Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1799-01-18 00:00:00

The VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[No. 78 of VOL. VI.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[WHOLE No. 599]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUN. NEAR THE VENDUE OFFICE OF M. VANDEWALL.
(Four Dollars per Annum—Paid in Advance.)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1799.
(Ten Cents Single.)
Notice.
The Subscribers inform their Friends and the Public, that they have this day commenced business under the firm of
THOMAS RUTHERFOORD, & CO
WHO HAVE NOW FOR SALE,
BAR-IRON, QUEENS WARE, in crates, COFFEE, NAILS, CANDLES, &c.
THOMAS RUTHERFOORD, FREDERICK ARGYLE.
Richmond, 1st Jan. 1799. N. B. Those indebted to either of them individually, will no doubt see the propriety of making speedy settlement, and are hereby requested to make payment as soon as possible.
FOR SALE,
By the Piece or Package, An Assortment of India White Goods
Consisting of Baftas, Currachs, Coffacs, Salgaths, and Mamoodies.
—Also—
Antigua Rum, per Hhd. Coffee, per Barrel, Pepper & Ginger by the Bag. Apply to
Samuel Myers, or Joseph Marx.
Richmond, Jan. 3, 1799. This day is Published, And for sale at S. Pleasant's Printing-Office Richmond,
LETTERS OF CURTIUS, ADDRESSED TO General Marshall.
January 4, 1799.
FOR SALE,
FIVE THOUSAND ACRES OF KENTUCKY LAND,
LYING on the waters of Straight Creek a north branch of Cumberland river—the land is extremely good, and may be had on advantageous terms—Good title will be given—Enquire of the Printer, December 6, 1798.
THE SUBSCRIBER
Intends on the first of December next, to commence business in the
Auction & Commission
LINE,
In the store in the town of Manchester, opposite Johnson's Ware-House, and lately occupied by Messrs. John Hendrick & Co. at which place Goods will be thankfully received.—Any business entrusted to his management will be strictly attended to, and the utmost punctuality observed.
WILLIAM BALL.
Nov. 27, 1798.
Lately Published, AND FOR SALE AT SAMUEL PLEASANTS' PRINTING OFFICE, RICHMOND,
[Price 2 shillings]
A SELECTION OF
H Y M N S
AND
Spiritual Songs
FROM THE BEST AUTHORS, BY ANDREW BROADHURST, V. O. M. May 14.
Oyster and Porter HOUSE.
George Watson
KEEPS a house of the above description, near the Basin of the Canal in this City, for the Entertainment of such Gentlemen as may please to call on him. Richmond, October 5.
YISHALL attend at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on Saturday the 20th day of January next, to receive proposals for furnishing at the place intended for the public manufacture of arms, at the west end of Richmond,
231,200 Cypress Shingles of the best quality, 22 inches long, 4 wide, and 3-4 of an inch thick. JOHN CLARKE. December 13, 1798.
Poems and Compositions IN PROSE, BY WILLIAM MUNFORD, Of the county of Mecklenburg, and state of Virginia;
ARE JUST PUBLISHED, AND FOR SALE At the Printing Office of SAMUEL PLEASANTS, Junior. Price One Dollar.
COPIES of this work may be had at Messrs. Prichard & Davidson's book-store, in Richmond; or Mr. William Prentis, printer, and Mr. John Grammer, post master, Petersburg.
Just Published,
By SAMUEL PLEASANTS, jun. and for Sale at his Printing-Office, Richmond,
The Virginia Almanack for the Year 1799.
The ASTRONOMICAL part by ISAAC BRIGGS.
Containing—
 THE rising, setting, places and eclipses of the sun and moon; the phases, place of the ascending node, latitude and southings of the moon; the places & aspects of the planets (including the lately discovered planet, Georgian); the rising, setting and setting of the planets, and the most conspicuous fixed stars; conjunctions of the planets, with fixed stars; the equation of time true within half a second, for the noon of every day in the year.  —Also—  Superior and county courts in Virginia  Public officers of the state  Members of the Senate and House of Delegates  Table of Stamp Duties  Roads, from Richmond to Portsmouth Virginia; from Richmond to Portsmouth New Hampshire; from Richmond to the Sweet Springs—and from Richmond to Savannah, Georgia.  Friends yearly meetings  Members of Congress from Virginia  Tables of Interest  Tables of the weight and value of coins as they pass in the respective states of the union, with their sterling and federal value  Benevolence and Humanity  The Whistle, by doc. Franklin  Emilius and Clara, or the happy pair  The folly of inconsiderate expectations  Resignation to Providence recommended as the duty of all  The wisdom of Providence in the variety of the seasons  Anecdotes.  POETRY.  A farmer to his friend  Ledyard's praise of women  Beauty's value, by Shakespeare  Gather your rose buds  Edwin and Eugenia  by Doctor Galsmith  Song; The waves were hush'd the sky serene. 
TO BE SOLD,
TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER,
On Wednesday the 23d of this month, at the late Dwelling House of WILLIAM REYNOLDS, deceased, of Henrico county, the
Household and Kitchen
FURNITURE,
Of which he died possessed—The flock of HORSES, &c, &c.—Nine months credit will be allowed for all sums above Five Dollars, on the purchasers entering into bond with security approved by the
TRUSTEE.
January 9, 1799. At the same time and place WILL BE SOLD FOR CASH, Several
Valuable Slaves,
Among which there is a good WOMAN COOK and a MAN SERVANT, accustomed to taking care of horses and house-business, by the
TRUSTEE.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Thursday, December 27.
Mr. Otis said, the committee to whom was referred the bill for amending the stamp act, with respect to the duty payable on foreign bills of exchange and bills of lading, had received information from the Commissioners of the Revenue, stating that it would be necessary to provide some compensation for the supervisors, who had the management of the stamp business, as the present law provides none. The committee had also suggested the propriety of making some other alterations in the bill; he therefore moved that the committee of the whole be discharged from the further consideration of this bill, with a view to have it recommitted to the select committee who reported it.
The motion was carried, and the bill was re-committed. Mr. Otis afterwards made a report of the proposed amendments; but owing to some informality, the report was not received.
The bill providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, was read the third time and passed; as was also the bill respecting balances reported to be due from certain states, by the Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and the several states, 55 votes being in favour of its passage.
Mr. Thatcher, from the committee of revival and unfinished business, made a report of the expiring laws, which was ordered to be printed.
The Speaker was proceeding to take the sense of the house on proceeding with the unfinished business of yesterday, viz. the Bankrupt bill; when
Mr. Sewall moved to postpone this subject till to-morrow, in order to consider the amendment yesterday proposed by his colleagues, and this morning laid upon the desk. The motion being agreed to,
Mr. Griswold called up for consideration the resolution which he yesterday laid upon the table for the appointment of a committee to consider the propriety of amending the act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States, so as to provide a penalty for any citizen who shall usurp the executive authority of this government, by commencing or carrying on, any correspondence with the government of any foreign prince or state, relative to controversies or disputes, which do or shall exist betwixt such prince or state and the United States.
The resolution having been read,
Mr. Nicholas said, he believed this to be a new subject of general legislation; and as such, he did not apprehend there was any necessity for making the proposed inquiry; and, if it had any particular object in view, the motion appeared to him premature. If it was founded upon what had been seen in the public papers relative to the conduct of a certain gentleman who has lately been in France, he thought the mover ought to have waited until the President of the United States had put the house in possession of facts on this subject; which, though promised three weeks ago, had not yet been received. Indeed he did not know but the conduct of this house in giving an opinion upon these dispatches, before they are received, had prevented the communication; and if the house should proceed to legislate upon them, the President may suppose they have no desire to see what he has promised to lay before them, and withhold them altogether. If any particular object has given occasion to this new kind of legislation, the house ought to know it. He had hoped that no change had taken place in the affairs of this country with respect to foreign nations, which could have directed the recentments of gentlemen to any particular person. He had hoped things were mending, and he had gathered these hopes from the address of the President at the opening of the session, as in that address, he seemed to wish to argue down the too sanguine hopes of a speedy reconciliation which might arise from the communication which he had to make on the subject. This was not only the impression which the address had made upon his mind, but it was, as far as he had learnt, the general impression. Indeed, he found a different tone even amongst those gentlemen who had always been the loudest in their cry for war, from what existed when he last parted with them. Nothing was then heard, but a declaration of war—now he heard nothing of the kind. Thinking, therefore, as he did, that the subject is of too novel a kind for general legislation, without some good reason being assigned for it; and that the house does not possess sufficient information, if the measure be levelled at a particular object, he was opposed to the motion.
Mr. Griswold said, the gentleman from Virginia had mistaken the object of his resolution, in supposing it had reference to any particular person. Its object, said Mr. G. is general, and I think of the first importance. I think it necessary to guard, by law, against the interference of individuals in the negotiation of our executive with the governments of foreign countries. The present situation of Europe, in his opinion calls aloud for a regulation of this kind. He did not know but an interference of this kind might have already taken place; but the object of this motion was prospective, and had nothing to do with what is past. If, said Mr. G. offences of this kind are to pass unnoticed, it may be in the power of an individual to frustrate all the designs of the executive. The agent of a faction, if such a faction shall exist, be sent to a foreign country to negotiate in behalf of that faction, in opposition to the authority of the executive; and will any one say, that such an offence ought not severely to be punished? It certainly ought. Placing the subject in this point of view, he thought it the duty of the legislature to enquire into it. He was not certain that adequate provision could be made for the punishment of offences of this kind, but he wished the matter to go to a committee for consideration. He hoped no occasion would ever arise for bringing into operation a law of this kind; but if it should it would be well to be prepared to meet it. He could not see why this should be considered as a subject of irritation, as no gentleman would pretend to say, that an unauthorised individual ought to exercise a power which should influence the measures of a foreign government with respect to this country. This power has been delegated by the constitution to the president; and said Mr. G. the people of this country might as well meet and legislate for us, or erect themselves into a judicial tribunal, in place of the established judiciary, as that any individual, or set of persons should take upon him or themselves this power, vested in the executive. Gentlemen may say, that all this is right; but in his opinion, such practices would be destructive of the principles of our government. He hoped, therefore, that the resolution would be agreed to.
Mr. Nicholas had no idea that the gentleman from Connecticut could mean to make this law retrospective; but he thought the house ought to have more information on the subject, before they undertook to legislate upon it. The constitution having defined what treason shall be, he conceived it was not in the power of the legislature to create a new offence of this kind; and if it could, he thought it would be unnecessary. Whether the gentleman had any reference in what he said of a faction, to a faction existing at present in this country, he could not tell, he would say, however, that if he had any share in sending the gentleman alluded to, to France, he should not be ashamed to confess it: he should not be ashamed or afraid to promote the peace of his country. Nor, were it not for the apparent arrogance of such a step, should he himself be afraid of crossing the Atlantic, if he could procure peace for his country. Nor did he think the people of America would be offended with him for thus acting. If, said Mr. Nicholas, all individual interference is to be prohibited, the president having declared all negotiation to be at an end, how is peace to be procured? Who, said he, are so likely to take a step in a business of this kind as those who are to share the enjoyment of peace? The mischief of which gentlemen see in a conduct of this kind, he could not understand. If, said he, any individual or set of men were bent upon involving the country in war, the case would be very different. He could not be content to claim the two descriptions of persons together.
Mr. Rutledge thought this resolution was become more necessary from the observations which had been made upon it. He did not believe the mover of the present proposition had reference to any particular person; the law was to be of a prospective operation. If the translation alluded to came before this house, he hoped it would be taken up in a more serious point of view. But when gentlemen come forward, and declare that there is no impropriety in an individual attempting to influence the conduct of a foreign government with respect to this country, he thought it high time to pass a law on the subject; for all the discontented people of this country are to be suffered to hamper and negotiate with foreign powers. It would lead to the most serious consequences. If, said Mr. R. our situation were a novel one, gentlemen might accuse me of possessing a gloomy mood; but let us look at the present situation of the countries of Europe, and profit by what we see there. They have most of them suffered by means which this resolution proposes to guard against. The patriotic party in Holland, previous to their revolution, had their agent in France; and unauthorised individuals had had every where been employed in the subversion of old establishments. We know, said he, that United Irishmen, who have deluged their country in blood, had their agents in France, who instructed the French army where to land, where to find pikes, provisions and other necessaries, for the work of devastation.
Profiting from the example of Europe, Mr. R. wished the legislature of this country to guard against similar misfortunes; for, said he, are the
people of this country more patriotic, more wise, more enlightened, or more attached to their government, than the people in other parts of the world? He believed not. There are, said he, in all countries, some portion of discontented persons, who are dissatisfied with the administration of their government, and will endeavour, by every means in their power, to alter it. In every government, constituted like ours, such a description of persons will exist.
What, said Mr. R. is the situation of this country? The general government is authorised to make treaties, to regulate commerce and other national concerns, with which the state governments are not permitted to have any concern; and yet, though none of the fifteen sovereign states are permitted to interfere in this respect, it is asserted that an individual may, with propriety, present himself at the bar of the council of Five Hundred, or of the executive directory, as the representative of a patriotic society, of Virginia or any other state, to speak on these subjects. There may be gentlemen, said Mr. R. who consider the administration of the general government as hostile to the liberties of the country; and their zeal may carry them so far as to believe it to be their duty to do all in their power to overturn the whole system, to effect which, they may think a French army and a French invasion necessary. And if the citizens of this country shall be permitted to have intercourse with foreign governments, they may do the greatest injury to this country under what they conceive to be the best intentions, which, though they may not be rewarded here, they will rest confident will be rewarded in Heaven! And shall these persons, said he, go unpunished? If so, the consequence must be a division of the people of this country from their government.—Mr. R. thought this a good measure of national defence; and he declared that he had seen nothing in the address of the president, nor in anything else which could influence the mind of the most sanguine legislator to weaken his desire for decisive measures of defence. If our prospects had brightened at all, it was entirely owing to the energy and wisdom which directed the measures of the last session. He hoped the same spirit would be continued, and that measures would be taken to prevent our citizens from holding any improper intercourse with foreign governments.
Mr. Gallatin. It has been said by gentlemen who support this resolution, that it has no reference to any thing which has taken place, it may be so; but although it has no reference to what has already been done, those gentlemen will not say that such a resolution would have been brought forward, unless a certain event had taken place. This will not be denied. It is therefore, proper, said he, before we enter into this business, that we should have some information on this subject, and this information the house had a right to expect from the president had promised it at the commencement of the session. He considered this proper, because, if the house were to legislate on the matter, it would be in order to prevent future injuries to the United States, they ought first to know how the injury which gave rise to the measure, has been committed. But, said Mr. G. if this proposition is brought before the house on the ground of general legislation, it is extremely improper in itself. He would not deny that there might be an interference with the executive authority of the United States, which it would be proper to punish by law; still less was he disposed to deny, that who should embark in foreign aggression against this country, and who should attempt to subvert the constitution, by foreign aid, ought to be liable to punishment; and such, he was pretty confident, are already liable to punishment.
But, said Mr. G. let us examine the resolution. It is not intended in the least to cover this ground. It proposes only to provide punishment for such persons as shall attempt to check the negotiations of the Executive. Nothing is here said about aggression; but only to provide punishment for such persons as shall usurp the Executive authority, by commencing or carrying on any correspondence with any foreign government, relative to existing controversies or disputes. In the first place, he would ask how gentlemen could call "usurping any correspondence" an act of usurpation over the executive authority? The gentleman from South Carolina had said that this was as much an usurpation of executive authority, as it would be an usurpation of the judicial authority, for a set of unauthorised persons to take upon themselves the power of trying causes. Mr. G. did not think the two cases analogous; but he would state a case which was analogous. Suppose, said he, I had a law suit with an individual, and a third person, unauthorised by me, should write a letter to my adversary, with a view of procuring a reconciliation between us; this would be an analogous case. He could not conceive how a man who has no power of attorney, can usurp the executive authority.
Again, the resolution says, that any person who shall usurp the executive authority, by carrying on any correspondence with a foreign government. The proposition here covers far too much ground. He would suppose a merchant, or owner of a vessel, whose property had been plundered by the vessels of a foreign government, were to enter into a correspondence with that government for the restoration of his property. Would gentlemen with a person of this description to be punished? certainly not; and yet certainly he would come within the meaning of this resolution. He would go further, and suppose an American citizen, who shall neither be a merchant, nor the owner of a vessel, should apply to any branch of a foreign government, to desire an embargo might be made off, or some old debt paid, and ask whether such a person ought to be punished?
If it were intended to cover all cases of this kind, the resolution does not go far enough. It only embraces cases of "controversy and dispute." It ought to extend to all objects of negotiation with foreign powers, as an interference in any, would be equally an usurpation of executive authority; and a citizen of the United States who shall enter into any negotiation with the government of Great Britain, on the subject of restoring that part of our treaty with them which will at a certain period expire, would surely be as guilty as one who should correspond with the government of France on the subject of peace. Both cases, if either, are equally usurpations of executive authority.
Mr. G. thought, therefore, that this resolution, in some respects, covered too much ground; in others, too little. He believed, however, that the criminality of any of these acts, did not lie in their being usurpations

of the executive authority, but in the nature of the crime committed.
There is, said he, another difficulty in this resolution. In the general manner in which it is brought before the house, it is quite a novel subject of legislation. A law punishes citizens who carry on correspondence with a criminal nature with foreign governments. Of this nature would be an invitation of a foreign power to invade a country. Thus, to add one instance more to those adduced by the gentleman from S. Carolina, he would mention the case of Switzerland, where the armies of France were called in by certain individuals to overturn the country. The resolution ought, therefore, to be made general, and confined to cases of a criminal nature. He did not know that any nation ever passed a law to punish persons for holding a correspondence with foreign governments. He believed, in certain situations, such a correspondence would be highly improper. In our situation, for instance, said he, it would be extremely improper for a member of this house to enter into a correspondence with the French Republic, because this country is at present in a peculiar situation; for, though as we are not at war with France, an offence of this kind would not be high treason, yet it would be as criminal an act, as if we were at war; but, as he had already stated, the nature of the correspondence must constitute the crime, and not the act of correspondence. Thus, our Constitution has laid, to adhere to the enemies of the United States, and to afford them aid and comfort, is treason; but as we are not at war with France, an act of this kind could not be treason. It might, therefore, be declared, that though a crime of this kind cannot be considered as treason, it should nevertheless be considered as a high crime. Not that he was convinced it was proper to legislate upon the subject at all; but if at all, it ought to be upon the nature of the crime.
But with respect to the conduct of an individual, he agreed with the gentleman from Virginia, that if a man of his own accord, out of a pure love for his country, cut a sincere desire for peace, or out of his hatred for war, were to go over to France to use his endeavours to prevail upon the Government not to undertake the subjugation of our country, and to exert his endeavours, however weak they might be, to prevail upon that government to put an end to their depredations upon our commerce, or to prevail upon persons in power there to offer such terms of accommodation to our Government, as he is permitted would be accepted, he saw nothing either criminal or improper in such a conduct, but the contrary. Whether such a man had existed, he could not at present say, as he wanted information upon the subject; but if there had, he would say, he thought there was nothing in such a conduct either criminal or improper. He was willing, however, to suspend his judgment on the case alluded to, until he had the expected information before him. With respect to the resolution, if it was properly modified, he did not know that he should have much objection to it; but he could by no means agree to it in its present form.
Mr Dana could not subscribe to the opinion of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, that the resolution before the house is either inaccurately or improperly expressed. That gentleman did not seem fully to understand the import of the words used. He objects to the word usurpation , though no other word could have been used with so much propriety. It was not intended, by this resolution, to provide against all correspondence with foreign governments, but against such only as ought to be carried on by the Executive; and when an individual undertakes to correspond in such a manner, it is then, and then only, that he usurps the executive authority. The word is, therefore, a necessary part of the general definition of the resolution. In the details of the law, it might be said more particularly in what this usurpation should consist; and the gentleman from Pennsylvania himself cannot deny, that all usurpations of the executive authority ought to be punished, and this is all that is proposed by the resolution. The gentleman says, a correspondence ought to be judged of by its nature, which alone rendered it criminal, or otherwise. This opinion every one must subscribe to. And what correspondence is most likely to be criminal? The gentleman objects to the case which has been alluded to being criminal; yet he allows it might be proper, in our present situation, to punish persons who should correspond with the French Government.
Mr Gallatin said, he made use of the words, "afford, aid and comfort."
Mr D. thought the gentleman had spoken as he had stated. At any rate, said he, this position is true; and this unauthorized correspondence must have led to an opinion in the French Government that they had numerous friends in this country, and have encouraged them in their measures against us.
Mr D. thought the influence which the gentleman from Pennsylvania had alluded to as an individual writing a letter was not in point. He would give him one, in his opinion, much more so. Where two hostile armies are in the field, the general officer who suffers his troops to negotiate with the enemy, would not, he believed, be considered as either very clever or skillful. But the gentleman from Pennsylvania has supposed that very worthy individuals might carry on a correspondence with a foreign government so as to deserve praise, instead of censure. It is possible, indeed, great and eminent characters, whose individual opinions might be known to have great weight in this country
—that of General Washington, for instance—might be much respected in Europe; but any great and respectable character, who regarded the honor of his country, who filled a great space in the view of mankind, would never go abroad in an obscure, mean, and by manner, without the knowledge of his own government, to settle differences with a foreign nation. Could there be found, indeed, an individual without any public character, or reputation for public services, who would be willing to go on such an errand, every man of sense would laugh at the ridiculous vanity of such a man. No individual of America, undistinguished by eminent services, if he had the ordinary abilities of the American character, would ever undertake such an embassy; if he did, he would certainly be despised for the weakness of his intellects and his inflated vanity; besides being considered as having some other object in view, and as making this a mere cover for other designs. Mr D. would not disgrace the American character by supposing that ever such a man can be found; such an one would merit being confined in a mad house, and be supposed to go forward as an agent of a French Faction in this country. (If the gentleman from Pennsylvania does not like this term, he must give him another; it expressed his own idea.) And in every instance of this kind, the person thus employed must be considered as acting in direct hostility with the authority of our government, and against the general character of our country. It is proclaiming to the enemy, the division of your country. It is a crime of serious magnitude, as the person thus acting, must be considered as the agent of a faction, waiting only for an opportunity of joining the enemies of their country. He did not believe such a faction has really existed. He knew there had been reports to this effect, which had placed a man high in rank in this government at its head; but he could not believe in his place that men in so exalted a situation could be guilty of such conduct; he was not authorized to listen to any such suggestions and therefore would not.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania supposes the house ought not to legislate on this subject, until they receive information from the President relative to our foreign affairs; but as this was intended as a general provision, unconnected with any particular case, it was wholly unnecessary in his opinion, to wait for this communication.
Mr Pinckney said, he should not have troubled the house on this occasion, had it not been for the doctrine which had fallen from the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nicholas) which he considered as extremely dangerous in a republican government, and which had a tendency to subvert all order and good government under whatever form they may exist. If he understood the gentleman rightly, he said, "he should not be ashamed of having been concerned in any negotiation which has been lately taken place, provided he had, by that means, obtained peace for this country; and that he believed the people of this country would be satisfied with such an embassy, provided peace was the result." He thought this doctrine subversive of every principle of republican government, the great and leading doctrine of which is, that the sense of the majority shall govern; that when this sense is proclaimed by the proper organs, it shall be absolute; that no one can pretend to interfere so as to counteract the proceedings of the people of this country as expressed by its legal organs. This doctrine, said Mr. P. cannot be controverted. He believed the gentleman's good intentions for the peace of his country had dimmed his better judgment. Peace is desirable, is most welcome to every country, and highly essential to its welfare. This wish of the gentleman for peace may have induced his better judgment to have brought forward a sentiment more prejudicial than the bitterest war.
Upon what principle is it, said Mr. P. that an individual should interfere in the general management of the affairs of his country, even to procure peace for it? It must be upon the ground that his private sentiments ought to prevail over the legal government of his country; and it would not be confined to the idea of giving peace to the country; because, if it was the opinion of this individual, or of any party, that the country ought to go to war, the same reasoning would hold good; since it will be thought more beneficial, at some times, to enter into war than to remain at peace. Times may come—they have come in all countries—when it will be more essential to engage in a war, under all its disadvantages than to remain at peace. Mr. P. knew of no case, no situation in which it could be lawful or right for an individual to interfere with a foreign government at the time when any negotiation is going forward by legal authority. Such an interference can have but a bad effect. It flies at least, that there is a party in the country divided from the government, who take upon themselves a separate negotiation, and set up a distinct power, which they with to be paramount to the legal authority.
It did not think the gentleman from Virginia had formed a correct idea of the sentiment of the American people, when he said, he believed, on his return from an unauthorized embassy, of the kind alluded to, he should have received their thanks for having given peace to the country. Under the present circumstances, he thought the gentleman calculated ill; as his calculation was founded on an idea of the solemnity of the people; that they are afraid of war, and glad to have peace upon any terms, or by whatever means. He did not think that this is the sentiment of the American people. They love peace, and would go as far as any people to preserve it; but he believed when they have exhausted every means of conciliation in vain; when these conciliatory measures have produced nothing but new aggression, and no prospect of an honorable adjustment of differences remains, in such circumstances, he believed they would choose war rather than peace.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania had himself agreed that it would be wrong for any party to hold correspondence with France under our present circumstances; but that gentleman draws a distinction between a party and an individual, which he did not understand, as he could not conceive why an individual was not equally justified with a party in holding any such correspondence. If it was an usurpation, it matters not whether it be by an individual or a party—both are alike criminal. A party might be more dangerous, but an individual is equally criminal.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania had made several objections to the motion, on the ground of its interfering with individual negotiations about their own private concerns. That had been fully answered by the gentleman from Connecticut, by saying that these resolutions had no reference to any other negotiations but those of peace or war.
between a foreign nation and the United States. He might add, that it is merely an instruction for a committee to report a bill, and if any fear existed with respect to an interference with private business, when the bill came in, this could be easily guarded against. He hoped, therefore, the measure would be agreed to.
(To be continued.)
BOSTON, January 1.
Interesting News.
[We have received by express from Salem, German papers to Nov. 2, brought by a vessel which arrived there, after 60 days passage; and through the ready attention of Mr. Kahler, are enabled to present the public with the following interesting translations:]
LONDON GAZETTE, Oct. 21.
Yesterday Lieut. Waterhouse arrived at the Admiralty Office, with a letter from Vice Admiral Kingmill, including a copy of the dispatches of Commodore Warren to him, to wit:
On board the Canada, Lough Swilly, Ireland, October 16.
SIR, IN compliance with your orders, which I received by the Kangaroo brig, I failed with my ship the Canada, of 74 guns, the Robust of 74, the Foudroyant of 80, and Magnanime of 44, to the heights of Archillhead. On the 10th inst. were rejoined by the Melampus, of 44, and the Dorisof 38. The latter I ordered to cruise between the Isle of Tory and Rosses, in search of the enemy. The same evening were joined by the Amelia of 44, which had parted with the Ethalion, of 38, Anson of 44, and Sylph of 18; and said that those vessels had been carefully observing the manoeuvres of the French since Sept. 17. On the 11th we fell in with these vessels, and soon after, on the NW. of us, got sight of the enemy's squadron, consisting of one 80 gun ship, 8 frigates, a brig and a schooner. I made the signal for a general chase, and to form the line of battle as our ships came up with them. Which, however, we did not do till the 12th, owing to a heavy sea and our enemy's being to windward. Notwithstanding the severity of the weather, we continued the chase through the 13th day and the night. At half past 5 o'clock, on the morning of the 14th, we saw the enemy not far from us. They formed a close line of battle, and advanced to us on our starboard side. But we did not meet till 7 o'clock—as the chase had scattered my vessels. I made the signal for the Robust, to lead and engage, which was instantly obeyed, and the other ships formed after her. The action commenced twenty minutes before 8 o'clock. The Rosses bearing 15 miles SSW. of us. At 11 o'clock the Roche surrendered after a gallant defence. All the frigates at that moment fled. A signal was made for pursuing them; and in five hours after three of them were captured. The remaining five escaped for that time. All these frigates, as well as the ship of the line, were new and full of troops, provisions, ammunition, &c. to forward their designs in Ireland. With pleasure I observe, that the behaviour of all my officers and sailors, was such as evinced the warmest affection for their country. I left Capt. Thornborough, with the command of the Magnanime, Ethalion and Amelia, to take charge of the prizes and conduct them to port. I expect him here every moment. I have the honor to be, &c. J. B. WARREN.
P. S. The following ships were in the battle, viz.—Canada, Robust, Foudroyant, Magnanime, Ethalion, Melampus, and Amelia. The Anson did not arrive till after the action—as she had, in the chase, carried away a top-gallant-mast. I have ordered my lieutenant, Turgaud, to take charge of the Roche.
LONDON GAZETTE, Oct. 23.
Capt. Moore, of the Melampus of 36 guns, on the 13th of October, captured on the Irish coast, the French frigate Resolute, of 40 guns and 500 sailors and soldiers. She was, in company with the immortal, of 44 guns with 600 sailors and soldiers. She did not get near enough to engage till the Resolute had luck, after which she veered off.
Two letters are received from Earl St. Vincents containing dispatches from the Nile to Aug. 25. On that day the boats of the Goliath took the French ship Torride of three 18 pounders and 70 men, as she lay at anchor under the castle Bequier. Aug. 22, before Alexandria, the Alceme, took a Packet Boat of 2 guns, and 61 men, from Toulon.
LONDON, October 23.
A letter from Count Craven informs, that the Melampus had captured one of the vessels which escaped from the late action, which makes the whole number of vessels captured five. Other accounts add, that the vessels first taken had all arrived at Lough Swilly.
In addition to Warren's Official Letter, it appears by a communication posted at Lloyd's Coffee House, at 2 o'clock yesterday, that the vessels captured by him had arrived at Lough Swilly; & that three French frigates had been driven into Sligo Bay.
LIVERPOOL, October 20.
This morning arrived a packet, which left Dublin last evening at 7 o'clock. The passengers say, that three French frigates had been brought into Sligo.
DUBLIN, Oct. 18.
Advises received this day from Sligo, state that three French frigates, captured after the late battle, arrived safe in that harbour.
GLASGOW, Oct. 19.
This day a French frigate, with only her mizen mast standing, was brought into Glasgow harbour, by an English frigate. In the captured frigate are 3000 men, and in the others of the fleet were 2000. Their commander's name was Hardy. In one of the captured ships was found Theodore Wolfe Tone.
LONDON, October 23.
A letter from Capt. Trowbridge to Lord St. Vincents, contains the following:
"The Arabian and Egyptian workmen having deserted the French—and the French not being used to the heat could not open the channels from the Nile, by which the cisterns at Alexandria are supplied with water. There is, therefore, a scarcity of water, as well as of provisions. The provision fleet, which failed from Toulon the beginning of August, and on which the French army in Egypt principally depended, returned, on being informed of Nelson's victory."
Letters from Donnegal, of October 15, say, Lord Bridport had taken a squadron from Brest, consisting of 14 vessels.
IMPORTANT REPORT.
A cartel ship has arrived at Dover, the commander of which says, that the combined English and Russian squadrons in the North Sea, had entered the Texel, and landed troops, which attacked the forts, while Lord Duncan engaged the Dutch fleet; and that he had succeeded in taking a part of it.
VIENNA, Oct. 21.
Letters from Messina, dated Oct. 10, state, that a vessel from Alexandria had arrived there, with intelligence that Buonaparte's army, after a bloody battle (in which even the victorious Arabs lost 12,000 men) was reduced to a few thousand and was fled to Alexandria. One account (for which we will not vouch) says B. is taken prisoner. [*Does it not follow that the other parts of the intelligence is vouched for?]
MALTA.
Advises from Naples of Oct. 20, say, that their latest news from Malta was highly pleasing. The Maltese are perfect masters of the island, though a few Frenchmen yet remain at St. Elmo. That the knights there had sent to Trieste, to invite the return of their brethren, who had emigrated since the landing of the French; assuring them of the establishment of the former government.
PARIS, October 22.
Off Toulon, Oct. 14th or 15th of October was seen eleven ships of the line, which, at first, were supposed to be Russians, but afterwards found to be English.
Our government are more disposed for peace than heretofore—and a majority of our legislature are in its favour, since our loss of the battle at Aboukir (near the Nile). We flatter ourselves and hope it will influence the sittings at Rastadt to make the desired conclusion.
For four days the Redacteur, and all our papers, have been filled with the official letters from Buonaparte and Berthier, with the proclamations the commanders issued in Egypt. By his letters the army was not discouraged on the account of the loss of the fleet, but rather enlivened to encounter all dangers with the officers.
The General's head quarters were at Cairo. Of prisoners he had only a few; but the camels and horses he had taken, were reserved for an expedition which was a secret.
He embraced every opportunity to work upon the people. An air balloon which he sent up at Cairo, was above the understanding of these ignorant mortals. They thought him a messenger from Mahomet. His Horde Artillery had created great consternation.
A messenger to one of the chiefs, bringing an account of a defeat, was asked, "How large is the French army?" He took up a handful of sand, which he threw up in the air, saying "There count them!"
The General's soldiers divided the booty which they took from the Mamelukes; on some they have found from 3 to 500 Louis d'or, or the value in gold.
Buonaparte pictures the Arabians as the worst of beings. In large hordes they swarmed like clouds round his army, and harassed every one who fell into their hands. They have not kept their treaty, which he had concluded on the 5th July, with 13 of their Beys. In which it was stipulated, that they should give him as many men as were necessary to oppose the Mamelukes. And, on the other hand, the General had promised to give them back, after he had conquered Egypt, all the lands which had belonged to them.
Buonaparte, with these 13 Cheiks, sat round a table, where it was further agreed and determined, that he who did not fulfil his promise, should incur Hell's flames. Probably the Cheiks could not answer for what their hordes did.
On the 12th July, Mourat Bey, had a large body of horse troops and batteries on the Nile, and 10 gun boats. From both sides were exchanged more than 1500 cannon shot. The Turks had already taken 3 of our gun boats; but two of them were retaken and the third burned. After this the army was not interrupted on their march.
On the 21st July, before Cairo, we had a battle. The Mamelukes lost 2000 men killed [as stated in the Newburyport paper].
Mourat Bey, and several other Beys, were wounded. Four hundred camels, with baggage, and fifty cannon were taken, our army lost thirty killed, and one hundred and twenty wounded. In the night the Beys fled from Cairo, and burned their ships. The people plundered their houses, and on the 22nd the French entered the city.
The General issued two PROCLAMATIONS:
Buonaparte to the Cheiks, &c. of Cairo, dated head quarters, Gazzi, July 22.
"Yesterday the Mamelukes were mostly killed or taken prisoners! I am in pursuit of the fugitives. Send me the vessels on the other side of the water, and a deputation, acknowledging your surrender to me! Let bread, meat, straw and oats be in readiness for my army! Be without fear—as no body wishes your welfare more than I do!"
Buonaparte to the people of Cairo.
"People! You have done well not to declare against me. I am come to destroy the Mamelukes. To protect commerce and the inhabitants. Every one who is in fear ought to remain quiet; and those who have fled may return to their houses, I shall establish a divan of persons, &c."
A third Proclamation to the Pacha of the Grand Seigneur, declares, he may remain in his place, and have his effects secured to him. Ibrahim Bey had fled with his family and effects to Salieh, where Buonaparte pursued him; but before the General entered the City, the Bey had left it. Being the last where fresh water was to be had.
The Mamelukes have defended themselves bravely. They are well dressed and equipped.
On the 13th August when he left this place, he received the unfortunate account of the loss of the fleet—Having on the 6th July advised Ad. Bueys to come to anchor in the harbour of Alexandria within 24 hours, if not, to land the artillery, and the effects belonging to the army. As it was the opinion of the engineers, that the road of the Abuchir was not safe for the fleet. But to his great astonishment he was apprized, on the 27th July, that the fleet remained there at anchor. He dispatched his adjutant to prevail on the admiral to set sail, but unfortunately this messenger came too late.
The general says, under his own hand, "It seems to me admiral Bueys would not fail for Corfu before he was sure he could not enter the harbour of Alexandria, or until the army was in such a situation that no retreat might be necessary. If he has done as he has he has expired it by his glorious death. Fate, which has in many instances proved our superiority on land—has, in this, favored our rivals on the water."
But as great as this misfortune is, it cannot be attributed to the unsteadiness of luck—it will not leave us! When I arrived at Alexandria I was informed that the English had been there, with a much stronger force than ours. I ventured to land in a gale, and was almost shipwrecked in the attempt. When I reached the shore, I threw myself upon the ground, (a signal was just then given for an armed ship, which however proved to be La Justice) I cried out "Fortune! shouldst thou leave me! No! attend me only a few days longer!" I marched the whole night, and attacked, by the break of day, Alexandria, with 3000 men, without cannon, or even cartridges to our guns. And in 5 days I was master of Rosetta and Demenhour, which declared me ALREADY ESTABLISHED IN EGYPT!
In these 5 days our fleet ought to have been in safety from the English. Let their force against us be what it would. But far from it! They remained the whole Mesidor, ending July 18, exposed. They received on the first Thermidor, (19th July) from Rosetta a supply of rice for two months—The English threw themselves in 10 days with a superior force in these waters; and on the 29th July, our fleet received information of my conquering and entering Cairo; but when Fortune saw that her favors were not regarded, she left our fleet to its own fate.
RASTADT.
At Rastadt, Oct. 25. The tedious Congress was still in session. The French Deputies had sent an express to Paris, for the advice of the Directory relative to the last propositions made to them; and on this advice, probably, hangs the event of peace or war.
The Russian army, which has been marching to the German territory, has halted to wait the decision of the Congress. This decision is, it is likely, now about to be made.
PASSAWAN OCLOU.
It is but justice to state that our last information contradicts the former relative to this rebel. We now find him still in power, and it is even said he has gained a victory over the Turks.—The Coalition, however, between Russia and the Porte, must we think, soon operate his ruin.
BOSTON, January 1.
The Foreign News
We this day communicate to the readers of the Mercury an interesting and correct. It is translated from the Hamburg papers four days, and Altona papers six days later than before received. The translation are made by Mr. Kahler, whose ability and integrity are too well known to permit a suspicion of accidental or intentional error. These accounts confirm our news of Tuesday last, in most of its items, and contradict none of them. The total destruction of the Brest fleet bound for

land is ascertained beyond query. Sir J. B. Warren took the Hoche of 80 guns, and 3 frigates—The Melampus took one frigate, 3 were carried into Sligo Bay, and 1 into Greenock, which make the 1 ship of the line and 8 frigates. The Hoche is in a French Register at 130 guns. We have inserted one article relative to an attack on the Texel, which is taken from the Hamburg correspondent, of October 31.—The Aloua Mercury, of about the same date, has a similar paragraph. British papers have heretofore hinted at a design upon this rendezvous of the Batavian fleet.—The dispatches from Buonaparte, &c. are of an ancient date and are only noticed as curiosities. The account from Messina, corroborating other intelligence, announcing the French defeats in Egypt, appear, in a degree, warranted by Gen. B's own letters—in which he confesses the bravery, equipment and enemy of the Mamluks and Arabs. Indeed it may be inferred that the Editor of the Vienna Gazette vouches for most of the particulars in the statement.—We observe nothing contradictory of the advice of the configuration of the transports. The late information on the subject implied that the event happened about the 19th Sept. To say the French Government is rendered more favorable to peace by Bruey's defeat, is a bold assertion for a Paris Paper—and may therefore be concluded a stubborn fact. But they have therefore lost the opportunity of making a good bargain. In grasping at too much they probably will get nothing. The Germans can find reasons for breaking off the Negotiations at any time.—The German troops are ready, and the Russians at hand to assist them, in case of a renewal of hostilities.
PHILADELPHIA, January 7. On Saturday the Senate again resumed the trial of the Impeachment of William Blount, when Mr. Ingersoll, in a neat and eloquent Speech of two hours, finished the defence in support of the Plea against the jurisdiction of the Court. After which Mr. Harper, with his usual ability, made a reply of two hours against the Plea, and in support of the jurisdiction of the Senate. The Court adjourned to Monday morning, when, it is expected, judgment will be given on the question of jurisdiction. If the judgment should be against the jurisdiction of the Senate, the whole business will of course, fall to the ground, but if the judgment of the Court be against the Plea, and in favour of the jurisdiction, then the trial, it is presumed, will proceed on the articles of impeachment.
January 8. From a Hamburg paper of October 27. Hamburg, Oct. 27. Stricter means have been lately proposed to prevent the introduction of English goods, and it is now decreed, that after the 1st of October none of English merchandise specified in the ordinance shall be imported into the republic [of Batavia] by land or by sea, on pain of the confiscation of the said merchandise and the banishment of the importer. This decree has been already sanctioned, and the directory has announced it to the people by a proclamation.
KNOXVILLE, December 18. Agreeably to the Proclamation of his Excellency the Governor, for convening the Legislature of this State, the Senators and Representatives met accordingly, the Senate proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, when the Hon. WILLIAM BLOUNT was chosen, and conducted to the Chair.
RICHMOND: FRIDAY, JANUARY 18. Extract from the Journal of the House of Delegates of Virginia, FRIDAY, January 11th, 1798.
The House according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole House, on the state of the commonwealth, and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Callis reported, that the committee of the whole House, had according to order had under their consideration the state of the commonwealth, and had come to two resolutions thereon, which he read in his place, and then delivered in the clerk's table, where the same were again read, and are as follows: 1. The General Assembly of Virginia, solemnly sanctioned by the constitution and laws of the United States, is arbitrary, and unjust.—That the right of election to office, is one of the most important secured, thereby to the citizen; and that it ought not to be destroyed, or impaired, especially by regulations having a retrospective operation.
Therefore, Resolved, That the proposition from the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts, having for its object, the exclusion of certain citizens from their eligibility to office, which they now actually possess; and, the exclusion of other persons who may become possessed thereof, upon the performance of certain conditions held out to them by existing laws: Thus by a retrospective regulation, improper in itself, and inconsistent with the spirit of all our civil institutions; infringing the rights of persons, solemnly guaranteed by the constitution and laws—is arbitrary, and unjust, and that it ought not to be received the approbation of the General Assembly.
2. The General Assembly, nevertheless, concurring in opinion with the Legislature of Massachusetts, "that every constitutional barrier should be opposed to the introduction of foreign influence, into our national councils"—Resolved, That the constitution ought to be so amended, that no foreigner who shall not have acquired rights under the constitution and laws, at the time of making this amendment, shall thereafter be eligible to the office of Senator, or Representative in Congress, of the United States; nor to any office in the Judiciary or Executive Departments.
The first resolution being read a second time, was on the question put thereon, agreed to by the House.
The second resolution being read a second time, a motion was made, and the question being put to amend the same, by inserting after the word "Judiciary" in the last line thereof, the word "Military."
It passed in the negative. And then the main question being put, that the House do agree with the committee of the whole House, in the resolution as reported. It passed in the affirmative, ayes 132; noes 23.
On a motion made by Mr. John Fox, seconded by Mr. Tate—Ordered, That the names of the ayes and noes, on the foregoing question, be inserted in the Journal.
The names of those who voted in the affirmative are—Messrs. Bailey, Cabell, Ware, Anderson, Porterfield, Walker, Chaffin, Giles, Poage, White, Otey, Tate, Baker, Breckenridge, John Miller, Fletcher, M c Guire, Colwell, Buckner, Spencer, Bedford, Harrison, Cheatham, Thomas A. Taylor, Hatcher, Daniel, Roberts, Shackelford, Peterson Goodwin, Pegram, Booze, Wellwood, Webb, Herbert, Jennings, Horner, Haden, Payne, McGill, Wolfe, Greer, Ben. Cook, Bynum, Rives, Mordecai Cook, Hall, Pleasants, Heath J. Miller, John Matthews, Jones, M c Kinzie, Royall, Snyder, King, Starke, Thompson, Fisher, Simons, Selden, Price, Godwin, James Johnson, John Allen, Tazewell, Young, Richard Corbin, Thomas Lewis, Morris, Turner, Wallace, Pollard, Gregory, Joseph Carter, Powell, Clapham, Callis, Meriwether, Francis Eppes, Roebuck, Hill, Mark Alexander, R. Ch. H. Corbin, Evans, Ingle, James S. Matthews, Josiah Riddick, Watkins, Hurst, Claughton, Freeman Eppes, Woods, Wright, M c Kinly, Clarke, Devin, Motely, Woodson, George K. Taylor, Pope, Brooke, Robinson, McCoy, Coomrod, Renterio, Hadden, Barnes, Caruthers, Andrew Alexander, Chas. Lewis, Brown, G. Gatewood, Dulaney, Robert Goodwyn, Mer. et. Stannard, Nat. Fox, John Fox, Faulcon, Seward, Booth, Mason, Cary, Burnham, Lee, Hungerford, Meek, Crockett, Shield, Griffin, Andrews, Foulke, Newton—132.
And the names of those who voted in the negative are—Messrs. Nicholas, Ruffin, Bolling, Perrow, John Taylor, Tyler, Cavendish, Prunty, Cocke, Scott, Peter Johnston, Cureton, Davis—13.
Ordered, That the Clerk do carry the said resolutions to the Senate, for their concurrence.
From Philadelphia, Jan. 8. Extract of a letter from New-York, dated the 6th inst. "Accounts received yesterday from an Eastern port, mention that a vessel had arrived there in a short passage from the West-Indies, with the information of Hispaniola being declared independent, and that the flag established there was a white one with three Negro Heads."
It is reported that a dreadful massacre of the whites by the mulattoes, in which 500 of the former suffered, recently took place at Fort Dauphin.
A fire Engine has recently been invented by a Mr. Elijah Orifbee, of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island.—The following description of the machine is given in a Providence paper. "This Engine proposes the following advantages over the English pump Engines: It is of a simple structure, consisting of no other machinery than a crank and lever, and can therefore be afforded much cheaper, and is less liable to be out of order; it takes up but about half the room, and by the application of the same force will throw water one quarter further. Its simplicity, cheapness and compactness, will render it convenient for many domestic purposes, as washing windows, watering gardens, &c. The same properties will render it equally useful on shipboard, where it will not only answer its general purpose of quenching fire, but by the help of a hose, will wet every sail in the ship."
A letter from Martinique says, two French frigates have landed 800 men at Guadaloupe, and taken Viceroy HUGHES by force on board with an intent to carry him to France; and that the governor of Cayenne had been served in the same manner.
[Balt. Intelligencer.]
SERVICE OF THE YEAR 1799.
A Report from the Secretary of the Treasury, of the sums necessary to be appropriated for the service of the year 1799.
The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the house of representatives of the United States,
THAT for the service of the year 1799, the following appropriations, as detailed in the estimates herewith transmitted, appear to be necessary:
   Dols. Cts.     For the civil list, or the support of government, including the contingent expenses of several departments and offices, the sum of 504,206 83   For defraying the compensation of clerks in the several loan offices, and for books and stationery as heretofore allowed by temporary acts of congress, the last of which will expire at the close of the present year, 13,000   For the payment of annuities and grants, 1,603 33   For the support of the Mint Establishment, 13,300   For the expenses of intercourse with foreign nations, including a sum of twenty thousand dollars, estimated as being requisite for the relief of distressed seamen, & exclusive of the annual appropriation of forty thousand dollars, authorized by the act March 19, 1798, 53,000   For the payment of expenses incident to the treaties  
   with Great-Britain, Spain and the Mediterranean powers, 187,500   For the support of light houses, beacons, buoys and public piers, 44,284 8   For the ordinary contingent expenses of government, 20,000   For establishing trading houses with the Indians, being the amount unexpended of a former appropriation, which will expire at the close of the present year, 110,000   For satisfying miscellaneous claims and expenses, including an additional estimate for the purposes of the act of June 13th, 1798, respecting Loan Office and Final Settlement Certificates, &c. 19,000  
For the Military Department, viz.
The support of the army including pay, rations, clothing, hospital, ordnance, quarter-master, and Indian expenses; the defensive protection of the frontiers, and contingencies, agreeably to the estimate of the secretary of war; the sum of,
Dolls. 4,202,005
From which may be deducted the sum appropriated by the act of July sixteenth, 1798, towards defraying the expenses under the act to augment the army of the United States,
900,000
Leaving to be provided for,
For the payment of military pensions,
For the navy department, pursuant to the estimate of the secretary of the navy, viz:
For completing the ships ordered to be built by the acts of congress, dolls.
Arms and military stores
Contingencies and casualties,
The expense of maintaining the present naval establishment, including the marine corps, for an entire year, is computed at
For the support of 8 revenue cutters during the year 1799,
Total amount,
From which sum is deducted a balance of former appropriations, applicable to the purposes stated in the foregoing estimate,
Leaving to be provided for the sum of
Making in the whole
The funds out of which appropriations may be made, for the purpose before mentioned are—
First, The sum of six hundred thousand dollars of the proceeds of duties on imports and tonnage, which will accrue in the year 1799, which sum is, by law, annually reserved for the expense and support of government.
Second, The surplus of revenue and income which may accrue to the end of the year 1799 after satisfying the objects, for which appropriations have been heretofore made; and,
Third, The proceeds of the loans which may be negotiated on the credit of the United States, pursuant to either or both the acts of Congress, passed on the sixteenth of July, 1798, the one entitled, "An act to enable the President of the United States to borrow money for the public service;" and the other, entitled, "An act making certain appropriations, and to authorise the President to obtain a loan on the credit of the direct tax."
The Secretary respectfully observes, that the expenses of the revenue cutters have been hitherto defrayed by the collectors of the customs, out of the proceeds of the duties on imports & tonnage, & charged in their acts, as expenditures incident to the collection of the said revenue; several of the cutters now in service are, however, well calculated for co-operating with larger ships, for the defence of the sea-coast and of commerce; and, while so employed, order and economy will be promoted by an arrangement for subjecting the expenditures to the controul of the Navy Department; on this ground, the expediency of an appropriation for defraying the expenses of several of the said cutters is submitted.
The Secretary also transmits a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the United States for the year prior to the first da
of October last, being the last period to which an account can be prepared. All which is most respectfully submitted by OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, December the 22d, 1798.
THE FOLLOWING ESTIMATES
Accompanied the aove letter of the Secretary of the Navy.
   Amount of cost of building and equipping a Seventy four gun ship, of 1,620 tons, exclusive of military stores. dollars 40,000   Like oak timber, 30,000   White oak and pine, &c. 85,100   Labour, 32,400   Cables, rigging, cordage, &c. 30,400   Smith's work, 3,200   Anchors, 5,500   Marling, 16,200   Sail maker's bill, two suits, including canvas, 7,800   Joiner's bill, including stuff, 1,620   Carver's bill, 2,240   Rigger's do. 700   Tanner's do. 3,240   Painter's do. 4,800   Cooper's do. 3,240   Block maker's do. 1,620   Boat-builder's do. 2,430   Plumber's do. 9,720   Ship chandlery, 1,215   Turner's bill, 10,960   Copper bolts, 17,440   Shearing copper, nails, &c. 1,215   Woolens, for sheathing 31,600   Contingencies,   Dollars 342,700  
Estimate of pay and rations of the officers and crew of a ship of war of 74 guns—Complement 650 men, for 12 months.
   Officers per month. Dolls. Cts. per annum. per day.     Commander, at 75 900 0   5 lieutenants, at 40 2,400 15   2 lieutenants of marines, 30 720 4   16 midshipmen, 19 3,648 10   3 master's mates, 20 720 6   1 surgeon, 50 600 2   3 surgeon's mates, 30 1,080 6   1 clerk, 25 300 1   1 carpenter, 20 240 2   8 carpenter's mates, 19 1,824 8   1 boatswain, 20 240 2   4 boatswain's mates, 19 912 4   2 yeomen of gun room, 18 432 2   1 gunner, 20 240 2   18 quarter gunners 18 3,888 18   1 chaplain, 40 480 2   10 quarter masters, 18 2,160 10   2 gunner's mates, 19 256 2   1 armourer, 18 216 1   1 steward, " 210 1   1 cooper, " 216 1   1 sail maker, 20 240 2   1 cockswain, 18 216 1   2 master at arms, " 216 1   1 cook, " 216 1   87 22,176 216   280 able seamen, 17 57,120   170 ordinary ditto 12 24,480   63 boys, 8 6,048   50 marines, 3,710   Dollars 114,144   Total pay, 114,144   16 rations per day, amounts to 42,340 for 12 months. 11,885 20   Dollars 126,029  
Estimate of provisions for 650 men, for 12 months.
   Dolls. Cts. Dolls. Cts.   503 barrels beef, at 13 6,539   503 barrels pork, 17 8,551   1982 gals of molasses, 75 1,486 50   234 cwt. rice, 4 936   3136 lbs. butter, 15 420 40   42375 lbs. cheese, 12 2,925   1982 lbs. candles, 20 396 40   2811 gallons vinegar, 30 843 30   14056 gallons of rum, 1 14,056   2346 lbs. soap, 13 304 98   86 barrels flour, 8 688   80 barrels indian meal, 4 320   1660 cwt of bread, 3 33 5,533 33   235 gallons lamp oil, 1 235   1186 bushels of potatoes, 50 593   287 cwt. salt fish, 6 1,722   Dollars 45,911 91  
RECAPITULATION
   Pay and subsistence, 126,029 20   Provisions, 45,911 91   Medicines and hospital stores, 5,000   Contingencies, 40,000   Dollars 316,941 11   Amount of cost, for building and equipping a ship of war of 74 guns.   Different tradesmen's bills. Price per ton. 300 tons. Doll. Cts.   Shipwright's bills, 44 13,200   Cables, rigging and cordage, 18 5,400   Smith's bill, 12 3,600   Anchors, 2 600   Marling, 3 900   Sail-makers and canvas, two suits, 8 2,475 50   Joiner's bill, including stuff, 2 25 675   Carver's, 1 300   Rigger's, 2 600   Tanner's, 33 100   Painter's, 1 300   Cooper's, 1 75 525   Block-maker's, 1 50 450   Boat-builder's 67 200  
   Plumbers 7 300   Ship chandlery, 4 50 1,350   Turner's bill, 40 120   Sheathing copper, nails and rudder braces, 12 3,600   Woolen for sheathing, 75 225   Contingencies, such as ballast stores, camboose, rum whs. tages, porterage, superintending, &c. 26 7,800   Military stores, 20 6,000   Total amount in doll. 162 40 49,720 50  
Estimate of the proposed addition to the navy. The annual expense of a 74 gun ship, per estimate, is dollars 216,941

CASH, And the highest Market Price given for Six per cent Stock OF THE United States, By A. DUNSCOMB.
FOR SALE, THE VERY VALUABLE PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF ABINGDON, (VIRGINIA) CONSISTING OF One Quarter Acre, front Lot on main Street, on which is erected a large new two story framed House, containing, amongst other rooms, an elegant Store room, fit for the reception of a considerable quantity of goods, & a commodious room adjoining in which is a fine place—There is also on the said lot a very good Kitchen and a paled Garden.
One Quarter Acre, back Lot inclosed, separated from the former by an alley of 16 and a half feet wide, on which is a good Stable.—And
One Out Lot, adjoining the back Lots, containing about thirteen acres of excellent Land, inclosed in good fence. About half the said lot is clearer; the residue abounds with valuable timber and fire wood.
The above property lately belonged to Messrs. McCormick & Liggett, and is at present owned by Mr. Adam Zanzinger, of Philadelphia, Merchant; and will be disposed of at Public Sale, to the highest bidder, on the THIRD TUESDAY in April next, on the premises, if not sooner sold by private contract. Any person wishing to become a purchaser may be accommodated with a part or the whole as he may choose, and unquestionable titles made.
The terms will be made known by the subscriber, residing one mile and a half below Abingdon. No acts by virtue of a power of attorney from Mr. Zanzinger.
ROBERT CRAIG. November 8th, 1798. (am)
I have resumed keeping PRIVATE LODGINGS. Gentlemen and Ladies may depend on the strictest attention being paid, and general satisfaction given by
ROBERT CRAIG
VIRGINIA:
IN THE HIGH COURT OF CHANCERY
Between Archibald Anderson, Henry Garret and Martha his wife, David Anderson, Thomas Meriwether and Polly his wife, Francis Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Lucy Anderson, William Anderson, and Sarah Anderson, which said Archibald, Martha, David, Polly, Francis, Elizabeth, Lucy, William, and Sarah, are children of David Anderson, deceased, and the five last of whom being infants, appear by their next friend, Jasper Anderson, and Elizabeth his wife, Nicholas Anderson, David Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Cicely Anderson, Nancy Anderson, and Edmund Anderson, which said Jasper, Elizabeth, Nicholas, David, Sarah, Cicely, Nancy and Edmund, are children of Richard Anderson, deceased, and the three last of whom to wit, Cicely, Nancy, and Edmund, being infants, appear by their next friend, John Minor, Matthew Anderson, Christopher Hudson and Sarah his wife, Edmund Anderson, and Samuel Anderson, plaintiffs.
And Samuel Gill, Nathaniel Anderson, Thomas Anderson, and Benjamin Toler, defendants. THE defendant, Samuel Gill, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly and given the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, it is Ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the bill of the plaintiffs; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper of the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the capitol of the said city. (A Copy) Teste, PETER TINSLE, c.c.
FOR SALE, 214 acres of Land, More or Less,
BEING the tract, lying upon the Brook, in Henrico county, about six miles from this city, sold by Thomas Williamson to Patrick Henry, esq. and by him and Dorothy his wife, to James Thompson. For particulars apply to Mr. Archibald Bryce of Goochland county, or to
JOHN FORBES. Richmond, 20th Dec. 1798. (u 6w) Washington's Reports.
THE subscribers to Washington's Reports are requested to apply for their copies, at Richard and Davidson's Book-Store, where the first volume is ready for delivery.
Prichard and Davidson have a few copies for sale—price THREE DOLLARS. November 12, 1798.
FOR SALE, A NEW DOUBLE GEARED MILL, With ten acres of LAND,
LYING in Henrico county, adjoining the lands of William Randolph of Wilton, and Col. William Heth, five miles below Richmond and one from James river. A good Dwelling House at the Mills lately repaired which will accommodate a small family. This mill is on a never failing stream, and watered by a canal which has flooded the greatest freshest without damage, and there is no danger of her ever being damaged or blown up by floods of water. This mill was set to work in January last, and has ground upwards of 600 barrels of corn, all country grist. A great bargain may be had in this property, as my state of health will not allow me to pay that attention to business which it requires. Due many local advantages attending this property, make it unnecessary to give any further description. Persons wishing to purchase will view the premises, and judge for themselves. One third of the purchase money will be expected in hand, one third in eighteen months, and the remainder in two years. Interest from the date will be required if not punctually paid. A security on the property to insure payment will be taken, and an undoubted title will be given. HALE'S SHARPE. Henrico county, Four } [11] Mile-Creek, August 2, 1798.
VIRGINIA: AT A COURT HELD FOR HALIFAX COUNTY
On Monday the 27th day of August, 1798 William Carr, complainant, against William Glass and Sarah his wife, Robert Shaw & Patsy his wife, Haily Shaw and Rebecca his wife, Jesse Hodges, Joseph Hodges, Chauncy Hodges & James Hodges, heirs of James Hodges, deceased, defendants.
THE defendants, William Glass and Sarah his wife, Robert Shaw & Patsy his wife, Haily Shaw & Rebecca his wife, Joseph Hodges, Chauncy Hodges and James Hodges, not having entered their appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that they are not inhabitants of this country: On the motion of the complainant by his counsel, it is Ordered, that the said defendants do appear here on the fourth Monday in March next and answer the bill of the complainant; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper of the City of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county. (A Copy) Teste, BERRYMAN GREEN, p.c. B.C.
At a court held for Montgomery county, the 6th day of September, 1798
Henry Price, complainant, } In Chancery. John Die, defendant, THE defendant not having entered his appearance according to law and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said defendant is out of this country: On the motion of the complainant by his counsel, it is Ordered, that the said defendant appear here at the April court next, and answer the bill of the complainant; and that a copy of this order be forthwith published in some public newspaper in this state for two months successively, and another copy posted at the front door of this Courthouse. A Copy, Teste, CHARLES TAYLOR, c. m. c.
COPPER & TIN WARE Manufactory.
THE subscriber returns his sincere thanks to a generous public, for the great encouragement he has met with in his line of business; and begs leave to inform his friends & customers, that he has on hand a quantity of STRONG STOUT COPPER IN SHEETS and bottoms, that they may be supplied with STILL on the shortest notice, either with PATENT, COPPER or PEWTER WORMS. He has a number of STILL of all sizes finished and ready for delivery, made on the best and most improved principles, which he is determined to sell at the most reduced prices. WILLIAM COOK. N. B. All kinds of TIN WORK as usual. The highest cash price given for old BRASS, COPPER, PEWTER or LEAD.
Notice!
THE Subscriber is fully authorised to adjust all matters relative to the estate of the late Colonel PETER RANDOLPH, deceased. He has therefore to request of those who have claims against the said estate, to make them known to him during the next session of the Assembly, in Richmond, as he will be there for that time. He has also to request all those who are indebted to the said estate, to make immediate payment, as no longer indulgence can be given. CREED TAYLOR. Nov. 13, 1798.
LAW BOOKS For sale at SAMUEL PLEASANTS' PRINTING OFFICE.
Ambler's Reports, Gilbert's Reports, Peake's Nisi Prius, Parker's Reports, Rowan's Trial, Milford's Pleadings, Hargrave's Practice, Stubbs' Crown Circuit, Sayer's Reports, Hales's Precedents, Hardres's Reports, Bargrave's Tracts, Jacob's Court Keeper, Sayer's Law of Coffs, Lawey's Magazine, Miller on Government, Morgan's Essays, Cruise on Uses, Cowper's Reports, Douglas's Reports, Caffe in Equity, Sheppard's Touchstone, Saunders on Uses & Trusts, Tidd's Practice, Trials per pais, Pigot on Recoveries, Solicitor's Guide, Dyer's Reports, Doctor & Student, Selwyn's Analysis, Davis's Reports, Pleadings & Affidavits, Showers' Reports, Vattel's Law of Nations, Hinde's Chancery, Reeves' History English Law, Newman's Conveyancing, Eder's Readings, Fearne on Remainders, Hale's Pleas, Higmore on Bail, Atkinson's Vade Mecum, Conroy's Reports, Sayer on Dama ges, Kelyng's Reports, Heywood's Digest, Green's Bankrupt Law, Law of Attorneys, Kyd on Awards, Every man his own Lawyer, Dogherty's Crown Circuit, Barlemaqui on Law American Justice, Marten's Law of Nations, Wright's Tenures, Jones on Bailments, Laws of the United States, Henning's Justice, Boscowen on Penal Statutes, Brown's Dictionary, Coke on Littleton, Crown Circuit Comptable, Foulque, Gilbert on Executions, Rees's Practice, Blackstone's Law of Evidence on Reprovins, Noy's Maxims, Powell on Contract, Montgomery.
Marshall & Syme, OPPOSITE THE POST OFFICE, RICHMOND, HAVE FOR WHOLESALE,
A General Assortment of MANUFACTURES, For which Country Produce or Approved Notes will be taken.
Doctor Philip Larus, Surgeon & Dentist, Duly examined in Europe,
TAKES this method of offering his services to the inhabitants of Richmond and its vicinity, and informs them that he purports to perform all Operations on the Teeth—He Cleans, files, Regulates, Extracts, and fills decayed Teeth with Gold or Lead—He waits upon Gentlemen and Ladies at their own houses, by notice at Bowler's Tavern. Richmond, 17th Dec. 1
Wanted Immediately, A WOMAN, Of good character, to Cook, Wash, &c. for a small family.—Also
A Boy From 10 to 12 years old. Enquire of the Printer. January 8, 1799.
THE FOLLOWING BOOKS Are for Sale at this Printing Office, viz.
A collection of State Papers, relative to the War against France, now carrying on by Great Britain, &c. containing authentic copies of Treaties, Conventions, Proclamations, Manifestoes, Declarations, Memorials, Remonstrances, Official Letters, Parliamentary Papers, London Gazette Accounts of the War, &c. &c. &c. &c. many of which have never before been published. Philadelphia Monthly Magazine, Winterbotham's History of America, Gordon's ditto, American Revolution, written in the style of ancient history, Goldsmith's Animated Nature, History of England, Berton's Lectures on Female Education and Manners, Godwin's Enquirer, Political Justice, Gilborne's Enquiry into the Duties of the Female sex, Darwin's Botanic Garden, Miss More's Essays, Knapp's Essays, Large folio Bibles, Davies's Sermons, Instructor, Blooms of Morality, American Preceptor, Jones on Bailments, Caroline of Lichtfield, Final & conclusions of John Haver, Charles McManus, &c. for the murder of Francis Shitz, at Harrisburg, (Penn.) June term, 1798. Martine's American Gazetteer, Geography, Scott's Gazetteer, Pike's Arithmetic, &c. &c. —ALSO—
A number of Elegant PRINTS, MAPS, &c. January 8, 1799
FOR SALE, At Samuel Pleasants' Printing Office,
A FEW COPIES OF HENNING'S Virginia Justice, [NEATLY BOUND AND LETTERED.]
Where also may be had, [By the Dozen or Single Copy,] THE COLUMBIAN
Spelling & Reading BOOK:
AN EASY AND ALLURING GUIDE TO SPELLING AND READING. Containing: I. Lessons in Spelling from one Syllable to Seven. II. A large collection of Proverbs and Maxims, of one and two Syllables. III. Eighty-one of Doddle's Fables, being more than half of the number in that entertaining Book—each ornamented with a handsome metal Cut. IV. A collection of Words, nearly alike in Sound, but differing in Sense. V. A Table of Contractions. VI. An Explanation of the Use of Points, Stops, and certain Marks used in Writing and Printing. VII. Essay on the Sounds of the Letters in the English Language.
The above Book is recommended by several of the most eminent Teachers on the Continent—and has been generally preferred to any publication of the kind that has yet appeared in America. December 25th, 1798.
LEATHER FOR SALE.
The subscriber has a few Bundles of excellent Northward Soak-Leather for sale, either by the bundle or smaller quantity.
ALSO—Most kinds of other LEATHER at his Currying shop, opposite Richard Bowler's tavern. James Lownes. Richmond, 14th 10th mo. 1798.
Just Received, And for Sale by the Printer hereof, BUONAPARTE'S CAMPAIGN IN ITALY, During the fourth and fifth years of the French Republic.
BLANK BONDS For sale at this Printing Office.
Thomas Gilliat HAS imported by the late arrivals from London and Liverpool, an extensive and well selected assortment of
FASHIONABLE FALL GOODS
Which is now selling off, at his usual low prices, for Cash or Country Produce.—Also a large supply of the following Articles, will be sold low for Cash or at a moderate advance, on six months credit: Kendall Cottons, Duffel and Rose Blankets, White and Coloured Plains, Kerseys, Talisticks and Coatings, Yarn and Plaid Hosiery, 6-4 and 7-4 Cloths, well assorted colours and prices, Email Cases of Hardware and Cutlery, well assorted, Casks of Pewter and Glass-Ware, each assortment, Boxes of Hats, ditto, Calicoes and Irish Linens, Brittas and German Osnaburgs, Sacking and Rope, Shot and Gun Powder, Sine Twine. RICHMOND, October 25th, 1798.
J. Prosser & Wm. Moncure, Have connected themselves, to transact business in the
Auction and Commission line, under the firm of Proffer & Moncure
in the house lately occupied by Messrs. Hicks, CAMPBELL and CORDELL; at which place Goods will be thankfully received, and advances of cash made if required.—Any business intrusted to their management will be strictly attended to and the utmost punctuality observed. JOHN PROSSER. WILLIAM MONCURE. Richmond, 14th June, 1798.
FOR SALE, Two valuable Mulatto Male
SERVANTS,
One of them has been brought up to waiting in a house, and is acquainted with his business—the other is also a house servant, and is besides, a very good driver.
—ALSO—
A middle aged Negro Fellow. The above Negroes having wives in Richmond, and being therefore unwilling to remove to the country with their present owners, they are sold to accommodate them, and not on account of any objections to their conduct.—For terms apply to PROSSER & MONCURE. Oct. 19, 1798. (u)
FOR SALE.
20 qr. casks } old Red Port Wine of fine quality; 20 pipes } superior quality; Madeira Wine in pipes; Teneriffe do. do; Porter packed in casks of 3 doz. each; Old West India Rum; French Brandy; Apple Brandy; 2000 gallons excellent Whiskey; Loaf Sugar; Brown Sugar; Coffee; Salt Iron, and 100 barrels excellent cut Herrings: The above articles have just come to hand, and being principally on consignment, will be sold very low, for cash, by Gamble & Temple, Who have as usual a good assortment of
DRY GOODS
on hand, which will be sold on equitable terms. Richmond, June 11, 1798.
FOR SALE, A tract of Land,
CONTAINING between eight and nine hundred acres, lying on James river, and adjoining the town of Manchester. About one hundred and fifty acres of this land is cleared and under good fences, the balance in wood and well timbered—the buildings are new, and fit for the reception of a small genteel family. Any one inclined to purchase, on application will be shown the premises by either Maj. Oquadah Smith or Mr. James Scott, who are empowered in my absence to contract for the same and make a title. Approved Bonds will be received in payment, and possession made agreeable to the purchaser. WILLIAM SMITH. Chesterfield county, } October 16, 1798.
Just received
And for Sale at this Printing Office, A FEW COPIES OF
Monroe's View OF THE Conduct of the Executive.
—Also—
Gallatin's Speech ON THE Foreign Intercourse Bill, WITH AN APPENDIX.