The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1805-02-25 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. V.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH. PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
NO. DCLXXXIV.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1805.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30.
DEBATE ON THE GEORGIA CLAIMS.
[Continued.]
Mr. BOYD. The question before the House is not whether we are to do a good or an injury to the class of men who are denounced a band of speculators; but it is whether we shall agree to or reject the amendment to the resolution offered yesterday to the House by a gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Clark.) Yeste day was taken up in reading the laws of Georgia, and of the United States, and various other papers, which have been long in the hands of the members, and which no doubt had been so attentively perused by them, as to have rendered the reading at this day not indispensably requisite—Mr. Boyd said, that if papers were to be read for the instruction and edification of the members as to well known facts, he thought it would have been of more consequence to have read the declaration of independence, and the treaty of peace of 1783, in which the independence of the U. S. was acknowledged by the only power on earth who contended against it—We were then free, sovereign, and independent states, to all intents and purposes, and as sovereign states each and every state in the union had full power and authority to dispose of their lands to whom they pleased, and under what conditions they pleased, and if the state of Georgia in the exercise of her sovereignty have conveyed to the Mississippi land company the right of soil to the land in question, and that company have transferred the same to the New England Mississippi land company, the right is vested in them, unless we have arrived at that stage of political depravity, that what was yesterday acknowledged as a right shall tomorrow be declared a wrong.
Why is it that speculators are so much reproached, when we ourselves have become speculators to an extent beyond the aggregate of the land speculations in the United States of America? Has not Congress recently speculated in the purchase of Louisiana, and paid the price, and will gentlemen contend here, as if they mean to be confident they might do, that we have acquired no right to the same because we purchased of France, who had no right to sell as its government holds all its powers for the good of the people, and that it is not for the good of the French people that their territories should be alienated from them? Does it follow that when a nation has vested in another its rights of soil and jurisdiction, that the investiture does not hold good, without enquiry into the purity of the motives of the contracting parties? Will you then prevent men from putting their reliance and confidence in the state legislatures?
It is asked why, if they have a right to the lands in Georgia which they claim, why do they propose to relinquish to the United States nine tenths of their claim? It would be a sufficient answer to that question to say, that Congress is the only power possessing the right to extinguish the Indian title to that country, and if Georgia had possessed that right she apprehended the present claimants would have been suffered to go on and improve their farms in that district; they never would have been disturbed in their possession. He was not in favor of speculators, but he had made up his mind never to lay his hand violently upon the claim of any man, more than he would a man's property when he was in full and quiet possession. Nor should he pretend to instruct others in the disposal of their money, persuaded that every man had a right to lay his money out in such way as was most agreeable to himself, and of which he was the best judge.
We are asked who dare vote for squandering the public money in this wholesale manner? This is my declaration in reply. I dare to vote for the measure proposed by the committee of claimants. Nay, further, I am bound to vote in its favor. It is my duty so to vote, for I have sworn to support the constitution of the United States, and that constitution declares that no state shall make any ex post facto law, or law impairing contracts. But why do gentlemen dwell so much upon speculators. The act of Congress to obtain the
cession of her western territory from the state of Georgia, is a speculation upon the speculators who purchased the right of soil to the Mississippi territory.
I do not enquire whether Georgia sold her land in small tracts or in large districts; nor whether she sold the land to individuals or companies—numbers and quantities I lay out of the question, and confine myself merely to the enquiry, did she sell, and finding that she did sell, and that for a valuable consideration, my mind rests satisfied, and I am compelled to render that justice which the annulling act of Georgia refused—Nay the price itself does not enter into my contemplation; circumstances may alter the relative value of the price to the article.—Will any gentleman say that the price at which Congress have sold their lands to the great purchasers, such as Simms and others, is a cause to justify our setting those sales aside? I apprehend not—Why then do they measure by a different standard in the case of Georgia.
Georgia under the old regime was what was called a king's government; the right of jurisdiction was given up to her exercise from the first; the right of soil remained in the crown; but when we acquired our independence, Georgia took possession, which she was justifiable in doing, of the soil as well as the sovereignty—and their being possessed of both, it was competent for her legislature to dispose of the vacant land, and no subsequent legislature could constitutionally say it avails not, and it shall not hold—I am not ashamed of this opinion; on the contrary it is corroborated by the practice of all the states in the union. A grant of land by the legislature is universally held sacred—it is so under the government of the U. States also, yet neither the state legislatures are all the citizens of the state, nor are Congress all the citizens of the United States, which according to the doctrine we have heard advanced are requisite to compleat the contract. This being the case I will not vote for the amendment; it goes to destroy the right which the petitioners have to the reserved fund of five millions of acres; it goes to defeat and overturn a well established security which the people of the U. States have for landed property. I will not vote for it, because I do not believe that Congress have a divine right to do wrong.—Mr. Boyd said, if all the speculators were scouted from these walls, he did not know who would remain—He had no quarrel with them about the question, but he should ever contend that every man had a right to pursue his object in his own way, the right grew out of the moral compact agreed to as fundamental in every established and well regulated society.
Mr. CLARK said, he was still in favor of the amendment on the table, and which he yesterday had the honor of submitting. He did not wish it to be understood, that the amendment was intended to give a preference to any description of claims under the different acts of the state of Georgia and provided for by the general resolution; but intended it should meet directly those which have excited the most public attention, have been the most ardently pursued, the most zealously advocated, and attended with the most extraordinary circumstances. If the facts which have accompanied this monstrous business from its origin to the present moment were publicly known, or if it could be retraced through all its cunning and wily mazes, the claims would sink beneath the weight of honest indignation: and instead of now being urged before the Congress of the United States, would be gladly withdrawn from public view and buried in perpetual silence. He peculiarly wished on this occasion a cool and temperate discussion, to divest ourselves of all feelings either of improper compassion or prejudice, that equally tend to inflame the heart and mislead the judgment. It should be his humble province to endeavour a fair investigation of the asked question disproving it of those tinsel habiliments which have been artfully thrown around it for the purpose of concealing its real deformity.
The claims the amendment goes to reject, are derived by a pretended law of the state of Georgia, said to have been passed in the month of January 1795.—He would contend this law was absolutely void, ab initio , not only because the legislature had no power to make such a law, but from the circumstances under which it was made. That the grantees under this law could have no title to the land either legal or equitable, and that there has been no circumstances attending the subsequent sales, that place
the sub-purchasers under superior equitable advantages. It will be particularly necessary, Mr. Speaker, to be attentive to dates; that of the law under which the claims are made, and generally known by the name of the cession law, has already been noticed. Let us now see how this law passed, it stands characterised by circumstances unparalleled in the annals of pollution, of which we have the most conclusive evidence before us; the whole state of Georgia has borne testimony to the fact—and it is now deposited in the archives of the government, that a majority of the Assembly which passed the law were corrupted and bribed; some had money given them, others shares in the land they were affecting to sell.
This is so universally admitted, and detected, that the most enthusiastic friends of the present claimants cheerfully allow the original grantees have no titles, and he believed there was not one now before Congress with his claim. But it is contended the sub-purchasers had no notice of the fraud in the original contract, but are bona fide purchasers for a good and valuable consideration actually paid. This he never could agree to; the evidence before him was the contrary, and he would here take a review of at least a part of that evidence, a great portion of which no doubt has been destroyed by the lapse of nine years, but a sufficiency remains when brought together, irresistibly to carry conviction to the mind of the most sceptical: the law itself is almost enough for this purpose. The simple object was to sell to four companies the vacant western land, but to delude the people and full enquiry, it is called "an act supplementary to an act entitled an act for appropriating a part of the unlocated territory of this state, and for the payment of the state troops, and for other purposes, and the protection, and support of the frontier," and the same fascination is kept up through the enacting clauses, and is the longest act in the statute book; it goes into a lengthy examination of the state title, of extinguishing the Indian title, and appropriating the money, directing it to be laid out in bank stock.—Where, Mr. Speaker, will you find such a law as this. If the object of the legislature had been correct, would there have been a necessity for clothing the law, in such delusive colours; no, Sir, fraud & infamy were to be cancelled and the covering must be thick. They were however disappointed in their aim, for honesty and integrity had yet their residence in the state, and as soon as it was known, the whole country was feelingly alive to the abuse, and a general effervescence pervaded the public mind; this was manifested in the only possible way that remained. The assembly had adjourned, not to meet again in a twelve month presentments of the grand juries in almost all the counties of the state, were made in terms of bitter disproportion of the law; it was also denounced in the public prints from one end of the Continent to the other. In the month of May 1795, a convention was held in the state, the grand jury presentments, petitions & remonstrances, from all parts of the country were sent up; these were by the convention remitted to the next legislature as the only competent authority to remedy so enormous an evil, in the month of February before, as has been so ably stated by my valued friend and colleague, (Mr. Randolph,) had this subject been the substance of a communication of the President of the United States to Congress, and a resolution, and a bill passed the House of Representatives on the subject. Shall I after this be told the sub-purchasers had no notice; impossible, no historical event so notorious; but the evidence does not stop here, the Georgia legislature again assembled in the month of November 1795, the subject of this nefarious and wicked speculation that covered the country with shame and disgrace, was taken up, and if a doubt before had remained of the corruption, it was then removed by a number of affidavits proving incontrovertibly the fact, and on the thirteenth day of February 1796, a law was passed, not repealing the act of 1795, but with honest and laudable indignation, declaring it null and void, as being bottomed upon fraud and perjury, and unveils to the world the most flagitious conduct that ever disgraced a legislative assembly; it is there ascertained and declared that the land had been sold for three hundred thousand dollars less than what had been offered for it, and the quantity of land much greater than it had been represented; the lands contained in the grants to the four companies were estimated at twenty-one millions of acres, which at five hundred thousand dollars, the price given, is 2 1/2 cents per
acre; the real quantity is about thirty-five millions of acres, this reduces the price of the garden of the world, to nearly 1 1/3 cents the acre; take notice Mr. Speaker that the law of 1795 does not pretend to repeal the act of 1795, but proclaims to every body that to be void which was in reality so before, and with an honest zeal, provides that the money which had been paid should be repaid to the purchasers. This annulling law was so precious to the people, it was a monument so honorable to the state, that when afterwards the citizens of that state arose in the majesty of their strength, returning all those rights and acted in convention, this very law was engrafted in their constitution.
Here the general evidence ends, and is there yet a remaining hesitation about the proof of notice; to such infidelity the glare of meridian light will not be convincing.
The advocates for the claimants have chosen their ground with great address. If they cannot be supported upon principles of law and equity, they adroitly change their position and take the more defensible stand of policy; but even the ramparts here raised will moulder away and fall to the ground at the conquering touch of truth. Can it be good policy to do what is wrong? Shall virtue and integrity, the foundations of our government, the pillars, the Brea and Joaken of the temple be thrown down and trampled under foot? Shall justice be driven weeping from our walls, and vice and corruption here rear their hideous heads? forbid it reason, forbid it God. But they have high authority on their side. The commissioners who made the articles of agreement and cession with the state of Georgia recommended it; so they did; but I ask you under what circumstances? In the report they made on this subject and containing this recommendation, they expressly state the facts which I have just detailed, and conclude by declaring that "under all circumstances which may affect the case and had come to their knowledge, the claimants could not support their title," upon what data therefore has this compromise been recommended—as great as these gentlemen may be, and as illustrious as is their characters and services to their country, and as great as is my regard; and in this article I yield to no man; yet it is incomprehensible upon what principles such a conclusion is drawn, from such premises the claimants have no title, yet they ought to be provided for, they have cheated the government and therefore ought to be rewarded, they have prostrated the fairest of the social virtues—but they are entitled then to compensation, they have acted with the most unbounded profligacy and immorality, nevertheless, they must be noticed and encouraged; they have speculated, therefore must have money. Is this House prepared to assent to such reasoning and to accept such a system of policy. A man to entitle himself to justice, ought to have clean hands and a pure heart. With a very ill grace does he ask for equity, with bribery in his hands and perjury and corruption in his heart; and shall a horde of speculators be the peculiar objects of Congressional bounty? Shall they be the selected and chosen few whose magnanimity and virtue shall be rewarded with unbounded wealth. Permit me now, Mr. Speaker, after having said so much upon the general question, to examine it more minutely and in detail. One particular case before us deserves peculiar attention, it is that known formerly by the name of the Georgia Mississippi Company, now the New England Mississippi Company. Too well known in its old jockey dress, it has changed its livery, and after being driven from the sporting fields of the south, it has taken up its residence in the east as the theatre of its future career. The agents for this company have written a large pamphlet in vindication of their claim, and every member has been furnished with a copy as an entertainment for his evening's leisure, and pious employment of his sabbath's holiday. In this book it is stated that the New England company finished their contract and took a deed from the Georgia company on the 13th day of February 1796. This is the very day the annulling law received the executive sanction in the state of Georgia, a wonderful coincidence of circumstances, it seems almost providential, but how different the employment, the Assembly of Georgia compleating an act, the proudest boast of their political life, which posterity will praise and admire, while the New England company, were planning cunning, and extensive schemes of speculation, & which we are told have been but too successful in their effects.
That the widows and orphans of men of wealth are now chewing the exult of poverty from this accused business. This is the melancholy effect of this baneful influence of speculation, and we are called upon to minister to the very passion, and by our imputed righteousness to expiate the sins of this ruinous, vile and destructive transaction, and that we shall by sanctifying their claims fix a stigma on that glorious monument of Georgian honesty, the annulling law. But to return, will these people after these things tell us they are innocent purchasers without notice for a valuable consideration, bona fide paid; yes, they have told us so, and told us so too by way, as for of this description are their agents, and who have admitted that it is not necessary to prove positive notice, a constructive one being sufficient. Where did these people reside, in the town of Bolton in the state of Massachusetts. Are they ignorant? no, they are the best informed men in the state, and most of them public characters, and yet had no knowledge of what was passing in the state of Georgia, or in Congress, which then sat at Philadelphia. The newspapers of the south could not penetrate the frozen regions the north, yet the polluted laws of Georgia could travel there. Permit me modestly to ask the agents, who are professions al gentlemen, if the company upon the most correct construction of the doctrine were not pendentente purchasers did they not buy a law suit, and ought they not to abide the decisions. The legislature of Georgia convened in the month of November 1795, and immediately took up the subject, and on the very day of the decision is the deed made to the purchasers; was not therefore the case pending when the purchase was made. If I am asked how could people in Bolton know what the assembly of Georgia were doing, I answer that the purchaser ought to take care the doctrine of latent equity, so much relied upon by the claimants, does not apply here as in individual cases; if a man has an equity which he does not assert, and an honest purchaser intercepts it, he is supposed guilty of negligence, by which a third person may be injured, and therefore he is not permitted to disturb the benefit purchaser, for the best of all reasons, that when one of two innocent persons must suffer, it ought to be him whose act permitted the injury. But suppose a suit had been commenced against the first grantees in the state of Georgia, in a court of common jurisdiction; as early as November, and on the 13th day of the next February it was determined against the grantees, and the patent ordered to be cancelled. would not the purchasers in Bolton be bound by it! No legal gentleman will controvert this position. The people of Georgia did more than this. It is true they did not institute a suit, because there was no possible way in which this could be done. No court of competent jurisdiction in which the ordinary process of law could be carried on, and redress afforded existed; the injury was grievous and sensibly felt; the representatives of the people had violated the most sacred trust, and had justly doomed themselves to their severest vengeance. The case being sui generis all that could be done was immediately accomplished. The grand juries presented, and the people generally petitioned and remonstrated, it was canvassed in every company, and the topic of universal conversation, at least in that part of the country; the circumstances could not have been unknown to the purchasers. One more circumstance on this head, and which he had nearly forgotten, the President's communication was made in Feb. 1795, on the third of March following, Congress rose and the Senators and Representatives returned to their respective states with a full knowledge of this wicked transaction, and it would be doing great injustice to suppose they were silent on this important subject. Let the House determine this question by each member asking himself if he did not know it, and on the answer, he would with certainty rely; should he be told that even all this is not positive proof of notice, in answer, he would assert that it is a mass of testimony strong and invincible, and such as is seldom produced in courts of justice, an unbroken chain of evidence, that fidelity itself cannot resist, nothing but a mistaken tenor for the narrow by speculations can turn the mind aside from the path of truth and justice.
On this subject he would add but one more remark. If all that has been mentioned shall fall short of positive notice, have not these people been guilty of culpable negligence, unaccountable and even criminal remissness; the sources of information were numerous, and the

means of this information easy and convenient, the contract an important one, they were about to purchase a tract of country nearly as large as the state they lived in, and was it an evidence of simple honesty and prudence to proceed thus precipitantly? Is it customary for men, men too remarkable for their quicksightedness to act with such unguarded temerity. We must leave this ground before we can reconcile the conduct of the purchasers under any reasonable and rational principles of human action; here is one, and only one on which all these strange things are reconcilable, speculation, yes, sir, this was the moving cause, the premium mobile, the grand delirium, gain and loss employed the whole of their attention, they had their data before them, they knew the circumstances, and calculated their chances, and adventured in the game of hazard, and because they have been unsuccessful, our ears are assailed with the yell of lamentation. Mr. S. S. S. law has been dragged on to the support of these claims, judicial authorities have been cited, and decisions in equity quoted. Yes, unhallowed hands & polluted hearts have ventured to approach the pure temple of justice. A book on which the claimants very much rely, I hold now in my hand. I acknowledge it of high authority from the sacred equity and immutable principles of justice, on which the decisions are founded. Powell on contracts is the book, in the 221st page of the 2nd book, is a correct and general description given to the qualifications of a contract necessary to engage the interposition of a court of equity, and it must be again repeated, the claimants are the applicants. "It must be fair, just, reasonable, bona fide, certain in all its parts, mutual, useful, made upon a good and valuable consideration, not merely voluntary, consistent with the general policy of a well regulated society, and free from fraud, circumvention or surprise."
Under these general rules it has been uniformly and invariably decided, that a contract wanting any of these essential parts will be set aside in a court of equity; that is, if it be not bona fide , and it must not only be so between the contracting parties, but it must not be mala fide with respect to others. Fraud has in all well organized societies, and systems of jurisprudence with which he had any acquaintance been considered as a sufficient ground to destroy a bargain, it is just and proper it should be so, otherwise what is considered as immoral and detestable in private life, would receive the sanction of a publicly recognized principle, having its foundation in impunity; so far have the conscience of courts of equity gone, that contracts though fair in themselves, yet if they had a fraudulent object in view, were set aside and no rule is more generally received and better established than that contracts made with a view to cheat the government are void both in law and equity. Here let me pause, and emphatically ask gentlemen, upon what principle of law or equity can these claims be maintained? His government has never in the most remote degree recognised them or guaranteed the title, and what is not a little surprising, the best informed gentlemen on judicial subjects on the other side of the House, are professedly silent. If the claims could be maintained by reason, argument, law or justice, would they be satisfied by the silent eloquence of a null vote; this House and their country have something to expect from them, why therefore are they mute conscience whisperers, management and policy command this silence; he frankly acknowledged it was not competent to him, it was not his wish or design to speak of motive—it would be uncharitable, highly unbecoming and greatly indiscreet: what he had never been in the habit of doing, and hoped never should do; every member on this floor, and himself with the rest, had an answer to his country, his conscience and his God for his conduct, and he would now solemnly declare that as greatly as he disapproved the measures of the former administration, he would rather vote for every one, than for the resolution reported by the committee.
(To be continued.) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole and attended the trial of Samuel Chase and after some time spent therein, the committee returned and Mr. Speaker having resumed the chair. Mr. Varnum reported, that the committee had attended the said trial and that a farther progress had been made therein. The committee of Claims requested, and obtained leave to sit during the sitting of the House. Mr. Dana, from the committee of Claims made a report on the petition of Reuben J. Meigs, jun. which was referred to a committee of the whole House, on Wednesday next. Petitions from Thomas Avery of Colerain, Mels. and Duncan Campbell, of New-York, were presented to the House and referred to the committee of Claims. Mr. R. Griswold moved that a committee be appointed to join with such
committee as the Senate may appoint to consider and report what business is necessary to be done by Congress in the present session. Agreed to. Ordered, That Mr. R. Griswold, Mr. J. Clay, Mr. Blackledge, Mr. Huger, and Mr. N. R. Moore, be appointed the committee on the part of this House. The House again took into consideration the bill authorising the Secretary at War to issue military land warrants, &c. and after being amended, it was ordered to be engrossed with the amendments, for a third reading to-morrow. Ordered, That the committee of claims be discharged from the consideration of the petitions of John M'Fadden, &c. and that they be referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures. A message was received from the Senate, notifying that they have agreed to the resolution of the House for the appointment of a committee to wait on the President of the United States, and to inform him of his re-election, and that they have appointed a committee on their part. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Mr. Gregg in the chair, On the bill for the relief of Phil. Nicklin & Robt. E. Griffith, & after some debate thereon, the committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again, which being refused them by the House. The bill was recommitted to the committee of commerce and manufactures. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19. Mr. Nicholson, from the committee appointed to wait on the President of the United States and to inform him of his re-election, reported that they had performed the duty assigned to them. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole and attended the trial of Samuel Chase, and after some time spent therein, the committee returned, and Mr. Speaker having resumed the chair. Mr. Varnum reported that the committee had attended the said trial and that a farther progress had been made therein. Mr. Newton reported a bill to alter and establish certain post roads, which was read the first and second time and committed to a committee of the whole House to-morrow. A petition was presented from sundry freeholders and inhabitants of Portsmouth, Virginia, praying the consent of Congress to an act of the legislature of Virginia for the erection of a bridge across the northern branch of Elizabeth river, &c. Referred to Mr. Newton, Mr. Wynns, Mr. Dennis, Mr. Gray, and Mr. Varnum. An engrossed bill authorising the Secretary at War to issue military land warrants was read the third time and passed. A message was received from the Senate, notifying that they have passed the bill providing for the government of the territory of Orleans. The said bill was read the first and second time and committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. Ordered, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the district of Waldoborough (Mats.) be referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Mr. GREGG in the chair, On the report of the committee of Claims on the memorial of Richard Taylor and after some time spent therein, the committee rose and reported the following resolution, which received the concurrence of the House. Resolved, that the prayer of the memorial of Richard Taylor is reasonable and ought to be granted. Ordered that the committee of Claims have leave to bring in a bill pursuant to the said resolution. The order of the day was called for on the bill to make Plymouth, in North Carolina a port of entry—when, A motion was made to postpone it until the 3d of March next, and the question being put, it was agreed to. Mr. Thomas presented a bill supplementary to the act regulating the grants of land appropriated for the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia, which was read the first and second time and committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. Mr. Dana from the committee of Claims presented a bill for the relief of Richard Taylor, which was read the first and second time and committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. Mr. Dana also presented a bill for the relief of William A. Barron, which was read the first and second time and committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. A petition was presented from Isaac Sears of Kingsale, (Mats.) and referred to the committee of Claims. Mr. Eppes, from the committee to whom was re-committed the bill further to extinguish the debts due from the
United States, made a report, which was ordered to lie on the table. Ordered, that the committee last mentioned be discharged from the consideration of the petitions and memorials of Edmund Brooke, John Chamberlain, Eli Elmer, and Moses Young, and that they be severally referred to the committee of Claims. Adjourned. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, and attended the trial of Samuel Chase, and after some time spent therein, the committee returned, and Mr. Speaker having resumed the Chair. Mr. VARNUM reported, that the committee had attended the said trial, and that a farther progress had been made therein. A message in writing was received from the President of the United States, as follows: To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I communicate for the information of Congress a letter of September 18th, from Commodore Pueblo, giving a detailed account of the transactions of the vessels under his command from July the 9th to the 10th September last past. The energy and judgment displayed by this excellent officer through the whole course of the service lately confided to him, and the zeal and bravery of his officers and men in the several enterprises executed by them, cannot fail to give high satisfaction to Congress and their country, of whom they have deserved well. TH: JEFFERSON. February 20th, 1805. The said message and the papers transmitted therewith, were referred to Mr. Varnum, Mr. J. Clay, Mr. M'Greevy, Mr. Dana, and Mr. Lowndes. The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting a statement exhibiting the amount of duties and drawbacks on goods, wares and merchandise, imported into the United States, and exported therefrom, during the years 1801, 1802 and 1803, which were read, and ordered to lie on the table. A petition was presented from sundry inhabitants of Pennsylvania, praying for the establishment of a post road from Narritown, by the way of Pughtown, &c. to Lancaster. Referred to the committee on Post offices and Post roads. Mr. Holland reported a bill to authorise the leasing the public lands in the City of Washington which was read the first and second time, and committed to a committee of the whole House on Saturday next. The committee of the whole House was discharged from the farther consideration of the bill for the relief of the sufferers by fire in the City of New York, and it was committed, with the amendment reported thereto, to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures. A message was received from the Senate notifying that they have agreed to the resolution of this House for the appointment of a joint committee to consider and report what business is necessary to be done during the present session, and that they have appointed a committee on their part. Mr. Dana, from the committee of claims, made a report on the case of the Danish Brigantine Henrik, which was read and ordered to be referred to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. Mr. Dana, from the same committee made a report on the petition of Oliver Pollock, which was referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow. Mr. Dana also made a report on the petition of George Little which was referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow. A petition was presented from David Lewis of Washington county, (Rhode Island,) which was referred to the committee of claims. On motion, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any and what provision is necessary, to extend to all parties interested therein, the benefit of bonds given by Marshals for the faithful performance of the duties of their office. Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Nelson, were appointed, said committee. Ordered, That the committee of the whole House, be discharged from the farther consideration of the report of the committee of claims, on the petition of Francis Mentges. The House then took into consideration the said report and the resolution therein contained, to wit. Resolved, That Francis Mentges have leave to withdraw his petition, together with the papers accompanying the same. And on the question, will the House agree to the said resolution. It was resolved in the affirmative. Mr. Crowninshield, from the committee of Commerce and Manufactures, made a report on the petition of Simon Philipson, which was referred to a com-
mittee of the whole House, to-morrow. Mr. Crowninshield, from the same committee, to whom was re-committed, the bill for the relief of Philip Nicklin, and R. E. Griffith, reported the same with amendment, and also a detailed statement of facts in relation to the said claim, which together with the bill, was committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow. Adjourned. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21. The House met pursuant to adjournment, but a quorum not being formed. The House adjourned until half past two, P. M. Half past two, P. M. The House again met, pursuant to adjournment, when, On motion made and seconded. The House adjourned until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock. FRIDAY, FEB. 22. Mr. J. Clay, from the committee of Ways and Means reported their agreement to the amendments of the Senate to the bill making appropriations for the support of Government for the year 1805—whereupon, The bill, with the amendments, were committed to a committee of the whole House, this day. The Speaker laid before the House, a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting an account of the receipts and expenditures of the United States for the year 1803, with a letter from the Register of the Treasury thereon, which were ordered to lie on the table. A message was received from the Senate, notifying that they have passed the bill amending the act to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States. The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of State, accompanied with a list of the names of persons who have invented any new or useful art, machine, manufacture, &c. &c. which were ordered to lie on the table. Mr. J. Clay made a report on the petition of Anthony Benezet, which was ordered to lie on the table. A memorial was presented from sundry inhabitants of the county of Brooke, in Virginia, and of Washington county, Pennsylvania, which was referred to the committee of the whole House to whom were committed the bill making provision for the application of the money heretofore appropriated to the laying out and making public roads leading from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic and to the Ohio river. A petition was presented from sundry merchants, masters, and owners of ships and vessels navigating between the city of Albany and the port of N. York, &c. which was referred to the committee of the whole House, to whom was committed the bill making appropriations for the support of government for the year 1805. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole and attended the trial of Samuel Chase, and after some time spent therein, the committee returned and Mr. Speaker, having resumed the chair. Mr. Varnum reported, that the committee had attended the said trial, and that a farther progress had been made therein. Adjourned. In the late debate on receding the district of Columbia, Mr. Boyd is erroneously stated as saying, that "he had been a member of his state convention, &c." Instead of this, Mr. Boyd said, that he had been a member of his state legislature, when they passed a law ceding a part of their territory, well knowing that if Congress did accept it by the constitution they must and would exercise exclusive legislation over such district. 100 DOLLARS REWARD. RUNAWAY, two months ago, about the middle of November, a Negro Man, named TOM D. NIEL, five feet ten inches high, black complexion, has lost some of his jaw teeth, very knock kneed, about 45 years of age. It is supposed that he has made to the northward, and has a free pass. He took with him a gray mare, and is very fond of driving a cart—Apply to RALPH LANE, Centreville, Fairfax county, Virginia. wtl NEW Store. BY WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. The subscriber informs the public that he has commenced business in the house formerly occupied by MR. QUINN, F. Street; And has on hand, a general assortment dry goods, Groceries, wines and spirituous liquors. Porter, Hardware and Cutlery, Queenware, China and Glass, Flour, Corn, and Corn-meal, Oats, and Chopped rye, Candles and Soap by the box, Country whiskey by the barrel, and few casks of genuine old Irish whiskey All of which he will sell low for cash or country produce. The HIGHEST prices, given for country produce, CASH. FRANCIS CLARK. Aug. 29—wtf.
WASHINGTON CITY. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25. HIGH COURT OF IMPEACHMENT. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22. The Court opened at 10 A. M. Mr. KEY, counsel for Judge Chase, addressed the Senate, in a speech of about three hours and a half in length, on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th articles, when the court rose for half an hour; at the expiration of which, Mr. LEE spoke for about two hours on the 5th and 6th articles—when the court rose at half after 4 o'clock. SATURDAY, FEB. 23. The Court being opened at ten o'clock. Mr. RODNEY read a few authorities. Mr. MARTIN then addressed the Senate from a quarter before 11 o'clock, until 3 o'clock, on the various points of law arising on the several articles of the impeachment. At 3 o'clock the sitting of the court was respited for half an hour, at the expiration of which Mr. Martin resumed his address, and continued speaking till 5 o'clock; when he stated, that having taken no refreshment since early in the morning, he felt exhausted, and requested an indulgence until Monday, to conclude his remarks. This was granted, and the court immediately rose. The following is the address delivered by Judge Chase to the court on his retiring. MR. PRESIDENT, The state of my health will not permit me to remain any longer at this bar. It is with great regret I depart before I hear the judgment of this honorable court. If permitted to retire, I shall leave this honorable court with an unlimited confidence in its justice; and I beg leave to present my thanks to them for their patience and indulgence in the long and tedious examination of the witnesses.—Whatever may be the ultimate decision of this honorable court, I console myself with the reflection, that it will be the result of mature deliberation on the legal testimony in the case, and will emanate from those principles, which ought to govern the highest tribunal of justice in the United States. Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Molaga, dated 24th Nov. 1804. On the 21st inst. at eleven o'clock at night, orders were received from Madrid, for laying an embargo on all British ships, and property. Two vessels which happened to be in the bay, were immediately detained, and a strict search has since been making for effects, and funds, belonging to the subjects of that nation, which when found out are put into deposit, until the results of the actual negotiation are known. It is generally presumed that a rupture between the two kingdoms, is inevitable. A similar requisition has taken place at Cadiz. Copy of a letter from Commodore Preble to the Secretary of the Navy. [Accompanying the President's message inserted in the foregoing columns.] SIR, I had the honor to write you from Messina, under date of the 5th of July; I then expected to have sailed the day following, but was detained by bad weather until the 9th, when I left it with two small bomb vessels under convoy, and arrived at Syracuse; where we were necessarily detained four days. On the 14th I sailed; the Schooners Nautilus and Enterprize in company, with six gun boats and two bomb vessels, generously loaned us by his Sicilian majesty. The bomb vessels are about thirty tons, carry a thirteen inch brass mortar, and forty men. Gun-boats twenty-five tons; carry a long iron twenty-four pounder in the bow, with a complement of thirty-five men. They are officered and manned from the squadron, excepting twelve Neapolitan bombardiers, gunners and sailors attached to each boat; who were shipped by permission of their government. This step I found necessary, as every vessel in the squadron was considerably short of complement. The gun boats are constructed for the defence of harbours; they are flat-bottomed and heavy, and do not sail or row even tolerably well. They were never intended to go to sea, and I had cannot be navigated with safety, unless assisted by tow-ropes from larger and better sailing vessels; nor even then in very bad weather. However, as they were the best I could obtain, I have thought it for the good of our service to employ them, particularly as the weather in July and August is generally pleasant; and without them my force too small to make any impression on Tripoli. On the 16th of July we arrived at Malta, where we were detained by con-

trary gales until, the 21st, when we left it and arrived in sight of Tripoli the 25th and were joined by the Siren, Argus, Vixen and Scourge. Our squadron now consisted of the Constitution, three brigs, three schooners, two bombs and six gun-boats—our whole number of men 1060. We proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for an attack on Tripoli, a city well walled, protected by batteries judiciously constructed, mounting 115 pieces of heavy cannon, and defended by 25 000 Arabs and Turks, the harbour protected by 19 gun-boats, two gallies, two schooners, of eight guns each, and a brig mounting ten guns, ranged in order of battle, forming a strong line of defence at secured moorings, inside a long range of rocks and shoals, extending more than two miles to the eastward of the town, which form the harbour, protects them from the northern gales, and renders it impossible for a vessel of the Constitution's draft of water to approach near enough to destroy them; as they are sheltered by the rocks and can retire under that shelter to the shore, unless they choose to expose themselves in the different channels and openings of the reefs for the purpose of annoying their enemies. Each of their gun-boats mounts a heavy 18 or 26 pounder in the bow and two brass howitzers on their quarters, and carry from 36 to 50 men. The gallies have each 100 men; schooners and brigs about the same number. The weather was not favorable for anchoring until the 28th, when, with the wind E. S. E. the squadron stood in for the coast, and at 3 P. M. anchored per signal, Tripoli bearing South 2 1/2 miles distant. At this moment the wind shifted suddenly from E. S. E. to N. N. W. & from thence to N. N. E. at 5 o'clock it blew strong with a heavy sea, setting directly on shore. I made the signal to prepare to weigh—At 6, the wind sea and having considerably increased, the signal was made for the squadron to weigh and gain an offing; the wind continued veering to the eastward, which favored our gaining sea room, without being obliged to carry so great a press of sail, as to lose any of our gun-boats, although they were in great danger. The gale continued varying from N. E. to E. S. E. without increasing much, until the 31st, when it blew away our reefed fore-sail and close reefed main-topsail; fortunately the sea did not rise in proportion to the strength of the gale or we must have lost all our boats. August the 1st, the gale subsided and we stood towards the coast; every preparation was made for an attack on the town and harbor. August the 3d, pleasant weather, wind east, stood in with the squadron towards Tripoli; at noon we were between two and three miles from the batteries, which were all manned; and observing several of their gun-boats and gallies had advanced in two divisions without the rocks, I determined to take advantage of their temerity; at half past 12 o'clock, I wore off shore, and made the signal to come within hail, when I communicated to each of the commanders my intention of attacking the enemy's shipping and batteries. The gun and mortar boats were immediately manned and prepared to cast off; the gun-boats in two divisions of three each; the first division commanded by captain Somers in No. 1, lieutenant Decatur in No. 2, and lieutenant Blake in No. 3. The second division commanded by captain in Decatur, in No. 4, lieutenant Bainbridge in No. 5, and lieutenant Tripp in No. 6. The two bombards were commanded by lieutenant commandant Dent, and Mr. Robinson, first lieutenant of this ship. At half past one o'clock, having made the necessary arrangements for the attack, wore ship and stood towards the batteries; at 2, signal made to cast off the boats; at quarter past 2, signal for bombs and gun-boats to advance and attack the enemy: at half past 2, general signal for battle; at 3 4 past 2 the bombs commenced the action by throwing shells into the town. In an instant the enemy's shipping and batteries opened a tremendous fire, which was promptly returned by the whole squadron within grape shot distance; at the same time the second division of three gun-boats, led by the gallant captain Decatur, was advancing with fails and oars, to board the eastern division of the enemy, consisting of nine boats. Our boats gave the enemy showers of grape and musket balls as they advanced, they however, soon closed, when the pistol, sabre, pike, and tomahawk, were made good use of by our brave tars. Captain Somers being in a dull sailer, made the best use of his sweeps, but was not able to fetch far enough to windward to engage the same division of the enemy's boats, which captain Decatur fell in with; he, however, gallantly bore down with his single boat on five of the enemy's western division, and engaged within pistol shot, defeated and drove them within the rocks in a shattered condition, and with the loss of a great number of men! Lieut. Decatur, in No. 2, was closely engaged with one of the enemy's largest boats, of the eastern division, which struck him, after having lost a large proportion of men, and at the instant that brave officer was boarding her, to take possession, he was
treacherously shot through the head, by the captain of the boat that had surrendered, which base conduct enabled the patroon (with the assistance he received from other boats) to escape. The third boat of captain Somers' division, kept to windward, firing at the boats and shipping in the harbor; had she gone down to his assistance, it is probable, several of the enemy's boats would have been captured in that quarter. Captain Decatur, in No. 4, after having with distinguished bravery, boarded and carried one of the enemy, of superior force, took his prize in tow and gallantly bore down to engage a second, which, after a severe and bloody conflict, he also took possession of. These two prizes had 33 officers and men killed, and 27 made prisoners; 19 of which were badly wounded. Lieut. Tripp, of the Vixen, in No. 6, ran along side of one of the enemy's large boats, which he boarded, with only midshipman John Henley and nine men; his boat falling off before any more could get on board; thus was he left compelled to conquer or perish, with the odds of 36 to 11. The Turks could not withstand the ardor of this brave officer and his assistants; in a few minutes the decks were cleared, and her colours hauled down. On board of this boat 14 of the enemy were killed and 22 made prisoners, seven of which were badly wounded, the rest of their boats retreated within the rocks. Lieut. Tripp received eleven sabre wounds, some of which very severe; he speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Henley and those who followed him. Lieut. Bainbridge in No. 5, had his lateen yard shot away early in the action, which prevented his getting along side of the enemy's boats; but he galled them by a steady and well directed fire within musket shot; indeed he pursued the enemy until his boat grounded under the batteries; she was fortunately soon got off. The bomb vessels kept their stations although covered with the spray of the sea, occasioned by the enemy's shot; they were well conducted by lieuts. Dent and Robinson, who kept up a constant fire from the mortars and threw a great number of shells into the town. Five of the enemy's gun-boats and two gallies composing the centre division, and stationed within the rocks as a reserve, joined by the boats that had been driven in and supplied by fresh men from the shore to replace those they had lost, twice attempted to row out to endeavor to surround our gun-boats and their prizes, I as often made the signal to cover them, which was promptly attended to by the brigs and schooners, all of which, were gallantly conducted, and annoyed the enemy exceedingly; but the fire from this ship kept their flouts completely in check. Our grape-shot made great havoc among their men, not only on board their shipping, but on shore. We were several times within two cable's length of the rocks, and within three of their batteries; every one of which, in succession, were silenced so long as we could bring our broadside to bear upon them. But the moment we passed a battery it was reanimat- and a constant heavy fire kept up, from all that we could not point our guns at. We suffered most when wearing or tacking; it was then most sensibly felt the want of another frigate. At half past four the wind inclining to the northward, I made the signal for the bombs and gun-boats to retire from action, and immediately after, the signal to tow off the gun-boats and prizes, which was handsomely executed by the brigs, schooners, and boats of the squadron, covered by a heavy fire from the constitution. At three quarters past 4 P. M. the light vessels, gun-boats and prizes being out of reach of the enemy's shot, I hauled off to take the bomb vessels in tow. We were two hours under the fire of the enemy's batteries, and the only damage received in this ship is, a 24 pound shot nearly thro' the centre of the main-mast, 30 feet from the deck, main royal yard and sail that away; one of our quarter-deck guns damaged by a 32 pound shot, which at the same time shattered a marine's arm. Two lower shrouds and two back stays were shot away and our fails and running rigging considerably cut; we must impure our getting off thus well, to our keeping so near that they overshot us, and to the annoyance our grape shot gave them; they are however but wretched gunners. Gun-boat No. 5, had the main yard shot away; and the rigging and fails of the brigs and schooners were considerably cut. Lieutenant Decatur was the only officer killed, but in him the service has lost a valuable officer; he was a young man who gave strong promise of being an ornament to his profession; his conduct in the action was highly honorable, and he died nobly. The enemy must have suffered very much in killed and wounded both among their shipping and on shore. Three of their gun-boats were sunk in the harbour, several of them had their decks nearly cleared of men by our shot, and a number of shells burst in the town and batteries, which must have done great execution. The officers, seamen, and marines of the squadron, behaved in the most gallant manner. The Neapolitans in emulating the ardor of our seamen answered my highest
expectations. I cannot but notice the active exertions and officer like conduct of lieutenant Gordon, and the other lieutenants of the Constitution. Mr. Harriden, the master, gave me full satisfaction, as did all the officers and ship's company. I was much gratified by the conduct of Captain Hall, and lieut. Greenleaf, and the marines belonging to his company in the management of six long 26 pounders on the spare deck, which I placed under his direction. Capt. Decatur speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of lieut. Thain, and midshipman M'Donough of No. 4, as does captain Somers, of Midshipmen Ridgely and Miller attached to No. 1. Annexed is a list of killed and wounded, and inclosed a copy of my general orders on this occasion. Killed—gun-boat, No. 2, lieutenant James Decatur. Wounded—Constitution, one marine. Do.—gun-boat No. 4, captain Decatur, 1st, one sergeant of marines, and two seamen. Do.—gun-boat No. 6, lieut. Tripp, severely, one boatwain's mate, and two marines. Do.—gun-boat No. 1, two seamen. Do.—gun-boat No. 2, two seamen. Total—one killed and thirteen wounded. August 5th. We were at anchor with the squadron about two leagues north from the city of Tripoli, the Argus in chase of a small vessel to the westward, which she soon came up with, and brought within hail. She proved to be a French privateer of 4 guns, which put into Tripoli a few days since for water, and left it this morning. I prevailed on the captain for a consideration, to return to Tripoli, for the purpose of landing 14 very badly wounded Neapolitans, which I put on board his vessel with a letter to the prime minister, leaving it at the option of the bashaw, to reciprocate this generous mode of conducting the war. The sending these unfortunate men on shore to be taken care of by their friends, was an act of humanity on our part, which I hope will make a proper impression on the minds of the barbarians—but I doubt it. All hands were busily employed altering the rig of the three prizes, from latter vessels to sloops, and preparing for a second attack. Observed one of the enemy's schooners and the brig (two corsairs) in the harbor to be dismantled, was informed by the French captain, that the damage these vessels received in the action of the 3rd, had occasioned their masts being taken out. The 7th the French privateer came out, and brought me a letter from the French Consul, in which he observes, that our attack of the 3d instant had disposed the Bashaw to accept of reasonable terms; and invited me to send a boat to the rocks with a flag of truce, which was declined, as the white flag was not hoisted at the Bashaw's castle. At 9, A. M. with a very light breeze from the Eastward, and a strong current, which obliged the Constitution to remain at anchor, I made the signal for the light vessels to weigh, and the gun and bomb boats to cast off and stand in shore towards the Western batteries, the prize boats having been completely fitted for service, and the command of them given to lieutenant Crane, of the Vixen, Thorn, of the Enterprize, and Caldwell, of the Syren;—the whole advanced with fails and oars. The orders were for the bombs to take a position in a small bay to the westward of the city, where but few of the enemy's guns could be brought to bear on them, but from whence they could annoy the town with shells. The gun-boats, to silence, a battery of seven heavy guns, which guarded the approach to that position, and the brigs and schooners to support them, in case the enemy's flouts should venture out, at half past 1, P. M. a breeze from N. N. E. I weighed with the Constitution, and stood in for the town, but the wind being on shore made it imprudent to engage the batteries with the ship, as in case of a man being shot away, the loss of the vessel would probably ensue, unless a change of wind should favour our getting off. At half past 2, P. M. the bomb and gun-boats having gained their stations, the signal was made for them to attack the town and batteries. Our bombs immediately commenced throwing shells, and the gun-boats opened a sharp and well directed fire on the town and batteries within point blank shot, which was warmly returned by the enemy. The seven gun battery in less than two hours was silenced, except one gun—I presume the others were dismounted by our shot, as the walls were almost totally destroyed. At a quarter past 3, P. M. a ship hove in sight to the northward, standing for the town; made the Argus' signal to chase—At half past 3 one of our prize gun-boats was blown up by a hot shot from the enemy, which passed thro' her magazine. She had on board 28 officers, seamen and marines; 10 of whom were killed, and 6 wounded. Among the killed were James R. Caldwell, first lieut. of the Syren, and midshipman John S. Doyley, both excellent officers; midshipman Spence and 11 men were taken up unhurt.—Captain Decatur, whose division this boat belonged to, and who was near her at the time she blew up, reports to me that Mr. Spence was superintending the loading
of the gun at that moment, and notwithstanding the boat was sinking, he and the brave fellows surviving, finished charging, gave three cheers as the boat went from under them, and swam to the nearest boats, where they assisted during the remainder of the action. The enemy's gun-boats and gallies (15 in number) were all in motion close under the batteries, and appeared to meditate an attack on our boats; the Constitution, Nautilus and Enterprize were to windward, ready at every hazard to cut them off, from the harbor, if they should venture down; while the Syren and Vixen were near our boats to support and cover any of them that might be disabled. The enemy thought it more prudent, however, to retire to their snug retreat behind the rocks, after firing a few shot. Our boats, in two divisions, under captains Somers and Decatur, were well conducted, as were our bomb-vessels, by lieuts. Dent and Robinson. The town must have suffered much from this attack, and their batteries, particularly the seven gun-battery, must have lost many men. At half past 5 P. M. the wind began to freshen from the N. N. E. I made the signal for the gun and bomb boats to retire from action, and for the vessels to which they were attached, to take them in tow. The Argus made signal that the strange sail was a friend. It this day's action No. 4 had a 24 pound shot through her hull; No. 6 had her lateen yard shot away; No. 3 a 24 pound shot through her hull, which killed two men. Some of the other boats had their rigging and fails considerably cut. We threw 48 shells, and about 500 24 pound shot into the town and batteries. All the officers and men engaged in the action behaved with the utmost intrepidity. At half past 6 all the boats were in tow, and the squadron standing to the N. W. At 8 the John Adams, Capt. Chauncy, from the U. States, joined company. At 9 the squadron anchored, Tripoli bearing S. E. 5 miles distant. Gun boat No. 3 was this day commanded by Mr. Brooks, master of the Argus, and No. 6 by lieut. Wadsworth, of the Constitution. Annexed is a return of our loss in this attack. Killed—Gun-boat No. 9; 1 lieutenant, 1 midshipman, 1 boatwain's-mate, 1 quarter gunner, 1 sergeant of marines, and 5 seamen. Ditto gun-boat No. 8. 2 seamen. 12 total. Wounded—gun-boat No. 9, 6 seamen, two of which mortally. Captain Chauncy brought me the first positive information that any reinforcement was to be expected. By him I was honored with your letters of the 7th, 22d and 31st of May, informing me that four frigates were coming out under commodore Barron, who is to supersede me in the command of our naval forces in these seas, at the same time, approbating my conduct, and conveying to me the thanks of the President for my services; I beg you, Sir, to accept my warmest thanks for the very obliging language in which you have made these communications, and to assure the President, that to merit the applause of my country, is my only aim, and to receive it, the highest gratification it can bestow. Captain Chauncy informed me that the frigates might be expected every moment, as they were to sail from Hampton Roads 4 days after him; in consequence of this information, and as I could not bring the John Adams into action, she having left all her gun carriages for her gun-deck, except 8, on board the Congress and Constitution a day or two previous to her sailing, I determined to wait a few days for the arrival of Commodore Barron before another attack, when, if he should arrive, the fate of Tripoli must be decided in a few hours, and the Bashaw completely humbled. Had the John Adams brought out her gun-carriages, I should not have waited a moment, and can have no doubt but the next attack would make the arrival of more ships unnecessary for the termination of the Tripoline war. I gave Captain Chauncy orders to remain on the station, that we might be benefited by the assistance of his boats and men, as nearly half the crews of the Constitution, brigs and schooners, are taken out to man the bombs, guns and ships boats when prepared for an attack. (To be continued.)
By virtue of a decree of the honorable the Chancellor of Maryland, the subscriber will sell at public sale, on the premises, on Friday the 15th day of March next, that valuable plantation formerly owned by Allen Quinn, esq. deceased, consisting of the following tracts of land, to wit: Young's Chan- Dunkin's Luck, Hambleton, Hill's Good Luck, Timber Neck, Brompton and part of Wardrop, supposed to contain 1000 acres of land. It is situate on South river, about 4 miles from Annapolis, and the new road to the city of Washington passes thro' it. It has the benefit of a valuable ferry attached to it, over which the mail flares from Annapolis to Washington and Georgetown pass. There are valuable improvements consisting of two large brick dwelling houses and one frame dwelling house, with barns, tobacco houses, and every necessary out building. The land is in general extremely fertile, and well provided with wood and timber. There are extremely good orchards, both peaches and apples, extensive and regularly laid out. There may always be had great abundance of fish and oysters. A more particular description is unnecessary, as those inclined to purchase will view the premises and judge for themselves. The terms of sale are bond with approved security to be given for the payment of the purchase money in four equal annual payments from the day of sale. Possession will be given immediately, except of a part now under lease to Mr. Nicholson, and which pass will be shown at the day of sale, when a accurate plot will also be prepared of the whole land. It will be sold entire or in parcels as shall be judged most advantageous and most convenient to purchasers. On payment of the purchase money a clear and unquestionable title will be given. JOHN JOHNSON. Feb. 25—
This day is Published, By SAMUEL H. SMITH. And for Sale at Rapin's Book Store, PRICE ONE DOLLAR AND A QUARTER. ADDRESSES OF THE Successive Presidents OF THE UNITED STATES, TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS, At the opening of each Session, with their answers; from the commence- ment of the present government, to January 1, 1805. Together with the Inaugural Addresses during the same period, and the FAREWELL ADDRESS of George Washington. February 11—
I DISCOVERED a few day since (in the Telegraph) a challenge by Samuel Norwood, Esq. Bonaparte against Democrat—At Annapolis this fall, I proposed running Democrat against Bonaparte, carrying from 110 lbs to 140 at the discretion of Mr. Norwood; which was rejected. As Mr. Norwood refused the proposition made by me at that time, I am not bound to run the race proposed by him in the Telegraph—Democrat will run Bonaparte over the Annapolis race course, on the third Tuesday in May next, four miles and repeat, for 1000 dollars, play or pay, carrying 126 lbs. each; which is the weight they are to carry by the rules of racing, both being seven years last spring—Should Mr. Norwood decline this offer, Democrat will cover mares next spring at the subscribers farm, from the first day of March until the first day of August, at Sixteen dollars each and Fifty cents for the groom. Democrat's pedigree is equal to the pedigree of any horse to be produced, having in him the blood of Medly, Belispie, Figure, Dove, Godolphin, Arabian, and Mr. Talkin's tilima. If this proposition is approved of by Mr. Norwood, notice will be given in the Maryland Gazette within forty days from the date hereof. ISAAC DUCKETT. December 21—tawtApr30
A LOST BROTHER. J. SANDFORD EDWARDS, or any of his children (who resided about thirteen years ago, within thirty miles of Edenton in North Carolina, near Perquimons river, and in a county probably of the same name) are now living, and will apply to me by letter or otherwise, they may hear of something to their advantage, and very much relieve and oblige an anxious and affectionate brother. BEN. EDWARDS. Bairdstown Kentucky, January 1. N. B. All printers of newspapers in the United States, south of Potomac are requested to give the above a few insertions. B. E. Feb. 20—
The American Gardener. District of Columbia, to wit: BE it remembered that on this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four, John Gardener and David Hepburn of the District aforesaid (its gardener to Gov. Mercer and Gen. Malon) hath deposited in the Clerk's Office of the district court of the United States for the district of Columbia, the title of a book the right whereof they claim as authors, in the words following, to wit: "The American Gardener, containing ample directions for working a kitchen garden every month in the year, and copious instructions for the cultivation of flower gardens, vine yards, nurseries, hop yards, green houses and hot houses," in conformity to the act of the United States, entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned." The above work for sale at the proprietors, and at the book stores, &c. Jan. 30—w48
Likenesses Engraved. THE public are respectfully informed that the subscriber has removed from the place of his late residence, to the house of Mrs. KEARNEY, nearly opposite the one occupied by the Hon. James Madison, Secretary of State. The subscriber has on hand a few likenesses of the President of the United States engraved by himself. ST. MEMIN. Washington Feb. 25—3t

AT their wine store in High street George Town, have in addition to their stock of old wines, laid in a large and general assortment of all kinds of Liquors and Groceries suitable to the present season; where bills of any description, in their line, will constantly be filled up on the shortest notice and they flatter themselves, from the quality of their wines, &c. they will be able to give general satisfaction to all those who may think proper to favor them with a call—where all kind of commission business as usual, will be attended to with the utmost attention, George Town, November 5—tf
PROPOSALS FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, A MAP OF VIRGINIA, Formed from actual Surveys, and the best as well as most accurate observations.
BY JAMES MADISON, D. D. President of William & Mary Colleges
To which will be added A MAP Of the greater part of the state of OHIO, from actual surveys, including the whole of the Virginia Military tract; with all that part of the state west of the Ohio river, to the Indian boundary line. The North-east corner of the map will be ornamented with an interesting VIEW OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND. The size of the Map will be 5 feet 6 inches in length, and 3 feet 8 inches in breadth. An ingenious and skillful engraver is engaged to execute the work, in a style not inferior to any similar work in the United States.
CONDITIONS. The price to subscribers will be eight dollars, neatly mounted, colored, and glazed. One dollar, to lighten the great expense of publication) to be paid on subscribing. To non-subscribers, the price will be ten dollars. Copy right secured.
IN offering the above work to the public, the proprietors are sensible that excellence is not often attainable; but with candor and truth, equally remote, from arrogance and partiality, they can say, that they conscientiously believe it has a just claim to the confidence and patronage of the people. A map of Virginia has been long and anxiously looked for: None has been published, on the plan of the one now offered, for many years, when Augusta was the frontier county. The labor, expense, and apparent difficulties, in accomplishing so interesting a work, have deterred several from the arduous undertaking. The proprietors, finding that most of the other states had recently given encouragement to similar productions, and entertaining a high sense of the real dignity and importance of Virginia, embarked in the business, from a well grounded belief, that the magnitude and utility of the work, would insure, if accomplished, a remuneration. And while Virginia is powerfully stimulated with the love of science and virtue, they hope and believe she will view domestic productions, which prove pre-eminently useful, with a generous pride.
The members of the General Assembly, and other gentlemen, who have seen a rough draught of the map are requested to inform their friends, as the impracticability of shewing the map to all who may be disposed to subscribe, must be apparent. Those gentlemen who take subscription papers are requested to return them to the subscriber, in Petersburg, by the first day of May. The maps will be ready for subscribers, in the course of the ensuing summer. WILLIAM PRENTIS. Petersburg, Feb. 1805.
Subscriptions received by SAMUEL H. SMITH, and by several gentlemen with whom subscription papers are lodged. Feb. 20—Mar. 31
THE subscribers have opened a GROCERY STORE in the house near the Capitol, lately occupied by Mr. JAMES D. BARREY—where they have for sale, low, for cash or in exchange for country produce. Genuine Cogniac Brandy, Inferior French do. Old Jamaica Spirits, Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, Claret, Brown Sugar, 1st and 2d quality Loaf and Lump, do. Molasses, Firkin Butter, Mould Candles, Sweet Oil, Spices of different kinds, Fig Blue, Starch, Almonds, Anchovies, Capers, Powder and Shot, Excellent Wine Vinegar, Gin, Whiskey, Hyson, Imperial, Young Hyson. Salt Herrings in Barrels. PETER HEALY, & Co. Washington October 31—tf
CHARLES H. VARDEN, MERCHANT TAYLOR. Has received from Philadelphia a handsome assortment of FALL goods, consisting of the best London and French superfine cloths, cassimere, patent Benet's cord, toiletries, fancy and white Marcellus, black and figured silk, moleskins, fancy silk, Marcellus, constitution cords, velvets, Genoa cord, silk and jattin Florentines, superfine coating, knapped cloths, with a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season. B. Lades habits, regimentals, and navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion. New Jersey avenue near the Capitol, December 10—tf
FOR SALE, THE subscriber intending to decline his present business, offers FOR SALE two Coaches with venetian blinds, likewise Gigs and Plated Harness, with or without Horses. If not disposed of at private sale, they will be sold at Auction on Saturday the 23d inst. opposite Stelle's Hotel.—The sale to commence at 12 o'clock. Allo for sale, Any quantity of WOOD by the cord. Application to be made to the subscriber at the place formerly occupied by Mr. George Walker, near the Capitol. THOMAS BARWISE. Feb. 8—tf
NOTICE. THE Legionary Court of enquiry which met by adjournment the 2d inst. is again adjourned to meet at the Union-Tavern in George Town, the 5th March next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. As there is business of importance to come before the Court it is hoped the members will be punctual in their attendance. By order, WM. D. BEALL, CLK. 1st. L. M. D. C. Feb. 8—10t
TO THE PUBLIC. DURING the present year, J. Ogilvie will continue to instruct youth in the city of Richmond. In addition to the various branches of literature and science heretofore taught in his school, his pupils will have an opportunity of studying the higher branches of mathematical science, a more extensive course of natural philosophy, the dead languages, and the French and Spanish languages. In teaching the higher branches of Mathematical science and the dead languages, J. Ogilvie will be assisted by Mr. Wood of this city, whose superior proficiency and skill in Mathematical and Physical science eminently entitle him to public patronage. The French and Spanish languages will be taught by Mr. Bonnadil, with whose ability and qualifications is the line of his profession, the citizens of Richmond are sufficiently acquainted. The arrangements, whilst they will considerably diminish J. Ogilvie's emoluments, will greatly enhance the utility of the school. The principal disadvantages of schools conducted by a single teacher, are, the principal and uninterrupted pressure of exertion, the dissipation of thought amongst such a variety of studies, as a result to preclude the possibility of pre-eminent skill or proficiency in any one department of knowledge, and the consequent imperfection and incompleteness of the course. These disadvantages will be radically obviated by the preceding arrangements. The school will be opened on the second Monday in January. P. S. Mr. Wood will teach the arts of drawing and painting, to such young gentlemen as may be desirous to acquire some knowledge and skill in these highly elegant and useful accomplishments. February 18 1 m,
American Printed goods. Calicoes, Shawls, Pocket Handkerchiefs, &c. manufactured by the subscribers near Baltimore, and sold at No. 13 Calvert street.
To remove that distrust often felt respecting new undertakings, and so prejudicial to manufacturing attempts in America, they think it proper to observe, that nothing is wanting in the business to enable good artists to perform their work here as well as in Europe. That they have these artists; that two of the partners were bred to the business in a factory of the best repute carried on by their father, long afterwards by themselves. They trust that while foreign goods are received without a question, an unreasonable suspicion will not prevent their countrymen from giving that trial to their goods, which only can prove their value. Besides a natural doubt, they know that certain interests, national as well as individual, will suggest objections to their undertaking. They have no difficulty in saying, that work of the like kind shall be as well executed here, as in other countries. The colors capable of being fixed; will be found as permanent; the cloths perhaps better substance, and the prices lower than of the imported cottons. MCCulloch & LUNNUY, Baltimore, No. 13 Calvert Street. Sept. 17—tf
FALL GOODS. THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR, Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square, HAS just received a very handsome assortment of Fall Goods. Orders executed with the greatest dispatch and fashion, and on the most moderate terms. Oct. 31—tf
TO PRINTERS. THE subscriber takes Order for Type from the well known Foundry of William Caslin, Jun. and Co. London.—Specimens and list of London prices to be seen at Mr. Geo. W. Riggs, Georgetown. CHARLES WIRGMAN, No. 275, Market-street, Baltimore. Jan. 16. tf.
Lucker's Blackstone. May be had for the present at the subscription price of J. MARCH, George-town, Wm. Duane, and Rapine, Conrad & Co. city of Washington—J. Kennedy, and Messrs. Gray—Alexandria—Mr. Brundage, Dumfries—Mr. Henderson, Fredericksburg—Mr. S. Pleasants, and Mr. Richard, Richmond—Bonfaie, Conrad, and Co. Norfolk—Somerville, Conrad & Co. Petersburg—J. Bell, Winchester—J. Swape, Staunton—J. Alburts, and Wm. Somerville, Martinsburg—J. Gales, Raleigh—Bailey and Waller, Charlton—Conrad & Co. G. Hill, S. Butler, Boniali, Warner and Hannah, Baltimore—the book-stores generally in Philadelphia—Messrs. Swords, New York, and C. Lingham. Boston. February 11—cp4w
ROBERT CHERRY. HAS removed his store, to the house of Mr. George Blagden New Jersey avenue on the Eastern Branch, where he has just received (in addition to his former stock) by the Schooner Hyland from Philadelphia a general assortment of groceries and liquors of superior quality, with a few boxes India china of the best quality eighty pieces to the set; all of which he will sell wholesale and retail at the most reduced prices for cash, or in exchange for country produce—All orders in his line will be executed with punctuality and dispatch; he flatters himself from the quality of his articles he will be able to render ample satisfaction to his friends and all those who may be pleased to favor him with their custom. All kinds of commission business will be attended to with the utmost attention. Washington city Dec. 12—tf
For Sale, A pair of elegant young CARRIAGE HORSES; Also an Elegant London made Curricule and a Coach—Apply at this office. February 13—tf
Thirty or forty likely NEGROES, Will be offered for sale for ready money at Loudoun March court, on the first day of the court, before the door of Mr. Jones, Inn-keeper in Leesburg; where due attendance will be given by the subscriber, WILLIAM MYRD PAGE, Trustee of F. Fairfax. Jefferson county, Feb. 18—tdof
PUBLIC SALE. BY virtue of a decree of the circuit court of the district of Columbia for the county of Washington, in the suit of Samuel Speake complainant, against Joshua Gregg, defendant in chancery, will be sold to the highest bidder at public auction on Saturday the sixteenth day of March next, at the Union Tavern, in George Town, all that part of two lots of ground in Thomas Beales addition to George Town, known and distinguished by the numbers one hundred and thirty-four and one hundred and thirty-five, beginning for the first part at sixty feet southwardly, from boundary number thirty-seven on Washington street and running eastwardly parallel with Dumbarton street sixty feet, then southwardly parallel with Washington street sixty feet, to lot number one hundred and forty-four, then westwardly with said lot to Washington street, then with said street northwardly to the beginning, being and intended to be the half of said lot—beginning for the second part of lot number one hundred and thirty-five, being the fourth half of said lot number one hundred and thirty-five and adjoining lot number one hundred and thirty-four, at the end of the third line of lot number one hundred and thirty-four, and running reverse with said third line sixty feet, then eastwardly parallel with Dumbarton street sixty feet, then southwardly parallel with Washington street sixty feet, then to the beginning, it being and intended for the fourth half of the above described lots, with the improvements thereon. The sale will commence at 4 o'clock P. M. The terms of sale, ready money, or money to be paid immediately on the courts ratifying the same, the time of which ratification will be notified in the same papers in which the sale is advertised after the report of the said sale shall be made to the court, which report will not be made until the court commences their next sitting, for the county of Washington. HENRY WHETCROFT, Trustee. February 15—3w
FOR SALE, BY virtue of a deed of trust, executed by Robert Ware Peacock, to the subscriber, for the purposes therein mentioned, will be exposed for sale, at Rhodes's tavern in the city of Washington, on Saturday the 2nd day of March next, at 4 o'clock P. M. for ready money, to the highest bidder, all the right and estate vested in me by virtue of a deed of trust from Robert Ware Peacock, bearing date the 22nd day of June 1804, to part of lot numbered one, in square numbered two hundred and ninety one in the plan of the city of Washington, with the Houses and improvements thereon. Possession to be given on or before the first day of April next ensuing. JOHN DAVIDSON, Trustee.
STOP THE RUNAWAY. A Young Negro Woman, named HANNAH, tall and stout, who has lived with a respectable farmer, Mr. Leonard, about two years past; she was directed to return home on Christmas day as I am informed—she had on and took with her, a green jacket and petticoat, made of half thick or kersey cloth, two pair of shoes and stockings, and a coarse hat, a yellow ground calico habit, a white cotton petticoat and spotted jacket, a straw bonnet, &c. she may have changed her cloathing, as it is supposed she has some money, she is capable of great deception, sometimes she appears to be passive, and has but little to say when it is to answer her purpose, but at other times extremely impudent. Whoever takes up said negro, and will bring her home to the subscriber, living in the county of Alexandria and district of Columbia, if five miles from home shall receive Five Dollars, if ten miles Ten Dollars, and if a greater distance and is secured in any jail to that I get her again, Ten Dollars will be paid. Her mother's name is Fanny whom I set free, her father's name is Harry belonging to Mr. Edward Washington. I forewarn all persons from employing or carrying her away. SIMON SOMMERS. Feb. 20—3t
LOST. OF 8 per cent. stock of the United States, Certificate No. 311, dated 20th October 1802, for 400 dollars—One do. No. 1115, and one 1116 for 100 dollars each, issued by Joseph Nourse register, in favor of Jenny and Paton of Alexandria, district of Columbia. Notice is therefore given that application is intended to be made at the Treasury of the United States for a renewal of the same. February 4—6 tw
New Books FOR SALE, BY Rapine, Conrad, & Co. NEAR THE CAPITOL.
CARD's history of revolution of Russia to the accession of Catharine the first, including a concise review of the manners and customs of the 16th and 17th centuries, Good's memoirs of the life and writings of the Rev. Alexander Geddes, The Anti-Gallican, or Standard of British Royalty, Religion and Liberty, Young's analysis of the principles of Natural Philosophy, Webster's Natural Philosophy, Leslie on the nature and propagation of Heat, Segur's history of the reign of Frederick II. King of Prussia, 3 vols. Gardiner's literary, political and economical Essays, 2 vols. Naval Chronicle, 11 vols. complete, Wittman's Travels in Egypt, Rosseau's original Correspondence, no published, 2 vols. Burdin's Medical Studies, 3 vols. Murray's Materia Medica, 2 vols. Chemistry, 2 vols. Elements of Seamanship, 5 vols. Morris's treatise on Brewing, Little's Poems, Poetical Register for 1801-2, 2 vols. Flowers of Literature, 2 vols. Amalina, or the American Foundling, 2 vols. Chances, 3 vols—Heliodora, 3 vols. Depraved Husband, 2 vols. Picture from Life, 2 vols. Zofora—Woman of Feeling, 4 vols. Life of a Lover, 6 vols. by Sophia Lee, author of the Recess, &c. Unexpected Legacy, 2 vols. Modern Faults, 2 vols. Dutches of La Vallier, 2 vols. by Madam Genlis, Confection in Elysium, 5 vols. St. Clair of the Isles, 4 vols. Benson's Apology for the Methodist's, Kotzebue's Travels from Berlin through Switzerland to Paris, 3 vols. Lewis's (Charles Lee) Comic Sketches, The Pic Nic, 2 vols. Segur on the condition and influence of Women in society, 3 vols. The Revolutionary Plutarch, exhibiting the most distinguished characters in the recent annals of the French Revolution, 2 vols. Memoirs of a Family in Switzerland, 4 vols. Murry House, 3 vols. by Mrs. Parsons, The Watch Tower, 5 vols. Theodore De Zulvin, the Monk of Madrid, a Spanish Tale, by the author of Grafville Abbey, 4 vols. Southy's translation of Amadis de Gaul, 4 vols. Monsieur Botte, by the author of My Uncle Thomas, &c. 3 vols. An Essay on the art of Tormenting, with rules for the exercise of that amusing study, Aiken's (Dr.) Letters on English Poetry, Cavalli's Natural Philosophy, 4 vols. Richmond's Elements of Philosophy. James on Bilious Diseases, Johnson's history of the progress and present state of Animal Chemistry, 3 vols. Bisset's history of the Mathematics, Fellow's Guide to Immortality, 3 vols. Black's Chemical Lectures, 2 vols. Fufell's Lectures on Painting, delivered at the Royal academy, in 1801, Original Sonnets on various subjects, by Ann Seward, The American Gardener, being a practical work by the late David Hepburn, for many years gardener to gen. Mason. February 20, 1804. m&3w
Fifteen Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from Thomas King, some time in October last, a Negro Woman, named FAME, whom I had hired to him for one year, near the Eastern Branch, in Prince George's county, Maryland, 5 feet high, very black, small featured, and her face scarred very much, and has a great defect in one of her eyes, occasioned by the small pox; 38 years of age, when spoken to she has a down look, one of her upper teeth broken out—Her clothing, when she went off, was blue striped country cloth; but in all probability she will endeavour to alter it. She has been seen in the city since she ran away. She has obtained a free pass from a certain Charity Shorty, who has obtained her freedom, and this Negro Fame passes under the said pass as a free woman. If taken up out of the district of Columbia the above Reward will be paid, on delivering her to me, or securing her in any jail, by applying to me, in Charles county, Maryland, or to Mr. Samuel Speake, of the city of Washington; or if taken up in the district ten dollars. All persons are forewarned harbouring or employing the said Negro Woman, Fame. MASSEY SIMMS. February 18, 1805. 4w
NOTICE.
THE subscriber intends to embark for England early in the next month, for the purpose of importing his Fall Goods. As the object will require a considerable sum of money, he requests all those indebted to him, to call and pay their accounts immediately. ELISHA RIGGS. CASH will be given for a quantity of GOOD TOBACCO. He has on hand, and will continue to keep as usual, an extensive assortment of DRY GOODS, which will be sold much lower than the regular prices for Cash. Feb. 15—7t
PUBLIC SALE. WILL be exposed to public sale, on Saturday the 2nd day of March next, at 4 o'clock, P. M. on the premises, Ten Acres of LAND and improvements, where the subscriber now resides, about one mile from the Eastern Branch bridge, on the upper road to Alexandria—the improvements a large two story frame house, with kitchen, stable and other convenient out houses, with an excellent spring of water thereon, and a good garden, a large quantity of fruit trees, of the best quality; the whole under a good post and rail fence. The terms of sale one third cash, one third in six months, the residue in twelve months, the purchaser giving bonds with approved security. MORRIS NEWMAN. Feb. 22—3t
NOTICE.
BY virtue of a writ of Venditioni Expo. issued from the Circuit court of the district of Columbia for the county of Washington, at the suit of the President, directors and Company of the Bank of Columbia—Will be exposed to public sale for ready cash on the 21st day of December next, at Wm. Rhodes's tavern in the city of Washington, all the right, title, claim and interest of John P. Van Nels in and to the following property, viz.—Lots no 3 4 5 and 6 in sq no 492 Lots no 5 9 and 10 in sq no 493 Lots no 4 5 6 and 7 in sq 494 Lots no 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 and 13 in sq 535 Lot no 1 in sq south of sq no 463 Lot no 15 in sq no 878 Lots no 5 6 9 and 10 in sq no 874, Lots no 5 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 17 18 and 19 in sq no 585. Lots no 9 10 12 13 14 15 17 and 18 in sq no 587 Lots 2 3 4 5 15 16 17 18 20 21 and 22 in sq 642 Lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 and 7 in sq no 537 Lots no 2 and 3 in sq no 577 Lot no 3 in sq no 579, Lots no 1 2 3 4 5 and 6 in sq no 581 Lots no 2 and 18 in sq 583 Lot no 1 in sq north of sq 583 Lots no 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 and 27 in sq south of sq no 643 Lots no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 and 28 in sq no 645 Lots no 2 3 and 11 in sq no 792 Lots no 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 and 26 in sq no 816 Lots no 6 and 7 in sq no 256 Lot no 11 in sq no 378 and lots no 13 14 and 15 in sq no 491, as laid down in the plan of the city of Washington—The sale will commence precisely at 10 o'clock. DANIEL C. BRENT, Marshal, October 29—1wtf
AN ACT More effectually to provide for the payment of taxes upon Lands within this Commonwealth.
Passed January 29, 1803. WHEREAS numerous inconveniences and losses have accrued to this Commonwealth, from the want of an adequate mode for the imposition of Lands to the payment of taxes: and whereas it is a principle in well organized governments that property should be holden subservient to the purposes thereof. Sec. 2. Be it enacted, That when the taxes upon any tract or survey of land, shall have remained unpaid for the space of two years, such tract or survey of land, shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth, and subject to location, according to the terms prescribed by an act, entitled "An act for the reducing into one, the several acts concerning the land office, ascertaining the terms and manner of granting waste and unappropriated lands, for settling the title and bounds of lands, directing the mode of proceeding, and prescribing the duty of surveyors" so far as the said act applies to waste and unappropriated lands, and not to forfeit land; and title thereto shall be acquired by the said location, and by the payment of the taxes due upon such tract or survey of land; Provided nevertheless, That the tract or survey of land so as afore said forfeited shall be subject to the redemption of the former rightful and proper owner, at any time within one year after such forfeiture shall have accrued, upon the payment of the taxes due thereon, with interest upon the same from the time they became payable. Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That at any time within six months after the annual return of the list of insolvents or delinquents for the non payment of the taxes upon land into his office, the auditor of this Commonwealth shall cause this act to be published for three several times in the Gazette of the printer of this Commonwealth and in some newspaper of general circulation, published at the seat of the general government: Provided always, that nothing in this act shall be so construed as to authorise the location of any lands within the purview of this act, before the expiration of the time limited for the redemption thereof: nor to affect the rights of infants, femes covert, or persons of unound mind, until one year after the disabilities shall have ceased. Sec. 4. All acts and parts of acts, within the purview of this act, are her by repealed. Sec. 5. This act shall commence and be in force from and after the first day of March next. (A Copy) Test. JAMES PLEASANTS, Jun. C. H. D Richmond, Virginia, Feb. 3—3t
THIS is to give notice that the subscribers of the city of Washington, have obtained from the Orphan's Court of Washington county in the district of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of James Thompson, late of Washington county aforesaid, deceased; all persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscribers, at or before the 19th day of August next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate. Given under our hands, this 19th day of February 1805. HENRY HERFORD } Administrators. THOMAS HERV }
IN pursuance of an order of the Orphan's Court of the county of Washington in the district of Columbia, will be sold at public sale on Monday the 11th day of March next at the house of Mr. Daniel Keely, Esq. at the Navy Yard, all the personal property of the late James Thompson, deceased; consisting of groceries, Hops, household furniture, &c. &c. The sale to commence at 11 o'clock. All sums under twenty dollars, cash; for sums above that amount a credit of six months will be allowed upon the purchasers giving bond with approved security, bearing interest from the day of sale. Feb. 23—3t
ATTENTION. TEN or TWELVE Gentlemen who would wish to be accommodated during the next session of Congress, in genteel style, and perfect satisfaction to their wishes, now have an opportunity of engaging on reasonable terms. Apply next door to Captain Birch's, in Stelle's Row, between the hours of 3 and 7 P. M. Monday and Tuesday next. Washington, Feb. 22—3t