The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1807-10-30 00:00:00

National Intelligencer.
WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. VII.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
NO. 1099.
FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1807.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
Statement of the situation of the French Empire—1806 & 1807.
Gentlemen deputies from the departments to the legislative body, the year which has elapsed since the close of your session, will not occupy a less important place in history than the glorious and memorable year that preceded it, and France, accustomed in some measure to admiration as much as to gratitude, will have seen that under such a chief as he who directs her high destinies; this double sentiment may be renewed every day.
When, fifteen months ago, you separated in order to return to your homes, after having, during the course of your session, fulfilled with as much eagerness as concert, the duties imposed upon you by the confidence of the nation and that of the Sovereign, the emperor appeared to be at length ready to taste the sweetest fruits of his glorious labors; he saw the time at hand, not of his own repose, but of the repose of France. A new continental war had been terminated in three months; the inhabitants of Germany were all become either the friends or allies of France; Prussia was still among this number; Russia appeared to wish for the end of an enemy, without either aim or object; by dint of triumphs and moderation, the emperor seemed to have at length acquired to France the right of enjoying in peace all that he had done for her. He was restored to the country; his people received him with transports of hilarity and love, bringing back new laurels and new blessings; numerous deputations came from the extremities of the empire to offer him the tribute of the public homage; the army were preparing to come, in order to enjoy in the heart of their country the fêtes ordered by their chief and prepared by the whole nation.
The emperor rejoiced at the sight of a calmer futurity, and his thoughts, fixed upon the internal administration, seemed to have become still more active. He caused a minute account to be given to him of every part of the administration, and sought in each of them what good there still remained to be done. He prepared a plan to secure to the princes of the imperial dynasty such an education as should render them worthy of him who founded it; he established a system of great rewards for great services, the true manner of making high titles serve as a support to the state and a decoration to the throne; a new organization given to the council of state instituted a slow and solemn discussion for the decision of contentious affairs; a series of protecting and rigorous forms afforded to the complainant every facility for the production of his defence and his titles, and created for the depositaries of the public authority a new tribunal the censure of which is to be exerted against acts and abuses which are out of the reach of the positive laws. A commission placed in the very palace of the Emperor, and consisting of those whom he calls to discuss with him the greatest affairs of the state, opened to the throne a free access to all kinds of complaints or demands, charged to carry to the ears of the sovereign the voice of all his subjects, and especially of his subjects in poverty and misfortune; an affecting institution which announces that he whose indefatigable vigilance takes such good care of the great interests of the state, is not less jealous, in his paternal solicitude, to provide against the least wants and the slightest grievances of all those over whom his Empire extends.
But the treaty of Presburg, which had restored peace to the continent, had not restored it to the sea, and England, constant in seeking her own safety in the misfortune of Europe, strove to make Russia continue the war, and to bring Prussia to determine upon hostile steps. These plots were defeated; the treaty of Vienna and the convention of Paris dispelled all the clouds: it seemed that from henceforth the peace of the continent was no longer to be troubled; Russia herself had felt the want of it, and her ministry, invested with her full power, had just arrived at Paris.
England, carried away by the force of these circumstances, showed herself disposed to make peace, or rather, as her public discussions have since revealed, a truce, which would hardly have suspended for a moment, the effects of the hatred and jealousy with
which she is animated against us. At the same time that she opened negotiations, she prepared new intrigues, fully resolved to break them off, if she could contrive to rekindle the flame of continental war: she saw her guilty hopes triumphant; the peace made with Russia was not ratified.
Prussia was agitated anew; a madness without either motive or aim excited by the enemies of her repose, got the better of the combinations of the cabinet: hostile cries were heard, and war was declared, against the opinion of the ministers, and perhaps against the will of the king himself. A fatal example of the weakness of princes! Still more fatal influence of a ministry who keep intrigues and libellers in pay; who sow terror and calumny; who excite all the passions the whirlwind of which may be of any use to them, and who, in the midst of all these plots, coolly calculate the advantages which may result, for their interests, from the dangers, nay, the very ruin of those whom they call their friends!
The Emperor set off. The English plenipotentiary, who, several times had announced his departure, did not delay to effect it; and the incendiary rockets, let off by his fellow-countrymen, were devouring a few houses in Boulogne, when that minister of peace made his entrance into the town with a French escort, which watched over his safety, and paid this last homage to the character with which he had been so uselessly invested.
France was, during upwards of ten months, afflicted by the absence of the prince to whom all her affections, as well as all her destinies, are attached; but the Emperor remained present to her in mind, and his genius watched over her; his thoughts, from the borders of the Spree and of the Vistula, of the Pragel and of the Niemen, never ceased to embrace all the internal wants of the empire; his thoughts animated every thing, maintained every where order and regularity, which are his work, and we only perceived his absence by the noise of his exploits, and by the regrets which he left in the hearts of us all. Whilst he visited the soldier's tent, raised on the snows of Lithuania, his look watched in France over the poor man's cottage, over the manufacturer's workshop. During this long interval, government was not afflicted with any troubles, it had not even the slightest disturbance to dread: France, at the period of a war, undertaken for the purpose of overwhelming her, preserved at home the most profound calm; her territory was not violated for a single instant, the din of arms never reached her. Under the safeguard of victory, she saw passing far from her frontier the storm which envy and hatred had directed against her; she saw this storm burst even on the countries where it had been gathering.
The laws every where executed with fidelity and without any effort, the privilege of good laws; the contributions regularly acquitted, the roads travelled with safety, the administrators redoubling their zeal, our young soldiers setting out with joy upon the road of honor, the national guard watching round our habitations, and showing themselves by the regularity of their service, by their attitude and their discipline, equally fit for the double functions of protectors of public order and defenders of the state, all the branches of the service performed with facility, public opinion constantly faithful to the institutions which its wishes had recalled: such is the spectacle that presented itself to your eyes in your respective provinces, and to which we may here call your testimony; such is the spectacle exhibited by that France, which henceforth her enemies despair of agitating, as they despair of vanquishing.
At the period at which we are arrived, if we still have to detain you with some new institutions, we shall much more have to show you the fruits of the institutions which exist; this function is not less pleasing; in confirming the past, it gives a new guarantee to the future. The electoral councils, and the general councils of departments, have shown themselves animated with the best spirit: they have seen in the choice which the Emperor has made of the men called to preside over them, how desirous he is that these functions should be as much honored as they are honorable in themselves. The general councils must be assured that there
is not one of the wishes which the sentiment of the public good inspires them with, but becomes the object of the particular attention of government, and is consulted with care in the examination of the affairs to which it relates; the administration of the communes, that administration which his majesty looks upon as one of the most important for the welfare of his people, has been improved in several respects: its commission of accounts has received more expeditious and more enlightened forms. The Emperor hopes that they will prevent in future every arbitrary measure and all embezzlement, that the expenses will be rigorously conformable to the budgets; that the receipts will not be misrepresented, that the accounts, being drawn up with clearness and dispatch, will no longer be a subject of discussion. It is his pleasure also that the charters, that principal source of the communal wealth, be administered for the interest of the towns, to the advantage of those who inhabit them, and that the prefects, who are not to direct their administration, shall nevertheless exercise an active and enlightened watchfulness over them. The Emperor, who looks upon himself as the father of his subjects, will not lose sight of those municipal administrations, charged to provide their first necessities, and will never tolerate either faults of negligence or enterprises of cupidity.
Government has in general been satisfied with the conduct of the mayors, not only of the mayors of great cities, whose functions his majesty has been pleased to exalt by repeated testimonies of his confidence, but of all the mayors, where noble devotedness, whatever be the sphere in which it exercises itself, rises to the height of their duties; he has known and appreciated their services, and it is his intention to surround with a just consideration, the exercise of that paternal magistracy, by which the action of his power reaches the great majority of his subjects.
Equal honor be rendered to those respectable administrations, who from one one extremity of France to the other, devote themselves to the relief of misfortune, to comfort the afflicted!
It is grateful to one's feelings, upon this solemn occasion, to render homage to the zeal of those fathers of the poor, who, in doing good, seek no other reward than the pleasure of having done it. They will do still better; the Emperor expects it from their zeal: every day, they will improve the order that should reign throughout the hospitals, and the economy that should be observed in the expenditure of their incomes; they will find new resources in labor, seconded in a becoming manner by those charitable congregations, the pious messengers whom religion sends to misfortune, whom for some time persecution exiled far from affliction, whom the restorer of France has reinstated in that affecting dignity. You see these congregations multiplying in proportion to the wants which invoke their relief, and providing for future wants by the pupils whom they bring up. To what a degree is not private beneficence eager to second administrations thus directed? The bequests or donations made in behalf of the hospitals, have amounted, in capital, during the course of 1805 alone, to two millions three hundred thousand francs, authorised by five hundred successive decrees; the endowment of these establishments has further increased by a new blessing of His Majesty, to a capital of fifteen millions six hundred thousand francs, by their being provisionally put in possession of several domains of the state, assigned for the replacing of their estates which were alienated during the revolution; a grant which you will be called upon to ratify during the course of this session by a definitive concession. The ancient founders of hospitals have been re-established in the enjoyment of their dearest rights. A noble emulation has taken possession of generous minds; it has opened schools, and opened workshops, the voice of morality has made its way into the prison, preceded by the relief of beneficence; the laborious classes of society, guided by some virtuous men, have formed among themselves several useful associations, which serve for their improvement, at the same time that they prepare resources for them in times of misfortune. It was necessary, however, to provide against the advantage
which greedy and hypocritical speculators might take of so respectable a disposition, or the errors which an imprudent zeal might lead to, and it has been wisely regulated that the establishments which employ the funds of the subscribers to take charge of a certain number of unfortunate persons, cannot contract such an engagement without the approbation of the public authority.
The manufactories have been put in the enjoyment of several kinds of revenues, the priest's houses restored; numerous donations have augmented their resources.
The victims of the maritime war and of the violence of the enemy have received indemnities from his majesty, as soon as he was made acquainted with their losses.
The public salubrity has been the object of continual vigilance. Some epidemical diseases have manifested themselves in several parts. The zeal of the physicians sent by the prefects and sometimes from the capital itself, from the first symptoms of the evil, has put a stop to its progress; the medicine chests sent by government have secured resources for the treatment of the poor. The Monte de Piété of Paris has been organised, others have been established in other parts of France.
Government begins to occupy itself with completing the plan for the repression of mendicity. The abbey of Fontevrault and Ursulines of Montpellier are fitted up for the reception of depots from several departments; that of Viliers-Cotteret, which is almost finished, will serve for the wants of the capital and its environs. Work continues to be successfully introduced into these depots as well as in the prisons; whilst it furnishes new resources for the internal economy of these establishments, it corrects the morals of that class which society has justly discarded, and renders punishment useful to those who have deserved it. In almost all the houses of confinement & reclusion, places of worship have been re-established and chaplains appointed for the service of the altar, a measure which no less tends to effect this salutary reform.
The administration attaches a real glory to the complete execution of this system. If the persons are not yet what government wishes them to be, if the theoretical views which noble sentiments had inspired in the constituent assembly, were found to afford no means of being put in practice, these sentiments are too generous and too humane for government not to have been constantly animated with them and not uniformly to tend to the aim which they point out. The different classes of malefactors will, as much as possible, be kept separate, & he who by the error of a moment has exposed himself to the severity of the laws without incurring the indignation of society, will not be confounded with them. Attention will above all be paid to the salubrity of the places of confinement and to the care which the health of the prisoners requires. The succession of so many years during which to neglect or to destroy what was best known and what was most ambitious, has left in this respect an immense work which has been going on for these six years, and the completion of which will be one of the first blessings of peace.
The prisoners of war or rather the captive armies which victory sends us, employed in useful labors, have made their hands serve to fortify that land which they thought to conquer.
Public works, bridges and highways. The general system of public works, applied at once and in so many ways over all parts of the Empire, is pursuing with a perseverance and an activity which the external circumstances do not slacken. Thirteen thousand four hundred leagues of road have been in different places kept up and repaired at the expence of the treasury; the twenty-seven principal roads which lead from the capital to all the frontiers of the Empire, have been the special theatre of these operations. The two greatest works executed for several centuries past, the roads of Mont-Cenis and of Simplon, the monuments of the art, worthy of those monuments of nature which art has vanquished, are accomplished after six years labor. Among the roads of another order, that from Spain to Italy, by mount Genevre, continues to be cut, and the branch which is to extend it to the department of the Isère will afford
to a considerable part of France a more rapid and easy passage across the Alps. The Apennines in their turn are becoming the seat of active labors, which will join Piedmont to the Mediterranean, and complete the union of Liguria with France. The salutary regulations which proportions the breadth of the wheels to the weight of the carriage, is in activity, & its good effects are already felt.
The weigh-bridges necessary for the execution of this regulation are all arrived at their destination, and their service begins in a few days.
Eighteen principal rivers have had their navigation improved or lengthened even by sluices; their tow-roads restored or their course confined by dikes executed upon the Loire and the Charente.
The navigation of the Po is freed from all incumbrance. The Rhine is become the object of particular attention. The charter of navigation put in force upon every point, secures the means of delivering that fine river from the obstacles which impede its course.
Four bridges have been finished during this last campaign, or are on the point of being so. Ten others are in great forwardness; among this number are those of Roanne and of Tours. That from Strasbourg to Kehl is beginning upon an ingenious plan, which will admit of its being taken down & set up again at pleasure with speed and economy. The Pont Saint Esprit , which could not afford a passage to any loaded carriage, has recovered the full utility of its service by the widening it has received. The Pont Saint Nicolas near Belfort, and that of Auberive upon the Vaucleuse, are nearly finished. That of Avignon has been contracted for; government has purchased that of la Mulatière, at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saone.
The canals, almost all begun under this reign, are digging without interruption. Among this number, that of the Oureq is already carried three fourths or four fifths of its length. The two cuts of that of St. Quentin, which joins the Seine to the Scheld, Paris to Belgium and Holland—are made; they will be finished in 18 months, and the problem of that subterraneous navigation is resolved. All the works of art of that canal may be looked upon as finished; that of the north, which joins the Scheld to the Rhine without passing through Holland, is begun in the port which extends from the Scheld to the Meuse; it will unite Belgium to the departments of the Rhine, one conquest of France to another conquest, and these two countries astonished perhaps at finding themselves under the same dominion, will not be less so at a communication which their former possessors never would have executed, and which will not be the least benefit of their union to the empire. The works of the Canal Napoleon; destined to join the North-Sea to the Mediterranean by a communication; which embracing the course of the Rhône, the Saone and the Rhine, runs thro' France in her greatest length; these works, I say, are undertaken and already in great forwardness along the whole line. The canals from Niorr to la Rochelle; from Lisle to la Rame, are in great forwardness; Blavet advances rapidly; that from Aiguemortes to Beaucaire has just been finished—the part of the canal of Bourgone, from Dijon on the Saone, will be navigable this year. Several others have been resumed or repaired; all of them will be continued until they are entirely finished.
The maritime ports have also witnessed new creations. Antwerp boasts of dock-yards built as if by enchantment upon a soil become a stranger to all maritime construction. Antwerp, which in the days of its glory was but a commercial port, afterwards shut by a very blind or very timorous policy, Antwerp which was reduced to nothing, starts up as a centre of military marine. For the first time, ships of 74 and 80 guns are seen upon that part of the Scheld, 14 are upon the stocks, several have been launched, and after a difficult passage are safely and without example arrived at Flushing. The stocks of those that were launched were instantly occupied by new constructions. People flocked from all parts of Belgium, from Holland, from the borders of the Rhine, of the Meuse, of the Scheld to view this magnificent sight, to enjoy this conquest made in

favor of the ocean. How proud must Antwerp be of her new destiny! other ships will be launched within a few months, replaced by a like number, & whole squadrons will sail from that port which had forgotten that it even belonged to the ocean.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30.
Erratum in the President's Message. For "District," read "Circuit," Court of Virginia.
MESSAGE.
THE communications of the President to Congress at the annual opening of their session, always interesting, are rendered peculiarly so at present by the threatening aspect of affairs. Different opinions have, for some time past, been entertained by the public. As, on the one hand, a strong hope, arising from the predominant wish of every genuine American, was cherished of the full adjustment of our differences with Britain, so on the other an apprehension, equally strong, prevailed, perhaps in an equal degree, that those differences would appear, from the information of the executive, likely to lead inevitably to a state of hostilities. Neither, however, of these results are announced by the President, and the mind is compelled to rest in nearly the same state of uncertainty to which it has been already so long consigned.
There are, however, some points of information embraced by the message that must give peculiar satisfaction to the people, and afford some grounds for hope that the differences between the two nations may be amicably adjusted. Of these is the intimation of the circumstances under which the returned treaty was signed by our ministers and submitted to the government. From these, it can only be viewed in the light of a project, which left all ulterior determination to the President. Two conclusions may be drawn from this fact; first, the full power of our government to adopt or reject it, without the slightest room for improper imputation; and secondly, the doubt, to say no more, whether Mr. Munroe and Mr. Pinckney themselves actually approved it. On this last point we pretend to no special information, and it is possible that the qualified inference drawn may be unsound. But it is of light import compared with that previously specified. Of even the absolute rejection of the project the British government could have had no reason to complain; for, in being told by our negotiators that it was framed against their instructions, they were advised of its probable fate. Instead, however, of an absolute negative, it has been submitted to negotiation, and the two nations now occupy the same ground in which they stood previously to its formation.
We shall here offer no remarks on the calumny cast on the President, on the assumed fact that the project had been signed by our ministers under the same circumstances in which treaties are ordinarily signed, and on the charge of his having instructed them to conclude a treaty on principles, which after its formation he determined to reject, except to observe that on this, as on many other memorable occasions, falsehoods propagated against the same man have, after having had their day, been invariably dispelled by the light of truth. At such a crisis of affairs, when every arm may be required for defence, we shall not hesitate to avoid, to the utmost of our power, not only calumination, but even recrimination. If our political adversaries will press their discontents at this moment, we warn them that the fault will lie at their door.
With regard to the recent conduct of the Leopard the President well remarks that on such "an outrage no comments are necessary;"—adding that "its character has been pronounced by the indignant voice of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded."
The suggestion of the policy of refusing admittance to all armed foreign vessels into our harbors, is entitled to the attentive consideration of the legislature. If such an inhibition, unsupported by a strong force, should, as it probably would, prove no security against preconceived aggression, it might at least have the effect of averting many of those collisions that arise from foreign ships of war habitually frequenting our ports.
The public will regret with us the unsettled state of our affairs with Spain. The possession of the Floridas is an event infinitely desirable, and we have every motive to wish that that possession may be the offspring of a peaceful arrangement.
Passing over the measures adopted for the better fortification of our ports and harbors, we reach what appears to us, on first impressions, an excellent idea. We refer to that part of the Message which suggests the formation of the seamen of the United States into a militia, to be called on for tours
of duty in defence of the harbors where they may happen to be. Should a more mature examination of this point, develop no great evils likely to ensue from such an arrangement, the President will merit the thanks of his country for the intimation. To us it appears to be perfectly feasible and consonant to the principles which ought to prevail under every government, and particularly a republican government in the preservation of which every citizen, whether employed on the land or the water, is equally interested, and whose services it consequently has a right to demand, whenever the general interests require them, of which the government only can be the judge.
The nation will applaud the spirit with which the Chief Magistrate has assumed the responsibility of providing military stores, notwithstanding the want of legal provision; they will also thank him for inviting the attention of Congress to the defects which exist in the criminal code, and more especially relative to the crime of treason, which recent occurrences have so glaringly exposed as to supersede the necessity of any comment.
At a period, so interesting as the present, the flourishing state of the finances will be a topic of high felicitation. The past year appears to have furnished a revenue of sixteen millions, which exceeds, we believe, the revenue of any antecedent year, even when excises and a direct tax were in existence; and which yields a sum of three millions beyond our annual expenditures. But, still higher will be the satisfaction at the official intimation that there are now in the treasury eight millions and a half unappropriated. With such resources, should the injustice of a foreign government drive us into hostilities, the means of defence actually possessed will be abundant; and should the subsisting differences be amicably settled, as we trust they will be, the means of carrying forward internal improvements on a scale, that shall ensure a diffusion of incalculable benefit, will be still more ample, and thus remove every obstacle that can be apprehended to such a measure.
May this be the closing scene of an administration, not less rich at present in the affection of its country, than it will be hereafter distinguished by the gratitude of posterity!
The Expose of the state of the French empire, the publication of which is this day commenced from the Paris Argus, merits the attention of every man, that takes an interest in contemplating the amelioration of the condition of nations. Whatever variance of opinion exists with regard to the military character of Napoleon, no man of liberal mind can refuse him the homage of his respect for the grand scale on which the improvements in the interior of his kingdom are conducted. Let us be wise, and imitate an example so imposing.
Mr. ERSKINE, minister of his Britannic majesty, has arrived in this city.
We should be remiss in the discharge of an important duty, were we to omit noticing the arrival of the great personages, whom business, curiosity or other motives bring to the seat of government. We therefore announce the arrival of Herman Blannerhasset and Comfort Tyler. The latter came under the military escort of capt. Pike; but has, we understand, been released.
The Boston Centinel says that letters have been received at Halifax from London, which represent that Admiral Berkeley had been recalled, but that the order for his recall was countermanded soon after the receipt of the dispatches by the Revenge.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from Thomas Claxton, doorkeeper, stating his inability to attend to his duties, from sickness, and asking the indulgence of the House.
A motion being made for the purpose, the House proceeded to the election of a Sergeant at Arms.
The following persons were nominated as candidates, viz. Jonathan Snowden, Cornelius Cunningham, Joseph Pollock, Joseph Wheaton, Thomas Dunn, Benjamin Stallings, and John Bankson.
Messrs. Trigg, Davenport & Lloyd having been appointed Tellers, the votes were collected and examined, when Joseph Wheaton was reported to have 44 votes, Thomas Dunn 35, Cornelius Cunningham 15, Joseph Pollock 6. The rest were scattered amongst the other candidates.
No person having a majority of votes (there being 114 members present) another balloting was immediately had, which resulted in the election of Thomas Dunn, who had 64 votes out of 121, the number of members
present on this ballot. Whilst the Tellers were examining the votes on the last ballot, the Speaker announced to the House that the hour had arrived which the President had named for making his communication, and he had learnt the Secretary of the President was then waiting in the lobby to deliver it.
A motion was made to postpone the report of the Tellers till to-morrow, in order that the message might be immediately received; but it being observed, that the Tellers were nearly ready to make their report, the motion was negatived.
The report of the Tellers being made, the communication of the President of the United States was received, read and committed, as stated in the last National Intelligencer.
On the motion to print the message three questions were taken as to the number of copies to be ordered, 2000, 1500 and 1000 were named. Forty-six members only voted in favor of the two first—the last was carried without a division.
Mr. Thomas moved the following Resolution, which was agreed to without a division:
"Resolved, that Thomas Claxton be appointed doorkeeper of this House."
The following resolution was next moved:
"Resolved, That Jesse Edwards be appointed assistant doorkeeper."
Mr. Nelson observed, that he believed there were a number of candidates for this office, and every one ought to have a fair chance to be elected. He had expected this officer would have been appointed by ballot; but if this was not to be the course taken, he should move a resolution similar to the one which had been read, in favor of Benjamin Burch.
Mr. Thomas had been informed that it was usual for the doorkeeper himself to appoint his deputy. If this had been the course heretofore pursued, he hoped it would be adopted in the present case.
Mr. Findley thought it would be best for the doorkeeper to nominate his deputy, which nomination might be approved or disapproved by the House. He wished therefore the election of this officer might be postponed till to-morrow, in order to afford time to examine into the character of the person proposed.
Mr. Smile hoped the resolution would lie on the table. It was well known that the regular and proper mode of appointing officers is by ballot. It is true, that in some instances this mode has been departed from. The House had done so just now in the case of the doorkeeper. But there was a good reason for this departure. The person in contemplation was an old officer, against whom he had never heard any man make an objection, & against whom there was no opposition. But the present case is very different. A new officer is to be chosen from amongst a number of candidates, most of whom are unknown to a large majority of the members. He hoped the House would therefore proceed to make a choice in the regular mode by ballot, that every candidate might have a fair chance of being elected.
A motion was made, that the House adjourn, which was negatived, there being only 18 votes in favor of it.
A message was received from the Senate, with a resolution proposing to ballot for chaplains, and a petition from sundry American citizens, who had been impressed into the British service on board the ship Waldon, and praying that measures might be taken for their release.
Mr. Sloan nominated John Sessford as a candidate for the office of assistant doorkeeper—for he deemed it to be the proper mode first to nominate and then to ballot for the officer in question.
Mr. Alston hoped the gentleman who had proposed the resolution in favor of Jesse Edwards, would withdraw it, and suffer the election to take place by ballot.
The gentleman consenting, Mr. Alston moved that the election of an assistant doorkeeper be postponed till to-morrow at 12 o'clock.
This motion was negatived, there being only 26 votes in favor of it.
Mr. Dawson nominated Joseph Pollock.
The members then proceeded to ballot, and the votes having been collected and examined, the Tellers reported, that there were present 108 members, and that Jesse Edwards having 59 votes was duly elected.
Mr. Dawson suggested the propriety of proceeding to the appointment of the Standing Committees. It had been customary heretofore to make these appointments at an early period of the session. He therefore moved the appointment of a Committee of Elections.
It was again moved that the House adjourn. The motion was negatived, 55 to 45.
Mr. Randolph enquired of the Speaker if there was not a message received from the Senate, which had not yet been read. [The Speaker answered that there was.] He under-
stood that it was accompanied by a petition from a number of American seamen, addressed to the Senate, which that body had thought of importance enough to be communicated to this House. He presumed it was at least of consequence sufficient to be read.
The message alluded to was read; and on motion of Mr. Alston, the petition of the American seamen was referred to the Secretary of State.
That part of the message which related to the appointment of Chaplains was ordered to lie on the table until the Senate had made their election.
Mr. Dawson renewed his motion for the appointment of a Committee of Elections.
Mr. Alston thought it best to move the appointment of all the Standing Committees together, as had been heretofore the practice.
Mr. Dawson had no objection to this course. He therefore moved, that a Committee of Elections, a Committee of Claims, a Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, a Committee of Ways and Means, a Committee of Public Lands, a Committee of Revisal and unfinished Business, and a Committee of Accounts, be appointed.
Mr. Blount having always entertained an opinion that it would be best, and would relieve the Speaker from a very unpleasant duty, to have these committees appointed by ballot, he would move that to amend the motion of the gentleman from Virginia. He thought this mode of electing the Standing Committees, as well as the Select Committees, to which shall be referred the different subjects contained in the President's communication, would be most satisfactory to the House and to the Speaker also.
Mr. Findley observed, that this was a question of considerable importance; and as the House was then very thinly attended, he hoped this resolution, with the proposed amendment, would be permitted to lie on table till to-morrow, and made a motion to this effect.
Mr. Smile said, the House had, in several instances, tried to appoint committees by ballot, but had always found it attended with difficulty; and he now very much doubted the propriety of the proposed amendment.
The Speaker reminded Mr. S. that the motion before the House was for a postponement of the appointment of these committees till to-morrow.
Mr. S. said he meant to give reasons in favor of the postponement. In the election of these committees, it was proper to select the most fit characters for each—on the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, for instance, there ought to be placed commercial men; on the Committee of Ways and Means such as were best acquainted with subjects of finance, &c. whereas in committees appointed by ballot, it will depend on accident whether fit persons be appointed or not. Besides, in such elections there is no responsibility; the contrary is the case when the Speaker selects the members of a committee. He is responsible for the choice he makes, and will therefore exercise great precaution in it. From these considerations, he hoped the postponement would be agreed to.
Mr. Blount rose to express his entire approbation of the proposed postponement. He wished the decision to be made in a full House; and when the question of agreeing or disagreeing to the amendment which he had offered shall be under consideration, it will be in order to give reasons for and against the different modes proposed of electing committees.
The motion for postponement was carried 74 votes being in favor of it.
The usual resolution was next entered into for supplying the members with newspapers at their lodgings.
After which the House adjourned.
Four additional members attended on this day; were qualified and took their seats.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28.
Four additional members attended, were qualified and took their seats.
The unfinished business of yesterday respecting the appointment of standing committees was taken up; & the amendment of Mr. Blount, directing their election to be by ballot, being under consideration,
Mr. Blount said he did not think it necessary to use any arguments in support of his motion, but, as he considered it as embracing an important principle, he would take the liberty of calling for the yeas and nays upon it.
The yeas and nays were agreed to be taken.
Mr. Sloan observed as the yeas and nays were to be taken on this question, he thought it necessary to state the reasons which would govern his vote. The old members of the House would recollect that at a former session he had brought forward a resolution similar to the present, which was lost. But he considered the present case to be somewhat different. There are many new members in the House at the present time, not qualified to vote by
ballot, because unacquainted with the members. An additional reason for his voting differently at present, was, that the number of the committees was considerably extended, and he did not think it necessary to take up the time of the House in balloting for so many. His opinion was, that the three most important committees ought to be appointed by ballot, to wit; The committee of claims, the committee of commerce and manufactures, and the committee of ways and means. He should therefore vote in the negative.
The question being called for, the Speaker stated to the House, that the Clerk had not yet prepared an alphabetical list of the members, so that he could not proceed to call the names of members in the manner prescribed by the rules of the House.
Mr. Blount supposed it would make no difference if the names of the members should be called by states. He only wished to see how gentlemen who had so strenuously advocated the balloting for these committees heretofore would now vote. He hoped the House would unanimously agree to dispense with the rule of the House on this occasion.
The question was put, but there being a few negatives the rule could not be dispensed with.
Mr. Blount declined withdrawing the motion for taking the yeas and nays, and an alphabetical list was directed to be prepared.
Mr. Thomas was informed that it would take half an hour to make out the proposed list, and as there was other business on the table, he moved that the present motion should lie on the table for one hour.
Mr. Van Cortlandt thought this a novel procedure. He believed it would not be in order to postpone the business, except to a day certain.
The Speaker said, that a motion might be made at any time for a resolution to lie on the table without specifying any time.
The motion for lying on the table was carried, there being 75 votes in favor of it.
On motion, the House took up for consideration the resolution yesterday received from the Senate, for the appointment of two Chaplains, to interchange betwixt the two Houses weekly, which was concurred with, there being 85 votes in favor of it.
The Speaker laid before the House a communication from Mr. Latrobe, the architect of the Capitol, giving an account of the design of the building, and the use for which the several parts of it are intended; which was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. D. R. Williams said that the order passed yesterday respecting newspapers, was an exact copy of the resolution on that subject which had been entered into for several years past, and upon which a different construction had been put by the two Houses. One part of the members took papers for their own information, and another took them for the information of their constituents. Those of us said Mr. W. who are solicitous to send information to our information to our friends abroad, agreeably to our construction of the resolution, have received only half the advantage from it, which had been received by others. [Mr. W. here read the resolution which provides that each member shall be served with three daily papers, or as many of such other news papers as they may direct.] Under this resolution the members of this House supposed they could only take three papers, whether daily or not: whereas the members of the Senate understood that they might take to the value of three daily papers in as many others as they thought proper. That a fair construction of this order might be had, he moved that it be reconsidered.
After a few unimportant remarks on this subject,
Mr. Randolph said, that the House was about to establish a dangerous precedent in a very unimportant case. It was in cases of this description that dangerous precedents crept in. It is proposed to reconsider a deliberate act of this House. Passed just now? No; passed yesterday. To what may this lead? This House may at some future time, do a deliberate act, and the succeeding day, in a thin House, that act may be rescinded; may, on another day, be again reconsidered, and again reinstated. And if a precedent of this kind be established, it will be impossible to come to a definitive conclusion on any question. He had himself expected, and very probably the Speaker may so think on more mature reflection, that a motion to reconsider what was done yesterday, is not in order; but if it should be otherwise determined, he trusted this House would not countenance such procedure. He would rather never read another newspaper as long as he lived, than attempt a reversal of this decision.
Mr. Quincy agreed with the gentleman from Virginia as to the impropriety of reversing the order of yesterday; but thought the decision of the

Speaker was correct, according to the rule of the House, which he read; and observed that that rule contained no limitation within which motions for reconsideration were to be made.
Mr. Randolph supposed the gentleman from Massachusetts had misunderstood him. He did not mean to question the decision of the chair; he did not understand that there had been any decision; he had supposed the circumstance to have escaped the observation of the chair. But if the course proposed, were correct, and any act of this House may be reconsidered on a succeeding day, (he spoke of acts in which the other branch of the legislature did not concur) it would be in order to reconsider the appointment of any of the officers of this House; and no member would say that it could be in order to reconsider such an appointment.
Mr. D. R. Williams acknowledged the justness of the observations of the gentleman from Virginia. The gentleman from Massachusetts, in order to obviate the difficulty into which they had got, had pointed out a different mode of accomplishing his object. He would therefore withdraw his former motion, and offer in its place, the following resolution:
"Whereas doubts have arisen as to the construction of the order of yesterday, respecting the furnishing of newspapers to the members of the House of Representatives; to remove which,
Resolved, That the Clerk be directed to obtain newspapers from any number of offices which members may direct, provided the expense does not exceed the amount of the price of three daily newspapers."—Agreed to.
The Speaker informed the House that the Clerk had prepared an alphabetical list of the members.
Mr. Blount hoped the question on his amendment to the resolution for appointing standing committees would immediately be taken.
Mr. Elliot said, that this question would decide a principle of some consequence. The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sloan) had exceeded his usual ingenuity in his endeavors to convince the House of the correctness of the vote he was about to give against a measure which he had once so strongly advocated. But he says we were then all old members, capable of exercising this important privilege. While he believed the powers heretofore vested in the Speaker had been well executed, and he had no doubt, were they continued, would be still so executed; and whilst he wished to see the chair vested with all the powers incident to that high office, yet, as he had always been of opinion the best way of electing standing committees would be by ballot, and he had not been convinced to the contrary by the ingenuity of the gentleman from New Jersey, he should vote for the amendment.
Mr. Sloan rose to explain; and said he meant to make no insinuations to the prejudice of any members of this House: he only meant to say, that being strangers, they would be at a loss how to make a choice of proper characters to fill these committees.
The question on the amendment was then taken by yeas and nays—Yeas 34; Nays 37.
The question on the amendment being lost, the original resolution which vests the appointment in the Speaker, was agreed to without a division; and the following standing committees thereupon appointed:
Of Elections—Messrs. Findley, Williams, (S. C.) M. Clay, Lambert, Blake, Sturges, Elliot.
Of Claims—Messrs. Holmes, Moore, (S. C.) Nelson, Pitkin, Seaver, Johnson, Humphreys.
Of Commerce & Manufactures—Messrs. Newton, M'Creery, Cutts, Dana, Marion, Thomas, Porter.
Of Ways and Means—Messrs. Campbell, (Tenn.) W. Alston, Eppes, Smilie, Talmadge, Fisk, Montgomery, (Md.)
Of Public Lands—Messrs. Boyle, Morrow, (Ohio) Goodwyn, Russell, Darby, Ely, Smelt.
Of Revival and Unfinished Business—Messrs. Clopton, Van Rensselaer, Durell.
Of Accounts—Messrs. Moore, (of Md.) Stedman, Milnor.
The House then adjourned.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29. An additional member appeared and was qualified.
The credentials of the members were referred to the Committee of Elections.
A communication was received from N. B. Vanzandt, who officiated as clerk during the recess, informing the house that he had made the usual contract with Messrs. Way for the printing, Mr. Patterson for the stationary, &c.—Referred to the committee of accounts.
A communication was received from the Secretary of the Treasury, enclosing an account of the extra expenses incurred in the Navy Department, since the 22d day of June last, for the year 1807, which was ordered to be printed.
The Secretary adds, that the general estimates will be ready in the course of the next week. The general heads of this report of extra expenditure are as follows:
  For ordinance and military fortifications, $310,554 60   For repairs of vessels, 151,896 73   Provisions, 31,468 15   Marine corps, 29,902 82   Pay of 1100 extra seamen, boys, petty officers, &c. 74,754 29   Timber for 73 gun boats, 87,500 00 
$686,076 59
After this subject was disposed of, a motion was made to adjourn, which was negatived, 24 only rising in favor of it.
Mr. Newton said, that, last session a petition from A. J. Villard was referred to a select committee; and a report made on it by that committee was referred to a committee of the whole house, who did not act upon it. He moved that this petition and documents should now be referred to a select committee.—Agreed.
A communication was received from the Legislature of the state of New York, praying for an appropriation for the fortification of the city of New York, accompanied by several resolutions expressive of their opinion, that the commercial and agricultural interests of that state are equally affected by its unprotected situation. Ordered to be printed.
Mr. Rhea (Tenn.) offered the following resolution, which was agreed to, and ordered to be printed:
"Resolved, That the Committee on Public Lands do enquire into the expediency of laying off and describing by certain metes and bounds, the tract of country to which the Indian title has been extinguished within the limits of Louisiana, and to include all the settlements within the said territory, and of having the said tract of country laid off into townships and sections, half and quarter sections, agreeably to the several laws heretofore made for surveying the public lands of the U. States; and also to enquire into the expediency of granting one quarter of a section to every free male white person who now resides thereon, or who will within — years actually improve and reside thereon."
Mr. Dawson moved that the House should go into a Committee of the whole on the state of the Union.
Mr. Thomas wished this business might be laid over till to-morrow. Gentlemen had not yet had sufficient time to examine the President's communication.
The House agreed to go into committee of the whole, there being 47 for it, and 42 against it.
The Speaker called Mr. Dawson to the chair; but he declined, stating that he had prepared some resolutions, which he was about to offer.
Mr. Bassett was then requested to take the chair; and
Mr. Dawson offered the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the U. S. as relates to aggressions committed within our ports and waters by foreign armed vessels; to the violations of our jurisdiction; and the measures necessary for the protection of our ports and harbors, be referred to a select committee.
2. Resolved, That so much of said message as relates to violations of our maritime rights, to impositions on, or interdictions of our neutral rights, be referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
3. Resolved, That so much of said message as relates to our intercourse with the Indian tribes be referred to a select committee.
4. Resolved, That so much of said message as relates to our military and naval establishments, be referred to a select committee.
5. Resolved, That so much of said message as relates to our finances, be referred to the committee of Ways and Means.
6. Resolved, That so much of said message as relates to enterprises against the public peace, and the means of preventing the same, and of punishing their authors, be referred to a select committee.
The first resolution being under consideration,
Mr. Quincy thought this resolution embraced objects unconnected with each other, & objects of magnitude sufficient to warrant a separation of them. The first part of the resolution relates to aggressions committed in our ports and waters. The most material object contained in the President's message, said Mr. Q. has relation to an attack upon one of our vessels by an armed ship of a particular nation, and all the other circumstances mentioned are stated merely as aggravations of this attack. He therefore submitted with deference to the committee, the propriety of referring whatever relates to the attack on the Chesapeake to a select committee; and entering into a separate resolution for the appointment of a distinct committee to consider what may be necessary for the
further defence of our ports and harbors. Upon this view of the subject, he would offer an amendment to the resolution in question. He wished to add after the word "resolved,"
"That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the attack made on the frigate Chesapeake be referred to a select committee; and that the committee be instructed to enquire into the circumstances of that attack, the causes assigned for making it, and the manner in which it was repelled, and to report the result of such enquiries in detail to this House."
Mr. Q. stated his object for wishing to give the enquiry this direction was, in the first place to submit the most prominent subject in the message to a distinct committee—a subject which stood most prominent in the public mind—a subject which had occasioned a great degree of irritation, and concerning which it was expected the public would no longer remain ignorant of all the circumstances of the transaction. The message of the President, he said, properly led to this enquiry, and this House ought to pursue it. But he was not for a mere reference of the subject, leaving the committee to act as they might chuse upon it; he wished specific instructions to be given them. Indeed he considered the honor of the nation deeply concerned in the object of the last part of his proposed amendment. He hoped, therefore, the matter would not be huddled up, but that a proper enquiry would be entered into in the manner proposed.
Mr. Elliott enquired of the Chairman, if an amendment offered to a resolution which embraces the same objects with the original motion, ought not to be considered as a complete substitute. It appeared to him that this was the case at present, and that the motion of the gentleman from Massachusetts could not therefore be in order.
The Chairman did not consider the proposed amendment as a substitute for the original motion, and therefore in order.
Mr. Alston could not conceive the object of the gentleman from Massachusetts in making this motion. He surely does not mean to justify the conduct of the British. It will be time enough to enter into an enquiry on this subject hereafter. The matter is proposed to be committed generally, and the committee will make such a report as they think proper. If this report should not be satisfactory to the gentleman from Massachusetts, he can propose any modification of it which he may judge necessary. Does the gentleman mean to cramp the operations of the committee, by giving them his special instructions? He hoped no step would be taken which should be calculated to narrow the enquiries of this important committee.
Mr. Dawson observed, that the gentleman from Massachusetts had mistaken his intention in offering the resolution under consideration. He did not mean the proposed committee to enquire particularly into the attack on the Chesapeake. Such an enquiry would be at present premature. When the time arrived for taking up this subject, he should be as ready as the gentleman from Massachusetts, or any other gentleman to enter upon it. Mr. D. read that part of the message of President which has reference to this affair, and asked the members of the committee if it would not be altogether premature to go into this subject before the House received the information which the President of the United States has said, he expects shortly to be able to lay before them? His object was to make the ground of reference as general as possible.
Mr. Quincy said, that the gentleman from N. Carolina had asked what was his object in making this motion. He would answer that it was to have the whole detail of the affair respecting the Chesapeake laid upon our tables. It was asked if he meant to justify the British. He knew not why this question should be put. His motion was a plain one. He wished to have the facts which he called for before him, and he should not then be afraid to meet the gentleman from N. Carolina, or any other. His principles and feelings were as purely American as those of any gentleman. He wished to gain facts, and to obtain these he thought it best to fix on single objects, and not to extend our views over the whole horizon. In reference to what had fallen from the gentleman from Virginia, what he had proposed would have nothing to do with our negotiations abroad. No expression of the opinion of this House is required. All that is asked is, that the committee shall collect a detail of facts. The committee will not make their report until they think proper; but the enquiry ought to be instituted. Suppose our dispute with G. Britain should be amicably settled, would not this enquiry be necessary? Would you not enquire into the causes which led to the attack? He considered the dispute as being not only between us and Britain, but between us and France. At any rate he wanted the
facts, and when they were before the House, a correct judgment might be formed of the affair. The honor of the nation was concerned to know whether a proper degree of resistance had been made to repel the attack of the British, by our officers; if not, the opinion of this House ought to be expressed on the occasion.
Mr. Elliott felt equally anxious with the gentleman from Massachusetts to receive the information required by his proposed amendment; but he could not consent to suppress the original resolution proposed by the gentleman from Virginia. He did not rise to appeal from the decision of the Chair, or to question the correctness of its opinion; but his own ideas of the spirit of the rules of this House would govern his vote on this occasion were every other consideration out of view. This rule states that "no new motion or proposition shall be admitted under color of amendment, as a substitute for the motion or proposition under debate." Without appealing from the decision of the chair, he could not help considering the present motion to be a violation of this rule, as it was, in his opinion, under color, a complete substitute for the original motion. He thought one part of the information required by this amendment was altogether unnecessary. He alluded to that part which asks for the manner in which the attack was repelled. Every man, woman and child in the U. States knew that no resistance was made. If he were to vote for the resolution, he should wish the word received to be used instead of the word repelled; but as he had already stated, he believed the motion was in conflict with a rule of the House, and therefore he could not vote for it.
Mr. Smilie said, there was one thing which the gentleman from Massachusetts himself, on reflection, must think improper—that was, that part of the motion which relates to the manner in which the attack was repelled. He understood the commander of the Chesapeake was now on trial, and he hoped this house would not do any act which might have an influence on that trial. Whether that officer acted properly or improperly will be determined by the proper tribunal before which it will be tried. Indeed he saw no necessity for this amendment. The original resolution gives the committee full power on this subject, and it cannot be supposed that a committee of this house will not do their duty. He had no doubt but that before this business was got through, there would be complete information before the House.—We should know whether the seamen taken from the Chesapeake were really British subjects or American citizens. The enquiry will force itself upon us; and the resolution as it stands will be sufficient for the purpose.
Mr. Quincy rose to explain. The gentleman from Pennsylvania had said that he deemed it improper to pass this resolution at this time, because of the effect it might have on the trial now pending. If the object of this motion had been to obtain from the House a vote of censure on one side or the other, he should not now have proposed it: It was merely a direction to the committee in what manner they were to proceed, and to collect a statement of the facts attendant on this occurrence. If the principle were correct, that this House should be prevented from exercising its duties on any point because a trial was pending in some of the courts, what would be the consequence? Nothing further would be necessary to evade enquiry than to put an officer under arrest, bring him to trial, and postpone the decision from time to time, and thus prevent this House from performing its duty. He saw no weight in this argument.
The amendment was rejected, without a division. The resolutions being gone through, a motion was made for the committee to rise, which being agreed to; the Speaker resumed the chair, and the House immediately took up the resolutions, and agreed to them unanimously.
A message was received from the Senate, informing the House that they had chosen Dr. Gantt as Chaplain on their part.
A motion was made to adjourn, and negatived, 32 rising in favor of it.
Mr. Thomas submitted the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any and what alterations are necessary in the bill establishing a post-office and post-roads within the U. S. and that they report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Fisk moved that the House should proceed to the appointment of a Chaplain.
It being suggested that it had been usual that the time for balloting should be fixed on a previous day; Mr. Fisk withdrew his motion, and the following resolution was adopted, on motion of Mr. Southard:
Resolved, That the House will, at 12 o'clock to-morrow, proceed to ballot for a Chaplain to Congress on their part.
The House then adjourned.
New York, Oct. 26. The British packet Duke of Kent, left Falmouth on the 10th of Sept. and brings no London papers later than the 7th, to which date they have previously been received at this office.
The governor of Trinidad issued his proclamation on the 26th day of August last, laying a duty of two shillings per quintal upon all salted cod fish imported and sold in that island from the United States of America in American vessels.
The COLUMBIA DRAGOONS, are desired to meet in the Front of the Captain's, on Saturday morning next, precisely at 9 o'clock, from whence they will march to receive their Colors, and afterwards to the Muster ground of the Brigade; it is expected every member belonging to the Troop will punctually attend and be fully equipped. By order of the captain, ALEX. COCHRAN, Jun. Sec. October 30—
WILL be sold at Public Auction, on the premises, on Monday the 30th of November next, part of Lot number 4, in square 78, being 25 feet front, near the Western Market, and extending back about 147 feet to an alley. There is erected upon this lot, a good Brick Building covering the whole front, with a good Kitchen and enclosure, and was formerly occupied by Dr. Ballas. As the property is well known, nothing further descriptive is thought necessary. Washington, October 30—tds
WILLIAM O'NEALE'S BOARDING HOUSE.
SIX or seven gentlemen can be accommodated with genteel boarding and lodgings, and stabling for six or seven horses during the session of Congress. A cook will be furnished free of any expense to the members to the Hall and back again.
WOOD & COAL will be sold at his coal yard, or delivered to those house-keepers who want it. Twenty tons of good Timothy for sale by WILLIAM O'NEALE, Near the West-Market, Washington City, October 30—w3t.
FRESH TEAS—The subscriber has received by Captain Blwood, 6 Chests of Old Hyson, 4 ditto Young Hyson, 4 ditto Best Imperial Teas. Oranges, Lemons, oil, olives, capers, &c. Daily expected— 50 Boxes of mould Candles 20 ditto dipped ditto 50 ditto brown soap 10 ditto white ditto and a large quantity of candles, preserved lemons, ginger, currant jelly, pickles, &c. P. MAURO. October 30—t.
Post-Office, Washington City, October 23, 1807.
UNTIL a different notification shall be given, all mails from this office will be closed at 6 P. M. on the days specified in the published lists of the last summer's arrangement, except those therein stated to close at 11 A. M. and 2 P. M. the former of which will continue to be closed, during the winter establishment, at 11 A. M. and the latter at 12 M. on the days mentioned in the summer lists.
N. B. Lists of the summer establishment have been sent to the Members of Congress, and Officers of Government, all other persons who desire them shall be furnished at the office. T. MUNROE. October 30—3t
FOR SALE—On Saturday the 14th day of November, will be sold at Auction either separately or together, the three Two story BRICK BUILDINGS on E street between 10th and 11th streets, late the property of Charles Cist, deceased; being near the Bank, the Public Fountain and Centre Market; their local situation renders them peculiarly eligible either for private families or a boarding house—Also, at the same time will be sold a large Frame Building in the rear of the above houses, well calculated for a work shop. Terms of payment, one fourth cash, and the remainder in six, twelve, and eighteen months. ** Should the weather prove unfavorable the sale will take place the following Monday. S. SPEAKE, Auct. October 30—8t
By order of the Orphan's Court of Prince George's county, the subscriber will sell at Public Vendue, on Tuesday the 1st of December at the Plantation formerly the residence of Leonard Waring, late of said county deceased, all the PERSONAL PROPERTY of said deceased, consisting of two likely young Negro men, two Yoke of Oxen, Cows, Hogs, &c. also Household and Kitchen Furniture, and Plantation Utensils—a credit of nine months will be given on the purchases giving bond with approved security, bearing interest from the day of sale. CLEMENT HOLLIDAY, Adm'r: October 19—3t
P. MAURO takes the liberty in informing his friends, the members of Congress, and the inhabitants of the city in general, that he has lately returned from a journey to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New-York, with a large supply of the best and choicest groceries, wines, spirits, cordials, fruits, preserves, olives, pickles, &c. and also, with a large and well selected assortment of DRY & FANCY GOODS, which he offers for sale at his store adjoining Mr. Thomas W. Pairo, west of the Seven Buildings, by whole sale and retail at very moderate terms. October 30—t.

JUST RECEIVED, From Baltimore, and to be had At WESLEY & CO'S Printing Office, 33 in Street, of RICHARD DIXON , corner the West Market- street, at J. MILLIGAN'S Book-store, Georgetown, and at R. GRAY'S , A- lexandria. THE LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN WESTLEY, A. M. With Memoirs of the Wesley Family, to which are subjoined, Dr. Whitfield's Funeral Sermon and a comprehen- sive history of AMERICAN METHODISM, By GEORGE BOURNE. Price full bound, One Dollar and Seventy-five cents. October 16—3
Twenty Dollars Reward. STOLEN or strayed from the Common- s of the city of Washington on or about the 6th day of the present month, a Black or rather Brownish HORSE between 7 and 8 years old and about 15 hands high, he has a scar on his forehead, one of his hind feet white to the foot- lock; he is a large bodied horse and has a remarkable small neck and large head for a horse of his size, he was marked on the breast from the collar, and marked on the shoulder from the ear saddle—he was shod all round— he is a very unsaty saddle horse, but an excel- lent draught horse. The above reward will be paid by the subscriber on conviction of the thief, or Five Dollars and reasonable charges will be paid by me on delivery of the horse. THADY HOGAN. Washington city, North Street near St. Patrick's church, Sept. 30—tf
STRAYED OR STOLEN, FROM the premises of the subscri- ber, about the 6th day of September last, a DARK BAY MARE , remarkably fat, about thirteen and an half or four- teen hands high, not gaited, has a natu- ral trot and a white spot on the left side of her jaw, no other marks recollected. Any person who will return the said mare or will give information where she may be had, shall receive five dol- lars reward, and no questions asked.— If stolen, 50 dollars will be given on pro- secuting the thief to conviction by ap- plying to G. DOCKER, Capitol Hill. October 19—6t.
WANTS a Situation or Employ- MAN from England, who under- stands Farming, and perfectly under- stands setting Post and Rails, planting Quickset Hedges, and all sorts of Drain- ing. Apply to the Printer of this paper. October 28. 3t
SUBSCRIPTIONS for the Richmond Enquirer will be received at the Post Office, in George-Town. The terms are 5 dollars a year, paid in advance. Gentlemen residing in George-Town or the City of Washington, who are in ar- rears for the Enquirer will please to call and pay off the balances against them. Receipts will be given by D. WILEY. October 28.
JOHN GOULDING, HAS FOR SALE, Real good Old Madeira, } WINES, Seilly Madeira, } in Casks Sherry, Lisbon, } and in Port, & Buccello's } Bottles. Claret in bottles, large and small boxes, from 6 to 12 dollars per dozen, Cognac Brandy, Peach and Apple brandy, Jamaica spirit, Holland gin, Whiskey in barrels, 5th proof, Loaf and Lump Sugar in barrels, Porter and Ale in bds. and in barrels, Together with most other Wines and Spirits generally used in this part of the country—Also, Ravens Duck, Sperma- ceti Candles, and oil of the very first quality, with sundry other articles, all of which he is determined to sell low for money or on short credit to his kind and punctilious customers. Cash purchasers will find it their in- terest to call on him. He earnestly requests all those in- debted to him to cause payment to be made to him soon; also those indebted to him for Postage since last year and the beginning of the present year. Georgetown, October 23—tf
WOLLEN drapers, men's mer- cers, and tailors, New Jersey A- venue, opposite the Secretary of the Navy's, respectfully inform the public that they have commenced business in the above line, where they will endea- vor to give satisfaction—they have on hand a fresh supply of the most fash- ionable goods, suitable for the approach- ing season, all fresh and of the very best quality. N. B. Regimentals and naval uni- forms made in the most elegant and fashionable stile with neatness and dis- patch. October 23—tf.
JUST RECEIVED, And for sale by R. C. WEIGHTMAN, Pennsylvania Avenue, The Musings of Human Life, or the Groans of Samuel Sensitive and Tim- othy Testy, 1 Vol. Cumberland's Memoirs, with a supple- ment down to 1806, 1-25. Largley's Builder's Jewel, 1 75. Dunbar's Millinery, Ransford's Essays, 3 vol. 8vo. Lock's Essays, 3 vol. 12mo. 3.50. Harris's Encyclopaedia, 4 vol. 12mo. 4 50. Paley's Philosophy, Cresswell's Anatomy, Underwood on Diseases of Children, Homer's Iliad, 2 vol. 1 75. Rural Economy, a Treatise on Pise Buildings, &c. &c. &c. Wrigley's best Printing Ink, &c. &c. October 23—6t
FRESH FRUIT. THE Subscriber has just received from Antigua a large supply of fine ORANGES and LIMES, which he will dispose of wholesale or retail, on reasonable terms. JOHN OTT, Druggist, Sec. George-Town. October 26—w3t
By the Orphans Court of Saint Ma- ry's county—June Term, 1807. ORDERED that Joseph Edwards, admin- istrator of Stourton Edwards , late of St. Mary's county, deceased, give the notice required by law for creditors to exhibit their claims against the estate of the said deceased, and that the same be published once a week for six weeks, in the Washington Federalist and National Intelligencer . In testimony whereof I have set my hand this 9th day of June, A. D. 1807. JAMES FORREST, Reg. Wills for Saint Mary's county.
This is to give notice, that the subscriber of St. Mary's county, hath obtained from the Orphans Court of St. Mary's County in Maryland, letters of administration on the personal estate of Stourton Edwards , late of the county aforesaid, deceased—all persons having claims against the said deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber, at or before the 9th day of December next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand, this 9th day of June, 1807. JOSEPH EDWARDS, Admr. Sept. 18—w6t.
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE. GRAND LOTTERY, BALTIMORE. Authorised by the General Assembly of the state of Maryland, the scheme of which is the most brilliant ever offered to the citizens of the United States, containing, besides a large number of other good prizes. 1 prize of 30,000 dollars, 1 do. of 15,000 dollars, 3 do. of 10,000 dollars, 2 do. of 5,000 dollars, 8 do. of 1,500 dollars, 7 do. of 1,000 dollars, Not two blanks to a prize, and the low- est prize is twelve dollars. The scheme contains only 21,500 tickets; 10,000 of which are actually sold to a company of gentlemen, in New York, to whom the Managers have obligated themselves to commence the drawing in the city of Baltimore, On THURSDAY the 31st day of DECEMBER next, and to draw 500 tickets per day. Tickets and Shares are now selling in a variety of numbers and very rapidly, at Ten Dollars and a Half each, for a short time, at G. & R. WAITE'S truly fortunate Lottery Office, corner of Market and Charles streets Balti- more. The grandeur of the Scheme of the above Lottery, together with an as- surance from the Managers that it will positively commence drawing on the 31st day of December next, have been a sufficient inducement for the subscribers to come to the city of Baltimore for the express purpose of facilitating the sale of the tickets. G. & R. WAITE. One of the above firm will per- sonally attend the drawing daily, to take down the numbers correctly, as will also one of their clerks. The next New York Lottery will not commence drawing till April next —tickets of which Lottery may be had at Waite's offices, No. 64 and No. 58, Mai- den Lane New York. Distant adventurers, accompa- nying their orders with Bank Notes, or any description to either of Waite's of- fices, in New York or Baltimore, may have Tickets and Shares forwarded to any amount with the utmost punctuality, and the earliest advice sent them of their success. All prizes sold by G. and R. Waite, will be paid by them. Tickets in the above Lottery are to be had at J. MARCH'S Book-store, Georgetown, where the prize list will be regularly received. October 12—taw3m
FOR SALE, A valuable tract of land called Westbury, containing 1464 acres, situated in Anne Arundel County , state of Maryland, at the head of West river , 12 miles from Annapolis, and 42 from Baltimore. This land is well calculated to produce wheat, tobacco and corn, has a large quantity of timber suitable for ship building, and most excellent meadow. The timber lies near the river which is navigable for large vessels into the Chesapeake, six miles from the landing. It is divided into two handsome farms, the one containing 746 acres, and the other 718 acres, each having a good landing on the river, and will be sold to- gether or separately. A further description is deemed unnecessary as it is presumed no per- son will purchase without first viewing the property which will be shown by Mr John shew, residing thereon. For terms apply to William Cooke, Esq. Baltimore, or John Galloway, Esq. West river or to Henry L. Waddell, Philadelphia. N. B. If not sold at private sale ere the 2d of November next, it will then be sold at auction on the premises, either separately or together to suit purchasers. Sep. 14—taw2m
LINDSAY'S HOTEL. The Subscriber has taken that well calculated house on the Capitol Hill. Late occupied by Mr. Frost formerly by Mr. Stelle —Where he intends to open a Tavern on the 24th October. Those gentlemen who may favor him with their Custom may rely on every attention in the Power of the Public's devoted Servant. GEO. W. LINDSAY. N. B.—EIGHT or TEN BOARDERS may be conveniently accommodated. October 19—tf.
JUST RECEIVED, And for sale by R. C. WEIGHTMAN, Pennsylvania Avenue, The Musings of Human Life, or the Groans of Samuel Sensitive and Tim- othy Testy, 1 Vol. Cumberland's Memoirs, with a supple- ment down to 1806, 1-25. Largley's Builder's Jewel, 1 75. Dunbar's Millinery, Ransford's Essays, 3 vol. 8vo. Lock's Essays, 3 vol. 12mo. 3.50. Harris's Encyclopaedia, 4 vol. 12mo. 4 50. Paley's Philosophy, Cresswell's Anatomy, Underwood on Diseases of Children, Homer's Iliad, 2 vol. 1 75. Rural Economy, a Treatise on Pise Buildings, &c. &c. &c. Wrigley's best Printing Ink, &c. &c. October 23—6t
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 29th of April last, a Negro man named HAMPSHIRE , about 20 years of age, well made and dark complexion, he is about 5 feet 10 inches high, a con- siderable gap between his upper fore teeth, he has a little, a pleasing coun- tenance when spoken to, he has a scar on his forehead, another on his neck, and another on his breast occasioned by the cut of a switch, he walks rather on the side of one of his feet, has a very small hand and fingers—the last I heard of him he had on a scarlet coat, a furred hat cocked three ways. I will give the above reward of Fifty Dollars if taken out of this state, and Thirty Dollars if taken within this state so that I get him again. WILLIAM GOODALL. Orange county Vir. near Stannardsville, Oct. 5. 3w
By Virtue of a Decree of the county court of Prince William, will be SOLD to the highest bidder on the 29th day of October 1807, before the tavern of Benjamin Bronaugh at Hay-Market on a credit of six months, the purcha- ser giving bond and approved security for the payment—the following TRACTS of LAND , belonging to the estate of Henry Dade Hooe , lately deceased. One tract containing about 100 acres, lying in the county of Fauquier on the road leading from Haymarket to Fre- dericksburg. The quality of the soil of this land is excellent. One other tract of land situate in Fau- quier county near the Thorough-fair Mills, containing 200 acres, having on it a Dwelling-House, Store-House and Offices—also a Merchant Mill, upon a never failing stream, capable of being rendered extremely valuable. The soil of this tract is fertile, and about one fourth of it is good meadow land. The decree under which the sale of this land will be made, was founded on the will of the said Henry D. Hooe , di- recting a sale of the same for the pay- ment of his debts. JOHN H. PEYTON, WM. A. G. WADE, Commissioners. October 7—ep3w
CHARLES H. VARDEN, Merchant Taylor. New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol RESPECTFULLY informs the gentlemen of the district of Columbia, he has imported by ship Eliza ANN lately arrived at Philad. A choice assortment Of Extra Superfine cloths, Fennets, Velvets, and Cords, Cashmereen, single and double milled Satin cloths, fashionable Spanish Orleans and Toilettes, rich silk Mouselin velvets, silk and satin Florentines, with a variety of other articles suitable for the season. N. B. Ladies habits, regimentals and navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion. Richard Harwells celebrated patent para- lisle Baspenders, can be had on the same terms as at his manufactory. November 12—tf
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. RAN away from Frees tone Point, near Dumfries , on Sunday the 17th of last month, a Negro Man, named ANDREW , the property of SARAH FOUCHEE , in Prince William county, and hired of her until the end of the year. He had a pass for three days, being Whitsunday Holidays . Andrew is about 21 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, a black complexion; has a scar near the corner of his eye, is a little cross eyed, and has a forward, impudent countenance. Any person who will apprehend and secure him in jail, so that the subscri- ber, living near Dumfries , may get him again, shall receive the above reward. JOHN STONE. Prince William county, June 27. N. B. All persons are forbid har- boring him, or conveying him away by land or water.
Just Published, and for Sale At R. C. WEIGHTMAN'S Book-store Pennsylvania avenue, POLITICS FOR AMERICAN FARMERS, Fine copy, 87 1 2 cents.—Coarse do. 25 cents. Ramsay's Life of Washington, 2 d. 50 c. Thornton's Enquiry into the nature and effects of the paper credit of Great Britain, 2 d. 50 c. Dupon's Travels in South America, 3 vols. 7 d. 50 c. With many other valuable publications which have lately been received and for sale as above. Politics for Farmers may be had at all the Book-stores in the district of Columbia. Subscriptions are received by R. C. W. for Johnson's Dictionary , to be pub- lished in Boston in Four Royal octavo volumes—Price to subscribers 18 Dollars. The London 4 to. copy sells at 30 Dollars. October 19—6t
By order of the Orphan's court of Prince George's county, Maryland, will be sold at Public Sale , on the 23d day of next month, at the House of the late Zephaniah Prather , all his the said Zephaniah Prather's HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE , Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, Corn, and Corn Fodder, Tobacco in the house, and Plantation Utensils. The sale to commence at 11 o'clock.— Nine months credit for all sums over Ten dollars by giving bond with approved security—for all sums under Ten Dollars ready money to be paid. All those who have claims against the said Zephaniah Prather deceased, are desired to bring them in properly authen- ticated, as speedily as possible. ZEPHENIAH PRATHER, adm'r. of his father Zephaniah Prather. October 16—2w
THORN HEDGES. FOR SALE by the subscriber, upwards of One Hundred Thousand seedling plants of the American HEDGE THORN , from Two and an Half to Five dollars per thousand. Also a few thousand of the Pyracantha or Evergreen Thorn , and of the Honey Locust —all of which will be got ready for delivery at his Nursery near the Little Falls of Potom- ac as soon after the fall of the leaf as practicable. Purchasers who chuse will be furnish- ed gratis with a pamphlet of directions for the management of the plants, &c. Any former customer, also may have a copy of the same by application at the Nursery; to others the price will be Twenty-five cents. THOS. MAIN. October 14—
In Chancery, June Term 1807. Peggy McLaughlin, and others, VERSUS William Evans, and James S. Morell. THE report of Daniel Bussard the trustee formerly appointed in this case, having been returned, sworn to and filed and the proceedings therein approved; it is thereupon decreed and ordered that the said report be ratified and confirm- ed unless cause be shown to the contrary on or before the 4th Monday of December next, provided a copy of this order be published for three weeks suc- cessively before that time, in the Nat- ional Intelligencer , and the Baltimore American , the report states that the whole of the property therein mention- ed, was sold for fourteen thousand six hundred dollars. By order, WM. BRENT, Ck. October 7—3w
BRIGADE ORDERS. THE Commissioned Officers of the 2nd Legion, will be trained by the Brigade Inspector on Monday the 12th, Tuesday the 13th, and Wednesday the 14th of October, on the Commons of Alexandria near the Powder-house.— The 2nd Legion will be mustered on the same ground on Saturday the 24th of October. The Commissioned Officers of the 1st Legion will be trained by the Brigade Inspector on Monday the 19th, Tuesday the 20th, and Wednesday the 21st of October next, on the ground adjoining the Infirmary, north of the great Hotel, in the city of Washington. The 1st Legion will be mustered on the same ground on Saturday the 31st October. By order, WM. D. BEALL, Brig. Ins. Georgetown, October 14—t31st
Upper Marlborough Races. Commences on Thursday the 5th day of November next, when a subscription purse of two hundred dollars will be run for, over a handsome course,—the four miles heats. On the next day a like purse of one hundred dollars, the two mile heats. And on the next day following, a like purse, the sum not yet ascertained, the two mile heats. Each day will be free for any Horse, except the winner of the preceding day —and the weights to be regulated by the Washington Jockeys club rules. A subscriber of ten dollars, to pay no entrance for the first day, all others to pay ten dollars. A subscriber of five dollars, to pay no entrance for the second and third days, all others to pay five dol- lars. Horses must be entered the day proceeding the race, or pay double at the post. Horses to start each day precisely at 12 o'clock. Oct. 7—taw3w.
FOR SALE. A handsome new GIG and HARNESS Enquire of the Printer or of the sub- scriber near the Navy Yard. ROBERT DILON. October 26—3t
MRS. SUTER'S BOARDING HOUSE. MRS. SUTER (from Georgetown) respectfully informs her friends and the public that she has taken the house adjoining the Store of Mr. Edgar Patterson in the city of Washington, where she is ready to receive Boarders , and promises herself the satisfaction of meriting the patronage of those who may please to favor her with their com- pany. October 26—7t.
CAPITOL of the UNITED STATES. NO Person whatever can be admitted into the South Wing of the Capitol, excepting those actually engaged in the work. It is hoped that the citizens will see the necessity of this restriction being general. The injury done already by improper Visitors has been very considerable, and is the present state of the building which is about to be furnish- ed, the interruption occasioned by the admis- sion of strangers might defeat all endea- vors to get the house ready at the time required. B. H. LATROBE, Surveyor of the Public Buildings of the U. S. September 11—tf
New & Valuable BOOKS. JUST received, and now opening, at D. RAPINE'S Book-store on Capitol Hill, a Choice and Valuable Collection of BOOKS and STATIONERY , which he will be happy to dispose of to his friends and customers on the most reasonable terms—amongst which are: The Novice of St. Dominick , by Mrs. Owens son, author of the Wild Irish Girl , Saint Clair , or the Heiress of Dermond , by the same author, Warren's History of the American revolution , 3 vols. Montgomery's Poems , Robertson's Crusades , Sugden's Law of Venders , Earl's Reports , vol. 7th. Peter's (Judge) Maritime Law , Hanning and Mumford's Virginia Reports , Domestic Cookery , Sidney on Government , Atkin's Geography , Workman's do. Geographical questions , Sporting Anecdotes , Nautical Almanac for 1808—9 German Theatre , 6 vols. Jefts' Surveying , Sacred Classics , 9 vols. Sevigne's Letters , 7 vols. Sully's Memoirs , 5 vols. Pope's Homer , 4 vols. Gray's Italian Dictionary . Young's Centaur . Lady's elegant tortoise shell combs, ornaments ed and plain . Specacles and Morocco cases . Watch seals and keys . Fashionable paper hangings and borders . Reeves' water colors . Mathematical Instruments . Chamber Lamps and Wicks . Japaned Ink . Durable do. A large assortment of writing & letter paper—hot pressed and plain . Quills, sealing-wax, wafers, pen knives, &c. &c.
Dr. Rees' Cyclopaedia, Vol. 5th. Part 1st, or the 9th half volume, is just received and ready for delivery, those who have not had all the preceding vols. will oblige by sending for them. Aug. 7 tf. This is to give notice, That the subscriber of Georgetown in the district of Columbia, hath obtained from the Orphan's Court of Washington county, and clerk aforesaid, letters of administration on the personal estate of Christopher Richmond , late of the said county, deceased. All persons having claims against the said deceased, are hereby warned and required to exhibit the same with the vouchers thereof to the subscri- ber on or before the 20th day of March next, or they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Those standing indebted to the deceased are requested to make immediate payment. All claims forwarded by mail must be post paid. JOE CARLETON. Georgetown, September 18—taw4w
Valuable Seats for Iron Works. THE subscriber offers for sale between Five and Six Thousand acres of Land bound- ed on one side by James River , including big and little Owen's Creek , and situate in Am- berst county in the state of Virginia. This land is in the midst of a well and thick settled country, about 100 miles above the city of Richmond. There are not more than 30 acres of it cleared. The remainder is heavily tim- bered—consisting of large pines, white oaks, poplar, black walnut and chestnut. On Big Owens creek , and within 600 yards of James River , which is navigable for boats at all sea- sons of the year—there is an excellent site for any kind of water works. The stream is ra- pid and constant, and about three miles from the seat are, as it is believed inexhaustible banks of iron ore, which the subscriber has secured and which will be sold with the land. This ore has been tried and proved to be of a very superior kind. The land adjoining the seat is of excellent quality. Two hundred acres of timothy meadow might be made on the creek. The upland although lilly in places is well adapted to small grain, and a great proportion of it suitable to the raising of tobacco. Immediately around the site for water works are inexhaustible LIMESTONE Quarries , together with great quantities of the best building stone. In short there are many advantages combined to render this a most eli- gible spot for the erection of iron works, or any other kind of water works. It is deemed unnecessary to say more concerning this property than to request those who incline to purchase to view it. It will be shown by captain Henry Halloway in the neighborhood. The price will be moderate, terms of sale which will be made very easy, will be made known on application to the proprietor residing in Georgetown district of Columbia. NATHAN LUFEBOROUGH. Georgetown, February 16—wtf
A GOOD PIANO FORTE. THE Subscriber will SELL or RENT a second-hand PIANO —also, for sale, Violins, Violin Bows and Strings. He also offers his services in tuning Pianos in the most correct manner, and on the shortest notice. He will LETT 3 or 4 ROOMS and a Kitchen, entirely separa- ted by a passage from his part of the House, one of the above Rooms is suf- ficiently large for an Assembly-Room, which will be rented at a moderate rate to a genteel family. F. A. WAGLER, near the Centre Market. Washington, Oct. 19—w3t
TO HIRE, After the 31st of the present month, (October) THREE likely young NEGRO MEN, Of good character. Apply to T. H. GILLISS. Washington city, Oct. 14—w3t A NEGRO MAN, A very good Laborer , to hire by the year. Enquire of the Printer. October 7—wtf