Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1804-12-29 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS
[Vol. XII.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1117.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum...paid in advance.]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1804.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
PROPOSALS
For carrying Mails of the United States on the following Post-Roads, will be received at the General Post Office in Washington, until the fourteenth day of January next inclusive.
In Virginia.
26 From Hagerstown Md by Williamsport, Martinsburg, Winchester, Stevensburg, of New-town, Strasburg, Woodstock, New Market and Harrisonburg, to Staunton once a week.  27 From Winchester on Wednesday by 10 a m and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Winchester on Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Staunton on Friday by 11 a m. Return. Leave Staunton on Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Hagerstown on the next Monday by 10 a m.  28 From Washington city, by Georgetown, Prospect Hill, Millersburg, Leesburg, Waterford, Charles Town and Martinsburg, to Winchester.  29 From Washington city every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 5 p m. Return. Leave Winchester on Thursday by noon. Return. Leave Winchester every Friday noon & arrive at Washington on Sunday by 4 p m.  30 From Washington city, by Fairfax ch Centerville, Millersburg, Goshen, Millwood, Paris and Winchester, to Winchester once a week.  31 From Washington every Saturday at 4 a m & arrive at Winchester on Sunday by 3 p m and at Romney on Monday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Romney every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 9 a m and at Washington on Thursday by 5 p m.  32 From Romney, by Westover, Green Glades, Gandy's and Clarkburg, to Marsh's once a week.  33 From Romney every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Gandy's on Wednesday by 3 p m and at Marsh's on Friday by 11 a m. Return. Leave Marsh's every Friday at 1 p m and arrive at Gandy's on Sunday by 8 a m and at Romney on Monday by 8 p m.  34 From Marsh's, by Marietta, Middlesex and the Salt works, to Chillicothe once a week.  35 From Marsh's every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at the Salt works on Monday by 10 a m. Return. Leave the Salt works on Monday by 10 a m and arrive at Chillicothe by 6 p m. Return. Leave Chillicothe every Tuesday at 8 a m and arrive at Marsh's the next Friday by 10 a m.  36 From Romney, by Moorfields, to Pendleton ch once a week.  37 From Romney, every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Pendleton ch on Wednesday by 4 p m. Return. Leave Pendleton ch on Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Romney on Friday by 6 p m.  38 From Marietta to Wood ch once a week.  39 From Marietta every Saturday at 2 p m and arrive at Wood ch by 5 p m. Return. Leave Wood ch on Saturday by 5 p m and arrive at Marietta by 10 p m.  40 From Clarkburg, Buchanan, to Randolph ch once in two weeks.  41 From Clarkburg every other Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Randolph ch on Saturday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Randolph ch every other Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Clarkburg on Friday by 10 a m.  42 From Fredericksburg, by Falmouth, Elk Run Church, Fauquier ch and Salem, to Paris once a week.  43 From Paris every Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Paris on Saturday by 6 p m.  44 From Leesburg, by Centerville, Haymarket, Buckland, Warrenton, Jeffersonville and Culpeper ch to Madison ch once a week.  45 From Leesburg every Saturday at 4 a m and arrive at Madison ch on Tuesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Madison ch every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Leesburg on Friday by 6 p m.  46 From Fredericksburg, by Germantown, Stevensburg, Culpeper ch Gains + Roads & Front Royal, to Winchester once a week.  47 From Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Winchester on Monday by 6 a m. Return. Leave Winchester every Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a m.  48 From Culpeper ch by Woodville, Washington, Thornton's Gap and Munill's store, to Newmarket once a week.  49 From Culpeper ch every Monday at 5 a m & arrive at Newmarket on Tuesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Newmarket at 2 p m and arrive at Culpeper on Wednesday by 6 p m.  50 From Fredericksburg, by Thornsburg, Chittsburg, Chesterfield ch Newfound mills, Oxford, Crew's store, Goochland ch Mitchell's, Yanceyville, Louisa ch Portersville and Spottsylvania ch and Ditch's store to Fredericksburg once a week.  51 From Fredericksburg every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Goochland ch on Thursday by 11 a m & at Fredericksburg the next Tuesday by 8 a m.  52 From Fredericksburg by Port Royal, to Linton's once a week.  53 From Fredericksburg every and arrive at Linton's every and arrive at Fredericksburg every  54 From Fredericksburg, by King George ch Brookfield, Mattox bridge, Locusttown, Templeman's + Roads, Richmond ch Farnham, Kin-sales, Northumberland ch and Lancaster ch to Kilmarnoak once a week.  55 From Fredericksburg every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Kilmarnoak the next Saturday by 5 p m. Return. Leave Kilmarnoak every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg the next Wednesday by 10 a m.  56 From Tappahannock, to Richmond ch once a week.  57 From Richmond ch every Thursday noon and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p m. Return. Leave Tappahannock on Thursday at 6 p m and arrive at Richmond ch on Monday by 9 a m.  58 From Bowling Green, by Ballyroville, Broad-way's mill, Harrisonville, Newtown, Dunkirk, Walker's, King William ch Lilly Point and Cumber, to New Kent ch once a week.  59 From Bowling Green every Monday at 6 a m and arrive at New Kent on Tuesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave New Kent every Tuesday at 2 p m and arrive at Bowling Green on Wednesday by 6 p m.  60 From Richmond by Hanoverstown and Dunkirk, to Tappahannock once a week.  61 From Richmond every Wednesday at 1 p m, arrive at Dunkirk on Thursday by 7 a m. Return. Leave Dunkirk at 8 a m and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p m. Return. Leave Tappahannock every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond on Wednesday by 9 a m.  62 From Dunkirk, by King and Queen ch Shackleford, Gloucester ch and North End, to Matthews ch once a week.
Leave Dunkirk every Thursday at 8 a m and arrive at Matthews ch on Friday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Matthews ch on Saturday at 6 a m and arrive at Dunkirk on Monday by 6 p m.  63 From Richmond by Granville, to Charles City ch once a week.  64 From Charles City ch every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond by 4 p m. Return. Leave Richmond every Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Charles City ch by 6 p m.  65 From Richmond, by Hopkins', Powhatan ch Cartersville, Newcanon, Buckingham ch Bent-creek, Lynchburg, New London and Liberty, to Fincastle once a week.  66 From Richmond every Wednesday at 1 p m and arrive at Powhatan ch by 9 p m and at Fincastle on Saturday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Fincastle every Sunday at 4 a m and arrive at Powhatan ch on Tuesday by 3 p m. Return. Leave Powhatan ch at 4 p m and arrive at Richmond on Wednesday by 10 a m.  67 From Richmond, by Coleville, Genito bridge, Pridestown, Perkinsville, Painesville, Linton and Jamestown, to Farmville once a week.  68 From Farmville every Monday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond on Tuesday by 4 p m. Return. Leave Richmond every Wednesday at 8 a m and arrive at Jamestown on Thursday by 8 p m.  69 From Powhatan ch by Cumberland ch Ca Ira, Farmville, Prince Edward ch and Charlotte ch to Halifax ch once a week.  70 From Powhatan ch every Thursday at 10 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Friday by 4 p m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 4 p m. Return. Leave Halifax ch on Sunday at 4 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Monday at 6 a m. Return. Leave at 6 1-2 a m and arrive at Powhatan ch on Tuesday by 1 p m.  71 From Prince Edward ch by Leicester, Wheeler's springs, Reed's and Campbell ch to New London once a week.  72 From Prince Edward ch every Friday at 4 1-2 p m and arrive at New London on Saturday by 8 p m. Return. Leave New London on Sunday by 4 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Monday by 9 a m.  73 From Halifax ch by Danville and Dixonsville, to Lenox Castle, N. C. once a week.  74 From Lenox Castle every Friday at 6 a m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Halifax ch every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Lenox Castle on Monday by 6 p m.  75 From Halifax ch by Halifax Old town, Pittsylvania ch Pittsylvania Old ch, Peytonsburg, Henry ch and Rocky Mount, to Liberty once a week.  76 From Halifax ch every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Liberty ch on Monday by 3 p m and at Liberty on Wednesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Liberty every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Henry ch on Friday by 8 a m. Return. Leave Henry ch at 9 a m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 6 p m.  77 From Henry ch by Patrick ch to German town in once in two weeks.  78 From Henry ch every other Monday at 4 p m and arrive at Germantown on Wednesday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Germantown the same day at 2 p m & arrive at Henry ch on Friday by 8 a m.  79 From Petersburg, by Brookington, Namozee bridge, Nottoway ch, Hungertown, double bridge, Halesburg, Willisville, Bibb's Ferry and Scarsburg, to Halifax ch once a week.  80 From Petersburg every Wednesday at 2 p m, arrive at Willisville on Saturday by 9 a m. Return. Leave Willisville at 10 a m and arrive at Halifax ch by 4 p m. Return. Leave Halifax ch on Sunday by 6 a m and arrive at Willisville by 2 p m. Return. Leave Willisville at 3 p m and arrive at Petersburg on Wednesday by 10 a m.  81 From Willisville, by Speed and Wilson's store, Walden's store, Sterlingville and Normans, to Mount Tizrah once a week.  82 From Willisville every Saturday at 10 a m and arrive at Mount Tizrah on Sunday by 4 p m. Return. Leave Mount Tizrah every Friday at 5 a m and arrive at Willisville on Saturday by 8 a m.  83 From Harrisville by Fields mill, Quarlesville, M'Farland's, Lunenburg ch Christianville, Marshallville, Meeklenburg ch, Davis's, St. Tammany's, Gads bridge, Edmundson and Fielder's mill, to Harrisville once a week.  84 From Harrisville every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Marshallville by 5 p m. Return. Leave Marshallville on Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Harrisville by 6 p m.  85 From Harrisville, by Hicks' Ford and Alexandria, to Halifax twice a week.  86 From Harrisville every Wednesday and Friday at 5 a m and arrive at Halifax by 8 p m.  87 From Halifax every Thursday and Saturday at 5 a m, and arrive at Harrisville by 3 p m. The mail is to pass by Buney's store and Dancy's on Wednesday and Saturday.  88 From Petersburg, by Sussex ch Jerusalem & South Quay, to Murfreesboro' once a week.  89 From Petersburg every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Murfreesboro' on Wednesday by 4 p m. Return. Leave Murfreesboro' every Sunday at 8 a m and arrive at Petersburg on Monday by 6 p m.  90 From Smithfield, by Urquharts store, Jerusalem, Bethlehem + roads and the + keys, to Hicks' Ford once a week.  91 From Hicks' Ford every Thursday at 5 a m and arrive at Smithfield on Friday by 11 a m. Return. Leave Smithfield every Friday at 1 p m and arrive at Hicks' Ford on Saturday by 7 p m.  92 From Norfolk, by Kempsey, N. W. R. Bridge, Tull's creek + Indianstown, Jonesboro', Elizabeth City, Nixonton and Hertford, to Edenton once a week.  93 From Norfolk every Tuesday noon and arrive at Edenton the next Friday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Edenton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Norfolk the next Tuesday by 1 p m.  94 From Charlottesville, by Warren, Warminster, Newmarket, New Glasgow, Amherst ch and Madison, to Lynchburg once a week.  95 From Charlottesville every Thursday at 2 p m and arrive at Lynchburg on Saturday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Lynchburg every Saturday at 2 p m and arrive at Charlottesville on Monday by 10 a m.  96 From Staunton, by Kincaids, the Warm springs or Bath ch, Morris's, Callaghans and the Sulphur springs to Lewisburg and from thence by Uniontown, the Sweet springs, Callaghans, &c. to Staunton once a week.  97 From Staunton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Lewisburg on Monday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Lewisburg by noon and arrive at Staunton the next Friday by 10 a m.  98 From Lewisburg, by Boyers, Huff's, Morris's, Kanawha ch Point Pleasant and Gallipolis, to Scioto salt works once in two weeks.  99 From Lewisburg every other Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Scioto salt works on Sunday by 4 p m.
Leave Scioto salt works every other Monday at 6 a m and arrive at Lewisburg on Saturday by 6 p m.  100 From Staunton, by Middlebrook, Brownsville, Lexington, Natural bridge, Fincastle, Airmount, Montgomery ch and New Dublin, to Wythe ch once a week.  101 From Staunton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Wythe ch on Monday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Wythe ch every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Staunton the next Friday by 10 a m.  102 From New Dublin, by Tazewell ch or Jeffersonville, Russell ch and Lee ch to Cumberland Gap once in two weeks.  103 From New Dublin every other Monday at 9 a m and arrive at Cumberland Gap the next Saturday by 6 p m. Return. Leave Cumberland Gap every other Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at New Dublin the next Friday by 6 p m.  104 From Wythe, by Austinville, Grayson ch Scullcamp, Mountain and Bathania, to Salem once a week.  105 From Wythe ch every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Salem the next Friday by 10 a m. Return. Leave Salem every Saturday at 6 a m and arrive at Wythe ch on Monday by 6 p m.
In North Carolina.
106 From Suffolk, Virg. by Everett's Bridge and Gates ch to Edenton twice a week.  107 From Suffolk every Monday and Friday at 1 p m and arrive at Edenton on Tuesday and Saturday by 1 p m. Return. Leave Edenton every Sunday and Thursday at 9 1-2 a m and arrive at Suffolk on Monday and Friday by 9 a m.
NOTES.
1 The post master general may expedite the mails and alter the times of arrival & departure at any time during the continuance of the contract, he stipulating an adequate compensation for any extra expense that may be occasioned thereby.  2 Fifteen minutes shall be allowed for opening and closing the mails at all offices where no particular time is specified.  3 For every thirty minutes delay (unavoidable accidents excepted) in arriving after the time prescribed in any contract, the contractor shall forfeit one dollar: and if the delay continues until the departure of any depending mail, whereby the mails defined for such depending mail is delayed, an additional forfeiture of one dollar shall be incurred.  4 Newspapers as well as letters are to be sent in the mail and if any person making proposals, desires to carry newspapers, other than those conferred in the mail for his own emolument, he must state in his proposals for what sum he will carry with the emolument, and for what sum without the emolument.  5 Should any person making proposals desire an alteration of the times of arrival and departure above specified, he must state in his proposals the alteration desired, and the difference they will make in the terms of the contract.  6 Persons making proposals are desired to state their prices by the year. Those who contract will receive their pay quarterly in the months of August, November, February and May, in one month after the expiration of each quarter.  7 No other than a free white person shall be employed to convey the mail.  8 Where the proposer intends to convey the mail in the body of a stage carriage, he is desired to state it in his proposals.  9 The post master general reserves to himself the right of declaring any contract at an end whenever three failures happen which amount to the loss of a trip each.  10 The contracts for the above routes are to be in operation on the first day of April next, and are to continue in force for two years.
GIDEON RANGER,
Post Master General. General Post Office, Washington } Dec. 14 J. Nov. 13. 1804.
A SCHOOL.
THE subscriber intends opening a SCHOOL at his plantation in Hanover county, about ten miles from Richmond, as early in the month of January, 1805, as he shall have the assurance of six scholars; and wishing to pay a particular attention to the improvements of the youth entrusted to his care, will not undertake the instruction of more than fifteen: which number he will be enabled to accommodate with board, &c.  He proposes to teach the English Language grammatically; and in such wise as to obviate the necessity for a knowledge of the dead languages; he will teach the practical branches of Mathematics and Geography. The most approved English authors will be read with a view to forming the taste, and applying the rules of grammar: the sense and scope of those authors; with the derivation, definition, and government of words will be expounded.—The ancient classics will be read in translations, whence the learner will become as familiarly acquainted with the customs, manners and mythology of the times when, and about which those authors treat, as if read in the original, and in a much shorter time.  The prices of tuition, board, lodgings and washing, will be forty pounds for each scholar per annum, to be paid quarterly yearly.
JOHN SEABROOK.
Richmond, November 27th. 1804. with P.S. J. SEABROOK will be thankful to those persons disposed to encourage him by confiding pupils to his care, to give him as early information thereof as possible, that he may be enabled to make the necessary arrangements in time.
Notice.
THE subscribers and members of the Mutual Insurance Company against Fire on Goods and Furniture in the State of Virginia, are hereby requested to attend their annual General Meeting, to be held agreeable to their constitution on the second Wednesday in January, which being the ninth day of next month, by ten o'clock, A.M. at the General Office of Insurance in the city of Richmond.
W. F. Ast, principal agent m. i. c. Richmond, 10th December, 1804.
Negroes for Sale.
ON Saturday the 5th of January next, at 12 o'clock, at the Eagle Tavern, in this city, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for cash or notes at sixty days, negotiable at the Bank of Virginia, three likely young NEGRO MEN, one a valuable Black smith, the other two first rate Coopers of good character. The above slaves belong to the estate of Col. Richard Adams deceased, and will be sold by inunction of the legatees.  JOHN ADAMS, Adm. Richmond, Dec. 20, 1804.
Congressional Register.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Monday, December 10. Debate on the bill for establishing a Court for the adjudication of prize causes in certain cases.—(Concluded.)
Mr. Rodney had no great objection to striking out the clause, because he thought the bill adequate to its object without it. The eighth section he observed, established a principle that had heretofore been considered of considerable importance, viz. that a judge shall not receive a salary beyond the time he continues in the exercise of the duties of his office. The committee had supposed it possible that a speedy and might be put to this war, and thereupon conceived it unnecessary to charge the treasury with the payment of the judges and others compensations beyond the term of service. He was himself much averse to vesting in the President any unusual or extraordinary power; but he thought a proclamation from the President was an official proceeding proper to attract the attention of the executive authority of foreign nations to its subject matter. He was the proper organ to express the will of the law and to give information to those interested. Although in all probability, the war will not continue long, he had no objection to the clause being struck out.
Mr. Smilie said, if it had not been in the bill, the bill would have been well enough without it; but as it was in, he was not inclined, through an unfounded jealousy, to strike it out. He would ask gentlemen to point out any probable ground for jealousy of the President in the exercise of this power; for he took it for granted, that the constitution furnished no obstacle. Its injunctions in regard to judges holding their offices during good behaviour, extended to the courts of the United States, within the limits of the several states represented on this floor. Now the law itself cannot affect the person or property of any citizen within the United States, and as its usefulness may suddenly cease after the close of the session, he did not see why we should subject ourselves to a single dollar's expense, which might be prevented by the immediate publication of the President's proclamation.
Mr. Lucas was not governed by jealousy of the executive in making his motion. The present executive possessed his entire confidence; but when we are legislating, we do not legislate on the confidence we have in the executive, but on those circumstances which are most likely to procure happiness to our fellow-citizens, and secure their liberties on the basis they have themselves established them; and my colleague will recollect that the executive will not always be filled by the same person, and that a change of men may produce a change of measures, if the man is the standard of legislation; but if we legislate upon principles, the principles will remain after the persons who propounded them are forgotten. He did not consider the inference made by his colleague (Mr. Smilie) correct, for he did believe the officers and seamen employed in the marine of the United States were particularly interested, and that they were citizens of the United States. He observed, upon the remark made by Mr. Rodney, that foreign nations would be more likely to take notice of the President's proclamation than of a law.—He did not see that the President would be prevented from issuing his proclamation in the event of peace, if the abolition of the court depended upon Congress.
Mr. G. Griswold expressed a jealousy for the preservation of the constitution, and conceiving the proposed regulation in enemy with one of its most important injunctions, he hoped it would be struck out, and he, for one, would never give his consent that a judge, under the constitution of the United States, should hold the tenure of his office by presidential will.
Mr. Southard differed with gentlemen who thought the section a violation of the constitution. The law itself grew out of the exigency of the war with the Barbary powers, and it so expresses itself. It therefore carries its own remedy with it; during the existence of the war and so long as any nation at war with the same power shall consent or permit the United States to establish a judge of admiralty within its territory, so long shall the office remain, but no provision is made for its remaining any longer. Nor can the judge complain of the abolition of his office, or consequent loss of salary, because he consents to receive it upon the terms of the law. He considered the section a proper one, though not absolutely necessary. If peace takes place the President will be the first person to know it, and his proclamation of the cessation of the court will render it of greater notoriety than any law can possibly render it. One more observation, and he had done. It may be suggested in favor of a determinate abolition of the court, that the judge may become arbitrary, and the court prove injurious; in which case the sooner it was abolished, the less would be its evil.
Mr. Dana thought the section very objectionable. It is true that it does not say that the judge shall hold his office during the pleasure of the President and no longer, in those precise terms, but it says what is tantamount, that when in the opinion of the President it shall be proper so to do, it shall and may be lawful for him by proclamation to abolish the said court. This is not the precise form of expressing the pleasure of the crown; the President must manifest his pleasure by proclamation; the crown might manifest its pleasure privately before the act of settlement; but the power of the judges in both cases is held by the loose and insecure tenure of will and pleasure. Gentlemen cannot set up a good distinction between judges of courts of admiralty sitting within or without the boundaries of the United States, and if you once declare that the President shall have power to dismiss one of your judges, nothing can prevent you from giving him power to dismiss them all. The principle once established goes through. For his part he for one was decidedly against granting such power. The question ought not to be considered for a moment on the light ground of being a good or a bad bargain for the judge; but on the broad and solid ground of preserving what remains of the due administration of justice.
Mr. Rodney would not have risen again but in consequence of Mr. Dana's remarks and refined distinctions where there was no difference. The bill provides that the judge shall receive his salary as long as he has jurisdiction, and that jurisdiction is limited by the duration of the war. This itself is a limitation of the office. The President has no power over the individual person of the judge; he cannot turn out A & put in B. So the tenure is not precarious; it is fixed and depends upon the abolition of the jurisdiction; and this principle is strictly conformable to what was formerly decided to the general satisfaction of a great majority of the people.
The observation of the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. R. Griswold) respecting a distinction between judges within the limits of the United States and within the territory of Louisiana concluded nothing; for he will find the judges of that territory exercising all their functions under the constitution and laws of congress, and he believed there was a time when the gentleman thought differently on the subject before the committee. He referred to the Yeas and Nays called on passing a bill limiting the duration of office in respect to the judges or justices of the territory of Columbia, by which they are continued in office for the term of five years only, while the constitution declared as it does now, that judges of the supreme and inferior courts shall hold their offices during good behavior. He hoped the gentleman would abandon the idea of the officer continuing to receive a salary after the office was abolished.
Mr. Dana had no idea of an officer totally destitute of office receiving a salary, but until he was divested of all judicial authority he ought to be independent and salary was a mere contingency.
Mr. J. Randolph said that the first section established the court during the continuance of the Mediterranean war—and the ninth gave a power to the President to abrogate it at his discretion. He took the section, to say the best of it, superfluous. So soon as we, or the nation within whose limits this court shall be erected, shall have made peace with Tripoli, its jurisdiction would terminate by the provisions of the bill itself. It might indeed be expedient to prolong the existence of the court beyond the term contained in the bill, but no circumstances could arise which would render it necessary to shorten it.
Mr. Tustin thought the judge ought to hold the office, during good behavior, and yet this section makes him dependent on the executive, congress could not vest the executive with any power which they had no right to exercise themselves; yet this section proposes to do so. And on this precedent occasion may hereafter be taken to frustrate and contravene the constitution in its most important regulations.
Mr. Jackson meant only to make a single observation, with a view of rescuing the section from the inconsistency charged upon it by Mr. Eustis. The first section was not at variance with the last, the first declared the duration of the office to be during the war; the last that the President may by proclamation abolish the court. There might be something formed as a substitute to designate the precise duration of the court, as from the mode of expression used in both sections it seemed not sufficiently definite.
Mr. Gregg would vote for striking out unless his colleague (Mr. Lucas) would modify his motion, for he would never

vote to vest the President with the power intended to be given by the 9th section, yet he thought that a modification of the clause would cure the defect without striking out; if the time was precisely defined for which the court should continue, the President might notify the expiration of the office by proclamation. Mr. R. Griswold. The gentlemen who advocate this measure appear to differ in this construction; some entertain an opinion that the first section does not limit the tenure of the office of the judge; other gentlemen think the office limited by that section to the duration of the war. He thought the first section explicit, that the President should appoint a judge of the admiralty during the existence of the war, and in conformity to this idea the second section was penned. The said judge shall exercise the admiralty jurisdiction for trying captures in the said war; these last words show expressly the limitation of the law. The true and fair meaning of which is, that the judge shall hold his office during the war and no longer. The 9th section gives the power to the President of shortening this period, and it was this power he believed the constitution never meant should be exercised by the executive. As to the observation about the judges or justices of this district, it did not bear on the present question, the constitution providing only for the tenure of offices held by the judges of the supreme and inferior courts of the United States, and not for justices of peace; beside in the district of Columbia, the constitution gave them the power of exclusive legislation.
Mr. J. Clay would vote for striking out with a view to add a new section in its stead. On the question to strike out the ninth section, the house agreed thereto without a division, and Mr. J. Clay moved a new section declaring that the existence of the court should terminate with the war, and that the President should make proclamation of that event. This section was agreed to, 51 being in favor of it, and 45 against it. No other amendments being made, the committee rose and reported, and the bill took the course mentioned in the minutes of proceedings in congress.
Friday, December 21. Mr. Rhea (of Ten.) moved that the secretary of war be directed to lay before this house a statement of the officers and privates of the several corps in the actual service of the United States during the years 1804 and 1805, and the names of the posts and the numbers of the officers and soldiers occupying the same, also a detailed statement of the monies expended in the several fortifications, arsenals, armories, and magazines of the United States during the aforementioned period. Gen. Varnum doubted whether the secretary of war could give all the information required, particularly, he could not make up returns of 1804 until some time in 1805.
Mr. Dana did not know that there was any military secret in the disposal of the small military force of the United States, but he did not think it prudent to give a written document on this subject, lest any nation of Indians should occasion some trouble to a post but weakly manned. Mr. Rhea (of Ten.) in answer to general Varnum replied that if the secretary at war could not give the information required he would say so. On the observation of Mr. Dana, he replied that in his opinion the representatives of the nation ought to be acquainted with the number of their troops and their respective stations. Mr. Eastis requested the resolution might lie on the table till Monday. Mr. Rhea (of Ten.) acquiesced and the motion lies accordingly.
Mr. Eastis reported from the select committee on the bill regulating the clearance of armed merchant vessels, several amendments thereto, which being adopted, the bill as amended was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday next. Mr. Dana from the committee of claims reported against the petition of Gilbert Deuch, who prayed allowance for depreciation sustained in 1782, that the prayer thereof ought not to be granted. Agreed to by the house.
Also, a bill for the relief of the legal representatives of the late general Moses Hazen, which was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next. An engrossed bill for establishing rules and articles for the government of the army of the United States, was read a third time and passed. Mr. J. Clay presented the petition of Oliver Evans, stating his many and very useful inventions for the improvement of merchant mills and steam engines, praying an extension of his patent right to his mill machinery, and on motion the same was referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Mr. Crowningshield from the committee of commerce and manufactures, reported a bill declaring Cambridge in Massachusetts to be a port of delivery. Ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday. Another bill to authorise the collector of the port of Philadelphia to act by an additional deputy was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole for Monday. Mr. Clopton presented a petition from sundry British merchants and other Bri-
tish subjects, praying a tribunal to be established for the trial of suits for smaller sums than 500 dollars, claiming this under the constitution and under the 4th article of the British treaty. Referred to a select committee of five members. Mr. Crowningshield presented the petition of John Verrey, a fisherman from Massachusetts, complaining of the loss of his vessel and fish, by which he lost the bounty money on the salt he had taken out and praying relief. Referred to the committee on the fisheries.
Another petition from Ezra Weston of Massachusetts, similar to the last was presented, and referred to the same committee. Mr. Leib moved that a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of making provision by law to authorise the collectors of the several ports of the United States, to deposit for collection the bonds received by them for the payment of duties, in the bank of the United States, or any of its branches, or in any of the chartered banks of the several states. In support of the resolution contemplated an enquiry, and an important one. The bank of the United States and its branches had usually a deposit of the monies of the government to the amount of between four and five millions of dollars, that by means of this deposit that bank was enabled not only to hold the mercantile interest tributary to the institution, but all the banks of the states. His object was to equalise the benefits and not to permit that institution to monopolise an enormous profit from the treasure of the nation. He wished to un-fetter the bank institutions generally, and he hoped the enquiry would obtain, and he believed the bonds due to the United States would be as carefully collected in the chartered banks, which are at the same time equally secure, as that of the United States or any of its branches.
Mr. R. Griswold recollected this subject was suggested at a former session, and as it had a relation to the management of our finances he thought it would be more proper to refer it to the committee of ways and means - he made that motion accordingly. Mr. Leib did not see that the subject necessarily appertained to the committee of ways and means. It had no relation to the increase or decrease of the duties on imports; but merely to the deposit of the bonds given by the merchants to the collectors. His true object was to prevent a monopoly, and he trusted gentlemen would not be enabled to defeat it by this mode of reference.
Mr. R. Griswold understood the motion to relate to the deposit of the bonds, but it would be proper to enquire into the safety of such a deposit before it was authorised by law; & in his opinion the committee of ways and means from the habits of their business was as competent to make the enquiry as any select committee. On the question it was referred to the committee of ways and means, 51 being in favor of such reference, and 41 against it.
The bill from the senate for the disposition of certain copies of the laws of the United States, went before the committee of the whole, which having made some amendments thereto rose and reported, and the house having incorporated the amendments into the bill, it was ordered to be read a third time on Monday.
Mr. Purviance gave notice that on the third Monday of January, he intended to introduce a resolution giving to the district of Columbia a durable legislature of their own, on which the opinions of the heads of departments were to be obtained. Adjourned.
LATE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON, Oct. 20. Notwithstanding what has been said, an embargo may be considered as having actually taken place in Holland. The Alexandrina, and upwards of 20 other vessels which had cleared out for Embden and other ports, are detained in the Texel, on suspicion of being really destined for this country. It was generally supposed that the emperor would not declare an absolute embargo (the prelude, we conceive, to confiscation) until he had got the ports of Holland filled with vessels; and therefore the orders for the present are only to detain such as are suspected until further notice. All vessels arriving in the ports of the Batavian republic are examined by what are called admiralty ships; and those on board of which English produce is found are detained, & not suffered to land their freight until the government shall have come to a final determination on the subject. These extraordinary measures were first adopted on the 9th inst. Neutral vessels are allowed to enter the Dutch ports unmolested.
Dispatches it is said, were sent on from the admiralty on Thursday evening, to the commanders of our squadrons, with fresh orders in respect to any Spanish ships they may fall in with. They are supposed to be of the same firm nature, and decided tenor with the recent proceedings.
October 22. Since our last, two Hamburg mails have arrived, the contents of which will be found under a general head, in a subsequent column. They contain little information of an interesting description which has not appeared in the French or the Dutch papers. The mails bring no further particulars respecting the intended change in the Batavian government; but
private letters concur in stating, that it is hourly expected to take place. - The moderate party, of whom the committal-penninck is considered as the chief, it is thought, will be placed at the head of affairs. The report of an embargo having been laid on all British property in Holland still prevails; but it requires confirmation.
At a late hour last night we received information of Admiral Cornwallis having sailed from Torbay, to resume his station off Brest, on Friday evening. The enemy's fleet had not made any attempt to put to sea so late as Wednesday last. The Admiral at Plymouth received an express on Thursday, to dispatch to Torbay every ship ready for sea, in consequence of which the Venerable joined the fleet lying there.
The 2d battalion of the 61st regiment received positive orders to embark on Friday afternoon at Cadiz. Several on board bound Spanish vessels have been detained; the prevailing opinion in the city, notwithstanding, continues to be, that the matters in dispute between this country and Spain, will be amicably adjusted. Ignorant as we are, as to the state of this negotiation, we will not at present say more on the conduct of ministers, in regard to the Spanish frigates, than it has been remarked by their characteristic promptitude and decision; and that we doubt not, when all the circumstances of the case become known, it will prove in every respect worthy of them.
It was the obvious policy of Spain to avoid extremities until the whole of the expected treasure had arrived, and we have reason to believe that orders were despatched to accelerate that event. That policy has, however, been frustrated, and we may fairly consider the pending negotiation with Spain at an end. Ministers must have foreseen the issue of the orders which were sent out, to bring all Spanish vessels laden with treasure into English ports.
Two Hamburg mails, and some more French papers, have arrived since our last. Private letters state, that the preparations in the Dutch ports for the expedition against this country are suspended, and that the flotilla at the Helder have received orders to return to port for winter. - This statement, however, may be intended by the enemy for the purpose of deception; and it consequently behoves us to continue firmly and vigilantly upon our guard, against the artifices of those who will not fail to adopt every possible expedient to accomplish our destruction.
A hope is expressed in some of the foreign papers that the differences between Russia and France will be amicably settled through the mediation of Prussia; but we have reason to believe that this expectation rests on no solid foundation. Count Panin, whose attachment to English connections is well known, is appointed to a high situation in the Russian Ministry; and the projected arrangements, between our court and that of Russia promise before long to be satisfactorily concluded. The enemy continue to reinforce all their principal ports in the electorate of Hanover, under an apprehension, no doubt, that the manly and generous spirit which of late has manifested itself in the north, will shortly break out into open and vigorous hostilities. In the mean time the king of Prussia has repeated his determination to remain neutral; and upon the subject of the warlike preparations of Sweden, in Pomerania his Prussian majesty is said to have declared, that should these preparations be found to be directed against the electorate of Hanover he would not suffer the Swedish troops to pass through his territory to invade that country, and should use his utmost exertions to preserve that system of neutrality which he had so solemnly pledged himself to maintain. This declaration is somewhat different from that which has lately been attributed to his majesty; and, indeed during the continuance of his present connection with France, a strict observance of the line of neutrality, to which he appears to have pledged himself, is all that can reasonably be looked for or expected from him. Swedish Pomerania will, in that case, be secure from any attack that may be meditated against it by France.
Bonaparte continued at Mentz on the 3d inst. but was then hourly expected to take his departure for the coast. The projected changes in the government of Holland were to take place on Saturday last. The report of an embargo being laid on all vessels in the ports of that country is revived with increased confidence. The desertions from the camp at Ziest still continue to a very alarming extent. The French papers have copied, from a Rotterdam Journal, some strictures published in one of the London prints, in condemnation of our partial attacks upon the enemy's flotilla. There is no doubt, therefore, of the observations of some of our journalists, on the affair of the 2d inst. being honored with a distinguished place in the Moniteur . Great preparations continue to be made at Paris for the approaching festival of the coronation. A person of the name of Odduherty de la Tour, an agent of the king of Sweden, has been apprehended at Paris, and committed to the temple.
On the 2d inst. the city of Bremen paid the first instalment of the contribution imposed by the French, amounting to 100,000 rix dollars. The remainder is to be paid at the rate of 50,000 rix dollars every eight days, till the whole is satisfied.
We are happy to announce the arrival of the Indefatigable and Amphion , with the Medea and Clara Spanish frigates, at
Plymouth, on Friday afternoon. The latter are very fine ships, mounting 40 guns each, and have a large sum of money on board. The amount of bullion alone on board the three detained frigates is about 4 450 000 dollars, or £ 1 000 000 sterling. The Spanish admiral's name is Duvien. The Medea , which blew up, mounted 44 guns. The explosion was most dreadful, but we understand, that thirty of the crew were, by the exertions of our brave seamen, saved from destruction. All the other leading particulars were given in our paper of Friday last. The Medea and Clara continue in Plymouth harbor, as does the Fama of Portsmouth. The Spanish officers are on their parole, and the several crews are treated not as prisoners of war, but as detained persons, and have the same allowance as British sailors. - Capt. Moore's despatches did not reach town till yesterday. The Gazette of Saturday is, of course, silent upon the subject.
October 23. The solemnities relative to the hereditary imperial title are put off to the 8th of December. Letters from Trieste & Venice agree in stating that the Adriatic swarms with French privateers, and that no English merchantmen venture to navigate that gulph.
Cardinal Gonsalvi, Joseph Doria, Dugnani, Pecci, Caselli and Opizoni, will accompany the pope to Paris. The regency during his absence which will probably be for two months, will be administered by Cardinals Anouelli, Braschi, & Anton Doria. Two out of the four mails which became due yesterday, from Hamburg, have been received. The intelligence which they bring, though partially anticipated by the last Dutch papers, is still interesting, inasmuch as it furnishes us with more detailed accounts of what has passed on the continent.
We are happy in the opportunity of publishing the important note which was delivered by M. D'Oubril, the Russian charge d'affaires at Paris, on the 21st of last July, in which the dispute between the two powers is much simplified. The contested points are so specifically stated as to call for specific and categorical answers. They are.
1. The evacuation of the kingdom of Naples, and an engagement to respect its neutrality, as well for the present as the future. 2. The establishment of a basis for a final adjustment of the affairs of Italy. 3. An indemnification for the king of Sardinia. 4. And lastly, the evacuation of the north of Germany, and an engagement to respect its neutrality for the future.
Such were the points in discussion between Russia and France, not one of which, if we except the third, does not contain in itself the seeds and causes of long and inveterate hostility; that is, while the emperor Alexander and his rival shall hold firm to their purpose. The provincial counsellor, Von Meding, arrived at Hamburg, on the 7th inst. from Hanover. The object of his journey is to demand a loan, on account of the state of Hanover, of a million of French livres. A similar demand will be afterwards made at Lubec.
If a war should ensue between England and Spain, it will be an additional calamity for the city of Hamburg, which carries on an extensive commerce with Spain. In the change of the form of the Batavian government, M. Schimmelpenninck will be nominated president for life, and invested with a power adequate to that high office; a college of government consisting of three members which will be subordinate to him.
Three hundred French and Batavian armed vessels, that were assembled at Ostend, have already got to Dunkirk under vice admiral Verhuel. The whole force will be collected at Boulogne, where the emperor Napoleon is shortly expected, and great events are looked for from that quarter.
Our government has received proposals from Holland for an exchange of prisoners. The ships of war fitting out at Cadiz are one of 112, one of 80, and one of 74 guns, which go to Toulon as soon as they can be got ready. The Indefatigable & the Amphion have arrived at Portsmouth with the remaining two of the Spanish frigates recently captured, viz the Clara and Medea , of 44 guns each. Orders have been sent to Portsmouth to convey to the bank the treasure found on board the Spanish ships there. Several Spanish vessels, outward bound, have been also detained in our ports. Notwithstanding these circumstances, we retain our opinion that the obstinate negotiation between the two countries will not necessarily terminate in a war; and we confidently assert that it will be three weeks at least before any thing will be decisively determined upon relative to this important subject.
On the night of the 7th inst. there was a tremendous storm at Archangel, which it is apprehended did much damage to the shipping.
PORTSMOUTH, October 9.
Arrived, La Medea and La Clara , Spanish frigates lately captured off Cadiz.
October 18.
The Spanish ship mentioned yesterday, to have arrived at Spithead, is the Fama frigate, 44 guns, which, in company with two others, commanded by a Spanish admiral, had been taken by a squadron of frigates, commanded by capt. Graham Moore, consisting of the Indefatigable , Lively , capt. Hammond ; Medea , capt. Gore ; and the Amphion , capt. Sutton : after an action off Cape St. Mary's, going into Cadiz, which port the English squadron was blockading, with the express intention of detaining these ships. But we are grieved to state, that another of the Spanish frigates which was opposed to the Amphion , blew up, and every man perished. The Fama fought the Lively with spirit, having had twelve men killed and fifty wounded, and the ship very much cut up. The Lively had two men killed, and seven wounded. The Medea , and the other frigate, are hourly expected to arrive. The Fama has about 500,000 dollars on board, and the other two ships have about the same number. In one of the frigates were 14,000 real skins, in another 90,000 dollars; the third entirely loaded with bullion.
Extract of another letter.
When the Spanish admiral hove in sight, capt. Graham Moore, the commodore, communicated to him the purpose upon which he was employed, and begged that he would accompany him with the squadron without opposition, into an English port. The Spanish admiral took some time to consider of this invitation, and shewed his aversion to it by endeavouring to get away. The Indefatigable then fired a gun, to bring her to, but they all immediately made sail. The squadron pursued, and after several hours running fight, three of them struck and one blew up, and we lament to say, that every man perished. They have about 1,000,000 on board. The Fama is very much shattered, and had twelve men killed and forty-seven wounded; and the Lively had two men killed and six wounded. The other two
prizes are ordered to this port. Capt. Hammond went to Loud last night. The prisoners are on board the prison ships in the harbour. On the approach of the squadron off Cadiz, several ships came out, it is supposed, with pilots, to conduct the ship into port, but they quietly returned, hearing a gun fired. It is imagined, by the officers, that the Spaniards suspected the intent of our ships. The Spanish ships fought with uncommon bravery. The one which blew up, was opposed to the Amphion half an hour, and the Fama engaged the Medea some time before the Lively to roughly treated her. The Spanish admiral had time to prepare his ships for battle, as it was an hour before he attempted to run. Lieut. Peake, of the Lively , is arrived in charge of the prize.
[We have much pleasure in presenting to our readers the following letter of the philanthropic and liberal minded Franklin . It speaks the language of "truth and soberness," and will draw a smile from the candid, and a blush from the bigot.] - Nat. Eglis.
Philadelphia, June 6, 1753.
Sir, I received your kind letter of the 2d inst. and am glad that you increase in strength; and I hope you will continue mending, till you recover your former health and firmness. Let me know whether you still use the cold bath, and what effect it has.
As to the kindness you mention, I wish it could have been of more service to you. But if it had, the only thanks I should desire is, that you would always be equally ready to serve any other person that may need your assistance, and so let good officers go round, for mankind are all of a family.
For my own part, when I am employed in serving others, I do not look upon myself as conferring favors, but as paying debts. In my travels, and since my settlement, I have received much kindness from men to whom I shall never have any opportunity of making the least direct return. And numberless mercies from God, who is infinitely above being benefitted by our services. The kindness from men I can, therefore, only return on their fellow men, and I can only show my gratitude for those mercies from God, by a readiness to help his other children and my brethren. For I do not think that thanks and compliments though repeated weekly, can discharge our real obligations to each other, and much less those to our creator. You will see in this my notion of good works, that I am far from expecting as you suppose, to merit heaven by them. By heaven we understand a state of happiness infinite in degree, and eternal in duration: - I can do nothing to deserve such rewards. He that for giving a draught of water to a thirsty person, should expect to be paid with a good plantation, would be modest in his demands, compared with those who think they deserve heaven for the little good they do on earth. Even the mixed imperfect pleasures we enjoy in this world, are rather from God's goodness than our merit; - how much more such happiness of heaven. For my part, I have not the vanity to think I deserve it, the folly to expect it, nor the ambition to desire it; but content myself in submitting to the will and disposal of that God who made me, who has hitherto preserved and blessed me, and in whose fatherly goodness I may well confide, that he will never make me miserable, and that even the afflictions I may at any time suffer shall tend to my benefit.
The faith you mention has, doubtless, its use in the world. I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I endeavor to lessen it in any man. But I wish it were more productive of good works than I have generally seen it: - I mean real good works - works of kindness, charity, mercy and public spirit; not holiday keeping, sermon reading or hearing, performing church ceremonies, or making long prayers, filled with flatteries and compliments, despised even by wise men, and much less capable of pleasing the deity. The worship of God is a duty, the hearing and reading of sermons may be useful, but if men rest in hearing and praying, as too many do, it is as if a tree should value itself on being watered and putting forth leaves, though it never produce any fruit. - Your great master thought much less of these outward appearances and professions than many of his modern disciples. - He preferred the doers of the word to the mere hearers; - the son that seemingly refused to obey his father, and yet performed his commands, to him that professed his readiness, but neglected the work; the heretical but charitable Samaritan to the uncharitable or orthodox priest and sanctified Levite: - and those who gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, raiment to the naked, entertainment to the stranger, and relief to the sick, though they never heard of his name, he declares they shall in the last day be accepted, when those who cry Lord, Lord, who value themselves on their faith, tho' great enough to perform miracles, but have neglected good works shall be rejected. He professed he came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance: - which implied his modest opinion that there were some in his time so good, that they needed not to hear him even for improvement; - but now-a-days we have scarce a little person that does not think it the duty of every man within his reach to sit under his petty administration - and that whoever omits them offends God. I wish to such more humility, and to you health and happiness, being
Your friend and servant, (Signed) B. FRANKLIN.
Just received at this office, a small consignment of LAW BOOKS, which we offered at the Philadelphia prices, for CASH only. Dec. 22.

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
The Committee, to whom was referred so much of the Governor's Letter, as relates to the Communication of the Governor of Massachusetts, covering an amendment proposed on the part of the Legislature of that State, to the Constitution of the United States, have, according to order, had that subject under their consideration, and have come to the following
REPORT:-
THAT they have bestowed on the said proposition, the respectful attention which is due both to its importance and to the state making it, without being able to perceive any just grounds on which its adoption can be recommended. The provision made by the constitution for such amendments, from time to time, as may be found expedient, is considered by the committee, as wisely adapted to a new and complicated system, which in its progress might develop imperfections unforeseen at its date, or which may have been then susceptible of more convenient organization, or more guarded definition in some of its parts than was remarked either by those who framed or those who ratified the instrument; in pursuance of this provision, and in the spirit which dictated it, the constitution has received alterations, which it is hoped will be found to render it the more capable of fulfilling the great end to which it aspires; and the committee are far from presuming, that like improvements may not still be made, under the lessons of experience, without indulging a spirit of innovation or violating those essential principles and those well known conditions on which the constitution is founded. But with all the dispositions they feel to avoid impeding ameliorations in the political institutions of the United States, and to listen with favorable attention to changes invited in that light by a sister state, they cannot regard the one now proposed by the legislature of Massachusetts, as either within the scope that ought to be given to innovation, or as justified by any considerations, which are entitled to greater weight now, than was originally allowed to them; were the compound ratio of a representation now a proper subject of examination, it is far from being admitted, that the sacrifice thereby made to the spirit of union, was not at the expense of the states containing a mixed population; but such a discussion might awaken local distinctions & sensations, for which the constitution endeavored to provide a remedy; the committee deem it sufficient therefore to observe-
First, That the article in a constitution like that of the United States, which fixes the representation, and has allowed to each of the parties thereto, whether in the one or in the other branch of the legislature, may justly be deemed amongst the articles most fundamental, and consequently ought not to be lightly or hastily invaded; secondly, that the propriety of this ratio is evinced from the consideration that so early as the year seventeen hundred and fifty-three, the first time a union of the then colonies was contemplated, in a convention at Albany, the delegates of no colony south of the Potomac being present, did, in their plan of confederation (which embraced all the colonies) propose, that taxation and representation should be reciprocal; additionally, it is to be remarked, that the same principle was again brought under public and favorable consideration, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-three, by a proposition of the then congress to substitute it for the ratio established in the first charter of confederation.
That as it relates to and combines the two cases of representation and taxation in the existing constitution, it was not less copiously discussed, thoroughly understood and deliberately sanctioned, than any article whatever; and that it can as little as any article pretend to elucidations of any kind, subsequent to that period: Thirdly, That the constitution being, as declared by the convention itself, the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual deference and sacrifice, which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indispensable; and it being well understood, the article fixing the compound ratio of representation was in particular, the result of such a compromise; it follows that it ought to be amongst the last, which a spirit of change, guided by a faithful attachment to the constitution ought to permit itself to touch; and that besides the tendency of the experiment to excite local divisions by alarming local rights, it must also tend to impair the reliance on that good faith, which is the cement of the union and guarantee of the political fabric which rests upon it. The committee wishing to say little with respect to the observations forming the preamble to the proposition, will only acknowledge their deep regret, that sentiments so little calculated to nourish affection and mutual confidence amongst the states, or even to conciliate a favorable deliberation on the object pursued, should have been permitted to find such a place and in such expressions. Whatever may have been the unpropitious occasion of this transient departure from those fraternal dispositions which have on so many occasions distinguished that portion of the American family; the committee are persuaded it is not less a duty in this legislature to persevere in
cherishing the sincerest affection for their political brethren every where; fully confiding in the efficacy and permanence of those liberal views, those common interests and those national feelings which originally harmonized these states into confederacy, and finally placed them under a government instituted to perpetuate their union, to secure and advance the happiness they enjoy under it.
Resolved therefore, That it is inexpedient for this state to agree to the amendment to the constitution of the United States, proposed by the legislature of Massachusetts.
Resolved, That the Governor of this commonwealth be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolution to the chief magistrate of Massachusetts, with a request that the same may be laid before the legislature of that state, at their next session.
From Europe.-The ship Alonzo, capt. Gibbs arrived on Tuesday night last at New York from London. By this vessel London advices have been received to the 23d October, four days later than those received at Norfolk: we do not find, however, that any information of moment had been communicated in the interim. No declaration of war had been made by England against Spain, but the captures of Spanish vessels continued to be made. As we had expected, the influence of Prussia had been directed to prevent the extension of the war to the continent; there appears little probability of the so much talked of coalition in the north against France; in such an event France would receive the aid of Prussia and Austria. Bonaparte's policy, of excluding English manufactured goods from the countries under his control, continued to be actively pursued.- Mention is made of a contemplated change in the government of Holland, it is evident, however, that Bonaparte might as well incorporate that country at once with France, as he at present exercises all the powers of its government. The London points inform what were the demands made by Russia, in the late discussion with France; the information is probably correct, as they are demands of that nature which despotism always makes, when desirous of war or of committing like outrages upon the rights of nations. Alexander probably received his lesson from Pitt, on these points, as from 1793 to this time England has constantly pretended to be fighting for the rights of the continental powers: they both forgot, when demanding redress for Naples and Sardinia, the fate of Poland.-It was little short of impudence for Russia to arraign France for its conduct in Italy, at the very moment when it was possessing itself the islands of Zante Corfu, &c. in the Mediterranean, and whilst it was plotting the dismemberment of the Ottoman empire. (Aurora.)
The American Citizen, of New York, informs that Messrs. Stockton and Mr. Wharton, two leading federal lawyers of New Jersey, have accepted fees from Mr. Burr, to plead in his defence in the case of the indictment found against him for having killed Mr. Hamilton in a duel. From this circumstance it would appear that Mr. Burr means to submit himself to the laws. (ib.)
Advice have been received at Boston from Russia, to the 26th September, stating-the probability of a war between that country and France-that the utmost activity prevailed in the Russian ports in fitting out ships of war, 70 ships of the line could be sent to sea-that an army of 150,000 men had been assembled on the western frontier of Russia, to be commanded by the brother of the emperor-that hostilities would probably commence in the spring-that Sweden was in league with Russia and Denmark supposed to be favorable to France. (ib.)
From Norfolk, Dec. 21. We are indebted to the politeness of a friend for London papers received by the British brig Union, Captain Higginbotham, from Guernsey, to the 20th of October, two days later than those received by the Thomas Wilson.- Their contents will be found in our paper of this day, and although these papers do not contain any important matter, of which we have not been before informed, yet having received the papers from the 6th to the 20th of October, we are enabled to present a more regular chain of information, than the papers by the Thomas Wilson furnished.
War with Spain we regard as an event certain, for although we have not copied into our paper the capture of sundry Spanish merchant ships, nor the detention of others in British ports, yet numbers have been captured and others detained.
In the Batavian republic some change of government is agitating, as we hinted in our paper of the 10th inst. with the view which we have of this subject, it is difficult to form any correct idea of the change which is contemplated.
Mr. Monroe, it appears, had left London for Madrid prior to the 15th of October, but the route he had taken, or the time of his departure, we are not enabled to state.
December 22.
FIRE! FIRE!!!
About 2 o'clock on Thursday morning, the inhabitants were alarmed with the repeated cry of fire! which had taken place in the dwelling house of Mr. Bowman, Granby-street;-the fire had taken such effectual hold before the family were aware of it, that they scarcely had time to save
themselves from the devouring element, which immediately communicated to Mr. Warren's dwelling adjoining, which, with all the out houses, in a short time, were entirely destroyed, notwithstanding the great exertions of a vast concourse of citizens who were present, and who, through their active perseverance saved the adjoining houses.-As usual our engines were out of order-only one appeared, and that might as well have been left under lock and key, for it could not be used. We are sorry to remark, that this is the second time in the course of ten months, that Mr. Bowman has suffered by fire; and that he has this time lost the most of his furniture. Mr. Warren is also a great loser, having little time to save his property.
ELECTION OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT.
Table with 5 columns: State, President, V. President, President, V. President. Rows include Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, New Hampshire.
The ministers of the gospel, of several religious denominations, of the city of Philadelphia have recommended to "the people of their charge," the observance of the first of January next as "a day of solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God" for the special kindness of Providence, in dispensing to this city the blessings of health and plenty during the present year.
Winter once more presents the sceptre over our land. The pinching air, the leafless tree, the close-clad passenger, the icy pool, the descending snow, and the tinkling sleigh, proclaim the presence of winter.
The winter season, like the summer has its peculiar joys and sorrows, comforts and calamities. Seated around the evening fire the social circle now taste the sweets of innocent mirth and endearing friendship:-The easy conversations, sprightly remark, ready witticism, and repartee that obtain-the cheering glass, the smiling apple, and amusing nut that circulate around-all conduce to banish care and anxiety, and lead the happy ring to bid defiance to the storm that idly raves without.
But it is now also that the sons and daughters of disease and penury experience distress, "and all the sad variety of pain." Destitute not only of the luxuries but of the comforts of life, winter has for them no joys, but adds immensely to their sorrows. Unable to labor for bread or to purchase the necessaries of life, they pitiably perish for want of food and raiment. And shall the unfortunates be suffered to perish! No, surely the hand of humanity will carry to their trembling lips the cup of consolation.
N. Y. D. A.
[FROM THE REPERTORY.]
THE REPOSITORY.
This title will comprehend miscellaneous papers on literature and general science, original sketches and extracts from works of merit. It is with peculiar pleasure that I communicate as an introduction the following encomium upon women; which, being written by a man who has had an opportunity to appreciate their merit, will therefore be more grateful to female readers.
Whether the female mind is capable of those eagle flights into the regions of philosophy and science, which a Bacon and a Newton took, is a question scarcely worth the trouble of debating. A thousand instances have already been adduced by various writers, to disprove the mental inferiority of females, and it is universally acknowledged, that their minds are capable of infinitely higher cultivation than it has usually been their lot to receive.
The affections of the female are far stronger and more lively than those of our sex. The thousand instances of their heroic conduct during the French Revolution, have settled this fact forever. No personal fatigue could overcome them, no personal danger could for one instant deter them from seeking in the foulest dungeons, the father or the child, the husband or the lover. Months after months have they been known to secrete from revolutionary vengeance, some object of their affection, when the discovery of the concealment would have been encrivable and immediate death. Were a friend arrested, their ingenuity never relaxed a moment in contrivances for his escape; were he naked, they clothed him; were he hungry, they fed him; were he sick, they visited him; and when all efforts were unavailing for his deliverance, often did they infuse into his sinking soul, their own courage to meet death with fortitude, and even with cheerfulness.
In infancy they nourish us, in old age they cherish and console us, and, on the bed of sickness, the exquisite delicacy of their attentions, the watchfulness they will undergo without a murmur, the fretting querulousness they will bear with composure, the offensive, the nauseous offices which they are at all times ready to perform, demand from us more than every return of attachment, kindness and gratitude, which it is in our power to confer. These qualities are not the offspring of civilization; they are characteristic of the sex, and proudly distinguish it in every quarter of the globe. This is that excellent beauty which nature gives to women, in ample recompense for inferior deprivation; this is that beauty which indeed turns the edge of the sword, and makes the spear fall pointless. Every traveller through inhospitable wilds, and pathless deserts, confirms the grateful testimony of Ledard to the compassion, and sympathy, and tenderness of
woman, and authorizes us to estimate the degree of civilization in any country by the degree of respect and kindness which the female sex receives.
Flour inspected in the town of Alexandria, for the quarter ending the 11th December, 1804. 22,891 barrels flour. 791 half do. 27 barrels Indian meal. AMOS ALEXANDER, Flour Inspector.
Dr. Waterhouse, of Boston, in one of his late college lectures, stated an alarming fact, viz. that instances of depraved health had increased and were increasing among the scholars; and that there were more medical and consumptive complaints within three or four years past, than for upwards of twenty years previous. The cause of this declining health being sought for, it was found to originate principally from an indolent or sedentary habit, bro't on and continued by the custom of smoking cigars.
MARRIED.-On Saturday evening last, Mr. GEORGE W. DIXON, to the truly amiable and much admired Miss ELIZABETH BIRMINGHAM, both of this city.
DIED.-At Fort Stodert, the 20th October, Ephraim Kirby, late of Litchfield, (Conn.) first judge of the United States district court at New Orleans.
JUST PUBLISHED, And for Sale at S. Pleasants' Book-Store, THE PHILADELPHIA Medical and Physical Journal; Calculated and arranged by BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON, M. D. Professor of Materia Medica, Natural History and Botany, in the University of Pennsylvania.
FOR LIVERPOOL, The ship Latona, BENJAMIN THOMPSON, Master, burthen 250 Hogheads of Tobacco. She is now taking in at City Point, and having part of her cargo engaged, is expected to sail by the 1st of February. For terms apply to Walter & Thos. Colquhoun; or Robert Colquhoun. Petersburg, Dec 24th, 1804.
A man well qualified to teach Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Mathematics, and all branches of polite literature, as well as thirteen different dead & living European languages, would have no objection to engage on liberal terms, as private teacher or tutor in a family of respectability. Enquire at the office of this paper. December 29, 1804.
Elegant Accomplishments At the Williamsburg Academy, which is now devoted solely to the education of young ladies, arrangements have been lately made for their instruction in the elegant arts of Drawing and Painting.
The society of Williamsburg has ever been considered peculiarly favorable to youthful improvement, and the number of young ladies from every part of the state, who for that object, as well as for the purpose of instruction, annually assemble there is a proof of the extensive influence of this opinion. Encouraged by this circumstance, Mr. Anderson has endeavored to concentrate within his institution every possible advantage for the accomplishment of young ladies in the various branches of polite education. In addition to his school for their tuition in the English and French languages, and with a view to render the study of Geography more attractive and interesting, he has lately imported very large Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, with a complete set of Maps upon an enlarged scale, elegantly coloured and framed. He has also fitted up, under the roof of the academy, apartments for their instruction by the most eminent teachers in Music, Drawing, Painting and Dancing; and parents who wish their daughters to acquire these fashionable and elegant accomplishments, will find his arrangements well adapted to their speedy attainment.
A few young ladies can be accommodated with boarding in the family of Mr. Anderson, where an excellent teacher has been engaged to attend for the extra-tuition of those whose tender age, or hitherto neglected education may render such a measure desirable. Parents whose solicitude for the rapid improvement of their children renders the additional expense of no importance, will perceive this to be a most valuable appendage to the institution. The misfortune of neglected attention to early instruction will thus be obviated, and young ladies, who are anxious to be advanced to the higher branches of improvement, may, in this manner, retrieve their lost time without descending into a lower class.
The course of instruction for the ensuing year will commence on the 15th January, and it is requested that the pupils may assemble in Williamsburg previously to this date. Further information may be obtained on application by letter to Mr. Leroy Anderson, post-master, Williamsburg, Virginia. ep15J oaw1fP Williamsburg, 20th Dec 1804
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES, Are for sale at Dr. Wilson's Apothecary Shop opposite the Bell Tavern, to wit:-
RED and white Lead, Verdigris, Spanish Whiting, Spanish Brown, Umber, Naples Yellow, Blue Gault, Brown Pink, Rose Pink, Flake White, Gold Leaf, Liquid Gold Size, Copal and Spirit Varnish, Camels' Hair Pencils, Yellow Ochre, Litharge, Sugar of Lead, &c. &c. Also a quantity of Salt Petre.
He wishes to rent a stand for an Apothecary's Shop in the neighbourhood of the cross street leading to Mayo's bridge. 26th Dec. 1804. wtf
WILL be offered for sale, to the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 23d day of January, 1805, (if fair, if not the next fair day) at the late dwelling house of William S. Smith, dec. of this county, some Stock of CATTLE, SHEEP & HOGS, a number of good GEARSE, several FEATHER BEDS and CURRITURE, Household and Kitchen FURNITURE, 50 Gallons of Apple and Peach BRANDY, a single CHAIR, and sundry other articles. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchasers for all sums above ten dollars, on giving bonds with approved security to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. It is necessary that all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased, do on or before the day of sale, bring forward their accounts properly authenticated, as this notice will be plead in bar against any claim produced after the said date. JOSIAH SMITH, Ex'r. Powhatan county, Dec. 19th, 1804. sw
TEN THOUSAND POUNDS DAMAGES.
Lately published, and for sale by S. Pleasants, Jr. Richmond.
SUMMER ASSIZES.
Trials of Eams, county of Clare, Ireland, on 27th July, 1804, before the hon. Baron Smith and a special jury.
A REPORT,
OF THE TRIAL ON AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES, Brought by the Reverend Charles Massey against the most noble the Marquis of Hertford, from criminal conversation with plaintiff's wife, damages laid at £40,000, taken in short hand by an eminent Barrister.
This important and interesting trial may be read without exciting a blush on the most innocent cheek. On it the whole abilities of the Irish bar was brought into action, and perhaps such a display of eloquence and talents was never exhibited on any former occasion.
The vehement imagination of Mr. More, the polished and artful statement of Mr. Quin, the luminous perspicuity of Mr. Ponsonby, and that unbounded range of fancy in
Mr. CURRAN, Which in a speech occupying twenty-six pages, seized in its progress on whatever offered itself in literature or eloquence, to adorn or illustrate his subject, were to be found each in its place and order, and no doubt can exist so long as the exertions, of judgment, science and eloquence are dear to the minds of men of taste and learning, this production will be perused by them with entertainment and delight-but it may be all-wed an higher aim the lawyer will not only derive information from its perusal, but it will excite on similar occasions an emulative exertion on his part.
THE subscribers to the VIRGINIA MAGAZINE, are respectfully informed that the first number is now ready for delivery, at the Printing Office of the Publisher. A few extra copies may be had by those who wish to encourage the undertaking, on application at Mr. Pleasants' Book Store.
J. DIXON.
Richmond, Dec. 24, 1804.
HUGH J. CRAWFORD,
Has just received per the ship Alexander, from London, a general assortment of genuine
Drugs and Medicines,
Which he will dispose of on moderate terms. Richmond, Dec 24th, 1804. w2m
THE SECOND VOLUME OF
Pinkerton's Geography,
AND THE
ATLAS,
(Which completes the work,) are now ready for delivery at S. Pleasants' book store. A few copies for Sale - Price 15 dol. ars.
Sales at Auction.
WILL positively be sold, on Saturday next, the 29th instant, at 12 o'clock, on the premises, at Public Auction,
The Lot of Ground,
Near the Courthouse, on the river bank, with a commodious dwelling house &c thereon: the property of the estate of Patrick Wright, deceased, known in the plan of the city by the No. 8.-Terms of sale one fourth cash; the balance in an endorsed negotiable note in the Bank of Virginia, at 90 days.
PROSSER & MONCURE, V. M. December 25th, 1804.
Sales at Auction.
WILL be sold, on Wednesday the 2d of January next at 12 o'clock, on the premises, for approved negotiable notes in the Bank of Virginia, at 60 days.
Six very valuable Lots,
Known in Queeney's plan of the Academy or Theatre lots, Nos. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9; the situation of which is inferior to very few if any lots in the city of Richmond. The plan may be seen at the office of the subscribers. PROSSER & MONCURE, V. M. December 25th, 1804.
FOR SALE, FOR CASH.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by Achilles Rogers, for the purpose of securing a debt due from said Rogers to Brown, Watson & Co. as also a debt due from Wm. Brown & Co. will be exposed to public sale, at Wm. Alexck's Tavern, in the town of Charlottesville, on the first Monday in January next, it being Alternate court day, a certain TRACT OF LAND, belonging to said Rogers, lying in said county, situate on both sides of Binney run, and adjoining to the foot of the south side of Buck mountain, being part of the land sold agreeable to the last will and testament of Gen. Rogers, dec. and containing by estimation 234 3/4 acres. Also, one other TRACT OF LAND, adjoining the aforesaid one on the north side, containing by survey 135 acres, it being a tract which said Rogers hath some time since had taken up and surveyed, the works of which are lodged with the Register of the Land Office, but no patent as yet taken out. D. CARR, Trustee. Charlottesville, 8th Dec. 1804
Government Security.
NEW-YORK LOTTERY.
No III for the encouragement of Literature, Begins Drawing on the EIGHTH DAY of APRIL next.
25,000 DOLLARS,
16,000 DOLLARS,
5,000 DOLLARS,
HIGHEST PRIZES.
The Scheme contains 55,000 Tickets, of which 9,913 are Prizes, less than two and a half blanks to a prize - Deduction fifteen per cent.
At the session of the Legislature of the state of New-York, on Monday the 12th Nov 1804, a Resolution passed the Senate, and was concurred in by the House of Assembly, that the drawing of the said Lottery be postponed until the Second Session of one of the managers and that the Legislature will GUARANTEE the PAYMENT of ALL the PRIZES in said Lottery. TICKETS
And Halves, Quarters & Eighths,
ARE TO BE HAD AT
G. & R. WAITE's
PERMANENT LOTTERY OFFICES,
No. 64, MAIDEN LANE, & No. 38, MAIDEN LANE.
AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES.
Whole Tickets Dols. 7 00 Quarters, Dol. 1 87
Halves - 3 62 Eighths, 1 00
But as the tickets and shares have met with such an extraordinary rapid sale throughout every part of the United States, they will speedily advance in price.

NOTICE. As there will be no business done at the Bank on Tuesday the 24th inst. nor on Tuesday the 1st day of January, paper for discount must be lodged on the Saturdays preceding those days respectively, and will be paid upon the Mondays following. All payments which fall due on Christmas day, or the 1st day of January, must be made on the Mondays preceding.  J. BROCKENBROUGH, Cashier. Bank of Virginia, 18th Dec. 1804.
SADDLERY. JOHN MENERY, SADDLER, respectfully informs the public in general, and his friends in particular, that he has just received an elegant and well chosen assortment of SADDLERY, COACH & HARNESS MOUNTINGS, WHIPS, SPURS, &c. &c. Laid in under his own inspection, whereby he is enabled to offer them on the most reduced terms.  As before, 20th November, 1804.  GIMCRACK WILL stand next season at my stable about 12 miles from Howell's Ferry, ten miles from Sim's Ferry, and seven miles from the court-house.  Herbert C. Cooke. Halifax, November 19th, 1804.
Notice.... The office of supervisor of the revenue, for the district of Virginia, being discontinued, and the unfinished business in the said office transferred to me—the collection of the direct tax & internal revenue, whose accounts have not been finally adjusted and paid, are hereby informed, that they are now requested to call at my office, in the city of Richmond, without delay and pay the balances due to the United States. And that those who have been paid in the district of Virginia by authority of an act of Congress of the United States for non-payment of the Direct Tax, may redeem such lands, by paying to me within the time limited, the principal, costs and fees as the law directs.  As most of the abovenamed lands were sold in Dec 1803, the privilege of redemption will continue until December next.  The money received by me for the redemption of the said lands will be returned to the purchaser, with interest at the rate of 2 1/2 per cent per annum on the purchase money, to the day on which it may be paid to me.  JOSEPH SCOTT, M. V. D. June 27th 1804.
Family Flour. A CONSTANT supply of FLOUR, of a superior quality, for family use, kept for SALE, by  GEORGE WATT. Richmond, 5th March, 1804.
BROKER'S OFFICE. THE SUBSCRIBER HAS Opened a Broker's Office, Opposite the Union Tavern, and over the Court-house of Thomas and Amos Ladd. All business confided to him will be transacted with strict fidelity.  THOMAS NORVELL. Richmond, October 3, 1804.  THE Subscriber hath removed his SCHOOL from the Falling Garden over to the White Horse near the Court-house, where Messrs. Cohen & Isaacs formerly kept store. He will continue to teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography; he will also teach Book-Keeping, and several branches of the Mathematics, if required. The price of tuition will be made known on application.  J. S. PLEASANTS. 13th Nov. 1804.  *** All kinds of MATTRESSES for Sale—Also, old ones worked over. I.S.P.
NOTICE. ALL persons indebted to the late firm of  Dunlop & Co. Of Petersburg; Robert Pollok & Co. Of Richmond; and Dunlop, Pollok & Co. Of Manchester,  Are hereby notified that James Dunlop, late a partner in the above concerns, has become purchaser of the outstanding debts; they will therefore be pleased to make payment to Mr. John Tompkins, residing in Richmond, or the subscriber, residing in Petersburg; who alone are authorized to make collections and grant discharges. Suits will be indiscriminately commenced against all who do not make payment before the first of February next.  JOHN DUNLOP, Attorney for JAMES DUNLOP. Petersburg, Nov. 15, 1804.
The subscriber wishes to sell for cash, or on credit till the first day of January next, the  Two Brick Tenements, Adjoining the house of Mr. Benjamin Mosby. JOHN PENDLETON. City of Richmond, Nov. 10th, 1804.
Twenty Dollars will be given for apprehending and delivering to me in Manchester, PETER, a likely black fellow, about five feet six or seven inches high, twenty seven years old, who absconded on the 19th November—his dress when he went away was a short grey cloth coat, half boots, and carried with him a pair of new shoes—he is well known in and about the city of Richmond, where he has lived for several years past with Captain Moss, and has a number of acquaintances between Richmond and York. I am induced to believe that he is still in Richmond or the neighborhood. The above reward will be given on delivering him to me in Manchester or securing him in jail so that I get him again.  Philip Boos. December 4th, 1804.
WANTED TO HIRE FOR THE ENSUING YEAR, A good Female Cook. Also, a good WASHER and IRONER. Enquire of the printer. Dec. 12.  Notice is hereby given to the debtors of ROSS & FORD, That in compliance with my duty as assignee, I shall commence suits indiscriminately against all those who do not come forward and give assurances when payment may be expected.  Neil McCoull. Richmond, December 15, 1804.
FOR SALE. A Life Estate in the DWELLING HOUSE, (which has just undergone a thorough repair) Four half acre LOTS, with stables, coach-house and other necessary outbuildings, on the church hill, in the occupancy of John Banks, Esq. It commands an extensive prospect, and is as healthy a situation as any in Richmond.  12th December, 1804. Neil McCoull.
THE IMPORTED HORSE, PRECIPITATE, WILL stand at my house to be let to mares the next season.  THOMAS GOODE. Chesterfield county, Appomattox river, Nov. 27, 1804.
Manchester Turnpike Company. DELINQUENT Stockholders, on the 6th Requisition, due the 1st current, are hereby notified, that such shares as shall remain unpaid, on the first Monday in January next, will on that day be sold, at Mr. Brooks's Tavern in Manchester, at 12 o'clock in the forenoon.  James Brander, Clk. tds
TO RENT, Till the 27th May, 1805,  THE TENEMENT, Near Mr. Wythe's, on Shockoe Hill, lately occupied by Mr. L. BURROTT. For further particulars apply to  WILLIAM M. KIM. Richmond Sept. 8th, 1804.
Fifty Dollars Reward WILL be paid to any person who will deliver to the subscriber in this City, a Runaway Negro, named  CLAIBORNE, About 17 years of age. He has a long and smiling countenance, small legs, is round shouldered, his colour is between black and mulatto. He has been always employed as a house servant, and does not understand any other kind of business. He had a great variety of wearing apparel, all of excellent quality, much better than is usually given to servants. There is great reason to believe, that he has been decoyed or inveigled away by the master of a northern trading vessel, and it is probable he will endeavour to go to go to Norfolk or Hampton for the purpose of getting on board; and as he is well acquainted on the stage road, and has very good address he will probably pass for a free man.  THOMAS GILLIAT. December, 12, 1804.
FOUND IN THE STREET IN THIS CITY, A red Morocco Pocket Book. The owner may have it by applying at this office. December 12.  CASH will be given for Twelve or Fifteen BOYS, From 7 to 15 years old,—Enquire of the Printer.  WILL BE LET, To the lowest bidder on Friday the fourth of January next, at Halifax Court-house. The building of a Jail for the said county, the materials to be of wood within, and brick or stone without. The plan will be made known on the said day by  The Commissioners. December, 12, 1804.
Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from the subscriber on the 1st day of December, a negro man by the name of ARCHER, about twenty five years old, his complexion black, and when spoken to has a smiling countenance, has a scar under his left ear occasioned by a burn—he formerly belonged to Mayo Carrington, Esq. of Cumberland county—his clothing was when he left me, a long blue cloth coat, Virginia cloth pantaloons, a swansdown waistcoat and a pair of coarse negro shoes. It is supposed he is looking about John Daniel's, Esq. of Cumberland county, where his wife lives. Whoever will deliver the said Archer to me, living in Buckingham county, or secure him in any jail so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward. All masters of vessels are forewarned from carrying the said negro out of the state of Virginia under the penalty of the law.  Henry C. Bell. December 10th, 1804.
NOTICE. BANK OF VIRGINIA. Richmond, Dec. 12, 1804.  A General meeting of the Stock-holders will be held at the Bank-house, on the first Monday in January next, for the purpose of electing Directors for Richmond, Norfolk, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg; and for other purposes relative to the affairs of the Corporation.  In order that a list of the Share holders may be exhibited, those persons who have not sent in the receipts granted by the Commissioners for receiving subscriptions, are requested to transmit them by the day above mentioned, together with the Cashier's receipts for the second instalment, when new receipts will be issued, in lieu thereof by the President.  JOHN BROCKENBROUGH, Cashier.
A List of Tobacco remaining in Shockoe Warehouse upwards of two years, viz.    Lynch's P.E. 128 1422 1258   128 1217 1105 130   1542 2514 120 1042   3213 150 1403   C.A. 2327 120 1250   A.B. 5013 120 1530   T.I. 535 120 1130   W. 569 125 1504   P.P. 825 130 1504   S.I. 688 125 1125   I.M. 562 150 1046   W. 969 140 1460   T.S. 2319 1173   C.C. 3071 120 1230   T.R. 165 112 1268   B.L. 979 112 1344   D.W. 1923 155 1195   With chalk D.P. 125 1063   No. M.K. 35 118 1017   115 1485 212 1561   170 1400 3433 120   Spring P.I. 1022 120   200 175   C.C. 1275 120   T.S. 1203 140   No. M.K. 404 120   130 1506   W. 658 165   W. 694 135   Nicholas's No. M.K. 505 146   156 1353   Rivanna F.C. 714 143   Henderson's G.C. 385 169   W.I.C. 932 137   I.R. 624 123   W.I.C. 1011 1495   No. M.K. 804 142   713 166   D.W. 300 144   Horsley's, Z.T. 779 133   780 136 1471 153   238 153 1720 136   No M.K. 155 1273   Amherst, P.I. 226 194   No M.K. 111 1055   Cannon's, D. 133 1320   No M.K. 524 122   844 147 1534 171   C.G. 48 106   Woodson's, A.M. 450 163   W.A.D. 3 110   C.T.R. 979 136   A.M. 503 140   E.I. 310 153   Campden No M.K. 94 152   Dean's T.F. 853 147   G.M. 1309 130   A.M. 3 159   No M.K. 420 160   182 1476   Dean's No M.K. 148 1476   1067 168 1151 not full.   Swan Creek, No M.K. 139 1029   not full. 
The above tobacco will be sold at Henrico January Court, if not claimed by the owners according to law.  Williamson & Mosby, Inspectors. 4th Dec 1804.
ADVERTISEMENT. To be sold at public auction, at the place formerly known by the name of the Palace, in the city of Williamsburg, on Thursday the tenth day of January, 1805, if fair, if not the next fair day, a number of  Very valuable & likely SLAVES, And other personal Estate of the Rev Samuel Smith M.Croskey, dec. among which are a valuable collection of Books, a Single Chair and Harness, and all the stocks of Cattle, Sheep & Horses, and Farming Utensils belonging to the farm, and the crops of Grain, Hay and Fodder thereon made, some Household Linen, and other articles. A credit of six months will be given to all who purchase above the value of twenty dollars, the purchasers giving bond with approved security, to carry interest from the date; but if punctually paid the interest will be remitted. Ready money will be required for all purchases not exceeding twenty dollars.  Elizabeth McCroskey, Ex'x. Williamsburg, Nov. 28, 1804.
NOTICE. We the undersigned, partners in the late concerns of Buchanan, Dunlop & Co. at Petersburg, Robert Pollok & Co. at Richmond and of Dunlop, Pollok & Co. at Manchester, have sold to Mr. James Dunlop, our late partner in said concerns, the debts now due to and outstanding at these different establishments—those interested will therefore please to take notice, that hereafter payments are to be made only to the said Mr. James Dunlop, his attorney or attorneys, and to whom those having claims against these concerns will apply for payment.  David Buchanan, (Sm) By Robert Pollok his attorney. Robert Pollok. Virginia, Petersburg, Dec. 6, 1804.
J. Tompkins Respectfully informs those concerned, that he has removed the books and papers of the late concerns of Robert Pollok & Co. and Dunlop, Pollok & Co. to a new brick house near the basin, and directly opposite to the scale house, where he has for SALE, a few pipes of  Old Cogniac Brandy, Of superior quality.
By virtue of a deed of trust to us made, by John Hendrick, to satisfy a certain debt therein mentioned, to Paschal Meglasson, will be sold, on Thursday the 27th instant, at Martha C. Deaten's, the following property. For cash, to wit:—One NEGRO GIRL named Jug; four head of Cattle; two Feather Beds, and one Horse, or as much of said property as will satisfy the said debt and costs.  Anthony Webster, sen. Edward Webster, & Trustees. James Gill, Amelia, December 6th, 1804.
Will certainly be Sold for Cash. At the house of Moses Treadway in the county of Powhatan, on Thursday the third day of January, one thousand eight hundred and five, pursuant to a decree of the superior court of chancery, holden for the Richmond district, pronounced on the second day of June last, in favor of col. Samuel Meredith of Amherst county, against John Nunnally and others.  On the day, and at the place above mentioned, and in conformity to the aforesaid decree, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, one certain tract or parcel of LAND, lying on Appomattox river, in the upper end of said county, within two miles of the place of sale, containing four hundred and twelve and one half acres, a part of which is low grounds, adjoining the said river, the remainder high land, though to be equal in value to any in the neighbourhood; there are two plantations on this tract, one of which lies immediately upon the river, being that plantation whereon Archibald Nunnally lived in his lifetime, the buildings are such as might answer for the accommodation of an overseer & negroes, with a good barn, &c. The other is the plantation upon which Capt. John Nunnally has lived for a number of years; upon which there is a good dwelling house with two rooms below and two above stairs, a kitchen, smoke house, dairy, stable, barn, &c. all in good repair; upon this tract eight or ten hands may be employed to great advantage.  Credit Terms. Nelson Patterson, Edward Mansford, Rich'd Crump, John Ford, Svs. December 7th 1804.
The sale of the above property is postponed until Friday the first day of February next, when it will certainly take place, in satisfaction of the aforesaid decree, and at the place aforesaid.  Dec. 29, 1804.  The Trustee of the following Lottery hereby give notice, that on Thursday the 10th day of January next, they will certainly commence the drawing of the said Lottery at the Capitol in this City. Richmond Dec. 10th, 1804.  (By Authority.)
Scheme of a LOTTERY, CLASS No. 1. To build an Academy in the City of Richmond. 3750 Tickets at 10 dollars each, dollars 37,500    1 Prize of dollars  5000  dolls.  5000    1 Do.  2000  2000     5 Do.  1000  5000     5 Do.  500  2500     10 Do.  300  3000     20 Do.  100  2000     1500 Prizes.  12  18000  37,500    1542 Prizes. 2708 Blanks. 5750 Tickets at 10 dolls. each. 1st drawn Ticket having a blank to its number after 2000 tickets are drawn, dolls. 1,000 Do. after 2500 do. are drawn, 1,000 Do. after 3000 do. are drawn, 1,000 Do. after 3500 do. are drawn, 1,000 Last drawn Ticket, 5,000
This Lottery has been authorized by the Legislature of Virginia, for the laudable purpose of erecting a Seminary of Learning in or near the Metropolis of this State. With this view, it is contemplated to raise 20,000 dollars, and 2,500 dollars in addition, for defraying the expenses of drawing, &c. The trustees to insure success, have divided the Lottery into four distinct classes, so as to raise the sum contemplated by an annual Lottery, for four years, to raise every year 5,000 dollars, that the work may progress.  The town of Boston (to the honor of its citizens) has public schools in which are about sixteen hundred pupils. The flourishing and increasing city of Richmond cannot boast of one public school. The Trustees of the Richmond Academy, have about thirteen acres of ground, nearly one half is accepted as a donation, and the remainder they have contracted for, on which they intend to erect the Academy. The site is elevated, healthy and beautiful.—Doct. William Pooley, William DuVal, William Price (Register), and George Tucker, are appointed by the Trustees to sell and dispose of the tickets, who are authorized to appoint agents for the above purpose.  The remaining Tickets may be had of the said committee, of Robert Mitchell, Esq. Mayor, Samuel Pleasants, Jr. William Prichard, and William Mosby.
A PROPOSAL BY WILLIAM YOUNG FIRCH & ABRAHAM SMALL, OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, THAT CELEBRATED WORK, GIBBON'S HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE: Together with MEMOIRS of the LIFE and WRITINGS of the AUTHOR.  No book could be offered, which stands in less need of encomium and recommendation.—It has been read in almost every European language—The history of the long and interesting period from the reign of Augustus to the taking of Constantinople, and the death of Mahomet the II. is no where else to be found in the shape of regular and well arranged history.—The Publishers presume to hope, that they do a service to their country in giving an Edition of it from the American press.—They will briefly speak of their intentions, and the superiority of this edition.
1. It will be the most complete Edition of Gibbon extant.—Because it will be enriched with the Memoirs of his Life and Writings, written by himself.—This will be an addition to the London copy of nearly 200 pages.  2. It will be about one-third cheaper than the London Copy.  3. It will be executed in the best style.—The Publishers, with confidence, recommend to the public an inspection of the books, published by them within the last three years.—They are, Russell's Ancient and Modern Europe, 7 Volumes—The Domestic Encyclopedia, 5 Volumes, and Tucker's Blackstone, 5 Volumes.—They promise not to degenerate.
CONDITIONS. 1. It shall be printed from the last London edition, and be published in Eight Octavo Volumes, during the year 1805.  2. It shall be delivered to those Subscribers who take it in Volumes, at Two Dollars per Volume, in boards.  Those who wait for the completion of the work, may have it either at Sixteen Dollars in boards, or in a good and handsome binding, to Twenty Dollars; payable on delivery.  It will be enriched with Two whole sheet Maps—One of the Eastern, the other of the Western part of the Roman Empire—A Map of the parts of Europe and Asia adjacent to Constantinople, and an elegantly engraved Head of the Author.  Subscriptions received by SAMUEL PLEASANTS, Jr. Richmond.
VIRGINIA: At a Superior Court of Chancery, holden in Richmond, the 14th day of September, 1804.  BETWEEN Charles F. Nash and Andrew Johnston, executors of John Nash, deceased, who was executor of John Nash, deceased, and James, Robert and Thomas Donald and company and Joseph Michaux, defendants.  THE defendant James, Robert and Thomas Donald and company, 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: Upon 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 published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the capitol in the said city.  A Copy—Teste, PETER TINSLEY, c. c.
CHARLOTTE COURT, 6th AUGUST, 1804. Samuel A. Jackson and Mary his wife, formerly Mary Greenhill, widow of Samuel Greenhill, Francis Jones and Catherine his wife, Thomas Wersham and Sally his wife, Edmund Wells guardian of Martha, David, Paschall, Samuel, Elizabeth, Mary and Philip Greenhill, infant children of Samuel Greenhill, dec. plaintiffs.  AGAINST John Davis, defendant.  THE defendant being served with a subpoena and failing to file his answer to the plaintiffs' bill, being ruled to do so and still failing to file the same—The court on the motion of the plaintiffs by their attorney, doth take the bill for confessed—On consideration thereof and of the report of the commissioners made in this suit, and arguments by counsel on behalf of the plaintiff, It is ordered and decreed, that the plaintiffs recover against the defendants one hundred and ninety-two pounds and their costs in this behalf expended—unless the said defendant shall on or before the first day of the next court after he shall have been served with a copy of this decree, shew cause to the contrary.—Plaintiffs' costs, 12 dollars and 77 cents.  Copy—Teste, THOMAS READ, Clk.
VIRGINIA: In the High Court of Chancery.  BETWEEN Christopher McConico and Thompson Foulks, Executors of Matthew Marable, plaintiffs.  AND Richard Kennon, defendant.  ON motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, the court this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, doth order, that the plaintiffs do render an account of their administration of the goods, chattels & credits of their testator, before master commissioner Rose, who is directed to examine, state and settle the same, and make report thereof to the court, with such matters specially as he may think pertinent, or the parties may require to be so stated.  A Copy—Teste, P. TINSLEY, c. c.
COMMISSIONERS OFFICE, Petersburg, 30th Nov. 1804.  THE parties concerned will please take notice, that I have appointed Monday the twenty eighth day of January next, for carrying the foregoing order into effect—On which day, their attendance is required at my office, with their accounts and vouchers ready for examination.  JOSEPH G. WILDER, m. c.
WHEAT PAN & WOVEN WIRE MANUFACTORY, No. 7, Bridge-street, four doors north of Griffith's Bridge, Baltimore.  WHERE are made and sold, WHEAT PANS, first quality ROLLING and other SCREENS, for wheat, barley, flax-seed, &c.; HAND RIDDLES and SIEVES, for coal, corn, barley, wheat, rye, oats, meal, brick dust, flax-seed, clover seed, cochle, lime, sand, &c.; SPEARS for Indian meal; WIRE SIVES; WOVEN WIRE for windows, &c. &c.  AMOS SMITH, (Formerly WEST of SMITH.)  N. B. A good assortment on hand. Any of the above articles will be delivered in Richmond, (on short notice) at the same prices as at the manufactory (exclusive of freight) on the orders being left with  SAMUEL PARSONS & SON, Near the Basin, of whom the prices may be known—who have now on hand, Wheat Pans, Wheat and Lime Sives, and Meal Sives, &c. of a superior quality.  11th Mo. 1st, 1804. wif
Notice. THE members of the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the state of Virginia, are hereby requested to attend their annual general meeting, to be held agreeable to their constitution, on the first Monday of next January, being the 7th day of the said month, at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, by ten o'clock, A. M. Those who do not attend in person or by proxy, duly authorized, will be represented agreeable to law, by the delegate of the county or the senator of the district wherein such member resides.  W. F. AST, principal agent M. A. S. Richmond, 3d December, 1804.  The printers of this state are requested to insert the above once in their respective newspapers as soon as possible. In the U. S. Adm.
Lottery Notice. G. & R. WAITE, solicitors of giving every advertiser an opportunity of purchasing at the present price of Seven Dollars a ticket, hereby notify, that tickets in the New-York State Lottery, No. 3, for the Encouragement of Literature, will advance on the 6th day of January next to Seven and a half Dollars each. Persons including the cash at any time previous to that date, will have their orders punctually executed; and those who are fortunate in drawing prizes, by enclosing them in a letter directed to the Permanent Lottery Offices of G. & R. Waite, New-York, may depend on having the amount faithfully returned in cash, or warranted undrawn tickets.—Letters must be post paid.  New-York, Jan. 1805.

VIRGINIA ARGUS EXTRA.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1804.
House of Delegates of Virginia.
THURSDAY, December 20th, 1804. (Concluded from our last.)
5. Resolved , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Essex, in opposition thereto, be rejected.
6. Resolved , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Wythe, praying that Andrew and James Crockets, proprietors of a dam over Reed creek, may be compelled to erect a slope by or through the said dam for the purpose of admitting the passage of fish, is reasonable.
7. Resolved , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Botetourt, Monroe, Greenbrier and Bath, praying that a new county may be formed out of the following parts of each of the said counties, to wit, beginning at the gap of Jackson's river, and running along the main mountain that divides the waters of Craig's creek and Potts's creek, opposite the division of Second creek and the head waters of Dunlap's creek, thence crossing Potts's creek to the old county line of Monroe, and along the same till it intersects the county line of Greenbrier, thence along the same until it comes opposite the dividing ridge between Howard's creek and Anthony's creek, thence a direct line crossing Anthony's creek, so as to include the inhabitants from where it shall cross to the head of the said creek, until it shall intersect the county line of Bath, thence along the same opposite to the north head branch of Anthony's run, thence leaving the county line of Bath and down said run so as to include the inhabitants to where it empties into Jackson's river, from thence a direct line to the mouth of Cedar creek where it empties into Jackson's river, and from thence to the beginning be rejected.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the 3d, 4th, and 6th resolutions; and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. E. Harrison presented, from the committee of propositions and grievances, a bill, "Establishing a town on the lands of Matthew Wright, in the county of Bedford;" and
A bill, "Reviving several inspections of tobacco;" which were received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Sharpe presented, according to order, a bill, "Declaring Powell's river a highway," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Baker presented, according to order, a bill, "To authorise the courts of certain counties to appoint two or more commissioners of the revenue for the said counties," which was received and read the first time, and the question being put upon the second reading of the bill,
It passed in the negative.
Resolved , That the said bill be rejected.
Mr. Mallory presented, from the committee to whom it was committed, a bill, "To prevent the hauling of seines at certain places within certain periods annually," with several amendments, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read and agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the bill, with the amendments, be engrossed and read a third time.
Mr. Snyder presented, from the committee to whom it was committed, a bill, "Incorporating a company to build a toll-bridge over the south branch of Potowmak river," with an amendment, which he delivered in at the clerk's table, where the same was twice read and agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the said bill, with the amendment, be engrossed and read a third time.
Mr. Hunton presented, from the committee to whom was referred that part of the Governor's communication which relates to the Haymarket district court;
A bill, "Authorising improvements and repairs on the lot of the Haymarket district court," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Du-Val presented, according to order, a bill, "For the relief of special bail in certain cases," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Ordered , That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Providing for the killing crows in certain counties;" and that Messrs. Edwards, Currie, Downing, S. Bailey, R. Bailey, Upshur, Campbell, Hudgins and R. B. Daniel, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered , That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To amend the act, reducing into one the several acts making provision for the restraint, support and maintenance of idiots and lunatics, and the preservation and management of their estates;" and that Messrs. Wooding, Semple, Woodford, Hawes, P. M. Daniel, Maclin, Taylor and Moore, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered , That the committee appointed to bring in a bill on the subject of the appointment of jailors and regulating their fees, be discharged therefrom.
A petition of sundry inhabitants of the city of Richmond, was presented and read, stating many grievances arising to the citizens of this commonwealth by the conduct of captains of vessels carrying slaves out of this state, and praying the attention of the legislature to the laws upon that subject;
Ordered , That the said petition be referred to Messrs. Tazewell, King, Du-Val, Semple, Ker, Mercer, Goodwyn and Watkins, and that they report their opinion thereupon, to the house, by bill or otherwise.
A petition of the trustees of Washington Henry Academy, in Hanover county, was presented and read, praying certain alterations in the law organising the said board of trustees;
Also a petition of a number of the inhabitants of Germantown, in Franklin county, praying a further time to the owners of lots in the said town to build on and improve the same;
Also a petition from the town of Meadsville, in Halifax county, to the same effect;
Also a petition from the Justices of King George county, praying certain alterations in the act, "Directing the mode of laying and collecting the county levy;" and the act respecting "The county and corporation clerks;" for reasons in the said petition stated;
Ordered , That the said petitions be referred to the committee for courts of justice; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the house.
A petition of William Chapman, jun. was presented and read, praying the passage of a law to establish a ferry from his lands in Brooke county across the Ohio river, to the opposite shore;
Also a petition of Thomas Augustus Taylor, praying the passage of a law to establish a town on his lands in Randolph county;
Also a petition of James Hays, praying the passage of a law to establish a town on his lands in Albemarle county;
Ordered , That the said petitions be referred to the committee of propositions and grievances; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the house.
A petition of Samuel Cochran, of Franklin county, was presented and read, praying the interference of the legislature to secure to him pay for several years service as Adjutant to the 43d regiment of militia, which, owing to circumstances, stated in the said petition, he has not received;
Also a petition of Francis White, sheriff of Hampshire county, praying that he may be allowed a credit on an execution issued against him from the General Court in the name of the Commonwealth, for his list of delinquents and insolvents, which he was prevented from returning in time, by his deputy being unfortunately drowned;
Also a petition of Robert Douthat, William Chambers and Anthony Mustoe, praying relief from the legislature from their responsibility as securities to a certain William Bauger, who was sheriff of Augusta, for reasons particularly stated in the petition;
Also a petition of James Taylor, surviving executor of Joel Mohum, stating that a certain John Bowness left this country during the revolutionary war, and joined the British, in consequence of which his estate to a considerable amount was confiscated; and praying that a debt due to the estate of the petitioner's testator may be paid out of the proceeds of such confiscated property, there being nothing else out of which it can be satisfied.
Also a petition of Nathaniel Fox and Leonard Hill, securities of James Primm, late high sheriff of Stafford county, praying an indulgence of six months, for the payment of a judgment obtained against them on account of such securityship;
Also a petition of Nathaniel Fox, with a similar prayer, on account of one other judgment against himself on the same account;
Also a petition of Emanuel I. Leigh and John Chaffin, deputy sheriffs of Prince Edward county, praying compensation for expenses in conveying James Mitchell to the lunatic hospital in Williamsburg, and who could not be received for want of room;
Also a petition of James Vaughan, deputy sheriff of Goochland county, with a like prayer for conveying John Markham to the said hospital, and who could not be received on the same account;
Also a petition of Andrew Lewis, late sheriff of Montgomery, praying the remission of certain fines inflicted on him by the General Court, for reasons in the said petition stated;
Also a petition of James Mason and others, of Botetourt county, praying the remission of damages on a judgment rendered against them in the General Court, as securities for Anthony Haden, collector of the arrears of taxes due from the said county for the year 1784, they having paid the principal debt and costs;
Also a petition of Samuel Selden, praying the interference of the legislature to save him from the effects of a judgment rendered against him in the General Court, for reasons particularly detailed in the said petition;
Ordered , That the said petitions be referred to the committee of claims; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the house.
A petition from a number of the inhabitants of Patrick county, on the subject of extending the jurisdiction of a single magistrate, and other alterations of the laws relative to the recovery of debts, was received and ordered to be referred to the committee appointed to bring in a bill on the subject of extending the jurisdiction of single magistrates.
A petition of Alexander D. Kelly and others, inhabitants of Richmond county, was presented and read, praying the passage of a law authorising the sale of a tract of land in said county, which is in part the property of minors;
And the question being put upon the reference of the said petition;
It passed in the negative.
Resolved , That the said petition be rejected.
Ordered , That Mr. Muse have leave of absence from the service of this house for ten days; Messrs. Allen and Minge for eight days each, and Mr. Jones (of Nottoway) till the first day of January.
The several orders of the day on a bill, "To prevent slaves being brought into this state"; and on the state of the commonwealth, being read;
Ordered , That the same be put off till to-morrow.
And then the house adjourned till to-morrow 12 o'clock.
FRIDAY, December 21st, 1804.
Ordered , That Messrs. Dashiell and Hawes be added to the committee of claims.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from his excellency the Governor, covering certain documents for the information of the General Assembly, which were read, and ordered to be referred to the committee appointed to prepare an estimate of the resources and expenditure of the government.
An engrossed bill, "Confirming certain elections of overseers of the poor in King George county," was read a third time, and a blank therein filled up;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Confirming certain elections of overseers of the poor in King George county."
An engrossed bill, "Increasing the tolls at Mason's bridge over Occoquan river," was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Increasing the rates of toll at Mason's bridge over Occoquan river."
An engrossed bill, "Increasing the salary of the Surgeon to the Public Guard and prisoners confined in the Jail and Penitentiary house," was read a third time;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Increasing the salary of the Surgeon to the Public Guard and prisoners confined in the Jail and Penitentiary house."
An engrossed bill, "To prevent the hauling of seines at certain places within certain periods annually," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "To prevent the hauling of seines at certain places, within certain periods annually."
An engrossed bill, "Incorporating a company to build a toll bridge over the south branch of Potowmak river," was read a third time;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Incorporating a company to build a toll bridge over the south branch of Potowmak river."
Mr. Jennings presented from the committee of claims, a bill, "Giving to William Shepherd a fixed sum in lieu of his annual salary," which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
On motion.
Ordered , That the said bill be now read a second time; the said bill was accordingly read a second time, and,
On motion;
Ordered , To be engrossed immediately and read a third time;
The said bill was accordingly read a third time, amended by an engrossed clause by way of rider, and the title also amended;
Resolved , That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Concerning the pension of William Shepherd."
Ordered , That the clerk do carry the said bills to the Senate, and desire their concurrence.
A bill, "Establishing a town on the land of Matthew Wright, in the county of Bedford;"
A bill, "Reviving several inspections of Tobacco;"
A bill, "Declaring Powell's river a highway"; and,
A bill, "Authorising improvements and repairs on the lot of the Haymarket District Court," were severally read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "For the relief of special bail in certain cases," was read a second time; and,

On motion,
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Mr. Johnston presented from the committee for courts of justice, to whom it was committed, a bill, "To explain and amend the act providing for the poor, and declaring who shall be deemed vagrants," with an amendment, which was twice read and agreed to by the house;
Ordered, That the said bill, with the amendment, be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Releasing to Frederick Gauder the right of the commonwealth to a certain lot of land;"
A bill, "Incorporating the town of Lynchburg and enlarging the same;" and
A bill, "To increase the reward for killing wolves in the county of Wood," (which lay upon the table) were taken up and severally read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Johnston presented from the committee for courts of justice, a bill, "Repealing so much of the act, intitled, "An act to encrease the reward for killing wolves" as relates to the county of Lee;"
A bill, "For extending the boundaries of the city of Richmond;" and,
A bill, "Divorcing Robert Campbell from his wife Anne," which were received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Barbour from the committee of privileges and elections, made the following report:
The committee of privileges and elections, have according to order, examined the mayor's return of a delegate for the borough of Norfolk to serve in the present General Assembly, compared the same with the form prescribed by law, and have come to the following resolution thereupon:
Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the Mayor's return for the borough of Norfolk is made in the form prescribed by law.
The said resolution being twice read, was on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Mr. Barbour from the same committee, further reported, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration, the petition of John Woodward, to them referred, and had agreed upon a report and come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were received, and,
On motion,
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Mr. E. Harrison reported from the committee of propositions and grievances, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration, sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read, and agreed to by the house, as follows:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Richard Ratcliffe, of the county of Fairfax, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on his land, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Charles Stuart, praying for the establishment of a ferry from his land on the west side of Cheat river, in the county of Monongalia, to the land of James Staff on the opposite shore of the said Cheat river, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Benjamin M'Machen, praying that a law may pass establishing a ferry from his land in the county of Ohio, across the Ohio river to the land of Daniel M'Ellerin, on the opposite shore, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Fairfax, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on the land of Richard Ratcliffe, at the courthouse of the said county, is reasonable.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolutions; and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Johnston reported from the committee for courts of justice, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Lewis A. Pauly, praying that an appropriation may be made by law for discharging a claim which has been decided in his favor by the Richmond chancery court and the court of Appeals, against the commonwealth, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry merchants, mechanics and other inhabitants of the city of Richmond, praying that provision may be made by law for compensating them while attending as jurymen, at the different courts held in the said city; and that in future they may not be compelled to serve as jurors as often as they may now be required so to do, be rejected.
3. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the trustees of the Nottoway tribe of Indians, praying that other persons may be added to the trustees of the said tribe, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry officers of the sixty-seventh regiment of the militia, setting forth, that in consequence of a fever that prevailed with great malignancy, in the present year, in the county of Berkeley, which composes the said regiment, no battalion or regimental courts of enquiry were held for the assessment of militia fines in the said county, and praying that such courts may be held in the month of February or March next; that the sheriff may be compelled to receive the list of fines if delivered by the first day of April next, and to account therefor at the time appointed by law; and that the said sheriff be required to return, in the manner therein mentioned, his list of delinquents for fines heretofore assessed, is reasonable.
5. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Alexander Wills, James Marshall, Robert Calwell, Oliver Brown and John Connell, praying that they may be authorised by law, to continue to receive tolls at a bridge erected by them over Buffalo creek, in the county of Brooke, until they shall be reimbursed the expense of building the same, unless in the mean time the court of the said county shall deem it best to pay them the balance that may remain unpaid of such expense, and receive the said bridge for the benefit of the said county, is reasonable.
6. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that so much of the petition of the corporate body of the city of Richmond, as prays that they may be authorised by law to appoint a mathematical surveyor of the said city, and to regulate his fees of office, is reasonable.
7. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the residue of the said petition, praying that provision may be made by law for opening streets in certain parts of the said city, is reasonable.
The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th resolutions being read a second time, were, on the question put, agreed to by the house.
The 6th and 7th resolutions being read a second time, were,
On a motion made,
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th resolutions; and that the committee for courts of justice do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. E. Harrison presented, from the committee of propositions and grievances, A bill, "Establishing a town on the lands of Richard Ratcliffe, at the court-
house of Fairfax county;" and
A bill, "Compelling Andrew and James Crocketts to erect a slope through their dam over Reed creek," which were received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Semple presented, from the committee for courts of justice,
A bill, "Adding other trustees to the town of Charlestown, in the county of Brooke, and for increasing their powers;" which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Further to amend an act, intitled, an act, to reduce into one the several acts, concerning the county and other inferior courts of this commonwealth;" and that Messrs. Hening, Tazewell, Ruffin, Byrd, Smyth (Wythe) Leake and Dixon, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To regulate the practice of physic in this commonwealth and for other purposes;" and that Messrs. Dulany, Purdie, Peake, Semple, Blake, Snyder, Dashiell, Jones, (Nottoway) Hawes, Johnston and Ker, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Giving further time to the owners of lots in the town of Moorfield, to build thereon and for other purposes;" and that Messrs. Fisher, Simmons, Tate, Davison, Singleton, Evans, Edwards and Hooe, do prepare and bring in the same.
On a motion made,
Resolved, That the thirty-ninth rule adopted for the government of this house, be rescinded.
Resolved, That in future it shall be a standing rule of this house to appoint annually, a committee, whose duty it shall be to examine into the expenditure of the executive department for the last year, and to call on them for any information relative thereto.
Ordered, That Mr. Randolph have leave of absence from the service of this house till Wednesday next, and Mr. Fleming till Tuesday next.
S A T U R D A Y, December 22d, 1804.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk:
The Senate have passed the bill, intitled, "An act, releasing to Lodowick M'Carrol, the right of the commonwealth to certain lands therein mentioned."
They have also passed the bill, intitled, "An act, authorising the introduction of Dearborn's patent balance into the warehouses of this commonwealth, upon certain conditions," with several amendments, to which they request the concurrence of the House of Delegates; and
They have appointed a committee on the part of that house, to examine jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the House of Delegates, the treasurer's accounts.
The house forthwith proceeded to consider the said amendments;
And the question being severally put thereupon, they were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That the clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Saunders:—
Mr. Speaker—The Senate have passed the bill, "Concerning the pension of William Shepherd."
An engrossed bill, "Authorising improvements and repairs on the lot of the Haymarket district court," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Authorising certain improvements and repairs on the lot of the Haymarket district court."
An engrossed bill, "Declaring Powell's river a highway," was read a third time, and a blank therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Declaring Powell's river a highway."
An engrossed bill, "Establishing a town on the land of Matthew Wright, in the county of Bedford," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Establishing a town on the land of Matthew Wright, in the county of Bedford."
An engrossed bill, "Reviving several inspections of tobacco," was read a third time, and a blank therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "Reviving several inspections of tobacco."
An engrossed bill, "To explain and amend the act, providing for the poor, and declaring who shall be deemed vagrants," was read a third time, and a blank therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, "To explain and amend the act, providing for the poor, and declaring who shall be deemed vagrants."
Ordered, That the clerk do carry the said bills to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A bill, "Releasing to Frederick Gauder the right of the commonwealth to a certain lot of land;"
A bill, "To increase the reward for killing wolves in the county of Wood;"
A bill, "For extending the boundaries of the city of Richmond;"
A bill, "Establishing a town on the lands of Richard Ratcliffe, at the courthouse of Fairfax county;"
A bill, "Divorcing Robert Campbell from his wife Anne;" and
A bill, "Repealing so much of the act, intitled, an act, to encrease the reward for killing wolves, as relates to the county of Lee," were severally read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Compelling Andrew and James Crocketts to erect a slope through their dam over Reed creek," was read a second time, amended at the clerk's table, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Incorporating the town of Lynchburg and enlarging the same;" and,
A bill, "Adding other trustees to the town of Charlestown, in the county of Brooke, and increasing their powers," were severally read a second time; and,
On a motion made,
Ordered, To be committed to the committee for courts of justice.
A bill, "For the release of special bail in certain cases," (which lay on the table) was taken up, and
On a motion made,
Ordered, To be committed to the committee who reported the same; and that Messrs. Semple and Tazewell be added to that committee.
Mr. Ruffner presented, according to order, a bill, "Authorising the court of Mason county to appoint one or more persons to solemnize the rites of marriage within the said county," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Jennings reported, from the committee of claims, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read, and agreed to by the house, as follows:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Edward Burgess, stating he was a convict in the Penitentiary house for four years; that during his confinement he created a debit against the commonwealth, under the then existing law, to the amount of 177 dollars; that upon his discharge, in September last, he received only thirty dollars, the residue of his claim being withheld on account of a law passed last session, although the services had been previously rendered; and praying relief from the legislature, is reasonable.
2. Resolved also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Robert Settlington, sheriff of Bath county, praying that a law may pass authorising the auditor to receive and account with him for his delinquent list, for the year 1802, amounting to one hundred and forty two dollars and fifty-one cents, is reasonable.
3. Resolved also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Anderson's executors, praying that his estate may be relieved from the payment of a fine of 840 dollars, imposed on him in his life time, upon an indictment, is reasonable.
4. Resolved also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of George Hairston, former sheriff of Henry county, praying relief from a fine imposed on him by the General Court, for returning a process a few days too late, amounting to about one hundred and one dollars, having paid the costs of the said judgment, is reasonable.
5. Resolved also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of John Allen and Charles Brown, deputy sheriffs under Andrew Donelly, sheriff for the county of Kanawha, for the year 1802, praying that the Auditor may be allowed to receive their delinquent list for the year aforesaid, and place it to their credit, is reasonable.
6. Resolved also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Elizabeth Boethe, praying a law may pass authorising the Register to issue a warrant to her for so much land as John Harris was entitled to from the commonwealth, at the time of his death, for his services as an officer in the revolutionary war, is reasonable.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolutions; and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
(To be continued.)