The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1807-11-10 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE.....AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.....(PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
VOLUME 4.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 10, 1807.
[NUMBER 53.]
VIRGINIA BANK STOCK.....102.
Richmond Prices Current.
   D. C.     Tobacco, : : : : : 4 1/2 to 5 25   Wheat, new, : : : : 1 00   Flour—superfine, new, : : 5 50   Pine, : : : : : 4 75   Corn, per barrel, : : : : 3 to 4 00   Bacon per lb. : : : : 16   Bar iron—per ton, : : : 110 to 120   Hemp—per ton, : : : : 200 to 210   Whiskey—per gallon, : : : 54  
GERARD BANKS, HAS IT IN VIEW TO ESTABLISH A NEWSPAPER, IN RICHMOND, TO BE PUBLISHED TWICE A WEEK:—THE TITLE— THE VIRGINIAN.
THE EDITOR has been always attached to Republican systems. The present Administration, in his view, is well calculated to ensure the happiness of the people; and any administration which may succeed, pursuing the same general course, will be supported. Foreign and Domestic affairs will be noticed. Besides this, the public will, time after time, be apprised of the affairs of the public institutions, and particularly of the course of the Bank; its managers, its influence, its defects and impositions. The usurpations of this dangerous institution will be noted; the aristocracy which grows from its management will be exposed. This course will be pursued with a temper and frankness, which will yield neither to the blandishments of patrons, nor the frowns of power. Stock Jobbing and Speculation, Twin Demons, will be arrested wherever they appear.
500 Subscribers at 5 Dols. per annum each, one half in advance, are necessary to the commencement of the Paper. GERARD BANKS. Richmond, October 30. eptf.
Sales at Auction. WILL BE SOLD, At Public Auction, without reserve, on WEDNESDAY, the 11th November next, at the dwelling-house of the late John McCræe— —A QUANTITY OF— EXCELLENT Household Furniture, A collection of valuable Books, A pair of handsome carriage Horses, A small Invoice of Goods.
—AMONGST WHICH ARE— Two elegant Marbles COUNTERPANS, And a variety of useful and elegant Articles, too numerous to be mentioned—being the property of John and George McCræe, deceased. On all sums above 150 dollars, there will be allowed a credit of nine months; under 150 dollars and over 50 dollars, three months credit—purchasers giving negotiable notes with approved endorser, or bonds with approved security. JAMES PENN, Esq. of George McCræe, and Administrator of John McCræe. Nov. 3. tdf.
GERMAN GOODS. BOHN & HUBNER HAVE JUST RECEIVED FROM BREMEN, A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF GERMAN GOODS:
—CONSISTING OF— OSNABURGS, Roman's Sheeting, Ticklenburgs, Perillas, Brown Rolls, Brown Holland, Hessian, Dowlas, and Dantzic Rolls, Billefeld Linens, Sacking, CLASS WARE.
Quart, pint, and half pint Decanters, Tumblers and Tumblers: All of which they will sell on reasonable terms. N. B. They have removed to the new Brick Tenement, the door below Messrs. Taylor & Brown's Vendue Office. Richmond, Nov. 6. eptw.
MORE CHEAP GOODS! JOHN KING, again respectfully informs his customers and the public, that he has just received, by the late arrivals from Philadelphia and New-York: a general assortment of— FASHIONABLE & SEASONABLE GOODS, Which are now opening at his Store, the second door below the Eagle-Tavern; where they may be had upon as good terms, for cash, as at any other place in the City. November 6. eptf.
SAMUEL BAILEY, Offers for sale, at his Nursery in New-Kent County, near the Grays Road, A LARGE QUANTITY OF GRAFTED APPLE TREES, Of choice fruit, at 60 cts per tree. He believes they are not equalled, if equalled by any in this State, either in size, quality, or keeping at considerable trouble, collected the most approved kinds, agreeable to the following list:—
WINEFOP, Bell Flower, Summer Cheese, Winter Cheese, Clopton's Hangsaff, May Apple, June do. July do. Golden Wilding, Rawl's Jemmet, Lowry's Apple, Summer Pearmain, Winter Pearmain, Trueman's do. Lighfoot's do. Longstem, Sheep Note, Harvett Apple, Sweet Russett, Long Crab, Red do. Flat do. Nonpareil, &c. &c. November 6. eptf.
By virtue of a deed of trust, executed to me by Armistead Puffett, for the purpose of securing to Davidson, Dandridge, the payment of one thousand two hundred and nineteen pounds and eight pence. I shall, on the 12th day of November next, proceed to sell, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at New Kent Court-House,
A TRACT OF LAND lying in New-Kent county, called Peimderter's, containing six hundred and thirty-six acres; twelve likely Negroes; or to much of the said PROPERTY as may be necessary to satisfy the balance of the debt due on said deed, together with the expenses attending the execution thereof. WM. ARMISTEAD, TRUSTEE. Oct. 20. tdf.
DRUMS, Fife, Swords, Belts, Nets, Traps, Snare and Cockade, to be had at Ench Sullivan's Jewelry Store. August 7. tdf.
TO BE RENTED,
MOUNT COMFORT.
IT is a mile and a half from Richmond—There are fifty-six acres of Land; ten acres of which are meadow. The whole Farm enclosed with a new post and railing.—A Dwelling-House containing eight rooms, and all necessary offices.
—ALSO— TO HIRE—A good GARDENER, and two well qualified female house SERVANTS. They can be recommended as honest and sober.—Immediate possession given of the whole. L. RANDOLPH. November 3. eptw.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscribers, on the 10th day of July last by Samuel Southwick, for the purpose therein mentioned. Will be sold, at the front door of the Eagle-Tavern, on Saturday the 14th inst. between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock:
That valuable TENEMENT, on the Hay-Market Square, now occupied by said Southwick. TERMS:—One thousand and fifty dollars payable in cash, and the residue on the 27th April, 1808; to be secured by an approved endorsed negotiable note, or a deed of trust on the property. THOS. TAYLOR & JAMES BROWN, jr. Nov. 3. tdf.
GROCERY BUSINESS & STAND.
HAVING determined to quit the Grocery Business—I will let my remaining term in the House I occupy, opposite the State-House. An early possession may be had on taking some useful articles. WILLIAM HART. Opposite the State-House. November 3. eptw.
THE STOCK is selling off at reduced prices for cash—many articles well worth the notice of Grocers.
WILLIAM TEMPLE, Has received by the ship Merseliah from Liverpool and Calpe from London, An extensive supply of MERCHANDIZE, suitable to the present and approaching season, which he will sell low. Oct. 10. tf.
THE SUBSCRIBERS
HAVE JUST RECEIVED A SUPPLY OF COLOGNE MILL-STONES, OF DIFFERENT SIZES,
WHICH will be disposed of for Cash or approved negotiable Notes at 60 days. TAYLOR & BROWN. June 10. tf.
Land in the State of Ohio
FOR SALE.
THE subscriber wishes to sell a Valuable Tract of LAND, in the State of Ohio, containing one thousand acres. This tract is of excellent quality, as the subscriber has understood from most respectable information. It lies on Deer creek, a branch of the Sciota, about 16 miles from Chillicothe, in a well-settled neighborhood, and is very convenient to the trade of the Ohio. He will dispose of it for cash; or, on a short credit, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia; or will exchange it for property in the City of Richmond. An unquestionable title, with general warranty, will be made to the purchaser by WM. MUNFORD. Sept. 26. tf.
RICHMOND TURNPIKE COMPANY.
At a meeting of the Directors of the said Company, on Saturday the 10th of October, 1807— RESOLVED, That all shares of delinquent stock-holders in the said company, be sold at auction, before the front door of the Eagle-Tavern, in the City of Richmond, on Monday the 23rd of next month. A Copy. Telfe. N. SHEPPARD, Clerk. 1230 N. Oct. 14.
FOR SALE.
THE subscriber is desirous of selling his PROPERTY in this City. The purchaser will be accommodated with time if required, on giving satisfactory security. SAM'L. GREENHOW. Oct. 7. tf.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
THAT A PETITION will be preferred to the next Virginia Assembly, to authorise the subscriber to build a BRIDGE over Pamunkey River, from New-Castle to the opposite side. JOHN M. SYME. eptf. Sept. 12.
DOCT. DANDRIDGE
HAVING taken the final settlement lately the property of Mr. Daniel Gordon of Manchester, purports practicing PHYSIC & SURGERY in this town and its vicinity. Manchester, Oct. 24. eptw.
DODGE & COBB,
HAVE just received a very general and elegant assortment of— FALL & WINTER GOODS; Which are much lower than ever before sold in this city. October 20. (tf)
LANDS FOR SALE—IN ALBEMARLE.
The subscriber being desirous of removing to the Western Country, offers for Sale, his TRACT OF LAND, in Albemarle County on the North River, four miles from Charlottesville, containing a thousand acres; two hundred or two hundred and fifty of which are valuable bottoms, payable in the following manner: one third when possession is given, in cash; one third in Negroes between twelve and thirty years old, at a fair valuation; and the balance in lands situated in the lower part of Kentucky, or in West-Tennessee; whole soil, situation and title may be approved of by him; or if more agreeable to the purchaser, the third if not exchanged for Western Lands, will be divided into three equal annual payments, with interest from the day possession is given if not punctually paid; to be secured by a deed of trust upon the Land. Prefuming that no person will purchase without viewing the Land, further particulars are deemed unnecessary at this time, but will be made known by application to the subscriber living on the premises. SAMUEL CARR. law3w. November 6.
WILL BE SOLD,
At Public Auction, on the 12th day of December next, at the door of the Eagle-Tavern, NINETY-TWO thousand, seven hundred and thirty acres of Western LANDS, lying in the counties of Montgomery, Harrison and Kanawha.—A tract of one, two, three and four years will be allowed, if satisfactory security shall be given. SAMUEL GREENHOW. Richmond, Oct. 7. tf.
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF
BLANKS, FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, November 10.
TRIAL OF AARON BURR.
MOTION FOR COMMITMENT.
THURSDAY, October 8.
Gen. Wilkinson's evidence continued.
I had formed several opinions of Mr. Burr's views: sometimes I thought them chimerical and the most definite idea I had ever attached to them, was, that he had formed some connection with the British Government, that he was to operate with an expedition by the Gulf against the Mexican Provinces, and that the U. S. were in case of a war, which was every where expected, to co-operate with the Mississippi. I recollect well this impression from the circumstance of my having mentioned to several persons, that if they would allow me the embarkation of an army in England, equip for a Southern climate, I would tell them we should have a war with the Spanish provinces, and from this impression, my idea respecting Miranda's "taking the bread out of his mouth" must have sprung. I beg it may be remembered at this time, that col. Burr descended from the Vice-Presidential Chair with great elation, and I did believe he was not only re-ascending in the public confidence, but in the confidence of the Executive—And for these reasons. His step-son Judge Prevost, had been appointed District Judge to the Territory of Orleans. The republican body of the Senate had addressed Governor Bloomfield to enter a nolle prosequi on his behalf, in a case of great hardship and delicacy. The Senate had addressed him in the most flattering terms, and Dr. Browne the gentleman who had married his wife's sister, had been appointed (solely on the recommendation of col. Burr) Secretary to the Territory of which he had been appointed Governor.
Frequent reference has been made to the letter said to be "post-marked 19th of May." I have said, I do not recollect whether I wrote Col. Burr such a letter or not, and of course I can have no recollection of the contents; but I have said I believed I had written him three letters after he left St. Louis, and this was my idea, but I recollect no particulars except the expression relating to Miranda, though I remember perfectly the motives with which I did write him. I now find from his letter of the 16th of April, that he had received no letter from me after October or November 1805, and therefore I conclude I wrote him but two letters, from the period he left me at St. Louis to the present day. I again require that the letter imputed to me, "post marked 19th of May" should be produced. I think it was in the letter I wrote in October, or November 1805, that I make mention of Miranda, and I now believe it was after the receipt of a letter from him of the 24th of December 1805, that I warned the Secretary of the Navy against him. It has been said by one of the Grand Jury, that I declared I had employed language in my notes or letters to draw from col. Burr his real objects, that I might, in case they were commendable, partake of them, and if otherwise, report him to Government. I acknowledge the first motive, but I do not recollect the alternative. If his plans had been vicious, I should have done my duty; if they had been innocent, I should not have reported him. I find by reference to my correspondence, that I received no orders to leave St. Louis until the 11th of June 1806—the troops had failed the 8th of May, and the troops to exercise the functions of civil Governor, God knows without an idea of leaving the country, until the order arrived, and the much-talked-of letter, bears "post-mark 19th May," a month after I received my orders.
Mr. Hay. Will you state what passed between yourself and Major Bruff when he defended the river to meet you on your approach to St. Louis? A. I will. But I can state before you, Sir, (addressing the Judge,) and before God, (turning up his eyes to Heaven, and placing his hand on his heart,) that his whole narrative is either a vile fabrication, or a distortion of facts; and I will show why this man above all others in the world, should not be in my confidence. On my arrival at Fort Massie, I met a number of officers under orders to attend a general Court Martial at New-Orleans, among whom was Capt. Stoddart, who had taken possession of Louisiana on the part of the United States and preceded Major Bruff in the command of St. Louis, and had acted as civil Commandant of the country, till he had been superseded by the appointment of Governor Harrison, who had acted as Governor of Indiana and also of Louisiana, until I was appointed to that Territory. In the course of my inquiries of Capt. Stoddart relative to the State of the Territory; he informed me that Major Bruff had by his conduct made himself very unpopular with the inhabitants. In ascending the Mississippi I halted at Kaskaskias, where I received a letter from Gov. Harrison by the hands of a Mr. Wallace, or a Captain Prince, who were in company; of which letter I hold an extract in my hand. [The reading of this extract was opposed by the counsel for Col. Burr. The Chief Justice declared that Gen. Wilkinson might either read the extract or state its contents. Gen. Wilkinson read the extract. See Note (No. D.)] The letter is dated the 7th of June 1805, and was received the 29th or 30th of the same month, and I met Major Bruff on the 3d of July. At the same place I received by a dispatch boat an invitation to dine on the day of my arrival at St. Louis with Mr. Augustus Chouteau, who I understood was the senior magistrate of the district, and as good a man as there is in that or any other country. As I approached St. Louis I sent a light barge ahead and requested Major Bruff to meet me, for he also had invited me to dine with him on the day of my arrival. Knowing the jealousy of his disposition and being desirous to conciliate and prevent exception, I wished to explain to him my motives for giving a preference to Mr. Chouteau's invitation; which I did when we met, by stating to him that approaching the Territory in my capacity of Governor, the first respect was due to the Civil Magistrate; that I gave Mr. Chouteau the preference on this ground & hoped he would excuse it. I met Major Bruff on the beach under a steep bank. I did not take him into the woods, nor had I any conversation with him of the import he has stated. We ascended the river about a mile, and were hailed from the shore. The boats landed, and I was met, I think, by three gentlemen, Mr. Au-
gustus Chouteau, Mr. Anthony Souland and Mr. Charles Gratot, who were introduced to me on board my barge and invited me to land and take horse to St. Louis; to which I consented, and debarking I was received by a troop consisting of fifty or sixty dragoons, commanded by Captain P. Chouteau, the brother of Mr. A. Chouteau. These, I presume, were the Frenchmen who hunted me up in the woods. I mounted a horse which had been provided for me and was escorted to St. Louis. These are the facts so far as they related to the interview with Major Bruff. I dined with Mr. Chouteau, but found that Major Bruff had anticipated Mr. Chouteau, and had engaged every officer to dine with him. I was left alone.
Mr. Hay. Had you those other conversations mentioned by Major Bruff, in which he states you to have been ruminating about a grand project, which was to make the fortunes of all concerned? A. It is impossible for me to say what conversations I had with the officers of the garrison, especially the one I found in command; but from the circumstances already stated, it is impossible I should have had those conversations with Major Bruff mentioned by him. The Major, in order to substantiate his tale, has affected an air of mystery, and his imagination has furnished the scenery—for this purpose he takes me into the woods, has us hunted up by Frenchmen, then locks a door where there was no lock, it being fastened by hooks and staples; nor was it necessary to shut it at all, as the Ordinary Guard at Head-Quarters gave two sentinels for its protection. This locking of the door betrayed some concealment; for I well remember that a few days ago, one of the counsel of Col. Burr (Mr. Martin) demanded of me emphatically, whether I did not recollect being locked up in a room with a gentleman and having a long conversation with him. Mr. Hay. Did you ever select Major Bruff for the purpose of making confidential communications; or state to him any thing about the prospect of making fortunes? A. No, never.
Col. Burr. Are you acquainted with a Mr. Bon Ami, a Magistrate of New-Orleans? A. I have no recollection of any person of that name.—[Mr. Wickham called for the production of the original letter of Governor Harrison to gen. W., from which an extract had been read. The counsel of col. Burr contended that as an extract had been read from it, they had a right, to the whole letter, as the best evidence. They were answered by the counsel for the U. S. that there was not a word in the letter which had any relation to Major Bruff except the paragraph which had been read; and that the letter was entirely private and confidential. After some further debate the Chief Justice declared that he felt great repugnance at the idea of producing the letter, as it was entirely private and confidential, and he was certain that neither the letter nor the extract could be evidence in the cause; but it was a rule of Law, that when an extract was read, the whole paper must be read if demanded. In the present case the whole letter must be produced, or the extract be withdrawn.—Mr. Hay remarked that gen. W. had been drawn into the production of the extract by the opinion of the court. Gen. W. addressed the Judge, and declared that he had produced the extract by his permission, and that without that permission he would not have produced it; that he held the letter sacredly confidential, and would go to jail rather than produce it. The Chief Justice directed that the extract should be withdrawn, and requested that all those who took notes of the proceedings would erase every thing which had been said about the letter or the extract. Mr. Martin hoped that they would erase the impression from the public mind. [Mr. Wickham.—You have said something about dining; did you not write to Major Bruff from Kaskaskias excusing yourself for not dining with him? A. I cannot recollect. Mr. Wickham. Are you certain the door had no lock? A. I have my clerk here who can prove that it had no lock; it was fastened with hooks and bolts after the French manner. Mr. Wickham do you recollect what gentlemen went down in the barge with Major Bruff? A. I cannot. Mr. Wickham. Do you recollect whether Mr. Gratot came with him? A. I have said that Mr. Gratot, Mr. Chouteau and Mr. Souland met me; but whether they came with Major Bruff, I cannot say. Mr. Wickham. Will you say whether you first met Mr. Chouteau and Mr. Souland in the woods? A. I have already stated the circumstance of their going out of the boat with me, and accompanying me to St. Louis.]
Major Bruff was called in and cross examined by the prosecution.
Mr. Hay. I think you said that you had taken up some impressions of gen. Wilkinson's connexion with col. Burr, previous to his arrival at St. Louis? A. I had. Q. Do you recollect having any conversation with an officer, stating that your reasons for inviting gen. W. to dine with you, were on account of the injuries which had been done to his character? A. No, but I have argued that the cropping order was perfectly a military one, and that he had a right to refuse it; but I said nothing of his moral character. Nor have I justified his persecution of col. Burr. I have also said that he had some good military notions, though I do not know how, or in what service he acquired them. Q. Do you recollect having any conversation with gen. W. in presence of col. Cushing? A. What conversation do you allude to? Mr. Hay. There had been a coolness between you, long anterior to the arrival of gen. W.? A. Yes, I had long been persecuted by the general, but wished to bury the hatchet. I had been confined to a garrison without the liberty of going out of it, except by the permission of a superior officer who was posted three hundred miles distance. Here is a subpoena to a letter which proves an order to that effect from gen. W.—(See note E.) (Read it.) Mr. Martin. Where did this superior officer live? A. At Norfolk, and I was stationed about thirty miles from Wilmington in North-Carolina. Mr. McRae. What was your construction of that order; is it possible that you could take it literally and suppose that you were to be confined within the walls of the garrison? A. The order shows the intention; but the place had no walls—it was therefore mandatory—yet I considered the intention to confine me to the spot nor did I leave it till I had permission. Gen. Wilkinson ought to have known the situation, but it appears he did not. I wrote to the secretary of war, or col. Burbeck, from whom I received orders that admitted of my occasionally leaving the works and place. Mr. Hay.
Will you state whether gen. W. wrote to you to purchase some land? A. I have a letter here, of the 5th of April, 1805, which speaks of that subject. (See letter A which was published in our last paper.) Q. When did gen. Wilkinson speak to you about his intention to quit the army and retire to private life? A. I have had a number of conversations with gen. Wilkinson, and in my evidence, I have endeavored to throw them into as much order as possible; but it is difficult to state any precise time when he mentioned to me that subject. Q. Was it at St. Louis? A. Yes, but the letter before mentioned gives a full explanation of his intention. Q. Did he continue in this style of conversation after his arrival at St. Louis? A. He did. Q. But your suspicions still continued of his connexion with col. Burr? A. I have stated that my suspicions arose from two paragraphs in two separate Kentucky papers. Mr. Hay.—You stated in your evidence the other day, that you made a communication to the secretary at war, and said to him that you could prove gen. W's connexion with col. Burr. Will you state why you said so? A. In one of my conversations I named witnesses who I believed could prove it, and insisted it was susceptible of proof.—I not only thought so then, but I think so still; and shall make it my duty to collect and exhibit proofs. Mr. McRae. Did you say that gen. Wilkinson's having dined with Mr. Chouteau filled you with indignation? A. I have said that I thought it an indignity offered me, and it was so thought by the officers. But let me here say, that gen. W. having denied our interviews in the woods and rooms are incorrect.—And I can completely prove it on my return to St. Louis. Q. Did you not recommend Cold Water as a suitable spot for a cantonment? A. While gen. W. was at Washington, I received several letters from him, in one of which he stated that a cantonment was wanting for 500 men. He directed me to select a spot near Cahokia. He described the kind of position he wished.—I reported several situations answering his instructions, but I do not recollect that I mentioned Cold Water among them—although I had viewed it and thought it offered a good military position (but not in the bottom ) which the general fixed on—nor did I conceive it was contemplated to have a cantonment in the midst of the settlements.—Mr. McRae. Were you not in treaty for it yourself? A. I was. I wanted it for a farm and mill seat, and not for a military post. Q. Do you know whether that place is occupied as a military post, or used merely for the convenience of the soldiers while stationed there? A. I think it a very unmilitary position. The troops were posted in a thick wood, which they had to cut down, dig up the roots, and grub up the bushes for a parade. It may hereafter make a good meadow or field, when they are ordered on. Q. Is there a factory there? A. Yes. Q. Good water? A. There is a good spring and a handsome mouth next to the second bank. There is also a commanding situation for a cantonment within the purchase, but not at that spot. Q. Are you certain that there was a good understanding between gen. Wilkinson, col. Burr and Judge Eaton? A. I believe there was. Eaton often visited him, and endeavored to reconcile us after we fell out, and the general has sometimes read to me paragraphs from letters he received from col. Burr, about the probability of a war with Spain, and a change of positions in the U. S. He has also read others from Dayton and John Smith of Ohio, &c. Q. Have you any reason to believe there was an intimacy between gen. W. and Judge Eaton? A. I have said I believed there was—Eaton has told me so. Q. Have you any other reason? A. Eaton was almost every day with the general. Q. At what period? A. On gen. Wilkinson's arrival, previous to the fourth of July and for some time after, Eaton was frequently in the General's office, and spoke of him in the highest terms. Q. Was there any intimacy previous to the general's arrival? A. I never saw them together previous to the general's arrival. Q. Did Major Kibby reside on the frontiers previous to the arrival of general Wilkinson? A. I believe he did. I have seen him and understood he lived near St. Charles—I esteemed him as a man of honor; whole word and oath would be taken where perhaps Gen. Wilkinson would be spoken. Q. When Major Kibby made the deposition which has been mentioned, was it not reported and believed that lieutenant Pike and his party had been destroyed? A. I cannot tell when he made the deposition. Q. When you heard of the deposition was it not reported that Pike and his party were killed? A. On recollection, I think I have seen an account in some newspapers of their having been destroyed, but the only report which I deemed correct was, that they were taken by the Spaniards and conducted to Santa Fe. Q. Did not Major Kibby quit our government and become a subject of the King of Spain? A. That is my presumption. I found him in that territory when I arrived there—But as I did not review the possession, it is mere conjecture. Q. When Judge Eaton mentioned to you that Col. Burr had made him certain proposals did he speak of any particular newspaper? A. Not that I recollect. Q. You have said there once seemed to be a good understanding between Gen. Wilkinson and Burr; why should Burr apply through Eaton for a man of enterprise, and not immediately to Gen. Wilkinson himself? A. The Col. can best answer this question—But if I may be allowed to conjecture, it was because the general had tried me before and found I was too much of a democrat to be made a traitor of—Q. But will you say how came Burr to apply to Eaton? A. You had better ask Col. Burr that question; he may answer it. Q. Were you and Gen. Wilkinson, about that time at a variance? A. Yes. He had before reprimanded me about the freedom with which I spoke of his military position at Cold Water, measures and plans. Q. Did Eaton know it? A. I presume he did. Q. You said that you had informed some of the heads of departments that Judge Eaton could prove Gen. Wilkinson to be the projector of Miranda's expedition; will you state when you gave that information? A. In March last. Q. When did you first obtain it? A. Just before I left St. Louis in November last. Mr. McRae. Then you received it in November and communicated it in March. Major Bruff. I left St. Louis in November for the seat of general government; but was detained on the way, so that I did not arrive till about February.—Mr. McRae. Did you understand that in August, 1805, you suspected an improper connection between Burr and Wilkinson? A. I have said that the first hint I had was from two paragraphs, in two se-

parate newspapers.—This was afterwards strengthened by the information of Cap. Stod- dard, of Burr's being at Fort Mifflin, and the attempt of Gen. Wilkinson to find me. Q I speak of the time when the impressions were formed. Did that suspicion exist in August, 1805? A. Yes. That they were connected in some plan. Q. Believing as you did, why did you not communicate your suspicions to some of the officers of the government? A. I do not always communicate my suspicions; I was wait- ing for acts.—My letters will show the nature of the communications I made. I have a copy of one with me. Q. When is the first letter dated which communicates those hints? A. The one I have with me, is dated the 8th of January, 1806. Mr. McRae. Did you state in that let- ter at the various circumstances you have men- tioned, such as Gen. Wilkinson's taking you into the bulwarks, your being surprised by a party of Frenchmen, and his having mentioned to you the plan of a grand project, by which all concerned were to make their fortunes? Ma- jor Bruff. What will be the consequence if I read a part of that letter—with the letter itself be demanded? Cb. Justice. Certainly; but you may state from recollection. Mr. Hay. You said that it was your intention to state facts; and I wish to know whether those facts were first stated. Now here are important facts. Major Bruff—Hints were thrown out in the letter of the 8th of January, 1806; but nothing commu- nicated till March, 1807, that can be regarded as a statement of facts. I however think I had given hints before; but have not the letters with me to refresh my memory—nor can I read what I intended as hints from the one I have with me. Mr. Hay. I assure you that I shall not call for it if you say it is a confidential letter. Major Bruff. Then I will say generally, that I did give hints about which I expected the Secretary at War would have called for explanations and demanded proofs. I also made a communica- tion to Cap. Lewis immediately after his return, and related to him the conversations between Judge Eaton and myself. [Q. What Captain Lewis; the one who explored the waters of the Missouri and Columbia rivers and the western part of the continent, as far as the Pacific ocean? A. The same.] Mr. Hay. But did you tell him of the conversations which had passed between Gen. Wilkinson and yourself; did you inform him that Gen. Wilkinson had men- tioned to you the grand expedition? A. I be- lieve that I hinted something of that nature. Mr. McRae. Will you say whether you made a disclosure to the Secretary at War, before the 8th of January, 1806? A. I have told over and over, that I believe I had hinted suspicions of Wilkinson's measures in previous letters; but have not those letters with me. I did think that Wilkinson and Burr were counseled and acting in concert, and under this impression re- mained in that country till 18th November, 1806. In order to counteract and oppose their attempts, and pull down their standard. Mr. McRae. Did you write prior to the 8th of January 1806? A. I was in the habit of writing to Joseph H. Nicholson and other pub- lic characters. Q. Had you written letters to them injuriously to General Wilkinson before the 8th of July 1806? A. My letters detailed Wilkinson's measures, which I considered sus- picious and hostile to the interest of the United States and of Louisiana. I also stated that gen. Wilkinson appeared to consider me as a spy on his conduct, and had deprived me of all com- mand and intercourse with the troops, and had prejudiced the officers against me. Q. But had you written to any of the heads of departments prior to the 8th of January 1806? A. How of- ten will you ask me this question? I have re- peated over and over that I have not the corre- spondence with me. What do you with me to say? I will repeat that my impressions are, that I gave the government hints before that time that Wilkinson's conduct was suspicious. Mr. Hay. Did you think it was incumbent on you to state to the Secretary at War your suspi- cions of the patriotism of general Wilkinson, if they had been well founded, and your ideas of the views of col. Burr? A. I was waiting for something unequivocal. I expected it to hap- pen every day. Mr. McRae. Did you say the other day that the Secretary at War had declar- ed that general Wilkinson would be supported by the government? A. I did. The Secretary at War appeared angry and frowned when I denounced Wilkinson, and said he must and would be supported. Q. At what time did Judge Eaton leave the Territory for the seat of Government? A. I think in November 1805. Mr. McRae. Did you not give Eaton special letters of introduction to your friends? A. I believe I did, or if I did not, I ought to have done so. He was then denouncing Burr and Wilkinson. Q. Was that after you suspected him of treasonable designs? A. It was after he mentioned the treasonable designs of Burr & Wilkinson. Q. Did you not write to your friends, particularly recommending Eaton? A. I wrote to Mr. Robert Wright and gen. Samuel Smith, as to the state of the Territory, and that Judge Eaton was persecuted by Wilkinson, and was united with us to penetrate and defeat their designs. Q. As far back as November 1805, was there a public denunciation? A. I gave the conversations with Judge Eaton the day before yesterday. Q. When did Judge Eaton conclude you? A. My information was long since that conversation. Q. Are you on terms of intimacy with him now? A. No; at vari- ance. We have an arbitration depending. Captain Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Mr. McRae. We with Captain Gaines to state the conversations of Major Bruff as he came on to this place in the flag. Captain Gaines. Sometime in the beginning of August, I passed in the mail stage from Alex- andria to this place; and a little after day light of the first morning after we had left Alexandria, I found Major Bruff and Lieutenant Swearingen were passengers. They got into conversa- tion about Burr's trip. I paid very little at- tention to it; for indeed I did not calculate on its ever being noticed again; but my curiosity was at length excited by his saying that he was informed by Luther Martin of Baltimore that a subpoena was out for him; and hearing of it, he had come on voluntarily for the purpose of giving evidence against general Wilkinson. I remarked to him that as he had volunteered his services, it was presumable he had something of importance to communicate, and enquired what it was. He mentioned several things which he has already stated to the court; and among o- ther a communication from Judge Eaton, in which he (Eaton) observed that he had written a letter to a member of congress offering to prove general Wilkinson to be the projector of Miranda's expedition. This appearing to be the principal evidence which he had to offer against general Wilkinson, I expressed my sur- prize that he should come for that purpose, as it could not be considered legal evidence. It appeared to me from the whole tenor of his conversation that he considered himself injured by general Wilkinson, and spoke particularly of his arrest. He stated that general Wilkinson had done him a considerable injury; and that the communications which he had now to make would bear very heavily on the General or would do him as great an injury. Mr. Hay. Do you recollect any particular expressions? A. The
substance of the conversation was as I have al- ready detailed it; that general Wilkinson had done him a serious injury in the case before the Court Martial, and now he would have it in his power to give evidence which would bear hard upon the General or do him as serious an in- jury. Captain Daniel Biffel. Mr. McRae. It will be recollected that capt. Biffel was a member of the Court Martial which sat on the trial of Major Bruff; and has been partly examined. We will now to ask some further information from him. Mr. McRae to Captain Biffel. Was the Court unanimous in the sentence passed upon Major Bruff? A. There was a legal majority in favor of the sen- tence; some were for one more severe; but none for a milder one. Mr. McRae. What was the character of Major Bruff among his brother officers and the people at large? A. I have been but little acquainted with Major Bruff. I had received letters from him and written in answer, on public business, before I became per- sonally acquainted with him. On my return to St. Louis in 1805, I found Major Bruff in great dispute among his brother officers. He had been charged with being a partizan, and with having excited jealousies among the officers.—He did not visit general Wilkinson; and a great many things were said of him; but I did not enquire into the particulars. I had never spoken to general Wilkinson about him, but made enquiries of Captain Richmond and many others, and found that they united in an opinion very unfavorable to the Major. Mr. McRae. What is your opinion of the cantonment of Cold Water, as to healthiness, and the convenience of wood & water? A. There is a great abun- dance of wood, and the best water in that part of the country. The cantonment is on the first bank, and in a fancy and dry situation. It is not a commanding situation, because a hill runs parallel with the river, about half a mile distant from the cantonment. I was informed by my brother Captain Russell Bell who was for some time stationed there that the troops were very healthy. They were very healthy when I was there on the Court Martial, and have been re- puted to be very healthy ever since. Mr. McRae. Was that situation chosen for a place of rendezvous or a permanent position? A. I cannot say what was the object of the station. It is very convenient as a place of rendezvous, and also for the collection and transportation of provisions and military stores. Q. What is the general character of Judge Eaton? A. I have generally understood he bore an infamous character. Q. Did Major Bruff give Judge Eaton a room in the quarters furnished by the public to Major Bruff? A. That I know nothing of. Mr. Martin. Is that the Judge Eaton who was commissioned by Mr. Jefferson? A. I suppose so. Mr. McRae. Did general Wilkinson furnish a barge to colonel Burr when he left St. Louis? A. The barge and men which colonel Burr had, were furnished by myself. I received no or- ders from general Wilkinson on the subject. It was my own private barge, and the men belong- ed to my company, who were going down the river on public duty about the same time. It was an accommodation to colonel Burr and no injury to myself. General Wilkinson never gave me either verbal or written orders, to my recollection, to furnish a barge and men to col. Burr. Mr. Randolph. I am requested to ask you whether on the Court Martial for the trial of Major Bruff general Wilkinson was not a witness against him; and whether Major Bruff did not put a question to him about the conver- sation in the woods below Coronetlet? A. I have no recollection of any such question; the affair lasted very long, and a number of questi- ons were asked which I cannot possibly recol- lect. Q. During the Court Martial did not the officers invite Major Bruff to dine with them? A. I recollect having dined with him at two places, perhaps more. Q. Do you recollect general Wilkinson saying, in answer to some question, that he did not keep a memorandum of small conversations? A. I recollect such an answer of general Wilkinson, but I do not re- collect the question. Major Bruff.—As my character has been bro't in question, I beg leave to submit extracts of several letters from the general himself who ought to know more of me than any other offi- cer present.—[Here Major Bruff read the ex- tracts marked E. and F.] The proceed- ings of the court Martial have been furnished me, and among the documents is note 3d of Oct. 1805 which he read. Mr. McRae. Did you return an answer to that note? A. I had an interview with the general. Major Bruff here read an extract of a letter from gen. W. of the 4th of August 1797 G. and another shortly after the death of gen. Wayne illustrating the charac- ter of that officer.—dated June 18th, 1797. Lieutenant Clarence Melford. Mr. McRae. Are you well acquainted with Major Bruff? A. I served under him. Q. What was his general character? A. That is a very delicate question. Unfortunately for Ma- jor Bruff he had not many friends either among the citizens or officers. Chief Justice. What was the character of Major Bruff as a man of truth? A. I never heard it called in question. Mr. McRae. What was his general character before the arrival of gen. W. as a man of integ- rity and truth. I lay his general character, for I never will enquire as to every particular act of a man's life? A. I cannot say. I do not know how he was esteemed as a man of integrity and truth. I never heard it impeached, but think the general had more friends than he. I know he was not liked as the commandant of the post. Q. What kind of a position is Cold Water? is it a desirable one? A. I thought it the most de- sirable one I ever saw, as to healthiness, wood, water and the convenience with which provi- sions and military stores might be collected. Q. Were you placed there for the accommodation of the troops as for any military operations? A. That place was selected for a cantonment; and for that purpose it is the most eligible I ever saw. Q. What is Judge Eaton's general char- acter? A. It is not good. Q. Did Major Bruff accommodate Judge Eaton with quarters in the garrison, which had been furnished to the Major by the public? A. He did.—When I speak of Major Bruff as not a good command- ant of a post, I mean as to his not agreeing with the officers. As to his military skill I lay none. Col Henry Gaither was called in and interro- gated as to the character and conduct of Major Bruff during the revolutionary war. Col. Gaith- er. As to Major Bruff's standing in the conti- nental service, he was very young when he en- tered into it; he was a very active, brave en- terprising officer; he was soon raised to the rank of colonel, and as soon as he was able, always returned to duty; he stood very high among the officers. Mr. Martin. Was his reputation high among the officers? A. He stood high with the officers of the higher grades, par- ticularly with General Otho H. Williams, Col. Smith and the rest of the field officers. Mr. Martin. As to his character in private life? A. I frequently met with him in the society of Cincin- nati; and have long known him in private life; and never heard anything illegal against him. His character, as far as I have ever known or heard, has always stood fair.
Major Bruff. I was never arrested, or even reprimanded during the whole course of the re- volutionary war, and services since; but on the contrary have had many flattering things said to and of me throughout my military life, till gen. Wilkinson differed with me. Capt. Richmond, the officer who signed the charges and solicited my arrest, I considered as my friend—he was at my house almost every day before the troops moved to Cold Water, and on terms of intimi- cy till the moment of my arrest. As to any disagreement with the officers of the garrison at St. Louis, I had none, except about duty—when I arrived the garrison was in the most wretched order. Not an officer understood the manual or artillery exercise. They did not even know how to post the men to the pieces or the loading motions. It therefore kept the officers to close duty, and it was for that cause, if any, that they complained and were dissatisfied—the inhabitants noticed and ap- plauded the difference in the police and appear- ances of the men. Respecting the French, I had no personal difference with any one of them; nor did I ever injure any in their person or property. If I was unpopular with them, it must have arose from loose observations I may have made about antedated concessions and sur- veys that took in the public fraudulent grants works. The Judges, military commandants and lawyers (except Donaldson) were opposed to the General's measures, and friendly to me; and the bar volunteered their services in my court martial, and the principal part of the A- mericans were on my side of the question. But I did not visit the Cantonment; and on being upbraided with my unfriendly disposition on that account, I observed that they did not want democrats there, alluding to Gen. Wilkinson's arrangements to keep me from it and mixing with the officers. Lieutenant Melford being asked whether a majority of the people were friends to Major Bruff or General Wilkinson, observed—I fully believe that by far the greater part of the peo- ple, both French and Americans were the friends of General Wilkinson. Major Bruff replied that the President of the U. States was the best judge of that, the only instance in which we tried our strength; was in a petition respecting the removal of Gen. Wil- kinson from that Government and the appoint- ment of his successor. (D) (No. 1) Extract of a letter from Gen. Wm. Harrison to General James Wilkinson. "VINCENNES, June 7th, 1805. "Receive I pray you my impressions relative to the people of St. Louis from Major Bruff for reasons that I will hereafter explain.—The bare idea of his being in your confidence, would frighten some of them out of their wits."
Congress. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONDAY, Nov. 2, 1807. Four other members appeared and took their seats. Mr. Thomas said, he had the honor to be ap- pointed a member of the committee of Com- merce and Manufactures. He believed it would be allowed by the members who knew him, that he had never failed to perform any duty assigned to him by the House, nor should he be likely to be excused from serving on this commit- tee, were it not for this circumstance. At the time the committee was appointed, the imm- ediate representative of the city of New-York was not present; that gentleman, said he is now in his place, who, besides being the representa- tive of that important commercial city, is much better acquainted with questions of commerce than myself. He hoped the House would there- fore grant his request. Granted, and on motion, Mr. Mumford was appointed in his place. Mr. Van Rensselaer presented the petition of Joseph Knox, a soldier in the revolutionary war, praying compensation for his services; which was referred to the committee of claims. Mr. Gardner presented the petition of Na- than Babbitt, of New-Hampshire, stating that he served some time as a physician in the mili- tary hospital at Providence, for which he had never received compensation, praying relief. Referred to the committee of claims. Mr. Quincy moved that the petition of Paul Revere and J. M. Revere, of Boston, (presented at a former session) be now referred to the com- mittee of commerce and Manufactures. The petitioners are manufacturers of copper, and pray that a duty may be laid on imported copper in sheets, in order to encourage the works estab- lished by them with great labor and expence. Agreed. Mr. Quincy also moved that the petition of Thomas Leach, Levi Tower, and Ab. Tower, owners of the Schooner Phoenix, (presented at the last session) praying to be allowed a bounty on a quantity of salt fixed from the said vessel, which the Collector had refused to allow, from some irregularity in the application, be referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufac- tures. Agreed. Mr. Fisk moved that the petition of William Knapp, presented at a former session, praying for compensation as a soldier in the revolutiona- ry war, be referred to the committee of claims. Agreed. Mr. Dawson moved that the petition of Robert Peters and others, respecting the titles to certain lots in the city of Washington, presented last session, and referred to a select commit- tee, who brought in a bill which was not acted upon, be now referred to a select committee, with power to report thereon by bill or other- wise. Agreed. Mr. Dana suggested the propriety of omitting the latter part of the reference, authorizing the committee to report by bill. Mr. Dawson concurred to the alteration and the reference was agreed to. Mr. Thomas moved that the letter from the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the state of New- York, including certain resolutions of the legis- lature of that state, relative to the protection of the port and harbor of the city of New-York, be referred to the committee on that part of the President's message, which relates to the ag- gressions committed by foreign armed vessels. Agreed to. Mr. Van Cortlandt moved that the petition of Peter C. L'Enfant, presented at a former session, praying for compensation for services ren- dered the U. States, be referred to the committee of claims. TUESDAY, Nov. 9. Mr. Poindester said, that a memorial from the Legislature of the Mississippi Territory, was presented on the 27th of January last, praying for a revision and amendment of the land laws, and for an extension of the right of suffrage.— He wished to refer these subjects to distinct committees, and for this purpose moved the following resolution: Resolved, That so much of the memorial of the Legislative Council and House of Representa- tives of the Mississippi Territory, presented to this House on the 27th day of January, 1807, as relates to the several acts of Congress "re- gulating the grants of land and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States south of the state of Tennessee," praying that the same may be revised and amended, be referred to the committee on the Public Lands, and that the said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise. Mr. Pithin doubted the propriety of the pro- posed reference, empowering the committee to report by bill. He wished the subject of this memorial to take the usual course. Mr. Poindester said he would explain the reason why he proposed this specific resolution. Had the gentleman heard the memorial read, he would have observed that it embraced a variety of subjects apart of which would be proper- ly referred to the Committee on Public Lands; but another part he should propose to refer to a select committee: for, if the whole memorial were referred to the Committee on Public Lands, it would be found that they could not act upon certain parts of it. That the whole might be in a state of progress, he thought it necessary to divide the subject.—Should this resolution be agreed to, he should propose another, in relation to the right of suffrage. The reading of the memorial was called for, which was read accordingly. Mr. Pithin said, that from the information given by the gentleman from Mississippi Territory, he was willing the business should take the course which he had proposed. The reference was agreed to. Mr. Poindester, then moved the following resolution. Resolved, That so much of the memorial of the Legislative Council and House of Representa- tives of the Mississippi Territory, as relates to the extension of the right of suffrage in said territory, be referred to a select committee, and that the said committee have leave to report thereon by bill or otherwise.—Agreed to, and that the committee should consist of five mem- bers. The Speaker laid before the House a commu- nication from Gen. Wm. Eaton, including the translation of a memorial from Hamet Caramelli, ex-bashaw of Tripoli, stating, that, from an- nouncing himself to the service and interests of the United States he had suffered great injury. That he had relied on the promises of the of- ficers of the United States for remuneration, the non-performance of which had reduced him to the greatest difficulties.—Referred to a select committee of seven members. The Speaker laid before the House the memo- rial of Duncan M'Farland of North-Carolina, accompanied by several documents, complain- ing of the undue election of John Culpepper, and praying that his seat may be vacated in his favor.—Referred to the committee of Elections.
Mr. Cook, said, that in the year 1799, a post of entry was established for the port of Thomaston, in the district of Waldoborough, which had been found altogether unnecessary, and the money paid to the surveyor, was so much lost to the United States: He should therefore move the following resolution, to effect the purpose he had in view: Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire in- to the expediency of abolishing the office of surveyor of the port of Thomaston, in the dis- trict of Waldoborough, and that they report by bill or otherwise.—Agreed to. Mr. Thomas moved that the bill which was before the House last session, on the subject of the Post Office and Post Roads, and which was indefinitely postponed, with the petitions which had been presented on that subject, should be referred to the committee appointed to con- sider this subject at the present session. Mr. Dana doubted the propriety of referring a bill of last session to any committee of this House. Mr. Thomas said that the Post Office Com- mittee was empowered to report by bill or otherwise; that the bill proposed to be referred to them, was the report of a former com- mittee, and a part of the unfinished business of last session. The propriety of establishing dif- ferent roads had been considered; and it would probably save the present committee much trouble, to have that report before them. Mr. Dana wished, if the gentleman had any precedent in view, that he would produce it. For his part, he believed the proposition per- fectly a novel one. Mr. W. Alston said, it would be improper to refer a bill of last session. What, he enquired, would the committee do with a bill thus refer- red? They must dispose of it in some way. When a former report is referred to a commit- tee, it may be made a part of the report of such committee; but they cannot make a bill of the last session a part of their report. The com- mittee would doubtless cast their eye over the bill in question, without making any direct re- ference of it, and would make such use of it as they might think proper. Mr. Newton proposed a division of the ques- tion. There could be no doubt of the propri- ety of referring the petitions presented at the last session. Mr. Thomas had no objection to modify his motion, and to omit the reference of the bill. Mr. Ely could see no reason why all the ap- plications made at the last session for alterations in the post-roads should be referred to the committee of the present session. Many of those applications might not now find any gentlemen to support them. He thought the better way would be for members to bring forward such al- terations as they may wish, without reference to what had taken place at last session. Mr. Thomas withdrew his motion, and pro- posed a resolution instructing the post-office committee to enquire into the expediency of establishing a new road in a certain part of his district. Messrs. Lewis, Swart, Storer, Rhea, (T.) offered similar resolutions, which were agreed to. Mr. Porter moved that the petition of Mary F. Hibbs, of Pennsylvania, presented at a former session, be referred to the committee of Claims. A motion has been introduced into the Senate of the U. States, for the appointment of a committee to take into consideration the expediency of an hour- ing the state of Tennessee to reduce the price of certain lands, which were ceded to the said state by the U. States, by the act authorizing the state of Tennessee to issue grants and perfect titles to certain lands therein described, &c. to such price as the Legislature of said state may, in their judgment, deem expedient, with leave to report by bill or otherwise. IN SENATE, OCTOBER 28. Mr. MITCHELL submitted the following motion for con- sideration. "Resolved, That the part of the President's mes- sage, which relates to the defence of our seaport towns and harbors, and the further provisions to be made for their security, be referred to a select commit- tee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise." OCT. 30. Mr. WITSEN submitted the following motion for con- sideration. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of extinguishing the claims of the United States, to certain balances reported to be due from several of the states, to the United States, by the commissioners appointed to settle the accounts of the individual states with the United States, and that the said committee have leave to report by bill or o- therwise. Nov. 2. On motion by Mr. Millidge. Resolved, That the members of the Senate, from a sincere desire of showing every mark of respect due to the memory of the Hon. Abraham Baldwin, dec'd, into a member thereof, will go into mourning for him one month, by the usual mode of wearing a crape round the left arm. On motion by Mr. Hillhouse, a similar resolution was passed in relation to Mr. Tracy. The following motion, made by Mr. Adams, was agreed to and referred to Messrs. Adams, Smith of Maryland, Millidge, Mitchell and Anderson. "That so much of the president's message, as re- lates to the recent outrages committed by British armed vessels, within the jurisdiction, and in the wa- ters of the United States, and to the legislative provi- sions which may be expedient as resulting from them, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise." The following motion, also made by Mr. Adams, was agreed to, and referred to Messrs. Smith of Maryland, Bradley, and Sumner. "That so much of the said message, as relates to the formation of the seamen of the U. States into a special militia, for the purpose of occasional defence of the harbors against sudden attacks, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or o- therwise." Europe. BOSTON, Oct. 30. FROM MALAGA. Capt. Fifer, from Malaga, who arrived in the out- ward harbor yesterday, in a short passage, says it was reported there that French troops were to occupy the ports of Spain. Such may be the pretence, to conceal the design and preparation for an attack on Gibral- tar. A report of the surrender of Copenhagen had reach- ed Malaga. OF THE DANES. The advices by the Neptune from Petersburg shew the fallacy of the successive rumours of the surrender of Copenhagen to the British. There can be no doubt however, that the city of Copenhagen must have been considerably damaged by the bombs and rocket fire of the British batteries, which being out of the range of cannon shot, could carry on that species of annoy- ance without eminent danger. The land batteries of the British were formidable in the number and weight of metal; two batteries of 20 and 23 guns of 24 pounders, with a large proportion of mortars, on two points contiguous to the old and the new city, could not but have wrought immense destruction. That the city should be fire on in the southern suburbs, is not fur- prizing; nor can the speedy extinguishment of such fires be any more extraordinary. The works of Co-

penetration towards the sea are very strong. After the... the indomitable attack of April 1801, the Danes added... their new works; and a mass of immense magnitude... and strength was carried into the very deep water on the... left of the crown of the Saund; the water was... over it and was fourteen fathoms, and the length of... the work exceeded a mile. This mole was occupied... by a series of batteries enfilade (for like the teeth of... a saw) and the guns of the heaviest metal, with the... apparatus for red hot shot. These preparations must... have been long perfected, notwithstanding the unexpected... visit to Copenhagen, after the early operations... of the British in the siege; and the strength of the... new works towards the sea, accounts for their not... attempting an assault on that side. The land works of... Copenhagen, were very defective at the period of the... attack of 1801; but from the impediments which the... British have met in their siege, we must infer that the... land works were properly strengthened. The advi- sers by the Neptune Gate that the British frigates had... been obliged to strike to the fire of the Crown Batte- ries; these Batteries are in front of the city, and co- ver the celebrated dry docks of Copenhagen.
Domestic.
LEGISLATURE OF VERMONT.
House of Representatives, Oct. 9. Mr. Bradley introduced the following resolution, which was referred to Messrs. Bradley, Chase and T. Hutchinson. Resolved, That the senators in congress from this State be instructed, and the representatives therefrom requested, to use their exertions to procure an amendment to the constitution of the U. States in such a manner as will empower the President of the U. States to remove any of the judges of the supreme court of the U. States upon address to him made for that purpose by a majority of the House of Representatives, & two-thirds of the Senate in Congress assembled.
PENNSYLVANIA. PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19, 1807.
MORE OF THE SQUATTERS. One Aitkin had been committed... jail in Beaver county, charged with the late murder of Mr. James HAMILTON. On the night of the 18th inst. the jail was set on fire by an armed party, who presenting a cocked gun at the breast of the jailer, threatening to put him to death, if he refused to open the room where Aitkin was confined, and kill the jailer's wife if she made any noise; so much intimidated the jailer, that he permitted the culprits to escape. A threatening letter, signed, " Tom the Tinker ," has been sent to Mr. POWELL, a relation of a young lady who gave evidence against Aitkin , directing him to hold her out of the country, as "the secret band was too numerous and bloody to let him harbour her many days."
NORFOLK, Nov. 4.
Orders were received on Monday from the Department of War, to discharge capt. Neill's company of Artillery, and capt. Reid's company of Infantry; as these were the only companies of militia in actual service, their discharge has a pacific appearance.
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS GAZETTE, SEPT. 17.
THE BATTURE. For two years past a suit has been depending before the Supreme Court of this Territory, between the Corporation of the city of New Orleans and John Gravier, for the alluvion land, lying in front of the Suburb St. Mary, commonly called the Batture. In May last the Court entered up a decree in favor of Gravier, and the sheriff put him in possession. Mr. Davignon, who claims under Gravier, set several negroes to work on the place; in a short time they were driven off by the citizens, who assembled in great numbers to oppose the decree of the court. The cause of the city was espoused by many of the ancient inhabitants. Several times were laborers set to work, and as often were they driven off. At this crisis his excellency Governor Claiborne returned from Nat- chez—Various were the opinions as to the measures which ought to be taken by the Executive—and every person would, had he been permitted, advised as he thought.
On Monday last the laborers proceeded to work, and were driven off as before. This day greater irritation than usual was manifested, and it was agreed to assemble next day at the head of drum. Accordingly about 4 o'clock P. M. on Tuesday, the drum beat, and the citizens assembled. The Governor, anxious to put an end to these disorders, without referring to the Legislature, appeared in the midst of the assembly—after a little conversation apart, with the most respectable characters, he addressed the multitude as follows:—
[Here follows Governor Claiborne's address published in the Gazette of the 16th inst.] During the delivery of this address a general silence prevailed—some discontent was manifested, and his excellency continued to converse with the people—He explained the nature of our government—declared it a government of laws and not of men—that every man in the nation must bow to the supremacy of the law. He painted in strong colours the danger that attended tumult and opposition, and earnestly recommended submission to the decree of the court. He acknowledged the constitutional right the people had to all—able in a peaceful manner, and petitioned for a redress of grievances—nor could he deny them the privilege of deputing a man to lay their case before the President; but at the same time he represented the propriety of lending their remonstrance through the ordinary channel.
After the governor had ceased speaking, col. Belcher addressed the people in a short speech, and col. Mearcy laid a few words—after which it was proposed to elect John B. Mearcy a deputy, to proceed to Washington, to lay the case before the government, which was approved of by an unanimous shout of the people. When his excellency retired, the citizens generally testified their approbation of his conduct on the occasion.
We wish to be understood, that in the whole course of this unpleasant affair no violence has been offered, except on Monday evening, when some misguided persons laid violent hands upon a constable, but were restrained from doing him any injury, by the well-disposed citizens. The public are seemed much irritated against Mr. Livingston, which arose solely from his being the present proprietor of the Batture.
We firmly hope, however, that all opposition is at an end, and that our fellow citizens are now fully sensible of the importance of non-resistance, and will be prepared to obtain a redress of grievances. Col. Mearcy the deputy on this occasion, is a member of the Legislative Council, and has the confidence of his fellow citizens. We can assure our American brethren that the great mass of Louisiana are well disposed to the government, and are only to be led astray by an interested few in favor of what they consider their indispitable rights.
DANCING SCHOOL.
JAMES W. CORNELL. TELLS how to inform his former Pupils and the Public in general, that he has returned to New Orleans city—for which purpose he has rented Mr. Gravier's Room. His next Dance will be on Thursday the 19th November, at 10 o'clock A. M. The terms of tuition as before. Nov. 10.
FOR SALE. FORTY-SIX REAM SUPER-ROYAL PRINTING PAPER, of superior quality. Apply at the O. Nov. 10.
CURSORY REFLECTIONS. PORTRAIT OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE. No. IV.
We shall not expatiate on all the points which we have stated, from the opinions of the Chief Justice on the crime of TREASON. We have shown that he has not been equally as explicit as he should have been on A. Burr's case, relative to the question of presence; and 2dly: That the indictment was not necessarily bad, because it lays the presence of Burr at Blennerhassett's Island. We might have confirmed this position, by the argument advanced by the prosecution—that the law takes a distinction between actual and legal presence; that a man may be legally present, although he be actually absent; and that even in felony , legal presence makes a man as much a principal as actual presence; and that in the series of cases which go to establish this distinction, the sphere of legal presence proportionally extends itself "in proportion to the nature of the crime and the extent of the theatre which it requires for its perpetration."
The very fit of this argument consists in this obvious distinction between treason and other crimes: The murderer must be necessarily somewhat contiguous to the scene of action; but treason may be perpetrated at a considerable distance from the scene of war. With the same facility that the British king can levy war on the shores of the U. States; A. Burr might have levied war on Blennerhassett's Island, tho' his person was in Kentucky.
As to the 2d point, we shall offer but one remark. If the indictment had laid the overt act of procuring, instead of presence, as the Chief Justice contends was the proper form of indictment, how could it have been supported? The indictment ought to follow the words of the statute, on which the charge is predicated. But neither in the constitution nor the law relative to treason, is there a single provision about those who procure the overt act to be done by others. Either this is no treason at all, or it is one which comes under the general description of levying war .
But it is the 4th point, which is peculiarly calculated to invite our attention and to call forth our feelings. If after a jury is sworn to try a criminal prosecution, it is in the power of a judge to arrest the evidence, upon the principles affirmed by the Chief Justice; we pronounce that a precedent has been secretly set which endangers that most sacred palladium of our liberties; the trial by jury.
At this time of intellectual light, it is superfluous for us to enter into any eulogium on the trial by jury; to trace its antiquity, to expatiate on its peculiar excellencies, and to show how anxiously this great privilege has been guarded and fortified in England by Magna Charta and by every successive revolution in favour of the liberties of the people. The most intelligent and virtuous writers even of that oppressed nation unanimously concur in this approbation. What says that Enchid of the law; the celebrated Commentator is of Blackstone?
"It is therefore upon the whole, a duty which every man owes to his country, his friends, his posterity, and himself to maintain to the utmost of his power this valuable constitution in all its rights; to restore it to its antient dignity, if at all impaired by the different value of property; or otherwise deviated from its first institution; to amend it, wherever it is defective; and above all, to guard with the most jealous circumspection against the introduction of new and arbitrary methods of trial, which, under a variety of plausible pretences, may in time imperceptibly undermine this best preservative of English liberty."
are the most convenient yet let it be again remembered, that delays, and little inconveniences in the forms of justice, are the price that all free nations must pay for their liberty in most substantial matters; that these intrusions upon this sacred bulwark of the nation are fundamentally opposite to the spirit of our constitution; and that, though begun in trifles, the precedent may gradually increase and spread, to the utter disuse of juries in questions of the most momentous concern."
The conclusion from these principles is, that the right of jury trial is essential to the liberties of this country; and that it is engrained on our constitution; that this right extends to both the law and the fact, and that whatever encroachments are to be apprehended on this great privilege, are principally to be expected from the judges themselves, not by "open attacks" but by "secret machinations" and "new and arbitrary methods of trial."
It flows from these deductions, that the jury have a right to bear all the evidence produced by the prosecution or the prisoner, that touches the issue which they are sworn to try; that they alone are to judge of its weight; they alone are to apply the law; they alone to determine how far the evidence supports the indictment; they alone are to decide on the propriety of rendering a general or a special verdict.
This is so far from being a "new or arbitrary" doctrine, that it is expressly supported by the highest precedents in England, and by the best authority in this country. What say the enlightened Edmund Pendleton, who was for years the president of the court of Appeals of Virginia, and certainly not inferior to the Chief Justice of the United States, either in legal acquirement or love of Liberty? "If the court admit improper evidence, an exception may be taken to their opinion; but if the question depend upon the weight of testimony, the jury, and not the court, are exclusively and uncontrollably the judges."
Washington's Rep. p. 90. And what says Mr. Wickham himself in the case of Reel and Roberts vs. Hobert , p. 208. "But I rely principally upon this—that the court exceeded the due exercise of their powers, when they undertook to decide upon the weight of the testimony given to the jury. It was certainly their duty to see that the evidence was proper. But in estimating its weight, the jury were exclusively the judges."
On this occasion, the court most explicitly declares, that "the District Court most certainly did wrong in directing the jury, that the evidence was sufficient to maintain the issue ." Similar decisions by the court of appeals are frequent and pointed. And it should be recollected too, that these were pronounced in civil cases only, and consequently are much more obligatory in criminal prosecutions—it seems, that they were not prepared to encroach upon the fidelity of jury trial by giving their fiction to "new and arbitrary doctrines."
And are the jury entitled to hear all the testimony that is produced? Certainly not. Even these decisions recognise a distinction between proper and improper testimony. It is the right of the court to exclude all testimony that is either improper in itself or completely irrelevant to the case at issue. A court should not permit the evidence of a slave to be produced against a white man; because this is a species of evidence, which is a priori improper, being expressly prohibited by the Virginia law from going to a jury. Nor should a court let in any testimony, that is not directly, or indirectly relevant; that is, which does not touch the issue. All evidence is relevant, which tends to prove or disprove the issue, is supposed to hang upon a variety of points. But the evidence offered is not to be shut out, because it touches one point only and not the whole. If it touches any one, it touches the issue itself; and the evidence is therefore relevant and admissible. Within these limits, it is the privilege and duty of the jury to receive all the evidence, that is submitted to them by the Prisoner or the Prosecution. They alone are to determine how many points are touched by the evidence, as well as how many points are essential to this issue. No court can wrest this evidence from them, without a direct violation of their rights.
What then is to become of the judge? Is he to be reduced to an humble cypher? None took care certainly degraded him too low, when he declared to Lord Kenyon, that it was the duty of his "Lordship and the jury of the court to keep order." It is the duty of the court to exclude all disorderly people; but a judge has one privilege more; he may exclude all disorderly, that is, irregular and irrelevant witnesses.
A judge too, is entitled to instruct the jury on the law of the case; and if they find against the evidence or the law, to set aside their verdict and to grant a new trial. But the jury are also entitled to receive all the relevant testimony that is produced, and to find their verdict even in the very teeth of his honour's instructions.
Let us apply these principles to the case of Aaron Burr. The Chief Justice decided, that presence was laid in the indictment; and that unless it could be proved, the indictment could not be supported; but that the prosecution had confessed that they had no evidence to prove the presence on Blennerhassett's Island, and therefore all further evidence should be excluded. Is this compatible with the principles we have established? We explicitly answer, that it is not. What is this doctrine but to say, that after a trial has begun and the jury are sworn, the judge may at any time and on any point which he may deem essential to the indictment, but which he is told there is no evidence to establish, quash the indictment, and shut out all further evidence, in defiance of the rights of the jury?
Treason is a crime that consists of many acts; a defens , a plan , a military assembly , and in some cases, presence . The Chief Justice has decided that a military assembly is as necessary as presence to support an indictment, that lays the levying of war at a certain place. Suppose then it should come out in the course of the evidence or from the confessions of the public prosecutor, that there was no evidence to prove the existence of force. The Chief Justice would have the same right to wrest the evidence from the jury, and on the very same grounds which he has already assumed. Force is as necessary as presence to support the indictment, and therefore according to his doctrine, all further evidence is irrelevant—But he has himself decided that the question of force is one which he would be willing to submit to the jury.
It is in the spirit of this doctrine, advocated by the Chief Justice, that Judge Chase excluded Mr. John Taylor's testimony on the trial of Callender. He could not prove the prisoner innocent of every charge laid against him, & he was therefore incompetent to prove any thing. It was this conduct of Judge Chase which constituted one of the articles of impeachment against him.
The Chief Justice will not deny that the evidence offered by the prosecution did actually touch some of the links of the issue. It related to A. Burr's intentions and plans; the evidence was therefore relevant to the issue, and the jury had a right to hear it. If they had not, what becomes of their right to judge of the fact ?
VALUABLE PROPERTY—FOR SALE.
By virtue of a Deed of Trust from Abraham Sherrill to the subscribers, dated the 21st day of May, 1806, and recorded in the General Court in the month of June of the same year, to secure the payment of a debt due from the said Sherrill to Robert Riddell; and another debt due from the said Sherrill to Walter Jenkins and Company, Will be sold to the highest bidder, on Thursday the 10th day of next month, at the Store-House of the said Sherrill, in the county of Fauquier:
FOUR SEVERAL Namely—Penny, a woman about 29 years old. Daniel, a boy about 15 years old. Matilda and Winnie, two female children of Penny's the first about 6 years old, the last about 2 years old.
The slaves will be sold for cash, and the bonds will be sold on the following terms. One third of the purchase money must be paid down in cash. Twelve months credit from the day of sale, will be allowed for one other third of the purchase money, and two years credit from the day of sale, will be allowed for the other third of the purchase money.
The purchasers of the lands must give bond for two thirds of the purchase money, and security too, if required; and must also give a deed of trust on the bonds purchased by them, to secure the punctual payment of the bonds as they become due. If the purchasers either of the lands or slaves do not comply with the terms of sale when the property is struck out to them, the said property will immediately be set up to sale again. If all the property should not be sold the first day, the sale will be continued from day to day until all is sold.
C. COPLAND, Trustee. J. PROSSER, epm. Richmond, Nov. 10.
By virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed to me by a certain James Gatewood, on the third day of May, 1787, for the purpose of securing the payment of a debt to Henderson McCaul & Co. will be sold to the highest bidder, for ready money, on the 26th day of the present month, at the Eagle Tavern in the city of Richmond, a Tract of LAND, containing two hundred acres, lying on the waters of Tye River, in the county of Amherst.
ALEXA. STUART, Trustee. Nov. 10. epm.
FITZWYLLSONN & POTTER, BOOK-BINDERS AND STATIONERS:
Have just received a few copies of a Treatise on MILITARY TACTICS; in which are fully explained the duties of a Soldier and the movements of an army , with the rules and regulations designed for the forces of the United States, illustrated with copper plates, blank forms, &c.
At a moment like the present, when the national peace is involved in uncertainty, and the necessity of war in a great degree probable, it becomes us to prepare for that event, and this treatise offers to the young officer such lessons in the military science and principles of discipline , as highly merit his attention. F. & P. have also received a large collection of new music; Fools cap, Fob, and other writing Papers; some excellent Pen-Knives, Spectacles for ladies, &c. &c. N. B. Blank Books of all kinds, Pocket Books, School Books, and a general assortment of Stationery for sale. Richmond, Nov. 10. Low 4w.
IRISH MUSIC.
PROPOSALS for publishing by subscription, the Antient and Modern Myths of Ireland , with Songs suited to the character and exposition of its beautiful melodies. The work will appear in large quarto volume, which shall contain not less than Forty Tunes, and Seventy-Five Songs, independent of an Historical Essay on the character and antiquity of Irish Songs. The Paper and Printing, in a word, the execution shall be equal to any which has hitherto appeared in America. Each volume will be in itself complete, and no subscriber is bound to take more than one volume. CONDITIONS. Each volume shall be delivered to Subscribers at 5 dollars 50 cts. To non Subscribers, 6 dols. By reason of the largeness of the sum necessary for bringing out in a suitable manner, a work so laborious and expensive, J. D. BURK is induced to ask an advance of three dollars; but as an assurance that the monies shall be applied solely to this object, the advance may be deposited in the hands of the following Gentlemen, who for their friendship for the Author, will, he is assured, act for him on this occasion. Agents in Richmond. Thomas Ritchie, Skelton Jones, J. Baker, J. H. Poindexter. Agents in Norfolk. Captain J. Saunders, D. Bedinger, Wm. Newsum, jun. Samuel Archer, R. H. Lee, Editor of the Herald. Agents in Petersburg. J. M. Banister, R. A. Jones, Dr. John Shore, Townsend Scott, B. W. Leigh. Yelverton Tabb, for the county of Dinwiddie; Wm. Murray, for Amelia; Chancellor Tyler, James Semple, and Joseph Cabell, for Williamsburg; Philadelphia, Wm. Duane, Dr. James Reynolds, and J. Clay. The former of whom I have reason to expect will superintend the publication. New-York, Wm. J. McNevin, and Thomas A. Emmet.
CAVALRY DISCIPLINE AND NEW SWORD EXERCISE. JUST published by S. Grantland, and for sale at his Printing Office, "A Treatise on the DISCIPLINE of the CAVALRY; teaching the necessary evolutions on a parade, on a march, and in the face of an enemy; To which is added, THE NEW SWORD EXERCISE for CAVALRY: Illustrated with copper-plate engravings. The whole examined and approved by a valuable and intelligent officer of the Cavalry in the Revolutionary war." This work has been pronounced by a very competent judge, to be the best on the subject heretofore published in this country. Every member of the Cavalry should possess a copy. * A liberal discount to wholesale purchasers. * Printers of News-papers will oblige the publisher by inserting the above, and the favor will be returned when required. Richmond, Nov. 10. Low 4w.

EXPOSE
of the situation of the French Empire—1806 & 1807.
(continued)
Flushing, which formerly afforded an asylum only to vessels of small dimensions, has had its sluice enlarged, its basins deepened, and can now receive a whole fleet.
At Dunkirk, the western dike has been built anew, and the works ordered by the decree of the 28th Nivôse, year 13, are almost finished.
At Calais, the two dikes to the east and west have been rebuilt or repaired.
At Cherbourg, the two moles are raised and the works are far advanced. In the middle of the sea, the Napoleon battery, lined with cannon, defends the road from the winds and the enemy.
At Rochefort, an ingenious apparatus is established by means of which first-rate ships may come in and go out at any tide.
The clearing the port of Marseilles, so ardently wished for by the trading interest, is, as far as can be judged by the findings taken, already half accomplished.
Such immense works, undertaken at the same time, require both time and constancy. But constancy, which always induces success, belongs particularly to a government to whom the conviction of its strength gives that of its duration, whose march is invariable because it has but one end in view, and which in overcoming present difficulties has its eyes always fixed upon the future. So many works undertaken, so many more finished, would have been sufficient for the glory of many of the preceding reigns; but the emperor beholds in all these beginnings only the first beginnings amidst the storms of war; others in greater number are still to occupy the leisure of peace; it is the foreigner's intention that these shall be no part even the most remote of this vast empire, but that the effects of his government, by ameliorating the state of the people and the prosperity of the state, shall mean also that the zeal of the conquerors shall be excited and their efforts seconded in the amelioration of the cross roads; here the administration encourages what it cannot, what it ought not to undertake itself, well knowing that these obscure and unperceived undertakings having for their object the shortest and nearest communications, are not of less importance to the first wants of the people than those distant communications, than those immense undertakings, which, changing the direction of the waters, digging new beds for rivers, and in some measure even lowering the tops of mountains, command the full admiration and gratitude of the people.
Agriculture.
Agriculture, in the first place, receives the benefit of them; other measures are no less favorable to it. The draining of the marshes of Centerville & of Rochefort, is in great forwardness; those of Bourgogne considered to the heirs of the ancient concessionaries, promise to cultivation a vast extent of grounds, and will give fertility to the surrounding country. This favor of government has been granted from a well-founded hope that important work will be speedily executed. The present concessionaries will make up by their activity for the losses which their predecessors have caused. One example has sufficiently manifested the desire which government has of encouraging, in the rural communes, the exchanges necessary to do away the incompasibility of pieces of ground angled into one another; it has exempted from the usual duties of enregistrement, the first commune of which, by general consent, the inhabitants have executed that operation. If such operations were repeated, a prodigious extent of ground would be restored to cultivation, at the same time, that time and labor would be saved to the farmer. That encouragement may be looked upon as the foundation of a great and happy reformation. Agricultural societies formed with zeal the views of government, in propagating good principles. Some partial measures have been adopted with regard to the management of silk worms, &c. or horned cattle, the culture of fruit trees, and the researches made respecting the natural productions of the countries that are best known to France.
The existence of our cotton manufactures being consolidated and wonderfully increasing, government has made it its business to examine, whether the raw material which is imported from abroad, could not be found in France. People are occupied in examining the places where the cultivation of cotton might be introduced with success, without injuring cultivations which are of more importance; the information necessary to direct it is collecting; encouragements are promised for the first experiments.
A still greater interest, and which is of the first consideration for trade and industry, the amelioration of our wool, has been the object of an unremitting attention. All the means are taken for the introduction of the farmers upon this important object, in order to facilitate their bringing this branch to perfection.
Seven national sheep-folds in different parts of the empire, and in central situations, will preserve the race in all its purity, will multiply, and cause it to be circulated, by means of national sales; sheepfolds will be instructed in the management of them, and instruction and example will go hand in hand.
But the most important amelioration, and at the same time, the most difficult, because it was necessary to repair past losses, as well as to prepare future progress, was that of our race horses, in former times so justly celebrated, and almost entirely destroyed in a few years. The re-establishment of the studs, which we announced to you last year, as an operation already commenced, has in the course of the present, been much advanced. The emperor has fixed their organization and general direction; three new studs, twelve depots of stallions, have been established. They consist at this moment of near nine hundred of the most beautiful well-chosen animals; of which a great part has been acquired this present year; a numerous convoy, sent by the emperor, in the course of his progress, is arrived to enrich them. The service for the cavalry is assured and regulated in many of the departments; premiums granted in the fairs, rewards decreed at public races, excite the emulation of their proprietors; and the attention which government has bestowed on that administration, has been useful; full lets from its immediate and necessary consequences than from the zeal it has excited among the owners, for the bringing up of the horses, and for the improvement of their races. Government has caused more to be done than it has done itself; this is the true characteristic of a public institution.
The veterinary schools proper, and they supply both the armies and the country with able subjects. Their instruction has received a new extension. In those schools, practical courses of rural economy are established, where young farmers are instructed in the best systems, supply themselves upon the ground, and prepare themselves against their return to the fields, to weaken by the force of example, the influence of that blind and obstinate force of habit, which, without doubt, is the greatest obstacle to the progress of agriculture.
The rural code is compiling, which will be the maturity that is required in a work, which is to afford a new guarantee to property, to put an end to abuses, by respecting local customs, and to regulate without forcing industry, which is the origin and aliment of all other property.
These two acts of legislation, a wise legislation and a solid and liberal institution, are equally extended to the industry of commerce and to that of manufactures.
A code is preparing for trade and commerce, a code matured by the most profound discussions; its object is to give force to all that experience may have found to be useful in ancient ordinances in adapting them to our own times, in protecting good faith in transactions, in repressing by severe laws, the scandal always increasing of bankruptcies; it will consolidate credit, and raise in dignity one of the most useful and honorable professions of the state; it will restore its former loyalty which ought always to be its most apparent characteristic.
The law which you passed last year respecting the establishment of the tribunal of the prud'hommes has produced the most salutary effects, and many manufacturing towns through the latitude widely left by
that law, have been eager to demand admission to the benefits of that institution.
The existence of the chambers of commerce has received confirmation, and many of their labors continue to attend the union of industry and intelligence; very soon will the chambers of consultation for the arts and manufactures be also called upon to render the most useful services.
Government has established schools destined to form pupils who should learn more than what belongs to mere workmen. In these schools the practice of the arts is to be taught with the principles of the sciences, from which they derive a new degree of perfection. The school which exists at Compiegne, being transferred to Chalons-sur-Marne, was received by the inhabitants of that town with testimonies of the greatest eagerness; that of Besançon will be formed without delay; that of Saint-Maximin is only delayed by the immense repairs which the premises stand in need of.
In these schools, without a model at any time or among any nation, are formed carpenters, blacksmiths and workmen of every kind, who know how to calculate, who are acquainted with descriptive geometry, and have notions of physics and chemistry; they study the mechanism of machines and execute them with success. Uniting the habits of the combinations of the mind to the skill of the hand which executes, they will be remarked for their intelligence in conceiving their plan, and by the perfection of their work. Their inclination draws a great number of them into the military career; & if ever glory should again call our armies into those distant countries where hands are wanting, where industry is hardly known, where nature multiplies obstacles, their chief would find in the soldiers of these schools, hands which he might employ to renew the miracles of his genius, to execute some of his plans, to throw durable bridges over large rivers, to build cities, to give a new face to a whole country, and raise monuments which, indicative of his glorious traces, would also be blessings for the nations who should see them rise. The practical school of the mines of Puzay obtains the most complete success. Another practical school, agreeably to a decree of the emperor, is forming at Geiss-lauten (Sarrel) for the study of one of the most important arts, because it serves as a foundation to many others, because it is applicable to a mineral substance with which the soil of France greatly abounds. I mean the treatment of iron, and from thence precious information will be derived for the improvement of our manufactures. A drawing school and a school of descriptive geometry as applied to the mechanical arts, has been placed at the conservatoire of the arts and trades, next door to the spinning school. A number of scholars taken from the school of the arts are instructed in Paris, at the expense of the government, in the manufacturing of physical instruments, which are now as well finished as those of England, and in that of sea watches, justly called transatlantique watch-making , as serving to the progress of the most noble science, astronomy, and of the first of the arts, navigation, the two most illustrious conquests of human genius, courage and industry.
External Commerce.
A few branches of external commerce have suffered; however, several connections have been extended, consolidated or re-established; Italy affords more considerable vents to French commerce; America has lent our manufacturers unexpected orders in return for the tobacco and colonial produce which the supplies us with; and trade being brought back to its true spirit, resumes its equilibrium. Switzerland has ceased to be the channel for the introduction of a rival trade. England, punished in the very cause which has inspired her cruel policy, sees her merchandise repelled by all Europe, and her ships, laden with useless riches, wandering over those vast seas where they affected to reign by monopoly, seek in vain from the Straits of the Sound to the Hellespont a port which opens a passage to the trade of France, wrested from her by craft, restored to her by indignation. The fear of the Levant call back the French merchandise; at the moment of this important revolution, the French merchants will no doubt hasten to re-establish the reputation of their loyalty in those countries where good faith alone presides over commercial transactions. Government will take care on its side, that the consumers of the ports in the Levant be not deceived in their confidence. It is taking measures to re-establish, with the modifications which circumstances have rendered necessary, regulations which experience has demonstrated the wisdom and efficiency of. The present war is only the war of the independence of trade; Europe knows it; and the emperor has constantly fought in the guarantee of this independence the first basis of all negotiation, as he saw in its violation the first cause of hostilities. Each of his conquests, by shutting a vent against England, has been a future conquest for the trade of France. Thus, this war, which had momentarily suspended all her connections, has been made above all else her interest, for the interest of all Europe oppressed by the monopoly of England.
Manufactures.
Some work-shops also must have experienced, by the inevitable effect of the circumstances, a momentary stagnation. The Emperor in the midst of his camps, was ever solicitous for their welfare; he supplied their wants with a generosity which would excite your utmost gratitude, were it allowed me to reveal the secret of it to its full extent. The evil that might be prevented or repaired, has been kept, and the activity of the work-shops has been kept up as much as circumstances would permit.
Happily this difficulty has not reached the most essential kind of manufactures—some of them have sprung up again this year, and the cause is to be found in that measure which shuts the continent against English merchandise, seconded by the literary decree of the 23rd February, 1806, converted into a law in your last session.
Twenty months ago our spinning manufactures were threatened with total inaction. Their warehouses were full, their work-shops discouraged and thousands of workmen without employment; their voice was heard by the chief of the state, the matter was deeply debated in his presence, the decree of the 22nd February restored hope to them; it required some time no doubt for its influence to be felt. An immense stock was on hand, it must have found a vent, and this itself proves how necessary the remedy was. But at length the moment is arrived when French industry, seconded by the successes of the war, has replaced the stuffs that our taste borrowed from foreign industry, and during the most difficult season of the year, a great number of work-shops becoming re-mounted, exhibited the spectacle of work succeeding that of misery.
It is necessary to say it, manufactures no where prosper except among those nations where a sort of public spirit has established itself in their favor. This spirit of ancient institutions too long prevented arising; the present government has not neglected to develop it. A memorable circumstance has proved this year that its efforts have been in vain. No spectacle perhaps ever attracted so numerous a concourse, during so long a time, nor ever appeared to excite an interest and a curiosity so lasting, and so universal as the exhibition of the produce of industry which took place ten months ago. One is at a loss to tell which is most honorable for the nation, that public eagerness or the picture which attracted it. Several thousands of different products furnished by the manufacturers disseminated over the surface of this vast empire, classified according to their kind & the order of the departments, laid before one's eyes, in their immense variety, the whole history of French industry. The arts of luxury were there exhibited in all their pomp; the useful arts, under more modest forms, represented themselves to the view of enlightened men. Never were so many objects of comparison united together, never was such a rapid progress ascertained. The national pride employed these successless, the manufacturers present at this exhibition acquired knowledge by the comparison and became animated with a new emulation. It became necessary to multiply the crowns far beyond the number promised. The least distinction became a great honor. Unfortunately there was wanting to all what must have been their highest prize; there was wanting to this time and rare spectacle what was to form its principal lustre, the presence of the sovereign, from whom so many thousands of men had in
their efforts ambitioned a single look, but that look which rewards, which informs, which animates all with its greatness and power.
It was known before, and this exhibition furnished new proofs of it, it was known before that the French are inimitable in all the arts in which elegance and good taste concur to the perfection of the work. But an occasion was afforded of recognizing that with regard to several others, we are richer and arrived at a greater degree of perfection than was thought; thus the exhibition presented a great abundance of steel of a very good quality, either natural or cemented, and we can even announce with confidence that the manufacturing of cast steel, so long wished for by our arts, is introduced into France, so as to be able to answer their wants. The manufacturing of iron wire, cards, files, feathers, and iron plates, has made great improvement; that of needles seems to stand in no more need of any. We have had the satisfaction of seeing the manufacturing of tiles naturalized in France. Every day the Bamben of science affords a precious light to the arts, and conducts them to useful works. The multiplication of the manufactures of chemical productions is one of the most important results of it. The different kinds of machines are executed at this day with the highest degree of care and precision, & government, by gratuitously sending different allotments of them, strives to render their use general, being persuaded that vulgar prejudices will no longer repel the employment of these agents, which in sparing the labor of man, augment his power and multiply productions with the means of producing.
The cloth manufactory, the first branch of French industry, maintains the reputation which it had acquired; two circumstances unite to make it successively obtain the only advantage it is still in want of, a greater moderation in the price; these circumstances are the adoption of the new system of machines and the progressive improvement of the national wool. Observers might have judged at the exhibition of 1806, to what a height this second kind of improvement is already carried. For the first time they saw patterns united of wool from every part of France; they were enabled to compare at once the productions of a hundred flocks of genuine ormosger races, and near them to behold also cloth manufactured with these different kinds of wool in our best manufactures.
It is thus that even under the weight of an external war, none of the interests of public order, none of the sources of national wealth, none of the wants of the useful arts have escaped the vigilant attention of the chief of the state.
Fine Arts.
His attention has neglected none of the interests of these brilliant and at the same time useful arts, placed in the first rank, because they are more closely connected with the perfection of society, with the cultivation of the most noble faculties, because they have for their objects, not the wants of the multitude; but the enjoyment of the learned and refined; arts which for a nation full of wit and knowledge, are also necessary arts. By them are created those fine monuments the noble testimonies which attest to history the greatness of a government, and the genius of the prince & the nation.
(To be continued.)
JOHNSON'S VIRGINIA ALMANAC.
FOR SALE,
BY THE GROSS, DOZEN, OR SINGLE,
NEXT DOOR TO ROYSTON AND BOHANNON'S,
JOHNSON'S VIRGINIA
ALMANAC.
FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1808:
Being Bissextile, or Leap Year.
Containing, besides the usual matter for an Almanac, The Astronomical Calculations to the Latitude and Meridian of Richmond.
Oct. 20. oaw2m.
FOR SALE,
THE TAN-YARD in this place, formerly occupied by Wm. Hamby, which is now in good repair, with every improvement necessary to carry on the business extensively. The flock in said yard which is now in full operation, would be sold also, so that a purchaser would have an opportunity of commencing the business under every advantage the situation is capable of.
A very liberal credit will be given for both the yard and flock, on receiving satisfactory security for the payment of the purchase money, for terms apply to John Cunningham & Co. Richmond, or to
JOHN & E. CUNNINGHAM.
Carterville, June 18. oawtf.
Also for sale or rent:
A convenient BRICK LUMBER-HOUSE, situated on the bank of the basin, particularly adapted to the early reception and storage of flour, &c. For this property a liberal credit will be given if sold, on receiving satisfactory security for the payment of the purchase money, or it may be rented on easy terms and immediate possession obtained, by applying as above.
Carterville June 20. oawtf.
NOTICE.
The Co-Partnership of Hudson & St. John, terminated with the thirty-first day of August last:
ALL those indebted to said concern are requested to come forward without delay and settle their accounts; those having claims against said concern will exhibit them for adjustment.
JOHN HOBSON, jun.
JOHN ST. JOHN.
New-Canton, Oct. 14.
Oct. oaw5m.
THE subscriber will continue business at the same place on his own account. He has now on hand, a general assortment of GOODS, suited to the present and approaching season, which he will sell on moderate terms for cash, produce, or to punctilious customers on the usual credit.
JOHN HOBSON, jun.
Oct. oaw5m.
FOR SALE,
By the subscriber, three doors below the market bridge,
25 Hhd. of CIDER VINEGAR,
Of superior quality, which will be disposed of, on moderate terms, by wholesale and retail.
SAMUEL WHITE,
May 19. law6m.
TO BE SOLD,
At Painville, in Amelia county, on Monday the 28th of December next,
AN extraordinary valuable BLACK-SMITH, belonging to the estate of Rich'd. Eggleston, deceased, on a credit of six months; bond with approved security will be required of the purchaser.
BY THE EXECUTORS.
Oct. 14. oaw10w.
NOTICE.
THAT A PETITION will be presented to the next General Assembly, of the Commonwealth of Virginia, praying that the right of the said Commonwealth to the real estate of Wm. F. AR. Dec'd. who died intestate, may be released for the benefit of his Nephew Henry T. Arnold, who is an alien, having only resided three years in this state, the whole of that time in this city, who prays to become a citizen under the same act.
Richmond, Oct. 16. oaw6w
FOR SALE,
FIFTEEN SHARES in the James River Company.
Twenty do. in the Manchester Turnpike.
ALSO—Virginia Land Warrants.
THOMAS NORVELL,
October 30. lawtf.
LOAN OFFICE, STATE OF VIRGINIA, JUNE 8, 1807.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
THAT, in conformity with the provisions of the act supplementary to the act, entitled "An act making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States," books will be opened at the office of the commissioner of loans for the state of Virginia, on the 18th day of July next, to continue open until the seventeenth day of March, 1808, inclusively, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions for such parts of the old six per cent. deferred six per cent. and three per cent. stock, as may, on the day of subscription, stand on the books of the said commissioner of loans.
Those proprietors of the old six per cent. and deferred stock, who may subscribe, will receive in lieu thereof a new six per cent. stock, equal to the unredemed amount of the stock surrendered, redeemable at the pleasure of the United States, under a proviso however, that no reimbursement shall be made except for the whole amount of any such new certificate of stock, nor till after six months previous notice; and the proprietors of the three per cent. stock who may subscribe, will receive in lieu thereof, a six per cent. stock, equal to sixty-five per cent. of the amount of three per cent. surrendered, redeemable in the same manner as the new six per cent. above mentioned, but not reimbursable however, without the assent of the holders, until after the whole of the new six per cent. (given in exchange for old six or deferred as above mentioned) as well as the whole of the eight per cent. stock of the United States, shall have been reimbursed. It is also provided that in every reimbursement which may take place, a preference will be given to those creditors who may not notify their wish to be reimbursed; and that if the applications to that effect shall at any time either exceed or fall short of the sum then applicable to that purpose, the priority of payment shall, so far as may be necessary, be determined by lot.
The present stockholders who reside in any part of Europe, and may assent to that modification, may, at their option, receive the interest accruing on the new stock, either in the United States as heretofore, or in London, or Amsterdam, at par, in which last case, the interest will be paid there by the bankers of the United States, six months subsequent to the day, on which the same would be payable in the United States, and subject to no variation; nor to any other deduction than a commission to the bankers, of one half per cent. on the interest thus paid.
JOHN PAGE, Commissioner of Loans.
NOTE.
Proprietors of 1000 dollars nominal six per cent. stock, subscribed before the 1st October, 1807, will be entitled to receive,
649 62 of new fin.
If subscribed between the 1st October, and 31st December, 1807,
644 97 —
between the 1st January, and 17th March, 1808,
619 03 —
Proprietors of 1000 dollars nominal deferred, subscribed before the 1st October, 1807, will be entitled to receive,
853 78 —
If subscribed between the 1st October, and 31st December, 1807,
853 62 —
between the 1st January, and 17th March, 1808,
831 42 —
Being the unredemed amount of the old stock on the 1st July, and October, 1807, and 1st January, 1808, respectively.
Proprietors of 100 dollars three per cent. stock will be entitled to receive 630 dollars of new fin.
J. P. Cury's Lns. oawm.
June 10.
ROYSTON & BOHANNON.
Have just received a general assortment of
GROCERIES.
—AMONGST WHICH ARE—
TWELVE Hundred & consisting of
1 sacks Liverpool Salt, } 1 pint }
10 hhd. W. India Rum, } Gill }
10 do. N. England do. } 1/2 Gill }
10 do. Sherry, } 6 pipes F. Brandy,
10 do. Lisbon, } 10 hhd. Molasses,
10 do. Malaga, } 20 tiers Whiskey,
3 hhd. Tenerife, } 10 casks Y. Hylon Tea,
24 hhd. Sugar, } 10 do. Imperial do.
14 do. Leaf do. } 20 bags Coffee,
50 boxes N. Y. Candles, } 1 case Cutlery Ware,
50 do. bell yellow Soap, } well assorted,
100 reams wrapping Paper, }
per, } Shot,
50 do. writing do. } Window Glass assorted,
Soft shelled Almonds by } Copperas,
quantity, } Leiper's Snuff,
12 boxes Chocolate, } Brimstone,
80 crates well assorted } 20 boxes Spanish Segars,
Earthen Ware, } Mustard by box,
12 boxes Glass Ware, } Nurnegs by quantity.
ALSO—An assortment of Stone Ware; together with a number of other articles, which they will sell low for Cash, country produce or good acceptances in town.
October 30. lawtf.
TO RENT,
For three or five years:
THAT valuable TAN-YARD of the late Mr. Jacob Boeckius, and now occupied by the Subscriber situated on the Main-Street of this city, between the Capitol and Basin of the canal, its conveniences are superior to any other in this place. A large Currying Shop, Cellar and drying loft, a spacious Currying House, two Bark Mills and Houses, a Beam House and every other requisite for the tanning of from 2 to 3000 hides a year, exclusive of skins. Also on the same tenement a convenient DWELLING HOUSE, Kitchen, Smoke House, Stable and Garden, the rent may be accommodated with about one hundred cords of excellent red and black oak Bark, now in the Bark House at a fair price.
Proposals for the above will be received by the subscriber.
Bond with approved security will be required, and possession given of the whole, except a few of the vats, on the first of September next. Thereon assigned for offering the foregoing property for rent, is the full rate of health of the Subscriber to pay that attention the business requires. MARCUS ELLGAN.
April 3. lawtf.
HOUSES FOR SALE OR RENT.
THE Subscriber is authorised to Rent or Lease several commodious TENEMENTS on Shockoe-Hill, belonging to Maj. Wm. Du Val, and to the estate of the late Gen: Wythe, some of those Tenements are well calculated for stores, others for private dwellings—He wishes to sell or lease several valuable TENEMENTS in the neighbourhood of his late residence, the prices of which will be moderate and time given for the payment.—For particular enquiry of Mr. Wm. Dawson, or to
Wm. PRICE.