The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1800-12-12 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. XIX.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12th, 1800.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1800.
Statement of facts attending the application of the Editor for permission to occupy a position within the bar of the House of Representatives, that he might be enabled to report with fidelity their proceedings and debates.
On the first day of the sitting of Congress, as well as the Editor recollects, he spoke to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and stated that, having been informed that it was usual to obtain his permission to take the debates, the Editor then did himself the pleasure of making a request to that effect.
The Speaker replied that it was usual, and that the permission would be cheerfully granted as a matter of course.
At this period a member came up to the Editor, and asked him how he intended to publish the debates, and whether he designed publishing them at full length. Before the Editor had time to answer the question the Speaker said, addressing himself to the Editor "You had better not. When the speeches are so long nobody reads them." The Editor replied that he had not prescribed to himself any settled plan, but that he certainly should give all important debates in detail; it was probable that he should abridge those that were not interesting.
At the time it was understood by the Editor, though not expressed in terms, that permission was given by the words of the Speaker, to take the debates in the manner in which they had heretofore been taken, and with the advantages of place which had previously been allowed.
The Editor does not recollect, and he is persuaded that if it had occurred he would recollect it, that the Speaker made any remark whatever respecting any previous application made to him.
As an evidence of the conviction of the Editor that permission was granted to take the debates in the customary way, he need only mention, in addition to what is already stated, that he immediately had made a desk of such a size as to produce the least possible interference with the convenience of the members.
The next morning the desk was taken to the capitol. Previously to placing it within the bar, the Editor again spoke to the Speaker, considering it respectful to consult him respecting the best place for it.
It was then that the Speaker declared his fear that the accommodation requested could not be granted, said that he had been applied to by several other persons, and stated the area to be so small as not to justify the admission.
The Editor assured the Speaker that he felt no desire to incommode the members of the house; that his opinion was that a position within the bar at the windows would not have such an effect; for that as there were four windows, in each of which there was a space that retired within the line of the wall far enough to admit a desk on each side, whereby eight persons might be accommodated, it was evident that no obstacle to the light or passage of the members would be created by the stenographers.
The Speaker did not repel this suggestion by the expression of any other idea than the one already assigned by him, but said that he had been applied to by a number of individuals, that it was probable more must be admitted, and it was utterly impossible to admit the whole.
The Editor replied that he could not answer for the actions of others. But that his own opinion was that there would not be more than two, if so many, stenographers that would stately attend. He further informed the Speaker, that Mr. Stewart, to whose application he had alluded, had told him that he did not mean to publish the debates in detail, but intended to condense them.
The Speaker, without yielding to the ideas of the Editor, repeated his conviction of
the impossibility of admitting the stenographers within the bar, and stated his opinion that they might hear very well without the bar. The Editor replied unequivocally that, in his opinion, they could not.
The manner of the Speaker impressed the Editor with a hope that his decision was not conclusive, as he said something in reference to his speaking to the members, and expressed a desire that the Editor would try whether he could succeed in hearing outside of the bar.
Under this impression he waved, for several days, any further conversation with the Speaker. In the mean time he consulted a large portion of the members of the house, indiscriminately without reference to political opinion. Of those he consulted, there was not one that did not express a perfect coincidence with the Editor that little, if any, inconvenience could be experienced by the admission of the stenographers; and most of those, on terms of political friendship with the Speaker, engaged to speak to him in favor of the application, not entertaining a doubt of succeeding in the accomplishment of the object.
The Editor made use of these means, from an earnest solicitude to gain admission within the bar, without being obliged to resort to the unpleasant expedient of memorializing the house, and from a sincere desire to manifest the highest respect for the Speaker.
The means, made use of, proved ineffectual. For on a personal application to the Speaker, the Editor was informed by him that on the most deliberate consideration of the request, it could not be granted; that it was impossible to grant it without destroying the dignity and order of the house, and the convenience of the members.
The memorial offered was forthwith prepared. But before it was presented, the Editor again addressed the Speaker, and informed him that, guided by a sense of duty, he meant to request from the house that permission which he had refused; but still desirous of evincing his respect for the Speaker, he wished to know from him in what way it would be best to present the memorial; stating that if not objected to by him, it would be presented through him to the house. The Speaker said that would be improper, and remarked that the usual way of presenting memorials was through a member. The memorial was accordingly so presented.
These facts are thus minutely stated by the Editor, under a conviction that the subject is, not only interesting to him personally considered, but likewise deeply interesting to the people of the United States. How they are to obtain that correct information, which it would have been his effort to give, and which he thinks it is their right to receive, from reporters occupying their present positions, he does not know.
He has affirmed, and he still solemnly affirms, that he is unable to hear a large portion of the remarks made by many members. Even the words of the Speaker and clerk, generally deliberately uttered, are often unintelligible. On the floor of the house, there is not a position without the bar better than the one he at present occupies; and as to the upper gallery no man who has been there during a debate will deny that it is altogether unfit for a stenographer, owing to the constant passage of individuals and the unceasing noise.
The Editor has been complimented by the ascription to him of pride, as the motive of his conduct. How just this ascription is, in the sense conveyed, let any man decide, who has perused the foregoing statement. It will demonstrate that the Editor, so far from courting a collision with the Speaker, did every thing in his power, which reiterated language and acts of respect could effect, to conciliate his good will.
The Editor of the National Intelligencer has, since the commencement of the session, reported the debates with the greatest fidelity and impartiality that circumstances would admit. His situation has been
unpropitious to the full accomplishment of his wishes. Still he has done his best. This he will continue to do, so long as he is impressed by those convictions of duty which he at present cherishes. While he continues to conduct a print at the seat of government, designed to diffuse correct political statements, it shall not be said that the centinels of the public liberty are inattentive to the official conduct or sentiments of those who are its constituted guardians. Whatever, therefore, may be the inconveniences experienced or the obstacles presented, he will persevere in the faithful discharge of his professional duties, resolved, though surrounded with unfavorable circumstances, not to violate his trust.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, 1800.
The House went into a committee of the whole, Mr. Edmond in the chair, on the Bill for erecting a Mausoleum to the memory of GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Mr. ALSTON was in hopes when he first made the motion now under consideration, that a question would have been taken upon the amendment without debate; but as his wish upon that subject had not been complied with, he held it his duty to give to the house the reasons which actuated him.
He said that he by no means wished to detract any thing from the merit of that illustrious character, whose memory we were now about to perpetuate; that it was his wish that his character might be handed to the latest posterity unimpaired, and that he really thought the amendment equally calculated to effect that desirable purpose, with the bill; that the difference of expence was a matter of importance to the people of this country; that the expence of a mausoleum, from the best information he had been able to collect, would amount to at least 150 or 200,000 dollars; that a monument, such as was contemplated by the amendment, would not cost more than one tenth as much as a mausoleum, as contemplated by the bill as it now stood. Indeed he believed that the bare expence of interring the remains of general Washington in a mausoleum would cost as much as the proposed monument.
Mr. Alston said he considered congress pledged as far the resolutions of the last session went; that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Otis) who was up a few days ago upon this subject had requested information; in answer to which he had only to observe that if that gentleman would have given himself the trouble to have examined the proceedings of the last session of Congress he would have been better informed than he appeared to be; that a committee, equally respectable with that which had reported the bill at the present time, had then fully investigated the subject, and had made a report, which was to be found upon the journals of the last session of Congress, recommending a monument such as was contemplated by the proposed amendment, and that the request made by the President of the United States to Mrs. Washington in conformity to the report of that committee, was for a monument; to which request she had consented; he therefore considered Congress as pledged thus far and no farther; that a motion was made in this house to change the monument to a mausoleum; that the recent death of general Washington at that time, prevented any person from opposing any measure which was offered, let the expence be what it would; but that the time which had elapsed since, had enabled the public mind the better to judge.
The gentleman from Virginia, (Mr. Lee) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Griswold) had dwelt a great deal upon the subject of public gratitude. It was by no means his wish or intention to lessen that sentiment, but he said that he could not give his consent to an expensive measure like that contemplated in the bill, when a mea-
sure far less expensive, in his opinion, would answer every purpose as well.
Mr. Allston was followed by Mr. HUGER, who advocated the erection of a Mausoleum.
Mr. SMILIE replied. He considered the erection of a Mausoleum as productive of unnecessary expence, as a monument would answer every rational purpose contemplated in the bill.
General LEE next spoke at some length in favor of a mausoleum, and read a letter received from Mr. King, our ambassador at London, enclosing a plan, presented to him by an eminent foreign artist, for a mausoleum of one hundred and fifty feet base and the same height, the expence of which was estimated at 170,000 dollars.
We shall make no apology for the brief notes taken of these speeches. We could not hear them.
Mr. CHAMPLIN, after some remarks, the indistinct hearing of which did not enable us to determine on which side of the question he argued, moved that the committee rise, report progress, and ask leave to sit again. Which motion being carried without a division, the committee rose; and on the question to grant them leave to sit again, only three members rose in the affirmative. Leave was, of course, denied.
Mr. CHAMPLIN then moved the recommitment of the bill to the same committee that reported it, with the addition of two members, which was carried, and Messrs. Claiborne and Champlin appointed.
After Mr. CHAMPLIN's motion for a recommitment of the Bill to a select committee was carried,
Mr. CLAIBORNE said, he had risen to move that the committee just appointed be instructed to enquire into the expediency of carrying into effect a resolution passed by the old Congress, on the 7th of August 1783, "Directing an equestrian statue of general Washington, to be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established."
Mr. Claiborne said, that on a question which could not fail to excite the sensibility of every American heart, it was a subject of great regret, that a division of sentiment should arise. The memory of our departed patriot lives in the affections of a grateful country, and will triumph over time. During a long life, so usefully and honorably employed, Washington had reared to himself a fabric of fame, the lustre of which can neither be diminished or heightened by any measure that we can take. But, sir, from a respect for our own, as well as for the feelings of the nation, we should endeavor to unite in the last act of attention, which we propose to shew this venerable character.
Mr. Claiborne said, that the proposition for a Mausoleum was calculated to create division. The expence of such a monument would be immense, and would be viewed by many, as a profuse and useless expenditure of the public money. He believed that the statue, recommended by the old Congress, could be better justified upon principles of economy, and would meet with more general support. Here Mr. Claiborne read from the journals of the old Congress the following resolutions:—
"Resolved, (unanimously, ten states being present) That an equestrian statue of general Washington be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established."
"Resolved, That the statue be of bronze—The General to be represented in a Roman dress, holding a truncheon in his right hand, and his head encircled with a laurel wreath. The statue to be supported by a marble pedestal, on which are to be represented in basso relievo, the following principal events of the war, in which general Washington commanded in person, viz. The evacuation of Boston—the capture of the Hessians at Trenton—the battle of Princeton—the action of Monmouth—and the surrender of York. On the upper part of the front of the pedestal, to be engraved as follows. The U. States in Congress assembled, ordered this statue to be erected in the year of our Lord 1783, in honor of George Washington, the illustrious commander in chief of the armies of the United States of

America, during the war, which vindicated before one committee. In this way only and secured their liberty, sovereignty and could an uniformity of decision be attained. independence."
A Monument thus designed, (continued Mr. Claiborne) would portray, in lively Colours, the Military Achievements of our late illustrious Chief, and is calculated to impress upon our Posterity, a grateful recollection of his eminent services. Mr. Claiborne was the more interested in support of a Monument of this kind, because it had been sanctioned by a unanimous vote of those venerable Philosophers and Statesmen, who presided in our Councils, at a time of the greatest danger, directed the storm of war, and tamed the rage of Tyranny.
It was true, that this Equestrian Statue would not express any of the great events of Washington's Civil Life, but of these, we have already many honorable Testimonies; the first in order, and which he hoped would be the last in durability, was the Constitution of the United States; to this Instrument his Name was annexed, and would be noticed with gratitude, by the Lovers of freedom in every Age, and every Clime; this City is another Memento of his Civil Life, and if it should be the residence of all that Piety, Wisdom and Magnanimity, which was so devoutly prayed for, by each branch of the Legislature, at the Commencement of the present session, this City would remain an honorable Testimonial of the Civil Virtues of its great Founder.
There was no doubt, said Mr. Claiborne, but that many Gentlemen were also solicitous, that the body of General Washington should be deposited within the Walls of the Capitol; of this number, Mr. Claiborne was one, and was desirous that a plain but neat Apartment should be speedily prepared for its reception:—But over his Remains, instead of an expensive monument, Mr. Claiborne thought it most advisable to place a plain but neat Tombstone of American Marble, and prepared by an American Artist. And in order to convey to Posterity, in impressive language, the feelings of the American Nation, when the loss of our Patriot, Sage, and Hero, was first announced, Mr. Claiborne wished to see engraved upon this Tomb, the Addresses of each House of Congress, on this occasion, to the President of the United States, together with the President's replies thereto.
Mr. Claiborne concluded, by moving the instructions, stated in the commencement of his Speech.
Mr. Claiborne was followed by Messrs. Craik and Nott. Our efforts to hear them were fruitless.
The instruction to the committee, moved by Mr. Claiborne, with a slight modification, was agreed to.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11.
A Letter was presented from Mr. L'ENFANT, stating the services he had rendered in the formation and execution of the plan of the City of Washington, complaining of the ill treatment he had experienced, and requesting the attention of Congress to the propriety of rendering him compensation for his services.
A Letter was received from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanied by a statement of appropriations necessary for the year 1801, and a statement of the receipts and expenditures preceding the 1st day of October 1800.
Referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, and ordered to be printed.
The Committee, to whom was referred the congratulatory Address of sundry citizens of the territory of Columbia to Congress, reported that the Address contained sentiments expressive of a laudable attachment to the government of this Country and of a sincere solicitude to accommodate the members of the government, and concluded with a resolution that the Speaker be requested to enclose to the committee, appointed on behalf of the citizens, a copy of the report.
Report agreed to.
Mr. RUTLEDGE presented a petition from Major JACKSON, an officer in the army of the United States, stating that the Secretary of War had refused to allow him double rations, to which he considered himself entitled as the commandant of a post, and desiring congress to take his claim into consideration.
Mr. RUTLEDGE moved to refer the petition to a select committee.
Mr. GRISWOLD hoped it would go to the committee of claims. They were more competent, from their acquaintance with the nature and extent of the various claims made, to investigate the present claim. It is further desirable that a general system should be adopted and applied uniformly to all cases. This could only be accomplished by all the objects of this kind being laid
before one committee. In this way only could an uniformity of decision be attained.
Mr. CLAIBORNE was in favor of a reference to the committee of Claims. He had himself during the last session presented a petition of a similar kind, which he wished to go to a select committee; but he had been opposed by the gentleman from South Carolina, at whose instance it was referred to the committee of Claims.
Mr. OTIS thought the claim made by the petitioner much better for the consideration of a special committee than for that of the committee of claims. The claim, he understood, was founded by the petitioner on the spirit of a law that allowed double rations to every officer who was a commandant of a particular post. He was informed that the petitioner had had the command of several posts in succession; and that, not exclusively confined to one, he had had the direction of several.—The construction put on the law by the Secretary of War might be legal but not equitable. If so, it became the house to change the provisions of the law, and to render them conformable to cases which had not been contemplated at its passage. If this were the case, it presented objects distinct from those usually submitted to the committee of claims.
The question was then taken on a reference to the Committee of Claims, and carried, 48 members rising in favor of it.
Mr. HUGER, from the Committee of Inrolment, reported that the committee had examined the bill for compensating and extending the privilege of franking to the delegate from the N. W. Territory, and had found it correct.
Mr. VARNUM laid a resolution on the table to this effect: That it is expedient so to alter the military establishment of the U. States, that the second regiment of artillery and engineers shall consist but of three battalions.
Previous to offering this resolution, Mr. Varnum took a concise view of the progress made since the year 1796 in the military establishment; and stated that in 1799 a new organization was made, whereby each regiment, ordered to be raised was made to consist of four battalions. One battalion was not yet raised; but according to that system it would soon be raised unless countermanded. He was of opinion that in the present state of the country it was quite unnecessary, and, therefore, hoped that the house would concur with him in altering the present law in such a way as to prevent the raising another battalion.
Mr. NEW called up the resolution laid by him yesterday on the table, which was read as follows:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary to be made in the several acts "Laying duties on spirits distilled within the United States, and on stills," and that they be authorised to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. NEW observed, that his object in making the motion was, to have the law so amended, as to allow the proprietors of stills to use them when they pleased, and have the option of paying by the gallon, or on the capacity of the still.
Agreed to and referred to the committee of Ways and Means.
LOST
ON Sunday evening last, between the Capitol and Mr. Smith's Printing office, a red Morocco pocket book, with a broken clasp, containing several papers and one ten dollar note—Whoever has found, and will deliver it at Mr. Smith's Printing office—New-Jersey Avenue, shall receive a liberal reward.
THOMAS TOWN.
Dec. 12th 1800.
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.
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.
We this morning published the following
SPLENDID INTELLIGENCE
In an Extra to the National Intelligencer, which we re insert for the information of our distant subscribers.
We have this moment received information from Columbia (S. C.) that the REPUBLICAN TICKET for Electors has been carried intire by a majority of from 13 to 18 votes.
Mr. JEFFERSON may, therefore, be considered as our future President. FRIDAY Morning, 9 o'clock.
Extract of a letter dated Columbia, Dec. 2d, 1800, to General Sumter, a member of Congress.
DEAR SIR, This is the 9th day since I have been here, and I have nothing to offer in excuse for not writing to you in that time, but the necessity there has been for every Republican to devote all his time and exertion to the cause of Liberty, and I may add that my anxiety convinced me of the wretchedness which I should communicate to you by being obliged to contradict any expectations I might have excited by a flattering statement. However the business is done; and I have the joy to enclose you the list of Republican electors, with their numbers and to add that they are declaredly in favor of Mr. Jefferson and Col. Burr. We deserve more credit on this occasion than can well be supposed; as every art was made use of and the presence of General Pinckney added; whose influence you know was counted on as an host—But I have the satisfaction to think that this trial will be farther serviceable to the cause of Republicanism as it must convince the adverse party of the diffusion of just principles in our country and the emancipation of our minds from the fetters of name and local interest; and I trust in God the people of America will soon break the harness of foreign influence, as they have done that of intrigue and misrepresentation.
The task was arduous here; as we had heard two days ago of the deficient vote of Pennsylvania, and knew that the burthen lay now upon this state. This news excited the spirits and efforts of the federalists, but it also encreased our ardor, and the result proves that your countrymen have deserved well.
Considering our interests now secure I shall take a respite from politics and be the moderate man my character naturally inclines me to be, in seasons of quiet and prosperity. I cannot say a word of business now, for it was some time after the event was known before I could either articulate or write.
I am &c.
List of Republican Candidates as Electors from the State of South Carolina, on the approaching Election of President and Vice President of the United States of America. Anno Domini, 1800
  Voters in both houses 151   Majority 76   ELECTORS   Robert Anderson, 85   John Hunter, 87   Arthur Simkins, 84   Wade Hampton, 82   Andrew Love, 82   Theodore Gaillard, 85   Paul Hamilton, 87   Joseph Blythe, 82 
Gen. Washington } 69 John Wood } 69 Highest on the other ticket. The lowest on the Republicans 13 above the highest of the other party.
N. B. It is thought gen. Pinckney may be put up a Senator—if he does the same exertions will be used against him on general principles—and I think with the same success.
A letter has been received from a gentleman at Columbia, who had been informed by one of the Electors of South Carolina, that Thomas Jefferson would have eight votes, and Aaron Burr 7.
The Electors of North Carolina have voted as follows.
  For Thomas Jefferson 8   Aaron Burr 8   John Adams 4   C. C. Pinckney 4 
The Electors of NEW YORK have voted as follows:
  For Thomas Jefferson 12   Aaron Burr 12 
WILLIAM HINDMAN is elected Senator of U. S. for Maryland, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Lloyd.
Our COMMISSIONERS to the FRENCH REPUBLIC have arrived at Norfolk in the Portsmouth sloop of war; and are the bearers of the TREATY.
Died at Philadelphia, JOHN NICHOLSON.
The Electors for Delaware have voted as follows:
  For John Adams 3 votes.   C. C. Pinckney 3 votes. 
Accounts from TENNESSEE, that may be depended on, state that general DANIEL SMITH is chosen the third Elector for that state. The election of general Smith completes the number of electors for Tennessee, and reduces it to a certainty that Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr will have all the votes of that state.
JOHN BRACKENRIDGE is chosen Senator of the U. S. for Kentucky, in the room of H. Marshall, whose time expires on the 3d of March next.
Charles Scott, John Coburn, Isaac Shelby and John Pope, are chosen Electors for KENTUCKY. They are all decidedly republican.
The following are the YEAS and NAYS, as taken on Tuesday last, on the report of the Select committee on the memorial of Samuel H. Smith & Thomas Carpenter, desiring admission within the bar of the house to take the debates; which report was, that it is not expedient that the house should take any order on the memorial presented.
YEAS.
Messrs. Baer, Bartlett, Bird, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, Dana, J. Davenport, F. Davenport, Dennis, Edmond, Evans, Foster, Freeman, Glen, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Griswold, Grove, Henderson, Huger, Imlay, Kittera, H. Lee, S. Lee, Lynn, Morris, Otis, Page, Parker, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, J. C. Smith, Tenney, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Waldfirth, Waln, Williams, Woods. 45.
NAYS.
Messrs. Alston, Bailey, Bishop, R. Brown, Christie, Clay, W. C. C. Claiborne, Condit, Davis, Dawson, Dent, Dickson, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Goode, Gray, Gregg, Hanna, Heister, Hill, Holmes, Jackson, Jones, Kitchell, Leib, Macon, Muhlenberg, New, Nicholas, Nicholson, Randolph, Smilie, J. Smith, S. Smith, Spaight, Stanford, Stone, Sumter, Taliaferro, Thompson, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Tazewell, Van Cortlandt, Varnum. 45.
The SPEAKER voted in the affirmative, and by his casting vote confirmed the report, and rejected the prayer of the Memorial.
The Charleston City Gazette of Nov. 28. contains a very lengthy memorial to the House of Representatives of South Carolina from seven of the unsuccessful candidates at the election in Charleston, which thus concludes, "And as it would be the greatest injustice to the citizens of Charleston, to suffer them to be represented in the election of electors of a President, by those who are not their legal representatives—Your petitioners therefore earnestly and respectfully entreat your honorable house, on this most extraordinary and pressing occasion, to suspend immediately from their right to sit and act as members thereof, the following gentlemen, viz. H. W. DeSaussure, Thomas Simons, Thomas Rhet Smith, Adam Gilchrist, Henry M. Rutledge, John Dawson, jun. Wm. Price and Robert Howard; until a decision can be had on the merits of this petition.
In the Legislature of Maryland a bill has been introduced, proposing to the legislature of that state, to instruct their Senators in Congress of the United States, to use their influence in that body, to adopt an amendment to the federal constitution, by which to establish an uniform mode of choosing President and Vice President of the United States, by granting to Congress the power "from time to time," to lay out the several states into election districts; each state to be di-

vided into as many districts as the number of electors constitutionally allotted.
In the Assembly of Maryland , in discussing the provisions of the act "to alter such part of the constitution and form of government, as relates to voters and the qualification of votes." Mr. Nelson moved the adoption of the principle of voting by ballot; but the motion was lost, ayes 34; noes 33.
Mr. Dathell, (Somerset) moved an amendment, making 301. real or personal property, a requisite qualification for voters. Negatived 59 to 9.
The bill was then read in its original shape, and passed without any amendment, 57 to 11.
"ST. SEBASTIANS, Oct. 19."
"We learn from Cadiz that an English fleet has appeared off that city, consisting of 22 ships of the line, 27 frigates, and sundry small vessels, and 90 transports with troops for landing, under the command of generals Abercrombie and Keith, who have intimated to Mr. Morla , the Governor, that they have orders from their Government to destroy that arsenal, and take possession of the ships of war, and armed vessels, unless he delivers them up, to which purpose the Governor has been summoned. The answer has been spirited, and becoming a good officer.—We momentarily expect to hear the English have made the attempt."
"The epidemic is decreasing in that city, but it is extending in the neighbourhood to an alarming degree.—In Seville, 2 to 300 persons die daily."
The following Committees have been appointed in the House of Representatives.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. Thatcher, Wood, Claiborne, Dickson, and New, to enquire whether any and what amendments are necessary to be made in the post office law.
A committee of Messrs. H. Lee, E. Goodrich, Huger, Powell, Foster, Spaight and Bartlett, to report proper measures for carrying into execution the resolutions passed last session in relation to George Washington.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. H. Lee, Evans, Craik, Bird and S. Lee, to report by bill, or otherwise on so much of the President's Speech as respects the District of Columbia.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. Griswold, Nicholas, Kittera, Nicholson, and Henderson, to report by bill or otherwise on so much of the President's Speech as respects the national administration of justice.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. Parker, Otis, Spaight, J. Davenport, Nott, Talliaferro, and Holmes, on that part of the speech that respects seasonable and systematic arrangements, proportioned to our national resources, for a Navy adapted to defensive purposes.
A committee consisting of Messrs. Otis, Nicholas, Edmond, Foster, and Alston, on so much of the speech as respects the fortifications of the principal ports and harbors of the United States.
A committee consisting of Messrs. Walsh, Shepard, Cooper, Page, and Woods, on so much of the speech as respects the manufacture of arms within the United States.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. New, Edmond, Stone, S. Lee, and R. Morris to bring in a bill for regulating the grants of land appropriated for the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. Huger and Imlay, for the enrolment of bills, to unite with Mr. D. Foster, a committee on the part of the Senate.
The following Petitions have been presented and referred: the petitions of William Nichols, Ferdinand Mullenheim, Benjamin Bird, Emory Sudler, jun. Alexander Roxburgh, Griffith Jones, David Jones, Philip Bush, Philip Wilson, Abraham Watson, Darby McNamara, and M. Mulenberger.
IN SENATE, Friday Dec. 5.
Resolved that so much of the speech of the President of the the United States, as relates to the exercise of the local powers over the District of Columbia, vested by the constitution in the Congress of the United States, be referred to Messrs. Chipman, Dayton and Morris.
VIRGINIA.
The following is the Governor's letter which accompanied various communications for the consideration of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth.
Richmond, December 1, 1800.
SIR,
It has been the undeviating object and endeavor of the executive to discharge the
duties of the department, since your last session, with that degree of diligence and fidelity which accountable public agents ought to observe. Its attention has been bestowed equally on those duties that devolved on it by special acts and resolutions of the legislature, as on those which were prescribed by the constitution, which latter being of a permanent nature are the same, diversified only by the incidents which occur to every succeeding administration. It belongs to me to give you an account of these transactions for the information of the General Assembly. Such an account fully and faithfully rendered, submits to its inspection the conduct of the executive, over which one branch is the constitutional inquest. It likewise submits such a view of the laws and measures of government in their operation, as may assist the legislature to form a sound judgment how far they severally answer the ends of their institution, and to apply a suitable remedy where they are defective: under this impression of the duty of the trust reposed in me, I make to you the following communication.
The act entitled "an act to amend the penal laws of the commonwealth," was one of those which claimed and received an early attention from the executive. By the 45th section of that act, so much thereof as respects the improved system of criminal jurisprudence, which it was thereby intended to introduce, was suspended in its operation, until the jail, or penitentiary house should be declared by the Governor, with advice of counsel, in a situation to receive offenders. It was therefore the duty of the executive to remove that suspension as soon as the state of the building would permit it. On an attentive examination of the law, it was supposed to be its import, that the operation of the system should not be delayed longer than until the building was advanced to a stage to be able to accommodate the offenders who might be sent to it from the next succeeding term of the District courts, and of being completed in time for those who might be sentenced to a like doom, from the terms that were likely to intervene, before its completion. Due inquiry was then made as to the state of the building. The superintendant was called on for a report, who represented it to be advanced to a stage which the law seemed to contemplate as that at which the suspension should cease. On full consideration of these circumstances, by advice of council, I deemed it my duty on the twenty sixth day of March, to issue a proclamation to announce the same, by which the said system was carried completely into effect.
Too short a period has elapsed since the commencement of the law to enable us to form a correct estimate of the probable success of this very humane, and as I conceive, wise institution. The experiment which is now making in this, and some of our sister states, will probably fix the opinion of the world on this important subject. It is therefore highly incumbent on those who wish it success, to take every suitable precaution to make the experiment a fair one. In that respect every thing depends on the treatment or discipline of the criminals and their safe keeping in jail. With a view to promote the first object, application was made to the executives of those states which had preceded us in this policy, for the light of their experience; and such as was received, was immediately communicated to the gentlemen to whom the care of our institution is intrusted. On the second point I consider it my duty to suggest a doubt, whether the building at present contemplated will be adequate to the object, with an external wall surrounding the whole edifice: the wall of the jail is not thick, it is much weakened by the great number of windows which were necessary to give light to the cells, and a brick wall may not always prove impregnable to those attacks which may be made on it by the prisoners, should they by oversight of their keeper, or other casualty, retain possession of the instruments ordinarily used in the trades to which they may be destined. On the present plan the prisoners may also be aided from without. Approach being admitted to the wall of the jail, their friends or accomplices in former crimes, may convey to them through the windows, whatever instruments they please. A permanent guard is the only alternative, which it is obvious, when we take into view the several points to be guarded, must be a strong one. Every window should be watched, and this must be either by a chain of sentinels placed at short distances from each other around the jail, or by patrols to be kept always in motion. It is therefore submitted respectfully to the consideration of the General Assembly, whether it would not be most expedient, equally with a view to economy and the safe keeping of the prisoners, to cause an external wall to be
erected of brick or stone, or an iron railing, on such foundation, of proper elevation at a suitable distance from the building. Under the existing law the executive does not think itself authorised to enter into such an engagement. It is proper however to observe that in consequence of the escape of one of the prisoners, it was deemed necessary, as a temporary provision, to cause a wall or enclosure of plank to be erected coextensive with the space in which the criminals are confined. Should this plan be adopted, the early sanction of the legislature is desirable, since provision by contract or otherwise ought to be now made for carrying the same into effect, in the course of the next spring. There is one other defect in the law above mentioned to which I think proper to call the attention of the General Assembly. No provision is made for the charges attending the removal of the criminals from the districts in which they are condemned to the penitentiary house, for medical aid, or for their support there. Those which have hitherto occurred were defrayed from the contingent fund. They are however a more proper object of legislative regulation. (To be continued.)
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 PROUT.
City of Washington. December 12, 1800. N. B. A few Tons of good Meadow Hay, one Kiln of Bricks, and some Cord Wood.
W. P.
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. The sale of the above lots will recommence on Saturday the 13th Instant at 10 o'clock.
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, Footees, dress and undress Shoes on the shortest notice, in the neatest manner, and of the best materials. December 3d. 3tw.
TO JOURNEYMEN SHOEMAKERS.
WANTED, a number of Journeymen Shoemakers, to whom constant employment and good wages will be given.
This day is Published and for Sale
BY
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.
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, letters 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, seamen's wills and powers, and all other instruments in the above line, are drawn according to the legal 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 5, 1800. twtf.
NOTICE.
The 27th. instant being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, the members of Federal Lodge No. 15 are requested to meet the master and wardens of the said lodge at their lodge room in the dwelling house of Mr. Cuningham in the New-Jersey Avenue, from whence they will walk in procession to the Church of the Rev'd Brother Andrew Thomas Mc'Connick, who will deliver a discourse Suitable to the day.
By order of the Lodge ALEXANDER COCHRAN Sec'y. City of Washington, 8th December, 1800. N. B. all master Masons are Invited to attend.
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 Hylon, Young Hylon, Hylonkin, Souchong and Bohea.
SPICES.
Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves, Cinnamon. 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 EATS 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.
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 sale of the above lots will recommence on Saturday the 13th instant at 10 o'clock.
CONRAD & McMUNN
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 stabling sufficient for 60 horses.—They hope to merit public patronage. City of Washington, Nov. 24, 1800.
INFORMATION WANTED.
ALEXANDER INNES, a Hatter by trade, was sometime ago on board the Constellation 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 communicate it by letter, per post, addressed to Robert Innes jun. merchant Easton Pennsylvania.
P. S. Persons to the Southward of Pennsylvania are requested to give the above a place for a few times. November 28, 1800.
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 purchase money. For terms apply to the subscriber 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 Pennsylvania 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. 22, 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.
BOARDING AND LODGING.
FIVE or Six gentlemen can be accommodated with Genteel Board and Lodging, in a good and comfortable House, on New-Jersey Avenue, at Mr. Law's former residence. Also good stabling wherein twenty horses can be accommodated by,
SAMUEL BOOTES.
Nov. 26th, 1800.
4t.

Translations from a Periodical Paper, called "The North," published by professor Olivarius, at Kiel, in May, 1800.
"A late order of the Emperor of Russia has provided to form a new Colony in Siberia to commence in the present year. It must contain 10,000 souls. It is to be seated upon the southern part of Siberia, which borders on China. The Climate is temperate, and some of the lands good. Not only, says the Emperor, may agriculture be undertaken with advantage, but good pasture provided, and Manufactures of cloth and leather established, which being principal articles of Commerce with China, may increase the trade with that Country.—The Colonists are to be composed of Soldiers on parole and under military controul, and of persons condemned to banishment without any other kind of punishment, and who are not to obtain the privileges of Colonists, till they have been in the Colony for ten years, and have obtained a certificate of their industry, and their attention to agriculture.—It shall be permitted to all who hold lands to provide slaves who may become Colonists provided that they be above forty years of age, and that husbands be not separated from their wives. They shall be considered as recruits furnished to the army. It is enjoined upon the Government of Irkutsk, to explore the country, and to provide proper places for settlement, and to assign to each of the Colonists 30 Desiatens, a Russian measure of Land, which contains 80 by 30, or 60 by 40 Sagins, 500 of which make a werst, or Russian mile, equal to 3-4 of a mile English. In this manner they are not only provided with Land for culture, but for pastures. The cantons inhabited by the wandering Tribes are never to be assigned to these Colonists. The Colonists are to be so distributed, that each Canton may not contain more than 100 houses. The banished persons may be seated among or in the rear of the proper Colonists.—The Government is to build the Houses for the first 2000, and to furnish them with grain, working tools, and utensils, for 18 months. The proprietors of the soil are to grant to the servants they carry with them, certain emoluments every year, and after this time, the 2,000 Colonists are to erect houses for such other individuals as may join them. The Colony shall have Inspectors, who are faithful, attentive, and acquainted with agriculture, and each Colonist shall be exempted from all taxes for ten years, subject only to an annual acknowledgment, and to a supply of grain for the support of the government of the Colony, and to assist new Settlers."
"There is a plan to establish Granaries throughout the Russian Empire. There is to be one in every village of 50 houses. A University is to be established at Dorpat in the Riga Government. The Emperor is to give it Land which will yield it 30,000 rubles."
"They are building in Russia, at Petersburg, the Gabriel of 100 Guns, the Raphael of 80, the Uriel of 76, and the Sealaphill of 74, and at Nikolajew the Jagudill of 100 guns and the Seorachiel of 74."
An historical sketch of foreigners found in Russia lately published from Storch, by Olivarius.
"Europeans and Asiatics of other Nations are scattered throughout the Russian Empire. The most numerous are Germans. They form in the Governments of Riga, Reval, and Courland, the most important, but not the greatest part of the Inhabitants. The nobility and principal Citizens are Germans; and the German is the prevailing language. According to the last accounts they found 30,000 Germans in the government of Riga, and 15,000 in Reval, and more in Courland. The Germans are very numerous at Moscow and at Petersburg there are 17,000. In the government of this Capital and in that of Witebsk they form a considerable part of the Nobility and wealthy Citizens, and they are in great numbers among the peasantry of Petersburg, Saratow, Woronezh, Tschernigow, Jekaterinoslaw, and in Tauris, amounting to more than 100,000."
The Greeks form Colonies of different extent in the Governments of Tschernigow, and Jekaterinoslaw, as well as in Tauris.
The Turks are scattered every where. We find a number together at Orenburg, and in the ancient deserts of Orzakou.
We meet in the Governments of Astracan and Orenburg many Persians, and near Kama a Colony of Persians and Arabs. The Armenians abound in the Government of Caucasus and Jekaterinoslaw,
where they have a settlement of many of them also in many towns of Astracan.
At Kiliar, there are establishments of Indians originally from Indostan, or the Province of Multan.
The Jews are numerous in that part of the Empire formerly belonging to Poland, and on the frontiers of the adjacent Governments. In all the other parts of the Empire, excepting at Tauris, very few.
The Bohemians also pass in companies in the Government of the Great and Little Russia.
There are persons from other nations, so that Russia may be said to contain people from more than eighty nations.'
"The whole amount of the population of the Town of Riga, on the Baltic, & subject to Russia, was from the Census of 1799, 27,798 souls, of which not more than 4000 were Russians and 12,000 were Germans, the rest were principally from neighbouring countries. Konigsberg, the Capitol of Great Prussia, is of considerable extent, and has about 40,000 houses and 40,000 inhabitants. It was formerly one of the Hanseatic towns, and of considerable commerce. The Garrison is so numerous, that the whole city seems in uniform. Karamsin, speaking of Potsdam, in Prussia, says, this city resembles a town invested by an enemy in which all appear to be left as troops of a garrison to defend it."
"Since the invention of the Telegraph, the Swedes have adopted it, to give notice when there was a free passage from Stockholm to Finland, and for the benefit of the Fishery, it is to be used at the entry of Manstrand. It is expected that the Danes will employ it, to give notice, when the Great Belt can be passed, which would be a great advantage in winter."
"The charitable establishments of Hamburg have greatly diminished the number of the poor, from 1788, to 1789, the whole number of persons who applied, and were relieved, was 9,757. But from 1798 to 1799 6,013 only."
"The Orphan house in Vienna in 1799, provided for 1,759."
"The Baron D'Aamfeld condemned to death &c. in 1794 in Sweden, is restored to his honours and estate."
   Bills for 1799.     At Vienna died, 15,427. born, 12,001.   Petersburg 9,869. 7,489.   Berlin 5,590. 6,218.   Hamburg 3,586. 3,595.   Copenhagen 3,601. 3,407.   Konigsberg 2,451. 2,173.   Leiptzic 1,297. 1,027.  
The following singular account of a phenomenon which appeared in the air near the village of Quintana, in the province of Burgos, in Spain, is given in the Paris paper, as an extract from the Journal of Madrid, of the 7th July:—
"At 11 o'clock in the morning of the 11th of June, a stormy cloud was seen at the extremity of the village of Quintana, towards the north, and a very thick fog which seemed to proceed from the adjacent mountains having joined it in a very gross column, they formed together a very fantastic figure, with arms, feet, and a long tail. The resemblance of a very large serpent, of a sky blue colour, was soon after plainly discerned as proceeding from the junction of the cloud and fog which extended itself so far as to touch the earth. It emitted from time to time torrents of fire of a dark red colour, and at length separated itself from the cloud in the direction of the village, with frequent eruptions of flames and sparks of fire. The inhabitants were very much terrified, but a violent gale from the north separated it in the southern extremity, while the greater part advanced within 400 paces of the village. "It was seen to tear up in its passage several large stones and trees. In particular, a very large oak was stripped of its leaves, and afterwards torn up by the roots. It destroyed all cherry and apple trees in its way, and burnt up the ground over which it passed, for more than sixty paces. This singular phenomenon continued its depredations for about 25 minutes, and then again joined the cloud out of which it came. The damage which it did to the vineyards is very considerable."
The account is given upon the authority of the Curate of the village, and several respectable inhabitants who were eye witnesses of the transaction.
From a late English Publication. For a long time some of the people called Quakers had proposed to emancipate
their negroes. One of them, in particular, had actually given liberty to all his, and bequeathed them, by his will, a decent subsistence. Warner Mifflin was not long in following an example so agreeable to his sentiments. He had received from his father thirty-seven negroes, both old and young. On the day fixed for their emancipation, he called them into his parlour one after the other, and addressed one of them in the following words.
"Well, friend James, how old art thou?"—"I am twenty-nine, master."—"Like our white brethren, thou oughtest to have been free at twenty-one. Religion and humanity enjoin me to give thee thy liberty, and justice commands me to pay thee wages for eight years and a half, which at 11l. 5s. per annum, comprehending thy food and cloathing, makes the sum of 95l. 12s. 6d. which I owe thee.—But as thou art young and vigorous, and ought to labour for thy subsistence, I intend to give thee a note for that sum, bearing the usual interest of five per cent. Behold, then, the commencement of thy fortune; thou hast no longer any master but God and the laws. Go into the other room to my wife Phebe, thy old mistress, & my nephew Robert; thou wilt find them busy writing thy manumission.—May God bless thee, James! Be prudent and industrious; in every misfortune and distress thou wilt find a sure friend in thy antient master, Warner Mifflin."
James, surprised at a scene so new, so affecting, and so unexpected, melted into tears, as if he had been threatened with some great misfortune. The sudden effect of his astonishment, gratitude, and other sensations, almost overpowered him, and even threw him into convulsions. He cried for joy, and could scarcely give vent to a single syllable. "Ah! master," said he. "What shall I do with my liberty? I was born under your roof; I have there enjoyed every thing I had occasion for; in the fields we laboured together, and I can say that I wrought as much for myself as for you, since I was fed with the same provisions, and clothed with the same garments; we never went to church on foot; we had every sunday for ourselves; we were in want of nothing. When we were sick, our worthy and affectionate mistress always came to our bedside, and said something comforting to us. Ah! my dear master, when I am free, where shall I go? What shall I do? And when sick!"—"Thou must do like the white people," replied W. Mifflin; thou must hire thyself to those who will give the most wages. In a few years thou wilt purchase a piece of land; thou must then marry a negro woman as prudent and as industrious as thyself; educate thy children as I have educated thee, in the fear of God, and to love labour; and after living happy and free thou wilt die in peace. Thou must absolutely receive thy liberty, James; I ought to have given it thee long before. I sincerely wish it had pleased God, the father of all mankind, that the white people had never thought of purchasing and selling their African brethren! May he inspire all the Americans with a desire of following our example! Why should we, who consider liberty as the first of all blessings, refuse it to those who live with us!"
"Ah! master, how kind you are," said James; "on that account I will never leave you. I have never been a slave; you never spoke to me but as you spoke to the white people; I have never wanted for any thing, whether sick or in health; I never laboured more than my neighbours, who laboured for themselves; I have been richer than several white people, to whom I lent money; and my good and dear mistress, who never commands us, but makes us do whatever she desires, by only saying James, I wish you would do so and so, how can I leave her? Give me whatever you choose, whether under the name of a slave or a free man is of little importance, since I cannot but be happy in your family; I will never separate from you."—"Well, James," returned W. Mifflin, "I consent to what thou desirest. After thy manumission has undergone the necessary forms, I will hire thee by the year; but take a month's holidays at least: this is a grand epoch in thy life; celebrate it by joy, by repose, and in whatever manner thou thinkest proper."—"No master," said James, "it is seed-time; I will take my holidays on some other occasion; let to-day only be a festival among the negro race. Since you desire it I accept my liberty; and let my first action as a free man be to take you, my master, by the hand, to press it in mine, and to lay it upon my bosom, where the attachment and gratitude of James will remain as long as he breathes; and let my second be to assure you, that no labourer in the county
of Kent will be more diligent than he whom you will hereafter call the faithful James."
From the Epitome of the Times. Mr. Davis Biggs, a minister of the Baptist society, and who resides near Portsmouth, was invited by a number of the inhabitants of Norfolk county to preach at the great Bridge, on Saturday the 2d ult. Having accepted the invitation, he gave notice of his compliance to his friends in that quarter. Now it unfortunately happens, that Mr. Biggs is a republican, which constitutes a crime never to be forgiven by certain of those who denominate themselves federalists.
A Mr. Burt, of the county of Norfolk, who is, as we are informed, a magistrate for the said county, having become acquainted with the intention of Mr. Biggs made it the subject of the following letter the original whereof may be seen by any citizens:
Mr. REINS, Sir, I presume, from a note posted up at the Merchant's door; that a sermon is to be preached in the Great-Bridge church, on Sunday next, by an anabaptist preacher. I now take upon myself to apprize you, that should he undertake to carry his diabolical and nefarious design into effect that I, as a member of that church, if I should be able to procure five men, will most certainly tar and feather him. Should I fail in procuring aid, I'll either take off his ears, let out his bowels, or send him from time into eternity, which is a place that all such damn'd apostates should be sent, when found.
I am, sir, Your most obedient servant, W. BUTT. Great-Bridge, October 20, 1800. N. B. Your aid will be expected.
Mr. Robert Reins, near } Bell's Mill. } On the foregoing letter our readers will make their own comments; it needs none from us. It is but justice, however, to add, that Mr. Reins took no part whatever in the conspiracy which was attempted to be formed against a man, whose religion or morality none can impeach.
To Richard Hallowell, esq. colonel of the 5th United States regiment.
Sir, Did not general Hamilton, in his address to the officers, on disbanding the army at Oxford, either publicly or privately declare, or give them to understand, that if Mr. Pinckney should gain his election, as president of the United States, that they, the officers, might consider themselves merely on furlough, for that their services would again be called for, by the new administration?—and, sir, have you not declared this (to some gentlemen whom you considered as the general's political friends) to have been the promise and declaration made to the officers, by Mr. Hamilton? (Boston Chron.)
BOARDING AND LODGING. MAY be had for three or four gentlemen during the session of Congress by applying to Mr. Claxton, or at the Three Buildings 4 doors East of the Navy office, to WM. O'NEAL. City of Washington Dec. 8, 1800. 3.
TO BE RENTED, FOR a few months, a two story brick house with 4 rooms, together with, mahogany chairs, bureau, sofa, bedstead, looking glasses &c. enquire of HENRY INGLE, New-Jersey Avenue, Capitol Hill. Who has just received a few Coal Grates in addition his assortment of Hardware. H. INGLE. Dec. 8, 1800. 2w
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, Sadlery, Brass Wares and Building Materials.
Among which are the following Articles. Iron pots, frying pans, chafing dishes, Brats, iron and Japand Candlesticks, patent metal tea kettles and sauce pans; japanned tea trays, waiters and Bread baskets, sad irons, wind 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, pite and cross cut 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.