The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1800-12-03 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. XV.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3d, 1800.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
AN ELEGY
ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD.
From heaven's high concave, where fe- renly mild The eye of mercy beams upon the blest, Look down oh! faintest spirit of my child, And view the anguish of a parent's breast.
Yet rather turn from misery and woe, Thou dearest offspring of connubial love, Nor let a mother's wretchedness below, One moment dash thine happiness above.
Oh! Nature thou my aking bosom arm With force of soul to act my trying part, Thou who with magic art hast fixed the charm, That twirls a child so strongly round the heart.
Dear lost Eliza, in thine infant years, When youthful sweetness prattled o'er its toys, One smile of thine would dissipate my fears, And fill my bosom with a thousand joys.
Thy winning softness and thine artless truth, The starting tear from misery has stole, Supply'd the bury'd husband of my youth, The first and last possession of my soul.
Thou wert that all which fortune had bestow'd To endear this transient and unreal stage, To smooth life's weary and fatiguing road, And cheer alike infirmity and age.
What scenes of fancied pleasure would I trace Thy little race of prattlers to attend, And pass the short remainder of my days, The grandchild's parent and the daughter's friend.
Delusive dreams! return to glad min- years Oh rise again in all your forms so fair, Dejection now for happiness appears, And grief array'd by solitude and care.
Pardon, just heaven! but where the heart is torn The human drop of bitterness will steal, Nor can we have the privilege to mourn Till we have lost the faculty to feel.
Religion, come thou daughter of the skies, And quickly lift thy salutary rod, Nor let the daring argument of sighs Too boldly tax the justice of my God.
CITY OF WASHINGTON.
FOR SALE, Lot No. 9, in Square 122.
THE above is inferior to few lots in this city, being but two squares west of the President's Square commanding an extensive view of the Potomac, it is a corner lot, and fronts 155 feet 10 inches on F Street, and 59 feet and an half inch on 20th Street.—An indisputable title will be given on receiving the amount of the pur- chase money. For terms apply to the subseri- ber a few doors east of the Little Hotel.
JOHN KEARNEY.
N. B. I will also sell Lot No 4, in Square No. 491, fronting 55 feet 3 inches on the Pennsyl- vania Avenue, and extending back 150 feet to an alley of 30 feet wide, with the advantage of a 15 feet alley along side of it; and Lot No 24 in Square No 378, fronting 51 feet 5 inches on Ninth Street, and running back 107 feet 2 inches to a 30 feet alley. West India goods will be taken in payment for a considerable part of the above property.
I. K.
November 17, 1800.
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 spa- cious and convenient, one of which is designed for stage passengers and travellers, the other for the accommodation of boarders. There is sta- blage sufficient for 60 horses.—They hope to merit public patronage.
City of Washington, Nov. 24, 1800.
FOR THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
The citizens of Washington have paid an heavy county tax amounting to seve- ral thousand dollars per annum, without having it expended towards the improve- ment of the Streets; they therefore rejoice at the prospect of being relieved from that impolition. The establishment of a Police is very desirable, and many salutary regu- lations may be enacted to promote the prosperity and happiness of the Inhabitants of Columbia.—George Town, which at first refused to be annexed to the City, has it now in contemplation to become incorporated, that the influential characters there may direct every thing in the City—and the inevitable result will be, that their mea- sures will be biased in favour of that cor- ner. "Where the treasure is there will the heart be also." Congress last ses- sion granted 8000 dollars to make foot- ways to the President's house, and for the accommodation of the members; a great part of that sum has been appropriated to- wards a footway from the President's house to George Town, and for an unnecessary Bridge over Rock creek, although one had been before erected and a causeway formed with the Public money—from this judge- of the future.—If there is a scarcity of buildings around the Capitol, it can be solely attributed to the little encourage- ment given. The Commissioners held their Office at a distance, the Record Office was held in George Town, the Bank of Columbia, expressly established for the be- nefit of the City, is fixed there, nay at- tempts have been openly made to remove Congress to the President's house—take a compass and by drawing a circle, the Capitol will be found to stand as near as possible in the centre. It would have been wise in the first instance, to have placed the public buildings in the vicinity of each other, but as that cannot be now remedied, Congress will of course adopt every pre- caution to prevent any possible counter- action or impediment to the growth of buildings near the Capitol.
JUSTICE.
BOARDING AND LODGING.
FIVE or Six gentlemen can be accommodated with Gented Board and Lodging, in a good and comfortable House, on New-Jersey Avenue, at Mr. Law's former residence Also good tablin wherein twenty horses can be accom- modated by,
SAMUEL BOOTES.
Nov. 26th, 1800.
4t.
A GENTLEMAN with a small family wishes to get Lodgings, either in George- Town, or the City, during the Session of Congress.
Apply at this Office, or to Mr. Claxton. Door keeper of the House of Representa- tives.
Nov. 26.
INFORMATION WANTED.
ALEXANDER INNES, a Master by trade was sometime ago on board the Constella- tion frigate and was in 1798 in Norfolk, Virginia. He has not since been heard off. His friends would be thankful if any persons who know any thing of his situation or residence, would com- municate it by letter, per post, addressed to Ro- bert Innes, jun. merchant Easton Pennsylvania. P. S. Printers to the Southward of Pennsyl- vania are requested to give the above a place for a few times.
November 28, 1800.
NOTICE is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that two Tracts of land belong- ing to CHARLES GRANDPRE lying in the County of Pickering in the Mississippi territory, and adjoining land belonging to Adam Bingham, are attached by a Foreign attachment at the suit of Joseph Calvet for a debt of 2063 dollars 50 cents
JOSEPH CALVET.
Nov. 28, 1800.
STRAYED or STOLEN A BLACK MARE with a white streak down her face, with a bunchy Mane and tail. No other particular marks that I know. About thirteen hands high about twelve years old, very heavy made and in good order, FOUR DOLLARS reward and a reasonable charges paid if left either with the subscriber, or at JAMES TIMMONS Liberty street Baltimore,
By JAMES USHER,
Greenleaf's Point
Washington City, Nov. 15, 1800.
3t.
CHARACTER OF MR. FOX.
[By Dr. Parr.]
Extracted from Preface to Bellendenus.
Mr. Fox possesses a mind great and lof- ty, and at the same time full of candor and simplicity; who alone claims the singular merit of excelling in every species of elo- quence.
But as on this subject there are a variety of sentiments, both amongst the vulgar, and amongst men who have obtained some small tincture of learning; I shall discuss it somewhat more at large, and with all the perspicuity I am able.
I have seen many orators discomposed and distracted from their extreme solicitude in the choice of words. But the mind of Mr. Fox is so continually exercised in the contemplation of various subjects, that the expressions most appropriate to each, seem to present themselves spontaneously. He well knows that there is no word with- out its peculiar force and propriety; so that many which, abstractedly considered, may seem mean and vulgar, acquire, from his application of them, consequence and beau- ty. If the occasion demand it, he can at pleasure adopt ornament, or energy, with every variety of modulation. He has the faculty of expressing the most difficult things with a certain ease and perspicuity, which does not appear the result of previous meditation. Whilst he speaks, he commu- nicates universal animation. Every one who hears him, participates his spirit; and is impressed, not as by the mere image and representation of things, but as if interest- ed by the view of present and new-created ob- jects; the qualities therefore of ardor and of energy no one can deny him. Some there are, however, who, from a disposi- tion hard to be satisfied, declare that he is entirely destitute of those happier powers of oratory, which skilfully select and display the more florid beauties of eloquence; but these inferior, though pleasing ornaments, he avoids from judgment, not from their difficulty of attainment. Those sentiments which are introduced with propriety, and expressed with a force which captivates at- tention and impresses conviction, have, up- on recollection or perusal, an appropriate beauty; not perhaps gaudy or meretricious, but what Cicero admires as genuine and permanent.
Mr. Fox possesses one admirable distinc- tion; he is never known to violate the pu- rity of the English idiom. Many who, in their attempts to shine, introduce foreign expressions—and, disdaining the unaffected language of simplicity, acquire a strange and offensive dialect—are overpowered by his raillery, conveyed in the chaste terms of his own language. He well knows that the oratory which is obscure, can never be admired: he knows also, that those expres- sions which convey most information, have always most dignity, and frequently most beauty. He is sensible, withal, that the thunder of his eloquence can never be suc- cessfully employed, unless under the direc- tion of a certain regulated force; for which reason he sometimes uses such full continui- ty of expression, as seems in a manner to dis- dain the preciseness of connection, but in reality defies the torture of the severest cri- ticism. Sometimes he separates his speech into minuter sentences, which have never- theless a certain order and rhythm. In these instances he may be thought negligent, but they excite no prejudice against him; they mark a man more solicitous to satisfy the judgment, than captivate the ear. Yet is he particularly careful not to maim or weak- en his sentences: he never violently inserts pompos but unmeaning words, to fill up, as it were, some cavity. He never fatigues and oppresses the attention by vain and ill- ornaments; a subterfuge which the judg- ment rejects with all possible disdain. He is consequently neither diffuse nor confused, neither impotent nor disjointed.
When he is about to conclude he varies his powers with uncommon dexterity; and either open, or reserved, as circumstance requires.
So much has Mr. Fox been benefited by thought, & by experience, that his knowledge appears suited to every place; and he not on-
ly perceives in a moment what is worthy his pursuit, but he discerns where it is to be obtained: to which we should add, that he is perfectly familiar with all the forms of law, the subtleties of logic, and the appli- cation of both. Whenever any subject in- volving them is to be discussed, we have to admire his genius and sagacity; he can ei- ther explain or discuss them copiously, or dispute minutely and perspicuously concern- ing them. What is separate and disjointed, he can connect and contract; what is ab- stract and obscure, he can scientifically un- fold: not with imperfect, unconvincing he- sitatation; not by the aid of pompous and of- tentatious language; but in a manner prompt, clear, satisfactory; and in terms adapted to every judgment, and intelli- gible to the meanest capacity.
If he does not forcibly impress his audi- ence at the commencement of his spe- ches, his strong and varied power, as he proceeds, progressively rouses and fixes attention. His introductory skirmishes, if we may so term them, are so contrived—not for insulting parade, in imitation of the Samnites, who did not use in battle the spears which they brandished before—but so as to be of the greatest advantage to his purpose, when he appears more particularly anxious after vic- tory. When strenuously pressed, he retreats, not, not as if he had thrown away, or even dropt his shield; but he seems wholly col- lected in himself, and merely to be making use of a feint, whilst selecting a better situ- ation. When his object is to refute his opponents, he accumulates all his powers. Sometimes he applies the more compressed weapons of logic, and with their extreme acuteness harasses those who are most versed and most obstinate in contest. Some- times he expands himself, and lets loose all the reins to that species of eloquence, which is more diffuse, more magnificent, and more splendid. But all the superior great- ness of his genius is then apparent, when he describes the opinions and manners of mankind; when he applies examples; when he alarms his adversaries with apprehensions of the future; when he denounces ven- geance against crimes, or renders praise to virtue; when he passes the limits which re- strain ordinary speakers; when he expresses the emotions of supplication, of hope, of detestation.
The complacent respect of an audience is principally excited by the dignity of the speaker, his actions, and his moral reputa- tion. The great opponent of Mr. Fox, al- though in this respect he possesses no actual superiority, is yet so circumspect in the re- culation of his conduct, as to appear an ho- nest, upright, moral character. However this may be, Mr. Fox possesses all the perfect- ion and wisdom of eloquence; he never wastes his time in idle disputations, but has wholly employed his abilities in the study of political business. When he has once sa- tisfied his mind on the rectitude of an ac- tion, he directs, with vigilance and propri- ety, all the talents of his mind, all the powers of art, to the accomplishment of his purpose; for which reason he always appears to me to feel himself, with all ima- ginable force, the impression he endeavors to communicate.
Wisdom, as of all other arts, is the foundation also of eloquence; but the man whose scientific attainments have received the maturity of experience, will not be re- tained where the obscure streamlet of elo- quence meanders, but rushes forwards to where the full torrent of the tide bursts forth. But Mr. Fox, and in a manner which exceedingly becomes him, frequently assumes the humbler part of minutest expla- nation. Whenever he condescends to this, he obtains all that he can wish; but he can in a moment resume his dignity, and ascend through every gradation, to the height of all which claims admiration. His oratory is at times so very rapid, that it appears some- what obscure, from its extreme acuteness and celerity; but it still would not be easy to adopt expressions more significant, or more full of meaning: yet, in all that he says, there is an obvious vigor and beauty, peculiar to himself. He seems withal to exhibit that artificial shade, which makes such beauties more conspicuously observable; he possesses, in common with Demosthenes, the faculty of keeping his object constantly

in view, and of impressing it, with the wish- ed for effect, on the minds of his audience.
I would with such to understand, who have been misled by erroneous representa- tion, that the very circumstance which is urged in diminution of Mr. Fox's excellence is equally a proof of his skill and of his ge- nius. His sentences, if minutely examined, are so exquisite, and so profound, that they seem rather the result of philosophical in- vestigation, than borrowed from the schools of rhetoric. They are sometimes confined to disquisitions of a personal nature; at others, they involve the history of past, or the occurrences of modern times; occasion- ally, they comprehend subjects of an univer- sal nature. The better to excite and fix the attention, he disposes them in various points of view. With infinite skill he ac- commodates his speeches to the different tastes and prejudices of different hearers: he introduces so much novelty, calls to his aid such strong and unexpected arguments, and applies them so admirably to the occa- sion, that he fascinates even those who are prejudiced against him, or hurries them un- resisting along with him.
I have before remarked, that the abilities of Mr. Fox are adequate to every possible occurrence. But whenever a subject pre- sents itself, which claims the full exertion of his talents, he stands forth with a kind of luminous activity, and shows how vast are the powers of eloquence. He then seems like a torrent hurrying the mountain rocks before it, and disdaining all restraints of bridges or of banks. This force and ce- lerity in speaking, Eupolis formerly admir- ed in Pericles; and the most violent oppo- nents of Mr. Fox hear, confess, and are astonished.
When I contemplate the unworthy for- tune which has attended this most exalted character, I am indignant from the memo- ry of the past, and full of grief from the ex- pectation of the future. He himself, how- ever, may proudly claim the public grati- tude; for in the midst of calamity, which menaces the security of the most deserving citizens, he consoles himself with the con- sciousness of integrity, with the fair and unclouded hope, that posterity will render justice to his fame.
ON AMBITION.
THE best of all good things, says Mr. Retz, is repose. All the pleasures which nature can bestow, become insipid to him who is agitated by ambition, who is tor- mented by vanity, or torn by envy. You shall see a man on whom fortune has been prodigal of her choicest favours, to whom nature has given a sound and vigorous body; who is beloved by his wife and his children, whom he cherishes; whose presence spreads pleasure and joy in his family, where he is only an apparition; who, if he lived on his own domains, would enjoy the pleasure of doing good to a set of numerous vassals, but he there makes his appearance only three or four times in a year; and is then scarcely seen till he is gone again. This man does not feel the value of health; he does not enjoy his fortune. His life which might flow on in that kind of animated leisure, which results from the exercise of acts of benevolence, is consumed in agitation and in fear. Independent by his riches, he de- votes himself to servitude, and is torment- ed by chagrin. His sleep, which ought to be pleasing, is troubled by envy and disqui- etude. He writes, he cringes, he solicits. he tears himself from pleasures, and gives himself up to occupations that are not suit- ed to his taste; he in a measure refuses to live forty years of his life, in order that he may obtain employment, dignities, marks of distinction, which, when he obtains them, he cannot enjoy.
RUTLAND (Ver.) Nov. 10.
On Thursday last, water was publicly raised in this town to the perpendicular height of 38 feet, by means of a machine newly invented by Mr. Barnabas Langdon. Tubes were unfortunately wanting to make an experiment to a greater height. It is not known that any machine heretofore constructed has ever raised water, by the pressure of the atmosphere, to a greater height than thirty four feet. We under- stand that Mr. Langdon has applied for a patent, for securing to him the benefit of so useful an invention. The small compass of the machinery, the facility of its opera- tion, and height to which it might raise water, seem strongly to recommend it for drawing water, in tubes under ground, for family use.
AN ADDRESS ON THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS, Delivered some years ago by MR. ERSKINE.
THE peculiar excellence of the English constitution is, that it creates an equal rule of action for the whole nation, and an im- partial administration of justice under it. From these principles result that happy, un- suspecting, and unsuspected freedom which for ages has distinguished society in En- gland.
To maintain this tranquility of human life, the power of accusation was not given to uninjured individuals, much less to vo- luntary, unauthorised associations, acting without responsibility; but was conferred upon the supreme executive magistrate; and even that trust, guarded by the personal re- sponsibility of those officers by which the crown exercises its authority, and in the higher order of crimes, guarded again by the office of the grand jury.
These admirable provisions appear to be founded in a deep acquaintance with the principles of society, & to be attended with the most important benefits to the public; because, tempered again with the trial by the country, they enable the English consti- tution to ratify the existence of a strong, hereditary, executive government, conflict- ingly with the security of popular freedom.
By this arrangement of the royal prerog- ative of accusation, the crown becomes an object of wholesome, but not dangerous jealousy; which, while it prevents it from over-stepping its limits, endears the people to one another from a necessity of union a- mongst themselves for the preservation of their privileges.
Under this system, state accusations in modern times have not often been rash or malevolent, and the criminal has been sup- ported by the fraternal tribunal of his coun- try.
But, under the circumstances which af- semble us together, all these provisions ap- pear to be endangered.
A sudden alarm has been spread through the kingdom, by the ministers of the crown, of imminent danger to the constitution, and to all order and government.
The existence or extent of these evils since they have been fancied though not as- certained, by the authority of parliament, we have not assembled to debate. But we may, without sedition, congratulate our fellow-subjects, that, without the punish- ment of a single individual for an overt act of treason, the people have recovered all that tranquility and respect for the laws which they appeared to us to have equally possess- ed at the time when the alarm burst forth.
That large classes of the community should nevertheless give faith to the asser- tions and acts of a responsible government, is not to be wondered at. When the En- glish constitution is represented to be in dan- ger, we rejoice in the enthusiasm of English- men to support it. When that danger is further represented to have been caused or increased by the circulation of treasonable and seditious writings, we acknowledge that it is the duty of every good citizen to discountenance them.
We assemble only from a principle of public duty, to enter our protest against the justice of those associations, which are spreading fast over England, for the avowed object of suppressing and prosecuting writ- ings, more especially when accompanied with rewards to informers; and when these rewards are extended, to question and to pu- nish opinions delivered even in the private intercourses of domestic life.
We refrained, at our former meeting, from pronouncing these proceedings to be illegal and punishable, but we consider them to be doubtful in law, and unconstitutional.
In the first place, we object to them as wholly unnecessary; and there ought to be a visible necessity or expediency to vindicate every innovation in administering the laws.
If the ordinary sittings of the courts are found at any time to be insufficient, the king may appoint special commissioners for the trial of offenders.
If the revenue, devoted to the ordinary purposes of justice, should be found insuffi- cient for an unusual expenditure, parlia- ment is ever at hand to supply the means.
If information, also, become necessary, the crown may at any time, by its authori- ty, set even informers in motion.
But under this awful process, public freedom would still be secured, while the public safety was maintained. The crown acting by its officers, would continue to be responsible for the exercise of its authority, and the community would be found and pure for the administration of justice.
But when, without any necessity, bodies of men voluntarily intrude themselves into a sort of partnership with the executive power; and when the people may be said
to be in a manner represented by them— where is the accused to find justice among his peers, when arraigned? Where is the boasted trial by the country, if the country is thus to become informer and accuser?— Where is the cautious distrust of accusation if the grand jury themselves have informed against the object of it, brought in the very bill which they are to find, and subscribed for the prosecution of it? Where, in the end, is the mild, complacent countenance of the jury for trial, if the pannel is to come reeking from listening to harangues concerning the absolute necessity of extin- guishing the very crimes and the criminals which they are to decide upon in judgment.
But, if these proceedings must thus evi- dently taint the administration of justice, even in the superior courts, what must be the condition of the courts of quarter sessi- ons, whose jurisdictions over these offences are co-ordinate—where the judges are the very gentlemen who lead those associations, and where the jurors are either their ten- nants or dependents?
By these observations, we mean no disre- spect to the magistracies of our country. But the best men may inadvertently place themselves in situations incompatible with their duties.
The incongruities arising from this rage of popular accusation, are not our original observations. We are led to them by the analogies of the law itself.
On this principle, criminals impeached, not by the people heated with a sense of in- dividual danger, but by the House of Com- mons representing them, are tried, from the necessity of the case by the Lords, and not by the country. This anomaly of jus- tice arose from the wisdom of our ancestors. They thought that, when the complaint proceeded from the popular branch of the government, it was more substantial justice to the meanest man in England to send him for trial before the Lords, than to trust him to a jury of his equals.
These principles apply, by the closest an- alogy, to the proceedings which we assem- ble to disapprove. For the offence must be tried in the country, and frequently in the very town where it is charged to be com- mitted; and thus the accused must not only stand before a court infected by a general prejudice, but, in a manner, disqualified.
These objections to popular associations, apply with double force when directed a- gainst the press, than against any other object.
Associations to prosecute offences against the game laws, or frauds against trademen, distinctly describe their objects, and have no immediate tendency to deter from the exercise of rights which are legal, and in which the public have a deep and important interest.
These associations, besides, cannot be so universal as to disqualify the country at large, by prejudice or interest, from the office of trial. They are bottomed besides upon crimes, the perpetration of which is injurious to individuals as such, and which each individual, in his own personal right, might legally prosecute. Whereas we as- semble to object to the popular prosecution of those public offences which the crown, if they exist, is bound in duty to prosecute by the attorney general.
The press, therefore, is a very different consideration; for if the nation is to be combined to suppress writings, by the general denomination—seditious; and if these combinations are to extend to what- ever does not happen to fall in with their private judgments—no man will venture ei- ther to write or to speak upon the topics of government or its administration—a free- dom which has ever been acknowledged to be the principal safeguard of that constitu- tion which a Free Press by its circulation gradually brought to maturity.
We will therefore maintain and assert, by all legal means, this sacred and essential privilege, the parent and guardian of every other. We will maintain and assert the right of instructing our fellow-subjects by every sincere and conscientious communica- tion which may promote the public happi- ness; and if, in the legal and peaceable af- sertion of freedom, as our fathers before us have suffered; we will, like our fa- thers, also persevere until we prevail.
Let us, however, recollect, that the law, as it stands is amply sufficient for the pro- tection of the press, if the country will be but true to itself. The extent of the ge- nuine liberty of the press on general sub- jects, and the boundaries which separate it from licentiousness, the English law has wisely not attempted to define; it is the of- fice of the jury alone to ascertain them. This system appears to us amply to secure the government, while it equally protects the subject.
It is justly observed by the celebrated Judge Foster, that words are transitory and fleeting, easily forgotten, and subject to
mistaken interpretations; all is to rest on the oaths of hired informers. Is this in the end of the 18th century, to be the condi- tion of our country? Are these to be our chains? And are we to sit down to forge them again for ourselves, and to fasten them on one another?
Our last objection to popular accusation, is the love we bear to the government of England, and our wish that its functions may be perpetual; it being our opinion, as expressed in our seventh resolution, at our former meeting—
“That a system of jealousy and arbitrary coercion of the people has been at all times dangerous to the stability of the English government.”
For the truth of which we appeal to hu- man nature in general, to the characteris- tic of Englishmen in particular, and to the history of the country.
In the career of such a system of combi- nation, we foresee nothing but oppression; and when its force is extinguished, nothing but discontent, disobedience, and misrule.
When we consider the great proportion of the community, that has already hastily sanctioned the proceedings which we dissent from, the great authority that countenan- ces them, the powerful influence which sup- ports them, and the mighty revenue raised upon the people, which through various channels reward many of those who lead the rest;—we feel the difficulties which this Address has to encounter; and, judg- ing of man from his nature, we expect no immediate success from our interposition. But we believe that the seal of disapprobation is not far distant, when this humble effort for the public will be remembered, and its author vindicated by the people of Great Britain.
PITTSBURG, Nov. 21.
By the report of the Commanding Of- ficer at Fort Massac, (near the mouth of the Ohio) there passed that place from the 1st of June to the 31st of Aug. 1806, inclu- sive, EIGHTY NINES BOATS of va- rious descriptions, from Kentucky, Ten- nessee, the North Western territory, & the Western of Virginia and Pennsylvania, destined for the Natches, New-Orleans, and other ports on the the Mississippi. The cargoes of these boats consisted of the fol- lowing particulars:
2,675 barrels flour, 27 barrels gin, 62 barrels nails, 182 coils cordage, 2 sugar rollers, 3 hogheads oil, 30 bales blankets, 11 fiddles and bridles, 4 tons logwood, 1 barrel wine, 4 hogheads molasses, 10 bar- rels taffia, 15 pair boot legs, 205 bushels cords, 1,011 yards country linen, 4,200 weight bar iron, 11,200 weight castings, 4 barrels brandy, 9 barrels peach brandy, 496 barrels whiskey, 83 barrels beer, 7 barrels sugar, 6 barrels indian meal, 121 packs Peltry, 7 barrels coffee, 300 pounds loaf sugar, 1000 bushels lime, 18 rifle guns, 20 boxes shot, 18,350 pounds bacon, 9 barrels tar, 28,105 weight lead, 22 faggots nail rods, 900 pounds gun powder, 153 hogheads tobacco, 8 kegs tobacco, 1 cheit carpenters tools, 3 boxes candles, 1 box gals, 406 barrels salt, 4 waggons, 3 grind stones, 3 mill stones, 11,586 pounds cot- ton, 34 head black cattle, 7 head shep, 20 horses, 7,600 dollars in dry goods, 75 women and children, (white and black), 401 white men, 75 black men.
WASHINGTON CITY.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3d, 1806.
Information is received from all the towns in Rhode Island but 6, from which it ap- pears that the Federal ticket of Electors has a majority of 312 votes
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE
SINKING FUND,
Respectfully report to Congress as follows.
That the measures which have been au- thorized by the Board, subsequent to their report of the 11th of December, 1799, so far as the same have been completed, are

fully detailed in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to this Board, dated the twenty-seventh of November, 1800; and in the proceedings of the officers of the Treasury, therein referred to, which are herewith transmitted and prayed to be received as part of this report.
JOHN E. HOWARD, President of the Senate, pro tempore. November 24th, 1800.
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund,
That no purchases of the Debt of the United States have been made since the date of the last report to Congress of the 11th day of December, 1799; and that the sums of the Capitol Stock heretofore purchased and transferred, prior to the present year, in trust for the United States, the interest whereon is appropriated by law towards the reduction of the public debt amount to four millions, seven hundred and four thousand, two hundred and nineteen dollars and sixty cents, as will more particularly appear from documents hereto annexed, marked A.
That the following sums have been applied towards the discharge of the principal debt of the United States since the date of the last report to Congress of the 11th of December, 1799.
1st. To the 5th instalment of the six per cent. Stock, bearing a present interest, which pursuant to the act, entitled "An act, making further provision for the support of public credit and for the redemption of the public debt" passed on the 3d day of March, 1795, and the act in addition thereto passed on the 28th day of April 1796, became payable on the first day of January, 1800, the sum of
716,894 36
2d. To the payment of the eighth instalment of the subscription loan for Bank Stock, due on the last day of December, 1799,
200,000
3d. To the payment of the third instalment of a loan of one million of Guilders obtained in Holland, and which fell due the present year, pursuant to a contract dated first of June, 1787, estimated at forty cents per Guilder.
80,000
4th. To the payment of the second instalment of a loan of one million of Guilders obtained in Holland, and which fell due in the present year, pursuant to a contract dated the 13th of March, 1788, estimated at forty cents per Guilder,
80,000
5th. To the payment of the first instalment of a loan of three millions of Guilders obtained in Holland, and which fell due in the present year pursuant to a contract dated first of January, 1790, estimated at forty cents per Guilder,
240,000
Amounting in the whole to Dolls. 1.316.894 36
The payments before enumerated have been made out of the following funds:
1st. The interest fund, or the sums which accrued upon the stock purchased and transferred to the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, in trust for the United States, as particularly stated in the document hereto annexed, marked B.
522,323 11
2d. The fund arising from the payment of debts which originated prior to the present Constitution of the United States as particularly stated in the document marked C.
2,943 39
3d. The fund arising from dividends on the capital stock belonging to the United States, in the bank of the United States, from the first of July, 1798, to 30th of June, 1799, after deducting the interest on the subscription loan for the same period, as particularly stated in the document hereto annexed, marked D.
29,040
4th. The proceeds of the duties on goods, wares and merchandise imported; on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on spirits distilled within the United States, and stills appropriated by the 8th section
of the act of March 3d. 1795, intitled, "An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of the public debt," being for the period and in the reference to the objects mentioned in this Report,
762,587 83
Making in the whole an equal amount to the reimbursements before mentioned.
There remained in the hands of the Treasurer of the United States, as agent of the Board of Commissioners, on the twenty-fifth day of the present month, one hundred and sixty nine thousand and eighty seven dollars and four cents, which with the growing produce of other appropriated funds, will be sufficient for the reimbursement, at the close of the present year, of the sixth instalment of the six per cent stock, bearing a present interest, and the ninth instalment of the subscription loan for stock of the bank of the United States; which reimbursements are required to be made by the 11th section of the act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, 1795, herein before mentioned.
All which is most respectfully submitted by OLIVER WOLCOTT.
Document A. is an enumeration of the different descriptions of stock redeemed, viz. 1,841,607 Dols. 09 cents of 6 per Cent.—614,836 Dols. 47 cents of 5 per Cent.—966 376 Dols. 04 Cents Deferred—1,280,000 of 5 per Cent.—1,400 Dols. of 5 1-2 per Cent.
It also contains a specification of the various sources of revenue, which make up the total sum redeemed. Documents B. C. & D. are not given, as the contents of each are exhibited in the preceding report with sufficient detail to satisfy the mind of the reader.
TUESDAY, December 2, 1800.
Mr. MACON, from the committee of claims, reported that the demand of Philip Wilson was barred by the act of limitations, and that finding in his case no reason for suspending the act, they recommended that the prayer of the Petitioner ought not to be granted. The report was agreed to by the House.
Mr. CLAIBORNE stated that during the last session a committee was appointed to enquire into the state of the trade, authorized by law, with the Indian Nations. That committee had reported unfavourably to the trade. But desirous of maturing the subject with deliberation a new plan before the old one was supplanted, they had reported a bill for continuing the existing system for one year. The bill had passed the House of Representatives unanimously, but had been postponed by the Senate to this session.
For his own part he was altogether unfavourable to the trade; for he believed that it answered no good purpose in relation to the Indians, while it was a loss to the United States. It was, however, proper that some legislative provision should be made immediately. The old law, regulating the officers who had the superintendence of the trade, had expired, and they were, of consequence, under no legal control.
He, therefore, moved the appointment of a committee, to enquire into the expediency of carrying on any further trade on a capital furnished by the United States, to report by bill or otherwise, which motion being read a second time, was agreed to, and a committee of three appointed.
Mr. OTIS observed, that at the time he moved for the reference of the letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, he was of opinion that it might be necessary to give particular instructions to the committee to regulate their measures in the contemplated investigation. But on further reflection he thought it would be best to leave the committee at large to make the investigation in such way as they, in the progress of their enquiries, should consider most satisfactory. Objects, not foreseen, might occur, requiring different modes of procedure from any now agreed upon. Such was the opinion of the committee, who had directed him to move an instruction to the committee to examine into the state of the Treasury, the mode of conducting business therein, the expenditures of the public money, and to report such facts and statements as will conduce to a full and satisfactory understanding of the duties of the Treasury, since the appointment of the Secretary. Agreed to.
GENERAL LEE, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported a bill for erecting a MAUSOLEUM TO GEORGE
WASHINGTON, which was read twice and referred to a Committee of the whole to-morrow.
The bill directs that the mausoleum shall be of marble, to be erected, in the City of Washington, under the superintendence of the four Secretaries.
WEDNESDAY, December 3.
Mr. GREGG moved that the petition of Oliver Pollock, with the documents accompanying the same, and the report made thereon last session, be referred to a committee of the whole. On the suggestion of Mr. Griswold, a reference was made to the committee of claims.
The letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, inviting an investigation of his official conduct has been referred to Messrs. Otis, Nicholas, Griswold, Nicholson, Waln, Stone and Craik.
The congratulatory letter from the inhabitants of the district of Columbia has been referred to Messrs. I. C. Thomas, Evans and Craik.
The Senate have authorised their door-keeper to employ one assistant and two horses, during the session, and twenty days afterwards for which an allowance is made of twenty eight dollars weekly.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
SIR, I deem it proper through you to inform the House of Representatives, that I have obtained the permission of the President of the United States, to resign the office of Secretary of the Treasury, at the close of the present year.
I indulge a hope, that I may without presumption declare, that the different offices with which I have been entrusted since the establishment of this Department, have been executed according to my best skill and judgment, with a conscientious regard to the rights of the public and of individuals, and under an impressive sense of responsibility to the government.—In conformity with these professions, I now freely submit the whole of my conduct to any investigation which the House of Representatives may be pleased to institute.
I cannot omit this only opportunity which may ever be afforded, of expressing the sincere sentiments of gratitude, which I now feel and shall ever cultivate for the many proofs of confidence and indulgence which I have experienced in the course of my official communications with the Legislature; at the same time I request, that if the liberty I have now taken to invite their attention to a matter of personal concern, should be deemed in any degree unsuitable, the error may be attributed to a just and reasonable desire, that my conduct may on proper evidence, appear to have deserved their approbation.
I have the honour to be, With perfect esteem and deference, Sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) OLIVER WOLCOTT.
The Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, Esq. Speaker of the House of Representatives.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 28.
Yesterday came before the Supreme Court of this state, Chief Justice Shippen, the trial of Dallas v. Fenno. This was a civil action to recover damages for a libel. The defendant did not appear, nor was any counsel engaged in his defence. The trial however proceeded, and this morning the jury returned a verdict of two thousand five hundred dollars damages for the plaintiff.—We understand, that in consequence of an error in omitting to fill up the blanks in the declaration, a rule of law will interpose, by which the damages will be reduced to one thousand dollars.
The NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER is this day presented to the Public. It is the first Paper printed in WASHINGTON; and from the vicinity of the Editor to the Capitol, the seat of the public bodies, he expects to be enabled to furnish the earliest and most correct notices of their deliberations. The crisis of national affairs is deeply interesting, whether contemplated in relation to our internal or external situation. Fully impressed with the sacred duties of the press in such times, and sensible how much good or mischief may be effected by the virtuous or vicious application of the power with which public opinion has invested it, truth and truth only, shall be the guide of the Editor.
In many instances he will doubtless be deceived. But in all instances a consciousness of error will be followed by a candid enunciation of it.
The design of the National Intelligencer is to diffuse correct information through the whole extent of the union. From the whole extent, therefore, of the union, it must derive the patronage that shall sustain it; and every friend to its plan is invited to promote it, by making known its nature and character to his fellow citizens in his neighbourhood.
For this sole purpose, not in the unworthy spirit of solicitation, it is intended to forward a few of the early numbers to citizens of respectability in the several states, who are requested to use their good offices, if they consider the Paper worthy encouragement.
Oct. 31st. 1800.
JOHN MINCHIN,
BOOT MAKER
FROM PHILADELPHIA.
RESPECTFULLY acquaints his FRIENDS, CUSTOMERS, and the PUBLIC, that he has removed his BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTORY from near the Eastern Branch, to New Jersey Avenue, on the hill, near the Capitol, where he makes Gentlemen's Boots, Moccasins, and undress Shoes on the shortest notice, in the neatest manner, and of the best materials. December 3d 3tw.
This day is Published and for Sale
BT
RAPINE, CONRAD & Co.
AT THE WASHINGTON BOOK STORE, Corner of South B. Street and New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol.
A FEW remarks on Mr. HAMILTON's late Letter, concerning the Public conduct and character of the President, price 25 cents.
The BEGGAR GIRL and her Benefactors 3 Vols. by Mrs. Bennet author of Welsh heiress, Juvenile indiscretions, Agnes De Courci, and Ellen Countess of Castle Howell. price 3 dollars, neatly bound.
LOTS BY AUCTION.
A number of the best situated lots in sq. 688-
BOUNDED ON THE
CAPITOL SQUARE
In the City of Washington and between the President's House and the Capitol will be sold at Tunnicliff's Hotel on the 10th December next.—
Terms of sale will be made known on the day preceding the sale. 25th November, 1800.
THE SUBSCRIBER OFFERS FOR SALE, THE FOLLOWING VALUABLE PROPERTY.
In George Town & the City of Washington. Viz.
A BRICK HOUSE & LOT near the Union tavern; the terms of payment as follows, one half cash, the balance in 6 and 9 months, the purchaser giving notes with approved indorsers.
—ALSO—
A number of Lots unimproved; one lot adjoining the above, 47 feet front, 120 back; one lot on the causeway, near Mr. Joseph Peck's building, 26 feet front by 125 back; one fourth of the square in Thomas Beall's addition to George Town, on an elegant eminence, it being part of that square improved by Mr. William Smith; also, a lot in said addition, it being at the diagonal corner from the place of residence of Joseph Nourse, Esq. one lot in the City of Washington, square 164, fronting North K. street 66 feet 4 inches by 80 feet 10 inches on Connecticut Avenue, containing 8293 square feet, with a spring of excellent water running through said lot.
All the above property will be disposed of on the most reasonable terms, and indisputable titles will be given on the purchase money being paid.
JONATHAN JACKSON. November 12, 1800.
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
FOR Apprehending and securing in any Goal, so that the Subscriber gets him again A NEGRO MAN named NACE, ran away some time in the month of October, aged thirty years, about five feet high, light complexion, wears his hair queued, a well set trunkey fellow. I have cause to believe he is in the City of Washington. It is unnecessary to describe his clothing as he will have it in his power to change them. I will give TWENTY DOLLARS if ten miles from home, THIRTY DOLLARS if twenty miles, and the above reward if a greater distance.
ZACHARIAH SOTHORON. Charles County near Benedict, October 31.

THE ART OF PROCURING PLEASANT DREAMS.
INSSCRIBED TO MISS ****
Being written at her request.
By DR. FRANKLIN.
As a great part of our life is spent in sleep, during which we have sometimes pleasing, and sometimes painful dreams, it becomes of some consequence to obtain the one kind, and avoid the other; for whether real or imaginary, pain is pain, and pleasure is pleasure. If we can sleep without dreaming, it is well that painful dreams are avoided. If, while we sleep, we can have any pleasing dreams, it is, as the French say, tant gagne, so much added to the pleasure of life.
To this end it is, in the first place, necessary to be careful in preserving health, by due exercise, and great temperance; for, in sickness, the imagination is disturbed; and disagreeable, sometimes terrible, ideas are apt to present themselves. Exercise should precede meals, not immediately follow them: the first promotes, the latter, unless moderate, obstructs digestion. If, after exercise, we feed sparingly, the digestion will be easy and good, the body lightsome, the temper cheerful, and all the animal functions performed agreeably. Sleep, when it follows, will be natural and undisturbed. While indolence, with full feeding, occasion nightmares and horrors inexpressible; we fall from precipices, are assaulted by wild beasts, murderers, and demons, and every variety of distress. Observe, however, that the quantities of food and exercise are relative things: those who move much may, and indeed ought to eat more; those who use little exercise, should eat little. In general mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eat about twice as much as nature requires. Suppers are not bad, if we have not dined; but restless nights naturally follow hearty suppers, after full dinners. Indeed, as there is a difference in constitutions, some rest well after their meals; it costs them only a frightful dream, and an apoplexy, after which they sleep till doomsday. Nothing is more common in the newspapers, than instances of people, who, after eating a hearty supper, are found dead a-bed in the morning.
Another means of preserving health, to be attended to, is the having a constant supply of fresh air in your bed-chamber. It has been a great mistake, the sleeping in rooms exactly closed, and in beds surrounded by curtains. No outward air, that may come into you, is so unwholesome as the unchanged air, often breathed, of a close chamber. As boiling water does not grow hotter by longer boiling, if the particles that receive greater heat can escape; so living bodies do not putrify, if the particles, as fast as they become putrid, can be thrown off; but, in a close room, we receive them again and again, though they become more and more corrupt. A number of persons crowded into a small room, thus spoil the air in a few minutes, and even render it mortal, as in the Black Hole at Calcutta. A single person is said to spoil only a gallon of air per minute, and therefore requires a longer time to spoil a chamber-full; but it is done, however, in proportion, and many putrid disorders hence have their origin. It is recorded of Mathusalem, who, being the longest liver, may be supposed to have best preserved his health, that he slept always in open air; for, when he had lived five hundred years, an angel said to him: "Arise, Mathusalem; and build thee an house, for thou shalt live yet five hundred years longer." But Mathusalem answered and said: "If I am to live but five hundred years longer, it is not worth while to build me an house—I will sleep in the air as I have been used to do." Physicians, after having for ages contended that the sick should not be indulged with fresh air, have at length discovered that it may do them good. It is therefore to be hoped that they may in time discover likewise that it is not hurtful to those who are in health; and that we may be then cured of the aerophobia that at present distresses weak minds, and makes them choose to be stifled and poisoned, rather than leave open the windows of a bed-chamber, or put down the glass of a coach.
Confined air, when saturated with perspirable matter, will not receive more; and that matter must remain in our bodies, and occasion diseases: but it gives some previous notice of its being about to be hurtful, by producing certain uneasinesses, slight indeed at first, such as, with regard to the lungs, is a trilling sensation, and to
the pores of the skin a kind of restlessness which is difficult to describe, and few that feel it know the cause of it. But we may recollect, that sometimes, on waking in the night, we have if warmly covered, found it difficult to get asleep again. We turn often without finding repose in any position. The suggestiveness, to use a vulgar expression for want of a better, is occasioned wholly by an uneasiness in the skin, owing to the retention of the perspirable matter—the bed clothes having received their quantity, and, being saturated, refusing to take any more. To become sensible of this by an experiment, let a person keep his position in the bed, but throw off the bed-clothes, and suffer fresh air to approach the part uncovered of his body; he will then feel that part suddenly refreshed; for the air will immediately relieve the skin, by receiving, licking up, and carrying off, the load of perspirable matter that incommoded it. For every portion of cool air that approaches the warm skin, in receiving its part of that vapour, receives therewith a degree of heat, that rarifies and renders it lighter, when it will be pushed away, with its burthen by cooler, and therefore heavier fresh air; which, for a moment, supplies its place, and then, being likewise changed, and warmed, gives way to a succeeding quantity. This is the order of nature, to prevent animals being infected by their own perspiration. He will now be sensible of the difference between the part exposed to the air, and that which, remaining sunk in the bed, denies the air access: for this part now manifests its uneasiness more distinctly by the comparison, and the seat of the uneasiness is more plainly perceived, than when the whole surface of the body was affected by it.
Here then, is one great and general cause of unpleasing dreams. For when the body is uneasy, the mind will be disturbed by it, and disagreeable ideas of various kinds, will, in sleep, be the natural consequences. The remedies, preventive, and curative, follow:
1. By eating moderately, (as before advised for health's sake) less perspirable matter is produced in a given time; hence the bed clothes receive it longer before they are saturated; and we may, therefore, sleep longer, before we are made uneasy by their refusing to receive any more.
2. By using thinner and more porous bed-clothes, which will suffer the perspirable matter more easily to pass through them, we are less incommoded, such being longer tolerable.
3. When you are awakened by this uneasiness, and find you cannot easily sleep again, get out of bed, beat up and turn your pillow, shake the bed-clothes well, with at least twenty shakes, then throw the bed open, and leave it to cool; in the meanwhile, continuing undrest, walk about your chamber, till your skin has had time to discharge its load, which it will do sooner as the air may be drier or colder. When you begin to feel the cold air unpleasant, then return to your bed; and you will soon fall asleep, and your sleep will be sweet and pleasant. All the scenes presented to your fancy, will be of the pleasing kind. I am often as agreeably entertained with them, as by the scenery of an opera. If you happen to be too indolent to get out of bed, you may, instead of it, lift up your bed-clothes with one arm and leg, so as to draw in a good deal of fresh air, and, by letting them fall, force it out again. This, repeated twenty times, will so clear them of the perspirable matter they have imbibed, as to permit your sleeping well for some time afterwards. But this latter method is not equal to the former.
Those who do not love trouble, & can afford to have beds, will find great luxury in rising, when they wake in a hot bed, and going into the cool one. Such shifting of beds would also be of great service to persons ill of a fever, as it refreshes and frequently procures sleep. A very large bed, that will admit a removal so distant from the first situation as to be cool and sweet, may in a degree answer the same end.
One or two observations more will conclude this little piece. Care must be taken when you lie down, to dispose your pillow so as to suit your manner of placing your head, and to be perfectly easy; then place your limbs so as not to bear inconveniently hard upon one another, as for instance, the joints of your ankles: for though a bad position may at first give but little pain, and be hardly noticed, yet a continuance will render it less tolerable, and the uneasiness may come on while you are asleep, and disturb your imagination.
These are the rules of the art. But though they will generally prove effectual in producing the end intended, there is a
case in which the most punctual observance of them will be totally fruitless. I need not mention the case to you my dear friend: but my account of the art would be imperfect without it. The case is, when the person who desires to have pleasant dreams has not taken care to preserve, what is necessary above all things,
A GOOD CONSCIENCE.
FROM STERNE.
"The Bastille is not an evil to be despised—but strip it of its towers—fill up the foss—unbarricade the doors—call it simply a confinement—and suppose it is some tyran of a distemper—and not of a man which holds you in it—the evil vanishes, and you bear the other half without complaint."
I was interrupted in the hey day of this soliloquy with a voice which I took to be of a child, which complained—it could not get out. I looked up and down the passage, and seeing neither man, woman, or child, I went out without farther attention.
In my return back through the passage I heard the same words repeated twice over; and looking up, I saw it was a starling hung in a little cage—"I can't get out!" said the starling.
I stood looking at the bird: and to every person who came through the passage it ran fluttering to the side towards which they approached it, with the same lamentation of its captivity—"I can't get out!" said the starling—"God help thee!" said I, "but I will let thee out cost what it will." So I turned about the cage to get at the door—it was twisted and double twisted so fast with wire, there was no getting it open without pulling the cage to pieces—I took both hands to it.
The bird flew to the place where I was attempting his deliverance, and thrusting his head through the trellis, pressed his breast against it, as if impatient—"I fear, poor creature!" said I, "I cannot set thee at liberty."—"No," said the starling—"I can't get out!" said the starling.
I vow I never had my affections more tenderly awakened; nor do I remember any accident of my life where the dissipated spirits, to which my reason had been a bubble, were so suddenly called home. Mechanical as the notes were, yet so true in tune to nature were they chanted, that in one moment they overthrew all my systematic reasonings upon the bastille; and I heavily walked up stairs, unlaying every word I had said in going down them.
Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still slave! Still thou art a bitter draught; and though thousands in all ages have been made to drink of thee, though art no less bitter on that account. It is thou liberty, thrice sweet and gracious goddess, whom all in public or in private worship, whose taste is grateful, and ever will be so, till nature herself shall change—no tint of words can spot thy snowy mantle, or chymic power turn thy sceptre into iron—with thee to smile upon him as he eats his crust, the swain is happier than his monarch from whose court thou art exiled. Gracious heaven! grant me but health, thou great Bellower of it, and give me but this fair goddess as my companion; and shower thy mitres, if it seems good unto thy wise providence, upon those heads that are aching for them.
The bird in his cage pursued me into my room; I sat down close by my table, and leaning my head upon my hand, I began to figure to myself the miseries of confinement. I was in a right frame for it, and so I gave full scope to my imagination.
I was going to begin with the millions of my fellow creatures born to no inheritance but slavery; but finding, however affecting the picture was, that I could not bring it nearer me, and that the multitude of groupes in it did but distract me—
I took a single captive, and from a shut him up in his dungeon, I then looked through the twilight of his grated door to take his picture.
I beheld his body half wasted away with long expectation and confinement, and felt what kind of sickness of the heart it was which arises from hope deferred. Upon looking nearer I saw him pale and feverish: in thirty years the western breeze had not once fanned his blood—he had no sun, no moon in all that time—nor had the voice of friend or kinsman breathed through his lattice. His children—
But here my heart began to bleed—and I was forced to go on with another part of the portrait.
He was sitting upon the ground upon a little straw, in the furthest corner of
his dungeon, which was alternately his chair and bed: a little calendar of small sticks were laid at his head notched all over with the dismal days and nights he had passed there—he had one of these little sticks in his hand, and with a rusty nail he was etching another day of misery to add to the heap. As I darkened the little light he had, he lifted up a hopeless eye towards the door, then cast it down—Shook his head, and went on with his work of affliction. I heard his chain upon his legs, as he turned his body to lay his little stick upon the bundle—he gave a deep sigh—I saw the iron enter into his soul—I burst into tears—I could not sustain the picture of confinement which my fancy had drawn.
WASHINGTON BOOK-STORE.
RAPINE, CONRAD, & CO.
Corner of South B. Street and New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol.
HAVE just received, and for sale at the above store Letters from Alexander Hamilton, concerning the public conduct and character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United States.
Also, just opening, a choice assortment of books in History, Law, Medicine, Divinity, Arts and Sciences, Classics, School books, Novels, Romances Biography, &c. &c.—With a good assortment of super royal, royal, medium, demy, and foolscap writing paper, thick and thin post, blue & common wrapping paper, best Dutch quills, wafers, sealing wax, ink powder, red and black ink, black lead pencils, parchment, playing cards, blank books, &c. &c.—All which they will dispose of at the very lowest prices.
Public officers and others, who will please to favour them with their custom, may rely on having the strictest attention paid to their orders.
Nov. 17th, 1800.
Public Sale of Lots, IN WASHINGTON CITY.
WILL be sold at public Auction, to the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 10th day of December next, at William Tunnicliff's Hotel, ONE 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, November 26.
JUST IMPORTED,
IN the ship Missouri, via Philadelphia, and now opening for sale at the Subscriber's Store on New Jersey Avenue Capital Hill, Square 690.
A General Assortment of Ironmongery, Cutlery, Saddlery, Brass Wares and Building Materials.
Among which are the following Articles. Iron pots, frying pans, chasing dishes, Brass, iron and Japanned Candlesticks, patent metal tea kettles and sauce pans; japanned tea trays, waiters and Bread baskets, fid irons, wired up Jacks, Sweeping, scrubbing, hearth and shoe brushes; Mathematical instruments, mahogany knife cases, filled with ivory handled knives and forks, Cruet stands, ladies dressing cases; mill, pitt and cross butt Saws, 56, 28 and 14lb. Iron weights. Also scale beams to weigh from 5 to 10 cwt. at an end.
HENRY INGLE.
November 24th, 1800.
JOHN BARNES,
FROM PHILADELPHIA,
Has just opened for sale the following articles at his store opposite Mr. Semmes's tavern, in Georgetown, a general assortment of
Fresh Teas of the first quality, viz.
Imperial, Large Hyson, Young Hyson, Hysonkin, Souchong and Bohea.
SPICES.
Nutmegs, Mace, Cinnamon, Cloves, Four bags fresh Almonds.
LIQUORS.
Madeira, six years old, Dry Sherry & Port, Brandy, 4th proof Jamaica Spirits, and Holland Gin.
COFFEE,
Pennington's best refined sugars. With a handsome assortment of gentlemen's fashionable London Hats and trimmings.
He has likewise for sale, ten cases well assorted STATIONARY, consisting of writing paper of different qualities; Quills, Wafers, and ink powder, in packages from 80 to 180 dollars on the most reasonable terms for cash or approved notes.
English and American playing cards, Pasteboard per gross, Wrapping paper per ream, A case of 7-8 and yard wide Irish Linen per piece.
Nov. 14th, 1800.
BOARDING AND LODGING.
THE Subscriber respectfully informs the members of the ensuing Congress and the Public, that he has taken the two houses in square No. 690, on the New Jersey Avenue opposite the house at present occupied by Thomas Law, Esq. where he can accommodate either single Gentlemen or those who have families. The houses were finished last spring, so that no danger can be apprehended from damp walls. He has Stableage for several horses and two good Carriage houses.
ROBERT W. PEACOCK.
City of Washington,
October 31st 1800.