Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1801-02-18 00:00:00

Alexandria
Advertiser
AND COMMERCIAL
INTELLIGENCER.
VOL. I.]
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1801.
[No. 60.]
CONDITIONS OF PUBLICATION of the
Alexandria Advertiser
AND
Commercial Intelligencer.
I. It will be published on a half sheet of super-royal paper of good quality, and with an elegant type, of which this paper contains a specimen.
II. It will be published every day at 3 o'clock, and delivered to subscribers in town with the utmost regularity and expedition, and transmitted to those at a distance through the most early and regular channels of conveyance.
III. The price will be Five Dollars per annum, to be paid one half on receipt of the first number, the remainder at the end of the year.
Washington Society.
The Members of the ALEXANDRIA WASHINGTON SOCIETY are hereby notified, that a regular stated meeting of the said Society will be held at Gadsby's Hotel, on Monday the 23d instant, at 10 o'clock A. M. and it is earnestly requested that the members will be punctual in their attendance, as there is some necessary business to be transacted.
The Society will move in procession with such others as chuse to join, at 12 o'clock, from the Court-House square to the Presbyterian Meeting-House, where an Oration will be delivered by the Rev. Mr. Maffett, adapted to the occasion.
The Society will dine together on that day, at Gadsby's, agreeable to a resolve at the last quarterly meeting.
By order of the President.
G. DENEALE, Sec'ry.
February 16.
LANDING
From the Schooner Mississippi, Best London particular Madeira Wine in pipes, Lisbon Wine of a superior quality in hhds. and quarter casks, Turk's Island and Isle of May
SALT.
On hand, a few casks of excellent Chewing Tobacco.
For CHARTER the above Schooner, Mississippi.
Apply to
Wm. I. HALL.
Merchants' wharf, Feb. 9. d
For Sale,
A number of likely, healthy, young Negro Women & Children, Low for Cash.
The terms may be known by applying to the subscriber, at her farm in Prince William county.
ELIZA. WHITING.
Enfield, Feb. 14. 3tawt
Public Sale.
On FRIDAY at 10 o'clock, will be sold at the Vendue-Store, Brown Sugar in hhds. & bls. Loaf and Lump Sugar in lots, Teneriffe and Port Wine in pipes, half pipes and quarter casks, French Brandy in pipes, Whiskey in tierces and barrels, Hyson Tea in chests, Bohea Tea in chests, Figs in casks and frails, Raisins in do. do. Cordials in boxes, Soap and Candles in boxes, Cotton in bales, A quantity of Bacon, Tobacco in kegs, Nails in casks, Hardware assorted in boxes, &c.
Also, a quantity of
DRY GOODS.
Particulars of which will be made known previous to the sale.
P. G. MARSTELLER,
Auctioneer.
February 17.
Sales by Auction.
On SATURDAY next, At ten o'clock, will be sold at the Auction Room on Union Street,
Sugar in bls.
Candles in boxes, Tobacco in kegs, Coffee in bags, Saltpetre in bags, Raisins in boxes, Grapes in jars, Almonds in bls. Oranges in boxes, Anchovies in kegs and boxes, Together with a variety of
DRY GOODS,
Among which are
Wilton and Scotch Carpeting, striped and plain Coatings, Kerseys, Plains, Flannels, rose Blankets, Broadcloths, Kerfeymeres, worsted Hose, Durants, mens' fine Hats, Irish and German Linens, Humhums, Muslins, &c.
HENRY & THOS. MOORE,
February 17.
Auctioneers.
For Sale,
A few Pipes, Hogsheads and Quarter Casks of
MADEIRA WINE,
Neat as imported.
We will let it go at a moderate price for Cash, or on short credit, or will barter it for Flour, Corn, Corn Meal or Tobacco, which we are generally in the purchase of.
Alex. Henderson & Co.
Merchant's Wharf, Feb. 14. d
An Apprentice wanted at this Office.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, January 22.
SEDITION LAW.
(Debate continued.)
House in committee—Mr. Morris in the chair.
Upon General Lee's sitting down there was a loud call for the question, when
Mr. Nicholson rose, and said although he was sensible that the patience of the committee must be well nigh exhausted, yet he could not suffer this question to be finally taken without making some observations which he deemed necessary. Gentlemen who had opposed him in the debate, had, for their own purposes, so tortured and perverted his expressions, that one who had not heard him would naturally suppose he had made a charge of the foulest corruption against the judges of the federal court. He did not rise, he said, to calm the tempest which those gentlemen had excited in their own breasts, nor to quiet the mournful apprehensions just expressed by the honorable member from Virginia (Mr. Lee,) these he imagined would soon subside of themselves; but there was a respect which he owed to himself that rendered some additional remarks necessary.
When he first had the honor to address the committee on this subject, he had said that if he had been a member of the house at the period when this law passed, he certainly should have given it his feeble opposition, not only on the ground of its unconstitutionality, but its inexpediency too. He had avoided going into a long train of argument, with which the newspapers and pamphlets of the day would have furnished him, because he was unwilling to detain the committee with the repetition of objections which he presumed were fresh on the mind of every man. He had endeavored to be as concise as possible, stating only in general terms, a principle that he had cherished from his earliest youth, that as far as relates to public men and public measures, the press ought to be free as air. Sir, said Mr. N. it has ever been my opinion, and I have yet seen no reason to change it, that a wise and virtuous administration, who make the happiness and prosperity of the nation the sole rule of their conduct, can have nothing to dread from the pen of falsehood: the shafts of calumny will fall blunted before them, the attack of the slanderer will reverberate upon himself.
That the numberless objections which had been made against this law in its earliest stages, had been strengthened by the practice which had grown under it, was certainly one of my arguments, and I noticed some instances of prosecutions, in which the decisions of the court had made the law more objectionable in my mind. In
recounting the several prosecutions, it appears that I was mistaken in one; I mean that of the printer in Boston, who was universally said to have died in prison, and which I never heard contradicted before. Even the gentleman from S. Carolina (Mr. Rutledge) who acknowledges he was under the same impressions with myself until he went to the eastward during the last summer, and who thought it of so much importance as to make an enquiry a part of his business, did not receive correct information; for he has been contradicted on the floor by his friend from Massachusetts (Mr. Otis) whose statement likewise by the bye, I believe to be equally inaccurate with my own; for two other gentlemen from that state, who usually sit on my left, have since told me that Thomas Adams, a printer in Boston, and a man of delicate health was charged under this law and held to bail for his appearance, but died before his trial, and that Abijah Adams is the man alluded to as having been prosecuted in the state court. But, sir, the circumstance was mentioned incidentally by me, and as soon as I found I had been mistaken I readily acknowledged it, as I trust I shall always do when convinced that I have been in an error; and gentlemen have done me nothing more than justice in saying they believe the misstatement was not willful on my part, and I beg leave to do them equal justice by declaring that I believe their misstatements have been unintentional likewise. However, be the fact as it may, whether he lived or died, in or out of prison it certainly could not have been used by me to establish the favorite point which the gentlemen have so strenuously contended for the wilful corruption of the court. The bare circumstance of his death could not have been imputed to the corrupt conduct of the judges, and I believe it will not be contended that I venture to condemn the mode in which his trial was conducted. —So much for the first act.
The next was that a member of this house had been prosecuted, convicted, fined and imprisoned, for an offence under this law which was committed before the law was in existence. And here give me leave to remark, that the point of this argument no gentleman has thought proper to answer; for the evil that I complained of was that the law had been susceptible of such a construction as to warrant the punishment of a man for an offence committed antecedent to its passage. It was the retrospective operation which had been given to the act in this particular case, which I did consider and do yet consider as a strong argument against its continuance. The nature of his trial, nor the matter of the writing for which he was punished, was neither of them remarked on by me. The words wilful corruption were first introduced by the member from Connecticut (Mr. Dana) and when I interrupted him and told him they were not used by me I did not expect to hear no more

them: but he and those who followed him thought proper to protract and give a construction to my language which I am persuaded it will not bear.
The case of Mr. Cooper who was tried in Philadelphia under this law during the last winter was another in which gentlemen on the other side of the house seemed to think he had been unfortunate in the selection of, as an evidence of corrupt conduct in the court. But, said Mr. N. in what manner was this case stated by me? Cooper was charged with having published a libel with intent to defame the president of the United States, in which libel it was said that the president had declared certain opinions. Cooper relied on exculpating himself by proving that in answers to certain addresses before that time presented to the president, he had uttered these opinions and enquired of the court whether he should be allowed to offer as testimony to the jury a book in which all these answers were compiled. He was expressly told by the court that the book was not evidence; he then demanded a subpoena for the president himself, which the court positively refused to grant for reasons which I presume they thought sufficient. This produced conversation and after some time the book was suffered to be read, not by the opinion of the court, but by the special favor of the attorney for the United States, without whose consent it could not have gone to the jury. But, sir, what I relied on was the refusal on the part of the court to grant a subpoena for the president, which I must still say is in my mind an evil of a very serious nature arising not from the corruption of the court, but from the very nature of the law itself. For if a person charges the president of the United States, whose character it is one of the principal objects of this law to defend, with having written certain things, and the court shall decide as they did in Cooper's case, that a newspaper publication or a book containing the writing is not evidence to go to the jury, how is the fact of writing to be proved unless by the testimony of the writer himself, or by the manuscript copy which there is no probability of his procuring. And where, I would beg leave to ask, is the charge of wilful corruption in the court. Indeed, Mr. N. said, he should have imagined that men of sound, accurate, discriminating minds, such as his adversaries possessed, if they had really believed that he meant to charge the court with wilful corruption , would have taken a stronger ground and would have argued that the abuse of the law, was no argument against the law itself, which would have been a much more substantial answer than their defence of the judges against charges which nobody had made.
The last case he believed of these which had excited so much sensibility, was that tried in Virginia. Without mentioning all the particulars in the conduct of the court which he thought furnished objections against the law, he had noticed that only which went to a refusal on the part of the court to grant time for the person charged to procure witnesses which he deemed necessary to his defence and without which he declared he could not safely go to trial. He was asked by the court if the testimony required was intended to disprove all the charges, & on answering in the negative, was compelled to go into his defence altho' the testimony was stated to be material to some very important facts. This decision might have been a legal one, and if legal strengthens the objection, be-
cause it might be presumed that other judges would decide in the same way; and thus a man exercising one of the most important functions of freemen, that of investigating the conduct of public agents, might be charged with a variety of matter, and having witnesses at a distance, who could exculpate him from all, except one or two of the lightest charges, will be refused time to procure these witnesses and will be punished for what he really is not guilty. These, he said, were reasons militating very strongly in his mind against the continuance of this law, and these were the evils which he had before stated as having arisen in practice, and which he thought furnished strong additional arguments against the expediency of the measure. If gentlemen would insist that these were evidences of corruption, it was no fault of his, for he certainly had not charged the judges with wilful corruption , he must have pursued a different method, by taking up the publications themselves which were called libels, and declaring them to be consistent with truth and justice; by declaring against the conduct of those who were censured, and vindicating the writings of those who were punished. But this it was impossible for him to do, as he had never seen either of the papers for which their authors were tried, except the letter of the member from Vermont, and on this he had studiously avoided giving an opinion. They might or might not have contained seditious matter; it was not now necessary, he said, to make the enquiry, nor did he deem it essential to determine whether the decisions of the court were legal or illegal.
To his mind they appeared as strong arguments against the revival of the law, which he could not help saying he had expected to have heard answered in a different manner, than by the strain of unqualified abuse, in which the gentleman from South-Carolina (Mr. Harper) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Bayard) had indulged themselves against the authors of the publications in question, and in which he saw no great strength of argument in favor of the resolution on the table. Nor, sir, said Mr. N. can I readily conceive the reason why all this clamor has been raised about wilful corruption , nor why gentlemen have been so extremely solicitous to defend the judges upon charges which never were made against them. I should have imagined that my interrupting the member from Connecticut very early in the debate, and disclaiming the language, would have given their observations some other direction, from which we might have derived some small portion of instruction as well as amusement; but I have been mistaken, for this is still the theme upon which they are so delightedly harping; they have rung all the changes, and founded all the notes in the gamut of eloquence, from the light vando of the member from Connecticut, to the sublime fortissimo of the two gentlemen from South-Carolina; from the grave and solemn basso of the member from Delaware, to the dulcet piano of his friend from Massachusetts, wound up by the harmonious symphony of the honorable gentleman from Virginia. Now, sir, continued he, as I have afforded these gentlemen an opportunity of displaying their peculiar talents in this way, and amusing the gallery and lobby, which I presume was no inconsiderable object with them, I cannot say that I feel dissatisfied; but am only anxious to prevent an impu-
tion from going forward against me, that I had made charges on this floor against men who had no opportunity of defending themselves.
From the New-England Palladium.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE CORRUPTIONS OF LITERATURE.
The improvements of a nation are accurately expressed by the state of language. Every new complex idea, which is formed, requires a new term; hence, language becomes the thermometer of national character, taste, pursuits, and the various arts and improvements of civilized life. The Greeks were a subtle, lively people. They early turned their attention to poetry, criticism, painting &c. consequently the technical terms, which belong to these several studies, are of Grecian origin. The French excel in fortification, dancing, intrigue, &c. of course, the appropriate words are deprived of that language. The English are deep thinkers, and apt to make nice logical distinctions; hence, the language abounds with words nearly synonymous. Not content with expressing themselves in such a manner, as merely to be understood, they select words which accurately limit their ideas. From this propensity to nice discrimination, the number of words nearly synonymous, has become so great, that we can define the nicest shades of thought. As language is formed from the general exigencies of society, it will always be a standard, by which we can estimate the improvement or degeneracy of nations, at different periods of time. During the reign of Augustus, the latin language reached its highest stage of perfection; but under the succeeding Emperors, the taste and manners of the Romans were corrupted, literature and the arts were neglected, and the language lost its purity, correctness and majesty. Succeeding writers were studious of curious and extraordinary thoughts, and aimed at new and uncouth modes of expression. The French language has undergone a change in many respects similar, since the days of Louis XIV. In late writers, we find common and obvious subjects treated with all the parade of metaphysical disquisition. The most familiar and prominent ideas are subtilized and refined, till they elude all comprehension. The nervous simplicity of writers, who lived before the mind had reached its present state of freedom and elasticity, is neglected and despised, and something recens inditum ore alio , something never yet heard or thought of, constitutes now the only title to the character of a philosopher. Abstract ideas are the agents in all difficult operations, and from the true machinery of modern philosophy. The most celebrated speeches, which have come from national assemblies, conventions, committees, clubs and magistrates, present ideas in an evanescent state, stripped of every thing which gives them beauty, particularity, and energy. Like the fabled heroes of romance, placed upon enchanted ground, at the dubious hour of twilight, we are surrounded with apparitions, with unformed shadowy beings, with whom we are condemned to hold intercourse.
The celebrated Dean Berkley clearly foresaw that this abstract mode of philosophizing would be a leading feature in the infidelity of the present age. He has pointed out its progress, tendency, and peculiar character. Numerous examples of this abstract mode of writing may be selected
ed from Condorcet, Talleyrand, or almost any public speaker or writer; but at present, the instance shall be taken from Bonaparte's address to the legislative body
"The maxim of the government is, the denunciations, which attack public functionaries, at this time, full full of the remembrance of ancient division, ought to be weighed in the balance of justice, and verified by the most strict examination.
"Inspection becomes every day more active, and responsibility more clear, and approaches nearer to perfection.
"The government has thought it necessary to apply itself to the consideration of all the principles, &c.
"Thus the public Treasury was equally ignorant of the sums received, &c.
"Public instruction has assumed a better direction and a higher activity."— Ohe! jam satis est.
As many late English writers have adopted the principles of the French school, they have likewise given them the same dress. If we compare the writers of the Augustan age, in England, with those of modern date, we shall find that the purity, the logical precision and simplicity of our language, have given place to a style of writing, abstract, vague and incomprehensible. Diction is the dress of thought. If, therefore, the ideas of these writers are like the dreams of a sick man, void of substance and symmetry, it is natural to expect, that the drapery should be of the same shadowy character. The refined mode of thinking, so prevalent at the present day, approaches so near the "limbo of vanity," that to the eye of common sense, its appearance is very dubious and hazy.
The language of Milton, Dryden, Swift, Addison, Pope and Goldsmith, presents ideas in a manner luminous and distinct; but the language of certain modern writers exhibits a picture so shaded, confused and obscured, that the mind receives no distinct impression. When we take up English writers of the old school, we converse with friends and familiar acquaintance, we find ourselves among real objects, properly illuminated, and disposed in such a manner, as to produce the finest effect; but whenever we choose to meddle with any of these modern show-men, let every man look well to his wits, and if he spies an idea, in reading five pages, let him "thank God and make no boast of it."
Locke and Edwards traced the most tenuous relations of ideas, and exhibited the most abstract conceptions, in such a manner, as generally to be understood; but it is among the improvements of the present age to write critically, beautifully, and philosophically, without the toil of thinking.
An example or two will illustrate this subject. The monthly reviewers introduce to their readers Mr. Godwin's edition of his wife's posthumous works, in the following very refined, and polished sentence. Vulgar tears (i. e. the tears of vulgar men who are blest with nothing but honesty and the common feelings of nature) fall and evaporate, without leaving any trace behind them; but the tear of affection (i. e. Mr. Godwin's tears for the loss of his mistress, are the only genuine tears of affection) is often chrysalized by the power of genius (i. e. Mr. Godwin's genius) and converted into a permanent, literary, brilliant. Mr. Godwin's memoirs of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin's amours, may be called a permanent moral brilliant. The same gentlemen, in their remarks upon Mr. Godwin's Enquirer, quote the sol-

lowing sentence as singularly beautiful and just. The original purpose of sincerity, without which, it is all idle, rank and mysticism, is to provide for the cardinal interests of a human being, the grand stamina of its happiness.
A large bow window might readily be furnished with these literary brilliants, from the philosophic workshop of Wm. Godwin and Co; but it is necessary to expose a little of the haberdashery of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. Speaking of the association of ideas, she observes: "I do not allude to that quick precipitation of truth, which is so intuitive, that it baffles research, and makes us at a loss to determine, whether it is reminiscence, or ratiocination on lost light of in its celerity, that opens the dark cloud."—Now all this is very instructive, and certainly very profound; but if any person should happen not perfectly to understand it, by reading it once, he may if he chuses, read it again.
Alexandria Advertiser.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18.
FROM WASHINGTON,
Tuesday, February 17.
This day the House of Representatives ballotted the 35th time the same as before.
On the 36th ballot, at one o'clock, the result was as follows:
Mr. JEFFERSON, 10 votes.
Mr. EURE, 4 votes.
Blank, 2
Mr. Morris, of Vermont, was not in the House.
The four federal members of Maryland voted blank—South-Carolina and Delaware voted blank—the others the same as before.
The House immediately went into committee on the civil appropriation bill.
At an election held at the Council Chamber, on Monday 16th instant, for a President and eleven Directors for the Alexandria Library Company for the ensuing year, the following gentlemen were found duly elected:
The Rev. Dr. Muir, President.
Cuthbert Powell, Charles J. Steir, The Rev. William Maffett, Jacob Hoffman, James Keith, sen. John Roberts, William Patton, Charles Simms, William Herbert, Joseph Riddle and Philip Wanton, Directors.
COMMUNICATION.
It being now ascertained that there is to be "a new order of things," and that the Federal Solar System (as foretold by a certain Kentucky Astrologer of the Ptolemaic school) shall be dissolved and leave not a wreck behind—it is to be hoped the virtuous and energetic majority in Congress will, before the termination of the session, pass such laws for the government of the Territory of Columbia, as will ensure to Alexandria stability and progressive commercial prosperity; to remain as a fixed star, and hereafter become a rallying point to our political spheres that are to be dissevered by the rude hand of modern philosophy.
This we both hope and trust will be the case, and are more anxious for the immediate assumption of the jurisdiction of the ten miles from the specimen exhibited last night of the violent spirit of the democratic party—joy at the election of
their candidate was to be expected—but such boisterous, intemperate and clamorous exultation we never looked for among free men.
The darkness and badness of the night hindered our ascertaining what complexion prevailed in the motley group, or who were the leaders.
From the evil consequences to be apprehended we are still safe, if Congress will give us an efficient government and officers of property and respectability—Men of character be appointed to the administration of the municipality.
Although there be so great a clamor among a party against an assumption at this time—yet we can well suppose the objections at bottom to be to the period , more than to the act itself. If it be postponed the leaders may share in the loaves and fishes under the new regime.
The mass, however, who are led by a few intriguing demagogues, are kept in the dark, blinded by a few hands full of liberty dust thrown in their eyes, or their senses are confounded by some cabalistic sentences about the rights of man and universal suffrage, and therefore such know no better.
February 18.
Copy of a letter from JOHN ADAMS, Esq. to the Secretary of State.
Washington, Feb. 10, 1801.
DEAR SIR,
Inclosed is a "Newburyport Herald, in which is quoted "a letter from John Adams, dated at Amsterdam, 15 December, 1780," "To Thomas Cushing, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts." This letter had been for some years past reprinted and quoted in many American pamphlets and newspapers as genuine, and imposes on many people, by supposing and imputing to me, sentiments inconsistent with the whole tenor of my life, and all the feelings of my nature. I remember to have read the letter in English newspapers soon after it was published, at a time when the same English papers teemed with forged letters, long, tedious flat and dull, in the name of Dr. Franklin, the most concise, sprightly and entertaining writer of his time. The Doctor declared them all to be forgeries, which he was not under the necessity of doing, because every reader of common sense and taste knew them to be such from their style and nonsense.
The letter in my name I declare to be a forgery. I never wrote any letter in the least degree resembling it to Lieutenant Governor Cushing, nor to any other person. This declaration I pray you to file in your office; and you have my consent to publish it if you think fit.
I am, Sir,
With great esteem,
Your most obedt. and humble servt.
JOHN ADAMS.
The Secretary of State.
Extract from the Newburyport Herald. A letter from John Adams, dated Amsterdam 15th December 1780, to Thomas Cushing, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, contains the following paragraph.
"It is true I believe, what you suggest, that Lord North shewed a disposition to give up the contest, but was diverted from it, not unlikely by the representations of the Americans in London, who, in conjunction with their coadjutors in America, have been thorns
to us indeed, on both sides of the water; but I think their career might have been stopped on your side, if, the executive officers had not been too timid in a point which I so strenuously recommended at first, namely, to fine, imprison and hang all inimical to the cause, without favour or affection, I foresaw the evil that would arise from that quarter and wished to have stopt it—I would have hanged my own brother, if he had taken a part with our enemy in this contest."
For the Alexandria Advertiser.
SONNET TO THE POTOMAC.
WINTER!—I would thy ling'ring reign were o'er, Thy frost, thy snow, thy bleak north-western wind, That I might ramble on Potomac's shore, The friendly soother of my wounded mind.
Thou dear majestic stream!—withheld from you, The absence of my kindest friend I mourn,—
Absence!—ah cruel word, that bring'st to view, Pleasures that never, never will return!
But I again will wander on thy strand, Again thy dev'ous windings up the creek* will trace; Will print my footsteps on thy fresh lav'd sand,
With musing step, and measur'd pensive pace.
Yes, thou dear stream—the murmurs from thy breast, Again shall lull thy Poet's soul to rest. * Great Hunting Creek. Royal-street, Feb. 18.
From the Philadelphia Daily Advertiser.
PROPAGATION OF THE VINE.
Mr. POULSON,
The public attention having fortunately been turned towards the cultivation of the Vine, the following extract may be found important, as it leads to an easy experiment, by which, in case it should succeed in our climate, a great deal of labor will be saved, and the introduction of the Vine as an object of cultivation, become more general. It is recommended to all who have it at heart to promote the great agricultural interests of our country, to try the experiment. It is hoped the various printers will give it a place in their papers in order that other parts of the continent may also have an opportunity of making the trial.
A. B.
February 10, 1801.
Extract from "The present state of the Cape of Good Hope, 1731," by Peter Kolben.
"The Europeans were a long time at the Cape of Good Hope before they could see a good vineyard planted among them, though from the time of their arrival they had bestowed all the pains and expense they could in the procuring and planting vines. They procured some quantities of vine-stock from the Rhine, and some by the way of Batavia from Persia; these they planted and cultivated in the ordinary way; but none being able to procure, from either of those places, vine-stocks sufficient for a plantation that might de-
serve the name of many years made but a very miserable figure at the Cape; and the vintage there were nothing. This put many Europeans at the Cape upon racking their wits to facilitate the propagation of vines there, and at length a few High Germans among them hit upon a very successful expedient. Vines being ordinarily pruned once a year, those High Germans took one year the twigs lopt off from the growing vines, and having cut them into pieces of half a foot in length (some not so long, but all of them having the knots from whence rise new branches) they ploughed up some land and sowed those pieces upon it, much after the manner in which we sow corn, and by the harrow and other means lodged them in the earth. The fertile Cape soil rewarded this labor very nobly; for at the proper season the land was covered with such a family of young vines, that there was no longer any necessity for the importation of vine stocks. The experiment was renewed, and being followed with the like success, the colonies were quickly stocked with young vines, and soon after in the possession of spacious and flourishing vineyards. The vine stocks they afterwards imported from Persia and from Europe, were only for the sake of variety. But I must observe that the vines produced by the sowing of pieces of twigs came up in such numbers that they crowded and obstructed each other in their growth, they were therefore removed and planted in rows; the vines at the distance of two feet and a half from one another, and the rows at the distance of three and three and a half, making a very agreeable appearance. To plan a new vineyard at the Cape they do as is done in Germany and other parts of Europe, that is to say, they plough up the land as for corn, and plant the vine stocks in rows."
Ladies Attend!
A YOUNG man whose initials are hereunto subscribed, of a mild disposition and whose age does not exceed 23 years, considering Matrimony as an holy and honorable estate, and into which estate he is desirous of entering with any young woman of good character, whose age does not exceed 25, or a widow whose age does not exceed 30 years; one who feels herself equal to the discharge of the duties of a wife, and whose wishes shall coincide with the subscriber's, may have an interview with him at any place of her own assignment, which she will please to intimate by a letter addressed to N. C. and left with the printers hereof.
N. C.
February 18.
3t
Lost or Mislaid.
A PARCEL containing half a piece of pepper and salt mixture Cloth, directed to Charles Varden, Tailor, to be left at Tunnicliff's Hotel, City of Washington, sent on the 3d of December last, from Bryden's stage-office, Baltimore, has been mislaid on the road or mis-sent.
A high obligation will be conferred on the owner by any person with whom it was left, or who might hear of such a parcel, by forwarding it as directed, or to be left at M c Laughlin's stage-office, George-Town, with a line to Thomas Carpenter.
All expences will be paid.
February 18.

Land for Sale.
SEVEN hundred and eighty-eight acres in the county of Hampshire, on the waters of Great Cape Capon, about 20 miles from the Warm Springs, and 30 from Winchester. This land is full of wood, oak and pine timber. Two excellent farms may be made, with 30 to 50 acres of bottom, and rich high lands to each; and in the heart of the timber there is a fine seat for a saw-mill. Capt. Daniel Rice will shew the lands.
Three thousand eight hundred and forty-five acres in the county of Ohio, on the waters of Grave and Fish Creeks, near the river Ohio, and about 80 miles below Pittsburg. Some of these lands are very good, with considerable quantities of rich bottom, and plenty of excellent timber. Robert Woods, Esq. the Surveyor of that county, will shew these lands.
One hundred seventy-six and three fourths acres, within three miles of the Warm Springs, upon Great Cape Capon, near its mouth, and within \frac{3}{4} of a mile of the River Potomak. This land has about 70 or 80 acres of rich bottom, mostly in cultivation, with 274 fine Sugar Trees on it; from which I am informed, there may be made 3000lb. of good sugar annually. There are also a seat for grist and saw mills on it, equal to any in that neighborhood, and upon a never failing stream of water. The upland is rich, with plenty of timber, and part under cultivation. This farm is well improved with a good orchard, houses and fencing, and rented last year for produce equal to sixty pounds per ann. Mr. Joseph Butler, at the Warm Springs, will shew it. I will sell all, or any of the above lands for cash or upon credit, or take in exchange for them lands in Fairfax County, or lots of land in the City of Alexandria, or the City of Washington.
R. T. HOOE.
January 15. eo
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 Cruise;—a part of the purchase money will be taken in Alexandria Bank shares at par, and for some of the lots, Alexandria Insurance shares at a price to be agreed on. For part of the purchase money of either, a liberal credit may be had. 1st Month 7th. eo
Shreve and Janney,
Have for sale at their store, on Union-street, the following articles—
 24 barrels tanners oil  50 boxes Florence do.  20 do. Castile soap  60 do. dipt candles  30 do. mould do.  80 do. Havanna segars  60 barrels East & West-India sugars  Hyson, suchong and bohea teas  4th proof Barcelona brandy  Writing and wrapping paper  China assorted in boxes  Russia duck and cordage  A variety of shoes and soles leather  A few bales of Gurrabs, and a few Pieces of handsome furniture. 
January 28. eo
Marine Insurance Company of Alexandria.
The Stockholders in this institution are hereby notified, that a dividend of five per cent. is this day declared on that part of the capital stock of the company which is now paid. Payable to the stockholders, or to their order, in ten days from this date.
By order of the President and Directors. J. B. NICKOLLS, Sec. January 31. eo(2)
A Housekeeper wanted.
LIBERAL wages will be given to a discreet Woman, capable of managing the affairs of my family as a Housekeeper.—A middle aged woman of a mild disposition and regular deportment will be preferred, as part of her attention will be necessary in superintending a nursery of young children.
CHARLES LEE. December 13, 1800. eo(1)
The beautiful, thorough bred Colt O'KELLEY,
Imported by John Tayloe, Esq. now rising four years old, a beautiful bay, of fine bone and elegantly formed, and allowed by intelligent sportsmen to be of the first stock in England, which, by reference to the certificate given by the breeder will more fully appear, to wit:
I do hereby certify that the bay colt I this day sold to Mr. Thomas Reeves, merchant, was bred by me, and got by Anvil, his dam by Eclipse, grand dam by Blank, great grand dam by Old Snip, great, great grand dam by the Godolphin Arabian, out of Mr. Frampton's white necked mare. The dam of the above colt is own sister to Aurelius by Eclipse.
P. O'KELLEY.
The above mentioned horse will cover mares the ensuing season, the first three days in every week at Mr. Chas. Love's seat Salisbury, and the balance of the week at Sedley Farm, about five miles distant, at Fifteen and an Half Dollars the season, and Six Dollars the single leap, which may be discharged at any time during the season by the payment of twelve dollars and three shillings to the groom—Notes for fifteen dollars and an half, will be expected from those who send their mares. Mares coming from a distance can be pastured at 30 cents per week, and grain furnished them, if required, at the market price; every attention shall be paid them, but will not be answerable for accidents or escapes. The season will commence on the 10th of March next, and continue until the 10th of August.
ROBERT CARTER.
February 9. eo2m
FOR SALE
By William Hartshorne, On Col. Hooe's wharf,
James River Coal, Philadelphia loaf and lump Sugar, Hard Soap by the box, Also, a few boxes of crown or shaving Soap, Hay in bundles of about 200 weight, Flour, Bran and Shorts by the quantity, Tobacco in kegs.
Cash given for Wheat, Rye and Corn. 1st mo. 26. eo2m
An active lad will be taken as an Apprentice at this Office.
For Charter,
To any port in the U. States, The SCHOONER, MILFORD, lying at Merchants' wharf; burthen about 600 barrels, and quite a new vessel. Apply to the master on board, or to
Alex. Henderson & Co.
February 16. d
For Charleston, (S. C.)
The SCHOONER THETIS, Thomas White, Master; will positively sail on or before the 20th instant. She is intended as a constant trader from this port, and has good accommodations for passengers.
For Freight or Passage apply to the master on board, at Vowel's wharf, or to EDWARD RUSSELL.
Union-street, Feb. 13. 6t
Agreeable to a Deed of Trust, from Capt. John Hawkins, of Fauquier County, to the subscribers, WILL BE SOLD on the premises, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Wednesday the 25th of February next,
The Plantation whereon the said Hawkins now lives: containing about 670 acres, lying within 30 miles of Fredericksburg, Falmouth and Dumfries, and within about 40 of Alexandria, George-Town and the Federal City.
It is thought unnecessary to be particular as to the quality and improvements, as a person inclined to purchase will no doubt view the same before the day of sale.
DUNBAR & VASS.
Falmouth, Virginia, } Jan. 20, 1800. } d21(31)
For Rent.
The subscriber will lease or rent his commodious fire-proof
Bake and Dwelling House, on Town-Point, where he now lives, with three Ovens, a good Store-house and Stable for two horses, with a well enclosed Wood-Yard, and every other convenience for carrying on the baking business to advantage.
JAMES DICKINSON.
Norfolk, Jan. 8. d12 \frac{1}{2} (30)
ANTHONY SAWYER,
Hair Dresser and Perfumer, (lately from Baltimore)
Lower end of King-street, near Ramsey's wharf,
Begs leave to inform the Ladies of Alexandria, and the country generally, that having received the newest fashion of Ladies' Wigs and Filets, he will be thankful to receive their orders for the above articles, and will warrant them equal to any manufactured on the continent.
N. B. Any Lady wishing to see his Patterns, may be accommodated by sending a servant to his shop.
He has for sale, every article in his Perfumery line, on the most reasonable terms.
Cash will be given for hair by the large or small quantity.
Alex. Dec. 8. d
Printing in all its variety executed with neatness and dispatch.
Ricketts, Newton & Co.
Have just received and for Sale, at the corner store, opposite John Janney's, the following GOODS—wholesale and retail, for Cash and Produce:
Superfine and 2d Cloths
 Blue Plains  do. Frizes  do. Kerseys  White, yellow and green Flannels  do. do. do. Baizes  Rose and duffil Blankets  Durants, Camblets and Wildbores  Russells and Antiloons  Cotton and linen Checks  Kerseymeres and Swandowns  Velvets, Thicksets and Cords  A handsome assortment of Dimities  Mens' and Womens' cotton Hose  do. silk do.  Black Crape  White and black silk and beaver Gloves  Modes, Sattins and Persians  Sewing Silks  Calicoes and Chintzes  Russia Sheeting and Irish Linens. 
They have also,
Brown Sugar by the hhd. and barrel, loaf and lump do. and a quantity of Plaister of Paris.
They give Cash for
Wheat, Rye and Corn.
Left by capt. Mortimore, of the Baltimore packet, at their warehouse, sundry Mill Irons—The owner is requested to take them away.
January 31. d
Liverpool Salt for Sale.
Just landing from on board the ship Suscess, Capt. King,
STOVED SALT,
in sacks and bulk.
Also, a few hundred bushels of Liverpool Coal.
Wm. I. HALL,
Merchants' Wharf, Jan. 29. d
LAST NOTICE.
Whereas a Commission of bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against Elisha Cullen Dick, of the town of Alexandria, and he having surrendered himself to the major part of the commissioners named in the said commission, at the Washington tavern in Alexandria, on the 31st day of January last, when and where he underwent his second examination; he is therefore required again to attend at the said tavern, on Friday the 20th day of this present month, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to undergo his final examination, when and where the creditors of the said Elisha Cullen Dick, either in his separate capacity or as one of the firm of James Mease M'Rea and Company, may attend to prove their debts—at which time and place the creditors aforesaid are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate—and to choose assignees.
All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or who may have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners may appoint, but to give notice to
HENRY MOORE,
Secretary to the Commission.
February 3. d
PRINTED BY
S. SNOWDEN & Co.