Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1801-02-12 00:00:00

Alexandria
Advertiser
AND COMMERCIAL
INTELLIGENCER.
VOL. I.]
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1801.
[No. 55]
For Liverpool.
The Ship POLLY , Capt. SAM. HANCOCK , will take FREIGHT for Li- verpool.—Terms may be known by enquiring of R. T. HOOE & Co. January 16. d
Public Sale.
On FRIDAY at 10 o'clock, will be sold at the Vendue-Store, Brown Sugar in hhds. & bls. Loaf and Lump Sugar in lots, Teneriffe and Port Wine in pipes, half pipes and quarter casks, French Brandy in pipes, Whiskey in tierces and barrels, Hyson Tea in chests, Bohea Tea in chests, Figs in casks and frails, Raisins in do. do. Cordials in boxes, Soap and Candles in boxes Cotton in bales, A quantity of Bacon, Tobacco in kegs, Nails in casks, Hardware assorted in boxes, &c. Also, a quantity of DRY GOODS. Particulars of which will be made known previous to the sale. P. G. MARSTELLER, Auctioneer. February 9.
Sales by Auction.
On SATURDAY next, At ten o'clock, will be sold at the Auc- tion Room on Union Street, Sugar in bls. Candles in boxes, Tobacco in kegs, Coffee in bags, Saltpetre in bags, Raisins in boxes, Grapes in jars, Almonds in bls. Oranges in boxes, Anchovies in kegs and boxes, Together with a variety of DRY GOODS, Among which are Wilton and Scotch Carpet- ing, Striped and plain Coatings, Kerseys, Plains, Flannels, rose Blankets, Broad- cloths, Kerfeymeres, worsted Hose, Du- rants, mens' fine Hats, Irish and Ger- man Linens, Humhums, Muslins, &c. HENRY & THOS. MOORE, Auctioneers. February 11. Two active Lads, about 14 years of age, and of reputable connexions, would be taken as Apprentices at the office of the Advertiser.
For Philadelphia.
The Sloop HARMONY, John Ellwood, Master, Now lying at Ramsey's wharf. For Freight or Passage apply to the mas- ter on board, or J. & T. Vorwell. February 5. 3tdeo
LANDING
From the Schooner Mississippi , Best London particular Ma- deira Wine in pipes, Lisbon Wine of a superior quality in hhds. and quarter casks, Turk's Island and Isle of May SALT. On hand, a few casks of excellent Chewing Tobacco. For CHARTER the above Schooner, Mississippi . Apply to Wm. I. HALL. Merchants' wharf, Feb. 9. d
Agreeable to a Deed of Trust, from Capt. John Hawkins, of Fau- quier County, to the subscribers, WILL BE SOLD on the premises, to the high- est bidder, for ready money, on Wednes- day the 25th of February next,
The Plantation whereon the said Hawkins now lives: containing about 670 acres, lying within 30 miles of Fre- dericksburg, Falmouth and Dumfries, and within about 40 of Alexandria, George- Town and the Federal City.
It is thought unnecessary to be particu- lar as to the quality and improvements, as a person inclined to purchase will no doubt view the same before the day of sale.
DUNBAR & VASS. Falmouth, Virginia, } d21(31) Jan. 20, 1800. }
A Wet Nurse Wanted.
A HEALTHY young woman, who can be well recommended, and who will un- dertake to suckle a child at the parent's house, will meet with liberal encourage- ment, by applying to the printers hereof. George-Town, February 9. 3t
For Rent.
The subscriber will lease or rent his com- modious fire-proof Bake and Dwelling House, on Town-Point, where he now lives, with three Ovens, a good Store-house and Sta- ble for two horses, with a well enclosed Wood-Yard, and every other conveni- ence for carrying on the baking business to advantage.
JAMES DICKINSON. Norfolk, Jan. 8. d12(30)
From the Commercial Gazette.
THE REFLECTOR—No. VII.
"Nature is more powerful than fancy, and the most artful fictions must give way to truth."
IT may look like a contradiction in terms to say that a man must strive hard to act with simplicity . Art is perhaps never used to better effect than in concealing art, except when it is used to counteract it. The force of simplicity is so great, that whoever adheres to it, will be deemed worthy of imitation; but still he cannot easily be imitated. Those who take de- light in viewing subjects by the fair rays of truth, and to make their actions cor- respond with the dictates of unmingled pro- priety, must engage in a perpetual conflict with prejudice, fancy, and falsehood. There are coxcombs in all professions; men who pretend to something more than they de- serve; men who only can derive consequence by giving a specious coloring to the garb of affectation. There are quacks in all arts, who are supposed to possess knowledge in things which they do not understand. Such coxcombs and quacks will endeavor to establish false rules of propriety which must be detected and opposed by all, who prefer real knowledge to boasted pret- ensions; and who delight in the pure ima- ges of nature, more than the capricious fictions of art.
The term simple is often used as synoni- mous to weak or silly ; and this abates the force of it, when used in its more proper sense, which is to express the real, unmixed character of a thing. Those who attempt to strip a subject of all false appearances, have a great task to perform, but if they accomplish it their labors are well reward- ed. There are few men so attached to error, but they will soon prefer truth, when it is fairly pointed out; there are still ma- ny men who prefer their own errors to those of other people. But let them once behold the simplicity of truth, and its charms can hardly be resisted. The great- er part of mankind are constantly engaged from habit or profession, in giving a ficti- tious value and a fictitious character to most of the appearances which are exhibited to the view of the world. How few of the plausible representations, to which our at- tention is called, will bear to be strictly compared with a state of facts! How ma- ny of the elaborate systems which are per- plexing the votaries of science, must vanish into smoke, if the principles on which they are built, were faithfully tried by the standard of truth and reason. For when- ever they are brought in competition, na- ture will be found more powerful than fic- tion; nor will the suggestions of caprice and prejudice be listened to, where truth, single and unalloyed, makes its appeal to the heart.
An Apprentice wanted at this Office.
From the Centinel.
THE LATITUDINARIAN
Ask you the provocation that I had? The strong antipathy of good TO BAD.
Pope.
MR. RUSSELL,
I KNOW very well the value which every man sets upon his reputation, and how painful it is to be exposed to the mirth and derision of the public, and should therefore scorn to divert my reader at the expence of any private man. If names have at any time been affixed to characters which I have heretofore drawn, or if any shall be to those I may hereafter draw— it is no fault of mine, and I cannot reme- dy it. I must continue to portray the errors of the day in that manner which I think will produce the best effect—and be the most likely to produce their reformati- on. It is a flattering test of my success occa- sionally to hear that Mr. Such-a-one was certainly intended by such a character, as "nothing could be more exact;" when no particular character was intended. It is to my mind some proof that the charge which I brought forward in my last num- ber was not without foundation when per- sons so readily exclaim "he means me." And it gives me some hope that the cause of complaint in time may be removed.— That words may soon be better applied— terms corrected—and actions properly es- timated.
It has frequently been remarked and I believe with great justice that there is more coquetry in most other countries than is to be found in ours. At the same time it is but equal justice to acknowledge, notwith- standing our pretensions to innocence, that there are some old countries that we exceed in this particular. "This is a sore evil under the sun," and I wish something might be done to shame it from our land or at least to check its progress. Of male jilts, coquets, and fribbles , I shall say no- thing at present although it must be con- fessed that they are far more reprehensible than those of the other sex—But that they are both bad enough no one will dispute. In this country owing to a variety of cir- cumstances there at least ten female co- quets to one male. Nature with the as- sistance of the vain and indulgent mother has made many; and the remainder have become so from fashion.
According to the definition of some, a female coquette is "a gay airy girl who en- deavours to attract notice." The generali- ty of handsome girls by this definition are mlae coquettes. I do not know if this be true—but we know that most beauties are pleased to "attract notice." Others define a coquette, "one who by affected carriage and idle endeavors to gain the love of men."
A downright thorough bred coquette ne- ver quits the object of her pursuit until she has destroyed his peace forever; she is then ready to begin again.

But there are many different degrees—and different species of this enormity. And there are some, though not so particularly fatal as what has been mentioned, yet in a general point of view more to be deplored. They are of the camelion breed. They vary the object according to the whim of the moment—and vary their attitudes—voices and manners according to the colour of the object.
“Women whose hearts are fixed upon the pleasure they have in the consciousness that they are the objects of love and admiration are ever changing the air of their countenances and altering the attitude of their bodies to strike the hearts of their beholders with new sense of their beauty.” No one will deny this to be coquetry and that many beautiful women are found in the practice of it. We rarely find women of worth and distinction guilty of it, but when we do, we cannot suppress the mingled feelings of pity and contempt which swell our bosoms.
When we see a woman of worth and distinction amused and delighted, and in close conversation for hours with a fribbler —a thing without religion—without morality, without character, and with a head as destitute of brains as a mallet. Her heart is unsound—she is a coquette.
Whenever we see such a woman paying equal attention to the vicious and the virtuous; to the blockhead and the man of sense:—And perhaps more to the former than the latter if the smoke of his incense rises the highest—no apology can be offered that will expiate the offence entirely.—She proves to the fool that he is as valuable a member of society as the man of genius—and that vice and virtue are two coins of the same value—Her object is solely to “ gain the love of men ” no matter what men—and as many as she can. Such a woman is hollow hearted —she is a coquette. When we see a woman of modesty, of beauty and of a cultivated mind—one whose very action is dictated by conscious purity—who never intending ill, has no ill to be ashamed of; who justly discriminating between good and bad—propriety and impropriety—knows her duty and is never too modest to practise it; knows how much she ought to sacrifice to the opinion of the world, and is never too modest to refuse to go beyond it, how different are our sensations. When we see such a woman we see the most interesting, the most lovely, the most divine object in nature. She is entitled to the love, esteem, and respect of every virtuous man. And she will command at least the appearance of homage from every vicious one.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, Feb. 10.
Mr. Nott obtained leave of absence from Thursday next.
The memorial of Aaron Waitt and Jeremiah Peirce was presented, and referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
The petition of Samuel Gibbs was presented and referred to the committee of the whole.
Mr. S. Smith, from the committee of commerce and manufactures, reported against the prayer of the petition of Turpin Kilty, which report was confirmed by the house.
Mr. Macon, from the committee of claims, reported against the prayer of the petition of Thomas Harris, which report was confirmed by the house.
Mr. Rutledge, from the committee appointed on the part of this house, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the senate, to ascertain and report the mode of examining the votes given for President and Vice-President of the U. S. of notifying the persons elected of their election, and the time place and manner of administering the oath of office to the President, reported that the committee had taken the subject referred to them under consideration, but had come to no agreement thereupon.
A message was received from the senate informing the house that they had passed the judiciary bill.
A message was received from the senate, as follows:
Mr. Speaker, the senate will be ready to receive the House of Representatives in the senate chamber on Wednesday next at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of being present at the opening and counting of the votes of President of the U. States. The senate have appointed a teller on their part to make a list of the votes for President of the United States as they shall be declared.
The house proceeded to consider the report made on Friday last, from the committee appointed to prepare and report rules proper to be observed in the choice of a President of the United States.
The report was committed immediately to a committee of the whole, Mr. Morris in the chair.
The committee rose and reported their agreement to the report, with one amendment, viz.
Insert instead of 8th rule in report, which is in the words following—“All questions which shall arise after the balloting commences, and which shall require the decision of the house, shall be decided without debate”—the following words:
“All questions which shall arise after the balloting commences, and which shall be decided by the house voting per capita, to be incidental to the power of choosing the President, and which shall require the decision of the house, shall be decided by states and without debate; and in case of an equal division of the votes of states, the question shall be lost.”
The house agreed to said amendment.
A motion was made that the house disagree with the committee of the whole in their agreement to the 4th rule, viz. “After commencing the balloting for President, the house shall not adjourn until a choice be made.”
On which the question being taken by yeas and nays, it passed in the negative, as follows: Yeas 47—Nays 53.
YEAS.
Messrs. Allston, Baer, Bailey, Bishop, R. Brown, Cabell, Christie, Clay, Claiborne, Condit, Dawson, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Fowler, Gallatin, Goode, Gray, Hanna, Heister, Holmes, Jackson, Mitchell, Leib, Lincoln, Lyon, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Muhlenberg, New, Nicholas, Page, Randolph, Smilie, J. Smith, S. Smith, Spaight, Stanford, Stone, Stewart, Taliaferro, Thompson, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Taxewell, Van Cortlandt, Varum—47.
NAYS.
Messrs. Bartlett, Bayard, Bird, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, F. Davenport, J. Davenport, Davis, Dennis, Dent, Dickson, Edmond, Evans, Foster, Freeman, Glen, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Gregg, Griswold, Groves, Harper, Henderson, Hill, Huger, Imlay, H. Lee,
S. Lee, Mattoon, Morris, Nott, Otis, Parker, Pinckney, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, Shepard, J. C. Smith, Sheafe, Tenney, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, Waln, R. Williams, L. Williams, Woods—53.
A motion was then made to disagree with the committee of the whole house in their agreement to the 5th rule, as follows: “The doors of the house shall be closed during the balloting, except against the officers of the house.”
On the question being taken by yeas and nays, it passed in the negative, as follows:—Yeas 45—Nays 54.
YEAS.
Messrs.—Alston, Baily, Bishop, R. Brown, Cabell, Christie, Clay, Claiborne, Condit, Davis, Dawson, Dent, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Fowler, Gallatin, Gray, Gregg, Hanna, Heister, Holmes, Jackson, Leib, Lyon, Livingston, Macon, Muhlenberg, New, Nicholas, Randolph, Smilie, J. Smith, S. Smith, Spaight, Stanford, Stone, Stewart, Taliaferro, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Thompson, Taxewell, Van Cortlandt, Varum, R. Williams—45.
NAYS.
Messrs.—Baer, Bartlett, Bayard, Bird, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, F. Davenport, F. Davenport, Dennis, Dickson, Edmond, Evans, Foster, Freeman, Glen, Goode, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Griswold, Groves, Harper, Henderson, Hill, Huger, Imlay, H. Lee, S. Lee, Lincoln, Linn, Mattoon, Morris, Nott, Otis, Page, Parker, Pinckney, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, Shepard, J. C. Smith, Sheafe, Tenney, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, Waln, L. Williams, Woods—54.
The entire report was then agreed to by the house.
TUESDAY, February 10.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution, that they would to-morrow at 12 o'clock attend in the Senate chamber for the purpose of being present at the counting of the votes for President and Vice-President, and that Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Nicholas be the tellers on the part of the house.
Mr. Bayard moved an additional rule in relation to the presidential election, viz. that 500 tickets should be printed on which should be printed the name of Thomas Jefferson, and 500 on which should be printed the name of Aaron Burr, and that the members in balloting should be confined exclusively to these.
The Speaker requested Mr. Bayard to modify his motion, so that 600 tickets should be printed, and that after Thomas Jefferson should be printed, of Virginia, and after Aaron Burr, of New-York, as he (the Speaker) had given directions to this effect, to which Mr. Bayard agreed.
After debate the motion was rejected, and the members left at liberty to use either written or printed tickets.
A bill, reported by the committee of revision and unfinished business, for continuing in force the act suspending commercial intercourse with France was taken up, and after a warm debate rejected by a large majority.
On Thursday last Mr. Craik from the committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Thomas Herty, reported a resolution authorising the Secretary of state to purchase Copies of Herty's digest of laws of the United States to be distributed in the manner directed by the act, intitled “an act in addition to
an act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States” and a like number of the act of the last and present Session proposed by him to be published.
On Monday a motion was made in Senate by Mr. Morris declaring, that in case of an equal vote being given for the two candidates for President, and vice-president, the house of representatives should immediately proceed in the presence of the senate to decide by ballot.
On this motion a long debate ensued after which it was rejected by a majority of two votes.
BOSTON, February 2.
The President of the United States has been pleased to grant to Messrs. Saltar, Cornes, Brace, Smith, and Bullock, a full, free, and entire pardon of the misdemeanors for which they were severally convicted at the Circuit Court, held in this town in October last, remitting and relinquishing them from all pains and penalties, incurred by reason of the sentence of the court.
TO THE PUBLIC.
The Directors of the Union and Massachusetts Banks, think it their duty to give this public notice of a discovery which they have lately made of an attempt to circulate counterfeit Hundred dollar bills, of the Union Bank, and ten dollars of the Massachusetts Bank. The Directors were apprized of this circumstance about fourteen days since, and impressed with the importance of putting a speedy check to such impositions on the public, they have spared no pains or expence in detecting the authors of this attempt. They have been so far successful as to have arrested in Albany, New-York and Newport, thirteen of the persons concerned in forging and passing the bills aforesaid, and are happy to add, that this has been effected before any material injury was done to the auspicious and honest part of the community.
They have no doubt that the project has been completely defeated, and for the satisfaction of the public, they are enabled to state, that the only bills attempted to be counterfeited by this gang are the Hundred dollar bills of the Union and ten dollar bills of the Massachusetts Banks, and that the plates for both descriptions of bills have been found and are now in the possession of the civil authority.
In order to enable their fellow citizens to detect the fraud, should a few bills yet be attempted to be circulated, they subjoin of a description of a few of the marks by which the false bills might be distinguished from those that are genuine. This information so important to the public would have been earlier given, but from an apprehension that the culprits might be alarmed, and might avoid the justice, which by the vigilance of the good citizens of New-York, Albany and Newport, and the exertions of the directors of the said banks, will now unquestionably await them.
Description of the True and Counterfeit Massachusetts Ten dollar Bills.
In the first line the word dollars, at the top of the true bills, the first “l” is not joined to the second “l” nor the second “l” to the “a” nor the “a” to the “r” but in the counterfeits the “l’s” “a” and “r” are all joined. In the true bills, the top of the letter “C” in the word Cashier which immediately follows the name of the Cashier is not turned

or crooked inwards, but in the false bill it is very distinctly turned in and crooked.
In the true bills, the face of the Indian is black and the shirt white, without any shades or perpendicular marks about the breast and the shirt.
Of the Union 100 dollar Bills.
The word "Hundred" in letters on the left hand side, in the margin of the true bills, is engraved on a shade made by lines finely drawn and hardly visible—but in the counterfeit bills this shade is made by lines strongly drawn which are dark and very visible.
The difference between the true bill and false in this particular is so great that it is thought unnecessary to trouble the public with more minute detail.
NORFOLK, January 31.
Arrived the Schooner Independence, capt. Thornton, St. Bartholomews; ship Union, captain Davis, St. Bartholomews.
The above vessel failed under convoy of the U. S. sloop of war Merrimack, in company with 36 sail.
Sloop Liberty, capt. Barrett, Antigua; also the British Schooner Agents, captain Colbourn, Antigua; failed in company with the Schooner Sufannah, captain Newbold, for George-town, S. C.
Jan. 16, in lat. 24, 37, long. 68, 32, spoke the Schooner Diana, from Trinidad bound to Boston.
Left at Antigua,
Brigs—Eucharis, Price, of and for Baltimore, ready to sail; Delaware, West, do. do. Tiger, Barclay, of do. under adjudication; Sch'rs —, Webb, of Philadelphia, just arrived; Daphney, Mason, of New-York, waiting for a cargo; Sally, of Seabrook, do.
Brig Luna, Stephenfon, from New-York to Madeira, in distress, having sprung a leak.
February 5.
Extract of a letter from an officer on board the Chesapeake, dated Jan. 3.
"Lieutenant St. Clair with the prize Young Creole, had scarcely got out of sight of the Chesapeake, when a sail was descried from the mast head, we soon came up with her—she proved to be the Schooner Success, capt. Brown, from the coast of Africa, with 42 slaves, bound to the Havana—Capt. Barren put lieut. Smith on board of her, and sent her for Charleston. This letter will be sent on from thence to Norfolk by my friend Smith."
The United States Schooner Experiment, capt. Stewart, anchored in our harbor yesterday—she has had 13 days passage from Santa Domingo. We learn by her that general Toussaint had arrived with his army within a few miles of that city, and had demanded its surrender to him; it was expected to be given up in a few days.
By an arrival from the Cape, we also have received information, that it is gen. Toussaint's determination to take possession of the whole of the Spanish part of St. Domingo.
The late arrest of gen. Toussaint, levying 20 per cent. on all exports and imports, has been found too heavy a burthen on the commerce of the island, and he has dropped 10 per cent. on the imports.
Fresh Raisins.
Just received a few boxes of excellent Raisins, and for Sale, by JOHN & J. TUCKER. December 24.
Alexandria Advertiser.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
Yesterday at 12 o'clock the House of Representatives repaired to the Senate chamber, where the votes for President and Vice-President were counted. It appearing that Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr had an equal number of votes, the House returned to its own chamber and with closed doors proceeded to the ballot as follows:
Whereupon the ballots being counted, the following was the result:
 1st Ballot.  Jefferson 8 states,  Burr 6  Divided 2  2d ballot, same result.  3d ballot, same result.  4th ballot, same result. 
This was the state of the election at 3 o'clock. Of consequence at that hour there had been no election.
The two divided states are Maryland and Vermont.
Nat. Intelligence.
By a gentleman who left the City of Washington this morning at sun-rise, we are informed, no choice had been made at the time he left there, but that the house was still in session.
A government without a strong executive power, is in equal danger of dissolution with matter that does not possess the principle of cohesion.
Politics is the food of wise men, devoured by fools. He who pretends to practise law or physic, without having previously studied those sciences, is despised by every sensible man. Yet on politics, every one in this country, even the poorest mechanic, presumes to speak, to decide, and censure with the utmost confidence.
Nothing demonstrates the narrow views of men, and their utter unacquaintance with the history of states and governments like the spirit of despondence at every unfortunate public event. We are undone! We are ruined! was the language of short sighted men when gen. Washington left this world of vexation: As if no man in the United States survived, who had either intelligence or virtue. When the fact is, that general Washington had a less share in devising the more important measures of the revolution, than many other men, who were in the old Congress, and some of whom are yet living. His talent lay, not in originating plans himself, so much as in availing himself of the hints of others, in weighing the arguments of others for and against measures proposed, selecting the best, and executing the plan selected, with uncommon prudence. This talent is one of the most useful in society; but without derogating in the least from the merits of Washington, we may safely affirm that multitudes of men, in this country, possess all the talents for conducting public affairs, which are necessary to insure a wise and faithful administration.
When the French were abandoned by La Fayette and Dumourier, every one cried out, their cause is ruined! They are undone! Our citizens were looking for news that the Austrians had marched to Paris. Yet when one general was out of
the way, another succeeded of no less talents—and another—and another.
Characters are created by circumstances. We venerate a Washington, and Adams, a Pendleton, a Jay, an Elsworth; but if these men had been never known, other men would have been called to act their part, and with equal celebrity.
The Democrats boast of a Jefferson, a Clinton, a Madison. These men are of distinguished reputation certainly—but if these men did not exist, their places would be filled with men of equal talents. There are, at this moment, in the United States, two hundred thousand men, who, with the same education, and opportunities of action, would completely fill the places of any fifty of the most illustrious men this country has produced. They live and will die in obscurity, solely because they have not the means of improving and exerting their minds. The democrats exalt their Man Jefferson to the heavens,—but incessant encomiums throw around him a glare of character, a false splendor, that deceives his advocates. They will find he is a mere man—and no wiser nor better than thousands of others.
The federalists cry out—we are ruined! In reply, let it be inculcated, that the man who utters the sentiment, degrades himself and his country. To suppose it in the power of one man or twenty to ruin a country, is a farcasm on all others and a reproach that deserves censure. A change of administration may create evils—but little do men think how small are the evils of the worst administration compared with the mass of strength, virtue and prosperity of a nation.
Away with such language—the whinings of meanness and cowardice!—If our anxious souls would rail less and study more , they would have a chance of doing their country some good; or at least they would give the public less trouble.—Their anxiety calls to mind the saying of the Spartan king Agis who, being told that the laws were infringed and Sparta ruined , replied, smiling, "This is doubtless true; for when I was a boy, I heard my father say that when he was a boy he heard my grandfather say the same thing." N. Y. Com. Adv.
From the Middlesex Gazette. —A Connecticut paper printed at Middletown.
Messrs. Bunnings,
The importance of naval commerce to the United States, and to this state is not duly appreciated by the most sanguine among us. On Connecticut river have been built, during the past year, about 11,000 tons of shipping. The surveyor of this port has measured 5,600 tons; and two surveyors in Hartford and Saybrook, it is calculated, cannot have measured short of 4,400 tons. The value of shipping is say £. 10 per ton. Of this two thirds may be considered as produced by materials supplied in the state by the services of those employed in building. If we multiply the number of tons by £. 6 the product will be £. 66,000—an astonishing sum to be derived from ship building in one year, on Connecticut river. To this add the numbers of vessels built on the numerous rivers and streams in the state and the product will amaze all who have not paid particular attention to the subject.
ISLAND OF ORMUS.
A gentleman in the suit of colonel Malcolm, who was lately deputed by the Supreme government of India, as Ambassa-
dor to the court of Persia, gave the following account of the once celebrated Ormus, in a letter lately received by the last ship.
"The Portuguese, under Albuquerque, took possession of this island in 1507, and were expelled by Shah Abbas, with the assistance of the English, in 1622. It was at that time the emporium of the East, and was supposed to be the richest mart in the world; it shortly, however, fell into decay in the hands of the Persians; and when Thevenot visited it in 1665, it was a place of little or no importance.
When we arrived here on the 14th of March, the appearance of the place was an oblong fort, which was built by the Portuguese, and has lately received considerable repairs from Imaum of Muscat, who obtained possession of it about four years ago. It is situated on a narrow neck of land jetting into the sea, by which the walls are washed on the northern and eastern fronts. To the east and south it has a ditch, about eight feet deep and fifteen yards broad, which is filled by the tide.
"On the outside are a few straggling huts, forming a Pettah, round which they are at present building a slight wall, flanked by round towers, at equal distances. A chain of hills run across the Island, at the distance of about a mile and a half from the fort; the whole ground is one continued ruin: and from all appearance, there has been formerly a large city, from four to five miles in circumference, of which not a single house is standing.—What is peculiarly singular is, that not a spring of fresh water is to be found in the island, which is fifteen miles in circumference; every house had formerly a cistern, which caught the rain as it fell from the clouds.
PORT OF ALEXANDRIA.
ARRIVED.
Sloop Eliza, Eveleth, Norfolk.
CLEARED.
Ship Hannah, Stephens, Barbadoes.
Sch'r Betsey, Gilpin, do.
Polly, Penny, Martinique.
Polly, Adams, Boston.
St. Andrew's Society.
THE Members of the Saint Andrew's Society are requested to attend a stated quarterly meeting at Gadby's Hotel, on Tuesday evening next, (17th instant) at 6 o'clock, P. M.
By order of the President.
Wm. BARTLEMAN, Sec.
February 12.
Washington Society.
THE Members of the ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON SOCIETY are hereby notified, that a regular stated meeting of the said Society will be held at Gadby's Hotel, on Monday the 23d instant, at 10 o'clock A. M. and it is earnestly requested that the members will be punctual in their attendance, as there is some necessary business to be transacted.
The Society will move in procession with such others as chuse to join, at 12 o'clock, from the Court-House square to the Presbyterian Meeting-House, where an Oration will be delivered by the Revd. Mr. Maffett, commemorative of the distinguished merits of the illustrious Washington.
The Society will dine together on that day, at Gadby's, agreeable to a resolve at the last quarterly meeting.
By order of the President.
G. DENEALE, Sec'ry.

FOR SALE  GROUND On the corner of Queen and Fairfax streets, extending 123 feet 2 inches on Queen street, 45 feet 8 inches on Fairfax street: this property is liable to no incumbrance. For terms apply to Mr. John Green, Alexandria, or Mr. Hezekiah Price, Old-Town, Baltimore. Liberal credit will be allowed for the payment. January 2. eo18t
PROSPECTUS OF A NEW, WEEKLY, LITERARY PUBLICATION, ENTITLED  CHILD OF PALLAS. DEVOTED MOSTLY TO THE BELLES LETTRES. BY CHARLES PRENTISS.
Quid sit pulchrum, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non, docet. HORACE.
To the Patrons of Literature, and the Promoters of useful and rational Entertainment.
To you this child of expectation looks up anxiously for the indulgent smiles of encouragement and support.
As modesty well becomes the infancy of a life which she hopes will be long, pleasant and useful, it were unnecessary to prejudice friends in her favour, by faithless declarations of great future performances: to the discerning therefore it will be only proper to observe, that, added to her personal decency of garb, she hopes her intellectual accomplishments will be such as to engage general favor and esteem.
She engages not to be the tell-tale of slander, or of individual reflections. Her disposition shall be innocent; and in the exercise of candor to others she presumes that by them the mantle of charity will be kindly thrown over any foibles or blemishes, which may inadvertently arise from her youth or inexperience. Her countenance will be sometimes overcast with anger and the indignant frowns of reproof, when combating the inauspicious aspect of vice, and the baneful force of fashionable crime, and the menacing weapons of wickedness of every shape. On the trifling or immoral whims of crazy custom, she will occasionally throw a smile of beneficial effect, and not unfrequently occasion a merry but useful laugh.
Happy in using her little utmost to render more firm the pillars of government and supporters of society, of the sacred and lovely charms of religion and virtue, whose separate existence she deems incompatible, she will be a constant admirer and warm advocate.
She has no creed in politics, and with her opinions on that subject, she is determined never to trouble the reader.
To the Fair, who justly claim, and will ever receive, her fervent considerations of esteem and affection, she hopes to become a little closet confident, a much loved friend and adopted sister. To many a pretty tale she will cause them to listen, and while amusing the fancy, slyly convey the moral to the heart.
Sensible of the unfavourable reception which has constantly attended similar attempts, heretofore, in America, she trembles with fearful apprehensions, lest she, like her predecessors, should be left to pine
away a short existence in the old and distant valley of unanxious neglect, or having suffered for a time the rude blasts of uncandid criticism and severe reproach, without a parent or a friend, die at last the hapless infant of abortive presumption; but animated with perhaps an inconsiderate hope, she looks forward to the day of strength and respect, from the guardian attention and assiduity of, THE EDITOR.
You hear the plea; it is made to discerning and liberal citizens, who cannot but be sensible of the many advantages resulting from a publication of this nature; if it inculcate principles of virtue; if it mingle improvement or amusement and moral lessons with entertainment. The parent must be sensible that works of this kind are always perused with avidity by the younger branches of the family; let him not then neglect every favourable opportunity of giving them instruction in the gratification of their wills.
Of stale or insipid extracts, it is presumed the reader will never complain. One half at least, of every week's publication shall be original matter. With political transactions it will have no other connection, than a short and impartial summary of events in the last page.
The Sons and Daughters of Apollo, gentlemen of talents, learning and leisure, are cordially and respectfully invited, to make it the repository of their various lucubrations.
CONDITIONS.  I. The price to subscribers will be one Dollar per volume; to be paid at the close of every eighth week.  II. Each volume to consist of eight numbers, or 288 pages.  III. Postmasters and others, who subscribe for six, shall be entitled to a seventh, gratis. 
Subscriptions received at the Office of the ALEXANDRIA ADVERTISER.
The Members of the Alexandria Library Company will please to take notice, that an Election will be held at the Council Chamber on Monday the 16th instant, at 3 in the afternoon, for a President and eleven Directors for the Company for the ensuing year, agreeable to the act of incorporation.
They will also please to observe that the library is removed to a convenient room in the central part of King-street, at the rear of Mr. William Gird, watchmaker, and nearly opposite Mr. Lawrence Hooff's.
JAMES KENNEDY, sen. Librarian. King-street, Feb. 2. zwmw&f
FOR SALE, The large three story Brick WAREHOUSE, with the two story frame one adjoining, on the next lot to the north-east corner of King-street.
For size, strength, convenience and goodness of stand, this property is certainly the best in town. For terms, apply in Baltimore to Messrs. Martin & Fausfret, and in Alexandria to the subscriber: Who will Rent
The three story brick Warehouse adjoining, formerly occupied by Mr. John Ridley. A. CHARLES CAZENOVE. February 2. eo3m
FOR SALE,  TURK'S ISLAND SALT, Now landing from the Schooner Neptune, Capt. Coleman. Cash will be given for a few Alexandria Bank Shares Apply to WILLIAM I. HALL.
Just Received A Consignment of the following articles. Cotton in bales, Russia Canvass, Brown Rolls, Hessians, Oude Cassahs, China Custers, Baftas, English and India Lutestrings, Black Florentines, Sprig'd and plain jaconet Mullins, Ladies' Shoes, &c. &c. Which, together with several articles on hand, viz. Loaf, lump & brown Sugar, Young Hyson, Souchong, and Hyson-skin } TEAS, Allum Salt, Liverpool do. in bulk and sacks, German Oznaburgs, Flanders Sheeting, Cloths, Writing and wrapping Paper, &c. Will be sold low for Cash, or bartered for Flour, Corn or Tobacco. Hewes & Milner. February 2. eo
Property for Sale.
Two hundred and forty acres of excellent FARMING LAND, lying in the county of Loudoun, about 14 miles from Leesburg, and one mile from the turnpike road leading from thence to Snicker's Gap, being part of Scotland Tract, formerly belonging to Mr. W. Nelson.
A HOUSE and LOT in Leesburg, possessed by Mr. Dawson, merchant.
A HOUSE and LOT eligibly situated, in Fairfax-street, Alexandria, in the possession of Mr. Charles Jones, coachmaker.
A LOT in Dumfries, on which are built a strong and commodious brick dwelling house and a kitchen, stable and granary—in the occupancy of Mr. Esme Smock. This messuage, from its vicinity to the creek and other local properties, is well calculated for a person in the grain or tobacco business.
If the two first mentioned properties are not previously disposed of by private bargain, they will be exposed to public sale at Mrs. Myers's tavern, in Leesburg, on the 9th day of March next, being the first day of Loudoun county court.
For terms, application may be made to Mr. Thomas Harrison, Dumfries, or to COLIN AULD, Cameron-street, Alexandria. February 2. mw&f
Liverpool Salt for Sale.
Just landing from on board the ship Success, Capt. King,  STOVED SALT, in sacks and bulk. Also, a few hundred bushels of Liverpool Coal. Wm. I. HALL. Merchants' Wharf, Jan. 29. d
Ricketts, Newton & Co. Have just received and for Sale, at the corner store, opposite John Fanney's, the following GOODS —wholesale and retail, for Cash and Produce:  Superfine and 2d Cloths Blue Plains do. Frizes do. Kerseys White, yellow and green Flannels do. do. do. Baizes Rose and duffel Blankets Durants, Camblets and Wildbores Russells and Antiloons Cotton and linen Checks Kerseymeres and Swandowns Velvets, Thicksets and Cords A handsome assortment of Dimities Mens' and Womens' cotton Hose do. silk do. Black Crape White and black silk and beaver Gloves Modes, Sattins and Persians Sewing Silks Calicoes and Chintzes Russia Sheeting and Irish Linens. They have also,  Brown Sugar by the hhd. and barrel, loaf and lump do. and a quantity of Plaister of Paris. They give Cash for  Wheat, Rye and Corn. Left by capt. Mortimore, of the Baltimore packet, at their warehouse, sundry Mill Irons—The owner is requested to take them away. January 31. d
LAST NOTICE.
Whereas a Commission of bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against Elisha Cullen Dick, of the town of Alexandria, and he having surrendered himself to the major part of the commissioners named in the said commission, at the Washington tavern in Alexandria, on the 31st day of January last, when and where he underwent his second examination; he is therefore required again to attend at the said tavern, on Friday the 20th day of this present month, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to undergo his final examination, when and where the creditors of the said Elisha Cullen Dick, either in his separate capacity or as one of the firm of James Mease M'Rea and Company, may attend to prove their debts—at which time and place the creditors aforesaid are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate—and to choose assignees.
All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or who may have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners may appoint, but to give notice to
HENRY MOORE, Secretary to the Commission. February 3. d
An Accommodation Stage
Will leave Bailey's Ferry, opposite Alexandria, every morning at 9 o'clock, and return from Conrad and M'Munn's, City of Washington, at 5 o'clock in the evening. It will commence to-morrow morning. February 9. eo3t
PRINTED BY  S. SNOWDEN & Co. KING-STREET, a few doors above the WASHINGTON TAVERN.