Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political (Alexandria [Va.]), 1809-03-10 00:00:00

FURTHER SUPPRESSED DOCUMENTS.
The right which every government possesses to keep secret its intercourse and negotiations with foreign nations, so long at least as they are still pending, has been most grossly abused by the present administration.
Availing themselves of the privilege of secret debate, and of the right to impose injunctions of secrecy on the members of the two houses, they have published just so much and no more of the correspondence of our government with foreign powers, as would tend to palliate the conduct of France, and exasperate the people against Great Britain.
It will be perceived by the documents which we are now about to publish, the authenticity of which may be relied on, and we challenge Mr. Madison to disavow if he dare, that while the most important facts in the treatment of France to us, and the most interesting opinions of general Armstrong, tending to shew the necessity of a war, or of spirited measures against that nation, have been purposely kept back, letters from Mr. Pinkney, on the other hand, favorable to Great Britain, and to her views and feelings, have been equally suppressed.
It will be seen, that as the government professed to take hostile ground equally against both, no honorable motives of policy or prudence, no rules of diplomatic delicacy required the suppression of these letters.
We are happy in being able to give them to the public. We shall place them in order of time, and accompany them with such explanatory remarks only, as are absolutely necessary to the right understanding of such mutilated extracts. The other parts of the same correspondence will be found by our readers among the documents published by order of the Senate, early in the present session.
The first document which we have to present to the public, is an extract of a letter from Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Madison, dated Dec. 27, 1807, in which our minister, after every mark in France agrees, that the decrees of the emperor are impolitic; but that no man had the hardihood to state this opinion to the emperor. It results from this correspondence, that so great are apprehensions entertained of the violence of the temper of this tyrant, that we have no means of communicating to him the sense we have of his injustice. As his own ministers dare not express their own convictions, and as the rules of diplomatic forms forbid a direct application to him, we are obliged to submit to all his caprices, without the possibility of remedy. This may be an apology in the minds of the admirers and advocates of this despot, but it proves our case to be hopeless.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Madison.
PARIS, Dec. 27, 1807.
"I forwarded to Mr. M c Elhany a copy of a second and very extraordinary decree, [Milan Decree of Dec. 17] of this government, with regard to neutral commerce. Whether it be meant to stimulate Great Britain to the commission of new outrages, or to quicken us in repelling those she has already committed—the policy is equally unwise, and so decidedly so, that I know not a man of consideration who approves of it. It is however not less true, that it is as difficult to find one who will hazard an objection to it. T——d, who in this way is permitted to go further than any other person, dare not avow his opinion of it, nor (bad as he thinks it) do more than state that the present moment would appear to dictate some modifications. To this point he stands engaged to go, and I wait the result with much anxiety. The emperor is expected here on the last day of the month."
The second suppressed document is a part of the letter of Mr. Madison of the 8th of Feb. 1808, to Mr. Armstrong. The letter was published as a perfect whole. No reference whatever was made to any suppressed extract, nor was it intimated that any part had been suppressed.
The part now added originally followed the sentiment, expressed by Mr. Madison,
that his Britannic majesty had declared, "that he would repeal or relinquish his orders puri passu (with equal pace) with his enemy, France." Mr. Madison, in the suppressed extract, now first laid before the public, adds, that he presumes the British government did not contemplate the distinction between that part of the French decrees which operated on land and that part which operated at sea . And the inference is, that Great Britain would not admit the absurd and disgraceful distinction set up by our government, that the French decrees so far as they affected our trade on the ocean were unjust : and Mr. Madison concludes with urging a modification only of the French decrees so far as respects the seizure in their ports , and urges it on the ground, not of our rights secured by treaty, but on the effect it would have on the objects of France. That these objects , the destruction of British commerce, would be as effectually promoted by annihilating our treaty and continuing her seizures to her own ports and those of her dependencies as by captures on the ocean. The late report of a relaxation of the Milan decree seems to be founded on this treacherous concession of Mr. Madison, and probably was produced by the mean councils of our cabinet.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Madison to Mr. Armstrong.
FEBRUARY 8, 1808.
[To follow the paragraph reading with the words "puri passu with the enemy."]
"Whether these intimations have any reference to the distinction between such parts of the French decree as operate municipally on shore, and such as operating on the high seas, violate the rights of neutrals, or to distinction between former restriction, and the late extension of the decree with respect to the United States, Erskine did not seem authorised to say. The probability is, that neither of these distinctions entered into the views of the British cabinet. But it is certainly neither less the duty nor the true policy of the Emperor of the French, so to vary his decree, as to make it consistent with the rights of neutrals and the freedom of the seas, and particularly with his positive stipulations with the United States. This may be the more reasonably expected as nothing can be more clear as has been already observed, than the effect of the decree, as far as it can be carried into effect would not be sensibly diminished by abolishing its operation beyond the limits of territorial sovereignty."
The next documents in order of time are the suppressed letters of Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Madison of 22d Feb. 1808, and of the 9th of March of the same year.
The first, which the pure periods of our history would have roused our nation to a flame, contained facts and allegations of the most important tendency, and proofs of a temper, to which no nation ever yet submitted before it was subdued; we now give it to the public.
It appears, that Bonaparte declared we should be either "allies or enemies"—that the amount of property sequestered was upwards of one hundred millions of francs or seventeen millions of dollars, nearly three times as great as the whole amount of British captures during the whole of fifteen years war; that our ambassador at Paris who cannot be charged with too much spirit, declared that the very magnitude of these sums, rendered all hope of redress abortive; and that he presumed as soon as we should know from him that France have thus definitively taken her ground, "we should immediately take ours." In other words that we should resist with our whole energies such flagrant insults and violation of our rights.
Yet this letter is suppressed; and it produced no sentiment of indignation in our submissive rulers. We did take our ground, but it was the ground of base submission—of further humiliation.
The letter of the 9th hereto subjoined, shews that Bonaparte had stated, that he would modify his decrees, if we could point out a mode in which he could do it without departing from his system; but Mr. Armstrong explicitly states, that he doubted the sincerity of this declaration. In fact he made a proposal for modification to which no reply has ever been given.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Madison, Feb. 22, 1808.
"Mr. Patterson offering so good a conveyance that I cannot but employ it. Nothing has occurred here since the date of my public dispatches (the 17th) to give to our business an aspect more favorable than it then had: but on the other hand, I have come to the knowledge of two facts, which I think sufficiently shew the decided character of the emperor's policy with regard
to us. These are etc. : that in a council of administration, a few days past, when it was proposed to modify the operation of the decree of Nov. 1806, and Dec. 1807, (tho' the proposition was supported by the whole weight of the council) he became highly indignant, and declared that these decrees should suffer no change , and that the Americans should be compelled to take the positive character of either allies or enemies .—2d. That on the 27th of January last, 12 days after Mr. Champagny's written assurances, that these decrees should work no change , in the property sequestered until our discussions with England were brought to a close , and seven days before he reported to me verbally these very assurances , the emperor had by a special decision , confiscated two of our ships and their cargoes, (the Julius Henry , and Juniata ) for want merely of a document not required by any law or usage of the commerce in which they had been engaged. This act was taken, as I am informed, on a general report of sequestered cases, amounting to one hundred and sixty, and which at present prices, will yield upwards of one hundred millions of francs, a sum, whose magnitude alone renders hopeless all attempts at saving it—Danes, Portuguese and Americans will be principal sufferers. If I am right in supposing that the Emperor has definitively taken his ground, I cannot be wrong in concluding that you will immediately take yours ."
Extract of a letter from Mr. Armstrong to Mr. Madison.
MARCH 9, 1808.
"The conversation alluded to in the copy of the letter—did not take place till the 8th instant, when the Emperor declared, that if means could be found to make an exception of the November Decree, that such exception should have his consent."
Extract from the same to the same.
MARCH 15, 1808.—"I stated in my last letter the substance of a declaration made by the emperor, viz. that if means could be found to except American property from the operation of the decree of November 1806, without infringing the principles of the decrees, he would immediately make the exception. No time was lost in communicating this declaration to me, and I was invited to point out the means it required, and assured that they should be immediately submitted to his majesty. Little as I liked the proposition, and much as I doubted the sincerity of the declaration out of which it grew, I could not refuse an agency of mine in rescuing so much of the American property sequestered in the ports of the empire as would come within this new rule. I accordingly wrote the note (a copy of which is subjoined to this letter) pointing out in a few words the property to which that rule would apply. This note was put into the Emperor's hand by the Prince of Benevento, who, though six days have now elapsed, has not yet returned an answer."
Spanish Affairs.
FROM JAMAICA PAPERS. Received at the office of the Norfolk Public Ledger, by the British schr. Commerce, captain Chipman.
KINGSTON, (Jamaica) Jan. 26.
It is with infinite satisfaction we state, that a direct contradiction is given to the gasconading accounts by the Ephigene , of the disasters of the British and Spanish troops. By late advices from Carthagena, we are informed of the most brilliant illuminations having taken place there, as well as every other demonstration of joy evinced in consequence of the glorious news received, of the success of the combined British and Spanish force over the French, in an action fought near Burgos, at the commencement of December, when the latter suffered most terribly in killed wounded, and prisoners; and in fact were so completely cut up, that the action was considered to be of a very decisive nature.
A stronger and further corroboration of the same intelligence is also given from other ports in Spanish America. Dispatches from Spain with official advices of the battle, addressed to the captains general of the Carracas, had been received at Laguira: and at Maracaibo a vessel arrived a few days since, with information of the same nature.
Thus, notwithstanding the attempts to make the efforts of the British and Spanish in Spain appear drooping and disheartened, we may now safely pronounce that they have gained the day!—and we trust it will prove a preliminary step to the total expulsion of those enemies of the human race, who have endeavored to subjugate that country.
In laying it before our readers, we notice, as first in order of time, the arrival of the Indefatigable frigate, capt. Rodd, at Plymouth, on Tuesday morning, which landed two officers there, who sat off immediately with dispatches for London. Upon this occasion, it was rumored through Plymouth, that Romana, Baird, and Moore, had effected a junction of their three armies. This junction, our readers need not be told, would of itself be an event of infinite importance; but we do not count this rumor alone as sufficient evidence of the fact—though it deserves to be noticed, as corroborative of what follows.
The next arrival, is that of a vessel on Wednesday, in St. Austell Bay, from which a gentleman landed, whose intelligence has been handed about that neighborhood, in substance as follows: "That a great battle had been fought in Spain, which terminated in the defeat of the enemy; and one British regiment of infantry was named, which was said to have had only 14 (or as others say) 40 men left. This we consider as but another echo of what will gradually become more tangible as we proceed."
The Mars cutter, letter of marque, arrived at Falmouth on Thursday from Lisbon. In her came passenger, captain A. M c Geachy, of the 14th regiment of foot, charged with dispatches from Madrid, dated the 27th ult. and which were received at Lisbon on the 5th inst. We did not see this officer, but a correspondent at Falmouth, who has very seldom misled us, writes, that "the news brought by this gentleman, is of a most favorable nature indeed; it is said, that affairs in Spain have taken a sudden turn, decidedly favorable, and that the Spaniards had rallied since the defeat of Castanos, and have cut off 25,000 men of the French. Such is the substance of the news from Madrid, via Lisbon; and it serves to establish the important fact, that Bonaparte had not arrived there on the 27th. So much for the rumor in the London prints, that he was at Madrid on the twenty-fourth!"
But let us proceed. The Cheerful cutter, lieut. Carpenter, reached the Mounts Bay on Wednesday last, in 5 days from Corunna, and landed dispatches, which were forwarded by a post office express through Truro for London. This cutter got round to Falmouth on Thursday and several private letters were received at Falmouth from Corunna by this conveyance. These letters agree in saying also, that affairs have taken a very favorable turn in the north of Spain. It was understood at Corunna, that after the defeat of Castanos, which was allowed to be a severe one, the army of Arragon, under Palafox, [these are the brave fellows who gave proof of their metal by their desperate and successful defence of Saragossa]—that the army of Arragon had joined the army of Castanos, and (as our correspondent expresses it) "had gained much ground." One thing (he adds) is certain, that sir David Baird had again advanced, and all the troops of his army embarking, were given over. Of this fact too we are certain, from another source, a confidential one, of unquestionable respectability. This change, then, in the army of sir David Baird, from retreating to advancing, is itself an incontrovertible proof, that the French have experienced an important check; at the same time that it affords the strongest presumption of the truth of the accounts from Madrid and from Corunna, which accounts agree also in stating that the Spaniards have rallied under Palafox and Castanos, and beat back the enemy. That this could not have been effected but with great slaughter, must be evident.
In the mean time we have also to announce the arrival at Falmouth on Thursday of a vessel from Malaga. Our readers will recollect that a French army has been shut up in Barcelona ever since the surrender of Dapont. The accounts by this vessel state, that the enemy was closely besieged there by a Spanish army of 30,000 men; and that being reduced to a state of absolute starvation, it was expected that they could not hold out much longer. The enemy in Barcelona is said to amount to 12,000 men.
Yesterday arrived at Port Royal the extra hired packet Mary, captain Weston, in 38 days from Falmouth. She sailed from thence on the 20th December, (having been detained by government) at which time the 14th and 16th light dragoons were embarking under the command of general Cotton, for Spain. When the Mary was lying at Barbados, his majesty's gun brig Frolic sent in a valuable French prize, taken off Martinique, supposed to be worth 20,000 sterling; and on her quitting Carlisle Bay, the London fleet, consisting of upwards of 200 sail, were coming to anchor there.

NEW-YORK, March 3.
NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.
His Majesty's ship Africa, off Copenhagen, Oct. 20, 1808.
MY DEAR FRIEND, WE sailed from Carlscrona, in Sweden, about a week since, with a convoy under our protection of near 200 merchantmen for Malmoe. Our convoy got into the wished-for port, all, I believe, except one taken by the enemy on shore, which were burnt by our people, to prevent their falling into the hands of the Danes.
The Africa kept between the convoy and the Danes, to cover and protect them. We saw the Danish gun boats rowing towards us, to the number of 32 boats; perhaps you do not know, but for your information I tell you, when a large ship is becalmed, she is quite unmanageable, mere logs on the water, which was our case. The Danes with their oars took the opportunity to come on our quarters and bows, where they knew we were weakest, and endeavoured to rake us. About half past two o'clock they came within gun shot of us and we opened a brisk fire on them, from as many of our guns as we could bring to bear on them. They continued advancing and stationed themselves some on the quarters and some on the bows.
These boats have, in a calm, much superiority over a ship; by means of their oars, they can pull round a ship in any direction, and being small, comparatively like a speck on the water, they are no mark to aim at like a large ship. They amount in all as far as we can learn, to about 1920 men, and 123 guns, 32's and 42's with swivels. To do them justice, they shewed much courage in coming near us, for our shot went far over them.
Their grape shot could only be likened to showers of stone or dust thrown into the ship by shovels. The scene round me was soon knocked away entirely, by splinters. A cartridge of powder, of 4 lbs. which I had over my head to the man above me, blew up, the lid of the cartridge box being off, without hurting me, except a slight stroke on the eye.
At half past seven, those that remained of the enemy began to pull away from us. I am informed by our people who were on deck, that they supposed the Danes suffered extremely by our fire, as they saw several boats sink, and they were picking the people out of the water. Some had no more than five men left in them. The darkness of the night finished the business.
At the conclusion we find that we have eight men killed outright, and in wounded many badly. The total is 61.
Our colors were twice shot away. The enemy, supposing we had struck, huzzahed and pulled nearer; we huzzahed and pelted away at them; they drew back.
Our boats are all shot to pieces, an armed chest on the poop blown to pieces by their shells; but thank God we beat them off. We suppose their loss in men must be three times greater than ours, considering the numbers, and from what those on our deck saw. Those now in the ship, and who were in Lord Nelson's last action at Trafalgar, say, this surpassed it for hard fighting.
[This action evinces the wonderful efficacy of gun-boats.]
Extract of an Act of the Corporation of Alexandria, for the extinguishment of Fire.
Section 7. If any person who shall be present at any fire shall neglect or refuse to obey the order or direction of any officer who shall be appointed by any fire company now established, or which may be hereafter established, knowing him to be an officer, such person shall forfeit and pay the sum of five dollars: Provided the name of such officer shall have been first published in one of the public papers.
A meeting of the Star Fire Company, on Saturday evening, the 4th instant, the following Officers were chosen:—
George Drinker, 1st William S. Moore, 2d Commander.
A. C. Cazenove, 3d John Roberts, } Regulators.
Joseph Milburn, } Phineas Janney } Andrew Flemming, } Property-men.
James Harris, } Andrew Scholfield, } John Muir, } Daniel McCleod, } N. Curran, }
Joseph Janney, Clerk.
Rabbit-Skins.
I wish to purchase a quantity of the best Rabbit-Skins in fur.
John G. Ladd.
Alexandria Daily Gazette.
FRIDAY, MARCH 10.
From the Baltimore American of March 3.
By a gentleman who arrived here this day in the L'Etoile from Guadaloupe, for Bordeaux, which vessel put in here in distress, having sprung both her masts in the Mona passage when chased by two English frigates we learn that Guadaloupe was expected to be attacked every day by the English, the latter had with 12,000 men made an attack on Martinique, and were repulsed in two general engagements, in one of which the English lost 2000 and the French 800 men. The English still remained on the island which was blockaded by about 60 vessels of war. The English 74 the Captain, late Nelson's flag ship, and a brig was driven ashore and lost.
From the same source we learn that a vessel had arrived at Guadaloupe from L'Orient, which she left Jan. 4, bringing accounts that Bonaparte and his brother Joseph entered Madrid on the 4th Dec. The Spanish Junta had capitulated and entered into engagements with the French emperor, that none of the English troops should escape from Spain, and had delivered them up as hostages to Bonaparte for the fulfilment thereof. Bilbao was taken, with a number of English vessels which were in harbor. Junot had marched against Lisbon. Vast quantities of English goods have been seized and confiscated.
The cause of the Spanish priests & their English auxiliaries appears to be now decided. It is very questionable whether any of the English will be able to reach any one port to re-embark. Bonaparte on entering Spain issued a manifesto holding the Spaniards responsible for every Englishman in the country. The Bulletins down to the 15th had been received at Guadaloupe, but our informant did not know their contents.
This stroke of the French emperor should terminate in the capture of the 3 grand English armies will have a great effect in restoring the tranquility of Europe. Beside a great number of the flower of the English nobility, there are above forty members of the British Parliament with the armies in Spain.
Captain Russel arrived last evening from Nassau, informs us, that on Wednesday the 15th ult. the British government brig Despatch, arrived at that place from a cruise—a few days before her arrival, she had spoken a packet dispatched by Lord Collingwood to the governor of Jamaica, with intelligence of a great battle having been fought near Madrid, between the combined British and Spanish troops with the French, in which the latter were completely defeated, with the loss of 40,000 men. Captain R. informs us, that this intelligence received general credit at Nassau, and that an extra paper containing it was in the press when he sailed. This account corresponds with the report received via Bermuda.
[Charleston paper Feb. 25.]
FROM THE NORTH AMERICAN.
A DREAM.
"There are times (says Fontenelle) when I fancy myself suspended in the air, and where I continue stationary while the earth turns under me in four and twenty hours. I see pass before me varieties of faces, white, black, swarthy, olive. Now it is people with hats, anon with turbans. Here a set with long hair, there a set closely shaved. Now cities with steeples and crosses; now with Pagodas and temples. Here, an extensive country covered with cabins; there, seas loaded with ships;—there frightful deserts. In short, all the endless variety which is on the surface of the earth."
I had scarcely finished reading this fine passage, when I closed the book, and fell asleep. Methought, that I was no longer an inhabitant of this earth, but a being resident in one of those travelling worlds called Comets, upon a tour through its allotted portion of the great universe: my faculties, I found, had changed with my situation. Arrived within a certain distance of the planets or satellites, I could see and hear distinctly whatever was said or done upon them. And as we moved with the rapidity of light, the mind was proportionably quick in its operations, a single glance sufficing to make it acquainted with the different projects and thoughts of their various and dissimilar inhabitants.
As the solar system came into view, I beheld it with renewed pleasure. Many changes, I perceived, had happened on the surface of its globes. Entire continents had disappeared, occasioned by the falling
in of their crusts, and new ones had arisen elsewhere, competent to preserve the equilibrium; but my attention was chiefly directed to a part of the globe of the earth, which, on our last tour, was seen covered with woods, the residence only of venomous reptiles, wild beasts, and a few disjointed tribes of savages, without letters, arts, or sciences, now ornamented with large cities, country houses, extensive farms, great roads, canals, and inhabited by about six millions of civilized men. I saw that these were a rich navigating people, from the number of their ships and warehouses, but that these ships had been rendered useless, by the adoption of a species of warfare against another navigating people, invented by a tall, meagre looking person who had crept into their confidence by a long series of covert and censurable practices. I saw this man (his mode of war having accomplished not one of the many benefits he had promised from its instrumentality) retiring, from the scene of action, secretly cursed by his party, who in support of his measures had nearly lost all their popularity. I saw him leave in his palace, a little man, whom his intrigues had procured for his successor, whose flesh seemed to be almost deprived of all moisture, and whose gait and eye betrayed a deadly sickness, which he felt at his heart. I saw him as he approached the little man, to bid him farewell, cast upon him a close and enquiring eye. Fear nothing, said the little man, the scene which has been for some time distressing us, is not chargeable on any unwarrantable views, nor, as I trust on any involuntary errors in the public councils. The course pursued has been unexceptionable, although it could not avail against the injustice and violence of the belligerent powers: And the attempts were fair and liberal which have been made to induce a revocation of their arbitrary edicts." The tall man, thus assured, smiled and departed. The little man, became thoughtful and immediately shut himself up in his closet. Little man! I notice with regret your sentiments half expressed, and half concealed! take experience for your director, be warned by the course your predecessor has run; avoid his arts; revoke his measures, private and public; dismiss his secret agents; destroy his cypher, and follow that plain and straight path, which alone can induce "posterity to do you justice," and restore to a suffering distressed, dissatisfied, and discordant people, union, wealth, peace and prosperity.—Alas, breathed the little man, I wish to do right, but——. At this moment the noise of a crowd, that issued from a public ball, given in honor of the old and new president awoke me. After reflecting a few minutes upon this singular dream, I got up committed it to paper, and now send it to you for publication. It is not destitute of a moral, but considering, that some men are ignorant of the most useful truths, that others see but a small part of them, and that a few only have distinct and clear notions of things both the dream and its moral except by these few, will be read and forgotten in the same hour. In honor of these few however, let it be saved from oblivion, by appearing in your paper.
Washington, 4th March.
Notice is hereby given, To the Stockholders of the Washington Bridge Company,
That the fourth instalment of Ten Dollars, on each share, is called for, which must be paid on or before the 20th instant, agreeably to the act of Congress, entitled "An act authorizing the erection of a bridge over the river Potomac, within the district of Columbia."
By order of the Directors, Daniel Carroll. of Dud'n. PRESIDENT.
March 8—10. 6t
T U I T I O N.
THE Subscriber informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Alexandria and its vicinity, that he has opened SCHOOL in that commodious room on King street, opposite the Indian Queen tavern, (formerly occupied as a school room by Mr. Wilbar) where he will teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Mensuration and Navigation on moderate terms. flattering himself, that by assiduous attention to the improvement of his Pupils, he may merit a share of public patronage.
Abraham Walker.
March 10. dlm
JUST RECEIVED,
AND FOR SALE, At the Office of the Alexandria Daily Gazette, [Price 25 Cents.]
THE HONEST POLITICIAN.
In a Series of Numbers, addressed to the President of the United States—to which is added a publication under the signature of
VINDEX.
January 19.
A NEW WORK,
For Sale at ROBERT GRAY'S BOOK
STORE, King-street Alexandria,
The private life of WASHINGTON,
With a great number of original anecdotes,
By M. L. WEEMS,
Ci-devant Rector of Mount Vernon Parish, and, for fifteen years, the intimate of the grey-haired veterans of the last century, who were the neighbors and companions of Washington.
Criticism by Judge Brackenridge, dated CARLISLE, Jan. 19th, 1809.
Dear Sir,
I have read and read again your publication, the life of Washington; and you will not understand me as acknowledging it to be without defects, when I take notice only of its excellencies. These indeed are very great. You have combined, with great felicity, the useful and the pleasant: historical information and amusing anecdote. You have drawn from both urns, of tears and mirth. With a sudden transition we have the pathetic and the comic, and both irresistible. Your style is always perspicuous, and occasionally noble; in flights of imagery and richness of expression, rising to the sublime. But the great richness of your book is, the morality of the sentiment. I do not know a better to be put into the hands of young persons to raise the mind to political and moral virtue. It ought to be introduced into all schools; and to be in every family. With regard to biographical merit, the delineation is such as to give a view of character, not on a faradé day, but as independent of command or station. This is the painting which interests. It is that alone which makes a likeness; for a mere outline, wanting the expression, gives no physiognomy.
I am, with much esteem, your's, H. H. BRACKENRIDGE.
Liberal allowance to school-masters and country merchants.
A NEW WORK.
THE DROWN'D WIFE.
A faithful history of the beautiful Miss Polly Middleton, who after bestowing herself, with a fortune of 4000 dollars on a young husband, Mr. Edward Finley, was drowned by him in the eighth week after marriage. With a number of very interesting incidents, and a fine Likeness of that unfortunate Lady.
By M. L. WEEMS,
Who was on the spot where Mr. Findley was executed, at Edgfield Court-house, South Carolina, April 27. 1804.
Upwards of 9000 copies of this extraordinary pamphlet were printed in Philadelphia in 18 weeks.
The 5th edition—Price 25 cents.
Liberal allowance made to School-masters and country merchants.
Criticism on this work by that celebrated American Historian, Dr David Ramsay, S. C. dated, Charleston, May 16, 1807.
"No man can read this pamphlet, without having his risible faculties often excited—no man can read it without having both his horror of vice and respect for virtue increased. The writer has the art of blending instruction with amusement. While he keeps his readers in high good humour by the frolicsome-ness of his manner, he is inculcating upon them important moral and religious truths, conducive to their present and future happiness.
DAVID RAMSAY."
HAVING an offer of succeeding to a Mercantile Establishment with peculiar advantages on my arrival at Saint Bartholomews, and from the encouragement of several friends I intend to tranfact business there on Commission.—Mr. Joseph Riddle is fully authorised to act for me in my absence.
JOHN GIRD.
MARCH 4. dtf
SEINE CORK.
A small quantity of FINE SEINE CORK for sale by
Wadsworth and Butler.
M
cost
FAXON, METCALF & CO.
OFFER FOR SALE,
 6 hogsheads Muscovado Sugar,  200 boxes Mould Candles,  50 ditto Dipt ditto,  50 ditto Brown Soap,  100 half boxes Brown Soap,  30 boxes No. 3 Chocolate,  20 barrels Boston Beef,  5 half barrels Boston Bay Mackarel,  10 pipes Holland's Gin,  4 pipes 4th proof French Brandy,  2 ditto 1st ditto ditto,  1000 reams Writing and Wrapping Paper,  4000 weight Sheathing ditto. 
200 nests Hingham Boxes, And a general assortment SHOES as usual. March 9. 602W

JUST RECEIVED By the Subscriber, A good assortment of mens' fine and coarse Shoes. Boys' do. do. Womens' and girls' do. do. Excellent Potatoes for seed or family use. Sweet Oil in boxes or retail. Cranberries. Pickled Lobsters in kegs. Limes, and Lime-Juice in bottles. Tamarinds. New-England Cider in barrels. Thomas Patten. March 1.
Charitable Marine Society Lot- tery: Twenty second days drawing the wheel gained $ 1,086 Former gain, 21,144 Total $ 22,230 A few Tickets for sale at 12 dollars. Tickets in the Black River Lottery which begins drawing in April next given in ex- change for prizes in the Charitable Marine Lottery. Present price of Black River Tickets 9 dollars. Robert Gray. Feb 27.
TO LET, THAT eligible stand for business lately occupied by Mr. Charles Bennett, at the corner of King and Fairfax-streets. R. I. TAYLOR. Executor of John Watts. Jan. 2.
WASHINGTON TAVERN, LEESBURG. THE subscriber has returned to the Wash- ington Tavern, Leesburg, where he is prepared with every thing necessary for the accommodation of those gentlemen and ladies who may honor him with their custom. Having laid in a good stock of liquors, hay and oats, and having enlarged his stables, and engaged a careful, attentive and honest host- ler, he flatters himself that, by his unremit- ted attention, together with the diligence, care, and activity of his servants, he will be able to render his customers the most perfect satisfaction in his line. A. B. The house is in much better con- dition than formerly, for the accommodation of travellers. James Dawson. Leesburg, Virginia Jan. 1-3.
John Gardner Ladd, Has for sale, at his Warehouse, Prince-street Wharf— Muscovado and Loaf Sugars in hogsheads and barrels. Molasses, West-India, and New-England Rum in do. Holland's Gin and French Brandy in pipes. Port, Sherry, and Malaga Wines. Coffee, Rice, and Cotton Wool. Imperial, Hyson, Young Hyson, Hyson- shulen, and Hyson-skin Teas, in whole, half, and quarter chests. 1 case black Persians. 2 barrels Caroline Indigo. 20 crates Liverpool cream-colored & blue- edged Ware assorted. Best Black Pepper in Bags. Spermaceti Mould, and Mould and Dip Tallow Candles in boxes. Brown Soap in boxes—Cod-fish in do. Beef, Pork, Salmon, Shad and Herrings in barrels. Tanners Oil, Spanish Hides, a quantity of Sole Leather, Mens', Womens' and Childrens' Shoes of various descriptions, a few packages of White Rolls and German Checks, Russia Sheetings and Diapers, Russia and Ravens Duck, India Cotton of different kinds, Nan- keens, 150 pieces coarse Irish Linens, Writ- ing and wrapping Paper, 500 bushels coarse Salt, Cordage, Flax, Glue, a quantity of Vi- negar, 200 tons Plaister Paris, and 20 tons Russian Hemp, &c. &c. January 1.
Dissolution of Partnership. THE partnership of Duckett & Clagett be- ing dissolved this day, by mutual con- sent, all those indebted to said firm are re- quested to make payment to Jacob Duckett, and those having claims against the concern will render them for settlement. JACOB DUCKETT. HANNIBAL CLAGETT. The business will be continu- ed by JACOB DUCKETT. March 7 6t
SEINE ROPE. THE subscriber manufactures and has for sale, at a house on Washington-street, op- posite Jacob Hoffman's sugar refinery, Seine and Hauling Ropes, of all sizes; Seine & Sew- ing Twine; Shad & Herring Twine; Sack- ing and Bed Cords; Plough Lines & Traces. Also, Tarred Rope and other Cords. Joseph Harper. February 2.
Fresh Clover-Seed. N. HINGSTON, Fairfax-street, has re- ceived a supply of excellent red Clover Seed, which he will dispose of on moderate terms for cash—Also, a few bushels of Fresh Burnet and Hemp Seed—and on hand, Ti- mothy, Orchard Grass, Rye Grass, Burden Grass, Peruvian Grass and Lucern. ALSO, A general assortment of the best kinds of Garden Seeds, mostly of his own saving, from the last year; Medicinal Seeds; Bird Seeds, and a quantity of large Lombardy Poplars; Flowering Trees and Shrubs; best London made Pruning Knives, Garden Shears, Hoes, Rakes, and Books on Gardening; Flower- Pots of all sizes; an elegant assortment of Chimney Ornaments, Queens Ware, China and Glass, Stone and Potters Wares—with a general assortment of Groceries. A B. A genteel person may be accom- modated with a Private Room and Family Board, on moderate terms. February 7. edlw Stawlw & lawlw 1st M
ORPHAN'S COURT, Alexandria County, February Term, 1809. ORDERED, That the executrix of George Washington Crail, deceased, do insert the following ad- vertisement three times a week for four weeks in the Alexandria Daily Gazette. Test. ALEXANDER MOORE, Reg. THIS is to give notice That the subscri- ber of Alexandria county, in the district of Columbia, hath obtained from the Orphans' Court of said county, letters testamentary on the estate of George Washington Crail, late of the county aforesaid, deceased,— all persons having claims against the said de- ceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same, with the vouchers thereof, to the sub- scriber, on or before the 10th day of August next or they may by law be excluded from all benefit to said estate—and those indebted thereto are required to make immediate pay- ment. Given under my hand this 10th day of Fe- bruary, 1809. Maria D. Craik, Ex'rx. February 10 eot4w
District of Columbia, COUNTY OF ALEXANDRIA—to wit: November Term, 1808. John Stidel, Thomas Stidel and Rabald M'Kinzie, complainants, AGAINST William Lees and Oliver P. Finlay, defendants. In Chancery. The defendant, William Lees, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, upon affidavit, that the said defendant William Lees, is not an inhabitant of this district: on motion of the said complainants by their counsel, it is or- dered, that the said defendant Wm. Lees, do appear here on the first day of July term next, and enter his appearance to the suit and give security for performing the decree of the court, and that the other defendant Oliver P. Finlay, do not pay away, convey or secrete the debts by him owing to, or the estate or effects in his hands belonging to the said ab- sent defendant William Lees, until the fur- ther order or decree of the court, and that a copy of this order be forthwith published for two months successively, in one of the public newspapers published in this county, and that another copy be posted at the front door of the court house of said county. A copy—Test, G. Deneale, c. c. January 25. law2m
District of Columbia. COUNTY OF ALEXANDRIA—to wit: November Term, 1808. Joseph Riddle, complainant, vs. Tristram Butler & Job Pal- mer, defendants, In Chancery. The defendant Tristram Butler not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court upon affidavit, that the said defendant Tristram Butler is not an in- habitant of this district—on motion of the said complainant by his counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendant Tristram Butler, do ap- pear here on the first day of July term next, & enter his appearance to the suit, and give se- curity for performing the decree of the court, and that the other defendant Job Palmer, do not pay away, convey, or secrete, the debts by him owing to, or the estate or effects in his hands, belonging to the said absent defend- ant Tristram Butler, until the further order or decree of the court, and that a copy of this order be forthwith published for two months successively, in one of the public news- papers published in this county and that an- other copy be posted at the front door of the court house of said county. A copy—Test, G. Deneale, c. c. January 25. law2m
Joseph Mandeville, CORNER OF KING AND FAIRFAX STREETS, ALEXANDRIA: Has received a considerable ad- dition to his Stock, AND OFFERS FOR SALE, 20 hogsheads, } 1st and 2d quality 20 barrels } Muscovado Sugars. 7000 lb. Green Coffee 3 1-2 tons British Patent Shot, assorted BB to No. 9. 10 bales Cotton. 10 casks first quality Goshen Cheese. 40 boxes Mould Candles. 15 bags clean heavy Pepper. 50 lb. Nutmegs. casks London refined Saltpetre. 5 ditto Irish Glue. Gunpowder, Imperial, Hyson, Young Hy- son, Hyson Skin, and Padre Souchong Teas, in quarter chests, boxes and cannisters—most of which are equal in quality to any ever im- ported. Madeira, Port, Marsala, Sherry, Lisbon, Te- neriffe, and Malaga Wines. A few cases Medoc Claret. Jamaica, Windward-Island, and Northern Rum. Cognac, Bordeaux and Pech Brandy. Holland and Country Gin. Irish and Country Whiskey. Six hogsheads Cherry Bounce. Retailing Molasses, Havanna Honey. Wine and Cider Vinegar. Best Florence Oil in bottles and flasks. Loaf and Lump Sugars, Chocolate, Rice, Pearl & Common Barley, Basket Salt, Starch Fig Blue, Indigo, Mace, Cloves, Cassia Pi- mento, Race and Ground Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Capers, Mustard, Raisins, Almonds, Currants, Madder, Allum, Copperas, Roll Brimestone, Chalk, British and Brandywine Gunpowder, Spanish Segars, Cavendish and Small Twist Chewing Tobacco, Leiper's, Garrett's, and Hamilton's Snuff, Writing and Wrapping Paper, Playing Cards, Bed Cords, Sling Lines, &c. &c. October 18. d
PROPOSALS OR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, A NEW WORK, ENTITLED, THE MANUAL OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH STUDENT OR A NEW AND COMPLETE DICTIONARY OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES. IN TWO PARTS: 1. French & English—2. English & French CONTAINING, 1. All the words in general use, occa- sionally illustrated by French and English sentences. 2. An extensive collection of new words in every art, science and trade. 3. The pronunciation of every word, ac- cording to the most polite usage in France and England. 4. A copious vocabulary of sea terms and phrases. 5. A dictionary of French synonyms. 6. A dictionary of French homonyms. 7. An alphabetical list of the most familiar proper and christian names, and of the most remarkable places in the world. 8. The difficulties of the French language alphabetically arranged. 9. A complete treatise on French poetry. 10. The chief English idioms. 11. A treatise on the English particles, &c. The whole carefully compiled from the best writers, and particularly from the Dictionaries of the French Academy, Boiste, Ferand, Ca- neau, Wailly, Tocquot, Nugent, Chambaud Boyer, Johnson, Walker, &c. By N. G. DUFIEF, Author of Nature Displayed in her mode of teaching language to man, applied to the French language, &c.
The first book of a nation is the dictionary of their own language. VOLNEY. I. It shall be printed on fine paper, in two handsome large 12mo volumes, upon a beautiful type, called nonpareil, cast for the purpose, by Messrs. Binney and Ro- naldson. This type, although small, is, by its neatness and elegance, extremely grate- ful to the eyes. The work will issue from the press of T. and G. Palmer, who have already been so eminently distinguished by the greatest accuracy and taste in their profession, and a thorough knowledge of the French and English languages. II. Price, to subscribers, for the two volumes in boards, neatly lettered, five dollars, to be paid on the delivery of the whole work. By gentlemen, however, wishing to have the first volume before the second, it may be received upon paying the full amount of the subscription for both volumes. Subscriptions received by R. GRAY.
Greening Apples, Cran- berries, Potatoes, and Cider in barrels, FOR SALE BY John G. Ladd. I HAVE now at the Cen- tre Mills four breeding SOWS, with a litter of young PIGS, which may be had on moderate terms for cash. George Drinker. March 7.
Rabbit-Skins. I wish to purchase a quantity of the best Rabbit-Skins in fur. John G. Ladd. March 1.
TO BE LET, A comfortable Brick Dwelling-House, on King and Henry-street, with five rooms, be- sides, cellar, Kitchen, and stabling on good terms. Jona. & M. Scholfield. February 13.
A Mulatto Boy for Sale. FOR SALE, A likely smart MULATTO BOY, four- teen years of age. Price Three Hundred Dol- lars. Apply to the Printer. February 2.
FISH. I WILL contract for the delivery of any quantity of HERRINGS during the coming season, not exceeding 2 000,000, at my fish- ery six miles below Alexandria, for six dol- lars per thousand.—Bacon and all kinds of country produce will be taken in payment at the Alexandria prices.—In large purchases credit will be given to suit the times. William H. Foote. February 23.
ENTERTAINMENT. RANDOLPH MOTT, Late of the Washington Tavern, Alexandria. IS prepared to entertain travellers and o- thers in a genteel manner, at the WHITE HOUSE, opposite the second turnpike gate, seven miles from Alexandria, on the road to Fairfax Court House—and flatters himself his attention to the wishes and conveniences of his customers will ensure him a portion of public patronage. Good pasturage and grain of every de- scription will be furnished for stock. January 10.
Notice is hereby given to de- linquent Stockholders in the Little River Turnpike Company, that unless payment shall be made of their respective balances due on their shares on or before the first Monday in April next, that their shares will be forfeited, pursuant to the act incor- porating said company, and will be exposed to sale, at public auction, on that day, at the coffee house, in Alexandria. By order of the board of directors. Jonah Thompson, Treasurer L. R. T. Co. January 23
This is to give Notice, That the subscriber hath obtained from Orphan's Court of Saint Mary's county and state of Maryland, letters of administration on the personal estate of Richard Bond, late of the aforesaid county and state, deceased.— All persons having claims against the said deceased are hereby warned to exhibit the same for adjustment, with the proper vouch- ers thereof to the subscriber, living in Saint Mary's county and state of Maryland, on or before the 15th day of July next; or they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of the said estate. Given under my hand this 15th day of Ja- nuary, 1809. Rebecca White Bond, Executrix. January 19.
2000 SPANISH HIDES. Muscovado Sugar in hds. and bbls. Clayed do. in boxes Coffee in bbls. and bags Old London Particular and Market Madeira Wine, in pipes and half pipes. Catalonia do. in qr. casks, Castile Soap in boxes. A few tons of Logwood, FOR SALE BY Nath. Wattles, & Co.
NOTICE. Lost or mislaid, a Certificate for two Shares in the Little River Turnpike Road. I therefore give notice, that I shall apply for a renewal of such Certificate. H. Rose. January 21.