The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1809-11-10 00:00:00

The French frigate which is said to have arrived there with overtures of peace from Bonaparte, was originally destined for Guadaloupe, but finding that island blockaded by a British squadron, she proceeded to Rio Janeiro, adopting the expedient of assuming this diplomatic character to the prince regent, in order to prevent her falling into the hands of her enemies. This artifice has been unsuccessful, and, as we are informed, she has been seized as lawful prize.
EAST INDIES.
We are sorry to learn by the following letter, brought by the vessel which has just arrived from Madras, that the disputes between the civil and military authorities at that presidency were not, on the 13th May, terminated by the removal of General M'Dowall, and the suspension of Major Boles, (which happened so long ago as the 31st of January) but that the dismissal of officers still continued.
Madras, May 13, 1809.
The present dispatch is occasioned by some serious discontent which, of late, has been manifested by the officers of the coast army, and which has led to the suspension of five of high rank and respectability, and of various removals from commands and appointments. I dare not venture to express my apprehensions of the result of these important proceedings, which have excited the greatest agitation in this settlement."
By the India Government Gazette of May the 4th, it appears that the most violent disputes existed between the council and the army. Several officers, some of them of considerable rank, are charged with preparing a seditious paper, "purporting to be a remonstrance in the name of the army against the acts of the government under which it serves," and "calculated to destroy every foundation of discipline, obedience and fidelity." Other officers are accused of circulating inflammatory papers, censuring the suspension of Major Boles, the late Deputy Adjutant General; and all these proceedings are attributed to the example set by the violent and inconsiderate acts of the late commander in chief. A considerable number of officers have been rebuked or suspended in consequence, and among others, lieutenants colonels Robert Bell and J. M. Chambers, have been removed from their commands; lieutenants colonel John Cuppage, and captain J. M. Coombs, separated from the staff; and lieutenant colonel the honorable Arthur St. Leger, Major John De Morgan, Captain Josiah Marshall, and Captain James Grant, ordered to build themselves in readiness to return to England. In short, from whatever cause these divisions may have arisen, whether from the late commander in chief having claimed, like his predecessors, a seat in the government, whether from usurpation attempted on the part of the army, or refusal of right on the part of the council, they appear to be of a most extensive and serious nature. Distance alone renders the tenure of our East India possessions a precarious one, but at such a time as the present, when the genius of our enemy is lurking about them, ready to take advantage of every incidental weakness, we ought to render ourselves more invulnerable than Achilles himself, and not leave even a heel exposed. Yet, alas! the nation is at this minute distracted in head, and sick at heart, and the very heads which should be its safeguard are employed in madly smiting each other.
Another account states, that when the Virginia sloop, which brought these dispatches, left Madras, the dissatisfaction that had some time existed, caused by a circulation of a remonstrance against the act of government, in removing the late commander in chief, had subsided, that all was quiet, and that the officers, who had prepared and circulated this paper, were, by a general order of the governor in council, of the 6th May, to be sent home by the fleet which was hourly expected to sail for England. The names mentioned are those above stated, with the addition of Major Boles, namely, Col. St. Leger, Majors Boles and De Morgan, and Captains Grant and Marshall.
FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE. Downing Street, Sept. 7, 1809. Dispatches, of which the following are copies and extracts, were this day received at the office of the Viscount Castlereagh, one of his majesty's principal secretaries of state, from lieut. general viscount Wellington, K. B.
Truxillo, Aug. 20, 1809. My Lord, I wrote some days ago a letter to the commander in chief, which I sent to him by lieut. col. Walters, to request his care and attention of the wounded officers and soldiers of the British army, who had fallen into his hands, in return for the care and attention I had paid to the French officers and soldiers who had fallen into my hands at different times; and that
he would allow money to be sent to the officers; and that officers who should not be deemed prisoners of war, might be sent to superintend and take care of the soldiers, till they should recover from their wounds, when the officers should be sent to join the British army.
I received a very civil answer from marshal Mortier, promising that every care should be taken, and every attention paid to the British officers and soldiers who were wounded; but stating, that he could not answer upon the other demands contained in my letter, having been obliged to refer them to the commander in chief.
Since the receipt of this letter, Mr. Dillon, the assistant commissary, has arrived from Talavera, having been taken prisoner near Cevollo on the 27th of July, previous to the action, and having been allowed to come away.
He reports that the British officers and soldiers, who are wounded, are doing remarkably well; and are well fed and taken care of; indeed he says preferentially to the French troops.
I propose to send colonel Walters with another flag of truce tomorrow morning, and a letter to the commander in chief of the French army, requesting that a sum of money, which I shall send, may be given to the officers; and I shall endeavor to establish a cartel of exchange, as soon as possible. I have the honor to be, &c.
ARTHUR WELLESLEY. Lord Viscount Castlereagh, &c. &c.
Truxillo, August 21, 1809.
My Lord—When I marched from Talavera on the 3d inst. with a view to oppose the French corps which we had heard had passed through the Puerto de Banos, and had arrived at Pissencia, Sir Robert Wilson was detached, upon the left of the army, towards Escalona; and before I marched on that morning, I put him in communication with general Cuesta, who, it had been said, was to remain at Talavera. I understood that general Cuesta put Sir Robert in communication with his advanced guard, which retired from Talavera on the night of the 4th.
Sir Robert Wilson, however, did not arrive at Valada till the night of the 4th, having made a long march through the mountains: as he was then six leagues from the bridge of Arzo Bispo, and had to cross the high road from Oronsea to Talavera, of which the enemy was in possession, he conceived that he was too late to retire to Arzo Bispo, and he determined to move by Venta St. Julian and Cendilla towards the Tiesara, and across that river towards the mountains which separate Castile and Estremadura.
Some of Sir Robert Wilson's dispatches having missed me, I am not aware by which of the passes he went through the mountains, but I believe by Tornavacas. He arrived, however, at Banos on the 11th, and on the 12th was attacked and defeated by the French corps of marshal Ney, which, with that of Soult, returned to Piacenza on the 9th, 10th and 11th, that of Ney having since gone towards Salamanca.
I inclose Sir Robert Wilson's account of the action. He has been very active, intelligent, and useful in the command of the Portuguese and Spanish corps with which he was detached from this army.
Before the battle of the 28th of July, he had pushed his parties almost to the gates to Madrid, with which city he was in communication; and he would have been in Madrid, if I had not thought it proper to call him in, in expectation of that general action which took place on the 28th of July. He afterwards alarmed the enemy on the right of his army; and throughout the service shewed himself to be an active and intelligent partisan, well acquainted with the country in which he was acting, and possessing the confidence of the troops which he commanded.
Being persuaded that his retreat was not open by Arzo Bispo, he acted right in taking the road he did, with which he was well acquainted; and although unsuccessful in the action which he fought (which may well be accounted for, by the superior numbers and description of the enemy's troops) the action, in my opinion, does him great credit. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) ARTHUR WELLESLEY.
Miranda de Castanar, Aug. 13, 1809.
Sir—I have the honor to acquaint you, that I was on march yesterday morning on the road of Grenadella from Aldea Neuva, to restore my communication with the allied army, when a peasant assured us, that a considerable quantity of dust, which we perceived in the road of Piacenza, proceeded from the march of a body of the enemy.
I immediately returned and took post in front of Banos, with my pickets in advance of Aldea Neuva, selecting such points for defence as the
exigency of the time permitted. The enemy's cavalry advanced on the high road, and drove back my small cavalry posts; but a picket of Spanish infantry, which I had concealed, poured in on the cavalry a steady and well directed fire, that killed and wounded many of them.
The two hundred Spanish infantry in advance of Aldea Neuva, continued under the direction of col. Grant and his officers, to maintain their ground, and most gallantly, until the enemy's cavalry and chasseurs a cheval in considerable bodies appeared on both flanks, when they were obliged to retreat.
The enemy's chasseurs a cheval and cavalry advanced in great numbers in every direction, and pushed to cut off the legion posted between Aldea Neuva and Banos; but, by the steady conduct of officers and men, the enemy could only advance gradually, and with a very severe loss, from the commanding fire thrown on them.
The Merida battalion, however, having given way on the right, a road was laid open, which cut behind our position, and I was obliged to order a retreat on the heights above Banos, when I was again necessitated to detach a corps, in order to scour the road of Monte Major, by which I saw the enemy directing a column, and which road turned altogether the Puerto de Banos, a league in our rear.
At this time, Don Carlos Marquis de Estrange came up with his battalion of light infantry, and, in the most gallant manner, took post along the heights commanding the road of Banos, which enabled me to send some of the Merida battalion on the mountain on our left, commanding the main road, and which the enemy had tried to ascend.
The battalion of light infantry, and the detachment of the legion on its right, continued, notwithstanding the enemy's fire of artillery and musketry, to maintain their ground; but, at six o'clock in the evening, three columns of the enemy mounted the height on our left, gained it, and poured such a fire on the troops below, that longer defence was impracticable, and the whole was obliged to retire on the mountains on our left, leaving open the main road, along which a considerable column of cavalry immediately poured.
The battalion of Seville had been left at Bejar, with orders to follow me next day, but, when I was obliged to return, and the action commenced, I ordered it to Puerto Banos, to watch the Monte Major road, and the heights in the rear of our left.
When the enemy's cavalry came near, an officer and some dragoons called out to the commanding officer to surrender, but a volley killed him and his party, and then the battalion proceeded to mount the heights, in which movement it was attacked and surrounded by a column of cavalry and a column of infantry, but cut its way and cleared itself, killing a great many of the enemy, especially of his cavalry.
The enemy is now passing to Salamanca with great expedition; I lament that I could no longer arrest his progress; but, when the enormous superiority of the enemy's force is considered, and that we had no artillery, and that the Puerto de Banos, on the Estremaduran side, is not a pass of such strength as on the side of Castile, especially without guns, I hope that a resistance for nine hours, which must have cost the enemy a great many men, will not be deemed inadequate to our means.
I have acknowledged the services rendered me on this occasion by col. Grant, major Reiman, Don Fermen Marquis, adjutant major of the dragoons of Pavia, capt. Charles, and Mr. Bolman; and to express the greatest approbation of two companies of the Merida battalions, advanced in front, and of the commanding officer and soldiers of the battalions of Seville, and the Portuguese brigade. I have already noticed the distinguished conduct of Don Carlos, and his battalion merits the highest encomiums.
I have not been able to collect the returns of our loss. From the nature of mountain warfare, many men are missing, who cannot join for a day or two; but I believe the enemy will only have to boast that he has achieved his passage, and his killed and wounded will be a great diminution of his victory. I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT WILSON. Sir Arthur Wellesley, &c. &c.
Truxillo, Aug. 21, 1809.—Gen. Cuesta moved his head quarters from the neighbourhood of the bridge Arco Bispo on the night of the 7th inst. to Peralta de Garbin, leaving an advanced guard, consisting of two divisions of infantry, and the Duke D'Albuquerque's division of cavalry, for the defence of the Tagus at this point.
The French cavalry passed the Tagus at a ford immediately above the bridge at half past one in the af-
ternoon of the 8th, and surprised this advanced guard, which retired, leaving behind them all their cannon, as well as those in the batteries constructed for the defence of the bridge.
The General then moved his head quarters to the Mesa d'Ibor, on the evening of the 8th, having his advanced guard at Bohoral. He resigned the command of the army on the 12th, (on account of the bad state of his health) which has devolved upon General Equia. The Head-quarters of the Spanish army are now at Deleytosa.
It appears, that a detachment of Venegas's army had some success against the enemy, in an attack made upon it in the neighborhood of Aranjuez on the 5th instant. General Venegas was then at Ocana, and he had determined to retire towards the Sierra Morena; and, after the 5th, he had moved in that direction. He returned, however, towards Toledo, with an intention of attacking the enemy on the 12th; but, on the 11th, the enemy attacked him, with Sebastiani's corps and two divisions of Victor's in the neighborhood of Almonacid. The action appears to have lasted some hours, but the French having at last gained an advantage on the General Venegas's left, he was obliged to retire: and was about to resume his position in the Sierra Morena.
On the 9th, 10th, and 11th, large detachments of the French troops, which had come from Piacenza, returned to that quarter; and, on the 12th, they attacked and defeated Sir Robert Wilson in the Puerto de Banos on their return to Salamanca.
It appears now, that the French force in this part of Spain is distributed as follows: Marshal Victor's corps is divided between Talavera and La Mancha; Sebastiani's is in La Mancha, Marshal Mortier's at Oropesa, Arzo bispo, & Navalatoral; Marshal Soult's at Piacenza; and Marshal Ney's at Salamanca.
Distress for want of provisions, and its effects, have at last obliged me to move towards the frontiers of Portugal, in order to refresh my troops. In my former dispatches I have informed your Lordship of our distress for the want of provisions and means of transport. Those wants, which were the first cause of the loss of many advantages after the 22d of July, which were made known to the Government and were actually known to them on the 20th of last month, still exist in an aggravated degree; and, under these circumstances, I determined to break up on the 20th from Jaraicejo where I had my Head-quarters since the 11th, with the advanced posts on the Tagus, near the bridge of Almazarez, and to fall back upon the frontier of Portugal; where I hope I shall be supplied with every thing I want.
Lisbon, Sept. 24. The H. Q. of the British army is at Badajos:—Supposed to be about 25,000 strong. The H. Q. of the Portuguese army [Beresford's] at Castle Blanco; but the troops in general are distributed in various parts of Beira, the better to subsist. The French army under Marshals Soult and Victor, and Gen. Sebastiani, estimated at 60,000, occupy Piacenza, Almazarez, the Archbishop's bridge and Toledo. Ney is at Salamanca. The Spanish army maintains positions near the Sierra Morena.
A Manresa article, (August 20) gives an account of the entrance of Don Ibanez into Gerona, with 12,000 men, 1500 sheep, and quantities of wine, &c. sent to relieve that heroic city.—General Blake under date of September 2d, also states, that the marshal Conde had broke through the French lines and thrown in succors of provisions, troops, &c. A Lorida article of August 20th mentions the retreat of the French from Barbastro, (in Arragon) to Saragossa, leaving their sick and wounded behind, which fell into the hands of the Spaniards.
A Badajos letter of 16th September gives the strength and situation of the French corps. Marshal Ney, with 14,000 was at Salamanca:—Soult, with 6,000 at Piacenza, Cora, &c.:—Mortier, with 10,000 at Talavera:—Victor, with 20,000 at Toledo, and Sebastiani, with 10,000 at Fuentabrada. Total 60,000.
The same papers state, that the Spaniards had an army of 16,000 men at Astorga, behind Ney:—That the Estremaduran army, (late Cuesta's) had its head quarters at Truxillo and extended from Jaraicejo to St. Vincent. The army under Venegas continues stationed in La Carolina. He had affairs of out-positions with the French corps (we believe Sebastiani's) which had pursued him; in which, as usual, the French loss is made to exceed the Spanish. A Jaen (Andalusia) article of September 2d, states, that Venegas's army had been reinforced from the Estremaduran, and that its total was 16,318 men. By a Milan article it appeared that the Patriot authorities were established, and insurrections at Siguenza, and other places back of Madrid, had occurred.
Amsterdam, August 30. Marshal de Winter before retiring, by the king's orders, from the command of the Helder and Zuyder Zee, had been replaced in that of the flotilla and the naval forces on the Meuse, and in the waters of Zealand by Marshal Verheul, his majesty's ambassador at Paris, who for that purpose immediately quitted his diplomatic functions. The new commandant hoisted his flag on the 27th inst. on board the Royal Hollander.
Paris, August 17.
CONSERVATIVE SENATE. On the 14th, his serene highness the Prince Arch-Chancellor of the empire repaired to the Senate, which was presided by count Germain Garnier, senator and annual president. His serene highness was accompanied by his excellency the Minister of War, their serene highnesses the Prince Arch-Treasurer, and the Prince Vice Grand Elector, were present at the sitting, as was also his excellency the Minister of General Police.
The Prince Arch Chancellor delivered the following speech:
"Gentlemen—When the Emperor was setting off, in order to avenge the faith of treaties, which was violated by Austria, his majesty ordered the proper measures to be taken for defending the territory of the empire against any attacks from the exterior. He particularly depended on that generous energy which is the characteristic of the nation, and which will always make the inhabitants fly to arms when they are menaced in their homes."
"A great expedition was, however, preparing in the ports of England. Whether it was that the object of our perpetual enemy was determined, or that he had changed his intention upon receiving the account of the signature of the armistice, he successively presented himself at different points of the northern coast of France, and he effected a landing in the island of Walcheren, upon the Dutch territory."
"Upon the first accounts of this attempt being received, the Minister of War developed the zeal and activity which the nation had a right to expect from one of the principal depositaries of the Emperor's confidence."
"Detachments of the national guards have been called into actual service, regular troops have been put in motion, trains of artillery have been sent towards the Dutch frontiers, and also officers of engineers, in order to take advantage of all the positions which are susceptible of being fortified. Every where have the orders been either voluntarily anticipated or eagerly executed."
"Circular letters, which were sent by the Minister of General Police, have redoubled the activity of the public functionaries and accelerated the success of the different missions which were confided to them."
"The Minister of Marine, being animated with the same spirit, has given similar instructions to the chief officers of the fleet. Every thing possible to be foreseen has been foreseen by him."
"In fine, all have labored in concert with one another in order to secure the defence of Antwerp."
"By the effect of these different measures, the details of which you will the more easily comprehend, after having heard read the report of the Minister of War, the enemy, being continually kept in the check, has not been able to penetrate into the territory of the empire."
"His majesty has vouchsafed to approve the measures which have been taken; he has prescribed others which are now preparing to be executed, and which at the same time that they prepare for the wants of the moment, will also establish security for the future. They have essentially for their object to call national guards into actual service, in the divisions which surround the menaced arrondisements. These levies are to be made under the command of generals who are already distinguished by their services, and who have received the worthy reward of them, in taking their seat among you."
"You know it, gentlemen, in every circumstance, the Emperor takes a pleasure in communicating with the Senate, and the public weal has always reaped the greatest advantages from it."
"It is for the same reason that I come now to inform you of all that has been done since the landing of the English, and to be assisted with your influence in regard to what, remains to be done."
"Your wise resolves will fulfil the double object of conveying to the Prince the expression of the devotedness of his people, and of enlightening the subjects of his Majesty upon this occasion, with regard to the constant solicitude of which they are the object."
"You will be convinced, gentlemen, of how much importance it is to the nation to repel, by the only means which we have in our hands, the enemy who presumes to menace it. That enemy

would have obtained a kind of success, if, by a rash diversion, he had succeeded in causing our banners to fall back from the limits at which they have been placed by victory. Let him know that the course of the destinies of France cannot be interrupted by vain efforts! that even when Europe is covered by our armies, a most warlike population is only waiting for the first signal to offer more soldiers to the country.
"Thus, gentlemen, the fury of the English is constantly giving us notice of our resources; every attempt on their part develops and confirms the reciprocal sentiments of confidence and love which unite the prince and the nation. I am very certain, gentlemen, that, in this conjuncture, the Senate will be eager to justify by their opinion that of the public which is already so favourable disposed, and will give a fresh testimony of their zeal for the sacred person of our august sovereign, and for the glory of the French name."
His excellency, the president of the senate, in the name of the assembly, answered the prince arch-chancellor, that the senate had heard with the highest interest the communications which had just been made to them; that they considered them as an additional proof of the wisdom of his serene highness, and of the zeal with which he is constantly animated for the welfare of the state and for his majesty's service, that after having heard the details which were going to be given by the minister of war, they would take these communications into consideration.
His excellency, count Hunebourg, minister of war, having been demanded permission to speak, read the report which was announced in the speech of the prince arch-chancellor:
REPORT
Of his excellency Count Hunebourg (CLARKE) minister of war, to the Council called by his excellency the Prince Arch Chancellor of the empire, Duke of Parma, &c. on the 14th August, 1809.
MONSIEUR,
When the immense warlike preparations of Austria called the emperor to Germany, his majesty had no occasion to withdraw his troops from Spain in order to fight other enemies; those, which he had wisely kept in Germany added to part of the fresh levies which were ordered at that time and the troops of the confederation of the Rhine, were sufficient for conquering Austria in ever memorable battles, and to induce that power to endeavor to find her safety in an armistice demanded by her, and in the hopes of peace which that armistice has produced.
Before leaving France, the emperor, whose paternal solicitude for his subjects foresees every thing, organized different corps of reserve upon several points of his empire. His majesty disposed them in such a manner as to prevent the French territory from being insulted, and so as to enable part of the new levies which had been exercised during several months, added to the veterans, rapidly to repair to the points of the empire which might be menaced.
But scarcely was the news of the armistice, which was granted by the emperor to Austria, known in London, when England, who had been preparing a considerable expedition, intended, no doubt, to augment her forces in Portugal and Spain, and to repair the losses which she had just suffered, suddenly determined to throw this expedition, not upon the French territory, which she did not venture to attack, but upon the Dutch territory, where the cowardice, or perhaps the treason of a chief, a foreigner to that nation and to ours, reserved for him a momentary success which, without that circumstance, would have been, as it were, impossible.
It cannot be doubted that the principal object of England was to oppose by a diversion the continental peace of which she stands in dread, and which she has so long prevented, and to endeavor to destroy our maritime establishments at Antwerp, our fleets in the Scheldt, and the navy of our allies.
On the 29th of July, the English expedition arrived off the islands of Walcheren and Cadzand; the troops, after having sustained a very considerable loss from the attack of one of our brigades upon their landing at the north point of Walcheren, took possession of Middleburg, and of Tervere, which made a defence of thirty hours, and very soon afterwards, of the island of South Beveland, in which the important fort of Batz had been abandoned three hours before the enemy appeared.
As soon as this news reached me, I dispatched, agreeably to what had been prescribed to me by the emperor before his departure, all the necessary orders for the arrival of reinforcements at the points which were menaced by the enemy; in less than three days upwards of twenty thousand men under the orders of the senator general Rampon, were drawn up on that part of
the Scheldt which separates Holland from the French empire, whilst the senator general St. Susanne was at Boulogne, menaced in vain, and prepared to repel the enemy.
Since which, these forces have increased and are daily increasing.
The garrison of Flushing advanced out of the fortress; they defended and they continue to defend the approaches to it; they received a reinforcement of several thousand men, who boldly crossed the Scheldt within sight of the enemy, and even passed through his fleet, without his being able to obstruct their passage.
The imperial battery of the island of Cadzand, that of Napoleon carried destruction among the English ships which had presumed to attempt the passage of the Scheldt between Flushing and Breskens, forced the enemy to respect that passage and to seek another on the side of Zealand.
The forts of Lillo and of Liefkenshoek, which cross their fire on the Scheldt before Antwerp, defend the approaches to the port and to the dock-yards of that important city, which has long excited the jealousy of the English. The means of defence of these forts has been augmented.
The van guard of the army of the north has arrived at the Scheldt; its forces are already considerable, and even exceed in number those which it is supposed the enemy has. On the side of Bergen-op-Zoom, our troops are joining the army, which is commanded by his majesty the king of Holland in person, whilst on the left they are assembling along the Scheldt, from Antwerp to the island of Cadzand, and thus are covering our Northern frontier. The English have not yet set their foot upon the French territory.
But new convoys of vessels coming from the ports of England, announce that the enemy is assembling in the Eastern Scheldt all the force which he has been able to collect, in order to vanquish, by his obstinacy and by fresh efforts, the obstacles which have kept him in check in the islands of Zealand.
It might be asked what the English hope to obtain from their efforts? Will they take Flushing? That fortress is in a good state of defence; will they seize upon the squadron? The dispositions skillfully executed by the admiral who commands the fleet, have allowed him to take a position before Antwerp, which unites the means of the land and the sea for the defence of that town; but if the English had any successes, they might retard peace, violate our territory, and essentially hurt our allies, whose cause is our own.
His majesty the emperor and king is persuaded that after having made his arms be respected in all parts of the world, the French will not let themselves be insulted in their own country, during his absence, by 25 or 30,000 Englishmen.
Under these circumstances, the Emperor has confided to the marshal prince of Ponte-Corvo (Bernadotte) the command of the new army of the North; and he has confided that of the two crops of observation which are at this moment forming at Wesel and at Lisle to the marshal duke of Velmy (Kellerman) and to the marshal duke of Cornegliano (Bessiers).
This situation of things too nearly interests the national honor not to lay upon us the obligation of repairing, and momentarily calling into the ranks of the army of the North numerous corps of the grenadiers and rangers of the national guards of some departments, to co-operate in repelling far from the French territory and in driving from Holland the enemy's bands.
Several departments are naturally called upon to take part in this expedition, although the nearest to the frontiers, such as the departments of the North, of the Pas-de-Calais and of the Lys, have seemed to claim this honor for themselves alone, if we may judge from the extreme eagerness which they have displayed in organising the cohorts of their national guards and in conveying them to the menaced frontier.
The department of the North has already sent to the banks of the Scheldt several thousand grenadiers and rangers of the national guards, and companies of volunteer cannoniers who heretofore so gloriously defended the fortress of Lisle against the impotent efforts of the enemy. The department of the Pas-de-Calais & that of the Lys have done the same.
The enemy will no doubt shudder when he sees so many troops come from different points of the empire, ready to fight him with determined resolution, and to surround him if he should dare to set his foot upon the French territory; the eagerness of the whole nation against their eternal enemy will doubtless for ever wrest from the English the hope of succeeding in such enterprises, and will perhaps put a curb upon their hatred against the
French people, by the impossibility of their ever satisfying it.
The minister of war, Count of Hunebourg. (To be Continued.)
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10.
The following article, from the Boston Repertory, a decidedly federal print, manifests much candor, and presents a dispassionate view of a topic, which has only in a few instances excited the violence of partizans. If we can judge from the tone of the federal prints on this point, it may not be going too far to say that the conduct of the Executive in respect to Mr. Onis has met with the approbation of a majority of the federal party. If this is saying too much, it may at least, be safely affirmed, that the most enlightened and reflecting men of that description consider the subject as involved in great difficulty. It has been reserved for two or three of the most inflammatory papers to ascribe to the President motives unworthy of a virtuous man or an American.
FROM THE REPERTORY.
The question of the reception of Mr. Onis as representative of the Spanish provisional government, appears to us really to be attended with perplexing circumstances. We must confess that we cannot see the arguments in favor of his being recognised by our government in so strong a light, as some of our friends. While there was any probability that Spain could or would maintain her independence against the usurper, we owed, both on the score of gratitude and as a nation concerned in the great cause of the freedom of nations, all the aid & countenance we could bestow. But if it is morally certain the government from which Mr. Onis derives his official character will soon be swept away, do what you please in its favor, what can be the great advantage of forming connections which must be but momentary? It is said the colonies of Spain, which will disdain to submit to the tyrant, will consider the refusal to receive Mr. Onis as an affront, and that our property within their jurisdiction may be endangered. We cannot pretend to predict as to their measures; but we do not see, under the existing prospects of the mother country, that such a construction can fairly be insisted upon. The colonies it is certain may, if they choose, remain perfectly independent of Bonaparte. If they declare independence, or attach themselves to any other government, and we recognise them in the character they may choose, what more can they require?
But as we have already observed, this is a question of a complicated nature. We do not venture to offer a decided opinion as to the course that ought to be pursued; nor do we see the conclusiveness of the reasons which have been offered in favor of recognizing a minister from the Seville Junta.
The above was in type for last Friday's Repertory, before we knew what policy Mr. Madison would adopt; and we cannot yet see that his declining to receive Mr. Onis is unjustifiable, or that the Spanish colonies can, with propriety, consider it a cause of offence. It is not improbable that were Mr. Onis now to embark for Spain he would find the government by which he was commissioned destroyed. The most active in the struggle, if any have conducted so as to deserve that character, will undoubtedly emigrate to South America, which in all probability will declare itself independent, and may remain, so in spite of the conqueror and despot of Europe. If South America, we mean Spanish South America, should send a minister to the government of the United States, we trust an acknowledgement of their independence, a recognition of their representative, and a disposition to establish a friendly intercourse would be the consequence.
If during, the American revolution, the patriots of the confederated states had manifested a general apathy to the cause of independence, or but a few sections displayed the zeal and valor of men determined to conquer or die; if we had left the French to sustain the brunt of the battle, and suffered them to starve or embark for Europe and leave us to our fate— if by such conduct we had rendered our cause, to all human appearance, forlorn and hopeless, would Spain, Holland or any other European power have thought it politic, or incumbent on them, to receive ministers from us? We believe not.
It may be our view of this subject is incorrect; but it appears to us, while we keep up a friendly commercial intercourse with the free part of Spain, and in this way do them all
the positive good in our power, that under their present circumstances they can insist on no more; and that the non-reception of Mr. Onis offers no barrier to a good and friendly understanding with the future independent empires of Spanish South America, Cuba, or Mexico, as soon as they assume that character.
The following is taken from the Philadelphia Freeman's Journal. In republishing it, we by no means vouch for its authenticity:
"Mrs. Jerome Patterson of Baltimore (first wife of Jerome Bonaparte) has been created a duchess of the house of Napoleon, with a salary of 50,000 crowns per annum. Her son is created a prince of the French empire. It is also said, Colonel Toussard, late of the American Revolutionary Army, is appointed his governor, with the rank of General, and a splendid salary. Baltimore is to be the Imperial and Royal residence for the present."
The Philadelphia Gazette states a rumor to the same effect, adding that this measure has been taken by King Jerome Bonaparte.
On the 2d inst. JOHN CONDIT, was elected a Senator of the United States from the state of New Jersey, by the joint meeting of the Legislature.
Mr. Bartholomew Frere, is appointed Envoy Extraordinary, &c. at Seville, in the room of Marquis Wellesley, who is recalled.
FROM A LONDON PRINT.
Monthly report for August. The wheat harvest has nearly closed in all but the most Northern districts, and, we regret to add, with no favorable prospect as to its average produce. The blight and mildew have much injured the ear in the Eastern district, and in the home counties the grain in general has suffered severely from the inclemency of the weather. Oats and beans prove the best crops. Barleys are generally thin. The potatoes have been benefited by the late rains, and are expected to yield abundantly. The late sown turnips have planted well, and so has the rape, intended for seed. Clover seed is not expected to rise well, from the too succulent state of them on free growing lands. Though the crops of hay have been short in most counties, the defect is in a considerable measure compensated by the great crops of lattermath grass that have succeeded. The hop plantations in Kent and Sussex, though cleansed by the heavy rains, are not expected to grow more than half a crop; the year's duty is not laid at more than 55.000. The meat markets continue considerable. Lean stock on the advance, particularly for store beasts. Horses of most kinds are cheaper. The wool market keeps steady at last month's prices.
From Bell's (London) Weekly Messenger.
There is every reason to believe that peace has either actually been signed between Austria and France, or that all the articles have been so far proceeded upon, that nothing remains but to arrange some minor points, which are consequential upon the changes meditated. Nothing is in fact so absurd as the speculations of some of the daily papers upon the apparent delay of this definitive treaty, as if half or nearly three parts of the Austrian monarchy could be ceded, and what remains take a new form, in a day or a week. The main points we may rest assured are agreed upon, or Bonaparte would not have hung off, when every thing is in his power; nor would the Austrians have executed the articles of the armistice, and have evacuated Gratz, if they were meditating the renewal of hostilities. So far therefore may be depended upon—that in the course of a very short time we shall receive the definitive treaty, and that its effect will be to render Austria one of the secondary powers of Europe. The emperor may yet be allowed to wear the shadow of a crown; but if Bonaparte live, Europe will be filled with his family of kings.
The war under the auspices of England, assumed a character which Bonaparte will not easily forget or forgive; it was rendered personal to himself; the cause of legitimate kings, as they are called, against an usurper. The emperor of Austria will now have reason to rue this folly; Bonaparte has hence adopted it as a maxim, that his best security is to have no kings on the continent but those of his own creation. Jerome, Joseph, the duke of this and the duke of that, are not made kings merely upon their own account; they are part of the system of Bonaparte, according to which he is about to hedge and encircle France by feudatories of his own family. In this manner all Europe is cemented into one system, and every prince has an
interest to defend him, who in turn supports them all.
Boston, November 3.
Head-Quarters, Boston, Oct. 14, 1809.
The commander in chief, while he cannot refrain from expressing his extreme regret at the occasion that has called for the services of any portion of the eighth division of the militia, would do great injustice to his own feelings, as well as to the merits of those, who have attended to support the civil authority, did he fail to notice the high sense he entertains of the promptitude and alacrity displayed by the major-general in complying with the request of the Sheriff and Magistrates of the county of Kentucky, by detaching a requisite force in assistance of the Sheriff, to prevent an apprehended obstruction to the course of justice and a due execution of the laws; and also of the prompt obedience and regular conduct of the officers and soldiers, detached on this emergency.
The Major-General and officers and soldiers, who have discovered so just a sense of their duty, will please to accept the thanks of the commander in chief for the patriotic conduct displayed by them on this occasion, both as citizens and soldiers.
C. GORE, Governor and Commander in Chief.
By order of his Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief.
WM. DONNISON, Adj. Genl.
At a meeting held pursuant to public notice by a number of merchants, citizens of the U. States, interested in ships and property captured, seized or condemned by the authority of the government of Denmark, it is resolved as the sense of this meeting—
That it will be proper to present to the President of the U. States, without delay, all the information concerning the same, of which the sufferers may be possessed, in order that he may be thereby enabled to judge whether any and what measures are required by the dignity of the nation and the rights of the citizens.
And it is therefore recommended to all concerned to transmit to the Secretary of State accurate statements of their respective cases, with such documents for verifying the same as are in their power to procure; and all such facts relating to the subject, as may have come to their knowledge.
T. H. PERKINS, Chairman. Boston, November 1, 1809
New York, Nov. 6.
Capt. Kimm, in 14 days from Havana, informs that the 2 British frigates and 2 Spanish 74's from La Vera Cruz, (before reported) sailed from Havana to Cadiz, about the 12th of Oct. having on board 17,000,000 of dollars and other valuable property.
We learn further, that the port of Havana was opened for the admission of lumber on the 16th ult. and it was supposed farther relaxations would take place in favor of Americans.
Another account states, that no vessels would be admitted to an entry that arrived after the 20th October; and all vessels that arrived previous to that date would be admitted. Markes dull, though flour was $20 per barrel, pork 18, beef 16.
Baltimore, Nov. 8.
The Fair American, Hobson, just arrived, 26 days from Lisbon. No news—British and Spanish armies as by last accounts. A letter from a British colonel, dated Badajoz, September 19, speaks with some confidence of the ultimate success of the patriots—provided the war of Germany continues until permanent arrangements are completed for supplying the troops. The combined armies were receiving reinforcements; particularly the Portuguese divisions, a succession of small detachments daily arriving from almost every town in Portugal. The French were not advancing. The British head-quarters continued at Badajoz—troops extending towards Merida.
CHINA, GLASS, & QUEEN'S WARE.
A. L. JONCHEREZ
INFORMS his Friends and the Public, that he has again received, and is now opening, a very handsome and extensive supply of Goods in his Line, which, with what he lately received from Baltimore, makes his assortment as complete and as extensive as any one in the district on this side of the river.
He has TWENTY CRATES, handsomely assorted, which he will sell to retailers at a very low advance for Cash or good Paper.
Also on Consignment, Martinique Cordials, assorted, in boxes, Claret, warranted good and old, in boxes, Low priced Bonnets. November 10—w3t
By Virtue of an order from the Orphan's Court of St. Mary's county, will be Sold at PUBLIC SALE at the house of George Cole of said county, deceased, on Wednesday the Sixth December next, Negroes, Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Household and Kitchen Furniture, Plantation Utensils, a Chest of Joiners and Carpenters Tools—twelve months credit on all sums over $20—sums of $20 and under must be cash. Notes with approved security with interest from the day of sale, to commence at 10 o'clock, A.M.
THOMAS COLE, Adm. near the Great Mills. November 10—w3t