Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1801-01-02 00:00:00

CONDITIONS OF PUBLICATION of the
Alexandria Advertiser AND Commercial Intelligencer.
I. It will be published on a half sheet of super-royal paper of good quality, and with an elegant type, of which this paper contains a specimen.
II. It will be published every day at 3 o'clock, and delivered to subscribers in town with the utmost regularity and expedition, and transmitted to those at a distance through the most early and regular channels of conveyance.
III. The price will be Five Dollars per annum, to be paid one half on receipt of the first number, the remainder at the end of the year.
FOR THE ALEXANDRIA ADVERTISER.
The Presidential Knot.
No.—I.
Information has been received from all the states concerning the election of President and Vice President, and it is considered certain that Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr have an equal number of votes, each seventy three votes. On the second Wednesday in February, the House of Representatives, voting by states, are to give their votes by ballot, before they adjourn, for the one or the other of these gentlemen; and a majority of the states, which cannot be less than nine states, must concur in the choice of one or the other, or neither will be elected. It is extremely to be desired that a majority of the states may be found in favor of one of the candidates; but upon a view of the present representation in that house, serious doubts may be entertained whether either Mr. Jefferson or Mr. Burr will unite nine states in his favor. Such being a possible event, it will be proper for Congress before the second Wednesday in February, to provide by law for the vacancy in the office the President that may be so occasioned, and to declare what officer shall act as President until a President shall be elected in the manner prescribed by the constitution.
Mr. Jefferson coming from a southern state, and being considered unfriendly to the measures of commercial defence which have been adopted, and hostile to the general tenor of the Washington administration, which has been continued by his successor, will not in all probability obtain the vote of either of the six following states, viz.
New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode-Island, Delaware and South-Carolina, each of which will be inclined to prefer Mr. Burr.
The states of Georgia, Tennessee, N. Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New-York, seven in number, may be reckoned certainly in favor of Mr. Jefferson.
New-Jersey is uncertain, but most probably will prefer Mr. Burr, who is said to be a native of that state—Vermont is represented by two members, who almost without an exception are opposite to each other in every vote; consequently being equally divided Vermont will give no vote on the question.
The representatives from the state of Maryland are eight in number, of whom five are federalists. It is therefore probable that this state will either vote for Mr. Burr, or be equally divided, and give no vote.
Thus, of sixteen states, fourteen may be expected to vote, of whom seven are sure on the side of Mr. Jefferson, and six sure on the side of Mr. Burr, and one uncertain; and if this one shall vote for Mr. Jefferson, yet he will not have the
votes of nine states, and without the votes of nine states he cannot be elected President.
The constitution has enjoined that the certificates of the electors shall be opened and their votes counted in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, and "if there be more than one person who have a majority of the votes of the electors appointed, and have an equal number of votes then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose, by ballot, one of them for President." The choice is required to be immediately made in order that the result may be declared in the presence of the Senate, and to prevent the possibility of intrigue and corruption. The choice must be therefore made before the house adjourns or disperses, and after the convention of the Senate and House of Representatives terminates, the house cannot at a future day act upon this subject.
What will be the consequence if no choice is made? Will the government of the United States be stopped in all its operations, or may it be continued until a President shall be elected in pursuance of the constitution?
Some gentlemen, over zealous for the success of Mr. Jefferson, utter threats that unless he is elected the government shall be at an end. Menaces of this kind are always unbecoming and at no time to be regarded, and the writer of these observations, being by no means inclined to give the preference to Mr. Burr, regrets that they were not repressed.
There are two clauses in the constitution which may be supposed worthy of attention in this enquiry.
The last clause of the 8th section of the first article is in the following words—"Congress shall have power to make all laws which shall be necessary for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof."
A clause in the 1st section of the same article is in the following words—"In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-President, and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability of both President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly until the disability be removed or a President shall be elected."
In the interpretation of the words of a statute and more strongly in the interpretation of a written constitution or form of government, that interpretation is never to be made which will frustrate the end of the statute or constitution. If therefore the words of the constitution be susceptible of two constructions, one which in a certain event, reasonable and probable in itself, will put an end to all its operations,
and the other which will continue its existence, the latter must undoubtedly be preferred—such is believed to be the present case.
The second article of the constitution is occupied with regulations and provisions relative to the person who should exercise the supreme executive power. From the nature of the powers vested in the President for a limited time, it is manifest that a President or an officer authorised to perform his functions should always be in existence. By the constitutional tenure of their offices, both the President and Vice-President are to cease their functions at the same time, and both those offices may become vacant every fourth year. If a majority of the electors appointed are not in favor of some one man, the states as represented in the house of representatives, are to choose one out of the five highest on the list, and a majority of the states is necessary to a choice. The variety of considerations likely to operate on the electors, rendered it probable that a majority of them would rarely concur in favor of one man; consequently that it would frequently devolve on the house of representatives to choose the President. But the representation from the several states in that house, was as likely to consist of an even as of an odd number, so that it was probable some states would not vote on the question, their representatives being equally divided, while other states who should vote, would differ in their opinion relative to the candidates—Hence it was reasonable to expect the case would sometimes, if not often happen, when neither the majority of electors nor a majority of the states would give their votes to any one person in exclusion of all others. For such a state of things the constitution ought not to be understood to be unprovided, or it will be understood to be without the means of self preservation. In the clause which was last cited, congress are authorised to provide by law for the case of the removal, death, resignation or inability both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly until the disability be removed or a President be elected. The words here used are comprehensive enough to embrace every vacancy, and if they are construed not to embrace the case of removal by virtue of the constitutional terms of the offices of President and Vice-President, they will not embrace the vacancy most probable to happen, while they embrace the vacancies that are very improbable. That the President and Vice-President should both die, or resign, or be disabled in the course of four years, or be removed by sentence of impeachment, will be a very rare occurrence. HORATIUS.
Boarding and Lodging May be had for five or six gentlemen, by applying to JOHN GORDON, King Street December 16.
WANTED TO HIRE, For the service of the Potomac Company for the ensuing year, to work at the Great-Falls, A number of active, able bodied NEGRO MEN, for whom liberal wages will be given. They will be well fed, clothed and lodged, humanely treated, and in cases of sickness taken good care of at the expence of the Company—Their wages will be paid quarterly, and if desirable to the owners, agents will be appointed at different places to pay at the expiration of each quarter, as may be most convenient to the parties. Further particulars may be had by application to Mr. Alexander Reid, at the Great-Falls, or to the subscriber in George-Town. By order of the President and Directors.
JOSEPH CARLETON, Treasurer of the Potomac Company. George-Town, Dec. 29. 30t
GEO. CLEMENTSON Has this day opened a Store adjoining his dwelling-house, at the corner of Prince and Pitt Streets, where he now has, and intends to keep, A general assortment of GROCERIES, Which he will dispose of on moderate terms, for Cash or Produce.
He has also for Sale, A few DRY GOODS, consisting of brown Hollands, 7-4 white Shirtings, Calicoes, Leather Gloves and Mits, Threads, Writing Paper, Cutlery, Curry-Combs, Halk-Lines, Needles, &c. and 15 kegs Chte Paint ground in Oil. wDecember 22. e 024t
Fresh Raisins. Just received a few boxes of excellent Raisins, and for Sale, by JOHN & J. TUCKER. December 24. eo

Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, December 23.
(Debate concluded.)
Mr. John C. Smith said it had been declared by some gentlemen that the reputation of Washington might be safely confided to the record of history. Was it the opinion of these gentlemen that that record was to be found in the charge of murder against that illustrious character? Was it to be found in the patriotic effusions, of men who had pronounced all expressions of national gratitude a mockery of woe, and had declared that it was high time for those who were the sincere apostles of liberty to be done with such foolery; or was it to be found in the denunciations of a printer, supported by a state that perpetually boasted its regard for republicanism?
Mr. Harper could not but regret that a gentleman, who professed so lively a regret for the venerable lady alluded to, should have exhibited in this discussion so glaring a contrast between his professions and his actions, by introducing that lady into the debate, and indelicately expressing her wishes, in reference to the place where the relics of her deceased partner should be deposited. Was it conceivable that to her the place could be of any importance? Or was it possible that this house could be enslaved by the trifling circumstance of the locus in quo , or that the paltry consideration attending an action of trespass could be gravely introduced into such a debate. All that this venerable lady says amounts to this, that accustomed from the example of her deceased friend to obey the national wishes, she submitted to that disposition of his remains that Congress may make. Shall we then in violation of the plain meaning of her words, enter into whispers of hearsay respecting wishes, which from his knowledge of her good sense, he was persuaded never was uttered.
Mr. Randolph rose to explain. He had neither said, nor intended to say, that he possessed any knowledge beside that which appeared on the journals; and from that knowledge he was justified in saying that Mrs. Washington's compliance, as expressed by her, was not with any public will that might be expressed, but with that will which had been already expressed.
Whatever insinuations the gentleman from South-Carolina may mean to convey, his feelings of respect for every woman were sacred; nor were they limited to that sex alone. He was not disposed on this occasion to take the advice of the gentleman, who judging me by his own heart, said Mr. Randolph, may imagine me capable of disrespect to the sex.
Mr. Harper wished the gentleman would avoid any further interruption, and reserve his remarks until he was done. He did not know, nor was he concerned to enquire into the motives of the gentleman from Virginia. Such enquiry would, of all others, be the least profitable or interesting, either to the house or himself. Neither had he any idea of giving advice which that gentleman would follow. He well knew that it was the most hopeless of all things to give advice to one, whose own sense of propriety did not tell him what was right. Those, who are incapable of receiving lessons from their own minds or feelings, were not likely to receive them from any other quarter.
The feelings ascribed to Mrs. Washington were unfounded. That lady was incapable of entering into trifling disputes about place or time, such as the house had this day witnessed.
The arguments, by which the superiority of a statue to a mausoleum was attempted to be established, were fallacious. The form and features of our illustrious friend would be preserved without the erection of any statue by us. Pictures by celebrated artists were every where multiplied and caught at with avidity; and the sculptor and painter will be employed unceasingly to keep pace with the encreasing demand. Likenesses may be found every where, and as perfect on the other side of the Atlantic, as on this side.
A mausoleum would last for ages; and would present the same imperishable appearance 2,000 years hence, that it would now. Whereas a statue would only remain till some civil convulsion or foreign invasion, or flagitious conqueror, or lawless mob should dash it into atoms; or till some invading barbarian should transport it as a trophy of his guilt to a foreign shore.
I have beheld, said Mr. Harper, a monument erected to a man, once considered as the patron of America, defaced, mutilated, its head broken off, prostrated with the ground.
A statue, erected by the legislature of Virginia to perpetuate the virtues of a man to future ages, had been destroyed.
Besides a statue was minute, trivial, and perishable. It was a monument erected to all the crowd of estimable but subordinate personages, that soar in a reign, elevated indeed above common characters, but which was infinitely below that occupied by Washington.
The greatest honor which this country ever has received, the greatest honor which it ever could receive, was derived from numbering with its sons the immortal Washington.
Shall then a mistaken spirit of economy, and still more mistaken jealousy arrest us. Honor him, it is true, we cannot. The world has charged itself with the task. Posterity as long as the world shall endure will celebrate his virtues and his talents; those virtues and talents, of which every ingredient of their happiness will be a perpetual evidence. But though we cannot honor him we may dishonor ourselves . Though, we cannot increase the lustre of his fame, we may shew our own meanness, cowardice, spite and malice; and shew an astonished world that we are deplorably unworthy of the high honor conferred by nature in giving us a Washington.
I am, said Mr. Harper, awfully impressed by the subject. I sink under the sublimity that surrounds it. No words can reach it; mine are totally inadequate; to the feelings of the house then it must be submitted; they, after anticipating all that genius or eloquence can say, will still far surpass their boldest effusions.
Mr. Randolph was very unfortunately situated, as he was compelled to rise, not in his own defence, but in defence of the calumniated reputation of that state which he revered, since from it he derived his birth.
I will not, said Mr. Randolph, enter into an elucidation of the motives of the gentleman from South-Carolina, which have produced so much asperity, and such a violence of rancor against the state of Virginia, but will confine myself to the question on engrossing the bill.
The gentleman has talked to us about his disregard for the locus in quo . Mr.
Randolph said he cared as little for the quo modo , as the the gentleman did for the locus in quo .
He had further told us that a statue might be overthrown by a licentious mob; and that this had actually been the case in the state of Virginia. But, why had it been so? Because that statue had been erected in the life time of the person it celebrated; because it had been erected under the colonial government; and because like every other fetter of tyranny it was broken by the revolutionary spirit that established our liberties.
But, says the gentleman, statues are raised for subordinate men, for this admiral or that general, who may deserve well of their country; but who do not merit the highest distinctions of national gratitude. If this measure of raising a mausoleum is to be only a cover for obtaining statues for temporary and secondary and trifling characters, it may have a very alarming influence upon us.
It is not easy for a man of even less sensibility than myself, to hear in silence the state in which I was born, and one of whose representatives I am, calumniated in the manner in which it had been that day by the gentlemen from Connecticut and South Carolina. In defence of that state, actuated by a love to it, and not from any respect to its detractors; not to repel any imputation of meanness, of cowardice, of malice, which the gentleman from South Carolina had called ours (meaning, I suppose his own) I will inform him, and the gentleman from Connecticut, that this state was the first to celebrate the fame of the hero of America, by erecting a statue to him in the capitol at Richmond.
The gentleman from Connecticut objects to a confidence in the record of the historian. Does the gentleman wish to suppress the history of the political events of 1776? Or does he believe that these events will be handed down in association with the bloody buoy, and Porcupine's works? Perhaps he has formed from his own mind a proper selection for our children; and is against the press handing down any thing else?
Mr. Harper said, that the gentleman from Virginia had mistated what he had said. He had cast no reflection on the state of Virginia; but had barely stated two instances of statues overthrown and destroyed, to illustrate their frailty.
During the preceding debate Mr. Claiborne stated that the committee to whom this subject had been committed, had obtained several estimates; among which was one in writing by Dr. Thornton, which states with confidence, that the expense of an equestrian statue would not exceed from 8,000 to 15,000 pounds currency.
After some remarks from Mr. Sheppard and Mr. Lyon, the yeas and nays were taken on engrossing the bill, and were as follows: Yeas 44, Nays 40.
YEAS.
Messrs. Baer, Bartlett, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, F. Davenport, Dennis, Dent, Dickson, Edmond, Evans, Foster, Freeman, Glen, Goode, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Griswold, Grove, Harper, Henderson, Hill, Huger, Imlay, Kittera, H. Lee, Morris, Nott, Otis, Pinckney, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, J. C. Smith, Tenney, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, L. Williams, Woods. 44.
NAYS.
Messrs. Alston, Bailey, Bird, Bishop, R. Brown, Christie, Clay, Claiborne, Con-
dit, J. Davenport, Davis, Dawson, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Gray, Gregg, Hanna, Heister, Holmes, Jackson, Kitchell, Lieb, Lyon, Linn, Macon, Muhlenberg, Randolph, Shepard, F. Smilie, Smith, Spaight, Stanford, Sumpter, Taliaferro, Thompson, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Tazewell, Van Cortlandt, Varnum. 40.
The third reading of the bill was fixed for Thursday week, when the house adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, December 31.
The house went into a committee of the whole, Mr. Morris in the chair, on the bill for continuing an act for imposing duties on licenses for selling wines and on foreign distilled spirits, on goods sold at auction and on carriages.
Mr. Randolph moved an amendment limiting the duration of the act to two years. Lost by chairman's vote, ayes 39, Nays 39.
Mr. Bird moved an amendment taking from the state courts all cognizance of suits for recovery of dues, under the idea that all such delegation of judicial power was unconstitutional.
After making a number of remarks to this effect, the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
The house then went into a committee of the whole on the bill in relation to the Territory of Columbia.
Mr. Randolph moved to strike out the first section.
On which motion a debate of considerable interest ensued, in which the obligation to assume, as well as the expediency of assuming, the jurisdiction over the territory by the Federal Government, were discussed with much energy. The speakers in favor of the assumption were Messrs. H Lee, Bird, Craik, Dennis, Harper and C. Goodrich;—those against it were Mr. Randolph and Mr. Nicholas.
On the motion of Mr. Harper, the committee rose and reported progress.
A motion was then made to re-commit the bill to the select committee who introduced it with the addition of two members, and carried.
PAPERS
Relative to the commencement of NEGOTIATIONS OF PEACE WITH FRANCE.
(No. 1.)
TRANSLATION.
No. 8, Hereford-Street, le 6 Fruct. Ann. 8, August 24.
MY LORD,
HOWEVER scrupulous I may have hitherto been to follow in all respects the path traced for my official communications with the ministry of his majesty, yet the secrecy and dispatch requisite for those which form the subject of the enclosed note, appear to me to justify a more direct communication. I flatter myself, therefore, that your excellency will not disapprove of the step I now take of communicating to you, without any intervention, the intentions of the French government respecting the overtures which have been made to it by Baron Th. gut.
"If his majesty should accept the proposition contained in the inclosed note, I beg, my lord, that you would appoint, as soon as possible, the person who shall be employed to treat with me; and who, without doubt, will be guided in this important negotiation by that spirit of conciliation which alone can contribute to the

restoration of peace and good understanding between the two governments.
I have the honor to be, with the most respectful consideration,
My Lord,
Your excellency's most humble, And most obedient servant, Signed,
OTTO.
(No. 2.)
TRANSLATION.
To his excellency lord Grenville, secretary of state for the department of foreign affairs.
His imperial Majesty having communicated to the government of the French republic a note from lord Minto, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of his Majesty the king of Great Britain, at the court of Vienna, from which note it appears that the desire of his Britannic Majesty is to see a termination of the war which divides France and England, the undersigned is speedily authorized to demand from his majesty's ministry further explanations respecting the proposition which had been transmitted by the court of Vienna; and, at the same time, as it appears impossible that at the moment when Austria and England take a common share in the negotiations, France should find herself under a suspension of arms with Austria, and a continuation of hostilities with England, the undersigned is, in like manner, authorized to propose that a general armistice be concluded between the armies and the fleets of the two states, adopting, with respect to the places which are besieged and blockaded, measures analogous to those which have taken place in Germany, relative to Ulm, Philipsburg, and Ingolstadt.
The undersigned has received from his government the powers necessary for negotiating and concluding this general armistice. He begs his excellency lord Grenville to lay this note before his Britannic majesty, and to transmit to him his majesty's answer. Signed, OTTO.
London, the 6th Fruc. Ann. 8, Aug. November 3,
(No. 3.)
Downing-street, August 26, 1800.
SIR,
I am to request that you will endeavor as soon as you can to see M. Otto, and to ask him from me, whether he has an objection to deliver to you, sealed up for me, the papers to which his last communication refers, as his doing so will expedite his receiving the answer to it.
"You will, at the same time, apprise him that you are not informed of the particulars of that communication, or of its tendency; and that you have been charged to make this enquiry, in order to avoid drawing any attention to it.
Signed,
GRENVILLE.
Commissioner George.
(No. 4)
TRANSLATION.
M. Otto's Full Powers.
"Buonaparte, first consul of the French republic, in virtue of the 4th article of the constitution, gives to the citizen Otto, commissary of the government for the exchange of prisoners in England, power to propose, to consent to, and to sign conformably to his instructions, a general armistice between the French republic and
his Majesty the king of Great Britain. Signed,
By the first consul BUONAPARTE, Signed,
The sec'y of state H. B. MARET. Done at Paris, at the palace of government, the 2d Fructidor, year 8 of the republic.
No. 5. contains a letter from lord Grenville to commissioner George, of the transport board desiring he would wait on M. Otto, and enclosing him the heads of a conversation which he wished him to hold with the French commissary.
[To be Continued.]
NEW-YORK, December 27.
Yesterday arrived ship Hero, Canby, 15 days from Havanna. Left about 40 sail of Americans behind, 4 or 5 for New-York, names not recollected. Spoke ship Swift, Rogers, from New-York, for Baltimore, and a schooner from Havanna or Philadelphia.
Prices at Havanna,
Flour, 16 a dolls. per bbl.
Beef, 18 a 20 do. do.
Pork, none at market, and in great want.
PHILADELPHIA, December 29.
ARRIVED,
Sloop James, Nesbitt, Savannah.
CLEARED,
Ship Pomona, Patriarch, Martinique; brigs Maria, Hardie, London; Clarissa, Nichols, Curracoa; schr. Hero, Morse, Havanna; British sloop Canalla, Yates, Grenada.
Among the fleet which went on Sunday last, were the following vessels:
Ships Ulysses, Mugford, for Leghorn; Mohawk, Weatherby, Liverpool; Milouir, Vicary, Canton; Belvidere, Dorson, Batavia; John Bulkley, Wilson, Cowes; Snow George, Waite, Limerick; brigs Lovely Lass, Galloway, Canton; James Stewart, Davis, Leghorn; Exress, Gardner, Antigua; schooner Neptune, Jones, St. Kitts; Little Robert, Dolby, Jamaica.
Ship Hero, Canby, of and for Philadelphia, from Havanna, has put into New-York.
At a late hour last night we received disagreeable information of the capture of the brig Mercury, Yardley, of and for his port, from Rio de la Plata, by the British, who have sent her into Halifax, where her specie, to the amount of 70,000 dollars, has been landed.
Schooner Victory, Story, from hence, has arrived at Cape François.
Brig Doll, Dixon, from Jamaica to New-York, has put into Savanna, in distress, out 32 days.
Brig Joseph Harvey, Paddock, has arrived at Bombay from London.
Remarks from the brig Polly and Mary Ann's Log-Book, from Tobago.
On the 31st Oct. being bound for Tobago, and in sight of the Island, was chased by an armed vessel for four hours, who after firing several shot brought us too, she proved to be the British sloop of war Busy, who sent a boat with an officer on board, who overhaul'd my papers, and then sent them on board the Busy for examination; he then searched the vessel fore and aft, and after treating me with insolence, and taking Robert Russel, a seaman, from me, I was permitted to proceed. By being detained by them two hours, brought on night, which had like to have caused the loss of my vessel and cargo, by getting on a reef, unknown to me, going into Tobago harbor.
On the 6th December, 10 leagues N. N. W. of St. Thomas's, was brought too by the British frigate Diana, capt. Beresford, who sent his boat on board with an officer, who overhauled my papers, searched the vessel fore and aft, gave me a specimen of his politeness, and took from me Martin Quin, my mate; I then hauled down my colors, and told them I gave up the vessel to them, as they had taken the only officer, and I had but two seamen on board, it was impossible for me to reach my destined port; but all to no effect, they made sail from me, and I was obliged to do the best I could.—Spoke no other vessel on my passage, but the Diana, I would say his Majesty's ship Diana, but cannot without putting tyrannical to it.
JOHN VANNEMAN, Master of the brig Polly and Mary Ann, of Philadelphia.
Alexandria Advertiser.
FRIDAY, January 2.
Amount of Flour inspected at this port for the last three months, ending 31st of December—
41491 whole barrels 2013 half do.
D. DOUGLASS, Flour Inspector.
The President has nominated Samuel Dexter, secretary of the treasury in the room of Oliver Wolcott, resigned.
The ship Mercury, having on board a very valuable cargo, from the river La Plata, bound to Philadelphia, is taken by the British and carried into Halifax; sixty thousand dollars in specie were landed from her at Halifax.
FROM THE MUSEUM.
"A few plain questions on an important subject."
Messrs. Editors,
Should the bill lately reported to Congress and published in your paper concerning the District of Columbia be passed what will be the effect?
Will not the jurisdiction of the District be thereby assumed, to all intents and purposes, by Congress: and will not the operation of the first section, which declares that the present laws of Virginia and Maryland shall continue in force, be to adopt those laws, as the laws of Congress, or in other words to re-enact them as effectually as though they had all been copied verbatim in the bill and headed by a preamble declaratory of the intention to take that as a code of laws, whereby to govern the District, and the more especially, as the act of 1790 accepting the cession of the states, declares that "The operation of the state laws within such District shall not be affected by this acceptance until the time fixed for the removal of the government thereto, and until Congress shall otherwise by law provide?
If this be so, under the article of the Constitution relative to this subject, and the laws of the two states making the cession, are not the good people of the District of Columbia thus at a single blow, severed from the Mother States, and made as completely foreign to Maryland and to Virginia, as if the District were to be suddenly transported to the other side of the Ohio River?
If I am right in this apprehension, in
what a strange and deplorable situation are we not placed? Are we not disfranchised to all intents and purposes? Situated in the midst of the free and happy States of the American union, are we not doomed to political slavery?
Will not every man resident within the ten mile square become a nonentity, in all political relation? Can he after the passing of that short but important bill, vote at any election? Participate in the choice of Delegates to the General Assembly of Virginia or Maryland? Can he henceforth vote for any member of Congress, or for the President and Vice-President of the United States? I believe it will be found he cannot. Estranged from Maryland as will be that part of the District on the North side of the Potomac, will this state permit a people removed from her, governed by a different power, to meddle in her affairs and to influence in any degree the elections of Montgomery or Prince George's County! Or will Virginia allow that portion formerly in her county of Fairfax to meddle with their Elections? I think not. It is so contrary to all propriety, and all principles of government, it cannot be expected.
Ought not then, the people inhabiting the District, to assemble in their different towns and neighbourhoods, consider this all important affair maturely; and if they see the consequences I think I do, join in respectfully petitioning Congress to forbear legislating on the subject, until provision be made by some adequate form of government, to preserve unto us those political rights, and privileges, which every true American holds so dear—and of which it cannot be the wish or intention of our brethren of the different States to deprive us.
A CITIZEN OF COLUMBIA.
PORT OF ALEXANDRIA.
ARRIVED,
Sch'r Regulator, Bagley, Philadelphia.
CLEARED,
Ship Arathusa, Bunker, Falmouth. Sch'r Sea Flower, Symonds, New-York.
DANCING.
Mr. J. O. N. G. E. R.,
INFORMS his scholars in particular and the ladies and gentleman of Alexandria generally, that he has removed the place of his tuition from O'Neale and Ward's tavern, to Richard Lewis's house, corner of King and Washington-streets, formerly the Swan tavern, but at present unoccupied and as retired as can be expected.
January 2.
eo3tt
NOTICE.
All persons having claims against the estate of the late THOMAS PORTER, are requested to bring them forward on or before the first of March next, and those indebted to him are respectfully requested to make payment to
SARAH PORTER, Adm'x.
Jan. 1.
(2)eo
FOR SALE,
A LOT of GROUND
On the corner of Queen and Fairfax streets, extending 123 feet 2 inches on Queen street, 45 feet 8 inches on Fairfax street: this property is liable to no incumbrance. For terms apply to Mr. John Green, Alexandria, or Mr. Hezekiah Price, Old-Town, Baltimore.
Liberal credit will be allowed for the payment.
January 2.
eo18t

NOTICE.
Intending shortly to leave this place, it is requested of those to whom I am indebted on Mrs. Washington's or my own account, that they send their bills to Mrs. Washington or me, on or before the first day of January next, when they shall be paid—and those who are indebted to Mrs. Washington, or me, will please to make immediate payment to
JAMES ANDERSON.
Mount-Vernon, Dec. 23. eost
A Housekeeper wanted.
LIBERAL wages will be given to a discreet Woman, capable of managing the affairs of my family as a Housekeeper.—A middle aged woman of a mild disposition and regular deportment will be preferred, as part of her attention will be necessary in superintending a nursery of young children.
CHARLES LEE.
December 13, 1800. eodtf
Shreve and Janney,
Have for sale at their store, on Union, between Prince and Duke-streets.
 Castile soap in boxes  4th proof Barcelona brandy  A few tierces of whiskey  East and West-India sugar, coffee, &c.  Hyson, suchong and bohea tea  A quantity of dipt candles  Writing paper assorted, in bales  Wrapping do.  China, assorted handsomely, in cases  Soal and upper leather  Men's Women's and children's shoes of different qualities  Leading and other lines  A few pieces of handsome furniture. 
All the above articles are of a good quality, and will be sold low for cash or country produce. Dec. 12. eo
For Sale,
A stout likely negro fellow, named DANIEL, belonging to a gentleman in Frederickburg.
He is about 30 years of age, of a regular deportment, and accustomed to the business of gardening, taking care of horses, and the usual occupations of a town servant. For further particulars enquire at the office of the Alexandria Advertiser.
December 30. eo3tt
Notice is hereby given to the Stock-Holders of the Bank of Alexandria, that an Election will be held at the Court House in this town on the third Monday in January next, for the purpose of choosing nine Directors of said Bank, for the ensuing year, agreeably to charter.
GURDEN CHAPIN, Cash'r.
Dec. 16. d4w
Washington Tavern.
Peter Heiskell
Acquaints his former customers and the public in general, that he has removed from Staunton and established an Inn in Alexandria.
He has a few good SADDLE and CHAIR HORSES which he will hire.
Dec. 18. 4weo
The Creditors of the Estate
of the late Col. BURGESS BALL, are requested to forward to Mrs. Ball a statement of their claims; as the Administrators are anxious to provide for the discharge of them as early as possible.
Loudoun, Dec. 1, 1800. (15) 7t
Fresh Raisins and Currants for Sale, by
Robert B. Jamesson,
Who has (as usual) a general assortment of Wines, Spirits & Groceries, viz. Jamaica and W. I. Rum, old Peach, Cogniac and Bourdeaux Brandy, Holland Geneva, Irish and Country Whiskey, a few pipes of old Bill Madeira, four do. London market do. 16 half pipes 7 year old Port, 20 quarter casks Sherry, 5 pipes Teneriffe, 4 pipes Catalonia, and a few qr. casks of Lisbon and Malaga Wines, Powder, loaf and lump Sugars, Molasses, Spanish Honey, Salt Petre, Copperas, Madder, Race and ground Ginger, Pimento, Pepper, Mace, Nutmegs, Cloves, Teas of the latest importations, Fig-Blue, Gunpowder, Patent Shot, Leiper and Hamilton's Snuff in bladders and bottles, Alum, Indigo, Pearl Barley, Starch, London brown Stout and Porter in bottles, Almonds, spinning Cotton, Hunter's Pipes in kegs, Olives, Capers and Anchovies, Chocolate, Rice, Mustard, and Spanish Segars; all of which will be sold low for Cash, Country Produce, or on a time to his punctual customers.
Also, five likely, strong
KENTUCKY HORSES,
On a liberal Credit.
December 20, 1800. d
WILLIAM OXLEY & CO.
King-street,
HAVE FOR SALE,
Superfine, second and coarse broad and narrow cloths, kerseymeres, swansdowns, coatings, swanskins, blankets, flannels, fancy calicoes and chintzes, black bombazets, durants, ruffellets, Irish linens, Barcelona and pullicat handkerchiefs, womens' and mens' cotton and worsted hose, dimities, checks, silks, threads, &c. &c. which will be sold low for cash, or bartered for flour or tobacco. Dec. 10. eotf
An extensive and well chosen Assortment of CALICOES & CHINTSES, With a variety of other articles, this day received, and for Sale, by
JOHN HORSBURGH.
He respectfully informs those of his customers with whom he has running accounts, that he is under the necessity of discontinuing this practice;—therefore in future he will sell for Cash or Produce only.
December 22. d
FOR SALE,
Genuine Madeira Wine in pipes, hhds. and quarter casks, for approved notes, or exchanged for Tobacco or Flour.
I WILL SELL OR RENT
The Store I have occupied for many years past, situated on Prince-Street, opposite Col. Hooe's. No stand in Town more eligible, or better accommodations for carrying on an extensive wholesale, wet or dry good business. The cellar perfectly dry, with a door at each end, will hold one thousand barrels of flour; 2500 barrels may be stowed on the premises without any inconvenience to the occupant.
Those desirous of holding it will apply to me on Merchants' Wharf, where I shall in future do business.
W'm I. HALL.
December 22. d
Sales by Auction.
On SATURDAY,
The 3d of Jan. 1801, at 10 o'clock, will be Sold, at our Auction Room, Whiskey in tierces and bls.
 Rum in barrels  French Brandy in pipes  Malaga Wine in pipes and qr. casks  Brown Sugar in barrels  Loaf do. in lots  Soap in boxes  Nails in casks  Hardware in lots 
Together with
A great variety of Dry Goods:
Among which are
 Carpets and Carpeting  Broadcloths, Stuffs  Plains Irish Linens  Plaids Humhums  Duffils Muslins  Flannels Checks  Swansdown Shawls  Kerseymeres Handkerchiefs  Coating Leather Shoes 
And a number of other articles HENRY & THOS. MOORE, Dec. 26. Auctioneers.
To be Hired on the 1st day of January next, at Dublin in the County of Essex, between 20 and 30 Negroes, consisting of Men, Lads, Boys, Women, and Children. Among them are an excellent Brick-Moulder, and four others who have been employed in the Brick-Making business in Frederickburg and Alexandria.—Mr. Thomas Irwin will have it in his power to hire the Moulder and two others (who are now in Alexandria hired to Mr. George Coryell) privately if any one should apply.
BALDWIN M. LEE.
Westmoreland, December 5. 1odtf
LOST,
A Post-Note of the United States,
Of Three Thousand Dollars;
And having apprized all the Banks in the United States of the marks of the said bill, it can be of no real use to any one but the owner; but as he feels an inconvenience from the want of it, he will pay any person ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS that has been so fortunate as to have found it, and will deliver the same to
JOHN TAYLOR.
Richmond, Dec. 21, 1800. 3t
JUST PUBLISHED,
By Cottom & Stewart,
And for Sale, at their Book-Store, The ALEXANDRIA POLITICAL and COMMERCIAL
POCKET ALMANAC,
For the Year 1801;
Containing a complete Calender; times of holding the Federal Courts of the United States and individual states; rates of Duties, &c. Stamp Duties; standard for receiving and paying Gold; Post Roads; Government of the United States; ministerial and consular Appointments; Officers of the Army; American Navy; Revenues; Civil and Military Officers of the Town of Alexandria; Biographical Sketches, &c.
They have also a few Copies of the new Edition of Henning's Virginia Justice, with a general assortment of articles in their line.
December 22. eod6t
Marine Insurance Company of Alexandria.
THE stockholders in the Marine Insurance Company of Alexandria, are hereby notified, that an election will be held on Thursday the 15th day of January next, at the Court House in the said town, for the purpose of electing fifteen persons, citizens of this commonwealth, as directors of that institution.
J. B. NICKOLS, Sec'ry.
Form of power to vote by Proxy.
I, or we do hereby nominate and empower to attend at the meeting of the subscribers to the Marine Insurance Company of Alexandria, on Thursday the 15th day of January next, then and there, for me and in my name, to vote for 15 directors of said Company.
Given under my hand this
day of
N. B. The above must be subscribed before two witnesses.
December 24. eost
IMPORTED
And for sale by the subscriber at the County-Wharf, a general assortment of Cologne Mill-stones, from Amsterdam, with hand Mill-stones and German steel.
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
Baltimore, December 27. 2aw5tf
To be Sold,
AN excellent Mill-seat with a few acres of land adjoining, situate on the Four Mile Run, in the county of Fairfax, about six miles from Alexandria and five from the Federal City—it has every advantage that can be wished for to render it agreeable, there is 13 feet 5 inches natural fall, with plenty of stone on the spot; also a quarry on each side the run where it is intended the dam shall be, so that one may be made at an easy expense. There is but one other situation for a mill on said run, and that lies only about 150 yards below, consequently must be dependant on the above for its supply of water. I believe there is plenty of water for an over-shot at least ten months in the year. Timber may likewise be had convenient at a reasonable rate. The title is indisputable, and the terms will be made known by applying on the premises, to
WILLIAM CARLIN.
December 31. 1aw3tf
ANTHONY SAWYER,
Hair Dresser and Perfumer, (lately from Baltimore)
Royal street, between King and Prince streets, fourth door south of the Printing Office of the Times,
Begs leave to inform the Ladies of Alexandria, and the country generally, that having received the newest fashion of Ladies' Wigs and Filets, he will be thankful to receive their orders for the above articles, and will warrant them equal to any manufactured on the continent.
N. B. Any Lady wishing to see his Patterns, may be accommodated by sending a servant to his shop.
He has for sale, every article in his Perfumery line, on the most reasonable terms.
Alex. Dec. 8. d
PRINTED BY
S. SNOWDEN & Co.