The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1809-12-13 00:00:00

Monday, December 11.
The following gentlemen compose the committee of Post Office and Post Roads, to which has been referred a number of petitions and resolutions on the subject of Post Roads: Messrs. Rhea, (T.) Helms, Thompson, Desha, Stanford, Calhoun, Troop, Morrow, Davenport, Chittenden, Goliad, Morrow, Whitehill, Potter, J. Smith, Upshur and Wilson.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from W. C. Nicholas, resigning his seat in the House of Representatives.
On motion of Mr. Bacon, Resolved, That a committee be appointed for the purpose of enquiring whether any and what alterations or amendments are necessary to be made in the act entitled "An act to promote the progress of useful arts, and to repeal the act heretofore made for that purpose;" and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Messrs. Bacon, Kenan, Gold, Breckenridge and Seybert compose this committee.
Mr. Morrow reported a bill to revive an act entitled "An act for the relief of the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia, and for other purposes," which was received and read the first time.
On motion of Mr. Montgomery, Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of extending the relief contained in the provisions of the act entitled "An act for the remission of certain penalties and forfeitures and for other purposes," passed the 28th June, 1809, to cases where the introduction into the United States of slaves forcibly expelled from the island of Cuba, with the French inhabitants thereof, has been from places other than the island of Cuba, and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Whitman from the committee appointed on the 6th inst. to present to the President of the United States a resolution of the same date, reported that the committee had performed the duty assigned them, and that the President had signified that the information requested (relative to Danish, British, and French captures of our vessels) should be communicated as soon as it could be prepared by the proper department.
On motion of Mr. Bacon, the House proceeded to consider the resolution presented by him relative to duels, challenges, &c. which was referred to a committee of the whole House.
BATTURE AT NEW ORLEANS. Mr. Sheffield laid on the table the following resolutions:
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law to authorise the President of the United States to cause the several persons who were removed from the Batture in front of the suburb of St. Mary, in the city of New Orleans, on the 25th January, 1808, to be restored to the possession thereof, to be held with the same rights with which they respectively held the same prior to such removal, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding.
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the President of the United States, if he shall be of opinion that the United States have such a claim to the Batture in front of the suburb of St. Mary, in the city of New Orleans, as will justify the expence of prosecuting the same with the assent of the persons removed therefrom, on the 25th January, 1808, to name three persons who shall have full power to hear and finally determine all right, title, claim and demand whatsoever, as well of the United States as of the persons so removed, both in law and equity, and their decision or a majority of them shall be binding as well on the United States as on the said parties.
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the President of the United States, if he shall deem it most proper, to compromise the conflicting claims of the United States and the person removed from the Batture in front of the suburb of St. Mary, in the city of New Orleans, or cause the same to be tried in a court of the United States in such manner and at such place as will secure an impartial trial.
On motion of Mr. Morrow, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Helms in the Chair, on the bill allowing further time for issuing and locating military land warrants.
The blanks in the bill were filled so as to allow a further term of three years for that purpose. The committee then rose and reported the bill, which, as amended, was ordered to be read a third time to-morrow.
RUPTURE WITH MR. JACKSON. A paper was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, in the form of a joint resolution approving the conduct of the Executive in relation to the refusal to receive any further communications from Mr. Jackson.
The resolution was read a first and second time, referred to a committee of the whole, and made the order of the day for Thursday next.
MR. JACKSON'S "CIRCULAR." Mr. Quincy observed that he perceived that in the letter from Mr. Smith to Mr. Pinkney accompanying the message from the President of the United States of the 29th November, 1809, allusion was made to an important paper headed "Circular," which had not been communicated to Congress. He perceived also that by the resolution just received from the Senate a specific declaration was required as to the contents of that very paper. It appeared to him extremely proper that the House should have that paper on its files, and within the reach of its members, before a decision was made respecting it. Under this impression he offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to lay before the House a copy of a paper purporting to be a circular letter from Mr. Jackson to the British Consuls in the United States, referred to in the letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Pinkney, accompanying the message of the 29th November.
Mr. Duna observed that there was another document which it might be of some importance to have on the file of the House, and which it might be also necessary to consult; that was, the despatch from Mr. Canning, which it appeared was sent by Mr. Pinkney to the Secretary of State. He moved to add that paper to the resolution. Mr. Quincy accepted the amendment as a part of his resolution.
Mr. Astor objected to the first part of the motion. He said the House must see the propriety of calling on the Executive for a document of which it could not have an official copy; for no doubt the copy sent to
delicate combination with his predecessor, Mr. Erskine, for the purpose of producing the arrangement. Which insinuations, if true, must represent Mr. Erskine as a fool, a knave, or a traitor, or all three; and our Executive government still further lost to every honorable sentiment, and utterly destitute of even the most ordinary understanding. An insinuation so insidious and affronting cannot fail to excite the indignation and contempt of every patriotic heart in America. But fortunately for the Executive government, Mr. Erskine's previous explanation of this point to our government strips the transaction of every shadow of a shade of a doubt, of which Mr. Jackson perhaps was not apprised at the time he was employed in devising the gross insinuation. Yes, sir, this was one miserable effort of Mr. Jackson to reproach our Executive govt. for an act, for which it merited & universally received the sincere applause and grateful thanks of the American people. It restored the Executive, as it ought to have done, to universal confidence and utterly rooted out every doubt of its sincerity in its diplomatic intercourse with Great Britain, under which some of our misled and mistaken citizens for a while unfortunately labored. For the moment terms were proposed on the part of Great Britain which could with honor or propriety be accepted by the United States, they were frankly and promptly accepted by the Executive, regardless of all consequences from any other quarter. Sir, there is another part of this quotation, which requires a few animadversions.
I allude, sir, to the first solemn declaration made to this government by Mr. Jackson, respecting the despatch, in which the conditions were prescribed to Mr. Erskine. It is in the following words:
"It is my duty, sir, solemnly to declare to you, and through you, to the President, that the despatch from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine which you have made the basis of an official correspondence with the latter minister, and which was read by the former to the American minister in London, is the only despatch by which the conditions were prescribed to Mr. Erskine for the conclusion of an arrangement with this country on the matter to which it relates."
The equivoque of this sentence consists in using the word 'despatch,' instead of the word 'conditions.' What does Mr. Jackson here solemnly declare to Mr. Smith?—Why, sir, that the 'despatch' from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine, &c. is the only 'despatch' by which the conditions were prescribed to Mr. Erskine, &c. &c. not that these were the only conditions that were prescribed. This, I have no doubt, is true—It is astonishing to me that such extraordinary conditions should have ever found their way into one despatch, or any despatch. I hope for the honor of Mr. Canning that he did not repeat them in any other despatch. But, sir, does Mr. Jackson here solemnly declare, that Mr. Erskine had received no other despatch in relation to this subject, in which some other conditions were prescribed, or some discretion to Mr. Erskine, authorising him to explain or modify those conditions, or if he thought proper, to substitute others in their stead? No, sir, there is no solemn declaration to this effect. Is it not then very probable, that this was the case. As the despatch in question is not, I believe, the only despatch brought to Mr. Erskine by Mr. Oakley—& as Mr. Oakley was sent for the express purpose of bringing despatches to Mr. Erskine, and as one of these despatches did not contain the conditions prescribed in the preceding despatch, is it not natural to conclude that this despatch did prescribe some other conditions, or give some discretion respecting those previously prescribed, or make some new explanation or modification of them?—As the last despatch did not contain the same conditions with the first, is it not natural to conclude, that it did contain something else; and might not that something else be a full power to Mr. Erskine, which either in its letter or spirit would justify the arrangement finally concluded under it? This is so natural in itself, and is rendered so probable by Mr. Erskine's letter to Mr. Smith, dated the 14th August, 1809, that I think it fair to infer that such was the real course of facts. For you will observe, sir, that Mr. Jackson in this first solemn declaration no where says, that Mr. Erskine had no discretion given him in relation to this subject in any other despatch; but simply that the despatch in question is the only one, in which the conditions are prescribed, &c. &c. He may notwithstanding this declaration have had full powers or discretionary powers, as he probably had given him in some other despatch. In support of this conclusion, sir, let me beg your attention to Mr. Erskine's letter,
containing the expressions to which I allude, and which will be found in pages 21, 22, of the printed documents, in the following words:
"Under these circumstances, therefore, finding that I could not obtain the recognitions specified in Mr. Canning's despatch of the 23d January, (which formed but one part of his instructions to me) in the formal manner required, I considered that it would be in vain to lay before the government of the United States the despatch in question, which I was at liberty to have done in extenso had I thought proper: But as I had such strong grounds for believing that the object of his majesty's government could be attained, though in a different manner, and the spirit, at least, of my several letters of instructions be fully complied with, I felt a thorough conviction upon my mind, that I should be acting in conformity with his majesty's wishes, and, accordingly, concluded the late provisional agreement on his majesty's behalf with the government of the United States."
"The disavowal by his majesty is a painful proof to me that I had formed an erroneous judgment of his majesty's views and the intention of my instructions; and I have most severely to lament that an act of mine (though unintentionally) should produce any embarrassment in the relations between the two countries."
It is to be observed from this quotation in the first place, Sir, that Mr. Erskine explicitly disavows ever having shown the executive government the despatch containing the inadmissible conditions; and thus entirely exculpates it from the odious imputation attempted to be thrown on it by Mr. Jackson, and for this respectful forbearance to our government he is certainly entitled to the applause of his own. In the next place, Mr. Erskine explicitly states that the despatch in question contained but one part of his instructions, and that he thought that from the spirit at least of his several letters of instructions, he was fully authorised to make the arrangement he had done. And I think there is very little doubt but he had—that Mr. Erskine still thinks so, there can be no doubt—for he no where says he is now convinced that his powers were incompetent—he only says, that the disavowal by his majesty is a painful proof to him, that he had formed an erroneous judgement of his majesty's views and the intentions of his instructions.—Whether or not he had formed an erroneous judgement of his majesty's views, or the intention of his instructions, I imagine, will depend very much upon the point of time, to which the judgement he had formed is referable. If it be referred to the time of Mr. Oakley's mission, I am inclined to think he had neither formed an erroneous judgement of his majesty's views, nor the intentions of his instructions; but if he refers to the time of the disavowal, then I think it pretty certain, he had formed an erroneous judgement of both—for I have no doubt but his majesty's views at least had completely changed between these two periods of time, and the real cause of this change, and of the disavowal itself, is to be looked for in the occurrences which took place both in Europe, and in the United States, during that interval. No, Sir, the want of powers on the part of Mr. Erskine is not the true cause of the disavowal. I will now venture to conjecture the true cause; and if it be the right one, the case will be a plain one; and all equivocations in the explanations rendered unnecessary.
To do this, sir, I must call your attention to the state of events in Europe and in the United States, at these different periods of time. Mr. Oakley's mission was immediately after the British government was apprised of the precipitate retreat of Sir John Moore's army from Spain, and the fortunate escape of the remains of it from Coruna. The affairs of Spain, which had before excited such high expectations in the British cabinet, were given up as hopeless, &c. &c. Contemporaneously with a knowledge of these events, the British government was also informed of the measures of resistance against her outrageous aggressions, contemplated by Congress; which she then believed would certainly be carried into effect, &c. &c. Such was the state of things at the time of sending the despatches by Mr. Oakley. At the time of the disavowal, a new coalition had been formed, Austria had boldly entered into the war against France, and the Spaniards had been animated into further efforts at resistance, which excited new hopes of success, &c. &c.
In this country too, sir, it pains my heart to be compelled to recite the circumstances, our contemplated measures of resistance had been relaxed, and the whole country exhibited such scenes of divisions and dissensions as paralysed in some degree the movements of the government.—I wish, sir, I could throw a shade of oblivion
over these unfortunate scenes, or recollect them only, as they furnish the strongest argument.—Indeed, sir, they point with an infallible index to the course it now becomes us to pursue. Yes, sir, it is to these changes in the state of things you are to look for the real causes of the disavowal, and not to the want of competent instructions on the part of Mr. Erskine, and it would have been more dignified on the part of the British government to have told us so at once. She would then have said to us, the state of things is changed—at the time of giving the instructions, I was depressed from a combination of untoward events—I am now flushed with new hopes of elevation and of triumph—Besides you have convinced me that you are untrue to yourselves—that you will shrink from the assertion and support of your own rights—if you will not, I am not bound to respect them, &c. &c. I was then down, I am now up, and therefore I cannot grant you, in a spirit of triumph, what I solemnly promised in a spirit of despondency—I now find this the most favorable moment for establishing my favorite doctrine of the despotism of the ocean; and I cannot, and will not deprive myself of the advantage merely to avoid the imputation of bad faith. Yes, sir, this would have been a much more correct and dignified course on the part of Great Britain, than the miserable effort made by Mr. Canning in devising an ingenious mental retort, for converting the bad faith of his own government, in the disavowal of the arrangement, into a reproach upon ours, for the circumstances under which that arrangement was pretended to have been made. It is true, sir, that in the one case, there would have been an admission of mala fides , which is basely attempted to be avoided by a miserable subterfuge in the other; but then the British cabinet would have had the consolation of having told the truth, taken the responsibility upon themselves and set us adefiance; and we should have been left to our own remedy with a perfect understanding of the case. She would also have had the plea of necessity , the old fashioned plea of tyrants, and indeed of every body else, who has no better—but this is not Mr. Canning's mode of doing business—he chuses to act by tricks and contrivances; and, in the case of the disavowal, by a mental retort, flowing solely from his own visionary mental conceits, without a fact or pretext for its support.
Mr. President, I am told that Mr. Canning is a professed punster—but Sir, I would not condescend to make the observation here, had he not, after heaping upon us, during the whole of his administration, every injury and insult in his power, at the close of it placed us in a ludicrous situation by imposing on us an obligation, in a grave and serious concern to the nation, of expounding his equivoques, and unriddling his riddles.—I really feel some condescension in being compelled in my place to hunt out for his and Mr. Jackson's meaning, through a transition of sentences, a collocation of words, and a shifting of verbage.—and indulge me, Sir, with remarking, that I conceive the situation of a nation never can be more disastrous, calamitous and lamentable, than when its great and serious affairs are placed in the hands of a parcel of punsters. For, sir, men of minds of that description are too much employed in the pleasing amusement of looking out for coruscations of wit and sentiment, to have any leisure for the more dull & unpleasing business of observing and marking the great occurrences in human affairs, and of devising means of giving them a direction favorable to their own views, or to their country's interests. No, sir, this is too dull and plodding a pursuit for men of such light, flitting, brilliant imaginations, and if ever they unfortunately undertake it, they soon find the woeful misapplication of talents. If, sir, any illustration were wanting of the correctness of these observations, it could no where be found better than in an attentive review of the historical events, which occurred during the late British administration—the administration of the energetic—the brilliant—the sarcastic—the facetious—the joking Mr. Canning. He has carried his joking propensities far indeed. It may be truly said, he jests at scars inde d—at scars of the blackest disgrace and ruin inflicted upon his bleeding country—upon a great nation, which probably would have received and certainly merited a better fate, if it had fortunately placed its destinies in better hands. Sir, it appears to me that all the military enterprises during his whole administration, from the abominable attack on Copenhagen down to the last expedition against the islands of Zealand, were nothing more than belligerent puns and conundrums. It has been constantly announced that some grand, secret expedition was on hand, and
each succeeding one grander than the preceding, until the last expedition to Walcheren, which was the grandest of all; and when the secret really came out it appeared, either that the object was abominable, or contemptible, and the means of executing even the contemptible object, upon experiment, were generally found incompetent.—Yet, sir, probably, these enterprises have cost the British nation the lives of fifty thousand brave officers and soldiers, and I will not undertake to count the millions of dollars. Sir, the same little minded course of policy has also been uniformly manifested during the same time against the U. S.; & in no respect more, than in the disavowal of Mr. Erskine's arrangement—in avoiding to avow the real motives for it—and in the uncaudal attempt to convert the bad faith of the British government, into a reproach upon our own; and this was to be done by an ingenious mental device, prettily conceived by Mr. Canning, and adroitly executed by Mr. Jackson; who if not equal to Mr. Canning in the mysterious art of punning, I think can be very very little way behind his prototype, in the art of equivoques. Sir, the disavowal, in my judgement, was not for the want of competent powers. Too great a share of the real causes of the disavowal unfortunately is attributable to ourselves, and now is the moment to relieve ourselves from the imputation. (Speech to be Concluded.)
CONGRESS.
IN SENATE.
Monday, December 11, 1809.
Mr. Pope, from the select committee to whom was referred the bill from the House of Representatives supplementary to the act "extending the right of suffrage in the Indiana Territory and for other purposes," reported the same without amendment; & the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
CUMBERLAND ROAD.
Mr. Pope, agreeably to notice, presented a bill in addition to an act regulating the laying out and making a turnpike road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio. [The bill contemplates an additional appropriation of 50,000 dollars for this object.] The bill was read and passed to a second reading.
RECRUITING SERVICE.
The bill to repeal an act, entitled "an act to suspend for a limited time the Recruiting Service," was read a second time.
Mr. Leib observed that it was the usual course of business to refer a bill introduced by a member to a select committee on its second reading. Not wishing to travel out of the usual routine of business, he made that motion in relation to this bill.
Mr. Giles observed that if he could ascertain the object of a commitment, he should have no objection to it; but that this was a bill not susceptible of modification, containing but one principle, and the sooner it was acted on the better. He was therefore opposed to commitment.
Mr. Leib said he had only made the motion in deference to the usual practice of the Senate. He was also of opinion that the sooner it was acted on the better; and, on the suggestion of the gentleman from Virginia he withdrew the motion for reference.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
RUPTURE WITH MR. JACKSON.
The resolution approving the conduct of the Executive in refusing to receive any further communication from Mr. Jackson, the British Minister, was read a third time; and, without debate, on the motion of Mr. Goodrich was decided by yeas and nays as follows:
Yeas—Messrs. Bradley, Brent, Coudit, Crawford, Gailhard, German, Giles, Gilman, Gregg, Griswold, Lambert, Leib, Meigs, Mathewson, Parker, Pope, Reed, Smith of Md. Sumpner, Turner—20.
Nays—Messrs. Goodrich, Hillhouse, Loyd, Picking—4.
[Absent on this vote Messrs. Anderson, Bayard, Champlin, Franklin, Robinson, Smith of N. Y. Tait, Tazewell, and Whiteheads; of whom those in Italic have not appeared in their seats during the present session. There is one vacancy in the state of Delaware, occasioned by the death of Mr. White.]
The bill to prevent the abuse of the privileges and immunities enjoyed by Foreign Ministers within the United States, was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading without debate.
December 12.
The bill supplemental to the act extending the right of suffrage in the Indiana Territory was read the third time and passed.
The bill to repeal the act for suspending service for a limited time the recruiting service was read a third time; and, on motion of Mr. Bradley, the further consideration of the bill was ordered to be postponed to the 1st day of August next.

Mr. Pinkney was out of a newspaper, and such a one only could be sent to the House. He had no objection to calling for that asked for by the gentleman from Connecticut. (Mr. Dana) although the material parts of it were often quoted in the documents before Congress.
Mr. Quincy said it was not his intention to call for what was not in the Secretary of State's office; the paper which he wanted was a copy of that paper transmitted across the Atlantic by the Secretary of State, as appeared by his letter to Mr. Pinkney. The gentleman might have seen Mr. Jackson's circular letter, he (Mr. Quincy) had not seen it; he had not been fortunate enough to obtain a copy of it. It must be in the office of the Secretary of State; for it was utterly impossible for it to have been sent to our minister in London, without also retaining a copy in the office of the Secretary of State.
Mr. Smith said he would not oppose a call for any information that should be deemed proper; but he did not know upon what ground the House would call upon the President for this paper, which had not been addressed to the President, but to the British consuls in the United States. It could not be officially in the possession of the Secretary of State, who, he presumed, had seen it in the papers as every one else had. Mr. S. said he accidentally held in his hands a New Hampshire paper containing it; and if the gentleman from Massachusetts was desirous of perusing it, it was at his service.
Mr. Eppes asked for a division of the question. He said he was willing to call for any paper which was or which might be presumed to be in possession of the department of state; but it could not be presumed that the circular of Mr. Jackson was in that office in any other form than that referred to in Mr. Smith's letter, viz. in a printed form. Certain it was that it could not be in the department of state, because it was dated subsequently to the intimation that no further communication would be received from that source by the Secretary of State. The only reason, he presumed, why the other paper alluded to had not been communicated to Congress, was, that it was a printed paper, purporting to be a despatch from Mr. Canning. He had no farther objection to the call for either of these papers, other than it was neither decorous or proper to call upon the President for that which could not be officially in his possession.
Mr. Gardner observed, that in addition to other forcible considerations, it would be treating the Executive rudely, when he had called their attention to a particular paper, to go to any other source to procure it; besides, that in the latter case a spurious copy might be imposed upon the House. If the President referred to a certain document as justifying his conduct, by procuring that document the House would have the whole ground before it. What would be the situation of the House, if, pursuing the ideas of some gentlemen, every member was to bring forward a document which he believed to be the legitimate one, and all these copies should differ? Who was to decide which was the correct one? If the House were to act at all on this subject, it was not only respectful and just to the President, but extremely civil, to enquire of him on what ground he has acted. As a true American and staunch republican, Mr. G. said he was desirous to give the President every opportunity of doing himself justice.
Mr. Quincy said that a copy of this circular having been forwarded to our minister in England, a copy must remain on the files of the Secretary of State's office; and therefore asked for it, merely that the House might have on this occasion precisely that information which the Secretary of State had communicated to Mr. Pinkney.
Mr. Butler cited, as a reason why Mr. Quincy's motion should be agreed to, that between the copy of Mr. Champagny's letter to our minister in France, as it appeared in the public prints, and as since communicated to Congress, there was a material variation. If in that case there was a variance between different copies, it was equally probable that there should be a variance in the different copies of Mr. Jackson's circular.
The question was taken on the first part of the resolution, viz. on that part moved by Mr. Quincy, and finally carried 53 to 52.
The question was then taken on Mr. Dana's amendment, viz. on that part calling for a copy of the paper purporting to be a despatch from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine, and carried without opposition.
Mr. Whitman, after a few observations that were not distinctly heard, offered an amendment understood to be intended to embrace in the papers to be called for the note from Mr. Erskine to Mr. Smith containing the "three conditions" which are admitted, in Mr. Smith's letter of Oct. 19, to have been submitted to him by Mr. Erskine.
On the suggestion of Mr. Quincy, this motion was declared to be out of order, as it was now too late to receive an amendment to the resolution, both clauses of it having been affirmed by the House.
The question was then put on the whole resolution as amended,—and the Yeas and Nays being demanded on its passage—
Mr. Rhea said he should vote against the resolution as by passing it the House could add nothing to its stock of information, nor receive any official document; in both cases it could receive only a printed paper.
Mr. Smith said he had no objection to one part of the resolution, that which called for a copy of the despatch from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine; but connected with the other paper he could not agree to it, for it would be the most extraordinary call he had ever witnessed since he had held a seat in Congress. What he said he—shall we call upon the Executive to send us a paper which is not, never was and could not be officially in his possession? It is known to every member of the House that the Secretary of State cannot have in his possession any other copy of this paper than such as is in the hands of every member in the House and of every man out of doors.
I should think, sir, when we consider the nature of the paper alluded to, that there is nothing in it that would create any prejudice in its favor in the mind of any American in heart, if brought in this House. Who is this paper? It is an appeal to the people of the United States. For one shall not be guilty of the absurdity of calling for a paper which I know is not in the possession of the President any more than it is in mine; for the latter part of the motion, if distinct from the first, I would gladly vote.
Mr. Whitman said that he was in favor of both branches of the resolution taken together. There seemed to be a difficulty with some gentlemen with respect to the first branch of it, & it seemed to be contended that the paper alluded to, being published in newspapers only, ought not to be noticed. In reply to this it might be observed that the Secretary of State had thought proper
to notice it in his correspondence with our minister in London, and it was therefore before the House. The House were not called upon to act upon a paper which might be variously published in various prints, but on a paper such as the Secretary of State had thought proper to transmit to our minister in London. Mr. W. said he therefore wanted not to know what had appeared in the newspapers, but what had been forwarded to our minister in London; to obtain this an application to the President was the proper mode, and he could not see why there should be any objection to its being exhibited.
Mr. Troup said he had voted in favor of the latter part of this resolution, and against the first; and he must now be compelled to vote against both combined. He deemed the object of the resolution to be improper, because on the face of it it appeared that the paper asked for was an unofficial letter, if procuring a copy of it from the office of the Secretary of State would establish its authenticity, there could be no objection to the call. But the communicating or withholding would not stop its authenticity on it, because it was a document of which the Department of State could not have an official copy.
Mr. Mason said he did not attach so much consequence to this motion as either its advocates or opponents appeared to do. The object was to get a paper which had been published in all the newspapers of the U. S. Mr. Jackson's Circular, which it was clear could not be sent to the House in an official form, because it was not addressed to any department of our government, but to the British consuls. The other paper asked for was a document with the substance of which every one was acquainted. Without enquiring what was the object of the call, if any gentleman wanted a copy of any paper in the Department of State, he would never object to gratify them. It had been said that the House should not call for it, because it was addressed to the British consuls; but, Mr. Mason said, it was known to have been written by Mr. Jackson, because if it had not it would have been long ago denied. It was called an appeal to the people; so was Genet's—but Mr. M. said, he had never heard any thing about these appeals—he should not care if Mr. Jackson should make another, because he had no apprehension of any effect such things could have in this country. It could not be positively ascertained whether or not the letter in question was written by Mr. Jackson, but by calling on the printer; and he had no idea of meddling with them—he only claimed the privilege of believing what he pleased of their publications. Mr. M. was in favor of the resolution, because other gentlemen wished the papers for their information.
Mr. Quincy said that the importance of this resolution lay in this: that the House was called upon (by the resolution from the Senate) to decide on the contents of a paper the existence of which was first made known to them by communications from the Executive. When called upon in this way, was it not a duty the House owed to itself to ask for the papers on which it was to express an opinion? The House would not do justice to itself if it did not ask for them. For the intimation they had received that they were in possession of the Secretary of State.
Mr. Upton thought it necessary to have the very paper that was communicated by our Secretary of State to Mr. Pinkney. He recollected very well that on his journey to this city, he saw in two papers in N. York this very circular represented in two different ways.
Mr. Gardner remarked that he took it for granted, that the more carefully the House proceeded, the more fully it possessed itself of all the documents on the subject upon which they were about to legislate, the more impressive upon their own country and upon the world, to whom in part the resolution appeared intended to be addressed, would their decision be. The determination to be made should appear not to result from passion, but from a deliberate and coolness worthy the representatives of a great nation. He professed sincerely that upon the subject of the resolution from the Senate he had formed no opinion, neither should he vote for the present motion, because he inclined to one side or other on the former. He wished to possess himself of all the facts on the subject. It appeared that a copy of this circular had been forwarded to our Minister in London, in order to guide him in his conduct, Mr. G. presumed. We (said Mr. G.) are called upon to act here on the subject; our minister at London is directed to act here. If he has a right, to enable him to discharge his duty, to have a copy of this paper communicated to him, shall we not also have the same privilege? The question, he said, was not whether the document was officially on record in the Secretary of State's office, but whether the House should be called upon to act on a document which was not before it. With the same propriety might a jury be refused the hearing evidence on a case on which they were called to decide, as the House could be refused a copy of this paper. It was said that it was only a newspaper publication. Newspaper publication or not, originally, Mr. Gardner said that the President had made it a public document by communicating it officially to our minister in London. He was satisfied that the President could have no objection to communicating it; for he well remembered that his predecessor had sent to the House, about the time of laying the famous embargo, a paragraph from an English newspaper containing something like a surmise that certain orders in council would be issued. If, as it had been said, the present President would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, he could not have the least objection to comply with the request of the House to send a newspaper document, when his predecessor had sent one without any request at all.
Mr. Smith said that if the call was made, the House could get no more than what every one had seen—and he called upon any gentleman to say that he had not seen the circular in the public prints, and also whether he believed that the House could get from the Executive any other information than that which every member had or might have in his possession. He confessed for his own part that he thought it would scarcely be treating the Executive with that delicacy due from one department of the government to another, to call upon him for a paper not officially in his possession, in order to see whether or not he had transmitted a faithful copy to our minister in London. It seemed to insinuate a doubt of the propriety of his conduct. [Mr. Gardner said that no such thing was meant.] Mr. Smith said he did not believe gentlemen did mean it; but it was a reflection that naturally flowed from the circumstances. He did not know, if they could trust the Executive, why they should call for a paper already in every one's hands. He recollected
a former case—for this was not the first appearance that had ever been made to the people. When Genet was the French minister here, Mr. S. said he had taken a step more direct than in the present case, and yet Congress had never called on Gen. Washington for a copy of his appeal; for it had, as in the present case, been published in all the papers, and no one had doubted its authenticity. If the House was not to act on the case till they got an authenticated copy of the document in question, they never would act, for assuredly they would not get it; but if no one entertained a doubt on the subject, he thought they might act with propriety.
Mr. Dana said that by the message from the Senate the House was called upon to express an opinion on a certain paper, to decide what was its meaning, and to concur with the Senate in affixing to it terms of reprobation. And was the House of Representatives to pronounce on this subject without having the paper before them? Could they, in point of legislative decorum and propriety, undertake to judge without seeing the paper in form? Would gentlemen refer them to newspapers for documents on which to act? He certainly never expected to hear it advanced on this floor that members of the House were to keep a file of every newspaper containing a document. If this was necessary, he had certainly been deficient in his duty; for he had kept a paper containing a copy of the circular said to have been written by Mr. Jackson. Whatever construction had been given by the President or Secretary of State to a particular document; with all deference to their honor and virtue, Mr. Dana said, he could not consent to surrender his own right of construction, of examination and of judgment, nor to prostrate his understanding, however feeble, at the foot of the Executive or any department of the government. Really, if newspaper publications were to be considered as authentic and sufficient for the use of members of this House, why had the House ordered 5000 copies of the documents to be printed for its use, when all the documents appeared in the newspapers before they had been printed and delivered for the use of the House? In point of propriety and respect to the Senate, Mr. D. said he might be at liberty to say that it was fair to presume that that body had the paper before them; he could not permit himself to imagine that they would have acted without it before them; and he hoped that the representatives of the people would also show a sufficient respect for themselves to have it before them when it was the subject of their deliberation.
Mr. Rhea (T.) by several arguments enforced the idea that the government could have no other source of information on this subject than he or any other individual had. The statement made by a gentleman from Massachusetts that variant copies of this document had appeared, was the very reason that he would vote against the resolution; because the Executive could not be responsible for the correctness of the copy which it had in its possession. Mr. Smith's letter to Mr. Pinkney did not state the enclosure of a copy of the letter, but of a paper purporting to be a copy of a letter written by Mr. Jackson. The gentleman from Massachusetts had said that he had not seen the letter. Mr. Rhea said he had no objection to have copies of it printed for the use of the House from a copy to be taken from a newspaper; but he would not call upon the President for it, for by so doing they would remove the responsibility for its correctness from the newspaper publications to the Executive authority.
Mr. Minor was of opinion that, being called upon to pronounce a solemn opinion on a certain proceeding, they should have all the papers relating to it before them. He asked whether, when the House was called upon to pronounce an opinion and make a decision which might lead to a war, they should not have the same information before them that the President had before him? Mr. M. said he felt every disposition to support the Executive in all proper measures in the execution of his duty; he was ready to meet the question proposed; whenever the House had before them the documents on which he had acted. Until they had them, it was impossible that they could make a just decision.
Mr. Newton said he should decidedly vote for the resolution before the House. The vote which he should give did not proceed from any disrespect to the President; the simple reason which would induce him to vote for it was, a desire that when the House came to a discussion of the resolution from the Senate, they should proceed to the merits of it; that no incidental question should be discussed; that no gentleman should have an opportunity of saying that he could not vote for it because the House had refused to call for documents.
Mr. Dill said that if the mover of the resolution had any other object in view than was expressed on the face of it, it was perfectly immaterial to him and must be so to the House. He should vote for the resolution not because the papers would have any influence on his conduct, but because they were deemed of importance by others whose duty it was as well as his own to endeavor to relieve their country from its embarrassments. It appeared to him that any member had a right to ask of the Executive any public document which he deemed necessary for the government of its conduct in legislative matters. The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Quincy) having declared such to be his situation in regard to the present paper, Mr. D. said he ought to have it.
Mr. Upton said that gentlemen spoke of their being called upon to vote on the resolution from the Senate without this paper. If that resolution was not pleasing to them, it was open to amendment. If the friends of the resolution failed to justify it from the want of the paper in question, its opponents could make use of that argument against it. The letter of Mr. Jackson was known to be nearly verbatim with the one delivered by Mr. Smith to Mr. Oakley; and no additional information could be derived from the call, although embarrassment might be created.
Mr. Upton said it was for the very purpose of seeing whether the circular coincided with the note just alluded to, that he wished to see it. They then refused to call for it?
Mr. Eppes said, lest it should be thought, from what had been said by others, that in voting against the resolution he should be desirous of acting without information, he should make a few remarks. This was not an ordinary case in which application ought to be made to a department of the government for information—for what department could say whether the piece to which the British minister's name was subscribed was a genuine paper or not? You know, (said Mr. Eppes) to a certainty that the letters have not gone to the Secretary of State by an official channel, but that he possesses
the same information as you do, and no other. In every case of this kind are you not compelled to act on newspaper information? If in any instance a Legislative body attempts to examine the conduct of a minister appearing from the Executive to the people, on what must it decide? Is it to be expected that his address will be forwarded to the President? No sir; it is from the Executive the appeal is made, and it will be found in newspapers, pamphlets or some other form circulating among the people. On the present occasion, as to the authenticity of the paper, I for one, without expressing an opinion on the merits of it, have no hesitation in saying that I believe it to be a genuine paper, written by the minister of Great Britain for the purpose of appealing from the constituted authority to the people of this country. If you apply now to the Secretary of State as proposed, what can he do? He has become possessed of information in the same way with yourself, and in transmitting it to our minister, he does not call it a copy of the letter but a paper purporting to be a copy of a letter, &c. Now if this paper had come in any official form to the Secretary of State, it would be proper for Congress to call for it. But of what importance is it to obtain information out of a public newspaper? This motion does not affect the enquiry on the resolution from the Senate, which is, whether, from the circumstance of the letter appearing in print and not being denied by the British minister, from a view of all the circumstances, Congress shall think it a proper subject on which to legislate? If they believe that on a paper thus dispersed they cannot act without ascertaining its authenticity, let them summon the printer and take other steps to ascertain it. The appeal is from the government and to them I would last of all look for a copy of it. The letter from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine, coming enclosed from our minister at London, I have no objection to call for; but because I have no objection to take that part of the resolution, I cannot swallow the poisonous drug with which it is compounded. The question was then decided by Yeas and Nays, in the affirmative, 69 to 46. Messrs. Quincy and Dana were appointed a committee to wait on the President with the resolution.
Tuesday, December 12.
A letter was received from the Secretary of the Treasury, enclosing a statement of the district tonnage of the United States.
A report was also received from the Secretary of the Treasury, in obedience to the act for regulating the currency of foreign coins.
COMMITTEE OF MANUFACTURES. Mr. Sawyer called for the consideration of the motion submitted by him for appointing a separate committee of manufactures. The House agreed to consider the resolution. Ayes 68.
Mr. Sewell supported the motion on the ground of the propriety of paying a more particular attention to the subject of manufactures, which had lately become of great importance.
Mr. Newrox opposed the motion as unnecessary, because the committee of Commerce and Manufactures was competent to the performance of all the business assigned it, and had always manifested a disposition to foster the manufactures of the United States.
The question on the resolution was decided in the negative, 24 memos only rising in the affirmative.
Several petitions of a private nature were presented and referred.
Strong resolutions have been introduced into the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, declaratory of the unimpaired confidence of the General Assembly in the wisdom & patriotism of the Executive of the United States.
Philadelphia, Dec. 9.
From London.—The Coromandel, captain Hunt, from London, has arrived at Newcastle. Captain J. B. Davy, passenger in this vessel, arrived this morning, with despatches from Mr. Pinkney, for our government. They have been forwarded by this morning's Mail.
A London paper of the 23d Oct. has been received by the Coromandel; but we understand it contains nothing interesting, being principally filled with the arrangements for the celebration of the anniversary of the king's reign, which was to take place, with great splendor on the 25th Oct.
By the Coromandel we learn, that the new British ministry, instead of being looked up to by the nation with approbation and confidence, are viewed with general discontent; and that another change must before long be produced by public opinion. A Regency was strongly spoken of; in which case, the Grey and Grenville influence would prevail. Nothing respecting American affairs appears in the late papers.
New-York, Dec. 7
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia dated December 6, 1809, received. "The only news I have besides what you will see in the papers, is that Bonaparte has blockaded by proclamation all the ports of Europe left open by His Britannic Majesty's Order in Council of April last."
MRS. WALKER acquaints the Ladies of the city of Washington and its vicinity, that on Monday morning the 11th inst. in the Front Room of Mr. Peter's house, near the Centre Market, Pennsylvania Avenue, she opened and offers for SALE on reasonable terms, a FRESH and ELEGANT ASSORTMENT of Fashionable Silks, Velvets, Satins, Siles and split-straw Bonnets and straw Hats, dress Caps & Turbans, artificial Flowers, and Feathers. Princes. Great Coats and Dresses of every description made up at the shortest notice and in the most fashionable manner. Should Mrs. WALKER receive that encouragement which she hopes the moderation of her terms, her punctuality, and attention to please will entitle her, from the known liberality of the Ladies of Washington, she will become a permanent resident of the City. She also offers for Sale an elegant set of Chairs and Settee, a sample of which will be exhibited. December 13—3t
NOTE. THE Creditors of JOHN MCCARTY, deceased, are hereby informed, that a distribution of his Estate will be made, at the Office of the Register of Wills in the city of Washington, on Saturday the 23d instant at 10 o'clock, A. M., when and where they are requested to attend with their claims, to receive their dividends. City of Washington, Dec. 11—3t
AN Annual meeting of the Stockholders of the Washington and Alexandria Turnpike Company will be held at the City Tavern in the town of Alexandria on the first Monday in January next. By order of the Directors.
G. DEFFALL, President. Dec. 13—3t
CHARLES J. ADAMS
Has now on hand and offers for Sale on reasonable terms,
 50 Hds. 1st and 2nd quality Muscovado Sugars.  20 boxes white and brown Havana do.  100 bgs. 1st and 2nd quality Green Coffee.  100 chests an Boxes of the most approved Teas of this year's importation.  50 pipes and quarter casks of old L. P. Madeira, B. P. Teneriffe, Sherry, Malmsey, Lisbon and Oporto Wines.  10 pipes Cognac & 1 Bdx. Brandy.  10 do. Holland & Archic Gin.  20 Hds. Jamaica, St. Croix and Antigua Rum.  50 boxes transparent Sperm Ceti Candles.  5 tresses winter stranded do. do.  50 boxes of Florence do. do.  40 boxes Pepp.  25 do. London Mustard.  50 crates Liverpool Ware.  10 crates Copperas, Alum and Madar.  20 bags clean Cotton.  1) boxes choice Cigars and Cordials.  10 do. Fig Blue.  25 bags Pepper and Pimento.  15 tons best Sweden's Iron suitable for Tires. 
3000 bushels Ground Alum Salt, &c.
Also just received,
100 dozen Baskets. Almonds in Hails, Figs in kegs, Grapes in jars, Muscatel and Bloom Raisins, in boxes, and Sundry Raisins in kegs. George town, Dec. 13—3t
In a few weeks will be published,
By J. MILLIGAN—GEORGE TOWN, TALES OF FASHIONABLE LIFE. By Miss BROWNSWORTH, Author of Practical Education, Belinda, The Parent's Assistant, &c. In Two Volumes, 12 mo. December 13—3t
REILLY'S STORE
On Pennsylvania Avenue, IS now supplied with a fresh assortment of LIQUORS & GROCERIES viz. Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, Malaga and Teneriffe Wines, French Brandy, Holl. and Gin, Jamaica Spirit, Whisky, Rum, and Whisky Tonic, Molasses, Imperial, Nason and Young Hyson Teas, Leaf and Lunn Sugar, Muscovado do. Coffee, Chocolate, Mustard, Pepper, Allspice, Ground Ginger, Nutmegs, Cloves, Salt and Saltpetre, Spermaceti and Sallet Oil, Mould, Dpt & Spermaceti Candles, Shaving and Brown Soap first quality, Chewing Tobacco, Spanish and Country Segars, Men and Women's coarse and fine Shoes, Youth's and Children's do. best quality Goshen Cheese, Bloom, Muscatel and Keg Raisins, Sweet Oranges, Lemons and Fresh Cranberries, a few barrels of Apples, Salmon in barrels and kegs, Codfish, Shad and Herrings, Farkin Butter, Irish Potatoes, and as usual best quality Superfine Flour, carefully selected at Alexandria for family use, Jameson's water casks—Also corn, oats, clopt rye, shorts, bran, cut straw. Dec. 13, 1809—9t
PROPOSALS
For Carrying the Mails of the United States, on the following routes will be received at the General Post Office until the first day of February, 1810.
 1. From Petersburg by Harris's, Percival's, Drummondsburg, Warrenton and Louisa to Raleigh three times a week. Leave Petersburg every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 P. M. and arrive at Raleigh on Wednesday Friday and Monday by 7 A. M. in 42 hours. Leave Raleigh every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5 P. M. and arrive at Petersburg the next Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday by 11 A. M. in 42 hours.  2. From Raleigh by Avery'sboro' to Fayetteville three times a week. Leave Raleigh every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 A. M. and arrive at Fayetteville by 10 P. M. Leave Fayetteville every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2 A. M. and arrive at Raleigh by 4 P. M.  3. From Fayetteville by Lumberton and Barfield's Mills to Porters Ferry on Pee Dee three times. Leave Fayetteville every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2 A. M. and arrive at Porters Ferry by 10 P. M. in 20 hours. Leave Porters Ferry every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 A. M. and arrive at Fayetteville by 10 P. M. in 20 hours.  4. From Porters Ferry by Gasques, Georgetown and Tidwin to Charleston three times a week. Leave Porters Ferry every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 A. M. and arrive at Tidwin by 8 P. M. Leave Tidwin every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 3 A. M. and arrive at Charleston by 10 A. M. Leave Charleston every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3 P. M. and arrive at Tidwin by 8 P. M. and arrive at Porters Ferry on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by 6 P. M.  5. From Athens by Coweta, Tuckebatchy, Pensaw and Fort Stoddert to Pascagoola River once a week. Leave Athens every Saturday at 2 P. M. and arrive at Pascagoola River the next Saturday by 10 A. M. Leave Pascagoola every Saturday at 2 P. M. and arrive at Athens the next Saturday by 10 A. M.  6. From Pascagoola River to Mr. Spell's at the mouth of Casten Creek on Lake Pontchartrain. Leave Pascagoola River every Saturday at 2 P. M. and arrive at Mr. Spell's on Monday by 8 P. M. Leave Mr. Spell's every Thursday at 5 A. M. and arrive at Pascagoola on Saturday by 10 A. M.  7. From Mr. Spell's on Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans once a week. Leave Mr. Spell's on Lake Pontchartrain on Tuesday at 3 A. M. and arrive at New Orleans by 3 P. M. Leave New Orleans on Wednesday by 10 A. M. and arrive at Mr. Spell's by 10 P. M. —Proposals for this route will be received by the Postmaster at New Orleans. 
NOTE. The contracts are to commence on the 1st day of April next, and are to continue in force for one year, and the customary penalties for failures and delays will be stipulated in the contract and order.
GIBBON GRANTHAM, Post-Master-General.
GENERAL POST OFFICE.
December 9, 1809. Dec. 13—4t.

VALUABLE LOTS.
FOR SALE AT AUCTION.
Notice to Gentlemen of Fortune making elegant Situations to build on—To Men of Business for desirable stands for Stores—to Merchants for situation and size of Lots that will suit the exertions of their industry.
Will be sold at Public Sale at Mr. Rhodes's Hotel, Pennsylvania avenue, on Saturday the 16th December next at 3 o'clock in the forenoon, precisely, a variety of Lots, laid off in such a manner as to suit all desirous of purchasing; either adjoin each other, if one be not sufficiently large others may be added.
These situations are, 1st. in the President's Square, in the range with Mr. Davidson's valuable Lots—2d, in the vicinity of the War Office, near to Col. John Tayloe, Dr. Elzey and many others, as it is thereby settled, and 3rd. in the vicinity of the Center Market, also thereby settled.
DESCRIPTION OF LOTS.
In Square 108, Lot No. 9, a corner Lot fronting North G street and 13th street west, divided in 3 parts, viz.
The 23 feet front on North G street by 55 feet deep on 13th street west, the corner of the corner lot.
One 25 feet, same front by 55 feet deep, adjoining the former eastwardly.
One 25 feet, same front, by 56 feet deep, adjoining the foregoing eastwardly; several buildings joins the lots.
In Sq. 108, Lot No. 10, fronting on 13th street west, divided into 2 parts, viz.
One 30 feet front by 100 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 9 northwardly.
One 28 feet 5 inches front by 100 feet deep, adjoining the foregoing northwardly.
In Sq. 108, Lot No. 11, fronting on 13th street west, divided into 2 parts, viz.
One 23 feet 4 inches front by about 130 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 10, northwardly.
One 28 feet front by about 110 feet deep, adjoining former Lot northwardly.
In Sq. 212, Lot No. 4, a corner lot fronting North H street and Vermont avenue, divided into 4 parts, viz.
One 45 feet front on North H street by about 50 deep feet on Vermont avenue; the back part of this Lot is about 42 feet wide, it is the corner of the corner lot; this Lot commands a full view of the President's House;
One 35 feet front, on North H st. by about 80 feet deep, adjoining the former eastwardly; the back part of this Lot is about 25 feet wide;
One 34 feet 10 inches, same front, by about 65 feet deep, adjoining the former eastwardly; the back part of this Lot is about 20 feet 6 inches wide;
One 50 feet 3 inches front on Vermont avenue, by about 40 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 5 southwardly.
Square 219, Lot No. 3, fronting on North H street, divided into 2 parts, viz.
One 23 feet front on North H street, adjoining Lot No. 4 eastwardly, about 100 feet deep average;
One 28 feet, same front, adjoining eastwardly the foregoing Lot, about 125 feet deep average;
Square 219, Lot No. 6, fronting on Vermont avenue, divided into 2 parts as follows:
One 25 feet front on Vermont avenue by 64 feet 5 inches deep, adjoining northwardly Lot No. 5, per plat;
One 25 feet 3 1/4 inches, same front, by 84 feet 5 inches deep, adjoining the foregoing northwardly;
Square 219, Lot No. 10, a corner Lot, fronts on North I street and 15th street west, divided into 3 parts, viz.
One 25 feet front on 15th street west by 55 feet 5 inches deep on North I street, the corner of the corner lot;
One 23 feet, same front, by 55 feet 5 inches deep, adjoining the former lot southwardly;
One 35 feet, same front, by 56 feet 5 inches deep, adjoining the foregoing Lot southwardly.
Square 219, Lot No. 11, fronting on 15th street west, divided into 2 parts, viz.
One 23 feet front on 15th street west by about 78 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 10 southwardly;
One 30 feet, same front, about 92 feet deep, adjoining the foregoing Lot southwardly.
Square 453, Lot No. 1, a corner lot, fronting on 6th street west, on North D street and on an avenue, (3 fronts) divided into 4 parts, viz.
One 40 feet front on the avenue, 32 feet 3 inches deep on 6th street west, the back of this Lot is on North D street, average depth about 38 feet;
One 35 feet front on the avenue by about 50 feet deep, adjoining former Lot westwardly, the back of this Lot is on North D street;
One 35 feet front on the avenue by about 63 feet deep, adjoining former lot westwardly, back of lot fronting North D street;
One 34 feet front on the avenue by about 75 feet deep, adjoining former lot westwardly, back of lot fronting North D street.
Square 453, Lot No. 2, front on the avenue, and back on North D street, divided into 4 parts, viz.
One 30 feet front on the avenue by about 41 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 1, westwardly;
One 30 feet front on the avenue, about 50 feet deep, adjoining the former lot westwardly;
One 30 feet front on North D street by about 45 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 1, westwardly;
One 30 feet front on North D street by about 48 feet deep, adjoining former lot, westwardly.
Square 453, Lot No. 3, fronting on the avenue and North D street, divided into 4 parts, viz.
One 30 feet front on the avenue by about 57 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 2, westwardly;
One 30 feet, same front, by about 53 feet deep, adjoining former lot, westwardly;
One 30 feet front, on North D street by about 55 feet deep, adjoining Lot No. 2, westwardly;
One 30 feet front on North D street by about 55 feet deep, adjoining former Lot westwardly.
ALL the foregoing Lots and parts of Lots will be sold preemptorily to the highest bidder without reserve. The title is indisputable.
Terms of sale cash, or approved endorsed negotiable notes at 60 days. As there will be no reserved bid, they will no doubt be sold to the great advantage of purchasers.
The plan of the City, with the Plats of the different Lots, are to be viewed at
SAML. SPEAKE'S, Auct. November 24—Ados
NEW STORE.
MCKENNEY AND OSBORNE, HAVE commenced the Dry Goods business in the house lately occupied by S. Luffborough, east on Bridge street, fronting Jefferson street, where they have an extensive assortment of every description of Seasonable Goods, consisting of:
 SUPERFINE Cloths, Second do. Double and single milled Kerseymeres, Police Cloths, Molekin Coatings, Plain do. Rose and striped Blankets, Carpeting, passage and stair Fire Rugs, White Planes, White Kerseys, Colored Planes, Persimmon, Blue, blue, red and green Chamels, white, yellow & red, every quality Swanskin Flannel, White Ticklenburg, Penmen Linen, Peter Benes, Hessian, Constitution and other Cords, Black and olive Velvets, Police Velvets, various colors, Mens worsted Hosiery, all colors, Womens do lead color, Men and Womens cotton Hosiery, assorted, Boys and Girls worsted and cotton do. Linen and cotton Di pers, various widths, Duper Table Cloths, Bed Tickling, Long Lawns, Furniture Chintzes and Cottons, Chintzes, Demi Chintzes & printed Calicoes, Ginghams, White Cottons, every description, Dimities, Cambrie Dimities, 64th Cambrie Muslin, 44th do. do. Colored do. do. Muslins figured and plain, India and British book Muslins, do. do. Hankerchiefs, Marseilles Quilts, Irish Linens, Shirting Muslins, Italian Paid Mantuas, Black Mantuas and Sattins, Colored Sattins, Florentines, White and colored Marseilles, Marseilles quilting for Vest Patterns, Swansdown, do. do. Molekin, Cotton Shawls, Camels Hair do. Elegant Cashmere, do. Damask Silk, do. Plain do. do. Laces, thread and Cotton, Ribbons, Lace Cap Patterns, Cashmere Robes, Muslins do. white and Colored, Bandana and Madras Handkerchiefs, Scarlet Bombazet, Black do. Bombazine, Elegant Paid Cambries, Pink and blue, 64th and 44th, Elegant Buttons latest from Europe, Tortoise Shell Combs, Looking Glasses Large and small, Toilet do. do. do. Brass and Irons, Whips, Scarlet and gold Tea Boards, Black and Gilt do. do. Waiters do. do. do. 
In addition to the above, are a variety of articles which it is deemed unnecessary here to mention, excepting 40,000 needles, well assorted.
As M'KENNEY & OSBORNE, purpose selling for cash, they have marked their goods at the smallest possible advance, which must certainly be an object to all purchasers; and more especially so, when the public are assured that their purchases were made under peculiarly advantageous circumstances. Reasonable deductions are made to those who may purchase by the p ce or package.
Georgetown, Nov. 17—4w
PUBLIC SALE.
By order of the Orphan's Court at Prince George's county will be exposed to Public Sale on Friday the 22nd day of December next if fair, if not the next fair day thereafter, at the Late Dwelling of Isaac Lunsdale, deceased, the following property, viz. a number of valuable Negroes, consisting of Men, Women and Children, Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, Household & Kitchen Furniture, Plantation Utensils and a variety of articles too tedious to enumerate.
The Terms of Sale are 12 months credit for all sums above 20 dollars, the purchaser giving bond with approved security; all sums under 20 dollars the money must be paid on the day of sale. Sale to commence at 10 o'clock.
CLEMENT BROOKE, Adm's. DENNIS BOYD, December 4—3w
FOR NEW ORLEANS.
THE SHIP MISSOURI, ROBERT HARRI, master, she is now loading at the Coffee House Wharf, at the Point, and is expected to sail early next month. She has very superior accommodations. For Freight or passage apply to the Captain on board or WM. TAYLOR. Baltimore. Nov. 24—7L
LANDS IN THE STATES OF OHIO AND KENTUCKY FOR SALE.
By Virtue of the Last Will and Testament of Robert Means, deceased, the subscriber offers for sale, all the Lands of the testator in the states of Ohio & Kentucky. As there is a large quantity of these Lands, and the quality in general good, they are well worth the attention of all persons desirous of purchasing Lands in those parts of the country. The Tracts are of various sizes, and conveniently calculated to suit purchasers of all descriptions. Further information respecting the said Lands may be obtained from Mr. Walter Day, residing in, or near the town of Chillicothe in the State of Ohio.
DANIEL CALL, Executor of the last will & Testament of Robert Means, dec'd. Richmond, July 19—4f
BOARDING HOUSE,
ON CAPITOL HILL. THE Subscriber has taken the House lately occupied by MR. HENRY TIMS, Where he has made comfortable arrangements for TEN BOARDERS. B. RICHMOND. Nov. 24—4f
 ROSS & GOTT Have just received from New-York and Philadelphia, the following GROCERIES & LIQUORS, viz. 12 Hds. Prime Jamaica Sugars. 8 do. Second Quality. 6 do. Molasses. 4 do. Jamaica Spirits. 300 Baskets Salt. 60 Boxes Mould and Dipped Candles. A few pipes Holland and New-York Anchor Gin. Cogniac Brandy, Mace, Pepper, Cloves, &c. &c. 
 IN STORE— Gun Powder Tea in canisters of 2 pounds each. Imperial, Hyson, Young Hyson, Hyson Skin, & Souchou, } Teas all of this year's importation, end of the best quality. 3000 pounds prime Green Coffee. 3 Pipes genuine old Madeira Wine. 5 do. Sicily Madeira. 4 do. Lisbon Wine. Port Wine in pipes, qr. casks and bottles Claret in Boxes. Brushes of all kinds. Powder and Shot. Cordials, &c. together with a large variety of articles in their line, which renders their assortment complete. Also, just received on commission, a small invoice of handsome looking glasses. 
 And Irons. Brass mounted Fenders, Shovels and Tongs, Tea Trays, waiters, coal hods, &c. &c. All of which will be sold cheap, on early application to them at their store, corner of Washington and Bridge Street, opposite the Union Tavern, George Town. November 8—4f 
JOHN OLLY, A NEGRO WOMAN of good character, about 26 or 27 years old, with two children, fine boys, the one six years old and the other about three—neither of which are troublesome to her—A credit will be given—Apply to JOHN P. VAN NESS. November 8—4f
United States—District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit: Circuit Court, June term, 1809. IS CHANCERY. Solomon Davis—Complainant, against
Abiel Jennings and Deborah his wife, and Fernando Fairfax—Defendants. THE report of Samuel Eliot, jun. the trustee formerly appointed in this cause under the decree of the 12th day of April last, having been sworn to, returned and filed, and the proceedings thereon approved:
It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed this sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine, that the said report be ratified and confirmed unless cause be shown to the contrary on or before the fourth Monday of December next; Provided, a copy of this order be published for three successive weeks in the National Intelligencer before the said fourth Monday of December next.
The report states, that the mortgaged premises mentioned in the bill were sold for the sum of five hundred sixty-one dollars and fifty cents.
By order, WM. BRENT, CK. November 15—4f
The report of the Commissioners of the Unit of the Estate of the Late Wm. H. DORSEY, deceased, respectfully solicited by the said DORSEY, a LETTER of instructions to be executed, which as to the distribution of the Net Office in Washington City, with the August rent, and as to the distribution of the Net Rents received, is confirmed and approved, and the same direction from the said DORSEY, as therein contained, approved and confirmed, and the same directed to him or to whomsoever he shall be entitled to the same.
FOR RENT.
The Three Story BRICK HOUSE Near the Navy Yard, lately occupied as a Tavern by Mr. Hugh Drummond. It is situated at the intersection of Virginia avenue, South K street and Seventh street East, and is not above eighty yards distant from the Navy Yard Market. Several improvements and additions will be made by the Subscriber to the house for any tenant who might wish to occupy it as a Tavern on a large scale. For terms apply to NOTLEY MADDOX, or JOHN LAW. November 22—
FOR RENT.
The Three Story BRICK HOUSE Near the Navy Yard, lately occupied as a Tavern by Mr. Hugh Drummond. It is situated at the intersection of Virginia avenue, South K street and Seventh street East, and is not above eighty yards distant from the Navy Yard Market. Several improvements and additions will be made by the Subscriber to the house for any tenant who might wish to occupy it as a Tavern on a large scale. For terms apply to NOTLEY MADDOX, or JOHN LAW. November 22—
GRAND LOTTERY,
THREE PRIZES OF 25,000 DOLLARS EACH. State of New York, UNION COLLEGE LOTTERY, No. 1. MANAGERS. William W. Gilbert, Benjamin Dewitt, George Merchant, Isaac Desmanson, and Stephen Thorne. JUDAH and LAZARUS, (late N. Judah) No. 84, Maiden Lane, New York; having purchased one half of the Tickets in the present Lottery, offer the same for sale, at their Lucky Lottery Office (where the highest Prize of $50,000 in the last Lottery, and most of the capital Prizes in former Lotteries were sold) in Whole, Half, and Quarter Tickets, for which most of the Bank Notes of other states, Prize Tickets in former Lotteries, and approved promissory notes will be taken in payment.
Distant adventurers, by enclosing cash (post paid) shall receive immediate attention, and the earliest advice given of their success. Owing to the great demand for Tickets in this Lottery (being one of the best schemes we ever had, as one Ticket may draw $140,000) they will soon advance from the present price of EIGHT DOLLARS.
   SCHEME.     3 Prizes of $25,000 is $75,000   1 — 10,000 — 10,000   1 — 5,000 — 5,000   4 — 250 tickets each, 7,000   2 — 2,000 — 4,000   5 — 1,000 — 5,000   28 — 500 — 14,000   30 — 200 — 6,000   50 — 100 — 5,000   100 — 50 — 5,000   200 — 20 — 4,000   10,500 — 10 — 105,000   10,924 Prizes, 245,000   24,076 Blanks,  
35,000 Tickets at 7 dollars, is 245,000 Part of the Capital Prizes will be determined as follows:
 1st drawn No. 10th day, blank or prize $1000 (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 1 to No. 250 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 251 to No. 500 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 501 to No. 750 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 751 to No. 1000 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 1001 to No. 1250 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 1251 to No. 1500 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 1501 to No. 1750 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 1751 to No. 2000 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 2001 to No. 2250 inclusive. (Excepting the reserved tickets) 250 tickets, from No. 2251 to No. 2500 inclusive. 
1st do. 35th — — — $25,000 1st do. 40th — — — 1,000 1st do. 45th — — — 25,000 The first 4,000 blanks will be entitled to Ten Dollars each. Less than Two and a 1/4 blanks to a Prize. Subject to a deduction of 15 per cent.—Prizes payable thirty days after the conclusion of the drawing.
The drawing will commence in the city of New York, on the Third Tuesday in April next, and will continue to draw 600 Tickets each day (excepting the last day, when there will remain 800 tickets to be drawn) until finished. Tickets purchased at this office, examined gratis—A correct Check Book, kept for the examination of Tickets, and the highest price in cash, given for prizes as soon as drawn. New York, December 4—2m
WM. S. NICHOLLS. BEING determined to close and settle up all his business in Georgetown, takes this method of informing his friends and the public that he will sell off his entire stock of Goods, which is very extensive & complete, at Cost and Charges for cash only—and invites all persons who wish to buy Cheap Goods to call on him, as his goods will go at very low prices. He has it in contemplation to leave Georgetown in the course of the ensuing summer & requests all those who are indebted to him to make immediate payment, as longer indulgence cannot be given. Nov. 29—3w
In order of the Orphan's Court. This is to give Notice that the subscriber of the City and County of Washington in the District of Columbia, hath obtained from the Orphan's Court of said County Letters of Administration on the personal estate of John Doyne late of said City deceased, all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber on or before the fourth day of May next, they may otherwise, by law, be excluded from all benefit of said estate. Given under my hand at the City of Washington this 1st day of November 1809. MARY DOYNE. administrator of MR. DOYNE deceased. Nov. 9—4t
100 DOLLARS REWARD.
A LETTER covering the two following BANK NOTES, viz. United States Bank, No. 5004, dated 28th April 1807 for $100. Do. do. do. O No. 5032, dated 28th April 1807 for $100. directed to the Subscriber in Baltimore, was forwarded from the Post-office in Jonesborough, Tennessee, the 9th of September last, and as the said Letter has not come to hand, it is supposed to have been pilfered from the Post on the way—We therefore offer a reward of One Hundred Dollars to any one who will give information as will lead to a discovery of the money and the conviction of the Robber. T. JONES & H. YOUNG. Baltimore. Nov. 24—8t
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC VENDUE,
To the highest bidder, On Monday the 13th day of February next about noon of that day, on the premises, the following Real Property in the city of Washington, viz.
TWO LOTS OF GROUND,
Numbered and distinguished on the ground plan of the City by numbers 16 and 17, in square numbered 101, together with the Buildings and Improvements on the same. The above mentioned sale will take place by virtue of a certain Indenture or Deed of trust, dated the 16th day of January in the year of our Lord 1805, and the same day, recorded among the Land Records of Washington county in the district of Columbia, between one Samuel Wilson, of the one part, and the undersigned James Davidson, jun. of the other part, in order to satisfy John P. Van Ness, of a certain debt of 70 dollars 77 cents, and interest, in the said Deed mentioned to be due from said Wilson to said Van Ness. JAMES DAVIDSON, Trustee. November 17—
FOR SALE
ON Monday the first day of January next, at the Plantation of the late Robert Peter in the SUGAR LANDS, within one mile of the Seneca Mills, about
FIFTY VALUABLE SLAVES:
Consisting of Men, Women, Boys & Girls; Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Hogs; Plantation Utensils, and a quantity of Indian Corn. The Sale will commence at 11 o'clock, A. M. and continue till all are Sold—Terms of Sale six months credit, the purchasers giving bond with such security as will be approved of, bonds bearing interest from day of Sale. THOMAS PETER, Executor. Dec. 11—1ds.
THOMAS ROBERTSON,
BRIDGE STREET, GEORGE TOWN. HAS received in addition to his former assortment of HARDWARE, a few elegant wire fenders 18 inches high, with brass tops and knobs; coal hods, coal shovels and dusting pans, shovels and tongs, And-irons, stair carpet, rods and hooks, best stag handle table and desert knives and forks, ivory and bone handle, do. butchers' and shoe do. fancy and coarse bridle bits, Tinmen's rivets, large and small scale beams, a few elegant salin wood tea caddies, double bordered tea trays; pots, skellets, ovens, frying pans, and tea kettles; anvils, vices, &c. &c.—Together with a general assortment of Carpenter's tools and hardware for building, which he will sell at reasonable prices for cash. December 11—4f
LOTTERIES.
Baltimore College Lottery, NOW DRAWING. One third of the whole number of the Tickets are drawn, and the following capital prizes remain in the wheel, viz.
 2 prizes of 20,000 dollars, 2 do. of 10,000 dollars, 2 do. of 5,000 dollars, 1 do. of 2,500 dollars, 10 do. of 1,000 dollars. 
Only a few Tickets, Halves and Quarters remain unsold, and are to be had at 13 dollars each ticket, at
G. & R. WAIT'S, Truly fortunate Lottery Office, Baltimore, Where are also received, orders for Tickets, in the
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY,
Which begins drawing on the 17th of April next, in which Lottery there are Three Prizes of 25,000 dollars each, and Tickets only eight dollars each. Distant Adventurers by inclosing the Cash, to either of Waite's offices in New York, Albany or Baltimore, may have tickets and shares forwarded with perfect safety and dispatch, and the earliest advice sent of their success.
PORTY SHARES of Washington Bridge Stock will be sold at public auction on Wednesday next at Mr. Long's Hotel, precisely at 10 o'clock, A. M. for cash. SAML. SPEAKE, Auct. December 11—2t
SAMUEL STETTINIUS,
Pennsylvania Avenue, Near the Centre Market. Begs leave to refer to his last advertisement of day goods, and to inform his friends and the public at large, that he has added to them a few days ago another extensive stock, which, completing his stock of all goods, will enable him to accommodate every kind call with which he may be favored.
He has also received from Philadelphia per Schooner Eleanor, Capt. Wm. Howard, 10 Hds. New Orleans Sugar 13 Bbls do. do. 2 Pipes 4th proof French Brandy 1 Hds Jamaica Spirits, 4th proof 2 Casks first quality Young Hyson Tea 2 Hysion Skin do. 1 Imperial do. 15 Boxes Tin Plates 1 Bbl. Corks 4 Gross empty bottles 200 pounds of Black Pepper 300 Raisins 500 Cheese 3 Bbls Spermaceti Oil 4 Kegs of Copperas and Alum 6 Boxes Mustard 3 Quarter casks first quality Lisbon Wine 2 do. do. Malaga do. do. 1 Bbl. Superior Fine Bailey Currants, Mace, Almonds Saltpeire and Black Oil 1 Box Pig Blue, best quality 1 Quarter Cask Sherry Wine 150 lbs. Allspice, and 30 Dozen clarified Sweet Cyder in bottles. ALSO—
 A most extensive assortment of hollow glass, consisting of flowered and gilt decanters, cut and flowered dinto, quart, pint and half pint tumblers, wine glasses, with a number of other articles. Those of his friends who wish to buy by the wholesale as well as those buying by retail, may rest assured that he will endeavor to deserve their respective satisfactions, by selling them at pleasing terms and very low. December 8—4f 
NICHOLAS B. VAN ZANDT,
HAS JUST RECEIVED, Fresh Lemons, Oranges, Grapes in Jars, Currants, Muscatel Raisins, Segoars, Dec. 11—8—3t
PUBLIC SALE.