Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1800-12-22 00:00:00

Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, December 17.
Mr. Walu obtained leave of absence for three weeks.
Mr. Stone also obtained leave of absence.
Mr. Varnum called up his resolution, laid on the table on the instant, for reducing the second regiment of artillery to three battalions: it at present consists of four battalions.
Mr. Otis declared himself surprised at the resolution offered by his colleague, as he had not known of any act passed in that house with more unanimity, or which appeared at the time or since to be attended with more general satisfaction, than the act on which the present establishment of artillery and engineers was founded. At the time the act was passed, the body of artillery and engineers thereby raised was considered and declared to be part of the permanent army; and in this view it had since received the sanction of the house in every form in which it had been presented.
To shew that this was the case, it would be necessary only to exhibit a history of the establishment of this body of our military force.
Prior to the year 1794, the corps of artillery and engineers consisted of one battalion.
In May 1794, in a time of profound peace, an act passed increasing the establishment to a regiment, consisting of four battalions.
In May 1796, an act was passed recognizing and confirming the existence of the regiment, previously directed to be raised.
In April 1798, before Congress contemplated the existence of that emergency which afterwards occurred, before the provisional army was authorised, or a naval equipment with a view to actual hostility with a foreign power was begun, an act passed directing the raising an additional regiment to consist of three battalions and this not merely for three years, as had been hitherto usual, but for five years.
On the 3d of March 1799, an act passed for the better organization of the troops of the United States, augmenting the numbers of the companies and regiments of infantry and cavalry, and directing that the second regiment of artillery should consist of four battalions instead of three. The provisions of this act were such as manifested the determination of Congress that the artillery thus directed, and that only should be raised in any event. Thus the augmentation was not authorised for the purpose of meeting the crisis or constituting a part of the temporary arrangements for defence but as a resource for instruction and defence at all times and upon all occasions.
In the last session of Congress two acts
were passed which materially affected the military establishment. One of which suspended all further recruiting in reference to the twelve regiments; but was silent in respect to the artillery.
The other for authorising the President to disband the infantry and cavalry, but expressly restraining him from diminishing the numbers of the artillery—Was he not therefore warranted in the assertion that the present establishment of the two regiments of artillery and engineers had been authorised with the greatest deliberation, and sanctioned as a favourite measure. That it was intended to be cherished as a nursery for those branches of military science which are most difficult of acquisition, which cannot be learnt or practised upon a sudden emergency? While every other part of the military establishment had experienced a radical reform. The organization of the artillery had hitherto remained exempt from objection and dispute.
This being the case, was it not incumbent on the gentleman, who had submitted the resolution before the house, to point some of those discriminating circumstances that recommended the adoption of a measure at this time which has been hitherto deemed inexpedient? Was it not incumbent on him to shew that he did not intend the accomplishment of this measure as a prelude to the entire annihilation of the little germ of an army that now remains to this country.
For his part, Mr. Otis declared, he was not ambitious of assuming either credit or responsibility that would arise from a reformation that would leave the country destitute of defence. He was willing that those who succeeded in the administration of the government should reap the honor and advantage of this reform.
Whether the force at present authorised by law was more than adequate to the protection of our extended sea board, and our no less extensive frontier, would clearly appear by a statement of the distribution of it that is intended when the regiments are complete.
He had taken some pains to inform himself of this fact and had prepared a document to shew exclusive of officers commissioned and non-commissioned, the numbers that would be stationed at the respective ports. Mr. Otis then went minutely into a statement of the numbers allowed to every port and garrison where the Artillery are to be employed, the results of which were as follows:
 In Georgia and S. Carolina 192  Virginia and Maryland 192  Pennsylvania 144  New-York 288  Connecticut 48  Rhode-Island 144  Massachusetts 192  On the North Western frontier } from Niagara to Mobile Bay. } 336 
Total 1536 And this number was to be divided a-
mong nearly thirty different garrisons.
Now, let any man, acquainted with the extent of our country, and who knew how vulnerable it was in many points forming a line in one direction of 1500 miles, and in the other direction of more than 2,000: let any man decide whether such an extended country could be adequately defended by a force less than 2,000 in number? When the numerous harbors to be defended, on the sea board, and the number of forts on the western frontier requiring garrisons to protect them from the attacks of the Indians, were considered, could any reasonable man affirm that 2,000 artillery and engineers were too many.
Cannot we support this establishment. Are we too poor? True economy itself would dictate, a continuance of the force. —For the militia, however useful in other circumstances could afford but little defence to our forts and harbours without corps of regular artillery to support and encourage their efforts. He put entirely out of view all considerations derived from the four existing regiments of infantry.—They were entirely occupied in defending our western frontiers from Indian invasion. Their services were there required, as the militia would not be kept in readiness to repel sudden aggression, but at an enormous expense.
We are extremely young in the science of engineering. However competent the militia may be to the great purpose of ultimately defending the country, they are not in such a situation as to be enabled to protect our forts and harbours on a sudden invasion. If the militia are incompetent to this end, we must rely upon a standing force. Infantry and cavalry might soon be created—But artillery and engineers were not the growth of a day. By dismissing these, you deprive yourselves of all the solid advantages to be derived from the militia, who in co-operation with a small regular force of this description would be formidable, but who, unaided by them would be insufficient.
The resolution in question he also considered as quite premature. What change, he enquired since the last session, when the maintenance of this battalion was recognized as expedient, had occurred in our foreign and domestic relations? A convention it is said is made with France. But we are ignorant of its terms, its nature, or extent. It has not yet been ratified, and when ratified, who will answer for its due execution, or the consequences which may ensue—If it restores our friendly relations with France, may it not produce a misunderstanding with other powers? Do not circumstances exist that render it highly prudent to secure and strengthen our Western posts? He was persuaded that if a powerful nation like the United States, would declare its inability or reluctance to support this moderate military force; it would incur the contempt of other nations. They would
hardly condescend to treat with us for a compensation of injuries, or if they made treaties, they would violate them in the full confidence of impunity.
But it was said by the gentleman, that as this battalion had not yet been raised, the inference was obvious that it was not necessary.
But for what reason had the raising of it been delayed? It would be recollected that during the last session of Congress, the late secretary of war presented to this house, a project for reducing the two regiments of artillery to three battalions each, and in lieu of the fourth battalions to substitute a corps of artillery and engineers, and a military academy in which they might be initiated into the principles of these useful and necessary sciences. While that report was pending before the legislature, it would have been improper and inexpedient to recruit for this fourth battalion. Had the substitute been adopted, the measure would have been superceded. But the report of the secretary on many parts of it were in his opinion highly deserving of attention, was not accepted by Congress. Since that period, the seat of government had been removed. The former secretary of the war department had resigned, and some time of course had been lost; he knew however that some of the officers had been appointed, and had reason to believe that the corps would soon be perfectly organized.—Another reason, Mr. Otis alledged was, that the attention of government had been principally directed to organize the temporary army. It being conceived that the permanent establishment might proceed more leisurely. On the whole, Mr. Otis said, that he was not one of those who were dismayed at the crisis in the political affairs of the country, and he trusted there was still a majority in the house, who unawed by change of times, and unshaken by the prospect of seeing their measures hereafter reversed, would persevere while they had power in maintaining the principles and measures to which the nation was indebted for its dignity and prosperity. If the administration of the government is destined to change, let those who succeed take upon themselves the burden of reform; and if it was intended by this resolution, that he should have an opportunity to partake in the glory and advantages of it, with all due acknowledgment he begged to decline the offer.
Let those, into whose hands the future government might fall, realise the expectations that have been raised, let them perform all the engagements they have made let them preserve and augment the public prosperity, and while they enjoy the exclusive credit of their measures, they should on these conditions receive all the support and approbation which in his humble sphere he could afford—But he had no idea of adopting measures that would betray symptoms of regret and contrition for the past, and he hoped his friends would

to nothing that should be construed into a death bed repentance of a conduct which constituted their glory and their pride—Retiring himself from a short political career, he had the consolation to reflect that his efforts had been directed to the support of no measure, which would not be a source of satisfaction, if he were retiring from the sphere of existence. And he doubted not that other gentlemen had been actuated by the same motives and would unite in the evidence of their sober conviction by voting against the resolution.
Mr. Varnum observed, that his colleague had not confined himself to a true statement of facts. It was well known that the military force raised in 1794 was for a standing army of which character was the first regiment of artillery. But when the second regiment was raised, the country was in a state of alarm. We were told war menaced us, and were terrified with the idea of invasion. Still it was determined by Congress that the regiment should consist of no more than three battalions. If then at that period, when the danger was exaggerated by our fears, three battalions were thought sufficient, can more be thought necessary now, when there is no alarm, no danger of war or invasion?
Mr. Varnum was of opinion that the three battalions were sufficient for every national purpose to be accomplished by artillery. He did not mean to say that they were equal to the defence of the country in case of invasion. The idea would be childish. In such case our reliance must be upon the militia, upon the great body of the people themselves.
The gentleman, who had preceded him, had dwelt on the unfavorable condition of the militia, and the little knowledge we had yet acquired in relation to artillery and engineers. Yet that gentleman must know that in Massachusetts alone there were forty companies of artillery and engineers, well equipped and well disciplined, ready, at a moment's notice, to turn out in defence of the laws of the United States, or of that state. Others were probably as well provided.
The only occasion we had for this description of troops was to defend our harbors and ports from any sudden attack. For this purpose twenty-eight companies were fully adequate. On the occurrence of a great danger, we must not look up to these men but to the people. Our true defence, our great and only defence consisted in the militia. He believed them to be in such a state as to protect us from danger.
Mr. Rutledge was surprised at the remarks of the gentleman from Massachusetts. He had stated no facts, he had referred to no documents; but had confined himself to a declaration of his belief that the four battalions of artillery are unnecessary, and had concluded by pronouncing, as he had frequently before done, a panegyric upon the militia. He thought as highly of the militia as the gentleman did; and he felt more for them. He did not desire to drag them from the plough and the enjoyment of domestic felicity; to carry them to the sea coast, there to confine them for long periods in forts, under the pretence of miserable economy.
A comparative view of the relative expenses of a standing force and the militia, would convince the gentleman that the latter was by far the most expensive.
Let him call to recollection the state of our fortifications at the close of our revolutionary war. Fortifications then covered
the face of the country. But no sooner was peace restored to us, than the people believed it would last forever. Government received the same impulse, and suffered the defence of the country to fall into decay. And what were the consequences? we were now called upon to repair them. This very result would be produced by that pitiful spirit of economy that the gentleman wishes to revive.
Mr. Rutledge spoke not from the documents. But what he said was derived from actual observation. In travelling from the southward he had seen on the sea coast harbors and forts miserably garrisoned.
His friend from Massachusetts had not been correct in his statement. The numbers he had assigned to different places were not those actually there, but those contemplated to be stationed, when the establishment was complete.
In the whole extent of South-Carolina and Georgia there were stationed only 192 men, and in North-Carolina only 142.
Discarding, as he was compelled to do, all view to false economy, there was another view that naturally presented itself. Was the state of the nation materially changed? And if it were, should that change have any influence on the measure under discussion? If the establishment of the two regiments of artillery was part of a permanent system, and not derived from any existing or apprehended state of things, and this had been his opinion, and was, he believed the opinion of Congress, any change whatever in the state of the country would not affect the question before the house.
Artillery, from their nature, ought to be permanent. Infantry and cavalry can be soon raised and made effective; but not so with artillery. They require time to render them serviceable. We all know the force of artillery in war. The brilliant successes of the French were owing to the superiority of their artillery to that of their enemies. The first consul had himself been an artilleryman; he had been bred in the school of Paris. In the great war waged against Prussia, Frederick had converted almost the whole of his force into artillery; he had himself invented the horse artillery. By these means he had triumphed.
The secretary at war had last session made a report recommending the formation of a military school. But his plan had not been embraced. This having failed, he hoped a strong military establishment would be substituted in its room.
Mr. Rutledge was inclined to diminish the corps of artillery and engineers; not that he wished to keep up an army for purposes of parade; the present establishment was not more than competent to our defence.—If a reduction were to be made, he would much rather diminish the infantry or cavalry, than the artillery, for the reasons he had already assigned.
Whether the state of the country was changed, or was not, it was not for him to say. If called upon to give his opinion, he would say that he thought the state of the country was changed. Two years ago the prospect of war was threatening. He now believed we should have peace; and if we did obtain it, it would be owing to the exertions of his honorable friend and of those who acted with him. To the energetic measures by them pursued, by which the people had been roused from apathy to a lively exertion of their powers and an exhibition of their spirit, we should owe its blessings. Their patriotic labors had ward-
ed off the dangers that threatened us, and prevented the adoption of measures in which we might have found our ruin.
Mr. Rutledge concluded with declaring that it was not for him to say what changes had taken place in the internal situation of the country.
Mr. Sheppard said that a great expense had already been incurred in raising the artillery, which would be useless if they were now dismissed. He believed too the artillery to be the most important part of our establishment. For this and other reasons, in the expression of which other members had anticipated him, he was against the motion for the reduction.
(To be continued.)
BOSTON, December 11.
Saturday arrived, brig Planter, Borman, Demerara.
Sunday arrived, brig Peregrine, Foster, Gottenburg.
Tuesday arrived, schr. Betsey, Manson, St. Sebastians.
Brig Friendship, Patterson, from Liverpool.
Brig Horizon, Young, Lisbon.
Schr. Jolly Rover, Drinkwater, Turks Island.
Yesterday arrived, brig Falcyon, Gale, from Bremen.
PHILADELPHIA, December 17.
Ship Philadelphia, Parsons, from Leghorn and Gibraltar, was left off the Capes on Sunday last, all well.
Ship Good Friends, Earl, and a brig from the Havana, are below.
Ship Hero, from Havana, failed for this port 3 days before the Good Friends.
The schr. Andrew, M'Gregor, from hence, has arrived at Teneriffe, after a passage of 55 days.
The schooner Eagle, Capt. Hays, from hence, has arrived at St. Thomas.
Schr. Two Friends, Gribben, from Cape-Francois, is totally lost on Joe Flogger, crew saved. Capt. Gribben left Cape-Francois in company with the schr. Paragon, of and for New-York—December 10, spoke, to the southward of Chinco-teague, the brig William, of New Haven, from Turks Island for New-York; the captain of which informed, that the brig Hannah, Quandrill, from Philadelphia for Cape-Francois, was cast away on the Caicos, the 10th ult.—crew and part of the cargo saved, and had arrived at Turks Island.
One of the supercargoes of the ship Philadelphia, from Leghorn, arrived in town last evening from Cape May, at which place he left the ship on Sunday evening. By this gentleman, we learn, that the ship Philadelphia on her passage to this port, stopped at Gibraltar, from whence to the Capes of Delaware, she had 42 days passage. Whilst the Philadelphia lay at Gibraltar, a ship belonging to Baltimore arrived there, from Leghorn, the captain of which informed, that, on the 16th October, he, with a number of others, were obliged to slip their cables and put to sea on account of a French army having attacked and got complete possession of Leghorn.
Our informant further adds, that the fleet with troops under Sir R. Abercrombie had returned from Cadiz to Gibraltar; without effecting any thing, and had again failed, destined, as was generally supposed, to Egypt.
The Philadelphia, saw a great number of vessels off the coast bound in.
[The writer of the following is an American, who was at Curracoa during the greater part of the late proceedings.]
MR. WAYNE,
IN your paper of Saturday, I was much pleased with your giving a sketch of the ungrateful conduct of the English commanders at the Island of Curracoa; at the same time perceiving that you were not perfectly acquainted with all the circumstances attending the recapitulation of the Island to the British, and feeling as every American should, the gross injustice on the part of the English, I have considered it as the duty of every American who was present, to state the facts as they occurred.
Early in the morning of the 20th of September, the United States ships Merrimack and Patapsco, arrived off the island of Curracoa. At the same time the British frigate Nereide, captain Watkins, was off the harbour of Amsterdam, preventing all vessels from going in or coming out of it. Mr. Phillips (the American consul) and his family, some time previous, had went on board the Nereide as a place of safety. The French, at the time the American ships appeared off the island, had possession of one half the town, and the greater part of the island. The poor Dutch were so terrified that they had left their estates in the country, and fled to that part of the city called Amsterdam. The arrival of the American ships stimulated the French to hasten their operations: they accordingly marched a large body of their troops within two miles of the principal fort (Republic) which commands all the town and harbour, with the intention of attacking it by storm. The French soldiers had goat skins prepared to fasten to their knees, to assist in climbing the rocks, also their horses hoofs bound with skins to prevent their approach being heard. Every thing was now in readiness for an assault. The Dutch fort had a bout 120 men in all and it was generally believed that several of the officers and great part of the men were in the French interest. The number of the French sent on this expedition, was supposed to be 6 or 800; another body of French was to have attacked, at the same time, the city of Amsterdam, by crossing the harbor, which is from about 100 to 200 yards wide, on rafts of boats.
The crisis had now arrived—the French officers were confident of success—spoke openly to the American gentleman who were prisoners of the strength of their party among the Dutch. At this critical juncture, the Dutch governor having lost confidence in his troops, and knowing also if assistance was not immediately procured, that the island would unavoidably be in possession of the French in 24 hours, he sent off to the British captain, informing him of all particulars, and the dangerous situation of the island. The English commander being now confident that something more than merely preventing the intercourse with the harbor must be effected, or all the plans would be defeated, immediately sent a small schooner express to the Patapsco (who was at this time at the east end of the island) to speak her; his request was immediately complied with by the commander of the Patapsco. Accordingly in the course of one hour or more, it was agreed between the American and British commanders, that some other steps, than simply lying off the harbor, were necessary for the preservation of the Island. It may be here proper to mention the state of the British frigate to which the honor and emoluments of the capture of Curracoa

are likely to accrue. The Nereide is rated at 40 guns, accordingly should have between three and four hundred men on board; instead of which, her complement was reduced by sickness and other causes, to 100 or 120 men, a number but barely sufficient to work the ship; the number of the officers was reduced to one lieutenant, a sailing master, marine officer, surgeon, and three or four midshipmen, two of whom were too small to afford much service.—Any person who has a knowledge of a ship, may now form an idea of what assistance a vessel, under those circumstances, could afford to a city and forts about to be attacked by fifteen hundred men, which was the number of the French exclusive of the negroes who joined them. All the assistance therefore the English could or did give, previous to the Patapsco entering the harbor of Amsterdam, was by sending from the Nereide one lieutenant and five men, who took possession of what they called a battery, which consisted of one brass eighteen pound cannon. This paltry succor, as may be supposed, was not the slightest impediment to the operations of the French. After the meeting of the commanders, it was concluded as absolutely necessary for one of the ships of war to enter the harbor to act as a floating battery to prevent the French from attacking Amsterdam; to this service the Patapsco was destined. She accordingly entered the harbor on the evening of the 22d September. The French immediately commenced a heavy fire from their battery on the west side of the town from several field pieces charged with musket balls, which were placed on a wharf within fifty yards of where the ship had to pass. They also commenced a heavy fire of musketry from the roofs and windows of the houses. The number of musketry was not known, but from the quickness of the fire, there must have been several hundreds. The fire from the ship dismounted two of the field pieces, and compelled the French to abandon that part of the town fronting the harbor.
The French now expected that the other two ships of war in the offing, meditated an attack on their vessels. The troops which were intended to form Fort Republic, were immediately recalled to the defence of the expected attack of their shipping. They were also impressed with an idea of the American ships having troops on board; and what strengthened their opinion was the landing in the morning, from the Patapsco, an officer with 50 of the crew, to take possession of one of the forts in which was the principal part of the military stores. In consequence of this disembarkation of the American crew, they despaired of ever taking the island, and immediately prepared for securing the plunder on board their vessels, and a departure. They accordingly abandoned the island unperceived by the other ships.
The landing of the American crew is considered as one of the strongest proofs of the critical situation of the island. It was done by the request of the Dutch governor, who had not sufficient confidence in his troops to trust them with the magazines in this fort which the Americans had possession of, and in which was deposited the powder.
On the 24th, the British colors were hoisted at the forts, and at the same time the English frigate entered the harbor, and took possession of the island.
I hope sir, by this time you will be able to form an idea whether the American
ship was not the cause of the French leaving the island, and the sole cause of the British getting possession. I find by your paper of Saturday, that the English have made the moderate demands of 25 per cent. on the American property at Curacoa, when this American property was saved at the risk of the lives of the officers and crew of the American ship of war. I, however, flatter myself that our government will duly notice this act on the part of the British, in return for the important services rendered to them by the Americans.
N. B. When due time will permit, you may expect to hear from me something more on this subject.
Alexandria Advertiser.
MONDAY, December 22.
Who will be the next President is uncertain.
When the Constitution was formed it was foreseen that a majority of electors appointed might fail to give their votes to any one person, and that the House of Representatives, voting by states, might fail to give a majority of votes to either of the persons out of whom they are bound to elect, whether between two having an equal number and a majority of the electors, or between the five highest on the list, neither having a majority of the electors appointed.
The necessity of having a President always in being was obvious. Therefore the Constitution enacted, that "the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed or a President shall be elected." In pursuance of this provision a law was passed on the first of March, 1792, by which "the President of the Senate, pro tempore, and in case there be no President of the Senate, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the time being, shall act as President of the United States, until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected."
The President and Vice-President being elected for the term of four years, commencing on the 4th of March: they can continue in office no longer than until the last moment of the 3d of March in the fourth year after the commencement of the Presidency, when they are removed from office by virtue of the Constitution.
In providing a successor in the case of removal from office, it is probable the Constitution contemplated few cases likely to happen, but the constitutional removals of the President and Vice-President, which removals were certain to occur at the same time every fourth year, and whether the vacancies so occurring would be filled up by an election could not be otherwise than uncertain.
But the Constitution authorises Congress to provide by law for a successor in all cases of removal of President and Vice-President, and consequently in the case when the President and Vice-President shall be removed according to the constitutional tenure of their respective offices.
This interpretation of the text in the Constitution that has been quoted, is to be maintained not only for the reasons
which have been given, but because if the words be at all doubtful, that construction shall be given which is indispensably necessary to preserve the existence of the government.—To suppose a case when there is no person authorised to perform the functions of the President constituted as the Federal Government is, is to suppose a case when the government is suspended in its operations throughout the executive department, from the highest to the lowest officer who holds his office during the pleasure of the President for the time being.
The Senate is always in existence and will be competent to act when there is neither a President and Vice-President. On the 4th of March at the instant when the Vice-President is removed from office by virtue of the Constitution, the Senate is competent to hold its session and elect a President, pro tempore. Therefore it should not agree to an adjournment until a President pro tempore shall be elected.
If Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr shall each have a majority of the electors appointed and an equal number of votes, the House of Representatives may not agree to give either of them a majority of votes, in which event the Presidency will devolve on such person as on the 4th of March next, shall be chosen President of the Senate pro tempore, who will continue to act until a presidential election can be conveniently held and, a President shall be elected.
CIVILIS.
PORT OF ALEXANDRIA.
ARRIVED, Schooner Zerviah, Graves, Norfolk. Maria, Curtis, New-York.
Public Sale.
TO-MORROW, At 10 o'clock, will be offered for sale at the Vendue-Store,
 Rum in hogheads,  French Brandy in pipes,  Whiskey in barrels,  Brown Sugar in barrels,  Loaf and Lump Sugar in lots,  Coffee in bags,  Soap in boxes,  Cotton in bags,  Feathers in bags,  Hardware assorted in boxes,  Nails in casks,  Castings, &c. &c. 
Also, a quantity of DRY GOODS;
Particulars of which will be made known previous to the sale.
P. G. MARSTELLER,
December 22. Auctioneer.
GEO. CLEMENTSON
Has this day opened a Store adjoining his dwelling-house, at the corner of Prince and Pitt Streets, where he now has, and intends to keep,
A general assortment of
GROCERIES,
Which he will dispose of on moderate terms, for Cash or Produce.
He has also for Sale,
 A few DRY GOODS, consisting of brown Hollands, 7-4 white Shirtings, Calicoes, Leather Gloves and Mitts, Threads, Writing Paper, Cutlery, Curry-Combs, Chalk-Lines, Needles, &c. and 15 kegs white Paint ground in Oil. 
December 22.
00248
FOR SALE, Genuine Madeira Wine in pipes, hhds. and quarter casks, for approved notes, or exchanged for Tobacco or Flour.
I WILL SELL OR RENT
The Store I have occupied for many years past, situated on Prince-Street, opposite Col. Hooe's. No stand in Town more eligible, or better accommodations for carrying on an extensive wholesale, wet or dry good business. The cellar perfectly dry, with a door at each end, will hold one thousand barrels of flour; 2500 barrels may be stowed on the premises without any inconvenience to the occupant.
Those desirous of holding it will apply to me on Merchants' Wharf, where I shall in future do business.
W'm I. HALL.
December 22.
d
TO RENT,
And possession given immediately,
A two-story Frame House and a Lot, situated on the corner of Cameron and Alfred Streets. The house is 40 feet front, well finished, and suitable for the accommodation of a large family.—For terms apply to
THOMAS RICHARDS.
December 22.
d6t
An extensive and well chosen Assortment of
CALICOES & CHINTSES,
With a variety of other articles, this day received, and for Sale, by
JOHN HORSBURGH.
J. Horsburgh respectfully informs those of his customers with whom he has running accounts, that he is under the necessity of discontinuing this practice;—therefore in future he will sell for Cash or Produce only.
December 22.
d
JUST PUBLISHED,
By Cottom & Stewart,
And for Sale, at their Book-Store,
The ALEXANDRIA POLITICAL and COMMERCIAL
POCKET ALMANAC,
For the Year 1801;
Containing a complete Calender; times of holding the Federal Courts of the United States and individual states; rates of Duties, &c. Stamp Duties; standard for receiving and paying Gold; Post Roads; Government of the United States; ministerial and consular Appointments; Officers of the Army; American Navy; Revenues; Civil and Military Officers of the Town of Alexandria; Biographical Sketches, &c.
They have also a few Copies of the new Edition of Henning's Virginia Justice, with a general assortment of articles in their line.
December 22.
eod6t
To be Hired on the 1st day of January next, at Dublin in the County of Essex, between 20 and 30 Negroes, consisting of Men, Lads, Boys, Women, and Children. Among them are an excellent Brick-Moulder, and four others who have been employed in the Brick-Making business in Fredericksburg and Alexandria.—Mr. Thomas Irwin will have it in his power to hire the Moulder and two others (who are now in Alexandria hired to Mr. George Coryell) privately if any one should apply.
BALDWIN M. LEE.
Westmoreland, December 5.
10d

CONDITIONS OF PUBLICATION of the Alexandria Advertiser AND Commercial Intelligencer.
I. It will be published on a half sheet of super-royal paper of good quality, and with an elegant type, of which this paper contains a specimen.
II. It will be published every day at 3 o'clock, and delivered to subscribers in town with the utmost regularity and expedition, and transmitted to those at a distance through the most early and regular channels of conveyance.
III. The price will be Five Dollars per annum, to be paid one half on receipt of the first number, the remainder at the end of the year.
Fresh Raisins and Currants for Sale, by
Robert B. Jameson,
Who has (as usual) a general assortment of Wines, Spirits & Groceries , viz. Jamaica and W. I. Rum, old Peach, Cogniac and Bourdeaux Brandy, Holland Geneva, Irish and Country Whiskey, a few pipes of old Bill Madeira, four do. London market do. 16 half pipes 7 year old Port, 20 quarter casks Sherry, 5 pipes Teneriffe, 4 pipes Catalonia, and a few qr. casks of Lisbon and Malaga. Wines, Powder, loaf and lump Sugars, Molasses, Spanish Honey, Salt Petre, Copperas, Madder, Race and ground Ginger, Pimento, Pepper, Mace, Nutmegs, Cloves, Teas of the latest importations, Fig-Blue, Gunpowder, Patent Shot, Leiper and Hamilton's Snuff in bladders and bottles, Alum, Indigo, Pearl Barley, Starch, London brown Stout and Porter in bottles, Almonds, spinning Cotton, Hunter's Pipes in kegs, Olives, Capers and Anchovies, Chocolate, Rice, Mustard, and Spanish Segars; all of which will be sold low for Cash, Country Produce, or on a time to his punctual customers.
Also, five likely, strong
KENTUCKY HORSES,
On a liberal Credit.
December 20, 1800. d
For Sale or Charter, The SCHOONER MISSISSIPPI, 750 or 800 barrels burthen, now lying at Merchant's wharf, and ready for sea.
Wm. HODGSON.
Dec. 15. dtf
WAY & GROFF,
PRINTERS,
North E-Street, near the General Post-Office, City of Washington,
HAVE connected the Book-Binding with the Printing Business; both of which they will execute with neatness and expedition.
One or two young men, Printers, and one young man, Book-Binder, will meet with employment, by application as above.
Also, one or two active Lads will be taken as apprentices to either of the said branches of business.
November 26, 1800.
On Monday the 15th December, if fair, if not, the next fair day, will be sold, to the highest Bidder, at Leetown, in Fairfax County, the seat of George Richard Lee Turberville, deceased,
Such a part of his personal Property as will be sufficient to pay the debts due from the estate. This property consists of Household and Kitchen Furniture, and Stock of all kinds; among which are a pair of elegant geldings, and some very fine blooded mares and colts. Six months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on their giving bond and approved security for all sums above five pounds, for all purchases under that sum ready payment will be expected, by
GAWIN C. TURBERVILLE,
Sole Adm'r.
November 10, 1800.
An error of the Printer in heading this advertisement has induced many to suppose that the Seat of the late G. R. L. Turberville was offered for sale—the Subscriber wishes it therefore to be understood that no such thing was intended.
GAWIN C. TURBERVILLE,
Sole Adm'r.
November 14, 1800. s&m†
JOHN & J. H. TUCKER HAVE FOR SALE,
At the Store of the late Col. J. Fitzgerald, Turk's Island and } SALT.
Liverpool } Loaf and Muscovada Sugars, Coffee and Molasses
Imperial,
Hylon,
Young Hylon,
Hylon Skin,
Souchong,
Madera,
Sherry,
St. Lucar,
Malaga,
Claret,
Old Brandy,
Spirits, Whiskey, &c. &c.
Leather, and a general assortment of Ship Chandlery and Carpenter's tools, also a few trunks of Irish Linens, Muslins, and Nun's Thread; which they will sell low for cash or exchange for country produce.—Orders for groceries from Town or country punctually attended to.
December 10, codzw.
Shreve and Janney,
Have for sale at their store, on Union, between Prince and Duke streets.
Castile soap in boxes
4th proof Barcelona brandy
A few tiers of whiskey
East and West-India sugar, coffee, &c.
Hylon, suchong and bohea tea
A quantity of dipt candles
Writing paper assorted, in bales
Wrapping do.
China, assorted handsomely, in cases
Soal and upper leather
Men's Women's and children's shoes of different qualities
Leading and other lines
A few pieces of handsome furniture.
All the above articles are of a good quality, and will be sold low for cash or country produce. Dec. 12. co
The Creditors of the Estate of the late Col. BURGESS BALL, are requested to forward to Mrs. Ball a statement of their claims; as the Administrators are anxious to provide for the discharge of them as early as possible.
Loudoun, Dec. 1, 1800. (15) 7t
Notice is hereby given to the Stock-Holders of the Bank of Alexandria, that an Election will be held at the Court House in this town on the third Monday in January next, for the purpose of choosing nine Directors of said Bank, for the ensuing year, agreeably to charter.
GURDEN CHAPIN, Cash'r.
Dec. 16. d4w
Washington Tavern.
Peter Heiskell
Acquaints his former customers and the public in general, that he has removed from Staunton and established an Inn in Alexandria.
He has a few good SADDLE and CHAIR HORSES which he will hire.
Dec. 18. eo4w
Just arrived, and for Sale on board the ship America, now lying at Gilpin's wharf, the following
INDIA GOODS.
Oude colahs, emertys, allibad mamoodys, do. bastas, boram bastas, luckepoor bastas, berbeon gurrahs, allibad fannahs, China custers, check handkerchiefs, bandannoe do. silk florentines, coloured fattins, English lute strings, India do. black fattins, pantaloon, calicoes, with a great variety plain and figured muslins, which will be sold low for cash.
December 16. d
Valuable Property for Sale.
SEVEN hundred and eighty-eight acres in the county of Hampshire, on the waters of Great Cape Capen, about 20 miles from the Warm Springs, and 30 from Winchester. This land is full of wood, oak and pine timber. Two excellent farms may be made, with 30 to 50 acres of bottom, and rich high lands to each; and in the heart of the timber there is a fine seat for a saw-mill. Capt. Daniel Rice will shew the lands.
Three thousand eight hundred and forty-five acres in the county of Ohio, on the waters of Grave and Fish Creeks, near the river Ohio, and about 80 miles below Pittsburg. Some of these lands are very good, with considerable quantities of rich bottom, and plenty of excellent timber. Robert Woods, Esq. the Surveyor of that county, will shew these lands.
One hundred seventy-six and three-fourths acres, within three miles of the Warm Springs, upon Great Cape Capen, near its mouth, and within 3-4 of a mile of the River Potomak. This land has about 70 or 80 acres of rich bottom, mostly in cultivation, with 274 fine sugar trees on it; from which, I am informed, there may be made 3000lb. of good sugar annually. There are also a seat for grist and saw mills on it, equal to any in that neighbourhood, and upon a never failing stream of water. The upland is rich, with plenty of timber, and part under cultivation. This farm is well improved with a good orchard, houses and fencing, and rented last year for produce equal to sixty pounds per ann. Mr. Joseph Butler, at the Warm Springs, will shew it. I will sell all, or any of the above lands for cash, or upon credit, or take in exchange for them lands in Fairfax County, or lots of land in the city of Alexandria, or the City of Washington.
R. T. HOOE.
January 25, 1800.
FOR SALE; The following Property:
THREE Lots on the East side of Washington-street, between King and Prince Streets, 22 feet front, 113 feet 10 inches dee—One of these lots is bounded on the south side by a ten feet alley—the other two have an outlet of ten feet to said alley. Valued at 350 dollars each.
Three Lots on the North side of Prince-street, near the corner of Washington-street, 20 feet front and 100 feet deep, to an alley of ten feet, communicating with Washington-street—valued at 320 dollars each.
A Lot on the corner of Fairfax and Wilkes Streets, with a front of 41 feet 8 inches on the West side of Fairfax-street, and 77 feet on the North side of Wilkes-street—valued at 450 dollars.
A Lot on Wilkes-street, joining a 3 feet alley taken off the West end of the last mentioned lot, 25 feet front and 61 feet deep—valued at 110 dollars.
An half-acre Lot, or one fourth of a square, on the West side of Fairfax-street, and North side of Gibbon-street. This lot having a south and east front, is valued at 1000 dollars—subject to a ground rent of seventeen pounds one shilling per annum, but the rents all paid up to the 1st instant.
An acre Lot, or half a square, bounded on the east by Pitt-street, on the north by Wilkes-street, and on the west by St. Asaph-street. Twenty feet of this lot is let out at one dollar per foot—subject to an annual rent of twenty pounds per annum, which is all paid up to the 1st of 8th month last. This lot is valued at 2000 dollars.
To save trouble, the prices of each of the lots are mentioned. The terms of payment are one fourth in hand, one fourth in six months, one fourth in 12 months, and the remainder in two years from the 31st of next month. Those who choose to make an offer for any of those lots will please to send their terms sealed up and directed to John Jenney of this town, marked on the outside an offer for William Hartshorne's lots. The highest offer (if above the terms here put down) to be the buyer. Not less than five dollars for each of the small lots to be received as an offer, nor less than ten dollars for the larger, or two last mentioned lots; and where more than one offer the same price, the right to be determined by drawing lots. After the second payment a deed and good title will be given provided the property be mortgaged for the sum remaining due.
On the 31st of the 12th month next, the several offers will be opened at the Golden Ball, at 11 o'clock, A. M. in the presence of John Jenney, John Dunlap, and Abraham Hewes, and as many of the offerers as choose to attend, when the first payment will be received, and an engagement entered into for a full compliance on the part of the seller.
A plan of the lots is left with John Dunlap, who will shew it to those who may please to call at his store.
WILLIAM HARTSHORNE.
Alexandria, 11th mo. 17th, 1800.
ALEXANDRIA:
PRINTED BY
S. SNOWDEN & Co.
KING-STREET, a few doors above the WASHINGTON TAVERN.