The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1805-01-11 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. V.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
NO. DCLXV.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11th, 1805.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
Congressional Register.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12.
Debate on the bill to regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels. (Concluded.)
Mr. Batis did not consider the capacity of committing a crime so enlarged in proportion to the value of the cargo, perhaps it was the reverse. But he would observe that if a captain with a very valuable cargo on board was to commit even a trifling misdemeanor against this act, the owner would lose his all, both vessel and cargo; under such impressions he imagined it would be extremely difficult to obtain the requisite security. Where is the man that can find security to the amount of a million of dollars, that the captain of his ship, his officers or crew, shall not commit some small degree of violence even upon friends, for enemies may often assume the garb of friends and thereby render even friends suspected. The law of 1798 required bonds only to the amount of the value of the vessel, tackle, and apparel, and did not even extend to the number of guns she might carry.
Mr. R. Griswold again declared that commercial enterprise would be greatly diminished if a bond was required for both vessel and cargo. The consequence would be that those merchants only who possess large capitals and independent fortunes could give bond. And while the young and small traders would be incapable of sending a single ship to sea, the large speculatist would be enriching himself with the total profits of a very advantageous commerce.
Mr. J. Clay said the observations of the two gentlemen who preceded him applied against striking out the proviso. But he did not see that the position of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. R. Griswold ) was of such great weight as he seemed to assign to it. For his part he did not see the ill consequence of regulations which might prevent rash speculations on the part of young traders upon small capitals in engaging in voyages that might overstrain their credit, and prove their ruin. As it respected the trade to the West Indies, he hoped the House would agree to the amendment as it stood, and non-concur the amendment for striking out the proviso. He would agree with them to retain the proviso if the present amendment was adopted.
On the question to agree to that part of the report extending the bond to double the value of the vessel, "her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo." The amendment being the words in italics, was negatived.—Ayes 53—Noes 55.
YEAS—Messrs. Archer, Bard, Bedinger, Blackledge, Brown, Bryan, G. W. Campbell, Galey, Claiborne, Clark, J. Clay, M. Clay, Conrad, Dickson, Earle, Early, Eppes, Gillespie, Goodwyn, Gregg, Griffin, Hasbrouck, Heister, Holland, Holmes, Jackson, Kennedy, Leib, Lucas, McCord, Meriwether, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, Morrow, Newton, Olin, Palmer, J. Rea, (of Penn.) J. Rhea, (of Ten.) Rodney, Root, Sammons, Sandford, Seaver, Sloan, Smilie, J. Smith, Stanford, Stewart, Trigg, Van Horne, Whitehill, Wilson—53.
NAYS—Messrs. Alston, Alexander, Anderson, Baldwin, Betton, Boyd, Boyle, Butler, Chamberlin, Chittenden, Claggett, Crowninshield, Cutler, Cutts, Dana, Davenport, Dwight, Elliot, Elmer, Eustis, Findley, Goddard, Gray, G. Griswold, R. Griswold, Hanna, Hastings, Helms, Hoge, Hough, Hunger, Larned, Lewis, Livingston, Lowndes, Lyon, McCrery, Mitchell, Mott, Piater, Riker, J. C. Smith, Stanton, Siedman, Stephenson, Taggart, Tenney, Thatcher, Tibbets, Varnum, Verplanck, Weddworth, M. Williams, Winston, Wynns—55.
The new section before the House as reported by the committee of the whole.
Mr. Elliott hoped the House would not agree to this amendment. The gentleman who had moved it apprehended gentlemen had not well understood it when in the committee of the whole, he questioned whether the mover had paid that close attention to its effects, as to insure its being proper and beneficial. He said it created a new class of crimes, & if that measure was proper, it was proper also to define the punishment of each crime. The section refers to certain laws of the United States establishing the enumerated offences, and directs that the punishment shall be conformable to the punishment inflicted for simi-
lar offences committed on shore. It is true the constitution provides that Congress shall have power to define and punish Piracies and felonies committed on the high seas; that power had been exercised, the crimes defined and the punishments annexed. (Mr. Elliott here read an extract from the law on that subject.) A misdemeanor was a crime, but under the terms of the constitution he did not see how Congress could legislate upon it unless they defined it a felony; and were gentlemen prepared to say that every depredation, every species of outrage or violence was a felony; he was persuaded it was not the intention of the mover.—If a misdemeanor, however, be considered a crime, it ought to be defined, and the punishment decreed, for none of the laws of the United States had hitherto done it.—On this view of the subject, he considered the new section totally unnecessary, or if necessary it was so imperfect that it would not reach the case for which it was intended.
Mr. Eppes said the remark he had made in committee of the whole had no allusion to the gentleman last up.—He should however detain the House but a moment in making one observation in reply. The law quoted by the gentleman was the one defining and punishing piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and was confined to cases arising on board our unarmed vessels. Acts committed by persons legally commissioned to carry arms, are not termed acts of piracy; in order to constitute piracy it is essential that the vessel has no legal sanction to bear arms.—That is a case that cannot arise under the present measure, which is to give a legal sanction to our merchantmen to arm, only restraining them by a penalty and corporal punishment, if they abuse their trust. It was necessary in order to embrace this offence, that the definition and punishment should both be declared in the bill; he had endeavoured so to do.—As to the perfection or imperfection of the section in its present form, he should say nothing more than it appeared to his mind adequate to the end proposed. If however the gentleman from Vermont thought otherwise, he should be happy to hear him point out the mode of improvement.
Mr. R. Griswold said that whether the effects to be produced by this section, so far as related to murder and felony, were really provided for under the existing laws, he would not assert positively; but he believed that neither the existing laws nor this section made any provision for the punishment of misdemeanors. The offences defined and punished were provided for many years ago, in 1790. By that law murder was punishable with death, the same crime and punishment were revived in this section, and so it is in case of felony. Why then pass a new law on this subject? Or does the gentleman mean to infer that because murder or felony may be committed by armed vessels which are to be punished, that therefore murder or felony committed by unarmed vessels shall pass with impunity. He presumed in both cases they were murder or felony, and in both cases they were to be punished under the existing laws. He saw no occasion to multiply our statutes unnecessarily. With respect to the punishment of misdemeanors, he should remark that the constitution gave to Congress the power to define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and violations of the law of nations. Those who acted on this subject before us, he presumed acted under an impression that they had gone to the extent of their powers in defining piracies and felonies, and that a definition of misdemeanors was not in their power. But suppose the constitution gave this power to Congress, does the section provide for it; it certainly does not. What says the section, that persons guilty of misdemeanors shall be punished as other misdemeanors are punishable under the laws of the United States. He could not find any statute in the books defining these misdemeanors, or inflicting a punishment. How then was the offender to be punished, if there was no general law on this point, and from the cursory view he had given the statutes, he had found none; the section would be altogether nugatory so far as it related to misdemeanors.
Mr. Eppes could not refrain from expressing the surprise he felt that gentlemen should contend, that misdemeanor was a term unknown in the statutes of Congress. He had just dipped into a volume of the laws, and he found it in almost every one which respected the criminal jurisdiction of the United States. Sometimes an offence is defined a high misdemeanor; at other times
a simple misdemeanor. Under the act of June 1794, there were several misdemeanors, particularly expressed; accepting the command of an armed foreign vessel was a misdemeanor—increasing the armament of such vessel within the United States was a misdemeanor, and others to which punishments are annexed. He believed the wording of the section to be correct, but as gentlemen doubted it, he should not wish to press the adoption of a correct principle in incorrect language—and to give time for the required alteration, he moved an adjournment.
And the House thereupon adjourned.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14.
The new section before the House.
Mr. Eppes admitted that the objection taken yesterday by the gentleman from Connecticut, (Mr. R. Griswold ) was in part correct; the offence of misdemeanor contemplated by the proposed section was not mentioned in the law of 1794, the offence of misdemeanor defined in that law was that of fitting out or arming any vessel within the United States for the purpose of cruising against nations in amity with the United States. He moved therefore to strike out the words, "or misdemeanor," as often as they occur, in order to separate them from those of "murder and felony" and to form a distinct and subsequent period in the section in relation to that subject, by saying, "and if the offence be of a less degree, it shall be a high misdemeanor punishable by fine not exceeding dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding years."
Mr. R. Griswold agreed that it was proper to strike out the words alluded to, but he had doubts of the propriety of inserting all those which were proposed. It was plain that there was no general law of the United States, declaring the nature of the crime of misdemeanor or its punishment. It is true, that there are several of our statutes, which prohibit certain specified things, and the persons guilty of committing them are deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor. But the terms used in the section reported by the committee of the whole, have no reference to any of the class of crimes designated in our statutes. It refers merely to the general common law under the head misdemeanor. The gentlemen bring in a common law definition of misdemeanor, and give it a range over all that class of offences which it reaches in England. He wished the gentleman however to meet the other objection, and answer whether the offences of murder and felony are not already provided for by the laws of the United States. He believed still that the law of 1790, embraced the very case now intended to be provided for by the amendment. If the section is adopted, are offenders to suffer death under the law of 1790, and again under the one of 1804. Can they suffer death twice; he thought if they suffered once, it would be sufficient for an atonement of the crime. If a misdemeanor is to be defined and punished by the section, let the gentleman confine his amendment to that crime alone, and so modify it that it does not re-enact an old law still in existence. If the gentleman did this, though he doubted the necessity of the measure, he should not object.
Mr. Jackson said that there had been two objections made by the gentleman from Connecticut and the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. R. Griswold and Mr. Elliott .) It they were attentively examined and compared with the constitution and laws of the United States, they would be found not tenable. One of the objections was that the constitution of the United States did not authorize Congress to legislate on any other crimes committed on the high seas than those of piracy and felony. He would ask them whether all other offences were to go unpunished. But he reminded them that the words of the constitution extended further than what had been quoted; it declared in the same paragraph that Congress had power to define and punish offences against the law of nations. Is not a misdemeanor committed on board a vessel cognizable by the courts of the union? For instance, if a gun is discharged at another vessel belonging to a nation in amity with the United States, and does considerable damage though it may not amount to piracy or felony, is there no remedy? Surely by the constitution Congress have the power of declaring it a misdemeanor, and of punishing it accordingly. If they have this power,
and he believed it would no longer be denied that they had it, then the question would resolve itself into the expediency of exercising it at this time; and enquiry might be proper to ascertain whether the existing laws provided for the case. The act of 1790, upon which the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. R. Griswold ) relied, would be found on examination not to embrace it. Suppose in firing into a foreign vessel, a mayhem is committed, or a leg or an arm shot off, is this case provided for by the law of 1790? It is not a felony, nor is it piracy, the only two cases provided for by that act. If indeed the case was provided for by the act of 1790, it could not operate as an objection to insert it in this bill, because the bill was intended to draw into itself all the regulations on this head. That Congress had the power of legislation on this point, he trusted would no longer be disputed; and having the power, the necessity of the case required its exercise. If nothing further was added to the bill than what was contained in the first section, nine tenths of the offences committed at sea would go unpunished.
Mr. Elliott did not mean to give the force to the extract from the constitution quoted by him all that range which the gentleman just sat down had chosen to extend; he however admitted that being a constitutional question it deserved serious and solemn deliberation. It had been often said that the constitution of the United States is a limited grant of power and that the powers not therein granted are reserved to the states or to the people. Admitted. By the constitution then Congress are authorized to define and punish piracies or felonies committed on the high seas; they are also authorized to punish offences against the law of nations as stated by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Jackson ) but where is the power given them by the constitution to punish misdemeanors? It is, however, contended that a misdemeanor may be an offence against the law of nations. Misdemeanor means literally ill behavior. He would not however deny that misdemeanor in certain cases might amount to an offence against the law of nations, and in such an event might be punishable as an offence against those laws.
By the law of 1790 in its 8th section the crimes of murder and piracy are punishable. Does not that law go further, and punish what this law does not provide for. One thing further contended for, which he did not think tenable, the same crimes that are punishable by the existing laws are again to be punished by this. This was clearly shown by the gentleman from Connecticut, and he would add nothing more.
Mr. Clark thanked the gentleman from Connecticut for the light he had thrown on the subject; but he was not convinced that the crimes attempted to be defined by the amendment of his colleague were punishable by the existing laws of the United States, and he thought if the gentleman would re-examine his argument he would discover his mistake. The law of 1790 had relation to a different crime. But he would not decide positively what might be the opinion of the judiciary on that head; they might entertain a constitution different from that of the legislature. Yet his own opinion was that no provision could be found in the law of 1790 to restrain and punish the offence of an armed vessel of the United States on the commission of outrage and violence. Was the provision made in this law which his colleague had moved, he should not object to merchant vessels arming themselves; should it be refused, he never would consent to trust them with arms.
Mr. Eppes after having troubled the House so often on the present question, would have remained silent at this period but for a variety of objections had been made and many of them so foreign to the subject, that he could not avoid adding one concluding word. It might perhaps be considered as a reiteration of his first sentiment. He was decidedly opposed to trusting merchant vessels with public arms, the improper use of which might commit the peace of the nation. If however the sense of the committee was against him, in that particular, he would submit; but then it must be under such a provision as had been introduced in the section now before the committee.
Upon this the committee rose and referred the bill and amendments to the select committee to incorporate the same, and the bill as amended was reported subsequently, and passed in the shape following:
AN ACT,
To regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels.
Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That after due notice of this act, at the several custom houses, no vessel owned in whole or in part, by any citizen or citizens of the United States, or by any person or persons residing within the same, or the territories thereof, and armed, or provided with the means of being armed at sea, shall receive a clearance, or be permitted to leave the port where she may be so armed, or provided, without bond, with two sufficient sureties, being given by the owner or owners, agent or agents, together with the master or commander, to the use of the United States, in a sum equal to double the value of said vessel, her arms, ammunition, tackle, apparel, and furniture, conditioned that such vessel shall not make or commit any depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, nor make any other unlawful use of her arms against the vessels, citizens, subjects, or territory of any nation in amity with the United States; and that the guns, arms, and ammunition of such vessel shall be returned within the United States, or otherwise accounted for, and shall not be sold or disposed of in any port or place in the West Indies.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted That if any armed merchant vessel shall make or commit any depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, against any vessel or territory of a nation in amity with the United States, or against any of the citizens or subjects of such nation, or make any other unlawful use of the arms on board such vessel; if such depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, shall be made or committed, as if made and committed in any place under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, would be murder or felony; the same shall be murder or felony, as the case shall be: and the principals and accessories concerned therein, shall be punished as they would respectively be in other cases of murder or felony, by the laws of the United States; and if the offence be of less degree, it shall be a high misdemeanor, punishable by fine, not exceeding three thousand dollars and imprisonment, not exceeding three years.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That if any armed vessel, as aforesaid, shall proceed to sea without a clearance, contrary to the provision of this act, such vessel, with her arms, ammunition, tackle, apparel, and furniture, or the value thereof, shall be forfeited to the use of the United States.
The committee of Commerce and Manufactures, having maturely considered the petition of Benjamin Bailey, and James Bagert, jun. trading under the firm of Bailey and Bagert, Joshua Jones, and John A. Robertson, all of the city of New York, merchants, which was referred to them on the second instant; thereon submit the following
REPORT— The petitioners have been sufferers to a large amount by a late distressing fire in the city of New York. They represent that they imported into the district of New York, various goods and merchandise to a great value, and while they were still owners of such property, a conflagration took place and destroyed their stores, with all or nearly all their contents, including the merchandise on which the duties were secured to be paid. They pray that Congress will authorize the collector of New-York to deliver up or cancel all bonds or other securities given by them for duties upon such part of the said goods and merchandise as were destroyed by fire.
Repeated decisions on similar applications leave no doubt on the minds of the committee that it would be improper to grant the prayer of the petition. When any article is imported into the United States, and the duties thereon are ascertained at the custom house, the amount forms a part of the actual value and is an insurable interest. If it is afterwards destroyed by fire or lost in the transportation coastwise (from port to port) or in any manner injured or damaged, it has never yet been considered that the United States were bound to cancel the bonds entered into by the importers for the duties. The United States can in no respect be considered in the light of underwriters. When the duties have at any time accrued they ought to be paid, and the importing merchant can have no greater right to

call upon the government for a return of the duties, then he would to demand of the latter a limitation in the price, or to ask the possessor of his note or bond that he may be exonerated from the payment for any article purchased in the market, merely because the bargain was not advantageous, or because the merchandise was burnt or destroyed which formed, and constituted the evidence of "value received." It is with regret the committee make these observations, but they wish it to be generally understood by the merchants, that in no case could they deem it proper to advise the House to refund the duties upon merchandise destroyed by any accident whatever.
It is true the Treasury of the United States ought not be enriched from the assets of private individuals, and that our revenue is chiefly derived from the duties on articles consumed in the country, but when it is fairly considered that to abandon claims upon the importers would lead to numerous impositions, that if form were relieved from debts contracted in good faith (although the articles on which those debts originated were destroyed) it might induce others to expect similar indulgencies, without having equal claims upon the national bounty. And as there exists a strong necessity of preserving uniformity in their decisions, and as it cannot be reasonably expected that Congress should now deviate from a long course of practice founded as it is on equitable and strict commercial principles, the committee recommend that the petitioners have permission to withdraw their petition.
Read and agreed to in the House of Representatives, January 6th.
Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, addressed to William Lattimore, on the subject of lands South of the state of Tennessee.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 21st December 1804.
Sir, I have the honor to enclose extracts from letters, received from the commissioners, appointed to ascertain the claims to lands in the Mississippi territory. The inconveniences which they point out may it seems, be remedied without deranging or retarding the completion of the business, entrusted to their care. I will only add, that owing to the sickness and death of Mr. Kirby, the certificates to be issued in conformity with the decision of the board at Mobile, are not yet signed; and that, for that reason, the board will not, probably, be dissolved till March next. If any duties shall be enjoined on them, in relation to the lands East of the Tombigbee, which shall require their attendance beyond that time some provision for an additional compensation may perhaps be necessary. I have the honor to be, Respectfully, Sir, Your obedient servant, ALBERT GALLATIN. Hon. Mr. Lattimore, Chairman &c.
EXTRACT of a letter from the land commissioners, East of Pearl river, to the Secretary of the Treasury dated August 3d. 1804.
"Both the acts above-mentioned, exclude from the jurisdiction of the commissioners all claims to land, where the Indian title has not been extinguished. On inspection of the confirmation of the boundary line, between the United States and the Choctaw nation, executed on the 31st of August, 1803, by general Wilkinson on the one part, and Mingo Peos Coos, and Ala-ta-la-Hoomah on the other part, we find the limits thus described "beginning in the Hatcha Gomila, or wax river, where the limits between the United States and Spain, cross the same; thence up the channel of said river, to the confluence of Chickasaw Hay and Backatannee rivers, thence up the channel of the Backatannee to Bogue Hoomah or Reed creek, and thence with the various courses in said instrument written to the main branch of Sintec Bogue or Snake creek, and thence with said creek to the Tombigbee river, thence down the main channel of the Tombigbee and Mobile rivers to the above mentioned line of limits, between the United States and Spain, and with the same to the point of beginning."
By report, only, we are informed that general Wilkinson, in behalf of the United States, run, marked, and confirmed a line of demarcation, between the United States and the Creek Indians, beginning on the east side of the Tombigbee river and on the north or upper side of the Bayou by the name of the Cut off, (which flows between the Alabama and Tombigbee, alternately, as either of these rivers are highest) and thence as specified in said treaty. The island formed by these waters called the Nance Hubbs, containing about twenty thousand acres of the first quality of land, has been recently claimed by the Choctaw nation.
These Indians refer to the before mentioned lines, settled on the 31st August, 1803, as evidence of their never having relinquished their right to Nance Hubbs Island. It is, however, certain, that during the times when the
British and Spanish governments held the jurisdiction of this country, the island in question was in the occupancy and exclusive possession of their respective subjects, and has in like manner continued in the possession of the American citizens, since the jurisdiction has been surrendered to the United States.
It is believed, that the Indian title was extinguished by the British, and that the same will appear by the field notes of Mr. Purcell, an English surveyor, and that these notes are, or were in the possession of general Wilkinson, and it is also said, that general Wilkinson was fully of opinion that this island belonged to the United States. However satisfactory these circumstances may be in the formation of private opinions, a judicial tribunal cannot proceed on such loose grounds; it must require official documents to justify its judgment. Any board which may be appointed to adjust the claims on the east side of the Tombigbee, will find insuperable difficulties, unless the government is pleased to furnish such official documents and other evidence, as may lead to a correct decision.
Extract of a letter from the land commissioners, east of Pearl river, to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated August 3d, 1804.
"As the ascertainment of the rights of persons to land on the east side of the Tombigbee river, was not included in the provisions of the act of the 3d March, 1803, the inhabitants there conceived it optional with them, whether or not, to enter their claims with the register of the land office by the 31st of March, 1804: On the recommendation of the commissioners, the claims were perhaps generally, though not entirely entered, but it is probable, and indeed certain, that many important documents, necessary to a correct adjudication on those claims, have not in consequence of the above mentioned constitution of the law been entered. It is conceived that no board, which may be authorized to decide upon these claims, can do justice, if the claimants are barred from completing their entries at the register's office: the act of the 27th March, 1804, supplementary to the act of 3d March, 1803, contains no provisions applicable to this object."
Letter from the board of commissioners, west of Pearl river, in the Mississippi Territory, to the Secretary of the Treasury, dated November 1st, 1804.
Sir, In attending to the law under which we are acting, we discover some defects which will require legislative interposition: and we beg leave to make our communications on those subjects, through your department, to that body. The sixth section of the act of the 3d of March, 1803, requires that the certificates granted by the board, shall be entered with the register, on or before the first day of January, 1805.
The seventh section of the same act, requires that the commissioners, shall, on or before the first day of December, 1804, make to the Secretary of the Treasury, a full report of all the British grants, legally and fully executed, which have been duly recorded in conformity to the provisions of that act, the titles which is not confirmed by the articles of agreement, &c.
And the act passed the last session of Congress, supplemental to the above mentioned act, prolongs the time for filing claims with the Register, until the last day of November, 1804.
The Board now beg leave to remark, that the Legislature will see, on the first view of the sections here cited, that it is impossible for the commissioners to make the report required by the first day of December aforesaid, it being the very next day after the last day of filing claims.
And as in conformity to a suggestion from the Secretary of the Treasury, no certificate will be issued until after the last day of this instant (November), it will from the nature of the business be impossible for the Board to issue all the certificates in the month of December, immediately following, and have them entered in the Register's office, by the first day of January, 1805.
There are already nearly two thousand claims filed, and it is probable they will exceed that number before the expiration of the time limited for bringing in and filing. Many of them depend on a variety of title, and many on a variety of testimony scattered about, to and fro, and difficult to be obtained; so that it seems impossible for the Board to intimate to the Legislature any certain period, in which this business can be concluded without great probable injury to the claimants: but as they are extremely desirous of completing it as soon as possible, they are disposed to proceed in it as expeditiously as the nature of the business will admit. They have a hope, that it may be finished by the first of May or June next, but cannot speak with certainty. It is a business of great magnitude, from the country's having passed through the hands of several nations, is of great difficulty: and the commissioners are desirous of answering what they suppose to be the will of the
United States, that is, to complete the business, as to render the people happy, and their titles permanent as far as it depends on the Board.
Having made this representation, they leave it with the Legislature to do what in their wisdom they may think best.
And the Board beg leave to make one further remark, to wit: In consequence of the additional time the Board will be detained in session, by the supplemental acts, the Legislature has allowed the commissioners, but not the clerk, additional compensation. It is true, that the allowing an assistant clerk will lessen his labour, but will put nothing into his pocket; and when the Board begin to issue certificates, there will be full employment for them both.
We have the honor, &c. (Signed) THOMAS RODNEY, EDWARD TURNER. The hon. Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury of the U. S.
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11.
THE Delegates of the district of Columbia are advised of an adjourned meeting will be held at Semmes's Hotel, George town on Monday next at ten o'clock A. M.
THE MISSOURI.
The following interesting account of the Missouri, translated from the French, is drawn up by a gentleman in the Western Country, on whose intelligence and accuracy great reliance may be placed. The larger part of the facts is derived from actual observation. The views, which they present of the products on that stream, will be gratifying to all our readers, and peculiarly interesting to the mercantile part of the community, by opening to them a new source of trade, that promises amply to reward their enterprise.
The Missouri, with whose sources we are still unacquainted, is not without a long already ranked among the largest rivers. It is an object of astonishment to the whole world. The uninformed man admires its rapidity, its length, its course, the salubrity of its waters, and is astonished at its color: while the reflecting mind admires the innumerable riches scattered on its banks, and foreseeing the future, beholds already it is rival of the Nile flowing through countries as fertile, as populous, and as extensive as those of Egypt.
A traveller, however intelligent he may be, can give but a faint idea of the innumerable riches accumulated on its banks. This sketch will barely point out the most important; happily for our age, some intelligent travellers are engaged, under the auspices of an enlightened government, in tracing this river even to its sources. What gratitude will not the whole world owe to those men, who, exposing themselves to the greatest fatigues, and even to the greatest dangers, to enlarge the circle of human knowledge, will (if we may be allowed the expression) give to the world a new country.
The Missouri joins the Mississippi five leagues above the town of St. Louis, about the 40th deg. of north lat. It is necessary to observe that after uniting with the Mississippi, it flows through a space of 1200 miles, before it empties itself into the Gulf of Mexico. As this part of its course is well known, I shall speak of the Missouri only. I ascended about 600 leagues without perceiving a diminution either in its width or rapidity. The principal rivers which empty into the Missouri are, as you ascend, the Gasconade, the river of the Osages, the two Charatous, the Great river, the river Des Canips, Nichinan, Batoney, the Great and Little Nimaha, the river Plate, the river de Sioux, the L'Eau Qui Court, &c. &c. &c.
As far as 25 leagues above its junction with the Mississippi are to be found different settlements of American families, viz. at Bonhomme and Feme-Olage, &c. beyond this, its banks are inhabited only by savage nations—the great and little Olages, settled 120 leagues on the river of that name, the Canips, the Ottos, the Panis, the Loups, or Panis Mahas, the Mahas, the Poukas, the Ricaras, the Mandanes, the Sioux; this last nation is not fixed on the banks of the Missouri, but habitually come there to hunt.
The banks of the Missouri are alternately woods and prairies; it is remarked that the higher you ascend this river, the more common are these prairies, and they seem to encrease every year by the fires which are kindled every autumn by the savages or white hunters, either by chance or with the design of facilitating their hunting. The waters of the Missouri are muddy, and contain throughout its course a sediment of very fine sand which soon precipitates; but this circumstance, which renders them disagreeable to the sight, takes nothing from their salubrity.
Experience has proved that the waters of the Missouri are more wholesome than those of the Ohio, and the upper Mississippi. The rivers and streams, which empty into the Missouri, below the river Plate, are clear and limpid, but above this river, they are as muddy as those of the Missouri itself. This is occasioned by beds of sand or hills of
a very fine white earth from whence they take their rise. The bed of the Missouri is obstructed with banks sometimes of sand and sometimes of gravel, which frequently change their place, and consequently render the navigation always uncertain. Its course is generally West by North West.
To give a precise idea of the innumerable riches scattered on the banks of the Missouri would require unbounded knowledge.
The flats are covered with huge trees; the Liard, or Poplar. The Sycamore, out of one piece of which are made Canoes, which carry almost 18,000 wt. The maple, which affords the inhabitants an agreeable and wholesome sugar.
The wild cherry tree, and the red and black walnut, so useful in joiners work. The red and white elm, so necessary to cartwrights.
The Triacanthos, which, when well trimmed, forms impenetrable hedges.
The water-willow, the white and red mulberry tree.
The linden tree, the horse-chestnut of India, so much prized in the European gardens, &c. &c.
On the shores are found in abundance, the white and black oak, proper for every kind of shipwright, and Carpenters work.
The pine, so easily worked, and on the stony mountains, the durable cedar.
It would be impossible to detail all the species of trees, even those unknown in other countries, and of the use that can be made of which we are still ignorant.
The plants are still more numerous; I will pass lightly over this article, for the want of a sufficient Botanical knowledge. The Indians are well acquainted with the virtues of many of them, they make use of them to heal their wounds, &c. to poison their arrows, they also make use of different kinds of sawdust, to dye different colors; they have one which is a certain and prompt cure for the venereal disease, in short, they carefully conceal from us a plant, which renders them for a few moments insensible to the heat of the most ardent fire. I have seen them seize a red hot iron, or a burning coal without suffering.
The lands on the borders of the Missouri are excellent, and when cultivated, are capable of yielding abundantly all the productions of the temperate and even some of the warm climates; Wheat, Maize, and every species of grain, Irish potatoes, and excellent sweet potatoes; Hemp grows here to be an indigenous plant; even cotton succeeds, though not as well as in more Southerly countries; its culture however, yields a real advantage to the inhabitants settled on the banks of the Missouri, who find in the crop of a field of about two acres sufficient for the wants of their families.
The natural prairies are a great resource, being of themselves excellent pasturages, and facilitating the labors of the man who is just settled, and who can thus enjoy, with little labor, from the first year a considerable crop. Clay fit for making brick, is very common: there is also found Fayance clay, and even a species of clay which in the opinion of intelligent persons is the real kaolin to which the porcelain of China owes the whole of its reputation.
There are found on the borders of the Missouri, many springs of salt water of every kind, which will be more than sufficient for the consumption of the country, when it shall become inhabited.
Salt-petre is found in great abundance in numberless caves, which are met with along the banks of the river.
The stones are generally calcareous, and gates. There is found also one which I believe peculiar to the banks of the Missouri. It is of a blood red colour, compact, soft under the chisel, and hardens in the air, and is susceptible of a most beautiful polish. The Indians make use of it for their calumets; but from the extent of its layers it might be easily employed in more important works. They have also quarries of marble, of which we only know the colour; they are streaked with red. One quarry is well known, and easily worked, viz. a species of plaster, which we are assured is of the same nature as that of Paris, and of which the United States make a great use.
They also find volcanic stones, which demonstrate the ancient or present existence of unknown volcanoes.
The short stay we have generally made among the savage nations has prevented us from making those researches, which would have supplied us with more extensive information respecting the various mines found on the borders of the Missouri; we know with certainty only of those of iron, lead and coal; there is however no doubt but that there are some of tin, of copper, of silver, and even of gold, according to the account of the Indians, who have found some particles, or dust of these metals either on the surface of the earth, or on the banks of small torrents.
The products which are drawn from the Missouri are obtained from the Indians, and hunters, in exchange for merchandise. They may be classed according to the subjoined table.
   Dolls. Cts.     Castor, 12.29 lbs. at 1 20 14.737 20   Others, 1.267 skins 4. 5.063   Foxes,   Foxes forcs, 802 skins .50 401   Tyger cats,   Racoons, 4.243 skins .23 1662   Bears, black,   grey, yellow, 2.541 skins 2. 5.082   Puce,   Buffaloes, 1.714 skins 3. 5.142   Dressed cow 189 skins 1. 50 283 50   Hides,   Shorn deer- 96.926 lbs. 40 38.770 40   skins,   Deer skins 6.382 skins .50 3.190 50   with hair,   Tallow & fat, 8.313 lbs. .20 1.662 60   Bear's oil, 2.310 gals 1. 20 2.572   Muskrats,   Martens,   Dollars 77.971 20  
The calculations in this table, drawn from the most correct accounts of the products of the Missouri during fifteen years, make the average of a common year 77,971 dollars.
On calculating, in the same proportion, the amount of merchandise entering the Missouri and given in exchange for peltries, it is found that it amounts to 61,250 dollars, including expences, equal to one fourth of the value of the merchandise.
The result is, that this commerce gives annually a profit of 16,721 dollars, or about 27 per cent.
If the commerce of the Missouri, without encouragement, and badly regulated, gives annually so great a profit, may we not rest assured that it will be greatly augmented, should government direct its attention to it. It is also necessary to observe that the price of peltries fixed by this table is the current price in the Illinois; if it were regulated by the prices of London, deducting the expences of transportation, the profit according to our calculation, would be much more considerable.
If the Missouri, abandoned to savages, and presenting but one branch of commerce, yields such great advantages, in proportion to the capital employed in it, what might we not hope, if some merchants or companies, with large capitals, and aided by a population extended along the borders of the river, should turn their attention to other branches of trade, which they might undertake (I dare say) with a certainty of success, when we consider the riches buried in its banks, and of which I have endeavoured in these notes to give an idea.
Although my intention has been only to speak of the Missouri, I consider it a duty at the same time to give an idea of the salt mines and the salines, which are found in the same latitude, on the branches of the river Arkansas. At about 300 miles from the village of the great Olages, in a westerly direction, after having passed several branches of the river Arkansas, we find a flat, surrounded by hills of an immense extent, and about 15 leagues in diameter, the soil is a black sand, very fine, and so hard that the horses hardly leave a trace. During a warm and dry season, there exhales from this flat, vapors, which, after being condensed, fall on this black sand, and cover it with an incrustation of salt, very white and fine, and about half an inch thick; the rains destroy this phenomenon.
At about 18 miles from this flat, there are found mines of genuine salt, near the surface of the earth; the Indians, who are well acquainted with them, are obliged to use levers to break and raise it.
At a distance of about 15 leagues from the flat, of which we have just spoken, and in a southerly direction, there is a second mine of genuine salt of the same nature as the other. These two mines differ only in colour; the first borders on a blue, the second approaches a red. In short, much further south, and still on the branches of the Arkansas, is a saline, which may be considered as one of the most interesting phenomena in nature.
On the declivity of a small hill there are five holes, about a foot and a half in diameter, and two in depth, always full of salt water, without ever overflowing. If a person were to draw any of this salt water, the hole would immediately fill itself; and at about 10 feet lower, there flows from this same hill a large stream of pure and sweet water.
If this country were peopled, the working of these genuine salt mines would be very easy, by means of the river Arkansas. This species of salt, is found by experience to be far preferable to any other for salting provisions.
Should these notes, imperfect and without order, but in every respect founded on truth, and observations made by myself, excite the curiosity of man of intelligence, capable of investigating the objects, which they have barely suggested, I do not doubt but that considerable advantages would result to the United States, and especially to the district of Louisiana.
It is impossible to give an exact account of the peltries, which are brought down the Mississippi, as they are all immediately transported to Canada, without passing by any port of this district. We can obtain a true statement only

PROPOSALS
For carrying Mails of the United States on the following Post-Roads, will be received at the General Post-Office, in Washington, until the 14th day of Jan. next, inclusive.
IN DELAWARE.
 1. From Wilmington, by New Castle, St. George's Creek, Cantwell's Bridge, Duck Creek, Dover and Frederica to Milford, three times a week. April 15 to November 15.  2. From Wilmington every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m.—Arrive at Dover by 9 p.m. Leave Dover every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Milford by 10 a.m. Returning. Leave Milford every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. Arrive at Dover by 8 p.m. Leave Dover on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Wilmington by 2 p.m.  3. From Wilmington to 15 to April 15.  4. From Wilmington every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. Arrive at Dover by 6 p.m. and at Milford on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by 10 a.m. Returning. Leave Milford every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. Arrive at Dover by 8 p.m. and at Wilmington on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by 6 p.m.  5. From Milford by Georgetown, Dagsborough, Trap, Snowhill, Horn-town and Drummondtown to Northampton once a week. Leave Milford every Tuesday at noon and arrive at Georgetown by 6 p.m. Leave Georgetown on Wednesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Northampton on the next Saturday by 10 a.m. Returning. Leave Northampton every Saturday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Georgetown the next Tuesday by 6 p.m. Leave Georgetown on Wednesday by 6 a.m. and arrive at Milford by noon.  6. From Georgetown by Bridge Branch, New Fork Bridge and New Market to Camden once a week. Leave Georgetown every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and arrive at Cambridge on Thursday by 11 a.m. Leave Cambridge at 1 p.m. and arrive at Georgetown on Friday by 6 p.m.  7. From Georgetown by Concord and Laurel to Salisbury once a week. Leave Georgetown every Wednesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Salisbury by 6 p.m. Leave Salisbury every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Georgetown by 6 p.m.  8. From Georgetown by Broadkill Landing to Lewtown once a week. Leave Lewtown every Tuesday noon and arrive at Georgetown by 6 p.m. Leave Georgetown every Wednesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Lewtown by noon.  9. From Wilmington by Christiana, Middletown, Warwick, Sassafras and Georgetown Cross Roads to Chestertown twice a week. Leave Wilmington every Tuesday and Friday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Chestertown by 8 p.m. Leave Chestertown every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Wilmington by 8 p.m.  10. From Wilmington by Bridge Branch, New Fork Bridge and New Market to Fredericktown twice a week. Leave Fredericktown every Saturday at 9 p.m. and arrive at Baltimore on Sunday & Wednesday by 6 p.m. Returning. Leave Baltimore every Monday and Friday at 3 p.m. and arrive at Fredericktown on Tuesday and Saturday by 4 p.m.  11. From Fredericktown by Woodborough, Taneytown, Peter'sburg and Hanover to York once a week. Leave Fredericktown every Monday at 4 a.m. and arrive at York by 5 p.m. Leave York every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Fredericktown by 6 p.m.  12. From Fredericktown by Middletown, Boonsborough, Hagerstown and Greencastle to Chambersburg twice a week. Leave Fredericktown every Tuesday and Saturday at 6 p.m. and arrive at Chambersburg on Wednesday and Sunday by 11 1/2 a.m. Returning. Leave Chambersburg every Wednesday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Fredericktown on Thursday and Tuesday by 1 p.m.  13. From Hagerstown by Hancock, Berkeley Springs, Oldtown, Cumber- 
 land, Crefapsburg, Frankfort & Spring-field to Romney once a week. Leave Hagerstown every Wednesday at 8 a.m. and arrive at Romney on Saturday by 10 a.m. Leave Romney every Saturday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Hagerstown on Tuesday by 6 p.m.  14. From Baltimore by Ellicott's Lower Mills, Brookville, Montgomery and Charlesburg to Leesburg once a week. Leave Baltimore every Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Leesburg on Saturday by 6 p.m. Leave Leesburg every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and arrive at Baltimore on Friday by 10 a.m.  15. From Fredericktown to Leesburg once a week. Leave Leesburg every Tuesday at 3 a.m. and arrive at Fredericktown by 11 a.m. Returning. Leave Fredericktown every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Leesburg by 8 p.m.  16. From Fredericktown by Newtown, Harper's Ferry, Charlesburg & Shepherdstown to Martinsburg once a week. Leave Fredericktown every Wednesday at 8 a.m. and arrive at Martinsburg by 5 p.m. Returning. Leave Martinsburg on Thursday by 9 a.m. and arrive at Fredericktown by 6 p.m.  17. From Hartford to Bell Air once a week. Leave Bell Air every Tuesday by 7 a.m. and arrive at Hartford by 9 a.m. Leave Hartford at 11 a.m. and arrive at Bell Air by 1 p.m.  18. From Baltimore to Annapolis three times a week. Leave Baltimore every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m. and arrive at Annapolis same days by 5 p.m. Returning. Leave Annapolis every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 a.m. and arrive at Baltimore by 5 p.m.  19. From Annapolis by Tracey's Landing, Lower Marlborough, Huntingdon and Calvert to St. Leonard's once a week. Leave Annapolis every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at St. Leonard's on Wednesday by 10 a.m. Leave St. Leonard's every Wednesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Annapolis on Thursday by 6 p.m.  20. From Annapolis by Heddaway's, St. Michael's, Easton, Cambridge, Vienna, Salisbury, Princess Ann and Snowhill to Salisbury once a week. Leave Annapolis every Sunday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Easton on Monday by 10 a.m. Leave Easton at 2 p.m. and arrive at Snowhill on Wednesday by 1 p.m. Returning. Leave Snowhill every Wednesday at 3 p.m. and arrive at Easton on Friday by 10 a.m. Leave Easton at 2 p.m. and arrive at Annapolis on Saturday by 5 p.m.  21. From Washington by Upton to Brookville once a week. Leave Washington every Wednesday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Brookville by 11 a.m. Leave Brookville every Wednesday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Washington by 8 p.m.  22. From Washington city by Gaithersburg, Montgomery and Clarksburg to Fredericktown three times a week. Leave Washington city every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Fredericktown same days by 4 p.m. Leave Fredericktown every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Washington same days by 4 p.m.  23. From Washington city by Piscataway, Port Tobacco, Allen's Ferry, Newport, Chaptico, Leonardtown, Great Mill and St. Inigoes to the Ridge. Leave Washington every Monday and Friday at 7 a.m. and arrive at Port Tobacco by 5 p.m. Leave Port Tobacco every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Leonardtown by 4 p.m. Leave Leonardtown at 12 p.m. and arrive at the Ridge on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Returning. Leave the Ridge at 6 a.m. on Thursday and arrive at Port Tobacco on Friday by 6 p.m. Leave Port Tobacco on Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Washington by 4 p.m.  24. From Washington city by Upper Marlborough and Queen Anne's to Annapolis twice a week. Leave Washington every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Annapolis by 6 p.m. Leave Annapolis every Monday and Thursday at 5 a.m. and arrive at Washington by 4 p.m.  25. From Upper Marlborough by Nottingham, Aquasco, Benedict and Charlotte Hall to Chaptico once a week. Leave Upper Marlborough every Wednesday noon and arrive at Chaptico on Thursday by 11 a.m. Leave Chaptico every Thursday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Upper Marlborough on Friday by noon. 
IN VIRGINIA.
 26. From Hagerstown Md by Williamsport, Martinsburg, Winchester, Stevensburg or Newtown, Strasburg, Woodstock, New Market and Harrisonburg to Staunton once a week. Leave Hagerstown every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 10 a.m. Leave Winchester at 11 a.m. and arrive at Staunton on Friday by 11 a.m. Returning. Leave Staunton every Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Hagerstown the next Monday by 10 a.m.  27. From Washington city by Georgetown, Prospect Hill, Hillsborough, Leesburg, Waterford, Charlestown and Battlestown to Winchester. Leave Washington city every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Charlestown on Wednesday by 5 p.m. Leave Charlestown at 6 p.m. and arrive at Winchester on Sunday by 4 p.m.  28. From Washington city by Fairfax, Centerville, Middleburg, Goshen, Millwood, Paris and Winchester to Romney once a week. Leave Washington every Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Winchester on Sunday by 3 p.m. and at Romney on Monday by 6 p.m. Returning. Leave Romney every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 9 a.m. and at Washington on Thursday by 5 p.m.  29. From Romney by Westernport, Green Glades, Gandy's and Clarksburg to Marlinton once a week. Leave Romney every Tuesday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Gandy's on Wednesday by 3 p.m. and at Marlinton on Friday by 11 a.m. Returning. Leave Marlinton every Friday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Gandy's on Sunday by 8 a.m. and at Romney on Monday by 6 p.m.  30. From Marlinton by Marietta, Middleburg and the Salt works to Chillicothe once a week. Leave Marlinton every Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at the Salt works on Monday by 10 a.m. Leave there at 10 1/2 a.m. and arrive at Chillicothe by 6 p.m. Returning. Leave Chillicothe every Tuesday at 8 a.m. and arrive at Marlinton the next Friday by 10 a.m.  31. From Romney by Moorfields to Pendleton once a week. Leave Romney every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Pendleton on Wednesday by 4 p.m. Returning. Leave Pendleton on Thursday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Romney on Friday by 6 p.m.  32. From Marietta to Wood once a week. Leave Marietta every Saturday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Wood on Sunday by 5 p.m. Leave Wood on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and arrive at Marietta by 10 p.m.  33. From Clarksburg, by Buchanan, to Randolph once in two weeks. Leave Clarksburg every other Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Randolph on Saturday by 6 p.m. Leave Randolph on every other Thursday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Clarksburg on Friday by 10 a.m.  34. From Fredericksburg, by Falmouth, Elk Run church, Fauquier and Salem to Paris once a week. Leave Paris every Thursday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a.m. Leave Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Paris on Saturday by 6 p.m.  35. From Leesburg by Centerville, Hay-market, Buckland, Warrenton, Jefferson and Culpepper to Madison once a week. Leave Leesburg every Saturday at 4 a.m. and arrive at Madison on Tuesday by 10 a.m. Leave Madison every Wednesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Leesburg on Friday by 6 p.m.  36. From Fredericksburg by Germantown, Stevensburg, Culpepper, Gaithersburg, Cross Roads and Front Royal to Winchester once a week. Leave Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Winchester on Monday at 6 a.m. Returning. Leave Winchester every Wednesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a.m.  37. From Culpepper by Woodville, Washington, Thornton's Gap and Mudell's Store to New-market once a week. Leave Culpepper every Monday at 6 a.m. and arrive at New-market on Tuesday by 10 a.m. Leave New-market at 2 p.m. and arrive at Culpepper on Wednesday by 6 p.m.  38. From Fredericksburg by Thornsburg, Chilesburg, Chesterfield, Newfound Mills, Oxford, Crew's store, Goochland and Mitchell's, Yanceyville, Louisa and Bibb's store to Fredericksburg once a week. Leave Fredericksburg every Tuesday at noon and arrive at Goochland on Thursday by 11 a.m. and at Fredericksburg the next Tuesday by 1 a.m.  39. From Fredericksburg by Port Royal to Layton's once a week. Leave Fredericksburg and arrive at Layton's and leave Layton's and arrive at Fredericksburg.  40. From Fredericksburg by King George, Brookfield, Mattox Bridge, Leesburg, Templeman's Cross Roads, Richmond and Kinsale, Northumberland and Lancaster to Kilmarnock once a week. Leave Fredericksburg every Wednesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Kilmarnock the next Saturday by 5 p.m. Returning. Leave Kilmarnock every Sunday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Fredericksburg the next Wednesday by 10 a.m.  41. From Tappahannock to Richmond once a week. Leave Richmond every Thursday noon and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p.m. Returning. Leave Tappahannock on Thursday at 6 1/2 p.m. and arrive at Richmond on Monday by 9 a.m.  42. From Bowling Green by Baily'sville, Broadus's Mill, Harrisonville, Newtown, Dunkirk, Walkerton, King William and Lilly Point and Cumberland to New Kent once a week. Leave New Kent every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and arrive at Bowling Green on Wednesday by 6 p.m. 
43. From Richmond by Hanover-town and Dunkirk to Tappahannock once a week. Leave Richmond every Wednesday at 1 p.m. and arrive at Dunkirk on Thursday by 7 a.m. Leave Dunkirk at 8 a.m. and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p.m. Returning. Leave Tappahannock every Tuesday at 6 a.m. and arrive at Richmond on Wednesday by 9 a.m.
ALL persons who are indebted to the estate of Michael Roberts deceased (or debts contracted at his store in George town) are requested to come forward immediately and make payment to Edgar Pateron, who is duly authorized to receive the same, otherwise their accounts will be put in suit without discrimination—those who have demands against said store, if any there are, are requested to apply as above for payment. FRANCIS ROBERTS, Executrix. THOMAS CUMPSON } Executor JOSEPH WILLIAMS } George Town, 26th Dec. 1804.—epm
ADAM KING, & Co. 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 their 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
THE subscribers have opened a GROCERY STORE in the house near the Capitol, lately occupied by Mr. JAMES D. BARRY—where they have for sale, low, for cash or in exchange for country produce. Genuine Cogniac brandy, Superior French do. Old Jamaica Spirits, Madera, } Wines, by the quarter cask Sherry, } and cask, or smaller quantity. 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, } In bottles, Capers, } Powder and Shot, Excellent Wine Vinegar, Gin, Whiskey, Hylon, } Teas, fresh, and of su- Imperial, } perior quality. Young Hylon, } Salt Herrings in Barrels. PETER HEALY, & Co. Washington October 31—tf
CHARLES H VARDEN, MERCHANT TAILOR. Has received from Philadelphia a handsome assortment of FALL goods, consisting of the best London and French superfine cloths, cassimeres, patent Bennee's cord, toilettes, fancy and white Marseilles, black and figured silk, moleskins, fancy silk, Marseilles, constitution cords, velvets, Genoa cord, silk and satin Florentines, superfine coating, knapped cloths, with a variety of other articles suitable for the winter season. N. B. Ladies habits, regimentals, and navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion. New Jersey avenue near the Capitol. December 10—tf
The subscriber offers for sale a very valuable MILL SEAT, (the race of which is in part improved) with about twenty acres of handsome low ground annexed thereto, situated on the Shenandoah river three miles below the fork in the county of Frederic and state of Virginia. This property lies in the heart of a fine farming neighborhood, in which vast quantities of wheat and other grains, are annually raised. Its situation immediately upon the bank of the river, the navigation of which is rapidly progressing, its fine fall, and other natural advantages render it capable of being improved upon the most extensive scale. In the opinion of competent judges a sufficient quantity of water can at all seasons be drawn from the river to work machinery of any extent—This property is unquestionably worth the attention of men of capital. For terms and other particulars apply to the subscriber in the said county, near Stephensburg, or to Mr. Mahlon Atkinson in the same neighborhood. Mr. Atkinson will be in the city of Washington a few days, and will receive propositions from any person who may incline to purchase. Letters post paid directed to the said Atkinson or the subscriber by the Stephensburg mail will be duly attended to. An indisputable title can be made. SAML. KERCHEVAL. Jan. 7—6t
TO RENT, THE house occupied by J. P. VANNESS. Enquire of John Little at the Treasury Department or of the subscriber, at Doctor John Beatty's George Town. Possession given on the 1st. December. ABSALOM JOY. November 7—tf
NOTICE. THE Legionary Court of Enquiry of the 1st Legion of the Militia of the District of Columbia, adjourned to meet at William Rhodes's Tavern, in the City of Washington, the 20th instant, at 10 o'clock in the morning, is further adjourned to meet at same time and place the 19th January, 1805. The members are earnestly requested to be punctual in their attendance. By Order, WM. D. BELL, Clk. R. L. M. D. C. December 26, 1804. Law19J.
18 hereby give notice that the sale of all those lands and lots heretofore advertised in the Washington Federalist, the National Intelligencer and the Baltimore Federal Gazette on the 20th day of August last for a tax due on the county of Washington in the territory of Columbia for the year 1804 (which sale was to have taken place on Monday the 10th day of December next at Rhodes Hotel in the City of Washington) is postponed until the first Monday in February next, when, at the same place at 11 o'clock A.M. the sale will commence and continue from day to day until all are sold or so much thereof as will satisfy the tax and other charges due thereon unless the said tax and charges be paid previous to the day of sale. By order of the commissioners of the Levy Court, WASHINGTON BOYD, Collector of Washington County. December 2th, 1804 cpm
TO RENT, On very moderate terms, FOUR two story brick dwelling houses ON north H. Street, square No 77, directly south of the Six Buildings. For terms apply to T. H. GILL, 133 At the Navy Office Washington City, Nov. 2d, 1804—M&F
ROBERT CHERRY. HAS removed his store, to the house of Mr. George Magden New Jersey avenue on the Eastern Branch, where he has just received (in addition to his former stock) by the Schooner "Island" from Philadelphia a general assortment of groceries and liquors of inferior 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
To be sold at Auction. At the Court House in Alexandria, ON Monday the 14th day of January next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, about 48 acres of land, lying one quarter of a mile from the built parts of that city, and a great part laid out into streets and lots corresponding with the street's and lots of it. The near vicinity of it to a city so fast increasing, of which it must soon become a part; its lying within the District of Columbia and other advantages render it an object worthy the attention of monied men, who by retaining it some time cannot fail of making great advantages. In the mean time either the whole or one half if more convenient to a purchaser, may be had at private sale. The terms of payment are ten per cent in cash, or a good endorsed note at 60 days, and the remainder in three equal annual installments, on interest from the date. The security required will be a bond, with a conveyance of the land to certain trustees agreed on, who shall have authority to sell, in case of non payment of interest or principal at the time fixed. Persons wishing for information will please apply to Col. George Deneale, at Alexandria, or the subscriber in New-York. NATHANIEL PENDLETON. Dec. 24th, 1804—tJan. 14.
Doctor Beaton, (Lately from Great Britain) RESPECTFULLY informs the inhabitants of Washington and its vicinity, that he has taken up his residence in F. Street, (three doors from the Secretary of State) where he intends practising as Physician, Surgeon and accoucheur. Washington, Dec. 23. 1804. 6t
FALL GOODS. THOMAS CARPENTER, TAYLOR, Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square, HAS just received a very handsome assortment of Fall Goods. Offers executed with the greatest dispatch and fashion, and on the most moderate terms. Oct. 31—tf
NEW STORE, SEVEN BUILDINGS, CITY OF WASHINGTON. THE Subscriber, who lately opened store at the west corner of the Seven Buildings, has just received by captain Elwood, from Philadelphia, an extensive assortment of dry goods, amongst which are a variety of fancy articles, viz. London superfine and second cloths, cassimeres, nappes, coatings, forest cloths, bocking, London hats, lunnels, bays, blankets, counterpanes, dimities, ruffs and durance, London best letter paper, common writing do. fealing wax, wipers, quills, pencils & paste board, fancy waistcoating, linens, Irish and German, Russia sheeting, paper, bed ticking, velvets, cords and chick-sets, patent bennee's cord, Barcelona handkerchiefs, bandannens one bale coarse muslin, fine checks, fustic, muslin, bed Spanish segars, clauduchers, goblets, decanters and salt cellars. ALSO, Ladies silk spencers for the winter, elegant silk and moulin shawls, velvets, ridicules, crapes, barcenes, fig. Mantua and other ribbons, india mull moll, cambric, jaconet and book muslins, spic. Stragh, shawls, luteffige and plaid silks, English and French silk hosiery, pic nic gloves, and mitts, raw silk, wash leather, beaver and kid gloves, turtle shell combs, necklaces and beads of great variety, lace, piques and fans, silk cord, childrens leather caps, handsome snuff boxes, wadding, &c. Piano fortes, violens, violen strings, music, fresh hylon &c. &c. The subscriber has imported his London superfine cloth, hats and part of his other woollens himself and can therefore sell them unusually low by wholesale and retail. THOMAS W. PAIRO. Nov. 9—3t&wtf