The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1807-02-20 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. VII.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. 991.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1807.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
(By Authority.)
(By Authority.)
Mr. HARPER'S Argument
(Concluded.)
AN ACT To extend the power of granting writs of injunctions to the judges of the district courts of the United States.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That from and after the passing of this act, the judges of the district courts of the United States shall have as full power to grant writs of injunctions to operate within their respective districts in all cases which may come before the circuit courts within their respective districts as is now exercised by any of the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, under the same rules, regulations and restrictions as are prescribed by the several acts of Congress establishing the judiciary of the United States, any law to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided, that the same shall not, unless so ordered by the circuit court, continue longer than the circuit court next ensuing, nor shall an injunction be issued by a district judge in any case where a party has had a reasonable time to apply to the circuit court for the writ.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO: CLINTON, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. February 13, 1807. APPROVED. TH: JEFFERSON.
AN ACT To annex certain shores and waters to the district of Mississippi, and to authorize the building a custom house at New Orleans.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That from and after the thirteenth day of June next, all the shores and waters of the river Ohio, and of the several rivers and creeks emptying into the same, and also all the shores and waters of the rivers which empty into the river Mississippi or any of its branches, be and the same are hereby annexed to and shall make part of the district of Mississippi.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That a surveyor shall be appointed for each of the following towns or places, that is to say: Pittsburgh, Charlestown, Marietta, Cincinnati, Limestone, Louisville, Maysville, and Natchez, who shall be authorized to grant temporary registers to vessels of the United States, in the same manner and on the same terms and conditions as may be done by the collectors of the several districts of the United States; and each of the said surveyors, besides the fees paid in relation to the admeasurement and registering of vessels, shall receive an annual salary of one hundred and fifty dollars.
SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the collector of the district of Mississippi shall, on the surrender of any temporary register granted to any vessel of the United States as aforesaid, issue a permanent register for such vessel. Provided, That the master of such vessel shall take the usual oath, and perform all the other conditions required by the registering act, except that he shall not be obliged to give any new bond to the said collector.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That so much of any act or acts as affects any of the shores or waters, annexed by this act to the Mississippi district, into separate districts, be and the same is hereby repealed.
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he hereby is authorized and directed to cause to be built upon some convenient site belonging to the United States, in the city of New Orleans, a good and sufficient house, to serve as an office and place of deposit for the collection of the customs at that place. And the sum of twenty thousand dollars is hereby appropriated to defray the expense of erecting the same, to be paid out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO: CLINTON, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate. February 13, 1807. APPROVED. TH: JEFFERSON.
AN ACT Making an appropriation for the support of the poor, infirm, and diseased of the city of Washington.
BE it enacted by the first and second chambers of the city council of Washington, That for the support of the poor, infirm and diseased of the city of Washington, from the 1st day of November, 1806, until the first day of November, 1807, the sum of one thousand and five hundred dollars (including the proceeds of the tax imposed for the relief of the poor, by the act, intitled, "An act imposing certain taxes and providing for their collection," passed the fifth day of September, 1806, and which will become due on the 1st day of December next) be and the same is hereby appropriated; and the Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay over the same to the trustees of the poor for the time being, out of any monies in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the trustees of the poor in drawing their warrants on the Treasurer, shall not draw for more than one third of the above appropriated sum in any one quarter.
T. H. GILLISS, President of the First Chamber. PHINEAS BRADLEY, President of the Second Chamber. Approved, November 28th, 1806. ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
AN ACT Making appropriations for the compensations allowed to the officers of the corporation, and for sundry contingent expenses.
BE it enacted by the first and second chambers of the city council of Washington, That for the compensations allowed to the Treasurer, Register, Secretaries of the council, and clerks of the markets, the sum of one thousand four hundred and sixty dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That for defraying the expense of house rent for the council, stationary, printing and fuel; and for the payment of interest on the debt due at the Bank, the sum of six hundred and ninety dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated.
T. H. GILLISS, President of the First Chamber. PHINEAS BRADLEY, President of the Second Chamber. Approved, November 28th, 1806. ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
AN ACT Making an additional appropriation for the repair of pumps.
BE it enacted by the first and second chambers of the city council of Washington, That for the repairs of pumps previous to the first Monday in June, one thousand eight hundred and six, be and the same is hereby appropriated, the sum of four hundred dollars.
T. H. GILLISS, President of the First Chamber. PHINEAS BRADLEY, President of the Second Chamber. Approved, January 21st, 1807. ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
PATENT FOR A WATER PROOF CEMENT.
Among the various discoveries which have of late been made in the United States, we know of none more deserving of public notice than the following by LEWIS DE NIROTH. Such a discovery in the architecture of buildings has been long wanted. Many attempts have been made to compose or manufacture a chemical composition similar to that used by the ancient Egyptians; but we have heard of none which approximates nearer to that which is generally called the Egyptian cement and which has put an end to the ravages of time for several thousand years, than that which the Patentee here describes.
A composition equal in durability to free stone for covering roofs, floors, and plastering walls of houses— Rendering Cellars that are marshy and damp water proof.
Chimney pieces, Fire hearths and cisterns, Steps to front and back doors of houses.
Cement pavement entire for front and rear of houses, arches, and works under water, flues, tanks, &c. plaster out side of houses. The materials of this cement does not much exceed the price of common plastering.
A specimen of the composition may be viewed at Mr. Telle's Hotel, Capitol Hill and also at the Union Tavern Georgetown.
N.B. Application by letter, post-paid, addressed to Mr. Henry Ebren, Federal Office will be punctiliously noticed.
FEB. 12—37. FOR SALE, for a term of years, several Likely young Women, among them is a very good cook. To hire by the year, two good Laborers and a Boy—they all have good characters. Also to rent north G Street, House 124, a Two Story FRAME HOUSE with two rooms on a floor and a passage.
Inquire of the Printer, October 15—wtf
Considering it then as settled, as I trust we may, that Congress has intended to give this court the power to issue writs of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum; the next question is, whether Congress had authority by the constitution to confer that power?
The authority of Congress must be tested by the constitution, and if they should appear to this court to have exceeded limits there prescribed, I admit that this court must consider their act as void. I am not only one of those who admit this power in our courts, the power of collating an act of Congress with the constitution, when it comes judicially before them, and of declaring it void if against the constitution; but I contend for and prize this power, as one of the best barriers against oppression, in fluctuations of faction, in those times of party violence, which result from the operation of the human passions in a popular government, as naturally as fevers result from the circulation of the blood, and tempests from the motion and properties of the atmosphere. In the violence of those political storms, which the history of the human race warns us to expect, this shelter may indeed be found insufficient; but weak as it may be, it is our best hope, and in my judgment it is the part of patriotism to uphold and strengthen it to the utmost.
But while my feeble voice shall, for these reasons, be raised, on every fit occasion, in behalf of this power in the judiciary department, I shall also contend that it is a power of a delicacy inferior only to its importance; which ought to be exercised with the soundest discretion, and to be reserved for the clearest and the greatest occasions.
The question then is, whether Congress have authority under the constitution, to confer on the supreme court the power of issuing writs of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum? This question depends on another; whether this power or jurisdiction be in its nature original or appellate? The original jurisdiction of the supreme court, being confined to certain specified cases, or which this is not one, it follows that this power, if original in its nature, cannot be conferred on, or exercised by, that court.
To investigate on general principles of law, the distinction between original and appellate jurisdiction, would lead to a more minute and extensive discussion, than time could be spared for, from the numerous and important avocations of this court; and would also require the consideration of many authorities to which I cannot have recourse. But fortunately this has been rendered unnecessary, by the decision of this court, in the celebrated case commonly called the mandamus case. In that profound and learned decision, which has been read with reverence and delight by every man of information in this country, this court has drawn with equal perspicuity and exactness, the line of discrimination between original and appellate power. The case is reported in 1. Cranch, and the part of it to which I refer, is found in page 175. These are the words of the court:
"To enable this court then to issue a mandamus, it must be shewn to be an exercise of appellate jurisdiction, or to be necessary to enable them to exercise appellate jurisdiction."
"It has been stated at the bar, that the appellate jurisdiction may be exercised in a variety of forms; and that if it be the will of the legislature that a mandamus should be used for that purpose, that will must be obeyed. This is true; yet the jurisdiction must be appellate, not original."
"It is the essential criterion of appellate jurisdiction, that it revises and corrects proceedings in a cause already instituted, and does not create that cause. Although therefore a mandamus may be directed to courts; yet to issue such a writ to an officer, for the delivery of a paper, is in effect the same as to sustain an original action for that paper; and therefore seems not to belong to appellate, but to original jurisdiction."
This passage needs no comment. The criterion which distinguishes appellate jurisdiction from original, is that it revises and corrects the decision of another tribunal; and a mandamus may be used, when it is for the accomplishment of such a purpose. Now let me ask, may it please your honors, what is the object of the Habeas Corpus now applied for? Is it not to revise and correct the proceedings of another tribunal? Do not these applicants stand committed under the proceedings and decision of the circuit court? Is it not of those proceedings and that decision that we complain? Do we not seek to revise those proceedings and to correct that decision, by virtue of the Habeas Corpus? Had the circuit court given judgment against the applicants in the sum of one hundred dollars, the power to revise that judgment would have been appellate, and might have been
given by Congress to this court. From a decision which might take a few dollars from their pockets, they might be relieved. Shall the relief be rendered impossible, because the decision deprives them of all that can distinguish a freeman from the most abject slave, of all that can render life desirable?
If the question then, respecting the power of this court, under the constitution and the act of Congress, if not under the common law, to issue the writ of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum, were still open, I should contend that it ought, on these principles and authorities, to be decided in the affirmative. But may it please your honors, it is not open. It has been twice solemnly adjudged in this court. First in the case of Hamilton, 3 Dallas 17, not long after the court was organized; and very recently in the case of Burford, which is not yet reported in print, but is perfectly in the recollection of some of your honors, who sat in the case. I will not trouble the court with the narration of this case, which has been very fully stated by the learned gentleman who made this motion; but I will request indulgence while I read from a manuscript report, the opinion of the court, as pronounced by the chief justice.
"There is some obscurity in the act of Congress, and some doubts were entertained by the court, as to the construction of the constitution. The court, however, in favor of liberty, was willing to grant the Habeas Corpus. But the case of the U. S. v. Hamilton, 3 Dall. 17, is decisive. It was there determined that this court could grant a Habeas Corpus. Therefore let the writ issue, returnable immediately; together with a certiorari as prayed."
Here we find that the case was argued on both points, as well the constitution, as the act of Congress; that some doubts as to both had been entertained by the court; and that in favor of liberty, and on the authority of Hamilton's case, which the court declares to be decisive, the doctrine for which we now contend was admitted, and the writ of Habeas Corpus awarded.
I contend, may it please your honors, with submission, that the case is settled by these decisions. I contend that it is no longer a question, whether this court have the power which it is now called on to exercise. The exercise of this power, the benefit of these decisions, the protection of the law thus established I claim for my clients as a matter of right, which this honorable court cannot refuse.
Shall it be said, may it please your honors, that no part of our law is fixed and settled, except what is positively and expressly enacted by statute? Is it not on the contrary certain, that by far the greatest portion of that law, on which our property, our lives, and our reputations depend, rests solely on the decisions of courts? Shall it be said that all this extensive and important branch of the law is uncertain and fluctuating, dependent on the ever varying opinions and passions of men, and liable to change with every change of times and circumstances? Shall it be said that each individual judge may rightfully disregard the decisions of the court to which he belongs, and set up his own notions, his prejudices or his caprice, in opposition to their solemn judgments? No, may it please your honors! This is not the principle of our law, this is not the tenure by which we hold our rights and liberties. Stare decisis is one of its favorite and most fundamental maxims. It is behind this wise and salutary maxim that courts and judges love to take refuge, in times and circumstances which induce them to doubt of themselves; to dread the secret operation of their own passions and prejudices; or those external influences against which, in the imperfection of our nature, our minds can never be sufficiently guarded. In such times and circumstances a judge will say to himself, "I know not how far I might be able, in this case, to form an impartial opinion. I know not how far my judgment may be blinded or misled by my own feelings or the passions of others, by the circumstances of the moment, or the views and wishes of those with whom I am connected. But here is a precedent established, under circumstances which exclude all possibility of improper bias. This precedent is therefore more to be relied on than my judgment; and to this I will adhere, as the best and only mean of protecting myself, my own reputation and the safety of those who are to be affected by my decision, against the danger of those powerful, though imperceptible influences, from which the most upright and enlightened minds cannot be considered as wholly exempt."
There have indeed been instances, where precedents destructive to liberty and shocking to reason and humanity, established in arbitrary or factious times, have been justly disregarded. But when in times of quiet, and in cases calculated to excite no improper feeling, precedents have been established in favor of liberty and humanity, they become the most sacred as well as the most valuable parts of the law; the ar-
most bulwark for the rights of the citizens, and the surest guardian for the consciences and the reputation of the judges.
Such are the precedents on which I rely. The case of Hamilton was decided soon after the establishment of the government, when little progress had yet been made in the growth of party passions and interests; and when whatever of political feeling can be supposed to have existed in the court, was against the prisoner. Yet this beneficial power was exerted for his relief. He was brought before this court by Habeas Corpus, and was discharged. And the precedent thus established was by this court, fifteen years afterwards, in the case of Burford, declared to be decisive.
The case of Burford was wholly unconnected with political consideration or party feelings. The application was made on behalf of an obscure individual, strongly suspected, though he could not be legally convicted, of a most odious and atrocious crime. The abhorrence of his supposed offence, the strong circumstances which appeared against him, the course of his life, his general character, and the universal belief entertained of his guilt, all combined to excite against him every honest feeling of the human heart. Yet he was relieved by the exercise of that power to which we now appeal; yet he had the benefit of one of those precedents which we now claim; and in his case the authority of another and a more solemn decision was added to the doctrine for which we contend.
And let me again ask, may it please your honors, is not the law to be considered as settled by these repeated decisions? Are we still, as to this most important point, afloat on the troubled ocean of opinion, of feeling and of prejudice? If so, deplorable indeed is our condition. Misera conditio ubi lex vaga et incerta. But I ask, may it please your honors, if this great principle, stare decisis , so fundamental in our law, and so congenial to liberty, be not peculiarly important in popular governments, where the influence of the passions is strong, and the struggles for power are violent, the fluctuations of party are frequent, and the desire of suppressing opposition or of gratifying revenge, under the forms of law, and by the agency of the courts, is constant and active? Such are the defects of our particular form of government, arising from the imperfections of our general nature, and against the dangers resulting from these defects, our best protection is found in the great maxim " Stare decisis ." The protection of this maxim, the benefit of these decisions, I again claim for my clients, as a matter of right, which I humbly contend that it is not in the power of this honorable court to withhold.
I come now, may it please your honors, to the second general head of enquiry—whether the power to issue writs of Habeas Corpus, thus shown to exist in this court, be restricted in the present case, by the circumstance of the commitment having been made by the circuit court of the district of Columbia? If this principle stand not in our way, it is clear that our application must succeed.
Before we admit such a principle, let us enquire into its possible and even probable effects on the liberties of the people. Is it not manifest that it would deprive the citizens of the guardianship of the highest, the most respectable and the most independent courts, and place their personal liberty at the mercy of inferior tribunals? Do we not know that Congress may institute as many inferior tribunals, and may assign to the judges of these tribunals such salaries, as they may think fit? Does it not hence result that a succession of courts may be instituted, to the lowest of which may be assigned salaries so contemptible and duties so unimportant or so odious, as to exclude necessarily and certainly every man of character, talents and respectability, of every party? Will not such courts, therefore, be necessarily filled, by the meanest returners, the most obsequious flatterers, and the most servile tools of those in power for the moment? Can any thing like independence or integrity be expected from such judges? Will they not act continually under the influence, not merely of their own party passions and prejudices, but of hope and of fear, those great perverters of the human mind? The precedent is already set that they may be turned out of office by the abolition of their courts; and their hopes of promotion to an higher station, and a better salary will depend on their servility and blinded obedience to those in power.
Let it be once established by the authority of this court that a commitment on record by such a tribunal as I have described, is to stop the course of the writ of Habeas Corpus, is to shut the mouth of the supreme court, and see how ready, how terrible and how irresistible an engine of oppression is placed in the hands of a dominant party, flushed with victory, and brasted by a recent contest; or struggling to keep down an opposing party, which it hates and fears.

Does the history of the human passions warrant the conclusion, or the expectation, that such an engine will not be used? No, such it please your honors, we unfortunately know, from the experience of every age, that there are few excesses into which men may not be hurried, by the lust of power or the thirst of vengeance. We too are men of like passions, and it behoves us, ere we have reached these fatal extremes, to provide as far forth as the imperfection of all things here below will permit, against the dangers which have assailed others, and which threaten us. The best mode of making this provision, is to establish salutary maxims in quiet times, and to adhere to them steadily. Let it be now declared that there resides in this high tribunal, as respectable as our constitution can make it, and as independent as the nature of our government permits, a power to protect the liberty of the citizen, by the writ of Habeas Corpus, against the enterprizes of inferior courts, which may be constituted for the purposes of oppression or revenge, and you place one barrier more round our safety. It will not then be in the power of a petty and despotic retainer to the dominant party of the moment, vested for the purpose with the powers of an obscure court of record (I speak not of existing but of possible courts) to doom to perpetual imprisonment, perhaps, every man whom those in power may wish to destroy or to punish. One check at least, perhaps alas, too feeble! will be opposed to that tyranny which is the most ruthless, the most blind and the most bloody; the tyranny of faction, the tyranny exercised by demagogues in the name of the people. The blessing of personal liberty, the greatest of all sublunary goods; that blessing for which our friends and fathers have bled, for which I should wish to draw my sword, and for which he who is not ready to draw his sword and spill his blood, deserves neither the name nor the privileges of a freeman, that blessing will not then depend on the obsequious will of an humble dependant of power, dreading the loss of his place, and gaping for the reward of a higher salary; we shall have at least the protection of the highest and most independent court known to our constitution; happy if that should prove sufficient!
Can it be believed, may it please your honors, that the authors of our constitution and laws intended to leave the first and greatest of the privileges of freemen, thus dependent on the caprices of power, and the base complaisance of expectants of office? Was it for this we fought; was this the boon which our fathers purchased with their blood? Did they lay down their lives that their posterity might be mocked with the mere shadow of liberty? For my part I spurn and reject such liberty. Sooner would I abandon my country and take refuge in Turkey, where by bribing well I might be safe, than live exposed to be crushed and trampled in the dust by the low minions of power, the vilest reptiles in the community.
Let me ask, in the next place, what stubborn maxim of law, what binding authority, requires the admission of a principle so repugnant to all our feelings and to the spirit of our constitution? On what ground or reason of law can it be pretended that a commitment by the circuit court, stops the course of the writ of Habeas Corpus?
Is it because the circuit court has competent jurisdiction to commit? This cannot be the reason, for every justice of the peace has competent jurisdiction to commit, and the reason, therefore, if it existed, would destroy the whole effect of the writ of Habeas Corpus.
Is it because the circuit court has competent jurisdiction, to try the offence? This cannot be the reason; for in Bushell's case, formerly cited from 3 Wilson 175, it appears that a commitment by the sessions at the Old Bailey, a criminal court of very high authority, which had jurisdiction over the offence, did not prevent the court of common pleas from relieving by Habeas Corpus.
So also by the Forrest laws in England, in former times, the judge of the Forrest had jurisdiction, for the punishment of offences within the Forrest; and yet it appears from 2 Institute 299, that a person committed by the judge of the Forrest, for such an offence, might be relieved by Habeas Corpus, from the superior courts.
It is well known, too, that by the laws of England the king has power to erect courts, by special commission, with power to try and punish offences. From Wood's case, 3 Wilson 173, it appears, that a person committed by such commissioners, in a case which they had authority to try, may be relieved by Habeas Corpus. This, therefore cannot be the reason.
Is it because the circuit court is a court of record? So is the court of Pie Povers. But can it be imagined that if the court of Pie Povers were to commit a man in England, the power of relieving by Habeas Corpus, from the Superior courts, would be thereby taken away? Congress may institute as many inferior courts of record as they please. Can it be imagined that by instituting such courts, they can in effect suspend the writ of Habeas Corpus, indefinitely, and in cases where the suspension is expressly forbidden by the constitution?
This power, moreover, has been shown to be appellate; and it is of the very essence of appellate power, to review the decisions of inferior courts of record. Can it be imagined that such a decision may be reviewed, where a small amount of property only is effected; and that there is no relief where it deprives a citizen of his liberty?
Between superior courts of record, of equal authority and co-ordinate rank, here may be, and may properly be, a
comity observed, which would prevent them from attempting to interfere with the decision of each other. Perhaps in England, the court of Common Pleas would not attempt to release by Habeas Corpus, a person committed by the Exchequer or Chancery, and vice versa. But this comity cannot exist between superior and inferior courts; and there is no doubt that the court of Kings Bench, which is a court superior to the Common Pleas and Exchequer, would grant a writ of Habeas Corpus, for any person imprisoned by either of those courts, for a criminal matter.
But the point, may it please your honors, for which I contend, does not rest on general reasoning alone, however strong. It has been expressly adjudged by this court. The case of Burford, formerly cited, is a complete authority on this point, as well as on the former. Burford's case had been acted on judicially by the circuit court of this district. He stood committed, under its decision. That court, indeed, did not commit him, in the first instance; but he was brought before it on Habeas Corpus—the order of commitment made by the justices of the peace was altered and modified, and he was re-committed by a new and different order, from the circuit court. This recommitment was as complete an adjudication upon the subject, as the commitment in the present case. One was as much a determination on record by the circuit court, as the other; and one can, no more than the other, preclude the exercise of this honorable court's power, to relieve on Habeas Corpus.
Here again I claim for my clients the benefit of this decision. I again appeal to the great maxim "stare decisis." I again deprecate the dangers and mischiefs that must ensue, if precedents in favor of liberty, made in times and under circumstances the most favorable to correct decision, should be disregarded in other times, and in situations where the existence of passion, prejudice and improper influence may be dreaded. On behalf of my clients, and of every citizen of this country, boasting, and I trust not vainly of its liberty, I deprecate the dangers and mischiefs that must ensue, should the laws on which our dearest rights depend, be thus left to fluctuate on the ever varying tide of circumstances and events, and I trust that the protecting power of this high tribunal, will now fix this great landmark of the constitution; and will place our liberties, as far forth as the imperfection of human things can permit, beyond the reach of opinion, of caprice, and of sinister views.
New-Orleans, Jan. 14.
ORLEANS LEGISLATURE.
TUESDAY, JAN. 13, 1807. The house assembled according to adjournment.
The council attended, and were seated on the right of the speaker. In a few minutes his excellency the governor entered, attended by major Faunt, his aid de camp. Being seated a few minutes in the speaker's chair, he rose and delivered the following
S P E E C H.
Fellow-Citizens of the Legislative Council, and of the House of Representatives.
Since last I had the honor to address you, I have visited the several districts of the territory, and the pleasure I experienced in noticing the progressing state of population and agriculture, was considerably enhanced by the proofs which were afforded me of the virtuous and industrious habits of the people;—Habits, which while they ensure that degree of wealth essential to the convenience of man, cannot fail to command that tranquility of mind, which sweetens life, and renders society agreeable.
In reflecting upon the present state of the territory, I cannot but look with anxiety to its future destinies. The immediate prospect before us, has justly excited some apprehension, but I am nevertheless persuaded, that we shall ultimately experience a great share of political happiness and prosperity.
While Europe is deploping the ravages of war, and the fate of nations depending upon the issue of a single battle, it has hitherto been the favored lot of the American citizen, to enjoy in peace, under the auspices of liberty, the fruits of his industry, and to pursue (within the pale of the prescribed law) the course, which his interests or his desires suggest.
In the United States therefore, whose inhabitants have so much cause to be tranquil and happy, it was not to have been expected, that unauthorised expeditions of conquest would have been set on foot, and the revolutionising of a distant country seriously meditated; much less could it have been supposed, that an attack was contemplated against that "Unity of government" which makes us one people.
That many well meaning and honest citizens may have been seduced, (tho' various means and artifices) into a promise to participate in an unauthorised expedition to Mexico, I can readily believe; these, however, will yield prompt obedience to the call of their country, and leave their unprincipled leaders to the disgrace which awaits them; but it was really with difficulty I could bring myself to think that an association hostile to the government of the United States could have been entered into by their own citizens. The proofs, however, are too strong to be rejected, and the only consolation left to the patriots, is the well founded hope that few had approved the traitorous design, and that their wicked machinations will be speedily and effectually defeated. The occasion, however, should serve to pre-
sent forcibly to our reflections, the importance of the Union to our national prosperity. "It is (to use the language of a departed patriot) a main pillar in the edifice of our real independence, our tranquility at home, our peace abroad; we should cherish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it, and accustom ourselves to speak of it as the Palladium of our political happiness and safety." Such, gentlemen, were the sentiments of that illustrious man, George Washington. After having devoted forty years to the service of his country, he withdrew to the walks of private life; but on retiring from office, he made to his fellow citizens an address, which is esteemed a most valuable legacy.—His counsel is like that of a father to his children: "It is the disinterested warnings of a parting friend." The subject of this address embraces the best interest of this territory—I recommend that it be printed as an appendix to your laws, so that the sentiments it contains may be known to the people, and I pray God they may be cherished to our latest posterity.—I fear I have dwelt too long on this topic; if so, my feelings have betrayed me into the error, and in your own sense of patriotism I am sure to find my apology.
I will now proceed to call your attention to subjects of much local concern, and which require early legislative interference.
On a former occasion, I recommended the judiciary system to your revision, and represented it as exceptional, and ill adapted to the present state of the territory.
I have had no reason to retract that opinion, but, on the contrary, am confirmed in its correctness. Wrongs should be promptly redressed; all lawful demands speedily recovered, and "justice administered in the most cheap and easy manner, without delay," conformably to the laws." To attain these great objects, an immediate and radical change, of your present system, seems to me advisable. The legislature is provided with ample powers for the occasion; it has authority "to prescribe the powers and duties of magistrates and other civil officers," and to make "laws in all cases for the good government of the district," not repugnant to the ordinance and acts of Congress. The abolition, therefore, of your county tribunal, and the division of the territory into three or more juridical districts of superior jurisdiction, I earnestly advise, as essential to the convenience and interest of our fellow citizens. The great objections to the county courts cannot have escaped your observation; their numbers—the frequency of their sessions, and the extent of their powers—the many officers of courts—and the extravagance, in some cases, of the fees allowed them—the incessant call for jurors from among a thin population, united to the difficulty experienced by the executive, in availing the public of the services of men, qualified for the high trust of administering the laws, are well grounded exceptions to the present system.
The inconvenience which results as well to the Territory as to individuals, from the sessions of the Superior Court being alone held at New-Orleans, have long been seen and regretted. The inhabitants of Natchitoches, who finds himself compelled to attend with his witnesses at New-Orleans, must sensibly feel the defects of the present regulations,—and upon examination of the accounts of the Territorial Treasurer, it will be perceived, that the trial of offenders brought from the distant counties is attended with heavy expense.
If you should think proper to abolish the present inferior courts, it will be expedient to create, in the several counties, some other local tribunal, whose jurisdiction should be limited—the trials summary, and the decision conclusive.
If you should divide the territory, into three or more superior juridical districts, and direct that the courts be held by the Judges of the territory, I advise that liberal provision may be made by law for defraying their traveling expenses:—It is not the province of this legislature to augment the annual compensation at present allowed those high officers; their faithful and laborious public services cannot fail to recommend them to the liberal patronage of the government of the United States; but if we should require their attendance in the remote parts of the Territory, justice requires that some allowance be made for the additional personal expenditures which they must necessarily incur.
I have received returns from all the counties of the Territory, except Concordia, of the "Census of the Inhabitants," as directed by law; these shall be transmitted to the two Houses, and will enable the legislature "to determine the number of representatives," and to make a just apportionment thereof among the several counties.
The Territorial Treasurer will lay before you an account of the receipts and expenditures, from which you will perceive the necessity of a prudent economy in every department of the government, as the only means of avoiding a resort to further objects of taxation. I have discharged in part the debt contracted with the Louisiana Bank, and I doubt not, but, by the period the whole sum borrowed becomes due, I shall, from the fund appropriated, be enabled to comply with the engagement of the Territory.
I am not particularly advised of the progress which has been made by the committee appointed to prepare and report a civil code; but, I presume, the work is in great forwardness.—Whatever of the principles of the civil law, which are in unison with the interests of a free people, or that is essential to the security of property in this Terri-
tory, I am desirous to retain. I have no disposition unnecessarily, or injuriously to innovate on the former laws and usages of my fellow citizens;—but in my official character, I can never approve measures, which will tend to bar the introduction of those great political and legal principles which are cherished throughout the United States. Whether or not at this session, it is advisable to enter on the formation of a civil code, you, gentlemen, can best determine. For myself I have supposed that you would be inclined to a short session, and shall therefore press for consideration such subjects only as cannot be postponed. Among these the revision of the Militia Law, is the most important. The present system is greatly defective,—the most unvaried exertions on the part of the officers to introduce discipline, will be of no avail, unless disobedience of orders, and improper conduct parade be punished with severity—unless company musters are more frequent, and the fines for non-attendance such, as to be sensibly felt by those citizens, who, unmindful of the injunction of the law, can only be brought through fear of a pecuniary forfeiture, to the discharge of duty.
While on this subject, permit me to suggest for your consideration, the expediency of recognizing the freemen of color, who reside in New Orleans and its vicinity, as a part of the regular militia; under the government of Spain, they formed a separate battalion, and were then esteemed (as I am informed) a highly useful corps. During the temporary government of Louisiana, I continued them on the same footing in which I found them, and it is out of justice to say, that their conduct was such as to convince me that the measure was a proper one. The present militia law having taken no notice of this former battalion, it has necessarily been neglected—But the officers who were attached to it, and it is believed the privates, are still desirous to compose a separate militia corps. An address upon the subject, which has been made to me, by some of their ancient officers, shall be laid before you.
FELLOW CITIZENS, Of the Legislative Council, and of the House of Representatives.
It gives me pleasure to inform you that every thing is at present tranquil on our western frontier—The retiring of the Spanish troops to the west bank of the Sabine; the release from captivity of some American citizens, who were improperly arrested; together with a promise to restore the negroes who had escaped from the service of their masters, and sought an asylum at Nacogdoches, authorise us to consider our Spanish neighbors as friendly disposed towards us, and I am persuaded we shall not be found wanting in a return of good offices.—This happy adjustment of affairs on the Sabine, will, I hope, be a prelude to an honorable accommodation of all differences between the United States and Spain.—We have every thing to expect from the wisdom of our government, and their continued exertions for the general welfare. If the powers of Europe, by their frequent appeals to force, are not from habit, inclined to reject justice and reason as the arbiters of national disputes, we may yet calculate on the enjoyment of peace. But whatever may be the event of pending negotiations, I feel no apprehension as to any contest which may ensue.
Every citizen of the United States has a country, because he partakes of the sovereignty; when that country therefore should demand support, the spirit of seventy-six will be awakened; one opinion, one sentiment will prevail; a common interest will unite every hand and every heart, and Europe will learn the fact, that a nation will be sincerely attached to peace, and yet formidable in war.
I wish you, gentlemen, an agreeable session, and I renew to you the assurances of my faithful co-operation in all measures, which promise to promote the prosperity of the territory of Orleans.
WILLIAM C. C. CLAIBORNE. New-Orleans, Jan. 13, 1807.
The speaker laid before the house a letter from the honorable James Workman, judge of the county court of Orleans county, covering sundry documents, informing the house of representatives that he had adjourned his court sine die, and explaining his reasons therefor. The illegal arrest and transportation of certain persons, by order of general Wilkinson, the overthrow of the civil authority, &c. was also announced. The letter and part of the documents were read, and the whole referred to a select committee, composed of Messrs. Donaldson, Villar, Andry, Arnaud and Hughes.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
WILL be given for apprehending and securing in jail a young Mulatto man named ANDREW. He was hired by me last year to Mr. Joseph Thomas who keeps the toll gate ferry to Alexandria, and abandoned from that place about the latter end of August last. He is about 23 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, lilly and well made, has short curly hair, and is frequently subject to have several large pimples on his face. He is reckoned to be a sensible fellow of an easy agreeable address for a man in his low sphere of life. As he has not been heard of by me since his engagement, I suspect he has had the dexterity to slip himself as a freeman on board some vessel either at Alexandria or Baltimore. Whoever takes him up and secures him on a jail shall receive from me the above reward, or as soon due information thereof is given to me or to Dr. M c Culloch at Port Tobacco.
O. B. FUTSIN.
Maryland Charles County, January 29—w th
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20.
The following important MESSAGE was yesterday communicated to both Houses of Congress; on the contents of which we congratulate the nation.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the U. States.
I transmit to Congress a letter from our ministers plenipotentiary at London, informing us that they have agreed with the British commissioners to conclude a treaty on all the points which had formed the object of their negotiation, and on terms which they trusted we would approve.
Also a letter from our minister plenipotentiary at Paris, covering one to him from the minister of marine of that government, assuring him that the Imperial decree lately passed was not to affect our commerce, which would still be governed by the rules of the treaty established between the two countries.
Also a letter from Cowles Mead, Secretary of the Mississippi territory, acting as governor, informing us that Aaron Burr had surrendered himself to the civil authority of that territory.
TH: JEFFERSON.
February 19, 1807.
(COPY.) London, Dec. 27, 1806.
Sir, We have the pleasure to acquaint you that we have this day agreed with the British commissioners to conclude a treaty on all the points which have formed the object of our negotiation, and on terms which we trust our government will approve. It will require only a few days to reduce it to form. When that is done, we shall transmit it to you by a special messenger. We hasten to communicate to you this interesting intelligence for the information and guidance of our government in such measures as may have reference to the subject. We have the honor to be with great consideration and esteem, Sir, Your most obedient servants, (Signed) JAS. MONROE, WM. PINCKNEY.
JAMES MADISON, Secretary of State—Washington.
PARIS, 24th Dec. 1806.
Sir, I have the honor of transmitting the copy enclosed of a letter from his majesty's minister of Marine and Colonies, in answer to mine of the 10th instant, on the subject of the imperial arrest of the 21st of November, 1806.
An additional explanation, which it may be well to communicate, is, that neutral vessels coming from England or her colonies into the ports of France, &c. since the date of the aforesaid arrest, will not be received, and that if any person or persons, charged with the ship or other vessel and cargo, shall be detected in evading this regulation by means of false declarations, they shall forfeit the said ship or other vessel and cargo.
I am, Sir, With the highest respect, Your most obed. and Very humble servant, Signed, JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Madison—Washington.
General Armstrong to the Minister of Marine and Colonies.
The undersigned minister plenipotentiary of the U. S. of America has the honor of demanding from his excellency, the Minister of Marine and Colonies, the official explanation which may have been given to the Imperial decree of the 21st Nov. 1806, so far as that decree involves the rights of neutral nations.
The undersigned would more particularly wish to be informed whether by "British islands" mentioned in art. 1. are to be understood all islands in the possession of his Britannic majesty, and islands merely—or, whether the rule will be so construed, as to extend the blockade to the continental possessions also, of his said majesty?
Whether it be meant that the arrests shall operate from its date, and that seizures made under it before notice shall have been given, shall be considered legal?
Whether American vessels, navigating the high or narrow seas, shall be liable to seizure, on evidence only, that they are going to, or returning from a port or ports of his Britannic majesty?
And whether articles 2. and 5. shall operate only as domestic regulations, or whether their injunctions shall extend to citizens of foreign and independent nations?
His excellency the minister of Marine is sufficiently aware of the interest of the U. S. in the interpretation which shall be given to these articles and will readily and justly appreciate the motives of the undersigned in requesting that his excellency's answer may be given as promptly as possible.
The undersigned has the honor of renewing, &c. &c. (Signed) JOHN ARMSTRONG.
Paris, Dec. 10, 1806.
[TRANSLATION.] PARIS, 24th Dec. 1806. Mr. Minister Plenipotentiary, I hasten to answer the note you did

me the honor to address to me on the 26th of this month.
I consider the imperial decree of the 21st of November last, as, thus far, conveying no modification of the regulations at present observed in France with regard to neutral navigators, nor consequently of the convention of the 30th of September, 1800. (8th Vendemiaire, 9th year) with the U. S. of America.
But although, by this answer, the four questions upon which your excellency has desired to know my opinion, have been implicitly resolved, I think I can add, 1st, That the declaration expressed by the 1st article of the decree of the 21st November, not at all changing the present French laws concerning maritime captures, there is no reason for enquiring what interpretation, or restriction or extension may be given to this article.
2d, That seizures, contrary to the present regulations concerning cruising, shall not be allowed to the captors.
3d, That an American vessel cannot be taken at sea for the mere reason that she is going to a port of England, or is returning from one, because conformably with the 7th article of the said decree, we are limited in France not to admit vessels coming from England or the English colonies.
4th, That the provisions of articles 2d and 5th of the said decree, naturally apply to foreign citizens domiciliated in France or in the countries occupied by the troops of his majesty the emperor and king, inasmuch as they have the character of a general law; but that it will be proper that your excellency should communicate with the minister of exterior relations as to what concerns the correspondence of the citizens of the U. States of America with England.
I pray your excellency, Mr. Minister Plenipotentiary, to receive the assurance of my high consideration. The minister of marine and of the colonies.
(Signed,)
DECRES.
It will not escape Gen. Armstrong that my answers cannot have the development, which they would receive from the minister of Exterior Relations and that it is naturally to him that he ought to address himself for those explanations, which I am very happy to find him, because he wills them, but upon which I have much less positive information than the prince of Benevento.
Signed,
DECRES.
Faithfully translated.
J. WAGNER. Ch. Cils. Dept. State.
Extract of a letter from Col. Burr, secretary and acting governor of the Mississippi territory, to the department of war, dated "Washington, M. T. January 19, 1807."
SIR,
"In obedience to your instructions by express of 20th of December last, I immediately, after proroguing the legislature, proceeded to put the territory in a state of preparation for the arrestation of the suspicious persons and boats, which were contemplated therein; my militia were collecting at particular points on the river, when I received a letter from Col. Burr, who had landed at Bayou Pierre, with nine boats and about 100 men. This letter went to an avowal of his innocence of the charges, which rumour and public apprehension had announced against him, and solicited me to appease the fears which his approach had begotten; at the same time he pleaded me against the horrors of civil war, and the evils resulting from such a state of things; this seeming threat induced me to adopt a different mode of conduct, from what the col. might have expected; and instead of adopting his pacific admonition, I ordered a very large portion of the militia of the territory to rendezvous at certain points, and wait further orders. With the promptitude of Spartans, our fellow citizens shouldered their firelocks, and in twenty four hours, I had the honor to review 375 men at Natchez, prepared to defend their country. They were ordered under the command of Col. Claiborne, to a point on the river about 21 miles above the city, there to remain to guard the river, and intercept, for inspection, all boats that might descend the river. On the 16th, I dispatched two of my aids to Col. Burr, who had tendered his respect to the civil authority; these gentlemen engaged on my part to give the col. an interview in the neighbourhood of the detachment stationed at the mouth of Coie's creek. Conformably thereto I met the colonel on the 17th, and after a lengthy interview, he offered to surrender himself to the civil authority, of the territory, and to suffer his boats to be searched. On the 18th, col. Burr, accompanied by my aids, majors Shields and Poindexter, rode down to the place, and was committed to the highest tribunal, of the civil authority, where he now remains for trial."
"Four gentlemen of unquestionable respectability, with a detachment of 30 men, are now in the act of making the search of the boats, and to-morrow I expect their report."
"Thus far, this mighty alarm, with all its exaggerations, has eventuated in nine boats and one hundred men, and the major part of these are boys, or young men just from school. Many of their depredations have been taken before judge Rodney, but they bespeak ignorance of the views or designs of the
colonel. I believe them really ignorant and deluded. I believe that they are the dupes of stratagem, if the allegations of generals Eaton and Wilkinson, are to be accredited."
Our readers will perceive, by our minutes of Congressional proceedings, that there has been a debate in the House of Representatives on the motion, made some time since by Mr. Broom, on the expediency of making "further provision by law for securing the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus to persons in custody, under, or by color of, the authority of the U. S."
Having been engaged in the Supreme Court by the interesting business there depending, we did not enter the House, until a late hour on Wednesday. Mr. Holland was then speaking against the motion to commit the resolution to a select committee. He was followed by Mr. Alston on the same side. Messrs. J. Randolph and Marm. Williams replied on the opposite side.
As the debate was highly interesting we regret our absence from the House. As, however, one or more stenographers were present, we presume they will give the public a report of the debate, for the early part of which we shall be indebted to them.
Letters from New Orleans state the arrest of Messrs. Adair, Workman, Bradford and Kerr; and it is said that Messrs. Adair and Ogden have arrived at Port M'Henry, near Baltimore, under the charge of Lieut. Lucket.
English advices have been received to the 30th of December, the contents of which, other than those inserted, we are obliged to defer to our next, in consequence of the great extent and interesting nature of domestic articles.
SUPREME COURT of the UNITED STATES.
On WEDNESDAY Mr. MARTIN, in a speech of four hours and a half, concluded the argument on the motion in the case of Messrs. Bollman and Swartout.
On THURSDAY, the Chief Justice observed that the court had had the motion made in the case of Messrs. Bollman and Swartout under consideration, but had not yet been able to make up a decisive opinion. In the mean time as the situation of the prisoners might be irksome to them, if they could find bail, they might be bailed until to-morrow.
The counsel of Messrs. Bollman and Swartout observed that one day's additional confinement would not make any material difference.
The court added that they felt considerable difficulty with regard to the admissibility of the affidavit of general Wilkinson—whether a person making an affidavit that a particular paper contained the substance of an original paper in his hand, such affidavit was in such a case as the present, admissible evidence. They had not been able to find any authorities on this point. They therefore invited the researches of counsel into it.
Messrs. Rodney and Martin said they would deem it their duty, under this request, to submit to the court such precedents as they could find on the subject.
Extract of a letter from Col. Field, to his friend in this city.
Natchez, 20th Jan. 1807.
DEAR SIR, I returned yesterday from an expedition up the river, with five hundred and fifty men drawn from this and Jefferson county, and destined to meet Col. Burr, who, with a considerable body of men, was encamped at the Bayou Pierre. When informed of my approach and orders, by major Shields, aide camp to the governor, he surrendered himself and party prisoners—they have been turned over by the executive to the civil authority of our country. What the issue will be, or when he will be tried, is uncertain. His arms and other military stores, I expect, were taken possession of, on yesterday, by a detachment from my command. Our country is full of those adventures—our commerce destroyed, and the two territories in complete confusion.
Extract of a letter from Governor Claiborne to General S. Smith, dated NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 15.
"General Adair arrived in this city yesterday, and was immediately arrested by orders from General Wilkinson, and is now (I learn) on his passage to Washington."
"General Adair was from Nashville; he passed through the Choctaw nation, and was the first to announce his arrival here. He reported that Col. Burr, attended by a servant only, would be in this city in three days."
SENATE OF THE U. STATES.
February 10.
DR. LOGAN observed, that he had for some time viewed with anxiety the continued Repredations committed on the commerce of the United States by the belligerent powers of Europe, by which our mercantile capital had suffered a loss of millions, and our national character was degraded. He considered this lamentable situation of our commerce to arise from the bounty, in the form of drawback given by government to encourage the carrying trade, by which our merchants were led into unnecessary conflicts with foreign nations—he therefore moved that a committee be appointed to consider the propriety of repealing so much of any act as allows a drawback of duties on goods, wares, and merchandise exported out of the U. S. and that such com-
mittee be instructed to report by bill or otherwise.
February 17, 1807.
The reports and ordinary business of the day having been disposed of, the Senate took up the bill from the House of Representatives, for repealing the duty on salt, and for continuing in force the 2 1-2 per cent additional for the Mediterranean fund. Dr. Mitchell made a speech against the bill, until the hour of adjournment.
February 18.
The same bill being again under consideration Mr. Maclay spoke at length in favor of the bill, and in answer to Mr. Mitchell. After him, in the course of the debate, Messrs. Bradley, Smith of Md. Adams and Hillhouse, argued against the bill. And Mr. Moore delivered his sentiments in its favor.
February 19.
The question was taken on the two first sections of the bill, and carried to strike them out: Ayes 17, noes 15. Afterwards on motion of Mr. Bradley, a substitute was offered, and agreed to, repealing the duty of 8 cents, as imposed in 1797, from the 1st July next. And gen. Smith moved an amendment, which was carried for shortening the continuance of the bill from the end of the next session of Congress to the 31st Dec. next. In this form the bill has passed to a third reading.
The bill "respecting seizures made under the authority of the United States," &c. was referred to a select committee consisting of Messrs. Mitchell, Adams and Smith, of Md.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17.
A message was received from the Senate, stating that they had passed the bill authorising the President of the U. S. to accept the service of a number of volunteer companies not exceeding 30,000 men; also an act further supplementary to the act entitled an act concerning the district of Columbia; and that they had agreed to all the amendments proposed by the House to the bill to prohibit the importation of slaves, except the 9th amendment.
The House proceeded to consider the following resolution, offered by Mr. Broom.
"Resolved, That it is expedient to make further provision, by law, for securing the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus to persons in custody, under, or by color of, the authority of the U. S."
Mr. Broom moved a reference of this resolution to a Committee of the Whole House.
On this motion a debate arose, which occupied the residue of the sitting.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18.
The House considered the message of the Senate, stating their disagreement to the ninth amendment proposed by the House to the bill prohibiting the importation of slaves into the U. S. determined to insist thereon; and appointed a Committee of Conference on their part.
The House resumed the consideration of Mr. Broom's resolution on the subject of the writ of Habeas Corpus.
The debate was resumed, and continued till near five o'clock.
The original motion to refer the resolution to a Committee of the Whole House was varied, and a motion offered to refer it to a select committee.
The House adjourned without taking the question.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19.
Mr. J. Clay offered a new rule, in addition to the standing rules of the House, fixing the order in which business shall be done; which was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Morrow of Ohio, from the committee on the public lands, to whom was referred the amendments of the Senate to the bill confirming the claims to land in the district of Vincennes, reported the same without amendment—Referred to a Committee of the Whole House to morrow.
Mr. Holmes, from the Committee of Claims, made a favorable report on the petition of Daniel Cotton, which was referred to a Committee of the Whole to morrow.
Mr. J. Clay, from the committee to whom was referred an act from the Senate in addition to the act relative to the mint, reported the same with one amendment—Referred to a Committee of the Whole to morrow.
On motion of Mr. Varnum the House determined for the remainder of the session to meet at 10 o'clock in the morning.
The House resumed the consideration of the resolution offered by Mr. Broom. The debate was opened by Mr. Burwell, who advocated the reference of the resolution, and concluded by moving to amend it, by inserting after the words states , the following words "and the necessity of defining the power of the supreme court of the U. S. in issuing a writ of Habeas Corpus."
This amendment was agreed to without debate—Ayes 76.
Mr. Quincy supported; and Messrs. Jackson, Ridwell and Gregg opposed the reference of the resolution to a select committee.
Mr. Gregg moved to postpone it in definitely.
This motion was supported by Messrs. Smith, Eppes, Elmer and Sloan; and opposed by Messrs. Newton, J. Randolph, Elliot, J. Clay and Kelly.
When the question was taken at 5 o'clock, by Yeas and Nays, on the indefinite postponement, and carried in the affirmative—Yeas 66—Nays 28.
New York, February 14.
The new council of appointment met in Albany on Monday morning, and appointed SMITH THOMPSON, Esq. Mayor of the city of New-York.
Trial of Captain Whitby —A court martial is called in England, to try capt. Whitby for the murder of Pierce—Capt. Brewster, of our revenue cutter, Jonathan L. Brewster, his brother, Robert Mitchell, branch pilot, and John White, go as witnesses, and are expected to sail in the Latona for Liverpool, whence they proceeded to London.—Citizen
A London paper observes that the late attempt at negotiation between Great Britain and France was nothing but a "solemn mockery," and that the British ministry were duped by the French. The French, it seems, offered to give up all claim to Hanover, Malta, and the Cape of Good Hope, for which they demanded from the British, to restore to France & her allies all the English had taken besides in the East and the West-Indies, and in South-America; abandon the king of Sicily, and surrender that fertile island to France, to recognize the French emperor, the king of Holland, Naples, Wirtemberg, and Bavaria, together with all grand dukes and princes of Bonaparte's creation.
By the ship Kingston , capt. Leslie, from Cowes, we have received London papers to the twenty fourth of December. From these we have only time to extract the following articles—the British government has opened the trade for its own subjects, to the empire of Hayti—Insurance on American vessels, at London, had risen to ten guineas per cent.
LONDON, DEC. 11.
His Prussian majesty has refused to ratify an armistice signed by his minister Lucchefini and general Zastrow. We know not of any circumstances of disaster and misfortune that could justify a monarch in subscribing to the terms it contained—he could go but one step further in disgrace, and sign the sentence of his deposition and dethronement.
In consequence of the King of Prussia's refusal to ratify the armistice, Bonaparte left Berlin for Poland on the 25th ult.
DECEMBER 13.
Government, we understand yesterday, received intelligence that the emperor of Russia had entered Poland at the head of 150,000 men: that the king of Prussia had joined with 20,000 of his rallied forces & that an action might soon be expected.
The Russians have entered Warsaw, and pushed their patrols towards Posen; and the French are advancing from Posen and Warlaw.
New-Orleans, Jan. 12.
Saturday night last, a man by the name of People, (of Kentucky) was arrested by the military, on suspicion of being a Burrite. It seems that he was a little intoxicated, and avowed himself to be one of Burr's party, shewed his epaulet, and said he held a captain's commission. He is now confined, and we suppose will be shipped off in a few days.
A Funeral sermon will be preached on Sunday next, by the Rev. Mr. Sayer, at the Episcopal church in George-Town, upon the occasion of the late Mrs. BURNS' death.
WHARF MATERIALS & WORKMANSHIP WANTED.
THE following materials will be wanted for building a wharf at the south end of 17th street west (at the mouth of the Tyber) viz. From 600 to 700 perches of Blue Stones. 2000 feet running of White Oak timber. squared on three sides, 12 inches in the bed, and to raise one foot. 3000 yards of filling in with earth. James Hoban, Timothy Caldwell, J. P. Van Ness, } Commissioners. February 20—
N. B. Proposals will be received by either of the above commissioners until the 17th March next for furnishing the above materials, for laying the stones and logs, and for filling the wharf.
RANAWAY from the subscriber near Clarkburg, Montgomery county, on the 23d of December last, a negro man named JOHN, who calls himself John Thompson; he is a small fellow, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, of a wheedling turn, and a noted whistler; about 32 or 33 years of age, and both his temples very grey for one of his years. His dress was an old hat, a roundabout jacket and pantalettes, each of white kersey, with one elbow and one knee fire scorched; the tail of the jacket bound with blue mufin; an old waistcoat of rusty colored plush with red flannel backs, country tow shirt, & coarse shoes pegged in the foot. He had no change of dress with him, unless furnished by accomplices. Whoever will take up and secure him in jail, and give me word, that I get him again, shall receive a reward of EIGHT DOLLARS, by Wm. GLAZE. February 16—w3g
N. B. I expect he is lurking about the city of Washington, or near Fort Tobacco in Charles county. All persons are hereby forewarned against harboring, secreting or conveying him off, at their peril. W. G.
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 16th of June last, an apprentice boy, named WILLIAM DENT, a Tailor by trade. He is between 14 and 15 years of age, has light hair, and pale blue eyes; his clothing cannot now be described. Whoever will bring the said boy to me, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges. EDWARD KENNELL, F Street Washington city
N. B. Having heard that the aforesaid boy has been employed by some person at St. Inigoes, (Maryland) I hereby forewarn all persons from harboring him, under pain of being dealt with to the utmost rigor of the law. B. F. Feb. 20—et
By his excellency ROBERT BOWIE, Governor of Maryland.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS it has been stated to me, by the petition of number of respectable persons, inhabitants of Prince George's county, that a MURDER hath been committed on the person of CHARLES NEVITT, junior, late of Prince George's county—by a certain negro man, (slave of Basil Soper,) called WALL, who hath since absconded and fled from justice. And whereas, it is the duty of the Executive to guard as much as may be against the commission of such enormities, and to bring such offenders against the laws and peace of society to justice. I have therefore thought proper to issue this my Proclamation , and do, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, offer a reward of One Hundred Dollars to any person or persons who shall apprehend and secure the said negro WALL, in any jail in the United States, so that he be brought to justice.
Given in Council, at the city of Annapolis, under the Seal of the state of Maryland, this sixth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and six.
ROBERT BOWIE,
By his Excellency's command. NINIAN PINKNEY, Clerk of the Council.
Ordered, That the foregoing Proclamation be published once in each week until countermanded, in the Maryland Gazette, at Annapolis; the Federal Gazette and Evening Post, at Baltimore; the Frederick-town Advocate, and in the National Intelligencer, at the City of Washington.
By order,
NINIAN PINKNEY, Sept. 22—wtf.
AN ACT
For the punishment for forgery and for other purposes.
WHEREAS it has been represented to this general assembly, that the crime of forging bank notes and negotiable notes hath greatly increased, and the punishment already provided by law, not being thought sufficient to prevent the commission of the crime, for remedy thereof.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That any person who shall with a fraudulent intent, employ an artist to engrave or etch any plate, in imitation of the note or notes of any established bank within this state, or of any bank which may hereafter be established within this state, or which are or may be established by law in any of the United States, or any person engaged in engraving or etching such plate or plates, or any person in any manner engaged in striking, impressions from such plate or plates, or any person who shall affix to such notes, fraudulent or forged signatures, or any person who shall be in any manner concerned in the altering, forging or counterfeiting, any note of any bank now existing within this state, or of any bank which may hereafter be established in this state, or any person who may pass within this state, forged or counterfeited notes (knowing them to be such) purporting to be the genuine notes of a bank regularly constituted within any of the United States, or any person who may pass as genuine any note purporting to be a note of a bank which does not exist, or shall pass as genuine negotiable notes, any forged or counterfeited negotiable note or paper whatsoever, or who shall craft or alter any genuine negotiable note or negotiable paper, or any endorsement thereon; or shall tender in payment, or in any way utter, any such crafted, altered, or counterfeited note or notes, or negotiable paper (knowing such bill or note, or negotiable paper, or the endorsement thereon, to be altered, forged, counterfeited, crafted or falsified) with intention to defraud the said bank or banks, or any other person, shall be adjudged a felon, and shall be condemned to death without benefit of clergy. February 4—w2g
60 DOLLARS REWARD.
RANAWAY from the subscriber living in Prince George's county on Sunday the 30th inst. the three following slaves—a mulatto young man who calls himself BILL STEWART, he was born at Montgomery court house, was once the property of Honore Martin, was purchased of him by the late Rich. Contee who sold him to me; he is a likely we made fellow about 21 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, his hands and feet are large; the evening before he absconded he had his hair cut close; he had with him a variety of clothing, viz. a blue coat and overalls one light colored herseman coat and overalls, a frandown waistcoats, 3 fine linen shirts and some coarse shirts, three mufin neckcloths, a fine hat, price 7 dollars; he took away a prayer book, in the first page of which is written Mary Duckett.
J. B. who calls himself Joe Grimes, alias Graham, and HARRY, both young negro men about 21 years of age—the clothing of these cannot be described. Joe has one of his arms broken near the wrist, which might be longer than the other; when he is spoken to he speaks fast as if his tongue was too large for his mouth. Harry, I was informed, has several large scars on his body and one of his thighs occasioned by burns when he was young.
The above reward will be paid for confining the three in jail, or 30 dollars for confining Bill in jail so that I get him again. ROBERT BOWIE, W. 17—2wtf

Robert Ward, is now opening, in Bridge Street, a few doors below High Street, A Choice and Fashionable Assortment of LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, AND SHEFFIELD HARDWARE, CUTLERY, JAPANNED GOODS, &c. Which he will sell at very reduced prices, Wholesale or Retail, for cash, viz: Duck guns, half stocked, brass mounted chequer breech, roller locks, 4 feet 6 inches barrel, and 3 3/4 to 7 3/4 bores. Do. do. do. 5 feet in barrels. D. do. elegantly finished barrels and stocks with skeleton roller locks, and hand- somely engraved barrels from 4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 4 1/2 to 7 3/4 bores princess metal mounting. Bird guns stub-tail breech, skeleton roller, locks, and other with highly finished with Steel, tentania, and other mountings. Do. do. common and low priced. Elegant Japanned Tea Trays and Waiters, with gold borders and centres. Common do. do. Elegant Japanned Fenders, scarlet and black, with rich borders. Brass do. Elegant Scarlet and Cream Coloured Plate Warmer, with rich borders and centre. — and black japanned Bellows, Morocco leathered. Highly finished Pistols, in cases complete. Common Pistols. Pocket Pistols, good. Elegant Plated Mantle Lamps, with one and two branches. — Plated and Silver Castors, with rich cut glass. Common do. Highly finished Cafe Hardened Shovels and Tongs, with Pokers. Common do. Highly finished Ivory Handled Knives and Forks. — Bone do. do. — Pen and Sportsman's Knives Wedgewood Pitchers, with plated and gilt rim. Elegant gilt mounted Small Swords, Hang- ers and Dirks. — Steel do. do. do. Bracelets, common and good. Batin Wood and Mahogany Knife cases, &c. It is R. W.'s intention to remain here but a few days. George Town, Feb. 12. 1807-32  I shall attend at Myer's Hotel, on Pennsylvania Avenue, on Monday the 23rd inst. to let to the highest bidder, according to the provisions of the afore- said act, the places of two auctioneers for the ensuing year, at the hour of eleven o'clock in the forenoon. ROBERT BRENT, Mayor,  February 18—31.  PUBLIC SALE. By order of the Orphan's court of Prince George's county, will be exposed at Public Sale, to the highest bidder, at the farm lately occupied by Mr. Richard Crampin, and at his late dwelling in the town of Bla- denburg, on Tuesday the 10th day of March next, if fair, if not the next fair day.  All the Personal Estate of the said deceased (except the crop of To- bacco) consisting of a number of valuable servants, among whom are some excellent house and kitchen servants, the stock of horses, two of which are very pleasant saddle horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, plantation utensi- ls of every kind, about 150 barrels of corn, 450 bushels of clover hay, upwards of 20000 weight of hay, a large crop of well saved straw, &c. &c. Like-wise the unexpired term in a lease for 125 years of land, granted on the 31st day of May 1714 for ninety nine years, being six years less than one mile of Myer's. This property is about one mile west of Bladensburg, and on the old road to Georgetown and Chain-Bridge, on the fine property of Wm. D. Boyd. The improve- ments are sufficient for the accommodation of a family of midling size, and for the advan- tageous cultivation thereof; there are twenty six beehives of wheat (red) upon it and about 2 or 30 acres in thistle cover, and a suffi- ciency of wood it is believed for its support— a further description is deemed unnecessary, as it is presumed that those who wish to buy will view the property previous to the sale. An inalienable title will be given. And at the dwelling in Bladensburg, a variety of articles of Household & kitchen Furniture, se- veral volumes of valuable books, prints, maps and other articles too tedious to mention. The sale will commence on the farm, at 10 o'clock in the morning, and continue from day to day, till all is sold. Terms of sale are a cre- dit of twelve months for all sums above ten pounds, the purchaser or purchasers to give bond, with two good and sufficient securities, carrying interest from the day of sale, and for all all percentages to the amount of ten pounds and under the cash is to be paid. No property will be delivered until previously paid, or bonded for as above. THOMAS BOWIE, Administrator of Richard Crampin. February 12—92
By virtue of an order of the Orphan's court of Prince George's county the subscriber will expose to public sale at the residence of the subscriber all the personal estate of Wilkinson Brahears, late of Prince George's county, deceased, consisting of one Horse, Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs, some Bacon, Pork, and plantation utensils. The terms of sale are six months credit for all sums above ten dollars and all sums to the amount of ten dollars and under for cash, the purchaser giving bond and security with interest from the day of sale. The sale to commence on Monday the 9th day of March next at 11 o'clock. JOHN BRASHEARS, Administrator. February 18—61
CHARLES A. BURNETT, HAS received from London and Liverpool a handsome assortment of articles in his line, consisting of WATCHES & JEWELRY, Silver, Tortoiseshell, and Steel Spectacles, Table knives and forks with ivory han- dles, Pen knives and scissors, Ladies and Gentlemen's Pocket BOOKS. He also continues to manufacture gold and silver ware, at the most reduced prices. George Town, Dec. 2d—tf
PORTRAIT PAINTING. C. BOYLE respectfully informs the public that he paints Lithofaces in Oil Colors, in the building formerly occupied by Mr. G. Stew- art, on the Pennsylvania Avenue, near Duane's book-store. M. B. A few specimens to be seen. January 5—tf
WANTED to purchase a likely NEGRO BOY, to wait on a single Gentleman. Enquire of Mr. DUNN at the Capitol. January 28—tf
ELIAS B. CALDWELL, ATTORNEY AT LAW, HAS removed his Office, to the house lately occupied by Mr. Law, on Capitol Hill. Washington, July 26—tf
On a liberal credit. THE subscriber will dispose of at private sale, his estate called Chuchester, lying on the eastern branch, immediately opposite the city of Washington. This tract of land containing 697 acres is laid off in lots from 3 to 144 acres for the convenience of pur- chasers. Plats of the estate and the terms of sale are in the hands of Colonel Hanson at the navy yard, and Charles Weyman of George Town. The lots will be shown by Mr Wedden, living on the premises, near the Eastern Branch bridge. ANTHONY ADDISON. Barnaby, 12th June 1805—tf
By order of the Orphan's Court Of Washington county. THIS is to give notice that the subscribers of the city of Washington, have obtained from the Orphan's court of Washington county in the district of Columbia, letters testa- mentary on the personal estate of JOHN WIGHT late of said county deceased.—All persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby warned to exhibit the same with the vouchers thereof to the subscribers, at or before the first day of July next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under our hands this 28th day of January 1807. WASHINGTON BOYD, and GEORGE MOORE, Executors of John Wight, deceased. January 28—taw3w
LANDS FOR SALE. THE subscriber offers for sale the following tracts of Land, lying in the county of Fairfax, Virginia, viz. One Tract on the south side of Great Hunting Creek, on Potomac River, about a mile from Alexandria and con- tiguous to the land of the late Colonel Hanson. There are on this tract about 600 acres, 400 of which are now in wood, 150 in woods, and 50 in heavy timber; and the remainder in open field. It may be said to be the most valuable site of any on the river. Also, One other Tract, about 6 miles from Alexandria (on the old road to the Potomac river) lying on the north side of the road leading to the village of Huntley, containing 357 acres, well improved with wooden barn, la- bors, mill, &c. orchard, and numerous improvements on the house and out-houses. Also One other Tract about 3 miles above the latter, containing 327 acres, with about 70 or 80 acres of bottom land, lying on Accotink run, convenient farm houses, good orchards, &c. Also a moiety of the farm on which Basil Williams at present resides, about three miles from the last mentioned. Also a Tract about 13 miles from Winchester in the edge of Shenandoah county, containing 250 acres. Also about 6000 acres of land in the State of Kentucky, a considerable part of which, lying on the Ohio river, is very desirable and valu- able. Purchasers of any of the above property may be accommodated with horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, farming utensils, provender, &c. The terms, which will be easy, may be known by applying to the subscriber near Alexandria. AUG. J. SMITH. February 6—2w
THE SUBSCRIBER HAS just supplied his shop in F Street with a complete assortment of fresh Medicines & Drugs, among which are Spermaceti & Linseed oils— also Paints of every description. THOMAS PATTERSON. Washington city, June 23—tf
New English Piano Fortes, Of Superior quality. THE Subscriber has imported from Lon- don, via New-York, four English Piano Fortes, with additional keys, After maker— Two patent four keyed Hutes—Six common flutes with one key, and Piano steel wire, No. 9, 10, and 11, which he offers for sale on very moderate terms, for cash only, or nego- tiable notes, with approved indorser.—The above instruments have been examined by the subscriber, who, (flattering himself to be a judge,) will when told, warrant them to be of superior quality, and without any defect. P. MAURO. ** For terms and other particulars, apply at my store, opposite the seven buildings. Feb. 6—tf
AMERICAN COFFEE-HOUSE, WASHINGTON CITY. THE Subscribers have opened for the entertainment of travellers, members of Congress, families, &c. referring to the seat of government, the houses occupied for several years by Mr. P. D. STEELE, immediately east of the Capitol, to which they respect- fully invite the public. The premises are well known as large and convenient, are provided with new beds and furniture, and the best wines and liquors, la- bies for 50 horses, with carriage houses, &c. FROST and QUINN. Nov. 4—tf
CHARLES H. VARDEN, Merchant Taylor New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol. RESPECTFULLY informs the gentlemen of the district of Columbia, he has imported by ship Eliza ANN lately arrived at Phila- delphia, A choice assortment Of Extra Superfine cloths, Bennets, Velvets, and Cords, Cashmere, single and double milled Batin cloths, fashionable Spanish Orleans and Tollana, rich silk Molekin velvets, silk and satin Florentines, with a variety of other articles suitable for the season. N. B. Ladies habits, regiments and navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion. Richard Harrows celebrated patent par- rel Shupenders, can be had on the same terms as at his manufactory. November 12—tf
20 DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber in August last, Negro Charles —he is a straight well made black man, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high; has lost some of his fore teeth; is remarkably polite and much of a gallant. The above reward will be paid to any person who will bring him home or lodge him any jail so that I get him again. Wm. B. BRANER. Upper Marlbo'o, Jan. 9—tawtf
LOST or MISLAID, THREE Navy Six per Cent certificates of the following description. No 41 for 1000 dollars. 96 for 400 do. 109 for 100 do. 1500 Dollars in all, dated 4th August 1800 in favor of Wm. Patterson, and this public no- tice is given, that new certificates may issue to replace those that have been lost. WILLIAM PATTERSON, Washington February 11—6w
JUST RECEIVED. WOOD'S best London superfine cloths and cashmere, Bennet's patent cord, } best Spanish. Do. do. cloth, } Rich majestic waistcoating, Pencey do. Irish linen and Russia sheeting, Men's best London hats, Silk, worsted, lambs wool, cotton, and gauze stockings, Fancy printed muffs and skawls, Carpet and carpeting, Rich Brussels do. Fine white and scarlet flannels, Plains, coatings and second cloths, Which with my large assortment of woollens and fancy goods, were bought on such terms as to justify my selling them lower than any regular importer can afford to sell at. JOHN COX. George Town, December 8—6w
Ranaway from the subscriber, living near to Charlotte Hall in said county, a Negro Woman named MOLL , about 30 years of age, a fact 9 or 10 inches high, of a very black complexion, and has on one of her wrists a large wen, by which she may be easily known. Most is a lively, sprightly woman, and has been accustomed to house work, spins and washes well, and is a good out door hand. She went away about the 25th April 1807, and was seen in July last, in the city of Washington, where it is sup- posed she is still lurking, or in Alexandria, where Moll has a mother, by the name of Rose, lately liberated by a Mr. Thomas Marshall of Virginia, and its probable that Moll will attempt to escape herself on the public, as a free woman by the name of Moll Cock—a reward of 20 DOLLARS will be paid by the subscriber, for Moll, if brought home, or 10 DOLLARS will be paid for ap- prehending Moll and securing her in any jail, so that the owner may get her again. CORNELIUS ROBINSON. February 4—2w7t
Fifty Dollars Reward. FOR apprehending RICHARD GOTIER who broke jail last night. He was com- mitted on his confession of passing counterfeit checks; he is about 5 feet 7 inches high, fair complexion, light hair, grey eyes, very much pitted with the small pox, and pretty much round shouldered. He was a tailor in the United States service, had a blue tailor jacket and trousers, a long blue coat, several white linen shirts, a pair of shoes and a very good black hat. The above reward will be given for apprehending and securing the said Gotier in any jail and giving me information thereof. DANL. G. BRENT, Marshal of the district of Columbia. December 8—2wtf
SHOE STORE. Received last Friday night an addi- tional supply of Shoes, amongst which are, MURRAY'S superior fancy, embroidered and plain kid, with bed Mor- rocco slippers, high and low heels. English kid with and without heels. Misses handsome round toed, pink, purple and blue slippers, with first quality Morocco, do. various colors. A large number of Ladies Morocco with and without heels, and womens and misses calfskin slippers just from the last. Cork soled slippers and to lace, high and low heels. Gentlemen's Philadelphia pumps, shoes and Morocco slippers. Youths fashionable lined and bound shoes. Children's red Morocco and leather to lace. Men's lined and bound and coarse, with boys and childrens unbound shoes; besides these, have on hand, and engaged a great variety of others expected in about three weeks. ALSO, a large parcel of TRUNKS. The above are for sale opposite Mr. Cox- man's, Bridge Street, George Town, where persons may be accommodated with quali- ties to suit their own prices. J. WILSON. February 4—tf
FRESH GARDEN SEEDS, &c THEOPHILUS HOLT respectfully in- forms his friends and the public that he has an extensive assortment of Fresh Garden and Flower seeds, Grass seeds, Garden tools &c. for sale at his Nursery Garden Eastern Branch. Washington city, Jan. 2—w3m
ROSS & GETTY, At their Store, corner of Washington and Bridge streets, next door to the Union Tavern, Georgetown, Have received per the Schooner Rebecca, from New York, 300 bushels potatoes 10 barrels prime mackerel 5 do. white onions 20 boxes spermaceti candles 500 weight currants 10 boxes muscatel raisins 1200 pounds fine yellow cheese. ON HAND, Good old Madeira, Sicily, Sherry, Malaga, Port and Lisbon Wines—Cognac Brandy, Jamaica Rum, New England, do. Holland and country Gin, Irish and Rye Whiskey, Anniseed, Orange, Cinnamon and Perfect Love Cordials on draft and in bottles; prime St. Croix, Loaf and Lump Sugar. Gunpowder Tea in canisters. Do. do. in chests Imperial Hyson, Young Hyson, Hyson Skin, and Souchong Tea of the Latest importations. A few sets of handsome French China Five barrels excellent Buck-wheat Meal Bar Iron and Steel Mould and dipped Candles Spanish and country Segars With a great variety of other articles in the GROCERY LINE—All of which they will dispose of on the lowest terms. Have received, By the Sloop Unity, captain Hand from Phi- ladelphia, 140 boxes of mould candles } Cook's 60 do. dipped do. } Manufact- 50 do. brown soap } tory. 40 do. white do. } 5 kegs raisins 20 boxes Muscatel, do. 700 lbs. prime Flemmington cheese, far superior in quality to any in this mar- ket 5 pieces of winter strained spermaceti oil 2000 lbs. prime green coffee 1000 lbs. Bourbon do. 1200 lbs. of Pennington's loaf sugar 20 firkins butter 5 chests fresh hyson tea } All first 6 do. young hyson do. } chop. 4 do. imperial do. } 2 hds. muscovada sugar Together with a large quantity of excellent iron, all of which they will sell on the lowest terms, by wholesale or retail. Georgetown, February 13—
MARY A. PIC, HAS just received from her correspon- dents in Philadelphia, a new assortment of Millinery & Jewelry, Among which are— Spring bonnets and shawls Dressed caps Artificial flowers and feathers Embroidered shoes Gold and Silver ornaments Cords and tassels and girdles Velvet pelisses Crapes of all colors Silk Stockings superior quality Elegant fans New fashioned ear-rings, and combs orna- mented with tops, emerald, pearls and other precious stones Breast pins Indispensables Plain tortoise shell combs, extra size Hair necklaces and watch chains Enamelled bracelets, &c. &c. &c. Georgetown, Feb. 16—3t
Orphan's Court of Prince George's County, October Term, 1806. On application of Isabella Wood and Of- born Belt, junior, administrators of Elijah Wood, late of Prince George's county, in the State of Maryland, deceased, to this court, to make distribution of the assets in their hands, among the heirs and legal representatives of the said Elijah Wood, and it appearing to this court that some of the representatives of the said deceased, to wit: Lashley Wood, Eleanor Swaine and Robert Wood, reside out of the State of Maryland. It is thereupon ordered, that this court will proceed on the second Tuesday in April next, to make distribution of the assets in the hands of the said Isabe- lla Wood and Offborn Belt, junior, provided a copy of this order be inserted in the Na- tional Intelligencer once a week, until the first day of April next. TRUEMAN TYLER, Registrar of Wills for Prince George's county. December 8—w12
NOTICE. By order of the Orphan's Court of Washington County, This is to give notice, that the subscriber of the city of Washington, has obtained from the Orphan's Court of Wash- ington, in the district of Columbia, letters testamentary on the personal estate of Thomas Washington, late of said city, deceased. All persons having any claims against the said deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the sub- scriber, at or before the 20th day of August next—they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand this 13th day of February, 1807. SARAH WASHINGTON, Executrix of Thomas Washington. Friday, Feb. 13—w3t
NOTICE. ALL persons having claims against the estate of Seth Carter, deceased, late a lieutenant in the navy of the U. States, are desired to bring in their accounts legally au- thenticated for adjustment by the first of May next, and those indebted to the said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the subscriber, who has obtained letters of administration on the said estate. JEKIEL CROSSFIELD, Adm. Washington, Feb. 13—w3t
By Prince George's County Court, September term, 1806. Whereas upon the application of Greenb- ry Barnes and wife, two of the represen- tatives of a certain Elijah Wood, deceased, certain commissioners were appointed to as- certain whether the estate of the said Elijah Wood would admit of division agreeably to the act of assembly, entitled an act to direct defendants, which said commissioners have made a return to Prince George's county court. And whereas it has been stated that some of the representatives of the said Elijah Wood, deceased, to wit: Lashley Wood, Robert Wood and Eleanor Swaine, live out of the State of Maryland, it is thereupon adjudged and ordered that notice by publication of this order three successive weeks in the National Intelligencer before the first day of March next to the said absent parties to appear in Prince George's county court on the first Monday in April next, to show cause, if any they have, why the return of the said com- missioners should not be confirmed. Teste, JOHN READ MACRUDER, Jr. Clk. February 2, 1807. P. G. Cy. C
FOR SALE, A Valuable Mulatto Man about 38 years old; he is sober and honest, has been brought up as a Hatter and Gardener, and inferior to none as a careful Carriage driver— he is also a pretty good Shoe-maker, and is what may be called a convenient hand on a Plantation or House servant. With him will be sold his Wife a likely young woman about 35 years old, a good Nurse and House servant, and a tolerable Seamstress. They are sold at their own request, and will not be separated. And if any traveller should want a light Jer- sey Wagon and a pair of well matched and tried Horses he may be accommodated by applying to the Editor for information. Washington, Feb. 12—3t
District of Columbia, Washington County, Orphan's Court, 31st Ja- nuary, 1807. ORDERED, that Gerard Gibson, admin- istrator of Jane Killick, deceased, sell such of the personal property of the deceased contained in the inventory returned by him, as he may think proper, at public auc- tion, and on a credit of three months for all sales above twenty dollars, taking bond or note with good security for payment with interest from the day of sale. He shall first give fifteen days notice of the sale by adver- tisement inserted once a week for three weeks in the National Intelligencer; and also by ad- vertisements set up in public places. Test. JOHN HEWITT, Reg. In pursuance of the above or- der, there will be held at auction on Saturday 28th instant, at the House of Gerard Gibson, one negro man, one negro woman and one horse, belonging to the estate above mention- ed, and on the terms prescribed by law, as directed in the above order of the Orphan's Court. Sale will commence at 11 o'clock. GERARD GIBSON, adm. 11th February, 1807—w3t
JOHN OTT, DRUGGIST, CHEMIST and APOTHE- CARY, has received by late arrivals a fresh supply of genuine Drugs, Medi- cines, Chemical Preparations, and every arti- cle useful in Pharmacy, such as have met the approbation of eminent practitioners. Gene- ine patent medicines of every description, shop furniture, paints, dye stuffs, spices and perfu- mery; all of which he will dispose of on as low terms as the quality and original cost of the article will admit of. Physicians' and family recipes put up with the utmost care and attention, and all orders from city, town or country put up with accuracy and dispatch. In addition to the above, he has just re- ceived a supply of PRESERVES, CONFECTIONS, FRUIT, &c. viz. Preserved Limes, Pies, Apples, Oranges, Strawberries, Citron, Quinces, Peaches, Lemon Peel. Currant Jelly, Green Gage Marmalade, Le- mon, Hoarhound, Orange and Mint Candy, Noyau Cordial, Syrup of Currant and Rasp- berry Vinegar, Rose and Orange Flower Water, Lemons, Oranges, Raisins, Currants, Almonds, Filberts, Malaga Grapes, Olives, Capers and Anchovies—London Mustard Cayenne Pepper, Reduced Sweet Oil, Maca- ba Snuff, Havana Segars, Improved Shining Boyd Blacking for Shoes and Boots, &c. &c. George Town, Dec. 27—2w2w&tf
To Rent, AND possession given on the 10th Novem- ber next, the Two Story Brick Dwelling House on the corner of 8th and 11th Streets, at present occupied by Mr. Andrew Way. Also a two story brick dwelling house in a central situation, of which possession may be had im- mediately. For terms apply to THOS. BRENT, Q. 17—3t &wtf