The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1808-08-26 00:00:00

National Intelligencer.
WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. VIII.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
NO. 1228.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 1808.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
FOR THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
To the Roman Catholics of Charles, St. Mary's and Calvert Counties.
As one who feels a lively interest for universal toleration, and a general equality of privileges among all denominations, I have thought proper to address the following matters to your serious consideration: Nor am I under any apprehension, by addressing the members of one denomination, of giving the least umbrage to any liberal man of any other sect whatever, if I confine myself in what I shall have to say to the spirit of our national compact. For from that palladium of the dear bought liberties of our country every thing that savours of bigotry, intolerance, or a preference of one religious sect to another, has been wisely discarded, and I trust in Heaven that the same spirit ever will exist, while the love of liberty is cherished in America. My object, gentlemen, were it in my power, is to excite no jealousy, uneasiness, or any passion whatever, that might lessen the harmony that exists in this singularly favored nation, between all denominations of christians. I wish only to recall to your remembrance, what you have gained by the establishment of our independence; what you once were, and what under the principles of our government your present numbers and respectability yet entitle you to be, in common only, and not in preference to any other sect or denomination whatever.
It is enough that you should know that nine-tenths of my nearest and dearest connections are faithful members of that church, and that I have not yet lost the common feelings of humanity, to render it impossible for me to be altogether insensible to the standing in society, and to the rights and privileges of those persons in whose welfare I am, and must needs be, warmly interested. I could never trace in the pages of history the sufferings of my forefathers, without feeling a glow of indignation against their persecutors; and I ever feel a sensation of equal abhorrence for the malice and inveterate spirit of party bigotry, with which the respectable body of the church have been charged with the crimes and shocking enormities of obscure villains, murky assassins, and blinded fanatics: among whom a few miserable and half starved papists might have been discovered. It is impossible for me to enumerate the many hundreds that have been told, and wrote and read; nor do I feel any disposition to recall their disgusting recollection. But among the most unfounded of those charges, that stare in the face every reader of the English history, are the gunpowder plot ,* and Titus Oates's plot ;† Pardon me, gentlemen, for mentioning them. It is so seldom that they are contradicted, that they are very generally believed. Before our forefathers found an asylum in this then wild and distant land, narrow indeed were their privileges, and many their privations and hardships, and great was their slaughter in battle, and under the forms of law, in England and Scotland, and Ireland. The black catalogue of laws passed in the reign of Elizabeth, of Cromwell, and of William and Mary, are frightful to think of; and what is the most astonishing they stand unrepealed even now, in the present more liberal and enlightened times. True it is, that they are not all enforced in England, but they stand recorded and in force, in terror, and many of them are enforced in Ireland.
Under these laws,† a Roman Catholic commoner cannot hold a seat in parliament—cannot be a jurymen—cannot be a witness—cannot hold a commission of trifling importance in the army. It is confiscation and banishment to send their children abroad to Catholic countries for education—cannot take a degree in college without forswearing his religion—cannot go five miles from home without permission from five magistrates. It is outlawry to bear mass—death to receive, relieve, comfort, aid, or maintain, any jesuit, or seminary priest, deacon, &c. knowing him to be such, and outlawry to send them relief even beyond the seas. These are the words of the law.‡ This is not all, they were hunted down, hooted, and hissed and scoffed. Such gentlemen, is the spirit of the English laws. Our forefathers fled to this country to avoid this persecution. As the historian says, 200 Catholic gentlemen, with their families, and retinue, made the first settlement of Maryland, in St. Mary's; and we are their descendants. Here for a while they enjoyed some repose, to wit: just time enough to conquer the wild beasts, to pacify the Indians, to cut down the woods, and to enable them to reap the first fruits of their labor.
By this time the king thought it necessary to take the woodland stripping, under his special care, and the very same laws, above hastily abstracted, though a little mollified, were introduced here, in order to administer only a moderate wholesome chastisement, to teach the lad while young, how to work for and be useful to his master then and after. There are numbers yet alive, who remember full well this degraded state of bondage. At length America, grown a little hardy by rough treatment, for it was not the Catholics alone, but all denominations felt an abundant portion of ill treatment, but they doubly in their religious as well as civil capacity, began to grow resolute, and to think she was big and strong enough to manage her own affairs, without help of her severe step mother, and upon trial found she was not mistaken.
After the glorious era of our revolution, all civil and religious incapacities were taken off, and the Catholics could once more breathe unmolested, and dare to look their equals in the face. But so subdued were the minds of the generality of the Roman Catholics, and so few were their opportunities of giving their children any education, that we find few, very few indeed, in proportion to their wealth and numbers, taking any lead in the affairs of the country, and but for the noble and generous spirit of freedom, that pervaded this chosen land, their religious incapacities might have been renewed. Attempts were made in some states, which had not yet been able entirely to throw off the shackles of prejudice, although they had burst the bonds of slavery. In Virginia it required all the talents of Mr. Jefferson to achieve this second and noblest conquest—the emancipation of the human mind. His memorable address in favor of universal toleration, in op-
position to a bill then pending in the legislature of that state, to impose restrictions on those who differed from the established church, will do him honor while there remains a man to read the relentless persecutions the human race has undergone in the name of religion. In this state, the conduct of a certain character, conspicuous on the bench, in our legislature, will long be remembered by all who had cause. It was at that time that Athanasius Ford and Colonel Ignatius Fenwick,* sounded the tocsin of alarm to their brethren, and took the lead in St. Mary's, against so odious and detestable a measure. Now thanks to a gracious God, these narrow minded prejudices are confined to a very few indeed of the weakest and most harmless of every denomination. Now, it is impossible, for the greatest effort of any fanatic, if it should be attempted, to disturb the happy harmony that subsists between all denominations; and we have nothing to dread unless perchance from the cunning policy of some artful politician, who might be seeking popularity among the numerous and bitter Presbyterians of the North.† But yet notwithstanding, it is, at all times necessary for any set of men, who do not wish wholly to be forgotten in the distribution of national favors, that they should contribute their mite to public deliberations, take some share in the burdens and honors of our government. For the administration of our republican government is not altogether an affair of pleasure and profit; but is mingled with toil and pain, and cares innumerable, and dangers and responsibility certain. In these it is the duty of every denomination, possessing the requisite talents to participate, if they wish to do their duty as citizens, and expect to deserve to participate in any of its advantages and dispensations; and shall it be said that there is not one single Roman Catholic in Congress, not even in the state administration, notwithstanding the catholics in Kentucky are numerous, and the state of Maryland was first settled by Roman Catholics, and that they yet constitute a numerous, wealthy, and intelligent portion of this state?
Far be it from me, to awaken any odious controversy. No man can deprecate it more sincerely; but I know full well that no liberal man of any other persuasion can take the smallest exception at my observations. Popery is no longer a scarecrow; that raw head and bloody bones, with which the people of England scared their children, is now divested of all its terrors. I am not addressing the bigots of the ninth century, but the catholics of 1808—the sons of free America. The protestants of Maryland are so very far superior in numbers, and so far elevated above the mean and narrow prejudices that contract the brows of the Guelphs, that there is no hazard. And even those of this district know as well as you do, that if a religious controversy was to arise, which I am sure never will, they could at any time put it down, put it down with the weight of their hand, much more with their whole body. I mean no more, than that you should take your share in the labors of the commonwealth, if you expect to share its blessings and honors.
A fair opportunity now presents itself. A well tried and faithful member of your community, Major James Fenwick, by sore indignities and gross and vulgar abuse has been driven from that beloved retirement, too generally sought by Roman Catholic gentlemen, and offers his service as a representative for this district. True to the principles he holds most sacred, and from which he has never swerved, he has avowed that he is no duellist, and that fact was known many years. How else could he be constant in the observance of the rites of his church? He had his choice, to renounce his religion or the vanities of the world—his conduct has been consistent. It
does not become me to dwell on the merits of this man; they are known to all who know him, and need no repetition. The people of the district can trace his life from his youth to the present day, and can truly say of him as of Nathaniel, in him there is no guile. His enemy, the only one he has on earth, and he from party rancor, accuses him of vauntings and egotisms, and other things too absurd to repeat. It is true, that once in his life, contrary to the whole tenor of it, he was driven by unheard of and sudden ill treatment for an unoffending man, to an excess of passion; in which, for the sake of rousing the public mind, and the dormant politicians of Charles, to the real dangers of the freedom of speech, he tells that man, "that he has ample talents to strip him of his terrors, and that he is as far superior to the little arts of the leaders of disorganization and jacobinism (for that is what he meant) as the splendor of the meridian sun is to the dimmest star; that he will lower the tone of arrogance," &c. &c. All this is true, and I will answer for its truth, letter for letter, and word for word. Does any one who knows him believe that the good, mild, plain, unassuming, and peaceable James Fenwick could have been roused to make use even of those expressions, had he not have been urged to it by the severest ill treatment. It is impossible! The affair was so sudden he had no time to reflect. He returned home in a furious gust of passion, and without one friend or a single adviser with him, to curb his wrathful effusions, he sent them to the press. Gentlemen, remember it was the first quarrel he ever had in his life. His manners can provoke no one, unless he be a man determined to be angry. Such is the man who offers to represent your district, from which a Roman Catholic never was sent to Congress, and never will be, unless you exert yourselves. Will any man object to your having a representative once in an age, to let the world know that you are not extinct; that you yet form a portion of the commonwealth, and to speak in your behalf, on any matter of business or objection that might arise relating to you—in other words to be your centinel? The only one you have a chance of having at the seat of government. Many of you may object to the present candidate, because he differs with you in politics—that is a subject of opinion, so is religion; which is the greatest? He is a friend to the present administration, which has been very far from showing the hostility to religion so often most falsely prophesied. Mr. Jefferson, in particular, has never showed any prejudice against the Catholic religion. His actions rather speak the contrary. His daughters, I am told, were educated in a convent—he guarded your privileges in the Virginia assembly most ably and successfully. In a treaty with the Kaskaskia Indians, he agreed to provide an annuity for a Catholic clergyman that was established among them. He has, I know, contributed liberally out of his own purse, to the building of Catholic churches as well as others. He has never objected to appoint a Roman Catholic to an office, that he had talents to fill. Many instances could be mentioned, in some their politics opposed to his own. His household, I am told, consist nearly altogether of Catholics, and above all, he has universally preferred peace, to the desolation of the human race by war and bloodshed, where it could possibly be avoided with dignity. In the present calamitous and disastrous state of the world, when all Europe is torn to pieces by the most terrible convulsions, when such is the shocking rancor with which war is carried on by the two great belligerents, and such the demoniacal hatred they bear each other, that a neutral cannot have the smallest intercourse with one, without given offence to the other, and when under a variety of pretences of annoying each other they forget all law, all justice, and all respect to the flag and independence of those who will take no part or share whatever in their eternal quarrels and interminable and infernal wars, and when under these pretences they seize our ships in every sea, and one power attempts to lay taxes on our trade, and both pretend to regulate it—
1. To join in their quarrels and wars. 2. To submit and abandon independence. 3. Or to withdraw and keep retired within ourselves till they were done with their unprincipled conduct. Mr. Jefferson chose retirement, and offered them a good school boy's bargain, viz. "if they would let him alone he would let them alone." They might fight as long as they pleased, but he was determined not to suffer all our vessels to be seized, under one pretext or other, and our whole commerce to be destroyed. Every one who reads, and has good sense and candor, and is not too deeply interested in the approaching election for President and Vice-President—for Congress, and state delegates, must know that it is the British orders in council, and the French decrees, and the distracted state of Europe, that has destroyed our commerce, and that it will be destroyed, so long as those orders in council, and French decrees are in force, let the embargo be taken off when it will. The embargo is evidently not the cause of the destruction of our commerce, and was no doubt intended for its protection. If it was so desperate a measure as designing men represent it, could any of the federal members of Congress so eager and willing to take exception vote for it? I only ask the question. I believe many of them did. The good policy of the embargo is well known & acknowledged by many candid and honorable men in the opposition; were it not for the aspiring ambition of certain individuals, who are galled and sorely vexed, not a breath of complaint would have been heard in this district, or throughout the Union, by the virtuous, and noble minded freemen of America. Besides real Americans and the friends to the glorious independence of America, of all parties, in a contest between their country and foreign nations would acquiesce while the contest lasted in the measures of their government, even if they disapproved of them. We will state a plain case: suppose a council of war was called on the eve of a great battle, and in council a great difference of opinion arose, as to the policy of an engagement, and the subject caused serious and spirited discussion. Yet when the affair was decided in favor of battle, would it not be the duty of every officer who loved his country to acquiesce, be silent, and do his duty like a brave and loyal soldier? And would it not be mutinous, seditious, jacobinical and treasonable to stir up the privates to dissection, and by that means to strengthen their enemies, merely from vexation and chagrined because their opinion was superceded in council? The cases are not exactly alike; but differ only in form: for many people are of opinion that attacks upon our national ships and the murder of our citizens, are acts of hostility amounting, in fact and substance to a declaration of war. Acts relating to the interior and municipal regulations, are surely very different things from measures adopted against foreign unfriendly nations. The first are here at all times a fair subject of argument and difference. The latter only when the cause is withdrawn, and then, and then only, will they be a fair question of Executive responsibility. Until then, they ought to be supported, right or wrong. Because our independence as a nation, and the loyalty of every individual freeman of this indivisible commonwealth is at stake; we have stuck and must go through. Many very good men are not aware of the effect of their terrible outcry abroad, and the mischief it does over the water. Our enemies are watching us, and anxiously waiting, and striving a little too, for an insurrection; and there is no doubt, if they did not calculate on it, they would give way and do
* Osborn a protestant writer, plainly confesses that it was a neat device of the Secretary, page 34.
† Mr. More in his History of the English Province, page 310, says, there was no light suspicion of a Peer's knowing the conspiracy long before the discovery, who cunningly pretended ignorance.
‡ Further light is thrown on this dark piece of business by Sanderson, page 334—also by a book called a plain and rational account of the Catholic Faith, page 171.
§ It was under an accusation of being concerned in this plot that the good and venerable viscount Stafford lost his life, besides six Jesuits and five Catholic peers, under a goodly act of Parliament too. Stafford died like a hero protesting his innocence to the last— Millot vol. 5, p. 193. It was for a like crime that Sir John Fenwick was murdered by law— Hume . These are noted cases, not to mention numberless other unfortunates. It was of these times that a candid historian speaks when he observes "A phantom of a Popish plot generated almost incredible disturbances, and a worthless impostor caused that to be received as certain, which common sense ought to have rejected."— Millot , vol. 5, p. 190.
* Poor Ireland! She has groaned under superhuman oppression for 700 years and under religious persecution even to the present day.
† See Hales P. C. under the heads "Religion, Supremacy, Clergy, Heresy, Recusants."
‡ 27 Elizabeth, cap. 2—Act 1, Eliz. cap. 1. disables them from making a will—Swinburne on Wills, part 5, § 6. or doing any legal act Co. Lit. 133; 35 Eliz. cap. 2, prohibits not to remove five miles from London. By 13 Eliz. the offence as well in the bringers in of Papal Bulls as Executors thereof is made treason, death and confiscation; besides a man incurred a premunire if he did not take the Protestant sacrament, if he did not go to their church, or if he attended his own church—refer to the above acts, and the reader will see a great deal more than could be copied conveniently in many pages.
* Father to the present candidate James Fenwick, and a revolutionary veteran.
† I have frequently been told that something of that kind was meditated during the administration of John Adams, though I cannot vouch for its truth; yet from what I knew of New England, I thought it highly probable that an established church would be pleasing and popular, or at least some pre-eminence and distinction.
There was but a choice of these three evils, viz.

us justice, and the Embargo would of course be taken off instanter .
Gentlemen—This election will have to decide, whether that is a good measure or not, and whether you wish to be represented for the first time, by a man of your own persuasion; and whether a mild, good man, no matter who he is, is to be insulted and browbeaten in public and private for uttering his sentiments?
With great respect, I have submitted my ideas.
THEOPHILUS.
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26.
On Mr. Gallatin's Report on Roads and Canals —Highly as we approve the several opinions expressed by the Secretary, and appreciate the fidelity with which he has discharged the important duty assigned him, there are a few points of which we wish different views had been taken. These are relative to the power of the general government, without the consent of the states, to cut canals and make roads; the alleged impracticability of a canal over the mountains; and the four canals proposed for uniting the Atlantic streams.
The first point is not so certain, we apprehend, as the Secretary concludes. Different opinions of the first respectability have been given. So far as relates to roads, the constitution expressly gives Congress the power to establish post roads. It does not limit the exercise of this power to selecting for this purpose from roads previously established under the authority of the states, but confers it as a perfect power. Indeed, it is most obvious that without the power being thus completely and absolutely conferred on the general government, it might be a mere nullity, as the states would possess the power of vacating any road made under their authority; in which case the power of Congress as well to designate as to establish the roads would be entirely annihilated. Is it fair to say that a power given in terms so unlimited to one government can be abridged, suspended, or annulled by another?
According to the theory of the general government, all the powers are conferred upon it which were considered as being of so general a nature as to be only susceptible of full and impartial discharge by it. This is the case, so far as relates to taxation, to the general defence, to commerce, to the coinage of money, &c. Now, of this precise grade of powers, is the establishment of post roads. It cannot be faithfully and fully exercised by any local authority. Hence its investiture in the general government. And as if to remove all difficulty, the power is not given merely to designate , but to establish post roads. Surely, if the concurrence of the states had been thought requisite to the fulfilment of this power, it would have been clearly expressed, in the very instrument that conferred this power. Had such been the intention of the convention, the circumstance was too obvious to the most superficial reflection to have escaped their notice; and, as in many other cases, if the object had been to divide the power between the general and state governments, it would have been specifically distributed among them.
One limitation may, perhaps, exist to the exercise of this power; viz: the obligation of the general government, in appropriating private property to the making of post roads, to condemn it in the manner prescribed by the state laws. This being an affair of individual property, it may be correct to consider it as still remaining under the guardianship of state laws.
In one point we concur with Mr. Gallatin fully. If the power be not, on mature deliberation, considered as already inherent in the general government, it ought to be conferred on it by an amendment to the constitution, and the sooner this is done the better.
The impracticability of a canal over the mountains is not, in our opinion, sufficiently elucidated. The utility of such an object would be so vast both in promoting the individual prosperity of our citizens, and in cementing and strengthening the union, that nothing but its physical impossibility ought to prevent its being effected. It is not, perhaps, possible to name a sum of money for its accomplishment that would not be fully reimbursed. The facility it would yield of transporting troops, ordnance, and supplies, would give security to our western frontier; would supersede the necessity of a large standing force, and would probably altogether prevent any attack upon it, which will only be made on the contemplation of its extreme vulnerability.
With respect to its influence on personal concerns, the population of the western country already greatly
exceeds a million, and will ere long equal that of the Atlantic states; that country, deriving its principal supply of foreign goods from the Atlantic at the enormous charges of land carriage, would be relieved from an oppressive burthen by the cheapness of water carriage. Millions of dollars would be saved in this single way. Its staples would likewise find, by this means, an easy passage to the Atlantic ports (less expensive probably, and certainly less precarious than by their present descent of the western waters,) where they would command more certain and higher prices than are now given for them in the western country.
To the general government there is another most important pecuniary consideration. Such a communication would instantly raise the price of their public lands, probably a hundred per cent, thereby alone constituting a fund fully adequate, in all probability, to making the canal.
Let us combine these pecuniary effects, and look at the result.
It is a low estimate, that it would diminish the expences of our military establishment, 500,000
Computing the quantity of foreign goods carried from the Atlantic states to the Western country, for the ten coming years, at eight millions, and the ad valorem saving at 25 per cent, there would be a gain of 2,000,000
Saving on domestic produce sent to the Atlantic states, 500,000
Increased price of public lands, 1,000,000
4,000,000
Making an annual saving of four millions of dollars, on which, at five per cent, the United States could command a loan of eighty millions of dollars, the principal of which the tolls would gradually extinguish, probably in a period of twenty years, leaving an immense clear annual income to the government, besides superseding the necessity of large permanent expenditures otherwise indispensable.
With regard to the four projected canals, to join the Atlantic waters, would it not be infinitely better at once to extend a canal along the Atlantic from one end of the union to the other?
This would insure the most regular and expeditious intercourse, and what is, perhaps, of equal importance, would give us a secure navigation in times of war as well as peace. When a nation undertakes a work of this kind, we ought to expect the execution of a plan of the greatest permanent utility. Whatever facilitates intercourse, in the greatest degree, can scarcely ever fail to produce ultimately a benefit at least equal to the expence. Superadded to all the ordinary considerations that enter into an estimate of individual interest, just in proportion to the facility of intercourse by means of good roads and canals is the positive gain of wealth to the community at large by the additional hands gained by the productive class; and in canals, under this view of the subject, we are to reckon not only the hands used in the ordinary transportation, but likewise the capital in waggons, carts, horses, geers, &c. with the provender of the horses; all of which will be found to constitute an immense national saving; as it is estimated that a given force used on a canal will draw forty times as much as on land.
In the project of the Secretary of a turnpike road the whole extent of the union, he intimates the propriety of carrying it through the Atlantic commercial towns on the Atlantic. On this head we likewise entertain a different opinion. We are decidedly of opinion that the road ought to pursue a straight line, with the single exception of so far deviating from it as to pass all the streams by means of bridges. The effect of the Secretary's plan would be considerably to extend the length of the road. Every letter, consequently, and every person or waggon would be delayed a correspondent portion of the time that would otherwise be consumed in proceeding from any one given point to another. This delay would attach itself to the receipt and transmission of intelligence, and to the march of armies, as well as to the other objects we have enumerated; thereby occasioning a great national as well as individual injury. Suppose, on the contrary, the straight line to be pursued, and the only inconvenience would be felt by the commercial towns thereby thrown off of it. This would be altogether overcome by special and frequent communications between them and the main line, which could be accomplished in all cases in a few hours; and by the saving of time and money resulting from their ability to send their letters on travel, in the shortest possible space of time, from one end of the union to the other.
The Secretary suggests that the plan offered by him is only contemplated to be executed in a time of peace. On the contrary, we are well satisfied that a time of war would, in many respects, be most auspicious to its accomplishment. We shall not, however, dwell further on this point, as the suggestion may have flowed altogether from the imagined inability of the general government to spare the requisite revenue during a period of war, and not from any insuperable difficulties attending its accomplishment at such a time.
In making these remarks, we repeat, we have not the most remote wish to derogate from the well-earned meed due to the Secretary of the treasury for his clear, able and conclusive report on the great objects submitted to his examination. The duty of carrying these great objects into effect, he has, we think, fully established. The particular mode, as well as degree, in which they shall be accomplished, may justly be viewed as susceptible of some contrariety of sentiment. But there is one consideration which ought to be in this case our guide. The rapidity with which the U. States progress to wealth and prosperity, even without the interposition of the general government on these objects, shews the accelerated career she would doubtless run with such powerful aids; and goes far to prove that no plan, within the physical power of the government, can be too grand or liberal. We will only add that we have been induced at this time to make these remarks, from their having been embraced after the most deliberate investigation, and after their having been heretofore made, as our columns will shew, the frequent topics of discussion and recommendation.
It is stated in the Boston Repertory that important dispatches received by the Isabella, were immediately forwarded to the Secretary of State. We understand that no dispatches per the Isabella had been received in the city last night.
On advertising to the extract from a speech of Mr. Canning in the British Parliament on the 24th June, that which most attracts our attention is the conjecture expressed "that America has entered into negotiations with France which are expected to lead to some result, and that the communications of America to this country are to be contingent on that result."
It may well be said that the British ministry have no conception of a neutral policy, when such conduct is attributed to this country, whose only object is to maintain a perfect neutrality. America does not negotiate upon contingencies. Without assuming to have the slightest knowledge of the tenure of the communications from our government to either France or England, we venture boldly to assert that the same line of conduct has been pursued towards each; that no communication has been or will be made to one that shall depend on the measures of the other. Mr. Canning seems to have intended this remark for the western shores of the Atlantic; he could not have the slightest idea that the conjecture was correct, or he would not have uttered it in so equivocal a manner. Whether any communication had been received on that day (June 24) by the British ministry, we cannot undertake to say; nor had we ever before heard it expressed as a matter of surprise that an injured party has not made reparation to the aggressor: for this is the obvious interpretation of Mr. Canning's remark.
The minister's suggestion as to a probable cause of irritation in this country is also remarkable. He may be assured that it is the language used by the friends of America in G. Britain, which he represents as the cause of irritation, that has produced a disposition in the American people to an amicable settlement with Britain, more than all the advantages which their interest tells them would result from unrestrained commerce.
Mr. Canning twice alludes to the surrender of a right "on which the naval power and preponderance of G. Britain is immutably fixed," in which he declares his majesty's government will never acquiesce. They are ready to purchase cordiality with us by any justifiable conciliation, except by the surrender of that right which has been the great cause of difference—impressment, not of their own seamen, but of any seamen whomsoever from American vessels; the seizure of whom and their release or detention is determinable by any captain of a British armed vessel which meets an American at sea.
If this declaration of the minister's prove nothing else, it proves undeniably the futility of the argument that an informal arrangement on this subject, supposed by our ministers to have been made with the British ministry, was a provision sufficiently
satisfactory to have induced the acceptance of the rejected treaty: for a firm determination is now declared "not to surrender a right which the great majority of the country has ever considered as essential to its dearest interests."
ELECTIONS. —Mr. Macon is re-elected to Congress from North Carolina without a dissenting vote.
The following is the result of the election in the district represented by Mr. Stanford:
  Stanford, 3,078   Cameron, 1,633 
Majority for Mr. S. 1,445 Mr. W. Alston is re-elected by a considerable majority over Mr. Mason, who is also understood to be a republican.
In the district represented by Mr. Culpepper (the only federalist now in Congress from North Carolina) a very close poll was held between Mr. Culpepper and Mr. McBride, whose political sentiments are not stated.
Major Kenan is re-elected without opposition.
In Edgecombe county Gen. Blount had a majority of 1,029 votes over Mr. Kennedy (a republican, who formerly represented the district.) Notwithstanding the large majority in one county, the Raleigh Register states that the election will be very close.
The Register also states that in the counties which have been heard from in Mr. Blackledge's district, Mr. B. had a majority of 247 over Mr. Stanley; but the Raleigh Minerva says that it is reported that Mr. Stanley is elected by a majority of 50 or 100 votes.
From the other districts we have not heard.
KENTUCKY. —We have the pleasure to state that in three districts from which we have heard, Messrs. Johnson, Howard, and Desha are re-elected to Congress, apparently without opposition.
The post-boy who carries the mail between Raleigh, N. C. and Newbern, has been lately murdered and the mail robbed. The progress of this cross-post has been arrested in consequence, as no one will venture to carry the mail.
Extract of a letter to a public officer in the United States.
"LONDON, June 3, 1808."
"SIR, "I have it from respectable authority, that orders have been given by this government to the different collectors attached to it, to receive without difficulty, and to give, in fact, every facility to vessels from the U. States, that may arrive during the continuance of the Embargo, without having regular papers. It is my duty also to state, that plans are now forming to endeavor to have vessels loaded with flour, &c. &c. at various ports, and especially New York."
It is thus that the laws of the U. States are contravened. The nation which encourages the citizens of another country to violate its laws, is almost as culpable as the individual who obtains an honest livelihood by receiving stolen goods.
Extract of a letter written by a gentleman from the city of Santo Domingo.
"I have lately arrived from Santo Domingo. During my stay in that city, the papers of the ship Roboreus came to hand, for the purpose of having the cargo condemned. The general (Ferrand) sent for me, to know the state of the property; and after a little conversation on the subject, directed me to inform the owners that he would order the French agent in Cuba to arrest all the property, sold or not sold, and to hold it in the name of the government until claimed by the proper owners. Both privateers are ordered to be arrested, their commissions to be returned, & the captains imprisoned. The general is much displeased with the conduct of the privateersmen."
Several journey men tailors at York, in England, have been sentenced to six weeks labour in the house of correction, and the castle, for combining to raise their wages!! Aurora.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES.
Published by order of the Selectmen of Marblehead.
MARBLEHEAD, Aug. 13, 1808.
To the Selectmen of the town of Boston.
GENTLEMEN, Yours of the 10th inst. was duly received, wherein you inform us of the measures pursued by the town of Boston, and your petitioning the President of the U. S. to repeal or take off a part of the restrictions of the embargo, &c. and likewise requesting us to participate with you, by laying the same before the inhabitants of this town.
We are fully sensible, that altho' the embargo is attended by many embarrassments and privations, it is, at the same time, the only measure that
could have been adopted by government for the protection of our seamen and commerce, against the decrees of England and France. And likewise considering, that although the inhabitants of Spain have endeavored to repel the encroachments of Bonaparte, and have opened some of their ports to the English—yet we do not find that the decrees are in the least degree relaxed—nor have we any hesitancy to say, that it is our firm belief that before this, Spain has been conquered by Napoleon, and the English excluded from her ports on the continent.
We would cordially co-operate with you, gentlemen, in any measure that could have a tendency to alleviate the sufferings of the American people—but when we consider from what source those sufferings sprung, not from any imprudent measures pursued by our government, but from the unjust, oppressive, and tyrannical decrees of the contending powers in Europe, we cannot see the necessity, at the present moment, of applying to the President for the repeal of the embargo, or the assembling of Congress. None feel the embarrassments arising from the Embargo more than the inhabitants of Marblehead—but confiding in the wisdom and patriotism of their rulers, none bear it more patiently. We are confident the Embargo will be repealed when our rulers are convinced we can traverse the ocean in safety; for what merchant who possesses property of his own, would risk it under the present circumstances? And is the prospect greater now than it was the day the Embargo was laid? We certainly do not conceive that your "proceedings" will have any salutary effect—but we fear will, on the contrary tend to irritate the passions of the people, and thereby promote discord and contention. We have expressed our sentiments, and if the town wish to express theirs, their request will be granted with pleasure.
J. Prince, John Selman, Richard James, Ebenezer Graves, John Harris, Benjamin Knight, George Barker. Selectmen of Marblehead.
From Portland, August 15th, 1808.
"I was at Portland when they had their town meeting respecting the embargo. The request for a town meeting was read with about 50 signers, among whom, it was said, there was not a single merchant. I heard the argument in favor of a petition to the President of the United States to take off the embargo. It was urged by several lawyers, that it was enough for them to know they were in distress; they had nothing to do with the question at large, as it respected the nation. Much to the honor of the principal merchants, they urged that it was inexpedient to petition the President at this time, as it might interfere with, and interrupt the negotiations now pending in Europe—and as nothing had taken place which would insure safety to our ships on the high seas."
"The above will not be denied by any one who was present. A large freight of federal circulars arrived here yesterday, for all parts of the district of Maine."
We understand the town of Wenham, at a meeting called for the purpose, after a lengthy and pertinent harangue from the hon. Judge Pickering on the subject, voted to petition the President to suspend the embargo—thirteen (including one unqualified voter) in the affirmative, and eight in the negative. Salem Reg.
At a general convention of the Republicans of the state of Rhode Island, held at East Greenwich, on the 9th day of August, 1808. Present—Sixty-two delegates from the several towns.
HENRY SMITH, Esq. was called to the chair, and
HENRY WHEATON elected sec.
The objects of this meeting being under consideration, it was unanimously voted and resolved, that Jonathan Russell, Esq. be nominated to the people of this state, as a candidate for the office of Representative in the Congress of the United States; to fill the vacancy occasioned by the decease of the late Nchemiah Knight, Esq.
Voted unanimously, that JONATHAN RUSSELL and ISAAC WILBORN, Esquires, be nominated to the people of this state, as candidates for the offices of Representatives in the eleventh Congress of the United States.
Voted unanimously, That this Convention approve of the nomination of JAMES MADISON, as a candidate for the office of President of the U. States, and of GEORGE CLINTON, as a candidate for the office of Vice-President of the United States, made by the republican members of Congress at Washington.

Voted unanimously, that Constant Tabor, James Aldrich, James Helme, and Benjamin Remington, Esquires, be nominated to the people of this state, as candidates for the offices of Electors of President and Vice-President of the United States, at the ensuing election.
Voted unanimously, that the proceedings of this Convention be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and published in the republican newspapers printed in this state.
HENRY SMITH, Chairman. HENRY WHEATON, Sec'y.
It is worthy of remark, that the Selectmen were more urgent to call a town meeting, on an application to address the President, for a repeal of the Embargo, than they were on the request of the citizens of Norfolk, to resent the murder of our sailors. These warm advocates for the "starving sailors," could hear with composure, this dreadful catastrophe many days elapsed before the town met on the latter event; but 24 hours were sufficient for the former. Actions speak louder than words.
Boston Chron.
TRIBUTE TO PATRIOTISM.
Lancaster, August 16.
The Democratic Conferences, of Dauphin and Mifflin counties met on the 1st inst. and unanimously resolved "That the patriotic conduct of Robert Whitehill and David Bard, our present Representatives in Congress entitle them to our highest confidence; and that we will support them with our votes and interest, at the ensuing general election."
AMERICA.
The following observations were made by Mr. Canning, the Prime Minister, in the British House of Commons on the 24th of June, in answer to remarks by Mr. Whitbread:—
"I shall only state, that in the whole conduct of the British government, with respect to the affair of the Chesapeake, we have endeavored to keep in view the principle upon which we set out, namely, to make ample reparation for that which was a decidedly wrong act; but to make that reparation under a determination not to surrender a right which the great majority of the country has ever considered as essential to its dearest interests. Sir, I may boldly appeal to the country to determine, whether from the correspondence on the table of the House, any bad disposition on the part of his majesty's ministers has appeared through the whole transactions. That the rupture of the negotiation on this subject was not attended with any hostile feeling on either side, is an incontrovertible truth. The reparation was not accepted by America, because America would not fulfil the condition on which alone it was tendered, namely, the revocation of that proclamation by which the British ships were not allowed to enter the harbors of America, while those of the enemy visited them at pleasure. But, sir, the manner in which the British reparation was tendered to America by a special mission, was, to all the feelings of nice honor, an effective reparation, although not accepted; and so in fact we have every reason to believe that it was considered by the American government. With respect, sir, to the embargo, and to the probable effects of the orders in council, in producing its abandonment, the hon. gentleman has misstated a right honorable friend's proposition. The honorable gentleman declares my right hon. friend to have predicted, that the orders in council would do away the Embargo, whereas my hon. friend only argued, in opposition to the honorable gentleman on the other side, that the orders in council did not produce the Embargo; that they were not substantively known in America when the Embargo took place; and that they were not included in the complaint made by the American government to Congress, on which complaint the Embargo was founded. Nor, sir, do I think the orders in council themselves could have produced any irritation in America. If I were not disposed on this occasion to avoid making any observations which might be suspected of a party feeling, I would say that I do think irritation in America may have been produced by the echo of discussions in this House. Sir, since the return of Mr. Rose, no communication has been made by the American government, in the form of complaint, or remonstrance, or intimation of any description whatever. I mention this particularly, because it is notorious that there have been several arrivals from America, supposed to be of great importance, and that several special messengers have reached this country from thence, after having touched at France. But, sir, if the honorable gentleman,
in execution of his public duty, had thought fit to move for any communications that had been made by the American government, since the departure of Mr. Rose, my answer must have been, not that his majesty's government were disinclined to make them, but that absolutely there were none to make. If it be asked 'why,' I am unable satisfactorily to reply. I can conjecture, that America has entered into negotiations with France, which are expected to lead to some result, and that the communications of America to this country are to be contingent on that result. This, sir, is conjecture alone, but it is founded on the extraordinary circumstance of so many arrivals without any communication. It cannot be expected of me, that I should state prospectively, what are the views of his majesty's government on this subject. The principle by which they have hitherto been guided, they will continue invariably to contemplate. They attach as much value to the restoration, and to the continuance of cordiality, and perfect good understanding with America, as any man can do; they are ready to purchase that advantage by every justifiable conciliation; they have proved that readiness by the act of the present session, in which the trade with America has been placed on the most favorable footing; but, sir, they are not ready to purchase that advantage, great as they acknowledge it, at the price of the surrender of those rights on which the naval power and preponderance of G. Britain is immutably fixed.
Boston, August 18.
VERY LATE FROM ENGLAND. Yesterday arrived here the ship Isabella, capt. Higgins, in 33 days from Liverpool, bringing London papers to the 9th of July.
The French general, Murat, issued an order at Madrid, on the 4th of June, to discharge all American vessels that had been sent into Spain on account of being spoken by a British ship.
The English papers, though crowded with matter relative to Spain, have not given their statements so as to enable us to form a correct judgment of the situation of that country. We shall not, therefore, attempt to comment upon them, but refer our readers to the subjects detailed under the foreign head.
The weavers of Manchester continued to assemble in large bodies, and on the 20th June they stopped all the looms they found at work.
We understand that dispatches for government, from our minister in London, were brought out by J. T. Bowdoin, Esq.
A letter from a gentleman of mercantile information in Havana, dated July 24th, 1808, to his friend in Boston.
"The wonderful changes lately taken place in Spain, will entirely change the face of things relative to the trade of this place with America. The British, who are allowed by the treaty signed at Seville to trade to the Spanish dependencies, will over-do the dry good business in every port; and the United States will only enjoy a trade with the productions of her own country—which will be very inconsiderable, in comparison with what she has been accustomed to enjoy; but whether it will not be more to the general good, I doubt—as most of the foreign goods brought here from America have lost money since this war. The only articles that can be brought here to advantage, are flour, boards, butter and lard; the British will fully supply the country with the rest—unless very fine German goods could be got, by the neutral flag of America, and the English at the same time deprived of that trade, as German linens will not give place to British cottons in this country."
The English are preparing an expedition for S. America, which is in great forwardness. If it be conducted on proper principles, it may be successful. It was proved on the trial of Gen. Whitelock, that the Spanish colonies will never be the cordial allies of England, until she recognises their independence.
FROM LIVERPOOL, JULY 11.
"The events which are now taking place in Spain have revived our hopes, and we trust, hold out a rational prospect of an effectual stop being put to the progress the French were making towards the subjugation of Europe; we have also well grounded expectations, that Russia will soon be ranked amongst the number of our friends."
"This unexpected, and we may almost say, miraculous change in the politics of Europe, has had a very material effect on our market: Russian, Baltic, and Mediterranean produce of all descriptions is rapidly declining,
whilst our colonial produce is as rapidly advancing; ten to fifteen per cent. advance has been given on coffee, from the supposition that the North of Europe would be immediately opened to us, and hemp is depressed full fifteen pounds per ton."
"Rice is in brisk demand, as it is generally understood that Spain will be in great want of provisions, and a considerable advance has taken place. Timber, staves, ashes, and naval stores of all kinds, will, of course, feel an immediate effect. Tar has dropped in London full 4s. per barrel; on the 2d inst. a sale of a quantity, per the American Eagle, was effected here at 44s.; at that time the news from Spain, and of the peaceable inclination of Russia, was not known. At the present moment we do not suppose sales of naval stores could be effected at all."
"The very abundant crop we may expect, and the fineness of the weather, will tend to keep the prices of corn and wheat down, unless large quantities should be exported to Spain and Portugal; and from what Lord Hawkesbury said, in answer to Lord Holland, the other night in the House of Lords, we suppose that it is intended to rescind the orders in council, as far as respects those two countries, and indeed we hope the power of France will be so curtailed as to induce the ministry to repeal them altogether; and we think it likely."
"A very great demand has existed for some time for tobacco, and prices are got up exceedingly high."
LATEST FROM EUROPE.
ROME, MAY 21.
In the Courant of this city, there is the following important decree:—
"Napoleon, by the Grace of God, and by the Constitution, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, Protector of the Rhinish Confederacy, considering that the present Sovereign of Rome has constantly refused to declare war against the English, and to co-operate with the kingdoms of Italy and Naples for the protection of the Italian peninsula; that the interest of the two kingdoms, and the relative situation of Italy and Naples, require that their communication should be interrupted by no hostile power; that the gift of the lands which compose the Ecclesiastical States was made by our illustrious predecessor Charlemagne, for the benefit of Christendom, but not for the succour of the enemies of our Holy Religion; therefore have we, upon consideration of the demand for passports, made by the Romish Ambassador at our Court, on the 8th of March, decreed and do agree as follows:
[Here follow the different articles of the decree, uniting the provinces of the Papal territory to the kingdom of Italy, and presenting various local regulations as to their government.]
In pursuance of a second decree, all Cardinals, Prelates, and other officers of the Romish Court, born in the kingdom of Italy, must retire to the place of their birth before the 5th of June, on pain of forfeiting their goods. At Ancona, on the 11th of May, the Papal officers were already dismissed.
NAPLES, JUNE 4.
The English, desirous to interrupt again the repose which we this moment enjoy, have disembarked some hundreds of banditti at various points of Calabria; but the people, who have been so often the victims of English instigations, and are convinced of their impudence, united in a mass to drive back these their allies.
VIENNA, JUNE 8.
Last night the Archduke John departed hence unexpectedly; it is supposed he is gone to the Emperor. The late events in Spain and the Papal dominions have caused a strong sensation, and given occasion to many secret conferences among the ministers of the different courts residing here.
PARIS, JUNE 26.
The intercourse by couriers with different courts, and particularly with those of Vienna and Petersburg, is very frequent at present; it is therefore concluded, with reason, that weighty matters are under discussion, the development of which is expected with impatience. Various reports are prevalent here, which have been received from the Prussian territory. According to some accounts, that power will join the German confederation, and place its contingent along the whole coasts of the Baltic.—According to others, the negotiations for uniting Prussia to the German confederation have not succeeded.
FROM THE OFIEDO GAZETTE, JUNE 18.
SEVILLE, JUNE 1.
A regiment of volunteers of Arragon, and a battalion de Subaga, sent from Madrid to Badajoz, proceeded no farther than Salavena and there joined the peasants, declaring they would go no farther, but remain and defend their country. On the 24th, a battalion of the regiment of Major-
ca, stationed at Badajoz, joined the people and declared against the French. Several other Spanish corps on the frontiers of Portugal have followed their example. Valencia has also proclaimed Ferdinand VII. burned Murat's stamped paper, and named his excellency the Conde de Cerveron, general of the army.
GRANADA, MAY 29.
All the towns on the coast of Granada have declared for Ferdinand VII. and the recruiting for his service goes on briskly. Escalante, Captain General of Granada, who has endeavored to stifle the popular voice in favor of Ferdinand VII., has been deprived of his command, which has been given to D. Joaquim Romano, colonel of a regiment of Spanish cavalry. The proclamation of Ferdinand VII. was effected by the influence of Don Joseph Santiago, lieutenant of artillery, after the captain general had used his effort to prevent it.
CARTHAGENA, MAY 24.
Ferdinand VII. was this day proclaimed, in consequence of the popular cry in his favor. A junta of war appointed, at the head of which is lieut. general Cisneros, and under him Ciscar and other officers. A febuca was sent to Port Mahon with this intelligence. The French Consul had fled on board a Danish corvette, and all the stamped paper sent from Madrid in the name of Murat, as lieutenant general of the kingdom, has been burned; officers have been sent to rouse the people of Granada, Murcia & Valencia.
MURCIA, MAY 24.
Ferdinand VII. was this day proclaimed king, in presence of the bishop and nobility, with Florida Blanca at the head of the latter. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed among the people.
VALENCIA, MAY 28.
All the inhabitants of the city and Vega, from 19 to 40, are taking up arms for Ferdinand VII. under the authority of the capt. gen. Audiencio, Acquatamante, and other authorities of the city.
LONDON, JUNE 21.
The following articles appeared in a Dutch paper of the 10th inst:—
"A camp is to be formed near Berlin of 40,000 French troops. Various reasons are assigned. (The French say to ease the inhabitants.)"
"The French minister for the colonies has sent a message to the board of commerce at Bordeaux, ordering that all vessels bound to the colonies must take on board from 30 to 50 soldiers, according to the size of the vessel, until 10,000 men shall have been in this manner conveyed to the West Indies."
"It is strongly reported in Amsterdam, that Austria and Russia are about to enter into a very close alliance."
"Gen. Dumourier has certainly offered to take the command of the patriotic army of Spain."
JULY 18.
The report of insurrections in France, again the usurped tyranny and insupportable military conscription of Bonaparte, are probably premature. But it is nevertheless a fact, that certain persons are arrived in this country, to the number of three, who have escaped from France, and have made their way over here through Holland; & they not only declared the sentiment of abhorrence against Bonaparte is universal on that part of the Continent through which they passed; but they have asserted and believed to be authorised to make certain propositions to our government, connected with future meditated movements in France. They have had an interview with a member of administration, and it is not improbable that important consequences may result from their visit to England.
The Governor of Arragon, Spain, in his proclamation, inviting the people to rise, says in case violence is done on the lives of the royal family in France, the nation may make use of their elective right in favor of the Archduke Charles, nephew of Charles III. if that the Prince of Sicily, or the infant Don Pedro, and the other heirs should not be able to concur. The allusion to the archduke, will raise a jealousy between France and Austria.
JULY 10.
A considerable number of Spanish Grandees are at Bayonne, and are or affect to be friendly to Napoleon. Among them are said to be Prince Castel Franco, the duke del Parque the duke of Ossuna, the Marquis of Santa Croix, and the Count of Santa Colonna, the Duke del Infantado, Urquijo, and Cevallos.
[In addition to the news above detailed, we have from the Paris Moniteur, the proceedings of the Spanish Junta at Bayonne, from its meeting on the 15th to its 3d sitting on the 21st June.
At the first meeting on the 15th,
the imperial decree, proclaiming Joseph king of Spain and the Indies, was read, and the President made a speech explanatory of the purpose for which they were convened. After which they resolved to testify their homage and alliance to the king, whom Napoleon had given to reign over them. On the 17th, they held their second sitting, and on the 18th they were admitted to an audience of king Joseph, to whom they presented a complimentary address; to which king Joseph made a suitable answer.
In the third sitting on the 20th, the plan of the new constitution was submitted to their consideration, and they began to discuss it on the 21st.
Their further proceedings are not yet known.
Murat has arrived at Bayonne, to advise with the king and council on the subject of the government.]
NOW DRAWING.
THE CHAKITABLE MARINE SOCIETY
LOTTERY.
Consisting of 18,000 Tickets In which are the following capital
1 prize of 5,000 dollars; 1 prize of 3,000 dollars; 1 prize of 2,500 dollars; 2 prizes of 1,500 dollars.
Now is the fortunate moment—any of the above prizes may be had by applying for Tickets at J. Maser's Books Store, George Town.
Present price of Tickets $ 1.25 dolls, but will advance as the drawing progresses.
It is worthy of remark that the above prizes are paid without deduction, and that the whole drawing will be completed in two months from this date.
August 26—3t
SALE BY AUCTION.
WILL be sold THIS DAY at Andrew Armstrong's near the Navy Yard, a quantity of
HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE,
Consisting of Beds, Bedsteads, and Furniture, Tables, Chairs, and one Horse and Cart, with a number of other articles too tedious to mention.
Sale to commence at 1 o'clock P. M.
ISRAEL LITTLE, Auc.
August 26—1t
A RUNAWAY FOR SALE.
WILL be sold on the 27th day of August next, for his jail fees, at the jail in Washington County, District of Columbia, a black man who calls himself JOHN, said he belongs to John Clarke of Alexandria. But has since confessed that he belongs to John P. Woodbeck of N. Shluva near Alany, state of New York, he is about forty years of age, 5 feet 5 1-2 inches high, pitted with the small pox & has lost his left eye.
The sale to commence at 11 o'clock. C. R. WRIGHT TIPPLET, Keeper of the Jail for Washington Boyd, Marshall.
July 25—w3t
LOST,
ON Wednesday evening, between George-Town & the Marine Barracks,
A DIRK,
dropped from the scabbard; the handle ivory and the blade much curved—the finder will be rewarded by leaving it at the Marine Barracks.
Aug. 26—3t.
FOR SALE.
BY virtue of an order of the honorable court of St. Mary's county, will be exposed to public sale, at the residence of Benjamin Tabb, on Monday the 19th day of September next at One o'clock P. M. all the Personal Estate of the said Benjamin Tabb—also his right to the one fifth part of the following tracts or parcels of LAND, to wit: Gutheres Grove, containing 202 acres, Flowers of the Forest 263 do. Charles Park 137 do. Hickory Bottom 100 do. Part of Brick-kiln and Park's addition joined with addition on which the mill commonly called the Great Mill stands, the fifth part of the mill lot, and the mill.
The terms of sale are, that the purchaser shall give bond with sufficient security, to pay the purchase money in twelve months from the sale, for all sums above 20 dollars, and for sums of 20 and under, cash must be paid.
JOSEPH STONE, Trustee.
August 26—w3t
District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit.
ON the petition of THOMAS V. SPROGELL, an insolvent debtor confined in the prison of Washington county aforesaid for debt, notice is hereby given to the creditors of the said Thomas V. Sprogell, that on the 12th day of September next, at Lindsay's hotel the city of Washington at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M. the oath prescribed by the act of Congress, entitled, "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors within the District of Columbia" will be administered to the said Thomas V. Sprogell and a trustee appointed unless sufficient cause be then and there shown to the contrary—Ordered that this notice be published in the National Intelligencer, Washington Federalist and in the United States Gazette, published in the city of Philadelphia, three times in each paper before the fifth day of September next.
By order of the honorable William Cranch, Esq. chief judge of the circuit court of the district of Columbia.
WM. BRENN, CL.
August 26—3t

THE COMMERCIAL COMPANY OF WASHINGTON,
Have just received by the ship CHANCELLOR , from New York, now discharging at Barry's Wharf—
London Part. Madeira, } WINE , in Marsala, and } pipes & quar- Catalonia, } ter casks. Ht. Brion, and } CLARET in cases, Bordeaux, } Cogniac, and } BRANDY in pipes. Bordeaux, } Muscavado Sugar, in hds. and bbls. Molasses, Coffee, the best green in bags, Limes, Imperial } TEA Hyson, and } of the latest Young Hyson } importation. Loaf Sugar, Corks, in bags, Candles, 2nd A few crates of STONE JUGS, PIT-CHERS, &c. &c.
These goods were bought with Cash, & will be sold for a small profit, for approved notes at 60 and 90 days. Punctual dealers may expect from the Company a constant supply. The highest price will be given in cash for Country Produce of every kind, delivered at their Warehouse. JOSEPH FORREST, Pr. August 5—tf
FOR SALE OR RENT.
THE HOTEL at present occupied by P. D. STELLER . The advantages of this situation are so well known, that it is useless to say more of it—it is convenient to the Capitol, is calculated for a large establishment, with stabling for 40 or 50 horses. The Bridge, rapidly progressing over the Potomac, with the turnpike road to Alexandria, also in great forwardness, will add to the many advantages this situation possesses. To a man qualified to carry on such an establishment, no situation can insure a more certain and rapid fortune. Occupation can be had any day before the first of October next. Apply to the subscriber,
DANL. CARROLL of Dud'n Washington, August 5—eptO
NOTICE.
PURSUANT to an act of the General Assembly of Maryland, passed at November session, 1806, entitled "An act authorizing the collection of certain ground rents due on lots in the Town of Cumberland, in Allegany county," and a supplement thereto, passed at November session, 1807, Public Notice is hereby given to all persons holding unimproved lots in said town, on which ground rents are now due, that unless the said rents are paid on or before the first day of December next, the said lots will on that day be offered at public sale to the highest bidder, on a credit of 60 days. The sale to be held at Mr. J. Rine's tavern in said town, to commence at ten o'clock, A. M. and continue from day to day, until the whole are sold. THOMAS BEALL, of Saml. March 21—eptds
WANTED
AT the Woodyard for the ensuing year a Manager, to take charge of the whole estate. He must be a sober, diligent and discreet man—well acquainted with the culture of wheat, corn and tobacco, and the management of negroes. To such a man who can produce unquestionable testimonials of his capacity, sobriety and fidelity, high wages will be given. A person not connected in the neighborhood will be preferred. Apply to RD. W. WEST , Woodyard. N. B. Application must be made before the 1st. Sept. next. May 13—epiS
By the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS it appears to the Executive by an inquisition held in the county of Northumberland, on the 21st day of September, in the year 1806, before John H. Fallin, esq. coroner for the said county, that on the 2nd day of the said month of September, in the year aforesaid, a certain GEORGE GORDON , late of the county aforesaid, stands charged with the murder of a certain negro slave, named Bartley ; and it appearing that after the perpetration of the said murder, the said George Gordon did immediately, and doth still fly from justice: I have therefore thought fit, with the advice of the Council of State, to issue this proclamation, hereby offering a reward of ONE HUNDRED dollars to any person or persons who shall apprehend and convey before some justice of the peace for the said county of Northumberland, the said George Gordon , that he may be dealt with as the law directs. And I do moreover hereby enjoin all officers civil and military, and exhort the good people of the commonwealth, to use their best endeavors to apprehend and convey as aforesaid, the said George Gordon , that he may be dealt with in such manner as the law in such cases prescribes. Given under my hand, with the seal of the Commonwealth annexed, at L. s. Richmond, this 5th day of August, 1808.
Signed WM. H. CABELL : George Gordon is about five feet eight or ten inches high, is stout made, has light colored hair, blue eyes and a dour look when spoken to. It is believed that he is frequently lurking in the county of St. Mary's, Maryland. August 15—2w
District of Columbia, Washington county, to wit.
ON the petition of BENJAMIN FINNICUM an insolvent debtor confined in the prison of Washington county for debt—Notice is hereby given to the creditors of the said Benjamin Finnicum that on Monday the 29th day of August instant at Lindsay's Hotel , in the city of Washington at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M. the oath prescribed by the act of Congress, entitled, "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors within the district of Columbia," will be administered to the said Benjamin Finnicum and a trustee appointed, unless cause be then and there shown to the contrary.
It is ordered that this notice be published in the National Intelligencer , and Washington Federalist , twice in each paper before said day.
By order of the honorable William Cranch , esq. chief judge of the circuit court of the district of Columbia.
ROBT BRENT, Ck. August 24—2t
NOTICE.
THE uncertain state of my health, rendering it doubtful, whether I shall be able to do justice to my Clients; I am compelled, (after having finished what business is on hand) to decline the practice of the Law. I shall, however, be always ready to give an opinion, to any person who may chuse to consult with me.
If any gentleman commencing the practice, should be desirous to possess himself of a valuable
PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY , He may be accommodated by applying to me. It consists of several hundred volumes of Reporters and books of Practice. The Elementary books in my possession, I shall not dispose of. HENRY HIORT. Capitol Hill, August 24—3t
NOTICE.
THE Partnership heretofore subsisting between the subscribers, under the firm of Philip Hines & William Defields is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All persons indebted to the said late firm, are requested to pay their respective accounts to P. Hines , and those that have demands against the said late firm are desired to call for payment on the said P. Hines , he being authorised to settle all the concerns of the said late partnership.
PHILIP HINES, WILLIAM DEFIELDS. Washington city, August 24—3t
Treasurer's Office,
August 24, 1808. } THE owners of Property in the city of Washington, who are indebted to the Corporation of the said city, for TAXES on their Real & Personal Property , are hereby notified, that the subscriber will attend at his Office near the Theatre, every day, (Sunday excepted) from 10 o'clock in the forenoon, till 2 o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of receiving the same; and that on failing to make payment on or before the 24th day of September next, the taxes will be collected by distras or sale as the law directs. HENRY WHETCROFT, Treasurer of Washington city. August 24—3t
THE RT. HON. CHARLES J. FOX'S HISTORICAL WORKS.
BIRCH & SMALL of Philadelphia announce that they have just received from London, and will publish on or before the 10th September, The History of the early part of the reign of James the Second, by the Rt. hon. Charles J. Fox , to which is prefixed a copious Address to the Reader, by Lord Holland , under whose care it was published, with an Appendix containing a correspondence between Louis XIV. and M. Barillon on English affairs, and other original and important papers. It will be printed in one handsome Octavo Vol. price Two Dollars & Fifty Cents , in boards, containing the whole of the whole London 4to. which cost Thirty-six shillings sterling in England. August 24—3t
MARSHAL'S SALE.
WILL be exposed to public sale on Saturday the 17th day of September next at Rhodes's Tavern in Washington city, all the right, title, and interest of Thomas T. Gantt to Lot No. 15 in square 293, Lots Nos. 12 and 14 in square 430, Lot No. 2 in square 12, Lots 21, 22 and 23 in square 569, and Lots 13 and 14 in square 1023, taken by virtue of a writ of feri facias , issued out of the circuit court of the district of Columbia for the county of Washington, at the suit of Samuel Crowden and others (for the use of William Brent ) against Thomas T. Gantt : the sale will commence precisely at 12 o'clock. Terms, a credit of 60 days and 90 days, the purchaser giving notes with approved endorsers. WASHINGTON BOYD, Marshal District Columbia. August 11—2awts
WASHINGTON & ALEXANDRIA TURNPIKE COMPANY.
THE Stockholders of the "Washington and Alexandria Turnpike Company" are hereby notified that the second instalment of TEN dollars on such share is called for by the President and Directors of the said company, and is required to be paid to Charles Page , treasurer in Alexandria, on or before the 26th day of August next, agreeable to the act of Congress, entitled "An act for the establishment of a Turnpike Company in the county of Alexandria in the district of Columbia." By order of the Directors, G. DENEALE, President. July 25—tA26
BALTIMORE TRINITY CHURCH LOTTERY,
Positively commences drawing on the first day of November next. The Managers give notice that they have contracted with a Company of Gentlemen for nearly all the unsold TICKETS and have given them bonds that the drawing shall positively take place as above stated, and to draw 2000 tickets per week till the whole is completed.
SCHEME.
Subject to no Deduction. Dollars. Dollars. 1 prize of 5000 is 5000 1 3000 2 2000 2 1500 3 1000 6 500 20 200 35 100 70 50 175 20 500 10 5250 6 31,500
6065 Prizes, 72,000 11935 Blanks. 18000 tickets less than two blanks to a prize: sum raised 15000 Expenses including commission to the corporation, 90,000
Part of the Capitals will be determined as follows:
1 prize of 200 dollars to the first drawn blank. 260 do. after 2000 tickets. 1 do. 200 1 do. 200 1 do. 200 1 do. 1000 1 do. 500 1 do. 500 1 do. 500 1 do. 1500 1 do. 2000 last drawn blank. July 20—copfin.
CHARLOTTE-HALL SCHOOL.
An examination of the Pupils was held, on the 26th and 27th days of July, before the Trustees of the institution and many of the Parents and Guardians of the Pupils; and orations were delivered the following day, before a very numerous audience, and received with unbounded applause. The examiners, who were Dr. John Parrish , Mr. Frederick Campbell , late of William and Mary college, Virginia, and Mr. John Ralph , late of Princeton college, New Jersey, expressed their high approbation of the state of the school and the progressive improvement of the pupils generally; while they felt a high degree of satisfaction at the excellence of several, in each department. After the examination and orations had been finished, the annual vacation commenced, and school will again begin on the first day of September next.
Signed by order of the Board of Trustees. NEALE H. SHAW , Register. Cool Springs, August 5—w3t
20 DOLLARS REWARD.
ESCAPED from the subscriber on the road leading from George Town towards Leesburg, about 15 miles from the former place, a negro man named LUKE , about 35 years of age, 6 feet high, dark skin, two of his upper fore teeth are out; he has a dour cast look, and generally speaks in a low voice; his clothes and name he will probably change, I purchased him of Mr. Theophilus Hughs to take to my residence in Kentucky, he has had several masters about Bladensburg , and he will certainly be lurking about that place as he has a wife, the property of Mr. Isaac Barrett near Bladensburg . I have appointed Mr. Everard Gary of George Town my agent, and the above reward will be paid by him to any person who will deliver the said fellow to Mr. C. Tippet in the city jail. SAML. M'LEAN. July 25—6w
LOTTERY TICKETS
Just received and for sale, by Joseph Milligan , at J. March's book store George Town. * * * A few Tickets in the Charitable Marine Society , which commences drawing in Baltimore on Wednesday the 24th inst.—present price of Tickets Five dollars, but will advance to 5 1.2 dollars before the drawing begins. August 15—
BURNS AND BEALL.
WOOLLEN drapers, men's mercers, and tailors, New-Jersey Avenue, opposite the Secretary of the Navy's, respectfully inform the public that they have commenced business in the above line, where they will endeavor to give satisfaction—they have on hand a fresh supply of the most fashionable goods, suitable for the approaching season, all fresh and of the very best quality.
N. B. Regimentals and naval uniforms made in the most elegant and fashionable stile with neatness and dispatch. October 23—tf.
CHARLES H. VARDEN
MERCHANT TAILOR,
RESPECTFULLY informs the gentlemen of the district of Columbia and public in general, that he has just received by a late arrival from Philadelphia,
A CHOICE ASSORTMENT
Of superfine Cloths, Cassimeres, single and double milled, superfine Coatings, black silk Florentines. Likewise an elegant assortment of Spangle and rich silk Moleskins for waistcoats with a variety of other articles suitable for the season.
Regimentals and Navy Uniforms made in the most elegant and uniform stile of fashion.
Richard Horwell's celebrated patent parallel SUSPENDERS far superior to any hitherto in use can be had on the same terms as at his manufactory. November 27—tf
Annapolis Md. July 15, 1808.
CHARLES HENRY WILLIGMANN ,
RESPECTFULLY informs his friends and the public in general, that he has taken that justly celebrated INN, in this city, called the UNION TAVERN , which was formerly in the possession of Mr. George Mann . He hopes by his assiduity and attention to give general satisfaction, and that the high character which this Inn acquired in Mr. Mann's time, and which it still has, as being one of the first taverns in the Union, will not be lessened while it remains in his possession. August 12—9t
FOR SALE,
On reasonable terms
THREE BRICK HOUSES
Belonging to the "Washington Building Company" situated on 12th street west, near Pennsylvania avenue. The buildings are well constructed, and of good materials and well arranged for the accommodation of private families. As calls for Houses in that part of the city have of late been very pressing; and as it is the object and policy of the Company to obtain, without making a sacrifice, funds for the further execution of their Building Plan, they have concluded on this offer. Apply to Messrs. Michael Nourse & Alexander Cochran one of them. N. B. Messrs. Hadfield, Wilson, Eyles & Gray , the present occupants, will give every required information. August 19—ep2w
DANIEL RAPINE,
On Capitol Hill, has just received the following New Books, which he offers for sale at the lowest possible prices for which they can be purchased at any place in the United States.
Census S digest of the Laws of England
respecting real property, 5 vols.
Booth on real actions, with references
to the English and American authorities.
The Register of arts, or a compendious
view of some of the most useful modern discoveries and inventions, by Thomas G. Fessenden.
The American Register; or a general
repository of history, politics, and sciences, vol. 2nd for 1807.
Letters from England, by Don M. A.
Espriella 2 vols. There is good authority for saying, that this valuable little work is written by Robert Southey.
The Fatal Revenge, 2 vols. by D. J. Murphy.
** D. R. has also just received Rees' Cyclopaedia , vol. 8, part 2nd—Subscribers at a distance are solicited to send for their copies, and those who have not been regular in taking up the work are particularly requested to call, as the work is expensive and requires punctuality.
A handsome collection of Paper
Hangings and Bordering, of select patterns, for sale as above. Also a quantity of choice Chewing Tobacco , of superior quality. August 22—
LANDING THIS DAY,
From on board the schooner MARIA , capt. Fitzhugh, from New York—
A quantity of prime St. Croix sugar,
Coffee, Molasses, Port Wine, Nutmegs, and Chocolate. Also, Gun-Powder, Imperial, and Hyson Teas, in chests, half and quarter chests and canisters of this spring's importation.
For sale by
ROSS & GETTY. George Town, June 20—tf
NOTICE.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of JOHN B. MEDLEY , deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof to the subscriber on or before the 19th day of March next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate. Given under my hand the 19th day March, 1808. PETER BOUIC, Exr. August 22—3t
MARSHAL'S SALE.
WILL be exposed to public sale on the 23rd day of September next, at Rhodes's Tavern in Washington city, all the right, title, and interest of BENJAMIN PERKINS to lot No. 1, in square 70, five in said city, together with a small frame workshop thereon; the above property is seized and sold to satisfy two writs of feri facias issued out of the circuit court of the district of Columbia for the county of Washington, the one at the suit of Timothy Caldwell , and the other at the suit of Alexander Cochran use of Hugh Smith , against said Perkins . The sale will commence at 11 o'clock, A. M. Terms cash. WASHINGTON BOYD, Marshal D. C. August 22—2awts
SALE AT AUCTION.
ON Monday the 5th September, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, (if fair, if not the next fair day) will be sold at the house of Richard Harrison near George Town , on the Frederick road — HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE. ALSO, A strong, well finished, Philadelphia built CARRIAGE, but little used, with plated mouldings and harness. Terms of sale—for all sums not exceeding 50 dollars cash; above 50 and not exceeding 100 dollars, ninety days; all sums exceeding 100 dollars, six months credit, the purchasers to give their notes with approved indorsers, negotiable at the Bank of Columbia, or the city of Washington. JOHN TRAVERS, Auc. August 22—
PROPOSALS for carrying the Mails of the United States, on the following Post Roads, will be received at the General Post Office, until the 6th day of September next.
1. From Athens in Georgia, by Apalachy, Flint River, and Coweta to Tuckabatchy on the Mississippi once a week, estimated at 220 miles, once a week. Leave Athens every Saturday at 1 p. m. and arrive at Tuckabatchy the next Tuesday by 8 o'clock p. m. Leave Tuckabatchy every Wednesday at 4 a. m. and arrive at Athens the next Saturday by 10 o'clock a. m. 2. From Tuckabatchy by Mays Creek on Alabama, or Tensaw to Fort Stoddert, estimated at one hundred and seventy three miles, once a week. Leave Tuckabatchy every Wednesday at 4 o'clock A. M. and arrive at Fort Stoddert the next Saturday by 10 o'clock A. M. Leave Fort Stoddert every Saturday at 2 p. m. and arrive at Tuckabatchy the next Tuesday by 8 p. m. 3. From Fort Stoddert to Farre's on Pearl River, estimated at 160 miles, once a week. Leave Fort Stoddert every Saturday at 2 p. m. and arrive at Farre's the next Tuesday by 8 o'clock p. m. Leave Farre's at Pearl River every Wednesday at 4 o'clock A. M. & arrive at Fort Stoddert the next Saturday by 10 o'clock A. M. 4. From Farre's on Pearl River to New Orleans, once a week. Leave New Orleans every Monday noon, and arrive at Farre's on Tuesday by 8 p. m. Leave Farre's every Wednesday at 4 A. M. and arrive at New Orleans on Thursday by noon.
NOTE 1.
If the depending mail shall not have arrived at the time fixed for departure, the contractor shall be bound to wait for it, provided it arrives within six hours after such fixed time.
NOTE 2.
For every failure, and for every delay which shall continue so that the depending mail loses a trip, the contractor shall forfeit double the pay he would have received for such a trip, unless the failure shall have been occasioned by unavoidable accident; and in that case, the amount of the pay for such trip shall be forfeited, so that no pay shall be made unless the service is performed.
NOTE 3.
For every hour's delay, the Contractor shall forfeit one dollar; but no forfeiture for the delay of any one trip can exceed double the value of such trip. The contracts are to commence on the 1st day of October next, and continue in force until the 31st March 1808. General Post Office, July 20th, 1808.
FOR RENT.
A THREE STORY BRICK HOUSE in F Street, near the Bank—For particulars enquire of WM. COCKING , the owner and occupier. Likewise, A BRICK TWO STORY HOUSE, on 19th street west, between F and G streets north—for particulars enquire as above. August 22—3t.
NOTICE.
THE Proprietors or Tenants of houses throughout the city of Washington, are earnestly requested to have their FIRE BUCKETS complete on or before the first Monday of September next, viz. one for each story, agreeably to an act of the City Council, passed January 10, 1803. By order of the Mayor, J. C. SHINDLE , Inspector. August 19—3t
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
STRAYED or was stolen on the night of the 4th of August—a dark Chestnut Sorrel HORSE, nine years old, about 15 1-2 hands high, natural trotter, shod all round. Whoever delivers him at Mr. Rhodes's tavern, will be entitled to the above reward. P. PURCELL. City of Washington, August 19—3t