The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1806-01-01 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. VI. WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE. No. DCCCXVI. FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1866. PAID IN ADVANCE.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
DEBATE in the House of Representatives on the contested election of Cowles Mead, returned to serve as a representative of the state of Georgia.
DECEMBER 23, 24.
The following is the report of the Committee of Elections in this case:—
REPORT.
The Committee of Elections, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Spalding, claiming a seat in this House, as a representative of the state of Georgia, in the place of Cowles Mead, who has been returned, and has taken a seat in the House, having had the same under consideration, and heard the petitioner and sitting member thereon,
REPORT.
THAT, by a standing law of the state of Georgia, the election of persons to represent that state in this House, was required to be held on the first Monday of October, 1864, in the respective counties throughout the state; that three or more county magistrates were required to preside at the election, in each of the counties, to return the names of the candidates, and the number and names of the voters, with an accurate state of the poll, and to transmit their said returns, by express, to the governor of the state, within 20 days after closing the poll at said election; that the governor was required, within 5 days after the expiration of the said 20 days, to count up the votes from the several counties, or such of them as might have made returns for each person, and immediately thereafter to issue his proclamation, declaring the persons having the highest numbers of votes, to be elected to represent the said state in the House of Representatives of the United States, and to grant a certificate thereof, under the great seal of the state, to each of the said persons; that, by an official certificate from the secretary of said state, it appears that the votes from the counties of Tatnal, Liberty and Camden, were not returned to the governor within the said term of 20 days after the election, nor within the said further term of five days thereafter; and that, of the votes given at the said election, and returned to the governor within the said term of 20 days,
Table with 2 columns: Name/Item, Votes. Rows include: Cowles Mead had 4438, And Thomas Spalding had 469, Giving the said Mead a majority of 169, That the governor, in pursuance of the law aforesaid, counted up the votes so returned to him within 20 days, and thereupon issued his proclamation, declaring that the said Cowles Mead was elected, and granted him a certificate thereof. By another certificate from the secretary of said state, it appears, that after the governor has issued his proclamation as aforesaid, that is, on the 27th day of November, 1864, the returns of the votes given at the said election, agreeably to the law aforesaid, in and by the counties of Tatnal, Liberty and Camden, were received by the governor, being transmitted by the presiding magistrates of said county respectively; that both of the said certificates from the secretary are in due form of law; that the said returns of votes from the three last mentioned counties, are conformable to law in every respect, except that they were not transmitted to the governor within the limited time of 20 days after the election; that, of the votes so returned from the said three counties, after the expiration of said 20 days, Cowles Mead had 27, And Thomas Spalding had 235 which, added to their respective numbers of votes, returned to the governor within the term of 20 days, and counted by him as aforesaid, Give to Cowles Mead in the whole 4465, And to Thomas Spalding in the whole 4504, Leaving the said Thomas Spalding a maj. of 39.
The petitioner offered depositions to prove that the cause of the failure in the transmission of the returns from the three last mentioned counties to the governor, within the 20 days after the election, was a hurricane which rendered the roads impassable; but, as the sitting member was not notified to be present at the taking of those depositions, the committee were of opinion that they were not admissible evidence.
The petitioner then proposed to procure other evidence of the same fact; and the sitting member proposed to procure evidence to the contrary, that the roads were passable; but the committee being of opinion that it was immaterial to the question before the House, whether the said failure was caused by the act of God, as alleged by the petitioner, or by the fault of the re-
turning officers, or the defect of the law, in not providing a penalty upon officers for neglecting their official duty of transmitting the returns, did not receive any evidence on that point.
The sitting member stated to the committee that he could, as he was assured, by sending to Georgia, obtain proof, that the election in the county of Tatnal was irregularly held, so that the whole return of that county ought, for that cause, to be rejected; but, finding by calculation, that if the votes of that county, of which 24 were for himself and 40 for the petitioner, were set aside, it would not affect the result of the election, he waived that objection, and rested his claim upon the principle that the votes of all the three last mentioned counties are void by the law of Georgia, not having been returned to the governor within the time prescribed by said law.
There is no suggestion of any fraud or intentional unfairness in the election; and the committee add, with pleasure, that the conduct of both the gentlemen, claiming the contested seat, appears to have been candid and honorable.
Upon the foregoing state of facts, as the constitution has made this House the judge of the elections and returns, as well as the qualifications of its members; as the returns from the state authorities, therefore, are only prima facie evidence of an election, but not conclusive upon this House; as there is, in the present case, satisfactory proof, that the votes of the three counties in question, although the returns thereof were not transmitted to the governor in season to be considered by him, where originally good, lawful, constitutional votes, having been given by qualified voters on the day, at the places, and in the manner prescribed by law; and as neither the voters who gave them, nor the candidates, in whose favor they were given, have done or omitted anything on their part, to forfeit their respective rights; the committee are of opinion that those votes ought to be allowed, and therefore recommend the following resolution:
Resolved, That Cowles Mead, returned to this House, as a member thereof from the state of Georgia is not entitled to a seat; and that Thomas Spalding is entitled to a seat in this House, as a representative of the state of Georgia.
In the course of the discussion, the facts as stated in the report, were either considered as perfectly correct, or as partaking so little of error as not to invalidate the conclusions drawn from them. Some small diversity of opinion existed between the Committee of Elections and the sitting member, which was, however, reconciled on explanation.
The debate began in committee of the whole, and was afterwards prosecuted in the House. Messrs. J. Clay, Findley, Bidwell, G. W. Campbell and Elmer advocated; and Messrs. Mead, Early, Sloan, Ellis, N. Williams, Broome and Quincey opposed the report.
The opponents of the report represented it as embracing a great constitutional principle, relative to state sovereignty and the powers of the House. This question arose out of the judicial powers vested by the constitution in each branch of the legislature, as to judging of the election of its members. In the first art. 5th sec. of the constitution it is declared, that "each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members." This section embraces three distinct objects, on which the judicial powers of each House might be exercised; the qualification of persons returned as members, their election as members, and the returns of the person selected. With regard to the point of qualification, that could have no bearing on the present question. As to the election of persons returned to serve as members, the constitution has given to the several states the power to regulate the time, place and manner, subject to the interposition of the laws of Congress: As to the returns of members, there is no limitation to the power of Congress to judge of them. What power, then, is given by this section? A judicial power alone. It is worthy of remark that an election and a return are entirely distinct acts; where one ceases the other begins, and vice versa. Where then is to be found the power in Congress of prescribing the time, place and manner of making returns? That such a power existed somewhere could not be denied, as without it an election would be nugatory. Will it be contended that this power is vested in the general government; when it is not recognised by a single word of the constitution? It is clear, then, that as the constitution is perfectly silent as to bestowing such a power in the general government, it does not belong to that government; neither was it necessary to carry into effect any power specifically given to the general government. If, then, the power does not belong to congress, and it must reside somewhere, it follows from the theory of our government that it must belong to the states; and that the only power in this House on the subject is to judge
of the returns; not to decide the time, place, and manner in which they shall be made, much less to dispense with the regulations which the states may make relative to them. But it may perhaps be asked, how the judicial power of this House can be exercised without uniting with it the power contended for on this occasion? To this enquiry the answer is easy—The right to judge and the rule of decision are distinct things, and while the right to judge may be in one body, the prescription of the rule may be in another. The rule in such cases as these must be a state regulation, when it relates to points on which the states have exclusive legislation. If this case relate to a business in which Georgia has the exclusive right to legislate, there can be no other rule than her legislation. In order to illustrate this case, suppose good votes should be offered after the expiration of the time within which the election was directed to be held by state laws; will it be contended that this House would have a right to direct them to be received? Or that the constitutional rights of the House would be impaired by being obliged to respect the regulations of a state as to the time, place, and manner of holding elections? Just so as to returns. The constitutional right of the House to judge of them is not impaired because a rule of judging is prescribed by another authority. Nothing is more common than this; it is indeed, a leading feature in all the political institutions of the United States. The power to judge being vested in one body, and the prescription of the rule in another. All of our political writers have considered this as one of the most important features in our institutions. If we can dispense in this instance, with the time fixed for receiving returns, we may dispense with state regulations in other cases. If we can dispense with one rule, we can dispense with all; and while the states are constitutionally fixing rules, we may be dispensing with them; a conclusion at which common sense revolts.
With regard to the prevalence of the will expressed by a majority of the good votes given, it was observed, that that could be only ascertained by some legal provision, & that the only way of guarding it from abuse was to preserve the laws of the state inviolate; and that although in some few instances a rigid adherence to them might be productive of some hardship, yet in its general effects it would be productive of much greater good; and, it was added, that that species of reasoning was as novel as unsound, which went to protect the rights of the citizens of a state by prostrating the laws made to secure them.
To show that the law of Georgia, limiting the time within which votes should be received, was obligatory upon the House, an elaborate argument was gone into, to prove, by a minute dissection of the constitution, thatasmuch as all powers not expressly given to the general government were reserved to the people or the states, and inasmuch as the only power specifically given related to the time, place and manner of holding elections, and not to the time, place and manner of making returns, no such power resided in Congress.
From all this reasoning it was contended, that though the House had a right to judge of the returns of its members, that right must be exercised in obedience to the rules fixed by the state of Georgia, which constitutionally possessed the power of prescribing them, and that they must be considered as conclusive, unless revoked or modified by Congress.
The friends of the report remarked that the power of the House on this subject was vested, by that part of the constitution which declares that "each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members;" and that this power was distinct from that which gave ultimately to the legislature, in case they saw fit to exercise it, the power of determining the time, place and manner of holding elections. The words, judging of returns, were comprehensive, unrestricted, and inclusive of every step incidental to making returns. The power could not be confined to the mere judging of the authenticity of the certificate of the returning officer, as that would be nugatory. It must likewise include the manner in which the votes were counted, in districts; the manner in which they were transmitted; the place appointed for receiving them; and the ascertaining of their aggregate number. It had been truly said, that where the business of election ceases, that of the returns begins; which, therefore, must be considered as embracing every thing after the votes were given. As soon as an election terminates, the candidate is elected, the only thing remaining is to ascertain the result; and this is done by the returns made. What, then, is the right of this House to judge? According to gentlemen, they have not a right to judge of the certificate of the officers of Georgia; they have not a right to judge how the votes are transmitted; but of all this the governor is to judge, under a law of Georgia. But such a law would be a mere nullity, as it would be in direct opposition to the words of the constitution, which give to
this House the entire right of judging of the returns of its members. The fact was that the law of Georgia could only be considered as constituting the governor the organ of information to this House, which is the only tribunal, to which the returns can ultimately be made. So considering the subject, there was no reason for the remark, that the principle contained in the report went to set aside the law of Georgia. Should the power of the House, in this case, be denied, it would prevent us from investigating any case, however characterised by fraud, and would prostrate, at the feet of an executive officer, the power so guardedly bestowed on each House. It is enquired whether we will set aside the law of Georgia by the decision we are about to make; but it does not follow that the adoption of the report will have this effect. The law of Georgia says that the governor shall count the votes received at a certain day; but it does not say that the House shall not count those received afterwards. We, in fact, then, carry into effect the law of Georgia as far as it goes, and only, in case of a failure, supply the deficiency. Could there be a doubt of the principle assumed in the report, it would be removed by a denial of it giving the power to any petty officer of the state, by suppressing the votes, to deprive the member, legally elected, of his seat. Would this be a just principle? Is it not our principle that a majority shall govern? And is it not strange to say, that a state shall have the right of violating such a principle.
With regard to a return, it might imply two things; the original certificate of the presiding officer in each election district; and the general certificate of the whole election, the several parts of which were held in different places. It was necessary that these several certificates should be examined by some general authority. As a matter, therefore, of necessity, some authority must reside in the states, to count up the whole number of votes, and to certify the persons elected. This power was vested in different ways in the several states. Whoever exercised it could be only considered as the certifying officer, whose certificate was not a decision, but simply a return, subject to the control of this House, which is made by the constitution, the judge of it. The constitution says the House are to judge of the returns. Can those returns, therefore, be conclusive and binding upon the House? If so, the power of judging is altogether nugatory. If we cannot go out of the returns, and judge of anything not in them, we cannot be said to possess any power over them. But the words of the constitution are precise; giving the unrestricted power to judge. The House then may receive other evidence to satisfy them, than that found on the face of the returns, and on such evidence may either allow that which is not in them, or disallow that which is. A case has been put, of votes received in contravention of a state law, after the time fixed for receiving them; and it has been said that these votes ought not to be received. Why? Because the time of holding elections being expressly vested in the state legislature, in the first instance, and Congress not having changed the prescribed time, the state regulation must prevail. But let the case be pursued further: suppose such votes are not only received, but included in returns made to the governor; he is not to judge of the legality of the votes given; the state law only directs him to count up the votes returned; whether they ought or ought not to be received he cannot judge; of this the House is the judge. He cannot receive evidence out of the returns; he therefore counts up the votes; proclaims the person having the highest number; and the returns are forwarded to this body. They are in due form; but votes appear to be admitted which, by the law of Georgia, ought not to have been admitted. Is the House concluded by this return? Are they not, on the contrary, empowered to go out of it, and receive evidence of the fact, that such improper votes were admitted? No one will deny it. Further—suppose the presiding officer to have refused votes offered in time; suppose he had refused all the votes given for a candidate in several counties, the governor could not pay any attention to these votes; for his certificate must be founded exclusively on the votes returned to him—He would be obliged, therefore, to certify as duly elected, the person having the highest number of such votes, although it might be proved that the suppressed votes, if counted, would have given the highest number to another candidate. Could not the House, in this case, go out of the returns of the governor, and allow the votes fairly given, to be counted? Is the election to be affected by such omission or neglect? Clearly not. In the present case, the votes in question, according to the law of Georgia, were lawfully given, and ought to have been returned. Had that law been observed, they would have been returned. In one respect only was there a neglect of it. Can that, then, be said to be a violation of the law of Georgia, which consists in giving effect to its provisions, where they have
failed to be observed? The great principle in judging of elections, ought to be, that the will of the people, fairly expressed, shall govern. And that construction of the constitution and laws of the U. S. ought to prevail, which gives effect to good votes, rather than destroying them. This is the principle of the report.
The adoption of a hostile principle, would be to sacrifice the substance of election to its mere shadow.
The suggestion that the principle of the report is calculated to alarm the jealousy of the states is idle. The judging of the election of members is a joint authority; residing in the states in the first instance, and ultimately in this House. If the controlling power does not reside here, it resides no where; there is a blank in the government. It cannot reside in Georgia, for the power is not concurrent, and if not here, the states must inevitably submit to every irregularity that may be practised by subordinate agents. It has been said that the law of Georgia is in force, but it can have no force at the expense of the constitutional power of the House. But was that law complied with? If so, the present contest would not exist.
It was true, that the general principle is a sound one, which separates executive, legislative, and judicial power. This might be an argument for the institution of a special tribunal for the trial of contested elections, but it is an abundant answer to show, that this has not been done; but that, on the contrary, the constitution of the general government as well as the constitutions of the several states have made the legislative bodies judges of the elections of their members.
In the course of the discussion, various precedents were quoted from the Journals of the House, some of which were considered as applicable to one side, and some as applicable to the other side of the question at issue; but on a full examination of them, they shed no light on the subject that we have considered it unnecessary to notice them.
The Yeas and Nays were then taken on the first member of the resolution submitted by the committee of Elections, viz. "That Cowles Mead, returned to this House as a member thereof for the state of Georgia, is not entitled to a seat."—Yeas 69—Nays 33—as follows.
YEAS.—Messrs. Anderson, Archer, Bard, Barker, Basset, Bedinger, Betton, Bidwell, Bishop, Blake, jr. Blount, Brown, Bryan, Butler, G. W. Campbell, Chandler, Chastendon, C. A. Clay, jr. Clay, Clopton, Conrad, Crowninshield, Dana, Dawson, Elliot, Elmer, Eppes, Findley, Fisk, Fowler, Garnett, Gray, Gregg, Halsey, Hamilton, Holland, Holmes, Jackson, Jones, Knight, Lewis, jr. Masters, N. R. Moore, Morrow, Mumford, Newton, jr. Olind, Randolph, T. M. Randolph, Rea, of Pen. Richards, Sammons, Sandford, Schuman, Seaver, Smilie, O'B. Smith, S. Smith, Stanton, T. W. Thompson, A. Trigg, Van Rensselaer, Varnum, Walton, Whit. Hill, M. Williams, Wilson and Winst. n.
NAYS.—Messrs. Alston, jr. Broome, Boyle, Casey, M. Clay, Clinton, jun. Cook, Cuts, Darby, Davenport, jun. Earle, Early, Ellis, Ely, Goodwyn, Green, Helms, Hough, Kelly, Kenan, Leib, Livingston, Magruder, Marion, Meriwether, Morrow, Mosely, J. Nelson, R. Nelson, Pitken, jun. Pugh, Quancey, Rhea, Ten. Russell, Sallay, Sloan, J. C. Smith, Southard, Stanford, Sturges, Taggart, Talmadge, Tenney, Thomas, Tracy, Van Cortlandt, Verplank, Wadsworth, Whitehill, Wickes, D. R. Williams, N. Williams, and Wynns.
And then the yeas and nays were taken on the remaining members of the resolution:
"That Thomas Spalding is entitled to a seat in this House, as a representative of the state of Georgia."—Yeas 66. Nays 52.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30.
Mr. John C. Smith, from the committee of claims, make a report on the petition of Wm. Brenk, jun. in favor of the petitioner, which was referred to a committee of the whole on Tuesday.
Mr. Gregg observed that considerable difficulties had arisen in surveying the lands in Louisiana, owing to omissions in the law passed by the last Congress, and that the committee on public lands had received a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury representing these circumstances and stating the necessity of legislative interposition. Mr. Gregg having read this letter, asked in the name of the committee and obtained leave to present a bill extending the powers of the Surveyor General to the territory of Louisiana, and for other purposes.
The bill was read and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Otis delivered a message from the Senate, stating that they had passed a bill to regulate the living out and making a road from Cumberland, on the Potomac, to the river Ohio, in the state of Ohio; and that they had likewise passed a bill, which originated in the House, entitled an act supplementary to the act making provision for the payment of claims under the French convention with amendments.

The amendments to the last bill are entirely verbal, and the House immediately concurred therein.
On motion, Resolved, that the committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of erecting the town of Darien into a port of entry.
A bill to provide for light houses in Long Island sound, and to declare Roxbury, in the state of Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery, was read the third time and passed.
The bill from the Senate to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland, on the Potomac, to the river Ohio, in the state of Ohio, was read and referred to a committee of the whole on Thursday.
This bill authorises the President of the U. S. to appoint three commissioners to lay out a road from Cumberland on the Potomac to the river Ohio, in the state of Ohio, to be four rods in width. The commissioners are directed to make a report to the President, of their proceedings, as well as the expense of making the road passable. The President is authorised to accept or reject the report in whole or part. If he shall accept it, he is then authorised to obtain the consent of the states through which the road may pass; and, having obtained such consent, to make a turnpike. Fifty-thousand dollars are appropriated, payable first out of the proceeds of the reservation from the sale of lands in Ohio, and, secondly out of the treasury of the U. S. the first sum to be chargeable to the preceding fund.
On motion of Mr. J. C. Smith, the House went into a committee of the whole on the report of the committee of claims on the petition of Return J. Meigs, in favor of allowing the governor, judges and secretary of the government of the territory north West of the Ohio compensation for services performed between the adoption of a constitution by the state of Ohio and the meeting of the legislature under that constitution.
A question arose whether those officers should be compensated by the U. S. or by the state of Ohio.
On this question considerable debate arose—Messrs. J. C. Smith, Morrow, Bidwell, Sloan, Jackson, and Dana, supporting; and Messrs. Stanford, Smith, J. Clay and Alston opposing the report.
Mr. J. Clay moved that the committee should rise and ask leave to sit again, that further time might be allowed to consider the subject; which motion having been negatived—Ayes 39—Noes 56. Messrs. J. Clay and Smith again spoke against agreeing to the report.
When on motion of Mr. J. C. Smith, the committee rose, and asked leave to sit again, which the House granted.
On motion of Mr. Jackson, the committee appointed on laying out certain roads, &c. were discharged therefrom, in consideration of the bill received from the Senate, and the resolution relative thereto referred to the committee of the whole to whom the bill from the Senate is referred.
TUESDAY, Dec. 31.
The consideration of Mr. Sloan's resolution to lay a tax on slaves imported into the U. S. was postponed till Monday next.
A message was received from the President of the U. S. giving the information requested by them relative to the discharge of state balances, and representing that New-York is the only state that has discharged any part of the reported balances, and that she has in consequence been allowed a credit of 222,810 dollars on the books of the Treasury.
Referred to the committee of the whole on the state of the union.
Mr. Nelson presented a petition from sundry citizens of Washington, praying for authority to make a road from 14th Street West to the Frederick-Town road; which was referred to a committee of three members.
Mr. John C. Smith, from the Committee of Claims, made an unfavorable report on the petition of Sylvano Catalona—Whereupon,
Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition.
Mr. Elliot moved the following resolution:
Resolved, That it is expedient to provide by law for fitting and repairing Navy Yards belonging to the U. S. on or near the shores of the Atlantic ocean for the reception of the ships and vessels of war of the United States.
Referred to the select committee on that part of the President's message which relates to the making provision for the better defence of our ports and harbors, &c.
Mr. Crowninshield, from the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, made an unfavorable report on the petition of John Dorr—Whereupon,
Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition.
Mr. J. Clay presented a petition from Oliver Evans, praying an extension of the time of his patent for an improvement in the making flour; and representing his having made, at great expense, very important improvements on steam engines, and making a similar request with regard to them.
Referred to a select committee of five members.
Mr. Gregg from the Committee on public lands, made an unfavorable report on the petition of John McIntire, which was referred to a committee of the whole on Monday.
A message was received from the President representing that he had signed the act extending the time for the payment of Claims under the Louisiana Convention.
A committee was appointed to enquire into the expediency of making further provision for the faithful performance of the duties of marshals.
On motion of Mr. Crowninshield, the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures were discharged from the petition of Francis Massoneer, which was referred to the committee on public lands.
Mr. Findley observing that he had a confidential communication to make, the Galleries were cleared about 1 o'clock. At half after one they were again opened.
When further debate arose on the report of the Committee of Claims in the case of Return J. Meigs.
Messrs. Stanford and J. Clay, spoke against the report; & Mr. C. W. Campbell in favor of it.
On concurring in the report of the Committee of Claims, there were—Ayes 67—C. Carried.
Whereupon the resolution was referred to the Committee of Claims to bring in a bill.
Committee appointed in the House of Representatives.
Committee on a message of the President respecting the public buildings at Washington—Messrs. Nelson, Jones, Magruder, Lewis, and Hastings.
MESSAGE.
From the President of the United States transmitting a report from the governor and presiding judge of the territory of Michigan, relative to the state of that territory.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
THE governor and presiding judge of the territory of Michigan, have made a report to me of the state of that territory, several matters in which being within the reach of the legislative authority only, I lay the report before Congress.
TH: JEFFERSON.
December 23, 1805.
(COPY.)
DETROIT, October 16, 1805.
THE governor of the territory of Michigan and the presiding judge thereof, in compliance with the wishes of the government and the people of the territory, have the honor to make the following report relative to the affairs of the territory.
By the act of the Congress of the United States establishing the territory, the government thereof was to commence from and after the 30th day of June, 1805. The presiding judge arrived at Detroit, the seat of the government, on Saturday the 29th day of June, and the governor on Monday the first day of July. The associate judge who was previously a resident of the territory, was already there. On Tuesday the 2d July, the governor, in pursuance of the ordinance of Congress, administered to the several officers their respective oaths of office, and on the same day the operations of the government commenced.
It was the unfortunate fate of the new government to commence its operations in a scene of the deepest public and private calamity. By the conflagration of Detroit, which took place on the morning of the 11th of June, all the buildings of that place, both public and private, were entirely consumed; and the most valuable part of the personal property of the inhabitants was lost. On the arrival of the new government, a part of the people were found encamped on the public grounds, in the vicinity of the town, and the remainder were dispersed through the neighboring settlements of the country; both on the British and American side of the boundary.
The place which bore the appellation of the town of Detroit, was a spot of about 2 acres of ground, completely covered with buildings, and combustible materials, the narrow intervals of 14 or 15 feet, used as streets or lanes, only excepted; and the whole was environed with a very strong and secure defence of tall and solid pickets. The circumjacent ground, the bank of the river alone excepted, was a wide common: and though assertions are made respecting the existence, among the records of Quebec, of a charter from the king of France, confirming this common as an appurtenance to the town, it was either the property of the United States, or at least such as individual claims did not attempt to cover.
The folly of attempting to rebuild the town in the original mode was obvious to every mind; yet there existed no authority, either in the country or in the officers of the new government, to dispose of the adjacent ground. Hence had already arisen a state of dissension which urgently required the interposition of some authority to quiet. Some of the inhabitants, destitute of shelter, and hopeless of any prompt arrangements of government, had re-occupied their former ground, and a few buildings had already been erected in the midst of the old ruins. Another portion of the inhabitants had determined to take possession of the adjacent public ground, and to throw themselves on the liberality of the government of the United States, either to make them a donation of the ground as a compensation for their sufferings, or to accept of a very moderate price for it. If they could have made any arrangement of the various pretensions of individuals, or could have agreed on any plan of a town, they would soon have begun to build. But the want of a civil authority to decide interfering claims, or to compel the refractory to submit to the wishes of a majority, had yet prevented them from carrying any particular measure into execution. On the morning of Monday, the first day of July, the inhabitants had assembled for the purpose of resolving on some definitive mode of procedure. The judges prevailed on them to defer their intentions for a short time, giving them assurance
that the governor of the territory would shortly arrive, and that every arrangement, in the power of their domestic government, would be made for their relief. On these representations they consented to defer their measures for one fortnight. In the evening of the same day the governor arrived:—It was his first measure to prevent any encroachments from being made on the public land. The situation of the distressed inhabitants then occupied the attention of the members of the government for 2 or 3 days. The result of these discussions was, to proceed to lay out a new town, embracing the whole of the old town and the public lands adjacent; to state to the people that nothing in the nature of a title could be given, under any authorities then possessed by the government; and that they could not be justified in holding out any charitable donations whatever, as a compensation for their sufferings; but that every personal exertion would be used to obtain a confirmation of the arrangements about to be made, and to obtain the liberal attention of the government of the United States to their distresses.
A town was accordingly surveyed and laid out, and the want of authority to impart any regular title without the subsequent sanction of Congress, being first impressed, and clearly understood, the lots were exposed to sale under that reservation. Where the purchaser of a lot was a proprietor in the old town, he was at liberty to extinguish his former property in his new acquisition, foot for foot, and was expected to pay only for the surplus, at the rate expressed in his bid. A considerable part of the inhabitants were only tenants in the old town, there being no means of acquiring any new titles. The sale of course could not be confined merely to former proprietors , but as far as possible, was confined to former inhabitants . After the sale of a considerable part, by auction, the remainder was disposed of by private contract, deducting from the previous sales the basis of the terms. As soon as the necessities of the immediate inhabitants were accommodated, the sales were entirely stopped until the pleasure of government could be consulted. As no title could be made, or was pretended to be made, no payments were required, or any monies permitted to be received until the expiration of one year, to afford time for Congress to interpose. The remaining part was stipulated to be paid in four successive annual instalments. The highest sum resulting from the bids was seven cents, for a square foot, and the whole averaged at least four cents. In this way the inhabitants were fully satisfied to commence their buildings, and the interfering pretensions of all individuals were eventually reconciled. The validity of any of the titles was not taken into view. The possession under the titles, such as they were, was alone regarded, and the validity of title left to await the issue of such measures as Congress might adopt, relative to landed titles in the territory of Michigan generally. It therefore now remains for the Congress of the United States either to refuse a sanction of the arrangement made, or by imparting a regular authority to make it, or in some other mode in their wisdom deemed proper, to relieve the inhabitants from one of the most immediate distresses, occasioned by the calamitous conflagration.
Strongly impressed with a sense of the worth of the people, and deeply commiserating their sufferings, of a great part of which they were eye witnesses, the officers of their local government cannot refrain from adorning their warmest degree of recommendation to forward the liberality the Congress of the United States will unquestionably be inclined to exercise towards them; and the disposition which will doubtless prevail towards attaching their affections, promoting their interests and relieving their distress. Whether a donation of the acquisitions, which have been stated, or of lands more remote, or the application of the proceeds to public purposes within the country, will be most advisable, the undersigned pretend not to say; but whatever relief may be extended to them on the part of the general government, they hesitate not to assert, will be of the most essential utility to them, and rendered to objects of real merit.
The organization of the courts of justice next demanded consideration. A judicial system was established on principles of convenience, economy and simplicity. Courts were held under it, and all the existing business settled. Every subject requiring to be legislated upon was acted on, as far as the government was competent to act. At the close of the other arrangements the militia of the territory were completely organised and brought into the field.
The various acts, both of a legislative and executive description, will appear at large in the semi-annual report of them, which the laws of the United States require, and it will therefore be unnecessary to exhibit the details of them.
The grand juries constantly presented addresses to the courts on the subject of their land titles. The several companies of militia, elected delegates to a general meeting, which, among other objects, addressed the government on the subject of their titles; and earnestly requested the personal attendance of the governor and one of the judges during a part of the session of Congress. Indeed the confused situation of land titles, during the nine or ten years the U. States have had possession of the country, has been such, and is so increasing by lapse of time, as now loudly to call for a definitive adjustment.
It is now nearly a century and a half since the first settlements were made in this country, under the French govern-
ment, and in the reign of Louis the fourteenth, whose name it then bore, in common with what has since exclusively been termed Louisiana. In 1673, an officer, commissioned by the French government, explored the waters of the west, taking his departure from lake Michigan, he penetrated to the Ouisconsin river, and afterwards to the Mississippi, and returned through the Illinois country, after having sailed down the Mississippi within one degree of latitude of the Southern boundary of the United States, previous to the late treaty of Paris, of April, 1805, and that anterior to the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi by La Salle. Prior to this era the settlements of the straight had commenced, and Detroit claims an antiquity of fifteen years superior to the city of Philadelphia. The few titles granted by the government of France were of three French acres in front, on the banks of the river, by forty in depth, subject to the feudal and seignioral conditions, which usually accompanied titles in France. The ancient French code called la coutume de Paris was the established law of the country; and the rights of land were made strictly conformable to it. All these grants, however, required the grantee, in a limited period, to obtain a confirmation from the king; and with the exception of a very few, this confirmation has never been made. On the conquest of the French possessions by Great Britain, in the war which terminated by the treaty of Paris in the year 1763, as well in the original articles of capitulation in 1759 and in 1760, as in the subsequent treaty itself, the property of the inhabitants of the country is confirmed to them. The expression in the original is leurs biens, nobles et ignobles, meubles et immeubles . It is therefore conceived to comprehend these lands . On the acquisition by the United States of America of that portion of Canada which is now comprehended within the limits of the territory of Michigan, by the definitive treaty of peace, at Paris, in 1763, the subjects of his Britannic majesty are secured from loss, or damage in person, liberty or property, and in the treaty of London, negotiated between Mr. Jay and lord Grenville, in November, 1794, they are still more particularly confirmed in their property of every kind, land, houses or effects. However defective, therefore, the class of original proprietors may be with respect to the evidence of title according to the American forms, it is conceived their rights are extremely strong. The British government granted few titles, and these were generally mere permissions of military officers to use or occupy certain pieces of land, often unaccompanied with any written evidences, but assuming, from long continued possession, an appearance of right. Under the American government no titles of any kind have been granted.
From this state of things some consequences have resulted, which are not indeed difficult to foresee, but which it is difficult to remedy. One of these consequences, and perhaps not the least important, is the effect it had on the destiny and moral character of the progeny of the original colonists. When it is remembered, that the troops of Louis the fourteenth, came without women, the description of persons constituting the second generation will not be difficult to conceive. When it is considered at the same time, that destitute of titles to land, they were precluded from the means of acquiring them, it will be obvious that an entrance into the savage societies, or at most employments in the commerce carried on with them, were their only resources. While, therefore, the American colonizations of the same, and of subsequent date, have grown into regular, agricultural, and opulent states, these countries have been destined to anarchy, to ignorance, to poverty. The emigrant, whom curiosity, or enterprize, at any time brought into the country, was either attracted to the British side of it, or disappeared in some mode less easy to account for. Accession, by foreign population, and by natural increase, being thus, at once cut off, the fate of this fine region has necessarily been that insignificance which still belongs to it. The British government, in recent periods, have confirmed original proprietors, made a donation of a quantity equal to the original grant, termed a continuation ; and have granted lands to settlers without any other price than common fees of office attending the acquisition of the grant. Such, however, is the inestimable value of liberty to man, that notwithstanding these, and, if possible, greater inducements to the settlers, the undersigned venture to predict a marked superiority to the American side, even at the prices at present required by the American government, or at a slight variation of them, if the old claims are at once adjusted, and the country laid open to the acquisition of new title.
From the state of the country which has been represented, another consequence has resulted. Encroachments, in some instances, grafted on original title, and in others without a semblance of title, have been made on lands which are or ought to be, the property of the United States. Individuals have proceeded to extinguish the native right, contrary to the regulations of all the governments; and in some instances extensive settlements have been made on titles thus acquired. What arrangements the United States will make on this head it belongs not to us to anticipate; we shall only recommend a liberal and merciful disposition to the people of this country; of whom it may be safely asserted they are less to be charged with depravity of character, than their governments have been with cruel neglect and indifference.
The claims of the present inhabitants
require to be considered under one more aspect, novel indeed, but not the less founded in truth. When the American comes into contact with the aboriginal, if he is not considered as an enemy, he is at least regarded as a character with whom they are to struggle, and if in no other, certainly in a pecuniary view. But the Canadian, allied by blood, by long established intercourse, by a countless reciprocity of services, their native claims having long, as to time, been extinguished, and their honor and good faith having been repeatedly pledged for his protection, is uniformly regarded as their brother, and with him they are disposed to make a common cause. Hence justice , and liberal justice , to the Canadian inhabitant is an important point of policy in the conduct of the American government towards the aboriginal inhabitants.
The extent of the Canadian extinguishment of Indian title, though in itself indefinite, appears first to have received limits in the treaty of fort Mac Intosh, in 1785. We there first find a written dereliction of Indian claim for a breadth of six miles from La Riviere aux Raisins, now called Rosine, on Lake Erie, to the Lake St. Clair. In the subsequent treaty of fort Harman in 1789, the same dereliction is confirmed. In the ulterior treaty of Greenville, in 1795, the confirmation is repeated, and additions made.
The treaty with Great Britain, of 1783, and the subsequent one of 1794, were made for the accomplishment of great national objects, having very little connection with Canadian and Indian claims. The treaties of fort Mac Intosh, fort Harman, and of Greenville, were all formed on other far more important points; and the quantity of extinguished Indian title in Michigan recognized by them is less to be considered as an acquisition of new title, than a definition of the old. The expense of those negotiations therefore can scarcely be said, in any sense to attach to this country; and perhaps it may be truly said that all the Indian title at present extinguished within the territory of Michigan has not cost the United States a single dollar; but is entirely a recognition of a previous, but indefinite title, extinguished by the Canadians. Hence a question will arise whether it is more than barely justice to the inhabitants to allow them the whole of this part, or otherwise to permit the proceeds of it to be applied to their benefit in the education of their youth, in the erection of public buildings, such as court houses and jails which the late conflagration has entirely deprived them of, and in laying out roads, and other improvements in their country. Next to the adjustment of the old titles comes the acquisition of new. It is believed that at this period, and in a particular mode, a very large portion of Indian title may be shortly extinguished; but as this part of the subject may hereafter be deemed confidential, it is made the subject of a distinct report.
On an occasion like the present it may not be unadvisable to revise some of the regulations relative to the territory.
On all the subjects requiring legislation the present government act with difficulty, and on many cannot act at all. All laws will be found to operate on particular places, times and persons ; and in no state which enters into the composition of the American union, will an abstract code of principles be discovered free from a connection, and that a very close one, with the places, times & persons affected by them. Hence the strict adoption of any code, or even of any one law, becomes impossible. To make it applicable it must be adapted to the geography of the country, to its temporary circumstances and exigencies, and to the particular character of the persons over whom it is to operate. Hitherto it has been religiously the object to follow what has been deemed the substance of the law, whatever modifications the form of it was obliged to undergo. But different minds will not always correspond in sentiment on what is substance , and what is form ; and in all the litigations which arise under laws, those affecting the validity of the law itself are the most intricate and difficult. Hence in a country whose administration ought to be marked with simplicity, intricacy, procrastination, and uncertainty in affairs, result. To adopt laws from all the original states, the laws of all the original states ought to be furnished; and waving the difficulty and expense of procuring them, what a body of men under the pressure of immediate business, can acquire a complete acquaintance with them? The possession of all the codes, if it were possible, and a complete acquaintance with their contents, would still prove an abortive cure; for in many very simple cases, a strict precedent will be searched for in vain. Is the object to establish a ferry, to regulate the affairs of any district, to erect a court house, or to institute a school, however urgent the call, however obvious the means, it must often be abandoned for want of a precedent that will apply; and often when attempted, may be defeated, from the want of a strict correspondence between the law made and the precedent from which it professes to be adopted. The real security for the prevalence of republican principles rests not in a provision of this awkward kind; for even in the codes of the states the disciple of aristocracy may sometimes find a weapon. It rests in the general probability that the administration of this description will be conformable to the general administration. It rests in the parental control of Congress. Experience is the best test of the propriety or impropriety of a law, and if a law be made which gives dissatisfaction, the natural resort is to the authority first making for its correction, and when from defect of

power or of inclination the evil is found irremediable, by them to superior authority.
The requiring a possession of certain quantities of land in various officers is not only impracticable in the present instance; but the policy on which the provision may have originally been grounded has ceased to exist.
The southern boundary of the territory is indefinite. Though in the present maps of the United States, a line of latitude through the southern bend of Lake Michigan appears to strike Lake Erie near the mouth of the Miami, yet in the maps of Arrowsmith and M'Kenzie, such a line of latitude would not strike Lake Erie, but pass entirely south of it. The anxiety of the southern settlers of the territory is great, not to be attached to the state of Ohio, which would be inconvenient to them, but to Michigan, which is so much more convenient. The western end of Lake Erie even from Sandusky would feel this convenience.
The case of the Wiandot Indians deserves the consideration of government. They live in two towns, Maguaga and Brown's town, within the limits of the American title. To the treaty of Fort Harman, a clause was annexed stipulating that they might remain unmolested. In the treaty of Greenville this provision is omitted. They constantly assert, and there are not wanting reputable citizens who join them in the assertion, that they were solemnly promised by general Wayne a continuance of the indulgence. It may therefore be worthy of serious consideration whether it may not be advisable in the adjustment of titles, to recognise their possessions, and invest them with the character of citizens.
(Signed) WILLIAM HULL, Governor of the Territory of Michigan.
(Do.) A. B. WOODWARD, Presiding Judge of do.
WASHINGTON CITY.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1.
The writer of the Communication under the signature of Veritas, will on reflection, agree with us that its insertion in the National Intelligencer is altogether unnecessary; as the publication would be treating the article in the Washington Federalist, on the request lately made relative to the Indians, with a degree of attention to which it has not the least claim.
Our hopes are again blasted by the decision of the Senate of South-Carolina, on the bill prohibiting the importation of slaves into that state. Having passed the House of Representatives by a great majority, it has been arrested in the Senate by a single vote. The subjoined statement will record the names of those men, who, regardless of the remonstrances of justice or national character, have taken upon themselves the awful responsibility of extending the greatest evil that exists in our country.
Charleston, Dec. 18. The following are the yeas and nays in the Senate on the 14th of December, 1803, on the final question of the passage of the bill to the House of Representatives, for prohibiting the importation of negroes:
YEAS.—Mr. R. Barnwell, president; Messrs. Blake, Calhoun, Drayton, Davis, Hubben, Horry, Hart, Hutchinson, Keith, Kilgore, McFadden, P. Porcher, Warren, Ward.—15.
NAYS.—Messrs. Cantey, Dozier, Farrar, J. Hampton, B. Izzard, John M'Pherson, W. B. Mitchell, T. Porcher, J. Porcher, Rogers, Simkins, W. Smith, Saxon, R. Stark, T. Taylor, Wells.—16.
So the bill for the prohibition was lost.
Our readers will probably recollect a very interesting report made during the session preceding the last, by the Committee of Claims, in the case of the unfortunate David Valenzin. Some persons having taken the liberty of representing that the committee were imposed upon, and that the circumstances stated in their report were unfounded, we publish the following letter from our distinguished countryman, Mr. Eaton, to John C. Smith, esq. chairman of the Committee of Claims, as substantiating those circumstances. For this publication at this time we have another reason. It, in some small degree, throws light on the character of Eaton, and evinces the sense entertained abroad of a just government, that "ratio in terra" cognatis.
GRAND CAIRO, Dec. 26, 1804.
SIR, THIS morning two Jewish merchants came, with essential oil of roses for sale, to the British Resident's house, where I am. They were dressed in the habit of Egypt. But one of them speaking French intelligibly, took my attention. I entered into an enquiry concerning the actual state of commerce in this country, which naturally led him to mention the names of sundry commercial houses here; among others, that of Moses Valenzin. This name brought to my recollection the unfortunate Valenzin, whose case last winter, so seriously occupied the Committee of Claims, and whose fate so justly moved their sensibility. Engaged with more immediate concerns, I do not know that my thoughts had once before turned to those events since my departure from America. But this accident induced particular enquiry; the result of which I thought too interesting to pass unnoticed; wherefore, calling lieut.
O'Bannon, Mr. Goldsborough, a purser in the navy, and Mr. Farquhar, an English gentleman, into my apartment, I made the examination hereafter transcribed, as attested by these gentlemen. It corresponds so exactly with the account David Valenzin gave of himself, that it cannot, I am persuaded, be indifferent to you; especially as the justice of your report on that case, and consequent act of Congress, have been the subject of comment in certain circles.
Enquiry made of a Jewish merchant in Grand Cairo, touching the story of David Valenzin.
What is your name? "Leon Reuben." Of what nation are you? "A Hebrew." Where were you born? "In Leghorn, where my father is now established." How many years have you been in Egypt? "Seven." Do you belong to any commercial house?
"To a house in Leghorn, by the firm of Abram Reuben, of which I am the agent here."
Are you acquainted with the Hebrew mercantile houses in Alexandria? "Yes; there are Lorea and Tilkey, the most considerable house; Moses Valenzin, a respectable merchant, and others of less note."
Has Moses Valenzin any relations? "He has a brother, David Valenzin, and an uncle."
Where is David Valenzin?
"David Valenzin came to Alexandria with a cargo of wine; sold it to the commissary of the English army; took a bill of exchange for half the avails, and cash for the other half. But, as he has no correspondent in England, he went to Smyrna and negotiated his bill for merchandise; which he put on board a vessel for Malta. He departed from Malta for Tripoli; and, near Malta, we learn, was taken by the Americans, who are at war with the Bashaw of Tripoli; and who have carried him—we know not where."
Do you know how long since David Valenzin was taken by the Americans?
"No! It is two years and a half, or three years, since he left Egypt. I do not know how long he remained in Smyrna; but it is about twenty months since we heard he was taken."
Where was David Valenzin born?
"David Valenzin was born in Venice, but came very young to Tripoli with his father, who was then a rich merchant."
Did Valenzin, the father, establish a house at Tripoli?
"Yes."
Was the establishment, and was Valenzin under the protection of the Bashaw of Tripoli?
"No. Both his father and himself always wore hats, and christian habits—And his brother, at Alexandria, is now under the protection of the imperial flag, as a subject of the Emperor."
Has David Valenzin any wife, or children?
"No; neither one nor the other: he was never married."
I have to inform you that David Valenzin is dead.
"How! Dead!"
"Yes. Impatient of the delay occasioned by want of documents in his application for redress in the case of his capture; and, perhaps, despairing of a successful decision, he put an end to his own existence about ten months ago, in the Capitol of the United States."
"Is it possible!"
"I saw him in his clotted blood."
"Alas! Valenzin!—I'm unfortunate Valenzin!—He was but about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years of age!"
"Wept. I have put these questions to you that I might learn Valenzin's story; and that we might be enabled to find out his lawful heirs."
"I know not that he has any heirs except his brother at Alexandria." Paused—"Or, perhaps, he may have left a sister in Tripoli; who must be very wretched."
You are at liberty to acquaint Moses Valenzin, of Alexandria, with the particulars of these questions; and with the information thence resulting. You may inform him also, that, the answers you have given to my questions being established as the truth of facts, there remain in deposit by the government of the United States, for the heirs of David Valenzin, between one and two thousand Spanish dollars; which will be transmitted to them by proper application to said government; or to the administrator of said Valenzin's estate, thus deposited, appointed at the City of Washington.
ATTESTATION.
The above examination was made by William Eaton, esq. in the Italian language, and translated into English, verbatim, by Mr. Richard Farquhar, at Grand Cairo, in Egypt, December the 27th, 1804, in presence of the underwritten.
(Signed)
Th. O'BANNON,
Lieut. Marines.
R. W. GOLDSBOROUGH,
Purser U. S. Brig Argus.
RICH. FARQUHAR.
Leon Reuben knew not the object of my enquiry; nor could he possibly frame any conjecture concerning it, whatever imaginations it may have excited; for he thought he was all this time speaking with Englishmen. But on explaining myself to him, and letting him know that I had no other object in view than to find out the lawful heirs of an unfortunate man, who had fallen a victim to
* A distinctive mark of foreign jurisdiction in Barbary.
the disasters of war, in order that the wishes of my government may be accomplished in the restitution of his property, Leon seemed amazed—Turning towards his companion; raising his eyes to Heaven; and laying both hands gravely to his breast, he exclaimed in Arabic, "Great God! What an astonishing country that must be where the government takes so much pains to render justice to a Hebrew! Even at this distance to inform his heirs of cash in deposit, which might so easily have been concealed!"
Certainly the Jews are not accustomed, on this continent, to similar testimonials of national justice. The droit d'aubaine is very apt to affect them here, as it seldom fails to do rich subjects: indeed the right is frequently anticipated, or rendered timely by a friendly cup of coffee.
FROM THE AMERICAN.
An Annapolis correspondent informs us, that "the bill to alter and abolish all such parts of the constitution and form of government, as establish a religious test as a qualification for civil officers, was, on Monday, acted on by the house of delegates, and negatived. Very little was said in opposition. The arguments in support of it were very full and comprehensive."
He further informs, that, "a bill to organise and regulate the courts of common law has been reported in the house of delegates, and is made the order for the second of January."
Frankfort, Dec. 9.
On Thursday the bill depriving the Kentucky Insurance Company of the privilege of banking, was returned by the governor with his objections. It passed the house of representatives, its objections, notwithstanding, and is now before the senate.
The governor in support of his objections has taken a comprehensive view of the subject and we have heard it very generally spoken of as a masterly production: It will shortly appear in the Palladium.
New-York, Dec. 27.
Extract of a letter from a respectable merchant in Nantux to another in this city, dated Nov. 1.
"Letters from Lisbon, of good authority, inform that the crop of wheat has been much less than was expected both there and in Spain. In Portugal they are laying up large quantities of grain from this country, to provide against a scarcity expected next winter."
"There being no arrivals from America in France during the last 6 weeks, our market has become brisk; and every thing is scarce and in demand, except sugar and rum."
We understand that a letter from Boston was received by this morning's mail, which states that a hand bill had just been put up at the Coffee House, announcing that the Prussian army had formed a junction with the Austrians & Russians, and had nearly surrounded Bonaparte and his troops. The particulars of the hand bill are not mentioned.
Com. Ad.
[The letter to which the above article alludes, was written on the morning of Friday, December 20, and bears the Boston post mark of that day. It was received here on Wednesday. Had a circumstance of such highly political magnitude as the junction of Prussia with the armies of Austria and Russia, and the perilous situation into which that junction had placed the emperor Napoleon, been known in Boston on Friday, it could not, we presume, have escaped the vigilance of the editor of the Centinel, whose paper of Saturday is now before us, and is totally silent on the subject. We believe the report to be at least premature.]
Mer. Adv.
Philadelphia, Dec. 27.
A splendid dinner, attended by upwards of one hundred gentlemen, was yesterday given to General Moreau, in Mr. Vogdes spacious ball room. We shall give the particulars in our next.
For the following interesting extract we are indebted to the politeness of a respectable commercial friend:—
LONDON, Oct. 1803.
"I have regularly attended the court of admiralty during its late short and important sitting; and with all due deference to the other parts of British jurisprudence, I cannot hesitate to pronounce it as arbitrary a tribunal as any on the earth, and most evidently a political one. Sir Wm. Scott is certainly a man of great penetration and wonderful plausibility. He roundly asserted, that Neutrals had NO rights, and that they were not entitled to any trade growing out of the circumstances of the war; that such commerce as they carried on during a profound peace they had a right to continue, but that every thing beyond that was indulgence. This is taking it upon a very wide principle indeed, and however they may relax occasionally in the practice, I am confident they will not give up the doctrine; and I have reason to think Mr. Monroe is of the same opinion. To be sure, Sir Wm. Scott, during the last sitting, did seem to lean towards the claimants, yet studiously avoided laying down any fixed rule, which could serve as a guide for future operations to evade or avoid the fiery ordeal of his investigations—They still detain American vessels, and I fear this vexatious interruption will continue; the more so, as I apprehend the East India company find that the Americans interfere very much with them in the north of Europe, and we cannot doubt but the government of this country will go a great way to further the interests of that company—added
to which, it is here evident, that America (as a power) has lost ground in the opinion of other nations, within the last 10 years."
BOLTING CLOTHS.
RECEIVED a general assortment of warranted Bolting Cloths of Oliver Evans of Philadelphia and have constantly for sale at my store in Bridge Street, George Town Columbia.
WM. MORGAN. 18 month 1, 1806—23w5w
FOR SALE.
IN the county of Albemarle Virginia, 971 acres of land lying on both sides of Hard-ware river, generally adapted to small grain corn and tobacco with a great abundance of meadow land. About four hundred acres are cleared most of which are low grounds; and it is perhaps capable of the highest improvement of any land in this part of the world by having an inexhaustible source of rich mud or soil that has been accumulating for ages. The situation is fine, healthy, convenient to two tobacco warehouses, the court house and several merchant mills and in a very respectable neighborhood. Hard-ware river is capable of being made navigable into James river from five or six miles above this tract for which there is an act of assembly. There is on the land a large two story dwelling house, almost new and other convenient houses—at about half a mile from which there is also an old dwelling house, kitchen and store house, that may be made with some repairs capable of accommodating a genteel family. There is also on the premises between 90 and 100 000 brick well burnt which will be disposed of on reasonable terms. The payments required will be one third cash and the remainder at two equal annual instalments to any person willing to purchase or view the said land will apply to the subscriber living on the premises. CH. RLE. WINFIELD. January 1—6w
NOTICE.
A Quarterly Meeting of the Washington Hybernian Society, will be held at the Masonic Hall, at 5 o'clock this evening—the punctual attendance of the members is requested. January 1—1t
District of Columbia, county of Washington, ss.
ON the petition of James Thecker an insolvent debtor, confined in the prison of Washington county for debt, notice is hereby given to the creditors of the said James Thecker that on the sixth day of January next at 9 o'clock A. M. at the court room in the capitol the oath prescribed by the act of Congress for the relief of insolvent debtors within the district of Columbia, will be administered to the said James Thecker and a trustee appointed unless sufficient cause then and there be shown to the contrary. It is ordered that this notice be published twice in the National Intelligencer prior to that day. By order of the hon. Wm. Cranch, esq. an assistant judge of the circuit court of the district aforesaid. WM. BRENT, Ck. January 1—2t
NOTICE.
THE Commissioners appointed by virtue of a commission of Bankruptcy issued and awarded on the 10th April 1802 against Washington Bowie, will meet at the Union Tavern on Saturday the 11th day of February next at 10 o'clock A. M. for the purpose of receiving proofs of such claims against the estate of the said Bowie as have not yet been exhibited and proven. They will then also declare a dividend of the assets in hand, from the benefit of which such creditors as shall not then have proved their claims will be excluded. The dividend will be paid on application to the subscriber. WALTER SMITH, surviving assignee of Washington Bowie. George Town, January 1—1t
PHILADELPHIA IRON FOUNDRY.
THE subscriber has taken the Philadelphia Iron Foundry, situate in South work between Frost and Second and Queen and Christian streets, for the convenience of executing his own callings for his steam engines, &c. But proposes to execute any orders that he may be favored with in that line; either for engines, mill-works, sugar-rollers, Rolling Sitting Mills Forge Work Cranks, Gudgeons, Cogwheels, Ket-tles, Pans, &c in short all casting of iron, either in sand or loam—He wishes to draw the situation of millers to their own interest, by adopting for all the running gears, of a mill, cast iron cog wheels, of iron and bevel gear; they will come cheaper in the first instance and last for ages. He means to have made by an experienced workman, a set of the most perfect moulds from which all the necessary movements for voting reel and the machinery for merchant flour mills may be produced. He will undertake to do it in the arrangement of the suitable sizes of wheels to produce the proper motions, upon being informed of the number of revolutions per minute, and number of cogs in the wheel, by which the machinery is to be put in motion. He makes Steam Engines on his new and simple principles, for any purpose for which they may be wanted; their cost will be about half that of the old construction and consume less fuel. He keeps for sale as usual, Stone Coals, Burr Mill-stones, and bolting cloths of the best quality. Application to be made either at the Furnace or his Counting house, near the corner of Ninth and Market-streets. OLIVER EVANS. Jan. 1. 24w5w
NOTICE TO CREDITORS.
THE creditors of the late John Fownes are requested to attend at Rhode's house in the city of Washington, on the 24th Monday of January next, between the hours of 11 o'clock A. M. and 2 o'clock P. M. when a dividend of the assets in hand will be made, under the direction of the Orphan's court. SARAH FOWNES, executrix. Washington city, Dec. 25—14w17Jan
POSTSCRIPT.
Philadelphia, Dec. 30. Yesterday arrived the ship Lovely Matilda, captain O'Conner, from Tonnigen, which he left the 12th of Nov. and by whom we are favored with a file of German papers to the 5th of November, from which the following extracts are made.
MUNICH, Oct. 24.
According to general orders, the passage of the Inn must be forced in four days time. All the troops are this day in motion.
ULM, Oct. 25.
Near Leutkirch several thousand Imperial Austrian troops of the division of Gen. Wolskechi were taken prisoners by the French Gen. Vandamme.
FROM BAVARIA, Oct. 25.
An action took place between the Russian and Bavarian troops in the neighborhood of Oessag.
The advanced posts of the army of marshal Bernadotte are already on the Salza. Numbers of troops advance against the Electorate of Salzburg—The plan of the French seems to be, to conquer this country, so as to get in the back of Tyrol, to open through Corinthia a communication with the army of Gen. Massena, and if possible to turn the Archduke Charles.
VIENNA, Oct. 26.
Gen. Mack, who was taken prisoner of war, by the French is arrived here, and as it is said with proposals for peace. But on our part, there seems to be but little inclination to quit the field of battle unless the proposed peace be very honorable for Austria.
AUGSBURGH, Oct. 27.
The day before yesterday a severe cannonade was heard here on the side of the Tyrolese; the French therefore without doubt have attacked the passes through the mountains. An action has taken place on the Inn.
RATISBON, Oct. 28.
The Russians have retreated to Wels and there wait for reinforcements.
A division of the army of gen. Bernadotte is already marched into Salzburg. Passau is said to be taken by the Austrians. Straubingen and Vistrufen are in the hands of the French.
ELIAS B. CALDWELL, ATTORNEY AT LAW,
HAS removed his Office, to the house lately occupied by Mr. LAW, on Capitol Hill. Washington, July 26—4t
Advertisement.
THIS is to give notice that the subscriber hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington county in the district of Columbia, Letters testamentary on the personal estate of Stanley Byss, late of Washington county aforesaid deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof to the subscriber, at or before the 11th day of June 1806, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. All persons indebted to the said estate are required to make immediate payment to T. H. GILLISS, executor. Washington City Dec. 11 w2m
NEW INVENTIONS.
JUST Published, and for sale by the Author, corner of Market and Ninth streets, Also by Jas. Crukshank, John Conrad and Co. and P. Byrne, booksellers, Philadelphia, a new scientific work on the principle and power of steam, entitled,
The Abortion of the Young Steam Engineer's Guide; (Price, for the first year, neatly bound and lettered, One Dollar and a quarter.) In Boards One Dollar.
CONTAINING,
An investigation of the principles, construction and powers of different Steam Engines. 1. A drawing and description of a steam engine on new principles and of a new construction, already in useful operation. It is much more powerful, more simple, and less expensive, requiring much less fuel, than engines on the old construction; and is applicable to every purpose for which power may be wanted, from that of a man to one hundred horses. 11. Drawings and descriptions of four other patented inventions of useful machines, viz. 1. For breaking and grinding pease and other hard substances. 2. For packing flour. 3. For casting straw. 4. For removing earth to make turnpike roads, leveling land, &c. 111. A description of a machine and its principles, for cooling water and making ice, in large or small quantities, to supply cities or private families, in hot countries.
By OLIVER EVANS, Of Philadelphia, author of the Millwright and Millers Guide.
The author conceives that he has laid down a new and true theory, and developed principles of nature that may lead to highly important discoveries and improvements; to the saving of many thousand dollars to those who use steam engines, to great improvements in distillation; to the navigation of the Mississippi, etc. against the current.
The author constructs steam engines, on his new principles, fit for any purpose for which they may be wanted. Dec. 27.
The Washington Building Company
having determined to suspend payment on their shares after FIFTY DOLLARS shall have been paid on each share.
Resolved, By the Building Committee That one certificate be issued by the Secretary in favor of each share upon which there shall have been paid the full sum of fifty dollars, together with all stock, fines, and monthly payments accruing thereon, which certificate shall specify that all dues and demands on the said share have been paid.
All persons concerned as aforesaid, are notified that unless they comply with the said payments on or before the first day of February 1806, they will at that time, forfeit their shares agreeable to the articles of the company. JOHN DOUGLAS, Chairman pro tem. Dec. 2—w1f2

NOTICE It is hereby given that a joint committee of the City Council, will meet on the 1st Monday in January next, at 10 o'clock A. M. to hear complaints of those persons who conceive themselves aggrieved by the assessment of 1803. By order of the Council of Washington. WASHINGTON BOYD, Treasurer of Washington city. Dec. 20—tJan. 6
PROPOSALS. For carrying mails of the United States on the following post roads will be received at the General Post Office until the 8th day of February next, inclusive. 1st. From Washington city by Upper Marlboro and Queen Anne to Annapolis twice a week. Leave Washington every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 A. M. arrive at Upper Marlboro by 10 A. M. and at Annapolis same day by 6 P. M. Returning—Leave Annapolis every Monday and Thursday at 5 A. M. and arrive at Washington the same day by 6 P. M. 2nd. From Annapolis by Rock Hall to Chestertown once a week. Leave Annapolis every Wednesday at 6 A. M. and arrive at Chestertown by 6 P. M. Returning—Leave Chestertown every Tuesday at 6 A. M. and arrive at Annapolis by 6 P. M. 3rd. From Chestertown by Church Hill and Centreville to Easton twice a week. Leave Chestertown every Wednesday and Saturday at 4 A. M. and arrive at Easton by 6 P. M. Returning—Leave Easton every Tuesday and Friday at 6 A. M. and arrive at Chestertown by 6 P. M. 4th. From Chestertown by Georgetown & Roads, Sassafras, Warwick, Middletown and Christians to Wilmington 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. 5th. From Camden by Stateburg, Jamesville, Nelsons Ferry and Monks Corner to Charleston twice a week. Leave Camden every Thursday and Sunday at 4 A. M. and arrive at Charleston on Saturday and Tuesday by 10 A. M. Leave Charleston every Saturday and Tuesday at 2 P. M. and arrive at Camden on Monday and Thursday by 8 P. M. 6th. From Nashville T. by Franklin, Occoquan, Manassas, Grindstone Ford, Port Gibson, Gainesville, Huntley, Washington and Natchez to Fort Adams once a week. Leave Nashville every Friday at 4 A. M. and arrive at Natchez on Sunday by 2 P. M. in 91-2 days, and at Fort Adams on Monday by 10 A. M. Returning—Leave Fort Adams every Monday at 2 P. M. and arrive at Nashville T. in 10-12 days on Thursday by 9 P. M.
The contracts for the first five routes are to be in operation on the 1st day of April next and to continue in force for one year and the contract for the route number 6 is to commence at the same time and to continue in force for six months until the 30th of September next. On the customary conditions and penalties for forfeitures and delays. GIDEON GRANGER, Post-master-general. General Post Office. Dec. 30, 1803—tawtFio5
WAR OFFICE, Dec. 27, 1803. As during the fellive season the Indians who have recently arrived from the waters of the Missouri may be tempted by the accustomed hospitality of the citizens of Washington and George Town, to drink to excess, and as they are apt to be troublesome when intoxicated, it is requested that the citizens will give them neither wine or strong drink, and that the tavern keepers and retailers will not sell it to them. A competency being furnished for their use by the government at the Indian house. By order of the Secretary of War, H. ROGERS.
Prince George County. Pursuant to a decree from the court of chancery, I shall offer for SALE, at PUBLIC AUCTION, in the town of Piscataway, on Monday, the 3rd of February next, ALL the real estate, not heretofore sold, of Thomas Clagett, esq. late of Prince George's county, deceased, to wit: That handsome well improved lot, in the town of Piscataway, 850 acres of rich fertile land part of several different tracts, commodiously adjoining each other, on Piscataway branch, near the tobacco warehouses, and on the navigation of Potomac river, well wooded, and a great proportion of rich meadow; it will be sold in one body, or in lots, as may best suit those who wish to purchase. The terms of sale are, that the purchaser or purchasers of the whole, or of any part, shall give bond, with approved security, to the trustee for the payment of the purchase money, with the interest thereon from the day of sale, in four equal annual installments. On the chancellor's ratifying the sales, and on the payment of the purchase money and interest, and not before, a good deed to be given by the trustee to the purchaser or purchasers, and his, her or their heirs, for the land to him, her, or them sold, free, clear, and discharged from all claims of the heirs of the said Thomas Clagett. THOMAS DUCKETT, Trustee. Dec. 23—cp
STELLE'S HOTEL & CITY TAVERN. The subscriber takes this method of thanking his friends and the public for their favors whilst on the Capitol Square and begs leave to acquaint them that he has taken the Spacious Hotel lately erected by Mr. Carroll, near the Capitol. The hotel being above one hundred feet in front, and containing fifty rooms enables the subscriber to offer every accommodation to members of Congress and travellers which can be expected in a public house. PONTIUS D. STELLE. Washington City, March 25—tf N. B.—P. D. S. will rent the house lately occupied by him on the adjoining square.
New DRY GOOD STORE. BENJ. & HORATIO JONES, HAVE just received at their Store in High street, next door to Mr. John Cox's, a handsome assortment of Fall and Winter Goods, which being laid on the best terms, they will dispose of them unreasonably low, for all. George Town, Nov. 13—6w
CHARLES H. VARDEN, MERCHANT TAYLOR, NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NEAR THE CAPITOL Respectfully informs the gentlemen of the District of Columbia that in addition to his former stock he has received by late arrivals at Philadelphia from London a choice assortment of superfine cloths, single and double milled cashmeres, Bennetts patent cord, woolverteen and waistcoating, fancy and black silk molekins, all of superior quality and newest fashion, plain and stripe black velvets, constitution cord, knap coatings, plushing flannels, &c. &c. with a variety of other articles in his line, and he pledges himself, to those gentlemen who shall favor him with their orders to complete them in the newest style of fashion. N. B. Ladies habits, regimentals, navy uniforms, made in the most fashionable manner. Washington Dec. 18—t
KING'S HOTEL. The subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public generally that he has moved from the Navy Yard to the Capitol Hill, in the hotel lately occupied by Mr. P. D. Stelle, where he hopes to be favoured with a part of their patronage. It being a desirable situation, and the conveniences of the hotel excelled by none in the city. He therefore hopes to please those that call upon him in every instance. WILLIAM R. KING. August 30—tf
Twenty Dollars Reward. AARON, a mulatto man about 43 years old, left the city of Washington early in October, and was seen on the road leading from Alexandria to Leesburg in company with a black woman, who I am informed is the property of some person in the vicinity of this place. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, has a straight nose, very bald, in one of his eye brows (I think it is the left) near his nose, there is an indented scar occasioned by a stroke he received, which fractured the bone in that place, and whenever he has it in his power never fails to drink to excess. It is probable that he has gone to Jefferson or Berkeley county in Virginia, where he formerly resided, and from thence will endeavor to go to Kentucky. The above reward will be paid to any person who will have him committed to jail, and give information thereof to the subscriber in George Town, district of Columbia. EDWARD GANTT. Nov. 11—tf
NOTICE. By virtue of a decree of the high court of chancery of the state of Maryland will be sold at 12 o'clock on Friday the 17th day of January next at public auction on the premises. Two tracts or parcels of Land in Montgomery county called Magruders purchase and addition to returnery on Magruders purchase, but lately distinguished by the name of "Fruit Hills," containing by estimation two hundred and ninety five and one half acres. On the premises are tolerable buildings and an excellent orchard. The whole situated about five or six miles from the city of Washington and George Town, and has great facilities of communication in all directions. The terms of sale are that the purchaser shall at his or her election either pay the purchase money on day of sale or on the day of the ratification of the sale by the chancel or which will not be less than five weeks nor more than six weeks from the day of sale, and will be notified in the newspaper where the sale is advertised. NICH. BREWER, Trustee. Nov. 29—t
Twenty Dollars Reward. WILL be given for apprehending negro TAMM a very low and tolerable luttly woman about 38 years of age, but from appearance older, very black and much marked with the small pox which occasioned a small ocellus in one of her eyes, has lost one of her foreteeth, she is very artful and cunning, having procured a free pass, and passes by the name of Charity Shorter; she was formerly the property of John Chittens of this county, and was run away for near eight year, was apprehended and sold to me in 1803 and was hired by me to a certain Thomas King of Prince George's county, from whom she absconded in Oct. 1804 and has been lurking, I do suppose near where she was hired or gone to Calvert county where I have understood her husband has gone. The above reward will be given to any person who will lodge her in jail so that I get her again, or deliver her to Mr. Samuel Speake city of Washington, or to the subscriber living in Charles county Maryland, near Port Tobacco. P. S. I forewarn any person from harboring or employing said woman, at their peril. MASEY SIMMS. Nov. 27—tf
SUBSCRIBERS To the Debates of the Virginia Convention on the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, are respectfully notified that their copies are ready for delivery at Rapine, Conrad and Co's. book-store, where they will please to send for them. At the same place is also for sale, Debates of the Virginia Convention, British Spy, Letters of Cincinnatus, Einn's treatise on farming, second edition improved, Erkine's celebrated defence of Stockdale, Every man his own doctor, Hay's essay on the liberty of the press. And an excellent assortment of books on every branch of science and literature. Dec. 23—4t
On a liberal credit. THE subscriber will dispose of at private sale, his estate called Chichester, lying on the eastern branch, immediately opposite the city of Washington. This tract of land containing 697 acres is laid off in lots from 83 to 144 acres for the convenience of purchasers. Plats of the estate and the terms of sale are in the hands of colonel Mason on the navy yard, and Charles Wayman of George Town. The lots will be shown by Mr. Weddon, living on the premises, near the Eastern Branch bridge. ANTHONY ADDISON. Barnaby, 14th June 1805—tf
LUMBER Wanted Immediately. PROPOSALS sealed up, post paid & addressed to Robert Underwood, of this city, will be received until the fourth Monday in the present month, fixing precisely the lowest terms on which the proposer is willing to contract for supplying the following described lumber, to be delivered at the Tiber creek in this city, and which is designed for improving the navigation of said creek, so as to admit vessels of One Hundred Tons and upwards to pass up at least 3000 feet from its junction with the Potomac, viz 4 or 500 Red Cedar or White Oak posts, from 15 to 18 feet long, capable of squaring 7 inches at the but end, and to designate the price of each kind of timber. Four hundred White Oak Poles, 20 feet long, to square 3 1-2 or 4 inches at the top end. Thirty thousand feet of 2 inch pitch pine plank, from 10 to 12 feet long. Washington city, Dec. 16—tf
The subscriber will fulfil his present engagements, but declines undertaking any new business in the territory of Columbia. His office is removed to the house lately occupied by Charles Wayman, where Mr. Francis S. Key will attend and conduct as an attorney at Law any professional business of his. PHILIP B. KEY. George Town, December 23—2w
The Partnership of JOHN CROW & THO. C. WRIGHT. Having under the firm of Crow and Wright is this day dissolved by mutual consent—those indebted to the said firm are requested to make immediate payment to Thomas C. Wright, and all persons having any claim thereon, are requested to find them in without delay, as the books will be closed and put into the hands of Thomas Berry for collection and suit after the 25th of December. JOHN CROW, THO. C. WRIGHT. George Town, Nov. 30
The business will be conducted in future at the same store by THO. C. WRIGHT, for cash. December 9—tm
Notice is hereby given, that the subscriber is authorised by the administrator to collect all debts due to the estate of John Dunlap late of George Town deceased. All persons indebted are therefore desired to call and settle their accounts, as otherwise suits will be commenced immediately. JOHN MURDOCH. George Town Dec. 12—tf
Adam King, and Co. Have this day received, and are now opening a very handsome assortment of FALL Goods with which they can afford to accommodate their customers on better terms than they are usually bought, and which having arrived so late in the season induces them to sell by the piece or by the gross at the most reduced prices for cash. Tobacco—they have also added to their former stock of old wines and liquors, a complete assortment of groceries, and expect in a few days a large supply of fresh fruits—they have likewise on hand a large and general assortment of hard ware and cutlery. Geo. Town, Dec. 2—tf
CONFORMABLY to an order issued from the hon. court of Calvert County at September term last, the subscribers will offer at public auction on Tuesday the 4th day of February next, if fair, if not the first fair day thereafter, at the late residence of Nathan Smith deceased, at the hour of 12 o'clock.
FALL & WINTER GOODS. JOHN COX. HAS this day received a large addition to his former supply of FALL and WINTER GOODS, which makes his assortment very complete. Most of his goods were bought on such terms as to enable him to offer them by piece or retail Lower than the regular importers can afford to sell at. George town, Oct. 18—Nt&UGentf
WANTED, A WOMAN that understands plain cooking and house work; likewise a GIRL of about 14 years of age to take care of children—none need apply but those who can bring unexceptionable recommendations. Enquire at the and house from the west end of the Six Buildings and at this office. Nov. 27—tf
Rapine, Conrad, and Co. IN NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NEAR THE CAPITOL; HAVE just opened for sale a valuable collection of new and rare books, amongst which are, Godwin's Life of Chaucer, 4 vols. Rankin's History of France, 3 vols. Adolphus do. do. 2 vols. Williams abridgement of cases argued and determined in the Courts of Law during the reign of George the Third, 5 vols. Murray's Elements of Chemistry, 2 vols. Johnson's history of the progress and present state of animal chemistry, 3 vols. Fellowes's memoirs of the life and doctrine of Christ, 3 vols. Morrice's practical treatise on brewing. Debates of the Virginia Convention on the adoption of Federal constitution. Pinkereton's Modern Geography, 2 vols. with a quarto Atlas containing 63 Maps, executed in a superior style. Harris minor Encyclopaedia, 4 vols. The works of Frederic Second, King of Prussia, 13 vols. The naval chronicle of Great Britain, 11 vols. Johnson's works, 12 vols. Geffard's Memoirs, 10 vols. Bisset's Spectator, 8 vols. Trial of the judges in Pennsylvania; Do. of judge Chase; Debates on the repeal of the judiciary, complete.
R. C. & Co. Have also just opened the most complete assortment of books for Youth and Children ever offered for sale in this part of the country. December 13
ELIAS A. RAGGS, Has imported by the ships Wm. Murdoch and Enterprise from London, and the United States Newton, and Abacona from Liverpool, Eighty-nine PACKAGES of Seasonable Goods, which he bought of the manufacturers principally for cash, will be sold much lower by the piece or retail, than any not imported direct to this place, for cash or in exchange for tobacco. Among them are, 9 Bales superfine, and second clothes and coatings, 29 do plains kerseys, cottons and blankets 10 do flannels, carpets and hangings, 10 trunks, Elizzees, calicoes and hosiery, 5 do. cambric mullins and umbrellas, 8 ea's London hats, 3 do. ladies hawkersbury bonnets, 1 trunk lace frades, black laces and veils, 1 case damask and diaper table cloths and ticking, 6 cases knives and forks, buttons, faddlery, seam twine, &c. 3 cases stirring cambrics, dimities and cotton counterpanes.
Also, Silk hosiery, Chambray mullins, Irish linens, Gloves, hatters trimmings, Silk shawls, furniture trimmings, and many other articles. George Town, Oct. 30—tawtJa
CENTREVILLE ACADEMY. ON the second day of January next an academy will be opened in this place for the reception of students under the direction of the Rev. Mr. SNYDER, assisted by one or more Ushers. This Gentleman has conducted different Academies for the space of several years past, with great credit; his department is consonant to his station, and to the accomplishments of the scholar he adds the happy facility of excelling in his pupils the symptoms of literary genius, and to cultivate their mental improvements. In this institution will be taught the Latin and Greek Languages; the English Language grammatically; Geography, History, Elocution; the various branches of the Mathematics; Writing; Arithmetic and Book Keeping. There are few places in our country more advantageously situated for an institution of this nature, than this. Its situation is very elevated and the air salubrious; and in the centre of a remarkably healthy neighborhood; the necessaries of life are cheap and may easily be procured. The kindest attention will be paid to the morals of the students both in and out of school. The terms of tuition will be; for the Latin and Greek Languages, including Geography &c 25 DOLLARS; for the Mathematics 20 DOLLARS; for Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, 14 DOLLARS per annum, paid quarterly in advance. A small contribution will be required from each pupil for the purchase of firewood. Centreville, Dec. 18—cp
WASHINGTON CITY. BOARDING HOUSE. Mrs. THOMPSON, Respectfully informs the Members of Congress and others, that having taken Two of the Six Buildings, she is prepared for genteel accommodation a number of Ladies and Gentlemen, as transient boarders or by the year. Those who honor her with their custom, will find it an eligible spot, situated half way between the President's house and George Town; dry, healthy, and convenient to the Public Offices. She has apartments for servants, excellent stables and coach houses, and will spare no pains to give general satisfaction. November 25—
Fall and Winter Goods. THOMAS B. PRATT, SEVEN BUILDINGS, has an extensive assortment of dry goods amongst which are, superfine and second Goods and ribbons. Cottons, Laces, white and black, Kerseymere & crepines, Veils and head handkerchiefs, Fennels, blankets, silk, kerchiefs, Cotton & worked hose, Sissors and penknives, Gloves of a variety, Razors & razor straps, Cords and velvets, Ladies bonnets, Pennants cord, Glass ware, Swandowns, Darning cotton, Mole skins, Looking glasses, Silk waistcoating, and Ladies fur flosses and Irish linens, German do. others, Sheetings, table cloth, Coffee mills, Calicoes & chintzes, Cloth & tooth brushes, Dimities, linen & cotton printing cards, cambrics, Bassanoes, silk and Long Lawn, cotton handkerchiefs, Silk shawls, cotton, do Segars, Silk purses, silk cord, London hats, Ladies silk pincers, Sugars, Elegant fans, Claret, &c. &c. ALL of which T. W. Pratt will sell on very reasonable terms, and chiefly broad cloths, which he can sell unconventionally low by wholesale or retail.
FOR RENT. A moderate nearly finished brick house near the War Office—Apply as above. Washington, Dec. 6—2aw3w
25 DOLLARS REWARD, Will be given for apprehending a negro man named LEM—he is 37 or 40 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high or thereabout, and of a very dark complexion, with short wool and cross eyes; he is also pockmarked and flammers very much; he formerly belonged to major Chew, living at the head of Herring Bay, who disposed of him to Mr. Wm. Campbell near Fredericktown Maryland; Dr. Manuel Kent who lives at Lower Marlboro, purchased him of Mr. Campbell and sold him to the subscriber. LEM was taken, during the months of April and May last, near Lower Marlboro and it is presumed that he is now near one of the abovementioned places. I will give FIFTEEN DOLLARS on his being secured in jail and information given to me, so that I may get him immediately, or the above reward if he be delivered to me at the Navy Yard in the city of Washington. NICHOLAS VOSS. Nov. 22—2awtf
Thirty Dollars Reward, FOR apprehending and securing in jail negro JACOB who is a low well made fellow, about 25 years of age, complexion rather black, tho' not deep, has a pleasant countenance; is stout made about the shoulders and breadth with small legs, has a stoopage in his speech and cannot make a quick reply, when spoken to without shutting his eyes or being in motion, which is very observable, his clothing was blue negro cotton jacket and overalls, ozanburg shirt, and wool hat, though they are subject to change, he was late the property of Richard H. Beall of Fauquier county, Virginia, and eloped about the 6th of November last. The constables and others of the city of Washington, George Town, Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Norfolk are requested to look out for the said runaway slave, as the above reward will be immediately paid them on the terms specified by JOH KEDOLIE. City of Washington, Dec. 16—2awtf
Public Sale. By virtue of a decree of the circuit court of the district of Columbia for the county of Washington in the suit of Robert S. Bickley, against Thomas Peter, Thomas Munroe, Robert Brent, Benjamin Stoddert, Elias B. Caldwell, Wm. Thornton, John Stickney, Adam Lindley, Edward Prithy, James Dougherty, Francis Lowndes, Samuel Blodgett, Thos. McKewen, Wm. Davidson and Wm. Smith defendants in chancery—Will be sold on Thursday the 22 day of January next ensuing, at Stelle's Hotel, to the highest bidder, at public auction, on a credit of 6 and 9 months by equal installments, the purchasers giving their notes with approved endorsements negotiable in the Bank of Columbia or the Branch Bank of the United States in the city of Washington,—ALL that property situate in the said city as below described, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to raise a sum to satisfy the complainant's debt and costs, and the expenses attending the execution of this decree, to wit:—Square numbered 195, sq. 277, iq. 334 sq. west of iq. 309, sq. east of iq. 475 Lots numbered 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, in iq. 159 Lots numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, in iq. 182. Lots numbered 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, in iq. 212. Lot numbered 10 in iq. 84, Lots numbered 7, 8, 9 in iq. 225. Lots numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, 14, 18, in iq. 200. Lot numbered 21, in iq. 254 Lots numbered 4, and 20, in iq. 4. Lot numbered 21, in iq. 16. Lot numbered 5, in iq. 12. Square 193. Also iq. numbered 156, 157, 180, 208, 210, 239, 241, 279, 308, 310, 336, 337, 338, 363, 365, 366, 395, 396, 397, 417, 442, 445, 475, 478, 508, 509, 519. Sq north of iq. 242. Sq North of iq. 523. Sq north of iq. 396, and square north of iq. 508—and also the following lots to wit: Numbered 8, in iq. 161. Lots numbered 1, 12, 13, & 14, in iq. 361. Lots numbered 1, 2, 3, & 10, in iq. 393. Lots numbered 1, 2, & 3, in iq. 410. Also, several certain ground rents referred by said Blodgett, amounting in the whole to 80 dollars per annum. And also, all that square in the said city of Washington, known and distinguished in the plan of the said city by sq. No. 628 except that part of the said sq. alleged to be sold and conveyed by the said Samuel Blodgett, and Benjamin Stoddert to Adam Lindley, one of the defendants herein named. On Lot No. 9, in iq. 225 are erected the wall of two large two story houses, and a sq. No. 200 are also two houses, one of wood and the other of brick. Plots of the different squares and lots, containing the number of iq. feet, and showing the lots on which buildings are placed will be exhibited on the day of sale. The sale will commence precisely at 10 o'clock, A. M. and if a sufficiency of property to satisfy the debt, &c. shall not be sold on that day, it will be continued to the next, and the day after if necessary. DANIEL C. BRENT, Trustee. Dec. 4—2awtf