The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1809-07-07 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
VOL. 6.]
RICHMOND, FRIDAY, JULY 7, 1809.
[No. 17.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OFFICE THE GLOBE TAVERN, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.
WILL BE SOLD On the 31st day of July next, at the dwelling house of the late Joseph Prentis, in the City of Williamsburg, the personal estate of the decedent. The sale will be continued from day to day until the whole or the greater part of the personal estate is sold. There will be some valuable household and kitchen furniture, and plate for sale. And it is probable several house servants will also be offered for sale. There are several Milch Cows, two Horses, and a neat single Phaeton and Harness quite new.
The sale will be made on a credit of nine months, to bear interest from the date; and if the payment is punctually made, the interest will be remitted—Bond and approved security will be required from the purchasers before any article which may be sold is delivered. JOSEPH PRENTIS, Ex'or. &c. Williamsburg, July 4.
FOR SALE, a likely young NEGRO WOMAN, with her first child. She has been raised as a ladies maid.—Apply at the office of the Enquirer. July 4.
BANK OF VIRGINIA, 3d July 1809. The President and Directors have this day declared a dividend of three per cent. which will be paid after the 15th inst. on application at the Bank in person or by attorney. JOHN BROCKENBROUGH, Cashr. July 4.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD—Ran away from the Subscriber on the 29th day of June 1809, a light colored Mulatto woman named Lauretta, about twenty two years of age, rather inclined to be fat, & somewhat under the common height—She has very bushy hair, and a freckled face, and had sores on both arms, one of which was occasioned by a burn just above her left elbow—there is also a scar on one side of her neck—She was dressed in a white India cotton wrapper when she went away; but it is probable she may change her dress and cut off her hair. It is possible she will endeavor to pass as a free woman, and to get to some of the Northern States. All captors of vessels are forewarned from carrying her out of the state. If she is taken out of this City, reasonable expenses will be paid besides the above reward. ANNA BYRD. July 4.
FOR RENT—The two following tracts of LAND, lying on James river, in the county of Powhatan. That large estate called BELL MEAD, at present occupied by Mr. James Tucker. The plantation immediately below it, now in the occupancy of Mr. David Mead. Also, the Tract of Land, called the Old Court-house Tract, in the county of Powhatan, lying on Deep Creek, and now occupied by Mr. William Wilburn. These Lands, will, without reserve, be rented to the highest bidder, at Powhatan Courthouse, on the 19th of July next, (being the first day of the court) unless before privately rented—Apply to JAMES CARTER, Esq. Goodland, NEIL MCCOULL, } Richmond or to JOHN ST. JOHN, } July 4. ep19th
MANNsfIELD FOR SALE—The Subscriber offers after the elegant and highly improved estate called Mansfield for sale. It is situated within less than two miles from the Town of Fredericksburg—The quantity of Land proposed to be disposed of is about 1900 acres—The mansion house and out-houses are equal to any in the state. A considerable credit will be allowed for the greater part of the purchase money. The incumbrances on this property will be discharged out of the proceeds of the Sales, so as to leave to the purchasers an undisturbed Title. MANN PAGE. BENJ. BOTTs. Fredericksburg, July 4.
FITZWILSON & POTTER, have just received a large supply of Stationery, Elegant Ladies Work-Trunks, Travelling-Trunks, Pocket-books, Pen-knives, Patent and Common Sus-penders, Conversation, Playing and Embossed Visiting Cards, Music, Violin Strings, &c. They have on hand, an extensive assortment of Blank Books, of all kinds; a few copies of Mathus on Population, Fox's Historical Work, Fisher's Military Tactics, Sampson's Plea for Religion, Illustrations of Prophecy, and a variety of School Books. BOOK-BINDING, in all its branches, carried on as usual. Orders from the Country, duly attended to. June 16. w6w
WOOD LAWN for Sale—The Subscriber offers for sale, the tract of Land on which he now resides, lying throughout, on the main fork of Pamunkey river, in the County of Orange, 35 miles from Fredericksburg, and 60 from Richmond, containing 763 acres—a full proportion of which consists of valuable low-grounds. About one half the land is cleared, a large part of which is now fresh. The Wood land is all prime tobacco land, heavily timbered, and peculiarly adapted to the growth of that kind of Tobacco, which commands the highest Richmond market price. There is, perhaps, no land in this part of the Country, on which the planter or farmer can rely with more certainty for a crop, than this, as from the nature of the soil, there is no land on which a crop is sooner matured. The improvements are considerable. The dwelling-house is of two stories, 52 by 20 feet, divided so as to unite convenience with elegance. To one end is attached a wing of 20 feet square. A large and convenient kitchen, laundry and weav-ing house, the whole comprising six ground rooms, are contained under one roof, and with other out buildings, an Ice-house—a Well of excellent water in the yard, affords every convenience requisite for the accommodation of a large and genteel family. A stable of 14 Stalls—the first story of granite stone, with apartments above for grain, fodder &c. has just been completed. No buildings in fact, necessary for the securing of a crop, or for the comfort of a family are wanting, and what enhances their value, is, they are all new and of choice materials; the land abounding in the best of timber and lying within one mile of a saw mill. One third of the purchase money, will be required in cash. Western lands, provided they are situated on navigable water in the lower parts of the states of Kentucky or Tennessee, or on the Mississippi above the mouth of the Ohio, will be received in payment, for the balance of the purchase money, at the rate of 75 cts. per acre, on a view of them, their quality and price. Those, therefore, who hold lands in the above range, and are disposed to barter their location, are requested to make immediate application, in person, or by letter post-paid, addressed to the Orange Springs Post-Office, and directed to DANIEL MINER. June 16.
AN ELEGANT ESTABLISHMENT FOR SALE—The House and Tenement where the subscriber lately resided. This tenement justly ranks amongst the first in this place, combining elegance, convenience, contiguity to the Capitol, and in the centre of a most agreeable neighborhood. For terms apply to Mr. Wm. Long who is fully authorized to contract for the same. J. PENN. June 13.
SHOES, SHOES, PORTER, &c. J. BIRK, offers for sale, at the same place in which he kept the Penitentiary Store, second floor above the Eagle-Tavern, A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF HATS. including Gentlemen's black, drab and patent Silk BEAVERS, ASTORS, RORUMS, &c. Clip and Legion Hats, Mens and Boys Wool do. Servants' Glazed Leather do. Hatters' Trimmings and Materials. SHOES, Ladies' Morocco and Kid Slips and Ties, Gentlemen's superfine press Stock and Pumps. Constantly on hand a large store of bottled Porter, Ale and Cider, Philadelphia Beer, &c. &c. April 18.
BY VIRTUE of a Deed of Trust, executed to us, on the 15th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and seven, by John Clarkson, and William Clarkson, (and recorded in the County Court of Albermarle,) to secure the payment of the debt, therein expressed to be due by the said Clarkson, to William Brown and Co. Will be sold, (as the law directs,) on the 17th day of July next, at the dwelling house, at present occupied by the said William Clarkson, on the premises; one tract or parcel of LAND, lying and being in said County of Albermarle, containing 430 acres, more or less, adjoining the lands of George Twyman, Mrs. Owens and Hudson Barkedale, or so much of said lands, as may be sufficient to raise the sum of three hundred and thirty seven pounds eight shillings and four pence, being the sum declared to be payable on the 15th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and eight, with interest on the same from the 15th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and seven. We will convey to the purchaser or purchasers, such title only as is vested in us as trustees. JOHN WATSON, SAM. Dyer. June 16. wtds
VIRGINIA, to wit: At a Court of Appeals held at the Capitol in Richmond, the twentieth day of May, 1809. RULE.—Great inconveniences and delays having arisen from motions to alter, and amend the decrees and special entries of this Court, after they have been entered of record, it is expected that in future the Counsel will respectively in all cases where a special decree or entry shall be deemed necessary, prepare notes of such decree or entry as they may think ought to be made on the record, and to be considered as part of their statement and delivered to the Judges, with the record, at the final argument, in each cause. A Copy. Teste, J. BROWN, C. C. w151A
IN CHANCERY—in Louisa County Court, April 10th 1809. George Pottic and Charles Thomson, administrators of John Hawkins dec. Plffs. against William Meriwether and Robert Dickinson Defs. The defendant William Meriwether not having entered his appearance and given security, according to an act of assembly, and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this state: Therefore on the motion of the plaintiff by their attorney: It is ordered and decreed, That the said defendant Meriwether do appear here on the second Monday in July next, and file his answer to the complainant's bill, and that a copy of this order be posted at the front door of the court house of this county, on some court day, and published in some one of the news papers printed in the City of Richmond for eight weeks successively. A Copy. JOHN POINDEXTER, C. L. C. June 30. law8w4
FIFTEEN DOLLARS REWARD—Ran away from Major William Ball's Chesterfield county, near Manchester, on Monday the 22nd of May last, a very likely small Negro fellow named JAMES, but I understand he has changed his name, and calls himself HENRY, he has an impediment in his speech, is about 20 years old, supposed to be about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, he is very well acquainted in Richmond, Manchester and Petersburg, is a very cunning fellow, and I expect will endeavor to get on board of some vessel to go by water. I therefore forwarn all Masters of vessels and others from harboring of him, or carrying him off at their peril. Whoever will deliver the said fellow to Major Ball near Manchester or to the subscriber near Chesterfield court house, shall receive the above reward. EZEKIEL JACKSON June 27. law2w4
COMMITTED to the Jail of King William county, a Negro Man named TOM, a runaway, who says he belongs to a Mr. Christie, living in the state of Tennessee, and escaped from the said Christie in Bedford county, in the state of Virginia, some time in the month of August last, and says he was sold to the said Christie by a Mr. Bradley of Pittsylvania: The said fellow is about five feet eight or nine inches high, and of a yellow complexion; the owner is desired to come forward, prove his property, pay charges and take him away. H. LITTLEPAGE, D. Sheriff For WM. GREGORY, Sheriff. April 18. w3mp
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD—Ran away, about the 14th of last month, from the subscriber, residing in the city of Richmond, a Mulatto Man named GEORGE, about 23 or 24 years of age. He is, I believe, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, with rather large limbs, and a little knock-kneed; his complexion is tolerably bright, and his hair is rather more straight than that of mulattoes generally. He has lost the first joint of his middle or fore finger of one of his hands, which, I think, is the right hand, but the finger is perfectly cured. I do not recollect any other visible mark by which I can describe him. I am informed that he has changed his name, & it is probable that he will, with forged papers, attempt to pass as a free man. All boatmen and masters or skippers of vessels, are particularly cautioned against carrying him away. The above reward will be given to any person who will bring the said slave to me, or apprehend him so that I may recover him. J. ROBINSON. June 13. tf
WANTED immediately, a WOMAN who can come well recommended for her attention to young children—a liberal price will be given for the balance of the year, enquire of the printer. June 30. enpf
JOHN R. JONES, N. W. corner of the main street, and that leading to the head of the basin, nearly opposite the Eagle Tavern, has just received a few copies of a new & interesting novel by the celebrated Miss Owenson, author of the Novice of St. Domingo &c. called Woman or Ida of Warsaw, 2 vols. S o , also a few copies of Thaddeus of Warsaw, by Miss Porter, 2 vols. S o . A new map of Spain and Portugal, by Don Thomas Lopez, Geographer to the catholic majesty, price S o . Letters from England: By Don Manuel Alvarez Espriella, descriptive of the manners, customs and state of that kingdom 2 vols. S o . Poems by the Revd. George Crabbe S o . The geographical, natural and civil history of Chili, by Abbe Don J. J. Molina, with notes &c. And a map, 2 vols. S o
WANTED TO HIRE, by the week, month, or for the remainder of the present year, a sober industrious man to superintend a parcel of labourers, in the vicinity of this city. Enquire at the office of the Enquirer. June 28. tf
United States, Virginia district, May 23d 1809 The United States, libellants, against the sloop Jenny, whereof John Wright is master & commander, Respondent. THIS day came the attorney for the U. S. & at last term, had duly made and proclamation having been made, as the court did direct, that the said vessel would be considered as forfeited to the United States unless a claim should be interposed for the same and no claimant appearing, on the motion of the attorney for the United States, it is decreed and ordered, that the said vessel, her rigging, tackle, apparel and furniture be considered as forfeited to the U. S. and that the marshal of this court, do sell the same to the highest bidder for ready money after giving 10 days notice in some one of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond, and make return of his proceedings, and bring the proceeds to the next court in order for a final decree. A Copy. Teste, WILLIAM MARSHALL, Clk.
By virtue of the above decree will be sold at Powell's Tavern in the Town of Petersburg, for ready money to the highest bidder at Public auction the sloop Jenny her rigging tackle-apparel & furniture as named above. WILLIAM MANN, Deputy M for JOSEPH SCOTT, M. V. D. June 30. tf
HAVING executed a deed of trust to Benjamin Oliver, Jr. William Cunningham, and Samuel Richardson, conveying certain property therein mentioned, to them, for the purpose of making sale thereof, in order to discharge all debts for which I am bound for my father, and my own debts.—It is therefore my wish that all such creditors may as soon as possible, make their respective claims known to the above named gentlemen, that they may know how far to carry the sales, which will take place the 1st of August next. JOHN M. SYME. June 9.
VALUABLE PROPERTY FOR SALE. PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed to us, by John M. Syme, of the County of Hanover, for the purpose of satisfying all debts for which he is bound for his father's & his own debts—we shall, on Tuesday, the first day of August next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, upon the premises, proceed to sell, four hundred and sixty three acres, (by a late survey) of prime and valuable land, adjoining the Town of New Castle, upon Pamunkey River, and the ferry across that river. Also, ELEVEN NEGROES, consisting of MEN, WOMEN, BOYS and GIRLS, all the stock of HORSES, CATTLE, HOGS, SHEEP, and implements of Husbandry, &c. conveyed by the said instrument. Such title as we hold as trustees will be made the purchaser or purchasers, and possession of the land given at Christmas with the privilege of seeding wheat this fall. The terms of sale will be one third cash, one third in six months, and the balance in 12 months, from the day of sale. Interest will be expected upon the distant payments. Bonds with approved security will be required of the purchasers of the personal property, and Bonds with deeds of trust upon the land and ferry of the respective purchasers. The land &c. will be shown by Mr. Wm. CUNNINGHAM, living in New-Castle, or either of the Mr. SYMES, to any person wishing to view the premises. Creditors will be allowed to purchase, and their claims discounted. According to Mr. John M. Syme's notification above, we or either of us, will receive the amount of any claim, and it is our wish that they be made known prior to the day of sale. There are some previous liens upon this property, or some of it, to secure certain debts, which will be first paid, according to their several dates. Proposals for any part of the above property will be received by either of the trustees prior to the sale. BENJAMIN OLIVER, Jr. WM. CUNNINGHAM. SAM. RICHARDSON. New-Castle, June 9. tds
By virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed by James H. Gordon dec'd and Maria his wife, to the subscriber, on the first day of November, 1808, and recorded in the Hustings Court of Richmond the 24th December 1808, for the purpose of securing to Robert Johnston the punctual payment of a debt, particularly described in said deed of trust. Will be sold on the premises to the highest bidder on Monday, the 10th day of next month, one LOT or GROUND, designated by number seventy, containing a half Acre, lying and being in a part of the City of Richmond commonly known and designated by Duvall's plan of lots, on which is a brick tenement: the sale will take place at five o'clock in the evening, under the provisions of the act of last assembly of Virginia, entitled "an act concerning executions and for other purposes." HENRY TURNER, Trustee. June 27. ep14s
LETTER From the Secretary of the Navy to the chairman of the Committee, appointed on so much of the message of the President as relates to the military establishment; accompanying a bill concerning the Naval establishment. NAVY-DEPARTMENT, 9th June 1809. SIR, I have received your letter of yesterday's date, and in reply have the honor to state: 1st. That the cost of repairing each frigate now lying at the Navy Yard, Washington, cannot be estimated with any degree of precision, until each frigate shall have been thoroughly examined in her hull, masts, spars, rigging, sails, water casks, &c. and the precise state of each particular ascertained. I some time since directed such examination to be made, and reported to me, but this has as yet only partially been done; and being apprehensive that some days may elapse before I shall have it in my power to afford satisfactory information upon this subject, I have supposed that in the mean time it would be agreeable to the committee, to receive information upon the other points of your letter, and therefore proceed to state: 2ndly. That differences between keeping each of the public armed vessels in service, for 6 months from this time and laying them up in ordinary immediately, circumstanced as they now are, their crews being generally in debt for advances of money and clothes made to them, and their supplies of provisions; and in a great measure all the other supplies being now actually on board, would be from three to four months pay of their respective crews—that is For a 44 gun frigate, about c. 17,000 36 ditto 13,000
NOTICE.—That on the 17th day of next month, will be sold to the highest bidder, on the premises in this city, (unless privately sold before,) a three story brick house, (unfinished) 20 by 40 feet, together with the ground of the same width, extending back to an alley; situate on Cary's Street, running parallel with the Basin, and opposite to Nicholson and Heath's Coal yard. Terms of sale, $1000 in hand, $1000 in six months, the remaining balance, divided equally in 12 and 18 months, from the first instant. A Deed of Trust, on the said property, and bonds of the purchasers, will be required to secure the three last payments. SAMUEL PARSONS. 6th mo 20, 1809.
WANTED TO HIRE, by the week, month, or for the remainder of the present year, a sober industrious man to superintend a parcel of labourers, in the vicinity of this city. Enquire at the office of the Enquirer. June 28. tf
In reply to your third query, requiring a comparative statement of the building and the annual expense of maintaining a gun on board a frigate and a gun boat, it is necessary to suppose a particular case. I will take the frigate President, mounting 56 guns, 42 pound carronades, and 24 pound long cannon. This frigate cost $220,910 48-100—say $221,000. A gun boat, carrying 2 guns, will cost about $9000. The frigate will require 420 men to man her, & can be maintained in actual service at an annual expense, less than $120,000 including the pay of officers and seamen, provisions, repairs, medicines, contingencies, and every other expense of every description. A gun boat mounting one or two guns, will require 45 men to man her, and cannot be maintained in actual service at an annual expense, less than $11,700, including every expense. It hence results that the building of 19 gun boats, each carrying 2 guns, and carrying 38 guns in the whole, would cost more than the building of carrying in the one case, 20 guns, in the other case, 10 guns; that to fight 56 guns on board a frigate mounting 56 guns: that the building of 25 gun boats, each mounting 1 gun, would cost more than the building of a frigate mounting 56 guns, that the number of men required for a frigate mounting 56 guns would not be sufficient to man 10 gun boats of 28 gun boats, would require 1260 men; and to fight them dispersed in 56 gun boats would require 2520 men; and that 2520 men employed on board of frigates, mounting each 56 guns, and each requiring 420 men, can fight 336 guns, consisting of 42 pound carronades, and 24 pound long cannon.
With respect to the expense per gun, it appears that 56 guns mounted on board of a frigate, can be maintained at an annual expense, less than 120,000 dollars; that the annual expense per gun, on board of a gun boat carrying 2 guns, will be $5850; and on board of a gun boat carrying one gun, $11,700 per annum;—that the difference between the annual expense of fighting 56 guns on board a frigate, and 28 gun boats, carrying 56 guns is $307,600 and that the difference in the annual expense of fighting 56 gun boats carrying each 1 gun, is $533,200. The annual expense of keeping the gun boats, (other than those now in service, and those yet on the stocks) in ordinary, would be about $64,000. As to the saving already made by laying up these boats in ordinary, it is impossible at this time precisely to ascertain it, as the department is not informed of the day on which each boat was laid up. I can only, at this time, form a conjecture as to the amount, which is supposed to be equal to one month's pay of the crews discharged, that is about $18,000. I am with great respect, &c. PAUL HAMILTON.
CONGRESS.
FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, June 28.
Mr. Stanford observed that the Post Office Department had gone on so long without any revision or amendment, that it needed a review not only of its expenses, but of the whole system; to attain which object, he moved a resolution to this effect: Resolved, That the Post Master general be and he is hereby directed to prepare and report to the house, at the next session of congress, such a system as will enable the House to comprise the several laws on the subject into one; and to report such additional regulations as will tend to obviate any difficulty in the transportation of the mail, and promote economy and dispatch in the same. The house agreed to consider the motion 50 to 25; and it was then carried without opposition. CONTESTED ELECTION. The house resumed the consideration of the report of the committee of the whole on the contested election of Wm. Baillies. When the house last night (or rather this morning) adjourned for want of a quorum, the following resolution was under consideration: Resolved, That Wm. Baillies is not entitled to a seat in this house. Messrs. Pickman and Livermore opposed the resolution, and Mr. Macon supported it; when it was carried by yeas and nays 60 to 40. The third and last resolution reported by the committee of elections is as follows: Resolved, That Charles Turner, jun. is entitled to his seat. Messrs. Randolph and Blaisdell opposed the resolution. And on the question it was carried 62 to 41. And Charles Turner, jun. a Representative from Massachusetts, appeared and took his seat.
EMIGRANTS FROM CUBA.
On motion of Mr. Marion, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. DESHA in the chair, on the bill for the remission of certain fines and penalties. This bill provides for the remission of penalties incurred by the captains and owners of vessels which have been compelled to take on board emigrants from Cuba, with their slaves, the landing of the latter in the U. States having, under present laws, forfeited the vessels and cargoes and fined the persons concerned. Mr. Marion observed that he had a day or two ago presented petitions from persons bringing in slaves, amongst which were some documents, one of which was the opinion of the district court of South Carolina, by which it appeared that if the bill passed in its present shape, no relief would be afforded by it; for it had not appeared on the trial that the slaves were forcibly expelled from the island, though the owners were. He therefore moved an amendment to include slaves owned by persons who were expelled from the

island.—Motion agreed to without opposition. Mr. Marion then moved to add a proviso: "and provided also, that such slaves shall have been brought in at the same time as their owners respectively."—Agreed to. Mr. Ross observed that a former act on the subject of the importation of slaves said that it should not be lawful to bring into the U. States any negro, mulatto, or person of color, with intention to sell the same or hold them as slaves. The present case appeared to him to be in direct violation of that law. Under the act of 1807, it had been the duty of the court to examine whether it was the intention of the parties to infringe or violate the laws. After a fair examination by a court under a desire to relieve those interested, and a failure of every attempt to show that they were compelled to take on board these slaves, was the house about to sit in judgement and reverse the decision? Mr. R. said that provision was also made in the bill as to slaves that may hereafter arrive in the U. S. giving a power to the President of the U. States at his discretion to set aside the law. What reason could there be for enacting this law, if the principles of the law of 1807 were correct? If it was intended by a side blow to repeal that law, he had rather see it done at once; and not whilst in appearance we had such a law, to give the president a dispensing power over it. It was said that the persons concerned in bringing them in were distressed. How distressed? Only because they could not prove they were compelled to bring them into the country. Mr. R. said he did not wish to irritate the feelings of gentlemen from any portion of the union; that he was sorry to see a bill introduced to unsettle what he conceived to be a valuable provision enacted some sessions ago. Mr. Newton said he felt as much repugnance as the gentleman from Pennsylvania to touch that law; but if the gentleman would consider that this was a case of a peculiar nature, attended with similar circumstances, he would withdraw his objection; but he verily believed that had the legislature foreseen what had taken place, they would certainly have inserted a provision to meet the case which had occurred. Let it be recollected (said he) that the unfortunate Frenchmen driven on our coast were some time ago driven from St. Domingo, and were obliged to take shelter at Cuba. Since the commencement of the war in Spain, Cuba has almost witnessed the same scenes as St. Domingo. These people were forced to leave the island in distress and to take what portion of property they could collect. They could not go to France, because no vessels of that country were permitted to touch at the island of Cuba, neither could they go to the French islands in the West Indies. There was no country open to them but America. The American captains then were forced to take the French on board, and with them a few body servants; and under the former law these vessels were seized and liable to forfeiture, our merchants to suffer the loss of vessel & cargo, & the poor emigrants to lose all their little property. Let it be recollected that the law of 1807 does not interfere with the state rights on the subject. This bill only goes so far as to remit all fines and penalties incurred by the captains of vessels and release the property which would otherwise be condemned, and relieve the perfectly innocent merchants, who would otherwise suffer. Let us say to those unfortunates as Dido to Aeneas when he was exiled from Troy: "I have suffered misfortune myself, and therefore know how to extend the hand of relief to others." Mr. Marion said that if the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Ross) thought that he had a wish or intention to increase the number of slaves, he was much mistaken. The laws of South Carolina prohibited the bringing of these slaves or any other into the state; yet they had been brought there and the persons bringing them there must give security that they would have them carried out of the state. Now by the non-intercourse law the state was prevented from sending them away; they would of course remain here till the law permitted them to be sent off, for they could go no where but to France and her dependencies, France being at war with all the rest of the world. Mr. Marion said there were several captains now in jail under sentence of court for having brought those people into the country; he submitted to the house whether, under the circumstances of the case, the captains had not good reason to suppose that they would not be subject to the penalty of the law. The law prohibiting the importation of slaves was of a highly penal nature, and different from all other laws of that nature, having no clause in it giving a power of remission of penalties; and this bill was guarded in such a manner that no evil could arise. Mr. Mason said it was certainly true that the Southern country wanted no more slaves. The sole object of the bill was to get them away. However desirous the people might be to hold that property, there could be no fear of their wanting them for the West Indies. Mr. Montgomery said it was peculiarly necessary to pass this bill to get rid of the immense number of slaves brought into New Orleans; for every one must know that they were not wanted there. They were too numerous to continue there, and this bill was intended to make provision for their exportation. Mr. Newton produced a letter from the collector of New Orleans on this subject. Mr. Taylor said, it never could have been the intention or spirit of the law of 1807, to increase our population in free blacks. It was not to set free the people of this description that the law had been passed, but to prevent them from being brought here at all. For even in Pennsylvania he had no doubt the gentleman would be content to have no further population of this sort. Mr. T. said, he knew that in the southern states there was an extreme aversion to receiving an additional free black population. The intent of this bill, so far from being in hostility to the law quoted by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, was in furtherance of it. It was to remove them out of the country. Mr. Ross said, that it was strange that the House should have a bill before it contemplating the removal of a certain description of persons out of the country, when nothing of the kind appeared on the face of it. If that was its intention, there should be a condition, that the persons bringing in these slaves should carry them out again. Mr. Newton observed, that unless this law passed, the inevitable consequence must be, that the negroes must remain here. He did not want them; they brought principles which it was known would not promote our interest or happiness. The committee then rose and reported the bill.
Mr. Newton moved a new section for the relief of Foster and Girard of New-York, whose ship had been forfeited under the law prohibiting the importation of slaves.—Agreed to. And the bill was ordered to a third reading; and subsequently passed without opposition. The House concurred in a verbal amendment of the Senate to the bill to amend the "act for the support of public credit and the redemption of the public debt." Mr. J. G. Jackson observing that no one was more anxious to adjourn at the time fixed than himself, but that he was certain that the House could not discuss and decide all the business before them, for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of the House on the subject, moved that the Speakers of the two Houses be authorized to adjourn them on Friday next instead of this day. This motion was out of order, other motions for the orders of the day having preference, and was therefore not received. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Mason in the Chair, on the bill to suspend, for a limited time, the recruiting service. Mr. J. G. Jackson moved to strike out the clause, authorizing the President of the United States to renew it, if the public service in his opinion shall require it.—Carried, 48 to 29. The committee rose and reported the bill as amended; which was ordered to a third reading, and was subsequently read and passed. On motion of Mr. Cutts, the bill from the Senate authorizing the accounting officers of the Treasury to give credit to the collectors of the customs for certain allowances made by them to the owners of fishing vessels, passed through a committee of the whole, Mr. Basset in the Chair, and was ordered to a third reading; and was then read a third time and passed without opposition.
OHIO ROAD. The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Mason in the Chair, on the bill (from the Senate) in addition to the act entitled "An act for laying out and making a turnpike road from Cumberland, (Md.) to the state of Ohio." The bill proposed to appropriate 60,000$ towards that object. Mr. J. G. Jackson observed, that it would be impossible to complete the turnpike road originally and now contemplated by the act to which this is a supplement, under an expense of a million of dollars, which would never accrue probably from the funds set a side for this object. He therefore moved the following section as an amendment: "And be it further enacted, that the President be authorized to apply the monies to the improvement of the road as may be most expedient, without contemplating a turnpike road." This motion was opposed by Messrs. Lyon, Smilie and Eppes, and supported by Messrs. J. G. Jackson and Ross. In favor of the motion it was contended, that the money applicable to this object would never be competent to the making a turnpike road, which must cost from six to ten thousand dollars per mile; that turnpikes made for less were no better than common country roads, and would not bear a heavy team; that the sum proposed by the bill, would not suffice for turnpiking more than eight or ten miles, whilst it would open a passable road, of the common description, the whole distance; that the turnpike roads which were made at a less expense than five thousand dollars a mile, were good for nothing, and broken up by each successive winter; that the House would pledge themselves by the passage of the present bill, to complete the turnpike, whatever might be the expense; that it was to be hoped they would not act like the celebrated projector who undertook to build a bridge across a river, and, his funds failing him, built it only half way across, and when asked how the passengers were to get over the remainder of the distance, replied that they might swim it. To this it was replied by the opponents of the amendment, that Congress were already pledged by their law to the state of Ohio, to make a turnpike road; that it would be improper in this incidental way, to repeal a solemn law; that sixty thousand dollars would complete a turnpike across the mountains, and the people of Ohio were ready and willing to complete the remainder by companies or otherwise; that turnpikes had been made in Pennsylvania or New-York, for one thousand dollars a mile, and could certainly be made as cheap in this direction, where materials were cheaper and in plenty; that Congress were bound to make a turnpike road, and such a one as should be passable in winter as well as summer, which would not be the case if the amendment was adopted. The amendment was negatived in committee without a division. The committee rose, and Mr. Jackson renewed his motion. Before a decision could be had, the bill was ordered to lie on the table, to receive a motion for adjournment, till six o'clock. EXPENDITURE OF MONIES, &c. Mr. Randolph laid on the table a number of reports from different committees of which he was Chairman, as, for taking the third census, for securing an impartial trial by jury, for enquiring into the institution of suits for libels at common law, (which enquiry the committee did not complete from want of time) and a supplementary report from the committee appointed to enquire into the application of public monies. He wished the reading of all these reports to be dispensed with, except the last, which he wished read, as going to exculpate some persons who might be implicated in the former report. None of these reports, however, could be read, because the time had long ago arrived for taking up the orders of the day which had preference. Several motions were made for printing the report on public expenditure, by Messrs. Montgomery, Randolph and Mason, before it was in order. The motion was at length made in the evening and carried. And the House adjourned to six o'clock. EVENING SITTING. The bill from the Senate making an appropriation for completing and finishing the permanent Senate Chamber, passed thro' a committee of the whole, Mr. Cutts in the chair, without opposition, and was read a third time and passed. Mr. J. G. Jackson called for the consideration of the bill respecting the Ohio road. Motion negatived, Ayes 32. The bill authorizing the discharge of Joseph Wilkinson, jun. from imprisonment, was read the third time and passed. NEW-ORLEANS BATTURE. Mr. Sawyer moved that the House go in-
to committee of the whole on the resolutions on this subject submitted by Mr. Sheffey on Monday last. Mr. J. Montgomery moved to postpone the subject indefinitely.—Lost, Ayes 25. The House then went in committee, Mr. Desha in the chair, on this subject, 51 to 27. Mr. Varum moved that the committee rise, as it would be impossible to act on the subject with that deliberation which it required at this period of the session, when it was almost impossible to keep a quorum. Messrs. Lewis, Ross and Gholson opposed this motion and Messrs. Smilie and Taylor supported it. The committee rose (Mr. Taylor having suspended his speech for the purpose) to receive a report of the committee of enrolled bills. A message was received from the Senate, informing the House that they were ready to adjourn, and had appointed Messrs. Pope and Brent a committee on their part to wait on the President and inform him that they are ready to adjourn. The House concurred in appointing a committee, and Messrs. Root and Crawford were named for that purpose. On motion of Mr. Randolph, the committee of the whole were discharged from the further consideration of the subject of the capture with a view to take it up in the House. Mr. Randolph then called for the consideration of Mr. Sheffey's resolutions. On the first count, there were, for it 29, against it 35—No quorum. On the second count, for it 54, against it 35—No quorum. On a third count 37 to 37—a tie, and another count called. On a fourth count, for it 37, against it 63—No quorum. A call of the names was then ordered (8 o'clock) and the names being called, it appeared that the following gentlemen were present: Messrs. Anderson, Bacon, Blaisdell, Boyd, J. Brown, R. Brown, Burwell, Butler, Calhoun, J. C. Chamberlain, Crist, Cutts, Dana, Dawson, Desha, Ely, Emott, Eppes, Findley, Fisk, Gannett, Gardner, Gholson, Gold, Hale, Haven, Heister, Helms, Holland, Howard, Hubbard, Huftey, J. G. Jackson, R. Jackson, Johnson, Kennedy, Knickerbacker, Lewis, Livermore, Livingston, Lyon, Lyle, Marion, M'Bryde, M'Kee, M'Kim, Milnor, Montgomery, N. R. Moore, Morrow, New-ton, Nicholson, Pearson, Randolph, Rea, (Pen.) Rhea, (Ten.) Richards, Roane, Root, Ross, Sage, Sawyer, Smilie, G. Smith, Sturges, Swoope, Taggart, Taylor, Thompson, Tracy, Turner, Van Dyke, Van Horn, Van Rensselaer, Weakley, Whitman and Wilson—75. A full quorum. And another count being made on the above question, the votes were 54 to 34.—No quorum. Mr. Root reported that the committee had waited on the President according to order, who was pleased to say that he had no further communications to make. About 9 o'clock. All the bills having been enrolled and signed, a motion was made to adjourn and carried; and The Speaker after wishing the members of the House a pleasant journey home, and a happy meeting with their friends, adjourned the House to the 4th Monday in November next.
its liberty; that the French are shut up in the fort of Coruna, and that the troops of Romana surround them, and that there is no doubt that they will be obliged to surrender in a few days." Copy of a dispatch from Gen. Beresford, to his excellency Pereira Forja. "I have the honor to communicate to your excellency, that on the 9th of May, I had caused a detachment to advance to take a favorable position between Amarante and Mezao Frio, which are occupied by the French; having met with no other enemy than a small detachment, who fled. I had an opportunity of placing four pieces of cannon in an excellent position. I ordered a constant fire upon the division of the enemy, who at the end of two hours beat a retreat in great disorder. Major Harding whom I had sent to observe the effect of this, reports to have seen the French carry off five wagons of wounded. Their force consisted of 2500 infantry and 500 cavalry commanded by gen. Louison. I have ordered a reinforcement, commanded by the Gen. Francisco de Silveira, to keep his position, and to cut off the communication between Amarante and Mezao Frio. The conduct of the enemy was horrible, having burnt all the villages and huts in their retreat. (Signed) BERESFORD. Head Quarters at Lumago } 11th May. Copy of a letter, dated 11th May at the Advanced Posts. "I have the honor of informing your excellency that the French have abandoned Mezao Frio. I shall do my utmost to maintain the good position I have taken. By the advices that I have received, I can say, that the French have lost 30 cavalry and 30 infantry, and that they have had a great number wounded, and have abandoned one ammunition waggon and a great quantity of waggons loaded with provisions. (Signed) FRANCISCO DE SILVEIRA. Copy of a letter, from his Excellency, M. Villiers, Minister of his Britannic Majesty, to his Excellency Pereira Forja, May 11th. "I have this instant received the news that the troops commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley have completely beaten the French to the number of 4000. The 16th Portuguese regiment distinguished themselves. We have obliged the enemy to abandon their positions." The following article is received in a letter from Lisbon, dated on the 17th May;—"There have been great rejoicings here to day on account, as I understand by the guards, of the French being defeated at or near Oporto." In confirmation of the above intelligence, Capt. Stacy verbally reports, that the day previous to his departure, (18th May) official accounts were received of the retaking of Oporto by the English and Portuguese troops—that the French had retreated some miles from the city; but their communications with Spain being completely cut off, and being surrounded by a superior force, news was momentarily expected of their unconditional surrender; and that great rejoicings and illuminations had taken place in consequence of this agreeable intelligence. Capt. Stacy also reports, that the armies were in high spirits; and that the greatest good will and unanimity existed between the English and Portuguese armies. Extract of a letter from Lisbon, dated May 17. "We have just received the glorious news, that Oporto is retaken by the English; the retreat of the French is cut off, and their surrender as prisoners of war inevitable." A vessel had just arrived at Lisbon from England bringing the agreeable intelligence of a final adjustment of our differences with England. Capt. Stacy did not understand that they had been officially received. NEWS FROM FRANCE. We understand, that a gentleman now in this city, has read the bulletins of the grand army of Bonaparte in Germany. We had not the pleasure of conversing with him; but are informed, that after two battles, more remarkable for slaughter on the retreat, than for a well maintained contest, the French have been successful. The Austrian armies may be considered as destroyed; and the present monarchy, or rather the present reigning family, annihilated. Particulars will doubtless be received to-day. As these events were long foreseen, the details of the news are less interesting. The Fair American must bring foreign news to the 7th of May. The following is from the Federal Gazette of last evening. We reprinted from the politeness of a gentleman from Philadelphia for the following information. Arrived at Philadelphia on Saturday last) brig Fair American, from Dunkirk 34 days. Advices by this vessel state that all American property in France for adjudication, remained in the same situation as at our last advices. No vessel could be cleared out of any port in France unless bonds were entered into, in double the amount of vessel and cargo, not to violate any of the decrees of the emperor of France. The armies of France has been successful in Austria. A few days previous to making the capes, the captain of the Fair American, spoke the ship Dorothy of from Philadelphia bound to Canton. Since the above was communicated for the Federal Gazette, we have further learned, that Mr. Purvis, of this city, arrived in the above vessel, and is the bearer of dispatches from our minister at Paris. NORFOLK, July 3. Mr. Reimon who arrived from Jamaica (via St. Jago de Cuba) in the ship Fame, and Capt. Benthall, have favored us with a file of Jamaica papers to the 5th May. No notice is taken in those papers of any insurrection in Jamaica. On the 17th June capt. Benthall was boarded in the Bite of Leogon by a British sloop of war, conveying a packet through the passage. Was informed by the captain of the sloop of war, who left Jamaica on the 13th, that a strong force had sailed from that island, to assist the Spaniards besieging the City of Santo Domingo. That the sloop of war was laden with provisions and stores for that place, to which he should proceed after conveying the packet clear of the passage.—Ledger. The Jamaica papers, since the siege of the City of Santo Domingo, by the Spaniards, and the taking of the reinforcement and supplies, which was stated the French ships, had captured Admiral Cochrane, had thrown into the port. We are inclined to believe, that the report was incorrect. Such a circumstance could not have occurred without being known in Jamaica, and would have been noticed.—Id. From the Havana Packet of June 15. COMMITTEE OF VIGILANCE OF HAVA. On the proposal of the Deputies, the C. of Saldívar and D. Joseph Maria de X
DOMESTIC.
ASHFORD, (Con.) June 17.
To the Editor of the North American. SIR, Accidently, on my passage through this state, I met with an extract from your paper recommending the introduction of the Camel to the southern sections of the union, as an animal of burthen. Many years ago I held a command on the southern frontiers of Georgia, and had occasion to reconnoitre a very considerable part of that country; I remarked much inconvenience in transporting the productions of interior plantations to navigable waters, by reason of the weakness of the working cattle and horses, obstruction of loose sands and slippery clay bottoms, and the want of forage to support teams; for these are impediments which can never be wholly removed—a remedy can be had by introducing the Camel. I formed this opinion soon after becoming acquainted with the customs and habits of the Moors and Arabs on the coast of Africa; and it was my intention to have sent a number of that and other animals from that coast, to some of my friends in the southern states, had not adversity defeated my designs. All which is stated in the piece above alluded to, concerning the usefulness of the Camel, I can confirm from actual experiment.—About five hundred camels bore our baggage, provisions and camp equipage from the borders of Egypt to the eastern provinces of Tripoli—they were driven by Arabs.—The region through which we passed was extremely sterile. In a march of about six hundred miles in the desert we saw neither a cottage, a fruit tree nor a natural stream of water. On the borders of mountains and in the ravines we found a miserable shrubbery; wild thyme, thistle, a kind of dwarf sweet briar, low and knotted thorn bushes, and here and there a little herbage. No provisions were made for the subsistence of our camels.—The proportionate burthen laden on each of them was about seven hundred weight. The vallies between the high grounds and mountains are plains of sand, in some places deep and quick. In many instances we were compelled to march two, three or four days through these dreary plains without affording any forage to those patient animals; and it was only when we fell in with such coarse vegetation as I have before described, that they were loosed from their hampers and permitted to roam under the vigilance and responsibility of their drivers; they seemed to prefer the roughest weeds, and were peculiarly fond of the thistle and wild thyme. Though from the scantiness of this wretched kind of forage, they became low in flesh, not one of them failed; and I am persuaded from my own observation that they did not have water more than four or five times during a passage of fifty days.—The scanty supplies which we took from accidental cisterns and rare reservoirs, hardly kept alive our famishing host and our cavalry horses, which cannot subsist without drink. One Arab was allowed to the care of ten Camels. How useful might this animal be rendered on the plains of our southern climates! Cold weather, freezing, is destructive to them; and they make a laborious and weary progress among rocks. In such parts of the southern states as where roads are imperfect, and where the mails and other communications are carried by horses, the Dromedary would also be a useful introduction. This animal seems to be a species of the camel, less in size, not calculated for burthen, slender of frame, easy of motion, and speedy of travel. Its general daily march is about sixty miles—when pushed, one hundred. It feeds on the same plants as the camel, and is equally docile and obedient. It is remarkable that the camel always kneels to receive its burthen, and has the sagacity to know and complain when too much is imposed for his strength; he kneels also to be unladen. Other kinds of useful animals might also be brought from Africa. They have the finest mules on the Barbary coast I have ever seen in any country; and the means of producing the same quality here, may be easily obtained and transported. An excellent species of sheep are found there, upon which, some beneficial experiments have been made upon the plantations of Judge Peters of Pennsylvania. Some valuable tropical fruit-trees from that coast, unknown in our country, I think might be made to flourish in the vicinity of New-Orleans, on the banks of the Mississippi, and on our southern frontiers; particularly the Palm tree. It produces a fruit extremely nutritious, which forms a chief article of subsistence to the sun-browned wanderers of the interior of Barbary and Egypt—is very delicious, and is a rare treat as a desert upon the boards of gentlemen in Europe and America. This sketch is imperfect, but not incorrect. A passenger and a late hour, must apologize for imperfection. I shall be glad to correspond with any gentlemen who feel and will take an interest in this subject; and if circumstances allow, would willingly give a concern in an enterprise which I believe might, in process of time, be rendered very useful to our country. Accept, sir, I pray you, the assurance of my considerate friendship and respect, WILLIAM EATON.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE ELECTION. The Legislature of this state convened at Concord on the 14th inst. There is a majority of two federalists in the Senate, and 12 or 15 in the Assembly. The votes for Governor, were for Mr. Smith, 15,610 Mr. Langdon, 15,261 Majority for Mr. S. 369 There were 152 scattering votes given, the state.

Gentlemen, an article was inserted in one of the public News-papers in this city, that I had three seamen impressed from the ship Virginia, by an English ship of War. To remove any bias from the public mind, that such a vague publication may have made, it is proper to state that my crew consisted mostly of English seamen, who had been in prison at Brada for some considerable time—who formerly belonged to the English frigate Flora, which was wrecked on the coast of Holland; and by the influence of our consul, Mr. Bourne, I got them from prison, as also as many as manned four other vessels belonging to the U. States. On being boarded by an officer from Adm. Parker's ship, three of the said seamen claimed his protection.
ARCH. CROCKER. New York, June 24.
LIST OF ACTS Passed at the first session of the eleventh Congress. An act respecting the ships or vessels owned by citizens or subjects of foreign nations, with which commercial intercourse is permitted. An act making further appropriations to complete the fortifications commenced for the security of the ports and harbors of the United States, and to erect such fortifications as may be necessary for the protection of the northern and western frontiers of the United States. An act supplementary to an act, entitled "An act making appropriations for carrying into effect a treaty between the United States and the Chickasaw tribe of Indians," and to establish a land office in the Mississippi territory. An act authorizing the appointment of an agent for the Land Office at Kaskaskia, and allowing compensation to the commissioners and clerk. An act to continue in force an act declaring the assent of Congress to a certain act of the state of South-Carolina, passed the 21st of December, 1804. An act authorizing the discharge of John Heard from his imprisonment. An act to fix the time for the next meeting of Congress. An act concerning the naval establishment. An act to amend and continue in force certain parts of the act, entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes." An act making appropriations for defraying the expense of stationary, printing and all other contingent expenses of the Senate and House of Representatives, during the present session of Congress. An act freeing from postage all letters from Thomas Jefferson. An act for the remission of certain penalties and forfeitures, and for other purposes. An act supplementary to the act, entitled "An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of the public debt." An act to suspend for a limited time the recruiting service. An act making an appropriation to finish and furnish the Senate chamber, and for other purposes. An act authorizing the accounting officers of the treasury department to give credit to certain collectors of the customs for allowances paid by them to the owners and crews of fishing vessels. An act authorizing the discharge of Joseph Wilkinson, jun. from his imprisonment.
THE ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND, JULY 7, 1809.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
A REPLY
TO MR. B. OF ORANGE, THE ZOOLOGIST.
Quintilian mentions a great decline of eloquence in Rome, after the times of the great master of that art, Cicero. To judge of our progress in literature, from the performance of Mr. B. we would find, a most deplorable falling off, since the publication of the Notes on Virginia, the letters of Cuvier, and those of the British Spy. But Cicero could not write verses, Dryden was no orator, though they were both master workmen in their way. So Mr. B. may be (God knows though) less of a zoologist than any thing else. Philosophical publications have generally the good fortune, to raise none of the resentment of criticism against the style of their composition, but as the publication now before us has no claims to the title of a philosophical analysis of the subject on which the author pretends to treat, nor beauty of diction sufficient to recommend itself to the Literator, it neither deserves the serious refutation of the naturalist, nor the clemency of the critic. It generally fares with abortions, that their heads are too large for their bodies, so this gentleman has swelled out his exordium to an inordinate size, with tropes, figures, and "words of learned length and thundering sound." In his progress, however, let me say he does not hesitate to make the human mind succumb to its weakness, while he hopes to pass the deep with lighter wings than Dædalus wielded, yea with wings of words, and bad words too. Before he took his flight from which it was plain to see he would never return, it would have been well to have explained what he meant by "this most auspicious link in the chain of animated nature;" for Dr. Hunter does not think it one, at all auspicious to the human race. For not having done this, however, he makes some amends in his next paragraph by giving us a higher authority than his ipse dixit, in the following words: "In refutation to this opinion (the identity of the elephant and mammoth) we have only to remark, that the rigour of the climate in which his remains are found, is too unfriendly to sustain a life only cherished and invigorated by a tropical sun." Here the gentleman is plain enough, because he uses the ideas, nearly I believe, the language of Mr. Jefferson—of our author's opinion concerning the necessary preservation of each particular race of animals for the preservation of the whole. I shall say nothing, except that I was sorry to see him obliged to express his figurative language, by an N. B.—After this he lumps through more than a paragraph until his gait becomes so vacillating, that he needs must "succumb," and declares, that the era of the mammoth not being entirely a resident of the water, is too universally admitted to require any notice. This sort of discussion is more excusable at the bar than
in the philosopher's closet, although it is in neither case the most conclusive logic. He might, for aught we know, have been provided with lungs calculated for respiration under water, although his skeleton is unlike that of any inhabitant of that element now known. But our naturalist, great in conjecture, great in verbosity, and great in presumption, says, that he would have no necessity for resorting to water at all, since he would surely find food enough upon land. Nor could he have lived upon shell fish, for if so, we would have found the shells, as if he supposed the mammoth used oyster knives. And here too our author has given us a word, never I believe, known by any writer but himself, and which, if it means any thing—means what he certainly did not intend it should do, it is "destructible" for destructive, I presume.
In the following paragraph Mr. B. has done (what it was plain to foresee he would do), he has fallen into a lake, from whence he may extricate himself as he can, and where I believe he will find his Efca Pteronia of little avail. However, after making another "inagle" word, and using a technical phrase "compassed his extermination," he brings us on to some absurdities which shall be examined in due time. Here let me observe, I perceive I shall be in dangerous hands—surely from this word "compassed," Mr. B. is a barrister, if so, woe betide me. Euryclia knew Ulysses after 20 years absence by a scar on his knee, so also we may know some men by their peculiar Phraseology—Ulysses, the Poet tells us, received his wound on Parnassus, by the task of a wild boar; our hero, I am sure, never visited this haunt of the muses, so I leave his scars to be accounted for by conjecturers, as he is one himself. I return from this digression to ask our writer how the mammoth could bite the grass, when he could not pick up a shell-fish—oysters adhere to rocks, and if he was an aquatic animal, he could bring his mouth to bear upon them with ease, but how he could nibble grass with tusks nine or ten feet in length, protruding in front, is to me inconceivable, not to mention his proboscis, which would incommode him at least as much as a Turk is incommoded in eating, by his mustachios. And now, last of all, I come to the grand question, the mode by which he was exterminated, on which point the gentleman believes he is original, and much reason has he so to hope, for if he is on this, it is the only one.
The gentleman is of opinion that they have been exterminated by the "poor Indians," poor fellows! They kill Mammoths and we kill them—according to this reasoning, we must be the most powerful party concerned—yet the Lord protect me from Mammoths. If the gentleman is correct in his opinion, it is a curious and astonishing fact! The largest animal the Indians are said to overcome on our continent, is the Buffalo; which in point of strength, size and accessibility to any vital part—can scarcely be supposed to bear a nearer proportion to the Mammoth than a Domestic cat does to an Indian Tyger. The grisly bear which our accurate observer, and enterprising adventurer Capt. Lewis saw, weighed about 800 lbs. is incapable of climbing a tree to take an enemy, and is destitute of the sheathed and formidable talons of the cat kind—Yet the Indian no more dares to encounter him than he does to swim across the Pacific Ocean. Our learned author would probably have deduced as an inference from these facts, that our continent was once the abode of no Pigmy race of men; but of Giants. Peradventure the Mammoths might have been their beasts of burthen, and that the reason of their being found in such licks is that their masters rode them to death in search of that valuable mineral—we are getting too high though in the regions of conjecture, let us descend a little to earth.
The Elephant has time immemorial since and God knows how long before the days of Pyrrhus & Hannibal, been eagerly sought after at one time, for warlike purposes, at another for ivory, for sport and for domestication—Yet the banks of the Indus of whose Elephants Horace sung almost 2000 years ago, and the Greek Poets long before him, have not yet lost those animals of which they have so long boasted—Perhaps though the Indians of Asia are inferior to the Indians of America, this is one of the cases which the gentleman may discuss himself. Be it remembered too that the Elephant is inferior in size to the Mammoth. The Hippopotamus, the gentleman thinks, is protected by his mother water, as we are cherished by our mother earth.
There is no need I presume to examine this production any farther than to observe one of the worst of his many bad sentences, which still remains. After ceasing to wonder that the Megalonyx and Megatherium are no longer known, he says, "They have perished, and many of the animals now in existence may be found but in the pages of the naturalist." Now if the Megalonyx and Megatherium could "perish," why could not the Mammoth also perish? Or does he mean that they perished by the hands of their enemies the Indians, if so he should have put an N. B. as he did to tell us of his figure. This sentence, which is a curiosity in its way, contradicts itself in the latter part, for "many animals (says Mr. B.) now in existence are to be found but in the pages of the naturalist." They must originally have been found somewhere besides in the pages of the naturalist, or how did the naturalist put them in his pages? And if they were once found elsewhere, why can they not be found now? For we are assured they still exist, and if naturalists could find them, I can see no reason why other people should not do the same. Or does our writer mean to be original again, and contend that there are certain book worms which are such epicures as to feed only on the pages of the naturalist, and hence are found no where else?—Now Mr. Naturalist, or if you like better Mr. B. of Orange, let me advise you not to venture out into the fields of conjecture any more—Lest after falling like Icarus in the sea, you may the next time fall like Icarus and never be heard of more until we find you wandering in the river Styx.
With great esteem, And high consideration for your Proficiency in natural science Your most obedient, And very humble servant, WICKED WIZARD.
THE ANNIVERSARY!
The 4th of July was celebrated in this city, with its usual SPIRIT. The morn of this glorious Anniversary was ushered in by a gun & martial music, by Captain Turner's Rifle band; at sun-rise, a federal Salute of 17. About 10 o'clock, the line of military was formed on the Capitol Square; and reviewed in handsome style, by the Lieut. Governor, Col. Smith. We had not the pleasure of the Governor's company, who had been called to
Williamsburg, to attend, as one of the visitors, the concerns of William and Mary College. After the review, the Companies dispersed to different places, to celebrate the day in their own manner.
A small and social company of Citizens, assembled at the Washington Tavern. Dr. Foushee was chosen President, and Colonel Smith Vice-President. Before setting down to dinner, the Declaration of Independence was read.—After the cloth was removed, the following toasts were drunk, in Virginia wine, prepared and presented to the company by Mr. Humphrey Hill of Caroline:
1. The day we celebrate: may it soon be celebrated by all nations as the birth-day of freedom. 2. The United States of America: Not to be conquered by force; may they never be entrapped by fraud. 3. The People:—The only legitimate sovereigns; may their reign be universal. 4. The Congress of the United States:—May it never be stained with the infamous corruptions of a House of Lords or Commons. 5. The President of the United States:—more truly great than Kings; being exalted by the people. 6. Thomas Jefferson; the venerable Statesman and Philosopher:—Long may he live to participate in the blessings which his labors have secured to his Country. 7. The Patriots who fell in our glorious Revolution.—Immortal be their memories and perpetuated their virtues. 8. The memory of George Washington; the best of Heroes; whose valor was devoted to the good of mankind. 9. The Union of the States:—The best security for our national rights. 10. The law of Nations; uncontaminated by Orders in Council or Imperial Decrees. 11. WAR; a necessary evil, when nations are insulted and oppressed by tyrants. 12. PEACE; to be preserved only by being always prepared for war. 13. True independence:—of foreign manufactures as well as of foreign dominion. 14. The State of Virginia; whose Sons are always ready to vindicate her rights. 15. The Militia of Virginia:—May every Citizen be convinced of the necessity of being a Soldier, and every Soldier of the necessity of being a Citizen. 16. EDUCATION; the only solid and permanent foundation on which the temple of freedom can be erected. 17. The American Fair.
VOLUNTEERS.
By the President. Agriculture—the source of our Prosperity and the basis of our Independence. By the Vice President. Manufactures—without which agriculture will never make us independent. By Mr. Mumford. The memory of Geo: Wythe, the Virginian Aristides. By Mr. Henning. The memory of Edmund Pendleton; the last moment of whose life was devoted to the service of his Country. By Dr. Wardlaw. May our descendants celebrate this day, as we do, thro' all generations. By Mr. T. Nelson. The memory of JOHN PAGE—the Patriot of '76. By Mr. Hill (of Caroline). "The American Farmer"—On motion, added—"And may he always produce such wine, as we are now quaffing, to celebrate the Anniversary of our Independence." By Mr. Hill (of Henrico).—Good crops and high Prices. By Major Price. The Freedom of the Seas—May those who attempt to fetter it, be buried in the Ocean. By Mr. P. N. Nicholas.—May events demonstrate, that the late overtures made by Great Britain were dictated by a real intention to adjust her differences with the U. States, on terms compatible with their honor and their rights. By Mr. L. C. Pleasants. The inhabitants of Richmond; so long as this day's spirit prevails. By Mr. William Robertson, Senr. The constitution of the U. States—may it stand firm to the end of time, against the attacks of civil discord and the intrigues of foreign enemies. By Thomas Ritchie: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison—the same in principle—the same in measures—the same in the confidence of their country. By Mr. Richard E. Parker. The Republic—everlasting as the Hills around us—firm as the adamantine Pillars of Heaven. By Mr. John Robertson. The fourth of July, 1776.—The American nation can never be enslaved, so long as they cherish the remembrance of this day.
COMMUNICATION.
THE FOURTH OF JULY.
After performing the Honors of the day, the Richmond troop of Cavalry escorted Capt. Heth's troop to the Hay-Market-Garden, and after partaking of an elegant dinner prepared for the occasion, the following toasts were drank:
1. The day we celebrate; may the blessings it has imparted be gratefully cherished by a free people. 2. The President of the United States; inflexibly firm in the paths of virtue, just and wise in his administration. 3 cheers. 3. The memory of George Washington; his sword gave freedom to America—his name shall live in the hearts of a grateful people. 3 cheers. 4. The constitution of the United States; may that sacred palladium of our rights be approached with becoming reverence, and those who may attempt its subversion, be exposed to the penalties it has provided. 6 cheers. 5. The Judiciary of the United States:—May we see in its independence, the security of the nation. 6. The heroes of '76 whose blood purchased freedom, their fame shall never die. 6 cheers. 7. The Militia of the U. States; the firm support of our government. 8. The honor and independence of our Country; as these have placed us first in arms, let us secure those blessings or grasp them in death. 6 cheers. 9. Our ministers abroad; may they support with becoming dignity, the station they fill. 10. The Congress of the United States; may wisdom, virtue and patriotism guide its deliberation to promote the happiness of the nation. 11. The American Seamen; may their Country obtain for them, the same freedom on the ocean, that their fellow citizens enjoy on land. 12. A indissoluble Union of the States under a Federal head. 3 cheers.
13. The Press when directed by truth, a blessing—when promoting slander and falsehood, a curse. 3 cheers. 14. The memory of Benjamin Franklin; may his virtues and patriotism, be examples of instruction to the rising generation. 6 cheers. 15. The memory of John Hancock; the first President of the first Congress—the power and pomp of Great Britain could not divert him from aiding to secure to America its Independence. 9 cheers. 16. The Manufacturers of the United States; may they flourish with the nation. 17. The American Fair; though last, first in love, their smiles will reward the brave. 6 cheers.
VOLUNTEERS.
By Capt. Heth. John Randolph; while he adheres to the interest of the people, may the people and his God adhere to him. By the Chief Justice. The defenders of national liberty and independence throughout the world; in whatever clime they fight, may Heaven favor their arms. By Col. Gamble. The memory of Gen. Green. 6 cheers. By Gen. Breckenridge. Extinction of party spirit. By Col. Mayo. The American people, one and indivisible; 3 cheers. By Maj. Ambler. Success to the patriots of Spain. 3 cheers. By Gen. Preston. Harmony and wisdom in all the councils of America. 3 cheers. By Capt. Walker of Norfolk. The volunteer companies of Richmond; may they be respected as citizens and acquire glory as soldiers.
COMMUNICATION.
The 4th of July was ushered in by Capt. Geo: Turner's Band, playing Hail Columbia, and several other patriotic and appropriate tunes.
After the parade of the day, the Rifle Volunteers and several Officers and Citizens of the 19th Regiment repaired to Mansfield, where a handsome dinner was prepared.—It being agreed that there should be no set toasts, the following volunteers were drunk, interspersed with songs—and musick by the Band:
1. The 4th of July, '76—Its return ought to be celebrated by every freeman. By Captain Turner. 2. The Republic of America; the standard of Liberty, the asylum of Happiness. By Capt. H. Tompkins. 3. James Madison, President of the U. S. By Capt. J. Heath. 4. The Constitution of the U. States, as it is. By Lieut. Taylor. 5. The memory of Capt. Wm. Richardson. By Ensign Frost. 6. The Soldiers of Virginia; may they always on this day, bow down to the Tombs of their Fathers, and swear never to forget what they have left them. 7. The Fair; no greater reward than their smiles—no severer punishment than their frowns. By J. A. Marshall. 8. The Independence of our Country; so gallantly achieved by our ancestors, may it never be surrendered by their descendants. By Wm. H. Henning. 9. Thomas Jefferson; he has retired to private life—James Madison has risen in his place: "So sinks the day star in the Ocean bed, But flames in the forehead of the morning Sky." 10. The United States; prosperous, free and Independent:—That which God hath joined together let no man (presume to) put asunder. By Thomas Burling. 11. The Vine which shot forth in '76; may its fruit never depreciate. 12. The sentiment of Patriotism is due to the day, but it is the melody of music which impresses it on the Heart—Our thanks are due to the Band of the Rifle Corps. 13. Capt. Turner; in skill he is eminent, in zeal almost without comparison, and in the love of the Rifle Corps, he is perhaps without example.
COMMUNICATION.
The day was concluded by parading in the street about nine o'clock at night, with lighted flambeaus, and marching to the Capitol Square: the Band playing Hail Columbia, and many Citizens joining in chorus. After arriving on the Square, a grand circle was formed; the flambeaus piled in the center, and the bearers thereof joining hands, concluded the merriment of this festive day, with a war dance in the Indian style. The greatest harmony prevailed throughout the day.
COMMUNICATION.
Animated by the genuine Spirit of '76 a large portion of respectable citizens of Goochland assembled at the Court House on the 4th of July, when Mr. James Pleasants read the Declaration of Independence, and Mr. James W. Bates, having been previously appointed by the committee of arrangement, delivered an elegant & appropriate oration commemorative of those events which gave birth to American Liberty.
An elegant Barbecue was prepared by Mr. B. Anderson of which, after the company had partaken a committee appointed for the purpose, consisting of Col. John C. Curd, Dr. James Carter, Capt. Wm. Bolling, Messrs. James Pleasants, J. B. Ferguson, Mayo C. Watkins and Dr. Isaac Curd produced the following toasts. Dr. James Carter having been appointed president & J. B. Ferguson, esq. vice-president.
1. July 4th, 1776.—The day which has shaken the thrones of Tyranny and established the Liberty of America; may its annual return be hailed by every republican with joy and gladness. 2. The Heroes of the Revolution—May the recollection of their achievements animate every friend of Liberty, whilst it proves fatal to the re-appears of Tyrants. 3. George Washington—The principal agent in effecting the Liberty of his country—May we be grateful for his services and revere him for his patriotism and his virtues. 4. James Madison—The illustrious successor of immortal Jefferson; the purity of his heart will be tested by an unexceptionable administration, and the plaudits of future ages will do justice to his merit. 5. Thomas Jefferson—As long as talents, virtue, and patriotism have a claim on the affections, he will stand highest in the hearts of his countrymen. 6. Benj. Franklin—The man on whose memory every American delights to dwell—May we do homage to his greatness by emulating his virtues. 7. The Congress of the United States—May the acts of the general government never deviate from the line of the elements of faction. 8. The present administration—pursuing the policy of the last, may its acts remove the unfounded suspicions of our Northern brethren, & teach them that the eye of the general government looks only to the general good.
9. The Militia of the United States—May it live whenever occasion requires, devote their lives to the cause of their country, and repeat the blessings of tyranny a lesson which they have already taught them. 10. Perdition to the plans of those who meditate a dissolution of the Union. 11. John Randolph, an apostate from republican principles; he has forgotten his constituents, may his constituents (but not his God) forget him! 12. Embargoes—may they always prove to Republican governments an effectual substitute for expensive navies. 13. Great Britain—we are her rivals in greatness, may we never contend with her for pre-eminence in corruption. 14. The late accommodation of differences between England and the U. States, if punctually complied with by the former, may the latter never violate her plighted promises. 15. The late orders in council—if intended to operate on American commerce, may they be met by an Embargo, and that Embargo be enforced at every hazard. 16. Domestic manufactures—they are productive of independence and happiness, let not the specious propositions of a faithless nation, hush for a moment the sound of the spinning wheel. 17. Nature's proudest boast, the fair, may they prefer the simple attire wrought by their own hands, to all the finery which foreign workshops afford.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
To —WITH THE FIRST VIOLET OF SPRING.
See Tyrant winter scuds away, And with his flight the Forests ring; In storms he yields his icy sway, In storms he yields the world to Spring. And spring at length resumes her reign, Adorned with smiles and dewy tears; She comes!—and o'er the landscaped plain In new-born graces re-appears. At her soft touch, and her command, The biting North, his rage forsakes; Again she waves her magic wand, And lo, behold! creation wakes. And now I greet my "idol flow'r," The Violet, whose modest head, Seeks not the gay, and lofty bow'r, But blooms upon its lowly bed. And tho' it scarcely can be found, Amidst its leaves' encircling shade; Yet all unseen, it breathes around, Sweet odours that perfume the glade. Just so, my F—, sleds delight, Dispensing virtue's rich perfume; And while she shuns the gazer's sight, We own the Violet's modest bloom. Then be to her my Friendship paid, And let the Muse her plaudits sing; She blooms the flower of the shade, And her own prototype is spring. MALVINA.
PROPOSALS for publishing by subscription,
A NEW THEORY OF THE EARTH'S DIURNAL ROTATION, demonstrated upon Mathematical principles from the Properties of the Cycloid and the Epi-Cycloid.—By JOHN WOOD, Author of Elements of Perspective, Printed in London in 1799.
The above Treatise will be divided into three parts.
PART 1st. An explanation of the properties of the Cycloid and Epi-Cycloid, with a table showing the comparative velocities of the opposite points of a wheel having a rotary and a progressive motion along a plane, calculated for every degree of the Quadrant. PART 2nd. An application of the same principles to the diurnal rotation of the earth. The Curve, which the points of the earth describe, demonstrated to be that produced by a circle revolving along the circumference of an Ellipse; which may therefore be termed an Elliptical Epi-Cycloid of the elongated species. A table showing the comparative velocities of opposite points in the earth, during her diurnal rotation; as also the force of Gravity & the centrifugal force of opposite corresponding points in the earth, calculated for a particular hour of every day in the year. PART 3rd. A general view of the various consequences resulting from this Theory, exemplified by the Phenomena of the Tides, Winds, Rains, Meteors, &c.
This work will be comprised in 100 Octavo Pages, and will contain Plates of the necessary Mathematical Diagrams, price one Dollar in Boards.
N. B. As the work will be put to press so soon as a sufficient number of subscribers is obtained to cover the expense of printing, the impression intended to be thrown off will be extremely limited.
Subscriptions received at the Office of the Enquirer where the work will be printed.
NOTICE.—The subscriber having rented the Amherst Sulphur Springs for the present year, takes this method to inform the public that there have been considerable improvements made there since the last season for the reception of company, and flatters himself, that he will have it in his power to accommodate those persons who may think proper to visit the Springs in a better manner than they have been heretofore at that place.
CHARLES L. BARRET.
July 7. 3w.
RICHMOND CITY, VIRGINIA, July 7th 1809.
CAPT. JOHN KUST—SIR—Your not being an inhabitant of the state of Virginia, I take this method of giving you notice that between the dates of the 21st day of August next and Thursday the 31st day of said month, I shall proceed to take the deposition of Col. Alexander Parker, at the Coffee house in the city of New Orleans in the territory of Orleans, to be read as evidence in an injunction pending in the Williamsburg Chancery district court, wherein I am plaintiff and you are defendant. In order to prevent disappointment, I have taken the time as above specified. You will also take notice, that I shall proceed to take the deposition of Mr. George Moore between the 28th and 31st of said month of August, at the court house of the county of Middlesex, in the state of Virginia, to be read in evidence in the aforesaid suit.
Yours respectfully, PETER RUST.
Richmond County, July 7. Wm.
WILL be sold on the first day of August next, at William M. Douglas's Tavern in the Town of New Castle, TEN NEGROES to wit: Day, Tom, Spencer, Sukey, Patsy and child, Lavinia and Susan, eight head of horses, and all the cattle, sheep and hogs and the plantation utensils, conveyed by deed of trust from John M. Syme to me, to secure the payment of debts due from the said Syme to Parke Street; which said bonds date in December last, and is of record in the county court of Hanover; Or so much of said property will be sold as will be sufficient to answer the purposes of said trust.
GAMUEL GRANTLAND.
Hanover; July 7. lawtdw
NOTICE.—A young man of respectability will undertake the collection of accounts in a City, as he has engaged in business in town, which only keeps him employed about three hours in the day. Whoever throws any business in his hands may calculate on a speedy collection as possible, as he will spare no pains or trouble to get the money. Enquire at this office.
July 7.

POLITICAL.
MR. ADAMS'S CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.
To the Printers of the Boston Patriot. Sirs, MR. HAMILTON, in his pamphlet, page 21, speaks of the anterior mission of Messrs. Pinkney, Marshall, and Gerry, & says; "it was resolved to make another, and a more solemn experiment in the form of a commission of three."
When I first read this sentence I am not certain whether it excited most of astonishment, indignation, contempt or ridicule. By whom was this Measure resolved? By President Washington? Certainly not. If it had been, he would have nominated the ministers. By the President elect, Mr. Adams? Certainly not. He had not been consulted. His resolutions were not known. By whom, then, was this important resolution taken? By Mr. Hamilton & his privy counsellors. And what had Mr. Hamilton and his privy counsellors to do with the business? and who were his privy counsellors?
Page 22, he says, "the expediency of this step was suggested to Mr. Adams, through a federal channel, a considerable time before he determined to take it. He hesitated whether it could be done after the rejection of General Pinkney, without national debasement. The doubt was an honorable one." I disclaim & renounce all the honor of this doubt. I never entertained such a doubt for a moment. I might ask the opinion of 20 persons, (for 100 "consulted much") in order to discover whether there was any doubt in the public mind, or any party who were averse to such a measure or had any doubt about it. But I never had any hesitation myself. This passage, like all the rest of his pamphlet, shews that it was written from his mere imagination from confused rumors, or down right false information.
It is true "the expediency of the step was suggested to Mr. Adams," before he took the step and before he had time to take it; but long after he had the time to take it. The mystery may be revealed. I have no motive, whatever others may have, to conceal or dissemble it.
The morning after my inauguration, Mr. Fisher Ames made me a visit, to take leave. His period in Congress had expired, and the delicacy of his health, the despondency of his disposition and despair of a re-election from the increase of the opposite party in his district, had induced him to decline to stand a candidate. I was no longer to have the assistance of his counsel or eloquence, though Mr. Hamilton continued to enjoy both till his death. Mr. Ames was no doubt one of Mr. Hamilton's privy counsellors, when he resolved to send a new commission of three. Mr. Ames with much gravity and solemnity advised me to institute a new mission to France. Our affairs with that republic were in an unpleasant and dangerous situation, and the people, in a long recess of Congress, must have some object on which to fix their contemplations and their hopes. And he recommended Mr. George Cabot, for the northern states, to be one of the three, if a commission was to be sent, or alone, if but one was to go.
I answered Mr. Ames, that the subject had almost engrossed my attention for a long time. That I should take every thing into serious consideration and determine nothing suddenly—that I should make deliberate enquiries concerning characters, and maturely consider the qualities and qualifications of candidates, before any thing finally was determined. Mr. Ames departed for Massachusetts.
I had rolled all these things in my own mind long before. The French nation and their government, were in a very unharmonious and inflammable disposition. Much delicacy and deliberation were necessary in the choice of characters. Most of the prominent characters in America were as well known at Paris as they were in Philadelphia. I had sometimes thought of sending Mr. Madison, and Mr. Hamilton to join Mr. Pinkney in a new commission. I had thought of Mr. Ames himself, as well as Mr. Cabot, Judge Dana, Mr. Gerry, and many others in the northern, middle, and southern states. I thought much of Mr. Jefferson, but had great doubts whether the constitution would allow me to send the Vice President abroad. The nation at large had assigned him a station, which I doubted whether he had a right to abandon, or a right to invite him to relinquish, though but for a time.
I had great doubts about re-appointing Mr. Pinkney. He might have been so affected with the horrors he had seen or heard in France, as to have uttered some expressions, which reported by spies to the ruling powers, might have excited prejudices against him, which would insure his second rejection, and that of his colleagues too. But as I knew of no such accusation, I could not bear the thought of abandoning him. I had not time to communicate all these reflections to Mr. Ames, and, moreover, I had business of more importance to do. I had long wished to avail myself and the public of the fine talents and amiable qualities and manners of Mr. Madison—Soon after Mr. Ames left me, I sought and obtained an interview with Mr. Jefferson. With this gentleman I had lived on terms of intimate friendship for five and twenty years, had acted with him in dangerous times and arduous conflicts, and always found him assiduous, laborious, & as far as I could judge, upright and faithful. Though by this time I differed from him in opinion by the whole horizon concerning the practicability and success of the French revolution, and some other points, I had no reason to think that he differed materially from me with regard to our national constitution. I did not think that the rumbling noise of party calumny ought to discourage me from consulting men whom I knew to be attached to the interest of the nation, and whose experience, genius, learning and travels had eminently qualified them to give advice. I asked Mr. Jefferson what he thought of another trip to Paris, and whether he thought the constitution and the people would be willing to spare him for a short time? Are you determined to send to France? Yes. That is right, said Mr. Jefferson; but without considering whether the constitution will allow it or not, I am so sick of residing in Europe, that I believe I shall never go there again. I replied, I own I have strong doubts whether it would be legal to appoint you; but I believe no man could do the business so well. What do you think of sending Mr. Madison? Do you think he would accept of an appointment? I do not know, said Mr. Jefferson. Washington wanted to appoint him some time ago, and kept the place open for him a long time; but he never could get him to say that he would go. Other characters were considered, and other conversation ensued. We parted as good friends as we had always lived; but we consulted very little together afterwards. Party violence soon rendered it impracticable, or at least useless, and this party violence was excited by Hamilton more than any other man. I will not take leave of Mr. Jefferson in this place, without declaring my opinion that the accusations against him of blind devotion to France; of hostility to England; of avarice to commerce; of partiality and duplicity in his late negotiations with the belligerent powers, are without foundation.
From Mr. Jefferson I went to one of the heads of departments, whom Mr. Washington had appointed, and I had no thoughts of removing. Indeed I had then no objection to any of the secretaries. I asked him what he thought of sending Mr. Madison, to France, with or without others? Is it determined to send to France at all? Determined? Nothing is determined till it is executed, smiling. But why not? I thought it deserved consideration—So it does: but suppose it determined, what do you think of sending Mr. Madison? No; but it deserves consideration.—Sending Mr. Madison will make dire work among the passions of our parties in Congress, and out of doors, through the States! Are we forever to be overawed and directed by party passions? All this conversation on my part was with the most perfect civility, good humor and indeed familiarity. But I found it excited a profound gloom and solemn countenance in my companion, which after some time broke out in "Mr. President, we are willing to resign." Nothing could have been more unexpected to me than this observation. Nothing was farther from my thoughts than to give any pain or uneasiness. I had said nothing that could possibly displease, except pronouncing the name of Madison. I restrained my surprise, however, and only said, I hope nobody will resign: I am satisfied with all the public officers.
Upon further inquiries of the other heads of departments, and of other persons, I found that party passions had so deep and extensive roots, that I seriously doubted whether the Senate would not negative Mr. Madison, if I should name him. Rather than expose him to a negative, or a doubtful contest in Senate, I concluded to omit him. If I had nominated Madison, I should have nominated Hamilton with him. The former I knew, was much esteemed in France; the latter was rather an object of jealousy. But I thought the French would tolerate one for the sake of the other.—And I thought to that the manner of the one would soon wear off the prejudices against him, and probably make him a greater favorite than the other. But having given up Madison, I ought to give up Hamilton too. Who then should I name? I mentioned Mr. Dana and Mr. Gerry to the heads of departments and to many leading men in both Houses. They all preferred Mr. Dana. But it was evident enough to me, that neither Dana nor Gerry was their man. Dana was appointed, but refused. I then called the heads of departments together, and proposed Mr. Gerry. All the five voices unanimously were against him. Such inveterate prejudice shocked me. I said nothing, but was determined I would not be the slave of it. I knew the man infinitely better than all of them. He was nominated and approved, and finally saved the peace of the nation, for he alone discovered and furnished the evidence that X, Y, & Z were employed by Talleyrand; and he alone brought home the direct, formal and official assurances upon which the subsequent commission proceeded, and peace was made.
I considered Mr. Ames's candidate, Mr. Cabot, as deliberately as any of the others, and with as favorable and friendly a disposition towards him as any other, without exception. But I knew his character and connexions were as well known in France, particularly by Talleyrand, as Mr. Gerry's were; and that there were great objections against the former, and none at all against the latter. It would be therefore inexcusable in me to hazard the success of the mission merely to gratify the passions of a party in America, especially as I knew Mr. Gerry, to say the least, to be full as well qualified by his studies, his experience and every quality for the service, as the other.
I afterwards nominated Mr. Cabot to be Secretary of the Navy, a station as useful as important, and as honorable as the other; and for which he was eminently qualified. But this he refused.
terminated, what do you think of sending Mr. Madison? Is it determined to send Mr. Madison? No; but it deserves consideration.—Sending Mr. Madison will make dire work among the passions of our parties in Congress, and out of doors, through the States! Are we forever to be overawed and directed by party passions? All this conversation on my part was with the most perfect civility, good humor and indeed familiarity. But I found it excited a profound gloom and solemn countenance in my companion, which after some time broke out in "Mr. President, we are willing to resign." Nothing could have been more unexpected to me than this observation. Nothing was farther from my thoughts than to give any pain or uneasiness. I had said nothing that could possibly displease, except pronouncing the name of Madison. I restrained my surprise, however, and only said, I hope nobody will resign: I am satisfied with all the public officers.
Upon further inquiries of the other heads of departments, and of other persons, I found that party passions had so deep and extensive roots, that I seriously doubted whether the Senate would not negative Mr. Madison, if I should name him. Rather than expose him to a negative, or a doubtful contest in Senate, I concluded to omit him. If I had nominated Madison, I should have nominated Hamilton with him. The former I knew, was much esteemed in France; the latter was rather an object of jealousy. But I thought the French would tolerate one for the sake of the other.—And I thought to that the manner of the one would soon wear off the prejudices against him, and probably make him a greater favorite than the other. But having given up Madison, I ought to give up Hamilton too. Who then should I name? I mentioned Mr. Dana and Mr. Gerry to the heads of departments and to many leading men in both Houses. They all preferred Mr. Dana. But it was evident enough to me, that neither Dana nor Gerry was their man. Dana was appointed, but refused. I then called the heads of departments together, and proposed Mr. Gerry. All the five voices unanimously were against him. Such inveterate prejudice shocked me. I said nothing, but was determined I would not be the slave of it. I knew the man infinitely better than all of them. He was nominated and approved, and finally saved the peace of the nation, for he alone discovered and furnished the evidence that X, Y, & Z were employed by Talleyrand; and he alone brought home the direct, formal and official assurances upon which the subsequent commission proceeded, and peace was made.
I considered Mr. Ames's candidate, Mr. Cabot, as deliberately as any of the others, and with as favorable and friendly a disposition towards him as any other, without exception. But I knew his character and connexions were as well known in France, particularly by Talleyrand, as Mr. Gerry's were; and that there were great objections against the former, and none at all against the latter. It would be therefore inexcusable in me to hazard the success of the mission merely to gratify the passions of a party in America, especially as I knew Mr. Gerry, to say the least, to be full as well qualified by his studies, his experience and every quality for the service, as the other.
I afterwards nominated Mr. Cabot to be Secretary of the Navy, a station as useful as important, and as honorable as the other; and for which he was eminently qualified. But this he refused.
No man had a greater share in propagating and diffusing these prejudices against Mr. Gerry than Hamilton, whether he had formerly conceived jealousies against him as a rival candidate for the Secretaryship of the Treasury:—for Mr. Gerry was a financier, and had been employed for years on the committee on the treasury in the old congress, and a most indefatigable member too. That committee had laid the foundation for the present system of the Treasury, and had organized it almost as well, though less efficiently, as at present. Any man who will look into the journals of the old congress, may see the organization and the daily labors and reports of that committee, and may form some judgment of the talents and services of Mr. Gerry in that department. I knew that the officers of the treasury in Hamilton's time dreaded to see him rise in the house upon any question of finance, because they said he was a man of so much influence, that they always feared he would discover some error or carry some point against them. Or whether he feared that Mr. Gerry would be President of the United States before him, I know not. He was not alone, however. His friends among the heads of departments and their correspondents in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, sympathised with him very cordially in his hatred of Gerry, and of every other man who had labored & suffered early in the revolution.
This preference of Mr. Gerry to Mr. Cabot was my first mortal offence against sovereign heads of departments and their disciples in all the states. It never was or has been forgiven me by those who call themselves, or are called by others, "the leading men" among the federalists.
Mr. Hamilton says, page 49, "After the rejection of Mr. Pinkney by the government of France, immediately after the instalment of Mr. Adams as President, and long before the measure was taken, I urged a member of Congress, then high in the confidence of the President, to propose to him the immediate appointment of three commissioners, of whom Mr. Jefferson or Mr. Madison to be one, to make another attempt to negotiate."
I will relate all that I can recollect relative to this subject. Mr. Tracy of Connecticut, who indeed was always in my confidence, came to me, I believe at the opening of the special session of Congress which I called soon after my inauguration, and produced a long elaborate letter from Mr. Hamilton, containing a whole system of instruction for the conduct of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. I read it very deliberately, and really thought the man was in a delirium. It appeared to me a very extraordinary instance of volunteer empiricism thus to prescribe for a President, Senate and House of Representatives, all desperately sick and in a state of deplorable debility, without being called. And when I maturely considered the contents of the letter, my surprise was increased. I despised and detested the letter too much to take a copy of it, which I now regret. This letter is still in being and I doubt not many copies of it are extant. I most earnestly request any gentleman who possesses one to publish it. That letter, though it had no influence with me, had so much with both houses of Congress, as to lay the foundation of the overthrow of the federal party, and of the revolution that followed four years afterwards. I will endeavor to recollect as much of the contents of it as I can, and if I am incorrect in any point, those who possess the letter can, by the publication of it, easily set all right. It began by a dissertation on the extraordinary critical situation of the U.S.
It recommended a new mission to France of three commissioners, Mr. Jefferson or to Mr. Madison to be one.
It recommended the raising an army of fifty thousand men, ten thousand of them to be cavalry, an army of great importance in so extensive a country vulnerable at so many points on the frontiers, and so accessible in so many places by sea.
It recommended an alien and sedition law.
It recommended an invigoration of the Treasury, by seizing on all the taxable articles not yet taxed by the government.—And lastly,
It recommended a national Fast, not only on account of the intrinsic propriety of it, but because we should be very unskillful if we neglect to avail ourselves of the religious feelings of the people in a crisis so difficult and dangerous.
There might be more, but these are all that I now recollect.
Mr. Hamilton's imagination was always haunted by that hideous monster or phantom, so often called a Crisis and which so often produces imprudent measures.
How it happened that Mr. Hamilton's contemplations coincided so exactly with mine, as to think of Mr. Jefferson or Mr. Madison for envoy to France, it may be more difficult to explain. But let it be considered that this letter was written long after my conversation with Mr. Jefferson, concerning himself and Mr. Madison, which was the morning after my inauguration; that I had communicated that conversation to one or more of the heads of departments the same morning. It is probable, therefore, that Mr. Hamilton received hints from some of his correspondents that I had thought of Madison and Hamilton, and that he was not displeased with the idea. I asked one of the heads of Departments how he could account for Hamilton's recommending Jefferson or Madison? "Why," said the gentleman, I suppose Hamilton is wery, and is willing to enter into some other employment." Mr. Hamilton, however, might thank those who had been his warmest friends for his disappointment. For had it not been for their opposition to Madison, I should have appointed him & Hamilton.
The army of fifty thousand men, ten thousand of them to be horse, appeared to me to be one of the wildest extravagances of a Knight Errant. It proved to me that Mr. Hamilton knew no more of the sentiments and feelings of the people of America, than he did of those of the inhabitants of one of the planets. Such an army without an enemy to combat, would have raised a rebellion in every state in the Union. The very idea of the expense of it would have turned President, Senate and House out of doors. I adopted none of these chimera into my speech, and only recommended the raising of a few regiments of artillery to garrison the fortifications of the most exposed places. Yet such was the influence of Mr. Hamilton in Congress, that, without any recommendation from the President they passed a bill to raise an army, not a large one, indeed, but enough to overturn the then federal government.
Nor did I adopt his idea of an alien or sedition law. I recommended no such thing in my speech. Congress, however, adopted both these measures. I knew there was need enough of both, and therefore I consented to them. But as they were then considered as war measures and intended altogether against the advocates of the French and peace with France, I was apprehensive that a hurricane of clamour would be raised against them, as in truth there was, even more fierce and vigilant than I had anticipated.
Seizing on all the taxable articles not yet taxed, to support an army of fifty thousand men, at a time when so many tax laws, already enacted, were unexecuted in so many states, and when insurrections and rebellions had already been excited in Pennsylvania, on account of taxes, appeared to me altogether desperate, altogether delirious.
I wanted no admonition from Mr. Hamilton to institute a national fast. I had determined on this measure long enough before Mr. Hamilton's letter was written. And here let me say, with great sincerity, that I think there is nothing upon this earth more sublime and affecting, than the idea of a great nation all on their knees at once before their God, acknowledging their faults and imploring his blessing and protection, when the prospect before them threatens great danger and calamity. It can scarcely fail to have a favorable effect on their morals in general, or to inspire them with warlike virtues in particular. When most, if not all the religious sects in the nation hold such fasts among themselves, I never could see the force of the objections against making them, on great and extraordinary occasions, national; unless it be the jealousy of the separate states, lest the general government should become too national. Those however, who differ from me in opinion on this point, have as good a right to their judgment as I have to mine, and I shall submit mine to the general will.
In fine, Mr. Hamilton, in the passage I have been commenting, in this letter, has let out facts, which if he had possessed a grain of common sense, he would have wished should be forever concealed. I should never have revealed or explained them, if he, and his partisans, had not compelled me.
JOHN ADAMS. Quincy, May 29, 1809.
(BY AUTHORITY.)
LAW OF THE UNITED STATES.
AN ACT
To amend and continue in force certain parts of the act, entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies and for other purposes."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, seventeenth and eighteenth sections of the act, entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes," shall continue in force until the end of the next session of congress: Provided, That nothing therein contained shall be construed to prohibit any trade or commercial intercourse which has been or may be permitted in conformity with the provisions of the eleventh section of the said act.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That all acts repealed, or mentioned or intended to be repealed by the said act to interdict commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, shall be and remain repealed, notwithstanding any part of the same act which has been or may hereafter be revoked or annulled, or which may expire by its own limitation: Provided, That all the penalties and forfeitures which may have been incurred, or shall hereafter be incurred on account of any infraction of the act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States, or of any of the acts supplementary thereto, or of the act to enforce and make more effectual an act, entitled "An act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States," or of any of the provisions of the act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the U. States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes, shall, after the expiration of any of the said acts or of any provision thereof, be recovered and distributed in like manner as if the said acts and every provision thereof had continued in full force and virtue.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, that during the continuance of this act, no ship or vessel, except such as may be chartered or employed for the public service by the President of the United States, shall be permitted to depart from any foreign port or place, with which commercial intercourse has not been or may not be permitted by virtue of this act, or of the act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes. And no ship or vessel bound to a foreign port or place with which commercial intercourse has been or may be thus permitted, except such as may be chartered or employed as aforesaid, shall be allowed to depart, unless the owners, consignees or factor of such ship or vessel shall, with the master, have given bond with one or
more sureties to the United States, in a sum equal to the value of the vessel and cargo, that the vessel shall not proceed to any port or place with which commercial intercourse is not thus permitted, nor be directly or indirectly engaged, during the voyage, in any trade with such port or place. And if any ship or vessel shall, contrary to the provisions of this section, depart from any port of the United States, without clearance, or without having given bond in the manner above mentioned, such ship or vessel, together with her cargo, shall be wholly forfeited, and the owner or owners, agent, freighter or factor, master or commander of such ship or vessel, shall moreover severally forfeit and pay a sum equal to the value of the ship or vessel, and of the cargo put on board the same: Provided always, That the provisions of the eleventh section of the act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes, shall extend to the prohibitions imposed by this section; which prohibitions shall cease to operate in the manner and under the limitations prescribed by the eleventh section aforesaid, in relation to any nation with which commercial intercourse may hereafter be permitted, in conformity with the provisions of the eleventh section aforesaid.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That all penalties and forfeitures arising under, or incurred by virtue of this act, shall, during the continuance and after the expiration thereof be recovered and distributed, and may be remitted or mitigated in the manner prescribed by the act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes, and the acts therein referred to.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That all the vessels which may have arrived at any port or place within the United States from Great Britain, her colonies or dependencies, between the twentieth day of May and the eleventh of June, one thousand eight hundred and nine, shall be exempted from all the forfeitures and penalties incurred in consequence of any violation of any of the provisions of the said act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the U. States and Great Britain and France and their dependencies.
J. B. VARNUM, Speaker of the House of Representatives. ANDREW GREGG, President of the Senate, pro-tempore. June 28, 1809. APPROVED, JAMES MADISON.
AN ACT
To fix the time for the next meeting of Congress. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That after the adjournment of the present session, the next meeting of Congress shall be on the fourth Monday of November.
J. B. VARNUM, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO. CLINTON, Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate. June 24, 1809. APPROVED, JAMES MADISON.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 27, 1809.
WHEREAS, in conformity with the provisions made by law, for the reimbursement of the Exchanged Six per Cent Stock, created by the second section of the act entitled "An Act supplementary to the Act entitled "An Act making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States," passed on the 11th day of February, 1807, it has been determined by lot, that the Certificates of said Stock, designated by the permanent numbers contained in the annexed Schedule, should be reimbursed on the first day of October next:
PUBLIC NOTICE
Is therefore given to the proprietors of the Certificates of Exchanged Six per Cent Stock, created by the act aforesaid, and bearing the permanent numbers contained in the annexed Schedule, that the principal of the same, will, on surrender of the certificates, be paid on the first day of October, 1809, to the respective Stockholders or their legal representatives, or attorneys duly constituted, either at the Treasury or at the Loan Office, where the Stock thus to be reimbursed may then stand credited to the proprietors thereof.
It is further made known for the information of the parties concerned, that no transfers of the certificates of Exchanged Stock bearing the permanent numbers, contained in the annexed Schedule from the Books of the Treasury, or of any Commissioner of Loans, will be allowed after the first day of September next. And the interest on all the certificates contained in the said Schedule, will cease and determine on the day preceding the day hereby fixed for the reimbursement thereof.
ALBERT GALLATIN, Secretary of the Treasury.
SCHEDULE.
Table with 5 columns: Serial Number, Old Stock Number, New Stock Number, Amount, and Remarks. It lists various stock numbers and their corresponding amounts for reimbursement.
NOTICE. All those having unsettled accounts with the estate of the late John Lackland, Esq., are requested to present them for adjustment, to Mr. Robert Dabney, who is authorized to settle any accounts relative to said estate. Also, Mr. S. Scott is fully empowered to settle, receive payment, or grant discharges for any accounts for or against said estate, that he may think proper.
RODOCK LACKLAND, Esq. Buckingham, June 20.
Those indebted to John Lackland & Co are requested to discharge their respective balances, and those having claims, will present them to SAMUEL SCOTT, Surviving partner of JOHN LACKLAND & Co. Buckingham, June 20.
NEGROES FOR SALE.
WILL be sold to the highest bidder on twelve months credit, at capt. Nat. Perkins's Tavern, on Saturday the 8th day of July next—Three Negroes viz. a woman and two likely girls—belonging to the estate of Henry Hopkins deceased.—Bond & approved security will be required to bear interest from the date, if not punctually paid.
ROBERT FRENCH, Administrator. Goochland, June 9.
FOR SALE—325 ACRES JAMES RIVER LAND.—On the 10th December next, (if fair, or otherwise on the next fair day,) the Subscriber will offer for sale on the premises, a Tract of LAND situated in Buckingham county, immediately opposite the mouth of Rockfish river.—Thirty acres of which are prime low ground, & the residue strong, finely timbered upland, well adapted to the culture of Tobacco, Corn, and Wheat.
A credit of one, two and three years will be given, payable at equal instalments, with interest from date, to be remitted if the payments be punctually made. Bonds with approved security will be required. A clear title made, & possession given on the day of sale.
The above Tract of Land has been conveyed to me by Patrick Rose, Jun of Buckingham, to be sold for the payment of his debts.
ALEX. F. ROSE, Trustee. June 23.
THE SUBSCRIBER, offers for sale, that elegant and valuable Estate, called WILTON, lying nine miles below Richmond. The dwelling house is not inferior to any in the state: the offices are commodious: the Garden and yard are handsomely laid out. The situation combines so many advantages, that I am unwilling to give a description of it, wishing any gentleman who is disposed to purchase, to come and view it. It may not be amiss however to observe, that James River runs 100 yards from the door of the house, that vessels of five hundred hogheads have loaded at Warwick, one mile above it, that the water carriage to Richmond is only six miles, that there is a good Shad and Herring fishery, and that Wild Fowl are frequently procured. A small Grist-Mill is attached to it on a stream that runs through the plantation.
Also two thousand acres of LAND, lying on Lighting Creek, Powhatan County, two miles from the Court House, which will be divided into two or more lots to suit purchasers. This land is well watered and calculated for the culture of wheat, corn and tobacco. For terms apply to the Subscriber residing in Richmond, or William Berkeley, in Powhatan WILLIAM RANDOLPH. June 23.
SWEET SPRINGS, VIRGINIA.—The subscriber has been at great expense and trouble to render this much esteemed place comfortable and pleasant for the present season. Gentlemen and ladies who are desirous of visiting those waters, may depend upon every exertion on the part of the subscriber, to make their time agreeable. O. TOWLES, Jr. June 29.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 28, 1809.
WHEREAS, in conformity with the provisions made by law, for the reimbursement of the Exchanged Six per Cent Stock, created by the second section of the act entitled "An Act supplementary to the act entitled "An Act making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States," passed on the 11th day of February, 1807, it has been determined by lot that the Certificates of said stock designated by the permanent numbers contained in the annexed Schedule, should be reimbursed on the first day of January next:
PUBLIC NOTICE
Is therefore given to the proprietors of the Certificates of Exchanged Six per Cent Stock created by the act aforesaid, and bearing the permanent numbers contained in the annexed Schedule, that the principal of the same, will, on surrender of the certificates, be paid on the first day of January, 1810, to the respective Stockholders or their legal representatives, or attorneys duly constituted, either at the Treasury or at the Loan Office where the Stock thus to be reimbursed, may then stand credited to the proprietors thereof.
It is further made known for the information of the parties concerned, that no transfers of the Certificates of Exchanged Stock bearing the permanent numbers contained in the annexed Schedule, from the Books of the Treasury or of any Commissioner of Loans, will be allowed after the first day of December next. And the interest on all the Certificates contained in the said Schedule, will cease and determine, on the day preceding the day hereby fixed for the reimbursement thereof.
ALBERT GALLATIN, Secretary of the Treasury.
SCHEDULE.
Table with 5 columns: Serial Number, Old Stock Number, New Stock Number, Amount, and Remarks. It lists various stock numbers and their corresponding amounts for reimbursement.