The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1802-05-12 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,
AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. II.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. CXXXVI.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th, 1802.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, April 13, 1802.
DEBATE on the bill making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States.
In committee of the whole—Mr. L. R. Morris in the chair.
Mr. Mott moved to amend the 1st sect. that the appropriation of 7,300,000 dollars applied to the annual discharge of the debt until the whole shall be redeemed should be stricken out, and words introduced making such appropriation for two years only.
Mr. Mott said that his reasons for the motion were that 7,300,000 dollars was so large a proportion of the whole revenue of the United States, that an appropriation of that sum for any great length of time might embarrass the operations of the government. Though we are now in a state of peace, we cannot promise ourselves that we shall remain so for ten, fifteen, or twenty years. By the provisions of this bill the commissioners of the sinking fund are to be entrusted with the disposition of this large sum, and not the legislature. He was against reposing this extensive confidence for so great a length of time. He knew no reason for such a measure, but the fear of trusting a subsequent legislature. He was as much in favor of a speedy extinguishment of the public debt, as any man; but he was averse to tying the hands of the legislature in this way. Of the propriety of continuing this appropriation the legislature in existence two years hence will be better judges than we now are, as they will be better acquainted with the situation of the country than we can possibly be.
If we shall be involved in war, we shall be obliged under the provisions of this bill, to incur new loans, or we shall be obliged to raise additional taxes—the collection of which being necessarily very slow, will not save us from the necessity of making loans. To refuse to trust a subsequent legislature must be on the contemplation that such legislature will not be as righteous or virtuous as ourselves; which opinion, Mr. Mott said he could not entertain. For these reasons he hoped his amendment would prevail.
Mr. Randolph. I hope the amendment will not be adopted, and that for the plainest reason that can be assigned, that its adoption will be equivalent to the rejection of the bill. The amendment proposes to limit the appropriation to two years; or, in other words, to make no appropriation at all. For by a recurrence to the report of the secretary of the treasury it will be seen that the necessary reimbursement of the public debt for the ensuing two years requires within about 200,000 dollars of the 7,300,000 dollars, proposed to be appropriated by this bill.
The gentleman says, and I agree with him in the opinion, that future congresses will be as wise as we are, and equally competent to provide for the discharge of the public debt. Those legislatures may lay the same thing of their successors, and in this way provision will never be made. The great question now is whether congress will now provide for paying the public debt, for which payment there is at present no adequate provision. Whether this bill be passed or not, you must pay above seven millions. By passing it, you make no new appropriation; you only provide for paying that which you are already pledged to pay. It is true, that you may incur new loans, or you may prolong old ones to pay the installments becoming due; but I hope the committee will not agree to do this. I trust that the committee will be of opinion that this is the time to take efficient measures for the discharge of the whole debt.
The gentleman fears that the government may be hereafter embarrassed by this large appropriation. On what are his apprehensions founded? Is it apprehended that the revenue beyond the 7,300,000 will not be equal to the current expenditure of the government? If such are his apprehensions, he ought not to have let go the old taxes which we have recently taken off, and he ought to be ready to lay new ones. But have we not reason to believe that the revenue will be equal to the calls of the government, when it is recollected that our duties on imports amount to 9,300,000 dollars?
Instead of devoting to the payment of the debt, the surplus above the expendi-
tures of the government, it is proposed by this bill to give to the commissioners of the sinking fund a definite sum, which shall not be affected by the expenses of the government. Gentlemen will see, by documents on the table, what these surpluses have been under the old system. It will appear that the expenditure has in many cases exceeded the receipts.
It is certainly true that occurrences may take place that shall call for resources beyond our total revenue. But does it follow that government, under such circumstances, will be hampered by this provision? One million two hundred thousand dollars only is granted beyond the sum already appropriated, which may be considered as vested in the sinking fund. The expedient therefore of limiting the appropriation does not limit our resources; and a provision is introduced into the bill to derive from the sum of 7,300,000 dollars, the expenses incurred under treaties, if it shall be necessary; thus providing for a contingent defalcation of revenue. But if the situation of the country shall be such as to render it necessary to provide for a great defalcation, these provisions will not check us—we must borrow money. What then will be our situation? We shall be paying 1,200,000 dollars with one hand, while we are borrowing a large sum with the other.
The sole effect of the operation effected by this bill during this and the ensuing year will be to take a certain portion of the revenue and apply it to the discharge of the debt, leaving the balance to meet the expenses of the government, instead of first paying the expenses of the government, and then applying the surplus to the sinking fund.
If there shall be a great emergency, will the people have any objection to the imposition of necessary taxes, or to the making loans? When I speak of a great emergency, I allude entirely to war, as no other emergency can happen which shall require great expenditures.
Let us take a case which has already occurred. Exclusive of the 6 per cent interest which we are bound to pay, we engaged to pay annually 2 per cent on the principal. Circumstances occurred, which called for greater sums than the amount of our revenue. If then the money devoted to this purpose had not been vested in the sinking fund, it would have been a resource for navies and armies. We now propose to make the same provision for the deferred and other stock. What would have been the effect upon our stock, if the same provision had been heretofore made, which is now proposed by the gentleman from New-Jersey? We might perhaps have had two per cent instead of 18 redeemed.
A great effect of this appropriation will be to insure an economical disbursement of the public money, which will be sufficient for every purpose of government, in case a great emergency does not arise. And should such an emergency arise, can the committee suppose that a nation, which has taken such steps for the establishment of her credit, will be at a loss to borrow money? And money you must borrow, if such emergency shall occur; for in case of a war, the first gun fired will cost you more than 1,200,000 dollars, the additional sum appropriated by this bill. It will also be remarked that the sole object of this bill is to provide for the redemption of the public debt the ensuing years after this and the next year, and if the effects of the peace do not disable us from complying with our engagements in 1802, and 1803, it is clear that we shall be able to apply to the further payment of the debt the same sum thereafter.
I believe the committee will have little difficulty in agreeing that if the whole revenue that can be spared shall be applied to the extinguishment of the debt, the situation of the United States will be more advantageous than if such application had not been made. The national credit must thereby be increased, which will rise in proportion to our ability and disposition to pay. But if we now refuse to make a permanent, irrepressible provision for all the debt, which the full administration has wisely done in relation to a part, then we may hereafter at a critical period be obliged to borrow at an interest, perhaps, of 10 or 12 per cent.
I regard this bill as involving a principle more important than any which has been adopted by this government, or which is likely to be adopted, for many years. I regard the motion now made as its death warrant; as it goes to deprive it of its vital principle—that of guarding the application of the resources of the government to the diminution
of the debt, unless in the case of a great crisis. It is true that in such a case, you cannot touch the revenue which is now pledged; but you can borrow more; and wherein consists the difference between applying your ordinary revenue to the discharge of the debt, and creating by loan an equivalent debt; and the applying the ordinary revenue in the first instance, to the current expenses of the government? The effect is precisely the same.
The question was then taken on the amendment of Mr. Mott, which was lost without a division.
Mr. Griswold moved to strike out the 4th section, which authorizes the commissioners of the sinking fund, with the approbation of the President to reloan any of the installments of the Dutch debt becoming due.
Mr. Griswold said he did not know any necessity for reloaning the foreign debt. The installment due this year amounts to above two millions of dollars. This installment, we are told by the gentleman from Virginia, has been already remitted. The installment due the next year amounts to 2,347,000 dollars; that due on the ensuing year is short of two millions. Now, we have in the treasury three millions of specie—where then can be the difficulty of remitting under these circumstances? The bill purports to be a bill for extinguishing the whole debt; and yet here is a provision to perpetuate it. I hope the section will be stricken out, and that no further authority will be given to extend the debt.
Mr. Randolph. I believe the gentleman from Connecticut on reconsidering the reasons which he has assigned will be averse to striking out this section. Let us recur to the report of the secretary of the treasury—he therein says:
“The inconvenience of paying the large installments of Dutch debt, which fall due this and the ensuing years, is much increased by the obligation of discharging them abroad, on account both of the injury arising from such considerable portion of the circulating capital of the United States being thus drawn abroad, and of the difficulty and risk which attach to the purchase of so large an amount of remittances. Although those difficulties must be met, if they cannot be obviated, it seems proper to adopt every measure which may diminish them. The plan, contemplated by the act of the 3d March, 1798, of converting that debt into a domestic debt, has heretofore been found impracticable, and from the latest advices, the event of peace absolutely precludes any expectation of its being carried into effect.”
The gentleman has offered one of the strongest reasons, which could have been assigned, for retaining this provision of the bill, and that is, that the installment due on the ensuing year exceeds two millions. Wherefore object, instead of making payment of the Dutch debt in the existing installments, some of which are extremely burdensome, and others as trivial, to paying it in equal installments, and to applying the difference between the amount to be paid and that actually paid, to the extinguishment of the debt at home? By this means the discharge of the debt will be as rapidly going on, and the ultimate period of payment will not be protracted.
It is a fact that the difficulty and danger of payment abroad are much greater than at home, as clearly appears in the case of Fulwar Skitney recently before the House. In the transaction to which that case refers the secretary of the treasury encountered such difficulty in obtaining remittances, that he was obliged to contract for the purchase of bullion at a loss of 4,000 dollars. This difficulty is at present great, and it is likely to increase. It is so great that the bank of the United States, though highly disposed to aid the fiscal operations of the government, and notwithstanding the offer to lodge the money with them six months before the payment is to be made abroad, have formally declared they cannot undertake the agency. Now, after the opinion of the bank of the United States, who must be so much better acquainted with the necessary arrangements attending the remittance of money, than any member on this floor, I must be permitted to take their opinion as better authority than the opinion of the gentleman from Connecticut. It is not somewhat surprising, that under these circumstances the gentleman from Connecticut is exposed to giving to the government a facility to comply with its engagements, not in the least degree calculated to impair a speedy discharge of the public debt.
The gentleman says that in this bill professing to discharge the whole debt, there is a clause giving perpetuity to it. It is to be presumed that the gentleman has read the bill. If so, I cannot reconcile the avowal of such an opinion with the intelligence and discernment of that gentleman. The gentleman knows that the Dutch debt, consisting of six installments, is to be paid within six years. He knows too that this provision does not delay, but only equalizes them.
Mr. S. SMITH. I am not fully acquainted with the contents of the bill, and when the gentleman from Connecticut was up, I felt disposed to consider this provision for a reloan as unnecessary; but the arguments of the gentleman from Virginia have convinced me that it is necessary, and that the operation may be a good fit operation. The fund resulting from the reexportation of imported articles will in a great measure cease with the war; and we will of course be thrown on reliance on the reports of our own articles. These for the past year do not amount to more than 33 millions. From the fund derived from these, we will be obliged to pay the value of our imports, and the additional sum for bills of exchange to the amount of these two millions of Dutch debt. This extraordinary demand for bills of exchange will probably raise them 5 per cent.
There will therefore on the purchase of two millions in bills be a charge of 10,000 dollars. The like occasion for bills existing for three years will add one fifteenth part to the whole demand. It may therefore be good policy to vest in the commissioners, subject to the control of the President, in case the price of bills should be injuriously high, a power to reloan any part of these installments.
Mr. GRISWOLD. I think I cannot be mistaken in the effect of this provision in perpetuating the debt—a provision that authorizes the commissioners of the sinking fund, with the approbation of the President, when installments become due on the Dutch debt to reloan them for six years. The commissioners and the President may, if they see fit, reloan the whole sum becoming due this year, and so on, and thus perpetuate the debt with new charges; and a premium in addition to the ordinary charges. The bill provides that the interest shall not exceed 5 per cent. and the premium one per cent.—so that the amount may be 6 per cent. interest, which shall continue for six years; and then if you are not ready to pay, I suppose you must go again upon new loans. I am against such a provision, and in favor of that which shall immediately discharge the debt as it falls due.
Nor do I think there will be any inconvenience attending the operation. The secretary of the treasury has remitted the whole of the installment due this year. He has now in the treasury a specie balance of three millions, with which to pay the two installments of about two millions each, due for the two ensuing years. Saying there is a difficulty to remit, with this sum in the treasury, is, I conceive, saying a very strange thing. I believe the remittance will be perfectly easy, and that it can be better made in peace than war. The difficulty, in the case alluded to, arose altogether from the war. In times of peace there can be no difficulty in remitting. We ought therefore to avail ourselves of the present period of peace; we are possessed of ample funds; and though the immediate payment of the debt may subject us to some little inconvenience, I think it is better to submit to that, than to postpone the payment. I know that the millions reloaned might be applied to the reduction of the domestic debt; but I deem it most important to extinguish the foreign debt.
For these reasons, I do say that the tendency of this section is to perpetuate the foreign debt; and though according to the provisions of this bill, the prolongation can only be for six years, yet at the expiration of that time some new cause may exist for a new loan, and another provision to the like effect be introduced.
Mr. RANDOLPH. With regard to the zeal of the gentleman from Connecticut to extinguish the debt, I suppose it is sufficiently great; but when that gentleman alludes to the whole sum due this year being paid, the committee will pay more attention to the zeal and activity of the Secretary of the Treasury as at least equal to the zeal and activity of that gentleman. Now the Secretary of the Treasury, who has demonstrated his zeal by substantial acts, which have produced a benefit to the nation, tells you that it is, in his opinion, necessary to equalize the installments of Dutch debt; the gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. S. Smith) whose commercial knowledge no one will deny, tells you that, in his opinion there will be difficulties in obtaining bills of exchange to so large an amount
as will be required to meet the existing installments. The Secretary of the Treasury, though he had engaged all the Banks to obtain the bill (yet from the recent failures, some will no doubt be bad) tells you he has experienced great difficulty. Yet the gentleman from Connecticut tells you there can be no difficulty in making remittances, and insinuates that there exists no necessity for this provision. He says the large sum of two million three hundred thousand dollars may be remitted with facility, immediately after the Secretary says it cannot be effected without difficulty; and after the Bank of the United States have determined that the difficulty and danger attending the operation are so great, that they will not undertake it; and at the same time that they offer to purchase for the government all the good bills they can obtain without a commission. Now on which information am I, an ignorant man, unacquainted with mercantile arrangements, to act—that of the Secretary of the Treasury, who has had the experience derived from the purchase of two millions of bills, and of the Bank of the United States; or that of the gentleman from Connecticut, whose talents and knowledge, however, I feel no disposition to depreciate.
Does the gentleman with the United States to buy good or bad bills; if good on what basis? Or is his zeal so great that he is willing to remit in specie? I believe if he lands on this ground, he will find himself in a small minority.
The demand now made by the Secretary of the Treasury shews by his previous conduct that it is not made with the view that is now assigned. The man, who by his indefatigable diligence, has procured the whole remittances of the present year in one third of the time allowed, proves to you that it is no object with him to retard the operations connected with an extinguishment of the present debt. After contemplating the great exertions made by the Secretary, and witnessing the good that has accrued from them, I will not hesitate to give credit to the report of such an officer. That officer might undertake to remit the installments falling due; he might promise to remit them; but he might, notwithstanding every possible effort, be unable to perform. As therefore he sees that after all his exertions, difficulties may exist which he cannot, inasmuch, like a good officer, he recommends a legal provision for complying with the engagements of the nation. And this is now to be resisted by gentlemen who are not acquainted with the peculiar circumstances that attend the making remittances to Europe. For my part, I know nothing about bills of exchange; but I do know that the secretary from the commencement of the session, has regretted the difficulty of purchasing late bills where with to make remittance.
“The difficulties and risks,” says the secretary, “attaching to the purchase of remittances, and which can only be obtained at a distance from the treasury department, and without any immediate control of any officer of government, may not perhaps be obviated by any means.”
And yet, after this information, gentlemen are prepared to tell the secretary of the treasury, who has been two years employed in making these remittances, and who from experience ought to be presumed to be well acquainted with circumstances, we are better acquainted with the duties of your station than you, and we will not grant your request, though you are of opinion that it is required for the preservation of public credit.
Mr. Bayard. I do not mean on this occasion to question the enlightened pronouncement by the gentleman from Virginia, on the secretary of the treasury, or to say that he is not entitled to our full confidence; but I mean to say, that according to the provisions of his report, the propriety of this provision cannot be maintained. By his first report, it appears that, in his opinion, it was not necessary to reloan the whole of the Dutch debt. He says “the inconvenience and difficulty of procuring remittances to that amount, and the real injury arising from such heavy disbursements abroad, render an extension of the terms of payment by partial re-loans, a desirable object.”
He says “partial re-loans”—the bill before us authorizes a reloan of the whole Dutch debt. The secretary goes on—“All that seems wanted is, that the gross amount of payments which are to take place during the eight next years, should be more equably apportioned amongst those years.”
Now, according to this report, the bill before us is improper. But, in my opinion, it can be demonstrated that it

as good policy as soon as practicable to pay off the whole of this foreign debt. We are told by the Secretary that we have the power to pay it off. We do not know that we shall the next year have the power. Before that time we may be involved in war, and then we shall not be able to pay it. Now we have the power. I ask then whether it is not best now to pay it, than to trust to contingencies which may prostrate our public faith. I find that for the last year nearly the same sum was remitted as will be required for the year 1803; and what was the impression then made? I do not know any great inconvenience that was then experienced; nor do I know that bills are now higher than they then were. But, even if there should be a small inconvenience, attending the discharge of this debt, I ask whether it would not be proper notwithstanding, to put our builders to the wheel, at this favorable period.
It has been properly remarked by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Griswold) that this provision may augment the debt; for we know that loans cannot be made without additional charges. We cannot therefore see from any information before us, that we should be able to make a reloan for a like sum as that attending a remittance.
If gentlemen will look at the documents on the table, they will see that the Secretary contemplates the extinguishment in 1809 of certain portions of the debt, in which are included the payment of all the instalments of Dutch debt; on this system any reloan will break in.
Upon the whole, as the inconvenience arising is entirely specious, as it is at best possible, and may probably be altogether avoided, I think it best to run the risk, rather than endanger the early payment of the debt.
(Debate to be Continued)
WASHINGTON CITY.
WEDNESDAY, MAR 12, 1802.
On Saturday the 8th of May, a meeting of the settled inhabitants of the City of Washington was held at the Pennsylvania Arms, in consequence of a notification in the National Intelligencer.
GEORGE BLAQDEN, in the chair.
After some discussion it appearing that the notification had not been sufficiently general:
It was resolved,
1st. That another general meeting of the settled inhabitants be called.
2d. That a committee of nine persons be appointed to fix the time and place of meeting, and to advertise the same in the most effectual manner: Whereupon resolved,
That James Hoban, William Duncanson, Henry Ingle, Daniel Brent, Thomas Carpenter, William Duane, C. Stephenson, Griffith Coombe and Thomas Hertey, be the committee.
After which the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the committee, conformably with the foregoing resolutions, at the house of L. Morin, on Monday the 12th inst. the following resolution was agreed to:
Resolved, that all persons residing in the City of Washington, who are entitled to suffrages under the late law of Congress incorporating the inhabitants thereof, be requested to attend at the market-house, near the Tyber, on Monday the 17th inst. at 4 o'clock, P. M. to consider of, and adopt a suitable ticket of persons to represent them in Common Council.
JAMES HOBAN, Chairman.
At a numerous meeting of that part of the inhabitants residing in the eastern part of the City of Washington, at Mr. Skill's hotel, on Monday the 11th of May 1802, at 6 o'clock, P. M.
ROBERT BARNET, in the chair.
The following resolutions were moved and adopted:
Resolved, That six persons be supported by the votes of this meeting, for councilmen, in the corporation of this city, residing on the east side of the bridge leading over Goose Creek, near the new market-house.
Resolved, That each person at this meeting ballot for six persons, residing in the limits comprised within the foregoing resolution; and the six persons proving to have the highest number of votes, on counting them, will be supported by this meeting, at the election to be held on the first Monday in June next.
In consequence of the foregoing resolutions, the meeting proceeded to ballot, when, on ascertaining the result, it was found that the following six had the greatest number of votes, viz.
George Blaqden, James Barry, Daniel Carroll, Benjamin Moore, Robert Brent, and Samuel H. Smith.
Whereupon, it was resolved, that a committee be appointed by the chairman to wait upon the foregoing gentlemen, &
notify to them their nomination as aforesaid.
It was resolved also, that the chairman be authorized to appoint a committee to notify the proceedings of this meeting to any public meeting of the inhabitants in the west end of the city of Washington.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the National Intelligencer.
FEDERAL MISREPRESENTATION.
No. IV.
The address of Mr. Stoddert to the public on the report of the committee of investigation, merits notice from the importance of the document to which it refers. Among the many interesting official papers laid before the public during the last session, that is, perhaps, the most interesting. It commences a review of the monied transactions of the last administration, with the view of exposing those which are illegal, leaving entirely to congress the adoption of such measures as by them may be deemed proper. The nation has called for such a document; and whatever political diversity may have existed, it may be boldly assumed that every honest man has expected it with considerable solicitude. Those who believed the charges made against the former administration to be true expected a substantiation of them from official sources; those who disbelieved them desired a like refutation of them; and those innocent citizens, who may have been improperly inculpated among those who had really infringed the laws, claimed from the justice of the government a line to be drawn between themselves and the latter. The guilty alone wished this information to be suppressed.
Under these circumstances a committee was appointed "to enquire and report whether monies drawn from the treasury have been faithfully applied to the objects for which they were appropriated, and whether the same have been regularly accounted for."
The committee, in obedience to the orders of the house, have made a report in part, containing as much information, as in the time allotted, they could procure, with the result of their investigation as to an adherence to legal appropriations, and a settlement of accounts. The report with the accompanying documents, which are very extensive, contain a great mass of detailed information, with very little implication of opinion. That opinion, however, is expressed with regard to several appropriations in relation to the navy department under the direction of Mr. Stoddert, who is considered by the committee as having misapplied monies appropriated to the building of six 74's to the purchase of six navy yards.
Such is the opinion of the committee, That it is an honest opinion no man but Mr. Stoddert can doubt, and that it is a correct opinion the committee have conclusively established.
It is, however, this part of the report which has called forth Mr. Stoddert's address to the public.
It is impossible for the writer of these remarks to imitate the style of Mr. Stoddert, who charges the committee with having made foul aspersions on men of fair fame; with having suppressed his explanatory letter, that the poison it was their purpose to infuse into the public mind should not be attended by its antidote; with having excited the abhorrence of the minority of the committee; with having indulged party rancour. The writer will only say that such inflammatory language, defaming the motives and characters of a respectable committee of the house of representatives, does not in the least degree vindicate the character of Mr. Stoddert, if his character requires vindication, much less does it prove the legality or expediency of his official acts. On party men it may have influence; by exciting their passions at the expense of their understanding, it may be calculated upon that in proportion to the ascendancy of the former will be the weakness of the latter. But with unprejudiced men, with the American nation, such unprovoked crimination will be only injurious to him who applies it.
The single point, stated by the committee and controverted by Mr. Stoddert, is, did he, as secretary of the navy, purchase for the sum of 135,846 dollars six navy yards without being authorized by law, and without an appropriation of money therefor.
The committee say that he did; and in corroboration of their opinion they refer, 1. To the following acts, (under which Mr. Stoddert contends himself to have been authorized) which is published for the satisfaction of the reader:
"Be it enacted, That under the orders of the President of the United States, and in addition to the naval armament already authorized by law, there shall be built within the United States, six ships of war, of a size to carry, and which shall be armed with not less than seventy-four guns each: and there shall be built or purchased within the United States, six sloops of war, of a size to carry, and which shall be armed with eighteen guns each, or not exceeding that force: all
which ships and vessels shall be procured, manned and employed as soon as may be, for the service of the United States. And in part of the necessary expenditure to be incurred herein, a sum not exceeding one million of dollars, shall be, and is hereby appropriated, and shall be paid out of any monies which shall be in the treasury of the United States, not otherwise appropriated."
2. They state that another act was passed on the same day with the above, authorizing the President to erect two docks, appropriating therefor 50,000 dollars.
3. They state that antecedent to the purchase of the six navy yards, public ships had been built without such yards belonging to the public.
In reply Mr. Stoddert says, "he will not labour to establish a self-evident proposition;" that there is not a man of common sense in the United States who will not consider the power to purchase navy yards as resulting from the authority to build 74's—and that money has been saved to the public by the purchase.
Is there any reasoning in this? Is there any thing more than lofty assertion? The assertion too, not of a disinterested individual; but of one who considers his character involved in the establishment of his opinions.
The report of the committee is so conclusive that little need be added to it.
The law of 1799, authorized the building of 6 seventy-fours to be procured, manned and equipped as soon as may be; appropriating therefor one million of dollars. Is it conceivable that the authority to build 6 seventy-fours could include the authority to purchase six navy yards? When the fact is that they could have been built without the purchase of a single yard, when the fact is that the yard previously existing in Philadelphia was sufficiently large. Mr. Stoddert contends that he had a right to use the width of discretion; but congress thought and laid differently. They limited that discretion; knowing how liable it was to abuse, they controlled it. They said six seventy-fours shall be built; proper timber shall be purchased for them; two docks shall be bought—but they did not say 6 navy yards shall be purchased, for which 135 000 dollars were given, and which cannot be completed for less than some hundreds of thousands of dollars. Having but a certain sum to apply to a specific object, they designated that object—they designated at the same time other objects of a naval nature, and their failure to designate navy yards is conclusive proof that the purchase of them was not in their contemplation.
Suppose Mr. Stoddert warranted in his construction, and what follows?
It follows that a specific appropriation is unavailable.
It follows that it will be no restraint upon any expenditure, however wanton, of public money.
It follows that money appropriated to one object may by the executive be diverted to another.
It follows that a power given to do one thing may mean a power to do another thing, even opposite to the thing named.
It follows that when congress ordered one million to be laid out in building seventy-fours, the secretary of the navy had the power, and did exercise it, to lay out a great part, and might have expended the whole, in the purchase and erection of useless navy yards—thereby defeating entirely the object of congress.
It follows, in short, that the executive may undo what the legislature has done—thus placing itself above either the restraints or the directions of law.
NEW-YORK ELECTION.
The following gentlemen are elected representatives in Congress:—
For the county of Columbia, H. W. Livingston, federal, is elected. He had 1619 votes—Mr. Van Nels, republican, had 1508 votes.
K. K. Van Rensselaer, federal, is re-elected.
George Tibbets, federal, is elected for Rensselaer county.
John Williams, federal, is elected for Washington county.
It may be important to state, for the information of some of the citizens of Washington, that the city is divided into four wards, which are formed by the intersection of the Pennsylvania Avenue by Sixth-street. Thus, that part of the city to the east of Sixth-street and north of the Avenue forms one ward; that to the west of Sixth-street and north of the Avenue forms a second ward; that to the east of Sixth-street and south of the Avenue forms a third ward; and that to the west of Sixth-street and south of the Avenue forms the last ward.
By the Concord Republican, we learn, that it is ascertained beyond all manner of doubt, that there will be a majority of Republicans in both Houses of the next New-Hampshire Legislature!
In the British House of Commons, on the 18th March, the chancellor of the exchequer brought up an account of the American vessels detained by Sir
Charles Grey and Admiral Jarvis in the West-Indies at the commencement of the war.
FOR THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
TO THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON CITY.
The writer wishes to address a few observations on the subject of their approaching political organization. He is one who venerates the will of the people—the of the majority, and thinks in all cases that it ought to be the rule of action in making elections, and ought to govern those elected.
The writer attended the meeting on Saturday evening last, at Morin's tavern, and was happy when there to find that a majority of the mechanics and other citizens were only anxious to discover a path to lead them to the wished for object, an expression of the will of the majority. He was at the same time sorry to find so little union in opinion as to the path which should be followed. He is however very happy that a general meeting of the inhabitants of the city is to be called, and takes the liberty which he believes every citizen entitled to, of proposing measures to be pursued in such meeting.
The first thing, after the appointment of a chairman and clerk, should be to consider of the propriety or impropriety of excluding from a voice in the meeting those who have not paid taxes in this city. This idea requires an apology; it was suggested by an objection made in the meeting at Morin's, to have any person vote in that meeting but those who had paid taxes. Is a man then to be disfranchised by the neglect of the assessors, or because he has not his receipt for the payment of his tax in his pocket? I trust such a scrutiny will never again be suggested, in a liberal meeting. It is true the corporation law has excluded the vote of some of our best citizens, they not having been here long enough, or having not thrown their property into a taxable situation the year past;—this exclusion not enough! Shall they be further debarred the privilege of consulting with their neighbours, who shall represent them; for they are, in common with those who have paid a tax, to be represented.
I should next like to see proposed, that a committee from 8 to 12 be appointed in each of the wards of the city, to make themselves acquainted with the most suitable characters for members of the city council. These committees should be appointed by the ballots of the citizens present. The committees then appointed should agree upon a time and place for a joint meeting, when and where they should proceed, not by nomination, but by ballot to elect 12 of their fellow citizens to be supposed as candidates for the members of the city council. Another general meeting of the inhabitants of the city should then be convened, and the report of the ward committees should be made, and adopted, or rejected in part or in whole, as the majority of the general meeting may determine.
A list of candidates produced by this process will be most likely to be the men under whose superintendence the affairs of the city will prosper.
The idea suggested of nominating in a numerous meeting, a list of three or four times the number of candidates which can be elected, and leaving it to themselves in conclave to strike out of the list all but the legal number, I view to be highly improper. In addition to the opportunity it gives to exercise intrigue and unfair influence, it must be hurting to the feelings of most gentlemen to be excluded from a list into which they have been placed as candidates. The number of the ward committees being three or four times greater than the list of candidates need to be, all or a part of the candidates may, with propriety, be elected from the committees.
HONESTUS.
Extract of a letter from Chester Town, (Maryland,) April 28, 1802.
"An instance of voluntary abstinence has lately taken place, perhaps unparalleled. An infant person, named Horatio Seney, of Church-Hill, in Queen Anne's county, Maryland, a few days ago completed a fast of forty-four days! being determined (as he frequently declared) to out-fast our blessed Saviour."
"During this whole period, he suffered nothing to pass his lips but pure water:—No perfumation whatever could prevail on him to mix milk with it. Meat, bread, &c. were repeatedly put in his way, that he might take it by stealth—it remained untouched."
"On the morning of the forty-fifth day he broke his fast by eating one perch and two mouthfuls of hominy—observing, that as his last meal was fish, his first should be the same. After this, in going to the door, he fell down—was taken up and put to bed; the next day he took half a cup of coffee, and one small biscuit, which was the last food he partook of. A short time after this, perhaps one hour, he expired."
"During this wonderful fast, he rode about as usual; exhibiting a most horrid spectacle—his bones nearly through his
skin, his lips shrunk so as to discover his teeth and gums complete. He was perfectly harmless, never having injured any one; he was therefore suffered to go at large. He was also remarkable for a retentive memory."
Boston May 4, 1802.
We are authorized to state, that Samuel Cabot, Esq. has been recently instructed by the President of the United States to repair to London, for the execution certain duties before the Board of Commissioners acting there under the 7th article of the British treaty. Such of the claimants as have documents to transmit, and are disposed to be availed of this opportunity, are requested to cause the same to be forwarded without delay, to No. 22, Long Wharf, where they will be duly attended to.
New-York, May 7.
The ship Batley, Capt. Allyn, arrived at this port yesterday, in 40 days from Liverpool. She left Liverpool on the 27th of March, and brings London papers to the 23d, at which time no account had been received of the signing of the definitive treaty. The articles, we understand, were agreed upon early in March; and the signature was deferred only until the return of a courier who had been despatched from Amiens to London.
The activity which had for some time prevailed in the British ports was considerably relaxed by order of the government; and this circumstance encouraged the hope that the negotiations had terminated amicably.
A letter received by a gentleman in Salem, from the Cape of Good Hope, dated January 19, 1802, observes, "The English have given up the Cape to the Dutch; and it is reported here that the English soldiers are to proceed to Madras."
May 8.
The ship Friendship, Davis, arrived at this port last evening from London, which place she left on the 13th March, and the Downs on the 28th. She brings only one paper so late as the 24th, containing no news of importance. While the vessel lay in the Downs one of the passengers read a London paper of the 27th, which mentions that flocks had taken a rise on the supposition that the definitive treaty would be signed on the first of April.
Portland, May 8.
CIRCUIT COURT.
Last Saturday was the day on which the circuit court was, by law, to have sat in this town. The marshal, district attorney, the grand and petit jurors attended; but no judges appeared, nor any clergyman. However, on motion of some present it was moved that the court should be opened in form; this was done by one of the grand jurors, and as much business effected as has ever been transacted at any former federal circuit court in this town.
Norfolk, May 4.
By Capt. Dodsforth, arrived yesterday from St. Thomas's we are informed, that three days before his departure, information was received there that the 10th regiment of blacks, stationed at Dominica had risen on their officers (whites) and massacred them. An express was immediately sent up to Martinique for assistance; a 74 gun ship and a frigate were despatched to restore tranquility; and after cannonading a small fort, which the blacks had taken possession of, for two hours, they were obliged to retire from it, and as they came out 200 of them were shot by troops stationed for that purpose.
Capt. D. further informs, that the March packet had arrived, and brought out orders for the different governors to put the islands in a state to resist the attack which might be made on them; in particular, the governor of the island of the Saints was ordered to compel such of the French as were at that place to quit the island immediately.
Wanted Immediately,
A T William Duane's Printing Office, Washington City A good Ready PRES-MAN.—None need apply but those who can give satisfactory recommendations of their good behaviour
May 12, 1802 ept
NOTICE.
THE subscriber takes the liberty to inform the inhabitants of Washington (who may not attend particularly to that part of the Corporation law respecting the right of suffrage) that until their taxes are paid prior to the first Monday in June next, the day appointed for the election of common council for the City of Washington, they will be deprived of their right of voting. He also informs those who may make it convenient to call on him for the purpose of feeling their dues that he may be seen at his lodgings (at Mr. Johnston's) every day from 5 to 8 o'clock A.M. and on Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 o'clock P.M. at Mr. Rhodes's Little Hotel until the first Monday in June.
WASHINGTON BOYD, Collector for the county of Washington. May 12, 1802. ept

[By Authority.]
By THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS a Treaty between the United States of America and the Chickasaw nation of Indians, was concluded and signed by the commissioners of both nations fully and respectively authorized for that purpose on the twenty-fourth day of October 1801, and was duly ratified and confirmed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate, on the first day of May ensuing, which treaty is in the words following, to wit:—
A TREATY Of reciprocal advantages and mutual convenience between the United States of America and the Chickasaws.
The President of the United States of America, by James Wilkinson brigadier general in the service of the United States, Benjamin Hawkins of North Carolina, and Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, commissioners of the United States, who are vested with full powers, and the Mingos, principal men and warriors of the Chickasaw nation, representing the said nation, have agreed to the following articles.
ARTICLE I. The Mingos, principal men and warriors of the Chickasaw nation of Indians, give leave and permission to the President of the United States of America, to lay out, open and make a convenient wagon road through their land between the settlements of Mero District in the state of Tennessee, and those of Natchez in the Mississippi Territory, in such way and manner as he may deem proper; and the same shall be a high way for the citizens of the United States and the Chickasaws. The Chickasaws shall appoint two different men to serve as assistants, guides or pilots, during the time of laying out and opening the road, under the direction of the officer charged with that duty, who shall have a reasonable compensation for their services: Provided always, that the necessary ferries over the water courses crossed by the said road shall be held and deemed to be the property of the Chickasaw nation.
Art. II. The commissioners of the United States give to the Mingos of the Chickasaws, and the deputation of that nation, goods to the value of seven hundred dollars, to compensate him and them and their attendants for the expense and inconvenience they may have sustained by their respectful and friendly attention to the President of the United States of America, and to the request made to them in his name to permit the opening of the road. And as the persons, towns, villages, lands, hunting grounds, and other rights and property of the Chickasaws, as set forth in the treaties or stipulations heretofore entered into between the contracting parties, more especially in and by a certificate of the President of the United States of America, under their seal of the 5th of July 1794 are in the peace and under the protection of the United States. The commissioners of the United States do hereby further agree, that the President of the United States of America shall take such measures from time to time, as he may deem proper, to assist the Chickasaws to preserve entire all their rights against the encroachments of unjust neighbours, of which he shall be the judge, and also to preserve and perpetuate friendship and brotherhood between the white people and the Chickasaws.
Art. III. The commissioners of the United States may, if they deem it advisable, proceed immediately to carry the first article into operation, and the treaty shall take effect and be obligatory on the contracting parties as soon as the same shall have been ratified by the President of the United States of America, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States.
IN TESTIMONY whereof we, the plenipotentiaries have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals at Chickasaw Bluffs, the twenty-fourth of October, 1801.
JAMES WILKINSON, (L. s.) BENJAMIN HAWKINS, (L. s.) ANDREW PICKENS, (L. s.)
 Chimimimbe X Mingos, (L. s.)  Immumtauhaw, X (L. s.)  Chumumabe, X (L. s.)  George X Colbert, (L. s.)  William X McGillrey, (L. s.)  Onchoomoo, X (L. s.)  Oklotohoo, X (L. s.)  Menkemattahaw, X (L. s.)  Tuskekoopoo, X (L. s.)  William Glover, (L. s.)  Thomas Brown, (L. s.)  William Colbert, W. G. (L. s.)  Mookahopoo, X (L. s.)  Opeh Mautan, (L. s.)  Zefhooptan, (L. s.)  Zelchooppan, (L. s.)  James Underwood, (L. s.) 
WITNESSES:—Samuel Mitchell, Agent to the Chickasaws.
Malcom X Megee, Interpreter to the Chickasaws.
William R. Bootes, Capt. of 3d Reg. and aid-de-camp.
J. B. Walbach, Lieut. and aid-de-camp.
J. Wilson, Lieut. 3d Reg.
NOW THEREFORE, To the end that the said treaty may be observed with good faith on the part of the United States, I have caused the premises to be made public, and I do hereby enjoin and require all persons bearing office, civil or military, within the United States, and all others, citizens or inhabitants thereof, or being within the same, faithfully to observe and fulfil the said treaty and every clause and article thereof.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.
Done at the City of Washington the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two; and of the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America, the twenty-sixth.
TH: JEFFERSON. By the President, JAMES MADISON, Secretary of State.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
[By the Betsey from Liverpool, arrived at New-York.]
LONDON, March 16—15.
Lucien Bonaparte, and the celebrated Carnot, were, in the sitting of the 9th, elected by the Senate, to fill the vacant places to the tribunal.
The negotiations between Austria and France, relative to the occupancy of the Tyrol, are brought to a conclusion. It is decided that the French demi-brigade, or any other which the French government may send to replace it, shall remain in that country until its fate be definitely determined.
The American Treaty Bill was read a third time in the House of Commons, on Monday, and passed.
LONDON, March 19.
Courier offe, Two, P. M. We have just received the Paris papers of the 16th. They contain intelligence of much importance. The following may be considered as the official declaration of the French government with respect to peace:—
Paris, March 15. For these ten days past, all the English journals are crying out like madmen for war. Some orators of the Parliament do not disguise their opinions more. Their heart cuts but gall.
"The First Consul does not wish for Peace." The Ministers, to whom Europe and humanity owe so much, Mr. Addington, Lord Hawkesbury, &c. are imposed upon.
Yet it is now a fortnight, if we may believe persons worthy of credit, since all the articles were agreed upon at Amiens: that the difficulties with respect to drawing up the articles are terminated, and that if it be not signed, it is only that a last courier is expected from London.
What signifies, then the language of these turbulent writers! The advantages which the preliminaries give to Great-Britain are sufficiently great. But the continental power of France must be restrained! Why then did the king and the unanimous voice of the nation ratify the Preliminaries? And if it were necessary to impose upon France continental sacrifices, why, Mr. Grenville, did you not treat when you had allies, when their army was encamped upon the Alps, when the Russian armies were yet doubtful of making a retrograde march, and when La Vendee, till breaking, occupied a portion of the French army? And since you did not think that France was sufficiently enfeebled to attain your end, but still thought you ought to continue the war, it was necessary, Mr. Windham to direct it better; it was necessary that these 25,000 men, who were parading uselessly, and at so much expense, on the coasts of the ocean, and before Cadiz, should have entered Genoa the same day Melas did; it was necessary not to give the hideous and almost unexampled spectacle of bombarding the subject of a king, your ally, even in his capital, without declaration of war, and almost without having sent back his ambassador.
What do you hope for? To renew a coalition. The cannon of Copenhagen has destroyed conditions for 50 years.
What would you then? Pull down the monarchy, whose vile hand has been able to cure a part of the wounds you have inflicted. But at length, if, to assuage your ambition, you should draw your party into an abyss of evils, your nation will soon regret the Preliminaries of London, as it has regretted the armistice of El-Arich. The details of the congress at Amiens plainly show, that the English nation, which holds such a distinguished rank in the world, by their deep and correct sense, and by the liberality of their ideas, must have towards
the First Consul of France a new movement of esteem and benevolence, because they will see, that it has not depended upon him that the peace was not pre-empted, honorable, and eternal. Your passions, love and disgraceful, will be discovered, and you cannot long govern a nation, which spontaneously unites its voice with that of the whole world, to point out the enemies of men.
March 21. Yesterday Dreffings, the Messenger, arrived at Lord Hawkesbury's office with dispatches from Lord Cornwallis; he left Amiens on Thursday. A report prevailed at the Stock Exchange, that the French Minister at the congress, disclaiming all wishes to procrastinate the negotiations had ascribed the delays which have hitherto occurred, in a principal degree to the agent of his Catholic Majesty; and it is added, that he has in the name of the Chief Consul declared, that unless Spain conforms to the basis laid down in the preliminary articles, he will leave her to negotiate for herself, and conclude a peace without a reference or consideration to her interests. The stocks yesterday was rather higher than on the day preceding. Consols opening at 60 1-8, and closed at a quarter.
The opposition with which the French forces in St. Domingo have been encountered is favourable to peace; although we hope it is not such as to warrant any serious apprehension for the ultimate success of the expedition. Had Toussaint submitted to the army of Leclerc, or fallen before it, Bonaparte would have acquired a preponderance of power in the West Indies, which would doubtless have increased his pretensions at Amiens; but now the success of this enterprise, in which the commercial interests of France are so immediately and so anxiously involved, is in a degree dependent on the peace; and whatever might have been the previous disposition of the French Executive, we doubt not that their recent accounts from St. Domingo, have made them anxious for the early conclusion of the peace.
Government appears determined to watch the movement of the French expedition to St. Domingo with more discretion than they evinced in permitting it to sail; for, in addition to the troops which we have already mentioned so have been sent to Jamaica, a brigade is ordered thither from Gibraltar; and several of the regiments recently returned from Egypt to Ireland, and which have been recruited from the Militia corps of that country, are also about to be sent to that Island. The military establishments of most of our West India settlements are likewise to be augmented, to repress the spirit of revolt which has so strongly manifested itself amongst the negroes.
Several of the Beys of Egypt are preparing to oppose the Grand Vizier, who holds himself in readiness to resist their attack. The contest may be expected to be very critical, as the inhabitants of the country are more inclined to favor the Beys than the new Turkish administration.
The Amsterdam Journal confirms the report of the Pacha of Bosnia having joined the standard of the rebellious Pacha of Widdin, and that he was advancing at the head of a numerous army into Romania, and was within 200 miles of Constantinople.
LONDON, March 23.
Mr. Hunter, junr. was not more than between twenty two and twenty three hours in coming from Amiens; one of the most expeditious journeys that was ever performed, and for which the Messenger deserves much praise. His dispatches were of very great importance. A cabinet council was immediately summoned, which sat several hours. As soon as it broke up, Messrs. Hunter and Dreffings were dispatched to Amiens and Paris with the result. The Plenipotentiaries at Amiens are said to be as actively employed as our cabinet. The conference is daily, and are frequently carried on to a late hour at night. How does this activity accord with the assertion of the Monitor , that all the articles had been agreed to, and even the wording of them completed? The following information has been transmitted to us. Upon a subject on which such secrecy has been preserved, we pretend not to pledge ourselves for the perfect accuracy of the statement, but it bears an aspect of great probability.
All the points that had been in discussion were, it is said, settled, and the articles drawn up about three weeks ago. Every body knows that till a treaty is signed, either of the negotiating parties may introduce new matter, if circumstances have occurred to render it necessary. Our ministers saw that the unanimous feeling of the country was against the result of the proceedings at Lyons, and the union of the French and Italian Republics. To induce Bonaparte to abandon his new dignity was hopeless. But as France has placed herself in a situation of increased power since the preliminaries were signed, we had a right to require some equivalent. The country was with the ministers; and Malta, which was to have been under the protection of a third power, is said to have
been demanded in full sovereignty to us. Bonaparte demurred, but situated as he is with respect to St. Domingo, and not ignorant of the voice of this country upon the subject of the Italian Republic, he feels that he cannot eventually refuse our demands. This has displeased him—he knows that the British press has directed the attention and roused the feelings of the country, and hence these petulant inuendoes against it.
Such is the information that has been transmitted to us. At the Cabinet Council yesterday, nothing decisive, it is rumoured, took place. Further information is expected from France, and hence, it is believed, that the definitive treaty will not be received before the beginning of April.
A Dutch mail arrived this morning. Our very intelligent correspondents at Amsterdam and the Hague informs us, that on the 16th several commercial houses in the former city received a courier from Amsterdam, with the intelligence that all obstacles to peace had been removed, and that nothing remained to be done, but to sign the treaty. The Dutch funds rose immediately six per cent. The next day, however, another courier arrived, whose news is said not to have been so pacific, and the funds fell 5 per cent.
The Dutch government has ordered the council of marine not to suffer the fleet to sail till after the signing of the definitive treaty.
These circumstances have cast a deep gloom over the public mind in Holland. The merchants know not what to think or how to act. "If we look to France," say they, "we see no preparations for war, and we expect peace,—when we look to England, the brightness of the prospect vanishes, for we behold the utmost vigour and activity in all her ports."
A short time ago it was said in several papers, that the Dutch minister at Amiens, Schimmelpennick , had demanded the shutting up the Scheldt; or, in case of refusal, the establishing Middleburgh as a free port, in the same manner as Dunkirk. This assertion has been officially contradicted. The Dutch minister, as we have more than once asserted, accedes to such terms as France may choose to adopt.
It is very currently reported, that the loan will be made this week. The inference drawn is, that the definitive treaty will be immediately signed, and therefore the minister will be able to make his loan. The fact, if true, will however bear a contrary inference; namely, that the minister sees the treaty will not be concluded for some time and that he will make the loan, rather than put the public service to more inconvenience, or allow the enemy longer to imagine Britain waits for their permission to raise money.
Major Gen. Barnett, the second in command assumes the office of governor of the important fortress of Gibraltar by the death of general O'Hara.
PORTSMOUTH, March 17.
Lord Nelson, contrary to general expectation, has not yet arrived; the Medusa frigate, captain Gore, has been riding at single anchor for these five days, in order to put to sea with more facility when the gallant Admiral arrives.
Paris, March 13.
The Marquis de Lucchesini, minister from his majesty the King of Prussia, congratulated, on the 15th of this month, (March 6) the chief consul on the issue of the Congress at Lyons.
Count Cobentzel, ambassador from his majesty the emperor of Germany, has communicated directly to the First Consul, on the 18th (March 8) the resolution of his imperial majesty to admit ministers plenipotentiary from the Batavian, Helvetic, and Italian Republics; and that his majesty was disposed, on his part, to appoint ministers of the same rank to reside in those republics. He at the same time declared, that his imperial majesty had seen with interest the definitive organization of the Italian Republic.
The Count de Marbois has received, by the return of the courier, that he had sent off to notify the issue of the Congress at Lyons, his credentials to reside at Paris as minister plenipotentiary. The Chief de Brigade Colbincourt has written, by the same courier, that his imperial majesty of all the Russias has seen with interest the motion made at Lyons to re-open a commerce with his dominions.
BERN, March 1.
At Bienna, 600 French troops are arrived in garrison, which has given birth to various conjectures. The French are concentrating all their troops which lie in the several districts of Switzerland. Some however, imagine that this is done with no other design than for reviewing them.
The tumultuous state in which our Republic has been for some time past has again given cause to the arresting of one of our citizens called Hamilton, who, in the opinion of the government, has taken an active part in these disturbances.
PUBLIC NOTICE.
A meeting having been held on the capitol Hill, for the purpose of nominating its characters to represent the inhabitants of the City in the City Council, and having nominated six persons for that part of the City East of Sixth-street, it is deemed advisable to notify the inhabitants West of said street, that a meeting will be held at Mr. Morin's Tavern, Pennsylvania Avenue, this Evening (Wednesday) at 4 o'clock, to take into consideration the nomination of six fit characters to represent the West part of the city.
NORFOLK, May 4.
This morning arrived the ship Washington , Capt. Nye, 33 days from London, by whom we are favoured with papers to the 23th of March, at which time the ratification of the treaty was not known in London, but it was the general opinion that it would take place in a few days.
LONDON, March 18. The rough draft of the definitive treaty was brought to town from Amiens, on Friday night last, by Mr. Shaw the messenger. The cabinet council which on Saturday, gave it a thorough revision, and it was sent to Windsor, on Sunday for his Majesty's approval. On the return of the messenger it was sent off for Amiens early on Monday.
The necessary forms, even if such corrections as have been proposed by our cabinet should not render the dispatch of a courier from Amiens to Paris at all necessary, will require some days at least. The delay will not, however, be long, if no objections be made to the corrections on the draft, as Marquis Cornwallis, on their being admitted, had orders to sign the treaty, on the part of this country, without any further delay.
March 19.
We announced yesterday the arrival of Paris papers to the 16th, and we had the pleasure to communicate to the public an official declaration from the French government, which removes all that doubt and anxiety which, for some time past, have cast a deep gloom over the public mind upon the subject of peace. It is now certain that the definitive treaty will be signed immediately, if it be not signed at the moment we are writing.
"More than a fortnight has elapsed," says the Monitor , "if we may believe persons worthy of credit, since all the articles have been agreed upon at Amiens; since the difficulties even upon the wording of the articles have been terminated; and, if it be not signed, it is only because a last courier is constantly expected from London." That last courier we believe has been sent off.
Expressions so precise as these leave no doubt with respect to the immediate and happy termination of the Congress.
We have one remark to make upon the sentence we have extracted from the Monitor . All the articles of the treaty are said to have been agreed upon more than a fortnight ago. This must seem to our readers rather extraordinary, for it was about that time that our ministers dispatched such vigorous orders to all our ports. It can scarcely be credited that they would chuse that very moment for arming, in which nothing more was left that could give rise to difficulties or obstacles, every point of the treaty having been settled, even to the very wording of the treaty; yet still there is not the least reason for entertaining any doubt with respect to the immediate signing of the treaty.
Courier.
March 25.
By the proceedings of the House of Commons last night, it appears the minister is making such financial arrangements as may enable him to postpone the loan till after the definitive treaty is signed. From these measures we may infer, the treaty is not yet at hand; but that the most confident expectations are entertained of its arrival in a short time.
Yesterday morning a messenger arrived at Lord Hawkesbury's office with dispatches from Amiens. He was landed at Deal on Monday night at eleven o'clock from a packet which had left Calais that morning. In our ship news it was reported that Calais was illuminated the preceding evening.
Extract of a letter from Deal, March 23.
"Last night, about 11 o'clock, a packet arrived in the Downs from Calais, and landed a person with dispatches for government, who immediately set off with them for London. It is supposed they contain agreeable intelligence, as the messenger reports there were great rejoicings at Calais when the vessel sailed from thence, and that the evening before the town was illuminated."
EDUCATION.
THE subscriber begs leave to inform the citizens of Washington, that he has opened a school at Mr. Doyne's boarding house in front of the President's house; where he will instruct those committed to his care spelling, reading, writing, cipher and decimal arithmetic, book-keeping and mensuration, &c. according to the most approved methods. Those desirous of seeing his recommendations from where he last taught, will please apply as above, to
PATRICK EDWARDS.
May 22, 2802.

THE CLERK'S OFFICE For the County of Washington is removed to the Seven Buildings, Pennsylvania Avenue. May 10, 1802.
TO BE SOLD or LET, on the 1st of July next, A HANDSOME and well-finished three story brick house, with a brick kitchen adjoining the same, and an excellent pump of water in front of the house, situated on F street, a few doors east of the bank—For further particulars, apply to the subscriber on Pennsylvania Avenue, near the market, or to Mr. Webster on the premises. ROBERT BROWN. Washington City, May 10, 1802.
Public Auction. To be sold at Public Auction at Rhodes's Tavern on the eighteenth inst., at ten o'clock for ready money. A lot of the wooden buildings on the President's Square, erected by order of the Commissioners for the accommodation of workmen; which to avoid as much as possible any inconvenience to the present occupants, will be permitted to stand, if required, till the 1st day of December next, but no longer. At the time of sale will be offered the following articles for sale, if not previously disposed of, viz: 22 chimney pieces, 12 barrels nails, a quantity of ironmongery of superior quality, one large beam, weights, &c.—A quantity of cordage, one iron kettle, two pair small cart wheels, 16 barrels tar, one b reel line, 12 window sills, two griddlestones, one pair fleecy-wool, and 7 iron blocks. By order. THOMAS MUNROE, Clerk Com. May 10, 1802.
PROPOSALS By THOMAS HERTY, For publishing by subscription an ANNEX to his Digest of the Laws of the United States. It will contain all the public acts of the two preceding and present session of Congress, that is, the acts of the first and second sessions of the Sixth, and the first session of the Seventh Congress. It will be printed in the same order of arrangement, and have reference to such parts of the aforesaid work, as it is supposed, is supposed to expire, or which may otherwise undergo alterations subsequent to which, will be given, a correct table of the duties on imports and tonnage, and a note in this, coincides with the foregoing, will embrace the whole law in force. CONDITIONS. It will be put to press immediately after the close of the present session of Congress, (provided a sufficient number offer to defray the expense of the work) and be ready for delivery in about two months thereafter. The price to subscribers will be one dollar and fifty cents in boards, to be paid for on delivery. It shall be neatly printed on good paper. Subscriptions received by the Editor, at his Conveyancing Office, near the Treasury Department, City of Washington; and by those in whose hands proposals are sent. March 12, 1802.
VALUABLE LAND FOR SALE. FOR sale about 4500 acres of land belonging to the estate of Judge Mercer, deceased, and situated in the County of Loudoun, on the waters of Goose Creek, about 40 miles from Alexandria and the Federal City. A large portion of this tract is meadow ground, of good quality, and the soil of the high land is well adapted to every species of produce usually cultivated on land similarly situated in the upper country. Such portion of it as remains uncultivated, affords an extensive and excellent range for stock of every kind. On one part of this land is one of the most valuable mill sites in the State. The supply of water is inexhaustible, and the mill could be erected immediately on the side of the public road leading from Winchester to Alexandria. It is computed that the number of wagons almost constantly traveling along this road, amount to at least 5 or 600. So that a ready market might always be had here, for a very considerable quantity of grain and hay. It is deemed unnecessary to describe more particularly the many advantages of this tract of land, as it is expected that all persons disposed to purchase, will first view the premises. To accommodate purchasers the whole tract will be divided into lots of 4 or 500 acres each, with as much wood and meadow land as every lot as circumstances will admit. And it is believed that the whole 4500 acres may be sold in lots of 4 or 500 acres, as the above-mentioned size, as to leave in each as much wood and meadow land as would be desired. The price and time of payment will be made known by the subscribers. Letters directed to John T. Brooke, Frederickburg, or to James M. Garnett, Laytons, will be answered without delay. JOHN T. BROOKE, } Adm'rs JAMES M. GARNETT, } Feb. 8, 1802.
CHARLES VARDEN, Merchant Taylor, from Philadelphia, GRATEFULLY acknowledges the favors conferred on him by the gentlemen of this City, and flatters himself that the general satisfaction he has already given will merit a continuation of the same. He has also received a handsome assortment of goods from Philadelphia, consisting of Best superfine cloths, Cashmeres, Swansdown, Foyettes, Velvets, Fancy Cords, Coatings, Flannels, &c. N.B. Regiments, Naval Uniforms, and Ladies' Habits, made in the neatest and most fashionable manner, and at the shortest notice—Washington City, New Jersey Avenue, next to Mr. Rapine's book store. Dec. 16, 1801.
The Imported Horse DRIVER, WILL stand the ensuing season, at the City of Washington, at the stable of the subscriber, at sixteen dollars the season, and five shillings to the groom. The season will commence on the first of March, and end on the 10th of August next. This will probably be the last season that Driver will stand here, as he is provisionally engaged the next season to stand in North Carolina. Driver was seven years old on the 28th of April last. He is fifteen hands three inches high, of great beauty, uncommon bone, strength and agility. He is a beautiful blood bay, with a star, small hip, a circle of white round each hind foot, with black mane, tail and legs. Three hundred pounds each were refused for him ten months old. Applications made at Mr. Rhodes's, and Mr. Johnson's Tavern.
PEDIGREE. Driver was got by Lord Edmont's famous running horse Driver, which now stands to begin in England, and won twelve races out of fourteen in one year against the best horses; his dam, bred by Lord Offley, was a full sister to Strawberry, by Dorimont, an extraordinary good runner; his grand dam the famous running mare Mule, got by old King Herod; his great grand dam by Shepherd's Crab; his great grand dam Miss Meredith by Cade, full brother to old Lath, by the Godolphin Arabian; his great great grand grand dam the Little Barley Mare, by Barley's Children, full brother to Flying Childers, and Sire of Spirit, which was the Sire of Mule and grand sire of Eclipse; his great great grand grand grand dam Flying Whig, by William's Woodcock Arabian, gr. gr. gr. gr. gr. grand dam Points, by the St. Victor Barb, out of a daughter of Whynot, son of the Fenwick Barb. Lord Edmont's Driver, foaled in 1783, was gotten by Trentham, out of Corruptio, who was gotten by the Compton Born, out of a Godolphin Arabian Mare, own sister to Regulus, her grand dam Grey Robin by the said Galloway; great grand dam by Snake, out of old Bikes, who was gotten by Hantboy, out of Miss D. rey's Pet Mare, a daughter of a Sedbury R. y. Mare. Dorimont was foaled in 1772, gotten by Otho, his dam by Babraham; grand dam by the Hampton Court Children, out of the Duke of Somerset's Beld Charlotte. Dorimont won eleven thousand two hundred and ninety-nine guineas, besides cups, stakes, subscriptions, and the Jockey club plate. W. THORNTON.
Farming Lands for Sale. THE Subscriber would sell about 1000 acres of the tract of land whereon Dr. John D. Orr at present resides, in the county of Prince William, situated a few miles from the seat of the district Court, and within convenient marketable distance of the Occoquan Mills and Dumfries. It is of the first rate quality of soil, is abundantly supplied with wood and water, and has a large proportion of ground which is in a peculiar manner adapted to the growth of timothy grass. To the tract of land adjacent to the above, lies the property of Mr. Thomas Swann of Alexandria, together with about 1000 acres of woodland, of the above described tract, making about 1550 acres; the quality and advantages being similar to that. The first-mentioned tract will be conveyed to the purchaser free from every encumbrance, a considerable payment in hand will be expected, and the lowest price per acre twenty dollars. Possession to be given the ensuing spring, with a reservation of the growing crop of small grain, but the last-mentioned tract will be sold subject to existing Leases for short terms of years, under strict covenants guarding against waste and injury of the property, &c. and subject to the purchase money which will be due for the same to Mr. Swann, with interest, in about 9 years. The payment required in hand is the remainder of the amount, about two thousand pounds; and the price per acre is eighteen dollars. Also the reversionary interest in the Piedmont Tract, situated below the mountain called the Short Hill, in Loudoun county, consisting of several thousand acres, chiefly under Leases to the occupants, and forming perhaps the best settlement in Virginia, of the same extent, extremely well-wooded, improved with the best meadow, and orchards, and peculiarly adapted to the use of the Plaster of Paris. This Land will be sold in lots consisting of one or more tenements, as may best suit purchasers, together with one or more lots of woodland to be laid off on the S.E. side of the Short Hill for the convenience of any of said tenements that may be scarce of wood. There are several good mill sites upon this tract, which is not more than 55 miles from Alexandria and the City of Washington, and no part of it more than 15 miles from Leesburg. The price per acre will be various, according to the quality and advantages of the Land, and circumstances of the Leases, but an extensive credit will be given by installments, upon receiving what it may be convenient for the purchasers to pay in hands. It is desired that persons willing to purchase this property, will signify their intentions before the wood land is laid off. Also two or three small Farms with every requisite convenience for immediate operation, in the counties of Jefferson and Frederick, and at various prices. And several valuable building Lots, situated upon the Pennsylvania Avenue, in the City of Washington; some upon square 73, near the Six Buildings, and some upon square 39; besides other very valuable Lots in that City. Application to be made in person, or by Letter, (post paid) directed to Charlottown, Virginia, to FERDINANDO FAIRFAX. Shan. Hill, March 3, 1802.
For Sale, A Quantity of SHELL LIME, on the most reduced Terms.—Apply to Brohawn & Byas, Young's wharf. April 16, 1802.
To be Rented, And immediate Possession given, A VERY convenient three story brick house, in a fine airy situation.—Enquire at this office. April 22, 1802.
For Sale, A VERY elegant saddle HORSE, seven years old, paces, trots, and canters, and is in other respects completely broken to the bridle.—For further particulars enquire of Mr. Stelle on Capitol Hill, and for the horse at his livery stable. April 26, 1802.
Six Cents Reward.
RANAWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 20th ult an intended servant girl, named Mary Coaklin, about 14 years of age, it is supposed she has gone to Baltimore. Whoever returns her to me shall receive the above reward. DAVID OGILVIE. May 3, 1802.
Lots for Sale, Or to Let on Ground-Rent. THE Subscriber offers to sell or to lease one hundred Lots, advantageously situated; some in the vicinity of the Capitol, and others near the Navy Yard; for cash, credit or wet or dry goods. WILLIAM PROUT. Washington City, April 5, 1802.
HATS. THE Subscriber has received per the General Hunter from Liverpool, an elegant assortment of men, boys, and children's Hats which he will sell very cheap for cash. ALEX. MCCORMICK. April 21, 1802.
NOTICE. WAS committed to the jail of Washington county, District of Columbia, a negro Man by the name of JESSE, by he belongs to Peyton Wayal of Georgia; is five feet eight inches high, has a scar on each side of his nose, and his back much scarred. The owner of the above slave is desired to come, prove property, pay charges, and take him away; or he will be sold for his fees agreeable to law. DANIEL C. BRENT, Marshal of the district of Columbia. April 14, 1802.
FOR SALE, LOOKING-GLASSES & FURNITURE. The subscriber respectfully informs the public, that he has just received from New-York various kinds of Looking-Glasses, from 5 to 70 dollars each.—Also card tables, bureaus, &c. of an elegant and fashionable make. He continues to manufacture and sell all kinds of ornaments for chimney-pieces, door caps, front-piece pieces, metal fishes, &c. &c. GEORGE ANDREWS. April 14, 1802.
THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR, SOLICITS a continuation of that generous encouragement which he has experienced from the Ladies and Gentlemen of this City and its vicinity. Having procured an elegant assortment of cloths, cashmeres, twanides, &c. &c. and engaged workmen of superior talents. His unswerving attention shall be given to merit patronage. Capitol Hill, next east of Mrs. Finch's boarding house, and Pennsylvania Avenue between the President's square and Seven Buildings. Dec. 7, 1801.
Looking Glasses, J. COOK Wishes to inform his friends and the public that he has a large and elegant assortment of Looking Glasses and Prints. FOR SALE, At J. March's Store, High-Street, George-Town.
THE subjects of the Prints are very interesting, and in superbly gilt frames; and the glasses are of the first qualities, in the most modern and elegant frames, and of any size. They are marked at the lowest cash Prices. March 15, 1802.
TO RENT, And possess on given immediately, A TWO STORY brick house on F street near the War Office, containing two parlors, six bed rooms, and a kitchen, with an excellent garden, coach house, stable, &c.—The house is newly painted and papered; it was formerly occupied by Mr. Dexter, and lately by Mr. Jason Brown. Enquire of Clement Dorley, Esq. George-Town; or of the subscriber, who has for sale a well finished three story brick house opposite the Six Buildings, and a variety of City Lots in the most eligible situations. The above House will be sold for less than any gentleman could build it. The payments will be made easy on the whole of the above property. WILLIAM Dyer. April 7, 1802.
Building Materials will be taken in part payment. W. D.
JUST RECEIVED And for Sale by the Subscriber, 180 casks Rhode Island Lime. Mels and prime beef in barrels and half barrels. Prime Pork, in barrels and half do. Butt. in Firkins, of an excellent quality. Mould and dip candles, in boxes. A few thousand weight best cheese, and a quantity of dryed cod fish. MICHAEL CLEARY Georgetown, May 5, 1802.
Dancing Academy. FRANCIS MAURICE, Professor of the French Language, Music and Dancing, respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of the City of Washington, Georgetown and its vicinity, that he proposes to open his Dancing Academy through the Summer at Mr. Villard's Spring Garden; where the best convenience may be had for the scholars and companies. CONDITIONS.—The School will be kept twice a week; every Monday and Friday, in the afternoon from 3 o'clock to 10 in the smaller class; and from 7 to 10 in the evening for the larger class.—Fifteen dollars only each scholar per quarter—five dollars to be paid at entrance and the remainder at the end of the quarter. Twenty subscribers at least, and the school will begin immediately. Subscriptions received at Mr. Villard's, house Washington City, and at the Union Tavern George-Town. May 3, 1802.
FOR SALE, A TRACT or parcel of land consisting of 240 acres, more or less, late the property of Robert Buchanan, deceased; lying in Prince George County, Maryland, and on the point branch of the Eastern Branch of the Potomac River. Any person inclined to purchase, may view the wood and meadow land, as also the improvements and situation. If the above land is not sold before the 25th day of August, it then will be offered for public sale.—And also the whole of the following property of his estate: Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, household and kitchen Furniture, and plantation utensils. Terms at public sale for the one and third cash, and a credit of twelve months for the balance, by giving bond with interest and approved security. For the personal property all sums over 50 dollars 12 months credit, by giving bond as above; all sums not exceeding 50 dollars cash. The above land is situated about five miles from Bladensburg and ten from Georgetown. Possession will be given in December next. JAMES BUCHANAN, Acting H. r. April 26, 1802.
Great Bargains may be had. THE subscriber offers for cash, stock of Columbia, or any other bank, or approved notes at 60 days, from 1 to 50 lots in the city of Washington, situated on squares 144, 173, 226, 227, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 293, 329, 348, 349, 377, 378, 379, 389, 390, 391 to 533. And if the same be not disposed of previous to Wednesday the 19th of May, they will be offered at Rhodes's tavern on that day at 11 o'clock, at public sale. It is unnecessary to make comment as to the situation of this property. It being generally considered among the best in the city, and with respect to title, no dispute whatever exists. ISAAC POLLOCK. April 30, 1801.
Several houses in this city and other valuable property near it, will also be sold at very low rates for purchasers as above, and part of which will be exchanged for a few negroes. deMay
The MAIL PILOT, Will, during the SUMMER SEASON, leave the Columbian Inn, Georgetown at 5 o'clock A.M. and Mr. William Tunnicliff's, City of Washington, at 6 o'clock, every day; for Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New-York; arrive at Baltimore about three o'clock. Leave Baltimore next morning and arrive at Philadelphia next day to be left—Returning—Leave Philadelphia at 7 o'clock A.M. and arrive at Baltimore the next day to dine. Leave Baltimore at 6 o'clock A.M. and arrive at Washington at 3 o'clock P.M. Fare and allowance of baggage as usual—All baggage at the risk of the owners. J. H. BARNEY. April 19, 1802.
N.B. Passengers coming in this line will be sent on to Alexandria, if desired, the same evening; and to accommodate my customers a private stage will be sent to Baltimore or Alexandria at short notice. J. H. B.
WANTED, A BARR and DOOK-KEEPER. A young man, who can come well recommended for the above business, will meet with employ at the Columbian Inn; and generous wages, by J. H. BARNEY. April 16, 1802.
Now Landing AND FOR SALE, By the subscriber at his store in Jefferson street, at very reduced prices, by wholesale and retail, for each country produce, or approved notes at 60 and 90 days. Loaf, lump and brown Pepper, sugars, Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves, Rum of different kinds, Madder, Holland gin, Indigo, Cherry bark, China bark, Cinchona bark, Sherry, Lit. Big Blue, bon, and Malaga, Scotch snuff in bottles, wines, Real Havana cigars, Claret in boxes—of superior quality, First quality chewing tobacco, French Liquors, Coarse and fine salt, Hyson, Young Hyson, Shad and herrings in barrels, Imperial and Scou-chong teas, Hams, Shoulders, and Coffee, middlings of bacon, Chocolate, Georgia Cotton, Almonds, Portland pitchers, Raisins, China bowls, Prunes, Glass-ware assorted, French Lucea oil, Sets of tea China, Coppers, Port wine in quarter or Anchoves, or bottles, Olives, Patent Sheels, Lemons, Porter in bottles, Brown and white soaps, Powder, shot, & bar dies, Mould and dipped candles, lead, Ginger, Russia Glue, Pimento, Allum, and a few dozen very cheap long and short kid and fancy gloves. D. G. ORR. April 30, 1802.
FOR SALE, For Sale, cheap, and on easy terms of payment, together or separate, TWO adjoining building Lots in the neighborhood of the executive offices west of the President's house, on the north side of G street, square No. 143, part of Lots No. 68, 7, each Lot is 33 feet 6 inches 12 feet, 183 feet deep containing 6133 square feet. The title is indisputable. Apply to James Lyon, living near the premises. 311W1W1
Notice is hereby given, TO all persons having claims against Mr. NOLEY YOUNG deceased, to render them properly authenticated to Robert Brent, in the City of Washington; and all those indebted to him are requested to make payment. BENJ. YOUNG, NICHOLS YOUNG, } Ex'rs. ROBERT BRENT, } April 16, 1802.
City Hotel, BROADWAY NEW-YORK. THE Subscriber most respectfully informs his friends and the public, that the above Hotel will be opened on the first of May ensuing, when their patronage is earnestly solicited. He avails himself of this opportunity to return his sincere and grateful thanks to those societies, parties, and gentlemen, who have given him their support, and assures them that a continuance of their favors will be a stimulus to future exertions to please; and that the utmost attention shall be given for their comfort and accommodation. Boarding may be had by the day, week, month, or year. Families travelling, may be elegantly accommodated with lodging and sitting rooms; and, if preferred, have dinners &c. in their apartments. The Hotel being so well known, it is almost useless to say, that it is situated in one of the most healthy and pleasant parts of the city; commanding an extensive view in every direction, not only of the city itself, but also of the Narrows, the North and East Rivers, the State of New-Jersey, York and Long-Island, &c. &c. A handsome coffee-room will be fitted up in the principal story; where gentlemen may have tea, coffee, chocolate, soups, and refreshments in general, at the shortest notice. All the leading newspapers in the union, will be regularly taken in. Public dinners and suppers in a plain or elegant style either for large or small parties. Also, beef steaks, cykers, &c. regularly furnished. An ordinary every day at half past 2 o'clock, by the public's obedient servant, JOHN LOVETT. N. B. Rooms to let by the month or year. April 21, 1802.
New Invention. The IMPROVED SAW-MILL, for which the subscriber has obtained a Patent. THIS improvement saves the fewer such labour, and the work is also much more expeditions. The log being fluted, turned down, and the saw fluted, the whole operation proceeds without further manual aid; for, the instant the cut is finished, the log moves back, and at the same time is guaged to the utmost exactness by the machine, ready for another cut in two thirds of a minute. The saw returns its action in the log, and thus moves in alternate succession until the whole be cut up in any given dimensions, at which time the mill stops if required, or at any number of cuts for which the lawyer prepares, for his attendance is unnecessary. Any person or persons inclining to purchase the privilege of creating this valuable and simple machine, or of adding the improvement, which may readily be added to any saw Mill already in use, will please to apply to the subscriber at West Broadway Bridge, on the Philadelphia and Lancaster turnpike road, Pennsylvania, or to Dr. Thornton, corner millioner, City of Washington. MOSES COATES. Washington, April 5, 1802.
We the Subscribers, inhabitants of Chester county in Pennsylvania, having been called upon by Moses Coates, to view his new invented plan of sawing, were eye witnesses to the following facts: First, that in consequence of hands playing on a rag iron attached to the common rag wheel, the saw is relieved from the log. Secondly, that by the action of another principle the log is moved the required distance for the next cut, and that the saw is kept in motion after the log is fluted and turned down, until the same is cut into the kind of boards required. The whole of the above is accomplished by his new invented plan exclusive of manual labour. Francis Gardner, John Fleming, Esq. Isaac Coates, Thomas C. Vickers. William Baily.
FOR SALE. A TRACT of land containing 3,500 acres lying immediately on the river Potomac, in the county of Northumberland, Virginia, late the residence of PRESLEY THORNTON, Esq. Seventeen hundred acres of which are of the most valuable kind of low grounds on the river; between three and four hundred acres heavily timbered, the remainder is wavy high and extremely productive. The soil of this tract is equal to any in the State for cultivation of corn, wheat, tobacco, timothy, and small grain of all kinds. On this tract are a large commodious two story brick mansion house and two offices; a large brick stable, a valuable barn, cow house and many other out houses, all in good repair. The orchard, and garden contain a variety of valuable fruit trees, and the waters abound with excellent fish and oysters. It is situated about a day's sail from Alexandria, Baltimore or Norfolk—there are two good mill sites for grist, or saw-mills on this estate, and plenty of cedar and chestnut timber, exclusive of the heavy timber, which if felled up into sawing will command a price in the City of Washington, nearly equal to the value of the land. The terms will be made easy to the purchaser or purchasers, and the tract will be divided into two or more plantations if necessary—Apply to RICHARD PETERS, junr. No. 85, Walnut street Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Nov. 18.