The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1804-01-27 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. IV.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. 10.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANN.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27th, 1804.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, January 6.
Debate on Mr. Randolph's motion for the appointment of a committee of enquiry into the official conduct of SAMUEL CHASE.
(Continued.)
Mr. GRIFFIN. I had hoped that no subject would have been agitated during this session which should have interrupted the tranquility or disturbed the harmony of this house, so necessary to the faithful and correct discharge of our public duties—but, Sir, I perceive from the turn which the debate upon the resolution now before the house has taken, that sensations have been excited which I fear it will be difficult to allay.
The proposition now before the house purged with so much secrecy, and forced on us so suddenly and unexpectedly, comes in such a questionable shape, that I must beg the attention of the house for a few moments while "I speak to it."
What, Sir, does the resolution demand of us? That a committee be appointed to enquire into the official conduct of Samuel Chase and Richard Peters, &c. But how is this enquiry to be conducted? Are there any data by which the committee are to be guided? Is there any specific charge to which their attention or enquiries are to be directed? none; no, who, Sir, before this enlightened day ever heard of a committee of enquiry being raised, without possession of a single subject to direct or guide the enquiry? What, Sir, erect an enquiring committee vested with all the powers of a Star Chamber and yet assign them no specific objects of their duty? But, Sir, the official conduct of their judges has given offence—and are we now, Sir, to probe and search the whole judicial lives of these gentlemen, for causes of complaint and censure? Are the records of the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania now to be ransacked, for evidences of their guilt and cause of impeachment? I never have and never shall deny the right of this house, to enquire into the conduct of public officers—but, Sir, if the honorable mover of the resolution is serious,
(Here Mr. Randolph interrupted, and desired the gentleman to explain his meaning by the word serious.)
Mr. GRIFFIN continued. I will answer the gentleman—my meaning is, that if the gentleman believes there are just grounds for impeachment—if he is in possession of information or facts, let him declare them, and if they appear to my mind to be sufficient whereon to ground an impeachment, let him demand it and I will join with him—let him specify the instances of malfeasance of which these judges have been guilty, and I will unite with him—let him declare the mal-conduct of these public functionaries, and I will cordially co-operate with him; if these judges have travelled beyond the line of their duty—if they have wantonly exceeded the limits of their power, I will aid in the infliction of such punishment as they may merit—but, Sir, I cannot, I will not in this indirect manner wound the feelings or censure the characters of men, holding high responsible offices under your government—could I induce myself to believe, that the course now proposed to be pursued is correct, I will gladly give it my assent—but for reasons very different from those, the advocates of this measure adduce—could I deem it correct I would support the resolution because I believe the characters implicated therein, will falsely pass the ordeal preparing for them; and that the enquiry will redound to their honor—I would cheerfully support the resolution, because, by the impeachment which I predict will follow, an opportunity will be offered to remove that load of unmerited calumny under which the federal judiciary of the United States have too long labored, and with which our public prints have been long filled—but the course is incorrect—the measure, in its present shape appears to me, to be fraught with incalculable mischief to our country, and I never will assist in the establishment of a precedent which may at some future day be made an engine of persecution, as "wicked as intolerant." Mr. Speaker, let me ask of you, Sir, to remember the consequences which may flow from the adoption of this resolution—let me conjure this House to reflect upon the dreadful effects which must arise to us, if upon the bare assertion of a single gentleman unsupported by any direct allegation, a
committee of this nature shall be raised, a precedent of this kind established—what public character will be safe—nay, Sir, how soon may not we ourselves feel its baneful influence—Far be it from me, Sir, to impute to the honorable mover of the resolution, any impurity of motives. I believe his conduct has proceeded from a consciousness of duty, and from a similar consciousness of duty I must oppose the measure. I cannot deny the power of this house to adopt the resolution upon your table, but I beg of you to pause ere you take the fatal step, and do not, because, "dressed with a little brief authority, play such fantastic tricks before high heaven as make e'en angels weep."
Sir, I have endeavored to discharge what I conceived my duty upon this occasion, and when experience shall fatally convince us of the dreadful effects of the precedent we are now about to establish, I shall derive consolation from the reflection, that I lent my feeble aid to check the overwhelming torrent.
Dr. EUSTIS said he did not view this subject in the same light with the gentleman last up; he did not see those awful consequences which he had pointed out. He hoped the time would never come, when an enquiry into the conduct of an officer of the government should be deemed a subject of alarm in that House. It was the first principle of the constitution that every man was amenable to the constitution and laws of his country, and however elevated any one might be, that he could not be raised above the reach of enquiry. The observations of the gentleman, who had last spoken, and of others who had preceded him, were predicated on a principle that was not correct. If the resolution on the table was to impeach the judge, those observations would be relevant, but they were incorrect on the preliminary motion to enquire.
In making up, said Dr. Eustis, my judgment on this subject, I have endeavored altogether to avoid the enquiry, whether the officer implicated in this resolution, has so conducted himself as to require impeachment by this House. I have not accepted the opinion of the mover of the resolution, and I have excluded all the other information adduced in the debate; because I consider it as alone applicable to the question of impeachment, which is not now before the House. The question before the House is a very different one, and, in my opinion, it is plain and simple. What is it? It is that a committee be raised to enquire into the official conduct of a certain public officer. When a member of this House, under the obligations of honor, and the additional obligation of a oath, rises and takes upon himself the responsibility of moving an enquiry into the official conduct of a public officer, which can only be effected in virtue of the impeaching power of this House, which power is exclusively possessed. I view the request for an enquiry in the nature of an information laid before the House as the grand inquest of the nation.
When this proposition was made the mind of every gentleman was naturally cast about for the situation of the officers in question. If it shall be the opinion of the House that their conduct is such as to afford grounds for an impeachment, it will be granted that it is an indispensable duty to make the enquiry. If on the other hand the House are of opinion that no testimony can be produced which will tend to an impeachment, then it is due to the officers to institute an enquiry. The object of enquiry is two fold, arising from the duty due to the people, and that due to the officer whose conduct is impeached. If gentlemen are of the opinion that in this case there are no grounds for impeachment, then it is clear that the conduct and character of the officer ought to be vindicated, and the enquiry instituted to afford him the means. If they are of opinion that there are grounds for an impeachment, then the duty they owe to the people, urges them to the enquiry. In the constitution I find no excuse, no justification, on which to ground a refusal to institute an enquiry into the conduct of any public officer charged with misbehavior.
To such an enquiry what is objected? That the power may be abused. Indeed the objection is, that it is abused in this instance. How abused? To argue from the abuse of a power against the use of it, is no argument at all. If the House believe either alternative I have mentioned, and one or the other they must believe, it is their duty to make the enquiry. But it is said that the committee are to be clothed with power to send for persons and papers—Granted. That power is indispensably
necessary. It is said their powers are to be inquisitorial. This is not true. Will not the committee be accessible by every member of the House, and what are their ulterior powers but to collect facts, and to express an opinion whether they afford grounds for an impeachment? That opinion they will eventually submit to the House, and without its approbation it will be futile.
It is further said that no specific charge is adduced, and if there were, gentlemen say they would vote for the enquiry. But if a specific charge were made, I ask if any member would be enabled to give a more enlightened vote than on the present resolution. I consider the general power to enquire as most important, and that it is the duty of the House on such occasions as the present, to enlarge rather than to narrow the field of enquiry.
It is further said that this course of proceeding will discourage respectable men from accepting the offices of government. But certainly every officer, from the President to the most menial, knows that he holds his office, subject to enquiry, to impeachment, and to punishment in case of criminality.
If the House do not pursue the present course, from what quarter are they to expect the origination of an enquiry? Is it to be supposed that it will come from the citizen, when his life and fortune are probably at the disposal of particular officers charged with misconduct. This line of enquiry ought, in my opinion, to be courted and encouraged; more especially in this instance, after the course which the debate has taken, and after specific charges have been adduced. The debate has given an importance to the enquiry, which its original merits may not, perhaps, have entitled it to.
When this subject was first introduced, it appeared to me novel, and that there were no precedents in point under the federal government. It is time that this precedent should be established. It is time that every officer should know that this House is ready at any time to enquire into his official conduct if charged with misbehavior; and instead of declining the enquiry, in this instance, from a false delicacy to the officer, it becomes the House to embrace the resolution and make the enquiry. If evidence shall be collected, and it appears that there are no grounds for impeachment, the officer will be restored to the public confidence, and will be acquitted. If on the other hand, it appears that he has been guilty of malfeasance in office, a duty will be imposed upon the House, from which they cannot recede, to bring him to trial.
Mr. THATCHER. As gentlemen seem to consider the decision of the court in the trial of Fries as unprecedented; I beg leave to refer them to the cases of the United States versus Vigol, and the same versus Mitchell, 2 Dallas's Reports, 346 to 357. They will find that the decision of the court in the case of Fries, was exactly conformable to cases adjudged in 1795. Without troubling the House with the whole of those cases, I beg leave to read the decision of the court in the last case. "The charge of the court, says the reporter, was delivered to the jury in substance as follows:—Patterson justice. The first question to be considered is, what was the general object of the insurrection. If its object was to suppress the excise officers, and to prevent the execution of an act of Congress, by force and intimidation, the offence in legal estimation, is high treason; it is an usurpation of the authority of government; it is high treason by levying of war." This decision, Sir, is also conformable to the English authorities. The charge then against judge Chase and judge Peters, after dwelling it of the coloring which imagination has given it amounts to this—that in the trial of Fries for treason, the court prevented the counsel from arguing to the jury against a point of law long settled by that and other courts of the United States. I have attended closely to the statement made by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Smilie) and I believe I am correct.
The very point which the council of Fries would have argued to the jury was that which had long before been settled by the courts of the United States. I contend, Sir, that this court did no more than they had a right to do—no more than is practised by every well regulated court. They prevented council from arguing law in the face of the authorities, and of the opinion of the court. That this is usual I appeal to gentlemen of the law who are present. This, Sir, is the only fact stated to the House upon which the motion is founded.
The gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Randolph, has said, that he has been informed of facts, which convince him that an enquiry ought to be made. But that gentleman has not stated to the House what those facts are.
It has been contended that where a member of this House shall state that he is convinced that an enquiry ought to be made, the House ought to institute such an enquiry. Precedents have been adduced to prove that this has been done in the British parliament. There certainly has been no case cited where an enquiry has been commenced upon the motion of a member without stating his facts or his evidence. But whatever may have been the practice in England I can never consent to vote upon any impressions or convictions but my own.
If the official conduct of the judges upon the trial of Fries was such as to require the interposition of this House (why, as the gentleman from Connecticut, Mr. Griswold, has asked) why was not this enquiry sooner announced. This trial, I am told, was in February, 1800. It took place, within the hearing of Congress. It was the subject of universal attention. Why has it slept four years? Upon what ground shall we invest a committee, with power to ransack the country for charges against our judges? Shall we upon the motion of a member, shall we upon the statement of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Smilie,) commence an enquiry, troublesome and expensive—an enquiry which must attach suspicion to the official conduct of the judges? Sir, I respect the conduct of gentlemen who attempt to remove obstructions from the stream of justice, but I must be convinced that obstructions now exist, before I can vote for this resolution.
Mr. EARLY. Like other gentlemen, who have gone before me in this discussion, I do not consider myself at liberty to vote against the resolution on the table. Like them I deem myself bound to vote for an enquiry into the conduct of any public officer, when that enquiry is demanded by a member of this House. After the view taken of the merits of this measure by the gentlemen from Pennsylvania and Virginia I did expect that all further opposition to it would have ceased. In this expectation I have been disappointed.
I feel constrained to vote in favor of this resolution, because I believe that the enquiry it contemplates is an act of justice due to the people of the United States on one hand, and to the characters of the individuals charged on the other. A charge of high crimes and misdemeanors has been made on this floor against two individuals, and two members of this House have demanded an enquiry into their official conduct. To this demand may be added the weight of public opinion. I am apprised of the delicacy of this ground, and when I resort to it, it is my wish to be understood as meaning that when charges of a high nature are instituted and reiterated from one end of the Union to the other, so as to create a general belief, so as to destroy confidence in the principle and integrity of those who administer justice, and to beget a suspicion that justice cannot be obtained equally by all men, under such circumstances the public voice demands an enquiry into the truth of the charges. Is this a fact, or is it not, in relation to the officers implicated in this resolution? I presume that it is the fact to a great extent will not be denied. Every gentleman on this floor, in the habits of reading the public prints, must have had to forcible an impression made on his mind on this subject, as not to have lost a recollection of the conduct charged upon one of the judges, named in this resolution, in the case of Fries, Cooper, and Gallende. I cannot, therefore, refuse my assent to the enquiry, because I believe it due to the public, as well as to the individuals charged with improper conduct, and who, if they were on the spot, would undoubtedly memorialise us for an enquiry. Indeed one of the officers, referred to in the resolution, if conscious of his innocence, ought, in my opinion, long since to have demanded an enquiry into his official conduct, when he witnessed the strong and numerous charges against him in the public prints from one end of the Continent to the other.
It is objected to this resolution that no proof has been adduced to the House of the truth of the allegations preferred. In my mind there is all the evidence that can be imagined, between an enquiry and an impeachment; and almost all the arguments urged on this occasion apply exclusively to an impeachment. A strong proof of this has been given
by the gentleman who just set down—That gentleman (Mr. R. Griswold) has taken this remarkable ground, that this House ought not to enquire without proof.
I suppose he meant by proof the depositions of witnesses; this is, in other words, saying that we, whose constitutional duty it is to enquire, may omit to do it, because they whose duty it is not to enquire, have not done it.
The present resolution is nothing more than this:—A certain officer of the government is charged, in the face of the nation, with malfeasance in office, and a committee is appointed to enquire into the truth of the charge. Gentlemen allege that the committee is to be appointed to enquire what accusations can be found, and then for testimony to sustain them. But this is not so. The accusations have been long since made, and they are not of a day, but of years standing.
The analogy between the functions of this House and a Grand Jury is correct and forcible. Before a grand jury, it is the right of any individual to apply for and demand an enquiry into the conduct of any person within their cognizance; and it is more especially the right of any member of the jury to make such a demand; and it is their bound duty, according to their oaths, to make the enquiry, when so demanded.
The official conduct of the judges I view as more delicate and important than that of any other description of officers. For on their impartiality the whole people of the United States depend for obtaining justice in ordinary cases, and individuals depend in the last resort for the preservation of their lives. Their official conduct should, therefore, not only be correct, but likewise free from suspicion. Simply to be charged ought to produce an enquiry; and I must confess that a recent case, in which the integrity of a judicial officer was impeached, excited my warmest approbation. I mean the case of a judge (judge Tucker) in a neighbouring state, who, on a suggestion believed by no man, deemed it a duty to himself and his country, to demand an enquiry into his conduct.
Another view, by no means unimportant, which may be taken, is that the reputation of the government, of which the judges are a component part, demands the enquiry in question. Will any gentleman pretend to say, that reputation is not at stake, that it is not affected at home or abroad by the charges which have been so long and so loudly made? I presume not. Whether those charges are true or not, is not the question; for whether true or not, so long as they are generally believed the reputation of the government is affected; its reputation for impartial justice is affected, and deeply too. To refuse this enquiry, will be to give weight to this impression broad, to add to the suspicion at home and abroad that impartial justice is not done to all men. Let us then make the enquiry, and restore the reputation of the government, by inflicting a proper punishment upon these officers, if guilty, and if innocent, by proving the charges made against them calumnies.
Mr. EPPES. In adopting the resolution before us, we were to attach odium to the characters in question, I should feel no surprise at the course pursued by the gentlemen who oppose this enquiry. In this country the official conduct of every man is, and ought to be, subject to examination. It is not the examination, but the result of that examination, which attaches merit or demerit to a public character. In a government like ours, no principle ought with greater care to be cherished than a free enquiry into the conduct of public officers. So friendly am I to this principle in its fullest extent, I necessarily do I believe it to be the preservation of that purity in public officers essential to a republic, that it will always be sufficient for me to vote an enquiry, for a member to declare he considers an enquiry necessary. A proper regard to his own reputation will always, I am certain, prevent any member of this House, from calling on us to exercise the important duty on light or trivial grounds. As to the extensive field of enquiry to which this doctrine may lead, I can not; and whenever a member of this House shall sit in his place, and declare that he considers an enquiry into the conduct of a public officer, or officers necessary, I shall be ready to pass the whole circle in review, to begin with the first and end with the last, to vote an enquiry into the conduct of each, and even to further, to vote an impeachment, if necessary. I shall on every such occasion consider it a duty I owe to the individuals and accused, to the coun-

munity in which behalf the accusation is made to vote an enquiry.
Thus much for the general principle which would induce me to vote for this resolution, if no specific charge had been made. In the present case, however, a specific charge of a serious kind has been made by a member from Pennsylvania. And however gentlemen may have attempted to weaken the force of this charge, it does substantially amount to this, that by the opinion of a judge a citizen of the United States was deprived of his constitutional right to counsel, when arraigned for his life. I will not, however, dwell on this charge. It has been placed by a gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. Nicholson) in a point of view, satisfactory to myself, and I believe, to the House. I consider it, however, my duty, on this occasion, to mention a trial which took place in the commonwealth of Virginia, which furnishes another specific charge against judge Chase. I was not present at this trial, and am not personally acquainted with the circumstances. I believe, however, that in the commonwealth of Virginia, but one sentiment prevails, as to the conduct of judge Chase on this occasion, viz. that it was indecent and tyrannical. In the course of the trial he refused to allow a witness on the part of the prisoner to be examined, because the witness could prove the truth of a part only, and not the whole of the words laid in the indictment. By a system of conduct peculiar to himself, he deprived the prisoner of the aid of Mr. George Hay, as counsel, a man, who, although not as generally known as some others in our state, is inferior to none in his profession. I do not mention these circumstances as hearsay evidence, but as facts, which I am induced to believe can be established by legal testimony. If on this statement there is any gentleman who can refute an enquiry, I am willing to leave him in the enjoyment of his opinion. For my own part I shall be always ready on the demand of a member of this House to exercise my constitutional right of enquiry, and without partiality or prejudice to pursue the course pointed out by my duty, whether it shall lead to impeachment or an honorable acquittal.
[To be continued.]
BOOTS & SHOES.
JUST received from Philadelphia, a Trunk of belt and most fashionable London and Philadelphia made BOOTS and SHOES, and for sale by MICHAEL ROBERTS, at his store George Town.
Jan. 27-3t
NOTICE.
IS given to the creditors of John William Lytton, a bankrupt that his final discharge will be granted on the 6th of February next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. at Steele's Hotel, in the city and county of Washington, in the District of Columbia, unless cause be then and there shown to the contrary.
WILLIAM CRANCH, assistant Judge of the circuit court of the district of Columbia.
Jan. 16-3t
District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit:
ON the petition of Robert P. Wade an into rent debtor, confined in the prison of Washington county for debt. It is ordered that notice be given to the creditors of the said Wade that on Monday the 6th day of February next, at the court room in the capitol at 10 o'clock, A. M. the oath of an insolvent debtor will be administered to the said Robert P. Wade agreeably to the statute in such cases lately made and provided, and a true copy appointed, unless cause be shown to the contrary and it is further ordered that this notice be published three several times before the said 6th day of February in the National Intelligencer and the Washington Federalist. By order of the hon. William Cranch, one of the judges of the circuit court for the district of Columbia.
U. FORREST, Clk.
Jan. 27-3t
Valuable property for Sale.
In virtue of a deed of trust executed and bearing date on the 8th day of January 1798, between ISAAC POLOCK of the first part, WILLIAM DEAKINS jun. Esq. deceased of the second part, and JONATH THOMPSON and RICHARD VEITCH of the third part. The subscribers being the Executor, devisee and legal assignee of the said William Deakins jun. deceased, for the purpose of executing the trusts in and by that deed declared, shall and will on the 27th day of March next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at the Tavern of John H. Barney in George Town, expose to public sale for Cash, to the highest bidder, that valuable Lot, situated on Water street, in said town, on which the House at present occupied by Mr. Barney, as a Tavern, stands, together with all the buildings and improvements on the same, laid out fronting on Water street 52 feet, and running back 175 feet parallel with Cherry Alley, and binding thereon, being part of that lot designated in the plan of Old George Town, by No. 49. Also another Lot on Key street, (being part of that Lot designated by the No. 79 in the plan of Old George Town) comprehending a part of that what lately occupied as a Lumber Yard, by Mr. George King—also a large and convenient two story brick dwelling house—More particular information relative to the above valuable property, may be had at any time previous to the day of sale, by application to Messrs. Thompson and Veitch in Alexandria, John H. Mason, Esq. George Town, or the subscriber.
FRANCIS DEAKINS.
Executor and Devisee of William Deakins jun. deceased. George town, January 20—tw17Mar.
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1804.
THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DINE together to day, and next week give a BALL, in celebration of the acquisition of Louisiana. This example will, we have no doubt, be generally followed by the citizens of the United States, who appreciate, as highly as their representatives, this great event.
The publication of the copies and interesting details of the celebration at New Orleans, which we have translated from the Monitor , while it evinces the satisfaction with which the cession is received in that quarter of the union, will be considered as peculiarly seasonable on a day devoted to patriotic joy by the representatives of the people.
In addition to these details we have the pleasure of presenting to the public an authentic copy of the instrument executed by the French and Spanish commissioners on the delivery of Louisiana to France.
Translated for the National Intelligencer, from the Monitor of Louisiana .
NEW ORLEANS, 21st Dec. 1803.
THE work is at length consummated—Louisiana changes her government for the last time; and the flag of the United States has throughout this city every where replaced that of the French Republic.
The following account of the three last days, will complete the history of these events, which mark an epoch, destined to be one of the most memorable in the history of America.
On Sunday last, the 18th of this month, the colonial Prefect, commissioner of the French government, was invited, once more to assist in the divine service of a form of worship, about to cease to be national in this country, from the nature of the government under which the people were about to pass. The religious ceremonies were celebrated with the greatest pomp: The Colonial Prefect, accompanied by the municipal body, by French officers, with the rest of the militia, and many other respectable persons, entered the church through a line of grenadiers, and there received mass, with the honors due to the representative of the French Republic.
The lines
Domine, salvum fac republicam;
Domine, salvos fac Consules:
Once more resound through the church; where they had been regularly sung, on festivals and Sabbaths, from the first taking possession of the country by France.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, were seen passing along the bank of the river, the commissioners of the United States, Mr. Claiborne and General Wilkinson, preceded by a fine detachment of volunteers of the Mississippi Territory, on horse back. They proceeded immediately to citizen Lussart, and their arrival was announced by the discharge of 19 cannon.
Citizen Lussart received them in his saloon, in the midst of a numerous company; when, after resting a few moments, he led them into his cabinet, where they remained in conference for more than an hour.
They had no sooner left him than it became public, that on the next day, Tuesday, at 11 o'clock in the morning, Louisiana would be given up to the United States.
Meanwhile, the American Commissioners retired at three o'clock to their camp, and from that moment no doubt remained of preparations being made for their taking possession.
On Wednesday we were most agreeably surprised by the display of a body of fine cavalry, traversing the city from one end to another, and ordering their way towards the camp. It was Citizen Lussart, who thus attended, was on his way to visit the Commissioners of the United States; he was preceded by the Major, and Adjutant Major of the militia, in French uniform, at his side was the Commandant de la Place, the Colonel of the militia, an aid-de-camp, and the Secretary of the Commission; in the midst of which, his superb dress, his noble horse, the richness of its harness, of blue velvet embroidered with silver, distinguished him from every other.
He was followed by a number of the young officers of militia, French soldiers and inhabitants of the City. This retinue, amounting to about sixty men, offered a spectacle truly brilliant, and it was a matter of universal surprise, how, on so short a notice, had been collected a body of cavalry so numerous, so excellent, and so well equipped. But what is impossible to a Chief beloved by the Louisianians—in half an hour afterwards, the municipality followed in carriages; multitudes assembled, and the road for half a league, was completely covered. Their reception at camp was as a military, and accompanied with every honor.
On their entering the marque of the officers, the cannons were fired to salute the French Commissioners, music
succeeded, and played the air, dear to Frenchmen, namely, Bonaparte's march. The Colonial Prefect, presented the members of the municipal body, and afterwards the officers and principal citizens, to the American Commissioners, conversed with them, and after making the tour of the camp, retired in the same order that he came. The night following the precautions of the police were increased, and the guards and patrols doubled, the Colonial Prefect went himself to reconnoitre the different posts, and rode through the interior of the city.
At length that day dawned, which was to usher in a new era for the people of the Mississippi.
Citizen Lussart, Commissioner of the French Republic, proceeded to the city Hotel on foot, at the head of the municipal body of the officers attached to his mission, a great number of militia officers, and distinguished inhabitants of the City and surrounding country, and of the citizens of his nation. He was saluted as he passed by the republican band.
The weather was exceedingly fine, and the temperature mild as that of April. In about an hour the troops of the United States presented themselves, where they were met in military form at the gates, and after receiving the orders of the Colonial Prefect, were introduced into the city.
They displayed in the square, having the American commissioners at their head, and being commanded by one of them, General Wilkinson. He formed them in the line of battle, opposite the front of the city hotel, the armed militia and the French company under capt. Baugard, were arrayed on the opposite side. A detached company, at a little distance, was stationed near the national flag.
The American commissioners, ascending to the hall, were met on the grand stair case by the assistant of the mayor, the chief of the battalion Commandant de la Place , the first adjutant major of the militia, and the secretary of the commission, who were placed there to receive them. The commissioner of the French Republic, himself, with the municipal body, received them in the audience hall; he was seated in an elevated chair, Mr. Claiborne at his right, and General Wilkinson on his left in other chairs, the secretary of the French commission standing before them on the right, and the secretary of the American commission on the left.
The commissioners of the United States presented to the commissioner of the French Republic, their full powers, which were immediately read by the secretary of commission, Wadsworth, and repeated by the secretary of commission, Drugerot.
Citizen Lussart briefly announced the object in French, and at his order, citizen Drugerot afterwards read the Treaty of Cession of Louisiana , with the powers of which the first consul Bonaparte, had invested citizen Lussart, in the name of the French people, that he might execute the same, according to the process verbal of the exchange of ratifications, which were to precede this execution. These readings over, citizen Lussart rose and said—"That from this moment he gave to the commissioners of the United States, possession of the country and dependencies of Louisiana, conformably to the articles 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the treaty and to the conventions of the 10th Floreal, year 11th (30th April) in order, that according to this treaty the sovereignty and property of Louisiana, should pass to the United States, under the same clauses and conditions with which it had been ceded by Spain to France, in virtue of the treaty concluded at St. Ildefonso, the 9th Vendemaire, year 9, (Oct. 1, 1800) which had received its execution by the French having taken possession of this colony."
After these words, citizen Lussart took the keys of the forts of New Orleans and presented them to Mr. Claiborne; he then continued thus—"I here declare that in virtue of the powers, with which I am invested, and of the mission with which I am charged by the first consul, that all citizens and inhabitants of Louisiana, who shall remain under the government of the United States, are from this instant released from their oaths of fidelity to the French republic." Citizen Lussart, then rose and changed seats with Mr. Claiborne.
The secretaries of commissions then read the process verbal of this ceremony, the one in the French, the other in the English language; they were then on both sides signed and sealed and reciprocally exchanged, and the sitting ended. The citizens went to the principal balcony of the hotel. At their appearance the flag of the French republic was lowered, and at the same time that of the United States raised, when they met at equal height, they remained till at a signal of the firing of cannon on the square, the forts commenced a discharge, which was repeated by all the batteries; at this moment the American colour was raised and the French flag taken down.
Citizen Lussart then descended from the city hotel with Mr. Claiborne and general Wilkinson. They placed themselves in front of the line formed by the militia, when citizen Lussart spoke as follows:
"Militia of New Orleans and of Louisiana! You have given proofs of the greatest zeal, and of a filial devotion to the French standard, during the short time it has appeared on your banks. I shall make this known to France and her government. In their name I return you thanks. Behold the commissioners of the United States, to whom I transfer the command over you. Ovey them henceforth as the representatives of your legitimate sovereign."
This concise harangue being finished, citizen Lussart placed himself along side of the standard of the republic. Immediately the drum beat, and the company of French citizens put themselves in motion—the weather was uncommonly favorable for this ceremony; the crowd was great; the windows and balconies presented to view the most beautiful women of Louisiana. The French, Spanish and American plumes rose here and there, as in ruffs, from the midst of the various groups. A large number of Americans collected at a short distance from the city hotel, throwing their hats in the air and huzzing. But, in general, the greatest silence and order reigned throughout the multitude. A thousand persons have observed and repeated that, during the remainder of the day, at the sight of the French flag, behold on high, and then disappearing, sorrow & emotion were depicted in almost every countenance, and tears flowed from almost every eye. This emotion was redoubled when the company of French citizens carried off, with flow step, this beloved emblem of our national alliance. It would be difficult for the spectator ever to forget this moment, on the affecting spectacle. Fifty different Frenchmen, brought to this country, by different views, desires and chances, the one unknown to the other, surrounding the standard of their country, finding themselves all brothers, render to it, from the spontaneous and abundant emotions of their hearts, a homage of affection, devotion and respect! Their manners and habits had neither resemblance or military uniformity; but from their passions, their motives, their distance, and their steps, it was easy to see that many of them had marched with the Brave , and had been counted among the distinguished defenders of their country . As this company passed before the American lines, they presented their arms to the beat of the drum, displayed their colours, and saluted it with their cannon; and while it could be perceived weeping eyes remained fixed upon it. It was at the House of the commissioner of the Republic, and into his hands that the company deposited the flag for whose protection it had been organized. On leaving the ranks to receive it, Citizen Lussart thus spoke:
"French Citizens!—I shall render an account to our government of the patriotic sentiments with which you have fulfilled at the distance of 3,500 leagues a religious duty to this standard. I shall require from your commander a list of your names, and shall transmit them to the Minister of Marine and the Colonies, and you may rest assured that they will be placed under the eyes of the first Consul." Scarcely had the French Commissioner entered his dwelling, when the officers of the militia visited upon him with the following address:
"We have the honor to render to you, and, through you, to the French Republic, this new homage; while we still wear (pointing to their cockades) this emblem of the transient union which has subsisted between us, and of the attachment we shall always feel for it."
The response was very affecting.
At three o'clock the company seated themselves at the table of the Colonial Prefect, who gave a dinner to the Commissioners of the United States, followed by a tea party in the evening. The festival was splendid. On the dinner table were ninety two covers; and there were from four to five hundred guests at supper. The main table accommodated sixty, the remainder were distributed at small tables arranged under the outer galleries; with which all external communication was cut off; while within, glittered the American, Spanish and French colours, which, intermingled, and falling in large folds, formed the most elegant drapery around the walls. The decorations of the great table consisted of plateaux , embellished with beautiful paintings, and farnounted with temples, pavilions, and pillars.
The polite attention and significant allusion, indicated by raising the American colors over every other decoration, escaped the observation of no one. It was also noticed that nearly all the American families of the city were invited to the entertainment. A number of civil and military officers, accompanied the commissioners of the United States. The Spanish civil and military officers surrounded the commissioners of his Catholic Majesty; and the rest of the company was composed of French, and principally Louisianians. The toasts commenced after the first course, and continued till the end of the repast, which was prolonged by the firing that followed them. They were given in the following order:—The United States
and Jefferson, in Madeira. Charles the 4th and Spain, in Malaga and Canary; The French Republic and Bonaparte, in Red and White Champagne. Each of these toasts was announced by sixty-three discharges of artillery: of which twenty-one were fired from the fort; twenty-one from the French battery before the Prefecture; and twenty-one from the French brig L'Argo . After these toasts, given by citizen Lussart, the Spanish and American commissioners gave the French Commissioner and his family ; and the French Commissioners then gave, to the friendship and indissoluble union of the three powers whose Commissioners are present . Additional discharges were heard, and others repeated on the Colonial Prefect announcing as the last toast, TO THE ETERNAL HAPPINESS OF LOUISIANA! Acclamations, transports, and huzzas accompanied each of these toasts. The Assembly at tea was but an increased and uninterrupted continuation of the company at dinner. Tea was served at seven, and English country dances immediately commenced, continued, alternately with French country dances, until 9 o'clock in the morning, except during the interval of supper, which was served up at 2 in the morning. Eight card tables detained part of the company till a much later hour. No fire occurred to disturb the harmony of the festival, although there was the most magnificent illumination. The assembly was more numerous and protracted than we have before witnessed. It was as brilliant, in society and dress, as any preceding; and only differed from them in being opened and terminated with less gaiety, and in being marked by a slight tint of melancholy. But in the animation of the dance, play and conversation, the night was devoted to pleasure.
Citizen Lussart, after the giving up of Louisiana, received the same day, during the festival, and again on the ensuing day, multiplied testimonies of the regret felt on his leaving the country. He showed himself much affected by it and it was easily seen that he reciprocated them.
The subjoined paper is the translation of the declaratory act signed in the French and Spanish languages at New Orleans the 30th of November last, between the Commissioners of France and the Spanish Commissioners on the formal delivery of Louisiana by the latter to Mr. Lussart as Commissioner of the French Republic.
THE undersigned, citizen Clement Peter Lussart, Colonial Prefect, commissioner of the French government for receiving possession, in the name of the French Republic, of the Colony or Province of Louisiana from the hands of the officers or other agents of his Catholic Majesty in conformity to the full powers conferred upon him, in the name of the French people, by citizen Bonaparte, First Consul, bearing date of the 17th Floreal, 11th year, (June 6th, 1803) countersigned by the Secretary of State Hugues Maret, and by his Excellency the Minister of the Navy and of the Colonies Decres, which powers he has this moment personally delivered to the Commissioners of his Catholic Majesty, together with the Royal Order, dated Barcelona, the 15th of October, 1802.
And the above-mentioned Commissioners of his Catholic Majesty, Don Manuel de Salcedo, Brigadier of the Royal Armies, Governor military and political of the Province of Louisiana and West-Florida, Inspector of the veteran troops and the militia of the same, Vice Patron Royal, Judge Sublegate of the Superintendence General of the Courriers, &c. and Don Sebastian Calvo de la Puerta, and Don Patricio Marquez de Casa Calvo, Knights of the Order of St. James, Brigadier of the Royal Armies and Colonel of the Regiment of Infantry of the Havanna; appointed Commissioners by his C. M. for the delivery of the said Province to the French Republic, according to a Royal Order of the 18th January 1803, certifying, by the present that on this day, the 8th of Floreal, 12th year of the French Republic, and the 30th November 1803, having met in the halls of the City hotel of New Orleans, respectively accompanied by the Chiefs and officers of the army and navy, the Cabildo, Secular and Ecclesiastical, the administration of the Royal Finances, the civil administration, and by several other distinguished persons of their respective nations: the said citizen Lussart has delivered the said commissioners of his C. M. the above-mentioned full powers of citizen Bonaparte, first consul of the French Republic and immediately after the said Don Manuel de Salcedo and Marquez de Casa Calvo have declared that in virtue and according to the terms of the order of the king of Spain, dated Barcelona, 15th of October 1802, and countersigned by his Excellency Don Pedro Cevallos, first secretary and counsellor of state, they from this moment give to the said commissioner of France citizen Lussart, possession of the said colony of Louisiana, and of its dependencies, as also of the city and island of New Orleans, with the same extent which they have this day, and

which they had when France possessed them, and ceded them to the Royal Crown of Spain, and such as they ought to be after the treaties which may have been made between these states, of his C. M. and those of other powers, in order that they may henceforth appertain to the French Republic, and be governed and administered by its officers or governors, in the manner which may suit her interest; and accordingly they have solemnly delivered to him the keys of this place; hereby declaring that they release from the oath of allegiance towards his said Majesty, all the inhabitants who shall chuse to remain in the service and under the authority of the French Republic; and in order that this solemn act may appear forever, the undersigned have affixed to these presents, written in the French and Spanish languages, their names and their seals, and they have caused the same to be countersigned by the Secretaries of the respective commissioners the same day, month and year as above mentioned.
(Signed) LAUSSAT, By the Colonial Prefect, Commissioner of the French government. DANGEROT.
(U.S.) MANUEL de SALCEDO, EL MARQUIS de CASA CALVO, ANDRES LOPES ARMATTO, Secretary of the Commission.
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 27.
DETAILS
Relative to the taking possession of Louisiana by the authorities of the United States.
On the 30th of April last a treaty and convention between France and the United States was signed, by which the province of Louisiana was ceded to the American government; and on the 19th of October last it received the ratification of the Senate of the United States. On the 31st of the same month a law of censure passed empowering the President of the United States to take possession of and occupy the ceded territory; and on the same day his excellency William C. C. Claiborne, Governor of the Mississippi territory, and General James Wilkinson, commander of the troops of the United States, were appointed by the President, Commissioners to receive possession of the province of Louisiana.
Governor Claiborne received on the 18th of November his appointment and instructions from the Secretary of State. Volunteers from the militia of the Mississippi territory were immediately invited to rally around the standard of the United States, for the purpose of joining the regular troops and taking possession of Louisiana. The activity with which a detachment was made and organized, does equal credit to the patriotism of the militia, and the zeal of the Governor; who, having appointed a general rendezvous at Lottin's Heights, was there, prepared with the volunteer corps, for embarkation on the 10th of December.
General Wilkinson had been engaged on public service, ascertaining the boundary line between the Creek nation of Indians and the lands sold to the United States, and passing through Pensylvania and Mobile, he arrived here on his return to the West, on the evening of the 25th of November, and then first received information of his appointment as joint commissioner with Governor Claiborne to receive this province. He departed in the night of the 26th for Lottin's Heights, by way of Bayou St. John's and Lake Poyachan, landed the following day at Chinkapin, and taking the most direct route across the country, arrived at break of day on the 31st of December at the Heights. Every possible exertion immediately took place for the prompt embarkation of the troops, which could not be fully accomplished until the morning of the 10th instant. The Governor and his suite embarked on board of a Schooner, and the General hoisted his flag on a flat boat, which in company with fifteen others of the same description, and two large barges, carrying all the military force of the expedition, departed at 11 o'clock. The Schooner soon followed, and at 5 o'clock passed the fort. The Weather became tempestuous, and the troops who had the misfortune to be embarked on board of boats which were leaky in the roof were much inconvenienced by heavy rain—the General suffered great inconvenience on this account. On the morning of the 14th the Schooner was ahead of the fort, but before noon it passed her, near the mouth of Bayou Tunic. The fort having fired all the night of the 11th, were on the morning of the 12th off Point Coupe. It passed on the morning of the 13th the garrison of Baton Rouge, with which it exchanged a salute. Having failed all the night of the 13th, the General found himself on the morning of the 14th two leagues above La Ferte, and 26 leagues from New Orleans, and on the evening of the 15th he made a partial landing at Pacan Point, within three leagues of town. The front flag
of the flotilla hove in sight of the town on the morning of the 16th, a landing of the troops was effected, and an encampment formed within half a league of the city.
The Schooner on board of which Governor Claiborne had embarked, had the misfortune to be driven ashore off Point Coupe on the evening of the 12th. After some ineffectual efforts to remove her, his excellency, anxious that the public service should not suffer by his delay, went on board of a barge, in which he proceeded day and night till he arrived at the camp of his colleague in the afternoon of the 17th. The animating hum of joy on the approach of the authorities of the United States, which ran through the city and surrounded the camp, could not but dispel every remembrance of fatigue and suffering, and render the duties of our commissioners in the highest degree gratifying; proud indeed and enviable is their office; despatched by a nation already extensive, to receive an accession of territory more than equal to its former possessions. They were on the Prefect on the 18th and he returned their visit at the camp on the day following, accompanied by the municipal body, and escorted by the officers of the militia of New Orleans.
The necessary arrangements having been made, it was agreed by citizen Laussat, Colonial Prefect and Commissary of the French government, that formal possession should be given to the Commissioners of the United States, on the 20th of December at noon. Accordingly on the morning of that auspicious day, which will ever hold a proud place in the annals of America, the commissioners made preparations to approach the town at the head of their troops. At 11 o'clock the militia of the city were paraded in front of the city hall. At 12 o'clock the commissioners entered the town with the troops, who occupied the opposite side of the public square from the city hall and facing the militia.
The Prefect with his secretary proceeded under a salute from a French national vessel, to the grand Salle of the city hall, where they were soon joined by the commissioners of the United States, and attended by the municipal body and many respectable citizens. The process verbal being finished, the Prefect delivered the keys of the city of New Orleans and possession of the province of Louisiana to the commissioners of the United States. The hoisting of our national flag was accompanied by a federal salute from the artillery, peals of acclamations from the surrounding citizens, and the tune of "J'flexion and Liberty," by the band of music. Thus was happily consummated an event that has for the last few months awakened the pride of every worthy American citizen, greatly agitated the political world, and perhaps excited the jealousy of nations.
The promptness with which our first treaty with the Chief Consul of France has been executed, and the amity which subsists between his agents and those of the United States, are happy presages of a future permanent friendship between the two republics.
Broad indeed is the field that now presents itself to the civilian; there is an extensive province inhabited by an opulent people, accustomed to an arbitrary government, who require laws and political maxims fitted to their circumstances. For the continuance of order and the immediate protection of the country, and to enable the government to dispense with the further services of those patriotic citizens of the Mississippi Territory who have volunteered in this expedition, it becomes necessary that a perfect organization of the militia should take place, confirmable to the principles and agreeably to the restrictions of the permanent law of Congress on that subject; and we are happy in being able to state that the Governor General has already turned his attention to that important and arduous task.
When we reflect on the privations and the public evils that have too often resulted from the discord of rulers, we cannot but congratulate our fellow citizens on the harmony and concord that subsists, not only between the commissioners of the United States, but between them and the late constituted authorities.
House of Representatives.
TUESDAY, January 24.
Mr. Dawson presented the petitions of Ann Atkins and Judith Crow, both of the District of Columbia praying to be freed from their matrimonial obligations. After the reading of which, Mr. Dawson stated that although he was not acquainted with either of the petitioners, he had reason to believe that they were persons of the most reputable connections and great propriety of conduct—that the petition of the first lady was supported by one from some of the first characters in the town of Alexandria—he moved the reference of them to a committee formerly appointed on the petition of Marcella Stanton, which was done, and Mr. Dawson and Mr. Smilie added to that committee.
WEDNESDAY, January 25, 1804.
Mr. Nicholls, from the committee on the memorial of the City Council of Washington, reported a bill supplemental to the act incorporating the inhabitants of the city.
Referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
Mr. Nicholson, from the same committee, reported a bill to lay no out a public road, &c. in the county of Washington, district of Columbia.
Referred in like manner. Mr. Latimore, from the committee on the memorial of the Mississippi Legislature, and a petition from sundry individuals, made a report, which was referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. J. Randolph, from the committee of Ways and Means, reported a bill for fixing the salaries of certain executive officers.
Referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
Dr. Mitchell, from the committee of Commerce and Manufactures, made a very detailed report (which shall be soon published) on various petitions from citizens of New-York and Philadelphia, relative to the encouragement of their trades and arts.
The report, after an elaborate train of reasoning, recommends an increase or diminution of the duties at present laid on some articles, and an entire exemption of others from duty.
Referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
The House went into a committee of the whole—Mr. John C. Smith in the chair—on the report of the committee of Ways and Means on the amendments of the Senate to the bill giving effect to the laws of the United States in Louisiana.
The committee of Ways and Means recommend a disagreement to the first amendment of the Senate, providing for a port of entry at Natchez.
On concurring with this part of the report, a debate of several hours ensued, on the expediency of constituting Natchez a port of entry; when the question being taken, the committee of the whole voted a disagreement to the report of the committee of Ways and Means, only 33 members rising in favor of it. It will be perceived that this decision is a virtual agreement to the amendment of the Senate, for constituting a port of entry at Natchez.
Having made progress in the amendments the committee rose, and had leave to sit again.
The Speaker communicated a letter received from the Secretary of the Treasury, with a statement of the exports of the United States for the past year.
AT A meeting of the inhabitants of George-Town on Wednesday, the 25th instant, at John H. Barney's Tavern, for the purpose of taking into consideration, measures proper to be adopted by the proprietors and inhabitants of said Town, respecting the petitions now before Congress, relative to building a bridge over the Potomac.
Daniel Reinitzel Mayor of the Town, was called to the chair.
William O. Sprigg, was appointed Secretary.
Messrs. John Mason, Benjamin Stodert, John T. Mason, Thomas S. Lee, Daniel Reinitzel, and William O. Sprigg were appointed a committee to draft a memorial to Congress, stating the belief of the citizens of this town, that their rights would be invaded & their interests injured by the erection of a bridge at the place proposed.
Messrs. John Threlkeld, John Peter, Adam King, Abner Ritchie, Thomas Corcoran and William Stewart appointed to receive signatures to the memorial.
Messrs. John T. Mason, and John Mason were appointed to present the memorial, and to attend, if necessary, Congress, or any Committee of Congress on the subject.
From a late London paper.
DR. JENNER TO THE PUBLIC, Cheltenham, Oct. 26.
Some reports having gone abroad, that the Cow-pox has been found to secure the constitution from the plague in Constantinople and some other parts of European Turkey, Dr. Jenner begs leave to lay before the public the evidence which he has received of this important fact. He does not deem the point clearly ascertained, but cannot forbear thinking, that every reader will see a considerable presumption in its favour in the following.
Extract of a letter from Dr. De Carro, of Vienna, to Dr. Jenner.
"Your discovery has already produced some consequences which you surely were very far from foreseeing when you made it known to the world. I believe that I once mentioned to you that a French physician, Monsieur LA FONT, thought he had observed, that vaccinated people were not attacked with the plague. He described to me the facts which raised the suspicion; they were few and not very conclusive, but
he spoke of his new observations with modesty and prudence, and thought only that the subject deserved his future attention. Another physician of Constantinople, Monsieur Auban, who never had any communication with Mr. La Font, who is of Salonica, wrote to me about a year ago, that he had also some suspicion of the Cow-pox being a preservative against the plague—did not mention facts, but said, that several people had observed the same, and many vaccinated themselves as a security against the plague. Guess what was my astonishment, when a few days ago I received, through the French Ambassador at Vienna, a packet of Dr. Auban, who begins his letter with these words—"What I had the honor of mentioning to you long ago, concerning the Cow-pox being a security against the plague, as a probability, I can now, after many examinations, speak of almost to a certainty." He describes the facts summarily in his letter, and adds two process verbal, signed by him and several witnesses, desiring Citizen Chammaeny and myself to give them every possible publicity. The proof sure—
1st. Of 6000 vaccinated at Constantinople, not one has taken the plague.
2d. That infants previously vaccinated, have sucked without injury, the milk of asses infected with the plague.
3d. That an Italian physician, Dr. Valli who went to Constantinople to study the plague, was so persuaded of the truth of the new discovery, that upon the first security of having been vaccinated, he shut himself up in a Lizard to, and had, with people attacked with carbuncles and buboes, various mode of contact, without any effect.
4th. That the same Dr. Valli inserted into his own hand, a mixture of various and pestilential virus, and having felt no effect from that trial, he meant the following week to insert pestilential virus alone.
5th. That Dr. Auban, having been informed that in some villages near Constantinople, the cows were subject to some eruptions on their udders; he, with several gentlemen of the French Embassy, went to those villages, and found the cow-pox then existing. The report of the inhabitants was, that they had never seen the plague, or the small-pox, among them; though both these diseases made dreadful ravage in the vicinity.
Such, my dear Sir, continues Dr. De Carro, are the extraordinary facts which have been communicated to me. I have now and then corresponded with Mr. La Font and Auban; their correspondence announces much medical information. The second, acquainting the world with such an important discovery, runs certainly a great risk, if he receives it by false and hasty observations.
Boston, Jan. 18.
On Saturday last, the following Resolution was moved in the Senate of this Commonwealth, by Mr. Bacon, who said he rose to invite the attention of the Senate to a mournful subject. Since the last session of the General Court, one of the most venerable citizens of this Commonwealth, who had filled a variety of the most important offices, in the government, had departed this life. This solemn event had been respectfully noticed in the Congresses of the United States; and he thought there would be a special propriety in the same being done by the Legislature of his native state. For this purpose he had prepared a resolution, which he asked leave to submit to the consideration of the board. In forming the resolution, he observed, it would be perceived, that he aimed at brevity and plainness of speech, rather than a labored and needless attempt to add lustre to a character, which requires only to be known, in order to be revered by all good men. The resolution is in the following words:—
"Commonwealth of Massachusetts.—In Senate January 14, 1804.—It having pleased the Supreme Being, in the course of his all wise and righteous providence, since the last session of the General Court, to remove, by death, the venerable SAMUEL ADAMS, lately Governor of this Commonwealth, and one of the most distinguished Patriots of the United States.
Resolved, That in token of sincere and profound respect for the memory and distinguished services of that illustrious Man, the members of both branches of the Legislature wear black crape on their left arms, during the remainder of the present session of the General Court."—Ordered to lie on the table till Monday.
Philadelphia, January 21.
Since our last east, Aonessy, of this city, who arrived at Norfolk, from London, has favored us with an additional file of English prints, one day later than those announced yesterday, which brings our accounts up to the 17th November, from thence we have made copious extracts for this day's Gazette. Capt. A. left the Downs the 19th of November.
The following is copied from one of our latest London papers:— "A cabinet council was held on Friday and Saturday, which lasted for several
hours each day. The subject of deliberation was supposed to be the discussions pending between this country and America, relative to the construction of the 13th article of the treaty of commerce concluded between his majesty and the U. States in 1794. By that article the Americans are restricted from trading to any of our ports or settlements in vessels above the burthen of 70 tons. They now strongly remonstrate against any restriction or limitation whatever, and it is said they hold very lofty language respecting their pretensions. This subject, we understand, occupies at present much of the attention and anxiety of ministers. Upon a question of such delicacy and importance, we forbear at present to make any comment. It is one, however, which involves, not only the existence of many respectable individuals, but even the general commercial interests of this country."
LOUISVILLE, (Geo.) Dec. 23.
Circuit Court of the United States.
On Wednesday the 14th instant the circuit court of the United States was opened in this town, by the hon. Wm. Stephens, Judge of this district, which has been sitting since. There being no matters of criminal nature, to continue the grand jury, they were discharged on Saturday, after delivering the following presentments:
We, the grand jury of the sixth circuit court of the United States, for the district of Georgia, cannot omit expressing our satisfaction, that no matter has presented itself requiring official censure, which affords the pleasing inference of a growing improvement and reformation in morality and good order.
While we view with sensibility, the outstretched arm of desolating war abroad, nerved by ambition and fell pride of a few tyrants we must felicitate our fellow citizens that these calamities are averted from us by Divine Providence, and we feel ourselves duly impressed with gratitude and thankfulness to the Author of all good, that through him, we have a national Head, by whose wisdom, temperance and fortitude, we have escaped oppression and the horrors of war; and take this opportunity of calling on our fellow citizens to bear in mind the precepts they have escaped; and to be watchful in their vigilance; that the disguised and insidious endeavors of the common enemy prevailed not, in obtaining places of trust.
The glorious and transcendent acquisition of the Louisiana territory, effected by means so wise, equitable and just, will be a monument of never dying honor to our Chief Magistrate, who combines the energy of a Ruler, the wisdom of a Sage, and the affection of a Parent.
With deference we tender his honor Judge Stenshens, our respects and with pleasure offer this public expression of the high consideration we feel for his assiduity and prompt attention in the discharge of the duties of his station, and recommend this our presentment to be published.
JARED IWIN, Foreman (formerly Governor of the state, and now a Brigadier General.)
FOR SALE
By LEWIS CLEPHAN East of the Branch bank on E. street City of Washington.
PAINTERS COLORS OF ALL SORTS. White Lead in kegs Red Lead, and dry. Spence Ocher, Stone Ocher of superior Patent Yellow, quality. Gold Litage, Turkey Umber, Prussian Blue, 12 and Vermilion, and quality, Belt Carmin drop black, Kings Yellow, Painters Brushes of all kinds of Spirits turps. of turpentine. Window glass 10 by 12—8 by 10, and 7 by Gold and silver leaf by the pack or book. Large sheet glass cut to any size. Gentlemen sending their Sashes will have them neatly glazed and on moderate terms. All orders from the country will be carefully attended to. August 3. sawif
A RUNAWAY.
ABSCONDED on the 26th of December last for fear of being sold. A strong, square built, black slave called CIMON; well behaved and well looking fellow, about 26 years of age. In speaking to gentlemen he shows a set of white teeth, appears diffident and even somewhat agitated. He carries no fear nor mark of any injury. Having worked in a blacksmith's shop his hands are very rough; he came from Mrs. Eden's estate in St. Mary's county, and was there called Peter; his clothing was new and strong; the jacket and overalls of grey kersey. He had a long blue broad cloth coat, and a pair of overalls of the same kind of cloth; the coat and overalls had yellow buttons, with the figure of a spread eagle on them. His brother Harry (rove to Miss Grace Stone who has been hired in the city of Washington) has a strong resemblance to him. I offer Ten Dollars reward for delivering him to me, or confining him in any jail. And if I found out of the county any additional reward of one quarter of a dollar for every mile he may be brought. M. I. STONE. Charles county. Jan. 13—saw3w

PROPOSAL
For carrying the United States mails on the following post roads will be received at the General post office in Washington city, until the 1st day of February next inclusive.
From Wilmington Delaware, by New Castle, St. Georges, Cantwells bridge, Duck Creek, Dover and Frederica, to Milford, three times a week.
May 1, to November 1.
Leave Wilmington every Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. and arrive at Dover the same days by 9 P.M. Leave Dover every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Milford by 10 a.m. Returning —Leave Milford every Wednesday, Friday and Monday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Dover by 8 p.m. Leave Dover every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday at 3 a.m. and arrive at Wilmington by 8 p.m.
November 1, to May 1.
Leave Wilmington every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Dover by 8 p.m. Leave Dover every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Milford by 11 a.m. Returning —Leave Milford every Wednesday, Friday and Monday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Dover by 7 p.m. Leave Dover every Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Wilmington the same days by 6 p.m.
2. From Milford by Georgetown, Trap, Snowhill, Horntown and Drummond, to Northampton c. h. once a week.
Leave Milford every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Georgetown by 6 p.m. and at Northampton c. h. the next Friday by 6 p.m. Returning —Leave Northampton c. h. every Saturday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Georgetown on Monday by 8 p.m. Leave Georgetown on Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Milford by 11 a.m.
3. From Wilmington by Christiana-bridge, Middletown, Warwick, Sassafras and Georgetown, to Chestertown twice a week.
Leave Wilmington every Tuesday and Friday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Chestertown by 8 p.m. Leave Chestertown every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Wilmington by 8 p.m.
4. From Chestertown by Churchhill, Centreville, Queenstown and Kent Island to Annapolis twice a week.
Leave Chestertown every Wednesday and Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Centreville by 10 a.m. and arrive at Annapolis the same days by 8 p.m. Returning —Leave Annapolis every Tuesday and Friday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Centreville by 2 p.m. Leave Centreville at 3 p.m. and arrive at Chestertown by 8 p.m.
5. From Centreville to Easton twice a week.
Leave Centreville every Wednesday and Saturday at noon and arrive at Easton by 7 p.m. Leave Easton every Tuesday and Friday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Centreville by 1 p.m.
6. From Romney by Springfield, Frankfort and Greysburg to Cumberland once a week.
Leave Romney every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Cumberland by 6 p.m. Leave Cumberland every Monday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Romney by 6 p.m.
7. From Fauquier c. h. by Aquia to King George c. h. once in two weeks. George c. h. on Saturday by 6 p.m. Leave King George c. h. every other Wednesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Fauquier c. h. on Thursday by 6 p.m.
8. From Tappahannock to Richmond c. h. once a week.
Leave Richmond c. h. every Thursday noon, and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p.m.
Leave Tappahannock every Friday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Richmond c. h. by noon.
9. From Inglesville by Tazewell c. h. or Jeffersonville, Russell c. h. and Lee c. h. to Cumberland Gap once in two weeks.
Leave Inglesville every other Tuesday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Cumberland Gap the next Saturday by 3 p.m. Leave Cumberland Gap at 4 p.m. and arrive at Inglesville the next Thursday by 6 p.m.
10. From Suffolk by Everetts Bridge, Gates c. h. Edenton, Lee's Mills, Plymouth and Washington to Newbern twice a week.
Leave Suffolk every Monday and Friday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Edenton on Tuesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. Leave Edenton at 2 p.m. and arrive at Plymouth on Wednesday and Sunday by 6 a.m.
Leave Plymouth at 6 1/2 a.m. and arrive at Washington the same days by 6 p.m. Leave Washington at 7 p.m. and arrive at Newbern on Thursday and Monday by 4 p.m. Returning —Leave Newbern every Tuesday and Friday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Washington by 5 p.m.
Leave Washington at 6 p.m. and arrive at Plymouth on Wednesday and Saturday by 4 p.m. and arrive at Edenton on Sunday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Leave Edenton at 9 1/2 a.m. and arrive at Suffolk on Monday and Friday by 9 p.m.
11. From Wilkesville by Speed and Wilson's Store, Walden's Store, Sterling-
ville and Normanton to Mount Tazah once a week.
Leave Wilkesville every Saturday at 10 a.m. and arrive at Mount Tazah on Monday by 11 a.m. Leave Mount Tazah at 1 p.m. and arrive at Wilkesville on Tuesday by 6 p.m.
12. From Wilkes c. h. to Ash c. h. in North Carolina once a week.
Leave Wilkes c. h. every Monday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Ash c. h. by 6 p.m. Leave Ash c. h. every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Wilkes c. h. by 6 p.m.
13. From Fayetteville by M c Tallville Windfieldville and Cheraw c. h. to Camden once a week.
Leave Fayetteville every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Camden on Thursday by 8 p.m.
Leave Camden every Friday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Fayetteville on Sunday by 8 p.m.
14. From Jonesborough by River Bridge and New Lebanon to N. W. River Bridge once a week.
Leave Jonesborough every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at N. W. River Bridge on Wednesday by 3 p.m.
Leave N. W. River Bridge every Wednesday at 4 p.m. and arrive at Jonesborough on Thursday by noon. Leave Jonesborough to Elizabethton in Tennessee once a week.
Leave Jonesborough every Monday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Elizabethton at 9 a.m.
Leave Elizabethton every Monday at noon, and arrive at Jonesborough by 4 p.m.
16. From Knoxville to Burrville once a week.
Leave Knoxville every Monday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Burrville by 11 a.m.
Leave Burrville every Monday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Knoxville by 8 p.m.
17. From Nashville in Tennessee by Franklin, Occoquoppoc, M c Intoshville to Grindstoneford once a week.
Leave Nashville every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Grindstoneford the next Monday by 8 p.m. Returning —Leave Grindstoneford every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Nashville the next Monday by 8 p.m.
18. From Grindstoneford by Greenville, Huntston, Washington, and Natchez, to Fort Adams, or Lotus Heights, once a week.
Leave Grindstoneford every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Natchez by 7 p.m. Leave Natchez on Wednesday at 3 a.m. and arrive at Fort Adams by 8 p.m. Returning —Leave Fort Adams every Sunday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Natchez by 7 p.m. Leave Natchez every Monday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Grindstoneford by 8 p.m.
19. From Charleston by St. George's and Orange c. h. to Columbia, once a week.
Leave Columbia every Monday at 10 a.m. and arrive at Charleston on Thursday by 10 a.m.
Leave Charleston every Thursday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Columbia on Sunday by noon.
20. From Washington by Burris's, Lexington, Athens, and Clarkburg to Jackson c. h. once a week.
Leave Washington every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Jackson c. h. on Wednesday by 6 p.m.
Leave Jackson c. h. every Thursday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Washington on Friday by noon.
NOTES:
1. The Postmaster General may expedite the mails and alter the times of arrival and departure at any time during the continuance of the contracts, he stipulating an adequate compensation for any extra expense that may be occasioned thereby.
2. Fifteen minutes shall be allowed for opening and closing the mails at all offices, where no particular time is specified.
3. For every thirty minutes delay (unavoidable accidents excepted) in arriving after the time prescribed in any contract, the contractor shall forfeit one dollar; and if the delay continues until the departure of any depending mail, whereby the mails destined for such depending mails, lose a trip, an additional forfeiture of five dollars shall be incurred.
4. Newspapers as well as letters are to be sent in the mail; and if any person making proposals, declines to carry newspapers, other than those conveyed in the mail for his own emolument, he must state in his proposals, for what sum he will carry with the emolument, and for what sum without that emolument.
5. Should any person making proposals desire an alteration of the times of arrival and departure above specified, he must state in his proposals the alterations desired, and the difference they will make in the terms of the contract.
6. Persons making proposals are desired to state their prices by the year. Those who contract will receive their pay quarterly in the months of August, November, February and May, in one month after the expiration of each quarter.
7. No other than a free white person shall be employed to convey the mail.
8. Where the proposer intends to convey the mail in the body of a large
carriage, he is desired to state it in his proposals.
9. The Postmaster General reserves to himself the right of declaring any contract at an end whenever three failures happen which amount to the loss of a trip each.
10. The contracts for the above routes are to be in operation on the first day of April next, and are to continue in force for one year.
GIDEON GRANGER, Postmaster-General. General Post-Office, Wash. ington City, Nov. 23, 1803.
LOST
THE following described certificates of funded three per cent stock issued by the Register of the Treasury in the name of Jacob Etieamer of Amsterdam, for the renewal of which application is intended to be made at the proper office. No. 3113 dated 23th October 1791 for 12,419 53 3/4 per cent stock. No. 3500 dated 23d November 1791, for 7,900 No. 6271, dated, 7th December 1792, for 831 41 No. 1201 dated, 5th December 1792, for 8,749 29 Dolls 30,000 00 ROBERT GILMOR, & Sons. Dec. 23—ep7w
A GREAT BARGAIN.
THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS will be taken and payment made easy to the purchaser, for the following valuable property free from any incumbrance whatever.
A SET of law mills working two saws—a grist mill with two run of stones and bolting machine, also a cotton and rice machine complete all worked by water, also one saw mill about 200 yards from the former and on the same dam, now about finishing that will work from two to fourteen saws under the same roof—this mill is insured for three years after being completed—they are now being in good repair and the whole in a progressive way of improvement, with about ten thousand acres of land all adjoining and immediately contiguous to the mills, on which are several valuable farms. The timber for mill site are inextinguishable and unexhausted good—they are situated on the waters of Drowning Creek ninety seven miles from George Town South Carolina, to which place the lumber is carried being raised at the mills without the trouble of hauling, a valuable convenience. The stream is equal if not superior to any in the states of North or South Carolina—the grist mills command a custom at times of 30 or 40 miles around them. The situation at the mills is high, pleasant and very healthy, on which is a good two story house with piazza, a good kitchen, stables, carriage and harness houses and other necessary out buildings with a new store house completely finished, it being an excellent stand for a country store. Application to be made to the Subscriber at Milville near Lumberton in North Carolina, or for any information respecting the premises, to Samuel D. Purvance at the city of Washington. WM. NORMENT. Milville N. C. Dec. 12.
N. B. Any part of the above property will be sold as may best suit a purchaser. Dec. 23—tf
THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR
HAS just received an handsome supply of fall goods, which he is determined to sell and make upon the most reasonable terms, and in the best and most fashionable manner, and greatest expedition.
Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square and Capitol Hill, seventh house from the Capitol. Oct. 14 tf
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION:
The office of the Washington Association and United States Insurance company is removed to the corner of square No. 226 fronting on the President's square and Pennsylvania Avenue. THOMAS HERTY, Sec'y P. T. Jan. 18—tf
Romulus Riggs, & Co.
Has just received at their Store, a few doors from the Union Tavern.
A large quantity of Carpets and Carpeting, Cotton and Merseys counterpans, Fine Irish linens, and long lawns, Fine English hats, silk, cotton and worked hosiery, India, tarabared, & plain cambric muslins, Chinzees, files and colored muslins.
And many other reasonable articles. A quantity of TRUNKS, and a few BOXES of CHINA, all of which will be sold at their regular low advance. Geo. Town, Jan. 10. 1804—m&faw
In Chancery, Jan. 7, 1804.
Smallwood's creditors } against
His Heirs. }
WHEREAS several claims exhibited against the estate of general William Smallwood, deceased, have not been accompanied by sufficient vouchers, and therefore not passed, although not absolutely rejected; and a long time hath elapsed without any thing on their part done. It is at the instance of the trustees, who are anxious to close their trust, adjudged and ordered, that no claim in this court shall be passed after the first day of September next, against the said estate, but that the chancellor will, on application, decide on any of said claims, before the said day. This order is however to have no effect, unless it be published at least thrice in the Maryland Gazette, and at least twice in each of three weeks in the National Intelligencer before the first day of March next. It is further ordered, that on the examination or hearing of any of the claims aforesaid, depositors before a single magistrate shall be received in evidence. Such other testimony as is receivable by the orphan's court, is usually required by the chancellor. True copy. Test. SAMUEL HARVEY HOWARD, Reg. Cur. Can.
Jan. 16.—taw3w
CHARLES VARDEN, TAYLOR, FROM PHILADELPHIA.
HAS received from Philadelphia an elegant assortment of the best quality Superfine Cloths, Cassimeres, Silk Noirtine, Black and fancy silk molekin Velvet, white & figured Marcellas, Swandowns, Toiliennes, Velveteens, Fancy cords, Coatings, &c.
With a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season.
N. B. Ladies Habits, Regimentals and Navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion.
New-Jersey Avenue, the second House from the Capitol Square. November 8, 1803.
TO RENT,
And immediate Possession given, A Two-story Frame House, in the City of Washington, situated on N. F Street, square 224—containing 4 rooms beside two garret rooms, piazza and pantry, kitchen, floor room, &c. with a good garden—lately occupied by Mrs. Lee, adjoining to Mr. Xaupie's Store—Also that convenient two-story frame on same square, late in possession of Dr. Tabs, opposite to which Robert Peacock, Esq. lately resided—consisting of 6 rooms, and two garret rooms, piazza and balcony to front, cellar with dry well, kitchen, carriage house, stable, an excellent garden, with every convenience for the reception of a genteel family. For particulars enquire at Mr. Rhode's tavern, Mr. Xaupie's Store, or to the subscriber REDMUND PURCEL. January 13, 1804—tf
FOR SALE.
PURSUANT to the Will of the late Patrick Henry, a Tract of Land, lying on both sides of Falling river, in Charlotte county, Virginia, and containing about 1800 acres. This Land is in general poor, but contains a bank of Iron Ore, supposed to be the best, of any known in the part of the country. It lies on an excellent stream, a branch of Roanoke river, within four miles of its mouth, from whence it is easy and safe navigation. There are water-falls, stone and timber on the Land for all the purposes of an Iron Work; in the midst of a fine corn country; and about 400 acres of the Land is valuable for its soil. For further particulars enquire of Mr. RANDOLPH, of the House of Representatives. The terms will be made easy to the purchaser by EDMUND WINSTON, Esq., of Patrick Henry. Buckingham county. Ver. Dec. 23.—tf
NOTICE.
ALL who are indebted to the estate of John Crookshank deceased are requested to make immediate payment to, CHARLES GLOVER, Admr. George Town. Nov. 25—tf
JOHN COX
Has just received a quantity of American manufactured Bed Ricken warranted to hold the down of the feathers, which will be sold by the piece at the manufacturers prices, and by retail at a very small advance—Also sewing, darning and tambooring cotton, with a quantity of chinzees and calico, which he will sell lower than the regular importer can afford to sell at. Elegant thread lace, fox, bear, and martin skin muffs and tips, handsome paper hangings, with almost every other article in the dry good line, both fanciful and substantial, which he will sell at his usual low prices for cash, or in exchange for tobacco and flaxseed. For flaxseed he will allow 15s. 3d. per bushel. Also a few handsome double barrel fowling pieces. George Town. Dec. 23—am
FOR SALE.
THE Plantation on which I live, containing about 600 acres of valuable and. The improvements are, an exceeding good dwelling house two stories high, 42 feet long, by 36 feet wide, with a passage through the middle, three rooms below, and four above floors, with fire places in all but one, and a dry sweet cellar, the size of the house, in which is a capital vault with two rooms, and above is a fine airy pantry. A kitchen 36 by 18, two stories high, with a kitchen and laundry below, and lodging rooms for servants above. A washing house, meat house and dairy and in short every necessary improvement for the accommodation of a family, and a very fine collection of grafted and budded peach trees of the most approved kinds, chiefly from Princes nursery on Long Island, which are just beginning to bear. This property is situated in a healthy genteel neighborhood, about four miles from the city of Washington, five from Alexandria. Nearly one half is in wood and timbered, and the residue arable and meadow land, of the latter, there are about 50 or 60 acres under the scythe and more may be easily laid down. Perhaps no tract of the same size, abounds more in fine springs, there being a never failing stream in every field, besides an abundant one which runs through the meadow and from which the greatest part of it may be watered. For terms apply to the subscriber on the premises. OVERTON CARR. September 19. eptf
S. THOMEE.
BEGS leave to inform his friends that he has removed his Store from George Town to King Street Alexandria, where orders in his line will be executed with punctuality and dispatch. Orders left at Mr. March's Book-Store will be duly attended to. GILDING
AND ENAMELLING ON GLASS. A few doors above the Washington Tavern—Looking glass and picture frames made and egil.
NEEDLE WORK
Primed in the handsomest manner, and names done on glass.
S. THOMEE, as a stranger being determined to establish in the line of his profession, solicits that encouragement alone which he trusts the reasonableness of his charges and his affinity to business may entitle him to. Window cornices handsomely gilt, and every thing in his line done to please the fancy of the owner equal to any imported.
N. B. He has some glasses and prints for sale on low terms. Jan. 9—ep2m
Public Sale of Lots, In George Town and the City of Washington.
THE executors of the estate of Anthony Holmead deceased, will offer at public sale, at the Union Tavern in George Town, on Monday the 30th instants 57 lots in Holmead's addition to George Town, many of them in eligible situations—Also several lots in the city of Washington, in squares 48, 49 and 62. The terms, which will be moderate, will be made known on the day of sale. The sale to begin at 12 o'clock. Any person wishing to view any of the above lots, will be shown them on application to the subscriber. JOHN HOLMEAD. Jan. 4—tf
Fifteen Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber near Dumfries, on the 3d inst. a negro man named HARRY, about 25 years old five feet 7 or 8 inches high, middling black, straight but slender made, has a large beard, flat nose, small eyes, large mouth and thick lips, chews tobacco, and is very sensible. Had on when he went away an old blue furcoat, an old blue shirt with steel buttons on it, each of fine cloth; an old pair of velvet breeches, a pair of dark mixt wool stockings, a pair of patched shoes and a wool hat. He was late the property of Christopher Crigler or Edward March of Frederick county Virginia; he formerly lived at Tappico Furnace, where it is expected he now is and will endeavor to pass as a free man. Any person apprehending said Negro and securing him in any jail so that I get him again shall receive the above reward. Any information respecting said Negro, given to Mr. Samuel Davis in Dumfries, Mr. Samuel Jackson in Prince Wm. County, or to the subscriber living in Wythe county Virginia will be thankfully received. FRANCIS I. CARTER. Jan. 20—7t
District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit.
ON the petition of Nicholas Fevrier, an insolvent debtor, confined in the prison of Washington county for debt. Notice is hereby given to the creditors of the said Nicholas Fevrier that on Monday the 6th day of February next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. at the court room in the Capitol, the oath of an insolvent debtor will be administered to the said Nicholas Fevrier, agreeably to the act of Congress now in force on that subject, and a trustee appointed, unless sufficient cause be then and there shown to the contrary. It is ordered that this notice be published three times in the National Intelligencer and Washington Federalist, previous to said day. By order of William Cranch, Esq. assistant judge of the circuit court of the district of Columbia. URIAH FORREST, Clk. January 23.
By the PRESIDENT of the United States, A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS by the first articles of the terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the seventeenth day of October, 1791, for regulating the Materials and manner of buildings and improvements on the lots in the city of Washington, it is provided that "the outer and party walls of all houses in the said city shall be built of brick or stone," and by the third article of the same terms and conditions it is declared, "that the wall of no house shall be higher than 40 feet to the roof, in any part of the city, nor shall any be lower than 35 feet on any of the Avenues;"
AND WHEREAS the above recited articles were found to impede the settlement in the city of mechanics and others whose circumstances did not admit of erecting houses authorised by the said regulations, for which cause the operation of the said articles, has been suspended by several acts of the President of the United States from the fifth day of June 1795, to the first day of January 1804, and the beneficial effects arising from such suspensions having been experienced—it is deemed proper to revive the same, with the exception hereafter mentioned.
Wherefore, I, THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States, do declare that the first and third articles above recited shall be, and the same are hereby suspended until the first day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and five, and that all Houses which shall be erected in the said city of Washington previous to the said first day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and five, conformable in other respects to the regulations aforesaid shall be considered as lawfully erected, except that no wooden house covering more than 320 square feet, or higher than twelve feet from the Sill to the Eave shall be erected—nor shall such house be placed within 24 feet of any brick or stone house. GIVEN under my hand, 28th December, 1803. TH: JEFFERSON.
CAUTION.
WHEREAS in the month of September last, money was obtained from two gentlemen of my acquaintance in the states of New Jersey and Delaware, by a person who assumed the name of James Nicholson, and called himself my brother, I have the proper to state, with a view of explaining any other impressions of a similar nature which I have been practised, & to prevent such as may be attempted hereafter, that for the last four years, my brother James Nicholson has been but little in the United States, and that he sailed from Philadelphia in the month of April last for Canton, where it is presumed he now is. One of the letters in which application for money was made, is in my possession, and is a palpable forgery—Printers in the middle states may possibly render a service, by inserting this advertisement in their papers. JOSEPH H. NICHOLSON. Jan. 11.