The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1804-12-21 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,
AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. V. WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE. NO. DCLVII.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21R, 1804.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
MESSAGE
No. I. from his Excellency the GOVERNOR, delivered to the legislature of South-Carolina, the 27th of November, 1804.
To the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives.
GENTLEMEN,
Another political year has revolved around, and will soon close the period for which I have been elected, and by the tenor of the constitution renders me ineligible for a certain term, to the office, which is again at the disposal of the legislature of my country. Grateful for the charge you have honored me with, I shall, at your pleasure, and with much readiness, dismantle myself of executive authority, and resign it into the hands from whence I received it, with a hope that the choice of another executive, which the constitution now calls for, may be judicious and honorable. No circumstance has occurred of an extraordinary nature, deviating from the common course, to require being recommended to your particular attention. The affairs of government continue without interruption, while Providence blesses our country with peace and prosperity, and leaves us to enjoy it with gratitude and moderation, and in our respective stations to endeavor to preserve and advance the welfare of the state. I shall, however, engage in the duty of bringing to your view such matters of government as I deem necessary for your consideration, with a trust that they may occupy your particular attention, and that the good of your country will be made the primary object of your deliberations.
With respect to the fiscal department, it is pleasing to me, to announce its situation affords, that all the exigencies of government can be met with the usual promptitude, and that a surplus will remain for your disposal in such way as may appear to you most beneficial for the public advantage; or become a subject for your consideration, whether the taxes for the present year, in consequence thereof, may not with propriety be reduced; my opinion is, that it can be very safely done, unless some suggestions be made of an important application of the surplus for the benefit of the state; in which case, doubtless it would be undesirable. Reports of the particular transactions are preparing by the officers of the department which will shortly be laid before you, and will confirm my representation. During the recess of the legislature I received the resignation of the treasurer at Charleston, and proceeded with every possible assiduity to make a judicious appointment to supply the vacancy; of which circumstance you will doubtless receive more particular information in the report of the comptroller-general. I also gave my attendance, with the committee, to the burning of six thousand one hundred and twenty-five pounds, equal to 26,249 dollars 97 cents, of the same medium; which is believed to be the whole amount now in being, of the sum of £100,000 emitted by authority of the state. As a subject which is connected to the foregoing, I would recommend to your attention, the debts due by the borrowers of the paper medium, and give such directions as will call forth the payments so soon as can be effected by equal annual instalments in conformity with the law upon that subject; on investigation, I think, it will be found that the purchasers of the lands sold by the public under the act of 1800, and the proprietors of such lands as redeemed the same by virtue of the stipulations of said act, are placed, with respect to the payments requested by law, in a more favorable position than the original borrowers, who have not failed hitherto in payments, in compliance with the requisitions of the law; inasmuch, that the property of the one, upon failure of a single payment, may be immediately sold, while it becomes a very questionable point, if a property of the other can be sold, without some special legislative directions, or a suit at law to close the mortgage. If, therefore, upon examination, the inequality should evidently appear to exist, it will be worthy of your attention to assimilate them.
Importantly connected with the happiness of our citizens, and the prosperity of our country and well ordering of things, is the commutation of punishments, a subject which I brought to the consideration of the legislature at a former session, and which was delayed from no concurrence unfavorable to the system, but for the purpose of obtaining more general information as to the effects and tendencies in such states as have adopted the measure. It will not be ne-
cessary that I should now go as fully into the subject as I did at that time, because the citizens in general seem to be impressed with the opinion, that this reform will comport with the humanity of civilization, be essentially beneficial to our country, and in the certain punishment of offences, effect complete justice. The constitution has invested the executive authority with power for the commutation of punishments, and from examples which the exercise of such power have produced, I have no hesitation in avowing, that confinement will operate with more efficacy upon the minds of men, to deter from a repetition of crimes, than all the cruel punishments have ever done; for in those countries where the life of men is the requisite forfeit for almost every crime, are to be found the most reiterate outrages. The mind of man becomes too soon familiar to punishments, which, though severe, are but momentary, and reconciles to itself a spectacle which at first was so horrid as to be almost insupportable. This, then, proves that severity of punishment is by no means a certain mode of deterring from crimes; and punishments, not inflicted through necessity to prevent the increase of crimes, is evidently tyrannical: as it respects punishments, it may be truly observed, that laws abounding with such rigor and severity, are subversive of the good purposes for which they were instituted, and that it ought to be the legislative aim to avoid the extremity of rigor, and apportion to every crime its definite punishment; for it is moderation which rules a civilized people, and attaches them to their government, and not excessive severity: nevertheless there is one crime which the law of nature points out the punishment of, and calls aloud for its due execution; it is deduced from the sources of good and evil: for that man deserves death, who has maliciously and designedly taken the life of a fellow-citizen. In my former communication upon this subject, I recommended to the legislature the establishment of a penitentiary house, where criminals might be confined to labor for such crimes as now by law they are to suffer death, that they may thereby make restitution to the injured, produce repentance, and become instructive examples of the beneficial consequences resulting from a wise and human system. In order to afford all possible information upon this subject, and in compliance with the request of the legislature, I have communicated with the executives of the several states having penitentiary establishments, the result of which I have the honor herewith to submit to you, and hope that the experience of those states, long in the possession of them, may prove so interesting as to engage your endeavors to a similar institution, which will become a durable monument of the wisdom and humanity of our country. Whatever may be the result, I shall always have the pleasing gratification to remember, that my exertions have been constant and unremitting, to effect this important purpose.
There can be no doubt that as the organs of the people of South-Carolina, and to whom they have delegated the direction of their affairs, you will examine with the utmost care and attention, every law which respects their welfare; as such, those that the citizens are most immediately under the operation of will consequently be an object full to engage your deliberations; none can present themselves in a higher point of importance, or in which the citizens of our country will be more particularly under the controul and direction of, than the laws regulating the militia establishment; in fact, a well regulated militia is the bulwark and defence of our country, & the surest guarantee to our present happy form of government. But was its importance to be estimated by the attention given latterly in the legislative councils to such recommendations as respect it, undoubtedly it would be viewed as an object but of ordinary consideration; with me, the militia have been highly regarded, and I have given them all the attention I was permitted by my other public engagements, not only with my endeavors to provide them with arms, but have given my personal inspection to their discipline, whenever it has been possible for me to do it. This, however, has not comprised all my endeavors for their good, they have still gone farther; they have reached your honorable body, with representations of imperfect laws, and claimed repeatedly the abrogation of them; but those have been fruitless endeavours; they have failed to have the desired effect; and were the hopes I now entertain of obtaining your attention, founded upon my past success,
I should despond at bringing again to your view any matter upon the same subject: but, impelled by a sense of my duty, I again call your attention to the militia law of 1794, respecting the exemptions from militia duty, and the law of 1797, organizing the cavalry and artillery, as it respects the artillery. Upon the examination of these laws, the imperfections will be evident, and will shew the necessity of some alterations.
In a former communication, I had informed the legislature of my having contracted for muskets and bayonets from the manufactory, to the amount of the balance of appropriations for that purpose. It is with very great concern, that I have here to state that the contract remains unfulfilled, and from what cause I am at a loss to conjecture—I cannot, however, but believe that the contravention has proceeded from the war in Europe, and that so soon as a favorable opportunity shall supercede the present difficulties, the performance will be certain and prompt; it would, therefore, be improper at this time to make any application of that fund, until further information could be obtained on that subject, which shall engage my particular attention to effect. I have caused a distribution of all the arms that have been purchased, to the militia of this state, in compliance with the direction of the law, viz. to the brigadier generals, I have directed all the muskets and bayonets; to the lieutenant colonels of the cavalry, the sabres and pistols, and to the artillery, a considerable proportion of the ordnance; some yet remains in the arsenal at Charleston to be sent to any part of the state that may require them.
It is to be lamented, that the muskets are not of a better quality; but they have had every possible endeavor to put them in complete order. The adjutant general has been directed to inspect and train the militia in various parts of the state, and to make a general return of the whole. He was engaged in the former duty, but has represented to me, that his very bad state of health prevented his performance in disciplining the troops. The general return will doubtless be made, which, so soon as I receive, a report of shall immediately be laid before you.
It is but proper, and indeed necessary, that I should suggest the propriety of your giving some attention to the forts and fortifications of the port of Charleston. The decayed and ruinous situation of the works at Forts Johnson and Moultrie (and at the former in particular) cannot be known to your honorable body; or if deemed of any consequence to the protection of that place, or of valuable consideration, they certainly would obtain your exertions to place them in some condition for defence, and to prevent the authority of the state from being sported with by vessels contravening her laws and regulations. The exposed situation of our harbours, has recently been in some measure provided for by the care of the general government, in directing to our coasts, gunboats Nos. 1 and 2, with instructions to respect the requisitions of the executive authority of the state; and information is furnished, that other boats of a similar nature will be constructed for the protection of our commerce, and to prevent aggressions within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. But this should be no cause for delay on our part, in making every necessary provision for the defence of our ports and harbours; for with respect to a delay of our engaging in the work, under a hope that the general government will assume the reparation of those posts, is futile. No inducement short of a territorial cession will bring her energies into operation to answer this desirable object.
To ward off innovations upon our territorial jurisdiction, and to prevent disputes and altercations with a sister state, it should be the object of your endeavours to establish, upon a firm basis, the boundary of this state. This appears to be defective in two points—that of the boundary between this state and N. Carolina; and this state and the tract of country ceded by the United States to the state of Georgia, lying westward of a line running from the source of the Tugaloo river to the 35th degree of north latitude, which was formerly a part of this state, and ceded by her to the United States. The latter is not an object requiring such immediate attention (although I had received a communication from the governor of Georgia requesting me to engage in the establish-
ment of the boundary) as the country is but thinly inhabited, and the soil not very fertile, neither profitably situated for cultivation, it is not to be presumed that it will be scrupulously contended for in ascertaining the limit. But with respect to that of N. Carolina, it becomes of much more importance, not only from the value of territory which this state would lose by establishing the line as appears to be the desire of that state, but because it has been made so long a subject of contention, and may by delay, enlanger the tranquility of the states; I would, therefore, recommend to you, as the state of N. Carolina has appointed commissioners for the above purpose, and only waiting for a similar procedure by this state, that information be communicated, that so soon as that state should dissolve the restrictions imposed by her bill of rights, that advancements will be made to meet her upon equal terms for the amicable adjustment of this territorial difference. To every species of improvement that your state should require, I fondly hope your attention will be directed to advance, if the means of intercourse or navigation be impeded, and require legislative aid, hasten to bestow it, and excite the public energies for the advancement of the public good, while your country enjoys peace and your resources adequate.
But particularly, I would recommend to your attention the navigation of Savannah river, which the state of Georgia has proffered her co-operation to effect, by an act that I submitted to the legislature at a former session, in a special communication on the subject of navigation.
It is unfortunate, that the endeavors hitherto made to discover the legal claimants to the debt contracted by this state with the prince of Luxemburg, have been fruitless. In conformity with the directions of the legislature, I communicated their desire to Mons. Pichon, charge des affaires of the French republic, and required him to use every possible vigilance to establish any claim which he might have in behalf of his government to the said debt; to this requisition I deem it necessary to observe, that I have received no reply, and from the period that has elapsed, I cannot reasonably calculate upon receiving any; nevertheless, as this is a subject deserving investigation to discover the legal claimants of this debt, and as it has been acknowledged a desirable object with the legislature to discharge the same, I would recommend that every investigation should be made to discover the person who is authorized to give a legal discharge to the state upon the payment of the debt.
Science and literature promise fair to flourish in our country; when the instruction of youth is fostered by the attentive care of the legislature; when institutions are established by them, and supported by their liberal patronage, Providence will not fail to regard the endeavors, and prosper the exertions. I congratulate you on the early completion of the state college, which, from the proceedings of the trustees, it appears that the institution will shortly go into operation; as the system will be adapted to advance education, it would be worthy of your attention to establish seminaries of learning in every district in the state, rendered accessible to all classes of your citizens, where they may be prepared to partake the advantages of this college.
In obedience to the resolution of the legislature in May last, I communicated to the president of the United States, the ratification of the amendment to the constitution, respecting the election of President and Vice-President, and have the satisfaction to transmit a communication from the secretary of the United States, confirming its adoption by three fourths of the states in the union, and consequently becomes a part of the constitution, in conformity with which you will act at the ensuing election for electors of President and Vice President. This among other important transactions, remains to be discharged by your honorable body at the present session; I trust that wisdom and unanimity may govern your proceedings, and that the choice of your first magistrate may be wise and judicious, and prove a blessing to the nation over which he presides: that with a steadfast pursuit to its welfare, he may find a ready support from the strong arm of government; with this policy, a mild manner, with firmness and energy in our measures; true dignity will be ensured to the councils of our nation, the present differences respecting our contract of western territory, be removed, and peace be long maintain-
ed for our country; that it may be so, is my ardent solicitation to the all-ruling Providence.
As far as the limits prescribed by the pale of the constitution will admit, I have brought to your view the state of our country. I trust it will be found, that nothing has been disregarded in the affairs of government, which has required my care and attention, or rested with me to discharge. Its order and prosperity has been the object of my ardent pursuit, and will always be the blessing of my best wishes.
JAMES B. RICHARDSON.
Columbia, Nov. 27, 1804.
From the REPUBLICAN ADVO-CATE.
TREASURY REPORT. If the doctrines of Pythagoras were now in vogue, and the transmigration of souls received as an article of faith it would not be considered as a strange conjecture that the spirit of the Marquis de Rochefoucauld, the immortal Duke Sully, had found its way into the body of Albert Gallatin. But as reason and Christianity forbid us to cherish a notion so absurd, we must content ourselves with observing, that France under the reign of Henry the IV. and the United States of America under the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson, can boast two extraordinary financiers, to form a parallel with whom history produces no character. Forming his system of finance on the purest and simplest principles, the calculations of Gallatin are perspicuous and lucid. As the great Steward of the nation, he presents his accounts annually for the inspection of the Representatives of the people. There is no difficulty in understanding his statement, and no mystery in the items of his account. Whoever understands addition and subtraction may comprehend the reports of Gallatin; the most ignorant individual of the community can learn to what purpose the money of the people has been and is to be applied. He finds that no cash has been squandered; no unlawful disbursements been made; and the keen jealousy of a Republican is almost blunted into confidence in so able a minister.
One thing, in particular, distinguishes the reports of Gallatin. He never requires new taxes. In all other countries but ours, and indeed in our own under former administrations, the people ever and anon have had sounded in their ears the words loan, loan, taxes, taxes . But the uniform declaration of Jefferson in his messages, (which are always justified by Gallatin's reports) is that no new taxes will be required . Were such a declaration made from the throne in England, that nation would be thunder-struck! So long have Englishmen been loaded with taxes, and been accustomed to pay them, that they would almost deem their monarch insane should he tell them he wanted no taxes, even for a single year. Hence the talents and ability of an English statesman lay in finding out ways and means to raise money for his government, and he is esteemed accordingly. It is on such shallow base that all Pitt's character as a statesman stands. As to Bonaparte and the Grand Seigneur, they are out of the question. They have all the talents and policy in managing national affairs that soldiers and bayonets can give them. It is England alone that must be contrasted with the United States; England whose proud king levying loss, boast that she is our mother. Be it so; we have then outstripped our parent in the science of government. In Gallatin's financial engagements there is nothing of a Piccadilly policy. There is no "mighty magic" of words to gull the multitude. No signal of approaching war held out to terrify the people into the payment of taxes. And wherefore? simply because there is no occasion for taxing the people; and Republicans scorn wantonly to extort money from the mouth of labor ; that mouth of labor which monarchists have treated with disdain, after having robbed it of its scanty meal, in order to clothe themselves and their children in crimson and velvet, and to procure gratification to their own luxurious appetites. Republicans pursue not what Kings call GLORY ; their glory lies in a different direction: It is in Peace and the cultivation of the arts and sciences where they seek for it. War and bloodshed have no pleasures for them; and they delight not in pursuits at which humanity weeps. These are a few of the many reasons why Gallatin's Report never requires taxes. Jefferson and the ministers of his cabinet untrammelled them, that went before them. They saw that

The world had been imposed upon. They determined to open the eyes of their own fellow citizens at least. They began government at the right end. They charged the question of how money is to be raised , into how money might be saved . And after abridging the expenses of the national household, they found that the nation could pay its debts, and keep government in motion, & still not require new taxes . Nay, even old ones were abolished; and those idlers employed in their collection compelled to seek their livings by more active and beneficial pursuits. Instead of exciting clamor, a good man would suppose that these disinterested proceedings would have filled every mind with gratitude. But human nature is perverse. Some men love money better than their country. Officers who lose titles by the repeal of a law which benefited the nation at large, would clamor in spite of Right and Reason.
It is, however, to even the form of debt, that such clamorous creatures be, when, with a mass of irrefragable evidence, staring them in the face, they call upon the people at large to join them. Do they imagine that men who experience all the blessings of freedom; who are oppressed neither by civil nor religious ordinances; and who are not subjected to the foul purposes of ambition, will trust, like Judas, upon their political Saviours, and betray them into the hands of their enemies whilst they are reaping benefits on themselves? It is impossible. The people are more true to themselves. They curse not with their hearts, what they applaud with their tongues.
To all the clamors, and to all the falsehoods, of offended lovers of office and interest party men, the report of Albert Gallatin offers an ample refutation. Upwards of fifteen millions of dollars saved and appropriated towards the extinguishment of the national debt, besides discharging the demands of government, and without laying additional taxes, or even continuing the old ones, exhibits a spirit of economy that has never been surpassed, if it has ever been equalled. Those false prophecies, which must be fresh in the memories of us all, prognosticating ruin and disgrace to our country, have proved ruinous and disgraceful only to a malignant faction. Even federalists of moderate dispositions begin to turn their affections towards the present administration. They begin to perceive that they have been cheated; and, of course, detest those who have cheated them.
The legislature of Maryland have never been more arduously engaged in the duties assigned to them at present. It is almost inconceivable the variety of business which it entails. Innumerable regulations, adapted to the several parts of the state, are attended to with a promptness and spirit worthy a public body, a majority whereof are republicans. From among a variety of subjects which have occupied the attention of the General Assembly (and which, although interesting to those to whom they immediately relate, we think would not be interesting to readers in general) we deem the following of primary importance to the community at large, to wit: the incorporation of the Union and of the Farmer's Banks , and the improvement of the public roads . On these subjects we are sensible that a variety of opinions exist: our fervent prayer is, that our legislators may act with prudence, and that the people may be satisfied.
SP RTA, November 17. The land to the Ocmulgee obtained!! This highly gratifying intelligence is communicated in the following extract of a letter from Bolling Hall, sq. dated Louisville, November 12.
"I take this first opportunity of informing you of the pleasing information which has this day been laid before us. We are informed by a letter addressed to his excellency by colonel Hawkins that he has concluded a treaty with the Creek Indians, by which he has acquired the land lying between the present temporary boundary of this state and the Ocmulgee river; running up said river to the three forks and thence to the high shoals on the Apalachicola."
"We have a great quantity of business on hand, and I think of very considerable importance to the state, in which may be included a bill to establish a state bank—a bill more effectually to prohibit the importation of slaves into this state—a bill to carry into effect the lottery, so far as respects the counties of Wilkinson and Baldwin, authorizing the judge of the superior court, in application of the forfeiture clause, to issue a writ of possession, and making it the duty of the sheriff to dispossess the person who may be living thereon, and to put the right owner in quiet possession."
"I have laid before the house a resolution for the purpose of calling the sense of the legislature to the necessity of laying out a new circuit, including the counties of Wilkinson and Baldwin, for carrying the lottery immediately into effect, to dispose of the fractional parts of surveys and to apply the money arising therefrom to the building a state house and penitentiary, and to alter the criminal code of this state."
thereto. To-day the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on this resolution, after some debate they rose and reported progress, and will on to-morrow sit again—I am at a loss how the house will decide, but flatter myself it will be favorable.
"The Surveyors have not all made their returns, but from those who have, I have been able to ascertain with some degree of precision the quantity of acres contained in the fractional parts, which is 56,820—this land, one half at least lying on the river, will at least sell for three dollars per acre, which will give the amount of 170,460 dollars; so that allowing 30,000 dollars to build the state house and 50,000 to build the penitentiary, there will then be a balance left, exclusive of the money arising from the sale of the lots in the town of Milledgeville, of 90,460 dollars. The accomplishment of these objects I think sufficient to justify the sale of the fractional surveys in pursuance of the former law; but if the money cannot be applied to the purposes, I shall be opposed to the sale and in favor of their being drawn for."
"The banking system I am too little acquainted with to give any decisive opinion, but that they are productive of great profit to the share holders is sufficiently proved by the number established in the United States. It is contemplated for the state to subscribe 100,000 dollars. If the profits arising from this sum can be appropriated for the use of establishing a free school at Milledgeville I shall be in favor of it; and hope I shall be enabled to accomplish this desirable object."
KENTU KY LEGISLATURE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Ketchival from the select committee to whom was referred so much of the governor's message as respects the opening of a road through the lands of the Cherokee Indians to the state of Georgia, made the following report, viz.
The committee to whom was referred so much of the governor's message, as respects the letter from the secretary at war, covering articles of agreement made between the United States, and the chiefs of the Cherokee Indians, respecting the opening a road through the lands of the said Indians, from the state of Tennessee to the state of Georgia, have according to order had the same under consideration; and have come to the following resolutions thereupon, viz.
Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that a road from this state to the state of Georgia, through the Indian lands, in this state and the state of Tennessee, would be very beneficial to the citizens of this commonwealth, inasmuch as it will in the opinion of your committee make a very great saving in the distance: and if a road should be obtained, would greatly facilitate the exportation of our live stock, and other produce, and give to the citizens of this state, the advantage of another market, which, from the circuitous route they now have to travel to it, prevents their receiving that benefit they would if a road on a more direct route was opened.
Your committee further report, that from the papers from the secretary at war, it appears that the United States have by agreement with the Indians, obtained permission to open roads from the mouth of Clinch river and Tellico in Tennessee, to Jackson county in Georgia, with permission to view and mark a road from this state, to intersect the former roads at the mouth of Clinch river or Tellico, if a road should be practicable, and if not, to intersect at some other point on a practicable route, and that so soon as a road is looked out, and designed, that measures will immediately be taken by the general government, to procure from the Indians, permission to open said road. Your committee are of opinion, that a road on the direction provided for by the general government, will be much nearer to the seaport towns in the state of Georgia, than the present road, and that it will be of high importance to the people of this state; and that a law should pass providing for looking out and designating said road, and that a bill ought to be brought in to that effect.
Leave was given to bring in several bills.
Mr. Ketchival read and laid on the table the following resolutions, viz.
Whereas it appears to the general assembly, that the general court now established by law, does not answer the valuable purposes expected by the establishment thereof:
Resolved therefore , That the state be divided into two districts: all on the north side of the Kentucky river including the counties of Madison, Franklin, and Gallatin, shall compose one district, and that a court be holden therefor at Paris, in the county of Bourbon; to be composed of one half the circuit judges; and the residue of the state shall compose the other district, and a court therefor shall be holden at Bardstown, in the county of Nelson and be composed of the other half of the circuit judges; which court, or courts, have the same jurisdiction in their respective districts, as the general
court now have; and all suits now depending in the said general court, be removed to the Paris district for trial.
Mr. E. Grundy read and laid on the table the following resolutions:
Whereas, owing to the manner of appropriating lands on the western waters, adopted by the state of Virginia previous to the erection of the state of Kentucky into an independent state, there are many conflicting claims to land, and the titles to real property in this state are thereby rendered precarious and unsettled; and inasmuch as many claims to lands in this commonwealth are held by non-residents, who have it in their election to have their suits tried in the state courts, or the courts of the United States, which gives the non-resident a decided advantage, the resident having no such election; which advantage is more manifest, when it is considered that different principles of decision may be established by those different tribunals, and the non-resident has it in his power to resort to that court where former decisions favor his particular case. And this is not the only inconvenience which the citizens of this commonwealth are subject to in consequence of our particular situation; the artful and wealthy land claimant who is an inhabitant of this state, by a transfer of his title to a non-resident, may give jurisdiction to the court of the United States, and thereby put it out of the power of his indigent opponent to pursue or support his claim with success. This is sufficiently evident, when we recollect the great distance which many of our citizens live from the district court of the United States for the Kentucky district, and their inability to prosecute an appeal at the Federal City:
And whereas the act of congress prohibiting an assignment of promissory notes, or other choses in action to non-residents for the purpose of giving jurisdiction to the federal court, is rendered ineffectual in this state by reason of the practice which prevails in the said court, and thereby our citizens are burdened unnecessarily with vast expense which attends the administration of justice in said court:
And whereas, serious and alarming consequences may ensue, from the contradictory adjudication in the supreme federal court and the court of appeals in this state:
And whereas the judiciary of each individual state ought to be considered as best qualified to decide upon the laws enacted by the legislature of that state, more especially when the subject to be adjudicated on, is of such a nature as to require an intimate knowledge of the history of that state, and the particular mode of acquiring that property which is the subject of dispute:
Resolved therefore , That the senators in Congress from this state, be and they are hereby instructed, and our representatives in Congress are also requested to use their best endeavors to procure such amendment to the constitution of the United States as will confine the judicial power of the courts of the United States, to cases in law and equity, arising under the constitution and laws of the United States, and treaties made and which shall be made under their authority; cases affecting ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls; cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; controversies to which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between two or more states.
Resolved also , That the governor be, and he is hereby requested to forward the foregoing resolution to each of the senators and representatives from this state in the Congress of the United States; also to the executive of each state in the union, that the same may be laid before their several legislatures, with a request for their co-operation in procuring the said amendment.
WASHINGTON CITY. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
There frequently occur events of great importance, which, from peculiar circumstances, do not command the attention to which their intrinsic merit entitles them. In public affairs, no less than in private concerns, those results excite the deepest interest, and awaken the liveliest feelings, which have hung in suspense, and have depended upon the predominance of powers nearly balanced.—Under these circumstances events of a subordinate character animate the whole nation; while those, of the first dignity, without them, often struggle into existence amidst apparent apathy and indifference. Hence, while two great parties claimed an ascendancy with pretensions nearly equal, whatever respected the election of a chief magistrate was sought for with avidity, and the final result received with the deepest interest. Our readers cannot have forgotten the tremulous and universal sensibility which accompanied the strenuous contest of 1800; nor can they, without surprise, contrast the present tone of the public mind on a repetition of the same act. America
is the same great nation it then was, nay, greater, by the accession of nearly a million of inhabitants; and Thomas Jefferson has not in the elimination of his friends, or of the world, forfeited any claim to confidence, which he then possessed. Still he is again elevated to the first office in the power of six million of freemen to confer, without awakening either the rapturous exultation of his friends, or the angry passions of his enemies.
We might, in correspondence with the general feeling, content ourselves with the formal record of this event:—But this, with the impressions we entertain of its magnitude, would be a dereliction of duty. We shall, therefore, without indulging in expressions of triumph, which the occasion would well warrant, proceed to extract from it the sound and rational inferences of which it is susceptible.
All the writers on government, who have given their ideas to the public, unite in the opinion of the extreme and paramount difficulty of so organizing the executive power of the government of a free nation, as efficaciously to promote the public interests without endangering the liberty or peace of the nation. Many good men, guided by the experience of those who went before them, have not hesitated to pronounce as impracticable the application of the elective feature to the designation of the chief magistrate; and have consequently recommended an hereditary chief.—This they have done on two grounds; first , that the body of the people are incapable of making a judicious choice, if left to the exercise of their own judgments; and secondly , that the act of selecting one man for the discharge of executive functions, is so momentous as inevitably, by awakening the fiercest passions of the human breast, to produce disorder, and an eventual resort to violence.
Candour compels us to admit that there are the lessons of Transatlantic experience. Whence then is it that a nation, more dignified than the world has heretofore presented, and at cause more likely to be fought with an eagerness equal to its eminence, has, for five successive periods, and in times not remarkable for tranquility, been gained not only without bloodshed, or violence, but by means legal, regular and rational? Whence, it is repeated, this astonishing difference? Are the interests, the feelings, the passions of the new world exempt from all that depravity and fierceness which so often characterize those of the old? No; lively as the devotion of an American is to his country, it were arrogance to assert this pre-eminence of character. The cause of this sublime phenomenon is the representative principle of our political institutions. This is the gravitating principle of our politics. Its mighty influence, like that kindred power which holds the universe in concord, adjusts and harmonizes the complicated machinery that composes the various systems of government that unite the respective portions of the nation. Why the ascendancy of this principle? The reason is obvious. Its vortex embraces the whole physical force of the nation, and gives it a moral direction. At one instant of time, the representatives of six millions vote that Thomas Jefferson shall be their President. To the force of such a vote, what is an army of one hundred thousand veterans, or the combined artillery of stratagem, fraud, or seduction? Let us then, fellow-citizens, bellow in our hearts this sacred feature of our rights and liberties; a feature as new to the world, as propitious to us.
The rational part of mankind, that attentively contemplates this event, must admit one of two things; either that the United States do not contain those turbulent spirits that seek their own glory in the anarchy or slavery of the people; or that the American people are too enlightened or virtuous to be made their tools. Either alternative reflects a rare credit upon the great body of the people.
Of the numerous views which this subject admits, this is perhaps the most instructive. But there is another, which ought not to be passed without notice.
Two great parties have for a number of years past divided the nation; the republican, and the federal. Their measures having been in direct hostility, it is not uncharitable to consider their views different. The former, by profession and act have legitimized the distinctive name they assumed. They are in truth republicans. They are the friends of the people. As such they are the friends of a government of limited powers , derived at short periods from and at all periods responsible to the people. On the other hand the measures of the federalists have indicated a distrust of republican principles, and an indisposition to take public opinion as their guide; and hence they have strove to extend the powers of the government, so as to increase its influence over the people, instead of increasing the influence of the people over it by limiting its powers. On this great point, the two parties have been at issue. In the year 1796, Mr. Adams's election to the chief magistracy marked the ascendancy of federalism; and he, who had deliberately in the election
of procuring the English system the most perfect devised by man, sustained a career worthy of such a conviction. The career was dark and gloomy, rapid and evanescent. It roused the revolutionary feelings of whiggism into action; and as they had once, so they again triumphed. But the issue was long doubtful, and the triumph, though great, far from decisive.—Mr. Jefferson reached the presidential chair by a majority of only eight electoral votes. Federalism refused to acknowledge itself defeated. Instead of retiring from the contest, it threw itself into the thickest battle, and appealing to the people, predicted, at the next trial of strength, its victorious restoration to power. Every man was used to insure success: An incessant opposition was sustained on the floor of Congress, in the state legislatures, and in the public prints. On these great theatres of investigation they were met. Enquiry was challenged. Both sides were heard. The nation was enlightened; and what is the result?—Thomas Jefferson, who in 1800, was elected by a majority of but eight votes out of 138 is in 1804 elected by a majority of 154 out of 176.
Deeply interesting is the aspect of this event on the development of republican principles. It shows that the more faithfully and completely these principles are translated into the measures of a government, the more does it consolidate the affections of a free people. It shows that what the visionary statesmen of Europe have considered as the elements of anarchy and dissolution, are, under a wise direction the very elements of union, harmony and stability.
Superficial minds have deprecated as fatal the divisions subsisting among us; and, in consonance with their fears, have predicted the early downfall of our political structures. Let them learn, from this proud result, that a republican government, founded on the representative principle, like the vast rock whose deep rooted basis has never been reached, is strengthened by the tempest that surrounds it; and that, while other systems sink into the chaos from which they rose, it preserves, in every vicissitude, its solid, uniform and simple character.
Our country has heretofore, at different periods, been treated with injustice, under the idea that we were a diluted people. The event of this election will dispel the illusion. Let us hope that, by manifesting the full confidence of the nation in Thomas Jefferson, it will teach European powers that the government and the people are one, and thus impress them with the policy of cultivating that friendship which is offered to all.
* Though this majority is not ascertained, there is almost a moral certainty of it.
Congressional Register. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19. A memorial of sundry manufacturers of refined sugar in the city and state of New-York, was read, praying that a drawback of duty may be allowed on the exportation to foreign countries, of sugar refined within the United States, equivalent to the duty on raw sugars employed in the manufacture of the refined sugar so exported, under such regulations as will tend effectually to secure the public revenue from injury in the amount and collection thereof.
The said memorial, together with the memorial of sundry merchants, ship-builders, farmers, planters and other persons concerned in navigation, residing in St. Mary's county, in the state of Maryland, presented November 23 d , 1803, and praying "that the office of the collector of the district and port of Nanjemoy, may be removed to some convenient place on St. Mary's river, in the said state;" and also, the memorial and petition of sundry merchants, farmers, planters, masters of vessels, owners, ship hufbands, and others of the district of Nanjemoy, in the state of Maryland, in opposition to the prayer of the said recited memorial presented the tenth of January, were ordered to be referred to the committee of commerce & manufactures.
A memorial of Anne Ledyard, of the state of New-York, widow and administratrix of Isaac Ledyard, deceased, was read, praying to be allowed the commutation of half pay due for the services of the deceased, as an hospital surgeon and assistant surveyor in the continental army during the revolutionary war with Great Britain, to which she conceives the legal representatives of the deceased are justly entitled by resolution of Congress under the former government, and also, that a mistake made by the commissioner of army accounts, to the injury of the deceased in a settlement of his claims against the United States, amounting to a sum between eight hundred and one thousand dollars, may be rectified.
Referred to the Committee of Claims. The memorial and petition of Wm. T. Smith, of the city of Philadelphia, praying "that certain certificates of frauded debt may be granted to him, in lieu of two loss certificates heretofore issued in favor of the memorialist,"

by the commissioners of loans, of South Carolina and Georgia, respectively, presented on the 7th of February last, was referred to the committee of the whole House, to whom was committed on the 6th inst. the bill making further provision for extinguishing the debts due from the United States.
An engrossed bill to provide for completing the valuation of lands and dwelling houses, and the enumeration of slaves in South Carolina, and for other purposes, was read the third time and passed.
An engrossed bill giving power to the stockholders of the marine insurance company of Alexandria to insure against fire, was read the third time and passed.
An engrossed bill to amend the act, entitled, "An act for the government and regulation of seamen in the merchants' service," was read the third time and passed.
The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole House, Mr. W. C. Smith in the chair, on the report of the committee of elections, of the 10th inst. to whom was referred, on the 30th ult. a petition of sundry citizens of the county of Washington, in the state of Pennsylvania, complaining of an undue election and return of John Hoge, to serve in this House as one of the representatives for said state.
After considerable debate the committee rose. The House proceeded to consider the said report of the committee of Elections on the Clerk's table, and the same being twice read, in the words following, to wit:
"That Wm Hoge, member of the House of Representatives for the eighth Congress, having by letter to the governor of the state of Pennsylvania, dated the 15th of October, resigned his seat in Congress; the governor, in pursuance of the provisions made in the second section of the first article of the constitution of the United States, issued a writ of election to supply the vacancy which had thus taken place: That the said writ was issued on the 22nd day of Oct. and the election directed to be held on the 2d day of November, eleven days after the date of the said writ: That the writ was brought by the mail to the prothonotary's office in Washington, on the 30th of October, but not proclaimed by the sheriff 'till the 31st."
"It appears to the committee, that though by the second section of the first article of the constitution of the United States, it is made the duty of the Executive authority of the respective states to issue writs of election to fill vacancies, yet by the fourth section of the aforesaid article, it is made the duty of the legislature of each state to prescribe the times, places and manner for holding such elections. It appears, however, that several elections to supply vacancies in Congress, have been heretofore held in Pennsylvania, yet on examining the laws of that state, it appears that no law exists prescribing the times, places and manner of holding elections to supply such vacancies as may happen in the representation in Congress, and consequently if the election of John Hoge is, on this account, aside, no election can be held to supply the vacancy until the legislature of the state enact a law for that purpose."
"By the law for the general election of representatives to Congress for Pennsylvania, the sheriff is to give thirty days notice before the election, and to make the returns within thirty days after it. This election is held near five months before the expiration of the existing Congress. By the law of said state for supplying vacancies in the state legislature, the Speakers of the respective Houses shall issue writs to supply vacancies that may happen, giving at least ten days notice. The governor, in the case now before the committee, has directed the election to be held on the same day, &c. on which the electors for President and Vice-President were to be chosen. There is no proof before the committee of any abuse in the manner of conducting the election in obedience to the writ issued by the governor."
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Mr. Varnum in the Chair, On the bill to amend the Charter of Alexandria. The principal feature of this bill is the extension of the right of suffrage.
A motion to strike out the first section produced considerable debate; and was lost by a large majority. The bill, after undergoing several subordinate amendments, was reported to the House, who took it into immediate consideration, and ordered it to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday.
The three electors of the state of Delaware, met agreeably to law, and voted for Charles G. Pinckney as President of the United States and Rufus King as Vice-President.
The House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, have appointed Messrs. Biddle, Ferguson, Eagle, Bucher, and Leacock, their committee, to conduct the impeachment against Judges Shippen, Yates, and Smith: with permission to employ counsel. The trial will commence on the first Monday of next month.
House of Representatives of South Carolina, Nov. 23. Mr. Wilmer gave notice that he would, on Monday next, ask for leave to bring in a bill to repeal an act, entitled, an act to alter and amend the several acts, respecting the importation of negroes into this state.
Extract of a letter from Columbia, dated the 4th instant. "This day came on the election of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States. One hundred and forty-one ballots were given in, of which
 John Blake had 130  John Gaillard, 129  Thomas Taylor, 129  Joseph Blyth, 124  Joseph C. Hurst, 123  Samuel Warren, 121  Arthur Sinkins, 116  William Hill, 108  James Miles, 108  John Taylor, of Pendleton, 95   "the election for Senators of the United States took place the same day. John Gaillard, esq. had 105 votes, out of 134 that were given, in the room of Major Butler, resigned. General Sumter was re-elected—he had 101 votes. "Felix Warley, esq. is elected treasurer of the lower division without opposition—he had 135 votes. "Paul Hamilton, esq. will be the governor beyond a doubt. "Judge Lee having resigned his seat on the bench, is a candidate for comptroller. As his friends are numerous, there is little doubt of his success."
From the American Mercury. DIED , at Fort Stockton, October 20th Ephraim Kirby , esq. of Litchfield, in this state. He was interred with the honors of war, and other marks of respect and esteem—to which, as a man, an officer, and a citizen, he was eminently entitled.
Previous to his death, Col. Kirby had received a further proof of the confidence of the general government, by an appointment as a judge in the Orleans territory. His character as a professional man is well known in Connecticut; and the citizens of this state will, with unceasing regret, lament the loss of an uniform and inflexible patriot, and the firm unshaken advocate of their rights and liberties. Were we disposed to adopt the modern and fashionable mode of appealing to the passions of the people, we might call on them to come forward and open the grave—We might call on them to uncover the head honored with scars received in defence of our country. But appealing from the language of passion, to the cooler decisions of reason, they will discharge the just tribute of respect to the departed patriot, who, while living, was equally beloved by his friends, and respected by his enemies.
SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 1804. DUANE  versus  DUNLAP. MR. DICKERSON opened the case for the plaintiff—this is an action of trespass in which Wm. Duane is the plaintiff, for a violent assault and battery, committed by John Dunlap, in company with Peter Miercken, James Simmons, J. B. Bond, J. B. M'Kean, George Willough, and several others, on the 15th May, 1799. The circumstances of this case even at the distance of five years and an half, are yet familiar to the remembrance and regret of every peaceable citizen of Philadelphia; and none of the jury could be ignorant of the impression which still remains on the public mind of the character of that outrage; for however parties may have prejudiced or however they may have dif-
fered on other topics, on this assault in all respects, he believed there was but one general opinion of abhorrence—at one feeling of its barbarity and injustice—and of the disgrace which it reflected on our police and laws, and the character of our city. If the interposition of the laws, was therefore on any occasion called for more than on another, it was in this case: to bring it fairly before the jury he would go circumstantially into its origin and its detail.
It was in general recollection, that upon some discontent being shewn against the law for the valuation of houses and lands, in the county of Northampton, the government of the United States had ordered a military force to march into that quarter. Part of that force was composed of certain corps of cavalry from this city and from other parts of the commonwealth. During the expedition, among the accounts transmitted from the different stations of the military force, some communications were published in the Aurora , at which exception was taken by certain officers of the cavalry; and a meeting was held at Hardy's tavern, in Market Street, on the 15th May, 1799, where those officers, and their troopers, amounting to thirty or more, came to a determination, to proceed to be the judges in their own case, to determine the extent of the crime, the measure of the punishment, and to be themselves the executioners, of the printer of the Aurora .
After making their arrangements, and taking precautions against interruption or interference in the pursuit of their designs, they marched rank and file from the tavern to the printing office; which they entered in great force, at their head was Mr. Miercken, and it will be shown that he was supported by the defendant, M. Dunlap, from the beginning to the end of this disgraceful affair.
Upon forcing their way into the Aurora office, they found Mr. Duane employed at his desk; and immediately proceeded to interrogate him as to the author of a letter which appeared in the Aurora on the 16th of April, and of another which had appeared on the preceding day, 14th May. To these interrogatories, Mr. Duane gave a candid and temperate reply; he refused giving his author, and assigned for reason that the disclosure of this author's name might have a tendency to influence the trial of persons then in confinement, and who were to be speedily brought to trial on a charge of resisting the laws; that as soon as those trials should have been concluded, he would then give them every satisfaction they might require. These reasons were not deemed satisfactory to those gentlemen supporters of the law; and threats, menaces, and aspersions were employed, with no better effect. It seems that the troops of cavalry from this city were five in number; one of which was commanded by the President of the United States, and the other four acting under the authority of this commonwealth, capt. M'Kean, as senior captain, it seems, was placed in front, and on his right was placed the defendant, Mr. Dunlap, and on the left flank was the redoubtable Peter Miercken, the others, some of whom have been tried and convicted, and others, who are yet to stand trial, brought up the rear of this formidable body of vindicators of the laws.
Upon the interrogation by Mr. M'Kean proving ineffectual, a clamor was raised and the exclamations were heard, of knock down the scoundrel, drag him down stairs, bring him to the market house and flag him. The distribution of their operative force was such that no aid nor succor could be given either by Mr. Duane's friend or by the numerous workmen, who were employed in the office; double centinels had been stationed over every printer—the presses were stopped,—and a back hand blow on the mouth from captain M'Kean was the signal for carrying their premeditated brutality into execution. Mr. Duane repelled the first blow, but he was soon seized upon, by the collar, by the muscular hands of Miercken on one side, and by Simmons on the other, while others equally powerful of body were employed in holding the hands, and legs of their victim. In this manner he was dragged down stairs, and on his reaching the alley of Franklin court, he was only loosed from their ferocious grip, to be beaten to the ground by the weighty arm of a practiced brawler. After being repeatedly knocked down by Miercken, and rising to resist so long as he was able to rise, when his strength was wholly exhausted, by an ingenuity in horrid cruelty, he was raised from the ground and held up—only to be knocked down again by the large hand.
In this state exhausted by bruises and the loss of blood, stretched almost lifeless on the pavement—a still further stretch of barbarous outrage was to be practiced. One of those heroes, Mr. Simmons, was dispatched for a cow-skin, and while Mr. Duane lay at all appearance lifeless, and totally helpless, they proceeded to beat him. It was in this situation, that after exhibiting an autonomy, unbecoming a man of his age, that Mr. Dunlap thought proper to exhibit his prowess and not content with inflicting several blows with his own hands, after Miercken himself had been
fatigued or satiated with cruelty, this man with heavy hand declared 'the rascal has not half enough.'
It is for this outrage the present action is instituted, and which it is your duty, gentlemen of the jury, now to try. We shall produce evidence to substantiate the facts in their full extent, and it will then be your duty to inflict a penalty for damage, which shall be at once a compensation for the injury to the plaintiff, a just and salutary punishment to the defendant, and an example which may deter others who may be disposed to commit similar outrages.
The first evidence was the deposition of Robert Oliphant, esq. cashier of the bank at Norfolk, which was taken by interrogatory under a commission—and is as follows.
Deposition of Robert Oliphant, taken before Wm. Vanhan, alderman of Norfolk; Daniel Bolinger, esq., and Augustus C. Jordan, commissioners: dated Norfolk, 14th Feb. 1804. To the interrogatories Mr. Oliphant replied:— That he has a perfect knowledge of the meeting at Mr. Hardy's (but cannot state the precise day) for the purpose of taking measures, as he understood, for ascertaining the author of a publication in the Aurora of the date, charging the defendant and others with having lived on free quarters, while engaged on the expedition against the insurgents in Pennsylvania—and in case the author could not be discovered, to seek redress in some other way. That the defendant was at the said meeting, with perhaps twelve or thirteen others. That a variety of conversation took place, the particulars of which he does not now recollect; but it was finally determined, that capt. Joseph B. M'Kean, as highest in command, should question Wm. Duane, respecting the author of the before mentioned publication, and should his name be withheld, that the said capt. Joseph B. M'Kean was then to chastise the said Duane. That the persons present (at the meeting) then generally left the house.
That after the above named persons left Mr. Hardy's, they proceeded to William Duane's foot office, and not finding him there they went to his printing office in Franklin Court where they found him engaged in writing. That captain J. B. M'Kean demanded the name of the author of the before mentioned publication, which Duane as often as the demand was repeated, refused to give, alleging that a cause or causes was then or about pending in some court, which circumstance rendered it highly improper to make the communication demanded by said J. B. M'Kean, but that as soon as the cause or causes came to a determination, the name of the author should be made known. That this excited mutual altercation. Capt. M'Kean repeated his demand which Mr. Duane again refused; stating that the proceedings in which the said M'Kean was then engaged was an electioneering trick; that J. B. M'Kean then struck Mr. Duane, and said he lied. That this action created considerable confusion. That capt. Peter Miercken advancing, seized Mr. Duane by the collar and dragged him down stairs, and thence into Franklin court alley (Mr. Duane crying murder) when the said Miercken undertook the chastisement of the said Duane, at intervals demanding the author of the publication, which was as often refused. Finding no prospect of obtaining the name of the author, the said Miercken struck the plain int several times, which in one or two instances brought him to the ground. That the plaintiff in attempting to strike the said P. Miercken received a blow from J. B. Bond, which gave considerable discontent to the parties concerned—it having been determined that captain J. B. M'Kean should be the person to chastise the said Wm. Duane. That before the ending of the affray a cow-skin was called for and seized by the said Miercken who gave the plaintiff a stroke with it for each corps respectively, exclaiming "take that you damned rascal."
That he does not remember to have seen the plaintiff receive a kick during the battle, but he was beaten with a cow-skin as before stated. (To be continued.)
A POCKET BOOK LOST. A reward of 5 dollars will be paid to any person who gives information to the printer, so that the owner may recover it. It was lost yesterday some where in the city, near the War Office or in Pennsylvania Avenue. A note of the Columbia Bank for 5 dollars, and a number of receipts and memoranda were in the Pocket Book when it was lost. December 21. 3t.
Saint John's Day. THE members of Federal and Columbia Lodges are requested to meet at the Lodge room on the 27th inst. at 9 o'clock A. M. from which they will proceed to the church on New Jersey Avenue, where a discourse suitable to the occasion will be delivered by the Rev. brother A. T. M'Dermick and afterwards return to the Lodge room and partake of a dinner—Arrethren who are not members are also requested to attend. Published by order of the Lodges. Washington, Dec. 21—3t
WASHINGTON CITY. FRIDAY DECEMBER 21: A dreadful fire took place in the city of New-York on Tuesday last. It commenced at 4 o'clock in the morning where the old Coffee-house stands, and burnt down twenty brick and twenty wooden buildings. The loss is estimated at 500,000 dollars.
PUBLIC MEETING. HAVING received communications from the Town and County of Alexandria, which relate to the affairs of the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, it becomes proper on my part to solicit a meeting of the inhabitants of Washington to take the said communications into consideration. A meeting for that purpose is accordingly requested to be held at the THEATRE on Saturday the 22nd inst. at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. ROBERT BRENT, Mayor of Washington. December 19 2t
Cheap Groceries AND CROCKERY WARE. THE Subscriber intending to decline business, offers for sale, on the lowest terms, a general assortment of Groceries and Crockery Ware, among which are, viz. Cogniac, Jamaica and old Peach Brandy, Port, Sherries, Naples and Malaga Wine, Cherry Bounce, Aniseed cordial, best Wine Bitters, preserved Fruits in brandy, preserved ginger Pickles, Sweet Oil, Spices, Loaf and Brown Sugar, Coffee, fresh Teas, Sweeping Brushes and Scrubbing, Spanish Segars, Chewing Tobacco, Mustard, Hair Powder, Gunpowder, Shot, Thread by the ounce, very cheap, &c. &c. &c. China, Glass, and Crockery ware. A person desirous of following the mercantile line, in the city of Washington, cannot find a more eligible situation for business, than the one occupied now, by the subscriber, for either a Dry Good or a Grocery Store, it being in one of the most inhabited parts of the city; the house is very convenient and the rent moderate. Such a person by applying to the subscriber on the premises, will meet with a very cheap bargain and with every thing necessary for carrying on the grocery line. J. A. XAUPI. F Street, near the Branch Bank, city of Washington, Dec 21 tawt
DISCOVERED a few day since (in the Telegraph ) a challenge by Samuel Norwood, Esq. Bonaparte against Democrat.—At Annapolis this fall, I proposed running Democrat against Bonaparte, carrying from 110 lbs to 140 at the discretion of Mr. Norwood; which was rejected. As Mr. Norwood refused the proposition made by me at that time, I am not bound to run the race proposed by him in the Telegraph —Democrat will run Bonaparte over the Annapolis race course, on the third Tuesday in May next, four miles and repeat, for 1000 dollars, play or pay, carrying 126 lbs. each; which is the weight they are to carry by the rules of racing, both being seven years old. Should Mr. Norwood decline this offer, Democrat will cover mares next spring, at the subscribers farm, from the first day of March until the first day of August, at Sixteen dollars each and Fifty cents for the groom. Democrat's pedigree is equal to the pedigree of any horse to be produced, having in him the blood of Medley, Eclipse, Figure, Dove, Godolphin, Arabian, and Mr. Lakin's colts. If this proposition is approved of by Mr. Norwood, notice will be given in the Maryland Gazette within forty days from the date hereof. ISAAC DUCKE. December 21—tawt p. 30
TWO good HORSES and some good WATCHES will be RAFFLED for on moderate terms at Mr. Myer's tavern near the Centre market city of Washington, on Saturday evening 22nd inst. at 6 o'clock. Dec 21—1t
Orphans court of Prince George County December term, 1804. ORDERED that Wm. Sprigg Bowie, Executor of Margaret Bowie, fell the whole of the deceased's personal Estate, except the Negroes and Plate, on a credit of six months, for all sums above twenty dollars; and for all sums to the amount of twenty dollars and under, for cash. It is further ordered, that he give three weeks notice, by public advertisement, of the time and place of sale and that he take bond, with good security, from the purchaser or purchasers thereof. Test, TRUMAN TYLER, Register of Wills for Prince George's County.
Agreeably to the above order will be sold, on Thursday the 31 day of Jany next, at the late dwelling of Mrs. Margaret Bowie, near Nottingham, in Prince George's county, on a credit of six months (the purchaser to give bond, with approved security, bearing interest from the day of sale) PART of the Personal Estate of the said deceased, consisting of all the Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs and Stock of every kind; a quantity of Indian Corn, Corn Fodder, the crop of Tobacco now in the houses, all the Plantation Utensils, Household and Kitchen Furniture, &c. The sale to commence at 12 o'clock. Wm. SPRIGG BOWIE, Executor of Margaret Bowie. December 13, 1804
All persons having claims against the deceased are requested to present them to the Executor, as a speedy arrangement may take place. Dec 21 tawt
Columbia Academy. THE scholars belonging to the Columbian Academy will deliver a number of orations and dialogues in the Ball room in the Union Tavern on Saturday evening at 5 o'clock. The company of Ladies and gentlemen will be highly gratifying to the young orators. Georgetown, Dec. 21—1t

PUBLIC MEETING.
HAVING received communications from the Town and County of Alexandria, which relate to the affairs of the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA; it becomes proper on my part to solicit a meeting of the inhabitants of Washington to take the said communications into consideration. — meeting for that purpose is accordingly requested to be held at the THEATRE on Saturday the 22nd inst. at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
ROBERT BRENT, Mayor of Washington.
December 19 at
District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit:
ON the petition of WALTER QUEEN an insolvent debtor confined in the prison of Washington county for debt. Notice is hereby given to the creditors of the said Walter Queen, that on Monday the 24th day of this month, at 10 o'clock, A. M. at the court room in the Capitol, the oath of an insolvent debtor will be administered to the said Walter Queen agreeably to an act of Congress now in force respecting insolvent debtors within the district of Columbia, and a trustee appointed unless sufficient cause then and there be shown to the contrary. Provided this notice be published twice in the Washington Federalist, and twice in the National Intelligencer before that day.
By order of the hon. Wm. Cranch, esq. one of the assistant judges of the circuit court of the district of Columbia.
URIAH FORREST, Clk.
Dec. 19 — 2t
LOST.
ON Friday morning last, between the Pyber and Mr. Rhodes hotel, a small Red Morocco POCKET BOOK, containing a note of 100 dollars of the Union Bank of Maryland; the note was wrapped up in a small memorandum, for the person who lost it to get the following articles, one box of tobacco, one ounce of bark, one vial of perfume, and two brooms. The note has such marks, as renders it of no avail at Bank cash proved. The finder will be handsomely rewarded, if he will leave the pocket book with its contents with the printer of this advertisement, or at Mr. Hamilton's on Capitol Hill.
December 19 — 3t
FOR SALE.
The following City Lots, ON A LIBERAL TIME, Upon SECURITY, viz.
LOTS—3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, in square No. 919. — Lots 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, & 16, in sq. No. 938. — Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, & 16, in sq. No. 936. — Lots 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19, in square No. 1042. — Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13, in square No. 1055.
Apply to CHARLES MINIFIE, Washington City, or to RICHARD C. JONES, at Philadelphia.
Washington, August 3 — tf.
N.B. C. M. has further other lots for sale or ground rent (on easy terms to improvers,) and in eligible situations.
THE Subscriber has for sale at the Navy Yard—Six Hhds very particular TEN-MERIFFE WINE, and one hhd OLD ANTIQUA SPIRITS, which he will sell low for cash or approved discount paper, 60 days.
BULLER COOKE.
December 14 — 4t
PUBLIC SALE.
WILL be sold at public sale, on Saturday the 23rd of December next at the Union Tavern, George Town, the following property, to wit, one moiety of 42 Acres of Land situate on Rock Creek—bounded on the North and East by Mr. Holmead; on the South by Mr. Rowles; and on the west by Rock Creek; the other moiety was lately held by the trustees of Mr. Contee.
Also, 13 and a half acres higher up the creek, bounded on the north by Mr. Pearce, on the east and south by Mr. Holmead, and on the west by Rock Creek.
Also, one moiety of the mill usually called Lingan's mill situate on Rock Creek, a little below Rowles mill. And also 19 P.romac Bridge shares.
A credit of 12 months will be given, upon the purchasers giving bond with good security—The sale to commence at 12 o'clock, meridian.
ERIAS B. CALDWELL, Trustee of Gaiavus Scott's estate.
Dec. 15 — eptf.
THE subscribers have opened a GROCERY STORE in the house near the Capitol, lately occupied by Mr. JAMES D. BARRY—where they have for sale, low, for cash or in exchange for country produce.
 Genuine Cogniac brandy,  Inferior French do.  Old Jamaica Spirits,  Madeira, } Wines, by the quarter cask  Sherry, } and cask, or smaller quantity.  Libbon, }  Claret, }  Brown Sugar, 1st and 2d quality,  Loaf and Lump, do.  Molasses, }  Firkin Butter, }  Mould Candles, }  Sweet Oil, }  Spices of different kinds, }  Fig Blue, }  Starch, }  Almonds, }  Anchovies, } In bottles.  Capers, }  Powder and Shot, }  Excellent Wine Vinegar, }  Gin, }  Whiskey, }  Hylon, } Teas, fresh, and of su-  Imperial, } perior quality.  Young Hylon, }  Salt Herrings in Barrels. 
PETER HEALY, & Co Washington October 31 — tf
Five Dollars Reward.
STOLEN or taken on the 26th of October, from the subscriber, out of Mr. Goldsborough's lot—a BAY COLT, about two years old last spring, 11 or 12 hands high, shed all around—Whoever will deliver the said colt to the subscriber near the President's house, shall receive Five dollars reward.
ROBERT SUTTON.
Washington December 19 — 3t
CHARLES H. VARDEN, MERCHANT TAYLOR.
Has received from Philadelphia a handsome assortment of FALL goods, consisting of the best London and French superfine cloths, cassimeres, patent Bennett's cord, toillettes, fancy and white Marfeilles, black and figured silk, moleskins, fancy silk, Marfeilles, constitution cords, velvets, Genoa cord, silk and fustian Florentine, superfine coating, knapped cloths, with a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season.
N. B. Ladies habits, regimentals, and navy uniforms made in the first stile of fashion.
New Jersey avenue near the Capitol.
December 10 — tf
ADAM KING, & Co.
AT their wine Store in High Street George Town, have in addition to their stock of old wines, laid in a large and general assortment of all kinds of Liquors and Groceries suitable to the present season; where bills of any description, in their line, will constantly be filled up on the shortest notice and they flatter themselves, from the quality of their wines, &c. they will be able to give general satisfaction to all those who may think proper to favor them with a call—where all kind of commission business as usual, will be attended to with the utmost attention, George Town, November 5 — tf
FALL GOODS.
THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR,
Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square.
Has just received a very handsome assortment of Fall Goods.
Orders executed with the greatest dispatch and fashion, and on the most moderate terms. Oct. 31 — tf
ROBERT CHERRY.
HAS removed his store, to the house of Mr. George Hayden New Jersey Avenue on the Eastern Branch, where he has just received (in addition to his former stock) by the Schooner Maryland from Philadelphia a general assortment of groceries and liquors of superior quality, with a few boxes India china of the best quality eighty pieces to the set; all of which he will sell wholesale and retail at the most reduced prices for cash, or in exchange for country produce—All orders in his line will be executed with punctuality and dispatch; he flatters himself from the quality of his articles he will be able to render ample satisfaction to his friends and all those who may be pleased to favor him with their custom. All kinds of commission business will be attended to with the utmost attention. Washington city Dec. 12 — tf
Wanted to rent or purchase
a large and convenient HOUSE, with 100 or 150 acres of Land, in an healthy situation—the neighborhood of Baltimore, Elk Ridge or toward the vicinity of the city of Washington will be preferred.
Letters addressed to the subscriber, particularly mentioning the improvements, terms, &c. shall be immediately attended to.
GEORGE RALPH.
Charlotte Hall, St. Mary's county,
November 30 —
Ship Timber, Plank, &c.
WANTED at the NAVY YARD Washington, a quantity of the undermentioned materials, for which the fair market prices at New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, will be paid on delivery, viz.
THICK STUFF and PLANK of white oak and heart yellow pine of 12 to 14 inches in breadth, 30 feet long and upwards, viz.
  9 inch thick 3 inch thick   8 1/2 do. 4 1/2 do.   8 do. 4 do.   7 1/2 do. 3 1/2 do.   7 do. 3 do.   6 1/2 do. 2 1/2 do.   6 do. 2 do.   5 1/2 do. 1 1/2 do. 
Logs of white oak, and heart yellow pine, from 12 to 16 inches square, and 16 to 30 feet long,
Do. of 16 to 18 inches square, and 30 to 40 feet long, the prices will be greater,
Do. of larger sizes and lengths, still more so.
Timbers of live oak, cedar and locusts, all sizes,
Crooked logs, and pieces of white oak, walnut and chestnut,
Knees do. do.
Locust treenails, all sizes,
Alh logs, and ear rafters,
Handspikes and capstern bars of hiccory and alh, various sizes,
Spruce pine spars,
Do. lower yards,
Do. half do.
Do. topmasts.
Also, leger and pipe staves and heading, of white oak.
Any person desirous of supplying a quantity, and wishing to ascertain the prices, previous to delivery, will be furnished therewith on application to the subscriber, and describing the particulars.
THOMAS TINGEY, Superintendant.
Navy Yard, Washington, Nov. 23 — tf
TO RENT.
THE house occupied by J. P. VANNESS. Enquire of John Little at the Treasury Department or of the subscriber, at Doctor John Beatty's George Town.
Possession given on the 1st December.
ABRAHAM JOY. November 7 — tf
ALEX. M'CORMIC.
AT his store on East Capitol Street four doors from the Capitol square, has received and offers for sale a general assortment of liquors and groceries which he will sell low and warrant of as good a quality as any sold in the district of Columbia.—He has 20 pieces fine Irish Linen, with sundry other articles in the dry good and hardware line. November 12 — tf
Advertisement.
FOR SALE, one undivided third of that most valuable estate, held in common by Messrs. Josiah Collins, Nathaniel Allen, and the heirs of Samuel Dickenson, deceased, commonly called the Lake Company. The said estate consists of 53,000 acres of land, in Washington, North Carolina, lying between the canal and Long acre, bounding on Lake Phelps, Pungo Lake, and the head of Pungo river. Also, 5,000 acres of Land in Gum Neck, near Little Allegator river, in Tyrrell county. The above lands are equal if not superior for fertility of soil, to any land within the state: no part of them are subject to freshets or overflows from said Lakes or Rivers; but a very considerable part may be laid under water or kept perfectly dry, at pleasure, by means of said canal. This canal formerly cut by said company to join the waters of Lake Phelps to Scuppernong river is 30 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and affords an excellent navigation the distance of 6 miles, on one side of the first tract; on it and on the Lake is the plantation containing about 250 acres of cleared land in a high state of cultivation. The produce in general is for one acre, in wheat, about 30 bushels, in rice from 50 to 60 do. and in Indian corn in good seasons about 63 1/2 do. taking the whole crop together. In dry seasons hemp has been very productive.
On the plantation is a rice machine in complete order, in a building 72 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 4 stories high.
Also a grit-mill with a pair of stones for corn, and a pair of stones for wheat, with two bolting cloths, &c.
Also a threshing machine in excellent order.
There is a saw mill which is now repairing, to carry one saw, and is intended to be in the same frame with a merchant mill to carry 3 or 4 pair of stones for manufacturing flour, &c.
There is a good dwelling house two stories high, and all sorts of out houses, besides two barns and stables, &c.
There are 63 negroes above 12 years of age, amongst them are tradesmen of different kinds.—Also 33 negroes under 12 years of age.
There are carpenter's cooper's and blacksmith's tools, besides every kind of plantation utensils, in good order. Horses, hogs, sheep, and about 100 head of cattle, three large flats for the use of the canal &c.
The medium crops when making rice and corn, is from 220 to 230 barrels of rice. 600lb. gross each, from 3 to 600 barrels of corn.
To. when making wheat, from 160 to 190 casks of rice, from 3 to 400 barrels of corn, 1300 bushels of wheat.
Lumber from the saw mill when employed with two saws, has sold from 2500 to 3000 dollars yearly, employing 12 hands.
Flax cotton and hemp are not included, The rice has sold from 5 to 6 dollars per hundred, these several years past.
Were there 40 hands more on the plantation, the profits might be reckoned at least one third, if not one half more, for each hand, and for as many more as could be put on it.
Certified by THOS. TROTTER, Superintendant.
Mr. Nathaniel Allen, of the town of Edenton, and one of the company, being desirous to sell his interest in said property, had authorized the subscriber to dispose of the same, in his behalf, and has put into his possession all the necessary documents for the information of the persons desirous or inclined to purchase; the terms of payment, are one fourth down, on the execution of the deed or deeds of conveyance, the remainder at two annual and equal payments, to be secured in the most unexceptionable way.
The manner in which said property has been managed since the year 1787, when the company was formed, makes it a most desirable acquisition to gentlemen of capital, and by far outweighs the inconveniences attending property held in common, as a superintendant having the management and direction of the whole, with one or two overseers under him, renders it unnecessary for the proprietors to be at any farther trouble, concerning said estate, than an annual settlement. It will further appear by the above statement furnished from the company's books by Mr. Trotter, the present intendant, that the yearly produce of 250 acres now under tillage, amounts to between 8 and 10,000 dollars, annually, and that were 40 or 50 more working hands put on the said estate, the profits would nearly be double, with hardly any additional expense, as a much larger quantity of land might be laid under cultivation, with nearly the charges of the present farm. Any application by post to the subscriber, who resides near Plymouth, Washington county, North Carolina, or to Mr. Allen himself, or Mr. Stephen Cabarrus, of Edenton, will be duly attended to, and any further information, if required will cheerfully be imparted.
JOHN ROULHAC, At. at Law Plymouth, N. C. Oct. 16, 1804 — w2m
* See Guthrie's Geography improved. 2d volume, page 516 Philadelphia edition, April 1795.
RUNAWAY.
WAS committed to the jail of Washington county, in the district of Columbia, on the 10th of November last, a NEGRO man who calls his name TOM, he is about 21 years old, 5 feet 3 inches high, no particular mark, a light black complexion, he says he is the property of a Mr. Benjamin Berry, opposite the German church, Baltimore, in the state of Maryland, his owner is requested to come, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be sold for his jail fees, as the law directs.
JAMES KINNER, Jailor. Dec. 12,
ELISHA RIGGS
Has removed his store to the house formerly occupied by Mrs. Pic, a few doors above the Union Tavern, where he has just received a large supply of
SEASONABLE GOODS,
which being bought on the best terms, will be sold unusually low for cash, viz. Carpets and carpeting, constitution and beinehs cords, velvets and corduroys, best London cloths and moleskins, London hats and bonnet plush, frize coatings and baizes, milled and shirting flannels, blankets silk rugs and counterpanes, Irish linens and shirting muslins, bed ticking and sheetings, furniture calicoes and dinaities, chintzes, lute strings and fatins, umbrellas and neck comforts, white and black laces veils and shales, shoulder comforts, and elegant muslin shawls, India book, mulmul and cambric muslins, plaid silks and picknett gloves and mits, ladies shoes, rich silk and cotton hose, and gloves, spang'ed fans, white fustian and farfanett, lace cambricks, and Italian crapes, large camel hair and silk shawls, cords and tassels, and china by the box, a m'bwool and black worsted hose, outsize silk and cotton ditto. Ladies exter flammy and kid gloves, and many other articles. Georgetown, Oct. 24th — Ms & Ps — 8w.
A FEW Hundred bushels of white, well burnt SHELL LIME, will be sold for cash, at 16 DOLLARS the 100 bushels, if applied for immediately, a less quantity than 100 bushels will not be sold at this price.
Apply to CON. CONNINGHAM, November
Cash will be given for WELL cleaned BARLEY.
BOARDING HOUSE.
THE Subscriber has taken the upper part of that commodious house, in which Mr. E. RIGGS keeps store, a few doors above the UNION TAVERN, where a few gentlemen may be accommodated with boarding. JANE WHITE.
TO LETT
And immediate possession given—A two story FRAME HOUSE, four rooms on a floor, with a brick kitchen, and a large garden, nearly opposite Mr. Laid's, enquire as above. Georgetown, December 5 — tawaw
E. OLIVER,
HAS REMOVED TO THE HOUSE IN BRIDGE STREET,
Lately occupied by Mr. PARR, and opposite Messrs. Dyer and Smith's
Where he respectfully informs the Ladies of Georgetown and Washington, that she has just received, and will open on Monday next, a very large and elegant assortment of MILLINERY & FANCY ARTICLES, all of the very newest fashion, and immediately from on board the ships Pigeon and Active, just arrived at Philadelphia from London.
CONSISTING OF
 SUPERB lace and other shawls,  Do. head handkerchiefs,  Do. damask tabby do.  Black and white lace veils,  Black lace shades,  Black and white lace edgings,  Real gold spangles,  Do. Gold thread,  Gold and silver cords and tassels,  Elegant silk cords & tassels of all sorts & colors  Do. cotton do. do.  Real lace gloves,  Do. pic nic do.  English extra long silk do.  Do. do. do white kid,  Ladies Beaver and Venetian gloves,  Ribbons of the newest fashion and of every description,  Feathers, flowers, artificial wreaths and bunches, a very beautiful assortment,  Do. straw wreaths and bunches.  Ladies and gentlemen's white and colored silk stockings,  Do. white cotton do.  Fleecy hosiery gloves,  Woodstock, beaver, fawnskin and raw silk gloves,  Murray's shoes,  Gold, silver, beaded, cheniel, and bugled trimmings for ladies dresses,  New fashioned gold and silver bandeaux and sprays, very beautiful,  Satin for dresses, mantuas, velvets, plush gauzes, modes, farcenets, linens & dinaities  Dress fans—silk and Madras bandano and dress handkerchiefs.  Silk elastic garters and suspenders,  Tortoise shell combs for ladies and gentlemen,  Muffs and tippets—Fur for trimming,  Straw, chip, and Lezhorn bonnets and trimmings—Litz bonnets—Furniture, fringe and tassels—Beads, bugles and spangles—Netting cotton—Hair powder and pomatum,  Vellum, Prussian binding and narrow lace for officers—Sword knots—Gold and silver embroidered button holes,  English Jockey caps for boys and children,  Gentlemen's silk and cotton suspenders and neck pacs. 
With a great variety of other articles. Georgetown, Dec. 4 — 2aw3w
Columbian Library.
THE Shareholders in the Columbian Library will take notice that on the 1st day of January next, an annual contribution of Two Dollars becomes due on each share, and that every shareholder, failing to pay said contribution on or before the day aforesaid, will have to pay in addition thereto one eighth of a dollar for every day he is delinquent and for every share he holds—The price of a new share is now 15 dollars, it is raised to 20 dollars from and after the 1st day of January.
By order of the Directors, DAVID WILEY, Sec. Georgetown, Dec. 10 — 4tw
RUNAWAY NEGRO.
WAS committed to the jail of Frederick county, on the 18th of October last, as a runaway, a negro man, who calls himself, WILLIAM BLACKSTON, and lays that he is a free man. He is 5 feet 6 inches high, and about 27 years of age. The clothes which he has on are a brown cloth coat, a fowndown waistcoat, dark cloth overalls, a tow linen shirt, and a wool hat. His owner is desired to come, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be sold for his jail fees agreeably to law.
GEORGE CREAGER, Sheriff of Frederick county. November 16 — 1aw2t
By his Excellency ROBERT BOWIE, Governor of the State of Maryland.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas the general assembly of Maryland, etc., by an act passed at November session, seventeen hundred and ninety-one, entitled, An act directing the time, places and manner, of holding elections for representatives of this state, in the congress of the United States, and for the regulations of the said elections; and also to repeal the act of assembly therein mentioned—directed that the governor and council, after having received the returns, papers and instruments, containing the number of votes for representatives of this state in the congress of the United States, should enumerate and ascertain the number of votes for each and every candidate and person chosen as representative—We, in pursuance of the directions of the said act, do, by this our proclamation, declare, that John Campbell, esq. was elected for the first district; Leonard Covington, esq. was elected for the second district; Patrick Magruder, esq. was elected for the third district; Roger Nelson, esq. was elected for the fourth district; Nicholas Ruxton Moore and William Mac Creery, esqs. were elected for the fifth district; John Archer, esq. was elected for the sixth district; Joseph Hopper Nicholson, esq. was elected for the seventh district; and Charles Goldsborough, esq. was elected for the eighth district.
Given in council, at the city of Annapolis, under the seal of the state of Maryland, this 28th day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and four.
ROBERT BOWIE.
By the governor and council, Ninian Pinkney, clerk of the council.
Ordered, That the foregoing proclamation be published twice in each week, for the space of three weeks successively, in the American, Telegraphic and Federal Gazette, at Baltimore; the Maryland Gazette, at Annapolis; the National Intelligencer, Mr. Smith's paper at Easton; the Republican Advocate, at Frederick-town; and Mr. Grievess's paper at Hagerstown.
By order, NINIAN PINKNEY, Clerk, Dec. 1. 1804. Dec. 14 — 3w
In the case of CHARLES NEVILL , an insolvent debtor.
SIX months from and after the first day of November next, is limited, and appointed for the creditors to bring in, and exhibit to