Alexandria advertiser and commercial intelligencer (Alexandria [Va.]), 1801-02-07 00:00:00

For Liverpool.
The Ship POLLY, Capt. SAM. HANCOCK, will take FREIGHT for Liverpool. Terms may be known by enquiring of
R. T. HOOE & Co. January 16. d
Sales by Auction.
On WEDNESDAY next, At ten o'clock, will be sold at the Auction Room on Union Street,
Sugar in blls.
 Candles in boxes,  Tobacco in kegs,  Coffee in bags,  Salt-petre in bags,  Raisins in boxes,  Grapes in jars,  Almonds in blls.  Oranges in boxes,  Anchovies in kegs and boxes, 
Together with a variety of
DRY GOODS,
Among which are
Wilton and Scotch Carpeting, striped and plain Coatings, Kerseys, Plains, Flannels, rose Blankets, Broadcloths, Kerseymere, worsted Hose, Durants, mens' fine Hats, Irish and German Linens, Humhums, Mullins, &c.
HENRY & THOS. MOORE, February 5. Auctioneers.
Public Sale.
On TUESDAY next, At 10 o'clock, will be Sold at the Vendue Store,
BROWN SUGAR
In hhds. tierces and barrels—on a Credit and for Cash.
Teneriffe Wine in pipes and casks,
 Catalonia do. in pipes,  French Brandy do.  Whiskey in blls.  Coffee in bags,  Hyson and Bohea Tea in chests,  Raisins in kegs,  Soap and Candles in boxes,  Tobacco,  Nails, Hardware, &c. 
Also, a quantity of
DRY GOODS,
Consisting of
Cloths, Coatings, Welch Planes, Flannels, Irish Linens and Sheeting, Ozna-burgs, Silks and Sattins, Calicoes, book and jaconet mullins, tamboured and plain, Threads, Hats, Paper, &c.
P. G. MARSTELLER, February 5. Auctioneer.
Two active Lads, about 14 years of age, and of reputable connexions, would be taken as Apprentices at the office of the Advertiser.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY January 21.
SEDITION LAW.
House in committee, Mr. Morris in the chair. (Debate continued.)
Mr. Bayard. It was my design and my wish, Mr. Chairman, to have discharged what I consider my duty on this occasion, by giving a silent vote in favor of the resolution of the committee. But however indifferent we may be to the proposed measure of continuing the sedition act, yet the course of the debate obliges us to enter into the discussion in order to justify our former conduct. I confess, sir, perceiving that the administration of our affairs was passing into the hands of gentlemen who had always denounced this law not only as useless, but as injurious to the government, I was not disposed to force upon them as a shield, what they might consider as an incumbrance. As, however, the arguments of gentlemen go as much to reprobate this law as a past measure, as to the present opposition of it. I shall beg the liberty of explaining the grounds upon which I consider it supported and recommended.
The act of congress proposes to punish false, scandalous and malicious libels, written with intent to defame and degrade some branch of the government. It is not only questioned, but asserted, that an offence against the government of the U. States is not punishable in the state courts. It is also said that no offence against the general government is punishable at common law. It therefore follows, of consequence, that a publication however false and malicious against this government, and however dangerous to the safety and peace of the country, is liable to no punishment. I can scarcely believe that I exist in civilized society, when I hear it asserted that an act of gross moral turpitude, an act threatening the dearest interests of the country, can neither be punished nor restrained by law.
I shall be allowed to observe what will not be contradicted on this floor, tho' differently asserted abroad, that the law in question does not extend to speech, but is confined to what is written or printed: that it does not punish a man for publishing any thing true against the government, nor even for publishing any thing false with honest motives, however injurious to the government the publication may be, but extends only to the case of an offender, who with the wicked intention of degrading or destroying the government, publishes what he knows to be false. Can gentlemen say that public liberty is endangered by punishing foul and false calumnies, or can they deny that the morals of the country are endangered, when such offences are assured of impunity. For my part, sir, I consider that we are bound to provide a
punishment for acts base and wicked in their nature and extremely mischievous and often ruinous in their consequences. Neither the right nor the expediency to punish insurrections has yet been denied, and yet it is doubted whether we may strike the evil at its root. It cannot be denied that the insurrections which have occurred have proceeded from the falsehoods published against the government. The people love their government, nor would they ever have risen in opposition to it, had they not been deluded by falsehood and misrepresentation. Shall we then be allowed to punish only the unthinking and unfortunate instrument of a crime, while the known author is protected by the law? Such doctrine may become the new school but it has never been supported in any former times.
I find, Mr. Chairman, that it is very strongly urged against this law, that the intelligence and good sense of the people of this country are capable of defending them against the effects of slander, and do not require the protection of this law. I am tempted to smile at the observations upon this head. I cannot persuade myself that gentlemen are serious. I do not question the good sense and intelligence of the people, but I say that no sense nor intelligence can defend us from being imposed upon by falsehood. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Nicholson) who has urged this argument with the most vehemence has furnished a conspicuous and convincing proof of its fallacy. I do not disparage the good sense of the people in saying, that it is not superior to the intelligence of that gentleman: that gentleman has shown us that even he was liable to be imposed upon by a falsehood published in a newspaper. He has very candidly and honorably retracted the error as soon as he was informed of his mistake. He had seen in the newspapers that a Boston printer had been indicted and convicted upon the sedition act, and perished in a dungeon. The fact turns out to be, that this printer was prosecuted for a state offence upon a state law, that the United States had nothing to do in the business; and that the man instead of having died in a dungeon is still living. Can the gentleman contend after this, that the people are not liable to be deceived by false publications. It may surely be expected that the people would give as much credit to a newspaper as that honorable gentleman; and we find that he has not only believed a story upon the credit of a newspaper, but considered that such evidence of the fact, justified him in stating the fact for the information of this house.
I do not make this observation with an intention to animadvert upon the conduct of the the gentleman, but with the sole view of supporting the argument, that the most intelligent are exposed to the impositions of falsehood. I shall not press this point any farther, we have all seen, and we all know, that the people have been and
daily are imposed upon, by the most palpable falsehoods, and the only thing to be regretted is the difficulty of providing a remedy as extensive and active as the evil.
Abuses, alledged to have occurred under this law, were urged as proofs of its bad tendency. The case of the Boston printer, and the case of Cooper, in Philadelphia, which was cited by the gentleman from Maryland, have been stated and explained so fully, to the satisfaction of the committee, that I have no observation to make upon them. But I shall take notice of a third case mentioned by the gentleman—I mean the case of an honorable member of this house. It has been stated that the honorable member from Vermont, upon a charge under this law, was compelled to pay a large fine, and to endure the confinement of four months in a comfortless and loathsome gaol. It is quite true, that the honorable member referred to, was convicted by a jury of his country, of a false, scandalous and malicious libel, written with intent to subvert the government, and that upon that conviction, he was adjudged to pay a fine of 1000 dollars, and to suffer four months imprisonment; but it seems to me, sir, that there is as little reason to complain of the hardship of this case, as there would have been had the honorable gentleman, been convicted of felony, and been adjudged to be whipped as a felon, or had he been attainted of treason, and adjudged to be hung as a traitor. If there was no hardship in punishment, the end of it would be frustrated, and for myself. I have no doubt that the sentence of the law in the case I allude to, was just and righteous. I have full confidence in the integrity and talents of the learned judge, who presided at the trial, and I will not suffer myself to question the purity of a jury of the country.
Give me leave, sir further to remark, that this house are implicated in the question which regards the sufferings of the honorable member from Vermont.
It is not under the lash of the judiciary alone that he has suffered, but he has also been an object of the vengeance of this house. A majority of the house have twice voted an expulsion of the honorable member from his seat upon this floor, and in the last instance upon the ground of the conviction of which we have been speaking; we have thus adopted the judgment of the court, and must share in the censure to which they are liable. I have alledged no facts, as it regards this case, which does not appear by records or journals; and I am therefore secure of doing no wrong to the party concerned, but I certainly should not have made it the subject of my observation, had I not found it introduced by other gentlemen into the debate.
A case which had arisen in Virginia under this law had also been mentioned.—The gentleman from Virginia who had cited the case had not undertaken to give to the house a full report of it. He has

circumstances of which he complained, and has referred to some document which fell from the bench, which had caused great astonishment and alarm in the state. Not being possessed of the facts of the case, I can take no notice of the circumstances stated by the gentleman, but I presume, sir, the alarming doctrine alluded to was the opinion that it did not belong to a jury, but exclusively to the court to decide upon the constitutionality of a law of the general government. In my opinion the learned judge in refusing to let the point go to the jury is entitled not only to the merit of conforming himself to the known rules of law, but of having with a manly firmness maintained a vital principle of our jurisprudence. Had he submitted the question to the jury the whole world would have accused him of not knowing his duty or having been regardless of it. In not suffering the power of the court on such a point to be questioned he proceeded upon the authority of many illustrious judges who would not suffer an advocate movere quiescent . It is an ancient known maxim— Ad questionem legis respondent judices ad questionem facti respondent juratores . Subvert this maxim and our lives and properties, instead of depending upon law, must depend upon will.
The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nicholas) is an enemy to this act, because he has found the influence of party spirit pervading the bench, and he has no confidence in the impartiality or integrity of the court. If, sir, there was any ground for this allegation it would extend to the whole system of criminal as well as of civil law. If a judge is not to be trusted with the question of libel where the punishment is limited, can he be relied upon in a question of treason which reaches the life of the accused? These suspicions are unworthy & baneful. There is not a fact on record or in recollection to support them. An high and honorable spirit inspires your bench. A spirit which deserves and must eventually secure the confidence of the nation.
On what grounds, sir, does the gentleman rest his charge that the courts are governed by party spirit? Surely not upon their conduct in any case which has been mentioned, for we have seen nothing in those cases when correctly understood, which even imputed error of opinion to the courts. But perhaps, sir, the accusation is derived from the charges of the judges delivered to the grand juries, inculcating the observance of order and the support of government. This is the spirit of our party; and truly, sir, in this respect I cannot deny that the judges have been actuated by a party spirit. But explaining the nature of the social compact, and the principles of our constitution, they have endeavoured to show that our form of government is as free and as perfect as is attainable, and deserving of the confidence and support of our citizens. They have taught the necessity of implicit obedience to the laws, and of due respect to the constituted authorities. They have denounced the agitators and disturbers of the public peace, the calumniators of the government, the authors of sedition, insurrection and treason; and have endeavoured to defeat the projects of those who have sought to demoralize the country, to subvert the constitution, and to introduce a new order of things. In doing these things they have betrayed the spirit of their party. A spirit no doubt obnoxious and hateful to those whose schemes they have opposed. A spirit which has
exposed them to invective and detraction; but a spirit supported by a sense of upright intention, and rewarded by the approbation of good men.
But, Mr. Chairman, if the charges made by the gentleman from Virginia, in relation to the bench, can be supported, I say it is a duty which he owes to his country, to come forward and to exhibit his charges before the proper tribunal. This will allow to the parties charged, an opportunity of manifesting their innocence or will furnish the means of bringing them to justice, in case their guilt be established. It is peculiarly hard that men holding high and respectable stations, should be liable to accusation and aspersion, without the means of defence.
I presume, however, sir, I shall be told by the gentleman, that vain would be the task for him to apply to this house to prefer an impeachment against the judges, or if that could be accomplished, to carry the impeachment before the senate, because a majority of both houses are governed by the same party spirit which prevails upon the bench. This develops the nature of the complaint. The judges and a majority of the two houses are not of the gentleman's party, they differ in opinion, they differ in conduct. I have no doubt of the sincerity of the gentleman, and that he believes himself right: on the other hand, we as conscientiously consider ourselves right, and that the error is on the side of that gentleman; and thus it is that we regard as our virtues what he charges as crimes.
I am now, Mr. Chairman, to take notice of an objection which has often been the subject of discussion upon the floor of this house. We are told, sir, that the act in question is unconstitutional, that congress has no power to pass such a law. It ought to be enough to say on this subject, that all the judges of the United States have affirmed the constitutionality of the law. The authority of such judicial decision I know will be little respected by many, as well within as beyond these walls. And perhaps the task is vain to attempt to convince by argument, those whom such an authority does not influence. It is not my intention to enter largely into this point, but briefly to state the principal ground on which I consider the law as bot-tomed. When the government of the United States was created, it was designed to continue, and not to perish from any essential defects. Whatever is necessary to maintain its existence must be lawful .
The preservation of the government must ever be a consideration predominant over all others. It is folly to affirm that it was not the original design to endow the government with the means of self-preservation, as it would be folly to affirm that it was created in order to expire. This government and all free governments, depend not in theory only, but in fact, upon the opinion of the people for their support. Corrupt or alienate that opinion, and the foundation of the government is subverted.
To protect the public opinion from error is to defend the basis of the government. In a despotic government, which is maintained by force and raised above the public will, a common libel is scarcely an offence, because it is incapable of producing effect. But in a free state the aggravation of the crime arises from its powerful operation and injurious consequences.
The punishment of a libel is rendering a piece of justice immediately due to the
people. It is the people who are abused and imposed on by false publications . In fact a libel is intended fraudulently to cheat the people out of their honest opinions. It is designed to transfer their confidence from good to bad men, and often times to seduce them into acts which may be followed by the loss of their properties and their lives. The people are the sovereign. A libel on the government is giving false information to the sovereign, of the conduct of public servants.
The offence is therefore directly against the people. The government is the government of the people; they willed it into being, and have the power of willing it out of existence. Suffer them to be led into the opinion that the government is corrupt and profligate, that its power are abused with designs fatal to the general welfare and the power which gave it birth will soon accomplish its ruin.
If, sir, the vilest and most atrocious falsehood may be uttered against the government with impunity; if no traduction, however abominable and flagitious, is liable to punishment, is it possible for the government to retain the confidence of the people? It is idle to say that truth will follow and counteract falsehood. The evil will be complete before the remedy arrives. For my part I am persuaded that no free government can subsist which has not the power of punishing its calumniators. This power I consider as delegated to the government by the provision in the 8th section of the 1st article of the constitution, which gives to congress the power of making all laws necessary or proper for carrying into execution all the powers vested in the government or in any department or officer thereof. Without retaining the confidence of the people, it is impossible for the government to carry into execution any of its powers. Believing, therefore, that a false and malicious libel in its nature is calculated and designed to weaken the government, by depriving it of the confidence of the people; considering that whatever weakens, tends to disable the government from carrying its powers into execution, and that we have a right to pass any law necessary or proper for carrying those powers into execution, it appears to me a clear deduction that we have a power to punish libels against the government.
It is not my intention to proceed farther upon this point. I am aware of the different topics connected with it, but considering that it has been on different occasions fully discussed, and also decided by the judicial authority of the country, I should deem it improper to detain the attention of the committee longer on the subject.
I shall now, sir, be allowed to enquire what will be the effect of suffering the sedition act to expire. It is plain, that the consequence will be, that the offences defined in the act, become liable to the punishments of the common law. At common law the punishment depends upon the discretion of the court; by the act of congress, the punishment is limited as well to the fine as to the imprisonment. And it will also be remembered that at common law, the truth of the fact, charged as a libel, cannot be given in evidence, whereas by the act it is a good defence. It is certain that the act ameliorates and improves the common law, and must certainly be preferred by those gentlemen who consider the common law as the law of the United States. But, sir, I shall not affect to disguise the knowledge which I have
that there are many gentlemen, nay a party in the country, who deny that the common law belongs to the general government. On this subject the committee will indulge me a short time; its magnitude renders it worthy of their attention.
I know that it is the practice of some gentlemen to declaim with great violence against the admission of the principle, that the common law is the law of the United States. That common law which was once our boast and our solace, in defence of which our ancestors were ready to shed their best blood, is now reprobated and exploded. That common law which was the cradle of our rights, without which we should not have known the name of liberty, nor ever tasted of its blessings, is now denounced as an engine of tyranny and oppression.
[Debate to be continued.]
WEDNESDAY, February 4.
The petition of John Hall, Marshall for Pennsylvania was read and referred to the committee of Claims.
A petition of sundry freeholders and inhabitants of the city of Washington, praying that Congress may assume the jurisdiction of Columbia, and frame a code of laws therefor, was read and referred to the committee of the whole, to whom had been referred a bill on said subject.
Mr. R. Brown reported a bill to discharge Lawrence Erb from confinement—Read twice and referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
Mr. S. Smith reported a bill to add to the district of Massac on the Ohio, and to discontinue the districts of Louisville, K. and Palmyra, Tenn.
Read twice and ordered to be engrossed to-morrow.
The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for the government of the District of Columbia.
A motion was made by Mr. Gallatin to amend the first section of the bill, so as to extend the privilege of voting for Representatives, to persons, other than freeholders, who are possessed of property in the District, to the value of 80 dollars.
Mr. Harper moved as an amendment to the foregoing amendment, that a citizen, not being a freeholder, in order to qualify him as an elector, must be a housekeeper, and possessed of property of the value of 100 dollars, to be ascertained by the record of the last assessment next preceeding the period offering his vote.
Mr. Gallatin's amendment was withdrawn, and Mr. Harper's, which tho' offered as an amendment to it, was a compleat substitute for it, was adopted.
Mr. Claiborne proposed as an amendment to this same section, to reduce the term of a senator continuing in office from six to three years.
This motion was negatived.
Mr. Tazewell moved to strike out the senate altogether on the ground, that congress having the revision of all laws that may be passed for the Territory, and the power of rejecting such as they did not approve, would be a sufficient check on the Representatives, without a senate.
This motion was negatived.
Mr. Macon moved as an amendment, that the senators should be elected immediately by the people and not by electors as proposed by the bill. This motion was also lost.
A motion was made by Mr. Nicholson, that the electors should not be permitted

to choose themselves as senators. This motion was adopted.
The committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.
A message was received from the senate, informing the house that the senate had passed the bill for erecting a Mausoleum for GEORGE WASHINGTON, with amendments. The amendments were committed to a committee of the whole house and ordered to be printed.
THURSDAY, February 5.
Two engrossed bills were read and passed, one of them entitled "An act giving a right of pre-emption, to certain persons who have contracted with John Cleves Symmes, or his associates, for lands lying between the Miami river, in the territory of the U. States north-west of the Ohio." And the other entitled "An act to add to the district of Massac on the Ohio, and to discontinue the district of Louisville in Kentucky, and Palmyra in Tennessee," and therein to amend the act entitled "An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage."
Several petitions were read and referred.
The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for the government of the district of Columbia, in which several amendments were made, which the committee reported to the house.
A resolution which had been submitted to the consideration of the house some days since, for continuing in force the law for augmenting the salaries of certain officers therein mentioned, was adopted by the house, and a committee appointed to bring in a bill for that purpose.
A message was received from the Senate, informing the house that the Senate had passed a bill for the government of the Territory of Columbia. This bill was read, committed to a committee of the whole house, and made the order of the day for to-morrow.
FRIDAY, February 6.
General Lincoln, after being qualified, took his seat in the house, in the place of Mr. D. Foster, late a delegate from Massachusetts, now in the Senate of the U. States.
Mr. Harper reported a bill to extend to aliens, resident in the United States before a certain period, the benefit of the law of 1795, on the subject of naturalization.
A bill was reported to continue the salaries now paid to certain officers of the government.
Mr. Rutledge reported a number of rules respecting the act of choosing a President of the United States by the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, provided two or more of the highest candidates for that office have an equal number of electoral votes.
These several items were referred to committees of the whole house.
Mr. Platt moved that the committee of revision might have leave to report a bill to augment the salaries of the District Judges. Laid on the table.
Mr. Otis moved that the committee of commerce and manufactures be instructed to consider the expediency of securing to inventors and engravers the property of prints. Agreed to.
Motion was made to postpone the consideration of the report of the committee of the whole, on the bill for the government of the district of Columbia, until Monday.
This was withdrawn to give way to a motion of Mr. Nicholas for its recommittal to the select committee, together with the bill from the Senate on that subject. He considered it necessary to mature the provisions of the two, so far as they were upon one subject, which could not be so well done by the house, as in a committee. It was recommitted—Ayes 45—Noes 38.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, inclosing a report of the amount of exported articles from the United States, for the year previous to the 1st of October, 1800.
The total value was 39,130,000 dollars.
The house resolved itself into a committee on the report of the committee of commerce, on the petition of a person of S. Carolina, who prayed release from his bond for duties on a cargo which was lost at sea. Mr. Huger and Mr. J. Brown strongly contended against the report, which was that the prayer ought not to be granted. Mr. Waln and Mr. Livingston contended for it, on the grounds of propriety and precedence. It was concurred in.
Mr. Bird reported a bill to ascertain the boundary of certain lands appropriated for the services of the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line, which was committed to the whole house.
The house went into committee on the bill and the act for the valuation of lands, &c. so far as relates to the surveyors of the revenue.
Mr. Champlin moved to insert a clause for repealing the law, with a proviso that the assessments should be completed in those states (South-Carolina, North-Carolina and Georgia) from which returns had not yet been made. On this motion a debate ensued. It was not carried.
Motion was then made for the committee to rise, which was carried, and it obtained leave to sit again. Adjourned.
NEW-YORK, February 3.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of the first respectability now in Albany, to the editors of this Gazette, dated Jan. 29.
"Last night, Mr Van Rensselaer gave for answer to a committee appointed by a large and powerful meeting to wait on him, that he felt himself obliged to sacrifice his private inclinations to the wishes of his friends, and that he consented to be a candidate at the next election for governor of this state."
Arrived—Brigs, Tyger, Manton, (of St. Thomas) St. Thomas; Anna-Maria, Jones, Curracoa.
Cleared—ship Grion, Chew, for Baltimore.
Capt. M. Jan. 19, in lat. 33, 37, long. 70, 30, spoke the sch'r. Laura, 4 days from Washington to Cape Francois. On Saturday night last, spoke a large ship bound to this port.
The brig Minerva, from this to Havana, having been cleared at New-Providence has arrived at Havana. The brig Amiable Matilda was to sail from Havana for this port on the 1st of Feb.
WILMINGTON, (Del.) February 4.
Arrived here on Sunday last, from Havana, sloop Charlotte, Peter Jeffery, master, which place she left the 15th of January. Left there the U. St. ship Delaware, the brig Ruth and Mary, of Philadelphia, and the brig Gayoso.
On the 15th spoke a brig bound to New-York, in lat. 37, who left St. Thomas with a convoy. The Thunderer, English 74, was lying off the Havanna when capt. J. left there. Flour, 14 dollars. Pork, 18 do. Beef, 11 do.
Alexandria Advertiser.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7.
The United States ship Maryland, capt. Rogers, now lying at Baltimore, has, we understand been ordered to be held in readiness for the purpose of carrying the ratified Treaty to France—we could not learn who was appointed to be the bearer, but hear Mr. Jefferson was consulted on the occasion. The Maryland will sail in about eight days.
Extract of a letter from one of the most respectable mercantile houses in Lisbon, to his correspondent in Providence, dated November 14, 1800.
"It has been notified to the merchants, that the wheat in the stores will not reach further than February; at the same time, that England is sending here 10,000 troops part of which are already arrived, and it is well known that they cannot spare any thing for their support. Under these circumstances we can safely recommend shipments of either wheat, flour or Indian corn.
  Wheat, 3 dollars } per bushel.   Corn, 1 3/4   Beans, 4 } per barrel.   Flour, 17   Pork, 18 } per pound.   Beef, 12   Butter, 1-3 } per quintal.   Bees-Wax, 1-3   Fish, 6 } per quintal.   Rice, 8 1/2   Pipe-staves, 120 per long thousand." 
Chief Justice Marshall has taken his seat in the Supreme Court of the United States now sitting. Judges Cushing, Chase and Washington, attend at this session. Judge Patterson was prevented from attending by indisposition.
The following gentlemen have been admitted as Counsellors in the Supreme Court of the United States.
 James Bayard, Esq. of the state of Delaware.  Arthur Shaaf, Esq. } Of the state of  Philip B. Key, Esq. } Maryland.  John T. Mason, Esq. }  Robert W. Peacock, Esq. } Of the city of  A. Woodward, Esq. } Washington.  Edward Livingston, Esq. of the state of New-York. 
The committee of the senate to whom was referred the bill for the government of the district of Columbia have made a report, according to which the second section is to be struck out and a number of new sections inserted. The first of these sections provides that the district be divided into two counties and that the river be considered as in both counties.
2. That there be a circuit court, which shall consist of one chief judge and two assistant judges, who shall have power to appoint a clerk of the court in each of the counties.
3. This court shall hold four sessions annually in each county.
4. This section defines how far the cognizance of the court shall extend.
5. There shall be a Marshal of the district who shall have the same powers and perform the same duties as the marshals of the United States.
6. There shall be appointed an attorney of the United States for said district.
7. The chief judge shall receive a salary of dollars, and the assistant judges dollars, from the treasury of the United States.
8. Such number of justices of peace shall be appointed as the President of the United States shall think expedient.
9. On this side the river there shall be a judge of the Orphan's court and in the county of Alexandria the circuit court, shall have the powers of the county court, general court and chancery in all testamentary cases.
Mr. Gregg moved the following resolution in the house of representatives on Monday last and it was agreed to.
Resolved, That the secretaries of war and of the treasury be directed to communicate to this house such information as may be in their power in relation to the destruction of the official books and papers in their respective departments, by first designating particularly what description of books and papers were lost, and what the probable effect of such loss will be in adjustment of the unsettled accounts of the United States.
In the new ordinance of Russia respecting insurance in case of fire, there is an article which deserves notice: there shall be a new valuation of the buildings every third year, and wooden buildings shall lessen annually three per cent upon the valuation.
In the course of debate on a certain religious subject sometime since, in the legislature of Vermont, a member, well known for his good sense and pleasant humour, proposed to the honourable court the following question in the rule of three.—
"If an infant of one month old must suffer eternal punishment, how long a punishment must a hardened old sinner of 75 years of age suffer?" The legislature of Vermont being young in mathematics, could not solve the problem.
ALEXANDRIA PRICE CURRENT.
   Dolls Cts     Superfine flour, per barrel 11   Fine do. 10 50   Rye do. 5 50   Corn, per barrel, 3 75   Tobacco, per cwt. 3 50 to 4   Pork, per cwt. 5 0 to 5 50   Beef, per do. 5 50 to 6   Whiskey, per gal. 50 to 54  
To be Rented,
And possession given immediately—A two story house and garden on Duke-street, about two squares to the eastward of the stone bridge.
W. HARTSHORNE.
A number of valuable lots in different situations, to be sold—also, a brick house in King-street, in the tenure of Thomas Cruse;—a part of the purchase money will be taken in Alexandria Bank shares at par, and for some of the lots, Alexandria Insurance shares at a price to be agreed on. For part of the purchase money of either, a liberal credit may be had. 1st Month 7th.

Property for Sale.
Two hundred and forty acres of excellent FARMING LAND , lying in the county of Loudoun, about 14 miles from Leesburg, and one mile from the turnpike road leading from thence to Snicker's Gap, being part of Scotland Tract, formerly belonging to Mr. W. Nelson.
A HOUSE and LOT in Leesburg, possessed by Mr. Dawson, merchant.
A HOUSE and LOT eligibly situated, in Fairfax-street, Alexandria, in the possession of Mr. Charles Jones, coachmaker.
A LOT in Dumfries, on which are built a strong and commodious brick dwelling house and a kitchen, stable and granary—in the occupancy of Mr. Esme Smock. This messuage, from its vicinity to the creek and other local properties, is well calculated for a person in the grain or tobacco business.
If the two first mentioned properties are not previously disposed of by private bargain, they will be exposed to public sale at Mrs. Myers's tavern, in Leesburg, on the 9th day of March next, being the first day of Loudoun county court.
For terms, application may be made to Mr. Thomas Harrison, Dumfries, or to COLIN AULD , Cameron-street, Alexandria. February 2. mw&ttf
Just Received
A Consignment of the following articles.
Cotton in bales,
Russia Canvass, Brown Rolls, Hessians, Oude Cassahs, China Custers, Bastas, English and India Lutestrings, Black Florentines, Sprig'd and plain jaconet Muslins, Ladies' Shoes, &c. &c.
Which, together with several articles on hand, viz.
Loaf, lump & brown Sugar,
Young Hyson, } Souchong, and } TEAS, Hyson-skin }
Allum Salt, Liverpool do. in bulk and sacks, German Oznaburgs, Flanders Sheeting, Cloths,
Writing and wrapping Paper, &c.
Will be sold low for Cash, or bartered for Flour, Corn or Tobacco.
Hewes & Miller.
February 2. eo
The Members of the Alexandria Library Company will please to take notice, that an Election will be held at the Council Chamber on Monday the 16th instant, at 3 in the afternoon, for a President and eleven Directors for the Company for the ensuing year, agreeable to the act of incorporation.
They will also please to observe that the library is removed to a convenient room in the central part of King-street, at the rear of Mr. William Gird, watchmaker, and nearly opposite Mr. Lawrence Hooff's.
JAMES KENNEDY , sen.
Librarian.
King-street, Feb. 2. 2wmw&f
Ricketts, Newton & Co.
Hawe just received and for Sale, at the corner store, opposite John Janney's, the following GOODS —wholesale and retail, for Cash and Produce:
Superfine and 2d Cloths
Blue Plains do. Frizes do. Kerseys White, yellow and green Flannels do. do. do. Baizes Rose and duffil Blankets Durants, Camblets and Wildbores Russells and Antiloons Cotton and linen Checks Kerseymeres and Swandowns Velvets, Thicksets and Cords A handsome assortment of Dimities Mens' and Womens' cotton Hose do. silk do. Black Crape White and black silk and beaver Gloves Modes, Sattins and Persians Sewing Silks Calicoes and Chintzes Russia Sheeting and Irish Linens.
They have also, Brown Sugar by the hhd. and barrel, loaf and lump do. and a quantity of Plaister of Paris.
They give Cash for
Wheat, Rye and Corn.
Left by capt. Mortimore, of the Baltimore packet, at their warehouse, sundry Mill Irons —The owner is requested to take them away.
January 31. d
For Rent.
The subscriber will lease or rent his commodious fire-proof
Bake and Dwelling House,
on Town-Point, where he now lives, with three Ovens, a good Store-house and Stable for two horses, with a well enclosed Wood-Yard, and every other convenience for carrying on the baking business to advantage.
JAMES DICKINSON.
Norfolk, Jan. 8. d12+(30)
LAST NOTICE.
Whereas a Commission of bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against Elisha Cullen Dick, of the town of Alexandria, and he having surrendered himself to the major part of the commissioners named in the said commission, at the Washington tavern in Alexandria, on the 31st day of January last, when and where he underwent his second examination; he is therefore required again to attend at the said tavern, on Friday the 20th day of this present month, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to undergo his final examination, when and where the creditors of the said Elisha Cullen Dick, either in his separate capacity or as one of the firm of James Meale M'Rea and Company, may attend to prove their debts—at which time and place the creditors aforesaid are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate—and to choose assignees.
All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or who may have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the Commissioners may appoint, but to give notice to
HENRY MOORE,
Secretary to the Commission.
February 3. d
FOR SALE, LOT of GROUND
On the corner of Queen and Fairfax streets, extending 123 feet 2 inches on Queen street, 45 feet 8 inches on Fairfax street: this property is liable to no incumbrance. For terms apply to Mr. John Green, Alexandria, or Mr. Hezekiah Price, Old Town, Baltimore.
Liberal credit will be allowed for the payment.
January 2. eo18+
Valuable Property for Sale.
SEVEN hundred and eighty-eight acres in the county of Hampshire, on the waters of Great Cape Capon, about 20 miles from the Warm Springs, and 30 from Winchester. This land is full of wood, oak and pine timber. Two excellent farms may be made, with 30 to 50 acres of bottom, and rich high lands to each; and in the heart of the timber there is a fine seat for a saw-mill. Capt. Daniel Rice will shew the lands.
Three thousand eight hundred and forty-five acres in the county of Ohio, on the waters of Grave and Fifth Creeks, near the river Ohio, and about 80 miles below Pittsburg. Some of these lands are very good, with considerable quantities of rich bottom, and plenty of excellent timber. Robert Woods, Esq. the Surveyor of that county, will shew these lands.
One hundred seventy-six and three fourths acres, within three miles of the Warm Springs, upon Great Cape Capon, near its mouth, and within \frac{3}{4} of a mile of the River Potomak. This land has about 70 or 80 acres of rich bottom, mostly in cultivation, with 274 fine Sugar Trees on it; from which I am informed, there may be made 3000lb. of good sugar annually. There are also a seat for grist and saw mills on it, equal to any in that neighborhood, and upon a never failing stream of water. The upland is rich, with plenty of timber, and part under cultivation. This farm is well improved with a good orchard, houses and fencing, and rented last year for produce equal to sixty pounds per ann. Mr. Joseph Butler, at the Warm Springs, will shew it. I will sell all, or any of the above lands for cash or upon credit, or take in exchange for them lands in Fairfax County, or lots of land in the City of Alexandria, or the City of Washington.
R. T. HOOE.
January 15. eo
THE SUBSCRIBER
Respectfully informs the public, that finding it indispensably necessary to dissolve the copartnership of O'NEIL and WARD, in the Globe Tavern, of this town, he intends in future to conduct that house on his own account, under the name of the GOLDEN BALL , and declares no exertion on his part shall be wanting to give every person who may favor him with their commands entire satisfaction.
He requests all persons indebted to the above firm to be speedy in settling their accounts with him, as he alone is authorised to give a valid discharge for money due, or make any kind of settlement with them. He also requests the favor of all persons holding demands against O'Neil and Ward to render him their several demands, as he wishes to have them adjusted as soon as possible.
ENOCH WARD.
Jan. 15. (16) 3weq
For Philadelphia.
The SLOOP HARMONY , John Ellwood, Master, Now lying at Ramsey's wharf. For Freight or Passage apply to the master on board, or
J. & T. Vowell.
February 5. 3tdeo
FOR SALE, TURK'S ISLAND SALT , Now landing from the Schooner Neptune, Capt. Coleman.
Cash will be given for a few Alexandria Bank Shares . Apply to
WILLIAM I. HALL.
Merchants' Wharf, Feb. 5. d
Just Received,
And for sale low for Cash. 50 barrels of tar, and A few hundred bushels James River Coal.
Also on hand, 15,000 eighteen inch shingles, 6,000 three feet do.
HENRY & THOMAS MOORE. February 4. d
Agreeable to a Deed of Trust , from Capt. John Hawkins, of Fauquier County, to the subscribers, WILL BE SOLD on the premises, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Wednesday the 25th of February next,
The Plantation whereon the said Hawkins now lives: containing about 670 acres, lying within 30 miles of Fredericksburg, Falmouth and Dumfries, and within about 40 of Alexandria, Georgetown and the Federal City.
It is thought unnecessary to be particular as to the quality and improvements, as a person inclined to purchase will no doubt view the same before the day of sale.
DUNBAR & VASS.
Falmouth, Virginia, } Jan. 20, 1800. } d21(31)
Liverpool Salt for Sale.
Just landing from on board the ship Success, Capt. King,
STOVED SALT,
in sacks and bulk. Also, a few hundred bushels of Liverpool Coal.
Wm. I. HALL.
Merchants' Wharf, Jan. 29. d
NOTICE.
THE stockholders of the Bank of Alexandria, are hereby informed, that a dividend of five per cent on the capital stock of said Bank, for the half year ending this day, is declared, and will be ready to be paid to them, or their representatives on Thursday next.
By order of the president and directors, GURDEN CHAPIN , Cashier. January 5. eo4
Fresh Raisins.
Just received a few boxes of excellent Raisins, and for Sale, by JOHN & J. TUCKER.
December 24. eo
PRINTED BY
S. SNOWDEN & Co. KING-STREET, a few doors above the WASHINGTON TAVERN.