Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1807-12-08 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1413.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—paid in Advance.]
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1807.
12 1-2 Cents Single.
Richmond Price Current.
   (CORRECTED WEEKLY.)     Tobacco, $ 5 00 CASH.   WHEAT, new, 0 93 do.   FLOUR, super fine, new, 5 50 do.   FLOUR, fine, 5 00 do.   CORN, 2 25 do.   Hemp, clean, (her ton) 180 00 do.   Iron, 110 00 do.   Bacon, 14 do.   Whiskey, 45 do.  
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, Nov. 24.
Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Dawson for three days.
Mr. Brown presented the petition of Caspar Reiser, which was referred to the committee on Claims barred, &c.
Mr. Newton from the committee of Commerce and Manufactures reported a bill to change the name of the district of Burport, in the district of Massachusetts, agreeably to petition of Jeremiah Hill; which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole on Thursday next.
Mr. Mumford presented a petition from sundry merchants of the city of New York, praying for a modification of the duties on whale and sperm oil; which was referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. Blount said, that as chairman of the committee of aggression, he had received a letter from the secretary of the navy stating some errors which had been discovered in the report of the committee of enquiry communicated by the secretary to the committee, & by them to the House; which letter was read, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. J. Clay moved that the petition of the merchants of salt and coal at Philadelphia, be referred to the committee of the whole to whom several petitions on the same subject were yesterday referred.—Agreed.
On motion of Mr. J. Clay the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill authorizing the purchase of certain copies of the Journals, which being gone through, was reported by the chairman, Mr. Masters, and ordered to a third reading tomorrow. Ayes 20.
On motion of Mr. Darby, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill to incorporate the trustees of the Baptist Church in the city of Washington; which being gone through, Mr. Masters, the chairman reported the bill, which was ordered to a third reading tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25.
Mr. Poindexter presented the petition of the President and Trustees of the Natchez Hospital, praying assistance from Congress. Referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. T. Moore presented the petition of J. E. Eustis. Referred to the committee on Claims barred, &c.
Mr. Mumford presented the petition of Joseph Du Cuyt, praying that the importation of certain coining matters for a new combination of which he had purchased the patent, be prohibited. Referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. Poindexter presented the memorial of the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens of the city of Natchez, praying for a grant of land on which to erect public buildings. Referred to the committee of Public Lands.
An engrossed bill authorizing the purchase of certain copies of the Journals of Congress was passed. Ayes 73.
Mr. Taliaferro offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Secretary for the Department of War be directed to lay before this House a statement of the respective numbers of officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers composing the army of the U. S. noting the numbers wanting to complete the present establishment.
Resolved, That the Secretary for the Department of War be directed to lay before this House a statement of the respective volunteers, either of artillery, cavalry, or infantry, whose services have been offered and accepted, in pursuance of the act entitled, "An act authorizing the President of the U. S. to accept the service of a number of volunteer companies, not exceeding 30,000 men."
Which being read, Mr. Taliaferro said, that it would be remembered when the President had transmitted his message to Congress at the opening of the session, one part of it related to what might be the probable situation of the country, and to the necessity that might exist for raising a regular army. Mr. T. presumed that every gentleman on the floor felt the same sentiment with respect to the importance of the preservation of the honor of the nation, and in order that they might be prepared to meet any possible event, it became essentially necessary to know what was our actual force. This was the object of the first resolution which he had proposed. He wished to know not only what that force was, but how far it was deficient. Another reason which operated strongly on his mind was that the House never failed at each session to vote money for the support of the army and navy of the U. S. they certainly could not make the exact appropriations required, without knowing what the actual force of the army was.
With respect to the second resolution, it would be remembered that an act was passed in February, 1807, authorizing the President to accept of the services of any number of volunteers, not exceeding 30,000, which act was to remain in force for two years. It became important to know how far this force might be brought into the field in case of emergency. An act had also passed in April, 1806, authorizing the President to call out 100,000 militia, to continue in force two years from its date, and would of course expire next April. These were the different species of force on which the President could calculate on an emergency. That the House might know the exact force of the union, and how far it might be relied on were the reasons which induce him to move these resolutions at this time.
A desultory conversation took place as to the ability of the Executive to give the information called for in the second resolution, in which Messrs. Taliaferro, Thomas, Dana, Quincy, Chandler, Durell, Alston, Upsham and Smilie took part, when the resolutions were agreed to without a division.
THURSDAY, Nov. 26.
Mr. Lewis, from the committee to whom was re-committed the bill for erecting a bridge over the river Potomac, reported the bill with amendments; the most material of which makes the shares of the stock personal instead of real property, and gives to the U. S. the right of becoming purchasers of the bridge after a certain time. The bill was referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
Mr. Lloyd presented a memorial praying that the monument in honor of the officers who fell in the attack of Tripoli, imported from Europe by their brother officers, be admitted free of duty. Referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. J. Clay presented the memorial of W. Davy, R. Ralston, A. McColl, and A. M. Buckley, a committee appointed at a meeting of the merchants of Philadelphia, to take into consideration the cases of sundry merchants who could not obtain drawbacks from a misapprehension of the laws on the subject.
The House adjourned before the memorial was disposed of.
FRIDAY, Nov. 27.
Mr. J. Clay presented a memorial from sundry merchants in the city of Philadelphia, praying for the repeal of the non-importation law. Mr. Clay moved to refer it to the Committee of Commerce & Manuf. On this motion of reference a long debate ensued, the commencement of which may be found in this day's paper. The motion of reference was finally rejected by yeas and nays, 80 to 50, and no order taken on the memorial.
Mr. Randolph, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported a bill to explain an act passed last session, entitled "An act to prohibit the importation of Slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the U. S. from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight."
Mr. Blount moved for the order of the day on the second report of the committee of aggression; he wished the House to go into committee of the whole on the subject and remain in committee (as it was then late) no longer than to give the business priority over any other on the next day of meeting.
Mr. Randolph enquired why the second report should have preference over the first, and why both had not been referred to the same committee of the whole, as one depended on the other. Why were they shuffled about in this manner? Why was the cart put before the horse? Why was the second brought upon the tapis and the first reserved?
Mr. Blount stated that the first was merely declaratory of the nature of the act, and detailed that information which had been so loudly called for from some parts of the House; the second contained resolutions for preparing for defence, which he conceived should be first acted upon.
Mr. Randolph moved that the committee of the whole to whom the second report or second part of the report was referred, should be discharged from the consideration of it, that it might be referred to the same committee to whom the first part had been referred.
Mr. Blount's motion being that under consideration, a considerable debate ensued, which branched widely into the subject; in the course of which
Mr. Blount stated that the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Randolph) had desired Mr. B. to let him know when the report was to be called up. He had told the gentleman this morning that he intended to call it up to-day. If the gentleman had then expressed a desire that both reports should be referred to the same committee of the whole, he would have accommodated him, by making a motion to that effect.
Mr. Randolph said he would take the gentleman from N. C. at his word, and withdraw the motion he had offered, trusting to the gentleman to renew it.
Mr. Blount withdrew his motion for immediately taking up the second report and renewed Mr. Randolph's motion; on which the debate was continued. The gentlemen who took part in the debate on this subject were Messrs. Randolph, Blount, Chandler, Dana, Eppes, Thomas, Rowan, Nicholas, W. Alston, Lyne, Quincy, G. W. Campbell, Burwell, Taylor, and Smilie.
The question being on the motion as renewed by Mr. Blount, was negatived, 67 to 40.
Mr. Eppes moved that the order of the day on the first report of the committee of
Aggressions be postponed till this day week.
Carried; ayes 58, nays 47.
A motion was made that when the House adjourned, it should adjourn till Monday.
Carried, 61 to 43.
Mr. Blount then renewed his original motion, that the House should now go into a committee of the whole on the second report of the committee of Aggressions.
Mr. D. R. Williams said that it wanted but five minutes of 5 o'clock, and he hoped the House would adjourn. Carried, 54 to 44.
IN SENATE, Nov. 10.
Mr. Mitchell, from the committee on that part of the message of the President of the United States, which relates to the defence of our sea-port towns and harbors, reported, in part, the following letter from the Secretary of the Navy; also a bill to appropriate money for the construction of an additional number of gun-boats.
Navy Department, 18th November, 1807.
SIR, In answer to your letter of the 16th instant in which you ask for such information in relation to the defence of our sea-port towns and harbors, and the further provision to be made for their security, as the navy department may possess; I have the honor to state that in aid of the fixed fortifications, which will be submitted by the Secretary of war, it is presumed that there will be required at the ports and harbors, mentioned below, the number of gun-boats annexed to them respectively, viz.
At New Orleans, 16, Savannah, 8, St. Mary's, 4, Charleston, S. C. 10, Georgetown, do. 1, Wilmington, N. C. 3, Ocracoke, 4, Albemarle Sound, 1, Norfolk, 60, Alexandria, 2, Baltimore, 3, Philadelphia, 4, Delaware bay and river, 10, Egg Harbor, N. J. 1, Amboy, 2, New York, 50, Long Island, 4, New London, 6, Connecticut shore, 6, New Port, R. I. 12, Tiverton, 1, Boston, 12, Salem and Newburyport, 6, Portland, 6, New Bedford, 4, Marblehead and Cape Ann, 2, York, Kennebec and Saco, 2, Kennebec, Sheepscot, Damariscotta, Broad Bay, St. George's, 5, Penobscot, 3, Frenchman's Bay, 2, Passamaquoddy Bay, 3, Pemaquid, N. H. 4 Making in all, 257
Of which we have at this time provided,
65
Would leave to be provided gun-boats,
188
The building of these gun-boats is estimated on an average each at $ 5000
188 gun-boats, at $ 5000 make $ 940,000
Deduct the amount of timber contracted for, as stated in the exhibit of extraordinary expenses incurred by the navy department since the 22d June last, $7,5000
Would leave to be appropriated for building of 188 gun-boats,
$ 852,500
Respectfully submitted.
RT. SMITH.
Hon. Samuel L. Mitchell, Chairman of a Committee of the Senate.
The bill is as follows:
Be it enacted, &c. That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is authorised and empowered to cause to be built a number not exceeding
gun-boats, and to equip, arm, man, fit out and employ the same, or the better protection of the ports and harbors of the United States, and for such other purposes as in his opinion the public service may require.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That a sum not exceeding
dollars be and hereby is appropriated, for this purpose, out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, Nov. 7.
Debate on the reference of the memorial from sundry merchants and traders of the city of Philadelphia, praying for a repeal of the non-importation law.
Mr. J. CLAY presented the memorial, which is as follows:
To the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America.
The Memorial of the Merchants & Traders of the city of Philadelphia, respectfully represents,
That a strong confidence in the neutral position and character of their country, and in the pacific policy of its government, has encouraged and induced many of your Memorialists to embark their property extensively in foreign commerce, and to adventure a large proportion of their wealth upon distant voyages—that recent and unexpected events so far affect the security of their enterprises, as to impel them to make known their sentiments and wishes to Congress.
Your Memorialists cannot but view with extreme solicitude the apparent state of the negotiation between their country and Great-Britain, upon the events of which, the safety of their property so materially depends. Their alarm and anxiety increased by reports (perhaps unfounded) of the nature and extent of the demands made by the government of the United States, cannot but be great, while they are wholly destitute of information from official sources, calculated to direct their conduct. They mean not however to intimate a wish
for disclosures incompatible with the due reserve of government, but candidly to present to its view their difficulties and embarrassments.
In common with their fellow-citizens, your Memorialists entertain the strongest sense of the necessity of supporting the honor and independence of their country. They feel that the national interests inseparably connected with such support, and although in the event of war, as individuals they must be deeply affected, they have not a wish that considerations of private interest should induce a sacrifice of national honor and independence.
But from the wisdom and patriotism of the National Legislature they conceive the expectation well founded that the commercial interests of the U. States, with which the common welfare is inseparably connected, will not be committed by an unyielding adherence to doubtful or unseated principles. They therefore with confidence submit their hopes that while essential rights, to which, as an independent nation, we are indisputably entitled, will be maintained to the last extremity, matters of seeming interest, but of less importance will be referred to a more propitious and less hazardous moment for adjustment.
Under these impressions, your Memorialists deem it an indispensable duty to themselves and to their fellow-citizens of the landed and other interests, most respectfully to suggest to Congress that the act (at present in suspension) entitled an act "To prohibit the importation of certain goods, wares and merchandise, passed the 18th day of April, 1806," should it go into operation, will not tend to promote the desirable results of national reparation and amicable adjustment of our differences with Great-Britain. In effect that your Memorialists consider the said act, in its application to this country as extremely embarrassing, and in its operation on the government and people of Great-Britain as irritating and inefficient—That the repeal of the said act would be productive of beneficial effects, inasmuch as it would relieve our own citizens from embarrassment, demonstrate a disposition to treat on terms of liberality, and be considered as a pledge of candour and magnanimity in the conduct of the negotiation. While in the event of failure to produce a fair and honorable accommodation, the evils of war, which must severely and equally affect the farmer, merchant and mechanic, would be borne with less regret, as being rendered inevitable.
In submitting their opinions to the National Legislature, your Memorialists have not, they conceive, overlooked the delicacy of the subject to which they relate—and they have anxiously endeavored, in representing the objects of this Memorial, to connect the national honor and interest with their individual claims and privileges.
Relying on the exercise of a wise, just and dignified policy, your Memorialists respectfully refer the matters herein stated to the consideration and decision of Congress.
The memorial having been read, Mr. J. CLAY moved that it be referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. ROWAN did not feel himself competent to judge on this subject; but would barely suggest to the consideration of the House, whether after the attack on the Chesapeake a petition of this nature should be referred. He himself had disapproved of the act of which this petition prayed a repeal; but it had been passed, and since its passage the memorable affair of the Chesapeake had taken place; and it had been said by the British government that if this act were suffered to go into operation it would be considered as a declaration of war. Under these circumstances he could not as an American vote for a reference of a memorial on this subject. Had he been entitled to a vote previous to the affair of the Chesapeake, he should have voted for a repeal of the law; but now he was opposed to considering the subject at all; they were not now in a situation to parley. And he hoped, whatever might hereafter be done, that the House would not now enter into a consideration of this subject.
In rising to express this opinion, he was actuated by the same sentiments that would guide him in common life. If he had committed an injury, in fair words he would retract it; but if a threat were used, he would not. This law had caused a sensation in the cabinet of England, and whatever might be the consequence, they must now make a proper stand; even a reference of this memorial would be a degradation of their dignity.
Mr. J. CLAY said, that whatever were his sentiments as to the propriety of the measure in question, yet as the memorial was couched in moderate terms, and drawn up with ability, he thought it would not be inconsistent with the dignity of Congress to refer it; they did not grant the prayer of the memorial by referring it. It was proposed to be referred to the committee appointed to consider all subjects relating to commerce, and nothing could certainly be more important in relation to commerce, than the existence of the act prohibiting the importation of certain goods, wares and merchandise. He believed that every man in the community who had considered the act in question, had found it deficient in all its details and perfectly nugatory in some of its provisions. He did not speak of the principle of the act, but of its deficiencies. There was a doubt under that act whether a man could import an inkstand or a lock; or whether he might import a silver watch, though there was no doubt but he could
import a gold one; and there were other defects in its provisions of a like nature. There was such inconsistency, that it might be considered doubtful even on the ground of expediency, whether it should not be repealed.
Mr. RYAN, (Ten.) was not one of those who wished for war, with any nation on earth, but he should vote against the reference of this petition or any other that prayed for the same object. It had been said by the gentleman who introduced it that they did not grant its prayer by referring it. That was true; but the very reference of it would give color to the supposition that the House were now deliberating whether they should repeal the law or not. It would be reported across the Atlantic, and this very reference might have its effect on the differences subsisting between the two countries. If the U. States had taken this ground, why should they now give it up? He would not consent to it. It had also been said that the act was defective and nugatory. If this meant anything, it was that it needed amendment; and if it were wished to amend it he was ready to do it, by adding other prohibitions to those it already contained. If he recollected right, the memorial stated that the non-importation act bore hard on our own merchants; that might have been expected. They had notice of its going into operation; why did they alter that give their orders for those articles which were prohibited by it. If, as had been stated, not an inkstand or lock or silver watch could be imported, the act could be improved or amended, without being repealed as the petitioners wished. It was stated in the memorial that the law was embarrassing to merchants and irritating to Great-Britain, and would tend to prevent an arrangement of the existing difficulties. These were ideas which ought to have no weight in favor of their prayer. Let Great-Britain be irritated. Did she not irritate other nations? Had she shown any forbearance towards us? It was not necessary for him to recapitulate the oppressions of that nation towards the United States; they were known to every member of the House. The United States had done every thing to secure peace, that a nation impressed with a sense of its own dignity ought to do—Should these petitioners be indulged in their wish that the nation should depart from its dignity because they felt some inconvenience? Mr. R. believed that when the matter was fully considered, and every thing taken into view, it would appear that the U. States had erred in order to an accommodation of these differences, every thing which the most liberal policy warranted; if a similar disposition had existed on the part of Britain, they would have been long since settled. Mr. R. concluded by hoping the House would not refer the petition, or give the world an opportunity to say they were now deliberating about the repeal of such a law.
Mr. CROWNINSHIELD held it to be an incontestible right of the citizens of this country to petition Congress on any subject whatever; but he found on looking over the memorial these sentiments; they say that "their alarm and anxiety increased by reports (perhaps unfounded) of the nature and extent of the demands made by the government of the United States cannot but be great, while they are wholly destitute of information from official sources, calculated to direct their conduct." Nor could Mr. C. himself tell specifically what the government of the United States had demanded from Great-Britain; the President of the United States had informed the House that he would at a proper time lay before them such information; they were in expectation of such information, and this memorial asked them, before they had received such information to repeal the law prohibiting the importation of certain articles. Though there might be some doubt as to some provisions of that law, it should be no inducement for them now to repeal it. Under what circumstances was that act passed? The United States had made remonstrances to Great-Britain on her aggression for several years without effect; that act was passed to induce her to do us justice. Had she done it? No; the outrage on the Chesapeake had been since committed. This had been known to her several months, and the Admiral under whose orders the act was committed had not been punished. Our government had done all that remained for it to do, by asking redress from Great-Britain. To this no answer had been given. Should the petitioners ask the House to do this should on to repeal the act, or even to suspend it for a longer time? Was it grateful to their feelings? He thought not. He would not have objected to the reference of the petition, had it not been couched in such terms as those he had quoted; but as it was, he thought it his duty to object to the reference. The most delicate way of disposing of it would be to let it lie on the table. The suspension of this act expired in the next month; they would of necessity consider the propriety of permitting it to go into operation, or of a further suspension. Mr. C. said he must confess for his own part, that he could not detach himself from the rumors now afloat, and from what he thought he knew of the disposition of Great-Britain, that she would do us justice so far as was required. He thought they were almost at war. From information which he had received, Great-Britain was arming or at least intriguing with the Indians on our frontiers. Her vessels were arming on the Lakes; she had called out her militia in Canada and Nova Scotia; and this was done, he presumed by express orders from the British government. She had manifested by her attack on Copenha-

gen that she would violate neutral rights without a pretence; she had outraged Denmark who never injured her, and had not attempted to justify it to the world but on the mere ground of necessity. He thought Congress ought at this moment to arm the nation, and be prepared to meet the event. He could not sit still and bear such language as the petitioners had used: they were alarmed at the extent of our demands. What were they? It was not in the power of the House to say; but from the known character and conduct of the Executive, they had no right to infer but that they were reasonable and just. He felt a confidence in the Executive and had no wish prematurely to know what those demands were. These were the ideas which occurred to him at this moment; he could, therefore, see no good which could result from a reference of the petition.
Mr. MILNOR said that all the arguments of the gentleman from Massachusetts went to show that a reference of the memorial was an inquiry into the expediency of repealing the law. He thought the reference of the petition rested on that question, he should entertain the same opinion as had been expressed by that gentleman; but he had yet heard nothing which could convince him of the impropriety of referring this memorial. It would be no more than a proper respect to the petition to give it a preference; as far as he had heard the names of the subscribers to the memorial read he knew them to be men of consideration; he was not personally acquainted with them, but knew them by character. They had addressed the House in respectful language, and had requested them to consider the propriety of repealing a certain law. What impropriety was there in this? The gentleman from Massachusetts had admitted that it was a question which required consideration, whether the law should go into operation or be repealed; & from the observations he had uttered, it appeared to be his desire to enter into more violent measures than those contemplated by that law. Mr. M. had never thought that law judicious, or that a partial prohibition of importation would have a good effect on our foreign relations, but that it would merely tend to irritate; and, he would rather have seen a law passed to prohibit all importation, than one of so little a nature. If the situation of the country was such as to require strong measures, that law would not be such as ought to be adopted. He thought strong measures were required, that they had been sleeping at their posts; that from the present aspect of our political differences with Great Britain, they should have taken measures for defence, and not have remained so long idle. The memorial had been caused by the uncertain language of the law, as his colleague had informed the House, by which some persons had suffered considerable losses; some had considered it as safe, and some as unsafe to import certain articles. He hoped the memorial would be referred to a committee, who need not report till the probable issue of events were ascertained. If it were a question whether that law should be repealed or not, as had been admitted by the gentleman from Massachusetts, surely there would be no impropriety in the petition going to that committee whose duty it would be to consider of the propriety of the repeal.
(Debate to be Continued.)
Monday, November 30.
Mr. COOK said that the House had been long in session, and had yet done nothing towards the purpose for which they were called together. For the purpose of coming to the consideration of the subject, and for obtaining the proper information he offered the following resolutions:
1st. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to lay before this House a statement of the frigates, and other armed vessels composing the navy of the United States, distinguishing those in actual service from those in ordinary, and nothing such as want repairs, with an estimate of the sums necessary to prepare them for immediate service, and the probable time necessary to make such repairs.
2d. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to lay before this House, a statement of the number of officers and men respectively belonging to the navy of the U. States and the corps of marines.
3d. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to lay before this House, an estimate of the number of officers and men which would be necessary to complete the manning the whole and entire navy of the United States including the gun-boats with an estimate of the expenditures respectively necessary for maintaining them, in actual service during one year.
4th. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to lay before this House, a statement of the quantity, quality, and present state of the timber and other materials belonging to the United States now on hand suitable for building ships of war, describing the force and size for which such timber and other materials are suitable.
Mr. Blount objected to the passage of the first resolution as entirely unnecessary, as he had in his hand a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, giving part of the information asked for by that resolution, and as the committee of aggressions had actually requested of the Secretary of the Navy information which would embrace all that was contemplated by it.
Some conversation ensued on the particular information wished, and the propriety for calling for it, between Messrs. Cook, Blount, Smilie, Milnor, Mumford, Dana, Tallmadge and Gardiner; during which a motion was made by Mr. Smilie to postpone the consideration of the resolutions till this day week, on which Mr. Mumford offered the following remarks:
He said, that more than a month had expired since they were assembled here on an extraordinary occasion, and the nation had been constantly looking up to them in full expectation that they were occupied in measures of defence. It was true that a select committee had made a report authorising the Secretary at war to sell a few muskets and establish a cannon foundry in this city; it was also true that the committee of aggressions had made a report. He did not mean to arraign the measures of their committees; it was far from his
intention; he had the fullest confidence in them, he made no doubt they had discharged their duty with fidelity. But they had also duties to perform to themselves and to their country, and he did hope they would immediately proceed on measures of defence. Would they put it in the power of a foreign minister to write to his court that they might pursue their own measures, that they had nothing to apprehend from the American Congress, as they were occupied in their domestic concerns? Although they had no official information of late date before them relating to their affairs with Great Britain, he yet presumed every member of the House was convinced of the hostile disposition of that government. Look to Nova Scotia (said Mr. M.) you there find her militia in a state of requisition, fortifying the port and harbor of Halifax, numerous reinforcements daily arriving there, and at Quebec, under the command of a vigilant enterprising officer; the whole of their naval force on the lakes prepared for war, numerous tribes of savages assembled at their instigation in the neighborhood of Detroit, a secret expedition from Europe consisting of 20,000 men ostensibly given out for South America to re-conquer Buenos Ayres, when in fact they might attack some vulnerable part of our country; 14 sail of the line and 18 frigates they had heard were bound to the West Indies, when in reality they might together with what force they had at Halifax, blockade the whole of our ports and harbors in order to over-awe our government, and enforce the demands very likely to be made by their Minister extraordinary daily expected to arrive in this country. When they were thus threatened, there could be but one sentiment and he hoped they would not delay a moment in taking such efficient measures as would at least defend the country.
The ideas suggested by other gentlemen, being near a correspondent with those already given, are omitted for want of room, and to allow the admission of a greater part of the debate on fortifications.
Mr. Cook, consented to withdraw the first resolution till the information asked for by the committee of aggressions was received, which might altogether supersede it, or induce him to modify it so as to obtain his object.
The three last resolutions were then agreed to without a division.
On motion of Mr. Blount, the House went into a committee of the whole. Mr. Basset in the chair, on the second report of the committee of Aggressions, which recommends the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the President of the U. S. to cause such fortifications to be erected as, in addition to those heretofore built, will, with the assistance of gun-boats, afford effectual protection to our ports and harbors, and preserve therein the respect due to the constituted authorities of the nation, and that there be, and hereby is, appropriated for that purpose, out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of 500,000 dollars.
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the President of the U. S. to cause to be built an additional number of gun-boats not exceeding 100, and to arm, equip, man, fit, and employ the same for the protection of our ports and harbors; and that there be and hereby is appropriated for that purpose out of any monies in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, the sum of 500,000 dollars.
The report being read, and the first resolution under consideration. Mr. Blount said he would state, in as few words as he could, the views of the committee in presenting to their consideration the resolution now before them. It would be seen that the committee were of opinion that the fortifications contemplated were equally necessary in time of peace and in time of war. For the circumstance of our being at peace hitherto had not restrained the rapacity and insolence of British naval commanders, and similar conduct would be continued, unless there were created in our harbours a force sufficient to repel it. The contemplated sums to complete the fortifications already established and to erect others, was in addition to that remained unexpended of former appropriations for that purpose, about 750,000 dollars, in case a war took place; in case of peace, or our former estate not properly of peace or war, 500,000 dollars would be sufficient, that being as large a sum as could conveniently be expended in the course of the year. It was not necessary that the blank in the resolution should be filled at present, and it would accord better with his wishes, if it were left till a bill should be brought in conformably to the resolution.
The second resolution proposed an appropriation for building a certain number of gun-boats. The reason of preference by the committee of this mode of defence, was, that it was the only defence that could be provided in a short time. However gentlemen might differ in opinion with respect to a naval force, all would agree that at this time they had not means or time to provide any other defence than that proposed by the committee. It was proposed to erect 100 additional gun-boats which with the number already built, would amount to 267, the number proposed as sufficient for the purpose of defence. The secretary of war, who was not called upon in form to give information to the committee, was requested to call on the committee, and converse with them on the subject, and the substance of his answers was contained in a paper which Mr. B. held in his hand, but which the committee did not propose should be submitted to the House at present as it might contain matter not proper for disclosure. He would put it into the hands of the clerk who might read such parts of it as would show what were the views of the secretary of war on the subject—such as gave entire satisfaction to the committee, and such as they hoped would be satisfactory to the House. With these observations, and one other, that these fortifications were not contemplated to be of a fixed or expensive kind, but principally heavy artillery mounted on travelling carriages that might be moved from place to place, he would submit the subject to the consideration of the committee.
Mr. DANA enquired if there was any statement of the balance remaining unexpended of former appropriations.
Mr. BLOUNT said there was not a distinct statement, nor was it in the power of the secretary to give it, but it was upwards of 100,000 dollars, which in addition to 750,000 dollars, would make about $840,000 dollars.
Mr. QUINCY wished to know of the chairman of the committee, whether this money was to be appropriated exclusively to erect new fortifications, or to repair old ones, or for both.
Mr. BLOUNT said the sum of 750,000 dollars was considered sufficient to complete such fortifications as have been erected on proper sites, and to erect such others as might be necessary in aid of gun-boats. The secretary of the navy could not state the particular sum that each place would require. Past experience had shown that such express appropriations could not be made. It was the wish of the committee to afford to the President the power of applying these sums to such places as he should think best.
Mr. QUINCY wished to know whether the terms of the resolution expressed the intention. He conceived that this sum of money should be placed in the hands of the President of the U. States, not only to cause new fortifications, but to repair old ones where necessary. As he understood the resolution of the President was to apply the whole sum to new fortifications, and could not appropriate it without misapplication to repair old ones.
Mr. BLOUNT said the object was to put so much money at the disposal of the President, as to answer both the purposes of repair and erection. If the words did not express that sense, he should cheerfully acquiesce in any amendment which might be made.
An amendment was offered by Mr. DANA, but afterwards withdrawn, to make way for one offered by Mr. Crowninshield to the same effect; by which the resolution was amended to read as follows:
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the President of the U. States to cause such fortifications to be repaired and erected as will, with the assistance of gun-boats, &c.
Mr. THOMAS enquired as to filling the blank.
Mr. BLOUNT said he had stated while up before, that 300,000 dollars in time of peace was as much as could be expected in the course of a year. But if they could not enjoy peace, more would be necessary; and from the uncertainty of this, the committee wished to decline filling the blank at the present time. When the bill should be laid before them, they might be better qualified to judge.
Mr. GARDENER was not so much opposed to the not filling up the blank in the resolution at this time as to the reason which had been given for not doing it, or in other words, the reasons why the House should not now debate on that part of the resolution on which it was most important to deliberate; the sum to be allowed. It was hardly necessary except in point of form, to have gone into committee of the whole for any other purpose than this. All agreed that the ports and harbors of the U. States should be better fortified than they were at present; on that point he trusted there could be but one opinion: but unless a sum certain was named the people in the seaports would remain in the same state of doubt and uncertainty which they had experienced ever since the commencement of the session. He wished to come to that point which it was most important to consider; he wished to know how much gentlemen would give towards the protection of our ports and harbors. If they were not so fully prepared to decide as they might perhaps hereafter be, he thought they might do much by entering into the discussion of the subject.
For himself, he would not readily assent to what had fallen from the chairman of the committee; he could not comprehend the propriety of making a difference between the expense to be incurred in case the appearances of war should increase, and those estimated on a prospect of peace. He had heard nothing said that was calculated to change his uniform opinion on this subject, that a state of peace was the season for a nation which had so many vulnerable points to prepare for war, and place itself in a condition to repel attack. In a state of war, and it seemed to be seriously approaching, it would be impossible to lay out money to so much advantage as in a state of peace. It was in the time of peace peculiarly that they should, as much as they could, erect barriers against some of the most dreadful evils of war: he would here apply the maxim of Washington, quoted by a gentleman from Maryland some days since, "that to preserve peace, we should be prepared for war." Supposing it should happen, improbable as it was, that the country should remain at peace, were they on that account to be relax in the fortification of those ports and harbors? How could they, acting in this way, expect ever to be prepared for war, when it should actually arrive? A country whose coasts were so rich, so valuable, and therefore so tempting, should never be unprepared; but if, said he, we should be persuaded to postpone the defence of the country, while we are waiting for news & hoping for peace, the enemy may be at our doors; our cities may be sacked, and nothing left in them worth defending; it would be too late, then, because it will be of no purpose to fortify, and the money we now talk of appropriating may be saved while our cities are destroyed and desolated.
Gentlemen seemed to take great delight in flattering themselves that they might yet escape war; they wished, and from wishing, hoped for peace. Mr. G. had no hope that at a period when all the world was convulsed, kingdoms and thrones were overturned in such a succession when all the free states of the world had perished as it were before our eyes, that we should be able to escape without enduring some part of the general calamity. He entertained now the same opinion which he had done ever since the attack on the Chesapeake was made, that the country would be compelled to go to war, or sacrifice its honor for ever. They could not avoid it, unless they would accept of peace, on terms, to which no independent nation could listen. An attack like that on the Chesapeake had never occurred before. The making of it was not alone an outrage of the very worst character, but also an assertion of the most positive kind, that Great Britain was about to introduce a new principle into the law of nations. We have endeavored, said he, to soothe ourselves with a hope, that this attack was the result of an unauthorized act of a British commander, which his government might afterwards disavow or not as they pleased. And while we went on hoping we might as well
hope too, that they would disavow it. In this hope, said he, we have wrapped ourselves so securely up, that at the very moment I am speaking, the cannon of Britain may be carrying ruin and havoc into our defenceless seaports. Mr. G. could not persuade himself, that a British admiral would voluntarily assume so awful a responsibility. He could not believe that the admiral's own orders were less precise and positive than those which he gave to the captain of the Leopard. Yet, if he could even believe that, he could not believe that this outrage would have been followed up, and consummated by bringing to trial, condemning, and executing one of the unfortunate men, who owed his death to his confidence in the inviolability of the American flag; and that too, after it was known at Halifax, what poignant sensations the attack itself had excited here; after the President's proclamation itself was known there. He would have paused, said Mr. G. before he proceeded to this dreadful extremity. He would have waited for new, and more precise orders, if his instruction had not been already clear, and explicit. Can we, said he, in events subsequent to this, find any cause to console each other with a hope of peace? No, sir. From the time the proclamation was issued, to this very moment, has a British squadron remained in our waters, persisting in the violation of our territory, with an air of scorn and defiance, which while it ought to awaken all that is American in us, excludes almost every ray of hope. Could gentlemen indulge in hope, when they heard that the British vessels in the lakes had been armed? That the British forces in Canada were encamped and concentrated? That the fortifications at Quebec were repairing? That at Halifax, one hundred men were draughted from the militia, to assist in placing that post in a state of defence? That an additional number of ships and troops were expected? Did any thing from our ministers at St. James's encourage hope? Any thing that could be collected from the political journals there? When we see the British ministry, said he, preparing for war, taking those steps which this government ought to have taken long ago, could they longer console each other with the hope of peace? There was nothing to induce them to delay for a moment, the most active preparation. It is true, they were in some degree excusable, for not having acted on this subject hitherto. The President's Message, tho' it had communicated to them information of the attack on the Chesapeake, did not state, whether it was in the opinion of the executive most probable that we should have war, or that we should not have war; it merely stated that peace might not continue. They were left, therefore, to deliberate as they could, uninfluenced and undirected by an expression of what was the opinion of the executive. But as from their own impulse, they had at last arrived at the subject, he hoped they would go fully into it. Our ports, he said, ought to be fortified, whether we are ultimately to have peace or war. But if only in case of war seeming inevitable, he entreated gentlemen to consider, whether the prospect was not as gloomy as it could be in any state of things short of actual war. But if, contrary to all sound calculation, our peace should continue, the determination to fortify ought in his opinion not to be given up; that at another time we may be better prepared than we are now. He hoped therefore, some opinion would be expressed as to the sum to be appropriated for the fortification: he must profess his conviction that neither of the sums mentioned by the chairman of the committee were enough to satisfy that part of the people to whose safety effectual fortifications were so essential. The sum of 750,000 dollars had been mentioned as a sufficient sum; if they once attempted to fortify, they must do it effectually; if they appropriated a sum for defence it must be sufficient, or the money they did expend, would be completely thrown away. He hoped the House would resolve effectually to protect our ports and harbors: when they did that, they did what their country demanded and had a right to demand of them. When they only half fortified, they made a show to induce the people to believe they would do something for them. He should as soon expect a farmer to fence but half his ground, & thus leave his crop exposed, as that they would go out half way in fortifying against an enemy. He hoped they would not squander away money to no purpose; for his part he would not vote for less than a sufficient sum; for if he did, he should consider himself as violating those principles of economy which should always be attended to in government. Mr. G. wished the House not only to make a sound, but as though they meant to do something. Upon this subject his constituents were feelingly alive to every thing which transpired from that House: they had petitioned formerly and had received petty appropriations which might all have been expended on 15 feet of ground. This would not do any longer; something must either be done for them, or they must be told that they must take care of themselves, and then they would know what to do.
At this time, when they saw approaching so nearly to them—when they saw almost realized that state of war which they had so often been told might happen, and for which the people had been so often warned to prepare, Mr. G. hoped they would give up some of that tenacious hard-fistedness which had hitherto clinched their fingers so closely in the purse strings of the national treasury. It was their cities which now called for protection—it was better to expend money in protecting these deposits of individual wealth, these sources of national revenue, than in buying unproductive wildernesses, or speculating in hot beds of sedition and treason; better protect what they had, than purchase that which might become a curse to them. They had better do something, for what a gentleman of that House once called "the good old thirteen U. States," & not let all their care and all their tenderness travel westward. Do something for us, said Mr. G. but do not think of satisfying us by merely pretending to do it; let us know what you mean to do: I feel myself authorised to demand that what we have asked shall be granted to us, or that we shall be told in direct terms that you will do nothing for us. At least deal plainly
with us. When you come with your 300,000 or 750,000 dollars, what does it amount to? Can any member in the House lay his hand upon his heart, and say, that either of these sums would answer the purpose of effectual defence for the whole sea coast of the United States. Mr. G. hoped the chairman of the committee of aggressions would not misconceive him; he meant no reflection on the committee or its chairman. He avowed his belief that the committee meant to discharge their duty—but they must forgive me said Mr. G. if I too feel the necessity of doing mine.
(DEBATE TO BE CONTINUED.)
Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Mr. Quincy offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Secretary for the Department of War be directed to lay before this House an account of the state of the fortifications of the respective ports & harbors of the U. S. with a statement of the monies appropriated for fortifications remaining unexpended; and an estimate of the sums necessary for completing such fortifications as may be deemed requisite for their defence.
Which being under consideration, Mr. Quincy said, the House would perceive the object of this resolution was to obtain information: there was a document on their table which gave some information on the subject, but was not explicit. This resolution was exactly similar to one passed last session, by which the House obtained some important and interesting information; this being the case, he hoped no objection would be made to it.
The resolution was agreed to without a division.
Mr. Randolph, after preliminary remarks of some length, which shall be given in our next, offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for an adequate and comfortable support of such officers and soldiers of the revolutionary army as are still existing in a state of indigence, disgraceful to the country which owes its liberties to their valor.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for arming and equipping the whole body of the militia of the U. S.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for procuring a formidable train of field artillery for the service of the U. S.
These resolutions were referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow.
Mr. Blount from the committee to whom the resolutions on the subject yesterday agreed to were referred, reported a bill for fortifying the harbors of the U. S. and for building gun-boats, which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole on Thursday next.
On motion of Mr. Winn, the House went into committee of the whole on the report of the committee appointed to prepare standing rules and orders for the House. The committee having made some progress, and the usual hour of adjournment being arrived, the committee rose and obtained leave to sit again.
Wednesday, December 2.
Mr. Dawson made the following report: The committee to whom was referred that part of the President's message which relates to our military and naval establishments, &c. beg leave to make the following report in part.
1. Resolved, That it is expedient to increase the military establishment of the United States by raising 12 regiments of infantry to consist of 1000 men each; 4 regiments of artillery of 1000 men each; 4 regiments of riflemen of 1000 men each, and 4 regiments of cavalry of 1000 men each.
2. Resolved, That it is expedient to increase the marine corps by raising an additional number of men.
3. Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law for the speedy equipment of all the frigates and other vessels of war belonging to the United States. To render the establishment more effectual that ships of 20 guns each be built.
This report was referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next.
A bill was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, the Secretary, entitled "A bill for the preservation of peace & maintenance of the authority of the U. S. in the ports, harbors, and waters under their jurisdiction."
On motion of Mr. Randolph, the order of the day on the report of the committee appointed to prepare standing rules and orders, was postponed.
When the House went into a committee of the whole on the resolutions offered by Mr. Randolph yesterday; and the first resolution being under consideration, was, on motion of Mr. Quincy, amended by striking out the words, "disgraceful to the," and inserting "in a." A considerable debate took place, which shall be given in a future paper; in which Messrs. Randolph, Nelson, and Elliot supported, and Messrs. Eppes, Smilie, and Holland opposed it in its present form.
Mr. Eppes offered the following amendment in lieu of the resolution, which the Chairman declared to be a substitute, and therefore out of order:
"For the payment of all claims against the U. S. for personal service, or for any matter or thing furnished during the revolutionary war—and for placing on the pension list every officer or soldier who has been disabled during the revolutionary war—whether such disability has been incurred while in the actual line of his duty or not."
When, it being 4 o'clock, the committee rose without taking a question on the resolution, and obtained leave to sit again.
Thursday, December 3.
After transacting considerable business of minor importance, a detail of which will be given in our next.
The bill from the Senate for the preservation of peace and maintenance of the authority of the U. S. within our ports and harbors, was read twice and referred to a

committee of the whole, on Monday next (a motion having been made by Mr. Bibb without effect to refer it to a select committee.) Ayes 77.
Mr. Randolph moved for the order of the day on the unfinished business of yesterday, being the consideration of the resolutions submitted by him.
Mr. M. Williams moved to discharge the committee of the whole from the further consideration of these resolutions, on the ground of the subject being already in possession of committees of the House; the first being in his opinion in the hands of the committee on claims barred, &c. the second, of the committee appointed to revise the militia laws, and the third, of the committee on that part of the President's message relating to military and naval establishments.
After some conversation on the subject between Messrs. Williams, Eppes & Randolph, the question was taken separately on discharging the committee of the whole from further consideration of each resolution, and each negatived. On the first, ayes 54; on the second, ayes 22; on the third, no division.
The House then went into committee of the whole, Mr. Bassett in the chair, when
The question was taken on the first resolution, without further discussion, and carried—Ayes 63, Nays 51.
The second resolution being under consideration,
Mr. Eppes moved to strike out the words "the whole body of," so as to leave the resolution more general.
Mr. Chandler moved to amend it further, by adding at the end of the resolution the words "when called into actual service."
The amendment offered by Mr. Eppes was after debate negatived—Ayes 54, Nays 56.
"That offered by Mr. Chandler was then negatived—Ayes 43.
Mr. Thomas moved to amend the resolution, by inserting after the words "Resolved that" the words "the committee appointed to enquire whether any, and what, amendments are necessary to be made, in the militia laws, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of making."
This amendment was negatived—Ayes 34.
On the second resolution and the various amendments offered, an interesting debate took place, which will be hereafter given; in which Messrs. Randolph, Eppes, Lloyd, Chandler, Nelson, Thomas, Smith, Mason, Newton, Alston, Rhea, (Ten.) Fisk, Love, Lyon, Cook, and Dawson took part.
The second resolution (as originally offered) was then agreed to—Ayes 66.
The third resolution was agreed to without a division, and without debate.
The committee rose and reported the resolutions.
The first was agreed to by the House without a division; when the question being about to be taken on the second resolution, on motion of Mr. Randolph, was agreed to be taken by yeas and nays.
Before the yeas and nays were taken, it being 4 o'clock, a motion was made to adjourn, and carried—Ayes 77.
SENATE UNITED STATES.
November 30.
Mr. Adams from the committee appointed in the case of Mr. Smith, made a report recommending the adoption of the following resolutions, which were agreed to:
Resolved, That the committee appointed on the 27th inst. to enquire and report the facts, respecting the conduct of John Smith, a Senator from the State of Ohio, an alleged associate of Aaron Burr, be authorised to extend their enquiries to any other facts, which in their opinion would be incompatible with his duty as a Senator of the U.S. and that they be authorised to send for persons, papers and records.
Resolved, That the President of the U.S. be requested to cause to be laid before the Senate such information as may be in his possession, in relation to the conduct of John Smith, a Senator from the state of Ohio, an alleged associate of A. Burr.
December 1.
The bill reported by Mr. Adams "For the preservation of peace and maintenance of the authority of the U.S. in the ports, harbors, and waters under their jurisdiction," after undergoing a slight amendment, was ordered to a third reading without a division. The question was taken on striking out the 5th section, which interdicts the entrance of all British armed vessels into the ports and waters of the U.S. and vests the President with power to take off the prohibition whenever, in his opinion, due reparation shall be made, & los. Yeas 3—Nays 26. Messrs. Pickering, Ellsworth and G. Morris voting in the affirmative; and Messrs. Adams, Anderson, Bradley, Coddington, Franklin, Gailard, Gilman, Gregg, Howland, Ketchum, Maclay, Mathewson, Milledge, Mitchell, Moore, Parker, Pope, Robinson, Smith, of Maryland, Smith, of New-York, Smith, of Ten. Sumpter, Thruston, Tiffin, Turner, and White, voting in the negative.
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 2.
We have received the following as the purport of Mr. Canning's answer to Mr. Monroe. As this statement is altogether derived from public rumor, we should decline inserting it, but for the great importance of the subject, and from the right of our readers to be informed even of rumors so interesting, especially when credited by intelligent men.
The note is said to state—That the British government has always claimed and exercised the right to take British seamen wherever found—That according to the modern usage of civilised nations, national vessels were not liable to search—That G. Britain will conform to this usage—That for the affair of the Chesapeake reparation will be made, and a minister sent to the U. States for that purpose—No hint is given as to the nature or extent of the reparation—On the contrary it is expressly stated, that the claim of the American government to reparation is lessened by the refusal to deliver up their men, and by the President's proclamation, both of which are considered as acts of hostility on our part—That the minister sent to the U. S. would be expressly instructed not to blend with the affair of the Chesapeake either the impression of seamen, or any other
subject of difference between the two countries. The letter is in a style more haughty than conciliatory, and calculated rather to increase than lessen the sentiment of indignation so generally excited by the unprincipled conduct of Great-Britain towards neutrals generally, and particularly towards the United States.
December 4.
The SENATE on Wednesday passed a bill introduced by Mr. Adams, for the preservation of peace in the ports and harbors of the United States, with but little variation from the original bill, as already given to our readers. The division on the passage was—Yeas 26—Nays 3; the members dividing as on the motion to strike out the first section: the affirmative in one case becoming the negative in the other.
On Thursday the bill making an appropriation for the more effectual defence of the ports and harbors of the United States, was passed with but little division.
This bill appropriates $32,500 dollars, for the erection of 183 additional gun boats.
NORFOLK, December 2.
The French ship PATRIOT arrived in Hampton Roads on Monday last.
FROM THE AURORA.
LETTER THE THIRD.
TO JOHN MARSHALL,
CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE U. STATES.
SIR—You have supposed, (I say unwarrantably) that it was within the power of the executive of the U. States, not only to have collected, by means of its officers, proof of an overt act of treason; but that it was also possible to have produced that proof at Richmond, on the 30th of March, 1807.
I will admit that the fact to be proved happened ("if ever!") in November or December last, or twelve months previous to the examination in Richmond—I will admit sufficient time to have elapsed for the collection of all the evidence which has been adduced on the trial in chief. But what will this admission avail?
Will it shew that the production of that evidence could be reasonably expected on the examination in Richmond? Surely not—and for this plain reason, that the executive could no possibly know that Aaron Burr would be examined at Richmond, or that he ever would be in Virginia, until about ten or twelve days previous to the examination.
Burr was arrested on the 19th of February on the Tombigbee river, in the Mississippi territory, and arrived in Richmond on the 26th of March—The president could not have been apprised of his arrest more than ten or twelve days previous to the examination. The necessity of producing the testimony at Richmond, could not exist until it was known that Burr could be examined there. This was ten or twelve days previous to the examination.
Now, sir, admitting the evidence, of the overt act, which you demanded on the examination, to have been collected, where should we reasonably expect that this evidence was at that time? I am as unwilling to attribute to the executive any "remissness" or neglect of duty as you profess to be on the examination, and therefore suppose that if any evidence of the overt act had reached the executive, it had been transmitted to the court where Aaron Burr was recognised to appear. Was not this the duty of the executive? The evidence then ought to have been, and you were bound to presume it, ten or twelve days previous to the examination at a place 6 or 7 hundred miles distant from Richmond. It was impossible in the time intervening between the examination, and that point of time at which it was known that A. Burr could be examined at Richmond, to produce at that place, testimony of the overt act, what opinion ought we to entertain of a judge who demands the production of that testimony?
When A. Burr was in the western country, the theatre of his treason, recognized to appear before the court, with you tell the men of America, that it was reasonable to suppose that the president of the U. States could foresee his flight, his arrest, his rapid transmission to Virginia, and the propriety of examining him at Richmond?
Without all these monstrous and unwarrantable suppositions, how could you demand the production of testimony on the examination in Richmond, which without "remissness" on the part of those who prosecuted "ought to have been ten days before at the distance of 6 or 7 hundred miles from that place? In ten days a messenger must pass through the wilds of the western country 6 or 7 hundred miles, collect the testimony of an overt act of treason, return the same distance, and bear it to the capital of Virginia!
Were the government gifted with prophecy, or possessed of the power to create a Mercury, you would venture to pronounce the probability of Burr's guilt!
It does not require an intimate acquaintance with the law, to know that it never demands the performance of impossibilities in any case, nor even unreasonable exertion to accomplish impossibilities.
But your reasoning upon the non-production of proof of the overt act is intended to lead directly to the conclusion that no assemblage ever happened. For you say that it is "capable of proof, and when time to collect this proof has been given, it ought to be adduced, or suspicion becomes ground to weak too stand upon." You then say "several months have elapsed since the fact did occur, if it ever occurred; more than five weeks have elapsed since the opinion of the supreme court has declared the necessity of proving the fact, if it exists—Why is it not proved?"
Will it be believed that your penetration could not detect such wretched sophistry as this? One single question will tear in pieces the whole web.
Did the probable necessity of proving the fact at Richmond exist "several months" before the examination; did it exist "five weeks" before, when the supreme court declared the necessity of proving the fact? I answer for you, without fear of contradiction, it did not. It never did occur until 10 or 12 days previous to the examination. It was impossible that it could exist before that time with any person not a prophet.
Those who can believe that you had faith in the correctness of your own reasoning, and that the true point of time, at which the necessity of proving the fact at Richmond (and from the late period of which you could not reasonably have expected or legally requested the production of proof of the assemblage) occurred, never presented itself to your mind, must feel more contempt for your understanding than I do for your principles. They must do you the injustice to suppose that your head is as weak as your heart is wicked.
But there was no necessity that your mind should be tortured, to make this discovery. The true point of time was adverted to by Mr. Hay, and Mr. Rodney in their arguments. This must convince the most incredulous, of the illegality and partial tendency of the demand for proof of the assemblage. There could be therefore no unintentional forgetfulness of this material circumstance. You must have "remembered to forget" it.
But the most sceptical shall be convinced—that there was an assemblage, is most true, it has been proved; that it happened a considerable time previous to the examination, and was therefore capable of proof at the place where the evidence was, at the time of the examination, is also true.
Why then was it not proved on the examination at Richmond? Not because there was any "remissness" on the part of those who prosecuted, for you have said, "I ought not to believe that there has been any remissness on the part of those who prosecuted." Not because it did not exist—for its existence has been proven. Not because it was not treasonable; for the character of the assemblage, whether treasonable or not, was matter of subsequent enquiry and determination.
I will again answer for you without fear of contradiction. It was not proved, because to prove the assemblage at the time the examination took place at Richmond was impossible. You will not dare to assert that the attorney for the U. States would not have exhibited the proof of the assemblage, which has since been introduced, had he been possessed of that evidence.
In a part of your opinion, you say, "I will however briefly review the arguments which have been urged, and the facts now before me, in order to show more clearly, the particular operation they have, on my judgment."
Now, sir, will you point out that part of the opinion, which "reviews" the testimony of major Perkins, relative to the time of arrest? Where do you mention the argument of Mr. Hay, grounded on the fact, that "the government could not have been apprised of the fact [of arrest] more than ten days" previous to the examination. In what unseen, hidden corner of the opinion, do you state the "particular operation" of this argument of Mr. Rodney, on "your judgment." In the short time which has elapsed since the apprehension of col. Burr was known; there has been no possibility of getting the proof, which his counsel contend is necessary."
There is a careful, cautious omission of any "review" of these observations, and arguments of the counsel for the United States, which justifies not only a suspicion, but a belief that you knew what their weight ought to have been; and that, if they were stated in the opinion, therefore must have been acknowledged by a different decision. They would, too plainly, have answered your demand for positive proof of the assemblage. It would then have been manifest to every man, that you had required the performance of impossibilities; and that you refused to insert, in the warrant of commitment, the charge of treason, because the executive could not produce positive proof of that, which you had admitted, to have been already proven sufficiently, to induce you to commit the accused on that charge.
Common sense, and violated justice, cry aloud against such conduct; and demand against you the enforcement of those laws, which you refuse to administer.
LUCIUS.
Mark the sophistry of the sentence. Here it is taken for granted, that time not only to collect, but to produce, the evidence had been given.
TO BE SOLD,
On Monday, the fourth day of January next, (if fair, if not the next fair day,) at the late Dwelling House of Reuben George, dec. in Henrico county, about seven miles below Richmond, on the stage road leading to Williamsburg, to the highest bidder, on nine months credit, for all sums above five dollars, upon the purchaser giving bond and approved security to carry in interest from the date if not punctually paid—for all sums under, cash will be required, the HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE Crop of Corn, Fodder and Stalks, Stock of every kind, Plantation Utensils, a valuable parcel of Lumber, such as Plank & Scantling. At the same time and place, will be hired, for the ensuing year, from twenty to twenty five NE GROES—the Land also will be rented and possession given immediately by the
Executor.
Henrico county, Dec. 4, 1807. N.B. All those having claims against the above mentioned estate, are requested to bring them forward properly authenticated, and those indebted, to make immediate payment, as no indulgence can be given
To be Sold,
To the highest bidder, at the late Dwelling House of Jesse Hargrave, dec in Caroline county, near the Fall Mills, on Monday, the 28th day of December next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, and to continue from day to day, until all is disposed of, the following property, to wit: Ten or Twelve likely YOUNG NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys and Girls, the Stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Farmed Hogs, with a complete set of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE belonging to the estate of said deceased, on a credit of twelve months, for all sums above ten dollars, and for all sums under ten dollars, cash will be required, the purchasers giving bonds with approved security, to carry interest from the date, if not punctually paid. Those indebted to the estate of said deceased, are requested to make immediate payment and those having claims, are requested to bring them forward properly authenticated, on or before the day of sale, that provision may be made to discharge the same.
William Harris, Adm'r
Nov. 27th, 1807. With the will annexed. wids
Virginia News.
RICHMOND:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1807.
THE General Assembly of Virginia commenced its session yesterday. The number of members who assembled were no less than one hundred and fifty-eight Delegates and thirteen Senators, so that both houses formed quorums, and proceeded to the choice of officers.
In the Senate all the former officers were re-elected: but in the House of Delegates three gentlemen were nominated as proper persons to fill the office of Speaker; General Peter Johnston who has served in that capacity for several sessions heretofore, Hugh Nelson of Albemarle and James Semple of Williamsburg.
On the first, second, and third ballots no decision took place; neither of the candidates having a majority of the whole number. On the third ballot the votes were
For NELSON, - - - 68, For JOHNSTON, - - - 59, For SEMPLE, - - - 31.
Mr. Semple was then withdrawn; and the 4th ballot decided the election in favor of Mr. Nelson by 91 votes to 67.
The other officers of the House were all re-elected.
WE are happy to see that Congress has taken up the important subject of national defence. Our flattering anticipations of peace, (from the circumstance that Great Britain, for the sake of her own interest, would not engage in a war with the United States,) appear to have been delusive; as all expectations of any act of justice, prudence, or common sense, on the part of the present king and ministry of that ill fated country, have uniformly been. Injustice, folly and madness have always governed their councils; and their own ruin, as well as the subversion of their government, must, at last, be the necessary consequence.
Our information from all quarters convinces us that war is inevitable. The spirit of the government of the United States can never submit to the insulting ultimatum tendered by the British; but will unquestionably reject it with disdain. It only remains for the people and their representatives to meet the gathering storm with the firmness and valor of freemen; of which no doubt can be entertained.
ON the 14th of this month the act of Congress for the partial prohibition of the importation of British manufactures will go into operation. It may be confidently expected that no suspension of that act will take place, but rather an extension of its provisions to a total interdiction of all trade and intercourse with Great Britain and her colonies.
Extract of a letter from a member of Congress, to the Editor, dated Washington City, December 4.
"We are progressing in defensive measures as fast as we can, considering the importance and difficulty of the subject. We have yet heard nothing from Mr. Monroe of the disposition of the Court of St. James on our demands for reparation, &c nor is there any thing else new of importance."
JOHN JOHNSON was yesterday appointed Inspector of Flour for the City of Richmond, in the place of ISAAC WEBSTER, resigned.
A gentleman of this city has favored us with a letter from a friend in Marblehead who came out in the schr. Spring-Bird from Nantz, which place she left about the 12th of October. This letter states, "that there was to be another levy of 200 000 men in France—that L'aparte intended to march an army of 70,000 men through Persia to India, and that the King of Persia was to furnish all the necessary supplies for the French army—that Russia and Germany were to be the mediators for a general peace—that the King of Denmark had furnished men to man nine French ships of war that were at Flushing—and that legendary honours had been confirmed on gen. Linniers for his able defence of Buenos Ayres."
[This is the latest news from France, and coming from a respectable source is entitled to consideration.]—N. Y. Gaz.
Extract from Gov. Alexander's Message, to the Legislature of North Carolina, at the commencement of the Session, on the 18th ult.
"In the month of July last, I received a letter from the Secretary of War, requiring an immediate detachment from the Militia of this State of seven thousand and three men, including officers, being the quota of this State of one hundred thousand Militia, which the President was authorised, upon any extraordinary emergency, to detach, agreeably to an Act of Congress passed on the 18th day of April, 1806. To carry into effect this requisition, I issued my orders to the Adjutant-General, instructing him to have the detachment raised with all possible dispatch. Though no returns have yet been received, yet I believe that my orders have, with alacrity and readiness, been observed by all grades of officers and soldiers; and, to the honor of our State, the detachment will be principally composed of Volunteers."
"It is highly grateful to a patriotic mind, to see with what cheerfulness and promptitude, the people of this State are disposed to obey the orders of the General Government, when properly called upon by the constituted authorities of the same, to defend their injured and insulted Country."
"The act of Congress under which this detachment is raised, requires the same to be armed and equipped at the expense of the State. This part of the law cannot be complied with, as this State has made no provision for arming her Militia. If the exigency of the times be such as to require this detachment to take the field, it would prove a miserable and cruel delusion to expose such a band of Patriots, with only such arms as chance hath offered them, to a regular and well-organised army completely equipped. In such an un-
equal conflict, nothing can be expected but defeat and misfortune. So long as it continues to be the public opinion, that it is best to depend upon the Militia of the United States, in the first instance, for defence against foreign invasion, some provision ought to be made, either by the State or the General Government, for the establishment of Arsenals, from which the Militia might be equipped to take the field instantly, when required. It is high time that a proper understanding should be had between the General Government and this State on the subject. If it is found to be the duty of the State to furnish arms for the Militia, when called upon for general defence, they ought, without delay, to be provided."
We have frequently heard of criminals having "broke jail and made their escape," but never before the present instance of a juryman having "broke out and made his escape."
(Press.)
Lexington, (Ken.) Oct. 6. "The new trial which was granted to Robert Russell, stone cutter, commenced on Wednesday. The jury had been unable to bring in a verdict when the court adjourned to Friday evening, and one of the jurors that night broke out of the jury room and made his escape."
COMMUNICATION.
Found in the basin of the Canal on the 2d inst. the body of Mr. WINNAN WYSE, who was drowned on the 5th day of November last. The many amiable virtues and social qualities which this industrious man possessed, will render his death particularly lamented by all those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance; his usefulness in the Mechanical branch of business he pursued, was so great, that it may be said with truth, the city of Richmond has not suffered a greater loss in this respect since his time of settlement; it is hoped that the great many false reports that has been spread abroad throughout the city, concerning this good citizen, will cease, as the founders of such reports have had a convincing proof that the body was nowhere but in the water during the time such false reports were propagating. He has left an affectionate wife and four children to bewail the loss of a good husband and a very affectionate parent. Mr. Wyse was a native of Falkirk, in Scotland, aged 65 years.
By virtue of a deed of trust, executed to the subscriber, by William Davidson, on the 4th day of February last, for certain purposes therein mentioned, I shall proceed to sell at public auction, on the premises, for Cash, on Friday, the first day of January 1808, at 10 o'clock, a certain
Lot of Ground,
With the improvements thereon, lying and being in the city of Richmond, containing 24 feet on the Main Street, to the line of Walter Shelton's Lot, thence back with the line of said Shelton's Lot 50 feet, thence 24 feet to the cross street leading by Todd's Lot, thence 50 feet to the said Main Street, it being a part of the Lot No. 20, lately occupied by Cunningham's Butcher, dec. and now in the occupancy of Wm. Davidson.
Frederick Pleasants,
Richmond, Dec. 5, 1807.
Trustee.
For Sale,
At the Bell Tavern, in the city of Richmond, the 1st day of Jany next, several NEGROES, the property of James Shields, decd., at six months credit—I again request and desire all those who have claims against the above estate, to bring them forward before the day of sale or this notice will be pled in bar hereafter. I also think it advisable for the creditors to attend the sale, as I have my doubts whether there will be estate sufficient to discharge the debts, and all those indebted to the above estate, must without delay, come forward and discharge their accounts, or suits will be assuredly brought.
John P. Shields, Adm'r
Of James Shields, decd.
Dec. 4th, 1807
3w
By virtue of a deed of trust executed by Esek Brown of Charles City county, bearing date the 19th of September, 1804, and recorded in said county, to secure the payment of fifty seven pounds and three farthings, to John Crow, Jr. will be SOLD, for ready money, at the dwelling house of said Esek Brown, the 10th day of next month, if fair, if not, the next fair day, two HORSES, four COWS, three FEATHER BEDS and FURNITURE, one yoke STEERS, two YEARLINGS and seventeen head of SHEEP, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the said claim and cost.
Joshua Crew, Trustee.
11th month 20th, 1807.
Wid
N. B. The Sale of the above Property is POSTPONED, until the EIGHTEENTH of this Month, when it will certainly take place.
Joshua Crew, Trustee.
12th Month, 8th, 1807.
tds
A PROPOSAL, FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION THE STUDIES OF NATURE, And other works of JAMES HENRY BERNARD, Esq. Translated by HENRY HUNTER, D.D. author of Sacred Biography, and Translator of the Works of Lavater.
CONDITION OF PUBLICATION. It shall be printed in three handsome Octavo Volumes, from the last London edition, embellished with five engravings, executed in the best manner, and be delivered to subscribers, handsomely bound, price eight dollars. It will be put to press immediately and published in the month of March next.
Dec. 8.
wif
Map of Virginia.
THE subscriber having been appointed agent for the Proprietors of Bishop MADISON's MAP of VIRGINIA, for the city of Richmond, requests those subscribers who have not received their Maps, to apply to him at the Printing Office and Bookstore of SAMUEL PLEASANTS, Junr, where they are ready for delivery.—He has also some copies for Sale.
JOHN W. PLEASANTS.
December 4th, 1807
3w
BOARDING.
THE subscriber wishes to take, and can accommodate ten or twelve gentlemen (members on the general assembly) on moderate terms; occupying a large house, sign of the Wagon, John S. Pleasants.
November 23d, 1807.

NEW STORE.
The subscribers having purchased out the entire stock in trade of Messrs. Charles I. Price & Co. now take the business on the dry goods business, in the store lately occupied by them, next door to Messrs. Robert Nelson & Co and begs leave to inform the public that in addition to said stock he has just received a very extensive
Assortment of Goods,
By the latest arrivals from New York and Philadelphia—Amongst which are— Lady's elegant embroidered dresses of the latest French fashion, superfine and coarse cloths, cashmere, assorted blankets, blankets, coatings and looking glasses, plaid, assorted, an elegant assortment of fancy vesting, consisting of cotton, wool, worsted, Hibernian's patent cord, printed and striped velvets, printed cords, swans-down, turkey down, white and colored mar- sellees and printed jeans, silvers or president's cord for pantaloons, olive and black twill velvets, Bannet's patent mixt woolen and brown holland, 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 linen shirts, fine stitching cambricks, elegant assortment of chinchees and caicos, colored and black cambricks, muslins, cotton and silk, chambrays, plain and figured muslins and face cambricks, book and small muslins 7 1/2, 8 1/2 and 4 1/2 white cambricks, muslins, plain and figured plain and white muslins or Italian silks, dimities, men and women's silk, cotton, worsted and yarn hose, Beaver, silk and York tan gloves, sewing silks and threads assorted, India muslin shawls and hdkfs of every description, cotton and linen checkes, long lawn and linen cambricks, bamban- nes and other silk hdkfs also red, Peck's, peckings, mode, gauzes, laces, ribbons, cambric, &c. bed ticking, Battaloo, Serevelines, hussings and fancy silks, cotton and silk umbrellas, cotton and silk suspender, ladies' shawls and slippers, vest and coat buttons, &c. besides a variety of other articles—all of which will be disposed of on very low terms for cash, or bills of a short date. Hugh Chambers. November 26, 1807.
Dissolution.
The copartnership of CHARLES I PRICE & Co. of the city of Richmond, was dissolved on the 21st inst. by mutual consent.—All persons indebted to the late firm, are desired to make immediate payment to PRICE & MCCUTCHEN, of the city of Philadelphia, or to their lawful attorney only; and those having claims against said concern, are desired to send in their accounts legally attested.
CHARLES I. PRICE. ENOCH PRICE. WM. H. MCCUTCHEN. 26th, Nov. 1807.
Notice.
The subscribers having appointed Mr. HUGH CHAMBERS, of the city of Richmond, their lawful attorney, to receive all debts due the late copartnership of CHARLES I. PRICE & Co. All persons indebted to said concern, are requested to make payment to him only. Payments made contrary to this will be void, as no acquittals can be given but from under his hands; and all persons having claims against said concern, are requested to send in their accounts to him legally authenticated for adjustment. ENOCH PRICE. WM. H. MCCUTCHEN. 26th Nov. 1807.
Sales at Auction.
WILL certainly be SOLD on the premises, without reserve, on the 9th day of Dec. next, the remainder of a LOT, (in Adams' Valley,) the property of Moses Davis—An indispensable lot will be made the purchaser by Richard Adams, Esquire, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia, with approved endorser, payable at 60 days; and on Thursday the 16th December will be Sold, by the Subscribers, at their Vendue Office, one Excellent imported CHAR- RIOT, on 60 days. Prosser & Moacure, Auct'rs. Richmond Nov. 29th, 1807.
Advertisement.
TO be SOLD, at New-Market, in Amherst County, on Thursday, the last day of Dec. next, to the highest bidder, SUNDRY PRO- PERTY, belonging to the Estate of Hector Ca- bell, dec. viz: about 400 Negroes, several valuable work Horses, about 500 barrels of Corn, 4 or 500 bushels of Oats, a large quantity of Fod- der, and Sunday other Articles too tedious to mention—The sale will commence from day to day until the whole is sold. The Negroes consist of Men, Women, Boys and Girls, and are uncommonly likely and valuable; a part of them will be sold, for one third Cash, one third in six months, and one third in twelve months; the others will be sold on a credit of six and twelve months. Bond with approved security, will be required, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid, and a deed in trust on the property, to enforce punctual payment. The Horses, Corn, Oats, Fodder, &c. will be sold in Lots, to suit purchasers, on a credit of six and twelve months—Bond with approved security to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid, will be required. Robert Rives, Adm'r Nov. 15th, 1807.
Of the estate of Hector Ca- bell. M. B. At the same time and place, the Sub- scribers expect to sell 20 or 30 Negroes more— the terms of which will be made known on the day. Robert Rives.
A New Seminary,
WILL be opened in Richmond, the third Monday in January, for the TUITION of YOUNG LADIES, by FRANCES T. BRUGH, Proprietress at the Washington Henry Academy; in which will be taught Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, and Needle-Work. Those who may honor her with their confidence, shall have no cause to lament its being misplaced; she promises on her part the utmost diligence and attention. The most pointed and particular attention will be paid to the morals and manners of the Young Ladies. Boarders will be received at a hundred and thirty dollars, board and tuition, for tuition alone eight pounds, if the higher branches be taught, and six, if merely Reading and Writing. It will be opened near Mr Thos. Elliot's and Mr. William McKim's. Nov. 26, 1807.
To be Sold,
ON Friday, the eighteenth day of December next, at the late Duglass House of Barbary-Pagodale, due to the highest bidder, on 12 months credit, for all sums above ten dollars, upon the purchaser's giving bond and approved security to carry interest from the date, if not punctually paid, for all sums under, cash will be required, the HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE , Crop of Corn, Fodder, and Stock of every kind, Plantation Utensils, a Coach and Harness, &c. &c. belonging to the estate of said deceased—ALSO, will be Sold, at the same time and place, EIGHT or TEN likely NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys and Girls, for ready money by the
ADMINISTRATOR. King William County, Nov. 24, 1807.
Notice.
IN Pursuance of a decree of the Superior Court of Chancery, held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on the 5th day of last May. We shall, on the premises, on Saturday the 28th day of December next, proceed to sell to the highest bidder, for ready money, the
Tract of Land,
Lying in Chesterfield county, whereon John Perry now resides. Containing 68 acres (be the same more or less,) or so much thereof as will raise the sum specified in said decree, and defray the expenses attending the sale, &c. W. La-Prade, } Comm'rs. A. Whitworth, } Nov. 30, 1807.
LOST,
ON the 24th ult a BOND, executed by Martin of the county of Buckingham, and payable to Silas Flournoy due day, by whom it was assigned to me; the sum is sixty old dollars I forewarn all persons from trading for the same. J. I. Clarke, Jr. Cumberland, Nov. 14, 1807.
A CARD.
VIRGINIA RATCHIFF, having removed to a tenement of Mr. Robert McKim's on the Main-street, and almost immediately back of the Bank—offers her services to the Ladies of Richmond, Manchester, and their Vicinities in the MAN- UA-MAKING LINE. Nov. 27.
Sale of Negroes.
IN pursuance of a deed of trust executed to me by Thomas Pollard of Amelia county, to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned, due to Muckemmers Goose, I shall on the 12th day of December next, proceed to sell at Painesville, in Amelia county, to the highest bidder, the following SLAVES , to wit; Patrick and John, to answer the purpose of said debt. Wm. Powell, Trustee. November 29th, 1807.
W. HAIGHT,
Has for sale, on the Main street, opposite the Old City Tavern, a large and superb assortment of the best made
Mahogany Furniture,
Paper Hangings, Mattresses of every description, Window Blinds, &c. &c. &c. all of which he will sell on the most reasonable terms, for cash or country produce. Richmond, Nov. 26, 1807.
FOR SALE,
And may be seen at the Bell Tavern, one of the most elegant pair of
Full bred Bay Horses,
that has ever been exhibited in the city of Richmond—one of them 5 and the other 6 years old Nov. 12.
EXHIBITION.
THE FAMOUS AFRICAN HORSE, SPOTTEE, Has just arrived in Richmond. Who, from the great progress he has made in arithmetic and the art of boxing, may justly be entitled the new HORSE OF KNOWLEDGE. He will be exhibited every day from 8 till 11 in the morning till 6 in the evening at the Washington Tavern
This beautiful animal was caught on the coast of Africa; and, from the beauty and peculiarity of his colors and shape, was imported to this country, and exhibited as a natural curiosity. He is variegated with four very rich and distinct colors, which are formed into circular spots, similar to those of the Leopard, and his tail resembles that of the Elephant. Exclusive of these peculiarities he will add, subtract, multiply and divide; tell the hour of the day by a watch; the number of buttons on a gentleman's coat, and the number of persons present; with many other pleasing manoeuvres and marks of sagacity, which excite great admiration. No danger need be apprehended during the performance, as the apartment is rendered very convenient. * Price of admittance 50 cents—children half price
RUN AWAY from the Subscriber, living in the lower end of Buckingham county, a NEGRO WOMAN, named NALLY; she went off sometime in February last, and has been heard of about Cumberland courthouse soon after her departure. I am barely informed, that she is looking about the Coal Pits, on Falling Creek, about twelve miles above Richmond; she is a remarkable large Woman, about 28 years old. Any person, that will secure her so that I get her, shall receive Ten Dollars, or if brought home, what five law allows besides. R. Anderson. Nov. 19th, 1807.
THE subscriber will accommodate 20 or 25 gentlemen of the assembly, during the ensuing session. Alexander Quarrier. November 23d, 1807.
Wm. W. Dickenson,
OFFERS FOR SALE ON LOW TERMS, 12 Tons James River Hemp, 16 Tons Country Bar-Iron, and 80 Tierces Whiskey. Richmond Nov. 16, 1807.
BY virtue of a deed of trust, executed to us by Ambrose Dudley of King William county to secure a debt due by the said Ambrose Dudley to Benjamin Mosby, assignee of William Dan- dridge—We shall proceed to sell, for ready cash, for the best price that can be obtained, on the premises, on the 5th day of January next,
A certain Tract or Parcel of Land, Lying and being in the county of King William, being the same on which the said Dudley now resides, & the same which the said Dudley purchased of William Dandridge, containing 602 acres, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to pay the sum of four hundred pounds current money, with legal interest thereon from the 1st day of April, 1807, till payment, together with all expenses attending the execution thereof. BERN'S LIPSCOMB. NATH'L FOX.
3d Oct. 1807
TO BE SOLD,
At Painesville, in Amelia county, on Monday the 28th of December next, an Extraordinary valuable Black-smith Belonging to the estate of Richard Eggleston, dec. on a credit of six months. Bond with approved security will be required of the purchaser. October 11, 1807
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by Archibald Cary Randolph of Goochland county, to secure the payment of a debt due Samuel Harris of Powhatan county, amounting to one hundred and fifty three pounds eighteen shillings, with interest from the date of said instrument; will be sold, the following PROPER- TY, viz. one Negro Woman, Nelly, and her son John, and a Mulatto Girl, Priscilla, the property of said Randolph, to the highest bidder, for cash, on Friday the fifteenth of January, 1808, at Jefferson, to satisfy the said debt, together with all costs and charges attending the execution of said trust. Alban Gilpin, trustee. Nov. 9th, 1807.
FOR SALE,
ON VERY REASONABLE TERMS, Two Likely Negro Men.
If the above negroes are not disposed of at private sale before the first day of January next, they will on that day be offered at public auction, in the town of Jefferson, Powhatan county, for cash. James R. Stokes. Jefferson Nov. 21, 1807.
The Grand Lodge of Virginia.
Will meet on Monday, December the 14th next. Wm. H. Fitzhugh, G. S. Richmond, Nov. 11, 1807.
Hampden Sidney College.
THE Trustees wish to inform the public, that they have lately engaged the Rev. Moses Hoom of Sheppards Town in this state, to remove to the College, and to take charge of it as President—They wish also to give notice, that the buildings are in a comfortable state of repair, and that boarding and tuition for students continue at the usual rates. Prince Edward, 12th Nov. 1807.
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE
GRAND LOTTERY,
BALTIMORE.
Authorised by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, the scheme of which lottery is the most brilliant ever offered to the citizens of the United States, containing besides a large number of other good prizes, 1 Prize of 30,000 Dollars, 1 do. of 15,000 Dollars, 3 do. of 10,000 Dollars, 2 do. of 5,000 Dollars, 8 do. of 1,500 Dollars, 7 do. of 1,000 Dollars. Not two blanks to a prize, and the lowest prize twelve dollars. The scheme contains only 21500 tickets, 10000 of which are actually sold to a company of gentlemen in New York, to whom the managers have obligated themselves to commence the drawing in the city of Baltimore. On Tuesday the 31st day of December next, And to draw 500 tickets per day. TICKETS & SHARES Are now selling in a variety of numbers and very rapidly at Ten and a half dollars each for a very short time, at G. & R. WAITE's Truly fortunate Lottery Office, corner of Mark- et and Charles Street, Baltimore. The Grandmaster of the Scheme of the above Lottery, together with an assurance from the managers that it will positively commence drawing on the 31st day of December next, have been a sufficient inducement for the subscribers to come to the city of Baltimore for the express purpose of facilitating the sale of the tickets. G. & R. WAITE. One of the above firm will personally attend the drawing daily, to take down the numbers correctly, as will also one of their clerks. The next New-York Lottery will not commence drawing till April next—Tickets of which Lottery may be had at Waite's Offices, Maiden-Lane, New-York. N. B. Distant adventurers, accompanying their orders with Bank Notes of any description to either of Waite's Offices in Baltimore or New York, may have tickets and shares forwarded to any amount with the utmost punctuality, and the earliest advice sent them of their success. All prizes sold by G. & R. Waite will be paid by them.—A list of all prizes drawn will be sent to the printer of this paper, for the inspection of adventurers. October 14th, 1807.
ADVERTISEMENT.
Just Received, a General Assortment of Dutch Bolting Cloth, Of a superior quality. Oct. 22, 1807.
J. Darmstadt.
Lands for Sale.
THE subscriber wishes to sell the Lands and Plantation whereon he at present resides, containing 800 acres, well watered with several excellent springs, and convenient to four capital manufacturing mills.—Also a tract of Land lying two miles from the above, on Fine creek, containing 440 acres, about 50 of which is meadow of superior quality—The lands shown and the terms made known by application to Horatio Turpin. Powhatan, 12th Nov. 1807.
LAND
In the state of Ohio—For Sale: THE subscriber wishes to SELL a valuable TRACT OF LAND, in the state of Ohio, containing 1,000 acres. This tract is of excellent quality, as the subscriber has understood from most respectable information. It lies on Deer creek, a branch of the Sciota, about 16 miles from Chillicothe, in a well settled neighborhood, and is very convenient to the trade of the Ohio. He will dispose of it for cash, or on a short credit, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia; or will exchange it for property in the city of Richmond. An unquestionable title, with general warranty, will be made to the purchaser. Richmond, Sept. 24, 1807.
Will be Sold,
To the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 16th of December next, (if fair, if not, the next fair day,) all the Household & Kitchen Furniture, STOCK of all kinds, the Crop of CORN, FODDER, &c. belonging to the estate of Peter Baker, dec'd, among which are some very valuable high blooded Colts, an excellent large Horse Clock, and a Ten Plate Stove. The sale will take place at Dover. (the late residence of the deceased)—Terms of sale will be, nine months credit on all sums above ten dollars, the purchaser to give bond and security, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid—for all sums under ten dollars cash will be required. CHRISTENIA BAKER, Exx. Dover, Goochland, Nov. 10, 1807.
Land for Sale!
PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed to the subscribers by John C. Miller, for the purpose of securing the payment of sundry debts therein mentioned; will be sold upon the first Monday in January, 1808, for cash upon the premises, a TRACT OF LAND, mentioned in said deed, lying upon the waters of Lockett's and Harris' creek, in the county of Prince Edward, and supposed to contain between six and seven hundred acres. We shall make such title as is transferred to us by said Miller, saving all former encumbrances. The improvements upon this land are such as are usual upon snug plantations in this part of the country, but better fenced than usual. CHARLES WOODSON, } Trustees. James MADISON, } Prince Edward 16th Oct. 1807.
Notice.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a petition will be presented to the next Virginia Assembly, praying that the lands whereof John McMurry died seized, may be sold for the purpose of satisfying his just debts, he having no heir or legal representative to inherit the same. Wm. Overton, Adm'r, de bonis non, of John McMurry. Prince Edward, Oct. 27, 1807.
Notice.
COMMITTED to the jail of Charlotte county on the 29th of July last, a Negro Man, who calls himself Frederick, and says he belongs to Fleming Cocke of Goochland, he is about 5 feet 10 inches high, has an old crab great coat, and an iron collar about his neck with about 2 feet of chain to it; the owner is requested to prove his property, pay charges and take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs. Francis Scott, Jr. Jailer. 25th Sept 1807.
A House and Lots
FOR SALE.
THE subscriber offers for sale three valuable LOTS OF GROUND in the city of Williamsburg; on which there is a large and commodious dwelling house, (containing eight good rooms, and two large passages,) together with a good garden, a stable, and all necessary out houses for the use of a genteel family. Any person desirous of purchasing will please to apply to William Munford, Esq. of this city, who will make known the terms of sale, and is authorised to conclude the bargain. Possession will be delivered to the purchaser on the 10th day of January next. Anna Byrd. Richmond, September 12, 1807.
TO RENT
TWO LARGE BRICK STORES, Almost new, under one roof, and covered with Tiles.
SITUATE on the south side of the main Street, and nearly opposite the Market House, one is a corner house. These houses are rendered fire proof (externally) by the addition of Iron Shutters in the direction that there is danger (from fire) to be apprehended. Possession may be had on application to Wm. MITCHELL. Richmond September 24, 1807.
Fitzhughson & Potter,
Have on hand, an extensive assortment of Blank Books, Stationery, School Books, Music, and BOOK BINDING in all its branches executed in the best manner. Richmond, November 16, 1807.
Charlotte Court, 5th October, 1807.
Charles McKean, plaintiff } Against John Paulet and Harry Paulet, } defendants. THE defendant John, not having entered his appearance 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 this state: On the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, it is ordered, that he appear here on the first day of January Court next and enter his appearance, and give security for performing the decree of the court; and that a copy of this order be inserted in one of the newspapers printed in Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the courthouse of the said county. A copy, Teste, Thomas Read, clk.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed by
Ezek Brown of Charles City county, bearing date the 19th of September, 1804, and recorded in said county, to secure the payment of fifty seven pounds and three farthings, to John Crew, Jr. will be SOLD, for ready money, at the dwelling house of said Ezek Brown, the 10th day of next month, if fair, if not, the next fair day, two HORSES, four COWS, three FEATHER BEDS and FURNITURE, one yoke STEERS, two YEARLINGES, and seventeen head of SHEEP, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the said claim and cost. Joshua Crew, Trustee. 11th month 20th, 1807.
W. WARDLAW,
HAS received his fall supply of Mexican's  Sargson's Instruments , Patent Medicine &c. By the Ship Herschell , from Liverpool, he has received an assortment of Phials and Shop Furniture suitable for Physicians. On hand a few MEPHITIC AIR MACHINES . Richmond, October 19, 1807.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the subscriber will petition the ensuing General Assembly to have restored to him an original Military Certificate, granted on the part of the Commonwealth of Virginia in favor of one Francis Bourne, for balance of pay as a drummer in the Virginia line, and assigned by said Bourne to the petitioner, and obtained from him by John Pendleton, late auditor of public accounts, when presented to him by the petitioner for payment of interest. ROBT. MITCHELL.
100 Dollars Reward.
LOST, BETWEEN ROCKETTS and the Market-House, or was stolen from the pocket of the subscriber yesterday, on board the schooner Dolphin of Alexandria, A Red Morocco Pocket Book, Tied with a string; containing 390 dollars in bank notes, 3 of 100 dollars each, on the bank of Alexandria, one 50 dollar note either in the Alexandria or Richmond bank, and two 20 dollar notes, one on the Maryland bank, and the other not certainly ascertained; also, four Free Mason Diplomas, three from Europe on paper, and one from Alexandria, on parchment; a receipt in favor of Theodore Skinner for 900 dollars, from Cattet & Fisher, and sundry bills, bonds and letters of importance. Any person who will deliver the book with its contents at this office, or to the subscriber, residing in the house opposite the City Tavern, lately occupied by Mr. Courts, shall receive the above reward. Or they shall be handsomely rewarded for the book alone. William Wilkinson. Richmond, Nov. 26, 1807.
TO THE
Members of Assembly.
THE Subscriber, living eight miles from Richmond, will take Horses the ensuing Session of Assembly, to stable, curry and feed, with harness, oats, fodder or hay, and graze in extensive meadows, and send them to the city the last of every week if required, for half the price paid in Richmond at this time. GEO. MANN. Nov. 10th, 1807.
FOR SALE,
The well known Estate called ABINGDON, in the county of Gloucester, formerly the property of Addison Lewis, Esq. containing about 500 acres of valuable high and low land. Much may be said in favor of this estate as to neighborhood, prospect, health, buildings, enclosures, water, quality of soil, and its present state of cultivation. A considerable portion of the low land is finely seated with holly. For more and further information, apply to the Rev. John Ellis in Richmond, or to William P. Byrd Esq. on the premises. Dec. 4.
To the MEMBERS of the ASSEMBLY.
THE subscriber having good stables and a plenty of provender, would take six or eight HORSES at three dollars per week. They can have the advantage of a very excellent meadow. Servants that may come with them can be boarded low.—I will not be liable for accidents or escapes. JOHN TURPIN. N. B. A line left at Mr. Pleasants' printing office will be attended to. 4 Dec 4.
SALE OF PROPERTY.
ON the plantation in Powhatan county, late the property of William Ronald, deceased, will be sold, at public auction, on Thursday, the 17th day of December next, all the Stock of Horses, Mules, Cattle, &c. among which are four Mules and three yoke of Oxen. Also, about 300 Bales of Corn, a quantity of excellent Fodder, Stalks and Straw, six or eight thousand weight of Shave Oats, and about 2000 wt. of Pork. The Pork, corn and other provender, will be sold on a credit of three months; all the other property will be sold on a credit of 12 months, for all sums above ten dollars, the purchasers giving bond and security, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. The sale will continue from day to day until the whole is sold. W. BENTLEY. The Negroes on the plantation, about 30 in number of every description, will be hired out at the same time for the ensuing year—Bonds as above will be required, by the GUARDIANS. Powhatan, 25th Nov. 1807.
For Sale,
MY Dwelling House, and Four Half Acres Lots of Ground, in the Town of Manchester, as formerly advertised: On receiving a part in cash, I am disposed to give a considerable credit, for the balance of purchase, or I will take young Negroes at a fair valuation, and Land in the State of Ohio, Tennessee or Kentucky, on such terms as may be agreed on—If the said property is not sold between now and Christmas, it will be leased to an approved tenant for a term of years. ARCH'D CAMPBELL. Manchester, Nov. 30, 1807.
20 Dollars Reward.
RUN AWAY about the 8th May from Richmond, JACOB, a very black fellow, about six feet high, twenty-eight years old, handsome address and very artful, has several scars on his neck, and one or two, I believe, on his left cheek, resembling small pox pits, a watermark by trade, and left his batture in the bason of the canal in the above city when he went off, at which time he broke open the store of a gentleman in Richmond and stole to a large amount, for which said gentleman has offered a reward of 50 dollars for apprehending said fellow (as I am informed)—he has a numerous acquaintance in the said city, the counties of Hanover and Caroline, in one of which he was raised, and where I expect he may be harbored. The above reward will be paid and all reasonable charges, for securing said fellow in any jail to get him, or delivered me in Bell Creek, Buckingham, Virginia. Samuel Horsley. November 20, 1807.
JUST RECEIVED, A FRESH SUPPLY OF
CHURCH'S PATENT MEDICINES; including Cough Drops, Essence of Mustard, Scotch Ointment, &c. &c. November 20, 1807.