Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political (Alexandria [Va.]), 1809-12-02 00:00:00

Sales at Vendue.
On every Tuesday and Friday, WILL BE SOLD A the Vendue Store, corner of Prince and Water streets.
A Variety of Dry Goods, Groceries, &c. Particulars of which will be expressed in the bills of the day—All kinds of goods which are on limitation and the prices of which are established, can at any time be viewed and purchased at the lowest limitation and prices.
P. G. Marsteller, v. M.
FINE PASTURE.
WE will be ready in about ten days to furnish butchers and others, Pasturage on our island, for any number of cattle not exceeding 100.
Philip Alexander, John Luke.
July 29.
FRESH FRUIT.
The subscriber has just received and offers for sale, Malaga Raisins in kegs, Mufcatel and Bloom Raisins in boxes.
ALSO,
36 bags and 12 barrels Coffee. James Patton.
April 19.
TO HIRE,
By the month or year, A Negro Man, a sailor.—He will be hired low if taken by the year.
Enquire of the Printer.
July 29.
Just Published,
[Price 12 and a half Cents.] For sale, at R. GRAY'S Bookstore, King-street.
A Discourse on the Resurrection of the Body :
By the Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, -President of Princeton College.
November 10.
NEW ALMANAC.
COTTON & STEWART,
HAVE JUST PUBLISHED THEIR
ALMANAC,
For 1810.
Containing, besides the astronomical calculations, a variety of useful and entertaining matter.
ALSO,
GERMAN ALMANACS,
For 1810.
For sale the Gross, Dozen, or single one
October
Charles Slade & Thos. Grimshaw,
HAVING entered into partnership in the ROPE-MAKING BUSINESS, offer for sale, at their store on Merchants' wharf, a general assortment of CORDAGE and SHIP-CHANDLERY, at which place, or at their rope-walk, they will receive orders for any description of Cordage warranted to be made out of the best materials and manufactured in such a manner as will bear the inspection of the best judges.
M. B. A liberal price will be always given for HEMP of the best quality.
November 24.
Five Dollars Reward.
Strayed from the subscriber, a large RED COW, somewhat brindled about the body, has a high back, long neck and large horns, a hole in one ear, the mark in the other [if she has any] not recollected, was in very good order when she went away, which was about the first of September—it is supposed she is with calf.
N. B. Left the subscriber's service, an apprentice to the tanning and currying business, named Charles Yearly. A very small reward will be given but no charges paid for bringing him home
Ezra Kenzey & Co.
November 18
PRINTING in all its various branches, handsomely executed with accuracy & dispatch.
Wanted to Hire for the ensuing Year,
A NEGRO MAN, who can work in the house, and take care of horses. Apply to the PRINTER.
November 14.
FOR SALE,
A NEGRO WOMAN.
SHE is a good Cook, Washer and Ironer, and will be sold low for cash or on a short credit. Apply to the Printer.
Sept. 30.
Five Dollars Reward.
Absconded from the subscriber, a negro woman called LETTY, of a low stature and well made—she has lived some time in Alexandria with Mr. Thomas Janney, with whom her husband now lives. The above reward will be given if she is taken and secured in any jail or returned to me.
John I. Frobel.
Wilton Hill, near Alexandria, Nov. 29, 1809.
Notice is hereby given,
THAT a petition will be presented to the general assembly of Virginia at their next session, by the President and Directors of the Little River Turnpike Company, to pass an act authorising them to procure wood, gravel and stone for the purpose of repairing the Turnpike Road, in the manner in which they are authorised to procure such materials for making said road by the act for incorporating the Little River Turnpike Company.
Nov. 28.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT OF LAND, where Captain James Deneale formerly resided, near Fairfax court house, containing about 206 acres, whereon Mr. WALTER Low lives—he has rented it for the next year for one hundred dollars per year. Possession will be given next Christmas come a year.
ALSO,
A tract of LAND in Fauquier county, adjoining the Thoroughfare Mill Tract, on the west side of the Bull Run Mountain, whereon I now live, containing between 4 and 500 acres as good a farm as any in the county, the best meadows in the county, with a good young orchard and good new dwelling house. It is unnecessary to say any more about the above lands, as it is supposed that no person will purchase without viewing the premises. Possession will be given the place I live on next new year's day.
James Gunnell.
Fauquier County, Oct. 1—9. dt25thDe
NOTICE.
MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
THE annual general meeting of the MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia, will be held, by adjournment, at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on the second Monday in Dec. next, (being the 11th day of Dec.)
SAMUEL GREENHOW,
P Agent, M. A. S.
Richmond, Nov. 10th, 1809.
P. S. As much inconvenience and unnecessary expence results from the present mode of collecting the contributions of the members; which annually diverts a considerable part of those contributions from the uses for which they were intended—burdens individuals with heavy costs, and greatly delays the collections, to the injury of the credit of the society, the general meeting at their last annual session, applied to the legislature, to authorise a more certain, expeditious, and less expensive mode of collection. Their application was rejected, under an impression, that the members of the society might not approve this act of their proxies.
Having been informed that, a similar proposition will be submitted to the consideration of the next general meeting, and believing some amendment in that respect necessary to the prosperity of the institution, I have thought it proper to give this public notice thereof.
S. Greenhow, P. A.
November 27. dt11thDec.
I will take 4 or 5 genteel BOARDERS. For particulars enquire of
James Murray.
Nov. 29.
For Freight or Charter,
The fine staunch SHIP
THOMAS,
CAPTAIN MARTIN,
Burden about 250 tons, and in complete order. (now daily expected in from Boston) Apply to
John G. Ladd.
November 17.
For Freight or Charter,
To any permitted Port,
The new Brig
SUMNER,
ANDREW MALCOM, Master;
Burthen 2000 barrels: She is in complete order and ready to receive a cargo Apply to
Charles I. Catlett.
November 6.
The Subscriber
Has received the following articles: New Orleans and St. Croix Sugars of the first quality Mississippi Cotton of the first quality Cogniac Brandy, St. Croix Rum, Holland Gin
London Particular Madeira } WINES
Sherry
Lisbon
Superior Claret in cases
Imperial,
Hyson,
Young Hyson,
Hyson Skin,
Souchong, & } TEAS.
Bohea
Best Green Coffee in bags and barrels
Gunpowder
P. B. Patent Shot, from B. B. to No. 9
Mould Shot, B. L. and S. S. G.
Salt Petre, double refined
Spanish Flotant Indigo
Copperas of the 1st quality
Fresh Nutmegs
Pimento and black Pepper,
Demijohns,
With a general assortment of CROCE-RIES, and as usual, old Jamaica Spirits, Peach Brandy, and old Port wine in bottles. The above articles will be sold very low by the wholesale or retail.
TO RENT,
A convenient and well finished BRICK HOUSE, at the upper end of King street. James Sanderson.
Nov. 3.
TAKE NOTICE.
THE subscriber respectfully informs the Public, that he has taken, and will shortly open an ELEGANT HOTEL in the house lately occupied by the hon. ROBERT SMITH, Capitol Hill, City of Washington—where he will be enabled, if proper encouragement shall be offered, to afford the best and most splendid accommodations.
The house above mentioned will be so prepared as to admit a display of elegance and taste in the arrangements of the season BALLS not to be excelled in the United States, and he hopes from long experience he has had in that line the ladies and gentlemen of Washington will enable him by their encouragement to excel in that particular.
The subscriber tenders his acknowledgements to his friends and the public for the marks of preference they have heretofore bestowed upon him, and hopes by his renewed exertions to please to deserve and receive a continuance of their favors.
Boarders will be taken by the day, week, month, or year.
Wm. Caton.
November 11.
SAMUEL JEPSON
Takes this method to acquaint the citizens of Alexandria that he has just opened a Hat Store and Manufactory, in the shop formerly occupied by Mr. McMunn, at the corner of Prince and Fairfax-street, where he intends keeping a general assortment of ladies, gentlemen, and childrens fashionable Hats, made of the best materials. The strictest attention will be paid to those who wish to purchase. November 29.
50 cases Florence OIL
of 12 bottles each, 10 chests superior quality Young Hyso
TEA,
Just received and for Sale by Lawrason & Fowle.
November 29.
Public Sale.
On THURSDAY next, at half past ten o'clock, will be sold, on the premises, A House and Lot of Ground, situate on Water street, adjoining Mr. Muncaster's dwelling house. Terms, &c. will be made known at the place of sale.
P. G. Marsteller.
December 1.
Public Sale.
On THURSDAY next, at eleven o'clock, will be sold, for cash, on the premises, A Lot of Ground, together with all the improvements thereon, situated on the west side of Royal street, between King and Prince streets.
Hannah Adams,
Executrix of Samuel Adams.
December 1.
ATTENTION!
A RECRUITING RENDEZVOUS is opened at the corner of Washington and King streets, for the enlistment of soldiers to serve in the United States Artillery.
John Fitzgerald,
Lt. U. S. Artillerists.
Nov. 17.
Just Received,
AND FOR SALE BY
CHARLES I. CATLETT,
75 chests Imperial, Hyson, & Young
Hyson Teas.
30,000 lbs. prime Green Coffee.
20 pipes and 8 quarter casks Lisbon and Teneriffe Wine.
8 hogheads Muscovado Sugar.
2000 lbs. Seine Twine.
50 boxes Mould Candles.
50 do. Spanish Segars.
8 barrels Pimento.
October 16.
John G. Ladd,
Has just received and offers for sale,
18 bags Soft Shelled Almonds,
62 boxes Lemons,
30 boxes fresh Malaga Raisins,
3 tiers Pearl Ashes,
10 casks Lamp Oil.
November 30.
Valuable Property for Sale.
IN pursuance of a deed executed to the subscribers on the 11th day of August, 1808, by the late Robert T. Hooe, Esq. in trust for certain purposes thereby expressed, they will proceed to sell at public auction, at the Coffee-House, in the town of Alexandria, on the first Monday in March next, the following valuable Property, viz.
One Lot of Ground in the said town of Alexandria, lying eastward of Union and between Duke and Wolfe streets, with a Wharf extended from the same into the river: This lot fronts feet on the Potomac.
One other Lot, situated on Water street, between Prince and Duke-streets, and fronting about 27 feet on Water-street. This lot is handsomely enclosed, and there is a very productive garden upon it.
The undivided Moiety of the following Property, all situated in the said town of Alexandria, to wit— One Moiety of the Property on which the said R. T. Hooe lately resided, situated at the corner of Prince and Water-streets, and fronting feet on the Potomac, and feet on Duke-streets. On this property there are extensive Brick Buildings, forming a large and well finished Dwelling House & three Stores, with all necessary out houses, a pump in the yard and an excellent garden.
ALSO,
The undivided Moiety of a House and Lot situated at the corner of Water and Duke streets, fronting feet on Water, and feet on Duke. This property is subject to an annual ground rent for ever of sixty one and a half dollars.
The whole of the above property except the last is free of encumbrance, and will be shown at any time to such as desire to be informed about it. The sale will be made on a credit of 6, 12 and 18 months for approved indorsed notes, negotiable at the bank of Alexandria.
Charles Simms,
Thomas Swann,
R. Harrison.
Nov. 30.

DOCUMENTS, WHICH ACCOMPANIED THE MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT, OF THE UNITED STATES.
LETTER FROM MR. ERSKINE, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo- tentary of his Britannic Majesty to the Secretary of State.
WASHINGTON, July, 31, 1809.
SIR, I have the honor to inclose to you a copy of an order, which was passed by his majesty in council on the 24th of May last. In communicating this order, it is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you, that his majesty has not thought proper to confirm the late provisional agreement which I had entered into with you on the part of our respective governments.
Neither the present time nor the occasion will afford me a favorable opportunity for explaining to you the grounds and reasons upon which I conceived I had conformed to his majesty's wishes, and to the spirit, at least, of my instructions upon that subject; nor, indeed, would my vindication of my conduct, (whatever I may have to offer) be of any importance further than as it might tend to shew that no intention existed on my part to practise any deception towards the government of the United States.
I have the satisfaction, however, to call your attention to that part of the inclosed order, which protects the commerce and shipping of the United States from the injury and inconveniences which might have arisen to American citizens from a reliance on the provisional agreement before mentioned; and I cannot but cherish a hope that no further bad consequences may result from an arrangement, which I had fully believed would have met with his majesty's approbation, and would have led to a complete and cordial understanding between the two countries.
With sentiments of the highest respect and consideration, I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant, D. M. ERSKINE.
The Hon. Robert Smith, &c. &c. &c.
The Secretary of State to Mr. Erskine. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, August 9th, 1809.
SIR, I have just received from Mr. Pinkney a letter, enclosing a printed paper, purporting to be a copy of a despatch to you from Mr. Canning, which states among other things that "from the report of your conversations with Mr. Madison, Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Smith it appears—
"1st. That the American government is prepared in the event of his majesty's consenting to withdraw the orders in council of January and November, 1807, to withdraw contemporaneously on its part, the interdiction of its harbors to ships of war and all non-intercourse and non-importation acts, so far as respects Great Britain, leaving them in force with respect to France and the powers which adopt or act under her decrees.
"2d. That America is willing to renounce, during the present war, the pretension of carrying on in time of war all trade with the enemy's colonies, from which she was excluded during peace.
"3d. Great Britain, for the purpose of securing the operation of the embargo, and the bona fide intention of America to prevent her citizens from trading with France, and the powers adopting and acting under the French decrees, is to be considered as being at liberty to capture all such American vessels, as may be found attempting to trade with the ports of any of these powers; without which security for the observance of the embargo, the raising it nominally with respect to Great Britain alone, would in fact, raise it with respect to all the world."
I have the honor to request you to favor me with such explanations, as your candor will at once suggest, in relation to these impugned conversations.
I forbear to express to you, sir, the surprise that is felt at the extraordinary pretensions set forth in this letter of instruction, and especially at the expectation that this government would, as a preliminary, recognize conditions, two of which are so mani-
festly irreconcilable to the dignity and interest of the United States. I, however, would remark, that had you deemed it proper to have communicated in extenso this letter, it would have been impossible for the President to have perceived in its conditions, or in its spirit, that conciliatory disposition which had been professed, and which, it was hoped, had really existed.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)
R. SMITH.
The Hon. D. M. Erskine, &c. &c. &c.
From Mr. Erskine to Mr. Smith.
WASHINGTON, August 14, 1809.
SIR,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst. informing me that you had just received a letter from Mr. Pinkney inclosing a printed paper purporting to be a copy of a despatch to me from Mr. Canning, which states, among other things, "from the report of your conversations with Mr. Madison, Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Smith it appears:
"1st. That the American government is prepared, in the event of his majesty's consenting to withdraw the orders in council of January and Nov. 1807, to withdraw contemporaneously on its part, the interdiction of its harbors to ships of war, and all non-intercourse and non-importation acts so far as respects Great Britain leaving them in force with respect to France and the powers which adopt, or act under, her decrees.
"2d. That America is willing to renounce during the present war, the pretension of carrying on, in time of war, all trade with the enemy's colonies, from which she was excluded during peace.
"3d. Great Britain, for the purpose of securing the operation of the embargo, and the bona fide intention of America to prevent her citizens from trading with France and the power adopting and acting under the French decrees is to be considered as being at liberty to capture all such American vessels as may be found attempting [to trade,] with the ports of any of these powers, without which security for the observance of the embargo, the raising it nominally with respect to Great Britain alone, would, in fact, raise it, with respect to all the world."
The explanations which you request from me on that subject shall be given with candor, and I will proceed, accordingly, to lay before you an abstract of the communications which I made to his majesty's government relative to the unofficial conversations which I had held with Mr. Madison, (then secretary of state,) Mr. Gallatin and yourself at the time, and upon the occasion alluded to by his majesty's secretary of state (Mr. Canning) in that part of his instructions to me of which you inform me you have received a printed copy from Mr. Pinkney.
Upon referring to my despatches, addressed to his majesty's government of the 3d and 4th Dec. last, in which these communications are detailed, I conclude that the conversations alluded to must have been held some days previous to that period, and were to the following effect:—
Mr. Madison, (then secretary of state) is represented by me to have urged various arguments tending to prove that the United States had exerted all their efforts to persuade the French government to withdraw their unjust restrictions upon neutral commerce, and that recourse might have been had to measures of more activity and decision, but that, in the mean time Great Britain had issued her orders in council, before it was known whether the United States would acquiesce in the aggressions of France, and thereby rendered it impossible to distinguish between the conduct of the two belligerents, who had equally committed aggressions against the U. States.
After some observations, Mr. Madison is stated by me at that time to have added, that as the world must be convinced that America had in vain taken all the means in her power to obtain from Great Britain and France a just attention to her rights as a neutral power by representations and remonstrances, that she would be fully justified in having recourse to hostilities with either belligerent, and that she only hesitated to do so from the difficulty of contending with both; but that she must be driven even to endeavor to maintain her rights against the two greatest powers in the world; unless either of them should relax their restrictions upon neutral commerce: in which case, the United States would at once side with that power against the other which might continue its aggressions.
That every opinion which he entertained respecting the best interests of his country led him to wish that a good understanding should take place between Great Britain
and the United States, and that he thought that the obvious advantages which would thereby result to both countries were a sufficient pledge of the sincerity of his sentiments.
These observations, sir, I beg leave to remark, were made to me by Mr. Madison about a month after the intelligence had been received in this country of the rejection by his majesty's government of the proposition made through Mr. Pinkney by the President for the removal of the embargo as respected Great Britain, upon condition that the orders in council should be withdrawn as respected the U. States: and his sentiments were, as I conceived, expressed to me, in order that I might convey them to his majesty's government, so as to lead to a reconsideration of the proposition above mentioned with a view to the adjustment of the differences upon that subject between the respective countries. But I never considered that Mr. Madison meant that the government of the United States would pledge themselves beyond the proposition respecting the embargo, as above stated—because that was the extent of the power of the President by the constitution of the U. States.
I understood, very distinctly, that the observations of the secretary of state were intended to convey an opinion as to what ought and would be the course pursued by the U. States, in the event of his majesty's orders in council being withdrawn.
In these sentiments and opinions, you concurred, as I collected from the tenor of several conversations which I held with you at that period.
With respect to the second point stated in your letter to be contained in a "despatch from Mr. Canning," I beg leave to offer the following explanation:
In the course of a private interview I had with Mr. Gallatin, (the secretary of the treasury) he intimated that the non-intercourse law which was then likely to be passed by the congress, might be considered as removing two very important grounds of difference with Great Britain, viz. the non-importation act, as applicable to her alone, and also the President's proclamation whereby the ships of G. Britain were excluded from the ports of the U. States, while those of France were permitted to enter—but that by the nonintercourse law, both powers were placed on the same footing. He did not pretend to say that this measure had been taken for any motives of concession to G. Britain; but as in fact, those consequences followed, he conceived they might be considered as removing the two great obstacles to a conciliation.
He adverted also to the probability of an adjustment of another important point in dispute between the two countries, as he said he knew that it was intended by the U. States to abandon the attempt to carry on a trade with the colonies of belligerents in time of war, which was not allowed in time of peace, and trust to the being permitted by the French to carry on such a trade in peace, so as to entitle them to a continuance of it in time of war.
As it may be very material to ascertain what "trade with the colonies of belligerents" was, in my conception, meant by Mr. Gallatin, as intended to be abandoned by the United States, I feel no hesitation in declaring, that I supposed he alluded to the trade from the colonies of belligerents direct to their mother country, or to the ports of other belligerents, because the right to such trade had been the point in dispute; whereas, the right to carry on a trade from the colonies of belligerents to the United States had never been called in question, and had been recognised by his majesty's supreme court of admiralty; and the terms even upon which such colonial produce might be re-exported from the United States had been formally arranged in a treaty signed in London by the ministers plenipotentiary of both countries, which was not indeed ratified by the President of the United States—but was not objected to as to that article of it which settled the terms upon which such trade was to be permitted.
Such was the substance, sir, of the unofficial conversations which I had held with Mr. Madison, Mr. Gallatin, and yourself, which I did not consider or represent to his majesty's government as intended with any other view than to endeavor to bring about the repeal of the Orders in Council by shewing that many of the obstacles which had stood in the way of an amicable adjustment of the differences between the two countries were already removed, and that a fair prospect existed of settling what remained; since the United States had exhibited a determination to resist the unjust aggressions upon her neutral rights, which was all that Great Britain had ever required; but I certainly never received any assurances from the American government that they would pledge themselves to adopt
the conditions specified in Mr. Canning's instructions as preliminaries; nor did I ever hold out such an expectation to his majesty's government; having always stated to them that in the event of his majesty's thinking it just or expedient to cause his orders in council to be withdrawn that the president would take off the embargo as respected England, leaving it in operation against France and the powers which adopted, or acted under, her decrees; according to the authority which was vested in him at that time by the congress of the U. States, and that there was every reason to expect that a satisfactory arrangement might be made upon the points of the colonial trade which had been so long in dispute between the two countries.
As to the third condition referred to by you, specified in Mr. Canning's instructions, I have only to remark, that I never held any conversation with the members of the government of the U. States, relative to it, until my late negotiation—or had ever mentioned the subject to his majesty's government—it having, for the first time, been presented to my consideration in Mr. Canning's despatch to me of the 23d of January in which that idea is suggested, and is stated to have been assented to by Mr. Pinkney.
It would be unavailing, at the present moment, to enter upon an examination of the "pretensions set forth in Mr. Canning's instructions" (which you are pleased to term) "extraordinary."
I consider it, however, to be my duty to declare that, during my negotiation with you which led to the conclusion of the provisional agreement, I found no reason to believe that any difficulties would occur in the accomplishment of the two former conditions, as far as it was in the power of the president of the U. States to accede to the first, and consistently with the explanation which I have before given of the second point: On the contrary I received assurances through you, that the president would comply (as far as it was in his power) with the first condition, and that there could be no doubt that the congress would think it incumbent upon them to assert the rights of the U. States against such powers as should adopt or act under the decrees of France as soon as their actual conduct or determinations upon that subject could be ascertained—but that, in the mean time, the president had not the power, and could not undertake to pledge himself in the formal manner required to that effect.
I received also assurances from you, that no doubt could be reasonably entertained that a satisfactory arrangement might be made in a treaty upon the subject of the second condition mentioned in Mr. Canning's instructions according to my explanation of it in the foregoing part of this letter, but that it necessarily would form an article of a treaty in which the various pretensions of the two countries should be settled.
The third condition you, certainly, very distinctly informed me could not be recognised by the President, but you added what had great weight in my mind, that you did not see why any great importance should be attached to such a recognition; because it would be impossible that a citizen of the United States could prefer a complaint to his government on account of the capture of his vessel while engaged in a trade absolutely interdicted by the laws of his country.
Under these circumstances, therefore, finding that I could not obtain the recognitions specified in Mr. Canning's despatch of the 23d of January (which formed but one part of his instructions to me) in the formal manner required, I considered that it would be in vain to lay before the government of the United States the despatch in question, which I was at liberty to have done in extenso , had I thought proper. But as I had such strong grounds for believing that the object of his majesty's government could be attained, though in a different manner, and the spirit, at least, of my several letters of instruction be fully complied with, I felt a thorough conviction upon my mind that I should be acting in conformity with his majesty's wishes; and accordingly concluded the late provisional agreement on his majesty's behalf with the government of the U. States.
The disavowal by his majesty is a painful proof to me that I had formed an erroneous judgment of his majesty's views and the intention of my instructions; and I have most severely to lament that an act of mine (tho' unintentionally) should produce any embarrassments in the relations between the two countries.
It is a great consolation to me, however, to perceive that measures have been adopted by both governments to prevent any loss or inconvenience which might have arisen to the citizens or subjects of either country from a reliance on the fulfilment of that provisional agreement; and

cannot but cherish a hope, that a complete and cordial understanding between the two countries may be effected.
I beg leave to add that it would have given me great happiness to have contributed to so desirable an object, and to offer you the assurances of the great respect and high consideration with which I remain, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
D. M. ERSKINE.
The hon. Robert Smith, Sec. of the Navy.
[To be continued.]
Alexandria Daily Gazette.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2.
We recommend to the attentive perusal of our readers the following judicious sentiments and views copied from the Norfolk Public Ledger. They are the concluding part of some observations on the paragraphs which have appeared in the National Intelligencer relative to the late rupture between our government and the British minister—Ed.
Few circumstances have occurred furnishing more materials for discussion than the present. We hope to see the subject fairly and independently discussed, for surely no subject ought to be discussed with more freedom and candor, than one in which the all important events of peace and war are involved. When we say we hope to see the subject independently discussed, we allude to a sentiment or maxim, which the ruling party wish to establish. It is laid down, that in all discussions between our own government and another, that ours is always in the right, and those of our citizens, who should dissent from this arbitrary rule, are denounced as enemies to their own, and the partisans of a foreign government. As no man wishes to be even suspected of being an enemy to his country, the timid are awed into silence, and the selfish converted into partisans by the hope of preferment. But the independent politician, unawed by popular censure, and disregarding the patronage of power, will enter into the enquiry with a determination to ascertain truth.
For our own part we can conceive nothing more slavish and degrading in principle, and destructive in practice than the sentiment or maxim we have noticed. It may be a very convenient doctrine for those in office, but we hope and believe it will be rejected with indignation. War, which is the trade of ambitious rulers, has ever been, and ever will be ruinous to the people. It is not given to the people of every nation, the right of discussing the measures of their government, but it is a glorious right which Americans possess and will exercise, and in our judgment, it cannot be exercised on a subject of more importance than one on which war depends. If it is our right and our duty to examine and determine whether the nation should go to war or not, how we ask is that examination to be made without a free and candid discussion? for what purpose do we exercise the right and perform the duty, if we are not at liberty to express our conviction? If we are stopped in the commencement of the enquiry by the terrors of denunciation, what better are we than the slaves of Napoleon, who are carried into wars to gratify his ambition, and the aggrandizement of his family and favorites? Does any one suppose, that if the people of France could have been permitted to have decided on the war which Napoleon is waging against Austria and Spain, that they would have given their consent?
It is absurd to suppose that we are always in the right in our discussions with foreign nations, and it is both insolent and wicked to brand as enemies of their country, those who have the independence to say that we are not so. The inconsistency of those who wish to stifle fair enquiry, and silence independent discussion, will be exposed by what we are going to state. Great Britain is engaged at this time in a war, upon the unsuccessful issue of which she has not to apprehend the loss of some remote colony; she is contending with an enemy whose power and means are greater than any human being ever possessed—an enemy who avows that nothing short of her destruction shall satiate his revenge. In such a contest one would think that every heart and hand in the nation would be united. But it is not so, if we judge from the writings in what are called the opposition papers, in which the measures of the government are exposed with bitter severity, as well as regards the causes of the war, and as to the mode of conducting it; and this opposition is carried to
such a height that it sometimes would seem as if it rejoiced in the disasters of the country. These writings of the opposition papers in England, are copied with avidity into the democratic papers of this country, and in proportion as they revile their government and expose its measures, the more they are admired and commended for their independence, and even Cobbett comes in for his share of applause, when he exposes the measures of his own government. We would now ask how the same men can admire this independence and freedom of enquiry in another country, and under circumstances such as we have stated, and such as are notorious to all the world, and yet denounce it in our own?
We have submitted these remarks, as expressive of the determination which we have formed, and of the conduct we mean to pursue. Conscious that we are directed by a regard for the interest and honor of our country, we shall examine the subject with freedom, and express our conviction, without regarding consequences as they may affect us personally, for while we are desirous of the public approbation, we will not endeavor to obtain it at the price of our own.
We understand (says the New York Mercantile Advertiser) that Professor BROWNELL, of Union College, who sailed for Europe in the British Packet Lord Chesterfield, upon literary and scientific pursuits, is charged with public despatches from our government to the American minister in London.
An election held on Thursday last, at the Union Tavern, Georgetown, for Directors of the Union Bank of Georgetown, the following gentlemen, were chosen: Robert Beverly, Elisha Riggs, Thomas Beall, of Geo. Daniel Reame, John Peter, Andrew Smith, Charles J. Nourse, Thos. Corcoran, Abraham Bradley, jun. George W. Riggs, Richard Parrot, Thomas Turner, Upton Beall, Thomas Lawrason, Francis Dodge.
The following extract of a letter from Captain Vickery, of the ship Eliza, of this port, furnishes another instance of Napoleon's justice, and of his friendship for this country. Our ships captured and their crews imprisoned; others destroyed or ransomed (we think they call it) would pass for war; but this is the way that Napoleon vindicates the "liberty of the seas." This extract requires no comment from any American, but the advocates of the Corsican will justify this conduct. The letter from which this extract is made, was written by capt. Vickery to Mr. Jas. B. Timberlake, purser of the U. S. schooner Enterprize, cruising off the Texel, and by the latter transmitted to the owners of the Eliza. This ship was cleared, and destined originally for Amsterdam, had the French consul's certificate of origin, and every document that could be required; her cargo cost here eighty-two thousand dollars, and the ship was worth about twenty thousand! (Narf. Led.)
"PAMPOI, September 11, 1809. 'Twas but yesterday that I was certain of your being at the Texel, and I am now truly sorry to inform you of my being in this part of the world, in the situation that I am at present. I was captured on the 10th of August nearly abreast the Eddystone, bound to Tonnigen, by a privateer belonging to St. Maloes, by name Jean Bart, a lugger mounting one carriage gun, a one pounder, and 30 men, about the size of my long boat, and brought into this place where I now have been 30 days, and it is but three days since I have been allowed liberty to go out of my ship. My officers and men have been marched all off to Morlaix and are there confined in prison, they could not treat us worse if we were prisoners of war. Had I have been bound to England I should not think so much of it, but being bound to an ally's port, it is galling to be thus treated; I am here and here I must remain, for I cannot obtain a passport to go out of this place; they have discharged my cargo and put it into magazines, under the locks and keys of the commissioners of marine."
SHIP NEWS.
Port of Alexandria.
CLEARED, Ship Charles, Parrott, Tonnigen—By A. C. Cazenove. Brig Potomac, Bleneo, New-York—By different merchants. Sloop Little Poll, Sillick, Savannah—By the Agent.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, December 1.
[Taken for the Alexandria Gazette.]
Mr. Macon, after some observations, submitted two resolutions, one was to exclude all vessels from the ports of the U. States, which may come from ports where American vessels are prohibited. The other was in substance the same as one he offered the last session, but was not then acted upon—That new registers should be granted to all American vessels which may have lost the same; and that for the future no sea letter or other custom-house document should be granted to any vessel not built in the U. States and owned by citizens thereof. Referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures, to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Dana offered a resolution (the same as he offered the last session) that no vessel should be considered as a vessel of the U. States, unless a certain portion of her seamen were citizens of the U. States. Referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures, to report by bill or otherwise.
The House then resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the state of the nation, Mr. Macon in the chair.
Mr. Eppes offered the following resolutions, which were adopted by the committee, and reported to the house.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as respects the relations of the United States with foreign nations, be referred to a select committee.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the revision of penalties involuntarily incurred, by infractions of the laws respecting commerce, between the United States and Great Britain and France, and their dependencies, be referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the abuse of the flag of the United States, by collusive prostitution, be referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the naval establishment of the U. States, be referred to a select committee.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to the military establishment of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the organization of the militia of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the finances of the United States, be referred to the committee of ways and means.
Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the fortifications of the ports and harbors of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
The resolutions were read and concurred in by the House.
Mr. W. Alston offered a resolution for appointing a committee to enquire into the expediency of confirming to the city of N. Orleans, the commons in and near that city, and the lots on which the fortifications are built, &c. on such conditions as may be conducive to the prosperity of the city.
On motion of Mr. Poindexter, the resolution was referred to the committee of public lands.
The House then proceeded to the choice of a Chaplain. On the fourth ballot, the Rev. Jesse Lee was declared to be chosen, he having 39 votes.
The Speaker read a communication from the Secretary of the Treasury respecting unsettled public accounts; which with the documents accompanying it, was ordered to be printed for the use of the members.
Mr. Poindexter offered a resolution for appointing a committee to enquire into the expediency of authorising the inhabitants of Madison county in the Mississippi territory, to have a representative in the assembly of that territory.
Mr. Troup offered a resolution in addition to Mr. Poindexter's, to call on the secretary of the treasury for information respecting the legality of the settlements in that country.
Mr. Troup, after some conversation, consented that his resolution should lie on the table until the first (Mr. P's) should be disposed of.
Mr. Poindexter's resolution was then put and carried, and afterwards Mr. Troup's was adopted.
Several petitions of a private nature, were presented and referred.
The House then adjourned until Monday next.
MR. SNOWDEN, SIR,
IT is with great satisfaction that I find by the subscription for the "Domestic Manufacture Company of Alexandria" that there is little doubt but it will go into operation. The situation in which the inhabitants of the United States have hitherto stood for a supply of the most necessary articles of cloathing is such as renders our dependence on foreign supply a circumstance to be regretted. Great advantage will arise from the establishment of a warehouse where the increasing manufactures of our neighborhood may be purchased by those who feel disposed to cloath their families in goods which though not equal in fashion are much more substantial than the slight fabrics of foreign countries. The small amount of the shares has induced a great many mechanics to rest their savings in this stock, and I trust that those who have not attended, will avail themselves of the opportunity of benefiting them and their country, by their mite towards the encouragement of a Society which promises to be beneficial to the neighborhood.
A. B.
The Rev. Mr. GIBSON will preach at the Church in Fairfax-Street to-morrow afternoon, and begs the favor of his congregation to attend.
December 2.
The Members of the Episcopal Church are respectfully informed, that the Committee appointed by the Vestry to procure a suitable character to supply the vacancy, are in daily expectation of a visit from a gentleman of known piety and abilities.
The Congregation of the Episcopal Church are respectfully informed, that Divine Service will be performed in the Church to-morrow morning and afternoon, at the usual hours.
December 2.
THE Commissioners appointed to receive Subscriptions for the Domestic Manufacture Company of Alexandria, give notice that they will attend at the Council Chamber to receive Subscriptions, and the Books will continue open this day from ten until eight o'clock.
December 2.
Thirty Dollars Reward.
ABSCONDED, a bright mulatto man, named ANDERSON, about 5 feet 10 inches high, well made, his face much freckled with dark spots, probably will be genteelly dressed, as he carried some good cloaths with him: He formerly belonged to the estate of Mumford Beverley, Esq., of Belfield, Virginia. The above reward, if apprehended within this state, or Fifty Dollars if taken in any other, & all reasonable expences paid by the subscriber, for securing or lodging him in any jail so that he may be enabled to get him.
Eugene Higgins.
Norfolk, Nov. 27—(Dec. 2.)
Five Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Alexandria, a negro boy, of a yellowish complexion, called JOE PAIN, about 16 years of age—had on when he went away a pair of home-spun pantaloons, mixed with blue black and white, and generally wore them without suspenders tied round his waist with a string: L kewise, had on a blue cloth roundabout jacket. I think it probable that he may have changed them. He is apt to be impudent when spoken to and speaks very quick. It is supposed he is at present lurking about the navy yard, though he is frequently in Alexandria.
Catharine Dade.
December 2.