Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1808-02-09 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVTH YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1431.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—Paid in Advance.]
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1808.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
AN ACT TO ORGANIZE AND ESTABLISH A SUPERIOR COURT OF LAW IN EACH COUNTY OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(PASSED FEBRUARY 1ST, 1808.)
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That the state shall be divided into twelve judicial circuits, and to each circuit respectively, shall be allotted a judge of the general court, who shall hold a superior court of law twice a year, at the court house of each county, in the circuit to which he may be allotted, at the times and in the manner herein after prescribed, that is to say: A court shall be holden in the county of Prince George, on the first day of April and on the first day of September; in the county of Surry, on the sixth day of April and on the sixth day of September; in the county of Sussex, on the thirteenth day of April and on the thirteenth day of September; in the county of Southampton, on the twentieth of April and on the twentieth of September; in the county of Isle of Wight, on the twenty-sixth of April and twenty-sixth of September; in the county of Nansemond, on the first of May and first of October; in the county of Princess Anne, on the eighth of May and eighth of October; and in the county of Norfolk, on the sixteenth of May in the borough of Norfolk, and on the sixteenth of October, in the town of Portsmouth, in each year, which counties shall compose the first circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Greensville, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Brunswick, on the seventh of April and seventh of September; in the county of Mecklenburg, on the fourteenth of April and fourteenth of September; in the county of Lunenburg, on the twenty-second of April and twenty-second of September; in the county of Prince Edward, on the twenty-eighth of April and twenty-eighth of September; in the county of Amelia, on the sixth of May and sixth of October; in the county of Nottoway, on the fourteenth of May and fourteenth of October; and in the county of Dinwiddie, on the twenty-second of May and twenty-second of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the second circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Campbell, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Halifax, on the fifteenth of April and fifteenth of September; in the county of Pittsylvania, on the twenty-third of April and twenty-third of September; in the county of Henry, on the second of May and second of October; in the county of Patrick, on the seventh of May and seventh of October; in the county of Franklin, on the twelfth of May and twelfth of October; and in the county of Bedford, on the seventeenth of May and seventeenth of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the third circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Grayson, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Washington, on the eighth of April and eighth of September; in the county of Lee, on the eighteenth of April and eighteenth of September; in the county of Russell, on the twenty-eighth of April and twenty-eighth of September; in the county of Tazewell, on the eighth of May and eighth of October; in the county of Giles, on the seventeenth of May and seventeenth of October; in the county of Montgomery, on the twenty-sixth of May and twenty-sixth of October; and in the county of Wythe, on the sixth of June and sixth of November, in each year, which counties shall compose the fourth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Chesterfield, on the twenty-fourth of March and twenty-fourth of August; in the county of Henrico, on the third of April and third of September; in the county of New-Kent, on the twentieth of April and on the twentieth of September; in the county of Charles City, on the twenty-sixth of April and on the twenty-sixth of September; in the county of James City, on the second day of May and on the second day of October; in the county of York, on the sixth day of May and on the sixth day of October; in the county of Warwick, on the fourteenth day of May and on the fourteenth day of October; in the county of Elizabeth City, on the twentieth day of May and on the twentieth day of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the fifth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Louisa, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Fluvanna, on the eighth of April and eighth of September; in the county of Cumberland, on the fifteenth of April and fifteenth of September; in the county of Buckingham, on the twenty-second of May and twenty-second of September; in the county of Goochland, on the twenty-ninth of April and twenty-ninth of September; in the county of Powhatan, on the eighth of May and eighth of October; in the county of Hanover, on the fifteenth of May and fifteenth of October; and in the county of Caroline, on the twenty-second of May and twenty-second of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the sixth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Accomack, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Northampton, on the ninth of April and ninth of September; in the county of Mathews, on the eighteenth of April and eighteenth of September; in the county of Gloucester, on the twenty-fifth of April and twenty-fifth of September; in the county of Middlesex, on the first of May and first of October; in the county of Essex, on the ninth of May and ninth of October; in the county of King William, on the sixteenth of May and sixteenth of October; and in the county of King and Queen, on the twenty-fourth of May and twenty-fourth of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the seventh circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Lancaster, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Northumberland, on the seventh of April and seventh of September; in the county of Richmond, on the fourteenth of April and fourteenth of September; in the county of Westmoreland, on the twenty-first of April and twenty-first of September; in the county of King George, on the twenty-ninth of April and twenty-ninth of September; in the county of Stafford, on the sixth of May and sixth of October; in the county of Prince William, on the fourteenth of May and fourteenth of October; and in the county of Fairfax, on the twenty-second of May and on the twenty-second of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the eighth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Spottsylvania, on the twenty-second of March and the twenty-second of August; in the county of Fauquier, on the first of April and first
of September; in the county of Culpeper, on the eighth of April and eighth of September; in the county of Madison, on the sixteenth of April and sixteenth of September; in the county of Orange, on the twenty-fourth of April and twenty-fourth of September; in the county of Albemarle, on the second of May and second of October; in the county of Amherst, on the tenth of May and eighteenth of October; and in the county of Nelson, on the eighteenth of May and tenth of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the ninth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Loudoun, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Jefferson, on the seventh of April and seventh of September; in the county of Berkeley, on the fourteenth of April and on the fourteenth of September; in the county of Hampshire, on the twenty-second of April and twenty-second of September; in the county of Hardy, on the twenty-eighth of April and twenty-eighth of September; in the county of Rockingham, on the seventh of May and seventh of October; in the county of Shenandoah, on the fifteenth of May and fifteenth of October; and in the county of Frederick, on the twenty-third of May and twenty-third of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the tenth circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Augusta, on the first of April and on the first of September; in the county of Rockbridge, on the eighth of April and on the eighth of September; in the county of Botetourt, on the sixteenth of April and on the sixteenth of September; in the county of Monroe, on the twenty-second of April and on the twenty-second of September; in the county of Greenbrier, on the thirtieth of April and on the thirtieth of September; in the county of Bath, on the eighth of May and on the eighth of October; in the county of Pendleton, on the sixteenth of May and on the sixteenth of October; and in the county of Randolph, on the twenty-fifth of May and on the twenty-fifth of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the eleventh circuit. A court shall be holden in the county of Brooke, on the first of April and first of September; in the county of Ohio, on the eighth of April and on the eighth of September; in the county of Monongalia, on the fifteenth of April and on the fifteenth of September; in the county of Harrison, on the twenty-fourth of April and on the twenty-fourth of September; in the county of Wood, on the third of May and on the third of October; in the county of Mason, on the twelfth of May and on the twelfth of October; in the county of Kanawha, on the twenty-fourth of May and on the twenty-fourth of October, in each year, which counties shall compose the twelfth circuit. Each of the aforesaid courts, shall sit until the business thereof shall be despatched, unless the judge holding the same, be compelled to leave the court, in order to arrive in time, to the next succeeding court of his circuit. And whenever any of the aforesaid court days, shall happen on a Sunday, the court shall commence on the next day.
Be it further enacted , That the superior courts of law, to be holden as aforesaid, in each of the said counties of this commonwealth, shall have, possess and exercise, all the rights, jurisdictions and powers, whether criminal or civil, over all persons and things, within the limits of the respective counties, in which they may be holden, that the district courts of law do possess, and might or could have exercised under the law as heretofore, within their respective limits.
The practice and proceedings in the said superior courts of law, shall be regulated by the same laws and rules, as have been enacted and established, and do now exist for the regulation of the proceedings of the district courts of law.
The same right of appeal, which is now allowed from the county and corporation courts, to the district courts of law, shall still be had to the said superior courts of law, and all process issuing under the law as heretofore, and which would have been returned to the district courts of law or any of them, shall be in future returned to the superior court of the county, in which the said process may issue.
The right of appeal, shall remain and be exercised as heretofore used in the district courts.
The sheriffs of counties, shall act as sheriffs of the aforesaid superior courts holden in their respective counties, and shall summon and impanel therefor, grand juries as they have been heretofore summoned for the district courts. The said sheriffs and clerks, shall moreover do and perform, all the duties appertaining to clerks of, and sheriffs attending on, the district courts, under the law as at present. The judge of each circuit, shall appoint for their respective courts, a prosecutor for the commonwealth, who shall be allowed five dollars per day, for every day he may be engaged in the public service, to be certified by the judge, provided, that the sum received by any attorney, shall not exceed the sum of fifty dollars per annum for services in any one of the said superior courts.
All officers' fees, for their services in suits in the aforesaid superior courts of law, shall be the same as are allowed at this time, for similar services in the present district courts of law.
All causes depending in the present district courts of law, at the time when this act shall go into operation, shall be arranged by the respective clerks thereof, and all the papers and documents belonging to each cause, shall be by the said clerks, transmitted to the clerks of those counties respectively, in which the first named defendant in the cause may reside, or where there are more than two defendants, to the clerk of the county, wherein a majority of the defendants reside: provided, a majority reside in any one county, together with a state of the costs accrued in each cause, and the superior courts of the counties, to which the said causes may be sent, shall take cognizance thereof. The clerks of the aforesaid superior courts of law, in the counties wherein the present district courts of law are holden, shall receive into their possession, and are hereby charged with the custody of the books, records and papers, belonging to the said district courts of law, holden as aforesaid, in their said counties; and in default of the present clerks of the said district courts of law, making the arrangements and transmitting the papers in causes depending in their courts, as is required by the preceding section, the clerks hereby appointed to receive the said papers, shall arrange and transmit the same as aforesaid, and all clerks for making the said arrangements, and transmitting causes into counties as aforesaid, shall receive such compensation therefor, as the judge of each superior court to which the said causes may be transmitted, shall in his discretion allow. In order to provide a judge for each of the said circuits: Be it further enacted , That quarterly courts shall be holden for the county of Cumberland, in the month of May, instead of April, in every year; for the county of Accomack, in the month of February, instead of March, and in September, instead of August, in every
year; and for the counties of Campbell, York, and Pittsylvania, in the month of June, instead of May, in every year.
Be it further enacted , That from the commencement of this act, the general court shall consist of twelve judges.
Be it further enacted , That so soon as two additional judges shall be appointed and qualified, in pursuance of this act, the governor with the advice of council, shall proceed to allot one judge of the general court to each of the circuits hereby established, who shall perpetually hold the superior court within the same thereafter; and whenever thereafter, a vacancy shall happen in the general court, the person appointed to supply the same shall, after his appointment, reside in the circuit, to which his predecessor shall have been allotted.
Be it further enacted , That so soon as the allotment aforesaid, shall be made, the governor shall inform the several judges, to which of the circuits they shall have been severally allotted, and each of the said judges, shall thereupon proceed by deed under his hand and seal, to appoint a clerk for each of the superior courts within his circuit, except the superior court of that county, in which a district court may have been holden within the same, the clerk whereof, shall be the clerk of the superior court of that county, in which such district court shall have been holden. And the appointments so to be made shall, on or before the first day of March next, be certified by the judges to the several county courts, who shall proceed to take such bond from the said clerk, and administer such oaths to him, as were heretofore required in the case of the clerks of district courts.
Be it further enacted , That the clerks of the several courts, hereby established, shall have power to appoint deputies with the approbation of their several courts, who shall be qualified as deputies of the county clerks are usually qualified; and thereupon such deputies, shall have full power and authority to do and perform all the several acts and duties enjoined upon their principals.
Be it further enacted , That each judge of the general court, shall have power, on motion made and for good cause shown at the bar of any superior court within his circuit, to change the venire in any cause depending in either of the courts hereby established within his circuit; so that such change be to some other court within the same circuit. But the general court shall have power as heretofore, to change the venire from circuit to circuit.
Be it further enacted , That all judgments rendered in the district courts before the first of January next, which shall, on that day, be wholly, or in part, unexecuted, shall be executed by the respective superior courts of those counties, in which the same shall have been rendered. And every judgment rendered by the court of appeals, after the said first day of January, upon any appeal, writ of error, or supersedeas at law, shall be certified to the superior court of that county, in which the first judgment shall have been rendered. And the power and duties of the said last mentioned court, and of the clerk thereof, shall be the same in relation to such judgment, as the power and duties of the district court, and the clerk thereof would have been, if this act had never been passed.
Be it further enacted , That every cause in which the venire hath been, or shall be changed by the general court, prior to the said first day of January, and which shall remain untried on that day, shall be tried by the superior court of that county, to which the same shall have been removed. And the superior courts of those counties, in which the respective district courts are now holden, shall have jurisdiction to try all such causes, as on the first day of January next, shall remain on the dockets thereof, and which shall not be transmitted to some other county for trial, by virtue of this act.
Be it further enacted , That all the papers hereby directed to be certified by the clerks of district courts, to the clerks of the courts hereby established, shall be delivered to the last mentioned clerks, on or before the first day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and nine, who shall thereupon proceed to prepare dockets for the first terms of their respective courts.
Be it further enacted , That it shall be lawful for the clerks of the district courts, to issue all such original writs or process thereon, until the first day of March aforesaid, directed to the several sheriffs or coroners within their respective districts, as they might heretofore have lawfully issued; but all such writs or process thereon, as would have been returnable to the district courts, shall by the several sheriffs and coroners, be returned into their several superior courts in the same manner as if the same had been made there returnable.
Be it further enacted , That the town and borough court of Petersburg, shall be under the jurisdiction of the superior court of Dinwiddie, and the city and borough court of Williamsburg, shall be under the jurisdiction of the superior court of James City county; and the clerk of the district court of Williamsburg, shall be the clerk of the last mentioned superior court.
Be it further enacted , That all acts and parts of acts, heretofore passed and now in force, in respect to the district courts, their clerks and other officers, shall be in force, as to the superior courts hereby established, and their clerks and other officers; and their respective powers, duties and rules of proceeding shall be the same.
All acts and parts of acts, coming within the purview of this act, shall be, and the same are hereby repealed.
This act shall commence and be in force, from and after the first day of January next.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
WEDNESDAY, February 3.
The committee to whom was referred so much of the governor's communication as relates to the penitentiary, have performed the duty assigned them, and beg leave to make the following report:
Your committee repaired to the penitentiary, and visited most of the workshops and store-rooms appertaining to the building; enquired into the general conduct of the prisoners, and their treatment; examined the rules adopted by the executive for the government of the institution, and took a view of the comparative expenses and profits of its interior operations.
It is with much pleasure your committee are enabled to state, that a very obvious change and improvement have occurred in the management of this humane institution, since the last session. It seems to have been the anxious wish of the keeper, aided by the visitors who have been appointed by the executive, to banish idleness from it. The increased industry of the convicts may be well illustrated by the simple fact, that in the manufacture of cartridge boxes, one hand now does more work in one day than he

was accustomed to do during the last year in two days. The general result too, of the profits and expenditures of the penitentiary establishment beyond a doubt the greater degree of industry which now prevails. It was shown to the last legislature that it brought the state in debt, whereas it is now proved that in the space of eight months, commencing on the first day of April last, nearly eight thousand dollars have been cleared by it. If any thing can eradicate vicious habits, or impose an effectual restraint upon the wild and disorderly passions, it may with confidence be expected that the constant employment of the mind and body will act powerfully in producing so desirable a change. It is obvious to the most common observer, that the order and regularity which now prevail in the penitentiary surpass any thing which has ever been witnessed before, since the commencement of its operations. The rigid enforcement of the rules lately adopted by the executive, it is presumed, has produced that effect.
Your committee have observed with pleasure the judgment which has been displayed in the selection of the different kinds of work in which the convicts have been employed. The commonwealth has wanted, and still wants, a large supply of holsters, cartridge boxes and sword belts; a large supply of these articles is furnished by the convicts, and they are well executed. Of the other articles manufactured, attention is paid to those which are found to be the most saleable. Boots, shoes, wrought and cast nails, are the principal articles of manufacture, and from the excellence of the workmanship and uncommon cheapness in the price, they have been found to command a ready sale. Fire buckets and shoe-threads have recently been introduced, and a loom is now fired up, and it is hoped that in the course of a few years a sufficient quantity of coarse cloth may be manufactured to clothe all the convicts. Your committee take this opportunity of expressing their approbation of the plan adopted by the executive under the law of the last session, of appointing an agent of purchases and sales. Besides that this plan has the effect of increasing the sales of manufactured articles; it confines the attention of the keeper to the duties of his station; he was formerly too much occupied in making bargains; he can now employ his whole time in superintending the conduct of those entrusted to his care. The attention of your committee has been drawn towards the exercise of the power of pardon, which the executive have lately more frequently extended to those convicts who may seem to them to deserve it. They are fully aware that their opinions on this subject are founded more on theory than practice, but they cannot forbear expressing their fears that the liberal use of this power may be attended with the worst consequences. It was certainly thought, when this system was first adopted, that the power of pardoning would very seldom be exercised, if not entirely superseded, because punishments were rendered mild, and were proportioned to the atrocity of offences. It is believed that the cases very rarely occur, in which it is necessary or proper to shorten the duration or lessen the severity of punishments, because it is well known that our juries seldom feel vindictive dispositions towards the unfortunate beings arraigned before them. If the executive, in the exercise of that power, allow themselves to hear evidence as to the supposed innocence of the convict, they at once open a door for the introduction of many perjuries, and truth may be sacrificed to exparte representations. If the regular and orderly conduct of the convict is made the criterion by which to estimate the propriety of extending mercy to him, there may be reason to apprehend that the hypocrite, who has the art to conceal the greatest depravity of heart under a pleasing exterior, will often be selected instead of the real penitent. It is highly important that those unfortunate persons in society, whose principles are depraved, but who are not yet matured in wickedness, so far as to become amenable to the law, should be fully impressed with the belief that the penitentiary is a place of punishment, and that whenever it may be their lot to be subject to its rules, no relaxation can be expected in the infliction of its discipline. Will not the institution be disarmed of half its terrors, when it is generally understood that their is a mode by which the tenants of its dreary mansions may be let loose on the world before they have completed the term of their confinement. Your committee do not by any means intend to insinuate that there is any instance in which this power has been improperly exercised; their sole object is to express the clear conviction of their minds, that it ought not to be resorted to, except with extreme caution, and after mature deliberation.
Your committee beg leave to refer to the general account between the penitentiary and the commonwealth, to prove that their is a considerable balance due to the former, for the last eight months. There is no doubt of the correctness of that account. They will only remark, that the balance would have been nominally much greater if the executive had not very judiciously reduced the price of most of the manufactured articles.
Your committee concur entirely in opinion with the executive, as to the great advantages which have been derived from the exertions of those patriotic gentlemen who have acted as visitors, and more especially from the diligence, skill and benevolence of the keeper, Mr. Abraham Douglass.
On the whole view of this subject, it appears to your committee, that the institution has been lately conducted in such a way as to disappoint the predictions of its foes, and to realize the hopes of its humane and enlightened founders.
Resolved therefore, as the opinion of this committee, that the Penitentiary system as now conducted, merits the patronage and encouragement of the Legislature.
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, February 1.
Mr. George Clinton, a member from the state of New York, appeared and took his seat.
The engrossed bill for the support of the navy of the United States, for the year 1808, was read the third time and passed.
An engrossed bill to erect a light house on Point Judith, in the state of Rhode Island, was read the third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. Basset, the House took up for consideration the report of the committee of the whole on the standing rules and orders of the House.
An amendment made to the rules in committee of the whole, for admitting heads of departments and foreign ministers as well as members of the other branch of the legislature being under consideration, a long and desultory debate ensued, in which some gentlemen contended for the admission of ladies, and in the course of which much pleasantry was displayed. It was contended by the advocates of the amendment that in "this magnificently inconvenient apartment," it was next to impossible to hear in the galleries; and that foreign ministers should be admitted to a hearing from courtesy, and because it had been a rule heretofore, and should not at this time particularly be varied. It was objected to by the opponents that in the present situation of affairs it was indecent in foreign ministers to hear debates in the House, for in a discussion affecting our relations with England, France or Spain, a member could not speak without offending their feelings, nor could a foreign minister or agent listen without having their feelings wounded; and also that foreign ministers to this country, should not enjoy greater privileges than our ministers to those powers.
Mr. Nicholas called for a division of the question, taking it first on admitting heads of departments; and the question having been so taken, there were for admitting them, 51 to 40.
A motion having been made by Mr. Eppes to take the question on admitting foreign ministers by Yeas and Nays, and some difficulty arising on the point of order whether a question could be taken by Yeas and Nays on a motion thus divided; and some discussion arising.
Mr. Rowan moved to postpone the consideration on the subject.
And after discussion, a motion to adjourn was carried before a question was taken.
TUESDAY, February 2.
Mr. Durrell moved the following resolution, which was agreed to, Ayes 62:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the manner in which the Representative Hall is heated by the furnaces beneath the flooring of the same—what probable influence such subadjacent fires have upon the health of the members exposed to their exhalations—and how, or by what means the injurious effects of the same may in future be avoided—and that they report to this House the result of such enquiries.
Mr. Sloan after a few preliminary observations, offered the following resolution, which was agreed to be considered, Yeas 68, Nays 47.
Resolved, That it is expedient and that the public good requires, that the seat of government be removed to the city of Philadelphia for years, and that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill for that purpose.
Mr. Lewis moved an indefinite postponement of the resolution, and on this motion a debate ensued which occupied the remainder of the sitting, in which Messrs. Sloan, Gardenier, and Milnor supported the resolution, and of course opposed indefinite postponement, and Messrs. Love, Lyon, Mason, Lewis and Key opposed the resolution and advocated the indefinite postponement; and the House adjourned without taking a question.
(Debate hereafter)
WASHINGTON CITY, February 3.
The Military Court of Inquiry in the case of General Wilkinson met on Monday, and adjourned to that day week, without transacting any business, no evidence whatever having been yet adduced.
We stated in our last the arrival of Burr and Blennerhasset at Chillicothe on the authority of a marginal note on a print of that place of the 12th ult. We have since perused several letters, of subsequent date, whose entire silence on this point renders their arrival at best disputable. The latest of these letters is dated the 16th. Some of the letters say Burr and Blennerhasset had both forfeited their recognizance; others that their names had been called every morning, and their default noted. The Grand Jury had been engaged for two weeks in examining evidence respecting Burr and Blennerhasset, and it was supposed, would very soon report to the court. Scarcely a doubt was entertained of bills being found against them and others; but whether for treason or misdemeanor is not said. Messrs. Baldwin and Barnett have been employed as counsel for the accused at a fee of a thousand dollars, and Messrs. Bibb and Creighton, the attorneys of the districts of Ohio and Kentucky, are counsel for the prosecution. The court had received a letter from Luther Martin requesting that the recognizances may be respited until the next term, when he assures the court the parties will appear. It was, however, thought this request would be rejected.
On the first day of the term, on its being moved to have the recognizances of Burr & Blennerhasset called, the application was resisted by their counsel, who particularly suggested that the recognizance of Blennerhasset was defective, inasmuch as he was not recognised to appear on any particular day, or at any particular term. The objection was resisted on two grounds—first, that the accused could not be heard by their counsel until their appearance was entered; and, secondly, that if the recognizance was defective, that defect could only be taken advantage of, when an action of debt was commenced, or a scire facias sued out on the bond. It was understood that the argument on this question would not be gone into until the grand jury had found a bill.
Whispers were circulating at Chillicothe, that the conspirators were assembling in force at Orleans, and were more sanguine than ever in their expectations of success.—Nat. Intel.
The late European news is, in every light in which it can be viewed, extremely interesting. It supersedes all necessity for comment on the strong measure (who now will be bold enough to deny its strength?) taken by our government, whether adopted from precautionary or political motives. Conspiring events, over which it is true we have no control, but which might have been, and probably were, in the outline, foreseen, will give to this measure great, perhaps decisive effect. The whole European world may now be considered as at war with Britain, the issue of which may well fill her, undaunted as she is, with fearful apprehension. Principles are set up and demands made, worth contending for, and the most solemn pledges given that these principles will never be abandoned; & which certainly will not be relinquished without a contest still more arduous than any yet waged. Is not this the precise moment for her to relax in her pretensions towards this country? We demand nothing but what is just—the same freedom of trade which she has always insisted on—and that very freedom, which, in the present crisis, may be essential to her existence? Independently of the confederated hostility of all Europe against her, she is menaced with a severer scourge than war. At the very moment, when she had flattered herself with a plentiful harvest, the assurance of which perhaps has a great influence on the principles she has set up, as well in point of time, as in regard to their extent; at the very time she calculated upon the abundance of her crops to supply the means of carrying these measures into effect, she is visited in her most vulnerable point, with the most awful calamity, which can threaten or befall a nation. Famine already stares her in the face. A letter from Cork, dated November 25, says—"A severe frost set in a few days since, and to all appearance has destroyed more than half of the potatoes. In consequence the price has advanced from 30s. to 50s. per ton. Oat meal is not to be had, and wheat advancing; a scarcity altogether is apprehended, and a bad prospect of supply."
If such apprehensions existed at the end of November, to what degree may it not be expected to rise about the beginning of February, when the information of our embargo shall reach her; when she shall find her stock of provisions greatly diminished; when she shall have suffered severely from the prohibitory orders, of her own government; when the stock of raw materials for her manufactures is gradually declining; when the want of the all-important article of flax seed, (no where else to be got) shall have paralysed the labors of the farmer, and presented a more dreary prospect to the manufacturer; and when the prospect of a supply from this country—hitherto her constant reliance in time of distress—shall have vanished? Will not Britain at such a period, yield to that principle which she has made the pretext of all her invasions of neutral rights, to the principle of necessity, whose existence, however incorrectly urged on other occasions, can admit of no question under such circumstances? We do hope that she will, and that her own decided interest will induce her to act a wise, honorable and just part towards us.
France, too, and all her allies, will most sensibly feel the effects of the embargo; so sensibly, we should hope, as to be herself willing, in case England relaxes her conduct to neutrals, likewise to annul her restrictions. We are assured from a correct commercial source that flour was in that country, at the latest accounts, at ten dollars a barrel, which is four dollars above its average price since the accession of Napoleon.
At Bremen flour was ten dollars and a half a barrel, and rice nine dollars. At Nantz cotton is said to be eighty cents per pound, at Cadiz tobacco twenty dollars, at Amsterdam sixteen dollars. Ibid.
LOUISVILLE, (KEN.) Jan. 5.
Mr. H. Blennerhasset arrived at Jeffersonville, [I. T.] on Saturday evening last, it being suspected that he was fleeing from justice, was arrested and held to bail, to appear before an examining court this morning at Jeffersonville; it is stated that if he should prove successful in his trial to day, and not attend his trial at Chillicothe, the penalty cannot be inflicted as the recognizance by which he is bound, being very defective, particularly not mentioning the court before which he was to appear.
RUNAWAY from the subscriber living in Petersburg, on the 2d inst. a bright mulatto fellow named BILLY; a blacksmith by trade. He is about 23 years of age, 6 feet high stout and made; he has lost two of his fore teeth, has black whiskers, is a very likely fellow, and can tell a plausible tale. I expect he will attempt to pass for a free man, and it is probable he will endeavor to make for the north, as his wife (belonging to Mr. Thomas Bennett of Petersburg) eloped a near 3 months past, and has been seen in the neighborhood of the White Chimneys in Caroline county, and I have no doubt but they are together. I will give 20 dollars reward for securing the fellow in any jail, so that I get him, and 50 dollars if delivered to me in Petersburg. Twenty dollars is offered by the owner for the woman. Daniel Peck.
Petersburg, Feb. 5, 1808
N. B. I forewarn all masters of vessels and others from harboring or carrying away said runaway at their peril D. P.
WASHINGTON HENRY ACADEMY
WAS once a school of some note, but has been on the decline for many years. The fault is not so much in the foundation as in the prejudice of the public. The public is therefore respectfully requested to give it once again a small portion of encouragement and it may again hold up its head.
Washington Henry Academy is situated in a very healthy and populous neighborhood, about nine miles from Richmond, in Hanover county, where pupils may be boarded in respectable families at 70 dollars per annum—tuition only five pounds.
The Rev. Thomas Hughes will teach the dead languages, & the English grammar, mathematics, &c. will be taught by an assistant adequate to the task. The cardinal virtues and christian graces will be inculcated by precept, and enforced by example.
N. B. Modern tactics will be taught and exercised if desired.
December 1, 1807.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, Jan. 27 1808.
PROPOSALS will be received by the Executive to furnish the Public Guard with Rations for the ensuing year, on the 5th day of next month.
DAN L. HYLTOM, C. G.
Virginia Argus.
RICHMOND:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1808.
THE present situation of the U. States, is truly critical and interesting. It appears to be pretty well ascertained that the emperor of the French has determined that no nation which carries on any trade, or has any friendly communication with Great Britain, shall continue at peace with himself. On the other hand, the several British orders of council lately published are of such a nature as almost entirely to destroy the commerce of all neutral powers.
It would seem the refore that we shall shortly have only the choice of joining in the war on the side of France or England, or of relinquishing our trade with both.
If, indeed, the report is true that "Bonaparte has demanded peremptorily of our ambassador at Paris that the American government shall break with England or with France," it would seem that we have no choice left, but that of sides in the contest. That report however is probably incorrect, it being presumable that even the emperor will be satisfied with the loss to England of the advantages of our commerce, with the ruin which threatens her from the future prevention of the introduction of British goods into this country, and the consequent bankruptcies of her merchants and manufacturers, and will not be anxious to compel us to take an active part against her.
If Great Britain could but learn her own interest; if her rulers had but sense enough to know the difference in point of importance between the loss of a few seamen who may desert from her navy, and find a shelter in our under the pretence of American citizenship; if, for the sake of saving her and themselves from destruction, they would do us justice, it might perhaps be more to our advantage at present to be on friendly terms with her than with France, notwithstanding the threats of Bonaparte. It must be admitted, in the present perilous crisis, when all the nations of Europe appear about to be swallowed up by the devouring ambition of that terrible man, that the British navy may be a necessary check to his progress—perhaps the only obstacle to prevent his attaining universal empire.
In these circumstances, however great our resentment is for the injuries and insults which the peaceable and inoffensive citizens of America have sustained from those tyrants of the ocean, we confess that we should not wish to see them entirely subdued by the equally unjust and rapacious tyrant of the land. It would therefore be desirable that the differences between G. Britain and this country should yet be accommodated, if possible, on honorable terms: but these must be no other than the admission on her part of the principles for which our government contends; that our vessels shall be free from arbitrary search, and our seamen from impressment. If her envoy, Mr. Rose, & those who have sent him, are really pacifically disposed towards the United States, we doubt not that our excellent statesmen and patriots, Jefferson and Madison, tho' firmly resolved not to relinquish any of the rights of their country, are nevertheless disposed to consent to any arrangement by which justice may on all occasions be readily obtained by the officers of the British navy claiming deserters. Hopes may therefore yet be entertained of a compromise of the dispute between the two nations. But if this cannot be accomplished, we shall then be driven to the necessity of choosing between the three measures above mentioned, viz. war with England, war with France, or no connection with either. It becomes important then to consider which of these lines of policy ought in that event to be pursued by the United States. The subject is of great moment, and requires a variety of reflections, the result of which whatever the decision may be, will be all important to America. It shall therefore receive the most mature consideration and candid discussion from the Editor of the Argus, who solicits his various patriotic correspondents to communicate their ideas upon it for the benefit of their country.
Acts Passed by the Virginia Legislature at the Session of 1807-8
1. An act altering the Sessions of the Court of Appeals, and for other purposes.
The Court of Appeals, shall hereafter hold three sessions in each year.
The first, to commence the first of March, and continue 27 juridical days; the second, to commence the 15th of April, and continue 44 days; and the third, to commence the 1st of October, and continue 55 days. If from any cause, a sufficient number of Judges to make a court do not attend, there shall be no discontinuance of the court, but it shall stand adjourned, from day to day, for ten days, and if a court be not formed within that time, then the court and all the suits therein depending, shall stand adjourned to the first day of the next term.
2. Explanatory of the act entitled "An act concerning the election of members of the General Assembly."
No person inhabiting within the District of Columbia, or elsewhere, not within the jurisdiction of this commonwealth, shall exercise the right of suffrage therein, except citizens thereof, employed abroad in the service of the U. S. or this state, and whose foreign residence is occasioned by such service.
3. An act for altering the court day of Rockbridge county.
4. For opening a new street in the town of Petersburg.
5. For dividing the county of Amherst.
6. Authorising the counties of Caroline and Hanover, to convert the bridge at Littlepage's across Pamunkey river into a toll bridge.
7. To suspend the operation of an act concerning the Public Guard. This suspension only extended to the 20th of January.
8. To authorise the cutting of drains in the county of Northampton.
9. Incorporating trustees of a free school or schools in King George county.
10. For adding part of the county of Wythe, to the county of Giles.
11. Authorising an appropriation of part of the money, arising from the sale of the glebe of Norborne parish.
12. Concerning William McCoy. 13. Giving further time to complete mill dams across Monongalia river. 14. Incorporating trustees of Centerville academy. 15. Concerning the Potomac company. 16. Legalizing certain appointments made by the court of Goodland county of processioners, and also of superintendents of the election of overseers of the poor. 17. Providing for the election of trustees of the town of Suffolk, for the purposes therein mentioned. 18. Concerning the road from the upper navigation of Kanawha river, to the upper navigation of James river. 19. Authorising John Wimbish to erect a dam across Banister river. 20. Concerning the town of Harrisonburg, in the county of Rockingham. 21. Vesting in Elizabeth Michael, the right of the commonwealth, to a certain tract of land therein mentioned. 22. Authorising John M. Syme, to erect a toll bridge across Pamunkey river. 23. Establishing certain towns therein mentioned. 24. To amend and continue an act, concerning the James river company. 25. To incorporate the trustees of the Ann Smith Academy, in the town of Lexington. 26. Establishing a turnpike over the South mountain, on Rockfish Gap. 27. Concerning David Craig. 28. Concerning Nathaniel Fox and Leonard Hill. 29. Concerning John H. Allen. 30. Authorising Edmund Tate, to erect a toll bridge across Black water creek. 31. Divorcing Charles Boshier, from his wife, Susanna. 32. Concerning Philip Briscoe, John Horner and John Horner, jun. 33. Concerning Edward Jackson. 34. Allowing three years interest on a military warrant to Daniel Leet. 35. Granting to George Douglass and Judy Douglass, the duplicate of a certificate. 36. Preventing obstructions to the passage of fish down James river. 37. Securing to Jacob Falkner, as trustee for the use of Patsey Oliver and her children, certain property. 38. Authorising a sale of the glebe of Southam parish, in Powhatan county, for the purposes therein mentioned. 39. To alter the day for holding courts in the county of Wood. 40. Appointing and incorporating trustees of an academy in the county of Nottingham. 41. Establishing an artificial highway from Charlestown, in the county of Brooke, to the Virginia and Pennsylvania state line, near the farm of Francis McGuire. 42. For the security of public property, in the city of Richmond.—Continuing part of the public guard. 43. Concerning the Inspectors of Camden's warehouse in the county of Amherst. 44. Releasing to James Semple & Joanna his wife, the right of the commonwealth, to certain lands therein mentioned. 45. Annexing the counties of Amherst and Nelson, to the district for which a chancery court, is directed to be held in Staunton. 46. Authorising Richard Ligon, to convert the bridge across Appomattox river, near Ligon town, into a toll bridge. 47. Exempting Mary Jeetee, from the fines therein mentioned. 48. Incorporating trustees of the female charity school of Fredericksburg. 49. Concerning Clement Shackelford, administrator of the estate of John Allgood, deceased. 50. Concerning Isham E. Dabney. 51. Releasing to David, Joseph, John and Gabriel Swanson, the commonwealth's right to certain lands therein mentioned. 52. An act to amend an act, entitled, "An act providing for the poor, and declaring who shall be deemed vagrants." This act gives to the overseers of the poor, the power of appointing a steward or manager for their poor house, who shall be subject to the control of such overseers of the poor. If at an adjourned meeting of the overseers of the poor, the number required by law, do not attend, those present may adjourn from day to day, till a sufficient number shall attend. [To commence from the passing.] 53. Concerning John Cooper. 54. Concerning the tobacco destroyed by the burning of Royton's warehouse, in the town of Fredericksburg. 55. Concerning George Fisher. 56. Incorporating a company to establish a turnpike from the Little river turnpike road, to Fauquier court house. 57. Authorising James Campbell and Robert Spottswood, to convert the bridge across Appomattox river, at the Exeter mills, into a toll bridge. 58. To prevent further the practice of slaves going at large or hiring out themselves. If a person shall permit his slave to hire himself out, any person may, and it shall be the duty of every sheriff, coroner, sergeant and constable, to apprehend and carry the slave before a magistrate, who shall forthwith impose on the offender, a fine not less than ten nor more than twenty dollars; or he may commit the slave to jail, there to remain till the next court, by which court, the offender may be fined not less than twenty, nor more than fifty dollars, or the slave directed to be sold. The slave shall be held in custody and liable for the fine, and may be sold for that purpose, by order of the magistrate or court, unless the fine and all incidental charges, be paid within ten days after it shall be imposed. Such fines shall be for the use of the poor. Provided, that no sale of a slave for such fines, shall transfer a greater interest than is held by the person incurring the fine.—[To commence the first day of June next.] 59. Concerning John Bracken. 60. Placing Jane Spencer on the Pension list. 61. Concerning Augustine I. Smith. 62. Concerning the court of chancery for the Richmond district. The sessions of this court are hereafter to commence on the first day of February, June and September, and continue 24 days, if business requires. The executive are to provide seals for the superior courts of chancery. There are some other provisions in this act, which are merely temporary. 63. To provide for the opening of a road

from Simpson's creek across the North mountain, in the county of Rockbridge.
64. To amend the acts &c. concerning runaways.
The reward for apprehending a runaway is two dollars—Where an officer is directed to advertise a runaway, he may do it in any newspaper most convenient for that purpose. If a sheriff or sergeant, shall hire out a runaway, it shall be done for three months at a time, for the space of twelve months, unless the owner shall sooner claim; if the owner claim not in twelve months, the officer shall advertise in some newspaper for one month, the time and place of sale. [To commence from the passing.]
65. Appointing trustees of the town of Bath, in the county of Berkeley, and for other purposes.
66. Concerning Nathaniel Fox.
67. Concerning Thomas Melony.
68. Concerning William A. Lane.
69. Remitting a fine to John Hope.
70. To organize and establish a superior court of law in each county of this commonwealth.
The details of this act, are too lengthy for insertion. It is, however, the less necessary, because it does not take effect till the 1st of January, 1809; and in the mean time, its contents will be generally known. The objects however, designed by this law, seem principally to be, 1. The reduction of the present immense expenditures in criminal prosecutions, occasioned by the distance, which witnesses and venire men have in most cases to travel. 2. A more speedy and therefore, a more cheap administration of justice, and 3. To carry justice to the doors of the people. Its general provisions are, that two additional judges of the General court, are to be appointed, who, with the other ten judges of that court, are to attend each one circuit, twice a year. The state is divided into twelve circuits, and one judge is to exercise at the court house of each county, twice a year, the jurisdiction now exercised by two judges at the district courts.
71. Concerning the sale of property under executions, and incumbrances.
1. So much of the act of the 10th of December, 1795, as directs, that when property taken in execution, will not sell for three-fourths of its value, it may be sold on twelve months credit, or the debtor may replevy for twelve months, and whatever relates to executions in that act, either in the appointment of commissioners, or for the direction of the sheriff, clerk, &c. is declared to be in force.
2. No property shall be sold by a commissioner appointed by any court of chancery, or by a trustee under any deed hereafter executed, unless it shall sell for three-fourths of the value estimated by the commissioners to be appointed by this act; who, or any three of them, shall make the valuation, and deliver it in writing, to the commissioners appointed by the court of chancery or to the trustees. The commissioners who may act, shall be entitled to a dollar per day, to be paid by the creditor and taxed in the bill of costs. This act is not to extend to executions against sheriffs or other public officers for delinquencies, or failing to pay money received on executions, or to attorneys for money received for their clients; nor to executions in behalf of any bank. But it shall extend to executions issued by a magistrate for all sums above ten dollars; and the constable or other officer, shall return the bond within thirty days, to the clerk's office, to be proceeded on as other replevy bonds. All executions which shall be awarded on forthcoming bonds, executed before the commencement of this act, shall be proceeded in as other executions; but the proceedings on all forthcoming bonds executed thereafter, shall be as heretofore. So much of this act, as relates to the appointment of commissioners, shall commence from the passing; and the courts shall appoint them at their February term, or as soon thereafter, as possible; the residue of the act shall commence on the first of March next, and continue in force till the expiration of thirty days after the discontinuance of the embargo. But so much of the act as authorizes and directs the manner of proceeding on replevy bonds, is made perpetual.
72. Concerning Thomas Goodson.
73. Vesting in Reuben Crawford, and Ann his wife, the right of the commonwealth, to certain lands therein mentioned.
74. Increasing the number of magistrates within the town of Petersburg.
75. Allowing the court of Monomalia county, a further time for settling with the commissioners appointed for opening a road from Morgan town to Grave creek, and for other purposes.
76. Concerning the Upper Appomattox company.
77. Appropriating the proceeds of the sale of the glebe lands in the county of New Kent, and for other purposes.
78. Imposing taxes for the support of government.
The taxes remain as heretofore, except an addition of ten dollars on hawkers and pedlars.
Table with 2 columns: Item, Cents. Rows include: On lands for every $100 value, according to the equalizing law, 48; On slaves above 12 years; except those exempted by the courts, 44; On every stud horse or jack ass, twice the price of the season, 12; On all other horses, mules, mares and colts, 12.
On every ordinary licence, 5 dollars, on every 100 dollars of the rent, to be ascertained by the rent paid by the tenant; but if in the occupation of the proprietor, to be ascertained by the commissioners of the revenue; provided, that no ordinary, shall pay less than 12 dollars. On every four wheeled riding carriage, except phaetons and stage wagons, $1 25 cents per wheel. On all phaetons and stage wagons, 8 3/4 cents per wheel. On houses and lots in town, $1 36 cents, on every 100 dollars of the rent, to be ascertained by the rent paid by the tenant, but, if in the occupancy of the proprietor, to be ascertained by the commissioners of the revenue. On merchants' licences to sell by wholesale and retail, 40 dollars. For retail only, 15 dollars. On hawkers and pedlars, 30 dollars. Not to extend to planters and farmers selling salt, tea, sugar, coffee, spices, iron or steel, to their neighbors, when such articles were
purchased as a return load on carrying their produce to market.
79. To authorise the executive, to distribute arms in certain cases.
This act merely authorises the executive, to arm such portions of the militia, as may be called into actual service, or who from their particular situations, may be most exposed to invasion or insurrection.
80. To establish a toll gate at White's gap, in the South Mountain.
81. Authorising William Waller Hening, to publish an edition of certain laws of this commonwealth, and for other purposes.
This collection is intended to embrace the statutes at large, from the first settlement of Virginia, to the year 1792, without interfering with the plan or materials of the first and second volumes of the Revised Code, published by Mr. Pleasants.
82. To amend an act, making provision for improving and keeping in repair, certain parts of the state road leading through the county of Randolph.
83. Remitting a fine imposed upon Geo: Weathers.
Extract from Governor Tompkins' Speech to the Legislature of New York, at the opening of the session on the 27th ult.
"It affords me sincere satisfaction to inform you, Gentlemen, that the detachment and organization of our quota of one hundred thousand men, has been accomplished, and a return thereof, for the war department, nearly completed. The patriotism displayed on this occasion, by every description of our fellow citizens, merits the greatest applause. All the artillery and cavalry of the detachment, and most of the infantry are volunteers; and thousands beyond the compliment required, have tendered their services with promptitude and zeal. This generous conduct affords a pleasing evidence of the alacrity of our militia, in advancing to the defence of their country, and of the valor which they will display in supporting its honor and freedom. The improvement of agriculture manufactures and commerce, will at all times and under all circumstances, attract the attention and command the exertions of a just and wise government, but in our present situation, our external commerce being almost entirely cut off, and when it is not improbable that an appeal to arms will soon be made, it is peculiarly important to adopt all measures in our power, in order to increase the means of supplying ourselves and to encourage those arts which contribute to the support and comfort of human life, to facilitate the interior communication and to invigorate the enterprising spirit of our country. Nor will the great and important duty of disseminating useful knowledge, at any time or in any crisis escape the attention and encouragement of a liberal, enlightened and patriotic Legislature."
From Washington. The supreme court of the U. S. commenced its session at the seat of government yesterday, 1st of February. Chief Justice Marshall, Judges Chase, Washington, Livingston, Cushing and Moore attended.
From the Washington Federalist of Wednesday.
It is with regret we hear that Mr. John Randolph received considerable injury from a fall on his hip on Sunday evening last. Mr. Randolph, with several gentlemen dined with Mr. Key, and in the evening was proceeding to return to town, when just as he reached the steps, his foot slipped, and he had a violent fall. He was so much hurt as to require immediate medical aid—and we are sorry to learn he is yet unable to come to town. We hope he will soon recover, and resume his seat in our national legislature, where his brilliant talents and unyielding integrity may be still employed in assisting to shield his beloved country from foul dishonor and impending ruin.
FROM THE WEEKLY REGISTER.
Extract from a sketch of the Military Life of General Wilkinson.
"The incidents which followed, until the convention of Saratoga, are of too high and interesting import, to be touched in this glance; to the page of the historian they properly belong. But for the part which Wilkinson took, I beg leave to refer to the following documents; barely stating it as an indubitable fact, that the honor conferred by the subjoined resolution of the old American Congress, was given to Wilkinson over the heads of forty-seven colonels, mostly men of standing and family, when he was not twenty years of age. His youth, and the chagrined which those officers felt at the neglect of themselves, occasioned a dissatisfaction which Wilkinson was prompt to allay, by a patriotic resignation of the rank bestowed upon him by the Representatives of the people.
Extract from the Journals of Congress, for 1777, November 3.
"Ordered That Col. Wilkinson be admitted to lay before Congress this afternoon the papers relative to the affairs of the Northern Department."
"4 o'clock, P. M. According to order Col. Wilkinson attended, and delivered a message from Gen. Gates in the following words."
"I have it in charge from Major General Gates to represent to the honorable Congress, that Lieutenant-General Burgoyne at the time he capitulated was strongly intrenched on a formidable post, with 12 days provision; that the reduction of fort Montgomery and the enemy's consequent progress up the Hudson river endangered our arsenal at Albany; a reflection, which left General Gates no time to contest the capitulation with Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, but induced the necessity of immediately closing with his proposals, hazarding a disadvantageous attack, or retiring from his position for the security of our magazine. This delicate situation abridged our conquests and procured Lieut. General Burgoyne the terms he enjoys. Had our attack been carried against Lieutenant-General Burgoyne, the dismemberment of our army must necessarily have been such as would have incapacitated it from further action. With an army in health, vigor and spirits, Major-General Gates now waits the commands of the honorable Congress."
"Colonel Wilkinson then laid before Congress sundry original papers relative to the convention, and withdrew."
"Thursday, Nov. 6.
"The board of war brought in a report, which was taken into consideration; where upon,
"Resolved, that Col. James Wilkinson Adjutant-General in the Northern Army in consideration of his services in that department, and being strongly recommended by Gen. Gates, as a gallant officer and a promising military genius, & having brought the dispatches to Congress, giving an account of the surrender of Lieutenant-General Burgoyne and his army, on the 17th day of October last, be continued in his present employment, with a brevet of Brigadier General in the army of the U. S."
A further mark of the confidence of Congress in General Wilkinson, at this time, appears by the following extract from their journals.
"Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1778. "Congress proceeded to the election of a Secretary to the Board of War and Ordnance, and the ballots being taken, James Wilkinson, esq. was elected."
"Friday, March 6th, 1778. "A letter of the 3d, from James Wilkinson was read, setting forth, that 'he is informed the mark of distinction conferred on him has occasioned a dissatisfaction in the army;' that 'to obviate any embarrassment which may result from this disposition, by the consequent resignation of officers of merit, he begs leave to relinquish his brevet of Brigadier, wishing to hold no commission, unless he can wear it to the honor and advantage of his country;' and that 'this conduct however repugnant to fashionable ambition, he finds consistent with those principles on which he early drew his sword in the present contest.'"
"Resolved, That his resignation be accepted." This narrative will be resumed next week, and continued down to the present period.
A letter received by a mercantile house from their correspondents abroad, informs that "Tobacco is 20 dollars at Cadiz, and 16 dollars at Amsterdam and rising."
A wit observed a day or two since, that by reading the word embargo backwards, it would make O grab-me! It is thought that a great number will feel the influence of its grab!—N. Y. paper.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, whose report in the case of John Smith has excited almost universal applause, has long been distinguished for refusing to go with his party in their unjustifiable lengths. When the Louisiana purchase was made, he openly approved and defended it, and united with the Republican party in Congress in their festival on that joyous occasion. When the news of the outrage in the Chesapeake arrived at Boston, the town officers, being federal, refused to call a meeting on the communications from Norfolk, &c.—the Republicans of the place, however, assembled, and with them, Mr. ADAMS; who was appointed on the committee which drew the patriotic resolutions adopted on that occasion. Mr. ADAMS, also, it will be remembered, advocated and voted for the Embargo. We think it but justice to notice these honorable instances of Mr. ADAMS's independence of principle and conduct.
(True American.)
To each of the electors in the Senatorial District composed of the counties of Botetourt Monroe, Greenbrier, Mason, Kanawha, Montgomery, Giles, Grayson, Wythe, Tazewell, Washington, Russell, & Lee.
FELLOW-CITIZENS. THE electors of your district being called upon to vote at the next election for a member of the Senate, I take this method of declaring myself a candidate for that honorable and very important station.
As I have been bred from my childhood and resided upwards of thirty-two years within the district, have been seven times elected (twice unanimously) and served six sessions in the legislature, it is to be presumed you will be readily enabled to decide on my pretensions.
It is not for me to make professions or promises. It is for you to examine my past conduct and determine.
Your most obedient, ALEXANDER SMYTH.
Notice.
WHEREAS two negro slaves belonging to the estate of John Bolling, dec. have been lately taken from my plantation in Goochland, in my absence (on a visit to my plantation in the county of Bedford) by the sheriff of Goochland, and sold to satisfy debts for which the said decedent's estate was not amenable, since which, on my return home, I have offered other property to the said sheriff to satisfy the debts aforesaid, which is refused—I, therefore, as executor of the last will and testament of the said John Bolling hereby forewarn all persons whatsoeover, from trading for, or otherwise employing or harboring two negro men slaves—One called Major, a man of yellow complexion, about 34 years old and about 5 feet 10 inches high—the other called Davie, a bout the age of 26 years, of a dark complexion and 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high—which said negro slaves were conveyed and delivered by Edward Bolling to Archibald Bolling, by a bill of sale, bearing date the 13th day of August, 1806, and now in my possession. As also, one likely grey horse, about 5 feet 4 inches high, 11 or 12 years old, which is also included in the aforesaid bill of sale. The above property, I am informed, has been sold under execution, as the property of Edward Bolling, without the knowledge of Mr. Archibald Bolling, and in the absence of Mr. Edward Bolling, who I am further informed, has since tendered other sufficient property to satisfy the said debt or debts, which has been refused; and that the aforesaid property is in the possession of Mr. Benjamin Anderson, sub-sheriff of Goochland.
FLEMING PAYNE. Attorney in fact for Arch'd Bolling. Goochland, Feb. 2, 1808.
Postscript.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3.
The following message from the President, of the U. S. was yesterday received.
To the Senate & House of Representatives of the U. States.
Having received an official communication of certain orders of the British government against the maritime rights of neutrals, bearing date the 11th of November, 1807, I transmit them to Congress as a further proof of the increasing dangers to our navigation and commerce which led to the provident measure of the act of the present session laying an embargo on our own vessels.
TH: JEFFERSON.
Feb. 2, 1808.
Which being read, Mr. Dana moved to refer it to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures as to that committee had been referred so much of the message of the President of the U. S. as relates to imposition on our neutral rights, &c.
Mr. Love moved that it be referred to a committee of the whole on the state of the Union, as before that committee were already all papers relative to our difference with Great-Britain.
The latter reference was agreed to—yeas 87.
THURSDAY, Feb. 4.
The following message was received from the President, and with the documents enclosed, ordered to be printed: To the House of Representatives of the U. States
In my message of January 20, I stated that some papers forwarded by Mr. Daniel Clarke of New Orleans, to the Secretary of State in 1803, had not then been found in the office of State; and that a letter had been addressed to the former chief clerk, in the hope that he might advise where they should be sought for. By indications from him they are now found. Among them are two letters from the Baron de Carondelet to an officer serving under him at a separate post; in which his views of a dismemberment of our union are expressed. Extracts of so much of these letters as are within the scope of the resolution of the House are now communicated. With these were found the letters written by Mr. Clarke to the Secretary of state in 1803. A part of one only of these relates to this subject, & is extracted & enclosed for the information of the House. In no part of the papers communicated by Mr. Clarke, which are voluminous, and in different languages, nor in his letters, have we found any information of the corrupt receipt of money by any officer of the U. States, from any foreign agents for dismembering the union; these papers or letters offer nothing which was not probably known to my predecessors, or which would call anew for enquiries, which they had not thought necessary to institute, when the facts were recent, and could be better proved. They probably believed it best to let pass into oblivion transactions which, however culpable, had commenced before this government existed, and had been finally extinguished by the treaty of 1795.
TH: JEFFERSON.
February 4, 1808.
[Documents accompanying the message will be given hereafter.]
Washington City, Feb. 5
COMMUNICATION.
An Inhabitant of this place, supposed to be in liquor, having offered Mr. Sloan, a member of the House of Representatives, opprobrious language, in consequence of the proposition made by him, to remove the seat of government—The Mayor, on a complaint being lodged with him, immediately issued his warrant for his apprehension. The utmost confidence may be reposed in the disposition and ability of the police either to prevent, or bring to punishment any persons who may attempt to disturb the peace.
Lancaster, Jan. 27.
"This day the question was taken on a general postponement of the impeachment of the governor, and carried—Yeas 44, Nays 41. Abraham M'Kinney was absent."
Chillicothe, Jan. 18.
Twenty-nine witnesses have been examined in the case of the U. S. against Aaron Burr and Herman Blennerhasset. The grand jury have not yet made a return to the bills laid before them by Mr. Creighton, the district attorney, in the above cases. It will probably be made in the course of tomorrow.
Marietta, Jan. 25.
The grand jury lately empannelled at Chillicothe, have found bills of indictment against Aaron Burr and Herman Blennerhasset, for a misdemeanor. A detailed account of the proceedings of the court, will be given next week.
Richmond, Feb. 6, 1808.
FOR SALE, A Good Riding Horse, Enquire of the Painter. Richmond, February 8 1808.
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 Book-Store of SAMUEL PLEASANTS, Jun. where they are ready for delivery.—He has also some copies for Sale. JOHN W. PLEASANTS.
Whenever it unfortunately happens, that TREASON and TRAITORS find impunity either in the criminal connivance or infelicity of Judges, and the consequent perversion of law; or in the weakness or corruption of Juries, and the consequent abuse of their sacred functions; the only way in which the friends of liberty and the constitution, can expect finally to save them from the grasp of their treacherous foes, is, by appealing to the people themselves, and awakening them in every direction to be watchful and vigilant. In such appeals, the lash of satire, as well as the artillery of reason, may be employed to advantage; for a happy stroke of satirical wit will, sometimes, and perhaps very often, make just and forcible impressions, where plain and sober argument would fail of the intended effect. From these considerations we cheerfully republish the following extract from the NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS of the Boston Democrat—in which we think the inconsistency of Burr's pretensions to cultivate wild lands by the instrumentality of swords, guns and bayonets, is most happily and ludicrously exposed to the scorn, derision and execration of every honest mind. Albany Register.
EXTRACT.
Among the wonders of the times, Not least deserving of my rhymes, See Burr turn'd farmer! how he plans! How aptly suited to the man! How like the modest Cincinnatus, Retir'd from state to dig potatoes! How natural all his mystery seems In laying agricultural schemes! And who more likely in this life are, Than farming men, to write in cypher? And then how natural again, To people towns with single men! No doubt the neigh'ring squaws like Sabines, Were to be ravish'd from their cabins! For felling woods he sought recruits 'Mong those 'bove labor's "dull pursuits," For who more fit to clear new lands, Than high-bred youths with velvet hands! His Epauletts he took for seed, And soldiers merely for the breed! Had balls for weights to fishing-seins, And guns, no doubt, to pole his bebes! Pistols for candle-moulds—and sabres To cut his beef, not kill his neighbors!— All this, no doubt, appear'd in Court, By evidence duly brought before!— For nothing short of this, 'as certain, Could thus inflame the learned MARTIN, (Who nothing loves, beneath the sun, So much as justice, baring one!) To rave on trial, with such high rant, And call the President a tyrant! What but an early, full conviction Of Burr's unmerited affliction, Could cause the judge to sit and hear it, With such an apathy of spirit? Why else, towards an accus'd so often; Did Justice her stern features soften?
Of old, when merely to begin The work of Treason, was some sin, The danger, sure, was somewhat great In civil war to plunge the state— But now 'tis child's play; since no fact Can constitute an overt act, Short of completion of the plan; Then you may punish if you can! The traitor knows the law will reach him Preceding when—you cannot catch him! Thus Treason is no more, you see, For now 'tis reason, to a T. My punning pray take not amiss, For this a Yankee fashion is; Not in words merely, but in deeds, As ev'ry school-boy daily reads— 'Yes (cries a tory) well I know it, And lucky as well can shew it; 'For when 'gainst Britain's laws she rose, And from meek subjects chang'd to foes, Did ye not one and all agree To make no further use of T, Thus cunningly avoiding Treason, Which, without T, was only reason! Your L. lawyers know, that more than once A wind-pipe has been sav'd by puns!
In the same ADDRESS, the intended retirement of Mr. JEFFERSON is thus handsomely noticed.
In these dark times indulgent heaven, To steer our tossing ship has given Him, great amongst the greatest men, The patriot, whose immortal pen, Dipp'd in the hollow'd fount of truth, Gave energy to age and youth! See Faction shrink, and fall before him, While UNION spreads her banner o'er him; While Britain starts, that voice to hear, Which erst her thunder on her ear; Her evil genius meets again, Like Brutus on Philipp's plain.
But principle, whose sovereign sway He ever lov'd so well 'obey, Has fix'd the irrevocable date, And call's him from the cares of state.
TO RENT, THE STORE,
AT present occupied by Messrs Do'ge and Cohn. Possession will be given on the 1st of March next. For terms apply to, M. M. Myers. Richmond, February 6, 1808.
Daniel Simmons,
Respectfully informs the public that he has taken the TAVERN formerly occupied by John Brewr. and assures them, that no exertion shall be wanting on his part, to add to the comfort and ease of those who may please to favor him with their company. He will constantly keep on hand good spirits and provender. Petersburg, February 2 1808
TO RENT, A HOUSE
On Shockoe hill, lately occupied by John Royster. For further particulars enquire of the proprietor. February 9 1808.
William & Mary College.
A MEETING of the visitors of William and Mary College in their convocation room, is requested on the first Tuesday in the next month. The interests of the college require punctilious attendance. Samuel Tyler. Williamsburg, Feb. 5, 1808.

For Rent, THE House on the Main Street, next to Messrs Ellis and Allan, and now occupied by Mrs. Phebe. Possession will be given on the first of January next—apply to JOSEPH GALLEGGO, Richmond, Dec. 27, 1807.
Notice!! THE Subscriber purposes leaving this City in the course of a few days, has determined to dispose of the whole or any part of his STOCK, now remaining on hand, at a very reduced price—which consist of a Large and Superior Assortment of Mahogany Furniture, Mattresses of all kinds and sizes, Paper Hangings, Window Blinds, Fringes, Tassels, Cords, &c. &c. W. HAIGHT. Richmond, Jan. 1, 1808. N. B. Those who feel inclined to purchase, will apply opposite the City Tavern, on the Main Street. W. H.
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. WM. MUNFORD. Richmond, Sept. 24, 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, 16 Oct. 1807. The above sale is postponed till Wednesday the 30th of March next.—January 16.
ADVERTISEMENTS. Just Received, a General Assortment of Dutch Bolting Cloth, Of a superior quality. J. Darmstadt. Oct. 22, 1807.
100 Dollars Reward. RUN AWAY about the first inst. from the service of Mr. William Rawleigh, (to whom he was hired) a BLACK MAN, named JACKSON, a House Carpenter by profession, of thin consumptive appearance, about 40 years of age, five feet eight or nine inches high; from circumstances attending his employment, it is believed, he intends making his way to one of the Eastern States, and has been provided with false papers of freedom.—If taken within the State, and delivered to me here, or secured, that I get him, I will give Fifty Dollars, or if taken out of the State, One Hundred Dollars. Robert Gamble, Jr. Richmond, Dec. 24th, 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 waterman by trade, and left his boat in the basin 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 Bent Creek, Buckingham, Virginia. Samuel Horsley. November 20, 1807.
For Sale, MY Dwelling House, and Four Half-Acre 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.
Valuable Lands. THE subscriber will sell, on a credit, or exchange for Property in Richmond or its neighborhood, the following LANDS, to wit: 822 acres in the state of Kentucky, by survey bearing date the 10th day of October 1707, lying and being in the district set apart for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia state line, on Little Barren river. Also, 1000 acres, in Kentucky, by survey bearing date the 10th October 1707, likewise lying in the district set apart for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia state line, on the north side of Little river, a branch of Cumberland river, and about two and an half miles from the mouth of Little river. Also 450 acres of Land in the county of Mason, state of Virginia, on Old Town creek, about 8 miles from Mason courthouse. Indispensible titles will be made to the above mentioned lands; and plots of each tract may be seen on application to the subscriber residing in Richmond. THOMAS BOHANNAN. January 23d, 1808.
WANTING, IN my family, a TEACHER of the English language. A liberal price will be given by Abner Nash. Prince Edward, Jan. 8, 1808. Just Published and for sale at this Office, MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM SAMPSON, Including particulars of his adventures in various parts of Europe, his confinement in the dungeons of the Inquisition in Lisbon, &c. &c. SEVERAL ORIGINAL LETTERS, Being his correspondence with the ministers of state in Great Britain and Portugal. A short sketch of the HISTORY OF IRELAND, Particularly as it respects the spirit of British Domination in that country; and a few observations on the state of manners, &c. in America. By the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS it appears to the Executive, on the evidence of Jacob Stealy, Peter Link, Jacob Myers and William Williams, taken before Benjamin Wilson, jun. esquire, one of the justices of the peace in and for the county of Harrison, within this commonwealth, that a certain JOHN SOMMERVILLE, did, on the night of the third of December last, at the house of David Hews, in the town of Clarkburg, violently assault with a club, the body of John G. Jackson, esquire, and did feloniously, on purpose and of malice aforethought by lying in wait, unlawfully maim and disable the head and right arm of the said John G. Jackson, by fracturing the skull of the said Jackson, and by a violent blow on the said right arm of the said John G. Jackson inflicted; by which fracture and blow, and also by reason of divers other wounds, blows and bruises given said Jackson, by said Sommerville, with the club aforesaid, the life of said Jackson became greatly endangered; and that the said Sommerville hath escaped from the justice of the law: I have therefore thought fit, with the advice of the council of state, to issue this proclamation, hereby offering a reward of FIFTY DOLLARS, to any person or persons who shall apprehend and conduct the said John Sommerville before some one or more of the justices of the peace in and for the said county of Harrison, that he may be dealt with as in such cases the law directs: And I do moreover enjoin all officers civil and military, and exhort the good people of the commonwealth to use their best endeavours to apprehend and conduct before some one or more of the justices of the peace in and for the aforesaid county of Harrison, the said John Sommerville to be dealt with according to law. Given under my hand, with the seal of the (L. S.) commonwealth annexed, at Richmond, this fifteenth day of January, 1808. WM. H. CABELL. P. S. The abovenamed John Sommerville is a man of about six feet high, appears to be about twenty-six or twenty-seven years of age, rather spare, but nervous, of light complexion and light hair. The subscribers have for Sale, 300 SPANISH HIDES Of excellent quality. George Fisher & Co. Richmond, 26th January 1808
FOR RENT, A SMALL HOUSE, On Shockoe Hill, in an agreeable neighborhood. George Fisher. Richmond, Jan. 96 h, 1808
BETHLEM GABOR, OR THE Man-Hating Palatine; An historical Drama, By JOHN D. BURKE, of Petersburg. * * A few copies of the above work are just received at this office, where also may be had, Fisher's Military Tactics 30 Dollars Reward. RUNAWAY from the subscriber on the 27th July last, one negro man named JIM, about 28 years of age, slender made, about 6 feet 2 or 3 inches high, of a yellow complexion, flat nose, very much marked with the small pox, speaks mild when spoken to inclined a little to be how legged, his fore teeth rather wider than common, and a scar on his hip and thigh occasioned by lying on a mattress when he had the small pox: he is remarkably fond of music, and dances remarkably well. He is also, a good waterman and sawyer—He formerly belonged to Miss Eliz. Ellis, in Hanover county, near the Meadow Bridge. I have understood that he aimed for a free pass and has altered his name from Jim to Billy Berry, and said when he was in Richmond he should go to Alexandria, and no doubt if he should not go there, he will go to the Federal City or some sea port town and take shipping, and intends to join some ship carpenter and follow the trade. The above reward will be given to any person to deliver the said negro to me at Bent Creek, or twenty dollars to put him in any jail in the United States and give me information as quick as possible. I forewarn all masters of vessels and others from harboring or carrying the said negro out of the state, as I shall put the law in full force against them. JAMES PHELPS. Buckingham county, near Doiguidsville, on James river, Dec. 22, 1807.
WAS committed to the jail of Surrey county on the 25th day of October last, as runaways, the following NEGROES.—Pleasant, a negro woman & her four children, Billy Catey Joe and James—Pleasant is about 30 or 35 years old, rather a light complexion, her clothing being very much worn cannot be described. Billy, her son, is about 10 or 11 years old, of a mulatto color—Catey, her daughter, a bright mulatto, between 8 and 9 years old—Joe and James, sons of Pleasant, are both of rather a light complexion. The first is supposed to be between 5 and 6 years old the last between 3 and 4 years old. Pleasant says she formerly belonged to a Major Clarke of the Eastern Shore, and was sold under execution by the sheriff, and was bought by a Mr Rose, who brought her to Petersburg and sold her to a Mr Henry Daniel. The owner is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges and take them away, otherwise they will be dealt with as the law directs. (2w) Benj. E. Browne, Shff.
THE IMPORTED HORSES, Diomed & Robin Redbreast, Stand the ensuing season at my stables, to be let to mares—Terms made known in due time. Thomas Goode. Chesterfield co'y, Jan. 30, 1808.
Wirt's Speeches. The Editor of the Argus has this day published the SPEECHES OF WILLIAM WIRT, Esq. on the TRIAL OF AARON BURR, and Others. FOR SALE, AN ELEGANT HORSE AND GIGG, At the Bell Tavern, for which flour or tobacco will be taken in exchange. Sep TO RENT, And possession given immediately, the well known TAVERN, On the Main Street, next the courthouse, belonging to Jacob I. Cohen—For terms apply to J. I. COHEN, Jr. Richmond, February 1, 1808.
PLAN AND VIEW OF NEW ORLEANS. A SUBSCRIPTION is now filling for the plan of New Orleans and its environs, with a perspective view of the city, designated by M. Boquet de Wosier, Geographer and Engraver; the models of which have been presented to the senate and House of Representatives of the United States, for their inspection, who have generally become subscribers, together with the President and Heads of Departments. The plan of New Orleans and its environs with a perspective view of the city, designed by M. Boquet de Wosier, Geographical Engineer. The plan, on a scale of 31 inches by 21, exhibits the site of New Orleans, with its suburbs, the adjacent country, Canal de Carondelet, so called after the governor who projected it, which connects by means of the Bayou St. John which empties into lake Ponchartrain, the intercourse between New Orleans and Pensacola. An inspection of this plan presents to the intelligent eye, the facility with which the internal trade of this important peninsula may hereafter be promoted by means of canals intersecting with the Guhp and the Mississippi. The place de'arms, Barracks, Hospital, Cathedral, Convent of the Ursuline Nuns, Mason de Nile, Government House, and other principal edifices with the environs, extending six or seven miles about the city, are likewise correctly delineated as also a small geographical Map of Louisiana, with the mighty Mississippi and its numerous tributary rivers, destined to waft incalculable products of the western waters to the future emporium of the Gulf of Mexico. A table of reference embellished with emblematic devices elucidates the whole. The perspective view of the city of New Orleans is on a scale of 26 inches by 12. The point of view has been very judiciously chosen at the lower entrance of the city at Fort St. Carlos, and afterwards a very picturesque coup d'oeil of the river Mississippi; the levee with shipping in the harbour, and the principal street fronting the same. The elevation of the buildings show the style of architecture in this interesting city—a style very different from our own, but peculiarly adapted to the southern climate. After a critical examination of the plan and perspective, we can truly assert, from personal knowledge, that they are taken with a fidelity and correctness which do honor to the artist.... We most heartily wish Mr Boquet every success and respectfully recommend his labours to the patronage of the munificent citizens of the United States. The above has been encouraged by some of the most respectable characters in Charleston, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk. P. S. A subscription for the Plan and View of New Orleans, is ten dollars by subscription without frame, payable on delivery. December 16. (2)
Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from this city, about the 12th of last November, a negro man slave named CESAR, the property of the subscriber; he formerly belonged to Mr. Robert Alexander of Campbell county, and was bought from him a small boy in the year 1789; he is now about 6 feet high his big toe on his right foot is very remarkable, being split with an axe thro' the nail and nearly as high; as the second joint, by that it is much broader and larger than the other. He was accustomed to run James river above the falls, and was seen on the 16th of the same month November, going thro' the locks in a bateaux, with a negro man slave named Abram, who was head man, and belongs to the estate of Col John Harvie, dec. If Cesar is not concealed by the said Abram he is gone up the river in some other bateaux. On delivering him to me or securing him in some jail so that I get him again, shall be paid the above reward by Robert Mitchell. City of Richmond, 25 h Jan. 1808
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA, to wit: BE it remembered, that on the 27th day of December in the 32nd year of the Independence of the United States of America, Sean Grantland of the said district hath deposited in this office, the title of a book the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following to wit: "A compendious View of the TRIAL OF AARON BURR (late vice President of the United States) charged with High Treason; together with Biographical Sketches of several eminent characters. By William Thompson. Attorney at law, Abingdon Virginia." In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the time therein mentioned." WILLIAM MARSHALL Clerk of the District of Virginia.
THE above work is this day published and may be had at S. Grantland's Printing Office—stitched 50 cents—half bound 68 cents—neatly bound and lettered 4s. 6d. The copy right of this book being vested in the Subscriber by the Author and having been secured as the law directs, all persons are warned not to republish it. Jan. 5. S. GRANTLAND.
PATENT MACHINES FOR SHELLING CORN. THE above valuable machines invented by Paul Pillsbury of Massachusetts, may now be had of the subscribers in Richmond, who are exclusively authorised to vend the same in the state of Virginia—With one of those machines from 20 to 30 barrels may be shelled by two hands in a day—the price of a single machine at present is 35 dollars—Those inclined to purchase either single machines, patent rights for counties, or for making and selling any number of machines, will find it their interest to apply early, and all persons are cautioned against encroaching on the patent right. Wm. M. Kim. Alex. M. Kim. C. Tompkins. Robert Hyde. Derrough & Evans. Sewall Osgood. Robert M. Kim. Richmond, January 25th, 1808.
KNOW all men by these presents, that whereas, I, JAMES SOYARS, of the county of Pittsylvania, in and by my letter of attorney, bearing date the day of Nelson, of the said county, my attorney, to receive and grant acquittances, to the proper officer or officers, for any land warrants or other pay to which I may be entitled, for services by me rendered to the U. States, during the revolutionary war, as by the said letter of attorney may appear. Now KNOW YE, that I the said James Soyars, for divers good causes and considerations, me hereunto moving, have revoked, countermanded, annulled, and made void, and by these presents, do revoke, countermand, annul and make void the said letter of attorney, and all power and authority thereby given, or intended to be given to the said William Nelson. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 14th day of January, 1808. (w2) JAMES SOYARS.
SIR HARRY, THE handsomest and one of the best sons of Sir Peter Teazle, (unquestionably the best stallion now in England & inferior to none ever bred in that country) will stand the ensuing season at my stable, in King and Queen county, about 40 miles from Richmond, 7 from Dunkirk and 12 from Tappahannock, at 50 dollars the season, notes for which, and half a dollar for the groom, must be sent with the mares before they can be taken away. The 50 dollars may be discharged by the payment of 40 dollars cash, (and in the event of the embargo continuing, or war, by 30 dollars) on or before the expiration of the season, which will commence on the 1st March and end 1st August. Extensive high and low land pasturage, as good as any in Virginia, gratis. Mares may be fed with corn at the market price, and every attention will be paid to them, but no liability for escapes or accidents of any kind. Mares and foals will be kept by themselves. Sir Harry was imported in the fall of 1804, from London, is now 12 years old, in high health and vigor, 15 hands 3 inches high, full of bone and muscle, fine points, elegant form and beautiful brown color. He has covered three seasons in this country, has proved himself a sure foal getter, and his stock are equal to any in the world. He was one of the best racers in England, both for speed and bottom, with very heavy weights, and probably cost more money than any horse ever imported into this country (standing the owner within a trifle of £1200 sterling when landed) and in the estimation of good judges, is equal, if not superior, to any that is now, or ever was in the state. As the universal practice here, is to run heats, it is needless to point out to those who have fine mares, the advantages that may result from sending them to this horse. His dam Matron, (foaled in 1785) was got by Alfred, grandam (dam of Pilot) by Marsk, great grandam by Regulus, great great grandam (dam of Wildair and Vamper) by Steady, great great grandam by Palmer, Greyhound, Make-Us-Counsellor Brimmer Place's White Turk. Alfred was got by Marchmont (foaled in 1770) out of a Snap mare (the dam of Condufer, Dictator, Georgiana and others) bred by the duke of Kingston, foaled in 1762; her dam by the Cullen Arabian; Griswold's Lady thigh, by Partner; Greyhound; Sophonisba's dam, by the Gurnan Bay Barb; Lord D'Arcy's chesnut Arabian; Whiteshirt; Old Montague mare. Marchmont was got by Cade; Cade (own brother to Lath) was got by the Godolphin Arabian; Marsk was got by Squirt; Squirt was got by Bartlett's Children; Regulus was got by the Godolphin Arabian. Sir Peter Teazle was got by Highflyer, out of Papillon, by Snap, Snap was got by Srip; Srip was got by the Devonshire Children, out of a Bastro mare; Highflyer was got by Herod, out of Rachel by Blank; Herod was got by Tartar, out of Cyprian, by Blaze; Tartar was got by Partner, out of Meliora, by Old Fox.
John Hoskins. JANUARY 15, 1808. N. B. It is not probable that Sir Harry will ever again stand to the northward of his owners in the neighborhood of Petersburg.
IN THE PRESS, And will be published about the first of May next, by S. PLEASANTS, jun. Richmond, VOL. 2d of THE REVISED CODE. CONTAINING ALL SUCH ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA, Of a public and permanent nature, as have passed since the Session of 1801. TO WHICH ARE ADDED, APPENDICES, CONTAINING A compilation of the several laws for the establishment of the James river, Potomac, Apomattox & Dismal Swamp Canal Companies; Laws concerning the Northern Neck; Titles of Acts authorising the establishment of Turnpike roads, & the creation of Toll bridges; A compilation of the several acts concerning the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings; Acts and Resolutions of a general nature, which were omitted in the Revisals of 1794 & 1803; Laws concerning waste and unappropriated Lands on the Eastern and Western waters; Laws establishing Ferries;—and, A Table of Fines Forfeitures, Penalties and Amercements; designating such as are to the use of the Commonwealth; such as go towards lessening the county levy; such as belong to individuals, and such as are appropriated to any particular object. With a complete INDEX to the whole—and References to former and subsequent acts of Assembly. By A GENTLEMEN OF THE BAR. Published pursuant to an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, passed the 7th day of January, 1807.
THE volume will contain between four and five hundred pages, printed on an entire new type cast for the purpose, and good paper. It would have made its appearance at an earlier period, had it not been deemed advisable to delay the publication with a view to introduce the acts of the present session of the General Assembly. To remove all misapprehension, the publisher is authorised to state, that the publication of the Statutes contemplated by Mr. HAXING is not intended to interfere either with the plan or materials of which this and the first volume are composed. His object is to collect and preserve the fugitive acts from 1622 to 1792, many of which exist only in manuscript and in single copies: The first and second volumes of the Revised Code contain all the acts of a public nature now in force. Dec. 28, 1807.
Notice, THAT the following articles, manufactured at the Penitentiary, with the prices thereto annexed, are constantly kept for sale at the store of Nicholas Hallam, agent for the commonwealth, a few doors above the Swan Tavern in the city of Richmond; viz. CUT NAILS. Wholesale. Retail. 5d. 13 cents. 4d. 12 1-2 6d. 11 1-2 8d. 10 1-2 10d. 10 12d. 10 20d. 10 CUT BRADS. 8d. 10 10d. 9 1-2 12d. 9 1-2 20d. 9 1-2 WROUGHT NAILS. 6d. 13 8d. 12 1-2 10d. 12 12d. 11 1-2 20d. 11 30d. 11 Spikes of all sizes the same price as 20d nails. Men's fine shoes from 12 1-2 to 13 3/4 coarse do from 7 3/4 to 10s Women's fine do from 7s 6d to 9s Boys & Miss's do from 3s 6d to 6s Negroes' shoes from 7s 6d to 9s Richmond, November 4th, 1807.
MILITARY LANDS IN THE STATES OF OHIO AND KENTUCKY. THE subscriber has for SALE, sundry valuable tracts of LAND, on the waters of the Miami and Scioto rivers, state of Ohio. Also, on the waters of Cumberland and Green rivers, state of Kentucky, which will be sold low for cash or good bonds.—For further particulars enquire of William Price, register, who has the title papers, or to William Du-Val. Buckingham, January 20, 1808.
FOR RENT, The House and Lot, At present occupied by Mr Hezekiah Mosby, pleasantly situated, on Shockoe Hill, and very convenient for the accommodation of a family.—Possession may be had on the 3d March next, when Mr Mosby's time will expire. Thomas Elliott. Richmond, 29th Jan. 1808.
100 Acres of Land, Conveyed to us in trust by the deed aforesaid—situate, lying and being in the county of Henrico, on the north branch of the Brook whereon the said Allen now resides. The trustees will convey the land agreeable to the deed executed to them, which will be exhibited on the day of sale. PETER WILKINSON, } Trustees. W. PATMON, } February 2, 1808.
The Tract of Land Whereon the said Wilkinson now lives, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to pay the said debt and costs. John G. Daniel. Thomas H. Walton. February 4, 1808.
Advertisement. WILL BE SOLD, on Saturday the 27th day of February next, for ready money, on the premises, a valuable
Tract of Land, lying in the county of Halifax, on Staunton river, containing, SEVEN hundred and twenty-five acres, more or less; it was once the property of Samuel Beall, was sold by him to William Mosely, and mortgaged by Mosely to Robert Andrews and John Price, trustees of Beall, to secure the payment of the purchase money—The indenture of mortgage, which was recorded in the general court, bears date the 22d day of June 1795.—At the same time and place, such of the SLAVES as are described in the said mortgage, and may be produced by the said Mosely, will also be sold for cash.—The sale is made by virtue of a decree of the superior court of chancery, for the Richmond district, pronounced in a suit therein depending, in which the said Price, surviving trustee is plaintiff, and the said Mosely is defendant and for the purpose of raising the following sums, with interest, viz.—£108 15 with interest at the rate of 5 per cent. from the 1st of January 1793—£105 2 6 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1794—£101 10 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1795—£97 17 6 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1796—£96 5 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1797—£81 14 with like interest from the 14th day of July 1802, and 35 dollars 83 cents, the costs of the suit—The residue of the money directed to be raised the plaintiff does not pretend to claim, as appears by an endorsement made by the clerk of the said court on the order dissolving an injunction obtained by John B. Scott, to stay the sale of the said land, which endorsement is copied from a writing filed in the suit first above mentioned, by the plaintiff's agent and attorney. The COMMISSIONERS. Richmond, January 14, 1808.
May be purchased on a long credit, and low terms. The Tenement, ON which the subscriber lives, situated on Church Hill, within about one half mile of the Richmond market—containing two acres of ground, well enclosed and highly improved. The buildings consist of a large and well constructed dwelling house, laundry, kitchen, dairy, smoke house, two stores, brick office, coach house, barn and stable. All these buildings are well finished, and in complete order for the accommodation of a large and genteel family who may have easy access to all the advantages of the city, and live as retired as they could wish. John Ellis. February 4, 1808.