squadrons, of count Pahlen's regiment of Hussars will be stationed at Libau, and three battalions of the Bulga Kowachen garrison regiment at Riga. Barelar de Toli's regiment of chasseurs will form a cordon from Libau to Dombangen.—At Cronstadt, Wiburg, Frideriksham, &c. a very considerable number of troops will be stationed. On the coast of Finland will be five pieces of 1st regiment of artillery, and nine pieces of the garrison artillery company of Rogersthal; in all there will be 21 pieces of artillery planted.
The army of General of Cavalry, count Van der Pahlen, will consist of 30 generals; among other generals of Cavalry, are, Prince Alexander of Wiersemburgh, major-general prince Charles of Mecklenburgh, &c. The army of general Kutusow, will have forty-one generals. Among other generals of Cavalry are, lieutenant generals count Subow, Bauer, and Essen; of infantry, lieutenant-generals count Lan-geron, Forster, major-general Miloradowitsch, &c. &c. In the army of general field-marshal count Salkow—there will be altogether nine generals.
Lieutenant general Knorring has transmitted the particulars of the victory obtained by the Russian troops in Grusinia over the Omar Chan of Avaria. The number of troops of the Omar Chan and his associates, that were defeated at Grusinia, and in the attack at Tritis amounted at least to 15,000 men. The enemy lost about 2900 men, and 11 stand of colours. The Omar was himself wounded. The officers who distinguished themselves are to be honoured with the order of St. John of Jerusalem, and every private will be rewarded with a ruble.
LAND FOR SALE.
THE Subscriber wishing to move to the Western Country will offer for sale on Wednesday 13th of May next at 11 o'clock, his Dwelling Plantation containing about 600 Acres of Land lying in Anne Arundel county, about 25 miles from the FEDERAL CITY and the same distance from the City of BALTIMORE. It is also within less than one mile of Samuel Thomas MERCHANT, and SAW MILLS are noted on Griffith's Map, and are called Roxbury. Any person may see by referring to his map, how central this situation is to the Federal City and Baltimore, and be sensible of the advantages that must arise to the purchasers from the choice of two such markets—This place is very healthy and is well supplied with good Springs of fine Water. There is on it a Brick Dwelling House and Kitchen; the House is 40 feet by 28, conveniently divided—there is a good Barn, Stable, Corn House, Tobacco and Hay Houses, all in good repair, and many other convenient out Houses. There is an Orchard containing a variety of good fruit, about 30 Acres of Meadow Land of the first quality, is already well set with Timothy, and upwards of 50 Acres more can be improved at a moderate expense. It is thought unnecessary to give any further description, as those who wish to purchase will no doubt view the premises before the day of Sale. A plat of the Land will be shown at any time, and the terms of Sale made known by the Subscriber.
PHILEMON DORSEY. April 3, 1801.
MEETING.
THE CARPENTERS of the Counties of Alexandria and Washington, in the Territory of Columbia are requested to meet a number of their own Profession, at the LITTLE HOTEL in the City of Washington on Saturday the 11th inst. at 12 o'clock A. M. on business of Importance.
April 2, 1801. The Printers in the Territory are particularly requested to insert the above Notice.
A PREMIUM of 100 dollars will be given to any Person who will exhibit the best Plan of BARRACKS, for the Marines, sufficient to hold 500 men, with their officers, and of a House for the commandant. The Plan must be so drawn as to be capable of being hereafter enlarged, and must be so arranged as to suit the dimensions of the lot, which has an East and West front of 615 feet, and a North and South front of 250. The plans must be all lodged at the Navy Office before 1st May.
April 3, 1801.
CITY OF WASHINGTON.
Commissioners Office, 5th March, 180, 1801.
BY virtue of an act of Assembly of the state of Maryland, entitled "a further supplement to the act concerning the Territory of Columbia and City of Washington" the commissioners will expose to sale on Tuesday the 12th day of May next, at Mr. Rhodes's Tavern, in the said city the following lots, to wit, Lot No. 2 in square No 47, lots no 4 5 15 16 20 and 21 in sq no 184, lots no 3 6 15 16 20 in sq no 198, lots no 3 4 14 15 in sq no 218, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 in sq no 249, lot, no 10 in sq no 286, lots no 3 5 6 7 9 10 12 13 14 in sq no 317, lot no 10 in sq no 319, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 in sq no 343, lots no 2 3 4 5 6 in sq no 344, lots no 10 11 12 in sq no 345, lots no 1 2 3 4 15 16 17 18 19 20 in sq 374, lots no 1 4 5 8 9 12 in sq no 403, lots no 3 4 5 6 7 in sq no 404, lots no 2 3 4 6 7 9 in sq no 405, lots no 2 3 6 7 10 11 in sq no 427, lots no 2 3 4 5 6 in sq no 428, lots no 1 2 3 4 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 in sq no 454, lots no 5 6 7 17 18 19 in sq no 455, lots no 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 in sq no 534, lots no 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 in sq no 535, lot no 20 in sq no 535, lot no 15 in sq no 587, lot no 2 in sq no 633, lot no 2 in sq south of sq no 825, lots no 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 in sq no 826, lot no 2 in sq no 997, lots no 3 and 4 in sq south of 1019, lots no 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in sq no 1020, lot no 2 in sq no 1021, lot no 1 in sq no 1022, lots no 1 2 3 11 12 13 14 in sq no 1023, lots no 5 and 6 in sq no 1024, lots no 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 and 11 in sq no 1045, lots no 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 in sq no 1046, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 in sq no 1047, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 24 in sq no 1048, lots no 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 in sq no 1049, lot no 9 in sq no 792, lots no 11 12 14 15 16 in sq no 799, lots no 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 in sq no 847, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 in sq no 849, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 in sq no 877, lots no 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 in sq no 878, lots no 25 26 27 28 31 32 in sq no 1048, lots no 1 and 3 in sq no 1065, lots no 1 5 6 in sq north east of sq no 1065, lot no 1 in sq no 1066, lots no 1 and 3 in sq no 11, lots no 2 3 7 8 9 10 12 13 in sq no 1138, lots no 3 4 5 6 7 in sq no 101, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 in sq no 247, lots no 1 2 3 4 10 11 in sq no 452, lots no 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 in sq no 453, lot no 1 in sq south of sq no 463, lots no 3 4 5 6 in sq no 492, lots no 5 9 and 10 in sq no 493, lots no 4 5 6 in square no 494, lots no 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 in square no 517, lots no 2 4 6 8 in sq no 518, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 in sq no 529, lots no 20 and 21 in sq no 538, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 in square no 537, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 in sq no 538, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 in sq no 555, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 in sq no 567, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 in sq no 568, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in sq no 569, lots no 2 4 6 in sq no 570, lot no 2 in sq no 572, lots no 2 and 3 in sq no 577, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 in sq no 581, lots no 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 in sq no 584, lots no 5 6 7 8 9 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 in sq no 640, lots no 2 3 4 5 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 in sq no 642, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 in sq east of sq no 642, lots no 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 in sq south of sq no 643, lots no 2 3 4 6 in sq no 644, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 in sq 645, lots no 1 2 and 17 in sq no 1000, lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24 25 26 34 35 36 in sq no 1043, lots no 2 3 4 14 15 16 17 18 in sq no 1066, lots no 10 11 11 13 14 15 in sq no 1067, lots no 1 2 3 4 11 12 13 in sq no 1078, lots no 1 and 2 in sq south of sq no 1091, lots no 1 2 9 10 11 12 in sq no 1092, lots no 1 2 3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 in sq no 1105, lots no 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 in sq no 1116, lot no 9 in sq no 1117, lots no 5 6 7 8 in sq no 1123, lots no 5 6 7 8 in sq no 113, lot no 3 in sq no 1140 and lot no 4 in sq no 1149.
The terms of sale are sixty, ninety, and one hundred and twenty days for all sums under 1000 dollars, and nine months credit for all sums amounting to one thousand dollars or upwards. It is expected purchases may be made to greater advantage at the ensuing sale than heretofore; because, at former sales a competition took place among persons who held liens on the property sold.
The commissioners have also at their disposal upwards of 4000 lots which have never been sold.
The public sale to commence at Ten o'clock, in the forenoon, and to continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in each week, till all are sold. The purchasers will be required to give notes, endorsed to the satisfaction of the commissioners, and negotiable at any of the banks in Baltimore, George Town or Alexandria. Should any purchaser fail, at the expiration of the week in which such sale is made to pass his note with an approved endorser or endorsers, the sale will be declared void, and the lot or lots resold without further notice—and such purchaser shall be excluded as a bidder during the sale.
Wm. THORNTON, } Commissioners. ALEXR. WHITE. }
AT a meeting of a number of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of F Street North, at Mr. Rhodes's Hotel on the 26th inst. agreeable to Advertisement, it was unanimously agreed that Capt. James Hoban, Mr. John Kearney, and Capt. Clotworthy Stephenson, be appointed a Committee to procure Subscriptions for carrying into execution the improvement of said Street.
It was also resolved that as soon as the sum of 400 Dollars is subscribed, that a Meeting be called at the Little Hotel to appoint a Treasurer and Manager to carry the above laudable undertaking into effect. Washington City, April 1, 1801. St.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
WHEREAS, by the first Article of the Terms and Conditions declared by the President of the United States on the 17th day of October 1791, for regulating the Materials and manner of Buildings and Improvements on the lots in the CITY OF WASHINGTON, it is provided, "that the outer and party walls of all Houses in the said City, shall be built of brick or stone."—And by the third Article of the same Terms and Conditions, it is declared, "that the wall of no House shall be higher than forty feet to the Roof in any part of the City, nor shall any be lower than thirty five feet in any of the Avenues."—And whereas the above recited articles were found to impede the Settlement in the City of Mechanics, and others, whose circumstances did not admit of erecting Houses authorised by the said Regulations; for which cause, the President of the United States, by a Writing under his Hand, bearing date the twenty fifth day of June 1795, suspended the operation of the said Articles, until the first Monday of December 1800—and the beneficial effects arising from such suspension having been experienced, it is deemed proper to revive the same. WHEREFORE, I THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States, do declare, that the operation of the first and third Articles, above recited, shall be, and the same is hereby suspended until the first Day of January, 1802, and that all the Houses which shall be erected in the said City of Washington, previous to the said first Day of January 1802, conformable in other respects to the regulations aforesaid, shall be considered as lawfully erected, except that no wooden House shall be erected within twenty four feet of any brick or stone House.
Given under my hand this 11th Day of March, 1801. (Signed) TH. JEFFERSON. 2 w 6 w.
Conrad & M c Munn
HAVE opened houses of entertainment in the range of buildings formerly occupied, by Mr. Law, about two hundred paces from the Capitol, in New Jersey avenue, leading from thence to the Eastern Branch. They are spacious and convenient, one of which is designed for stage passengers and travellers, the other for the accommodation of boarders. There is stableage sufficient for 60 horses—They hope to merit public patronage. City of Washington, Nov. 24, 1800. tf
FOR SALE
SEVENTY THOUSAND L A T H S Enquire at this Office.

(Continued)
JOHN WOODSIDE, clerk in the office of the comptroller of the treasury of the United States, upon his oath deponeth: That on the 20th day of January 1801, having left the office about half past 4, P. M. and gone to his place of lodging, about one hundred paces west of the building occupied by the treasury department, it being between sun down and dusk, approaching nearer the latter, when the deponent heard the cry of fire, upon which he immediately ran to the treasury from whence he saw smoke proceeding, and upon his nearer approach, saw the smoke and flame issuing from the windows or window of the room occupied by the principal clerk in the office of the Auditor, which room is adjoining to the Auditor's, the latter being in the south east part of the building.
The weather for the season had been moderate as to cold, for a day or two preceding, but in the afternoon of the said 20th day of January, the wind had changed and blew, especially at the time of the fire, cold, and violently from the north-west.
The deponent finding that the apartment in which the fire had commenced was all in flames, seeing sundry persons engaged in getting the engine ready, and not doubting the immediate assistance of other citizens, considered it most for the interest of the people, to endeavour to save the books and papers in the two apartments up stairs of the office to which he was more immediately attached, viz. the comptroller's, and that of his principal clerk, the latter being immediately over the one in flames, and therefore proceeded to these apartments as soon as they could be opened.
Early in the morning of the 21st, the day after the fire, as soon as there was light, the deponent living in the vicinity, attended at the department with a view to collect what papers might be found in a scattered state, and before sun-rise went to the apartment where the fire began, and found the fender in the fire-place in such a state as to lead, from appearances to the conclusion, that the fire had been carefully covered; the fender being somewhat in the form of part of a circle, the one edge resting upon the hearth, the other edge touching the back of the fire-place.
Since the fire it having been proposed to the deponent to take the superintendence of the building so far as respects the prevention of accidents by fire, he undertook the business confided to him and having been of opinion that the fire might have been communicated by the mantle pieces, the deponent had an examination of one of the fire places, upon which apprehension the probability of fire being communicated to the building thereby was not lessened; but from the blocks placed in the jams for nailing the surbase and wash-board being exposed to the fire of the flues of the chimneys from below, by sparks passing through open joints, one quarter of an inch in width between the bricks, and these open joints being only about three inches from the block to the inner part of the chimney, additional ground was given to apprehend danger, as likewise from the blocks placed in the walls immediately back of the fire places in the rooms in the east and west ends of the building.
These apprehensions were communicated to the Register of the Treasury, upon which orders were given to have removed every block or piece of wood with the mantle pieces, which might possibly endanger the building. In the execution of these orders it was found that the blocks back of the fire places in the apartment occupied by the commissioner of the Revenue, have the appearance of being in a degree scorched. In the same room, that is the one adjoining the Commissioners, a wedge of pine wood was taken out of the chimney jam, which had been driven into an open joint between the brick which led directly into the flue of the room below. To this wedge the wash-board was nailed; the wedge was found burned to a coal at the end next to the chimney, and was scorched on the under part, the board nailed thereto having been touched with fire.
In the room occupied by the superintendent of Stamps, an open joint was found which led to the block to which the wash-board was fastened into the chimney of the fire place below: this block did not appear to be scorched, but a quantity of soot had made its way through this open joint to the board to which the wash-board was nailed. The
whole of the circumstances taken together afford just ground for very serious apprehensions of the liability of the place being set on fire by sparks, especially if the chimney should taken fire.
Similar facts occurred in breaking out the blocks in the jam of the fire place in the room occupied by the Secretary of the Treasury, and in another apartment belonging to said offices, adjoining to that of the principal clerk. Here the danger appeared to be much greater, as it did not arise from open joints leading eight or nine inches into the flues of the chimneys below, but from openings immediately from the blocks to the flues. In one instance, a hole an inch and half diameter was discovered, the block, &c. very much dried and smoked, if not scorched. In the other instance several openings leading directly to the flue from the block to which the surbase was nailed, two pieces of bats lying between the block and the flue, which not being close to each other and having no mortar, caused the last mentioned openings, opposite to which the block and other wood appeared to be scorched, and the turpentine to have been extracted by the heat from the chimney.
In relation to the state of the room where the fire originated the deponent saith that he made a particular examination, and finds that the mantle piece, except upon the south side, appears to have been burnt or removed; that the blocks to which it was nailed appear to have been in part burned on the outer surface next to the room, except one in a small degree scorched; that part of the mantle piece on the south side of the fire-place which remains standing, being burned to coal upon the outside, which if pulled down the blocks to which it is nailed, it is supposed will appear like those upon the other side of the fire place, in some degree scorched or burned.
In the said apartment, opposite the fire place in the auditor's room, there had been placed two blocks of wood, the uppermost fourteen inches in length, with two others upon a line; the right hand block four feet, the one on the left hand three feet and a quarter distant: These blocks were placed in the wall for the purpose of nailing the surbase thereto.—The place where a block had been placed for nailing the wash-board, is also back of said fire-place, and nearly under the one already mentioned, and like that flanked upon the right and left with blocks at the distances above-mentioned; the block from the opening in the wall could not have been more than nine inches in length, and five inches in width; the blocks upon the right and left of those back of the fire-place, do not appear to have been burned, except one upon the outside next to the surbase, which appears to have been touched with fire.
The block behind the fire-place to which the surbase was nailed, was burned on the surface next to the room in which the fire originated, but that part of said block which was within the wall, had not any appearance of being scorched; the block immediately below to which the wash-board had been nailed, the deponent did not see as it was missing the first or second day after the fire, he having looked for it in the cellar where he found the upper block.
The thickness of the wall back of said fire-place is thirteen inches by measurement, and deducting five inches the width of the block, or rather depth of the place where it would appear a block had been, leaves eight inches brick between where the block had been and the fire in the auditor's room; the joints between the bricks in the back of said fire-place appear to have been filled with mortar, except one joint about three sixteenths of an inch wide, into which a piece of wood of that thickness can be inserted four inches, leaving from the inner part of the joint, and the space which had been occupied by the block upon the opposite side a thickness of four inches brick.
This deponent on being asked further, saith, that he can discover no way in which the fire could have communicated from the fire place in the auditor's room, to Mr. Ferrall's room, unless it was by the lower lock to which the wash-board in Mr. Ferrall's room was nailed, which block was not to be found at the time this deponent examined the place.
JOHN WOODSIDE.
Sworn before me this 24th Feb. 1801.
JOHN NICHOLAS.
Chairman of the Committee.
On a further examination the said John Woodside says, that he was employed in the first room on the left hand side of the passage, on the second floor of the treasury department, which leads to the
east end, at the time the door was forced open, and that he was endeavoring to remove the books and papers into the fire proof room adjoining; that he believes several other persons were also employed in the same way with him at the time.
On the evening of the 20th of January, 1801, I was going to doctor Cunningham's on business, I saw a great smoke arising near the president's House. I directly called fire. Mr. Cunningham was in his yard, and asked where; I answered on the president's square. He replied that it was snavings; I said no—then we both ran: I got to the treasury office first, and found it on fire, (it was between sunset and dark) and the alarm of fire was general, and the bells were ringing. I called for buckets, and to man the pump at the north of the building, which was soon done, and the water was passed as long as there was any to be had. When the pump sucked I went to the south side and began to form a line to Mr. Blodget's pump; this being done, I returned to the north side and proposed to convey water into the rooms where the fire was. After some time the fire began to abate, and I went to Mr. Ferrall's room door and began to throw water where the greatest appearance of fire was: and after some time the room got dark, I got a candle to see if I could discover where the fire originated. I felt on the floor near the fireplace and it was not burnt; I then felt several other places, and on feeling near the jam of the door leading from Mr. Ferrall's room to the Auditor's, in the recess of said door, I put my hand on a hickory chunk about 12 or 15 inches long and about 3 inches diameter; it appeared to be burnt at one end to a coal: there was bark on one end. I think it was hickory—it might not have been hickory, but I think it was: I then said that the building was set on fire by some evil disposed person. About this time it was said the building was on fire up stairs, I ran to give my assistance, met Mr. Wolcott and requested him to give some directions concerning the papers: Mr. Wolcott said he had nothing to do with them, that he was not the secretary, and it was as much as he could do to take care of his own private property. I went up stairs and Mr. Woodside gave me a quantity of books and papers to carry down stairs, which I delivered to Mr. Dawson, and told him that I was of opinion that the building was set on fire, and that I had found a chunk in the recess of the door of Mr. Ferrall's room. On my return up stairs I met Mr. Wolcott, and said, for God sake Mr. Wolcott give some directions; he told me he would introduce me to Mr. Dexter, who would give the proper directions, which he did. Shortly afterwards an alarm of fire took place in the cellar, and I got water carried down and put it out in a short time. On examination it was found that the fire had found its way between the floor and the counter ceiling, and it was proposed to tear up the floor, which was done by Mr. Dexter's orders; and further this deponent saith not.
WM. ONEALE.
City of Washington, } Feb. 24th, 1801. }
On being asked, the deponent saith that the floor was burned through about the place where he found the piece of wood which he has before mentioned.
The above deposition was given by William O'Neale, before the committee; he being first sworn, this 25th Feb. 1801.
JOHN NICHOLAS, Chairman.
THOMAS Y. SPROGELL, being first sworn, deposeth and saith, that after the fire in the Treasury Department, he was employed by Mr. Nourse, the Register, to watch in the office; and that about 12 o'clock at night, he discovered a wooden block behind Mr. Harrison's fire-place, in Mr. Ferrall's room, to which the wash-board had been nailed, to be on fire; that he extinguished the fire with water, and that appeared to him to be burnings from Mr. Ferrall's room, and towards Mr. Harrison's fire-place; that the block appeared to be about half consumed; that soon after he understood from the conversation of persons present, that they had taken out the block and found the end next Mr. Harrison's fire-place untouched by fire, but did not see the block himself; that the fire in Mr. Ferrall's room appeared to have been perfectly secured, and that he is very well satisfied the fire did not proceed from that fire-place.
THOMAS Y. SPROGELL.
Sworn to before me, this 27th day of Feb. 1801.
JOHN NICHOLAS, Chairman.
I, JONATHAN FREEMAN, testify that I was at the treasury Department about sunrise on the day after the fire happened at that place. In the room which was most damaged I observed the strongest marks of the fire, on the side of the room opposite to the place, in the wall on this side and directly (as appeared to me) opposite to the fire-place, in the auditor's room near the floor, were two holes in the wall, in which had been placed wood for fastening; in the largest and lowest of those holes were some coals and ashes, and such marks of fire as induced me to suppose that the wood had been consumed there; and the strongest marks of the fire was at the end of the hole next the opposite room, from which I was led to believe that the fire was communicated from the fire-place in the Auditor's room, by means of a block or wooden brick, which appeared to have been in the lowest of the above mentioned holes, and to which the wall-board or surbase of the room where the fire broke out, had been fastened.
JONATHAN FREEMAN.
CAPITOL, U. S. } Feb. 28th, 1801. }
Sworn to before me, this 28th Feb. 1801.
JOHN NICHOLAS, Chairman.
CHEAP LUMBER.
FOR SALE,
By the Subscriber, on reasonable terms, either by large or small quantities, at his Lumber Yards, the north end of Lamberton, and at the old Sturgeon Pond, above Richards's wharf,
A QUANTITY OF ASSORTED LUMBER, viz.
One and 1-4 inch, 1 x 8, and 1 do. Yellow pine heart boards—1 inch pannel, 1 x 4 do. for floors, 1 do. common, white pine do—2 do. 7 x 4 and 2 x 12 do planks, 1 do. 1 x 8, and 2 x 8 do. boards, black walnut—2 do. plank, 3 do. 1-2 do. pannel boards, bedstead sets, poplar the whole of the above are well seasoned and fit for use—lear heart pine, and sap pine white oak, and bithead, hemlock and white pine scantling, assorted—best kind three feet cedar shingles, dressed and undressed. do. two feet white pine do. 3 do. 18 inch cypress do—Sedar rails—Also, white pine sawed rails—shingling and paitrizing laths, best kind; white oak wagon timber—sap pine planks, sap pine one inch boards, 3-4 cedar, best kind, 3-4 white pine, 3-4 sap pine, seasoned weather boards—A quantity of handsome chestnut pailings, sawed 1 by 3 inches and from 4 to 16 feet long, for garden fence, &c. A quantity of chestnut oak posts, dressed and undressed; a quantity of cherry boards, a quantity of large white oak joice, a quantity of chestnut posts—5000 feet of neat beach scantling for tool blocks—5000 feet of sickamore scantling for bedsteads; 2 inch white oak plank; 1 inch white oak boards, 3-4 do. do. do.—25,000 feet superior cherry boards and plank, 3,000 do. very clear 2 inch white pine plank, 3,000 do. handsome beaten wood bedstead sets seasoned, 100,000 prime North Carolina shingles, a quantity of ash plank, 150 tons plaster Paris, warranted, 3,000 bushels best Virginia pit coal, 200 bushel cleans house sand
The subscriber intends, establishing a Lumber Yard at the Federal City of Washington, which he will keep regularly supplied as above—Any quantities may be agreed for by contract, deliverable, as the purchaser may wish, provided that the place of delivery may be comestable by water with a navigable vessel—Any quantity that may be ordered for shipping abroad, shall be supplied with punctuality and dispatch, agreeable to order
Gentlemen who are or may be building—as well as carpenters who may be under or may enter into contracts to build and furnish the materials, will find it well worth their attention to apply as above—Applications may be made by letter (post paid) or otherwise, to the subscriber, or left with Wm. and Anthony M. Buckley, or Benj. W. Morris and Co. merchants, Philadelphia.
Also for Sale or to Let,
A large commodious Dwelling House, with out buildings complete, and from three to seven acres of land—Two small do. with lots thereto—Also, a small Store near the river—All laying in the village of Lamberton
NATHAN COMBS.
N. B. A Screw Jack to let, that raises from 10 to 40 tons by hand—a constant supply of plaster and Smith's Virginia coal. Lamberton, New Jersey, (on Del.) January 12, 1801. twtf
FOR SALE, OR RENT.
TWO Brick dwelling houses, situated on the Pennsylvania-avenue near the President's house; one containing two handsome parlours and passage on the first floor, four lodging rooms, including garret, all private, kitchen and cellar; the whole will be completely finished in a few days; the yard's front palisaded and set with trees; the walks to the street paved or gravelled, which will render the same as comfortable a situation as any in this City for a private family, and will be sold for less than any gentleman can have the same built for. A family of negroes, will be taken in part payment, or Lots will be exchanged for Slaves. For particulars enquire in the Premises of OWEN ROBERTS. March 11, 1801. tf