Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1805-01-23 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS
[VOL. XII.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1124.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR; PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum....paid in advance.]
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1805.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
Advertisements, not exceeding a square inch, are inserted in this paper for seven sylvan cents the first time; three dollars for three weeks (6 times); and for every additional insertion thirty-three cents. Long ones in the same proportion—unless a special contract be made by the year.
BOOKS.
For sale at S. Pleasants' Printing-Office and Book-Store, near the Bridge, Richmond.
 Volney's View of the Soil and Climate of the United States of America: With Supplementary Remarks upon Florida; on the French Colonies on the Mississippi and Ohio, and in Canada; and on the aboriginal tribes of America—Translated, with occasional Remarks, by C. B. Brown of Philadelphia—With Maps and Plates.  The Pennsylvania Farmer; being a selection from the most approved Treatises on Husbandry, interspersed with observations and experiments—By John Roberts.  The Domestic Encyclopedia, 5 vols.  Darwin's Temple of Nature.  on Education.  The Builder's Universal Price Book; containing a correct list of prices to the works of the several artificers concerned in building, in dollars and cents; with observations on erecting sound and permanent buildings—By John Evans, Architect of Washington City.  History of the French Consulate, under Napoleon Bonaparte, being an authentic narrative of his administration; including a sketch of his life—interspersed with anecdotes, and a faithful statement of interesting transactions, until the renewal of hostilities in 1803. By W. Barre.  The Married Lady's Companion, or, Poor Man's Friend—By Dr. Saml. K. Jennings, of New London, Virginia.  Life of Kotzebue.  More's Surmises on Female Education.  Life of Bonaparte.  Macarini's Rambles.  Blair's Lectures.  The American Clerk's Magazine, and Young Converser's Pocket Companion; containing all the necessary forms of articles of agreement, bonds, bills, recognizances, leases and releases, letters or powers of attorney, awards, bills of sale, jointures, covenants, copartnerships, letters of license, &c. &c. with necessary directions for making distresses for rent, &c. as the law between landlord and tenant now stands. The whole made conformable to the laws of the United States, and adapted more particularly to the state of Virginia—By a gentleman of the Bar—Price One Dollar.  The New Introduction to Reading; or, a collection of Easy Lessons arranged on an approved plan; calculated to acquire, with ease, a fluency of speech, and to facilitate the improvement of youth—Designed as an Introduction to the Speaker, English Reader, Columbian Orator, &c. Compendium of Ash's Grammatical Institutes; or, an easy introduction to Lowth's English Grammar; with considerable alterations, and a concise Syntax—Adapted to the use of schools—Alexandria edition.  Findlay's History of the Insurrection in Pennsylvania; History of the American Revolution.  Doct. Withman's Travels in Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, and across the Desert into Egypt, in 1799, 1800, and 1801.  Stephens's History of the Wars which arose out of the French Revolution; to which is prefixed a review of the causes of that event.  Warner & Hanna's edition of Select Plays, 5 vols. 12mo. the 6th vol. which will complete the collection, is in the press.  The Bible in 4 handsome octavo volumes, well bound. This edition is offered to the public as a specimen of American paper and printing, which will not suffer by a comparison with any book printed in this country—a gold medal was given to Robert Carr, the printer, by the American Company of Booksellers, as the best specimen of printing exhibited at their annual meeting at New York last June.  Elegant quarto family bibles, from 4 dols. 50 cts to 10 dols. 50 cts.  Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia, for promoting useful knowledge.  The poetical works of John Milton, elegant (American) pocket edition, in 4 vols.  The Literary Magazine to Sept. 1804 inclusive. Poems, by William Cowper (including the Task) of the Inner Temple, Esq. elegant American edition, with plates, 2 vols.  Armstrong and Green's Poems, one neat pocket vol. new American edition.  Letters on the Elementary Principles of Education, by Miss Hamilton, author of the Memoirs of Modern Philosophers, &c. 2 vols.  The Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith, with an account of his Life and Writings, elegant edition.  The Juvenile Magazine.  The Cheap Repository, 3 vols.  Johnson's English Dictionary in miniature, a neat (American) pocket vol. equal in every respect to the English edition.  Life of Doctor Darwin, by Miss Seward.  Commercial Dictionary, 1st and 2d vols.  American Museum, 13 vols.  Simson's Euclid, a new edition.  Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis, translated into English verse, by W. Gifford, Esq.  Letters of Junius, with notes and illustrations, historical, political, biographical and critical, by Robert Heron, Esq.  A brief Retrospect of the 18th Century; containing a sketch of the Revolutions and Improvements in Science, Arts and Literature, during that period, by Samuel Miller, A. M. of New York, 2 vols. 8vo.  King of Prussia's Works, 15 vols.  The Journal of Andrew Ellicott, commissioner on the part of the United States for determining the boundary between the U. S. and Spain—containing remarks on the situation, soil, rivers, natural productions, and diseases of the different countries on the Ohio, Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico, with six Maps, comprehending the Ohio, the Mississippi from the mouth of the Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico, the whole of West Florida, and part of East Florida, &c. &c. 1 vol. quarto.  The History of France, from the earliest times to the death of Louis XVI. from the French of Velly, Villaret, Garnier, Mezeray, Daniel, and other eminent Historians, by John Gifford, Esq. 
 and continued from the above period, by a Citizen of the United States, 4 vols. quarto.  Toller's Law of Executors.  Goldsmith's natural History, abridged, 3 vols.  The Repository of Arts, 16 vols.  New Editions of Webster's, Universal, Columbian and Dilworth's Spelling Books, by the dozen or hundred.  A very general and large collection of Children's Books, with elegant engravings.  Smith's Wealth of Nations.  Kotzebue's Works.  Walker's New Critical Pronouncing Dictionary; considered the best English Dictionary extant.  Thomas Paine's Works.  Public Characters, or Contemporary Biography.  Hermaspang, or man as he is not, a novel.  Monima, a new novel, by a Lady of Philadelphia.  Morse's Universal Gazetteer, a new and much improved edition, just published, in 2 vols.  Rowlett's Table of Interest and Discount.  Jones's Book-Keeping.  Montifiore's Commercial Dictionary, containing the present state of Mercantile Law, practice and Custom, 3 vols.  Mavor's Universal History, 12 vols. now publishing by subscription—to be comprised in 25 vols. at one dollar each.—Subscribers will please call for the vols. published.  Bacon's Works, 5 vols. elegant.  Goldsmith's Essays in 2 vols. new edition.  The Speeches of the celebrated Irish Barrister J. P. Curran, accompanied with sketches of those trials for high treason to which they belong—Also, a short account of the History and present state of Ireland—with a Biographical Sketch of Mr. Curran.  A new edition of Binns' Treatise on Farming; and the use of Paister of Paris as a manure.  Scott's Family Bible, vol. 1.  Laws of the United States, 5 vols.  Henry's Digest of ditto, complete in 2 vols.  Graydon's ditto.  Watson's Law of Partnerships.  Sir William Jones on Bailments.  Esdaile's Nisi Prius.  Powell on Contracts.  Novels—The Three Monks; Juliet Grenville; Jane Talbot; Maid of the Hamlet; Nocturnal Visit; She lives in Hopes; Trials of the Heart; What has Been; Werrer and Charlotte; Girl of the Mountains; Eloisa; Female Foundling; Louisa; Coquette; Clermont; Rodrick's Castle; Cecilia; Caroline of Litchfield; Zaida; Julia; Eliza.  Conquest of Mexico.  Mirford's Greece.  Beddoes on Consumptions.  Struve on Suspended Animation.  Medical Pocket Book.  Brown's Elements of Medicine.  Medical Extracts, 5 vols. a scarce and valuable work.  Barton's Botany.  American Accountant.  Simpson's Conic Sections.  Ainsworth's, Enrie's and Young's Latin Dictionaries.  Greek Grammars, Dictionaries and Testaments.  French Dictionaries, Spelling Books, Grammars and Exercises.  Love's Surveying.  Duncan's Logic.  Bennett's Letters on Female Education.  Mitchell's, Jackson's, Jones's, Mair's and Hutton's Book-Keeping.  Gibson's Surveying.  Jocke's Essays.  Volkmann's, Morse's, Dwight's, and Walker's Geography.  Madame Roland's Appeal.  Volney's Law of Nature.  Trumbull's M'Fingal.  Buden's Hudibras.  Cantuar's Terrible Tradoration.  Congress at Rastadt.  Platarch's Lives.  Charles the XIIth.  Robertson's Charles the Vth—Scotland—India, and America.  Vendean War.  Bordley's Husbandry; Forsythe on Fruit Trees; Marshall on Gardening.  Pursuits of Literature.  Constitutions of the United States—containing the latest amendments; just published.  Frugal Housewife, or complete woman cook.  Universal Letter Writer.  Bell's British Theatre, 34 vols. with plates.  Passons' British Classics, 95 vols.  Cooke's Poets and Novels, 37 vols. elegant binding, with plates.  Sporting Magazine, 22 vols.  Lady's Museum, 11 vols. elegant plates.  Also for sale as above, Writing and Letter Paper of almost every size and quality; Quills and ready made Pens; Sealing Wax and Wafers; Pounce and Sand Boxes; Glass, Pewter, Wedgewood, Lead and Japanned Inkstands and Fontains; Tape; a general assortment of Ladies and Gentlemen's Pocket Books; Pen Knives for the pocket; and desk; Cyphering, Writing, Receipt and Memorandum Books; Lead Pencils; best Black and Red Ink Powder, &c. &c. 
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
STRAYED, from the Subscriber, about the first of September last, a MARE of a pale sorrel color, mane and tail inclined to be flaxen, a star in her forehead, and I believe, one hind foot white. She was four years old last spring, is about four feet eight or nine inches high, has been docked, and was in foal when she went from me. The above reward will be given to any person who will deliver her at my house, in Amelia county, four miles above Genito bridge, or six dollars will be given for such information of the above described mare as will enable me to recover her. D. Meade. Amelia, December 17, 1804.
Bail and Delivery Bonds
For sale at the office. January 12th, 1805.
FOR SALE.
At Louisa Courthouse, on the 12th day of February next, THIRTY-SEVEN
Valuable Slaves,
Belonging to the estate of Christopher Smith, deceased, consisting of men, women and children; it is believed that they are as likely a parcel of slaves as was ever offered for sale in the state. Bonds with approved security, bearing interest from the date, payable the 10th of February next, will be expected from the purchasers; the interest will be remitted if the principal is punctually paid.
CHARLES SMITH, ailing Ex'r. of Christopher Smith, dec. Louisa, 10th Jan. 1805.
HIS PLANTATION,
On Deep creek, in Powhatan county, and give possession immediately, with a hire of fourteen hands thereon, for the present year and every thing prepared for a crop. For terms apply to Capt. Ludwell Bracket of Amelia, or the subscriber. Wm. MAYO. Richmond, Jan 18th, 1805.
A BLACK WOMAN,
About 50 years of age, of good character, and an excellent cook. Apply to the printer hereof. January 16th, 1805.
Sarah Potter,
RESPECTFULLY informs her friends and the public in general, that she has opened a SHOE STORE, at her dwelling house, between the market and courthouse, and has on hand a large and general assortment of
Fine & Coarse Shoes,
Which she offers on the most reasonable terms. Richmond, Jan 15th, 1805.
Will be exposed to Public Sale,
On Monday the 4th day of February next, for ready money,
A TWO-STORY WOODEN HOUSE,
Near the Market house, now occupied by Thomas Cowles and Scott. WILLIAM MARSHALL, Trustee. Jan. 17, 1805.
COTTON MACHINES, & a New York made riding CHAIR.
Shapard & Lucke. January 19th, 1805.
Congressional Register.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Friday, December 14. Debate on the bill to regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels. (Concluded.)
The new section before the house.
Mr. Eppes admitted that the objection taken yesterday by the gentleman from Connecticut, (Mr. R. Griswold) was in part correct; the offence of misdemeanor contemplated by the proposed section was not mentioned in the law of 1794, the offence of misdemeanor defined in that law was that of fitting out or arming any vessel within the United States for the purpose of cruising against nations in amity with the United States. He moved therefore to strike out the words, "or misdemeanor," as often as they occur, in order to separate them from the word "murder and felony" and to form a distinct and subsequent period in the section in relation to that subject, by saying, "and if the offence be of a less degree, it shall be a high misdemeanor punishable by fine not exceeding 1000 dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding 2 years."
Mr. R. Griswold agreed that it was proper to strike out the words alluded to, but he had doubts of the propriety of inserting all those which were proposed. It was plain that there was no general law of the United States, declaring the nature of the crime of misdemeanor or its punishment. It is true, that there are several of our statutes, which prohibit certain specified things, and the persons guilty of committing them are deemed guilty of a high misdemeanor. But the terms used in the section reported by the committee of the whole, have no reference to any of the class of crimes designated in our statutes. It refers merely to the general common law under the head misdemeanor. The gentlemen bring in a common law definition of misdemeanor, and give it a range over all that class of offences which it reaches in England. He wished the gentleman however to meet the other objection, and answer whether the offences of murder and felony are not already provided for by the laws of the United States. He believed still that the law of 1790, embraced the very case now intended to be provided for by the amendment. If the section is adopted, are offenders to suffer death under the law of 1790, and again under the one of 1804. Can they suffer death twice; he thought if they suffered once, it would be sufficient for an atonement of the crime. If a misdemeanor is to be defined and punished by the section, let the gentleman confine his amendment to that crime alone, and so modify it that it does not re-enact an old law still in existence. If the gentleman did this, though he doubted the
necessity of the measure, he should not object.
Mr. Jackson said there had been two objections made by the gentleman from Connecticut and the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. R. Griswold and Mr. Elliot.) If they were attentively examined and compared with the constitution and laws of the United States, they would be found not tenable. One of the objections was that the constitution of the United States did not authorise Congress to legislate on any other crimes committed on the high seas than those of piracy and felony. He would ask them whether all other offences were to go unpunished. But he reminded them that the words of the constitution extended further than what had been quoted; it declared in the same paragraph that Congress had power to define and punish offences against the law of nations. Is not a misdemeanor committed on board a vessel cognizable by the courts of the union? For instance, if a gun is discharged at another vessel belonging to a nation in amity with the United States, and does considerable damage though it may not amount to piracy or felony, is there no remedy? Surely by the constitution Congress has the power of declaring it a misdemeanor, and of punishing it accordingly. If they have this power, and he believed it would no longer be denied that they had it, then the question would resolve itself into the expediency of exercising it at this time; and enquiry might be proper to ascertain whether the existing laws provided for the case. The act of 1790, upon which the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. R. Griswold) relied, would be found on examination not to embrace it. Suppose in firing into a foreign vessel, a man is killed, or a gun or an arm shot off, is this case provided for by the law of 1790? It is not a felony, nor is it piracy, the only two cases provided for by that act. If indeed the case was provided for by the act of 1790, it could not operate as an objection to insert it in this bill, because the bill was intended to draw into itself all the regulations on this head. That Congress had the power of legislation on this point, he trusted would no longer be disputed; and having the power, the necessity of the case required its exercise. If nothing further was added to the bill than what was contained in the first section, nine tenths of the offences committed at sea would go unpunished.
Mr. Elliot did not mean to give the force to the extract from the constitution quoted by him all that range which the gentleman just set down had chosen to extend; he however admitted that being a constitutional question it deserved serious and solemn deliberation. It had been often said that the constitution of the United States is a limited grant of power and that the powers not therein granted are reserved to the states or to the people. Admitted. By the constitution then congress are authorised to define and punish piracy or felonies committed on the high seas; they are also authorised to punish offences against the law of nations as stated by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Jackson) but where is the power given them by the constitution to punish misdemeanors? It is, however, contended that a misdemeanor may be an offence against the law of nations. Misdemeanor means literally, ill behaviour. He would not however deny that misdemeanor in certain cases might amount to an offence against the law of nations, and in such an event might be punishable as an offence against those laws.
By the law of 1790 in its 8th section the crimes of murder and piracy are punishable. Does not that law go further, and punish what this law does not provide for. One thing further contended for, which he did not think tenable, the same crimes that are punishable by the existing laws are again to be punished by this. This was clearly shewn by the gentleman from Connecticut, and he would add nothing more.
Mr. Clark thanked the gentleman from Connecticut for the light he had thrown on the subject; but he was not convinced that the crimes attempted to be defined by the amendment of his colleague were punishable by the existing laws of the United States, and he thought if the gentleman would re-examine his argument he would discover his mistake. The law of 1790 had relation to a different crime. But he would not decide positively what might be the opinion of the judiciary on that head; they might entertain a construction different from that of the legislature. Yet his own opinion was that no provision could be found in the law of 1790 to restrain and punish the offence of an armed vessel of the United States on the commission of outrage and violence. Was the provision made in this law which his colleague had moved, he should not object to merchant vessels arming themselves; should it be refused, he never would consent to trust them with arms. Mr. Eppes after having troubled the
house so often on the present question would have remained silent at this period but such a variety of objections had been made and many of them so foreign to the subject, that he could not avoid adding one concluding word. It might perhaps be considered as a reiteration of his first sentiment. He was decidedly opposed to trusting merchant vessels with public arms, the improper use of which might commit the peace of the nation. If however, the sense of the committee was against him, in that particular, he would submit; but then it must be under such a provision as had been introduced in the section now before the committee. Upon this the committee rose and referred the bill and amendments to the select committee to incorporate the same, and the bill as amended was reported subsequently, and passed in the shape following:
AN ACT
To regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels.
Be it enacted, by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That after due notice of this act, at the several custom houses, no vessel owned in whole or in part, by any citizen or citizens of the United States, or by any person or persons residing within the same, or the territories thereof, and armed or provided with the means of being armed at sea, shall receive a clearance, or be permitted to leave the port where she may be so armed, or provided, without bond, with two sufficient sureties, being given by the owner or owners, agent or agents, together with the master or commander, to the use of the United States, in a sum equal to double the value of said vessel, her arms, ammunition, tackle, apparel and furniture, conditioned that such vessel shall not make or commit any depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, nor make any other unlawful use of her arms against the vessels, citizens, subjects, or territory of any nation in amity with the United States; and that the guns, arms, and ammunition of such vessel shall be returned within the United States, or otherwise accounted for, and shall not be sold or disposed of in any port or place in the West Indies.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any armed merchant vessel shall make or commit any depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, against any vessel or territory of a nation in amity with the United States, or against any of the citizens or subjects of such nation, or make any other unlawful use of the arms on board such vessel; if such depredation, outrage, unlawful assault or violence, shall be made or committed, as if made and committed in any place under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, would be murder or felony; the same shall be murder or felony, as the case shall be; and the principals and accessories concerned therein, shall be punished as they would respectively be in other cases of murder or felony, by the laws of the United States; and if the offence be of less degree, it shall be a high misdemeanor, punishable by fine, not exceeding three thousand dollars and imprisonment, not exceeding three years.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That if any armed vessel, as aforesaid, shall proceed to sea without a clearance, contrary to the provision of this act, such vessel, with her arms, ammunition, tackle, apparel, and furniture, or the value thereof, shall be forfeited to the use of the United States.
Tuesday, January 8.
A petition of Cromwell Pearce, of Chester (Pennsylvania) was presented to the House, stating a claim to 3000 acres of unappropriated land, for the services of his father, as an officer in an expedition against the Indians, by virtue of a proclamation of the king of Great Britain, in 1763. Referred to the committee of Claims.
Also, a petition of David Elliot, of New Jersey, praying to be placed on the pension list, on account of wounds received in major general St. Clair's army, on an expedition against the Indians, November 4th, 1791, whereby he is incapacitated from bodily labor, or praying such other relief as Congress in their wisdom shall deem meet. Referred to the committee of Claims.
A petition of John Bowers, of Somerset (Massachusetts) was presented to the house, praying to receive the bounty allowed by law on vessels employed in the fishery of the United States, in the case of three schooners belonging to him, named the George, the General Johnson and the Diana; the payment of which he hath not yet received, owing to some informality in the contracts entered into between the masters and crews of the said schooners.
Referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.

A message was received from the senate, notifying that they have passed the bill declaring Cambridge, in Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery.
The house went into a committee of the whole.
Mr. Tenney in the chair. On a motion to recede to the states of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, the jurisdiction of such parts of the territory of Columbia, as are without the city of Washington; and, after considerable debate thereon, the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
Mr. Dana reported on the memorial of Captain Alexander Murray, which report was referred to a committee of the whole house on Tuesday next.
Adjourned.
Wednesday, January 9. A petition of Peter Robertson, of Amherst, Hillsborough county (New Hampshire) was presented to the house, praying to be placed on the pension list, on account of a wound received at the battle of Bunker's Hill in Massachusetts, while a soldier in Col. Stark's regiment, whereby he is prevented from obtaining a livelihood by labor.
Referred to the committee of Claims. A message was received from the senate, notifying that they have agreed to the amendment proposed to the bill to divide the Indiana territory into two separate governments.
A petition was presented from sundry inhabitants of Cheshire county (N. Hampshire) praying that a post road may be established from Worcester in Massachusetts, through Holden, Rutland, Hubbardston, Templeton, Winchendon to Fitzwilliam, and from thence to Keen in New Hampshire.
Referred to the committee appointed to enquire what amendments are necessary to be made in the act establishing a post office and post roads within the United States.
Mr. Richards, from the joint committee for enrolled bills, reported that the following bills had been examined and were found to be truly enrolled:
"An act to divide the Indiana Territory into two separate governments," and "An act declaring Cambridge, in the state of Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery"—whereupon
Mr. Speaker signed the said enrolled bills.
Mr. Thompson, from the committee appointed on the public buildings, at the city of Washington, presented a bill making an appropriation of 100,000 dollars for completing the south wing of the capitol, and for other purposes, which was received and read the first and second times, and committed to a committee of the whole house on Friday next.
Accompanying the bill was the following letter, from the surveyor of the Public Buildings at the city of Washington, dated
Wilmington, (Del.) Dec. 30, 1804.
SIR, In answer to your letter of the 21st of December, I beg leave to state to you that the sum necessary to finish that part of the south wing of the capitol, which is now in progress, is 100,000 dollars, and of that part which corresponds to the recess in the north wing, 25,200 dollars, in all 125,200 dollars.
This estimate is founded upon the best calculation that can be made of a building so complicated in its construction, and of which the materials and workmanship of many parts are of such a nature, that a small alteration of dimension or arrangement, may occasion a considerable difference of expense.—It is, I believe, the most accurate that under all circumstances can be made, and I do not expect that it will be exceeded.
On this occasion I beg leave respectfully to submit to you the following remarks: Of the appropriations which have been made by congress towards the erection of the south wing, that of the year 1803, could not be entirely expended in that year; partly because a considerable time elapsed in making the arrangements to resume a work so long suspended; partly because we were obliged to discharge our workmen and close the season in the month of October, in order that the house of representatives might not be disturbed in their occupancy of the part of the building which then stood.
The appropriation of 1804, with the balance of that of 1803, has on the other hand, not only been expended, but exceeded. No hindrance to the progress of the work to the end of the season occurred, and it was besides impossible so to arrange the very large contracts for stone and other materials, and so direct the labor of the work, as to stop at the point at which the appropriation was exhausted. For even at the moment at which it was perceived that an expense beyond the appropriation would probably be incurred, it was absolutely necessary to the security of the work during the winter, to carry up the walls to a certain level, to complete the vaults on the south side, and to incur much other unavoidable expense.—I think it also proper to mention, that independently of monies due for labor, some of our most respectable contractors having made arrangements which it was highly against their interest to interrupt while the prospect of completing the building by further appropriations was open—have proceeded in their contracts with a perfect knowledge that the last appropriation was exhausted, as well as with
a full confidence, that what has been so far carried on, would be completed.
In both these seasons however we have experienced an extreme difficulty in collecting good workmen, though from different causes. In the first (1803) the city could not furnish those we wanted, and after collecting a sufficient number, we were obliged to discharge them again before the working season ended. This last circumstance, and especially the lateness of the appropriation, operated against us in the season of 1803. Lest we should again labor under similar disadvantage, I consider it to be my duty most respectfully to represent to you the advantages that would result to the work by an early appropriation, approaching more nearly to the estimated expense of the house: The objects in view would be accomplished, if congress in their wisdom should think proper to grant the sum of 100,000 dollars for the use of the public buildings during the next season. Such an appropriation will indeed be the only means of insuring to the house of representatives the occupancy of their hall at the season of 1806, and of preventing their being confined for more than one other season to the inconvenient situation of the library.
In the above estimate I have included that part of the building which is not yet begun, but which will contain the access to the house, and correspond to the recess part already erected in the north wing—because it were well to begin this part of the work as soon as possible, if it should appear to the president of the United States that its progress will not retard that of the house itself. I must also remark that no sum is therein estimated for lining up and furnishing the new house.
I am, with great respect, Your faithful, humble servant, B. HENRY LATROBE, Surveyor of the Public Buildings at Washington.
P. S. The above sum of 100,000 dollars includes the amount of all outstanding debts.
P. R. Thompson, Esq., Chairman of the committee of the House of Representatives, to whom is referred the President's message on the Public Buildings.
A message was received from the senate, notifying that they have passed the bill amendatory of the act, for the government and regulation of seamen in the merchants' service, with an amendment.
The house went into a committee of the whole.
Mr. Tenney in the chair. On the motion to recede to the states of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, the jurisdiction of such parts of the territory of Columbia, as are without the city of Washington; and, after considerable debate thereon, the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
Adjourned.
Thursday, January 10.
A petition was presented from sundry inhabitants of Pennsylvania, praying a post road to be established from Morris town by a tavern known by the name of the Bull, Pugh-town, Covent Forge, Morgan's town, Church town, and New Holland, to the town of Lancaster, and that post offices may be fixed at such places on said road as congress may think proper.
Referred to the committee appointed to enquire what amendments are necessary to be made in the acts establishing a post office and post roads in the United States.
The petition of Wm. Breck, jun. of New-Hampshire, presented February 9, 1803, with accompanying documents, & a report of the committee of claims thereon, were referred to said committee.
A message was received from the senate, notifying that they had rejected the bill giving power to the stockholders of the marine insurance company of Alexandria to insure against fire.
Mr. Richards, from the joint committee for enrolled bills, reported the presentation of the following bills to the president for his approbation:
"An act to divide the Indiana territory into two separate governments," and
"An act declaring Cambridge, in the state of Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery."
The house took into consideration the amendment of the senate to the bill amendatory of the act for the government & regulation of seamen in the merchants' service—Whereupon
It was referred, together with the bill, to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
The house went into committee of the whole, Mr. Tenney in the chair, on the motion to recede to the states of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, the jurisdiction of such parts of the territory of Columbia as are without the limits of the city of Washington; and after considerable debate, the committee rose, and reported their disagreement to the said motion.
The house then proceeded to consider the said motion, which was read as follows:
1. "Resolved, That it is expedient for congress to recede to the state of Virginia, the jurisdiction of that part of the territory of Columbia, which was ceded to the United States, by the said state of Virginia, by an act passed the third day of December, the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, intitled "An act for the cession of ten miles square, or any lesser
quantity of territory within the state to the United States in congress assembled, for the permanent seat of the general government;"—Provided, The said state of Virginia shall consent and agree thereto."
2. "Resolved, That it is expedient for congress to recede to the state of Maryland, the jurisdiction of that part of the territory of Columbia, without the limits of the city of Washington, which was ceded to the United States by the said state of Maryland, by an act passed the 19th day of December, in the year 1791, intitled "An act concerning the territory of Columbia, & the city of Washington;"—Provided, The said state of Maryland, shall consent and agree thereto."
When a division of the question was called for, and the question being taken that the house do concur with the committee of the whole house in their disagreement to the first resolution.
It was decided in the affirmative—Yeas 72—Nays 46.
The second resolution contained in the motion, being under debate.
Mr. Smith moved to amend the same by striking out the words without the limits of the city of Washington.
And on the question to agree to the said amendment, it was decided in the negative.
The question was then taken to concur with the committee of the whole house in their disagreement to the second resolution, and decided in the affirmative—Yeas 69—Nays 59.
The committee to whom was referred a remonstrance and petition of the representatives of the free men of the territory of Louisiana, was discharged from the further consideration thereof, and the remonstrance and petition were referred to the committee appointed on that part of the president's message, relative to the emancipation of the free negroes of the territory of Louisiana.
Friday, January 11.
A petition from sundry inhabitants of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, presented December 20, 1803, respecting the establishment of a post road from Alexandria in said county, through Hollidaysburg and Reubens to Greensburg, was referred to the committee appointed to enquire what amendments are necessary to be made in the acts establishing a post office and post roads in the United States.
Mr. Leib presented a bill to amend the charter of Georgetown, which was read the first and second times and committed to a committee of the whole house on Monday next.
Mr. Crowninshield from the committee of commerce and manufactures reported on the memorial of Thomas Kettland of Philadelphia, which was referred to a committee of the whole house on Wednesday next.
A petition was presented from Thomas and Samuel Hollingsworth of Baltimore, (Md.) praying to receive payment for several certificates of public debt belonging to them, which were not presented at the treasury department, for liquidation and settlement, within the period prescribed by the acts of limitation.
Referred to the committee on the extinguishment of the debts due from the United States.
A petition was presented from Lewis Laure a French citizen at present an inhabitant of New York, praying congress to pass a special act to settle him to the benefits and privileges of a citizen of the United States.
A motion was made to refer the above mentioned petition to a select committee, but the question being taken thereon, it was negatived.
A message was received from the president of the United States notifying that he approved and signed the act declaring Cambridge, in the state of Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery.
The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.
Mr. Gregg in the chair.
On the report of the Postmaster general concerning the memorial of Robert Henderson, of South Carolina; and after some time spent therein, the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
A message was received from the senate notifying that the president approved and signed the act dividing the Indiana Territory into two parts, which originated in the senate.
Also, that the senate passed the bill amendatory of the act for imposing more specific duties on the importation of certain articles, and for levying and collecting light money on foreign ships or vessels.
Mr. Winston informed the house of the death of his colleague, colonel James Gillespie, from North Carolina; Whereupon,
A committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs Alexander, Winston, Holland, Wynns, Dickson, and Winn, to superintend the funeral; and
It was unanimously resolved that the house will attend the funeral, and that they will testify their respect for the deceased by wearing crape on the left arm for one month.
Saturday, January 12.
The Speaker was requested to inform the executive of the state of North Carolina of the vacancy occasioned by the death of colonel James Gillespie.
Monday, January 14.
Mr. Anderson presented a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Chester & Lancaster counties (Pennsylvania) pray-
ing that a new post road might be opened from Norristown to Lancaster. Referred to the committee on post offices and post roads.
Mr. Nicholson presented a petition from Col. Freeman, Major Butler, and other officers in the army of the United States, stationed at New Orleans—stating that the subsistence money allowed them proportioned upon the ration, was inadequate to its object, and praying to have the same extended to a sum equal to meet their necessary subsistence. Referred to the Secretary at War to report to the house thereon.
The bill from the Senate delivered on Friday last by Mr. Otis their secretary, entitled an Act, to amend an Act, entitled an act, for imposing more specific duties on the importation of certain articles, and also for levying and collecting light money on foreign ships and vessels, and for other purposes, was read, and on motion referred to the committee of ways and means.
Mr. Nelson presented the petition of the heirs of the late col. J. Hoskin Stone, of the 1st Maryland Regiment, who was wounded in the action of Germantown, and disabled from continuing his service in the line of the army, from which he retired with a view of promoting the advancement of his junior officers, who were capable of yielding essential service in the field, praying the allowance of the commutation of half pay. Referred to the committee of claims.
On the motion of Mr. Huger the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the report of the Post Master General, on the petition of Robert Henderson, complaining of his inability to execute his contract for carrying the mail in South Carolina, and which recommended a further allowance to be made to him of 4200 dollars.
Mr. Gregg in the chair.
Mr. Huger proposed a resolution nearly in the words of the recommendation of the post master general for allowing Mr. Henderson the sum of 4200 dollars which was adopted by the committee, and reported to the house upon the committee's rising—to which the house agreed, and referred the subject to a committee of three, to bring in a bill conformably thereto.
On motion of Mr. Thompson the house went into a committee of the whole, on the bill making an appropriation for completing the south wing of the capitol and for other purposes.
Mr. Dawson in the chair.
After some time spent in considering the same, the committee rose and reported that 110,000 dollars be appropriated for the purpose of completing the south wing of the capitol—and 20,000 dollars for other purposes, which was agreed to by the house, and the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a 3d reading to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Latimore, the house went into a committee of the whole, on the bill for regulating the grants of land and disposing of the lands of the United States, south of the state of Tennessee.
Gen. Varnum in the chair.
A small amendment was made thereto, authorising the registering of the Spanish title to lands within that territory, and the committee rose and reported, and the house having agreed to the amendment, the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Newton, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the bill to prohibit the exaction of bail upon certain suits, brought within the district of Columbia.
Gen. Varnum in the chair.
After some time spent in considering the same the committee rose and reported the bill with an amendment, which being agreed to by the house, the bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
The house went into a committee of the whole, on the report of the committee of claims on the memorial of Captain Alexander Murray, to which was added a report from the secretary of the navy, made to that committee upon their special application. The report was favorable to Captain Murray, admitting that his claim was reasonable and ought to be granted.
Mr. Tenney in the chair.
A discussion took place on this subject, and it was evinced that the law relating to the capture of French armed vessels in 1799, and of the re-capture of American vessels did not justify the proceeding of Captain Murray, in the capture of a Danish neutral—although his instructions from the then secretary of the navy, appeared to authorise it.
The committee thereupon rose without coming to a determination, reported progress and obtained leave to sit again.
Mr. Rhea called for the consideration of his motion, which had been some time laid on the table, requesting the secretary of War to lay before the house, a list of the officers and soldiers of the Army of the United States, during the years 1803 and 1804, and a statement of the Posts at which they were stationed, &c.
On the question to agree to the motion, the house divided and were yeas 36, nays 32—but not being a quorum, the house adjourned.
Tuesday, January 15.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanied by a statement of the sums of money paid counsel for advice and assistance to the officers of that department, from the establishment of the government down to the present year.—Ordered to be printed.
On motion of Mr. Dana, the committee of claims was discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Joseph Willoughby, and others, and leave was given to the petitioners to withdraw their petition, and its accompanying documents.
On motion of Mr. Dana, the committee of claims had leave to sit to-morrow during the session of the house.
The bill appropriating a sum of money for finishing the south wing of the Capitol in the city of Washington, and for other purposes, was brought in, engrossed, read a third time and passed, as was likewise the bill regulating the grants of land and disposal of the land of the United States south of the state of Tennessee.
The bill to prohibit the exaction of bail upon certain suits within the district of Columbia, was brought in, engrossed, and read a third time.
The final passage of the bill was opposed by Mr. Guddard, Mr. Root and Mr. Nelson, and defended by Mr. Newton, as a proper measure to prevent the oppression of malignant creditors.
Mr. Eppes desired Mr. Beckley to read that part of the constitution of the United States relative to the extent of the judiciary power, and that part of the law establishing the judicial authority of the district of Columbia, with a view of shewing that the bill was not essentially necessary.
Mr. Early moved a re-commitment of the bill to a select committee.
IN SENATE—January 14.
On motion of Mr. Allen,
Resolved, That the members of the senate, from a sincere desire of showing every mark of respect due to the memory of the Hon. Samuel J. Potter, deceased, late a member thereof, will go into mourning for him one month, by the usual mode of wearing a crape round the left arm.
BOSTON, January 8.
THE SEASON.—The weather has, for some days past, been intensely cold. Thermometers generally sunk, at the coldest hours of the twenty-four, the latter part of the last week, several degrees below 0. Many of our pumps are frozen up, and useless. Every exertion ought to be made to free them, as at this season of the year, in particular, we are exposed to fires.
NEW-YORK, January 14. Extract of a letter dated from Sanio Domingo, 19 Frimaire, year 10 (10th December, 1804.)
TRANSLATION. "After a passage of fifteen days during which we experienced much hard weather, we arrived safe at our destined port."
"Aid de camp Bruce has been returned these six weeks; he not only brought with him the confirmation of Gen. Ferrand's nomination to the chief command of the colony, but even that of administrator general: that is to say, that the powers of general in chief and of prefect are both conferred on him. The minister allows him a larger sum than he demanded for his maintenance, and the bills of exchange which have been sent to him will be paid, it being the public treasury that draws upon itself. It will give me much pleasure to see the merchants of New-York, and particularly my friends, making advantageous speculations on the faith thereof."
"We enjoy here the greatest tranquility; and there is nothing going forward on the island which can give us fear of its being interrupted. Thanks to the wisdom and talents of our general, all the momentary troubles of the department of Cibao are dissipated, and have been productive of acts of great devotedness on the part of its inhabitants. The Spaniards have a fondness for Gen. Ferrand which borders on enthusiasm; and there is no further doubt at present, that if the brigands should make their appearance they would arm themselves for the common defence. Our advanced posts are now at Azua, St. Juan-de-la Maguana, and St. Yago-de-los Caballeros. The unfortunate Frenchmen that had taken refuge in the island of Cuba are daily adding to the strength of the militia."
"The Spanish navy has orders to cruise off the coasts of St. Domingo, to intercept the Negro corsairs. A Spanish corvette with a similar mission has put into our port to day."
"Yesterday we had here a Te Deum firing, of cannon, illuminations, fire works, balls, and every kind of rejoicing commemorative of the accession of Bonaparte to the French empire."
LEXINGTON, (Virg.) January 3.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Fincastle to the Editor, dated December 26.
"A Negro Woman belonging to the family of Col. Patrick Lockhart, of this place, was safely delivered on Saturday morning last, of three fine sons, alive and in good health; what is remarkable, is, that Col. Lockhart has a Cow that had two calves, and a Bitch that had sixteen pups at a litter. I think this a prolific family."
Since receiving the above, a gentleman from Fincastle informs, that the Woman's birth, the Cow's calving and the Bitch's pupping, all took place in the course of thirty hours.
Another from the same, dated Januray 2d,
says, "In my last, I mentioned to you our fruitfulness in this county: I will now give you an instance of our longevity:—A William Dunkin, who lived within a few miles of this place, died a day or two ago, at the advanced age of 124 years, possessed of all his mental faculties."
TAKEN by William Bolling, a BAY HORSE, about four feet ten inches high, and judged to be fourteen years old; he has a bob tail, and the appearance of a mark on his left thigh, something like the brand of a stirrup iron. Appraised this day, before me, to forty-five dollars, October 10th, 1804. WM R FLEMING.
1805, January 16th.
A Copy—Teste. BENJ ANDERSON, D. C. G. C.
THE SECOND VOLUME OF Pinkerton's Geography, AND THE ATLAS,
(Which completes the work,) are now ready for delivery at S. PLEASANT'S Book-store. *A few copies for sale—Price 15 dollars.

Frankfort, 12th December, 1804.
Sir, No circumstance relating to the history of the western country, probably, has excited, at different times, more general attention and anxious curiosity, than the opinion that a nation of white men, speaking the Welch language, reside high up on the Missouri. By some the idea is treated as nothing but the suggestion of bold imposture and easy credulity: whilst others regard it as a fact fully authenticated by Indian testimony and the report of various travellers worthy of credit. The fact is accounted for they say, by recurring to a passage in the history of Great-Britain, which relates that several years before the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, a certain Welch prince embarked from his native country with a large party of emigrants, that after some time a vessel or two came back with the account that they had discovered a country far to the westward, and that they set sail again with a fresh reinforcement and never returned any more. The country which these adventurers discovered, it has been supposed, was the continent of North America, and it has been conjectured, that they landed on this continent some where in the gulf of Mexico, and from thence proceeded northwards till they got out of the reach of the hostile natives, and seated themselves in the upper country of Missouri. Many accounts accordingly have been published within the last 30 years of persons who in consequence either of accident or the ardor of curiosity have made themselves acquainted with a nation of men on the Missouri, possessing the complexion of Europeans, and the language of Welchmen. Could the fact be well established, it would afford, perhaps, the most satisfactory solution of the difficulty occasioned by a view of the various ancient fortifications with which the Ohio country abounds, of any that has ever been offered. Those fortifications were evidently never made by the Indians. The Indian art of war presents nothing of the kind. The probability too is that the persons who constructed them were at that time acquainted with the use of iron: the situation of those fortifications, which are uniformly in the most fertile land of the country, indicates that those who made them, were agricultural people, and the remarkable care and skill with which they were executed, afford traits of the genius of a people, who relied more on their military skill than on their numbers. The growth of the trees upon them, is very compatible with the idea that it is not more than 300 years ago that they were abandoned.
These hints, however, are thrown out, rather to excite enquiry, than by way of advancing any decided opinion on the subject. Having never met with any of the persons who had seen these white Americans, nor even received their testimony near the source, I have always entertained considerable doubts about the fact. Last evening however, Mr. John Childs of Jessamine county, a gentleman, with whom I have long been acquainted, and who is well known to be a man of veracity, communicated a relation to me, which at all events, appears to merit serious attention. After he had related it in conversation, I requested him to repeat it, and commit it to writing. It has certainly some internal marks of authenticity. The country which is described was altogether unknown in Virginia, when the relation was given, and was probably very little known to the Shawnee Indians. Yet the account of it agrees very remarkably with later discoveries. On the other hand, the story of the large animal, tho' by no means incredible, has something of the air of fable; and it does not satisfactorily appear how the long period which the party were absent was spent, though Indians however, so much accustomed to loiter away their time, that many weeks and even months, may probably have been spent in indolent repose.
Without detaining you any more with preliminary remarks, I will proceed to the narration as I received it from Mr. Childs. Maurice Griffith, a native of Wales, which country he left when he was about 16 years of age, was taken a prisoner by a party of Shawnee Indians, about 40 years ago, near Vose's fort, on the head of Roanoke river, in Virginia, and carried to the Shawnee nation. Having staid there about two years and a half, he found that five young men of the tribe, had a desire of attempting to explore the sources of the Missouri. He prevailed upon them to admit him as one of the party. They set out with six good rifles, and with six pounds of powder a piece, of which they were of course very careful. On reaching the mouth of the Missouri they were struck with the extraordinary appearance occasioned by the intermixture of the muddy waters of the Missouri, and the clear transparent stream of the Mississippi. They staid two or three days amusing themselves with, the view of this novel sight: they then determined on the course which they should pursue, which happened to be so nearly in the course of the river, that they frequently came within sight of it as they proceeded on their journey. After travelling about thirty days through pretty farming wood land, they came into fine open prairies, on which nothing grew but long, luxuriant grass. There was a succession of these, varying in size, some being eight or ten miles across, but one of them so long, that it occupied three days
to travel through it. In passing through this large prairie they were much distressed for water and provisions, for they seldom saw either beast or bird, and though there was an abundance of salt springs, fresh water was very scarce. In one of these prairies, the salt springs ran into small ponds, in which as the weather was hot, the water had sunk and left the edges of the ponds so covered with salt, that they fully supplied themselves with that article, and might have easily collected bushels of it. As they were travelling through the prairies, they had likewise the good fortune to kill an animal which was nine or ten feet high, and of a bulk proportioned to its height. They had seen two of the same species before, and they saw four of them afterwards. They were swift footed, and they had neither tusks nor horns. After having passed through the long prairie, they made it a rule never to enter on one which they could not see across, till they had supplied themselves with a sufficiency of jerked venison, to last several days. After having travelled a considerable time through the prairies, they came to very extensive lead mines, where they smelted the ore and furnished themselves with what lead they wanted. They afterwards came to 2 copper mines, one of which was three miles through, and in several places they met with rocks of copper ore as large as houses.
When about fifteen days journey from the second copper mine, they came within sight of white mountains, which though it was in the heat of summer, appeared to them to be covered with snow. The sight naturally excited considerable astonishment, but on their approaching the mountain, they discovered, that instead of snow, they were covered with immense bodies of white sand. They had, in the mean time passed through about ten nations of Indians, from whom they received very friendly treatment. It was the practice of the party to exercise the office of spokesman in rotation; and when the language of any nation through which they passed was unknown to them, it was the duty of the spokesman, a duty in which the others never interfered, to convey their meaning by appropriate signs. The labor of travelling thro' the deep sands of the mountains, was excessive, but at length they relieved themselves of this difficulty by following the course of a shallow river, the bottom of which being level, they made their way to the top of the mountains, with tolerable convenience.
After passing the mountains they entered, a fine, fertile tract of land, which having travelled through for several days, they accidentally met with three white men in the Indian dress. Griffith immediately understood their language, as it was pure Welch, though they occasionally made use of a few words with which he was not acquainted. However as it happened to be the turn of one of his Shawnee companions to act as spokesman, or interpreter; he preserved a profound silence, and never gave them any intimation that he understood the language of their new companions.
After proceeding with them four or five days journey, they came to a village of these white men, where they found that the whole nation were of the same color having all the European complexion. The three men took them through their village for about the space of fifteen miles, when they came to the council house, at which an assembly of the king and chief men of the nation was immediately held. The council lasted three days, and as the strangers were not supposed to be acquainted with their language, they were suffered to be present at their deliberations. The great question before the council was, what conduct should be observed towards the strangers. From their fire arms, their knives and their tomahawks, it was concluded they were a warlike people, it was conceived that they were sent to look out a country for their nation, that if they were suffered to return, they might expect a body of powerful invaders, but that if these six men were put to death, nothing would be known of their country and they would still enjoy their possessions in security. It was finally determined that they should be put to death. Griffith then thought it was time for him to speak. He addressed the council in the Welch language. He informed them that they had not been sent by any nation: that as they were actuated merely by private curiosity, they had no hostile intention: that it was their wish to trace the Missouri to its source, and that they should return to their country satisfied with the discoveries they had made, without any wish to disturb the repose of their new acquaintances. An instant astonishment glowed in the countenances not only of the council but of his Shawnee companions, who clearly saw that he was understood by the people of the country. Full confidence was at once given to his declarations: the king advanced and gave him his hand. They abandoned the design of putting him and his companions to death, and from that moment treated them with the utmost friendship. Griffith and the Shawnee continued eight months in the nation: but were deterred from prosecuting their researches upon the Missouri, by the advice of the people of the country, who informed them they had gone a twelve months journey up the river, but found it as large there as it was in their own country. As to the history of this people, he could learn nothing satisfactory. The only account they could give was that their forefathers had come up the river from a very distant country. They had no books, no records, no writings. They intermixed with no other people by marriage:
there was not a dark skinned man in the nation. Their numbers were very considerable. There was a continued range of settlements on the river for fifty miles, and there were, within this space three large water courses which fell into the Missouri, on the banks of each of which likewise, they were settled. He supposed that there must be 50,000 men in the nation, capable of bearing arms. Their clothing was skins well dressed. Their houses were made of upright posts and the bark of trees. The only implements they had to cut them with were stone tomahawks. They had no iron, their arms were bows and arrows. They had some silver which had been hammered with stones into coarse ornaments, but it did not appear to be pure. They had neither horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, nor any domestic or tame animals. They lived by hunting. He said nothing about their religion.
Griffith and his companions had some large iron tomahawks with them. With these they cut down a tree and prepared a canoe to return home in: but their tomahawks were so great a curiosity, and the people of the country were so eager to handle them, that their canoe was completed with very little labor. When this work was accomplished, they proposed to leave their new friends—Griffith, however, having promised to visit them again. They descended the river with considerable speed, but amidst frequent dangers from the rapidity of the current, particularly when passing through the white mountains. When they reached the Shawnee nation, they had been absent about two years and a half. Griffith supposed that when they travelled, they went at the rate of about fifteen miles a day. He said but a few months with the Indians after their return, as a favorable opportunity offered itself to him to reach his friends in Virginia. He came with a hunting party of Indians to the head waters of Cool river, which runs into New river not far above the falls. There he left the Shawnee, and easily reached the settlements on Roanoke. Mr. Childs knew him before he was taken prisoner, and saw him a few days after his return, when he narrated to him the preceding circumstances. Griffith was universally regarded as a steady, honest man, and a man of strict veracity. Mr. Childs has always placed the utmost confidence in his account of himself and his travels, and has no more doubts of the truth of his relation, than if he had seen the whole himself. Whether Griffith be still alive or not he does not know.
Whether his idea be correct or not, we shall probably have a better opportunity of judging on the return of captain Lewis and Clark—who though they may not penetrate so far as Griffith alleged that he had done, will probably learn enough of the country to enable us to determine whether the account given by Griffith be fiction or truth.
I am, Sir, your humble servant, HARRY TOULMIN.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by James Ferguson, of the county of Buckingham, for the purpose of securing a debt due to Brown, Murphy & Co. for the sum of seventy-five pounds five shillings and eight pence, with interest thereon from the twenty-third day of April, eighteen hundred and three, and the expenses attending the execution of this trust—Will certainly be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Saturday the twenty-third day of February next, on the premises, at the house of the above named James Ferguson, in the aforesaid county of Buckingham, A CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF
LAND, Containing six hundred and seventy-four acres, and bounded by the lands of George Burks, sen. Joseph C. Mizzinson, Joseph Cabell, Col. Smith—Also, a bay Mare, a yoke of Oxen, nine head of Cattle, and a Feather Bed, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to discharge the above debt, &c.
Will also be sold, at the above mentioned time and place, to the highest bidder, for the best price that can be obtained, in ready money.
One Negro Woman Slave, Named Pat, and her increase, if any, since the executing this trust—by virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by George Burks, Jr. for the purpose of securing a debt due to Brown, Murphy & Co. for the sum of one hundred and forty-seven pounds two shillings and two pence, with interest thereon from the twenty-fifth day of April, eighteen hundred and three, or so much thereof as may be found due John Higginbotham, trustee. Amherst, 16th Jan. 1805. 6w
Valuable Land for Sale.
BY virtue of a deed of trust from William Massie, dec. in order to secure and pay the following debts, viz:—the sum of £ 520 2 0 in specie, assigned by Nathaniel Massie to Arch'd. Bryce, Jr. for the purposes mentioned in the said assignment, and the sum of £ 133 7 10, due to Arch'd. Bryce, with interest thereon from the 15th day of December, 1802, at six per cent. per annum, till paid.
WILL BE SOLD, At the late residence of William Massie, on Friday the 1st day of March next, for ready money.
All that Tract of Land,
In Goochland county, (whereon Mrs. Frances Massie now lives) containing by late survey, 268 1-4 acres, lying and being on the waters of the little Byrd creek, and bounded by the lands of capt. Nathaniel Massie, dec. Mr. David Ross, Mr. John Matthews and others. This land is of the first rate quality of high land, pleasantly situated, within five or six miles (and a good road) of the town of Columbia, and from 7 to 8 miles of Lewis's mill on the Byrd creek.
John Forbes, trustee. 14th January, 1805. w4t
NEIL MCCOULL, Has received his Fall Supply of DRY GOODS. Richmond, 12th Nov. 1804. 11/7
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
RICHMOND: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 1805.
RICHMOND PRICE CURRENT. CORRECTED WEEKLY. Tobacco, 33 3/4 Cash Wheat, 10s 6d do. Flour, fine, 57s do. Flour, superfine, 60s do. Corn, 30s do. Corn, (clean) £ 52 do. Iron, £ 33 do. Bacon, 9d do. Whiskey, 4s do. Pork, 39s do.
The following persons are appointed Cashiers at the offices of discount and deposit of the Bank of Virginia, viz. At Norfolk, THOMAS WILLIAMSON. Peterburg, JOHN WILBER. Fredericksburg, WM. ROBERTS.
After the failure of every artifice of the Essex Junta, for their purpose—after the rejection of the Ely amendment by every state in the union, which has decided on the subject—the Boston Centinel very soberly assures the public that the charge of a design to dissolve the union is false—those who can credit the Centinel may; but with us its acknowledgment has just as much weight as denial, and the contrary—it was high time for the Centinel to come about, when federalism was beaten even at its head quarters.—Aurora.
New-York, January 11. The trial of Nathaniel Pendleton, Esq. who was indicted for aiding as the second of Gen. Hamilton in the unfortunate duel by which the latter was lost to his country, came on yesterday in the court of oyer and terminer, and general jail delivery now sitting in this city. The prosecution was conducted by the attorney general on the part of the state; and the defendant was ably assisted by the talents of Mr. Benson, Mr. Raleigh, Mr. Hoffman, and Mr. Colden. The court was crowded. The trial continued from eleven o'clock in the morning till eight in the evening; and the jury, retiring for about twenty minutes, returned a verdict of guilty. The punishment prescribed by law for the offence of which Mr. Van Ness and Mr. Pendleton have been found guilty, is a complete disfranchisement for the term of twenty years.
Chillicothe, December 24. The legislature of this state have passed a resolution, rejecting the amendment proposed by the state of Massachusetts, to the constitution of the United States respecting the election of federal representatives. The resolution passed almost unanimously. In the house of representatives, on Wednesday last, on motion of Mr. Lewis, leave was given to bring in a bill to change the names of the counties of Hamilton, Ross and Adams.
From the civilization of man, an increase of population is to be expected on the face of the globe. A late calculator of the surface of our globe, conceives that the means of subsistence can exceed the utmost efforts of population. The western part of Europe, and the eastern parts of Asia, he considers as the only peopled countries. Nine tenths of the whole, he admits, is yet untraversed by the plough. Of the nine millions of square miles on the surface of the globe, four millions are assigned to the lands. If a tenth be assigned to the plough, three millions and an half remain for future purposes. And if forty acres will suffice for a family of five persons, three hundred millions of men may be added to the human inhabitants of the globe. A late Swedish geographer gives the following population of the earth: To Portugal 3 millions; to Sweden 3; to Denmark 2 1/2; to Prussia 8; to Spain 11; to Germany independent of Austria and Prussia, 11; to England 13; to Italy 16; to Austria 25; to France 33; to Turkey 35; to Russia 35, but to European Turkey only 10 millions; he gives, therefore to all Europe 120 millions; to Asia 440 millions; to Africa 120 millions; to North America 25 millions, and to South America 15 millions; to Polynesia 20 millions, reckoning the whole population of the globe at 800 millions.
From a late London Paper. The whole coast of Italy is infested by pirates from Barbary. They write from Rome, that 3 of them landed their crews on the 10th inst. near San Lorenzo, and marching up the country four leagues, burned and pillaged all before them, and carried away an immense booty, and 60 prisoners; among the rest, twenty young nuns, of the Carmelite convent, and ten Capuchin friars. After stripping the old nuns, and tearing them in the most barbarous manner, they left them half dead behind them, in their plundered convent. It is said that the Cardinal Secretary of State has complained to Cardinal Tesh, against the Governor of Marseilles, who had permitted these pirates to take in provisions and ammunition in that port. Another pirate landed in the night and carried away 40 young girls, they go in the vicinity. The children belonged to the first families in the country; were all under 8 years of age, and mostly intended for the religious orders. Their parents and relations are collecting subscriptions to purchase their release.
DISSUASIVE AGAINST SUICIDE.
If you are distressed in mind, live; serenity and joy may yet dawn upon your soul. If you have been contented & cheerful, live; and generously diffuse that happiness to others. If misfortunes have befallen you by your own misconduct, live; and be wiser for the future. If they have befallen you by the faults of others, live; you have nothing where-with to reproach yourself. If you are indigent and helpless, live; the face of things may agreeably change. If you are rich and prosperous, live; and enjoy what you possess. If another hath injured you, live; his own crime will be his punishment. If you have injured another, live; and recompense it by your good offices. If your character be attacked unjustly, live; time will remove the aspersion. If the reproaches are well founded, live; and deserve them not for the future. If you are already eminent and applauded, live; and preserve the honors you have acquired.
If your success is not equal to your merit, live; in the consciousness of having deserved it. If your success hath exceeded your merit, live; and arrogate not too much to yourself. If you have been negligent and useless to society, live; and make amends by your future conduct. If you have been active and industrious, live; and communicate your improvements to others. If you have spiteful enemies, live; and disappoint their malevolence. If you have kind and faithful friends, live; to bless and protect them. If hitherto you have been impious and wicked, live; and repent of your sins. If you have been wise and virtuous, live; for the future benefit of mankind. And lastly, If you hope for immortality, live; and prepare to enjoy it.
RICHMOND ACADEMY LOTTERY.
Third Day—Saturday, January 19. Prizes of 12 dollars. Nos. 2894 1167 170 2388 996 3422 1056 111 3539 3694 5420 897 1423 1272 224 3303 1634 915 1036 186 1046 2771 1049 2447 2560 3258 2997 2823 2645 1940 2432 495 725 2412 920 2617 2926 3554 2609 861 2509 2405. Gain of the wheel 740 dollars.
CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CHURCH LOTTERY, BALTIMORE.
Twentieth Day's Drawing. 200 tickets were drawn this day. Prize of 500 dollars.—No. 8641. Prize of 200 dollars.—No. 9203. Prizes of 100 dollars.—Nos. 12417 17231 20293. Prizes of 50 dollars.—Nos. 5924 12655 13630. Prizes of 25 dollars.—Nos. 6417 10761 12390 13649. Prizes of 20 dollars.—Nos. 1065 13766 9437 2143 4931 3601 11120 8543 15869 14419 5378 1429 137 13068 3913 0582 7437 10878 14237 2327 4849 12889. And 83 of 15 dollars. The wheel lost this day 260 dollars—Present gain 9370 dollars.
Twenty First Day's Drawing.
300 tickets were drawn this day. No. 20614 (first drawn blank) entitled to 500 dollars. Prizes of 100 dollars.—Nos. 14182 18597 20993. Prizes of 50 dollars.—Nos. 1093 1389 2537 9096. Prizes of 25 dollars.—Nos. 12213 20134. Prizes of 20 dollars.—Nos. 1267 2217 2339 3935 7469 7674 8171 8619 9238 9529 10245 12066 10668 11150 11199 11768 11785 11816 12052 12474 12613 12759 12737 13045 13886 14066 15114 16008 16833 16809 17249 19690 20182 20803. And 53 of 15 dollars. Gain of the wheel this day 475 dollars —Total gain 3845 dollars.
DIED—On Saturday morning, Mrs. WEST, Jr. the most distinguished ornament of the Virginia stage.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by Benjamin Hurran, of the county of Buckingham, for the purpose of securing a debt due to Brown, Murphy & Co. for one hundred and sixteen pounds three shillings, with interest thereon at the rate of six per cent. per annum, from the twenty fourth day of December, eighteen hundred and two, and the expenses attending the execution of this trust—Will certainly be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Monday the eleventh day of March next, at Buckingham Courthouse, it being court day.
A CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF
LAND, Lying in the county aforesaid, on the waters of muddy creek, and bounded by the lands of Nathaniel Burton, Jesse Burton, Matthew Robertson and Edward Macey, containing by estimation three hundred and fifteen acres. Daniel Higginbotham, trustee. Amherst, 16th Jan. 1805. 6w
WANTED TO PURCHASE. 2 OR 3 NEGRO GIRLS, Between the ages of 14 and 22—for whom Cash will be given. Enquire of the printer. January 23, 1805. 1*
Government Security.
NEW-YORK LOTTERY. No. III. for the encouragement of Literature, Begins Drawing on the EIGHTH DAY of APRIL next.
25,000 DOLLARS, 10,000 DOLLARS, 5,000 DOLLARS, HIGHEST PRIZES.
The Scheme contains 33,000 Tickets, of which 9,913 are Prizes, less than two and a half blanks to a prize—Deduction fifteen per cent. At the session of the Legislature of the state of New York, on Monday the 12th Nov 1804, a Resolution passed the Senate, and was concurred in by the House of Assembly, that the drawing of the said Lottery be postponed until the Second Monday in April next, in consequence of the defalcation of one of the managers, and that the Legislature will GUARANTEE the PAYMENT of ALL the PRIZES in said Lottery.
TICKETS
And Halves, Quarters & Eighths, ARE TO BE HAD AT G. & R. WAITE'S PERMANENT LOTTERY OFFICES, No. 64, MAIDEN LANE, & No. 38, MAIDEN LANE.
AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES. Whole Tickets Dols. 7 50 | Quarters, Dols. 2 00 Halves, - 3 87 | Eighths, - 1 13 But as the tickets and shares, have met with such an extraordinary rapid sale throughout every part of the United States, they will speedily advance in price.

Will certainly be Sold for Cash. The house of Moses Treadway in the county of Powhatan, on Thursday the third day of January, one thousand eight hundred and five, pursuant to a decree of the superior court of chancery, held for the Richmond district, pronounced on the second day of June last, in favor of Col. Samuel Meredith of Amherst county, against John Nunnally and others. On the day, and at the place above mentioned, and in conformity to the aforesaid decree, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, one certain tract or parcel of LAND, lying on Appomattox river, in the upper end of said county, within two miles of the place of sale, containing four hundred and twelve and one half acres, a part of which is low grounds, adjoining the said run, the remainder high land, thought to be equal in value to any in the neighbourhood; there are two plantations on this tract, one of which lies immediately upon the river, being that plantation whereon Archibald Nunnally lived in his lifetime, the buildings are such as might answer for the accommodation of an overseer & negroes, with a good barn, &c. The other is the plantation upon which Capt. John Nunnally has lived for a number of years; upon which there is a good dwelling house with two rooms below and two above stairs, a kitchen, smoke house, dairy, stable, barn, &c. all in good repair; upon this tract eight or ten hands may be employed to great advantage. Great Taylor, Francis E. Harris, Nelson Patterson, Edward Mumford, Richd. Grubb, John Ford, December 7th, 1804. The sale of the above property is postponed until Friday the first day of February next, when it will certainly take place, in satisfaction of the aforesaid decree, and at the place aforesaid. Dec. 29, 1804.
GIMCRACK WILL stand next season at my stable about 12 miles from Howells Ferry, ten from Smith's Ferry, and seven miles from the courthouse. Herbert C. Cocke, Halifax, November 19th, 1804. BROKER'S OFFICE. THE SUBSCRIBER HAS Opened a Broker's Office, Opposite the Union Tavern, and over the Counting-house of Thomas and Amos Ladd. All business confided to him will be transacted with strict fidelity. THOM. NORVELL, Richmond, October 3, 1804.
NOTICE. We the undersigned, partners in the late concerns of Buchanan, Dunlop & Co. at Petersburg, Robert Pollok & Co. at Richmond and of Dunlop, Pollok & Co. at Manchester, have sold to Mr. James Dunlop, our partner in said concerns, the debts now due to and outstanding at these different establishments; those interested will therefore please to take notice, that hereafter payments are to be made only to the said Mr. James Dunlop, his attorney or attorneys, and to whom those having claims against these concerns will apply for payment. David Buchanan, (3m) By Robert Pollok his attorney, Robert Pollok, Virginia, Petersburg, Dec. 6, 1804.
J. Tompkins Respectfully informs those concerned, that he has removed the books and papers of the late concerns of Robert Pollok & Co. and Dunlop, Pollok & Co. to a new brick house near the basin, and directly opposite to the stable house, where he has for SALE, a few pipes of Old Cogniac Brandy, Of superior quality. CASH will be given for Twelve or Fifteen BOYS, From 7 to 15 years old.—Enquire of the Printer. Lots for Sale. On Saturday the 30th of March next, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for 1-5 cash, and approved security for the other 2-3, payable on the 25th December next, about Forty Acres of Land, Lying on both sides of the Manchester Turnpike road, about 1200 yards above the town of Manchester, to be laid off into acre and half acre Lots.—Proper titles will be made by James Clarke, Attorney in fact for the proprietors, Manchester, Jan. 9, 1805.
NOTICE. It is requested by Col. Richard Adams, that all gentlemen residing in or near the city of Richmond, who may have arms in their possession, which have been left with them by young men whom they have employed, will make it known to Joshua West, Quarter Master to the 19th Regiment, who will take charge of them; and it is further requested, that the Captains of the 19th Regiment do examine their respective companies and see how many arms there are, that it may make my returns to the Colonel of the state of the arms as soon as possible. JOSHUA WEST, Quarter Master of the 19th Regiment.
NOTICE. ALL persons indebted to the late firms of Buchanan, Dunlop & Co. Of Petersburg; Robert Pollok & Co. Of Richmond; and Dunlop, Pollok & Co. Of Manchester, Are hereby notified that James Dunlop, late a partner in the above concerns, has become purchaser of the outstanding debts; they will therefore be pleased to make payment to Mr. John Tompkins, residing in Richmond, or the subscriber, residing in Petersburg; who alone are authorized to make collections and grant discharges. Suits will be indiscriminately commenced against all who do not make payment before the first of February next. JOHN DUNLOP, Attorney for James Dunlop, Petersburg, Nov. 15, 1804.
ALMANACKS. Barber's and Carey's Franklin Almanacks, for 1805, are for sale at this office, by the gross, or dozen.
The Subscriber wishes to sell for cash, or on credit till the first day of January next, the Two Erick Tenements. Adjoining the house of Mr. Benjamin Mosby. JOHN PENDLETON. City of Richmond, Nov. 10th, 1804.
THE SUBSCRIBER hath removed his SCHOOL from the Falling Garden-Over to the white house near the Courthouse, where Messrs. Calvert & Isaacs formerly kept store. He will continue to teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetics, Grammar and Geography; he will also teach Book-Keeping, and several branches of the Mathematics, if required.—The price of tuition will be made known on application. J. S. PLEASANTS. 15th Nov. 1804.
FOR SALE. A Life Estate in the DWELLING HOUSE, (which has just undergone a thorough repair) Four half acre LOTS, with stables, coach-house and other necessary outbuildings, on the church hill, in the occupancy of John Banks, Esq. It commands an extensive prospect, and is as healthy a situation as any in Richmond. Neil McCoull. 12th December, 1804.
THE IMPORTED HORSE, PRECIPITATE, WILL stand at my house to be let to mares the next season. THOMAS GOODE. Ghentfield county, Appomattox river, Nov. 27, 1804.
FOUND IN THE STREET IN THIS CITY, A red Morocco Pocket Book. The owner may have it by applying at this office. December 12.
FOR SALE, YARMOUTH, LYING in James City county, on Chickahominy river, ten miles from Williamsburg. The improvements are, a two-story brick house with two rooms and a passage above and below, porticoes on each side, a large and capacious barn, and 3 other out houses. The whole tract including an island in view of the house, high and low land, with marshes, contains about 2700 acres, scarce by one third of which is cleared. Two thirds of the island is arable, which, with the land adjoining the house, is of superior quality. Adjacent to the island are two bold and navigable creeks with a convenient landing to each. The range for cattle is very extensive and the marshes and meadows will supply an abundance of hay. Fish and fowl, in their respective seasons, may with ease be obtained at your door. The orchard, consisting of the greatest variety of all kinds of fruit selected with care, are now in their prime. The terms will be made known by William Berkeley of Richmond, William Randolph of Wilton, or the subscriber. PEYTON RANDOLPH, JR. Nov. 4th, 1804.
WILL BE SOLD. By virtue of a deed of trust executed by James Burnley, to secure a debt therein mentioned, originally to James Barbour, and by him transferred to Austin Shelton, will be sold, for ready money, at Charlottesville, on Monday the 6th day of February next (being Albemarle court day), A TRACT OF LAND, Lying about two miles above Charlottesville, whereon Mrs. Burnley now resides, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy and pay the sum of two hundred and seventy four pounds six shillings and eight pence, with interest and costs. Hardin Davis, trustee. Richmond, 8th Jan. 1805.
THE Surveyors of the different counties in Virginia who by law are to account annually with the President and Professors of William & Mary College, for a proportion of their fees; and who have not so done, are requested to render their accounts to July last, and pay the respective balances due to the College. WM. COLEMAN, Bursar. Williamsburg, Jan. 6, 1805.
NOTICE. The Stockholders in the Bank of Virginia, are hereby notified, that the third instalment on their shares will become due on Tuesday, the 5th of February. By a regulation of the Stockholders at a general meeting, no Stock will be transferable or assignable, after the 8th day of February next, except at the Bank, in person or by attorney. J. BROCKENBROUGH, Cashr. January 11th, 1805.
FOR RENT, The large white House, At Rocketts, formerly occupied by Mr. William Fenwick, and afterwards by Mr. Braxton Craddock. For terms apply to Gallego, Richard & Co.
Mary McBride, MIDWIFE & DOCTRESS, TAKES this method to inform the public in general and her friends in particular, that she has removed to this city, to the house of Mr. Edward Wanton, watch-maker, where she will be ready to wait on any that will favor her with their custom. Richmond, Jan. 8th, 1805.
HENNING'S New Virginia Justice, Containing the Duties of a Justice of Peace, &c together with a variety of useful precedents, adapted to the laws now in force. Also, forms of conveyancing, such as deeds of bargain and sale, lease & release, mortgage, trust, &c. FOR SALE AT S. PLEASANTS' BOOK-STORE. Read made PENS for sale here.
FOR SALE, ON board the ship Industry, Capt. Samuel Vickery, lying at Bermuda Hundred, just arrived from Liverpool. A Cargo of Salt in Sacks, An extensive assortment of QUEENS-WARE, cream coloured, blue and green edged, and of STONE-WARE, consisting of butter pots, water pitchers and jugs from 1 quart to 3 gallons, in crates well assorted—among which are a few crates consisting of Table Sets of Queens Ware, calculated for family use. ALSO, CHOICE OLD Madeira & Sherry Wine, In Pipes, Hhds. and Quarter Casks, in store. Brown, Rives & Co. Richmond, 10th Jan. 1805.
IN pursuance of a deed of trust from Thos. H. Drew to Carter H. Harrison, bearing date the 10th Dec. 1787, Will be Sold, at public auction, at Fowler's tavern in Cartersville, for ready money, on the 9th February next, A TRACT OF LAND Containing 1500 acres, be the same more or less, lying in the county of Campbell, on the branches of Hill's Creek, now in the possession of Mr. Philip Payne, who will show the land to any person disposed to purchase. Under an impression that those who wish to purchase will view the premises, it is deemed unnecessary to say much of the quality; suffice it to say, that it is esteemed a very valuable tract, great part of it capable of producing excellent tobacco. ROBERT C. HARRISON, PEYTON HARRISON. Esq's of C. H. HARRISON. January 9th, 1805.
TO BE SOLD. For ready money, pursuant to a decree of the Federal Circuit Court, for the district of Virginia in a suit between Philemon Bond, Attorney for the creditors of Ezekiel Edwards, plaintiff, and David Ross and others defendants—Two undivided parts, out of three, of forty-two acres of LAND, in the county of Henrico, upon Four Mile Creek, with the MILLS & HOUSES thereon, known by the name of the Norwood Mills. ALSO, a Tract or Parcel of LAND, situate in the county of Henrico, about seven miles below the City of Richmond, commonly called and known by the name of the Seven Pines, thought to contain one thousand acres, but Mr. Ross understands, that an accurate survey and plot shall be produced on the day of sale. The sale will positively take place at the Eagle Tavern in the City of Richmond, on Thursday the 21st day of February next. BEN. MOSBY, D. M. for JOSEPH SCOTT, M. V. D. Jan. 8.
At the same time and place, I will dispose of the other undivided third part of the said Norwood Mills, and will also dispose of a valuable tract of LAND adjoining thereto, which contains about five hundred acres, with various improvements—The whole is a valuable estate—Mr. Hooten will show the Mills and the land. The terms of payment for the said land and the other third part of the Mills will be half ready money, and twelve months credit for the other half. DAVID ROSS.
RUN away from the subscriber living in Richmond, two apprentice boys, by trade Tailors; one by the name of GEORGE THOMPSON CARSEY, about twenty years of age; he is tall and likely, wore away a long blue coat, olive colored pantaloons and striped waistcoat. I will give Eight Dollars reward to any one who will deliver him to me in Richmond or secure him in any jail so that I get him. The other by the name of RICHARD BACON, upwards of twenty years of age; he is a noted runaway, tall, and looks about the articles as if they were swelled; his wore away a long blue coat and light coloured short breeches with strings to the knees; he had a pair of blue casemere pantaloons to make for a man that were not finished; the owner requests he will return them. I will give One Cent reward to any one who will deliver the said R. Bacon to me in Richmond, or secure him in jail so that I get him again, and no charges paid. Wm. ELLIOTT. Jan. 14, 1805.
NOTICE. THOSE indebted to the late firm of Shaback & MacRae, either by bond or open account, are desired to make payment, before the first of March—All failing to comply, will find their accounts in the hands of an attorney. Colin MacRae. Manchester, Jan. 8, 1805.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the drawing of the said Lottery will commence on this day, and be continued on Tuesdays and Saturdays by drawing from fifty to five hundred numbers, until the whole is completed. All tickets not sold and delivered before this day will be considered as held on account of the Trustees of the Academy; and the agents for selling them are earnestly requested to remit either the money or the tickets committed to their disposal, to the commissioner from whom they were received. Those who have purchased tickets on a credit, will be pleased to reckon from this day. If the days of drawing and the number to be drawn shall be encumbered, public notice will be given of the same. The prices to be paid in sixty days after the drawing is completed. It is hoped that the tickets remaining in the hands of the commissioners will be readily bought, by those who are well wishes to the proposed Academy, or who wish to be in the neighbourhood of this city the beginning of a great National University. The committee appointed for that purpose have already purchased about 12 acres of ground, a little more than a mile from town, in an eligible situation, and the necessary buildings will be begun in the ensuing spring. On behalf of the trustees, Robert Mitchell, Robert Pollard, Alexr. Stuart, Wm. Price, G. Tucker, appointed to superintend the drawing. Richmond, January 14, 1805.
WILL be paid to any person that will deliver to me JOHN NUNRY, an apprentice lad, who absconded from my employment some time in October last. All persons are forewarned from employing or harbouring the said apprentice, as I shall deal with such as the law directs. Lund Hopkins. Powhatan county, Jan. 15, 1805.
Ten Cents Reward WILL be paid to any person that will deliver to me JOHN NUNRY, an apprentice lad, who absconded from my employment some time in October last. All persons are forewarned from employing or harbouring the said apprentice, as I shall deal with such as the law directs. Lund Hopkins. Powhatan county, Jan. 15, 1805.
Land for Sale. BY virtue of a deed of trust executed by the subscribers by Wm. Fortune, will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on the premises, on the 15th day of February next, a TRACT OF LAND, lying in Louisa county, on the waters of Fork creek, containing 100 acres, being the land whereon said Fortune now resides—The land is of good quality; has a small plantation in good order and convenient houses, &c for a small family. (tds) John Edwards, Chs. Smith, } Trustees. Louisa, January 3, 1805.
Valuable Negro Men, By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscribers, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for cash, at Mr. Zachariah Brooks' Tavern in Manchester, on Tuesday the 29th inst.—two Sam and Dick, to satisfy a certain amount mentioned therein, due from John Watkins to Cornelius Buck, and the expenses attending the execution of this trust. JOHN ROYSTER, NICHOLAS MILLS, } Trustees. Manchester, Jan. 15, 1805.
Scheme of a Lottery, For the benefit of WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE FIRST CLASS. 8000 Tickets at 10 dollars. 80,000 2 Prizes, dolls. 10,000 20,000 60 of 500 30,000 2,000 of 15 30,000 80,000 Subject to a deduction of 15 per ct. Expense of drawing, 12,000 2,000 Dollars, 10,000 First Ticket drawn, Dolls. 500 Last drawn, 10,000 1 other Prize of 10,000 59 other Prizes of 500 dolls. 29,500 2,000 of 15 dollars, 30,000 Dollars, 80,000 All tickets drawn blank may be renewed in the next class, at 10 dollars each; the price of all others will be 15 dollars. All prizes of 15 dollars may be renewed for the next class, at the option of the person entitled. If they be not claimed within three months after the drawing commences, they will be considered as renewed in the second class. The drawing to commence in the city of Williamsburg, on the _____ day of _____, under the management of James Madison, John Braxton, William Nelson, Robert Greenhow, Burwell Bassett, Robert Saunders, Samuel Tyler, Champion Travis, William Lightfoot, Littleton W. Tazewell, George Tucker and James Semple. SECOND CLASS. 5,936 Tickets at 10 dolls. 59,360 4,635 ditto at 15 dolls. 70,930 130,310 Deduct loss on 2,062 tickets renewed at 2 1-2 5,155 Dolls. 125,155 2 Prizes of 20,000 dolls. 40,000 2 ditto of 10,000 dolls. 20,000 3 ditto of 5,000 15,000 50 ditto of 1,000 50,000 1 ditto 155 125,155 Deduct 10 per cent. Expenses of drawing, 12,300 3,500 Sum raised, Dolls. 10,000 Ticket first drawn, Dolls. 1,000 Ticket last drawn, 20,000 One other prize of 20,000 Two ditto of 10,000 20,000 13 ditto of 5,000 dolls. 13,000 49 ditto of 1,000 49,000 ditto 155 Dollars 125,155
TICKETS May be had of George Tucker, Thomas Taylor, and Samuel Pleasants, Jr. in Richmond; Robert Birchett, and Watkins Leigh, Petersburg; Thomas Newton, Dr. Barrand, & Littleton W. Tazewell, Norfolk; Hugh Mercer, Fredericksburg; Henry Tucker, Winchester; Chapman Johnson, Staunton; and in all the towns in Virginia, and in many places in the country.
NICHOLAS HALLAM, Two doors above the Swan-Tavern, has just received from the Isle of Wight, and for sale on the most moderate terms, Three thousand wt. of excellent BACON Hams, and Middlings, and a supply of choice new and old Northern CHEESE; Also, IRISH POTATOES. Likewise, an assortment of well chosen GROCERIES, Consisting of Loaf & Brown Sugars; Coffee, Young Hyson and Imperial Tea; Chocolate, Rice, Indigo, Mace, Cloves, and other spices; Dry Sherry, Lisbon, and Malaga Wines; Cogniac, Peach and Apple Brandy; Rum, Holland and Country Gin; Whiskey, Molasses, &c.; Crockery and Stone Ware, and a variety of other articles in the Grocery line. W. WARDLAW.
W. WARDLAW, IS now opening at his shop on the Main street in Richmond, opposite Mr. Taylor's Vendue Office, a large Importation of MEDICINES, Received directly from London, also a general assortment of SURGEON'S INSTRUMENTS, SHOP FURNITURE, MEPHITIC AIR MACHINES, PATENT MEDICINES, &c. &c. It is his intention to keep, at all times, a supply of Genuine Medicines, sufficient to answer the current demand; which will be sold low for cash or on the usual credit to those who will give him sufficient assurances of punctuality. November 20th, 1804. W. W.
Notice: ALL persons having claims by bond, account or otherwise, against the estate of Col. Bernard Markham, dec'd. late of Chesterfield county, are desired to bring them forward properly authenticated on or before the tenth day of next February, that provision may be made for the settlement thereof. This notice will be plead in bar of all claims of every description, brought in after that time. THE EXECUTORS. Jan. 5, 1805.
Elegant Accomplishments At the Williamsburg Academy, which is now devoted solely to the education of young ladies, arrangements have been lately made for their instruction in the elegant arts of Drawing and Painting. The society of Williamsburg has ever been considered peculiarly favorable to youthful improvement, and the number of young ladies from every part of the state, who for that object, as well as for the purpose of instruction, annually assemble there, is a proof of the extensive influence of this opinion. Encouraged by this circumstance, Mr. Anderson has endeavored to concentrate within his institution every possible advantage for the accomplishment of young ladies in the various branches of polite education. In addition to his school for their tuition in the English and French languages, and with a view to render the study of Geography more attractive and interesting, he has lately imported very large Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, with a complete set of Maps upon an enlarged scale, elegantly coloured and framed. He has also fitted up, under the roof of the academy, apartments for their instruction by the most eminent teachers in Music, Drawing, Painting and Dancing; and parents who wish their daughters to acquire these fashionable and elegant accomplishments, will find his arrangements well adapted to their speedy attainment.
A few young ladies can be accommodated with boarding in the family of Mr. Anderson, where an excellent teacher has been engaged to attend for the extra tuition of those whose tender age, or hitherto neglected education may render such a measure desirable. Parents whose solicitude for the rapid improvement of their children renders the additional expense of no importance, will perceive this to be a most valuable appendage to the institution. The misfortune of regretted incident to early instruction will thus be obviated, and young ladies, who are emulous to be advanced to the higher branches of improvement, may, in this manner, retrieve their lost time without descending into a lower class. The course of instruction for the ensuing year will commence on the 15th January, and it is requested that the pupils may assemble in Williamsburg previously to that date. Further information may be obtained on application by letter to Mr. Leroy Anderson, post-master, Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg, 20th Dec. 1804.
At a Court held for Washington County the 17th day of October, 1804. Elizabeth Gibson, Complainant, In Chancery against Isaac Anderson, Defendant. THE defendant not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of the commonwealth of Virginia: On the motion of the complainant by her counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the third Tuesday in February next and answer the bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be inserted in some public newspaper published in this state for two months successively, and another posted at the front door of the courthouse of the said county. A Copy—Attest, David Campbell, D. C.
At a court held for Washington county, the 18th day of December, 1804. William Price, Complainant, In Chancery against Michael Wise, Defendant. THE defendant not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant is not an inhabitant of the commonwealth: On the motion of the complainant by his counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the third Tuesday in April next and answer the bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be inserted in a public newspaper published in this state for two months successively, and another copy posted at the front door of the courthouse of the said county. A copy—Attest, D. CAMPBELL, D. C.
The famous full blooded English Horse HAMBLETON, The property of Wm. Lightfoot, Esq. will stand at my stable in the county of Hanover, ten miles above the courthouse, and within a mile of Mr. Edmund Taylor's tavern, in the Fowls of Hanover, the ensuing season.—The terms, pedigree and performance will be made known before the season commences. John Thornton, Sr. November 23d, 1804.
FOR SALE, By Edward Hallam, At his Grocery Store, opposite the Swan Tavern 8000 wt. excellent Salt Petre Bacon. Patent Shot, by the bag or 100. Madeira, Teneriffe and Sherry Wines. Antigua, Jamaica and New-England Rum. Cogniac Brandy and Whiskey. Philadelphia Porter, by the hhd. 3 doz. each. Coffee by the bag—Molasses by the hhd. Loaf & brown Sugar—Hyson & Imperial Teas 9 by 11 and 10 by 12 Window Glass. Bar Iron, Irish Potatoes, &c. &c. The above articles will be sold low for ready pay. April 28, 1804. W. W.
The subscriber has just received six thousand weight of first quality New-England Cheese, Which he will dispose of on moderate terms. HART and SOUTHGATE, Grocers and Commission Merchants, In the store lately occupied by Mr. Boulton, opposite Mr. Pleasants' Printing-Office, MAIN STREET, RICHMOND.
Respectfully inform their friends and the public, that they have laid in a general assortment of GROCERIES and LIQUORS of the first qualities, which they are selling very low for ready money or produce at cash prices. Also, Queen's Ware, Patent Shot, Gunpowder Indigo, &c. &c. and Hart's Philadelphia bottled Porter, of which they have a constant supply, by the dozen or single bottle. They have for sale, on Commission, Cut Nails (from 3d to 20d) by the case or small quantities; also, a quantity of SOLE LEATHER, for Cash, or to be bartered for Wheat; and a pair of COLOGNE MILLSTONES, 3 feet 11 ins. August 8, 1804. SUBSCRIBERS TO THE TRAVELS OF ANACHARSIS, THE YOUNGER, IN GREECE, Are peculiarly informed that the work is now read, for delivery at S. Pleasants' Printing-Office.

VIRGINIA ARGUS EXTRA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1805.
House of Delegates of Virginia.
MONDAY, January 14th, 1805.
(Continued.)
A bill, "Authorising the county courts to provide when necessary for making up and preserving their records," was read a second time; and the question being put upon the third reading of the bill;
It passed in the negative.
Resolved , That the said bill be rejected.
A report from the committee for courts of justice (which lay on the table) was called up and is in the following words:
The committee for courts of justice have, according to order, had under their consideration, several petitions to them referred, and come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Portsmouth, praying that an act may pass authorising the trustees of the said town, to lease out so much of the lot on which the courthouse stands, as may be necessary for public purposes, is reasonable.
2. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of Norfolk, praying that an act may pass for incorporating another company in the borough of Norfolk, for marine insurance, and for other purposes, be rejected.
3. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Paul Loyall, Geo: Loyall and others, praying that the act for extending Church street in the borough of Norfolk, may be repealed, be rejected.
4. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, in opposition to the petition above mentioned, is reasonable.
The first resolution being read a second time, was agreed to by the house.
The second resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "be rejected," and inserting in lieu of them the words "is reasonable";
And the question being put upon the proposed amendment,
It passed in the affirmative—Ayes 85—Noes 61.
The question being then put upon the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
The third resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "be rejected," and inserting in lieu of them the words "is reasonable."
And the question being then put upon the proposed amendment,
It passed in the negative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as reported, it was agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the first and second resolutions, and that the committee for courts of justice do prepare and bring in the same.
The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on a bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, "To reduce into one the several acts concerning the county and other inferior courts;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. E. Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole house had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, had gone through the same, and made several amendments thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table.
On motion,
Ordered , That the said bill, with the amendments, lie upon the table.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from his excellency the Governor, covering certain documents for the information of the General Assembly, which were read and ordered to lie on the table.
Ordered , That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To ascertain and establish the limits of the city of Richmond," and that Messrs. E. Harrison, Burwell, Du Val, Storrs, Selden and Miller, (Powhatan) do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. E. Harrison presented, from the committee of propositions and grievances,
A bill, "For dividing the county of Amherst."
Mr. Mallory presented, a bill, "To amend and ex-
plain the act passed on the 20th day of January, 1804, intitled, an act "Concerning proceedings in Chancery and other purposes (which had been committed) and the said bills were severally received and ordered to lie on the table.
TUESDAY, January 15th, 1805.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk:
The Senate have receded from their second amendment to the bill, "Giving further time to the owners of lots in the town of Moorefield to build thereon, and for other purposes;" and, They have passed the bill, intitled, "An act to prevent slaves being brought into this state," with amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of the House of Delegates.
The house forthwith proceeded to consider the said amendments;
The second amendment being read a second time, was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The 1st, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th amendments being read a second time, were, on the question put thereupon, disagreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
An engrossed bill, (which lay on the table) "To amend the act, intitled, an act to extend the jurisdiction of justices of the peace," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up, and passed—Ayes 82—Noes 68.
An engrossed bill, "Concerning Filmer W. Montford," was read a third time, and a blank therein filled up;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Concerning Filmer W. Montford."
An engrossed bill, "For killing crows in certain counties," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "For killing crows in certain counties."
Ordered , That the clerk carry the said bills to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A bill, "Authorising the county court of Essex to pay a certain sum of money to Mary Cox, administratrix of Abner Cox, dec'd." (which lay on the table) was called up, amended at the clerk's table and with the amendments,
Ordered , To be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Increasing the salaries of the inspectors of tobacco at Henderson's warehouse and North Milton, and the superintendents of the public warehouse on the James river canal," (which lay on the table) was read a second time and amended at the clerk's table;
And the question being put upon engrossing and reading the said bill a third time,
It passed in the negative.
Resolved , That the said bill be rejected.
The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house on the bill, "To amend the act, to reduce into one the several acts for the better securing the payment of rents, and preventing the fraudulent practices of tenants, and to regulate the practice of suing out and prosecuting writs of replevin;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Barbour reported, that the committee of the whole house had, according to order, had the said bill under their consideration, had gone through the same, and made several amendments thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read and agreed to by the house; and the said bill further amended, and with the amendments, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Governor, covering a letter of a confidential nature from the President of the United States.
On a motion made,
Ordered , That the gallery of this house be cleared and the doors closed.
The said letter, with its enclosure, being read, was ordered to lie on the table.
The house came to a resolution on the subject of the said confidential correspondence between the Governor and the President of the United States.
Ordered , That the clerk carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
On motion,
Ordered , That the doors of this house be now opened.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Governor, covering a letter from the Governor of North-Carolina, enclosing anolina, enclosing an amendment proposed by the Legislature of that state to the constitution of the United States.
The said letter, with its enclosures, being read,
Ordered , That the same be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Barbour presented, according to order, a bill, "For carrying into execution the constitution of the Mutual Assurance Society, against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia, lately adopted at a general meeting."
Mr. Storrs made a report from the committee appointed to examine the buildings allotted for the residence of the Governor, which bill and report were ordered to lie on the table.
A motion was made that the house come to the following resolution:
Whereas it hath been represented to the General Assembly, that the congress of the United States have appropriated one twentieth part of the amount of sales of the lands belonging to the United States, lying in the eastern part of the state of Ohio, to the improvement of certain public roads leading from certain points in the states of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, to the said state of Ohio, and the consent of the said several states through, which such roads are proposed to pass, is necessary to be given; and such other acts on the part of the said several states as will tend to insure the improvement of said roads, by creating funds in addition to the appropriation aforesaid;
Resolved therefore , That a committee be appointed to enquire, at what point and through what part of this state such road ought to begin and proceed; whether a turnpike company ought to be incorporated for the purpose of receiving and applying the proportion of the fund aforesaid which may be appropriated by congress to the Virginia road, and also open subscriptions of shares to be subscribed for and invested in said company, which said committee shall report by bill or otherwise.
Ordered , That the said resolution do lie upon the table.
WEDNESDAY, January 16th, 1805.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk:
The Senate have passed the bill, intitled, "An act remitting a fine to Vincent Fortune; and,
The bill, intitled, "An act to amend and carry into effect the several acts providing for the opening a road from the upper navigation of James river to the upper navigation of Kanawha,"

to which they request the concurrence of Delegates; and, have examined sundry other enrolled bills; & have found them truly enrolled; and the same have been signed by their Speaker.
The house forthwith proceeded to consider the said amendments, and the same being twice read, were, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the Clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
An engrossed bill, "To amend an act to reduce into one the several acts for the better securing the payment of rents, and preventing the fraudulent practices of tenants; and to regulate the practice of suing out and prosecuting writs of replevin," was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up, and passed.
An engrossed bill, "Authorising the county court of Essex to pay a certain sum of money to Mary Cox, administratrix of Abner Cox, dec'd. was read a third time, and passed.
Ordered , That the clerk carry the said bills to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A bill, "To amend and explain the act passed on the 20th day of Jan. 1804, intitled, an act concerning proceedings in chancery and other purposes," (which with the amendments lay on the table, as reported by the committee to whom it was committed) was taken up and the amendments agreed to by the house;
A bill, "To amend and explain the act, intitled, an act to amend and reduce into one the several acts of Assembly for improving the navigation of Appomattox river from Broadway to Pocahontas bridge," (which lay on the table) was called up and amended;
A bill, "To class the counties and for other purposes," (which lay on the table as reported with the amendments from a committee of the whole house) was called up, and the amendments severally agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the said bills, with the amendments, be severally engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "For dividing the county of Amherst;" and,
A bill, "For carrying into execution the constitution of the Mutual Assurance Society, against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia, lately adopted at a general meeting," (which bills lay on the table) were severally read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
A report and resolution from the committee for courts of justice, on the petition of Joseph Mettauer, (which lay on the table) was called up and read, in the following words:
The committee for courts of justice have, according to order, had under their consideration, the petition of Joseph Mettauer, to them referred, and have agreed upon a report, and come to a resolution thereupon, as follows:
It appears to your committee, from the evidence of a member thereof, that the petitioner left this state in the year 1791, on a visit to France, the place of his nativity, after a mutual engagement between himself and his wife Jamima, then Jamima Gaulting, that a marriage should be solemnized between them on the return of the petitioner to this country; that the petitioner accordingly returned, and believing from the representations of his brother, who in the absence of the petitioner as aforesaid, had charge of his affairs and lived in his house with the said Jamima, that she was a woman of prudent demeanor and virtuous character, was lawfully married to her; but within a short space of time thereafter, it was discovered that there had been an unchaste intercourse between the petitioner's said brother and the said Jamima, and that she was actually in a state of pregnancy by him at the time of her marriage with the petitioner; that he soon after this discovery, separated himself from the said Jamima, and it is believed, has not since cohabited with her.
It further appears to your committee, from sundry depositions to them produced, that the aforesaid Jamima, since her marriage with the petitioner, has frequently committed the crime of adultery with different persons, and now pursues a wicked and incontinent course of life.
Resolved therefore , that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the said Joseph Mettauer, praying that an act may pass for divorcing him from his said wife, is reasonable.
A motion was made to amend the said report, by adding at the end thereof the following words:
"But it also appears, that the petitioner seduced the said Jamima while sole, by a promise of marriage, and afterwards kept her in a state of concubinage for some years, during which she bore two children;" and the question being put upon the said amendment, it was agreed to by the house.
The said resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same, by striking out at the end thereof the words "is reasonable," and inserting in lieu of them the words "be rejected?";
And the question being put upon the proposed amendment;
It passed in the affirmative—Ayes 25—Nays 66.
The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth, on a bill, "Further to amend the penal laws of this commonwealth," and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Johnston reported, that the committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth, had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, had gone through the same and made sundry amendments thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were.
On a motion made,
Ordered , To lie on the table.
Resolved , That this house will again to-morrow resolve itself into a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
Mr. Tazewell presented, according to order, a bill, "Further to amend the act, intitled, an act reducing into one the several acts concerning slaves, free negroes and mulattoes;
Mr. E. Harrison presented, according to order, a bill, "To ascertain and establish the limits of the city of Richmond;" which bills were received and ordered to lie on the table.
THURSDAY, January 17th, 1805.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk:
The Senate have agreed to the resolution on the subject of the confidential correspondence between the Governor of this state and the President of the United States; with amendments, to which they request the concurrence of the House of Delegates.
An engrossed bill, "To explain and amend the act, intitled, an act to amend and reduce into one the several acts of Assembly for improving the navigation of Appomattox river, from Broadway to Pocahontas bridge," was read a third time, and passed.
An engrossed bill, "To amend and explain the act passed on the 20th day of January, 1804, intitled, an act concerning proceedings in chancery and other purposes," was read a third time, and the title amended, and passed.
An engrossed bill, "To class the counties and for other purposes," was read a third time, and passed.
Ordered , That the Clerk carry the said bills to the Senate, and desire their concurrence.
The house proceeded to consider the amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill, "Allowing compensation to certain persons for carrying lunatics to the Williamsburg hospital," (which were heretofore laid upon the table,) and the same being twice read, were, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the Clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
On motion,
Ordered , That the committee appointed to bring in a bill, "To amend an act, intitled, an act to reduce into one the several acts making provision for the restraint, support and maintenance of idiots and lunatics, and the preservation and management of their estates," be discharged from further consideration of the said subject.
A bill, "Further to amend the act, intitled, an act to reduce into one the several acts, concerning slaves, free negroes and mulattoes;"
A bill, "To ascertain and establish the limits of the city of Richmond," (which bills lay on the table) were severally read a first time and ordered to be read a second time.
A bill, "For dividing the county of Amherst," was read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
The report of the committee of finance, (which lay on the table with the amendments as reported from the committee of the whole house) was taken up and further amended, and,
On motion,
Ordered , To be re-committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A report and resolution (which lay on the table) from the committee appointed to examine into the situation of the public buildings allotted for the residence of the Governor was called up, and is in the following words:
The committee appointed to view the situation of the public buildings and lots appropriated to the use of the Governor, and to report whether any, and if any, what repairs ought to be made to the said buildings and lots, have, according to order, performed that duty, and beg leave to submit the following report...
They find the dwelling house now occupied by the Governor greatly out of repair, and actually unsafe for habitation: some of the out houses have gone almost entirely to decay. The garden and yard also require considerable repair. They have obtained particular information as to the cost of the necessary repairs, and beg leave to refer to the letter and statement of Mr. Anderson Barrett, marked A, from which it will appear that the sum of £425 12 will be required for those repairs that are necessary to make the tenement safe and comfortable. It will also appear from the letter of the Attorney General that a dispute exists as to the title of the lot on which the garden stands, and that a suit is now depending in the court of appeals to recover the same from the commonwealth. The committee are impressed with a belief that it would be inexpedient to make any repairs to the public buildings, because from their old and decayed state the repairs in a few years would cost nearly as much money as would erect new buildings more convenient and elegant, and of durable materials. Believing it however indispensably necessary that some other house should immediately be sought, either for the temporary or permanent accommodation of the Governor, they have received the proposals of Col. Carrington, executor of Lewis Burwell, dec. to sell or rent the house and lots of which the said Burwell died possessed. This house is large, convenient and eligibly situated, and may be bought for a sum not exceeding eleven thousand dollars, a price which your committee would not deem unreasonable were they disposed to purchase—or it may be rented for two years at 600 dollars per annum, as will more fully appear by Col. Carrington's letters, marked B and C. The committee are of opinion that the lot on which the Governor's house now stands, adjoining the public square affords a situation more eligible than any other that can be procured, and that at some future day, and in a more prosperous state of our finances, it will be advisable to erect thereon new buildings, sufficient for the accommodation of the Governor of this commonwealth. They therefore would decline purchasing the house offered for sale by Col. Carrington. But as the buildings at present occupied by the Governor are unfit and really unsafe for habitation without considerable repairs, as those repairs could only be made after the removal of the Governor and his family from the house, and would cost more money than in the opinion of the committee, ought to be expended on buildings of such old and decayed materials.
Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the Executive be requested to rent of the executor of Lewis Burwell, dec'd. for the term of two years, the house and lot in this city, of which the said Burwell died possessed, at the rent of 600 dollars per annum, for the accommodation of the Governor, taking care to bind the executor to make such repairs and improvements as may be thought necessary; and that they be moreover requested to rent out for one year, for the highest sum and best terms that can be procured, the house and lots now occupied by the Governor.
A motion was made to amend the said resolution by striking out from the word "resolved" to the word "and," last occurring in the sixth line of the resolution, and inserting in lieu thereof the following—As the opinion of this committee, that the Executive be requested to purchase of the executor of Lewis Burwell, dec'd. the houses and lots in this city, of which the said Burwell died seized, on the terms suggested in the letter of the said Carrington, of the 6th January, 1805.
And the question being put upon the proposed amendment,
It passed in the affirmative.
(To be Continued.)