The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1804-03-19 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,
A N D
WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. IV.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. DXXXVII.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
MONDAY, MARCH 19th, 1804.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
(By Authority.)
AN ACT
Making appropriations for the support of government, for the year one thousand eight hundred and four.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That for the expenditure of the civil list in the present year, including the contingent expenses of the several departments and officers; for the compensation of the several loan officers and their clerks, and for books and stationery for the same; for the payment of annuities and grants; for the support of the mint establishment; for the expenses of intercourse with foreign nations; for the support of light-houses, beacons, buoys and public piers; and for satisfying certain miscellaneous claims, the following sums be, and the same hereby are respectively appropriated; that is to say,
For compensations granted by law to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, their officers and attendants, estimated for a session of four months and a half continuance, one hundred and ninety eight thousand nine hundred and fifty five dollars:
For the expense of firewood, stationery, printing, and all other contingent expenses of both Houses, including the expense of printing the President's message of the twenty-third of December, one thousand eight hundred and two, with the accompanying documents, thirty two thousand seven hundred dollars:
For the purchase of books for the use of both Houses of Congress, the balance of the former appropriation being carried to the credit of the surplus fund, two thousand seven hundred and three dollars, and five cents:
For furniture for the House of Representatives, being an expense incurred in the year one thousand eight hundred and three, twelve hundred dollars:
For compensation to the President and Vice-President of the United States, thirty thousand dollars:
For compensation to the secretary of State, clerks and persons employed in that department, eleven thousand three hundred and sixty dollars:
For the incidental and contingent expenses in the said department, four thousand eight hundred dollars:
For printing and distributing copies of the laws of the first session of the eighth congress, and printing the laws in newspapers, eight thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars:
For compensation to the secretary of the treasury, clerks and persons employed in his office, including those engaged on the business belonging to the late office of the commissioner of the revenue, thirteen thousand and ninety two dollars and eighty seven cents:
For expenses of translating foreign languages, allowance to the person employed in receiving and transmitting passports and sea-letters, and stationery printing, one thousand dollars:
For compensation to the comptroller of the treasury, clerks and persons employed in his office, twelve thousand nine hundred and seventy seven dollars and eight cents:
For expense of stationery, printing, and incidental and contingent expenses in the comptroller's office, eight hundred dollars:
For defraying the expense of preparing new certificates of registry for ships and vessels, in conformity with the law of the second of March, one thousand eight hundred and three, four thousand five hundred dollars:
For compensation to the auditor of the treasury, clerks and persons employed in his office, twelve thousand two hundred and twenty dollars and ninety three cents:
For expense of stationery, printing, and incidental and contingent expenses in the office of auditor of the treasury, five hundred dollars:
For compensation to the treasurer, clerks and persons employed in his office, six thousand two hundred and twenty seven dollars and forty five cents:
For the expense of stationery, printing, and incidental and contingent expenses in the treasurer's office, three hundred dollars:
For compensation to the register of the treasury, clerks and persons employed in his office, sixteen thousand and fifty two dollars:
For expense of stationery and printing (including books for the public stock and for the arrangement of the marine
papers,) two thousand eight hundred dollars:
For the expense of printing and transmitting the certificates of the six per cent. stock, created by virtue of the act of the tenth of November, one thousand eight hundred and three, one thousand five hundred dollars:
For compensation to the secretary of the commissioners of the sinking fund, two hundred and fifty dollars:
For compensation of the clerks employed for the purpose of making drafts of the several surveys of land in the territory of the United States, north-west of the river Ohio, and in keeping the books of the treasury in relation to the sales of lands at the several land offices, two thousand dollars:
For fuel and other contingent expenses of the treasury department, four thousand dollars:
For defraying the expenses incident to the stating and printing the public accounts, for the year one thousand eight hundred and four, one thousand two hundred dollars:
For purchasing books, maps, and charts, for the use of the treasury department, four hundred dollars:
For compensation to a superintendant employed to secure the buildings and records of the treasury, during the year one thousand eight hundred and four, including the expense of two watchmen, and for the repair of two fire engines, and other incidental expenses, one thousand one hundred dollars:
For compensation to the secretary of war, clerks and persons employed in his office, eleven thousand two hundred and fifty dollars:
For the expenses of fuel, stationery printing, and other contingent expenses of the office of the secretary of war, including certain contingent expenses incurred in the year one thousand eight hundred and one, one thousand one hundred and fifty dollars and two cents:
For compensation to the accountant of the war department, clerks and persons employed in his office, ten thousand nine hundred and ten dollars:
For contingent expenses in the office of the accountant of the war department, one thousand dollars:
For compensation to clerks employed in the paymaster's office one thousand eight hundred dollars:
For fuel in the said office, ninety dollars:
For compensation to the purveyor of public supplies, clerks and persons employed in his office, including a sum of twelve hundred dollars, for compensation to his clerks, in addition to the sum allowed by the act of the second day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, and for expense of stationery, store rent and fuel for the said office, four thousand eight hundred dollars:
For extra expenses incurred by the removal of the office of purveyor of public supplies from Philadelphia to Germantown, in the year one thousand eight hundred and three, two hundred and three dollars:
For compensation to the secretary of the navy, clerks and persons employed in his office, nine thousand one hundred and ten dollars:
For expense of fuel, stationery, printing, and other contingent expenses in the office of the secretary of the navy, two thousand dollars:
For compensation to the accountant of the navy, clerks and persons employed in his office, including the sum of one thousand one hundred dollars, for compensation to his clerks, in addition to the sum allowed by the act of the second of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, ten thousand four hundred and ten dollars:
For contingent expenses in the office of the accountant of the navy, seven hundred and fifty dollars:
For compensation to the post master general, assistant postmaster general, clerks and persons employed in the postmaster general's office, including a sum of four thousand five hundred and ninety five dollars, for compensation to his clerks, in addition to the sum allowed by the act of the second of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, thirteen thousand nine hundred and fifty five dollars:
For expense of fuel, candles, house rent for the messenger, stationery, chests, &c. exclusive of expenses of prosecution, portmantaux, mail locks, and other expenses incident to the department, these being paid for by the postmaster general out of the funds of the office, two thousand dollars:
For compensation to the several loan officers, thirteen thousand, three hundred thirty three dollars and thirteen cents:
For compensation to the clerks of the several commissioners of loans, and an allowance to certain loan officers, in lieu of clerk hire, and to defray the authorized expenses of the several loan offices, thirteen thousand dollars:
For extra expenses occasioned by the removal of the loan office of Pennsylvania to Germantown, during the summer of one thousand eight hundred and three, three hundred and forty nine dollars:
For defraying the expense of clerk hire in the office of the commissioner of loans of the state of Pennsylvania, in consequence of the removal of the offices of the treasury department, in the year one thousand eight hundred, to the permanent seat of government, two thousand dollars:
For compensation to the surveyor general, and the clerks employed by him, and for expense of stationery and other contingencies of the surveyor general's office, three thousand two hundred dollars:
For compensation to the surveyor of the lands south of the state of Tennessee, clerks employed in his office, stationery, and other contingencies, two thousand seven hundred dollars:
For compensation to the officers of the mint:—
The director, two thousand dollars:
The treasurer, one thousand two hundred dollars:
The assayer, one thousand five hundred dollars:
The chief coiner, one thousand five hundred dollars:
The melter and refiner, one thousand five hundred dollars:
The engraver, one thousand two hundred dollars:
One clerk, at seven hundred dollars:
And two, at five hundred dollars each:
For the wages of persons employed at the different branches of melting, coining, carpenters, mill-wrights and smith's work, including the sum of eight hundred dollars per annum, allowed to an assistant coiner and die-forger, who also oversees the execution of the iron work, six thousand five hundred dollars:
For the repairs of furnaces, cost of rollers and screws, timber, bar-iron, lead, steel, pot-ash, and for all other contingencies of the mint, two thousand nine hundred dollars:
For compensation to the governor, judges and secretary of the Mississippi territory, including a sum of eighty-two dollars, for the compensation of one of the judges which has been carried to the credit of the surplus fund, five thousand two hundred and thirty two dollars:
For expenses of stationery, office rent, and other contingent expenses in the said territory, three hundred and fifty dollars:
For compensation to the governor, judges and secretary of the Indiana territory, five thousand one hundred and fifty dollars:
For expenses of stationery, office rent, and other contingent expenses in the said territory, three hundred and fifty dollars:
For the discharge of such miscellaneous demands against the United States, on account of the civil department, not otherwise provided for, as shall have been admitted in a due course of settlement at the treasury, and which are of a nature, according to the usage thereof, to require payment in specie, two thousand dollars:
For additional compensation to the clerks of the several departments of state, treasury, war and navy, and of the general post office, not exceeding for each department, respectively, fifteen per centum, in addition to the sums allowed by the act, intitled "An act to regulate and fix the compensation of clerks," eleven thousand eight hundred and eighty five dollars:
For compensation granted by law to the chief justice, associate judges and district judges of the United States, including the chief justice and two associate judges of the district of Columbia, and to the attorney general, and including also one thousand dollars for the compensation of the district judge of Ohio, for the year one thousand eight hundred and three, fifty four thousand five hundred dollars:
For the compensation granted to the several district attorneys of the United States, two thousand eight hundred dollars:
For compensation to the marshals of the districts of Maine, New-Hampshire, Vermont, Kentucky, Ohio, east and west Tennessee, one thousand four hundred dollars:
For defraying the expenses of the supreme, circuit and district courts of the
United States, including the district of Columbia, and of jurors and witnesses, in aid of the funds arising from fines, forfeitures and penalties; and likewise, for defraying the expenses of prosecution for offences against the United States and for safe keeping of prisoners, forty thousand dollars:
For the payment of sundry pensions granted by the late government, nine hundred dollars:
For the payment of an annuity granted to the children of the late colonel John Harding and major Alexander Trueman, by an act of Congress passed the fourteenth of May, one thousand eight hundred, six hundred dollars:
For the payment of the annual allowance to the invalid pensioners of the United States, from the fifth of March, one thousand eight hundred and four to the fourth of March, one thousand eight hundred and five, ninety eight thousand dollars:
For the maintenance and support of light-houses, beacons, buoys and public piers, and freightage of channels, bars and shoals, and certain contingent expenses, fifty five thousand nine hundred and fifty one dollars and thirty three cents:
For the erection of a light-house on Newpoint Comfort, five thousand dollars, being the amount of a former appropriation carried to the credit of the surplus fund:
For the payment of balances due on the contracts for erecting the light houses on Oldpoint Comfort, and Smith's point, and for the inspection of the work, the balance of the former appropriations being carried to the credit of the surplus fund, two thousand dollars:
For erecting a light-house on Gull's Island, in the sound between Long Island and the Main, in addition to the sum heretofore appropriated for that purpose, three thousand five hundred dollars:
For defraying the expenses incident to the purchase or erection of certain ware houses and wharves, under the act respecting quarantine and health laws, in addition to the sums heretofore appropriated for that purpose, five thousand dollars: and so much of the sums received on account of storage for merchandise deposited in the public ware houses under said act as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the erection and repairs of the ware houses, and to carry the said act into effect:
For defraying the expenses incident to the valuation of lands and houses, and enumeration of slaves within the United States as directed by the act of the ninth of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight: the balance of former appropriations having been carried to the credit of the surplus fund, three thousand dollars:
For the purpose of carrying into effect the act of the third of March, one thousand eight hundred and three, in relation to the lands south of the state of Tennessee, in addition to the sum therein appropriated, ten thousand dollars:
For the discharge of such miscellaneous demands against the United States, not otherwise provided for, as shall have been admitted in due course of settlement at the treasury, and which are of a nature, according to the usage thereof, to require payment in specie, four thousand dollars:
For furniture for the President's house, being the balance of a former appropriation, carried to the credit of the surplus fund, one hundred and forty five dollars and seventeen cents:
For expenses of intercourse with foreign nations, including the compensation of the consuls at the several Barbary powers, forty six thousand five hundred and forty dollars:
For the other expenses of the intercourse between the United States and Algiers, and other Barbary powers, one hundred thousand dollars:
For carrying into effect the treaty between the United States and the king of Spain, the balance of former appropriations having been carried to the credit of the surplus fund, thirty-two thousand seven hundred and forty-seven dollars and thirty six cents:
For the relief and protection of distressed American seamen, ten thousand dollars:
For salaries of the agents, in Paris and Madrid, for prosecuting claims in relation to captures, three thousand three hundred and fifty dollars:
For satisfying a balance due to John Haberham, late agent for supplying the troops in Georgia, nine thousand and fifty-five dollars and seventeen cents:
For the relief of sick or disabled American seamen at New-Orleans, in addition to the appropriations heretofore
made for that purpose, one thousand dollars:
For discharging such sums, as may, on settlement of their accounts, by the accounting officers of the treasury, be found due to persons whose property was taken for the use of the militia employed on the expedition to suppress the former insurrection in the western counties of Pennsylvania, one thousand dollars:
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the several appropriations herein before made, shall all be paid and discharged out of the fund of six hundred thousand dollars, reserved by the act making provision for the debt of the United States, and out of any monies in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the sum which shall be found due on a settlement of the accounts of the militia who served on an expedition commanded by Major Thomas Johnson, against the Indians, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four, be paid out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated; the appropriation made by the act of the thirteenth of May, one thousand eight hundred, having been carried to the credit of the surplus fund.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JESSE FRANKLIN, President of the Senate, pro tempore.
March 14, 1804.
APPROVED, TH: JEFFERSON.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FEBRUARY 17.
DEBATE.
The Bill imposing a Tax on the importation of Slaves was read a second time—and on the question of reference to a Committee of the whole.
Mr. LOWNDES. In moving a postponement of the bill to the first Monday in December next, my object is to get rid of it altogether. Gentlemen have supported the resolution upon which this bill is founded, upon such a variety of, and contradictory grounds, that their arguments are not very susceptible of a reply. I am, however, very glad that it has been conceded by every gentleman who has spoken upon the subject, that this tax, if laid, would not have the effect of diminishing the number of Africans imported into the country. When it was admitted that the object for which the resolution was avowedly brought forward, would not be obtained, I did hope that the resolution itself would not have been persevered in. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gregg) to whose arguments I generally listen with pleasure, has told us that he would not for the world give his vote for this tax, for the purpose of raising revenue; but that he would be obliged to vote for the resolution, to show his disapprobation of the trade. The gentleman did, however, manifest a disposition to get rid of the question, without taking a direct vote upon it. Another gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Smilie) has told us, that he too is averse to this tax with a view to revenue, but that he must vote for it, for if he does not, it will be an admission, on his part, that Congress is favorable to the trade. What am I to infer from this observation? Am I to infer that Congress until this time has been favorable to the trade; and am I to infer that the gentleman himself, who has for so long a time been an active member of Congress, has also been favorable to it? This trade has, from the adoption of the constitution until a few years ago, when it was first prohibited by Georgia, been carried on; and yet Congress have never exercised their power of imposing any tax—nor have I heard that the gentleman did ever bring forward a resolution for the purpose. Upon many topics a difference of opinion must be expected to exist; but I cannot help expressing my surprise, that gentlemen should advocate a tax, which they admit will not have the effect of a restrictive discountenance of the trade. This is a commercial as well as agricultural country, and we have ever estimated the national prosperity by the extent of this revenue. From imposts on importations is derived the whole revenue of the United States. Will the gentleman then say, that the import on foreign

merchandise, on the produce of the West-Indies, is a discouragement of the trade with the places from whence they are brought—I imagine he will not. And with as little reason can it be said, that the tax upon slaves, is a discouragement of the slave trade. When a government, by laying taxes, derives a revenue from a trade, and by that means participates in the profits, and gains of it, it is, in my opinion, giving an approbation of it. Another gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Lucas) has strenuously contended for the imposition of this tax—and to do him justice, he has been consistent throughout his argument. Revenue is his object, and he has told you, that a great amount will be produced by this tax. It doubtless will produce considerable revenue; and in proportion to it, ought, in my opinion, to be the aversion of those who are inimical to the trade. I will repeat, Sir, what I said on a former debate, that there are in the Southern States, many persons who are attached to this trade, and who will yield it with reluctance. Their influence in the country and in this House will necessarily be greatly increased by the immense accession of territory to the westward; the cultivation of which we have been told even in an official memoir, will require the labor of slaves. Is it then politic in the enemies of this trade, under these circumstances, to superadd to the law of the state of S. Carolina, one of Congress, by which the United States will become partakers in the profits and whatever else is connected with it? I think not. And why should this tax be laid with the view of deriving revenue? The state of South Carolina pays to the government of the United States, for her wealth, population and extent of country, as largely as any state in the Union. If the exigencies of the country require it, I hope the people of that state will not be unwilling to pay more, but not to be subjected to a tax which will fall exclusively on her, while the rest of the community will bear no part of it. This was my idea when I said it would be a tax on the agriculture of the state, and not as the gentleman from New-York, represented me as saying, "that it would be a discouragement of agriculture." I do not believe the agriculture of the state would be discouraged by it. I do not believe that it would be carried on with less activity or success. But the tax, if imposed, will be partial, and therefore unjust. I do not believe that a land tax would operate as a discouragement of agriculture; but when the United States, generally, have been relieved from the payment of one, I think it highly injurious that it should be continued, in this indirect way, on the state of South-Carolina. This tax will draw from the landed interest of that state, a greater amount than was her proportion of the late land tax. But, say gentlemen, this is not a tax intended to be confined to any one state, but a general one upon Africans imported into the United States, and will attach upon them into whatever state they are imported. This is indeed the law, but when it is known that the state of South-Carolina is the only one into which they will be imported. That in every other they are prohibited by the law of the state. The result is too unequivocal to be denied, that it is a tax exclusively falling on the state, where the importation is admitted. There is another description of persons imported into the United States—I mean those bound to serve for a term of years. The comparison I admit is not analogous throughout, but it is to a certain extent. These persons are chiefly introduced into the states of Pennsylvania and New-York—none, or at least very few of them into New-England. Were it proposed to embrace them by this tax, would the representatives from those states be satisfied with the arguments that it was a tax upon merchandise, and a general one, and therefore fair? Their discernment would quickly point out to them, that whatever was the appearance, it was a tax principally falling upon those states, and they would resist it. Plaintiff of Paris is evidently an object of merchandise, and in those districts of the country where it is found advantageous as a manure, gives immense fertility to the land, but it is only in particular districts where it is of any utility. A tax therefore upon Plaintiff of Paris, however general the law by which it was imposed, would be a tax upon these particular districts where it is used; and would be beneficial. I should be sorry if government availed itself of this fortuitous but fortunate circumstance, for these districts should draw a revenue from them by an imposition of a tax upon Plaintiff of Paris. It has been contended by some gentlemen, but very unnecessarily that it is constitutional to lay this tax—it never was pretended to be otherwise, the constitution expressly gives the right, but congress has never exercised it, nor do I see the policy or the justice of doing it, at this time, it will not answer the end which was designed, for it is conceded that it will not restrain the importation, but on the contrary will oppose greater difficulties to the exercise of the power, when congress shall be possessed of it, of pro-
hibiting the trade absolutely. When the period does arrive when congress will have the power of legislating conclusively upon this subject, and it is only four years off, something more than a law will be necessary; unless active and vigilant measures are taken to enforce it, no law will be availing. An armed force on our coasts will be necessary, to prevent the introduction of them into our country; if the law of the state had been aided by such means, the repeal which has given rise to the discussion would never have taken place. Entertaining the opinions which I have expressed against the principle of the bill, and wishing to get rid of it in a manner most agreeable to those gentlemen who feel a difficulty of voting directly upon it, I move that the further consideration of the bill be postponed until December next. Mr. BEDINGER said he felt the greatest veneration for the honorable mover of the resolution, as he thought it proceeded from the purest motives. But as he thought the slave trade was but little better than murder, he felt a difficulty in his mind as to the propriety of admitting one shilling of it into the treasury of the United States least those traders would think themselves entitled to protection; but as the mover, and many others, declare their assent towards the appropriation of said tax hereafter to humane purposes, he believed he should vote for a bill, if drawn in correspondence with such principles. Mr. FINDLEY observed that it was not his wish to go into a lengthy argument on this subject; but merely to observe that this was the first instance of a law prohibiting the importation of slaves being repealed, and that it might not be the last; and that, therefore, if the argument advanced by gentlemen was good against taking it up in the first instance, it would be equally good against taking it up in case all the states should repeal their prohibitory laws. He also wished gentlemen to consider that the friends of the motion were conscience bound as well as they, and that they considered it a moral duty, to restrain, as far as they could, the continuance of the slave trade. As however, a question of expediency was involved in this measure, he entertained no desire to hasten its decision; on the contrary his wish was to allow ample time for considering its merits. He should therefore, vote against the postponement to December; but would move a postponement to the 2d Monday of March, not with the view of getting rid of the subject altogether, but to allow an opportunity of considering it fully. Mr. HUGER did not rise with the view of going into the merits of the bill, but to impress the propriety of agreeing to the postponement. It was a painful subject which necessarily excited unpleasant feelings. He thought if gentlemen suffered it to lay over to the next session, there was a probability that by giving the representatives of South Carolina an opportunity of returning home and expressing the sentiments of Congress, the legislature of that state would repeal the law, whereas, should the tax be laid, it would prevent this desirable effect. Where we differ, said Mr. H. it is proper for us to accommodate, to meet each other half way. Mr. SLOAN said a few words against the postponement. Mr. CONRAD hoped the postponement would not be agreed to, but that the main question would be met directly. He was sorry any state was implicated in the proposed tax, but it rested with every state to pay it, or not, by allowing or prohibiting the introduction of slaves. He moved for the taking the Yeas and Nays. Mr. SMILIE said he thought it incumbent on the government of the United States to shew their disapprobation of the slave trade. As to the revenue to be derived from this tax it was no object with him; and as to checking the importation, he did not believe it would have the effect. He could, therefore, perceive but one object of this act, to wit; that the government of the United States should express their disapprobation of the act of the legislature of South Carolina. However, for the reasons assigned by the representatives of that state, he would agree to postpone the consideration of the bill to the second Monday of March. Mr. LUCAS replied at some length, to the arguments in favor of the postponement. Mr. EPPES, believing that either motion of postponement, would defeat the main measure, said he should vote against both. It was not his wish to erect the government of the United States into a national tribunal to censure the proceedings of the legislature of South Carolina, or to wound their feelings; but he was not prepared to say that congress, in exercising a constitutional right, erected such a tribunal. It was in some respects immaterial whether they interfered or not, so long as the world knew that a legislature of a respectable state in the eighteenth century passed an act allowing the importation of slaves. That legislature ought not to complain if the United States availed themselves of the mea-
sure to raise a revenue from it. According to the estimate some gentlemen there would probably be an importation of one hundred thousand in four years, which, if this tax shall be laid, will produce a revenue of a million of dollars. And yet we are intreated by the gentleman from South Carolina not to molest this trade. Mr. E. said he was not surprised at this anxiety, as by gaining a delay of one year, that state might be saved from the payment of above one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. EPPES said he came from a Southern country, where slaves were as much a subject of taxation as lands; and he did not know that the statute books of Virginia or South Carolina were stained by imposing taxes upon them. He believed them as fair a subject of taxation as any other species of property. He believed it as fair to lay taxes upon them, as to make the poor pay a tax upon brown sugar and other articles of the first necessity. For these reasons he was against the postponement either to December or March. Mr. R. GRISWOLD considered a postponement till December as destructive of the bill. He said he would as soon meet it on its merits; but being prepared as far as his vote went, to reject the bill, he should vote for what he considered equivalent, a postponement to December. He did not think it proper for the House to go into the measure contemplated by the bill. There were but two principles that would justify the laying a duty on imported articles; the one to discourage the importation of particular articles; and the other with a view to revenue. As to the first principle, under the constitution as it at present stood, congress had no right to interfere; as the states had an undoubted right to admit the importation of slaves until the year 1808. The constitution, on this point, had gone so far as to restrict the right of the general government to a tax not exceeding ten Dollars upon each slave imported. This would not amount to a prohibition or prevention of the importation. Congress were, therefore, precluded the right of taking, with this view, until the year 1808. This part of the argument on which gentlemen support the measure must be laid therefore, out of view. The question then recurs whether we shall lay this tax for purposes of revenue. For one, said Mr. Griswold, I am unwilling to do this. I abhor the slave trade as much as any member on this floor; and therefore, I will not consent to give it a legislative sanction. For this measure will certainly be viewed in that light by the people of this country and by the civilized world. It will appear to the world that Congress are raising a revenue from a commerce in slaves. I am not for introducing such a law, calculated to have this impression, on our statute books. Were it in our power to prohibit the trade, there is not, I trust, a member on this floor that would not unite in the prohibition. But, on this point our hands are tied. We can only avail ourselves of the trade as a subject of revenue. The sum likely to be raised from this tax, may be as great as has been mentioned; but if the raising of it be connected with the passage of a law that recognizes a traffic in human flesh, so far as fixing the price at which it may be freely carried on will have this effect, I, for one, must protest against it. Viewing this tax in the aspect of revenue, there does not appear to be any occasion for it. We have no report from the Secretary of the Treasury that the treasury is deficient in receipts. For these reasons, said Mr. G. and because this subject is calculated to produce unpleasant impressions on this floor and elsewhere, I shall vote for the postponement to December. Mr. GREGG observed that when this subject was on a former day before the House, he assigned his reasons, at some length in favor of a postponement. The same reasons would influence his vote this day, and he should not trouble the House with a repetition of them. He only rose to suggest to his colleague, that by attending to one consideration, he would be induced, he thought, to change his opinion, and to vote for the most distant day to which it was proposed to postpone this subject. It had been stated by a gentleman from South Carolina, and he believed correctly stated, that by the law lately passed in South Carolina a considerable ferment had been excited in that state, and that it was probable that the legislature would, at their next session, repeal it. If it were probable that they would repeal this law in April, it appeared to him improper to pass an act that would operate as a censure upon the conduct of that state. Mr. ALSTON was surprised how it was that he and his worthy friend from Virginia (Mr. Eppes) differed so widely upon the present occasion, living as it were in the same country, and owning property of the same kind, and pursuing the same means of obtaining a living. My friend advocates the resolution for laying a tax of ten dollars on each slave imported into the United States, because a considerable revenue will be derived from such a tax, it is for that very reason that he opposed it, because, he would not consent to pass a law which had for its operation, a partial effect. Can it be right to pass a law which will impose a heavy tax upon one part of the community, and not a cent upon the other; no state in the union would be affected except the state of South Carolina; gentlemen ought to take care how they acted towards a sister state, and a respectable one too. Whenever a tax is to be laid by congress, such objects of taxation should be selected as would apply generally to every part of the union; in the present case it was impossible that the contemplated tax would be general, for in some of the states in this union, slavery was prohibited by their constitution—they had incorporated a clause which prevented a slave from being carried into them. How then, Sir, can the effect of the resolution now before you, have an uniform operation, if it should be adopted, and a law passed in conformity thereto. He, therefore, hoped it would not obtain, at the same time he wished it to be understood that he was not friendly to the slave trade, and could the resolution now under consideration, operate equally throughout the union, he would have no objection to it. Viewing the thing, therefore, as he did, as calculated to cause discontent and uneasiness to so respectable a state as that of South Carolina, he could not but hope, that however much gentlemen might be opposed to the slave trade generally, that in the present case under all existing circumstances they would permit it to remain as it was; perhaps South Carolina would revoke what she had done, and every thing become quiet upon the subject before the next session of congress; this is an extremely delicate subject, and one in which the feelings of almost the whole southern country are always alive. Why will gentlemen chuse to agitate it upon this floor? it can answer no good purpose, those gentlemen who are not interested in this description of property ought to let us who are alone, and permit us to enjoy it as the necessity of the case requires.
[To be continued.] WASHINGTON CITY, MONDAY, MARCH 19. Dr. BARTON is appointed by the American Philosophical Society, to pronounce an Eulogium to the memory of JOSEPH PRIESTLEY. On Saturday, Mr. Wright presented to the Senate a bill for the removal of the public offices to and for the meeting of Congress at Baltimore, until the day of next. On receiving the bill the Senate divided—Ayes 15—Noes 8. It was then moved that the bill should be ordered to a second reading—Carried—Ayes 13—Noes 10. The reader will observe that these questions are merely incidental, and do not, in the least, implicate a decision of the main question. There is not the least reason to expect that this measure will receive the approbation of Congress. It is much to be regretted that it has been introduced, as it is the tendency of all such propositions to injure, in some measure, the interests of the permanent seat of the government. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY, MARCH 17. An engrossed bill supplementary to the act incorporating the Bank of the United States—authorising a branch at New-Orleans, was read the third time. Mr. Varnum opposed; and Messrs. J. Clay and S. L. Mitchell supported it. The question being taken, it passed—Ayes 59. An engrossed bill concerning the public buildings in the city of Washington was read the third time and passed—Ayes 60. An engrossed bill in addition to the naturalization law, was read the third time, and on the question whether the same shall pass; it was supported by Messrs. Leib, S. L. Mitchell, J. Clay, Smilie and Findley; and opposed by Messrs. R. Griswold, Dana and Alston. The question was then taken by Yeas and Nays, and the bill passed; Yeas 65—Nays 38. The bill exonerates aliens, entering the United States between the years 1798 and 1802, from complying with the first provision of the act of 1798, requiring a declaration made in a court of the intention of the alien to become a citizen, five years previous to his admission to citizenship. The House resumed the consideration of the unfinished business of yesterday, viz. the report of the committee of the whole on the bill providing for the government of Louisiana. The new section, offered by Mr. Rhea, declaring all grants of lands in Louisiana made since the treaty of St. Ildefonso void, was again taken into consideration.
A debate, of considerable length, ensued, in which Messrs. Nicholson, J. Clay, Rhea, (of Ten.) Gregg, Holland, Smilie and Alston supported; and Messrs. Lyon, Dana, Elliot, Early and G. W. Campbell opposed it. The question was then taken by Yeas and Nays, on Mr. Rhea's amendment, and carried in the affirmative—Yeas 60—Nays 42. Various other amendments were agreed to, which shall be hereafter particularly stated, when the bill was ordered to a third reading to-morrow. A message was received from the Senate communicating a bill supplementary to an act respecting the election of a President and Vice-President, which was referred to a committee of the whole. The bill provides for the mode in which information shall be communicated to the several states of the adoption of the proposed amendment to the constitution in case it shall be ratified, by a constitutional number of states, and directs the electors, in case such information shall be received, to vote in two different ways, the one of which shall not be in conformity to the original article of the constitution, and the other in conformity to the proposed amendment. SATURDAY, MARCH 17. The bill erecting Louisiana into two territories, and providing for the temporary government thereof, was read the third time. Mr. Dawson moved a recommittal of the bill for amendment. Mr. Alston was against a general recommittal of the bill, but friendly to a recommittal for the purpose of limiting its duration. Messrs. Nicholson, Smilie, Early, and S. L. Mitchell opposed the recommittal. Mr. Bedinger advocated the recommittal. The motion to recommit was then negatived—Ayes 39—Noes 43. Mr. Alston said, if there was no objection, he would move the insertion of a clause to limit the period of the bill, on account principally of the great powers conferred on the executive. This motion being objected to by Mr. Lyon, was declared out of order. The question was then put on the passage of the bill. Messrs. Lyon, Sloan, Jackson and Bedinger opposed, and Mr. Smilie supported its passage. Mr. Varnum moved to recommit, for amendment, that part of the bill that vests equity powers in the courts of Louisiana. Motion negatived—Ayes 39—Noes 44. A motion was made to recommit the 4th section, which was lost—Ayes 15. Mr. Bedinger moved to recommit the last section for the purpose of obtaining a limitation to the act. Motion carried—Ayes 52. The House went into a committee of the whole—I. C. Smith in the chair—on the last section. When Mr. Nicholson moved an amendment limiting the act to two years and to the end of the next session thereafter. Mr. Bedinger said he would like its limitation to one year better; but would if it were the sense of the House, be satisfied with two years. Mr. Nicholson's motion was agreed to without a division. The House agreed to the amendment when the final question was put on the passage of the bill, and carried in the affirmative by yeas and nays—Yeas 65—Nays 21. Mr. Dawson submitted two resolutions; the one for receding to Virginia that part of the district of Columbia ceded by that state to the United States—the other, for receding to Maryland that part of the territory without the limits of the city of Washington ceded by that state to the United States; provided such recession be accepted by the two states. On referring the resolutions to a committee of the whole, the House divided—Ayes 40—Noes 28—There not being a quorum a motion was made to adjourn, and lost—Ayes 31. The question was then put on considering the resolutions—Ayes 36—Noes 52. There being no quorum, the motion to adjourn was repeated and carried. Ayes—45—Noes 24. Extract of a letter from New-York, dated March 13. "The ship Packet, Captain Trott, arrived at Boston on the evening of Wednesday in the astonishing short passage of 19 days from Liverpool, with London news to the 14th of February, which we have just received—I have only time to give you an abridgement of what is published in a Postscript to the Boston Gazette." "London, Feb. 10—14." "Intelligence has been received, that an embargo has been laid on all vessels at Bordeaux; and that all the merchants at that place, to the number of about 50 had been taken into the service of the republic. The same accounts

state that there are about 250 flat-bottomed boats at Bordeaux, and that much activity was employed in fitting them out.
"It is generally believed that an attempt will be made by the French to invade Denmark in a short time, and in consequence, the commercial transactions there are greatly depressed."
"It was rumoured last night, that Bonaparte had arrived at Flushing, inspected the troops, and given orders for their immediate embarkation; and that from thence he proceeded to Dunkirk and Boulogne, where he issued similar orders."
"Prussia, it is said, has strongly interested itself in the negotiation of establishing a Commercial Treaty with Russia, one of the conditions of which is, to shut the Sound against the English. The Emperor is said to have refused his acquiescence."
"All the corps on the western frontier of Russia, amounting to 50,000 men, have been ordered to advance to Second the mediation with Bonaparte of the differences with England."
"The American frigate Philadelphia, captain Bainbridge, of 44 guns, which blockaded the harbour of Tripoli, pursuing a Tripolitan Zebec too far, ran aground; and the crew, consisting of 250 men, were all made prisoners by the Tripolitans."
From the Union. A statement of the common expenses of the necessaries of life at New-Orleans.
   D. C. D. G.     House, rent—for a store fronting the Levee from 18 to 24 feet square, with a back room for depositing goods, according to the conveniences and situation, per month, 40 70   In the interior part of the city in a public stand per month, 30 55   A dwelling house 1 story high, with one good room in front, and one or two back with a kitchen, per month, 25 40   Spacious dwelling house for a large family, per month, 50 80   Boarding, at the best public houses per day, 1 50   Horse keeping, of the most ordinary kind, per day, 75   Ditto good, none.   Marketing.   Beef, per lb. 10 12   Veal, per lb. 10 12   Pork, per lb. 12 15   Potatoes per bbl. of the size of a flour barrel, 5   Cabbage per head 15 25   Turkey, piece 1 50 2 50   Dunhill fowls, 25 50   Ducks, 25 60   Milk, per quart. 25  
CHILLICOTHE, Feb. 6, 1804.
To the officers and soldiers of the provisional regiment of the state of Ohio.
It gives me much pleasure to inform you, that your services, so honorably offered at the call of your country, are rendered unnecessary by the prompt and peaceable delivery of New-Orleans and its dependencies, to the commissioners appointed by the government of the United States. On this occasion, I pray you to accept my sincere acknowledgements for the patriotism you have manifested, which is duly appreciated by the general government, whose sentiments cannot be better made known to you, than by the following communication from the Secretary at war.
EDWARD TIFFIN. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 16th, 1804.
SIR, I am directed by the President of the United States to inform your excellency, that official information was received last evening, of our having obtained peaceable possession of New-Orleans and its immediate dependencies, on the 20th ultimo. In consequence of which, the military preparations provisionally required for that object, may be suspended and the troops informed, that their services, so honorably and promptly offered, will be dispensed with. In communicating this information to the troops organized in Ohio, you will please to assure them, that the President of the United States feels the highest respect for the patriotic ardor they have displayed in the voluntary offer of their services, at the call of their country. The promptitude which distinguished your excellency's proceeding in the organization of the troops required from the state over which you preside, demands particular notice.
With sentiments of respect and esteem, I am your excellency's Obedient servant, H. DEARBORN. His Excellency Edward Tiffin.
[TRANSACTION.]
Extract from a Proclamation issued by Dessalines, General in Chief of the indigenous army at Saint Domingo, on or about the 16th of January 1. A.
"The First Year of the Independence of the people of Hayti."
CITIZENS COUNTRYMEN, "I have assembled on this solemn day those brave military men, who, on the eve of collecting the last breath of liberty, have lavished their blood to save it.—Those generals who have guided your efforts against tyranny, have not yet done enough for your happiness. The French name still hangs your country with mourning—every thing traces back the remembrance of the cruelties of that butchering people.—Our laws, our manners, our towns, all still wear the French image—what do I say! there exists Frenchmen in our island, and you think yourselves free and independent of that Republic, which, it is true, has combated against all nations, but which has never vanquished those who would be free."
Ah! what victims of credulity and indulgence during fourteen years—Vanquished, not by French arms, but by the deceitful eloquence of the proclamations of their agents: When shall we get tired of breathing the same air with them? What have we in common with a people who commit such cruelties? Compared to our patient moderation, their colour to ours, the extent of the seas which separate us, our avenging clime—all tell us sufficiently they are not our brothers—that they never will become so—and that if they find refuge amongst us, they will still be the plotters of troubles and divisions."
Indigenous Citizens, Men, Women, Girls and Children—cast your eyes around every part of this island—Seek you therein your wives, your husbands, your brothers, your sisters?—What do I say—seek you therein your children, your sucking babes? What is become of them?—the prey of French vultures! Instead of these endearing objects, the eye, dismayed, beholds their afflatus, like tigers trickling yet with blood, whose presence reproaches your insensibility and guilty slowness in avenging them."
Remember that you have done nothing if you do not give nations a terrible but just example of that vengeance, which a people, proud of having recovered their liberty and jealous of maintaining it, ought to exercise.—Let us terrify all those who would dare attempt to ravish it from us.—Let us begin with the French."
Gen. D. Dessalines arrived at Aux-Cayes from Port-au-Prince the day before captain Fowler of the Schooner Eagle left that port. On his arrival he ordered the late commandant to be arrested, and thrown into prison; and thus terminated the work of destruction which for some time back had been progressing in that unfortunate island.
LEXINGTON, March 6.
It must afford to the mind of the patriot the most exquisite satisfaction, when he discovers that the situation of his country is such, that he may fondly hope to enjoy under its auspices, that liberty and happiness to which the human race naturally aspires. If his prosperity had been conficated under the tyranny of Britannic dominion, his blood spilt in defence of American Independence, or his liberty restrained under the administration of an Adams, his heart is now expanded with the exhilarating recollection, that those days of lawless tyranny and despotic oppression, have taken their flight, and the gentle reign of virtue and republicanism substituted. Should he turn his attention to the situation of the conflicting parties, and his eagle eye penetrate into their motives, it will be obvious that the federal phalanx have not exhibited the curious phenomenon of an opposition without a cause. They uniformly embattle their energies against the present administration, because they distinctly comprehend that the general tendency thereof strikes at the very foundation on which they rest their FAIREST hopes. In those days of political intolerance, and presidential infallibility, when executive emissaries were traversing our country to seize every expression which was derogatory to the dignity of our legislators—when money was tampered with the lofty pride of Fabricius, and judges swayed by interest—by mere sordid motives of self—what were the feelings which corroded the breast of the war-worn patriot of '76? When we were forbid to investigate the conduct of our public servants, who had enacted a sedition law, and drawn around them a line of fortification more impenetrable than the walls of Babylon. This was a trap to engulf the opposition party, from which there was no possibility of an escape, but by the hands of the executioner. If the republican, who dared to expose to public derision, the offensive and despotic measures of the then administration, proved the truth of the charges, what probability had he of escaping from the arm of power?
After demonstrating to the satisfaction of every impartial man, the truth of the fact, he had to go farther—he was compelled to vanquish and dissipate the gigantic prejudices of a federal jury, and after having achieved this miracle, the performance of his Herculean task was not yet complete, for he must prove that those words were not published with an intention to discredit the national legislature, or excite sedition. It was under the administration of Mr. Adams, that an useless and expensive army was raised, and in order to justify the measure, the tocsin of alarm was sounded—the echo of a French invasion reverberated from one extremity of the continent to the other. There is nothing, it is true, more necessary, than to devise some system of defence against the machinations of foreign enemies; but at the same time, we should be cautious that it would not subject the nation to internal intrigues. The historic page has acquainted us with the numerous dangers which invariably result from regular and mercenary armies: What have they done?—They have usurped thrones—annihilated republics, exterminated legislatures, violated the fundamental laws, demoralized communities, and sold empires at the point of the bayonet! The necessity of such an establishment has passed away, and the bold, commanding, and dignified aspect of our government, exhibits to the world the pleasing truth, that the administration can be gentle, mild and republican, and at the same time, "strong, muscular, and athletic."
In consequence of previous arrangements, a number of the citizens of this place and vicinity, yesterday evening convened at the house of Captain Alexander Shields, to partake of a dinner, given in commemoration of the late important acquisition of territory. The cession of Louisiana to the United States, is an event in the history of political sagacity, of such superior magnitude, that the mind is not commensurate to the task of ascertaining whether the acquisition is more important, than the means of obtaining it were honorable. When the federal party, delusions of bringing the administration into dispute, proclaimed the immediate necessity of hostilities, the wisdom of the executive penetrated the flimsy veil, and rescued our country from all the horrors of war. By this acquisition the free and unlimited navigation of the Mississippi is secured, the danger arising from a haughty neighbor removed, and the extremities of our country cemented, upon the firm basis of friendship and interest. It is, indeed, an occasion of joy—and while I spots, robed in all the pomp of eastern magnificence, chant Te Deum for the slaughter of thousands, let us celebrate our Te Deum for the advantages we have derived, and the blessings, both civil and religious, which it will extend to generations yet unborn.
At 3 o'clock, Captain John Gauthers being chosen President, and John Leyburn, Esq. Vice-President, the company sat down to an elegant entertainment, where (after a few overbearing federal gentry, being disappointed in a motion to alter the toasts, had withdrawn) the utmost harmony and hilarity prevailed, and after the removal of the cloth, the following toasts were drank.
 1. The Constitution of the United States.  2. The Congress of the United States—Firm in an adherence to republicanism, and undaunted amidst the execrations of vindictive enemies—3 cheers.  3. THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States—May the shield of conscious rectitude secure him from the venomous shafts of calumny and detraction—4 cheers.  4. The Day on which Louisiana was ceded to the United States—May consequences justify the making of it an American Jubilee.  5. The citizens of Louisiana—May they be loyal to the government which extends to them, civil and religious liberty, and may they properly appreciate the blessings of republicanism.  6. Monroe and Livingston—May a grateful country hail their return, and may they have their reward in the participation of those blessings they contributed so largely to procure—2 cheers.  7. The people of the United States—May political animosities be forgotten in the effusions of universal friendship—3 cheers.  8. Commerce and Agriculture—The grand sources of American opulence.  9. Peace and honest friendship with all nations—"entangling alliances with none."—3 cheers.  10. The nations of the earth—May they learn to adjust their differences, without the effusion of blood—5 cheers.  11. New-Orleans—May it be a port of free ingress, egress and regrels, to the Commercial World.  12. The Liberty of the Press—The palladium of republicanism—3 cheers.  13. The enemies of Republicanism—Let them stand as monuments of the infatuation with which "error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it."—5 cheers.  14. The blessings of liberty—May they be extended to universal Man. 
15. The memory of General George Washington—"First in peace, first in war, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."—6 cheers.
16. The Heroes of 1776, animated with the noble love of liberty—May their patriotism be inherited by their offspring—3 cheers.
17. Washington Academy—May the students thereof emulate the virtues, and aspire to the fame of its illustrious patron—5 cheers.
18. The American Fair—May their conduct be as meritorious as their charms are delightful—4 cheers.
A superb ball was commenced at candlelight, attended by a large concourse of ladies, when those gentlemen who had absented themselves from dinner, returned and joined the company.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, transmitting a LETTER AND REPORT from the AGENT Appointed to transact business with the Indians.
MESSAGE To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
Information having been received some time ago, that the public lands in the neighborhood of Detroit required particular attention, the agent appointed to transact business with the Indians in that quarter was instructed to enquire into, and report, the situation of the titles and occupation of the lands private and public in the neighboring settlements. His report is now communicated, that the legislature may judge how far its interposition is necessary to quiet legal titles, confirm the equitable, to remove the path, and prevent future intrusions, which have neither law, nor justice for their basis.
TH: JEFFERSON. Feb. 16, 1804.
DETROIT, July 25, 1803.
SIR, I have endeavored, in the following report, to ascertain, and state concisely, all those facts concerning which I imagined the government would wish to be informed. It is little more than an outline, exhibiting the prominent features. The geographical remarks are all made from actual observation; and I have, as seldom as the nature of the business would admit, depended on the information of others. My enquiries commence at Otter Creek, the south-westerly extremity of the settlement, from whence I proceeded regularly through them to the river Sinclair.
I have avoided neither trouble nor fatigue; and have thus long delayed to advise you, with respect to my progress, only that I might, by minute investigation, be enabled to give you a more satisfactory account.
Should the report, however, be still defective; if I have omitted the notice of subjects which require investigation; you have only to instruct me, that I may renew my enquiries.
I am your most obedient Humble servant, C. JOUETT. The hon. Henry Dearborn, Esquire, Secretary of the U. States, for the Department of War.
OTTER-CREEK,
Empties itself into Lake Erie 42 miles southwest of the town of Detroit, and 6 miles south of the River Raisin. The settlement commences at its mouth, on the Lake, and extends up the creek 3 miles. The native right was extinguished by purchase from the Pottawatomies, Ottawa and Chippawa Indians, in the year 1779; and in the year 1794 the present occupants, to the number of 23, deriving their claims from the first purchasers, began their improvements. The farms contain, from 75 to 200 French acres, and their boundaries extend back from the creek in parallel lines. Those lands are fertile. Those immediately bordering on the Lake have a rich, black soil, well adapted to the cultivation of wheat and hemp—they are without timber of any kind, and in the language of the country are called prairies. The wood lands farther removed from the Lake, abound in hickory, walnut and elm, and have a soil of equal fertility, and in a great degree similar to those already described. Notwithstanding the many advantages this spot possesses, in point of soil and convenience to market, the settlers are extremely poor. They are, however, considered freeholders; and in their own minds entertain few doubts respecting their titles.
RIVER RAISON,
Is a delightful stream navigable for small craft about 16 miles, to the highest farm. It falls into the Lake 6 miles north of Otter Creek, and 26 south of Detroit. There are in this settlement 121 families, who hold their farms by one tenure, namely, deeds of bargain and sale from the Pottawatomies, Ottawa
and Chippawa Chiefs, executed in the years 1784, 1785 and 1786. The purchasers have been in actual possession since that time. Their farms contain, variously, from 100 to 400 French acres each, fronting on the river from 2 to 5 acres, and extending back from 40 to 180, until they meet the swamps on either side of the river, which serves as a rear boundary for all the farms.
The lands about the mouth of this river are of little value, being too wet for any kind of culture. Those farther up are of an excellent soil, producing from 25 to 30 bushels to the acre, of wheat, or other grain, in the like proportion. The farms are tolerably well improved, having comfortable dwelling houses, built of hewn logs, and most generally the necessary out-houses, such as barns, stables, &c. Their orchards are yet young, but promise in a few years to be very productive. The inhabitants are Canadian French, with only three exceptions. Among these people, disputes have frequently arisen relative to their titles; and those disputes have always terminated by an adjudication in favor of the oldest Indian deed.
They are considered as freeholders, and enjoy every privilege which appertains to fee-simple estate; a number of them holding offices under the territorial government.
(To be continued.)
DIED on Sunday morning the 19th inst. in the 39th year of her age, Mrs. Ann Williams, consort of Mr. Walter Williams of Montgomery county, in whom were combined all the graces that adorn her sex. Religious without affectation or superstition, virtuous, amiable and affectionate; her engaging manners & affability, will long endure her in the remembrance of a disconsolate husband, four children, and other relatives, and numerous acquaintances.
PROPOSALS,
By THOMAS HERTY, Of the City of Washington, Conveyancer, for publishing by SUBSCRIPTION The Second Volume of his DIGEST OF THE Laws of Maryland.
IT will contain all the public acts of assembly passed since the publication of the first volume to the present time, which have not been repealed—that is, the acts of the sessions of 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802 and 1803. It will be printed of the same size, in the same order of arrangement and have reference to such parts of the first volume as are repealed, expired or which may otherwise undergo alterations, with a neat index: subjoined to which, will be given by way of Appendix, a variety of precedents adapted to the law, for the use of justices of the peace, &c. &c.
CONDITIONS.
 1. It will be put to press as soon as a sufficient number of subscribers is procured to defray the expense of the work, and finished immediately thereafter as soon as a brief attention to neatness and accuracy will admit.  2. Price to subscribers 2 Dollars stitched, to be paid for on delivery; to non-subscribers the price will be enhanced.  3. Those procuring 9 subscribers, and account for the money, will be entitled to an additional copy.  Subscriptions received by the Editor at his office near the Treasury Department, by the Bookfellers in Maryland, and by those in whose hands subscription papers are left. Printers of newspapers in Maryland giving the above due publicity will be entitled to a copy.
N. B. He has in forwardness and will issue proposals as soon as ready for
A System of Cuneysancing, calculated for each state in the union; to the precedents of each species, will be prefixed observations on their nature and use, the law on the subject of alienation by deed of each particular state, shall be exhibited, and how such deed shall be authenticated when executed as well by residents, as by non-residents, or, as well in the state as out of the state; together with other interesting particulars.
March 19—wlt.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
STRAYED or stolen from the Subscriber, living at Bladensburg Mill, in April last, a dark brown MARE, and MARE COLT of about the same colour. It is likely the colt may have lost her in passing through gates. She is 14 1-2 hands high, 9 or 10 years old trots and gallops; when she trots is slow and easy, one of her hind feet white, and a little white on one of her fore-feet, with a handsome head and neck, and long switch tail. Whoever takes up said mare and colt, so that I get them again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable expenses paid.
GREENBURY BARNS. March, 19, 1804.—St.
Bank of Columbia.
THE Board of Directors having this day declared a dividend for the half year ending the 20th inst. at the rate of 9 per cent. per annum. The same will be paid to the Stockholders or their representatives on or after Tuesday the 20th inst.
WILLIAM WHANN, Cashier. March 19—epow.
BOLTING CLOTHS.
I have just received a general assortment of the best warranted Bolting Cloths from OLIVER EVANS at Philadelphia, and shall have constantly for sale at my store in George town, likewise Evans's Millwright and Millers Gide, also, Clerk and Evans's patented machine for packing of flour.
WILLIAM MORGAN. March 19 1/2, 1804.

HAT MANUFACTURY.
The subscriber informs his customers and the public generally that he has discontinued business in the city of Washington, and has opened shop on Bridge street near the Union Tavern—he solicits the continuance of former customers, and hopes that all others who may chuse to call and purchase his manufacture will be amply suited, if neatness and goodness be requisites.
JOEL BROWN. George Town, Feb. 17—tf
Valuable Lands for Sale.
PURSUANT to a decree of the honorable the Circuit court of the district of Columbia, for the county of Alexandria, will be exposed to sale, at public auction, for ready cash, on Saturday the 7th of April next, under the direction of the undersigned commissioners appointed for that purpose.
A TRACT OF LAND, late the property of Robert Alexander, situate upon the Potomac river, adjoining the lands of Mr. Philip Alexander, containing 545 acres, being one moiety of the Abbingdon tract, formerly the residence of Mr. Cuthbert, deceased; this land is bounded by two parallel lines 120 poles wide, and running back westerly 634 poles from the river to the back line, and will be laid off into squares of 50 acres each, and will be sold in large or small parcels as may accommodate purchasers; this land is situated about an equal distance between Alexandria and George Town, and commands a full view of those towns, the city, Eastern Branch, and Potomac, and in point of soil is equal to any on the river. Any person desirous of purchasing will be shown the premises and the plat and survey of the same on application to George Deneale in Alexandria.
THOMAS SWANN, EDMUND J. LEE, } Com'rs. GEO. DENEALE, } March 5—tdof
S. THOMEE.
BEGS leave to inform his friends that he has removed his store from George town to King-street Alexandria, where orders in his line will be executed with punctuality and dispatch. Orders left at Mr. March's Book-store will be duly attended to.
GILDING AND ENAMELLING ON GLASS, A few doors above the Washington tavern—Looking glass and picture frames made and regilt.
NEEDLE WORK
Framed in the handsomest manner, and names done on glass.
S. THOMEE, as a stranger being determined to establish in the line of his profession, solicits that encouragement alone which he trusts the reasonableness of his charges and his ability to business may entitle him to. Window cornices handsomely gilt, and every thing in his line done to please the fancy of the owner equal to any imported.
N. B. He has some glasses and prints for sale on low terms. Saban. 9—ep3m
(BY AUTHORITY.)
Scheme of a Lottery.
To build an Academy in the city of Richmond.
 Dollars.  1 Prize—last drawn ticket, having a blank to its number, 20,000  1 do. 10,000  1 do. 5,000  5 do. of 1,000 make 5,000  8 do. — 500 — 3,000  10 do. — 200 — 2,000  10 do. — 100 — 2,000  200 do. — 50 — 5,000  250 do. — 30 — 7,500  420 do. — 25 — 10,500  1,500 do. — 20 — 30,000  3,000 do. — 15 — 45,000  1 first drawn ticket after 1,000, having a blank to its number, 250  1 do. after 2,000 do. 250  1 do. do. 3,000 do. 250  1 do. do. 4,000 do. 250  1 do. do. 5,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 6,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 8,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 10,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 12,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 13,000 do. 500  1 do. do. 14,000 do. 1,000  5,345 prizes, 150,000  9,675 blanks, not two to a prize,  15,000 tickets at 10 dollars each, 150,000  N. B. Prizes subject to a deduction of 15 per cent. 
This lottery has been authorized by the legislature of Virginia, for the laudable purposes of erecting a seminary of learning in or near the metropolis of this state. With this view, it is contemplated to raise 20,000 dolls. and 2,500 dolls. in addition, for defraying the expenses attendant on drawing the lottery. Citizens of the first respectability have been selected as trustees, and they have pledged themselves to use their utmost exertions to carry it into effect. The scheme has the advantage of giving to each adventurer, a chance for some very large prizes, whilst the proportion of prizes to blanks, is so great as to invite the friends of the intended institution to partake in the lottery, with very little risk of their becoming losers. The treasurer of the state is to be appointed to receive the money for the tickets as they are sold, and to pay the amount of the prizes to the fortunate adventurers. It is believed that the above considerations will induce a rapid sale of tickets, and the drawing will commence as soon as a sufficient number shall be sold to authorize it—which it is believed will be on the second Monday in December next.
Richmond, March 2—tf
53 Tickets to be had of Robert Pollard, Doct. John Brockenbrough, jun. Wm. Price, (Reg.) Samuel Pleasants, jun. and William Prichard.
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION
The office of the Washington Association and United States Insurance company is removed to the corner of square No. 226 fronting on the President's square and Pennsylvania Avenue.
THOMAS HERTY, Sec'y P. T. June 19—tf
Fifty Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber about the first of November last, a negro man called BILLY BUNDY, about 26 years old, yellow complexion, bends forward with his knees, a large scar on or near one of his heels, and has a habit of stroking his chin when spoken to, he has for some time worked at the carpenters trade. The above reward will be given on delivering him to the subscriber, or thirty dollars to secure him in jail so that I get him again.
LUCY BROOKE. Essex County, Virginia, Feb. 8—2m.
A GREAT BARGAIN.
THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS will be token and payment made easy, to the purchaser, for the following valuable property free from any incumbrance whatever.
A SET of saw mills working two saws—a grist mill with two run of stones and bolting machine, also a cotton and rice machine complete all worked by water, also one saw mill about 200 yards from the former and on the same dam, now about finishing that will work from two to fourteen saws under the same roof—this mill is insured for three years after her being completed—they now going in good repair and the whole in a progressive way of improvement, with about Ten thousand acres of land all adjoining and immediately contiguous to the mills, on which are several valuable farms. The timber for mill site are inexhaustible and unexceptionable good—are situated on the waters of Drowning Creek ninety seven miles from George Town South Carolina, to which place the lumber is carried being rafted at the mills without the trouble of hauling, a valuable convenience. The stream is equal if not superior to any in the states of North or South Carolina—the grist mills command a custom at times of 30 or 40 miles around them. The situation at the mills is high, pleasant and very healthy, on which is a good two story house with piazza, a good kitchen, stables, carriage and harness houses and other necessary out buildings with a new store house completely finished, it being an excellent stand for a country store. Application to be made to the Subscriber at Millville near Lumberton in North Carolina, or for any information respecting the premises, to Samuel D. Purvis at the city of Washington.
WM. NORMENT. Millville N. C. Dec. 12. N. B. Any part of the above property will be sold as may best suit a purchaser. Dec. 23—tf
Bank of Columbia.
IN Conformity with the charter of this bank, an election for twelve Directors will take place and be held at the house of Mr. Joseph Semmes in George Town on Tuesday the 20th March next at the hour of 10 o'clock, A. M.
WILLIAM WHANN, Cashier.
NOTICE.
ALL who are indebted to the estate of John Crookshank deceased are requested to make immediate payment to, CHARLES GLOVER, Adm. George Town, Nov. 25—tf
TO RENT,
And immediate Possession given, A Two-story frame House, in the City of Washington, situated on N. Street, square 224—containing 4 rooms beside two garret rooms, piazza and pantry, kitchen, store room, &c. with a good garden—lately occupied by Mrs. Lee, adjoining to Mr. Kaupie's store—Also that convenient two-story frame on same square, late in possession of Dr. Tabs, opposite to which Robert Peacock, Esq. lately resided—consisting of 6 rooms, and two garret rooms, piazza and balcony to south front, cellar with dry well, kitchen, carriage house, stable, an excellent garden, with every convenience for the reception of a genteel family. For particulars enquire at Mr. Rhode's tavern, Mr. Kaupie's store, or to the subscriber.
REDMUND PURCEL. January 13, 1804—tf
War Department Feb. 8, 1804.
Notice is hereby given,
THAT separate proposals will be received at the office of the Secretary for the Department of War, until the eighteenth day of May next ensuing, for the supply of all rations which may be required for the use of the United States, from the 1st day of October, 1804, until the 30th day of September, 1805, both days inclusive, at the following places, viz. First. At Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, Chicago, Fort Wayne, the post on the Miami of the Lakes, and at any place or places, where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Ohio, and at any place or places within the Indiana territory north of the 41st degree of north latitude. Second. At South West Point, Tellico, Knoxville, Nashville, and within the Cherokee nation between Tennessee and Georgia, and on the Tennessee river, and on the road between said river and Nashville, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Third. At the garrison near Vincennes, on the river Wabash. Fourth. At Fort Massac, near the mouth of the Ohio, Kaskaskia, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the Indiana territory, south of the 41st degree of north latitude, (Vincennes excepted.) Fifth. At St. Louis, New Madrid, and any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited in Louisiana, north of the settlements on the river Arkansas. Sixth. At Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas, Natchez, Fort Adams, Fort Stoddart on the Mobile, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the Mississippi territory, and on the road between Natchez and the Tennessee river, (the post on said river excepted.) Seventh. At New Orleans, and any place or places on the Mississippi river, below Fort Adams, and at Opelousas, Natchitoches, and at any other place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched, or recruited in Louisiana, not before mentioned, or provided for.
THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR
NOTICE.
THIS is to give notice, that the Subscriber hath obtained from the Orphans Court of Prince George county in Maryland, letters of administration on the personal estate of William Magruder 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 subscriber on or before the 15th day of September next, or they will otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 12th day of March 1804.
A. GOVRINGTON. Prince George County March 14—w3t.
Separate proposals will also be received as aforesaid, for the supply of all rations, which may be required for the use of the United States, from the 1st day of January, 1805, until the 31st day of December of the same year, both days inclusive, within the several states herein after mentioned, viz. Eighth. At Fort Wilkinson, Cockpit-Island, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Georgia, and on the Indian boundary between Georgia and the Creek nation. Ninth. At Charleston, Rocky Mountain, on the head waters of the Santee, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the states of South and North Carolina. Tenth. At Norfolk, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Virginia. Eleventh. At Fort M'Henry, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Maryland and the district of Columbia. Twelfth. At Fort Mifflin, Pittsburgh, Carlisle, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the states of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and Delaware. Thirteenth. At Fort Jay, West Point, Albany, Schenectady, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of New-York, (Niagara excepted.) Fourteenth. At Fort Trumbull, Fort Wolcott, & at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont. Fifteenth. At Fort Independence, (Boston harbour) and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of Massachusetts, (the district of Maine excepted.) Sixteenth. At Portsmouth, Portland, and at any place or places where troops are or may be stationed, marched or recruited within the state of New-Hampshire and the district of Maine.
A ration to consist of one pound and one quarter of beef or three quarters of a pound of pork, eighteen ounces of bread or flour one gill of rum, whisky or brandy, and a the rate of two quarts of salt, four quarts of vinegar, four pounds of soap, and one pound and one half of candles, to every hundred rations. The prices of the several component parts of the ration should be specified; but the United States reserve the right of making such alterations in the price of the component parts of the ration aforesaid as shall make the price of each part thereof bear a just proportion to the proposed price for the whole ration.
The rations are to be furnished in such quantities, that there shall at all times, during the term of the proposed contract, be sufficient for the consumption of the troops at Michilimackinac, Detroit, Niagara and Chicago for six months in advance, and at each of the other posts on the western waters for at least three months in advance, of good and wholesome provisions, if the same shall be required. It is also to be permitted to all and every of the Commandants of fortified places or posts to call for at seasons when the same can be transported, or at any time in the case of urgency such supplies of like provisions in advance, as in the discretion of the commandant shall be deemed proper.
It is to be understood that the contractor is to be at the expense and risk of illing the supplies to the troops, and that all losses sustained by the depredations of an enemy, or by means of the troops of the United States, shall be paid by the United States at the price of the articles captured or destroyed as aforesaid, on the deposition of two or more persons of creditable characters, and the certificate of a commissioned officer, stating the circumstances of the loss, and the amount of the articles for which compensation shall be claimed.
The privilege is understood to be reserved to the United States of requiring that none of the supplies which way be furnished under any of the proposed contracts, shall be issued until the supplies which have been or may be furnished under contracts now in force, have been consumed, and that a supply in advance may be always required at any of the fixed posts on the Sea board or Indian frontiers, nor exceeding three months.
H. DEARBORN, Secretary of War. 22w May 18.
Dancing School.
P. L. DUPORT professor of Dancing respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of the city of Washington and George Town, that he proposes opening his Dancing School by the beginning of April next, for Three Months only, further particulars may be known by applying to Mr. March, Stationer George Town, where the subscription paper is low until 20th of March. March 2—7t
THOMAS M'EUEN, THOMAS HALE & WILLIAM DAVIDSON,
who heretofore, have translated business under the firm of Thomas M'Euen & Co. will in future use that of M'Euen, Hale & Davidson. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1—tw&votf
NOTICE.
THIS is to give notice, that the Subscriber has just received an handsome supply of fall goods, which he is determined to sell and make upon the most reasonable terms, and in the best and most fashionable manner, and greatest expedition.
Pearsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square and Capitol Hill, seventh house from the Capitol. Oct. 14 tf
A WAITER, A CHAIR & HORSE.
A very handsome Mulatto Boy, about thirteen years old, for his age excelled by few as a waiter—also an elegant double Chair with complat plated harness, new, and an excellent chair or saddle Horse for sale separately or collectively. Enquire of the printer.
Feb. 22—tw6w
A TEN Thousand Dollar PRIZE.
GERMAN TRINITY CHURCH,
In Sixth Street, Philadelphia.
N. B. This Lottery is expected to commence drawing immediately after the conclusion of the St. Augustine church, & Lehigh navigation Lotteries; and from the great demand for the tickets in different parts of the Union, there is reason to believe that the price will be raised, considerably before that period.
Scheme of a Lottery
For the use of the
GERMAN TRINITY CHURCH,
In Sixth Street, Philadelphia.
N. B. This Lottery is expected to commence drawing immediately after the conclusion of the St. Augustine church, & Lehigh navigation Lotteries; and from the great demand for the tickets in different parts of the Union, there is reason to believe that the price will be raised, considerably before that period.
Scheme of the Extra Class.
 2 prizes of 10,000 dolls. 20,000 dolls.  2 do. 5,000 do.  4 do. 2,500 do.  5 do. 1,000 do.  10 do. 500 do.  25 do. 200 do.  50 do. 100 do.  100 do. 50 do.  250 do. 20 do.  500 do. 10 do.  10,000 do. 5 do.  39,053 blanks, net 4 to a prize.  125,000 Dollars 
The drawing will commence at the State House, Philadelphia, in October next, at furthest. The prices, subject to a discount of 15 per cent. will be paid thirty days after the conclusion of the drawing, if demanded in one year, otherwise forfeited to the use of the bridge.
Part of the prizes determinable as under specified.
Prizes of 500 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 1st, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th, days drawing.
Prizes of 1000 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 70th, 75th, and 80th day's drawing.
Prizes of 2,500 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 85th and 90th day's drawing.
Prize of 5,000 dollars, the first drawn ticket on the 95th day's drawing.
Prize of 10,000 dollars, the first drawn ticket on the 100th day's drawing.
The two prizes of 10,000 dollars, will receive each, in part of payment, 20 bridge shares, at 100 dollars each.
The two prizes of 5,000 dollars will receive each, in part of payment, 10 bridge shares, at 100 dollars each.
The four prizes of 2,500 dollars will receive each, in part payment, 5 bridge shares, at 100 dollars each.
The completion of this class, which will finish the bridge. Bridge shares will be very valuable stock. The honorable punctuality with which the former part of this lottery has been conducted—the enriched state of the company's funds, which will not be appropriated until the last class is completed—the admirable construction of the scheme—the important object for which the proceeds are intended—the great chance of obtaining one of the many handsome fortunes now presented for the small sum of 2 3/4 dollars—with the liberal arrangements made for the convenience of societies, clubs and others, inclined to purchase the tickets, the manager flatters himself will have due weight and influence on the public patronage.
EDWARD MOTT, Manager.
Who will, on receiving the necessary information of the payment of 20 per cent to his credit in any of the United States branch banks of discount & deposit, with an engagement to pay the residue by four equal installments in 3, 6, 9 & 12 months from the 1st March next, send the numbers and deposit any quantity of tickets (not less than 50) in the hands of the treasurer, subject to the purchaser's demand on the punctual payment of the residue of the money; which not being observed, the tickets may be resold, & the money paid in advance forfeited; or he will, on the purchase money of any number of tickets (not less than 10) being deposited in any of the branch banks above mentioned, immediately forward them to the direction of the purchaser. For any number of tickets less than ten, the cash to be enclosed to the manager; which will, on its receipt, forward them as directed, and on the conclusion of the drawing send the purchaser an account of their success; and such arrangement shall be made that the holders of fortunate tickets, after they have been properly checked, may receive their prizes at the bank they made their payments at. The numerous advantages of this arrangement must be obvious to every person. The payments are made easy, and the purchasers will not be liable to any advance of price, which from the unexamined sales of the tickets, may with confidence be expected to be considerable before the drawing commences.
Feb. 20—tw&w
CHARLES VARDEN, TAYLOR,
FROM PHILADELPHIA.
HAS received from Philadelphia an elegant assortment of the best quality superfine Clacks, Cassimeres, Silk florantine, Black and fancy silk molekin velvet, white & figure Marfelles, Swandowns, Toilinnettes, Velvet teens, Fancy cords, Coating, &c.
With a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season.
N. B. Ladies Habits, Regimentals and Navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion.
New-Jersey Avenue, the second House from the Capitol Square. November 8, 1803.
PRIZES
In the fourth class of the
EASTON DELAWARE BRIDGE
LOTTERY,
Authorized by the states of Pennsylvania & N. Jersey are now PAYING by
Messrs. Bollar & Jordan's Treasurer,
and by Edward Mott, Manager—
Philadelphia.
Of whom may be had tickets at a 3 3/4 dollars, (but which may very soon be expected to advance) in the following unparalleled
Scheme of the Extra Class.
 2 prizes of 10,000 dolls. 20,000 dolls.  2 do. 5,000 do.  4 do. 2,500 do.  5 do. 1,000 do.  10 do. 500 do.  25 do. 200 do.  50 do. 100 do.  100 do. 50 do.  250 do. 20 do.  500 do. 10 do.  10,000 do. 5 do.  39,053 blanks, net 4 to a prize.  125,000 Dollars 
The drawing will commence at the State House, Philadelphia, in October next, at furthest. The prices, subject to a discount of 15 per cent. will be paid thirty days after the conclusion of the drawing, if demanded in one year, otherwise forfeited to the use of the bridge.
Part of the prizes determinable as under specified.
Prizes of 500 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 1st, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th, days drawing.
Prizes of 1000 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 70th, 75th, and 80th day's drawing.
Prizes of 2,500 dollars each, the first drawn ticket on the 85th and 90th day's drawing.
Prize of 5,000 dollars, the first drawn ticket on the 95th day's drawing.
Prize of 10,000 dollars, the first drawn ticket on the 100th day's drawing.
The two prizes of 10,000 dollars, will receive each, in part of payment, in