The recorder (Richmond, Va.), 1803-04-13 00:00:00

THE RECORDER;
PRINTED BY HENRY PACE, & JAMES T. CALLENDER, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA; PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. SUBSCRIPTION FOUR DOLLARS PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1803.
RICHMOND MILLS.
THE public are hereby respectfully informed, that we shall continue to furnish Meal and Hominy for next quarter at the same prices as the last, viz. for Meal per bushel of 56 lbs. 3s 6d. Hominy per bushel of 56 lbs. 3s 13d. And they are requested to take notice, that these articles will only be delivered hereafter to ticketed which may be had at our counting-house.
T. RUTHERFOOD & Co. March 31st. 1803.
CITY OF RICHMOND.
In Common Hall, Jan. 17th 1803
WHEREAS the present funds of the corporation are not adequate to the expense of erecting a WORKHOUSE for the city, which would combine within itself all the conveniences which a well regulated institution of this kind would require; having a regard to the future population of this city, yet it is wise and expedient that the funds now destined for this useful institution should be laid out in such a manner as to answer the present purposes of the corporation, and to admit such future additions as the encreasing population may require. Your Committee, therefore, beg leave to recommend it to the consideration of the Common Hall, to call in the aid of those who have experience of such institutions, and to offer a premium for the best plan of a Workhouse, which will be so contrived as to admit of being erected in parts, as the funds of the corporation will from time to time afford.
Resolved, therefore, that the committee appointed to prepare a plan of a Workhouse be discharged from further proceeding therein. And that the Mayor be requested to give notice in the newspapers, or otherwise, that the sum of thirty dollars will be given by the corporation, as a premium to the person who shall produce to the Hall, on the third Monday in February next, the best plan of a Workhouse, constructed as above mentioned, and to be approved of by the Hall, estimating the cost at four thousand dollars.
Copy Teste ADAM CRAIG, c. c. h.
NOTICE.
THE co-partnership of Adams and Fisher, was, on the 12th of last month dissolved by mutual consent. All those having claims against that concern, will apply to James Fisher for settlement, and those indebted will make immediate payment as no further indulgence can be given.
RICHARD ADAMS. JAMES FISHER.
N. B. James Fisher having purchased the stock of goods belonging to Adams and Fisher, intends carrying the business on for his own account. The allotment of goods is equal to any in that line.
Richmond, April 6th, 1803. (if.)
TO BE RENTED,
THAT large and convenient BRICK TENEMENT in this city, lately occupied by Mr. Robert Turner, as a Tavern and Boarding-House, situate on the corner of the Main-Street; and that leading to Col. Mayo's Bridge. The central situation thereof cannot fail (if rented by a gentleman qualified for the purpose) to ensure a considerable number of respectable boarders; or, it is an eligible residence for a genteel private family. The premises may be entered, on the first day of March next, or immediately, as circumstances may suit for terms apply to
ROBERT GAMBLE
Who has for sale a handsome assortment of CARPETS and CARPETING, and genuine PORTWINE, in pipes and quarter casks.
THE SUBSCRIBERS
TO the Washington Federalist are respectfully informed, that I am empowered by Mr. William Read, to receive payment of the balances due to him in this city, and neighbourhood.
THOMAS TAYLOR. Vendee Master.
Richmond, Feb. 26th. 1803.
FOR SALE.
A few likely young NEGROES,
For particulars enquire of the Printer. Richmond, March. 7th 1803.
WILL BE SOLD,
AT Public Auction, to the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 13th instant, before the door of James McClure, in the city of Richmond, all the personal estate of JAMES STUART, deceased; consisting of a few articles of Household Furniture, two hogheads of West Indian Rum, one crate of Earthenware, a few barrels of Sugar, a small quantity of Northern Rum, and about 400 lbs. Chalk. Ninety days credit will be given for all sums above ten dollars, on the purchaser's giving notes with approved security, to HENRY REID, Adm'r. Richmond, April 13th 1803.
STALLED BEEVES,
Muttons, and 15000 weight of choice Bacon, FOR SALE.
FOR cash, or respectable merchants notes at sixty days. I can furnish a purchaser with seventy as fat bullocks as any in the state, perhaps not quite so large boned as the cattle from the South Branch of the Potomac, but equally fat. In preference I would sell them on the spot where they are stalled, but will drive them to Norfolk, Richmond, or Petersburg, if previously engaged by a butcher, or any other person inclined to buy, and as it may not be convenient, to take, or pay for the whole at one time, a purchaser may have any part not less than ten if taken here, but if driven by my own people, they must all go at one time. I have also a number of exceeding fat muttons, and 15000 weight of choice bacon, the hams salt-petred with particular care, and the whole made out of large fat hogs, and intended for the use of private families. Letters, post-paid, directed to me by mail to MARSHALLSVILLE, MECKLENBURG county shall be duly noticed.
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, for Sir PEYTON SKIPWITH, Baronet.
AT a meeting of the Common Hall, for the city of Richmond, called by the Mayor, and held at the house of William Read, in the said city, on Monday the 28th day of February. 1803. Resolved, that the Mayor give notice in the newspapers, that the Hall have adopted a plan for a POOR HOUSE, and will receive proposals from undertakers for building the same, at any time before the third Monday in next month. The plan is lodged in the hands of Mr. Robert B. James. The proposals must be made in writing.
A copy Teste ADAM CRAIG, c. c. h. c. r.
TO THE PUBLIC.
MANY gentlemen residing in states north of this have addressed letters to us, to send them the Recorder; and requested we would name any person in Philadelphia, or New York, where they could send their subscription money. We take this opportunity of informing the public, that Mr. Lewis, paper-maker, at Philadelphia, will receive any subscriptions sent for the Recorder, and Mr. Coleman, printer of the New York Herald, at New York.
BURR MILL-STONE MANUFACTORY.
THE subscriber takes this mode of returning his thanks to his former patrons, and informing the public in general, that he has (by desire of his friends) re-commenced the MANUFACTURING OF BURR MILL-STONES, and having furnished himself with a supply of the best materials, and having had sixteen years experience in the business in Baltimore, Petersburg, and Richmond, hopes to be able to give satisfaction to his employers.
The stones he will warrant to be as good as any in the United States.
Any orders left with Capt. WILLIAM PENNOCK, Norfolk; Capt. WILLIAM CHAMBERS, Staunton; Mr. WILLIAM HAY, Wythe County; or Mr. ROBERT MOORE, Petersburg, shall be duly attended to, and country produce received in payment at the customary prices.
TWO APPRENTICES will be taken to the above business, and short time required. WILLIAM DAVIDSON. Richmond, Jan. 10th 1803. (if.)
N. B. For sale, PLAISTER of PARIS, in stone or ground, for the improvement of land, with directions for the use thereof.
RICHMOND MILLS.
THE subscriber hereby informs the public, that at length, after much trouble and expense, he has nearly completed one of his Mills on the James River Canal, in which there are two pair of Burr stones for manufacturing WHEAT, and two pair of Cologne stones now ready to grind CORN.
That the inconveniences which might arise from delay and difference of measures may be avoided, CORN will be received only by weight, at fifty pounds to the bushel, and a supply of MEAL and HOMINY will always be kept ready to give in exchange, at the rate of eighty-five pounds of Meal, or ninety-two pounds of Hominy, for one hundred pounds of Corn.
After the loss of weight by cleaning, and evaporation in grinding is deducted, the toll on Meal will be only about one tenth, and on Hominy one twentieth; it will, therefore, be much to the interest of those who keep horses, to have all their Corn ground.
As the subscriber is now providing a Fan and Screen for the purpose of cleaning the Corn effectually before it is ground, and as the Meal will be made from the best Corn only, and none but such as is merchantable will be received; he hopes that general satisfaction will be given.
THOMAS RUTHERFOOD.
N. B. The deduction for Storeage and Shrinkage on Corn, deposited to be exchanged for Meal and Hominy, will be made as moderate as possible. January 1, 1803.
TO THE PUBLIC.
ON the 12th of March, 1803, commenced the Saturday's Recorder, the price being two dollars per annum, paid in advance. We shall often be unavoidably compelled to continue long articles from one paper to the other, so that the subscribers to the Wednesday's Recorder will find it extremely convenient to take the Saturday's likewise, in order that they may have articles always in their full and complete form. We shall now be able to take notice of a wide variety of foreign and domestic news, which we formerly were obliged to leave out for want of room. In doing this, we shall be particularly careful to select such articles as wear a serious appearance of authenticity, and are really worth reading. More cannot be demanded, and we shall endeavour not to do less. The three first numbers of the Saturday's paper were sent round to all our subscribers. After that, they will be sent only to those who, in the mean time, have remitted money to pay for their new subscription. From those who do not chuse to take the Saturday's papers, these three numbers will be deducted in reckoning up their year.
REVISED CODE.
THE SUBSCRIBERS to the REVISED CODE are respectfully informed that the Book will be ready for delivery on the first of April next.
February 16th 1803.
A QUANTITY OF STONE LIME
In Tierses, for sale by
WILLIAM DAVIDSON,
Who has just received a large quantity of excellent IRISH POTATOES which he will sell cheap for cash.
Richmond, April 2d. 1803.
TO RENT,
AND possession given the first of next month the upper part of the house occupied by the subscribers, in which there are five convenient rooms, together with a good kitchen and stable for three horses. There is a well of water in the yard.
Apply to THOMAS AND AMOS LADD. Richmond, Ap. 1, 2d, 1803.
TO THE PUBLIC.
Gentlemen, who wish to subscribe to the Saturday's Recorder, are requested to send in their subscriptions, within a very few days. But this they need not do, unless they send, at the same time, two dollars in advance. The next Saturday's paper, to wit. that of the 26th. current, is the last that can be issued to any person either in town or country, unless to those that have paid for it, one year in advance.
In pleading before the court of Henrico against the King of Clubs, Mr. William Marshall observed that "The Recorder had the most extensive circulation of any newspaper in Virginia; and that there was never, perhaps, an instance of such an extensive patronage acquired by any other newspaper, in so short a time." This patronage has been acquired by exposing, with an impartial hand, the faults of all parties.
There never was more occasion for political vigilance than at present. As the bible says, there is DEATH in the pot. There exists an atrocious conspiracy against the liberty of the press, and, of course, against the liberty of the people. This can be doubted by nobody that has heard of Croswell's trial, on which we have enlarged at so much length.
Again, the right of selecting their own magistrates has in effect, been torn from a majority of the citizens of Richmond, by a phalanx of democratical usurpers.
Take notice, also, of what follows. In last session of assembly, Mr. Venable proposed a declaratory resolution that the truth shall be given in evidence in cases of libel. This resolution was, for that time, defeated by Peter Carr, the correspondent, such as he was, of general Washington, and the confidential agent and nephew of Thomas Jefferson. There can be no doubt that Peter, like his apostolical namesake, was inspired from ABOVE.
Richmond, March 23, 1803.
BURR MILL-STONE MANUFACTORY.
THE subscriber returns sincere thanks to his friends and the public generally, for the very great encouragement he received in his line of business since his commencement in Richmond. He has lately received a large supply of excellent Burr-Stones at his manufactory, and does not hesitate to say, that he will sell Burr Mill-Stones as cheap as they were ever sold in the United States; he will warrant them to be of the best quality, and give ample security (if required) for their performance. Country produce will be taken in payment, or a short credit given; he has almost every sized Mill-Stone ready for delivery; also PLAISTER of PARIS ground and in the stone.
CARSON HOLIDAY. Richmond, Jan. 25th, 1803. (if.)
JUST PUBLISHED
AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE PRICE TWO SHILLINGS AND THREE-PENCE
THE CONDUCT
OF MERIWETHER JONES, IN A SERIES OF LETTERS, ADDRESSED
TO THE PUBLIC,
By JAMES T. CALLENDER.
MANY gentlemen, when subscribing to this paper, have enquired for complete sets of the Recorder. These are not to be had. But this little publication will, in some measure, supply the want of them. Besides the seven letters to Jones, the last of which has run through every date, and every second newspaper in the union, the collection contains many other articles. Among these are, Defence of Aaron Burr—Mr. Samuel Coleman, No. 1.—Defence of Timothy Pickering—A little more about republican economy—with a variety of small pieces.

American Intelligence.
PHILADELPHIA, March 28.
FIRE.
On Saturday morning last, about 5 o'clock, the city was alarmed by fire. It proved to be in a three story brick building, near the west end of Carter's alley, and about 100 yards east of the bank of the United States, which was principally occupied by Mr. Plowman as a printing office; and one of the apartments was occupied as a book-binder's shop. The fire appears to have begun in the garret as a part of the roof is almost the only part consumed, which being weakened by the fire, fell in, and brought with it a part of the west gable, the weight of which carried with it the upper floor, this adding to the weight, took a slanting direction to the north, carried with it a part of the other floors all the way to the cellar. With this general mass of boards, joist, brick, and fire, a number of our most active citizens, who were busy in removing the property in danger, were precipitated from one two and three stories to the cellar, six or seven of them were taken out of the rubbish badly hurt, and others slightly, but none we hope mortally.
Thomas Bradford, jun. attorney at law, who was on the second floor, when the above took place, and seeing his danger, jumped from thence into the valley, and happily escaped with only a bad sprain of his left ankle, and a slight one in the right ankle and his wrists.
Among those taken out of the cellar from among the rubbish were Mr. C. P. Wayne, printer, much bruised in his back, Mr. Jones, cabinet-maker, a violent contusion on his breast, a lad, apprentice to Mr. Mason, chair-maker, Callowhill street, who was on the third floor and precipitated from thence to the cellar, he, we are told, has his collar bone and one rib broke, and several burns on his thighs.
We understand that the fire was supposed to have been occasioned by depositing ashes in the garret.
The loss of property we have not been able to ascertain, but from various circumstances are induced to believe it to be between 2 and 3000 dollars.
FROM THE GAZETTE OF THE U. S.
ROBBERY.
THE following account of a most barbarous and atrocious robbery has been communicated to us by a respectable correspondent, at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The unhappy sufferer is a young lady, about eighteen years of age, by the name of ESTHER M'DOWEL. The history of her misfortune is thus related by our correspondent.
Miss M'Dowell is the daughter and only child of Dr. JOHN M'DOWEL, who, about three years since, removed from Montreal to Kentucky, where he had purchased an estate. He left his daughter to reside with an aged aunt, who has since died, and left her niece heir to a considerable property. Upon the death of her aunt, the young lady expressed to her father a wish to remove and reside with her parents in Kentucky. Accordingly he sent a man, who had been brought up from infancy in his family, and in whose fidelity and honor he had the most implicit confidence, to conduct her home. She proceeded with him from Montreal, and arrived in the neighbourhood of Williamsport, on Monday evening, the 21st of March instant. During the day, the villain had taken pains to avoid observation as much as possible, by leaving the public road and passing through obscure and unfrequented paths. They continued to travel till ten o'clock in the evening, when he suddenly dismounted, dragged the lady from her horse, and presenting a pistol to her breast, demanded her money, and threatened to murder her, if she attempted to give an alarm. She implored his mercy, offering him all she possessed upon the condition of sparing her life. At that instant he tore off her bonnet and gagged her mouth to prevent her from speaking. He then proceeded to strip her of every article of clothing, and tying her hands behind her, made her fast to a tree while he packed up her apparel in the saddle bags. Having done this, he removed her to a more distant part of the woods, and tying her fast to a tree in a close thicket, made off with the horse, and all the property she had with her.
In this deplorable situation she remained, entirely naked, exposed to the severe cold of the night until about break of day, when, by her struggles, she loosened herself from the tree, and with much difficulty made her way through the woods to a house about eighty rods distant, where she was kindly received, and supplied with such things as were immediately necessary. It was not until a considerable time that she was able to speak and relate the particulars of the disaster.
She is now, as our correspondent informs, at the house of the Rev. ISAAC GRIER, who lives near the place where the inhuman crime was perpetrated. Though nearly a hundred persons have been in pursuit of the villain,
we are sorry to say that no certain intelligence has been obtained. A description of the perpetrator, and of the property lost, will be found in the following advertisement.
200 Dollars Reward, for apprehending BENJAMIN CONNET.
He is about 22 years of age; of a middle size; swarthy complexion; has long black hair, tied with a ribbon; has a remarkable large mole above his left eye brow, which he takes pains to conceal by suffering his hair to grow long upon his forehead; had on a light colored great coat, a blue strait coat, swansdown jacket; light colored caimer panta-loons; took with him two horses, one of which is grey, the other black, and about four years old; a woman's saddle new, with a piece of bear skin fastened to the seat; and two portmanteaus, or saddle bags, in one of which were upwards of one thousand guineas. He took, also, a gold watch with the owner's name ESTHER M'DOWEL, at full length on the inside of the case, and the initial letters of her father's name, J. M. on the outside.
Any person that will apprehend the villain and secure him, so that he may be brought to justice, shall receive the above reward and all expence paid by
ESTHER M'DOWEL.
Mr. PHILIPS, a respectable bookseller in London, has given notice that he has entered into an engagement with the family of the late general WASHINGTON, to publish in London, the Memoirs of the Life of that gentleman, drawn up from his own papers. The work, Mr. Philips says in his advertisement "is edited by Mr. Marshall, chief justice of the United States, a gentleman eminent for his talents, and who was intimately acquainted with Washington during his life; and it will be revised by Judge Washington, the nephew of the general (his principal heir) and the present possessor of his seat at Mount Vernon. It will extend to four or five octavo volumes; will be elegantly printed, and be suitably decorated with a portrait, and with views, maps and plans. As such a work is equally interesting to Europe and America, it is intended that the publication should take place in London and Philadelphia on the same day; and it is believed that the first volume will make its appearance in April 6th, 1803.
MELANCHOLY.
On Thursday evening, the 17th inst. the dwelling house of a Mr. Batchelder, in Grantham, in New-Hampshire, was consumed by fire, with its contents; and what is more melancholy, a child, five years old was burnt to death in it.
On the morning of the fire, Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder set out on a journey, leaving six children behind, three of the youngest were in the house when it took fire. The fire was communicated to some tow, by a candle, which was immediately extinguished, by the boy who held the candle, as he supposed; upon which he lay himself down upon a bed, but had not laid long before he saw the flames bursting through the crevices of the house. Two small children were then in bed, and no assistance very near; he flew to the relief of the youngest, and bade the other follow him—But, alas! the destructive element too soon overtook the child, and it fell a victim to the burning ruins.—Dartmouth Gaz.
Mr. John Gates, of Belcher, in this state, went into a saw mill early on the morning of the 14th. ultimo, with a design to saw some logs; the mill was frozen, he cut it out and hoisted the water gate. When the saw gate stopped the night before, it was within a few inches of being at the height. He took a piece of slit-wood for a lever, put a prop under it near the saw gate at the top, and pried it up: The saw gate came down so that it caught the lever, the end of which struck his forehead, broke his skull, beat out one eye, and killed him instantly. He fell by the side of the log; one of his arms were sawed off, and he was mangled in a shocking manner. On the same day, at another saw-mill in the said town, another man, in nearly similar circumstances, was knocked down and thrown some way, but not greatly hurt.
BALTIMORE, March 28.
A gentleman of this city has politely favoured us with the York Recorder, of the 16th inst. from which we have extracted the following:
ANOTHER DREADFUL FIRE!!
The unknown villains, who are seeking our destruction, succeeded again on
Monday, in one of their infernal attempts to let fire to the town. About three o'clock in the afternoon, the fire suddenly burst out in Mr. Sinn's barn. So quick was this work of destruction, that in a few minutes the barns of Messrs. Rudolf Spangler, Jacob Spangler, G. L. Leffler, and Philip Goeller, with their stabling, were in flames. All those five barns and stables were built of wood, filled with hay and straw, and standing contiguous to each other, formed but one fire, tremendous and awful indeed, beyond any thing that has ever been known in this place. With great exertions, and a providential change of the wind, the houses and other buildings near this scene of desolation, were saved. The inhabitants were worn out with watching and fatigue, and sickening under apprehensions of greater calamities.
Two hundred dollars reward is offered to any person who shall discover and bring to justice the perpetrator or perpetrators.
The fires which have taken place in this Borough lately, we are now assured were kindled by design. Although the strictest watch has been kept by the citizens, not twenty-four hours have passed for eight days past, without attempts to set fire to the town; have been discovered. The inhabitants are in great consternation; and numerous patrols are established, so that since the fires noted in our last, several infant fires have been discovered, and extinguished without material injury. The incendiaries have not yet been certainly discovered, though several persons have been apprehended on suspicion.
FROM THE NEW-YORK GAZETTE.
The ship New-York Packet, Capt. Webb, arrived here yesterday in a very short passage of 32 days from Gravesend. We have been favoured, by the owners with the London "Sun," of the 17th of February. This paper and another (the Star) of the same date, were the only late papers received by the ship. Their contents are very uninteresting. Great pomp and ceremony was observed in the manner of receiving the remains of general Leclerc at Toulon, and the other places in France through which the body passed. The price of stocks at London, the 17th. Feb. at noon was, for consols 71 7-8 money; omnium 4.
We learn by the arrivals on Saturday from Gibraltar, that the frigate Adams was at that place the 10th ult. to sail for America in a short time; and that the Chesapeake and schooner Enterprize were at Malta. No intelligence had been received at Gibraltar of the loss of an American frigate, as recently reported here, which induces us to believe the report unfounded.
Gaz. U. S.
The council of revision have returned to the hon. the assembly, the bill for abolishing the New York justices court, with very lengthy objections against its becoming a law.
In consequence of the disease prevailing in the Islands of Curacoa and Guadalupe, the Philadelphia board of health have issued orders to the officers at the Lazaretto, to exercise their utmost vigilance in examining vessels from those places, and to prevent any bedding or clothing from such vessels being brought into the city.
The legislature of this state have recently ceded to the United States the jurisdiction of two islands, situated in Long Island Sound called the Great and Little Islands. A light house is soon to be erected on one of them. This will greatly benefit the navigation of the Sound.
Foreign Intelligence.
NEW-YORK, April 1.
BY the New-York Packet, captain Webb, arrived yesterday, in 34 days from Bristol, the London Star, to the 7th ult. (7 days later than by the British packet) is received at the office of the Daily Advertiser; from which, it appears, that the French expedition to Louisiana, first delayed by the bankruptcy of the house in Paris, which had the contract to fit it
out, and since by storms and frost, if nothing else, was on the 11th of February, lying at Helvoetsluys. A courier arrived at the Hague the 9th, who had been dispatched from the minister of marine, and after delivering his dispatches, set off for Helvoetsluys; returned from thence the 10th, and then set off for Paris, with extraordinary expedition. It was surmised that his arrival was connected with the instant departure of the expedition. An article under the Dover head of February 16, says that a fatal sickness had prevailed at Paris; 9,000 are said to have died there in the course of the month of January—the disorder first came on with a sore throat, catarrhal fever, and was usually fatal in three days. Our disputes on the subject of New Orleans, appear to excite considerable attention in England. On Wednesday, the 16th of February a cabinet council was held, at which the report of the conviction of colonel Despard and his associates was laid before his majesty. The result has not transpired, though it has been stated that "the law was ordered to take its course upon the colonel and six of his fellow conspirators, namely, Broughton, Francis, Wrattan, Wood, Graham, and M'Namara," on Monday next, on the top of the country prison, in horsemonger lane, and that the sentence of Newman, Tyndall, and Lander, who were recommended to mercy by the jury, has been suspended." The editor of the Star remarks: "We can only say, that so many applications in favor of Despard, and some other of the criminals, that the consideration of them may take up a longer time; and that if Monday had been fixed on, as stated, some notice would have been sent to the high sheriff, which we know has not been the case." The weather on the coast of Spain and Portugal has been exceedingly tempestuous through the month of January, and a great number of shipwrecks had taken place on the coast. The Dotteningen, a ship belonging to the Swedish company, commanded by captain Shierman, had been wrecked on the coast of Norway; the crew, with 15 chests of piasters, were only saved. An assurance had been made at Lloyd's on this ship for upwards of 100,000.
Price of Stocks; London, February 17.
3 per cent. red. 71 37 48; 3 per c. conf money, 71 113-848; old five per cent. 101 31 82. new five per cent. 104 31-82; omn. 3 111-842.
Batavian rescriptions, payable after peace, the 11th instant, at the Hague, were at 64 1-4 to 65 per cent.
A rare and happy instance of female constancy and true attachment!
"Col. Cunningham, who was wounded in the late expedition against Holland, in a manner too shocking to relate; on his return to England visited Miss Worsey, with whom he was under matrimonial promises, and, with great candor, and real magnanimity, told her that he considered the accident which had befallen him, in Holland, to be of a nature, to put an end to every engagement between them. —With still greater honor, and unequalled heroism and fidelity, the lady replied, "That unless his mind was more altered than his person, she wished to perform her vows."
Lon. pap.
A very extraordinary event has destroyed two thirds of the village of Villa Guardia, near Oneille, in Italy, consisting of 80 houses and 400 inhabitants. The village was situated on the brow of a hill, in a fertile soil, well cultivated and abounding in springs. In the evening of the 22d of Nov. several great cracks were perceived in the ground, near the church—it rained without intermission the whole night, and on the following morning a considerable part of the mountain fell, and buried the church in ruins; and 37 houses sunk into the earth by degrees, one after another. The wretched inhabitants were witnesses to the scene of desolation which continued the whole day. The vineyards, gardens, and olive fields yielding to the mass which had fallen from the mountain were precipitated into the torrent; the remnant of the mountain is now a barren rock, and for four miles round it nothing is seen but wretchedness and ruin.
Lon. pap.
The following is a translation of the first consul's letter to Madam Le Clerc on the occasion of her husband's death:
"When I confided to gen. Le Clerc the expedition to St. Domingo, I forewarned him of the danger which accompanied it, and the glory he might acquire by it. Your husband has left behind him a glorious memory; and that justifies my choice. You have partaken his perils; you have attended him in his last moments; you have fulfilled the duties which united you to his destiny; and I am consoled by these considerations for the loss we have sustained. I am satisfied with your conduct: I am even proud of it. We

owe our country many sacrifices. In charging myself with its government, I have engaged when necessary to sacrifice for it my own life, and that of all who belong to me. Your husband has fulfilled part of this engagement; his name shall be inscribed among those of brave men: and your own name will enoble the list of those widows whom the great nation has promised to protect. That nation has also adopted your child; remember that this is a trust, the care of which you will one day be responsible to it."
POWER OF THE PENCIL.
As the famous Pietro de Cortona, was one day finishing the face of a crying child, in the representation of the Iron age, with which he was adorning the floor, called the Hot Bath, in the Royal Palace of Pitti, Ferdinand II. who happened to be looking over him, for his amusement, could not forbear expressing his approbation by crying out, "Oh! how well that child cries!" To whom the artist replied, "has your majesty a mind to see how easy it is to make children laugh? Behold, I will prove it in an instant."—Then taking up his pencil, by giving the contour of the mouth a concave turn downwards, instead of the convex upwards, which it before had, and with little or no alteration in any other part of the face, he made the child, who a little before, seemed ready to burst its heart with crying, appear in equal danger of bursting its sides with immoderate laughter; and then, by restoring the altered features to their former position, he soon let the child crying again.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
By the arrivals on Saturday from England, the editors of the New-York Gazette have received a regular series of London papers to the 1st of March inclusive; and Lloyd's lists and prices current to the 25th of February.
These papers contain a variety of matter, of no inconsiderable interest. Col. Despard, and several of his accomplices, recently convicted of high treason in England, were executed and beheaded on Monday the 21st of February, in presence of an immense concourse of people. An account of the behaviour of the criminals, previous to, and during their execution, occupies a large proportion of the London papers. It is interesting: and will be given in our next.
Paris papers to the 23d Feb. were received in London, which announce the meeting of the legislative body on the 21st. The Moniteur of the 23d contains an official view of the present situation of the republic, prepared for the legislative body. This important and curious paper is signed by Bonaparte. It embraces a variety of objects; but which our want of room obliges us to defer until to-morrow. It states that upwards of 20,000 French manufacturers, dispersed throughout Europe, have returned to their respective vocations in the republic. That "St. Domingo had submitted, and the author of its troubles was in the power of France: every thing, in short, announced the return of its prosperity, when by a horrid disease, it was devoted to renewed calamity: but the plague that desolated the army has now ceased its ravages, and the forces that remain in the colony, together with those which will speedily arrive, cannot fail to restore it to peace and prosperity." That "Batavia is gradually regaining possession of the colonies restored to her by the peace; but she ought never to forget, that France can be to her only the most useful friend, or the most dangerous enemy." In speaking of the division of parties in England, it says, "One has concluded the peace, and is decidedly inclined to maintain it; while the other has sworn an implacable hatred to France; hence arises that fluctuation in opinions, and in the senate that attitude which is at once pacific and threatening. As long as this contest of parties continues, there are certain prudent measures necessary on the part of the republic. Five hundred thousand men must and will be ready to defend and avenge it."
The report that Spain is about to
cede the Floridas to France in consideration of Parma and Piacenza being added to Etruria, has been revived on the continent with increased confidence.
The French papers contain a copy of the new constitution granted by Bonaparte, in the character of a mediator, to the people of Switzerland. This constitution bears a federal character, and abolishes many of the ancient aristocratical privileges. The cantons are divided into three classes, viz. the aristocratic, the democratic, and the new cantons. The diet is to assemble every year, in one of the six great towns, and is to sit for six months.
We have extracted the following from the London Courier, of the evening of the 1st March:
General Kosciouko now lives in modest retirement in a country house near Paris. Since the fate of his native country was ultimately determined, it seems as if he were not the same man: his looks, formerly pale and fallow, are now fresh and healthy. He now enters with gaiety into the enjoyment of all the common pleasures of life. He has ceased to carry the snuff-box on which was painted a ship shattered by the storm with the motto, "My poor Country." His friends and countrymen at Paris regularly celebrate the anniversary of his birthday.
On the 16th ult. as the Acasto frigate was coming to Portsmouth from Leith, she was driven by adverse winds on the French coast, when she struck on the Flemish rocks, and afterwards dropped anchor; a boat was hoisted out with lieut. Galloway, the master and eight men, to make foundings, when she upset, and every soul perished! The ship arrived at Portsmouth on Thursday, without the least damage.
The first part of the French civil code was presented to the legislative assembly by three of the government orators on the 23d ultimo. Portalis, in a long speech to the assembly, developed the motives and explained the principles of it. The code was ordered to be printed. The principal persons who successfully opposed it when it was last under discussion, are no longer in either of the legislative bodies. It will therefore probably be adopted without much opposition.
The corpse of col. Despard, who was hung for treason on the 21st Feb. was buried this day; upwards of a thousand persons had collected near the house before the corpse was removed. The police officers attended, and the city marshal was in the (Pancras) church-yard before the hearse reached it. After he was buried the crowd immediately and quietly dispersed.
The RECORDER. RICHMOND.
APRIL 13th. 1803.
AT the election which took place on Monday last at the court-house, for the purpose of electing a delegate, to represent this city in the next general assembly of Virginia, the votes stood as follows:
  DR. JOHN ADAMS 107   WILLIAM DUVAL, 94   Majority for the federal candidate 13 
SO much has been said of the philosophy of Mr. Jefferson, it is truly astonishing that there are still men to be found, who disbelieve the president's possessing it. Duane, to shew his superiority over Callender, exclaims 'look at my children.' When any one doubts the president's philosophy, he can exclaim, 'Look at my plan of a dry dock.'
A more foolish ridiculous plan was never before conceived; to expend near a million of dollars to dig a huge oven in a hill large enough to contain twelve vessels of war, in which they may comfortably crack and rot. This is philosophy, aye it is economy of the people's money also, but like all the rest of Jefferson's economy and philosophy, an ounce of common sense is worth a cart-load of it.
A number of such philosophers have
made application to Congress for some reward for discovering longitude and perpetual motion: the dry dock discovery ought not to have been so hastily and cursorily treated. A vote of thanks, at least as a compliment to the president ought to have been granted, instead of which the plan is treated with disrespect and even contempt by his very friends; one calling it a 'mad project,' another, an 'ill-timed project,' &c. However all this will not injure the president's feelings nor philosophy. If next session he should recommend that a great water-tight case be made to enclose the Capitol, and that the capitol between sessions be thus picked in salt and water, the better to preserve the stones of which it is made, I am sure the project would not meet such a repulse as the equally shrewd plan of the dry dock.
Anti-Democrat.
We learn that Mr. King, our minister at the court of London, is expected to leave England some time in the month of April, on board of the John Morgan, a fine vessel, for this port, which has been chartered for his use; so that Mr. King and family may be expected here by the middle of June.
(D. A.)
A law-suit was lately determined in Upper Saxony, which lasted so long that 4 Judges, 16 Barristers, and 9 Attorneys, who were engaged in it died during the process.
A wit, bemoaning the uncomfortable prospect of celibacy, and comparing the respective happiness of a married and single state, exclaimed, what can make the bitter cup of a batchelor's life go down! and in the same tone, by way of self consoling response, observed, a-lafs! a-lafs!
FROM THE TRENTON FEDERALIST.
DEMOCRATIC DECEPTION.
"AS we expected, the democrats are boasting loudly of the prosperity of our finances. Before Jefferson had been in office six months, they began to proclaim a millennium, though no one measure had been entered into by him, but that of making room for his friends and partisans. Not a single dollar has ever been brought into the treasury by any measure of the democratic party. The prosperous system of finance, suggested by Hamilton, and adopted by the Washington administration, is the source to which we are indebted for an overflowing treasury; the credit of opposition to which system, is all that the party now in power can claim.
"When the Federalists went out of office, and Mr. Jefferson and his party came in, government had just began to breathe free of the embarrassments which had oppressed it ever since its first establishment.
"At the out-set there was not a dollar in the treasury; they were actually forced to borrow money to pay the members of congress. As soon as the revenue system was brought into operation, a very expensive Indian war broke out, that took every spare cent in the treasury. Then followed the Algerine piracies.—Next Gallatin and his whisky boys.—Then the British depredations, amounting to almost four millions of dollars. Then the French, to twenty millions, and to close the scene, another Pennsylvania insurrection. Yet notwithstanding all these obstructions, the national debt was diminished, the country was enriched beyond calculation, a navy built, our commerce doubly extended, and three millions of money in the treasury, and a revenue established which annually produces between ten and twelve millions of dollars closed the career of federal labours. When all this was done, and peace settled with foreign powers, and the army disbanded and the navy laid up, the democrats came into power, and finding things in a prosperous train begin to crow up the good effects of their management ere they have taken a single step, backward or forward. The fly ones of the
party think that they can prate themselves now for every thing done by the Federalists, and the people are so far calculate upon all being as dumb as democrats.—incapable of seeing an inch beyond their noses; but they are out in their reckoning. The people are not so stupid as democrats would have them.
They know as well as democrats that there must be a reason for every thing; that it takes time and labour, rain and sunshine, to produce a crop, and that there is as much merit in those who fence the land, manure, plough, harrow sown, and keep off the crows and wild beasts till harvest as in those who then come in and barely reap the field. They will not admit such great merit in the democrats in our money concerns; when they know that these gentry have never brought a single cent into the treasury; when they know that Gallatin and his whisky-boys, have taken more than by a MILLION, out of the treasury, than they ever put in, when they see these sunshine patriots, who made such a noise about high salaries, getting their FIVE and TWENTY-FIVE thousand dollars a year, and their SIX dollars a day; when they see them taking the taxes off the coaches of the rich, and leaving the burthens of the poor undiminished!"
As action and reaction are said by philosophers to be the essential principle of the physical world, why may we not from our observations, fairly conclude, that kicking and re-kicking, tweaking, and re-tweaking—in short putting about the kick and the tweak from one to the other are, at least since the days of BONAPARTE, the essential principle of the political world. He kicked the emperor, the emperor kicked the Venetians, he then helped the Venetians to kick against the emperor and then helped the emperor to kick them again. So too, he kicked Spain; Spain kicked our Great Man, our Great Man kicked up the judiciary; and some sage senators say that the judiciary, if not prevented, will kick up him. Kick away! kick away! It is a kicking world,
 "The jilt, she kicks her Cully,  "Court waiters are kick'd at call,  "We all are kick'd, yet bully,  "While interest kicks the ball!" 
Charl. Cour.
The following circumstance is related in a letter to a friend from Chateau de Venours:
"Two persons were on a short journey, and passing through a hollow way, a dog which was with them started a badger; which he attacked and pursued till he took shelter in a burrow under a tree. With some pains they hunted him out, and killed him. Being a very few miles from a village called Chabellatiere, they agreed to drag him there, as the Committee gave a reward for every one which was destroyed; besides, they purposed selling the skin. Badgers hair furnishes excellent scumbling brushes, for painters. Not having a rope, they twitted, and drew him along the road by turns. They had not proceeded far, when they heard a cry of an animal in seeming distress: and stopping to see from whence it proceeded, another badger approached slowly. They at first threw stones at it, notwithstanding which it drew near, came up to the dead animal, began to lick it, and continued its mournful cry. The men surprised at this, desisted from offering any further injury to it, and again drew the dead one along as before; when the living badger, determining not to quit its dead companion, lay down on it, taking it gently by one ear, and in that manner was drawn into the midst of the village; nor could dogs, boys, or men induce it to quit its situation, by any means; and, to their shame be it said, they had the inhumanity to kill it, and afterwards burnt it, declaring it could be no other than a witch."
ANECDOE.
A grocer advertising his stock to be sold under prime cost, a neighbor of his observed, that it was impossible to sell it under prime cost, for he had never paid a farthing for it himself.

DOCUMENTS
RESPECTING THE INSURRECTION OF THE SLAVES.
(CONCLUDED.)
Trial of Young's William, on the testimony of Proffer's Ben.
HE, the witness, was at Mr. Young's on the night spoken of by Proffer's Ben, (whose testimony is confirmed by him in every part.) The prisoner there said, he had some time before been to Caroline, and had employed several negroes up there, who were named by him, to enlist men; that he had promised to attend the ensuing Sunday at Littlepage's brigade, to be informed how the business went on, and did not know, but he should accompany the witness, that he the witness accordingly went to Caroline, the prisoner having previously enjoined him to see the persons who were employed by him above mentioned, if possible, and assign to them his (the prisoner's) reasons for not attending agreeable to appointment.
The trial of Sam Abraham, on the testimony of Mrs. Price's John.
The prisoner was at Mr. Young's spring, and agreed to join Gabriel, he stood up at the time when Gabriel proposed to them who would join him, to stand up, and those who would not, to sit down. The prisoner promised to meet Gabriel, and to enlist him as many men as could. He said he would certainly attend at the time appointed if life lasted.
The trial of Abraham, on the testimony of Ben Woodfork.
He went to the prisoner's, where a number of negroes were present, and asked him, the prisoner, to join his society. He refused, alleging it was some of his usual folly. But being assured that it was a very serious business, and mentioning, that it was a combination to kill the white people, he consented to join, and be in readiness at any time when called upon; the witness requested him to keep the business secret, and not divulge it to a woman, which he the prisoner promised to do. The witness considered the prisoner as one of his men. This conversation took place three or four weeks before harvest last.
The trial of George, belonging to the estate of Jacob Smith, dec. on the evidence of Ben Woodfork.
That the first time he ever heard any thing of a conspiracy, and insurrection, among the blacks, was from the prisoner, that he came to his house at dusk or dark, where he was cutting wood: and asked him if he would join a free mason society? This deponent replied no, because all free masons would go to hell; upon this the prisoner said it was not a free mason society he wished him to join, but a society to fight the white people for their freedom, who replied he would consider of it. About a week or ten days after, the prisoner, and one Sam Bird, came to his house (at Mr. Young's where he was hired,) with Jack Bowler; that the prisoner, Sam Bird, and this deponent conversed until late at night, upon the intended war, and insurrection. The said George told them he was one of the party, Some short time after this the prisoner informed this deponent, that he had enlisted about thirty seven men in Hungary meeting house, and fifty men in Manchester. On Sunday evening, about a week after the meeting of the prisoner and Sam Bird at his house, there was a meeting a Proffer's spring. The prisoner, Gabriel, and this deponent, and many others were there. They appointed the prisoner to carry the money, which was made by subscription, to this deponent, on the night he was to go to Caroline, to buy liquor to treat the men to get them to enlist up there. George the prisoner, was a colonel. The prisoner told this deponent that he intended to hire his time of his interest, and go down to far as the Pip-
ing Tree, to enlist men, particularly the out landish people, because they were supposed to deal with witches, and wizards, and of course useful in armies, to tell when any calamity was about to befall them.
The testimony of Price's John. The last time he saw George the prisoner, was at Mr. Young's at a funeral; after it was over Gabriel proposed to the prisoner among many others, that they should go to the spring and drink grog. After they got to the spring, this deponent heard Gabriel ask the prisoner if he would join him to fight the people for their freedom. George, the prisoner, replied that he would, and gave him his hand. (Condemned.)
The trial of GABRIEL.
Proffer's Ben. Gabriel was appointed captain at the first consultation respecting the insurrection, and afterwards, when he had enlisted a number of men, was appointed general. That they were to kill Mr. Proffer, Mr. Mosby and all the neighbours, and then proceed to Richmond, were they would kill every body, take the treasury, and divide the money amongst his soldiers, after which he would fortify Richmond, and proceed to discipline his men, as he apprehended force would be raised elsewhere to repel him. That if the white people agreed to their freedom they would then hoist a white flag, and he would dine and drink with the merchants of the city, on the day when it should be so agreed to.
Gabriel enlisted a number of negroes. The prisoner went with the witness to Mr. Young's to see Ben Woodfork, who was going to Caroline to enlist men; there he gave three shillings for himself and three other negroes, to be expended in recruiting men. The prisoner made the handles to the swords which were made by Solomon. The prisoner showed the witness a quantity of bullets, nearly a peck, which he and Martin had run, and some lead then on hand; and he said he had ten pounds of powder, which he had purchased. Gabriel said he had nearly 10,000 men. He had 10,000 in Richmond, about 6000 in Caroline, and nearly 500 at the coalpits, besides others at different places, and that he expected the poor white people would also join him, and that two Frenchmen had actually joined, whom he said Jack Ditcher knew, but whose names he would not mention to the witness. That the prisoner had enlisted nearly all the negroes in town, as he said, and amongst them had 400 horsemen. That in consequence of the bad weather on Saturday night, an agreement was made to meet at the tobacco house of Mr. Proffer the ensuing night. Gabriel said all the negroes from Petersburg were to join him after he had commenced the insurrection.
Mr. Price's John. He saw the prisoner at a meeting, who gave a general invitation to the negro to men attend at the spring to drink grog; that when there, he mentioned the insurrection, and proposed that all present should join him in the same, and meet in three weeks for the purpose of carrying the same into effect, and enjoined several of the negroes then present, to use the of best their endeavors in enlisting men, and to meet according to the time appointed.
Ben Woodfork. The prisoner was present at the meeting at Mr. Young's, who came to get persons to join him to carry on the war against the white people. That after meeting, they adjourned to the spring, and held a consultation, when it was concluded that in three weeks the business should commence. Gabriel said he had twelve dozen of swords made, and had worn out two pair of bullet moulds in running bullets; and pulling a third pair out of his pocket, observed, that was nearly worn out. That Bob Cooley and Mr. Tinley's Jim, was to let them into the capitol to get the arms out. That the lower part of the town towards Rockets, was to be fired, which would draw forth the citizens (that part of the town being of little value) this would give an opportunity to the negroes to seize on the
arms and ammunition, and then they would commence the attack upon them. After the assembling of the negroes near Proffer's, and previous to their coming to Richmond, a company was to be sent to Gregory's tavern, to take possession of some arms there deposited. The prisoner said at the time of meeting the witness at Mr. Young's, that he had the evening before received six guns, one of which he had delivered to col. Wilkinson's Sam. That he was present when Gabriel was appointed general, and George Smith second in command. That none were to be spared of the whites, except quakers, methodists and French people.
The prisoner and Gilbert concluded to purchase a piece of silk for a flag, on which they would have written, death or liberty , and they would kill all except as before excepted, unless they agreed to the freedom of the blacks, in which case they would at least cut off one of their arms. That the prisoner told the witness that Bob Cooley had told him, if he would call on him about a week before the time of insurrection, he would untie the key of the room in which the arms and ammunition were kept at the capitol, and give it to him, or if he did not come, then on the night of the insurrection being commenced, he would hand him arms out, as fast as he could arm his men, and that he had on a Sunday previous to this, been shown by Cooley, every room in the capitol.
Thilman's DICK's trial, on the testimony of Ben Woodfork.
The witness and others in company with the prisoners at Mr. Young's communicated the insurrection, they said they would join. On his way to Caroline he fell in with the prisoner on the bridge (called Littlepage's.) He enquired about the business, and how they were to get arms, which being mentioned, he said he would certainly attend at time and place appointed; that he could, and would be at the place of rendezvous, by 12 o'clock at night.
Question by the prisoner. Who was present at the bridge at the time of the conversation above mentioned? Answer. George, Scipio, Edmund, Thornton belonging to Mr. Thilman, and Humphrey belonging to Mr. Garland, all of whom agreed to join in the insurrection and to give their attendance accordingly.
Trial of RANDOLPH.
The same testimony as against Dick at Mr. Young's. He afterwards saw the prisoner at Hanover court house, and informed him the time appointed for the rising. He said he knew it before. He saw him the same day after at Littlepage's bridge at a preaching, where the subject was again renewed, and the prisoner said he would attend, if life permitted; that two negroes who were at the meeting had threatened to communicate the insurrection to the white people, were perfused by the prisoner and others on their return home, with an intention, as they said, of putting them to death; but who, when overtaken by them, denied that they had any such intention.
FROM THE BALANCE.
THE EXCHANGE OF TOBACCO FOR WOMEN.
Virginia, so named, in honor of Elizabeth the virgin queen of England was the eldest sister among the British American colonies; and she has never been scrupulous in claiming from her younger sisters, the full amount of respect and homage, that belongs to her seniority. The first effective settlement of this "Ancient Dominion," as Virginia has been called, was in the year 1609; thirteen years before the settlement of Plymouth in New-England. The emigrants came over to Virginia, not by pairs, as the creatures went into the Ark, but without wives and families; and were mere adventurers in quest of wealth, who determined as soon as their fortunes should be made, to return to England. As this determination, carried into effect, might have been fatal to the colony, Sir Edwin Sandys, in order to attach the colonists to the soil and prevent
their return, advised the proprietors in England to send them over a cargo of young women and exchange these necessaries of life for tobacco. This prudent advice was followed; and accordingly in the year 1610, ninety girls were sent to the Virginia planters at one time. A freight of sixty more was sent the next year. A species of commerce so highly advantageous was not declined by the planters. The love of women in this instance, completely triumphed over sordid avarice, inasmuch that files of gailant Virginians were to be seen, carrying down to the ship with a hasty step their bundles of tobacco, and after making the exchange, conducting home their dear spouses. At first the value of a wife was estimated at one hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco; but as the sale of this precious commodity was rapid, the price soon rose to an hundred and fifty pounds. Indeed it reflects no small degree of honor upon the generosity of the gallantry of the planters, that they should voluntarily give such prices for their wives: especially when it is considered that king James of England, who was so bitter an enemy to smoking, that with his own royal hand he wrote a book against it, had prohibited the Virginians from raising tobacco beyond the annual quantity of one hundred pounds each. Under these circumstances, the purchase of a wife must have cost a planter fifty per cent more than his whole tobacco crop, for a single year.
It would seem that some of the planters were under the necessity of purchasing their wives on credit; and in order to prevent evasions of payment, which otherwise might likely have happened, especially if they found themselves cheated in their bargain, the general assembly enacted, that "the price of a wife should have the precedence of all other debts, in recovery and payment, because (says the assembly) of all kinds of merchandise, this was the most desirable." In fact, though bona fide debt have not always been recoverable by law in Virginia; yet, in this instance of "the most desirable kind of merchandise," the legislature, much to its honor, solemnly ordained that, in case of the purchase of a wife on credit, the purchaser should pay the tobacco, even to the last ounce, that he had contracted to give for her.
The memory of such a remarkable piece of history as I have been relating, ought, I think, to be perpetuated by some public monument. As wool is the staple of Britain and the prime source of its wealth it has been a custom, time out of mind, for the first lord of the treasury to sit upon a wool sack: and with equal if not greater propriety, might the speaker of the Virginia assembly be seated upon a sack of tobacco; seeing this odiferous plant has not only been the staple of commerce in the ancient dominion; but also the basis of population.
ON THE WEAVIL IN SEA BREAD.
THE following fact discovered by accident is of the highest importance to mariners and merchants. A bag belonging to a powder mill fell into a cauldron of liquid nitre; it was immediately taken out, plunged into cold water, and hung up to dry; several days after this circumstance happened the bag was filled with sea biscuit and sent on board a West-Indiaman, where it was stowed amongst the captain's stock. The vessel was nine months out of England before she proceeded on her passage home, when she got becalmed, and remained so long in that situation, that her crew were forced to be put on half allowance, more particularly so, as their bread was much destroyed by the weavils and was hourly consuming. The captain at this time wishing to make use of the bag above mentioned, which had not been opened since the ship left England, ordered it to be examined, when to his great surprise, the whole contents were found to be perfectly sound, without any appearance of having been injured by any insect whatever; a circumstance to be attributed solely to the quality of the bag.