Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1801-01-12 00:00:00

Sales by Auction.
On THURSDAY,
The 15th inst. at 10 o'clock, will be sold at our Auction Room,
Malaga Wine in pipes,
French Brandy in do.
Sugar in barrels,
Bacon in lots,
Soal Leather in lots,
Soap in boxes,
Nails in casks.
Together with a variety of
DRY GOODS,
Among which are
Broadcloths, kerseymeres, coatings, swansdowns, plains, duffils, flannels, Irish linens, humhums, German and British ohaburgs, chintzes, calicoes, jaconet, book and tamboured muslins, and a number of other articles.
HENRY & THOS. MOORE,
Auctioneers.
January 7.
FIRST NOTICE.
Whereas a Commission of Bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against Elisha Cullen Dick of the town of Alexandria, and he being declared bankrupt is hereby required to surrender himself to the commissioners in the said commission named, or the major part of them, on the seventeenth day of this month, at twelve o'clock in the forenoon, at the Washington tavern, in Alexandria, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his estate and effects; when and where the creditors of the said Elisha Cullen Dick, either in his separate capacity or as one of the late house of James Meafe M'Rea and Company, may attend, prepared to prove their debts—At the second sitting of the commissioners, the said bankrupt is to go through his second examination; and at the last sitting the said bankrupt is required to finish his examination, and the creditors aforesaid to choose assignees, of which subsequent sitting due notice will be given and the creditors are to assent or dissent from the allowance of his certificate. All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or who have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same, but to whom the commissioners shall appoint, but to give notice to
HENRY MOORE,
Clerk to the Commission.
January 9, 1801.
7t
NOTICE.
All persons having claims against the estate of the late THOMAS PORTER, are requested to bring them forward on or before the first of March next, and those indebted to him are respectfully requested to make payment to
SARAH PORTER, Adm'x.
Jan. 1.
(2)co
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, January 6.
(Debate concluded.)
Mr. Davis moved to refer the report to a committee of the whole house.
Mr. Smilie hoped the house, before it committed itself by any judgment, would enquire by what authority the serjeant had acted in this most extraordinary transaction, that the citizen might in future be protected from outrages similar to that now under discussion.
Mr. Bayard said that the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nicholas) had entertained the house with an enumeration of doubts, which he hoped they would take no notice of. The facts before them came from a select committee, who were the only organ of a correct investigation of facts. If the facts were doubted the reference of them to a committee of the whole, with the view of ascertaining their truth, would be perfectly futile.
As to the sentiments of the gentleman on the report, he could not say he was surprised at them. They amounted simply to this, that there was something so sacred in the rights of a free citizen of a free country, that it was altogether immaterial how he acted, or in what manner he treated the constituted authorities of his country. Mr. Bayard felt as much as the gentleman for the rights of the citizen; but he also felt some degree of respect for the government; as he believed that much, not merely of its dignity, but of the happiness of the people depended upon an adherence to the settled principles of order.
The gentleman had told the house that he doubted its power in several respects.
Did he doubt its power to take the most instantaneous steps to preserve its tranquillity and order? To advance such a doctrine would be to degrade the house below the most pitiful county court. There was no such court that did not possess the power of committing for a contempt.
Mr. John C. Smith made several remarks which were not heard.
Mr. Nicholas said that his remarks had been misstated. They were that the magistrate was right in issuing his warrant; and that all that could be expected from him was an admission of the plea of the serjeant, which had actually been done. But to say that a magistrate shall not call your officer to an account in any case, is saying more than had ever been said elsewhere. Cannot your officer commit abuses? Have not gentlemen heard of abuses committed elsewhere? Have they not heard too of their punishment. In such circumstances what other course can be pursued, than that whereby a complaint is first made, and the defence then heard?
Mr. Nicholas did not think the committee had reported a true statement of
facts. The serjeant had himself declared that he had released the man, and afterwards arrested him a second time. He was, therefore, authorised in supposing, not that the committee had suppressed facts, but that they had not made a full enquiry into them. It was, then, an acceptable service to give this information to the gentleman, in the hope that they would be influenced by it.
He was surprised at the imputation thrown on a member, who was alluded to, as having advised the prosecution of the serjeant. This conduct, so far from being disgraceful, he considered as highly honorable, coming as it did, from a member enjoying an inviolability of character—Mr. N. concluded with the expression of a hope that the business would be buried in oblivion without controversy.
Mr. Dana said there were two features of the report that seemed to excite the sensibility of the gentleman from Virginia; one was the improper opinions expressed in it; the other, the imputation thrown on a member. He would have been truly surprised at the remarks he had heard on this occasion, had not very similar remarks often been expressed. Could any gentleman, pretending to judicial knowledge, doubt the power of the house? Could any man doubt that to arrest an officer of this house for discharging his duty was a violation of privilege?
As to the imputation thrown on a member, if any member had advised the prosecution, was not the imputation merited? For could any member of this house, impressed with a just sense of his station, so far degrade himself or the house, as to request the interference of a magistrate?—This indeed would be a miserable degradation of the house.
Mr. Harper was prepared, if this were a fit time, to shew that the Speaker clearly possessed the power he had exercised. It could be established by the best authorities. He was against a reference to the committee of the whole, which was the only question before the house. If gentlemen wished to try the abstract principle of privilege, they should move a recommitment to the select committee, and assign for reason the objectionable parts of the preamble.
The Speaker said that whatever words he may have used in giving his orders to the serjeant, it was his intention to have arrested, and held in confinement, subject to the order of the house, the man who had committed disorderly behaviour in the gallery. He thought then, and he still thought, that his power extended to that length.
If the Speaker did not possess this power, a member might be assaulted without the bar, a debate might ensue, and before the house could come to any decision, the object to be answered might be defeated.
It was therefore only justice to the serjeant to declare that whatever he had done had been in obedience to his orders.
In the case of disorderly behaviour in the galleries, there were but two courses which could be pursued. One was to clear the galleries of all the persons in them.—This would be to punish the innocent for the guilty. The other was— (The editor heard not distinctly.)
Mr. Davis spoke against the report, and in favour of referring it to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Kittera advocated the report.
Mr. Smilie declared his decided disapprobation of the conduct of the Speaker, the serjeant and the committee.
Mr. Otis spoke at considerable length. He defended the conduct of the Speaker, the serjeant and the committee. He observed that the authority of the Speaker to direct a momentary arrest was conceded. To arrest for an instant was as great a trespass as to arrest for a day. It could not admit of question that the serjeant was bound to execute the orders of the Speaker, and these given by him, in the presence of the whole house, without the house making any interference, were equal to the actual orders of the house.
It should be noticed by gentlemen that the species of outrages recently committed was more to be dreaded than any other kind of outrage. In other countries it had been fatal. In the French Republic it had produced much bloodshed and other mournful transactions. Designing men attended for the express purpose of inspiring terror, thereby hoping to carry their favorite measures; and in case they were called to account, they too generally found adherents, or lost themselves in a crowd. This description of outrages was therefore more to be feared than open assault upon the members.
Mr. Macon conceived that, in an affair of this kind, which presented the first instance in which a complaint had been made against an officer of the house for the arrest of a citizen, it became the house to act with deliberate caution. He was for a reference to the committee of the whole. He was not disposed to go at length into the arguments, urged by gentlemen in favour of the report. But he did not believe that the dignity of the house had any thing to do with the business.
Mr. Nicholas had little doubt but that the sentiments contained in the preamble would hereafter be quoted as authorities. In this point of light he considered them as dangerous. They tended to extend, under the name of privilege, the powers of an assembly, placed in circumstances peculiar to itself; and this extension could only be made at the expence of the magistracy of the country. The truth was that the civil authorities had powers, in many cases concurrent with those of the house; and it became not the house in such cases to countenance an exclusive exercise of them.
Mr. Nicholas had no doubt of the Speaker's making a true statement, according to his own impressions. But he did

actual correctness of his state- ment. His own opinion was that no au- thority was given to the serjeant to confinement. As here stated, in corrobo- ration of the correctness of the report by the committee, the statement made to him by several gentle- men as to the conduct of the serjeant.— The statement was substantially the same as that of Mr. Allston which will be found below.
The Speaker rose to explain what he had previously stated. He had said that he considered himself as possessed of the power to arrest and confine a person for disorderly behaviour during the present sitting, subject to the instructions of the house. He had not said that he had any power to confine an individual beyond that time.
The words in which he had conveyed his orders to the serjeant, where, he be- lieved, "Take care of him." He would take this occasion to say that there was in the public prints of that day a gross mis- REPRESENTATION of what occurred in the house.
Mr. Rutledge had been informed by the serjeant that there had not been a se- cond arrest. The account given to him at the time of the outrage, and that given him to-day, precisely corresponded. The account was this, that when the serjeant went into the gallery, the man who had committed the disorderly behaviour braved the vengeance of the house; in consequence of which he was taken down stairs by the serjeant; he then broke from the custody of the serjeant, and was finally conducted into the committee room, where he remain- ed till the house rose, when the speaker re- leased him.
Nothing so gross as this had occurred under the government, except once in Phi- ladelphia, when the speaker had actually confined all the citizens in the gallery by locking them in for a time. So that this power of confinement, which gentle- men declared to be novel, had been exer- cised, and that too in a much more exten- sive degree.
Mr. Allston observed, that had it not been for the observations which fell from the gentleman from South-Carolina, who just sat down, he should not have trou- bled the house with any remarks upon the present occasion; but that the statement of facts given by that gentleman to the house, so far as they related to the infor- mation which he had received from the serjeant at arms, was so entirely differ- ent from that which he himself had re- ceived from that officer, that he conceiv- ed himself bound to state to the house what he had himself heard that officer say.— That upon the evening after the transac- tion took place, sitting by the fire side in the presence of ten or fifteen gentlemen, who, Mr. Allston said, he was very con- fident would bear him out in what he was about to relate, the serjeant at arms said, that in executing the orders of the speaker respecting the noise in the gallery, he had turned the disorderly person out of the gallery, and intended to have let him gone about his business; but upon returning into the house, he had been advised by some of the members not to let him go; that it was extremely improper. Upon this he returned, and found the man some distance from the capitol, upon his horse; that he again arrested him, and conducted him into the clerk's office, or one of the committee rooms, and there detained him until the house adjourned,
Mr. Allston then observed, that if the serjeant at arms had been capable of relat- ing in language so diametrically opposite, the transaction which had taken place, as had been just given by the gentleman from South-Carolina and himself, that, instead of his conduct being praiseworthy, as was stated by the report of the committee, in his opinion it merited reprehension, and that he should therefore give his vote a- gainst concurring with the report of the committee.
Mr. Stanford observed, that what he knew of the subject, did not come from the serjeant; but he had good authority for saying, that the person who had com- mitted disorder in the gallery, had been set at large after he was taken, and arrest- ed under the advice and influence of cer- tain members of the house, one at least, if not more; that he himself could establish these facts—of course, that the report of the select committee was incorrect, and he hoped the business would be committed to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Nott spoke in approbation of the report, and stated in detail facts which had attended the business. But not hav- ing heard with distinctness more than half the words he uttered, and these in a bro- ken way, we cannot state even the sub- stance of his statement.
Mr. Stanford begged leave more par- ticularly to state, that on the day of the disorder, after the house had adjourned, he stepped into the clerk's office. He there found the young man, the subject of this business, held in custody. He then expressed his surprise to the young gentle- men of the office, that the serjeant had confined him, and exposed him to this hu- miliating mortification so long; that as it was a thoughtless act on the part of the young man, to have turned him out of the gallery was sufficient punishment for the offence, and indeed the usual course. The answer was, that the serjeant had done no more at first, but that at the instance, it seemed, of one or more of the members, and not by the authority of the speaker, he had afterwards gone, re-arrested, and thus confined him.
Mr. Stanford hoped that the matter might go to the committee of the whole; the facts, he alledged, could then be sub- stantiated, and the report of the select committee, so evidently erroneous, might be corrected.
Mr. Edmonds thought the conduct of the speaker and serjeant had been just what it ought to be. Nor did the differ- ent statement of facts, in the least, obstru- ct the propriety of the steps taken. In con- sequence of the order of the speaker, the serjeant had arrested the individual, who was immediately put in confinement. Af- ter this arrest the serjeant had no power to liberate him without the permission of the speaker or the house. Whether, therefore, he had remained personally in the custody of the serjeant, or whether he had been disengaged from him, still he was substan- tially and legally under arrest and confine- ment; and if he had withdrawn from the custody of the serjeant, the latter had on- ly done his duty in re-taking him.
The question was taken on referring the report to the committee of the whole house, and lost, Ayes 34, Noes 48.
Mr. Davis, after making a statement of facts in correspondence with those by Mr. Allston, moved a reference of the re- port to a select committee.
Lost, Ayes 38, Noes 47.
The question on agreeing to the resolu- tion, with which the report concludes, re-
curring, the Yeas and Nays were agreed to be taken.
Mr. Varnum. Is it in order to move to strike out the preamble?
Mr. Speaker. It is not in order. The preamble to a bill or to a resolution (some words followed, which we heard, but could not understand,) may be struck out. But he believed no preamble, that bearly assigned the reasons of a committee, had ever been struck out.
Mr. Varnum was of opinion there had been such instances; and referred to a re- port of the committee of elections in 1795.
The Speaker declared that the Pream- ble was not before the house; the only question was on agreeing to the conclud- ing words.
On which the yeas and nays were taken. When the clerk called the name of Mr. Spaight, he rose, asked the speaker whe- ther the preamble would be inserted on the journals, declaring that if it were not, he would vote for the resolution.
The Speaker replied, in words that we considered as equivalent to a declaration that it would not be inserted. So impres- sed, Mr. Spaight said, "aye."
On enumerating the Yeas, they were 58, and the Noes 30.
The speaker then made some remarks on placing the preamble on the journals. We could not understand his meaning.
Mr. Kitchell said he had voted for the resolution from the declaration of the Speaker that the preamble was not to be inserted on the journals. If it were to be inserted he would change his vote.
The Speaker declared he had not said so.
Mr. Spaight had been similarly impress- ed with Mr. Kitchell. He too must re- quest permission to change his vote.
Mr. Gregg declared he had voted un- der the same impression,
The members were not permitted to change their votes.
Mr. Kitchell said that in order to have an opportunity of fairly expressing his o- pinion he moved a reconsideration of the question just taken.
On which question the yeas and nays were taken as follow: yeas 45, nays 42.
On agreeing to the resolution the yeas and nays were again taken, under the de- claration of the Speaker that he would di- rect the preamble to be placed on the jour- nals, as follow: Yeas 50, Nays 38
YEAS.
Messrs. Baer, Bartlett, Bayard, Bird, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, Dana, J. Davenport, F. Davenport, Dennis, Dickson, Edmond, Evans, Fos- ter, Freeman, Glenn, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Griswold, Grove, Harper, Henderson, Hill, Huger, Imlay, Kittera, H. Lee, S. Lee, Linn, Morris, Nott, Otis, Pinckney, Platt, Powell, J. Reed, N. Read, Rutledge, Shepard, J. C. Smith, Sheafe, Tenny, Thatcher, J. C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, L. Williams, Woods,—50.
NAYS.
Messrs. Allston, Bailey, Bishop, R. Brown, Christie, Clay, Claiborne, Con- dit, Davis, Dawson, Dent, Eggleston, Elmendorf, Goode, Gray, Gregg, Han- na, Holmes, Jackson, Kitchell, Leib, Macon, Muhlenburg, New, Nicholas, Randolph, Smilie, J. Smith, Spaight, Stanford, Sumter, Taliaferro, Thomp- son, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Van Cortlandt, Varnum, R. Williams,—38.
On the vote Messrs. Claiborne, Goode, Gregg, Hanna, Kitchell, Spaight, Thompson, and R. Williams voted in
the negative, having on the first question put on agreeing to the resolution, voted in the affirmative.
KINGSTON, (Jam.) Nov. 3.
Several vessels parted their anchors ye- sterday, but none we are happy to under- stand, received any material damage. One schooner lost her foremast, by being run on board of by another vessel.
Extract of a letter from Port Antonio, dated Oct. 28th, 1800.
"Sailed since my last, the sch'r Polly, Woodbury, for Kingston; brig Adventure, Robinson, America; sch'r Mark and Ma- ry, Stenson, do; sch'r Young William, Croaker, do; brig Neptune, do.
"A very deep loaded schooner, sup- posed American, was in the offing yester- day, but owing to the light winds and windward current, she could not reach the port. To-day she is not in sight. A ve- ry fresh north east wind has set in this morning.
November 4.
The Spanish armed sch'r La Guilla, from the Havanna bound to Campeachy, having the governor of that province on board, prize to his majesty's ships Juno and Ma- lampus, arrived yesterday.
November 6.
The schooner Lively, capt. Young, la- den with rum and sugar, was cast away on Sunday during the gale at Morant Bay, and only a few puncheons of rum saved.
On the properties between this town and Spanish town very considerable damage has been done to the canes, corn and plan- tains, which have been mostly laid down, and a great number of trees torn up by the roots.
Two Spanish brigs, one from Campeachy to Trinidad, prize to the brig Argo- naut, the other from the same place to Truxillo, prize to his majesty's ship Juno; and the American brig Sukey, from Salem to La Guira, with dry goods prize to the same, arrived yesterday.
Died, in Port Royal, the rev. Mr. Gunning, chaplain of his majesty's ship Carnatic, sincerely regretted by all his ac- quaintance.
November 7.
The Spanish brig sent in by his majesty's ship Juno, with naval and military stores, is it appears, one of the three sent with ammunition, &c. to effect an attempt on our settlement at Honduras.
November 8.
The ship Jane, with the loss of her main and mizen masts, and his majesty's ship Juno, with the loss of her fore and main- top masts, went into Port Royal yesterday afternoon.
SALEM, December 30.
Almost the whole of the month of De- cember has been remarkably open and mild. Friday last the mercury in Fahr- heit's thermometer was at 58 degrees above zero, which is 8 degrees above the warmest weather of common winters. Yesterday the mercury had sunk to 32 degrees, 26 degrees lower than on Friday.
The British spoiliations on American commerce amounted to four millions of dollars, when Mr. Jay obtained by treaty a promise of restitution. The French spoiliations amount to twenty nine millions, for which not even a promise of restitution is obtained by the late Conven- tion. The British treaty produced such a convulsion in this country, that nothing but the weight of Washington's personal character saved the government from de- struction. The French treaty will go

quietly into operation, from the affectionate regard of one party for France, and the principle of supporting government which actuates the other.
NEW-YORK, January 3.
Nothing is more idle than to suffer alarms from the repetition of old proverbs. That a "green Christmas should make a fat church yard," is not to be admitted, without caution, as a general truth. We should at least be able to prove that the fact is common, and that a "frosty Christmas makes a lean church yard." How stands the facts for the last ten years?
The winter of 1788—'89, was rather more severe than usual. The summer following prevailed measles and influenza—but no mortal disease in the country generally. In a few places prevailed the scarlatina anginosia.
The winter of 1789—'90 was remarkably mild—snow, sleet and rain fell in abundance—but no frost to harden the earth till February, and then not more than a week. The surface of the earth was mud, almost the whole winter.
The summer following, the same diseases prevailed, but no unusual mortality. The two following winters were of unusual severity. In 1791 appeared the malignant fever in New-York, and in 1792 a very mortal angina scarlatina. The winter of 1792—3 was of common severity—it began early—our rivers were closed by the 10th of December—The next summer appeared the yellow fever, and the angina raged. The winter of 1793—4, was milder, but not of the mild sort. The same malignant complaints and dysentery prevailed. The autumn of 1794 we had a green Christmas, a mild winter, and a sickly summer succeeded, but not universally. The next winter was as usual, and the summer of 1795 was more healthy, but yellow fever and angina affected many towns.
The winter of 1796—7, was more than usually severe; the following summer was healthy generally in the northern states, but several towns in these and the southern states was severely afflicted with the malignant fever.—The winter of 1797—8, was more severe, and followed by the most general prevalence of malignant fevers and dysenteries.—The winter of 1798—9, was equally severe and more lengthy, the summer following was less sickly, but not free from malignant fevers. The last winter was much milder in the northern states, and the summer following in general remarkably healthful. We see therefore the severest winters as the mildest, followed by mortal diseases.
The autumn of 1774—was like the present—we had a green Christmas, and a very mild winter. In 1775, malignant dysentery was very prevalent. But unfortunately for the adage, that disease and angina maligna were more mortal in many places in 1778, than in 1775; and the dysentery was more prevalent in 1776 and 1777, after winters of usual severity, than in 1775, after the very mild winter.
The remarkable mild winters of 1754—5, and 1755—6, when vessels sailed from New-York to Albany in January, were followed by no general sickness, although the dysentery and angina affected particular towns.—The autumn of 1778—9, was as usual; but the latter part of the winter was as mild as ever known. Peaches blossomed in February—yet the following summer was uncommonly healthful.
On the whole, we have reason to be cautious in crediting popular remarks. It is very evident that heat and cold are not the most influential agents directly in generating epidemic diseases.
January 6.
Arrived, brig Mohawk, Saye, Port-au-Prince.
The brig Sally arrived at Jamaica in 18 days from this port.
TRENTON, January 6.
By the return of votes, our readers will perceive, that Messrs. Mott, Elmer, Condit, Helms and Southard , composing the democratic ticket are elected members of Congress by a majority of about 500 votes. It will be recollected, that in our last, we stated, from the information we had received, that the federal ticket would probably succeed by a majority of between 1000 and 1500 votes. This calculation was founded upon the ordinary results of electors in this state, and was fully justified by that for members of the legislature, held in October last—but, it has failed!—The numbers of votes given in by the counties of Essex and Morris, has not only exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the friends of the democratic ticket, but out-strips all calculation founded on precedent or reason, and justly excites a wonder when the population of those counties is compared with that of the large counties of Burlington and Hunterdon. This wonder, however, will cease when we state, and from the most respectable authority, that in Morris and Essex, not only girls of the age of eighteen, but even married women, were actually admitted to vote. In Sussex, also, we are credibly informed, that the same illegal practices took place. Such being the state of things the election will probably be disputed at the next congress. We cannot here forbear to state, that the federalists have been shamefully negligent of their duty .—They had votes enough in the state, good and legal votes , to overbalance all those of their opponents, legal and illegal .
PHILADELPHIA, January 7.
From a mercantile house, whose polite attentions we have often had occasion to notice, we this morning received the London Observer of the 16th and Gore's Liverpool Advertiser of the 17th November. From these it appears that
His majesty's ministers have received advice that the French meditate a speedy attack upon Jersey and Guernsey, in consequence of which a considerable augmentation to the garrisons of those islands had been ordered,
The Observer says "The funds experienced a general depression last week—Bank stock fell from 166 1/2 to 164 3/4. The 3 per cents, after various fluctuations, lost 1/2 per cent. and Omnium, which yesterday closed at 3 per cent. premium, was done on Friday at 2 1/2."
We shall give extracts in our next.
Cleared, brig Juniata, Brown, Lisbon; sloop Eliza, Watkins, New-York.
Schooner La Plate, Newel, from hence, has arrived at Cape Francois, after a passage of 12 days.
Ship Mars, George, of this port, from Liverpool to New Orleans, was spoke near Abaco on the 20th November, all well, after having been boarded five times by British ships of war.
BALTIMORE, January 9.
Arrived at North-Point, schr Mencriff.
capt. William Cobb, 20 days from Port Republican—spoke nothing.
Brig Dispatch from Cape Francois.
List of vessels at Port Republican, on the 16th December, 1800, politely furnished for insertion by capt. Cobb.
Brig Eagle, Bright, Baltimore; Hiram, Whealand, Philadelphia; schr Betsey, Young, do. Nimrod, Makeurges, do. Currier, Staples, Boston; Concord, Feale, Wilmington, D. and Hannah, Morrison, Charleston, S. C.
Alexandria Advertiser.
MONDAY, January 12.
Villebrune, the chief librarian of the National library at Paris, has published a treatise replete with oriental literature, to prove the authenticity of a treaty concluded between Mahomet and the Christians in the 4th year of the Hegira. This treaty, which grants a number of privileges to the Christians, and secures to them their religious liberty, their property and their hierarchies, has been long known in the country to be in existence. It was supposed that it could only be found in the archives of the Divan, but it has been preserved in France. Villebrune adds to his work a translation of it.
It appears by a late return, that there are at this time in Pennsylvania, 113,355 taxable inhabitants, among whom there are 1448 slaves. In the year 1793, there were only 91,115.
Petitions are in circulation in Pennsylvania, praying the legislature to adopt constitutional measures for effecting an alteration in the constitution, so that the senators may be chosen annually.
Extract of a letter from an American gentleman, who left Cadiz on the first of October.
"It was impossible to say when the vessels would sail, owing to the fever, which raged in an alarming degree, in Cadiz. There was no business doing—the merchants having chiefly left the city, and the governor having stopped all communication with the adjacent ports, it being generally supposed that they had the fever worse than in Cadiz. The deaths before I left that place, were computed at ten thousand in two months. Although the fever raged so much in Cadiz no one American was sick the whole time of my stay there, which was about ten weeks."
A BALANCE LOCK,
Says a London paper of the 12th September, for transferring boats on canals from one level to another, was tried on the Dorset and Somerset canal, at Mells, on the 6th instant, and found completely to answer. By this invention the difficulties which have so long existed, of transferring boats on canals without loss of water, are now fully removed, and at a less expence than any other scheme hitherto suggested, and it was very probable, that the necessity of tunnels will be thereby superceded. The experiment was made on a fall of 21 feet, and laden boats transferred up and down in much less time than is employed in passing in common; but this invention is capable of being affixed to a fall of 43 feet, or a much greater depth.
Public Sale.
On TUESDAY next, at 10 o'clock, will be Sold at the Verdue Store, Teneriffe Wine in pipes and
 Catalonia do. in casks,  Whiskey in tierces and bds. do.  French Brandy in pipes,  Brown Sugar in bds.  Loaf and lump Sugar in lots,  Raisins in casks,  Coffee in bags,  Hyson Tea in chests,  Nutmegs by the pound,  Nails, &c. &c. 
Also, a quantity of
DRY GOODS,
 Consisting of  Cloths and Kerseymeres,  Flannels and Bazes,  A quantity of flannel Drawers,  Irish Linens, Scotch Threads,  Tamboured Muslins,  Coloured Lute-strings,  Striped Sattins, black do.  Striped and plain British Oznaburgs,  Sail Duck,  Writing Paper, &c. &c. 
P. G. MARSTELLER, Auctioneer.
January 12.
JUST RECEIVED,
By the Schooner Eliza, Capt. Ward, from New-York, and for sale by
Roberts & Griffith,
 30 hhds muscovado sugar  East India sugar in bags  Loaf and lump sugar in hhds. and bds.  Coffee in barrels and bags  Pepper and pimento  A few pipes London particular Madeira wine  Sherry, Malaga and Teneriffe wine in quarter casks  Spirits, peach brandy and Holland gin  Cotton in bales  Mould and dipt candles  Raisins in kegs and boxes  Soft shell almonds, &c. &c. &c. 
They daily expect by the Schooner Philip from New-York, 20 puncheons Antigua rum.
January 12.  ec3t1aw3t
At the request of a number of my Friends, I offer myself as a Candidate for the ensuing Election to represent the Incorporated Town of Alexandria.
GEORGE HILL.
January 5th, 1801.  d4tt
NOTICE.
A meeting of the citizens of Alexandria, and of that part of Fairfax county within the District of Columbia, is requested at the Court-house, on Tuesday next, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when some propositions relative to the exercise of the Congressional legislation over the District, will be submitted to their consideration by the committee chosen to confer on the subject of general regulations for the Territory of Columbia.
By order, ROBERT I. TAYLOR, Clerk.
January 9. 1801.
Being provided with a complete & elegant assortment of New Materials, all manner of Printing—Book Work, Handbills, &c. will be executed at this Office, with neatness, accuracy and dispatch.

Shreve and Janney,  we for sale at their store, on Union, be-  tween Prince and Duke-streets. Rustic soap in boxes 4th proof Barcelona brandy A few tiers of whiskey East and West-India sugar, coffee, &c. Hyson, souchong and bohea tea A quantity of dipt candles Writing paper assorted, in bales Wrapping do. China, assorted handsomely, in cases Soak and upper leather Men's Women's and children's shoes of different qualities Leading and other lines A few pieces of handsome furniture. All the above articles are of a good quality, and will be sold low for cash or country produce. Dec. 12. eo
A LIST OF LETTERS  Remaining in the Post-Office at Alexandria,  1st of January, 1801. If not taken  out by the 31st of March, will be re-  turned to the Post-Master General as  dead letters.
A. Michael Arthur, William Adams, capt. John Allison, James Allen, George Ains- worth, Elizabeth Alton, Frederick M. Amelung.
B. Capt. Peter Butler, George Baily, capt. Tholmiah Berry, William Boyl, Mariam Bolon, Andrew Belinain, Benjamin Ball, John Buchan, Ray Bliven, Samuel Brew- er, Thomas Brand, David Brown, Ellinda Bolden, William Buntin.
C. Reaf Charlton, James Carter, Nimrod Clitholm, Elizabeth Clark, Nicholas Comeford, John Cant, Jacob F. Cooper, Jacob Cook, Thomas Craig, Anthony Crease, Joseph Cannon, Adam Coomod, Overton Carr, Vincent Celiy, Matthew Clayton.
D. Elijah Denning, Joshua Dowling, Am- brose Deacons, Stephen Donaldson, Henry Dodson.
E. Mr. Esminard.
F. Alexander Fernister, James Frazier.
G. John Graham, James Gabson, James Gunnell.
H. Francis Hamenly, Samuel Howard, Thomas Hughs, Thomas Hannah, James Hunter, Eugin Hanley, George F. Haw- kins.
J. Peter John, Seth Jones, John Jacobs, John Johnston, Edward Johnston.
L. Capt. Daniel C. Lane, Jesse Lincoln, Michael Leawdge, capt. Henry Lunt, Charles Lefever, Alexander Letmore, George Lamkin, Robert C. Latimore, Mrs. Lee.
M. Patrick Murphy, Alexander M'Clane, John Miller, George Minor, Michael M'Conell, William Moody, Theodore Middleton, Benachutus Morse, Michael M'Kee, Thomas Magruder, Mitchel & Thornhily, Ronald M'Donaldson, John Mountjoy.
N. Farmer Nelson, Francis Newman, John Norwood.
O. Cornelius O'Loughlin, Bezin Offield, Henry Oliver.
P Thomas Parker, William P. Paterson, William Pickering, Thomas Purkins, capt. Henry Piercy, John Prowler, colonel Wil- iam Payne, capt. Job Palmer.
R. Richard Ratcliff, Daniel Rine, William Rhodes, John Raymond.
S. Caroline M. Steptoe, James Sheehy, James Spencer, Francis Shinard, John Steckney, Samuel Slakum, Samuel Silver- ter, Wethers Smith, jun. Frederick Sheeve, Robert Smock, Isaac Solomon, Thomas Shaw, Joseph Stevens.
T. Capt. Solomon Tyler, John Tattong, Thomas Townson.
V. Joseph Varden, James Vance.
W. James Williams, Susannah Welsh, capt. Weeks, John Wormley, Henrick Wey- denere, Richard Westcoat, Jesse Whency, Henry West, Mr. Whitty, Patrick White.
IMPORTED
And for sale by the subscriber at the Coun- ty-Wharf, a general assortment of Cologne Mill-stones, from Amsterdam, with hand Mill-stones and German steel.
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. Baltimore, December 27. zaw6t†
To be Rented,
And possession given immediately— A two story house and garden on Duke- street, about two squares to the eastward of the stone bridge.
W. HARTSHORNE.
A number of valuable lots in different situations, to be sold—also, a brick house in King-street, in the tenure of Thomas Cruse;—a part of the purchase money will be taken in Alexandria Bank shares at par, and for some of the lots, A- lexandria Insurance shares at a price to be agreed on. For part of the purchase mo- ney of either, a liberal credit may be had. 1st Month 7th. eo
Fresh Raisins and Currants
for Sale, by
Robert B. Jamesson,
Who has (as usual) a general assortment of  Wines, Spirits & Groceries, viz. Jamaica and W. I. Rum, old Peach, Cogniac and Bourdeaux Brandy, Holland Geneva, Irish and Country Whiskey, a few pipes of old Bill Madeira, four do. London market do. 16 half pipes 7 year old Port, 20 quarter casks Sherry, 5 pipes Teneriffe, 4 pipes Catalonia, and a few qr. casks of Lisbon and Malaga Wines, Powder, loaf and lump Sugars, Molasses, Spanish Honey, Salt Petre, Copperas, Madder, Race and ground Ginger, Pi- mento, Pepper, Mace, Nutmegs, Cloves, Teas of the latest importations, Fig-Blue, Gunpowder, Patent Shot, Leiper and Ha- milton's Snuff in bladders and bottles, Alum, Indigo, Pearl Barley, Starch, Lon- don brown Stout and Porter in bottles, Almonds, spinning Cotton, Hunter's Pipes in kegs, Olives, Capers and Anchovies, Chocolate, Rice, Mustard, and Spanish Se- gars; all of which will be sold low for Cash, Country Produce, or on a time to his punctual customers.
Also, five likely, strong
KENTUCKY HORSES,
On a liberal Credit. December 20, 1800. d
FOR SALE,
Genuine Madeira Wine in pipes, hhds. and quarter casks, for approv- ed notes, or exchanged for Tobacco or Flour.
I WILL SELL OR RENT
The Store I have occupied for many years past, situated on Prince-Street, op- posite Col. Hooe's. No stand in Town more eligible, or better accommodations for carrying on an extensive wholesale, wet or dry good business. The cellar perfect- ly dry, with a door at each end, will hold one thousand barrels of flour; 2500 barrels may be stowed on the premises without any inconvenience to the occu- pant.
Those desirous of holding it will apply to me on Merchants' Wharf, where I shall in future do business.
W'm I. HALL. December 22. d
WANTED TO HIRE,
For the service of the Potomac Company  for the ensuing year, to work at the  Great-Falls,
A number of active, able bodied NEGRO MEN, for whom libe- ral wages will be given. They will be well fed, clothed and lodged, humanely treated, and in cases of sickness taken good care of at the expence of the Company— Their wages will be paid quarterly, and if desirable to the owners, agents will be appointed at different places to pay at the expiration of each quarter, as may be most convenient to the parties. Further parti- culs may be had by application to Mr. Alexander Reid, at the Great-Falls, or to the subscriber in George-Town.
By order of the President and Direc- tors.
JOSEPH CARLETON,  Treasurer of the Potomac Company. George-Town, Dec. 29. 3ot
An extensive and well chosen Assortment of
CALICOES & CHINTSES,
With a variety of other articles, this day received, and for Sale, by
JOHN HORSBURGH.
J. Horsburgh respectfully informs those of his customers with whom he has running accounts, that he is under the ne- cessity of discontinuing this practice;— therefore in future he will sell for Cash or Produce only.
December 22. d
Notice is hereby given to
the Stock-Holders of the Bank of Alexan- dria, that an Election will be held at the Court House in this town on the third Monday in January next, for the purpose of choosing nine Directors of said Bank, for the ensuing year, agreeably to charter.
GURDEN CHAPIN, Cash'r. Dec. 16. d4w
WILLIAM OXLEY & CO.
King-street,  HAVE FOR SALE,
Superfine, second and coarse broad and narrow cloths, kerseymeres, swansdowns, coatings, swankins, blan- kets, flannels, fancy calicoes and chintzes, black bombazets, durants, ruffelotts, I- rish linens, Barcelona and pullicat hand- kerchiefs, womens' and mens' cotton and worsted hose, dimities, checks, silks, threads, &c. &c. which will be sold low for cash, or bartered for flour or tobacco.
Dec. 19. eoif
Boarding and Lodging
May be had for five or six gentlemen, by applying to
JOHN GORDON, King Street. December 16. eo
ANTHONY SAWYER,
Hair Dresser and Perfumer, (lately from Baltimore)
Royal street, between King and Prince streets, fourth door south of the Print- ing Office of the Times,
Begs leave to inform the Ladies of Alexandria, and the country generally, that having received the new- est fashion of Ladies' Wigs and Filets, he will be thankful to receive their orders for the above articles, and will warrant them equal to any manufactured on the continent.
N. B. Any Lady wishing to see his Patterns, may be accommodated by send- ing a servant to his shop.
He has for sale, every article in his Perfumery line, on the most reasona- ble terms. Alex. Dec. 8. d
Fresh Raisins.
Just received a few boxes of excellent Rai- sins, and for Sale, by
JOHN & J. TUCKER. December 24. eo
Marine Insurance Company  of Alexandria.
THE Stockholders in the Marine In- surance Company of Alexandria, are here- by notified, that an election will be held on Thursday the 15th day of January next, at the Court House in the said town, for the purpose of electing fifteen persons, citizens of this commonwealth, as direc- tors of that institution.
J. B. NICKOLS, SEC'RY.
Form of power to vote by Proxy.
I, or we do hereby nominate and empower to attend at the meeting of the subscribers to the Marine Insurance Company of Alexandria, on Thursday the 15th day of January next, then and there, for me and in my name, to vote for 15 directors of said Company.
Given under my hand this day of
N. B. The above must be subscribed before two witnesses.
December 24. eoqt
GEO. CLEMENTSON
Has this day opened a Store adjoining his dwelling-house, at the corner of Prince and Pitt Streets, where he now has, and intends to keep,
A general assortment of  GROCERIES,
Which he will dispose of on moderate terms, for Cash or Produce.
He has also for Sale,
A few DRY GOODS, consisting of brown Hollands, 7-4 white Shirtings, Ca- licoes, Leather Gloves and Mitts, Threads, Writing Paper, Cutlery, Curry-Combs, Chalk-Lines, Needles, &c. and 15 kegs white Paint ground in Oil.
December 22. eo24t
Two active Lads, about 14 years of age, and of reputable connexions, would be taken as Apprentices at the office of the Advertiser.
PRINTED BY  S. SNOWDEN & Co.