The national intelligencer and Washington advertiser. (Washington City [D.C.]), 1803-03-28 00:00:00

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER,
AND WASHINGTON ADVERTISER.
VOL. III.
WASHINGTON CITY, PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
No. CCLXXIX.
FIVE DOLLS. PER ANN.
MONDAY, MARCH 28th, 1803.
PAID IN ADVANCE.
ADVERTISEMENT.
On THURSDAY the twenty first day of April , if fair, if not the next fair day, will be exposed to sale on the premises, in the town of Alexandria, the following parcels of
L A N D,
Late the property of John Fitzgerald, deceased, sold pursuant to the directions of his will for the payment of his debts, to wit:
ONE parcel of land lying upon the east side of Union-street, and to the northward of Wilkes-street, fronting seventy-eight feet upon Union-street, and extending about two hundred feet in the rear, having an alley of twenty feet running the whole depth; upon it is erected a frame ware-house; the ground is subject to an annual rent of 91. 17s. 6d. It will be sold altogether, or divided, to accommodate purchasers. One half of a brewery, with all the implements and utensils necessary for carrying on the business, upon a large scale, and a parcel of ground appertaining to it, fronting about forty feet upon Water-street. The whole of the brewery and ground is now under a demise, at a rent of six hundred dollars per annum. A piece of ground immediately joining on the brewery, and fronting about forty feet on Water-street, and extending one hundred and fifty feet on a twenty feet alley. A piece of ground fronting on Wolfe and St. Asaph streets. This will be laid off into convenient Lots. A piece of ground lying upon the south side of King-street, extending 82 feet to a twelve feet alley—in the front is erected a two story brick dwelling house, and upon the alley a two story frame ware-house. A piece of ground lying upon Union and Wolfe-streets, extending with Wolfe-street 62 feet and an half, with Union-street 120 feet. Upon this there are erected a large distillery, ware house and compressing room. The improvements were calculated for carrying on that business upon an extensive scale; there are three stills in it. Not having been occupied for some time past, the property is something out of repair. The ground is subject to an annual rent of 431. 18s. 6d. There will be sold at the same time, a small tract of land contiguous to the town, containing 37 acres. This is subdivided, and will be sold in small parcels containing from 4 to 6 acres. The sale will be continued till the whole is sold.
The terms of sale are one fourth of the purchase money in hand when deeds will be executed to the purchasers; one other fourth in six months after the sale; one other fourth in twelve months, and the remaining fourth in eighteen months; for securing these payments a bond of trust will be required upon the property conveyed from each purchaser for his part.
THOMAS A. DIGGS,
JAMES KEITH,
Acting Executors of John Fitzgerald.
March 16.
170,036 Acres of Land.
THIS body of land, in one entire and inclusive survey, is offered for sale to any individual or company, who may incline to purchase for the purposes of settlement and emigration. It is situated in the state of Virginia, on the Great Kenawha River, Montgomery county, and is distinguished by the name of "The Great Bend of the Kenawha," being intersected by the Piney river, Green and Little Bluestone rivers, Coal river, and Nyandot river, as also by numerous other creeks and waters, running into said rivers. Numerous mill-sites, inexhaustible bodies of coal, and great appearances of ores, metals, salt springs and salt licks, are to be found on this tract, besides which, sugar may be made thereon to any amount, the sugar rearend bounding in almost every part.
For fertility of soil, growth of timber, fitness for cultivation, salubrity of climate, and natural advantages, this body of land stands unrivaled by any tract of equal quantity in Western America; it will be submitted for sale to an entire purchaser, until the first day of June next, on very advantageous terms; after which, it cannot be disposed of at any price the present proprietor being compelled to a division thereof. An indisputable title will be given, and for further particulars, as to terms of sale and payment, enquire of JOHN BECKLEY, Esq. Clerk to the House of Representatives of the United States, at the city of Washington.
November 1, 1802.
TO LET,
And be entered upon immediately, three well finished BRICK HOUSES, NEARLY opposite Morin's Tavern, on Twelfth street very near Pennsylvania Avenue, built for the WASHINGTON BUILDING COMPANY.
The Houses will be rented on very reasonable terms.
Apply to THOMAS CARPENTER near the President's Square. eptf. Dec. 18.
Superintendent's Office, Washington 8th March 1802.
THERE will be wanting for public use in this city large quantities of firestone, foundation stone, lime, sand, and some bricks—Proposals to supply the same will be received on the fourth day of next month, by
THOMAS MUNROE,
Superintendent.
N. B. A number of labourers and some similar for joists &c. will also be wanted.
March 9. eptf A.
WANTED,
One or two Boys to learn the BOOT and SHOE-MAKING Business—Apply to JOHN CROOKSHANK.
George-Town, Jan. 19, 1803. tf.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, March 3, 1803.
Mr. BAYARD'S Resolution respecting the sale of the BANK STOCK.
Mr. BAYARD.—I hold in my hand, Mr. Speaker, a resolution which I propose to submit to the house, the object of which is to institute an enquiry relative to the sale made by the commissioners of the Sinking fund of the bank stock which belonged to the United States. I regret exceedingly that it has not been in my power to bring forward this measure at an earlier period of the session, but the want of documents which it was necessary to procure at a distance has rendered the delay unavoidable. The pressure of business for some days past has allowed no interval in which the motion could be made, and the election only has been left to me to seize this late moment, or wholly to abandon the object.
Before I lay the resolution on the table, I feel it incumbent upon me to explain the grounds upon which I introduce it, being sensible that after it is once laid upon the table, the practice under a late rule of the house which prohibits debate upon the question of taking up business, would preclude any exposition of the principles or facts upon which the resolution is predicated.
This experience I derive from the conduct of the house, upon the resolution I offered relative to the indemnification of our merchants, on the ground of the French spoliations, for which the claim of satisfaction upon the French government, had been renounced by our late treaty with that power. This resolution I repeatedly endeavored to call up, and without being suffered to enter into a discussion of the subject, was uniformly put down by a silent vote.
The resolution which I now propose to offer, would be equally unattended with information as effect, without a development of the grounds, which according to the view I have taken of the subject ought to recommend it to the adoption of the house.
From a full consideration of the law under which we are informed the sale of the bank stock was made, I am persuaded the commissioners had not an authority to make the sale; and I am also convinced from documents I possess, that admitting a power existed to sell the stock, the measure was inexpedient; and the bargain much worse for the interest of the United States, than could have been obtained, and in fact was offered at the time.
Having this impression, with regard to the business, I consider it as the duty of this house, to make it an object of inquiry, and I feel it but as a small objection, that the enquiry cannot be completed during this session.
The first point to which I shall beg the attention of the house, is the authority under which the stock was sold.
I do not mean to deny, that a power once existed, to sell the whole stock which belonged to the United States, but I think it will not be difficult to shew, that that power expired when the circumstances ceased to exist, which had given birth to it.
It is material to the just understanding of the subject, to refer distinctly to the loans, made by the bank of the United States to the government, and from which was derived the balance due to the bank, and for the payment of which balance, a power was delegated to the commissioners of the Sinking fund, by the act of Congress of the 31st May, 1796, to sell the bank stock. There was then due to the bank
On account of the subscription loan. dolls. 1,400,000
Under a loan authorized by an act to raise a further sum for the protection of the frontiers, &c.
Payable 1795, Nov. 100,000
Dec. 100,000
1796, Jan. 100,000
300,000
Loan under the act authorizing the loan of 2,000,000, payable 1st January, 1796, include in the statement, a loan from the bank of New-York, (because it is an object of the law of 1796), under the act of March, 1794, and payable the 8th June, 1796, 2,000,000
Loan under the act authorizing the loan of 2,000,000, payable April 1796, 1,000,000
Loan under an act for the reimbursement of a loan, authorized by the 2d section of the 3d Congress.
Payable 1796, Dec. 31, 200,000
1797, 1798, 600,000 800,000
Loan under the act of March, 1795. Payable 1796, March, 500,000 Oct. 500,000 1,000,000
Dolls. 5,700,000, dolls. 4,400,000 fell due in the year 1796, including in the last mentioned sum dolls. 500,000 which the Secretary of the Treasury reported it would be necessary to raise by loan, on the first January 1795.
The act of 1796 extending its provisions to the instalments of foreign debt which fell due in the year 1796 it is necessary to include in the statement an instalment of the foreign debt which fell due in that year,
Amounting to the sum of dolls. 963,641, Aggregate due the Bank in the same year 4,400,000 doll. 5,363,641
This was the debt accruing and composed in the manner stated, for which provision was designed to be made by the act of 1796. It had not been supposed till the beginning of 1796 that the wants or interest of the Bank would require an early payment of the debt due to them from the United States. But in the commencement of that year an intimation was given to the government, that the affairs of the Bank rendered it expedient that provision should be made for the discharge of the debt due to them. On the 16th of March the committee of Ways and Means were directed by the House of Representatives to ascertain from the President and Directors of the Bank whether the loans to the United States could not be continued to more remote periods.
The committee having conferred with the President and Directors, afterwards received the following answer, which I find among the printed reports of the year upon the table, and which I shall beg leave to read.
"The committee of Ways and Means have pursuant to the order of the House of the 16th ult. made the enquiry therein directed, and have received from the President and Directors of the Bank the answer and information herewith subjoined."
"The committee appointed to confer with the committee of Ways and Means on the subject of continuing to a more remote period the loans made to the United States having reported—the board took into consideration the most essential points that had relation to the present subject, viz. the great increase in the price of all alienable property which requires a corresponding addition of circulating medium to represent it. The necessity of placing this institution in a more respectable situation in point of available funds which will enable it to promote more generally the interest of Commerce and Manufactures, and afford the means of facilitating the financial operations of the government by temporary loans, whenever the fiscal administration may require such a resource, as well as the more immediate advantage of the stockholders and customers of the Bank as both intimately connected with the active employment of a larger specie capital; whereupon, Resolved that the United States be requested to extinguish the loans that are already due to the Bank, as well as to make provision for those which may become payable in the course of the present year."
This requisition upon the part of the Bank left no alternative to the government, but to make immediate provision to comply with their engagements. The resources of the Treasury were not then as ample as a flourishing and increased commerce has since rendered them. It had moreover been drained, by numerous miscellaneous claims which arose out of the war, and which had remained unsatisfied under the former confederation, by the Indian war, by the western insurrection, and by an expensive treaty with Algiers. In the actual state of things the government had no means to raise the money required, and preserve the faith of the United States, but by making a loan, or disposing of the property which belonged to them. Under the pressure of this necessity the act of May 1796 was passed. The power of the Commissioners to sell the Bank stock is derived from this act, and the true question upon the point, we are considering, is whether the authority delegated was simple, absolute and permanent, or occasional and dependent on circumstances. This question is to be determined by the design intended to be accomplished by the legislature who passed the law. In my opinion the intention of the legislature is veiled
in no obscurity. It never was the design of Congress to make the Bank stock a principal and direct fund for the payment of the debts stated, but only an auxiliary and contingent resource, upon failure of the ordinary funds, to satisfy the engagements of the government. It is my wish to avoid unnecessary detail, but the subject is of that nature as to require a minute examination. The House will suffer me to bring to their view such parts of the act of 1796 as most materially concern the question which we are considering. The first section of the act empowers the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to borrow on the credit of the United States a sum not exceeding dolls. 5,000,000 to be applied to the payment of the principal of any part of the debt of the United States then due or to become due in the course of that year, to the Bank of New-York or for any instalment of foreign debt; and certificates for six per cent stock irredeemable till 1819 were to be issued for any sums borrowed. The third section of the act provided, that it should be deemed a good execution of the power to borrow, for the commissioners of the Sinking Fund to cause to be constituted, certificates of stock of the description before mentioned, and to cause the same to be sold in the United States or elsewhere, provided that not more than one moiety of the stock should be sold under par. We then find a clause in the following words from which the commissioners infer their power to sell the Bank stock. "And it shall be lawful for the commissioners of the Sinking Fund if they shall find the same to be most advantageous to sell such and so many of the shares of the stock of the Bank of the United States belonging to the United States as they may think proper; and that they apply the proceeds thereof to the payment of the said debts, instead of selling certificates of stock in manner prescribed in this act."
The act of Congress provided three ways of raising the money required. 1st. By an ordinary loan, 2d. by the sale of six per cent stock below par. 3d. by the sale of the Bank stock.
The money at that time was not to be borrowed. The bank had been the common lender, but it was the bank which was now to be paid. The commissioners then had recourse to the constitution of 6 per cent. stock, and sent for experiment, dolls. 80,000, to New-York, to be sold. The stock was sold, but at a discount of 20 per cent. The loss was too enormous, to suffer this course to be further pursued.
The only fund, which remained, and to which the commissioners were driven by necessity, was the bank stock. They accordingly sold 2780 shares, which produced the sum of dolls. 1,384,260, which was applied, pursuant to the directions of the act of Congress.
My design in distinguishing the several loans which formed the aggregate of the debt, intended to be provided for, by the act of 1796, was in order to refer those disposed to make the enquiry, to the direct and special provision of a fund in each law, authorizing a loan, eventually to answer the debt to be contracted. This fund was the surplus of duties on imports and tonnage. The surplus of the ordinary revenue was made by law the immediate, and in itself was the natural fund to meet the debts in question. While such surplus existed, it was clearly not the intention of the act of 1796, to suffer 6 per cent. stock to be constituted and sold under par, or to allow any of the active and productive funds of the United States to be disposed of. The power to sell the 6 per cents and the bank stock, was evidently predicated upon the failure of the original funds provided, in consequence of the ordinary revenue being absorbed by prior encumbrances.
Can any gentleman affirm, that is was the intention of the law to suffer 6 per cents to be sold under par, or the bank stock to be aliened, when there was idle money lying in the treasury, wanted for no exigency, and bound by no appropriation? Now, Sir, what are the circumstances under which the stock has been sold? It appears from the message of the President, and the report of the Secretary of the treasury, that there was a surplus of money, beyond expenditures, in the treasury, during the last year, of dolls. 4,500,000. At the commencement of the last year, the debt due to the bank was dolls. 2,740,000. It does not appear that the bank had even requested the payment of this balance. But if it was the interest of the government to discharge it, why was it not paid out of the inactive, unproductive money in the treasury, without destroying a fruitful and profitable fund?
I affirm, that it was not simply an abuse but an assumption of power, to sell the bank stock, while there was an unappropriated surplus in the treasury, more than competent to answer the purposes for which the stock was sold.
It cannot be doubted that if such a surplus had existed at the date of the act of 1796, that the power to sell the stock created by that law would not have been delegated. The creation of the power was a measure of necessity, and its existence depended upon the continuance of the same necessity. The bank stock was not a direct and immediate fund; it was simply auxiliary, and therefore contingent. The laws under which the debts were contracted, and the funds provided for their payment, considered collectively, plainly speak this language to the commissioners of the Sinking fund, "in the event that the surplus of ordinary revenue does not enable you to pay the instalment of foreign debt and the debts due to the bank, you shall have power to sell the bank stock." A power depending on a certain event has no existence without the occurrence of the event. In the present instance the event did not exist which was the ground of the power given to the commissioners, and their act therefore in the sale of the stock was not warranted by law.
To discharge the debt due to the bank was the ostensible motive, but not the real object in the sale of the stock. After a sum equal to the amount of the proceeds of the sale of the stock, was applied to the payment of the debt due to the bank, there still remained due to them the sum of dolls. 1,452,400. And altho' the United States had an unproductive capital in their Treasury of 4,500,000, and the balance due to the bank was bearing interest, yet the money was suffered to lie useless in the Treasury the capable of extinguishing an encroaching debt.
The true object in selling the stock was to facilitate the remittance to Holland of an instalment of Dutch debt.
I shall not however trouble the house with any remarks upon this Treasury operation, because it can be of no importance to enquire into the true pretence of selling the stock, if in fact there was no power existing to make the sale. But it is connected with the subject to remark that this supposed power had been dormant for six years. During this long period the Bank had not required nor the commissioners considered themselves either bound or at liberty to execute it. The law was designed for an occasional emergency. It gave an authority to sell the whole stock or such part of it as the demands on the government at that time required.
The commissioners sold a part and as much as was necessary to accomplish the design of the law. This was a complete execution of the authority, and the act since that time has been considered to be functus officio. Up in this point I shall request the liberty of making but one further observation.
The sale was permitted to be made only in case the commissioners found it most advantageous to the United States. Now Sir, can it be said that it was most advantageous to the United States or advantageous to them in any degree to sell stock producing a profit of 8 per cent. on the nominal capital in order to pay a debt which might have been discharged by money in the Treasury not wanted, and which produced no profit at all? In every view in which the subject presents itself to my mind, I consider myself warranted in laying that the act of the commissioners in selling the Bank Stock was unauthorized by any law.
I shall now, Mr. Speaker, proceed to the consideration of the terms upon which the sale was made, and I have the means of shewing that those terms were not as advantageous to the United States as it was the duty and in the power of the government to obtain. I confess, Sir, that this point in a great degree depends upon matters of fact, with respect to which gentlemen will form their opinions according to the information which they possess or may receive from the floor. We have taken pains to be accurately informed as to the facts which I shall undertake to state, and I am happy in being sensible that if I have been wrongly informed, the public who are quite capable of discovering my errors, cannot be imposed upon.
Upon this head there are two questions. 1st. Whether the stock was sold for the best price the market afforded.
2d. If not, Whether the loss was compensated by any advantage which the government derived from undertakings upon the part of the purchaser.
I am furnished with a price current, which I believe to be accurate, of the

Bank Stock at Boston, New-York, Philadelphia and London, about the time when the sale was made by the commissioners.  The house will permit me to state to them the prices.  BOSTON. 1802. July 12. U. S. Bank Stock. 150. Dividend off.  NEW-YORK. 1802. April 12, } 153 May 21, } 22, 149 23, 150 June 8, 150 18, 153 1-2 19, 154 July 9, 151 16, 151
PHILADELPHIA. 1802. July 1, 151 3, 150 7, 151 10, 151 1-2 15, 153 1-2 21, 154 23, } 24, } 153 1-2 26, } 27, }
LONDON. 1802. Feb. 9, 153 1-2 April 7, 155 1-2 27, 158, advice receiv'd 4th June.
These prices were taken from actual sales. I shall assume the value of the stock at 150, though the average of the prices stated would warrant a higher rate.  The sale made by the commissioners was in June 1802; and the payments were to be made at the following periods in Amsterdam:   1st January, 1803, 605 000 guilders.  1st February, 685 000 do.  1st March, 425 000 do.  1st June, 1,425,487 16 1-2 fl. do. 
In consequence of this arrangement the purchaser received two dividends upon the bank stock, before any payment was made on his part, which of course compels a part of the profit of his bargain.
The shares sold, 2220, at 150, were worth dolls. 1,332,000  The two dividends, at 32 dolls. upon a share, amounted to 75.480  The value therefore the United States parted with was dolls. 1,407,480  The sale was in fact made at 145, and yielded only 1,287,600
The United States plainly therefore lost dolls. 119,880  When recurrence is had to the times of payment allowed to the purchaser, he may fairly be considered as deriving the benefit of two dividends and an half, upon the stock instead of two, as the payments are protracted by successive instalments, and the last instalment exceeding 1,400,000 guilders, not payable till June 1803. But on an estimate undeniable, & as any gentleman can contend for, the United States incur a certain loss of dolls. 119,880.
We are now to enquire what benefit afforded by the contract will compensate this loss.  It is stated by the commissioners, that Mr. Baring, the purchaser, in consideration of the sale of the stock at 45 per cent. advance, undertook to pay in Amsterdam, guilders 3,140,487, 16 1-2 at the rate of 41 cents the guilder. The result of this engagement, on the part of Mr. Baring, depends upon the course of exchange at the time between the United States and Amsterdam, or between the United States and London, and London and Amsterdam.
The commissioners state the rate of exchange between this country and Holland at 41 cents the guilder, and the exchange between England and Holland to have been 10 guilders 8 flivers per pound, ster. which is 12 flivers below par. This information they say was collected by the secretary of the treasury, in an excursion to Philadelphia and New-York. I do not know that the information is incorrect, but it is not complete. It does not state the exchange between the United States and London, according to communications which I have received, and in which I can confide, the following were the rates of exchange.
Course of exchange in New-York and Philadelphia, on London. 1802. March 96 to 97 April 98 May 99 June 100 from par to 2 per cent advance. July 101 In Boston and Salem, on London. 1802. June 10. 98 per cent. In London upon Amsterdam. Guilders. Stivers. 1802, April 30, 10 16 per L. st. May, 10 15 do. June 11, 10 17 do. 23, 10 18 do. July 9, 10 17 do. 20, 10 17 1-2 do.
It will be recollected, that 11 guilders to the pound sterling, is the par of exchange.
Now, Sir, if the statements which I have made be correct as to the course of exchange, the commissioners so far from having gained any thing for the United States by the purchase of bills on Holland at 41 cents the guilder, have added to our loss and to the profit of the purchaser of the stock. In March, April and May, bills on London might have been bought under par—during and subsequent to the same period, bills in London on Amsterdam, might have been purchased also under par. The government therefore, might have remitted the instalment of the Dutch debt to Amsterdam, by the way of London, have allowed a commission of one per cent. for the operation, and yet made the remittance at par, and probably below it. This certainly was practicable, when during the period referred to, the average of exchange between the United States and London, was 2 per cent. below par, and the exchange between London and Amsterdam more than an half per cent. below par. Let me now ask, what have the commissioners saved by their contract to compensate the sacrifice of 20 dollars upon each of the 2220 shares of stock, which they sold.
They have sold our stock considerably below the market price, and have taken bills on Holland, in order to indemnify the United States, at a rate nearly 2 1-2 per cent. above par, when the remittance might have been made at par. And it will be remembered at the same time, that a fund producing 8 per cent. to the United States, was sacrificed to make this remittance, when there was a dead unproductive capital in the treasury, which might have been more beneficially employed to accomplish the same purpose.
Will gentlemen say, that this strange transaction ought not to be investigated, and the motives and design of it understood? It is undeniable, that a sacrifice, was made of dolls. 20, on each share, amounting upon the whole sale to dolls. 44,400. That two dividends were also sacrificed, amounting to dolls. 75,480, and making an aggregate loss to the United States of dolls. 119,880—and the compensation for this loss, is an agreement to remit dolls. 1,287,600, to Amsterdam, for a premium of 2 1-2 per cent. amounting to the sum of dolls. 32,190, when even this premium might have been saved, by due attention, and proper management.
This premium paid for the remittance ought to be added to the loss of the United States in the transaction, and will encrease it to the sum of 152,070 dollars.
The excuse for this sacrifice is a speculative suggestion of the commissioners, that if the government had come into the market in order to purchase bills to the amount of the instalment to be paid in Holland, their demand must have raised the price of bills greatly above par.
But, Sir, why was not the experiment made, and made at that period of the year when bills were low, and extended to the different commercial towns of the United States? By the report of the commissioners, it would seem that applications were made only to the Bank of the United States and the Manhattan Bank. A contract of this description was not properly the business of any Bank, and, therefore it could not be expected that any Bank would enter into the contract without a certain prospect of extraordinary profit. The Bank of the United States would have nothing to do with the business, and the Manhattan Bank offered to make the remittance at 43 cents the guilder. This offer I will shew presently was more advantageous to the government than the one accepted. But, Sir, what I consider a just ground of complaint against the conduct of the commissioners, is that more industry was not employed to purchase bills with the idle money in the Treasury in our different trading towns. Considering the large remittances annually made to England, the demand of the government could not have materially affected the market if a competition had been excited. But it would seem as if a veil of secrecy had been thrown over the transaction, and I believe I am warranted in saying that scarcely a merchant in the United States was informed of the treaty with Mr. Baring until it was completed.
I shall claim the attention of the House but a few moments longer, and it is in order to shew that the terms offered by the Manhattan Bank were more beneficial than those acceded to by the government. A very short statement demonstrates the position. The profit allowed to Mr. Baring was 20 dollars on each Bank share and two dividends—amounting to the sum of 119,880 dollars. In consideration of this allowance Mr. Baring undertook to pay in Amsterdam 1,287,600 dollars at 41 cents the guilder. The Manhattan Bank without any other profit offered to pay the same sum in Amsterdam at 43 cents the guilder. The difference is two cents the guilder, which is less than 5 per cent. But calculating the difference at 5 per cent it amounts only to the sum of 64,380 dollars. The profit allowed to Mr. Baring was 119,880 dollars. As
the Manhattan Bank offered to take the contract at 64,380 dollars, their terms were of consequence 55,500 dollars lower than those accepted. Why, Sir, was this sum of money thrown away. The solidity of the Bank, or their competency to perform the operation was not doubted, and yet the government have preferred to give 55,500 dollars more than the Bank demanded to an individual to undertake to make the remittance.
I shall trouble the House no longer, it is extremely possible that I have been wrongly informed as to material facts upon which my calculations are built, or my view of the subject may be fallacious.
I will not therefore rashly condemn the conduct of the commissioners. But Sir, strongly impressed as I am that the conduct of the commissioners was not only unauthorized by law, but inexpedient and extremely imprudent, I have considered it as my duty to submit to the House the following resolution:
Resolved. That enquiry ought to be made relative to the authority of the commissioners of the Sinking Fund to make sale of the shares of the stock of the bank of the United States, belonging to the United States; and also, as to the expediency of the said sale, and the profit or loss resulting therefrom to the United States."
[To be continued.]
Sales by Auction.
On Monday the 4th April next, will be sold on the premises, at ten o'clock A. M.
A two story Brick House and Lot, belonging to Mr. James Knight, in square 651. Carrollburgh City of Washington. It is well suited for a store or private family, and is subject to a payment of £112 Maryland currency, to Daniel Carroll of Dun'd. Esq. and fifty acres of Land, near Nantuxent river, Eastern Shore of Maryland. Also will be sold at the old auction room, in this town, on the 9th of April next, all the Household and Kitchen Furniture of the said James Knight, consisting of Beds, Bedsteads, Tables, Chairs, and a variety of other articles— Also, a Milch Cow.
J. CONNOR, Auctioneer. George Town, March 28. 3t
Genteel Boarding and Lodging to be had on the most reasonable terms, or ready furnished rooms, with a Stable, next door but two from Mr. Rapine's Book-store, Capitol Hill. Washington city. March 25. 3t
LEBOO
Will cover the ensuing season, to commence the first day of April, and end on the last day of June, on Mondays and Tuesdays at Queen Anne's Wednesdays and Thursdays at the farm of the subscriber, and Fridays and Saturdays at Bladensburg; at the rate of 16 dollars per Mare, cash, and half a dollar to the groom; the money to the groom to be sent with the mare, and a note for the balance, with the assumption of Messrs. Claggett or Hodges, of Queen Anne's, or Messrs. Lowndes or Bruce, of Bladensburg, payable on the first day of December next, will be received.
Leboo is eight years old, a fine bright bay, 15 hands three inches high, a flat and two white feet. He has proven himself both a sire and good foal-getter, having covered at four years old 25 mares, all of whom proved with foal; the costs are equal in size and beauty, to any in this part of the country, and except in two instances, they were a like as to colour. At four years old Leboo won the colts' purse at Annapolis; on the next day he won the City purse, and on the third day he won a purse in Prince George's county, immediately after having travelled upwards of 30 miles. The next spring, at 5 years old, he won the first day's purse at Annapolis; the fall after he ran against Mr. Taylor's Leviathan, at Alexandria, one heat, was lame and drawn; a few days after he won the first day's purse at Governor's town. At 6 years old he won the first day's purse at Annapolis; the fall after he won the purse again at Annapolis, the jockey club purse at Governor's town, the purse at Frederick town, and this city of Washington; running nine miles, by mistake, at the last mentioned place, beating Mr. Taylor's Leviathan. At seven years old he received a forfeit of 900 dollars at Havre-de-Grace, proceeded on to Germantown, won the first heat, afterwards fell lame, and was beat by Gen. Ridgely's Hambletonian, whom he had beaten three times before.
Leboo was got by High Flier, his blood and figure equal to that of any other horse, and his pedigree may be seen by applying to the subscriber.
OSBORN SPRIGG. Prince George's County. March 28. tf
The Subscriber will furnish good pasu e, at half a dollar per week, but will not be answerable for accidents or escapes.
PROPOSALS
Will be received by the Subscriber, until the 10th of April next, from the Cabinet makers within the district of Columbia.
FOR making thirty six Mahogany chair frames and a number of Mahogany tables, for the use of the House of Representatives of the United States, to be delivered at the Capitol at such time as may hereafter be fixed on.
Such persons as incline to offer proposals may see patterns by which they will be enabled to make their estimates, by calling at the Capitol. The estimates to be made for the first quality of work and the best materials.
THOMAS CLAXTON, Capitol Hill. March 16, 1803. twitroha
FOR SALE. A Blacksmith, who is a prime workman, and his WIFE, an excellent Washer and Ironer. Enquire of the Printer. Feb. 21. 7.
WASHINGTON CITY. MONDAY, MARCH 28th.
It affords us pleasure to notice a partial relaxation in the insolent and lawless attempts of faction to destroy by ruin, if not treasonable means, the peace of the country. Poulton's Philadelphia paper, which has hitherto indiscriminately admitted the grossest calumnies on the government, and strove with reflected if not original energy to sap the confidence of the Western people, has, as if at length awake to the imbecility or guilt of such conduct, made the following public confession; considering it as a virtual acknowledgement of error, and as the best atonement which circumstances admit, we hope it will be received as such by the public, and that this print will retrace the unguarded steps it has so incautiously taken—Here follow Mr. Poulton's remarks:
"The treasonable production, from the Kentucky Guardian of Freedom," given in this day's paper, merits the serious attention of our readers. We believe that no individual, unsupported by the countenance of others, would have the temerity to offer to our Western Brethren such an internal project as it contains—fraught with the most direful misery to all the states—as well western as eastern. We mean not to insinuate by this, that the author was encouraged by the people of Kentucky; on the contrary, the prompt measures adopted by the Attorney General to punish the author, shows that his piece excited their utmost indignation. But we are inclined to believe, that the author was employed by the emissaries of France in that country, to ascertain the effect which such a proposition would have on our Western Brethren. To divide and conquer has been the policy invariably pursued by the present rulers of France in all the unhappy countries of Europe which they have subjugated—and such will be their endeavours in this country. We hope this production, which probably develops the intentions of France towards our beloved country, will revive in the minds of our fellow citizens the old motto of 1775— "United we stand—Divided we fall." "
We should feel a higher satisfaction in being able to announce that the other federal prints, which have lately so much disgraced themselves, and traduced the national sentiment, indicated a similar disposition to abandon means, the enormity of which has become so flagrantly conspicuous. We cannot, however, yet enjoy this pleasure, though we find the unequivocal manifestation of the public opinion will very soon put a period to them. In the mean time the following extract from the Boston Centinel exhibits a marked contrast to the preceding extract; and it shews that whatever suppositious agency the French may have had in attempting to divide the western from the eastern country, in naked language in dismembering the empire, they have not the exclusive merit; but that the federalists, gentlemen of that sect of the first political information, are as ardent in their efforts as those who do not conceal their being governed by foreign influence.
From the Boston Centinel.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of the first political information, to his friend in this town. New-York, March 5, 1803.
"This City, like most of the capitals of the Union, abounds in politicians. Some of whom scent the air of war, in all the passing events; others think the fund will fly over; and that the lill life of Peace will be continued. The affair of Louisiana is in every body's mouth. We have reports here, which come pretty direct, that the Kentuckians are about taking up arms, to attack New Orleans. It appears to me to be the general wish that they should—so that in the negotiation we could play off that informality against the informality of the Spanish Intendant.—In this informal game, I think they would find that we have the best of it. Letters from Washington lay, that both Mr. Burr and Mr. Dayton mean to journey into the Western country. Mr. Monroe fails to-morrow. Whether he has l'argent sufficient to bribe the French government into a compliance with our demands or to make a fair purchase of the colony in open market—I have not learnt. The negotiation is generally scouted; and the public expectation is against its beneficial termination."
BOSTON ELECTION. (From the Chronicle.)
A small change is the board of selectmen was the principal object contemplated by the republicans on Monday last. The exertions for this purpose were so far partial that many of them did not know of the intended removal. The federalists, on the contrary, gave an alarm on the coming of the election, founded as usual on FALSHOODS, which brought a large proportion of their phantoms to distribute votes in opposition to the Republican list, and many took votes
from them, supposing for once that the "Boston Gazette" was authentic in its information—But they have since found that it was the old story of lying! The poll was kept open an unusual time, and finally closed to soon as the vote appeared to be in their favor. On closing the poll there were 1346 votes—necessary for a choice 674—the three gentlemen contested had 676, and were consequently chosen by two MAJORITY! Thus stands the decision of the town in their municipal election. From the circumstance of closing the poll, by the peremptory decision of the Selectmen, when their own election is depending, it is suggested whether it would not be proper to defer counting the votes till the whole was received.
An ordinance has been published in the Madrid Court Gazette, by which the town of Ferrol is permitted to employ its harbour for the importation of foreign goods, & carry on a free trade to America, under the same privileges which are enjoyed by the ports of Corunna and Vigo.
Harford, March 17.
A REPUBLICAN FESTIVAL,
In honor of the election of President Jefferson, was celebrated at New-Haven, pursuant to previous arrangement.
The morning was saluted by discharges of artillery from the public square and from the neighbouring rocks.
The concourse of people was beyond all expectation, and the procession consisted, at the time of reaching the Meeting-House, of One thousand One hundred and eight persons.
The exercises were opened and closed with very pertinent prayers by the Rev. Mr. Coules and the Rev. Mr. Asaine—The republican proclamation was read by Roswell Judson, Esq.—Mr. Jefferson's inaugural Speech by Ephraim Kirby, Esq. The principal performance was an Oration by Pierpont Edwards, Esq. which in point of argument and eloquence equalled the expectations of the audience; to have exceeded them was impracticable. The vocal and instrumental music was highly approved.
On the audience leaving the house the return procession was saluted by a discharge of 17 guns.
After dinner were drank under a discharge of artillery the following toasts—In the evening was a splendid exhibition of fireworks under direction of Mr. William Hull. A full conception of this Festival can rest only with those who witnessed it.
TOASTS.
 1st. Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States—On this day we celebrate the anniversary of his election, and rejoice in the usefulness of his administration—9 guns, 9 cheers, long Jefferson and Liberty.  2d. The people of the United States—May they never again lose their sovereignty.  3d. The memory of the late President Washington.  4th. The Congress of the United States—Their measures have proved that the representatives of freemen dare do their duty.  5th. Heads of departments—May they continue to deserve the public confidence.  6th. The 14 republican States—May they know how to prize the blessings of self government.  7th. The 3 Federal States—May they relinquish the name of republican, or deserve the character.  8th. The States Connecticut—May its civil rights soon have constitutional bounds—its professional men be confined within their limits, and its Courts be rescued from annual dependence on Suitors and Advocates.  9th. May the intolerant times of the Blue Laws and the Black Cockade never more disgrace this state.  10th. May justice between man and man be hereafter obtained like all other good things, at a fair price.  11th. The new election law—It will die young and its parents will be the only mourners at its funeral.  12th. The Press—May libels and slanders never be countenanced by the advocates for its liberty.  13th. Privileged orders—May those who covet titles and rank emigrate to countries where birth confers, or wealth purchases them; but in this state may the only claim to genealogy be, that we all had grand fathers and great grand fathers.  14th. The council of this state—May they pass the present year in full recollection, that man is cut down as a flower, or that he withers and dies, and that the days of their year are numbered.  15th. The House of Representatives—Nominal an independent branch of our legislature; may they soon become really such.  16th. The Militia of the United States—an army of freemen.  17th. May those foreign nations which violate our rights, be taught justice by the force of reason, and may that party within our borders, whom reason will not influence, be overpowered by numbers.  VOLUNTEERS. Ephraim Kirby, Esq.—The patriot,

the Statesman, and the Soldier, such is our candidate for the first office in Connecticut.
Pierpont Edwards, Esq. —Orator of the day—strong reasoning and powerful eloquence are the pledges of republican triumph.
James Munroe ,—Success to his mission.
New-York, March 21.
On Friday last a dinner was given at the City Hotel, in honor of the author of "Common Sense." At 4 o'clock a numerous company of republicans sat down to dinner, after which the following toasts were drank, accompanied with appropriate songs and music—at ten o'clock the company retired in perfect harmony and order.
1. The people of the United States—May they ever retain their elevated situation in the ranks of mankind. Music—Washington's march.
2. Thomas Jefferson—The tried and faithful servant of the Republic—The President's march.
3. The Hardy Yeomanry of our Country—They gave us freedom, and they will preserve it.—Yankee Doodle.
4. The unextinguished and unextinguishable spark from the altar of '76.
5. The 4th of March, 1801—May the idea of March be ominous to tyrants.—Jefferson's march.
6. Peace, while it can be preserved with honor—when war becomes necessary, the foes of the administration cannot teach us our duty.—Marseilles Hymn.
7. The straight line without expedients—the sure path to lasting reputation.—The sons of Columbia.
8. Federal Editors throughout the Union—may they be free to opine the administration without the restraint of Sedition Laws.—Rogues march.
9. "Steady Habits"—Magic words used by political necromancers to bind the spirits of freemen in passive submission.—Steady habits.
10. Gratitude to the benefactors of our country.—Welcome return.
11. Rulers without deceit, and a people without faction.—Hail Columbia.
12. Opinion—a sacred right, acknowledged by all but tyrants.—Rule Columbia.
13. Reason, the sun of social existence—may its illuminating influence dispel the fogs of prejudice and error.
14. Information—the best security for public happiness.—Jefferson and Liberty.
15. "Common Sense"—the ablest opponent of sophistry and error, and best support of the "Rights of Man" throughout every dangerous "Crises" of human affairs.—Ca Ira.
16. Republicanism—Simple in its principles, salutary in its practice.—Hail Columbia.
17. The Heroes of humanity throughout the globe.—March in Abolition.
After Mr. Paine had retired—the President gave—Mr. THOMAS PAINE.—He has dared when under the jaws of tyrants—to vindicate the rights of Man.—Shall he now be deterred by the reproaches of a forlorn remnant of aristocracy?—5 cheers.
VOLUNTEERS.
A new world and its liberties, and may the right of enquiry into the truth or fallacy of systems of government, or systems of religion, be ever supported by the people of the United States.
The freedom of election, may the next man who aspires at the presidency in contempt of the people receive a coat of tar, and a crown of thorns.
TO COUNTRY SUBSCRIBERS.
Subscribers, who have not complied with the fundamental term of this paper the payment of their annual subscription in advance, are respectfully informed that unless this shall be soon done, the Editor will be under the disagreeable necessity of ceasing to transmit their papers.
Thirty Dollars Reward.
Stolen from the subscriber in the City of Washington, on Monday evening last, the 20th instant, a handsome well made dark sorrel mare. (saddled and bridled) about fourteen and a half hands high, aged about six years; a small white spot behind the right ear under the bridle, some white on one of the hind legs. A rider, with evident symptoms of guilt passed the Georgetown ferry, rode off post haste, and was traced near Colchester on the same evening. The above reward will be given on discovery of the mare and thief, or 15 dollars for the mare.
ELNEZER NESMITH,
Near the Navy Yard,
City of Washington 23d March 1803. 3t.
Charlotte-Hall School.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Trustees will set up on the 2d Monday in May, to the lowest bidder, the building of a house at Charlotte-Hall for the residence of the Principal; agreeably to a plan which will then be submitted. An advance of one half the cost will be made to the undertaker upon giving bond and security to be approved of by the Board of Trustees.
Signed by order,
NEALE H. SHAW, Regr.
March 19, 1803. ep am m.
AN ACT For the preservation of the Foot-Ways and Trees on the Streets and Avenues in the City.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the first and second Chambers of the City Council of Washington, That no person shall drive any waggon, cart or other carriage whatever, on any of the paved or gravelled foot-ways now made, or which may hereafter be made, in and on any of the public avenues or streets within the city of Washington, or ride thereon, except at the intersections of streets and avenues, under the penalty of two dollars, to be recovered with costs, for every offence.
Sec. 2. And be it enacted, That if any person shall cut down, break, wound or in any manner destroy or injure, intentionally, any of the trees now planted and set on any of the public streets, avenues or alleys in the said city, or which may hereafter be so planted and set, or any of the posts, boxes, stakes or other protection thereof,—each person, so offending, shall forfeit and pay, for each offence, the sum of five dollars, to be recovered with costs.
Sec. 3. And be it enacted, That one half of said penalties shall go to the informer, or person who may prosecute for the same, and the other half to the city;—and if any offender under this act shall be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, and if an apprentice, the master or mistress of such apprentice shall, respectively, be liable to the penalty under this act, and the same shall be recoverable as aforesaid, against such parent, or guardian, master or mistress;—and if any slave shall be guilty of any offence under this act, the owner, or person in whose employment or service the said slave may be, shall pay the penalty.
SAMUEL H. SMITH,
President pro tempore of the First Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
DANL. CARROLL, of Dudd.
President of the Second Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
APPROVED, May 25th, 1803.
ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
True Copy,
Test,
THOMAS HERTY, Regr.
of the City of Washington.
AN ACT
Extending the time for providing Fire Buckets, and for regulating weights and measures.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the first and second Chambers of the City Council of Washington, That so much of the act entitled "An act to provide for the prevention and extinction of fires," as requires the providing of fire-buckets, prior to the first day of March, shall be and the same is hereby repealed, and persons thereby required to provide the same, shall have time until the first day of June next.
Sec. 2. And be it enacted, That the scale of weights and measures shall have time until the first day of May next, to rectify and brand weights and measures, and he shall not, until after the said first day of May, enter into shops or other places to examine weights and measures, as directed by the act, entitled "An act to regulate weights and measures."
SAMUEL H. SMITH,
President pro tempore of the First Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
DANL. CARROLL, of Dudd.
President of the Second Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
Approved, May 25th, 1803.
ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
True Copy,
Test,
THOMAS HERTY, Regr.
of the City of Washington.
AN ACT
Making further appropriation for the relief of the Poor and repair of streets.
BE it enacted by the First and Second Chambers of the City Council of Washington, That a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars be appropriated for the further relief of poor, disabled and infirm persons, to be applied in the same way as is directed by the act, entitled "An act for the relief of poor, infirm and diseased persons;" and that a sum not exceeding fifty dollars be appropriated for the purpose of keeping in repair the streets and avenues, to be expended under the direction of the mayor.
SAMUEL H. SMITH,
President pro tempore of the first Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
DANL. CARROLL, of Dudd.
President of the second Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
Approved, May 25th, 1803.
ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
True Copy,
Test,
THOMAS HERTY, Regr.
of the City of Washington.
AN ACT
Supplementary to the act entitled "An act to establish and regulate markets."
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the first and second Chambers of the City Council of
Washington, That a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars be appropriated, to be expended, under the direction of the mayor, in the purchase of the necessary scales, weights and measures for the use of the west market and erecting an enclosure for taking care of the same; and the supervisor or clerk of said market shall have the care of, and be accountable for them.
Sec. 2. And be it enacted, That there shall be paid to each of the supervisors or clerks of the several markets as a compensation, in addition to the compensation allowed by the act to which this is a supplement, the sum of fifty cents for each and every day on which he has attended or may hereafter attend in the discharge of his duty.
Sec. 3. And be it enacted, That fish shall be sold, out of market, during market hours, between the first day of March, and the first day of November in every year; any thing in the act aforesaid, contained to the contrary, notwithstanding.
SAMUEL H. SMITH,
President pro tempore of the first Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
DANL. CARROLL, of Dudd.
President of the second Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
Approved, May 25th, 1803.
ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.
True Copy,
Test,
THOMAS HERTY, Regr.
of the City of Washington.
Valuable Lands For Sale.
Will be sold to the highest bidder by the Executors of the late GEN. GEORGE WASHINGTON, the following tracts of Land, at the times and places here after mentioned, viz.
On the first Monday in April on the premises.
600 acres lying in Charles County in the state of Maryland near a place called the fifth Trap, about 16 miles above Port Tobacco.
On the 2d Monday in April on the premises.
519 acres in Montgomery county in the state of Maryland, in the neighbourhood of Frederick town, not far from Kittorian.
On the 15th day of April at Charles Town.
453 acres in Jefferson county Virginia, about two miles west of Charles town, also 240 acres lying in Hampshire county on Potomac river, about 12 miles above Bath.
On the 16th of April on the premises.
1600 acres in Jefferson county on the fourth fork of Bullskin.
On the 16th day of April on the premises.
183 acres in Jefferson county in Wormleys line.
On the 30th of April on the premises.
571 acres in Frederick county 11 1/2 miles south of Battle town.
On the 32d of April at Paris.
2431 acres on Ashley's, and 885 acres on Chastians run in Fauquier county.
The amount of the purchase money to be paid down, and the balance in three annual instalments to be secured by a mortgage on the premises, and to carry interest from the day of sale.
THE EXECUTORS.
Feb. 28. March 4—ent22a.
NOTICE.
The Creditors of James Robinson, late of Washington county deceased, are hereby notified that the subscriber has now in hand a considerable sum of money as assets of the said deceased, and that he will make a distribution of the same among such of the creditors as will attend for such purpose with proper vouchers, on the second Tuesday in April next, at Rhodes's Hotel, in the city of Washington, at 11 o'clock A. M.
LEWIN TALBURTT,
Administrator.
March 21. ep3t
NOTICE.
The inhabitants of the second and third districts of the city of Washington (which includes all that part of the city east of Sixth Street west and north and south of Pennsylvania Avenue) and others holding property in said districts, are hereby informed that the subscriber will attend for the purpose of receiving their taxes at Mr. Steele's tavern, from Monday the 21st of this month, until the 21st of next month, every day, Sunday excepted, from 11 o'clock A. M. till 2 o'clock P. M. It is hoped early attention will be had to this notice; as the law requires the tax shall be paid within one month from the date of notice, otherwise their property will be subject to distress and sale, which must be complied with, however disagreeable to the subscriber. The right of voting for Councilmen for the city also depends on the payment of the tax prior to the election, which will take place on the 1st Monday in June next.
WASHINGTON BOYD,
Treasurer of Washington City.
March 18. 2w3w
NOTICE.
This is to give notice, that the subscriber of Washington City has obtained from the Orphan's Court of Washington county, in the district of Columbia, letters of administration on the personal estate of JAMES DENNIS, late of the Congress frigate in the said county, deceased; all persons having claim against the said deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the subscriber at or before the 25th day of September next, they in any otherwise by law be excluded from all benefits of the said estate. Given under my hand this 24th day of March, in the year 1803.
JAMES ANDERSON,
Administrator.
March 23d, 1803. 2w3w
NOTICE.
THE Inhabitants of the 1st district of the city of Washington (which includes all that part of the City South of Pennsylvania Avenue and west of 6th Street west) and others holding property in said district, are hereby informed that the subscriber will attend for the purpose of receiving their taxes at Mr. Rhodes's tavern from the first day of next month (every day sun-day excepted) from 3 o'clock P. M. till 6 o'clock P. M. to the 31st thereof. It is hoped early attention will be had to this notice, as the law requires the tax shall be paid within one month from the date of notice, otherwise their property will be subject to distress and sale, which will be very disagreeable to the subscriber.
WASHINGTON BOYD,
Treasurer of the City of Washington.
Feb. 28. 2w6w.
THEO. HOLT
Has for sale, at his Nursery Garden,
Eastern Branch,
A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF
FRESH GARDEN SEEDS,
Which he has imported from London, per ship Sheppard, to Norfolk, and others of his own raising—consisting of
Early, Dwarf Marrowfat do. Early Scarlet Radish, Early Charlton do. Mixed do. Large Marrowfat do. Spanish do. Dwarf Russian do. White Turnip do. Dwarf Union do. Long Prickly Cucumber, Dwarf Profile do. Green Turkey do. Large Windsor Beans, Nasturtium, Turkey Longpod do. Parsley, Dwarf Bunch do. Spinage, Lima do. Red Seed, Saddlecrop do. Early Horn Carrot, Early York Cabbage, Long Orange do. Early Bitterna do. Large Parsnip, Early Sugarleaf do. Leaf Lettuce, Large Drumhead do. Brown Dutch do. Green Savoy do. Mixed do. many sorts, Red Pickling do. Solid Celery, Scotch Kale. Endive, Broccoli, White Asparagus, Early Cauliflower, Common, Late do. Salafic, &c. &c. &c. Early Dutch Turnip, Large Israeli Onion,
variety of different kinds of Fruit
Trees, Flowering Shrubs, Flower Seeds,
Garden Hoes and Rakes, various sizes; imported
Rollers of fine Mixed Tulips, Double
Hyacinths, Double Jonquils, Crown Imperials,
Double snow Drops, Acetosellas, Persian
Ranunculus, Persian Iris, Crocus, &c. A
quantity of Lombardy Poplars, proper size
for planting.
Washington, Jan. 21, 1803. 2wtf
City Repository and Auction Room.
Household Furniture, and goods of every
description, received for public and
private sale, by JOHN GARDNER,
Auctioneer, Pennsylvania Avenue, 4th
house west of President's square.
GARDNER will have an Auction every
Thursday at 11 A. M. and sell by private
sale other days. This arrangement he
trusts will accommodate all who are desirous
to sell cheap for cash; and all who are desirous
to buy cheap. Those who have goods
they wish to part with, can exhibit them at
this repository, and those who wish to pur-
chase, by calling, will probably find what they
want on easy terms.
Variety of Home Furniture—some dry
Good—Books—Earthenware—Ironmongery
Carpenters Tools—A Franklin stove &c. &c.,
now for sale Cheap. J. GARDNER.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
Lost on Thursday afternoon,
A RED MOROCCO POCKET-BOOK,
IN which were several Notes of the Bank of
Discount and Deposit, Washington, and one
twenty dollar Manhattan Bank Note, besides
fundry papers, valuable only to the owner.
It was lost between the Capitol and the lower
Ferry, over the Eastern branch—the above
reward will be given for returning it to its
former owner.
THOMAS CARPENTER.
City of Washington March 21, 1803.
FOR SALE.
EXCELLENT Butter in Firkins,
Whiskey in Barrels, and Sherry Wine
in quarter Casks.
WM. BRENT.
Now Jersey Avenue near the Capitol.
NOTICE.
In the matter of JOHN JACK, Bank-
rupt.
THE subscriber being appointed Assignee of
the Estate and effects of JOHN JACK
Bankrupt. All persons indebted to the said
Bankrupt, are requested to make immediate
payment otherwise legal steps will be indis-
criminately taken to compel them.
RICHARD FORREST, Assignee.
RAPINE, CONRAD & Co.
BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS,
New Jersey Avenue, near the Capitol,
HAVE JUST RECEIVED AND FOR SALE,
Washington's Reports of cases argued and de-
termined in the court of appeals of Virginia
—Price 6 dollars.
An address to the government of the United
States, on the cession of Louisiana, second
edition—Price 25 cents
Monroe's Embassy, in relation to our claims
to the navigation of the Mississippi—
Price 25 cents.

[By Authority.]
SEVENTH CONGRESS
OF THE UNITED STATES; At the Second Session, Begun and held at the City of Washington, in the Territory of Columbia, on Monday, the sixth of December, one thousand eight hundred and two.
AN ACT
Regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States, south of the river Tennessee.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That any person or persons, and the legal representatives of any person or persons, who were resident in the Mississippi territory on the twenty seventh day of October, in the year one thousand seven hundred ninety-five, and who had prior to that day obtained either from the British government of West Florida, or from the Spanish government, any warrant or order of survey for lands lying within the said territory, to which the Indian title had been extinguished, and which were on that day actually inhabited and cultivated by such person or persons, or for his or their use, shall be confirmed in their claims to such lands in the same manner as if their titles had been completed: Provided however, That no such incomplete title shall be confirmed, unless the person in whose name such warrant or order of survey had been granted, was at the time of its date either the head of a family, or above the age of twenty-one years.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That to every person, or to the legal representative or representatives of every person who, being either the head of a family, or at twenty-one years of age, and on that day of the year seventeen hundred and ninety-seven, when the Mississippi territory was finally ceded by the Spanish troops, actually inhabited and cultivated a tract of land in the said territory, not claimed by virtue either of the preceding section, or of any British grant, or of the articles of agreement and cession between the United States and the state of Georgia, the said tract of land thus inhabited and cultivated, shall be granted: Provided however, That not more than one tract shall be thus granted to any one person, and the same shall not contain more than six hundred and forty acres: And provided also, That this donation shall not be made to any person who claims any other tract of land in the said territory by virtue of any British or Spanish grant, or order of survey.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That every person, and the legal representatives of every person, who being the head of a family, or above the age of twenty-one years, doth at the time of passing this act, inhabit and cultivate a tract of land in the said territory, not claimed by virtue of the preceding sections of this act, or of any British grant, or of the articles of agreement and cession above mentioned, shall be entitled to a preference in becoming the purchaser from the United States, of such tract of land, at the price at which the other lands of the United States in the said territory, are by this act directed to be sold; and payment may be made therefor in the same manner, and under the same conditions as directed by this act for such other lands: Provided however, That no interest shall be charged upon any of the instalments until they respectively become payable.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That for the disposal of the lands of the United States within the Mississippi territory, two land offices shall be established in the same, one at such place in the county of Adams, as shall be designated by the President of the United States, for the lands lying west of "Pearl river," sometimes called "half way river," and one at such place in the county of Washington, as shall be designated by the President of the United States, for the lands lying east of Pearl river; and for each of the said offices, a register and a receiver of public monies shall be appointed, who shall give security in the same manner, and in the same sums, and whose duties and authority shall in every respect be the same in relation to the lands which shall be disposed of at their offices, as are by law provided in relation to the registers and the receivers of public monies in the several offices established for the disposal of the lands of the United States, north of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That every person claiming lands by virtue of any British grant, or of the three first sections of this act, or of the articles of agreement and cession between the United States and the state of Georgia, shall before the last day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and four, deliver to the register of the land office, within whose district the land
may be, a notice in writing, stating the nature and extent of his claims, together with a plot of the tract or tracts claimed, and shall also on or before that day, deliver to the said register, for the purpose of being recorded, every grant, order of survey, deed, conveyance, or other written evidence of his claim, and the same shall be recorded by the said register, in books to be kept for that purpose, on receiving from the parties at the rate of twelve and a half cents, for every hundred words contained in such written evidence of their claim; and if such person shall neglect to deliver such notice in writing, of his claim, together with a plot as aforesaid, or cause to be recorded such written evidence of the same, all his right, so far as the same is derived from the above mentioned articles of agreement, or from the three first sections of this act, shall become void, and forever thereafter be barred; nor shall any grant, order of survey, deed, conveyance, or other written evidence, which shall not be recorded as above directed, ever after be considered or admitted as evidence in any court in the United States, against any grant derived from the United States.
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the register of the land office in Adams county, and two other persons who shall be appointed by the President of the United States alone shall for the lands lying west of Pearl river, and the register of the land office of Washington county, together with two other persons who shall be appointed by the President of the United States alone shall for the lands lying east of Pearl river, respectively be commissioners, for the purpose of ascertaining the rights of persons, claiming the benefit of the articles of agreement and cession between the United States and the state of Georgia, or of the three first sections of this act; and the said commissioners shall, previous to entering on the duties of their appointment, respectively take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, before some person qualified to administer the same: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will impartially execute and discharge the duties imposed upon me, by an act of Congress, entitled, an act regulating the grants of land and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States south of the state of Tennessee, to the best of my skill and judgment." And it shall be the duty of the said commissioners to meet in the county of Adams, and in Washington county at said respectively, on or before the first day of December next, and they shall not adjourn to any other place, or for a longer time than three days, until the first day of April, one thousand eight hundred and four, and until they shall have completed the business of their appointment. And each board, or a majority of each board, shall, in their respective districts, have power to hear and decide in a summary manner, all matters respecting such claims, also to administer oaths and examine witnesses, and such other testimony as may be adduced, and to determine thereon according to justice and equity; which determination, so far as relates to any rights derived from the articles of agreement above mentioned, or from the three first sections of this act, shall be final; and for the safe keeping of the papers and evidence produced and recording their proceedings, the said boards, respectively, shall have power to appoint a clerk, whose duty it shall be to enter in a book to be kept for that purpose, perfect and correct minutes of the proceedings, decisions, meetings and adjournments of the boards, together with the evidence on which such decisions are made; which books and papers, on the dissolution of the boards shall be transmitted to, and lodged in the office of the Secretary of State; and on or before such clerk entering on the duties of his office, he shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, to wit:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) as the case may be, that I will truly and faithfully enter and record all minutes, proceedings and decisions of the board of commissioners for the county of _____ appointed under and by virtue of an act of the United States, entitled "An act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States, south of the state of Tennessee," and well and faithfully do and perform all other acts and things in said act, pointed out as the duty of a clerk of the said board," which oath shall be entered on the minutes of the board; and when it shall appear to them that the claimant is entitled to a tract of land under the articles of agreement and cession with Georgia aforesaid, in virtue of a British or Spanish grant legally and fully executed, they shall give a certificate thereof, describing the tract of land and grant, and stating that the claimant is confirmed in his title thereto by virtue of the said articles; which certificate, being recorded by the register of the land office, whose duty it shall be to record the same in a book to be kept by him for that purpose, shall amount to a relinquishment forever on the part of the United States to any claim whatever to such tract of land; and when it shall appear to the said commissioners that the claimant is entitled to a tract of land by virtue of a settle-
ment under the Bourbon act of Georgia, recognized in the said articles of agreement and cession, or of either of the two first sections of this act, they shall give a certificate thereof, stating the circumstances of the case, and that the claimant is entitled to receive a patent for such a tract of land by virtue of this act; which certificate being duly entered with the register of the land office, on or before the first day of January, eighteen hundred and five, shall entitle the party to a patent for the said tract, which shall issue in like manner as is provided by this act for the other lands of the United States, without the party paying any thing therefor, except the surveying expenses and the fees of office. And when it shall appear to the said commissioners that the claimant is entitled to a right of pre-emption by virtue of the third section of this act, they shall give a certificate thereof, directed to the register of the land office; which certificate being duly entered with the register of the land office, on or before the first day of January, eighteen hundred and five, shall entitle the party to become a purchaser for such tract of land: Provided, That he shall prior to the first day of January, eighteen hundred and six also produce a receipt from the treasurer of the United States, or from the receiver of public monies for at least one fourth part of the purchase money, and also for the payment of the surveying expenses; and the party shall upon payment in full of the purchase money, on which, if any of the three last payments shall be made in advance, he shall be allowed the same discount allowed in similar cases by this act, be entitled to receive a patent, which shall issue in like manner, and on payment of the same fees as are provided by this act for the other lands of the United States: but if such person shall neglect to enter his certificate, on or before the first day of January, eighteen hundred and five or to make such first payment as above provided, his right of pre-emption shall cease and become void: Provided also, and it is further enacted, That whenever a tract of land to which any person might be entitled by virtue of the three first sections of this act, shall also be claimed by the holder of a British patent, legally and fully executed, and duly recorded in conformity to the provisions of this act, who is not confirmed in his claim by the articles of agreement above mentioned, the commissioners shall in the certificate granted to the person claiming the land by virtue of this act, state the existence of the adverse claims, in which case the party shall not be entitled to a patent, unless he shall have obtained in his favor a judicial decision in a court having jurisdiction therein, and for every certificate so granted by the boards respectively the clerk of the board granting the same, shall be entitled to demand and receive of the party to whom the same is granted, the sum of two dollars.
Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That the commissioners aforesaid, shall, on or before the first day of December, one thousand eight hundred and four, make to the secretary of the treasury a full report of all the British grants legally and fully executed, which have been duly recorded in conformity to the provisions of this act, the title of which is not confirmed to the holders thereof, by the articles of agreement above mentioned, stating the present situation of the lands, the date of such grants, the conditions annexed thereto, and how far the same have been fulfilled, together with such other remarks thereon as they may think proper. Such report shall be laid before Congress at their next session, and the lands contained in such grants shall not be otherwise disposed of, until the end of one year after that time.
Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That so much of the five millions of acres reserved for that purpose by the articles of agreement above mentioned, as may be necessary to satisfy the claims not confirmed by that agreement, which are embraced by the two first sections of this act, or which may be derived from British grants for lands which have not been re-granted by the Spanish government, be, and the same is hereby appropriated for that purpose; and to much of the residue of the said five millions of acres or of the nett proceeds thereof as may be necessary for that purpose, shall be, and is hereby appropriated, for the purpose of satisfying, quieting and compensating, for such other claims to the lands of the United States south of the state of Tennessee, not recognized in the above mentioned articles of agreement, and which are derived from any act or pretended act of the state of Georgia, which Congress may hereafter think fit to provide for, provided however that no other claims shall be embraced by this appropriation, but those, the evidence of which shall have on or before the first day of January next, been exhibited by the claimants to the Secretary of State, and recorded in books to be kept in his office for that purpose, at the expense of the party exhibiting the same, who shall pay to the person employed by the Secretary of State for recording the same, at the rate of twelve and a half cents for every hundred words contained in each docu-
ment thus recorded, nor shall any grant, deed, conveyance, or other written evidence of any claim to the said lands, derived, or pretended to be derived from the state of Georgia, and not recognized by the above mentioned articles of agreement, ever after be admitted or considered as evidence in any of the courts of the United States, unless it shall have been exhibited, and recorded, in the manner and within the time above mentioned; and provided also, that nothing herein contained, shall be construed to recognize or affect the claims, of any person or persons, to any of the lands above mentioned, and provided also, that no certificate shall be granted for lands lying east of the Tombigby river, nor for lands situated without the boundary lines established by treaty between the United States and the Choctaws, made the 17th day of October, in the year eighteen hundred and two.
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General for the time being, be and are hereby authorized and empowered to receive such propositions of compromise and settlement, as may be offered by the several companies, or persons claiming public lands in the territory of the United States, lying south of the state of Tennessee; and west of the state of Georgia, and report their opinion thereon to Congress at their next session.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That a surveyor of the lands of the United States, south of the state of Tennessee, shall be appointed, whose duty it shall be to engage a sufficient number of skillful surveyors as his deputies, and to cause the lands above mentioned, to which the titles of the Indian tribes have been extinguished, to be surveyed and divided in the manner hereafter directed, and to do and perform all such other acts in relation to the said lands, as the surveyor general is authorized and directed to do in relation to the lands lying north west of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of the river Kentucky.
Sec. 11. And be it further enacted, That the lands for which certificates of any description whatever, shall have been granted by the commissioners in pursuance of the provisions of this act, shall as soon as may be, be surveyed under the direction of the surveyor of the lands of the United States, above mentioned, in conformity to the true tenor and intent of such certificates, and the said surveyor shall also cause all the other lands of the United States, in the Mississippi territory, to which the Indian title has been extinguished, to be surveyed as far as practicable, into townships, and subdivided into half sections, in the manner provided for the surveying of the lands of the United States situate north west of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river, and shall transmit to the registers of the land offices respectively, general and particular plots of all the lands surveyed as aforesaid, and shall also forward copies of the said plots to the secretary of the treasury; and he shall also, with the approbation of the said secretary, fix the compensation of the deputy surveyors, chain carriers, and axe men. Provided, that the whole expense of surveying and marking the lines shall not exceed four dollars for every mile that shall be actually run, surveyed and marked: And provided, that the expense of surveying those tracts of land, to which the title of the claimants is confirmed by the articles of agreement, or by the two first sections of this act, & those tracts claimed under British grants, a return of which is to be made to Congress, shall not be advanced by the United States, but shall be paid to the deputy surveyor by the parties claiming the same; and that in relation to all the lands sold by the United States, the purchaser shall make the same payment for surveying expenses, which is directed by law to be made for lands sold north of the river Ohio.
Sec. 12. And be it further enacted, That all the lands aforesaid, not otherwise disposed of or excepted by virtue of the preceding sections of this act, shall, with the exception of the section number sixteen, which shall be reserved in each township for the support of schools within the same, with the exception also of thirty six sections to be located in one body by the Secretary of the Treasury for the use of Jefferson college, be offered for sale to the highest bidder, under the direction of the governor of the Mississippi territory, of the surveyor of the lands of the United States, above mentioned, and of the register of the land office at the places respectively, where the land offices are kept, and on such day or days as shall, by a public proclamation of the President of the United States, be designated for that purpose. The sales shall remain open at each place for three weeks and no longer; and all lands, other than the section number sixteen, remaining unsold at the closing of the public sales, may be disposed of at private sale by the registers of the respective land offices in the same manner, under the same regulations, for the same price, and on the same terms and conditions as is provided by law, for the sale of the lands of the United States, north of the river Ohio, by an act, intitled, "An Act to amend the act intitled, an act providing for the
sale of the lands of the United States, in the territory north west of the Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river:" Provided always, That the lands which may be sold at public sale by virtue of this act, shall not be sold for less than two dollars per acre, and shall in every other respect be sold on the same terms and conditions as was provided for the lands sold at public sale, by the last recited act. And patents shall be obtained for all lands granted or sold in the Mississippi territory in the same manner and on payment of the same fees as is provided for lands sold north of the river Ohio, by the said last recited act; Provided however, that evidences of the public debt of the United States shall not be received in payment for the purchase of the said lands.
Sec. 13. And be it further enacted, That the registers of the land offices, and the receivers of public monies, appointed in pursuance of this act, shall receive the same fees and compensation as the registers and receivers of the land offices, north of the river Ohio, and the registers shall also be entitled to receive twenty five cents for entering each certificate granted by the commissioners above mentioned. The surveyor of the lands of the United States, appointed in pursuance of this act, shall receive an annual compensation of fifteen hundred dollars, and shall be allowed not exceeding two clerks, whose whole compensation shall not exceed one thousand dollars per annum. The commissioners appointed to ascertain the rights of persons claiming the benefit of the articles of agreement above mentioned, and of this act, shall receive each a compensation of two thousand dollars for the whole of their services, the registers of the land offices excepted, who shall receive only five hundred dollars each, for their services as commissioners; the clerks of the boards of commissioners a compensation not exceeding seven hundred and fifty dollars each, and the superintendents of the public sales shall receive six dollars each, for each day's attendance on the said sales.
Sec. 14. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States shall have full power to appoint and commission the surveyor, registers of the land offices, and receivers of public monies above mentioned, in the recess of Congress, and their commissions shall continue in force until the end of the session of Congress next ensuing such appointment.
Sec. 15. And be it further enacted, That a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, be, and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carrying this act into effect; which sum shall be paid out of any unappropriated monies in the treasury.
Sec. 16. And be it further enacted, That the nett proceeds of the lands which may be sold by virtue of this act, after deducting the surveying expenses & other expenses incident to the sale thereof, shall, and the same are hereby appropriated in the first place, towards paying to the state of Georgia a sum of one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, in pursuance of the articles of agreement and cession entered into between the United States and that State; and the secretary of the treasury is hereby authorized and directed to pay accordingly, and from time to time, as the same shall be received in the treasury of the United States, so much of the said nett proceeds as will amount to the said sum of one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Sec. 17. And be it further enacted, That all navigable rivers within the territory of the United States, south of the state of Tennessee, shall be deemed to be and remain public highways.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. STEPHEN R. BRADLEY, President of the Senate pro tempore. March 3d, 1803. APPROVED, TH: JEFFERSON.
CHARLES VARDEN, TAYLOR, FROM PHILADELPHIA.
HAS received from Philadelphia an elegant assortment of the best quality Superfine Cloths, Cassimeres, Silk florimone, Black and fancy silk moleskin velvet, white & figured Marcellus, Swardowns, Toilonettes, Velveteens, Fancy cords, Coating, &c. With a variety of other articles suitable for this winter season.
N. B. Ladies Habits, Regimentals and Navy uniforms made in the first style of fashion.
New Jersey Avenue, the second House from the Capitol Square. December 8, 1802. tf.
Thomas Carpenter, TAYLOR.
HAS received a very handsome assortment of goods, consisting of superfine cloths, cassimeres and coatings of all colours.
Patent water proof Cloths, Silk and woolen Moleskins, Toilonettes, velveteens, &c. of superior quality.
From which, and an acquisition of the newest fashions and the best workmen, he can assure whatever commanded.
Pennsylvania Avenue, near the President's Square, and New Jersey Avenue, about eight houses from Capitol Square. Dec. 1, 1802. tf.