The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1803-11-16 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,
WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
Vol. IV.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. CCCCLXXIX.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16th, 1803.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
The following IMPORTANT TRACT was on Monday communicated to Congress by the President of the United States.
AN ACCOUNT OF LOUISIANA, Being an abstract of documents, in the Offices of the Departments of State and of the Treasury.
The object of the following pages is to consolidate the information respecting the present state of Louisiana, furnished to the Executive by several individuals among the best informed upon that subject.
OF the province of Louisiana no general map, sufficiently correct to be depended upon, has been published, nor has any yet been procured from a private source. It is indeed probable, that surveys have never been made upon so extensive a scale as to afford the means of laying down the various regions of a country, which, in some of its parts, appears to have been but imperfectly explored.
BOUNDARIES.
The precise boundaries of Louisiana, westwardly of the Mississippi, though very extensive, are at present involved in some obscurity. It is equally wanting to assign with precision its northern extent. From the source of the Mississippi, it is bounded eastwardly by the middle of the channel of that river to the 31st degree of latitude: Thence, it is altered upon very strong grounds, that according to its limits, when formerly possessed by France, it stretches to the east, as far, at least, as the river Perdido, which runs into the bay of Mexico, eastward of the river Mobile.
It may be consistent, with the view of these notes to remark, that Louisiana, including the Mobile settlements, was discovered and peopled by the French, whose monarchs made several grants of its trade, in particular to Mr. Crozat in 1712, and some years afterwards, with his acquiescence, to the well known company projected by Mr. Law. This company was relinquished in the year 1731. By a secret convention on the 3d November, 1762, the French government ceded to us the province as it lies beyond the Mississippi, as well as the island of New Orleans, to Spain, and by the treaty of peace which followed in 1763, the whole territory of France and Spain eastward of the middle of the Mississippi to the Iberville, thence through the middle of that river, and the lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain to the sea, was ceded to Great Britain. Spain having conquered the Floridas from Great Britain during our revolutionary war, they were confirmed to her by the treaty of peace of 1783. By the treaty of St. Ildefonso, of the 1st of October, 1800, his Catholic Majesty promises and engages on his part to cede back to the French republic, six months after the full and entire execution of the conditions and stipulations therein contained, relative to the duke of Parma, "the colony or province of Louisiana, with the same extent that it actually has in the hands of Spain, that it had when France possessed it, and such as it ought to be after the treaties subsequently entered into between Spain and other states." This treaty was confirmed and enforced by that of Madrid, of the 21st March, 1801. From France it passed to us by the treaty of the 30th of April last, with a reference to the above clause, as descriptive of the limits ceded.
Divisions of the Province.
The province as held by Spain, including a part of West Florida, is laid off into the following principal divisions: Mobile, from Biloxi to the city, New Orleans and the country on both sides of lake Pontchartrain, first and second German coasts, Catahanose, Fourche, Veneque, Iberville, Galvez-Town, Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Attacapas, Opelousas, Ouachita, Avoyelles, Rapide, Natchitoches, Arkansas, and the Illinois.
In the Illinois there are commandants, at New Madrid, St. Genevieve, New Bourbon, St. Charles and St. Andrews, all subordinate to the commandant general.
Baton Rouge having been made a government, subsequently to the treaty of limits, &c. with Spain, the posts of Manchac and Thompson's Creek, or Feliciana, were added to it.
Copitoulas has sometimes been regarded as a separate command, but is now included within the jurisdiction of the city. The lower part of the river has likewise had occasionally a separate commandant.
Many of the present establishments are separated from each other by immense and trackless deserts, having no communication with each other by land, except now and then a solitary instance of its being attempted by hunters, who have to swim rivers, expose themselves to the inclemency of the weather, and carry their provisions on their backs for a time, proportioned to the length of their journey. This is particularly the case on the west of the Mississippi, where the communication is kept up only by water, between the capital and the distant settlements; three months being required to convey intelligence from the one to the other by the Mississippi. The usual distance accomplished by a boat in ascending, is five leagues per day. The rapidity of the current in the spring season especially, when the waters of all the rivers are high, facilitates the descent, so that the same voyage by water, which requires three or four months to perform from the capital, may be made to it in from twelve to sixteen days. The principal settlements in Louisiana are on the Mississippi, which begins to be cultivated about twenty leagues from the sea, where the plantations are yet thin, and owned by the poorest people. Ascending, you see them improve on each side, till you reach the city, which is situated on the east bank, on a bend of the river, 35 leagues from the sea.
Chapitoulas, First and second German Coasts.—Catahanose—Fourche and Iberville.
The best and most improved are above the city, and comprehend, what is there known by the Paroisse de Chapitoulas, Premier and second Cote des Allemands, and extend 16 leagues.
Above this begins the parish of Catahanose, or first Acadian settlement, extending eight leagues on the river. Adjoining it and still ascending is the second Acadian settlement or parish of the Fourche, which extends about six leagues. The parish of Iberville then commences, and is bounded on the east side by the river of the same name, which though dry a great part of the year, yet, when the Mississippi is raised, it communicates with the lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, and through them with the sea, and thus forms what is called the island of New Orleans. Except on the point just below the Iberville, the country from New Orleans is settled the whole way along the river, and presents a scene of uninterrupted plantations in sight of each other, whose fronts to the Mississippi are all cleared, and occupy on that river, from 5 to 25 acres with a depth of 40; so that a plantation of 5 acres in front contains 200. A few sugar plantations are formed in the parish of Catahanose, but the remainder is devoted to cotton and provisions, and the whole is an excellent soil incapable of being exhausted. The plantations are but one deep on the island of New Orleans, and on the opposite side of the river as far as the mouth of the Iberville, which is 35 leagues above New Orleans.
Bayou De La Fourche—Attacapas, and Opelousas.
About 25 leagues from the last mentioned place on the west side of the Mississippi, the creek or Bayou of the Fourche, called in old maps La Riviere des Chitimachas, flows from the Mississippi, and communicates with the sea to the west of the Biloxi. The entrance of the Mississippi is navigable only at high water, but will then admit of craft of from 60 to 70 tons burthen. On both banks of this creek are settlements, one plantation deep, for near 15 leagues, and they are divided into two parishes. The settlers are numerous, though poor, and the culture is universally cotton. On all creeks making from the Mississippi, the soil is the same as on the bank of the river, and the border is the highest part of it, from whence it descends gradually to the swamps. In no place on the low lands is there depth more than suffices for one plantation, before you come to the low grounds incapable of cultivation. This creek affords one of the communications to the two populous and rich settlements of Attacapas and Opelousas formed on and near the small rivers Teche and Vermilion which flow into the bay of Mexico. But the principal and swiftest communication is by the Bayou or creek of Plaquemines, whose entrance into the Mississippi is seven leagues higher up on the same side, and 32 above New Orleans. These settlements abound in cattle and hogs, have a large quantity of good land in their vicinity, and may be made of great importance. A part of their produce is sent by sea to New Orleans, but the greater part is carried in batteaux by the creeks above mentioned.
Baton Rouge and its dependencies.
Immediately above the Iberville, and on both sides of the Mississippi lies the parish of Manchac, which extends four leagues on the river, and is well cultivated. Above it commences the settlement of Baton Rouge, extending about 9 leagues. It is remarkable as being the first place, where the high land is contiguous to the river, and here it forms a bluff from 30 to 40 feet above the greatest rise of the river. Here the settlements extend a considerable way back on the east side; and this parish has that of Thompson's creek and Bayou Sara subordinate to it. The mouth of the first of these creeks is about 49 leagues from New Orleans, and that of the latter 2 or 3 leagues higher up. They run from north east to south west, and their head waters are north of the 31st degree of latitude. Their banks have the best soil, and the greatest number of good cotton plantations of any part of Louisiana, and are allowed to be the garden of it.
Pointe Coupee and Fausse Riviere.
Above Baton Rouge, at the distance of 50 leagues from New Orleans, and on the west side of the Mississippi is Pointe Coupee, a populous and rich settlement, extending 8 leagues along the river. Its produce is cotton. Behind it, on an old bed of the river, now a lake, whose outlets are closed up, is the settlement of Fausse Riviere, which is well cultivated.
In the space now described from the sea as high as and including the last mentioned settlement, is contained three fourths of the population, and seven eighths of the riches of Louisiana.
From the settlement of Pointe Coupee on the Mississippi to Cape Girardeau above the mouth of the Ohio, there is no land on the west side, that is not overflowed in the Spring to the distance of 8 or 10 leagues from the river, with from 2 to 12 feet of water, except a small spot near New Madrid; so that in the whole extent there is no possibility of forming a considerable settlement contiguous to the river on that side. The eastern bank has in this respect a decided advantage over the western, as there are on it many situations which effectually command the river.
Red River and its Settlements.
On the west side of the Mississippi, 70 leagues from New Orleans, is the mouth of the Red river, on whose banks and vicinity are the settlements of Rapide, Avoyelles and Natchitoches, all of them thriving and populous. The latter is situate 75 leagues up the Red river. On the north side of the Red river, a few leagues from its junction with the Mississippi, is the Black river, on one of whose branches, a considerable way up, is the infant settlement of Ouachita, which from the richness of the soil may be made a place of importance. Cotton is the chief produce of these settlements, but they have likewise a considerable Indian trade. The river Rouge, or Red river, is used to communicate with the frontiers of New Mexico.
Concord—Arkansas—St. Charles and St. Andrew, &c.
There is no other settlement on the Mississippi except the small one called Concord, opposite to the Natchez, till you come to the Arkansas river, whose mouth is 250 leagues above New Orleans.
Here there are but a few families, who are more attached to the Indian trade (by which chiefly they live) than to cultivation. There is no settlement from this place to New Madrid, which is itself inconceivable. Ascending the river you come to Cape Girardeau, St. Genevieve and St. Louis, where, though the inhabitants are numerous, they raise little for exportation, and content themselves with trading with the Indians & working a few lead mines. This country is very fertile, especially on the banks of the Missouri, where there have been formed two settlements, called St. Charles and St. Andrew, mostly by emigrants from Kentucky. The peltry procured in the Illinois is the best sent to the Atlantic market; and the quantity is very considerable. Lead is to be had with ease, and in such quantities as to supply all Europe, if the population were sufficient to work the numerous mines to be found within two or three feet from the surface in various parts of the country. The settlements about the Illinois were first made by the Canadians, and their inhabitants still resemble them in their aversion to labor, and love of a wandering life. They contain but few negroes, compared to the number of the whites; and it may be taken for a general rule, that in proportion to the distance from the capital, the number of blacks diminishes below that of the whites;
the former abounding most on the rich plantations in its vicinity.
General Description of Upper Louisiana.
When compared with the Indiana territory, the face of the country in Upper Louisiana is rather more broken, though the soil is equally fertile. It is a fact not to be contested, that the west side of the river possesses some advantages, not generally incident to those regions. It is elevated and healthy, and well watered with a variety of large rapid streams, calculated for mills and other water works. From Cape Girardeau, above the mouth of the Ohio, to the Missouri, the land on the east side of the Mississippi is low and flat, and occasionally exposed to inundations; that on the Louisiana side, contiguous to the river, is generally much higher, and in many places very rocky on the shore. Some of the heights exhibit a scene truly picturesque. They rise to a height of at least 300 feet, faced with perpendicular lime and free stone, carved into various shapes and figures by the hand of nature, and afford the appearance of a multitude of antique towers. From the tops of these elevations, the land gradually slopes back from the river, without gravel or rock, and is covered with valuable timber. It may be said with truth that, for fertility of soil, no part of the world exceeds the borders of the Mississippi; the land yields an abundance of all the necessaries of life, and almost spontaneously; very little labour being required in the cultivation of the earth. That part of Upper Louisiana, which borders on North Mexico, is one immense prairie; it produces nothing but grass; it is filled with buffalo, deer, and other kinds of game; the land is represented as too rich for the growth of forest trees.
It is pretended that Upper Louisiana contains in its bowels many silver and copper mines, and various specimens of both are exhibited. Several trials have been made to ascertain the fact; but the want of skill in the artists has hitherto left the subject undecided.
The salt works are also pretty numerous; some belong to individuals; others to the public. They already yield an abundant supply for the consumption of the country; and if properly managed, might become an article of more general exportation. The usual price per bushel is 150 cents in cash at the works.
This price will be still lower as soon as the manufacture of the salt is assumed by government, or patronized by men who have large capitals to employ in the business. One extraordinary fact relative to salt must not be omitted. There exists about 1000 miles up the Missouri, and not far from that river a salt mountain! The existence of such a mountain might well be questioned, were it not for the testimony of several respectable and enterprising traders, who have visited it, and who have exhibited several bushels of the salt to the curiosity of the people of St. Louis, where some of it still remains. A specimen of the same salt has been sent to Marietta. This mountain is said to be 180 miles long, and 45 in width, composed of solid rock-salt, without any trees, or even shrubs on it. Salt-springs are very numerous beneath the surface of this mountain, and they flow through the fissures and cavities of it. Caves of salt petr are found in Upper Louisiana, though at some distance from the settlements. Four men on a trading voyage, lately discovered one, several hundred miles up the Missouri. They spent five or six weeks in the manufacture of this article, and returned to St. Louis with 400 weight of it. It proved to be good, and they sold it for a high price.
The geography of the Mississippi and Missouri, and their contiguity for a great length of way, are but little known. The traders assert, that 100 miles above their junction, a man may walk from one to the other in a day; and it is also asserted, that 700 miles still higher up, the portage may be crossed in four or five days. This portage is frequented by traders, who carry on a considerable trade with some of the Missouri Indians. Their general route is through Green bay, which is an arm of lake Michigan; they then pass into a small lake connected with it, and which communicates with the Fox River; they then cross over a short portage into the Outagoning River, which unites with the Mississippi some distance below the Falls of St. Anthony. It is also said, that the traders communicate with the Mississippi above these falls, through lake Superior; but their trade in that quarter is much less considerable.
Canal of Carondelet.
Behind New Orleans is a Canal about
one and a half mile long, which communicates with a creek called the Bayou St. Jean, flowing into lake Pontchartrain. At the mouth of it, about two and an half leagues from the city is a small fort called St. Jean, which commands the entrance from the lake. By this creek the communication is kept up through the lake and the Rigol to Mobile, and the settlements in West Florida. Craft drawing from six to eight feet water can navigate to the mouth of the creek, but except in particular swells of the lake, cannot pass the bar without being lightened.
St. Bernard.
On the East side of the Mississippi, about five leagues below New Orleans and at the head of the English bend is a settlement known by the names of the Poblacion de St. Bernard or the Terre aux Boeufs, extending on both sides of a creek or drain, whose head is contiguous to the Mississippi, and which flowing eastward, after a course of 13 leagues, and dividing itself into two branches, falls into the sea and lake. This settlement consists of two parishes; almost all the inhabitants of which are Spaniards from the Canaries, who content themselves with raising fowls, corn, and garden stuff, or the market at New Orleans. The lands cannot be cultivated to any great distance from the banks of the creek, on account of the vicinity of the marsh behind them; but the place is susceptible of great improvement and of affording another communication: small craft of from eight to ten feet draught between the sea and the Mississippi.
Settlements below the English Turn.
At the distance of fifteen leagues below New Orleans, the settlements on both banks of the river are of but small account. Between these and the fort of Plaquemines, the country is overflowed in the spring and in many places is incapable of cultivation at any time, being a morass almost impassible by man or beast. This small tongue of land extends considerably into the sea, which is visible on both sides of the Mississippi from a ship's mast.
Country from Plaquemines to the Sea, and effect of the Hurricanes.
From Plaquemines to the sea is twelve or thirteen leagues. The country is low, swampy, chiefly covered with reeds, having little or no timber, and no settlement whatever. It may be necessary to mention here, that the whole lower part of the country from the English Turn downward, is subject to overflowing in hurricanes, either by the receding of the river or reflux from the sea on each side; and on more than one occasion it has been covered from the depth of two to ten feet, according to the descent of the river, whereby many lives were lost, horses and cattle swept away and a scene of destruction laid. The last calamity of this kind happened in 1794; but fortunately they are not frequent. In the preceding year the engineer who superintended the erection of the fort of Plaquemines was drowned in his house near the fort, and the workmen and garrison escaped only by taking refuge on an elevated spot in the fort, on which there were notwithstanding, two or three feet of water. These hurricanes have generally been felt in the month of August. Their greatest fury lasts about twelve hours. They commence in the south-east, veer about to all points of the compass, are felt most severely below, and seldom extend more than a few leagues above New Orleans. In their whole course they are marked with ruin and desolation. Until that of 1793, there had been none felt from the year 1780.
Passes, or Mouths of the Mississippi. About eight leagues below Plaquemines, the Mississippi divides itself into three channels, which are called the Passes of the river, viz. the East, South, and South-West Passes. Their course is from five to six leagues to the sea. The space between is a marsh with little or no timber on it; but from its formation, it may hereafter be rendered of importance. The East Pass, which is on the left hand going down the river, is divided into two branches about two leagues below, viz. the Pass a la Loure, and that known to mariners by the name of the Biloxi, at which there is a small block house and some huts of the pilots, who reside only here. The first of these secondary channels contains at present but eight feet water; the latter from fourteen to sixteen, according to the seasons. The South Pass, which is directly in front of the Mississippi, has always been considered as entirely choked up, but has ten feet water. The South West Pass, which is on the right, is the longest and narrowest of all

the Passes and a few years ago had eight-ten feet water, and was that by which the large ships always entered and failed from the Mississippi. It was now but eight feet water, and will probably remain so for some time. In speaking of the quantity of water in the Passes, it must be understood of what is on the bar of each Pass; for immediately after passing the bar, which is very narrow, there are from five to seven fathoms at all seasons.
Country east of Lake Ponchartrain. The country on the east side of Lake Ponchartrain to Mobile, and including the whole extent between the American line, the Mississippi above New Orleans, and the lakes (with the exception of a tract of about 30 miles on the Mississippi, and as much square, contiguous to the line, and comprehending the waters of Thompson's creek, Bayou Sara and the Amet) is a poor thin soil, overgrown with pine, and contains no good land whatever, unless on the banks of a few small rivers. It would however afford abundant supplies of pitch, tar and pine lumber, and would feed large herds of cattle.
The inhabitants and their origin. The inhabitants of Louisiana are chiefly the descendants of the French and Canadians. There are a considerable number of English and Americans in New Orleans. The two German coasts are peopled by the descendants of settlers from Germany, and a few French mixed with them. The three succeeding settlements up to Baton Rouge contain mostly Acadians, banished from Nova Scotia by the English, and their descendants. The government of Baton Rouge, especially the east side, which includes all the country between the Iberville and the American line, is composed partly of Acadians, a very few French, and of a great majority of Americans. On the west side they are mostly Acadians: at Pointe Coupee and Eau Claire they are French and Acadians—Of the population of the Attakapas and Opelousas, a considerable part is American—Natchitoches, on the Red River, contains but a few Americans, and the remainder of the inhabitants are French—but the former are more numerous in the other settlements on that river, viz. Avoyelles, Rapides, and Ouachita. At Arkansas they are mostly French; and at New Madrid, Americans. At least 2/5ths, if not a greater proportion of all the settlers on the Spanish side of the Mississippi, in the Illinois country, are likewise supposed to be Americans. Below New Orleans the population is altogether French, and the descendants of Frenchmen.
New Orleans. By recurring to the maps and examining the position of Louisiana, it will appear, that the lower part projects considerably into the sea. It has in all probability been formed by the sediment brought down by the current and deposited on the flat coast. There is therefore on the east side but a very narrow slip along the bank of the river, from the sea to the Iberville. The land is not generally susceptible of cultivation more than a mile in depth from the river, the rest is low and swampy to the lakes and the sea, but in general abounds with cypress timber, which is saved by mills, which are worked by artificial streams from the Mississippi, in the time of Freshes. They generally run five months in the year.
What has been said on the east equally applies to the west side of the river. The soil and situation are nearly the same. After leaving the bank of the river, there is an immense swamp, intersected by creeks and lakes, extending to the high lands of Atakapas, and occupying a space of thirty or forty leagues. The city of New Orleans, which is regularly laid out on the east side of the Mississippi, in lat. 30, N. and long. 90, W. extends nearly a mile along the river from the gate of France on the south, to that of Chapitoulas above, and a little more than 1/3 of a mile in breadth, from the river to the rampart; but it has an extensive suburb on the upper side. The houses in front of the town and for a square or two backwards, are mostly of brick, covered with slate or tile, and many of two stories. The remainder are of wood, covered with shingles. The streets cross each other at right angles, and are 32 French feet wide. The squares between the intersections of the streets have a front of 300 French feet. There is in the middle of the front of the city a place d'armes , facing which the church and town house are built. There are from 12 to 1400 houses in the city and suburbs. The population may be estimated at 10,000, including the seamen and garrison. It was fortified in 1793, but the works were originally defective, could not have been defended, and are now in ruins. The powder magazine is on the opposite bank of the river.
The public buildings and other public property in New Orleans, are as follows: Two very extensive brick stores, from 160 to 180 feet in length, and about 30 in breadth—They are one story high and covered with shingles. A government house, stables and garden, occupying a front of about 220 feet on the river, in the middle of the
town, and extending 336 feet back to the next street. A military hospital. An ill built custom house of wood, almost in ruins, in the upper part of the city, near the river. An extensive barracks in the lower part of the city, fronting on the river, and calculated to lodge 12 or 1400 men. A large lot adjoining the king's stores, with a few sheds in it. It serves as a park for artillery. A prison, town-house, market house, assembly room, some ground rents, and the common about the town.
A public school for the rudiments of the Spanish language.
A Cathedral church unfinished, and some houses belonging to it.
A charitable hospital, with some houses belonging to it, and a revenue of 1500 dollars annually, endowed by an individual lately deceased.
The canal de Carondelet has been already described.
Number of Inhabitants. According to the annexed census, No. 2, of Louisiana, including Pensylvania and the Natchez, as made in 1785, the whole number of inhabitants amounting to 32,062, of which 13,215 were free whites, 1,303 free people of color, and 16,544 slaves.
The statement, No. 3, from the latest documents, makes the whole number 42,575—the free whites, 21,244—the free people of color, 1,768—and the slaves, 12,920.
A particular statement respecting the population, &c. of Upper Louisiana, and another containing the census of New Orleans, in this year, are numbered 4 and 5, in the appendix.
These papers certainly exhibit a smaller number than the real population of the country. From an official document, made in July last, and received from Atakapas since the statement, No. 3, was formed, it appears that it contained 2,970 whites, 210 free people of color, 1,256 slaves, in all 3,746 souls, instead of 1,447, as therein stated. It is highly probable that the return for the neighboring district of Opelousas, is in the same proportion underrated.
A conjectural estimation made by a gentleman of great respectability and correct information, residing at Natchez, makes the number of whites in the Island of New Orleans, on the west side, to 50,150, and the number of blacks to 39,820. His statement is also subjoined, No. 6.
It is at all times difficult to obtain the full census of a country, and the impediments are increased in this from its scattered population. The actual enumeration may therefore fall short of the true numbers.
Militia. There is a militia in Louisiana. The following is the return of it, made to the Court of Spain by the Baron of Carondelet.
From Balize to the city— vo Militia. Lanteers of the Mississippi—4 companies of 100 men each complete, 400 City—Battalion of the city 5 companies, 500 Artillery company, with supernumeraries, 120 Carabineers, or privileged companies of horse, 2 companies of 70 each—complete, 100 Mulattoes 2 companies, negroes 1 do. 300 Mixed legion of the Mississippi, comprehending Galveztown, Baton-Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Atakapas and Opelousas, viz. 2 companies of grenadiers, 8 do. of fusileers, 4 do. of dragoons, 2 do. lately added from Bayou Sara, 1600 16 companies of 100 men each, Avoyelles, 1 company of infantry, 100 Ouachita, 1 do. of cavalry, 100 Natchitoches, 1 do. of infantry and 1 of cavalry, 200 A kansas, 1 do. of infantry and cavalry, 100 Illinois } These are all ways above the complement. 800 4 do. of cavalry, } 4 do. of infantry, } Provincial regiment of Germans and Acadians, from the Ill German coast to Iberville, 10 companies, viz. 2 of grenadiers, 8 of fusileers, 1000 Mobile and the country East of Lake Ponchartrain, 2 Companies of horse and foot, incomplete, 120 5,440
The same gentleman alluded to, page 18, makes the number of the militia to amount to 10,340 men within the same limits to which his estimate of the population applies. He distributes them in the several settlement, as follows:
1. The Island of New Orleans with the opposite margin and the adjacent settlements, 5,000 2. The west margin from Manchac, including Pointe Coupee, and extending to the Red River, 800 3. Atakapas, along the coast, between the Delta of the Mississippi and the river Sabine, 350 4. Opelousas, 750 5. Red River, including Bayou Boeuf, Avoyelles, Rapides, and Natchitoches, 1000 6. Ouachita, 300 7. Concord, 40 8. Arkansas, 150 9. New Madrid & its vicinity, 350 10. Illinois and Missouri, 1000 11. The settlements on the east side of the Mississippi, from the American line to the Iberville, and some other settlements, 600 10,340
It is to be observed, that none of these statements include the country beyond the river Sabine, nor even all those which lie eastwardly of it. Data are also wanting to give them.
Fortifications.
St. Louis has a lieutenant colonel to command in it, and but few troops. Baton Rouge is an ill constructed fort, and has about fifty men. In describing the Canal of Carondelet, the small fort of St. Jean has been mentioned, as has the block house at the Balize in its proper place. The fortifications of New Orleans, noticed before, consist of five ill constructed redoubts, with a covered way, palisade and ditch. The whole is going fast to decay, and it is supposed they would be of but little service, in case of an attack. Though the powder magazine is on the opposite side of the river, there is no sufficient provision made for its removal to the city, in case of need.
The fort of Plaquemines, which is about twelve or thirteen leagues from the sea, is an ill constructed, irregular brick work, on the eastern side of the Mississippi, with a ditch in front of the river, and protected on the lower side by a deep creek, flowing from the river to the sea. It is, however, imperfectly closed behind, and almost without defence there; too much reliance having been placed on the swampliness of the ground, which hardens daily. It might be taken, perhaps, by escalade, without difficulty. It is in a degree ruinous. The principal front is meant to defend the approach from the sea, and can oppose, at most, but eight heavy guns. It is built at a turn in the river, where ships in general must anchor, as the wind which brings them up is far in contrary in the next reach which they must work through; and they would therefore be exposed to the fire of the fort. On the opposite bank are the ruins of a small closed redoubt, called Fort Bourbon, usually garrisoned by a sergeant's command. Its fire was intended to flank that of the fort of Plaquemines, and prevent shipping or craft from ascending or descending on that side. When a vessel appears, a signal is made on one side, and answered on the other. Should she attempt to pass, without sending a boat on shore, she would be immediately fired upon.
Indians.
The Indian nations within the limits of Louisiana, are, as far as known, as follows, and consist of the numbers hereafter specified.
On the Eastern bank of the Mississippi about twenty-five leagues above Orleans the remains of the nation of Houmas or Red Men, which do not exceed sixty persons. There are no other Indians settled on this side of the river, either in Louisiana or West-Florida, though they are at times frequented by parties of wandering Choctaws.
On the West side of the Mississippi are the remains of the Taunicas settled near, and above Pointe Coupee on the river, consisting of fifty or sixty persons.
In the Atakapas,
On the lower parts of the Bayou Teche at about eleven or twelve leagues from the sea, are two villages of Chitimachas, consisting of about one hundred souls.
The Atakapas, properly so called, dispersed throughout the district, and chiefly on the Bayou, or creek of Vermilion, about one hundred souls.
Wanderers of the tribe of Biloxis and Cnoctaws on Bayou Crocodile, which empties into the Teche, about fifty souls.
In the Opelousas to the N.W. of Atakapas
Two villages of Alibamas in the centre of the district near the church, consisting of one hundred persons.
Conchates dispersed through the country as far West as the river Sabinas and its neighbourhood, about three hundred and fifty persons.
On the River Rouge,
At Avoyelles, nineteen leagues from the Mississippi, is a village of the Biloni nation, and another on the lake of the Avoyelles, the whole about sixty souls.
At the Rapide twenty-six leagues from the Mississippi is a village of Choctaws of one hundred souls, and another of Biloxis, about two leagues from it, of about one hundred more: About eight or nine leagues higher up the Red River is a village of about fifty souls. All these are occasionally employed by the settlers in their neighbourhood as boatmen.
About eighty leagues above Natchitoches on the Red River is the nation of the Cadoquies, called by abbreviation Cados; they can raise from three to
four hundred warriors, are the friends of the whites, and are esteemed the bravest and most generous of all the nations in this valley; they are rapidly decreasing, owing to intemperance and the numbers annually destroyed by the Osages and Choctaws.
There are, besides the foregoing, at least four to five hundred families of Choctaws, who are dispersed on the West side of the Mississippi, on the Ouachita and Red Rivers, as far West as Natchitoches, and the whole nation would have emigrated across the Mississippi, had it not been for the opposition of the Spaniards and the Indians on that side, who had suffered by their aggressions.
On the River Arkansas, &c.
Between the Red River and the Arkansas there are but a few Indians, the remains of tribes almost extinct. On this last river is the nation of the same name, consisting of about two hundred and sixty warriors; they are brave yet peaceable and well disposed, and have always been attached to the French, and espoused their cause in their wars with the Chickasaws, whom they have always resisted with success. They live in three villages, the first is at eighteen leagues from the Mississippi on the Arkansas river, and the others are at three and six leagues from the first. A scarcity of game on the Eastern side of the Mississippi has lately induced a number of Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, &c. to frequent the neighbourhood of Arkansas, where game is still in abundance: they have contracted marriages with the Arkanszas, and seem inclined to make permanent settlement and incorporate themselves with that nation. The number is unknown, but is considerable and is every day increasing.
On the river St. Francis, in the neighbourhood of New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, Reviere a la Pomme, and the environs, are settled by a number of vagabonds, emigrants from the Delawares, Shawanese, Miamis, Chickasaws, Cherokees, Pioras, and supposed to consist in all of five hundred families; they are at times troublesome to the boats descending the river, and have even plundered some of them and committed a few murders. They are attached to liquor, seldom remain long in any place, many of them speak English, all understand it, and there are some who even read and write it.
At St. Genevieve in the settlement among the whites, are about thirty Pioras, Kaskaskias, and Illinois, who seldom hunt for fear of the other Indians; they are the remains of a nation which fifty years ago could bring into the field one thousand two hundred warriors.
On the Missouri.
On the Missouri and its waters are many and numerous nations, the best known of which are: The Osages, situated on the river of same name on the right bank of the Missouri, at about eighty leagues from its confluence with it: they consist of one thousand warriors, who live in two settlements at no great distance from each other. They are of a gigantic stature and well proportioned, are enemies of the whites and of all other Indian nations, and commit depredations from the Illinois to the Arkansas. The trade of this nation is said to be under an exclusive grant. They are a cruel and ferocious race, and are hated and feared by all the other Indians. The confluence of the Osage river with the Missouri is about eighty leagues from the Mississippi.
Sixty leagues higher up the Missouri, and on the same bank, is the river Kansas, and on it is the nation of the same name, but at about seventy or eighty leagues from its mouth. It consists of about two hundred and fifty warriors, who are as fierce and cruel as the Osages, and often molest and ill-treat those who go to trade among them.
Sixty leagues above the river Kansas, and at about two hundred from the mouth of the Missouri, still on the right bank, is the Riviere Platte , or Shallow River, remarkable for its quicksands and bad navigation; and near its confluence with the Missouri dwells the nation of Otolos, commonly called Otos, consisting of about two hundred warriors, among whom are twenty-five or thirty of the nation of Missouri, who took refuge among them about twenty-five years since.
Forty leagues up the River Platte you come to the nation of the Panis, composed of about seven hundred warriors in four neighbouring villages; they hunt but little, and are all provided with fire arms: they often make war on the Spaniards in the neighbourhood of Santa Fe, from which they are not far distant.
At three hundred leagues from the Mississippi and one hundred from the River Platte on the same bank are situated the villages of the Mahas. They consisted in 1799 of five hundred warriors, but are said to have been almost cut off last year by the small-pox.
At fifty leagues above the Mahas and on the left bank of the Missouri dwell the Pancas, to the number of two hundred and fifty warriors, possessing in common with the Mahas their language, ferocity, and vices. Their trade has never been of much value, and those
engaged in it are exposed to pillage and ill-treatment.
At the distance of 450 leagues from the Mississippi, and on the right bank of the Missouri, dwell the Arikaras, to the number of 700 warriors, and 60 leagues above them, the Mandane nation consisting of about 700 warriors likewise. These two last nations are well disposed to the whites, but have been the victims of the Sioux, or Nandowessies, who being themselves well provided with fire arms, have taken advantage of the defenceless situation of the others, and have on all occasions murdered them without mercy.
No discoveries on the Missouri, beyond the Mandane nation, have been accurately detailed, though the traders have been informed, that many large navigable rivers discharge their waters into it, far above it, and that there are many numerous nations settled on them.
The Sioux, or Mandowessies, who frequent the country between the north bank of the Missouri and Mississippi, are a great impediment to trade and navigation. They endeavor to prevent all communication with the nations dwelling high up the Missouri, to deprive them of ammunition and arms, and thus keep them subservient to themselves. In the winter they are chiefly on the banks of the Missouri, and massacre all who fall into their hands.
There are a number of nations at a distance from the banks of the Missouri, to the north and south, concerning whom but little information has been received. Returning to the Mississippi, and ascending it from the Mouth, about 75 leagues above the mouth of the latter, the River Moingona or Riviere de Moine enters the Mississippi on the west side, and on it are situated the Ayouas, a nation originally from the Mississippi, speaking the language of the Ottachas: it consisted of 200 warriors, before the small pox lately raged among them.
The Sacs and Renards dwell on the Mississippi, about 300 leagues above St. Louis, and frequently trade with it—they live together, and consisted of 500 warriors—their chief trade is with Michilimakinac, and they have always been peaceable and friendly.
The other nations on the Mississippi higher up, are but little known to us. The nations of the Missouri, though cruel, treacherous, and insolent, may doubtless be kept in order by the United States, if proper regulations are adopted with respect to them.
It is said that no treaties have been entered into by Spain with the Indian nations westward of the Mississippi, and that its treaties with the Cados, Choctaws, &c. are in effect superseded by our treaty with that power of the 27th October, 1795.
Of Lands and Titles.
The lands are held in some instances by grants from the Crown, but mostly from the Colonial government. Perhaps not one quarter part of the lands granted in Louisiana are held by complete titles; and of the remainder a considerable part depends upon a written permission of a Commandant. Not a small proportion is held by occupancy with a simple verbal permission of the officer left mentioned. This practice has always been countenanced by the Spanish government, in order that poor men, when they found themselves a little at ease, might at their own convenience apply for and obtain complete titles. In the mean time such imperfect rights were suffered by the government to descend by inheritance, and even to be transferred by private contract. When requisite they have been seized by judicial authority and sold for the payment of debts.
Until within a few years, the governor of Upper Louisiana was authorised to make surveys of any extent. In the exercise of this discretionary power, some abuses were committed; a few small monopolies were created. About three years ago, he was restricted in this branch of his duty; since which he has been only authorised to make surveys to emigrants in the following manner: Two hundred acres for each man and wife, fifty acres for each child, and twenty acres for each slave. Hence the quantity of land allowed to settlers depended on the number in each family; and for this quantity of land they paid no more than the expense of survey. These surveys were necessary to entitle the settlers to grants; and the governor, and after him the Intendant at New Orleans was alone authorised to execute grants on the receipt of the surveys from the settlers. The administration of the land office is at present under the care of the Intendant of the province.
There are no feudal rights nor noblesse.
It is impossible to ascertain the quantity of lands granted, without calling on the claimants to exhibit their titles; the registry being incomplete and the maps made by the different surveyors general having been burnt in the fires at New Orleans of 1788 and 1794. No estimate has been obtained.
All the lands on both sides of the Mississippi, from the distance of sixteen leagues below New Orleans to Baton Rouge, are granted to the depth of for-

ty acres, or near half a league, which is the usual depth of all grants. Some have double and triple grants—that is to say, they have twice or three times forty acres in depth; and others have grants extending from the Mississippi to the sea or the lakes behind them. In other parts of the country the people, being generally settled on the banks of creeks or rivers, have a front of from six to forty acres, and the grant almost invariably expresses a depth of forty acres. All the lands ungranted in the island of New Orleans or on the opposite bank of the Mississippi, are sunken, inundated, and at present unfit for cultivation; but may, in part, be reclaimed at a future day by efforts of the rich and enterprising.
Cultivation of Sugar.
The sugar cane may be cultivated between the river Iberville and the city, on both sides of the river, and as far back as the swamps. Below the city, however, the lands decline so rapidly that beyond fifteen miles the soil is not well adapted to it. Above the Iberville the cane would be affected by the cold, and its produce therefore be uncertain. Within these limits, the best planters admit that, one quarter of the cultivated lands of any considerable plantation may be planted in cane, one quarter left in pasture, and the remaining half employed for provisions, &c. and a reserve for a change of crops. One Parisian Arpent of one hundred and eighty feet square may be expected to produce on an average twelve hundred weight of sugar, and fifty gallons of rum.
From the above data, admitting that both sides of the river are planted for ninety miles in extent, and about three-fourths of a mile in depth, it will result that the annual product may amount in round numbers to twenty-five thousand hogheads of sugar, with twelve thousand puncheons of rum. Enterprising young planters say that one-third, or even one-half of the arable land might be planted in cane. It may also be remarked that a regular supply of provisions from above, at a moderate price, would enable the planter to give his attention to a greater body of land cultivated with cane. The whole of these lands, as may be supposed, are granted; but in the Atacapas country, there is undoubtedly a portion, parallel to the sea-coast, fit for the culture of the sugar cane. There vacant lands are to be found, but the proportion is at present unknown.
In the above remarks the lands at Terre aux Bœuf, on the Fourche, Bayou St. Jean and other inlets of the Mississippi, south of the latitude supposed to divide those which are fit, from those which are unfit, for the cultivation of the cane, have been entirely kept out of view. Including these, and taking one third instead of one-fourth of the lands fit for sugar, the produce of the whole would be fifty thousand instead of twenty-five thousand hogheads of sugar.
The following quantities of sugar, brown, clayed and refined, have been imported into the United States from Louisiana and the Floridas, viz.
In 1799 - 773,542 lb. 1800 - 1,560,865 1801 - 967,619 1802 - 1,576,933
Of the Laws.
When the country was first ceded to Spain, the preserved many of the French regulations, but by almost imperceptible degrees they have disappeared, and at present the province is governed entirely by the laws of Spain and the ordinances formed expressly for the colony. Various ordinances promulgated by general O'Reilly, its first governor under Spain, as well as some other laws, are translated and annexed in the appendix No. 1.
Courts of Justice.
The governor's court has a civil and military jurisdiction throughout the province. That of the lieutenant governor has the same extent in civil cases only.
There are two Alcaldes, whose jurisdiction, civil and criminal, extends through the city of New Orleans and five leagues around it, where the parties have no juicio militar or military privilege: those who have can transfer their causes to the governor.
The tribunal of the intendant has cognizance of admiralty and fiscal causes, and such suits as are brought for the recovery of money in the king's name or against him.
The tribunal of the Alcalde Provincial has cognizance of criminal causes, where offences are committed in the country, or when the criminal takes refuge there, and in other specified cases. The ecclesiastical tribunal has jurisdiction in all matters respecting the church.
The governor, lieutenant governor, Alcaldes, Intendant, Provincial Alcalde, and the Provost in ecclesiastical causes, are respectively sole judges. All sentences affecting the life of the culprit, except those of the Alcalde Provincial, must be ratified by the superior tribunal, or captain general, according to the nature of the cause, before they are carried into execution. The governor has not the power of pardoning criminals. An auditor and an assessor, who are doctors of law, are appointed to give
counsel to those judges: but for some time past there has been no assessor. If the judges do not consult those officers or do not follow their opinions, they make themselves responsible for their decisions.
The commandants of districts have also a species of judicial power. They hear and determine all pecuniary causes not exceeding the value of one hundred dollars. When the suit is for a larger sum, they commence the process, collect the proofs and remit the whole to the governor, to be decided by the proper tribunal. They can inflict no corporal punishment except upon slaves; but they have the power of arresting and imprisoning when they think it necessary; advice of which and their reasons must be transmitted to the governor.
Small suits are determined in a summary way by hearing both parties vis-a-vis ; but in suits of greater magnitude the proceedings are carried on by petition and reply, replication and rejoinder, reiterated until the auditor thinks they have nothing new to try. Then all the proofs either party chooses to adduce are taken before the keeper of the records of the court, who is always a notary public.
The parties have now an opportunity of making their remarks upon the evidence by way of petition, and of bringing forward opposing proofs. When the auditor considers the cause as mature, he issues his decree, which receives its binding force from the governor's signature, where the cause depends before him.
There is an appeal to Havanna, if applied for within five days after the date of the decree, in causes above a certain value. An ulterior appeal lies to the audience which formerly sat at St. Domingo, but which is now removed to some part of Cuba, and from thence to the council of the Indies in Spain.
Suits are of various durations. In pecuniary matters the laws encourage summary proceedings. An execution may be had on a bond in four days, and in the same space on a note of hand after the party acknowledges it, or after his signature is proved. Moratorium property is sold after giving nine days warning, provided it be three times publicly cried in that interval. Landed property must be likewise cried three times, with an interval of nine days between each, and it may then be sold. All property taken in execution must be appraised and sold for at least half of the appraisement. In pecuniary matters the governors decide verbally without appeal, when the sum does not exceed one hundred dollars. The Alcaldes have the same privilege when the amount is not above twenty dollars.
In addition to these courts four years ago three were established four Alcaldes de Barrio, or petty magistrates, one for each of the four quarters of the city, with a view to improve its police. They hear and decide all demands not exceeding ten dollars, exercise the power of committing to prison, and in case of robbery, riot, or assassination, they can, by calling on a notary, take cognizance of the affair; but when this is done they are bound to remit the proceedings to some of the other judges, and in all cases whatever, to give them information when they have committed any person to prison.
Most of the suits are on personal contracts, rights to dower, inheritances and titles to land. Those arising from personal quarrels are generally decided in a summary way, the inhabitants are laid not to be litigious.
Lawyers and Costs of the Courts and their Officers.
The number of lawyers is small, not exceeding three or four attorneys. Their fees are small. Suits are carried on in writings called escritos , which may be drawn up by the parties themselves, if they please, but they must be presented by the escribano , or notary who is the keeper of the records of the court.
The fees of the judges are twenty-five cents for every half signature or flourish (which is usually affixed on common occasions) fifty cents for every whole signature, and two dollars and three-fourths for every attendance, as at a sale or the taking of evidence.
The fees of the Abogado , or person consulted by the judges on law points, are twelve and a half cents for every leaf of which the process consists, and four dollars for every point of law cited. Those of the attorney, when employed, are sixty-two and a half cents for a simple petition or escrito , but if it should be necessary to read a process in order to form his petition, and it should require much time and labour, he is compensated in proportion, besides twelve and a half cents per leaf for perusing the papers. For attendance on any business he is allowed one dollar and fifty cents for the Assistance of two and a half hours. The notary has fifty cents for each decree or order of the judge, twenty-five cents for a notification in his office, and fifty cents for one out of it, but within the city; one dollar and seven-eighths for every attendance of two and a half hours on business, and twenty-five cents additional for every leaf of paper written by him.
A counsellor or two have sometimes
resided at New Orleans, but, being generally found obnoxious to the officers of the government, they have not continued there. The counsellor values his own services, and in general exacts large sums. The attorney generally receives from the party who employs him more than is allowed by law.
Crimes, Criminal Jurisprudence and Punishments.
In cases of petty crimes the cognizance of the proper court may be had to be final and without appeal; and most commonly such causes are decided in a summary way. With respect to crimes of deeper dye more solemnity is used. A person killed in the laws is always nominated by the court to defend the accused. The trial is not public; but examinations and depositions in writing are taken privately by the auditor at any time most convenient to himself, at which nevertheless the counsel of the accused is admitted to be present. He has also every kind of privilege granted to him in making his defence. Such suits are generally very tedious and expensive, when he is wealthy. The condemned is entitled to an appeal as in civil cases, provided he gives security for the payment of the future costs. There appears, however, to be a virtual appeal in every condemnation, because a flay of execution takes place until the confirmation of the sentence returns from St. Jago de Cuba, where there is a grand tribunal consisting of five judges, before whom counsellors plead as in our courts.
Crimes of great atrocity are very rare. Murder by stabbing seems to be confined to the Spanish soldiers and sailors. The terror of the magistrate's power restrains assaults, batteries, riots, &c.
Punishments are generally mild. They mostly consist of imprisonment and payment of costs, sometimes the stocks. White men, not military, are rarely, perhaps never degraded by whipping; and in no case do any fines go into the public treasury. Murder, Arson and aggravated robbery of the king's treasury or effects, are punished with death. Robbery of private persons to any amount is never punished with death, but by restitution, imprisonment, and sometimes enormous costs. Crimes against the king's revenue, such as contraband trade are punished with hard labour for life, or a term of years, on board the galleys, in the mines, or on the public works.
Learning.
There are no colleges, and but one public school, which is at New Orleans. The masters of this are paid by the king. They teach the Spanish language only. There are a few private schools for children. Not more than half of the inhabitants are supposed to be able to read and write, of whom not more than two hundred perhaps are able to do it well. In general the learning of the inhabitants does not extend beyond those two arts; though they seem to be endowed with a good natural genius, and an uncommon facility of learning whatever they undertake.
The Church.
The Clergy consists of a bishop, who does not reside in the province, and whose salary of four thousand dollars is charged on the revenue of certain bishoprics in Mexico and Cuba; two canons having each a salary of six hundred dollars; and twenty-five curates, five for the city of New Orleans, and twenty for as many country parishes, who receive each from three hundred and sixty to four hundred and eighty dollars a year. Those salaries, except that of the bishop, together with an allowance for sacraments and chapel expenses, are paid by the treasury at New Orleans, and amount annually to thirteen thousand dollars.
There is also at that place a Convent of Ursulines, to which is attached about a thousand acres of land, reared out in three plantations. The nuns are now in number not more than ten or twelve, and are all French. There were formerly about the same number of Spanish ladies belonging to the order; but they retired to Havanna during the period when it was expected that the province would be transferred to France. The remaining nuns receive young ladies as boarders and instruct them in reading, writing, and needle-work.
They have always acted with great propriety, and are generally respected and beloved throughout all the province. With the assistance of an annual allowance of six hundred dollars for the treasury, they always support and educate twelve female orphans.
Of the Officers of Government.
The officers who are merely judicial, have been already mentioned, and therefore some of them will be altogether omitted in this place. The executive officers appointed by the governor, for each division of the province, and called COMMANDANTS, are generally taken from the army, or the militia. When the settlement is small, some respectable character is appointed to the civil command, and the militia officers have the direction of military matters. Where there is a garrison, the commandant is sub-delegate of the Lieutenant, and draws upon him for all expenses incurred. In that case he has the charge of all ma-
ters relating to the revenue, within his district.
The duty of commandants is to superintend the police, preserve the peace of the district, examine the passports of travellers, and to suffer no strangers to settle within the limits of their command, without regular leave obtained from government. They are to prevent smuggling, to certify that all lands, petitioned for by the inhabitants, are vacant before they are granted, and when required, put the owner in possession. They are besides notaries public, and in their offices it is necessary to register all sales of lands and slaves, and even to make the contracts for these purposes, before them. They also have the power of executing on property, arrest and certify the sale, and collect the proceeds. They also take inventories of the property of intestates. By an ordinance at Baton Rouge, Syndics are established every three leagues, who are subordinate to the commandant, decides small causes, and have the police of roads, levies, travellers and negroes.
The officers of the general government are the following: Besides his judicial powers, the GOVERNOR is chief of the army and militia, and the head of the civil government. He is also President of the Cabildo, or Provincial Council. He appoints and removes at pleasure the commandants of districts. He appoints the officers of the militia, who are nevertheless commissioned by the king, and he recommends military officers for preferment. He is superintendant of Indian affairs. He promulgates ordinances for the good government and improvement of the province; but he has no power to affect taxes upon the inhabitants without their consent. Until the year 1793, he possessed the sole power of granting lands, but it then passed into the hands of the intendant. (To be continued in our next.)
WASHINGTON CITY
WEDNESDAY, November 16, 1803.
We offer no apology for occupying our columns, nearly exclusively, with the interesting Track reflecting Louisiana. A crowd of matter, of interest scarcely secondary, has been postponed. In our next the debate in the House of Representatives, on the Louisiana treaty, will be resumed; and that in the Senate, on the same subject, commenced.
On Monday and yesterday, the House of Representatives was engaged in various business; the most important of which is:
The report by Dr. Eustis of a bill for the further protection of the seamen and commerce of the United States; whereby the President is authorised to issue instructions to the commanders of the armed vessels of the United States, to capture the ships and effects of the emperor of Morocco and his subjects; also to issue letters of Marque to private vessels—Read twice, and referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
The passage of the bill entitled "An Act to repeal the Act entitled an Act to allow a drawback of duties on goods exported to New Orleans, and therein to amend the act entitled an Act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage."
The report of the committee of Commerce and Manufactures on the petition of the inhabitants of Natchez was substantially adopted in the shape of two resolutions, the one giving the petitioners leave to withdraw their petition, under an impression that deepening the harbour is impracticable; and the second constituting a committee to enquire generally into such measures as may be expedient to promote and foster the fisheries.
At a meeting of a number of the former subscribers to the WASHINGTON PANAMA ASSEMBLY, on the evening of the 14th inst.
THOMAS TINGEY, President. JOSHUA WINGATE, Secretary. The following gentlemen were unanimously elected Managers for the ensuing season viz:
Daniel Carral, of Du'd Thomas Love William Brent, John Willis, Lewis Barrie, Gabriel Duval, William Kirby, Thomas Munroe.
N. B. The above gentlemen are requested to meet at Steele's Hotel on Wednesday, evening next at 6 o'clock, for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements.
Nov 14, 1803.
FOR SALE.
ABOUT 2000 acres of land on the East side of the Bayou Bienvenue, and adjoining it, three miles from the city of Washington. Vessels drawing 12 feet water, may load at the landing, where there is a tolerable good wharf.
Near 400 acres of this land is a rich bottom through which there are several streams of water, that turn a mill, erected on the land, and which might be used to advantage, in watering meadows. A part of the bottom is now in Timothy grass and the whole is capable of producing grass in abundance, and tobacco where may be between five and six hundred acres in wood, there is a cleared land. A part of the land will suit a commodious brick dwelling, house, with an convenient out-houses; and a large and handsome garden, but not in good crops, on the borders of the town of Baton Rouge.
This property, so convenient to the city of Washington, which affords a market for grass and all other production of land, equal to any in the United States; so certain from its situation to rise in a few years, to a price several times as high as will now be taken for it; well deserves the attention of men of fortune. The whole land including the dwelling house and improvements, and mill, will be sold for 10 pound per acre. It is questionable whether the meadow ground, alone, is not worth as much; it is certain, that it might easily be made to pay more than the annual interest of the whole purchase.
BIN STODDER. Georgetown, Nov. 15—3w.
FOR SALE,
An excellent second handed Forte Piano; The owner being about to remove from Washington, will dispose of it low for cash.—Enquire of the printer hereof. November 16—6t.
THORNS FOR HEDGES.
FOR sale by the subscriber, at his nursery near the Little Falls of Potomac, upwards of fifty thousand plants of the American White Thorn, assorted at 4 at 5, and at 6 dollars per thousand—purchasers who desire it, will be particularly informed of the methods used by the subscriber in planting and cultivating hedges by the assistance of the plough. Through what means the hedges are expediently planted, easily cleaned from weeds, and by the benefit of regular cultivation kept in a healthy thriving state, at a small expense, the whole cost of which is not being materially different from the culture of a row of Indian corn of equal extent—gentlemen who reside at a distance can be accommodated with plants of a small size; 10 or 1500 of which may be packed in a box of convenient bulk for easy postage, in which they may remain in good preservation until the middle of April.
The subscriber has also for sale, a few trees of the choicest sorts of pears; among which are the brown Burre, Boneterre, Josephine, cressant, Longueville, crawford of lammas, autumn, Dutch, English, and orange bergamots—moor's-wings, citron de Carmel, drummond, &c. Also some trees of the Newtown pippin apple, nonpareil, mumpare, Spitzenberg, sweet russet, the kedgeapple from Ireland, golden pippin, golden rennet, &c. Also a few vine cuttings of the black Hamburg, white frontine, white chasselas, white and black muscades, black prince, &c. Gooseberry plants, of the best new sorts, the paper mulberry, pyracantha or ever green thorn, hawthorn, pride of China, fox glove &c. &c.
THOMAS MAIN. November 16—3t.
To be sold at public auction by virtue of a decree of the high court of Chancery of Maryland, for the benefit of the creditors of Robert Whitaker deceased, on Thursday the 15th day of December next on the premises.
A Valuable Tract of Land, containing about 500 acres of rich fertile land, one third at least in heavy wood and timber with at least fifty acres of excellent meadow land, part of which is now under the sythe, the improvements are two dwelling houses, three tobacco houses with all other necessary out houses, the situation only two miles from Upper Marlboro, and about the same distance from Patuxent river—this valuable property will be sold together or will be divided to accommodate purchasers—at the same time and place will be offered at public sale a valuable mill seat, containing 14 acres on which has formerly been a very valuable merchant mill, the improvements at present are only a large dwelling house—there is a never failing stream abundantly sufficient with a good dam and sufficient stone on the land for foundation as &c. even a country mill on it would have constant employment; this property lies within half a mile of Upper Marlboro, where there is a very considerable inspection of tobacco, and the water for flats from Patuxent river. The above property will be sold on a credit of one and two years bond with security being given to the trustee for the principal and interest from the day of sale, and on payment a good title will be made by deed from the trustee, according to the decree. All persons having claims yet outstanding against the estate of the said Robert Whitaker are required to lodge them with proper vouchers in the Chancery office on or before the 15th day of March next.
ISAAC LANSDALE, Trustee. Prince George's County, November 16, 1803—5112W
Phytognotræ
LIKENESSES ENGRAVED. THE subscriber respectfully informs the public, that he will leave this city the 20th of this month, and therefore takes the liberty of requesting those persons who intend to employ his talents, to make their application before that time. St. MEMIN. November 16—3t.

WAS taken from a Glass safe in the store of the subscribers, on Wednesday morning, the 9th inst. by some person unknown. One lady's locket set in stone, One do. set in pearls, representing a female figure, supporting a lamb in her arms, One do. do. plain, representing a temple, One do. do. do. feather, One do. do. do. anchor, One handsome Tortoise shell, fegat box, Some silver pencil cases, high finished razors, and knives.
As it is probable they were taken by some servant and may be offered for sale; any person pretending to the same and securing the articles or any part of them shall be handsomely rewarded.
RAPINE, CONRAD & Co. near the Capitol. November 14.
WAS taken on the evening of the ninth instant a bright bay HORSE, with the marks of a collar on both sides of his withers; he is branded on his near side with the letter B both on his buttock and flounder. Whoever will deliver the said horse to Washington Post in the city of Washington shall receive ten dollars reward and no questions asked. November 14-4t
Taken up as a Stray, and brought before me this day by George Jones, living near the twenty building, a Mouton colored Mare with a bald face and glassy eye, about 7 or 8 years old, and 12 hands high; she has been in the care of said Jones for 12 months. The owner is desired to prove property, pay charges and take her away.
CORN CONINGHAM. Washington, Nov. 12-3t
A. J. VILLARD, presents his respects to the gentlemen of Washington and George town, and gives them notice that he has opened a
Coffee & Oyster House, in the same style as the one he kept last winter. His rooms are decorated with divers models of a chandelier, and a fine collection of engravings for a amusement of the customers. He has all kind of plays for the recreation of those who will honor him with their visit. He intends to keep all sorts of liquors of the first quality, Martinique cordials &c. &c. Oysters cooked in any manner. To go to suit the palate of the greatest epicure. Two Doz. Oysters will be taken. Pennsylvania Avenue opposite the Center Market. November 14-4t
THIS is to give notice that the subscriber of Washington city lately obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the district of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. N. B. The sale will commence on Saturday the 19th November. November 4-4t
NOTICE. ORDER that Orlando Cook administrator of Nathaniel Goodall deceased, give notice to the creditors of the deceased to exhibit their claims against him by advertisement in the usual form, inserted in a newspaper in the city of Washington twice a week for three successive weeks. Ordered also that the said administrator sell the personal property of the said deceased at public auction on a credit of sixty days where any purchase for shall buy to the amount of more than twenty dollars; taking bond with security for payment with interest from the day of sale all sales under the above sum to be for cash. But he shall give fifteen days previous notice of the time, place and terms of sale by advertisement in the National telling recorder and also at the most public places in the city of Washington. Test JOHN HEWITT, Reg. November 4-4t
MILITARY LANDS FOR SALE. By virtue of a power delegated to his executors, by the last will and testament of John Rose, esq. deceased, late of the county of Westmoreland we the subscribers, having taken upon ourselves the execution of his said will, and qualified thereto according to law, now offer for sale, the following tracts of land, viz. One tract of fifteen hundred acres, by patent bearing date 7th of day of January, 1796, lying on Cumberland river, in the state of Kentucky. One of 1500 acres by patent, bearing date the 30th day of August, 1797, on the waters of Paint Creek, between the Miami and Sciota rivers. One of 1500 acres by patent, bearing date the 25th of April 1800, also on the waters of Paint Creek. One of 1200 acres by patent, bearing date the 25th day of April 1800, lying on the banks of the Sciota river. Two other small lots of one and two hundred acres on the waters of Lees creek a branch of the Battle Snake fork of Paint creek. One other small tract, of 360 acres, in the same neighborhood—and lastly, One other tract of 1500 acres, surveyed and patented for Burgess Bell, lying on a branch of Gapsary river adjoining the upper corner of George Washington's survey, and the same having been sold and conveyed by the said Bell to the said Rose. Proposals for a purchase of the whole or any part of the said lands will be received verbally or by letter, addressed to any of the subscribers. The taxes on these lands have been regularly paid, and a clear and indisputable title will be made the purchaser, by HENRY ROSE, Alexandria, } Executors. WM. ROBINSON, Leeds, } AV. BERRY, Fort Royal, } September 26.
4,000 weight of first quality FIRKIN BUTTER. Just received and for Sale by ALEXANDER MCORMICK. Capitol Hill, Washington, Nov. 7-4t RAPINE, CONRAD & Co. NEW JERSEY AVENUE. Have just received the following NEW BOOKS.
THE life of Lorenzo De' Medici, 3 vol. Denon's travels in Upper and Lower Egypt during the campaigns of gen. Bonaparte in that country, 2 vol. Willch's Domestic Encyclopedia; or Dictionary of facts and useful knowledge, vol. I. & II. for which the subscription is full open—the price will be enhanced to nonsubscribers. The Marriage Promise, a new comedy. Public characters, or contemporary biography, containing the memoirs of the most celebrated personages of this country and Europe. John Bull, or an Englishman's fire side, a new comedy. Tale of Mystery—ditto. Friend of Women, translated from the French. Toullier's Select Sermons, &c. &c. N. B.—R. C. & Co. have always on hand, at moderate prices, writing letter and wrapping papers, quills, wafers, sealing-wax, ink powder, ink and sand flasks, pocket books, playing cards, parchment, blank and account books, copper plate copies, &c. &c.
NOTICE. WILL be held at public auction, on Wednesday the 23d inst. at the Twenty buildings in the city of Washington, the personal property of Redmond Barry deceased, consisting of same plate, household kitchen furniture, together with a horse and chair with harness, and one cow and calf. Terms six months credit for all sums over 20 dollars, the purchasers giving bonds with approved security for the payment with interest from the day of sale until paid. JOHANNA BERRY, admx. November 7-3t
COLUMBIAN INN. GEORGE TOWN. THE Subscriber begs leave to solicit the patronage of his former friends and customers, and informs them he still continues at the Columbian Inn where he will be happy to have it in his power to accommodate them as usual. JOHN H. BARNEY. September 21.
Ad persons having claims or demands of any nature against the subscriber are requested to exhibit their accounts, without delay, to JOHN HEWITT or RICHARD FORREST, Esqrs. of the city of Washington, who are authorized, in my name, to adjust and settle the same and all persons indebted to me are requested to make payment to either of the gentlemen above named. SAMUEL BLOOGHT. March 30.
BISCUIT BAKE HOUSE, Near the Sugar House New Jersey Avenue. THE subscriber has commenced the above business in all its various branches, where merchants or owners of vessels may be supplied on reasonable terms; also private families with the best of Crackers. PETER MILLER. Washington August 19.
FOR SALE. THE Plantation on which I live, containing about 600 acres of valuable land. The improvements are, an exceeding good dwelling house two stories high, 42 feet long, by 36 feet wide, with a passage through the middle, three rooms below and four above stairs, with fire places in all but one, and a dry sweet cellar, the size of the house, in which is a capital vault with two rooms, and above is a fine airy pantry. A kitchen 36 by 18, two floors high, with a kitchen and laundry below, and lodging rooms for servants above. A washing house, meat house and dairy and in floor every necessary improvement for the accommodation of a family, and a very fine collection of grafted and budded peach trees of the most approved kinds, chiefly from Princes nursery on Long Island, which are just beginning to bear. This property is situated in a healthy genteel neighborhood, about four miles from the city of Washington, five from Alexandria. Nearly one half is in wood and timbered, and the residue arable and meadow land, of the latter, there are about 50 or 60 acres under the scythe and more may be easily laid down. Perhaps no tract of the same size, abounds more in fine springs, there being a never failing stream in every field, besides an abundant one which runs through the meadow and from which the greatest part of it may be watered. For terms apply to the subscriber on the premises. OVERTON CARR. September 19.
A Valuable Purchase. To be sold by private contract, on an unusual long credit, a part of the valuable estate, belonging to ANTHONY ADDISON, esq. called Chichester with additions, lying on the waters of the Eastern Branch, immediately opposite the city of Washington. It extends from below the Navy Yard up to within a few yards of the lot of the bridge, and has on it the ferry over the Branch commonly called Nailors, or Dyer's Ferry. The estate is divided into lots for the accommodation of purchasers, a correct plat of which is in the hands of capt. Marbury of Blue plains opposite Alexandria. Capt. Marbury may be spoken with at the bank of Columbia on every Thursday. October 19.
FOR SALE. A Handsome NEW GIG and Harness full plated, built in Philadelphia, from the last London fashion, may be seen and the terms known at Mr. Lovell's, the Union Tavern Pennsylvania Avenue. November 9-3t
THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR. HAS just received an handsome supply of fall goods which he is determined to sell and make upon the most reasonable terms, and in the best and most fashionable manner, and greatest expedition. Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square and Capitol Hill, seventh house from the Capitol. Oct. 14.
LECTURES. IN a science so various and complicated as the present system of the LAW, nothing which tends to facilitate the progress of the student can be deemed useless. It is with this view that the subscriber proposes to deliver during the winter, (and if suitable encouragement offers, annually) A COURSE OF LECTURES, On Education, Belles Letters, Composition, History and Law. The subscriber means to divide the same into two distinct courses. The object of the division is, that young gentlemen who are destined to fill situations in active life, distinct from those of the learned professions, may resort to that course of lectures which will be delivered without a relation to the Law, which will be the sole foundation of the other. If the plan should meet with success, the subscriber contemplates furnishing, next winter, a handsome Library, for the use of such gentlemen as feel desirous of patronizing the undertaking. The municipal laws of each state will then be provided—That students of law from any part of the United States will find in their interest to repair to the Metropolis, to pursue their studies; where they will have the advantage of attending the Congressional debates. The facility of access which the houses of Congress offer, is a circumstance peculiarly advantageous to the student, and the youthful plodder, not only from the light which is thrown in a course of debate on controverted questions of law; not only to be derived from witnessing the eager contests, the vigorous attacks, the wary methods of defence, exhibited by men of the most conspicuous talents, alive alike in abilities and interest; but especially from this consideration, that the speakers are, in general, exempted by the nature of their functions, from those defects to which pleaders are peculiarly exposed. The Lectures will commence the first week in December next, and continue until twelve distinct Lectures in each course shall have been delivered. The terms may be known by applying personal or by letters post paid to ROBERT WARE PEACOCK, Attorney at Law. City of Washington, October 17.
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
TO RENT AND immediate possession given, a two story frame HOUSE, in the city of Washington, on sq 224, opposite to Robert Peacock's esq. lately occupied by doctor Talbbs. Containing 3 rooms and a large pantry on the 1st floor, two on the 2d floor with garret rooms. Piazza and balcony to the fourth front, cellar and dry well, with an excellent garden—kitchen stable and cartie, c. house, with every other convenience for the reception of a genteel family—for further particulars, enquire at the store of Mr. Kauppi a few doors east of Rhodes's tavern, north E Street. October 29.
NOTICE. APPLICATION is intended to be made at the Treasury for the renewal of the following described certificates of Registered debt which have been lost, viz. No. 2403 and 2201, given to James Moore and Andrew Henderson for 165 69-100ths cents each—one to Charles Auroner, No. 2199 for 165 69 100ths cents—another to Meredith Webb, No. 2193, for 264 62 100ths cents, and one granted to Charles Miller, No. for 165 69 100ths cents, all bearing interest from 1st July 1781. WILLIAM CALHOUN, October 26-6w
CHARLES VARDEN, TAYLOR, FROM PHILADELPHIA. HAS received from Philadelphia an elegant assortment of the best quality Superfine Cloths, Calimeres, Silk Strachas, black and fancy silk moiré, &c. &c. white & figured Marcellas, Swandowns, Toillettes, Velveteens, Fanny cords, Coatings, &c. &c. With a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season. N. B. Ladies Habits, Regimentals and Navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion. New Jersey Avenue, the second House from the Capitol Square. November 8, 1803.
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
NOTICE. THIS is to give notice that the subscriber a Washington city hath obtained from the Orphans court of Washington in the District of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of NATHANIEL GOODALL late of said city and county deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby desired to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 15th day of May next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 4th day of November, 1803. ORLANDO COOK, Adm. November 4-4t
Grocery & Liquor Store. SAMUEL MINIRE informs the inhabitants of Washington and the public in general, that he has opened a grocery and liquor store at the Navy yard opposite Mr. Prout's, where he has and intends to keep a supply of every thing in his line of the best quality. He has now on hand, best Cognac brandy, Imperial tea, Bordeaux do. Hyson, Holland gin, Young Hyson, Jamaica spirits, Hyson skin, Whiskey, &c. Loaf, lump, and Madeira wine, very fine brown fug. r. for immediate use, Soap and candles, Sherry do. Bacon first quality, Lisbon wine, Best Spanish legers, And a variety of other articles all which he intends to sell on the lowest terms for Cash. N. B. A lot for sale in an eligible situation on the Capitol hill, New Jersey Avenue. November 4-cop7
BY AUTHORITY. SCHEME OF A LOTTERY, To build a Catholic Cathedral Church in the City of Baltimore.
Dollars. 1 prize of 20,000 1 ditto 10,000 2 do 5000 is 10,000 5 do 1000 — 5,000 10 do 500 — 5,000 15 do 200 — 3,000 200 do 100 — 20,000 200 do 50 — 10,000 200 do 25 — 5,000 250 do 20 — 5,000 4000 do 15 — 60,000 1 first drawn ticket after 2000, having a blank to its number, 500 1 do after 4000 do 500 1 do after 6000 do 500 1 do after 8000 do 500 1 do after 10,000 do 500 1 do after 12,000 do 500 1 do after 14,000 do 500 1 do after 16,000 do 500 1 do after 18,000 do 500 1 do after 20,000 do 2,000 1 last drawn ticket, which may have a blank to its number, 4,000 7154 Prizes, 210,000 13,856 Blanks—Not two to a prize.
21,000 Tickets, at 10 dollars each, 210,000. The laudable purpose of this lottery—the many very valuable prizes offered, and there not being two blanks to a prize, are considerations which give the managers reason to hope for a rapid sale of the tickets. The drawing will commence as soon as a sufficient number of tickets shall be sold to authorize it; and thirty days after the completion of the drawing, the prizes will be paid to the fortunate adventurers; subject to a deduction of fifteen per cent. Such prizes as shall not be demanded within twelve months after the drawing is finished, shall be considered as relinquished for the benefit of the church. For the satisfaction of those at a distance, it may be necessary to mention, that the managers have given bond to the mayor and city council in the sum of 120,000 dollars, for the due payment of the prizes which may be drawn. Tickets to be had of the managers, or of such persons as may be appointed by them. Managers. Right rev. Bishop Carroll, Rev. Francis Beaufort, Messrs. David Williamson, Robert Walsh, Charles Ghequiere, Patrick Bennett, Arnold Livers, Luke Tiernon, Francis I. Mitchell. July 13, 1803. cop7
The managers have lodged a number of tickets in the above lottery in the hands of Wm. Brent and James D. Berry for sale.
JUST PUBLISHED, AND FOR SALE, BY RAPINE CONRAD & Co. New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol. (Price 2 dolls. 25 cents in boards, or 2 dolls. 50 cents bound.) History of the British Expedition to Egypt.
To which is subjoined, A sketch of that country and its means of defence. Illustrated with maps and a portrait of Sir Ralph Aben-crombie. By ROBERT T. WILSON, Lieutenant colonel of cavalry in his Britannic Majesty's service, & Knight of the Imperial military order of Maria Theresa. September 28.
A French gentleman an ex- ile, whose early years were favored by a liberal education, which was improved by literary pursuits for several years, blended with a long, successful series of agricultural experiments upon alhedral scale—is desirous of obtaining by teaching youth, or by engaging in rural affairs combined with the instruction of youth, in classical literature and the French language a decent subsistence—and to this alone he confines his expectations. Possessing a perfect knowledge of the modern theory of husbandry, and having assured himself by practice, in the principles of the rotation of crops—the rearing and fattening of the most useful quadrupeds, the cultivation of the Vine, &c. He presumes that his services in this department alone would be of great advantage to any gentleman in the southern states, who might have occasion for a faithful and faithful superintendent. He demands no compensation, but upon actual proof of his qualifications and utility, is what he undertakes. Should no agricultural gentleman offer, he will undertake the care of a few pupils to teach them French alone, or the dead languages and French. A line addressed to the De Chavla care of Mr. Duane at Washington city, or at Philadelphia, will be respectfully attended to. November 14-w3t
CHINA, GLASS, & QUEENS WARE, STORE. THE subscriber has just received an elegant assortment of china, glass and queens ware, among which are, A few sets of French china, East India do. China plates and bowls of all sizes, China glass mugs, Cut tumblers, do. wine glass, do. goblets, do. decanters, pint and quart, do. jelly glasses, do. salts. He has also an usual assortment of groceries—best Spanish legars, Mackintosh tobacco, Scotch and rappee snuff, Macanba, &c. A. L. JONCHERES, a few doors below the Union Tavern, November 11-cop7