Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1805-01-12 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS
[Vol. XII.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1121.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum...paid in advance.]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1805.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
PROPOSALS
For carrying Mails of the United States on the following Post-Roads, will be received at the General Post Office in Washington, until the fourteenth day of January next inclusive.
In Virginia.
25 From Hagerstown Md by Williamsport, Martinsburg, Winchester, Stephensburg, or New town, Strasburg, Woodstock, New Market and Harrisonburg, to Staunton once a week.  26 From Hagerstown every Tuesday at 2 p m and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 10 a m. Leave Winchester at 11 a m and arrive at Staunton on Friday by 11 a m. Returning. Leave Staunton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Hagerstown the next Monday by 10 a m.  27 From Washington city, by Georgetown, Propriet Hill, Hillsboro, Leesburg, Waterford, Charles town and Battletown, to Winchester.  28 From Washington city every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Charlottesville on Wednesday by 3 p m. Leave Charlottesville at 6 p m and arrive at Winchester on Thursday by noon. Returning. Leave Winchester every Friday noon & arrive at Washington on Sunday by 4 p m.  29 From Washington city, by Fairfax ch Centerville, Middlebury, Goshen, Millwood, Paris and Winchester, to Romney once a week.  30 From Washington every Saturday at 4 a m and arrive at Winchester on Sunday by 3 p m and at Romney on Monday by 5 p m. Returning. Leave Romney every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Winchester on Wednesday by 9 a m and at Washington on Thursday by 5 p m.  31 From Romney, by Westernport, Green Glades, Sardy's and Clarksville, to Marsh's once a week.  32 From Romney every Tuesday at 4 a m and arrive at Gandy's on Wednesday by 3 p m and at Marsh's on Friday by 11 a m. Returning. Leave Marsh's every Friday at 1 p m and arrive at Gandy's on Sunday by 8 a m and at Romney on Monday by 8 p m.  33 From Marsh's, by Marietta, Middletown and the Salt works, to Chillicothe once a week.  34 From Marietta every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at the Salt works on Monday by 10 a m. Leave there at 10 1-2 a m and arrive at Chillicothe by 6 p m. Returning. Leave Chillicothe every Tuesday at 8 a m and arrive at Marsh's the next Friday by 10 a m.  35 From Romney, by Moorfields, to Pendleton ch once a week.  36 From Romney, every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Pendleton ch on Wednesday by 4 p m. Returning. Leave Pendleton ch on Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Romney on Friday by 6 p m.  37 From Marietta to Wood ch once a week.  38 From Marietta every Saturday at 2 p m and arrive at Wood ch by 5 p m. Leave Wood ch at 7 p m and arrive at Marietta by 10 p m.  39 From Clarksville, Buchanan, to Randolph ch once in two weeks.  40 From Clarksville every other Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Randolph ch on Saturday by 6 p m. Leave Randolph ch every other Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Clarksville on Friday by 10 a m.  41 From Fredericksburg, by Falmouth, Elie-Bee church, Fauquier ch and Salem, to Paris once a week.  42 From Paris every Thursday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a m. Leave Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Paris on Saturday by 6 p m.  43 From Leesburg, by Centerville, Haymarket, Buckland, Warrenton, Jeffersonville and Culpeper ch to Madison ch once a week.  44 From Leesburg every Saturday at 4 a m and arrive at Madison ch on Tuesday by 10 a m. Leave Madison ch every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Leesburg on Friday by 6 p m.  45 From Fredericksburg, by Germantown, Stevensburg, Culpeper ch Gains & Roads & Front Royal, to Winchester once a week.  46 From Fredericksburg every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Winchester on Monday at 6 a m. Returning. Leave Winchester every Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg on Friday by 10 a m.  47 From Culpeper ch by Woodville, Washington, Thornton's Gap and Muntil's store, to Newmarket once a week.  48 From Culpeper ch every Monday at 6 a m & arrive at Newmarket on Tuesday by 10 a m. Leave Newmarket at 2 p m and arrive at Culpeper on Wednesday by 6 p m.  49 From Fredericksburg, by Thoroughfare, Chiffey's, Chesapeake ch Newfound mills, Oxford, Crew's store, Goodland ch Mitchell's, Vanceville, Louisa ch Potomacville and Spottsylvania ch and Bibb's store to Fredericksburg once a week.  50 From Fredericksburg every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Goochland ch on Thursday by 11 a m & at Fredericksburg the next Tuesday by 8 a m.  51 From Fredericksburg by Port Royal, to Layton's once a week.  52 From Fredericksburg every and arrive at Layton's. Leave Layton's, and arrive at Fredericksburg.  53 From Fredericksburg, by King George ch Brookfield, Mattax bridges, Ledston, Templeman's & North, Richmond ch Farnham, Kinman's, Northumberland ch and Lancaster ch to Kilmarneck once a week.  54 From Fredericksburg every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Kilmarneck the next Saturday by 5 p m. Returning. Leave Kilmarneck every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Fredericksburg the next Wednesday by 10 a m.  55 From Tappahannock, to Richmond ch once a week.  56 From Richmond ch every Thursday noon and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p m. Returning. Leave Tappahannock on Thursday at 6 1-2 p m & arrive at Richmond ch on Monday by 9 a m.  57 From Bowling Green, by Bailyville, Broadwater, Mill, Harrisonville, Newtown, Dunkirk, Walkerton, King William ch Lilly Point and Cumberland, to New Kent ch once a week.  58 From Bowling Green every Monday at 6 a m and arrive at New Kent ch on Tuesday by 10 a m. Returning. Leave New Kent every Tuesday at 2 p m and arrive at Bowling Green on Wednesday by 6 p m.  59 From Richmond by Hanover town and Dunkirk, to Tappahannock once a week.  60 From Richmond every Wednesday at 1 p m, arrive at Dunkirk on Thursday by 7 a m. Leave Dunkirk at 8 a m and arrive at Tappahannock by 6 p m. Returning. Leave Tappahannock every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond on Wednesday by 9 a m.  61 From Dunkirk, by King and Queen ch Shackleford, Gloucester ch and North End, to Matthews ch once a week.
Leave Dunkirk every Thursday at 8 a m and arrive at Matthews ch on Friday by 6 p m. Returning. Leave Matthews ch on Saturday at 6 a m and arrive at Dunkirk on Monday by 6 p m.  62 From Richmond by Gravely, to Charlottesville ch once a week.  63 From Charlottesville ch every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond by 4 p m. Leave Richmond every Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Charlottesville ch by 6 p m.  64 From Richmond, by Hopkings, Powhatan ch Cartersville, Newnton, Buckingham ch Baskerville, Lynchburg, New London and Liberty, to Fincastle once a week.  65 From Richmond every Wednesday at 1 p m and arrive at Powhatan ch by 9 a m and at Fincastle on Saturday by 6 p m. Leave Fincastle every Sunday at 4 a m and arrive at Powhatan ch on Tuesday by 3 p m. Leave Powhatan ch at 4 p m and arrive at Richmond on Wednesday by 10 a m.  66 From Richmond, by Colesville, Genito bridge, Pridestown, Perkinstown, Painesville, Linton and Jamestown, to Farmville once a week.  67 From Farmville every Monday at 6 a m and arrive at Richmond on Tuesday by 4 p m. Leave Richmond every Wednesday at 8 a m and arrive at Jamestown on Thursday by 8 p m.  68 From Powhatan ch by Cumberland and ch Ca-Ire, Farmville, Prince Edward ch and Charlottesville to Halifax ch once a week.  69 From Powhatan ch every Thursday at 10 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Friday by 4 p m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 4 p m. Leave Halifax ch on Sunday at 4 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Monday at 6 a m. Leave it at 6 1-2 a m and arrive at Powhatan ch on Tuesday by 1 p m.  70 From Prince Edward ch by Leicester, Wheeler's springs, Reed's and Campbell ch to New London once a week.  71 From Prince Edward ch every Friday at 4 1-2 p m and arrive at New London on Saturday by 8 p m. Returning. Leave New London on Sunday by 4 a m and arrive at Prince Edward ch on Monday by 9 a m.  72 From Halifax ch by Danville and Dixonville, to Lenox Castle, W. C. once a week.  73 From Lenox Castle every Friday at 6 a m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 6 p m. Leave Halifax ch every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Lenox Castle on Monday by 6 p m.  74 From Halifax ch by Halifax Old town, Pittsylvania ch Pittsylvania old ch Pestenburg, Henry ch and Rocky Mount, to Liberty once a week.  75 From Halifax ch every Sunday at 6 a m and arrive at Henry ch on Monday by 3 p m and at Liberty on Wednesday by 10 a m. Returning. Leave Liberty every Wednesday at 2 p m and arrive at Henry ch on Friday by 8 a m. Leave Henry ch at 9 a m and arrive at Halifax ch on Saturday by 6 p m.  76 From Henry ch by Patrick ch to Germantown in N. C. once in two weeks.  77 From Henry ch every other Monday at 3 p m and arrive at Germantown on Wednesday by 10 a m. Leave Germantown the same day at 2 p m & arrive at Henry ch on Friday by 8 a m.  78 From Petersburg, by Brookington, Namacon bridge, Norwood ch, Hungate town, double bridge, Halseyburg, Willisville, Bibb's ferry and Scottsburg, to Halifax ch once a week.  79 From Petersburg every Wednesday at 2 p m, arrive at Willisville on Saturday by 9 a m. Leave Willisville at 10 a m and arrive at Halifax ch by 4 p m. Returning. Leave Halifax ch on Sunday by 6 a m and arrive at Willisville by 2 p m. Leave Willisville at 3 p m and arrive at Petersburg on Wednesday by 10 a m.  80 From Willisville, by Speed and Wilson's store, Walden's store, Sterlingville and Normans, to mount Tazah once a week.  81 From Willisville every Saturday at 10 a m and arrive at mount Tazah on Sunday by 4 p m. Leave mount Tazah every Friday at 5 a m and arrive at Willisville on Saturday by 8 a m.  82 From Harrisville by Pickens mill, Starkeville, M'Farland's, Lunenburg ch Christmansville, Marshallville, Mecklenburg ch Davis's, St. Tammany's, Gads bridge, Edmundson and Fidler's mill, to Harrisville once a week.  83 From Harrisville every Tuesday at 6 a m, arrive at Marshallville by 5 p m. Leave there on Wednesday at 6 a m and arrive at Harrisville by 6 p m.  84 From Harrisville, by Hicks' Ford and Alexandria, to Halifax twice a week.  85 From Harrisville every Wednesday and Friday at 5 a m and arrive at Halifax by 8 p m.  86 From Halifax every Thursday and Saturday at 5 a m, and arrive at Harrisville by 9 p m. The mail is to pass by Putney's store and Dacey's on Wednesday and Saturday.  87 From Petersburg, by Sussex ch Jerusalem & South Quay, to Murfreesboro' once a week.  88 From Petersburg every Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Murfreesboro' on Wednesday by 4 p m. Returning. Leave Murfreesboro' every Sunday at 8 a m and arrive at Petersburg on Monday by 6 p m.  89 From Smithfield, by Urquharts store, Jerusalem, Bethlehem & roads and the + keys, to Hicks' Ford once a week.  90 From Hicks' Ford every Thursday at 5 a m and arrive at Smithfield on Friday by 11 a m. Returning. Leave Smithfield every Friday at 1 p m and arrive at Hicks' Ford on Saturday by 7 p m.  91 From Norfolk, by Kempville, N. W. R. Bridge, Tull's creek & c. Indiantown, Jonesboro', Elizabeth city, Nixonton and Hertford, to Edenton once a week.  92 From Norfolk every Tuesday noon and arrive at Edenton the next Friday by 10 a m. Returning. Leave Edenton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Norfolk the next Tuesday by 1 a m.  93 From Charlottesville, by Warren, Warminster, Newmarket, New Glasgow, Amherst ch and Madison, to Lynchburg once a week.  94 From Charlottesville every Thursday at 2 p m and arrive at Lynchburg on Saturday by 10 a m. Leave Lynchburg every Saturday at 2 p m and arrive at Charlottesville on Monday by 10 a m.  95 From Staunton, by Kinkaid's, the Warm springs or Bath ch, Morris's, Callaghan's and the Sulphur springs to Lewisburg and from thence by Uniontown, the Sweet springs, Callaghan's, to Staunton once a week.  96 From Staunton every Friday at 2 p m and arrive at Lewisburg on Monday by 10 a m. Leave Lewisburg by noon and arrive at Staunton the next Friday by 10 a m.  97 From Lewisburg, by Boyers, Huff's, Morris's, Kanawha ch Point Pleasant and Gallipolis, to Scioto salt works once in two weeks.  98 From Lewisburg every other Tuesday at 6 a m and arrive at Scioto salt works on Sunday by 4 p m.
the crews left without any means of returning to their own country. The question with our merchants then was, whether they were to abandon this trade altogether, and sacrifice their property remaining there; or arm their vessels for defence. The latter plan, in my opinion the wisest, was adopted; and, I believe, not more than one instance has occurred where our vessels, thus armed, have resisted a legitimate force. To prove to the committee that the vessels thus opposing our trade were not authorised, I request that the clerk may be permitted to read the decree no long since issued by general Ferrand, at the port of Santo Domingo.  (The decree was here read by the clerk as follows:)  A DECREE for re-establishing order in the Leeward Islands, for the issuing and use of letters of Marque.  WE, L. FERRAND, general of brigade commander in chief of the army of St. Domingo, captain general pro tem.  Being informed that several owners and captains of French corsairs, who have obtained limited letters of marque, whose time is expired, continue or renew their cruising, without having regard to any of the formalities required in such cases.  That others have obtained of some pretended French agents, the term of their letters of marque to be prolonged.  That others are bearers of letters of marque, whose transfer has been made by these pretended agents over to other ships, than those for which they had been delivered.  That others have purchased letters of marque of these pretended agents, who, abusing the confidence of the captains-general, of whom they held their power, they have permitted a commerce thus culpable, without even examining the morality of the men to whom these letters of marque have been sold.  That others navigate with letters of marque expedited by those generals, who not being captains general, nor exercising those functions, have no right to deliver them. Informed likewise that under pretence of being ignorant that the tribunals of St. Domingo are alone competent to decide on neutral prizes, in relation with the rebels of that island, without regard to the authority from which the letters of marque, with which the privateers are provided, issued, several owners and captains of corsairs have neglected to observe the formalities prescribed, the principle of which is to make known the literal contents of those letters which have been given them.  Considering, that to tolerate much longer the irregular conduct of the privateers and captains of corsairs, which are found in the different cases mentioned, there would incontestably result abuses which would cause privateering to degenerate into piracy, and dishonour the French flag.  DECREE.
of the present decree, shall be confiscated for the use of the invalid fund.  VI. The pretended French agents who shall issue letters of marque, of which they may be in possession, or cause to be assigned those delivered by competent authority, shall be considered as forgers, and denounced as such to the minister of marine and of the colonies, and prosecuted with all the rigor of the law.  VII. Copies of this decree shall be sent to the minister of the marine and the colonies. They shall likewise be sent to the governors of the neighbouring colonies, to the captains-general of the French windward islands, to the minister of France near the United States of America, and likewise to the French agents in the Antilles. The present decree shall be printed, published, and posted up in the city of Santo Domingo, and likewise in all parts of the island of St. Domingo occupied by the French. It shall be registered in the bureau of the inspection of the marine, likewise in the register of the provisional commission of justice, and also in the special commission of prizes.  Head quarters at Santo Domingo, the 4th Thermidor, 13th year.  (Signed) L. FERRAND.
And to give to the committee some idea of the extent of the lawless depredations committed on our commerce in those seas, I beg leave to state the losses sustained by the five Insurance Offices of Baltimore, not correctly stated by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Clay.)      Dolls.      The Maryland office  128,565    Baltimore office  80,140    Chesapeake office  67,455    Union office  90,687    Marine office  125,110     492,555   
Making in all nearly 500,000 dollars, besides considerable property not insured, nearly all of which has been sold without any form of trial, and leaves our merchants without any hope of redress.  If this bill passes into a law, we shall in fact be deprived of the trade to all the leeward islands, and even that to New Orleans will not be safe. One vessel lately bound from Alexandria to Jamaica has been carried into Cuba, where her cargo was landed and sent in small vessels to Jamaica, by these pickpockets. Another from Baltimore to St. Jago de Cuba, on her homeward passage with a cargo worth 40,000 dollars, taken by one of them, who had no commission, and was carrying his prize into Barreco, when it was retaken by a British cruiser and sent to Jamaica; and no later than last month, the vessel of a Baltimore merchant, who never armed a vessel, and who, I verily believe, was never concerned in any illicit trade, was obliged to put into the port of Savannah in distress, on her return from St. Domingo. On going up that river she was met by one of these freebooters that had chased her on her voyage out. The captain of which declared he would make prize of this schooner, and waited off the river for that purpose.  I will not detain the committee by reading documents to prove these statements, but will leave them on the clerk's table for the perusal of any gentleman of the committee who may choose to satisfy himself. I have been also informed, but I have no documents to prove it, that one of our vessels bound from Liverpool to New Orleans, has been taken by one of these cruisers. On the whole, sir, as I consider our entire trade to the West Indies and to New Orleans implicated in this motion, I shall decidedly vote against it.  Mr. Eppes said that, notwithstanding the objections made to his proposed amendment, he sincerely believed the best interests of the nation required that it should prevail. It appeared to him that neither of the gentlemen who had opposed it, had taken a correct view of the question. We are not, said he, passing a law for the protection of American Commerce; but we are making provision against the improper use of arms; for it seems to be the intention of those gentlemen to allow our vessels to arm. They tell you that their vessels cannot do without arms; they cannot effect the object of their voyages without being prepared with a sufficient armament. Why, this is precisely the argument of a highway-man for the use of his pistols. But ought the United States to protect their commerce in this way? He thought they ought not. Do these gentlemen possess information, that we cannot carry on our commerce without armed vessels; if so, it will bring up the whole principles upon which the right of armament is founded, and he trusted it would be manifested that the provisions of this or any other bill, to be enacted for the purpose, would be such as to secure the United States from a collision with foreign powers. He did not think it compatible with the dignity of the Union to arm their merchant vessels, and then them
NOTES.
1 The post master general may expedite the mails and alter the times of arrival & departure at any time during the continuance of the contracts, by stipulating an adequate compensation for any extra expense that may be occasioned thereby.  2 Fifteen minutes shall be allowed for opening and closing the mails at all offices where is particular time is specified.  3 For every thirty minutes delay (unavoidable accidents excepted) in arriving after the time prescribed in any contract, the contractor shall forfeit one dollar; and if the delay continues until the departure of any succeeding mail, whereby the mails defined for such succeeding mail lose a trip, an additional forfeiture of 50 dollars shall be incurred.  4 Newspapers as well as letters are to be sent in the mail; and if any person making proposals, desires to carry newspapers, other than those conveyed in the mail for his own emolument, he must state in his proposals, for what sum he will carry with the emolument, and for what sum without that emolument.  5 Should any person making proposals desire an alteration of the times of arrival and departure above specified, he must state in his proposals the alteration desired, and the difference they will make in the terms of the contract.  6 Persons making proposals are desired to state their prices by the year. Those who contract will receive their pay quarterly in the months of August, November, February and May, in one month after the expiration of each quarter.  7 No other than a free white person shall be employed to convey the mail.  8 Where the proposer intends to convey the mail in the body of a stage carriage, he is desired to state it in his proposals.  9 The post master general reserves to himself the right of declaring any contract at an end whenever three failures happen which amount to the loss of a trip each.  10 The contracts for the above routes are to be in operation on the first day of April next, and are to continue in force for two years.  GIDEON GRANGER, Post Master General. General Post Office, Washington. Nov. 13, 1804. } no 14 T.
Congressional Register.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Thursday, December 13.
Debate on the bill to regulate the clearance of armed merchant vessels.
(Continued.)
Mr. McCreery. Mr. Chairman—Whatever may be the fate of the bill now before you, I think it my duty to state to this committee some circumstances which induce me to think, that the information given to the executive concerning the conduct of our merchant vessels has been much exaggerated.  I am aware that the liberty of trade granted us to that island has been much abused by some of our citizens, and it is my wish that such laws may pass as will effectually restrain and punish such proceedings.  It is well known, sir, that we have had a considerable share of the trade of St. Domingo for more than ten years past, except for a certain period of the late administration when it was prohibited by our own government—that under all the late legitimate governments of that island, it was not only permitted but invited—that in consequence of this and of contracts made by the generals Le Clerc and Rochambeau, with some of our citizens, for the supply of provisions and other necessaries, there was American property to an immense amount in that island when evacuated by the last mentioned general, and consequently, a considerable number of our citizens remained there. Under these circumstances it was not to be expected that this property and these men were to be abandoned—The trade was therefore continued in a peaceful manner, and would still have been carried on, had it not been interrupted by vessels unlawfully armed in the ports of Cuba. In these ports many of our vessels were carried, their cargoes landed in the night, the vessels sent out of the harbors, scuttled and sunk, to prevent detection, and
Article I. From the first of Vendemaire, 13th year, all the letters of marque delivered by general Rochambeau, those delivered by the generals formerly employed in the army of St. Domingo, likewise those issued by us until the present day, the 8th Thermidor, shall be null and without effect. The only letters of marque delivered by us from the present date, 8th Thermidor, and which shall be declared under our hand, that they shall be valid until our epoch, are not to be comprised in this repeal.  II. From the same day, the 1st Vendemaire, 13th year, all the owners and captains carrying letters of marque of the French captains-general, other than those of St. Domingo, which shall be in the case of having relation to Santo Domingo, whose courts are the only competent tribunals to judge of neutral ships taken in contravention on the coast of St. Domingo, as well as those arrested with clearances for the ports occupied by the rebels, or going out of those ports, shall be held to prove their powers in the original.  III. Those who should wish to arm for a cruise, or those having armed who should wish to continue cruising, will obtain from us letters of marque when they shall conform to the requisite formalities.  IV. The captains-general of the French windward islands shall be apprized of the abuses committed daily, in consequence of the cupidity of some owners, or captains disposed to see every ship in contravention, where soever they may meet neutral flags in sight, and even frequently out of sight of the coast of St. Domingo, and they shall be invited to put a stop to those abuses, to have returned the letters of marque confided to those men who have abused them; they shall likewise be desired to recall those charged with their affairs, pretending to be French agents, who have given well-founded cause of complaint.  V. From the date of the 1st Vendemaire, 13th year, the prizes that shall be made by owners and captains of French corsairs, who have not conformed to the regulations contained in articles I. II. III.

house upon the ocean, to act as white or captive, or a thirst of lucre should dictate. It would be nothing more or less than covering the ocean with an armed banditti, that would bring down upon the United States the sovereign contempt and just indignation of all the powers of Europe. He hoped the navigating and commercial character of Americans would be formed upon their superior skill and industry; if in the exercise of these, they were opposed, he was willing to extend the public protection to them, he would not only protect their rights in this way, but he would also avenge their wrongs. The arms of the Union can reach the Caribbean seas, as well as the Mediterranean; and this he presumed was the course proper to be pursued. He felt extremely averse to the principle of the bill; he could not reconcile himself to do what no other nation had ever done; that is, give arms to every man sailing on the ocean who shall require it. Do you grant even letters of marque in this way? By no means—What? shall A, B and C, persons who know nothing of, because they can sign a bond, with a security, range the ocean under the sanction of the flag of the Union, to make war upon other nations, and exercise a power which the constitution declares shall be exercised exclusively by Congress. He did not believe the good sense of the committee would permit him to confer the power of making war on any set of men, however virtuous or respectable, much less to commanders of armed merchant vessels, cruising in pursuit of wealth or plunder. No, they would certainly prefer to retain such an important power in their own hands; and he was well persuaded that the public peace would be preserved but a very short time after the moment that Congress put it in the power of others to make war. For whatever may be the character of a sea captain, if he executes his bond, he is entitled to his arms, and is any gentleman weak enough to believe that a bond to the amount of the value of the vessel will restrain an intemperate person from using arms when he is irritated by an anticipated detention or scrutinizing over haul? It is well known, even in civil life on shore, where every man is equal, how difficult it is to restrain the vindictive passions of hasty tempers. The difficulty was much greater at sea—He really thought the risk too great to be entrusted to this body of men.—He was, however, willing to protect them in every lawful commercial pursuit, as far as the arm of Union could reach. But he would not consent to put the national vengeance in the hands of any man, or set of men, with whose characters he was unacquainted; and who for all he knew, or appeared to be required by the bill, might be totally regardless of all the ties of virtue, justice and national honor.
The question on Mr. Eppes's amendment was taken; 40 voting in the affirmative, and 61 in the negative; the motion was lost.
(To be continued.)
Wednesday, January 2.
Mr. Richards from the joint committee on enrolled bills, reported that the committee on Monday last presented to the President of the United States for his approbation an enrolled bill, entitled "An act for the disposal of certain copies of the laws of the United States."
The committee of claims, who were instructed by a resolution of this house, of the 14th November last, "to consider at large the subject relative to invalid pensions, and all persons wounded or disabled in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war with Great Britain, and report to the house what further measures are, in their opinion necessary to be adopted in order to render to them such ample remuneration for their sufferings as justice may require" having obtained leave to report thereon by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Dana presented a bill in addition to "an act to make provision for persons that have been disabled by known wounds received in the actual service of the United States during the revolutionary war," which was read the first and second time, and committed to a committee of the whole house on Monday next.
Mr. Dana from the committee of claims, presented a bill for the relief of the widow and orphan children of Robert Elliott, which was read the first and second times, and committed to a committee of the whole house on Friday next.
Mr. Dana from the same committee, reported on the petition of William Osburn, of New Port (R. I.) whereupon,
Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition together with the accompanying documents.
An engrossed bill making appropriations for the support of the navy during the year 1803, was read a third time and passed.
An engrossed bill giving further time to register the evidences of titles to land south of the state of Tennessee was read a third time and passed.
A memorial of Robert Henderson, of South Carolina, was read, praying that congress will be pleased to enlarge the annual compensation heretofore granted to him for carrying the mail to and from Fayetteville, in North Carolina, & George Town in South Carolina aforesaid; or that the memorialist may be released from such part of his contract as relates to a part of the road, for the reasons therein specified.
Referred to the Post-Master general,
with instruction to report his opinion thereon to the house.
The petition of Alexander Scott, of South Carolina, in behalf of himself and others, was read, praying relief in the case of certain negro slaves and other property, which were taken from sundry citizens of South Carolina, therein named, on their way to the Natchez, by a party of Cherokee Indians, some time in the month of June, 1794.
The said petition, together with that of Eliakim Morse of the state of Massachusetts, were referred to the committee of claims.
Petitions of sundry inhabitants of the state of North Carolina, residing west of the town of Warrenton, were read, respectfully praying that a post road may be established from Williamsborough, by Bullock's & Brown's stores, to Sterlingville through Person; by the Red-house to Caswell courthouse, so as to intersect the post road from Hillsborough to Bethany in said state.
The said petitions were severally referred to the committee appointed on 6th November last "to enquire whether any, and what amendments are necessary to be made in the acts establishing a post office and post roads within the United States."
An engrossed bill to incorporate the Washington Building and Fire Insurance Company was read a third time.
And on the question, shall the bill pass. It was resolved in the negative—Ayes 23—Nays 65.
A petition of James Bonnell, of New Jersey, was read, praying the renewal of a certain final settlement certificate granted him in consideration of military services rendered as a captain of light infantry in the continental army, during the revolutionary war with Great Britain, which certificate was lost or destroyed in the month of October, 1787.
Referred to a committee of the whole house, to whom was committed on the 6th ult. the bill making further provision for extinguishing the debts due from the United States.
The house went into committee of the whole, Mr. Varnum in the chair, on the bill supplementary to the act entitled "An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage." and after some time spent therein, the Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Varnum reported that the committee had the bill under consideration and made no amendments.
The said bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
Mr. Gregg, from the committee to whom was referred, on the 26th ult. the bill from the senate, entitled "an act to divide the Indiana Territory into two separate governments, reported that the committee had the said bill under consideration, and directed him to report it to the house without amendment."
The said bill was ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house to-morrow.
The order of the day for the house to resolve itself into a committee of the whole, on the motion of the 7th ult. for "the establishment of a post road from Knoxville, in Tennessee, to the settlements on the Tombigby, in the Mississippi Territory, and from thence to New Orleans; also for the establishment of a post road from in Georgia, to the said settlement on the Tombigby, to intersect the former road at the most convenient point between Knoxville and the Tombigby" being called for
It was resolved to postpone the said order of the day until Monday next.
Mr. Newton presented a bill to prohibit the exaction of bail upon certain suits brought in the district of Columbia, which was read the first and second times, and committed to a committee of the whole house on Wednesday next.
The house went into a committee of the whole,
Mr. Tenny in the chair,
On the bill for carrying into more complete effect, the 10th article of the treaty of friendship, limits and navigation with Spain; and after some time spent therein, the Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Tenny reported that the committee had the said bill under consideration, and made no amendment thereto.
The said bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Post master general, enclosing a list of the names of the persons whom contracts have been made for carrying the mails of the United States, from the first of December, 1801, to the last day of December, 1804, inclusively, with the routes contracted for—the period of continuance—and the annual rate of compensation—in pursuance of a resolution of this house of the 28th ult. which were read and ordered to lie on the table.
The petition of Benjamin Bailey, James Bogert and others, citizens of the United States, and resident merchants of the city and state of New York, was read, praying a remission of the duties accruing on various goods and merchandise of great value, imported by the petitioners, which were consumed, together with the store-houses, in which the same were deposited, by a late fire in the said city.
Referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures. Adjourned.
Thursday, January 3.
An engrossed bill supplementary to the act, entitled "An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage," was read the third time and passed.
An engrossed bill for carrying into more complete effect the tenth article of
the treaty of friendship, limits and navigation with Spain, was read a third time and passed.
A motion was made and seconded to add a new rule to the standing rules and orders of the house, as follows:
"A standing committee, to consist of seven members, and to be styled "The Land Committee" shall be appointed, whose duty it shall be to take into consideration all such matters and things touching the lands of the United States as shall be presented, or shall or may come in question, and be referred to them by the house; and to report from time to time their opinion thereon; and also to report such alterations and amendments to the laws concerning the lands of the United States as may become necessary."
On the question will the house agree to the same? It passed in the negative.
A petition of Renaldo Jackson, of the state of Maryland was read, praying a remission of the duty accruing to the United States on certain stills, owned and worked by him in the years 1798 and 1799, for the reasons therein specified.
Referred to the committee of claims. The house went into committee of the whole.
Mr. Varnum in the chair.
On the report of the committee of commerce and manufactures of the 31st ult. on the amendments from the Senate to the bill entitled "An act concealing drawbacks on goods, wares and merchandise exported from the district of New Orleans;" and after some time spent therein, the Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Varnum reported, that the committee had had the said report and amendments under consideration, and directed him to report to the house their disagreements to the report, and their agreement to all the amendments referred to them, which were delivered in at the Clerk's table.
The house then proceeded to consider the said report and amendments of the Senate. When
The question was taken, will the house agree to the report to the committee of the whole house thereon, and resolved in the affirmative.
The following is the Speech of Mr. Chase delivered before the Senate on the 2nd inst.
Mr. President, I appear, in obedience to a summons from this honorable court, to answer articles of impeachment exhibited against me, by the honorable the house of representatives of the U. States.
To these articles, a copy of which was delivered to me with the summons, I say, that I have committed no crime or misdemeanor whatsoever, for which I am subject to impeachment according to the constitution of the U. States. I deny, with a few exceptions, the age with which I am charged; I shall contend, that all acts admitted to have been done by me, were legal; and I deny, in every instance, the mischievous intentions with which the acts charged, are alleged to have been done, and in which their supposed criminality altogether consists.
But in charges of so heinous a nature, urged by so high an authority, a simple denial is not sufficient. It behoves me, for the legal justification of my conduct, and for the vindication of my character, to meet each charge with a full and particular answer; to explain and refute at length, every principle urged against me; to state the evidence by which I am to disprove every fact relied on in support of the accusation; and to detail all the facts and arguments on which my defence is to rest. The necessity of an answer embracing all these objects; in cases of impeachment is obvious; and the right to make it, is secured by law and sanctioned by uniform practice.
Such an answer is my intention to make. It is my purpose to submit the whole ground of my defence to the view of this honorable court, of my country, of the world, and of those who are to conduct the prosecution. So will my judges come to the trial with that full knowledge of the whole matter in dispute, which is essential for enabling them to understand and apply the testimony and the arguments; and the honorable managers will be better prepared to refute such parts of my defence as they may think untenable.
But in a case of this kind, where the accusation embraces so great a variety of charges, of principles, and of facts, it is manifest that preparing such an answer, as I have a right to make and as my duty to myself, my family, my friends and my country requires at my hand, a considerable time must be necessary.
Many of the principles involved in this impeachment, are very important, not only to me, but to the liberties of every American citizen, and to the cause of free government in general. These principles ought to be maturely considered, and clearly explained. They present a wide field of legal investigation; many of them require laborious and extensive research, and although some of them have accompanied the prosecution from its commencement, and have thus been for a considerable time subjected to my consideration; some on the other hand, have been very recently introduced.
Of this description is the principle, whereon the 5th and 6th articles rest; relative to the extent in which the courts of the United States are to be governed not only in their decision, but in their proceedings by the state laws. A principle which was not bro't into view until a few weeks ago, and the explanation of which will require a careful consideration, of the con-
duct and proceedings of the supreme and circuit courts of the United States, from the first establishment of our federal system.
The same articles involve the construction of two state laws of Virginia, which I am charged with having infringed in the trial of Callender, which were not mentioned on the trial, or during any of the introductory proceedings, and of which I never heard until these articles were reported a few weeks ago. It is manifest that in order to fix the true construction of these laws, about which professional men have differed in opinion, recourse must be had to the decisions of the courts of that state, as explained by their records; or in case those records should be silent, to the recollection and opinion of professional men, accustomed to preside or attend in the courts where those laws are enforced. It is manifest that such an investigation cannot be accomplished in a short time.
The facts on which this prosecution rests, except the last article, are alleged to have taken place more than four years ago; some of them at Philadelphia, some at Wilmington, in the state of Delaware, and some at Richmond, in Virginia.
These facts are very numerous, and the greater part of them are of such a nature, as to depend for their criminality or innocence, on minute circumstances, or slight shades of testimony, and often on the different manner in which the same circumstances may affect different spectators, all equally disposed to represent truly what they observed. The most material facts are alleged to have happened in Richmond and Philadelphia. In the former of these places I am an utter stranger, having never been there but once; and in the latter, I know personally but very few individuals. These circumstances render it very difficult for me, to ascertain the persons who witnessed the various transactions in question, and are able, after this lapse of time, to give accurate testimony concerning them; and this difficulty is very much increased, by the distance of those places from that of my residence. I assure this honorable court, that from the moment when this prosecution assumed a serious appearance and a definitive form, at the last session of congress, I have turned my attention to the subject of my defence, and my answer, and have exerted myself in finding out and procuring the requisite testimony; but the difficulties which I have stated, added to my ill state of health during a great part of the last year, have prevented me from making such progress, as to afford me the hope of being able to obtain the object in a very short time.
I have done much, but much very much remains to be done, even in those parts of the prosecution where I had some notice by the proceedings of last session. In those very material parts which have originated during the present session, every thing is still to be done.
It may perhaps be thought, that altho' these preparations might be necessary for the trial, they are not so for the answer. But such an opinion I trust, would on examination be found erroneous.
The answer, in cases of impeachment, must disclose the whole defence, and the defence must be confined to the matters stated in the answer.—Otherwise the prosecutors might be surprised at the trial, by objections which with previous notice, it would be in their power to refute or explain. The accused therefore, before he puts in his answer, ought to have time sufficient for making himself thoroughly master of his defence, of the grounds on which it rests, and of the facts, and evidence by which it is to be supported. He ought to be completely prepared for the trial; between which and the answer no delay need to take place, except such as may be necessary for convening the witnesses.
In so material a part of his preparation for defence, as the drawing up of his answer, it will not, I presume, be denied that he ought to have an opportunity of obtaining the best professional assistance, which it may be in his power to procure. This assistance is rendered peculiarly necessary to me, by the very precarious state of my health; which affords me, at this season of the year especially, but short and uncertain intervals, of fitness for mental or bodily exertion. Should my answer be required in a short time, I have no reason to suppose, that I shall be able to obtain such assistance of this kind as I so much need, and as probably, I shall otherwise have it in my power. Professional gentlemen, engaged extensively in business, are at all times too liable to interruption, and too much occupied to devote themselves exclusively to an affair of this nature; so as to complete it within a short period; and at this season of the year, they are for the most part particularly and indispensably engaged.
These reasons in favor of a liberal allowance or time for preparing the answer, derive great additional force from one further consideration, which I hope that I may, without impropriety, present to the view of this honorable court. Reputation ought to be more dear to every man, and is more dear to me than the honors or the emoluments of office. In cases of impeachment, the facts which appear, the explanations which are given, and the arguments which are urged, at the trial, are sometimes wholly omitted in the statements given to the public, and often mis-represented, or stated so indistinctly as to be generally understood. It is to the answer that the world must look for the justification of the accused. It is by his answer alone, that he can furnish a clear, concise and authentic explanation of his conduct and his motions, supported by such a statement of his proof, as can be extensively read, clearly understood, & easily remembered. He may therefore claim from justice, and expect from the high dignity and responsible character of this honorable tribunal, such time for preparing this very important document, as may enable him to bestow on it all the care and labor which it requires, and to give it all the force of which it may be susceptible.
In stating these considerations, Mr. President, in support of my request for a continuance of this case, I disclaim all intention of affected delay. Feeling a consciousness of my integrity, and a just pride of character, which place me far above the fear of events. I am anxious to meet this accusation, and I rejoice in an opportunity of refuting it. I know that my conduct, though liable to a full portion of human error, has at all times been free from intentional impropriety. I know that in all the instances selected as the grounds of accusation, I have discharged my official duties, with a sacred and inviolate regard to my oath, my character, the laws of my country, and the rights of my fellow citizens. As I know that I can prove my innocence as to all the matters alleged against me. And acrimonious as are the terms in which many of the accusations are conceived; harsh and opprobrious as are the epithets wherewith it has been thought proper to assail my name and character, by those who were "puling in their nurse's arms;" whilst I was contributing my utmost aid to lay the ground-work of American liberty; I yet thank my accusers, whose functions as members of the government of my country, I highly respect, for having at length put their charges into a definitive form, susceptible of refutation; and for having thereby afforded me an opportunity of vindicating my innocence, in the face of this honorable court, of my country and of the world.
But this vindication, situated as I am, and as this case is, cannot be the work of a few weeks. Much time has been employed in preparing the accusation; less will be required for the defence; but a short time will not suffice. I am far from presuming to prescribe to this honorable court, whose sense of justice and disposition to grant every proper indulgence, I cannot doubt; but it may, perhaps be not improper to suggest that by the first day of next session, the answer could be prepared and put in; and that the trial might then take place as soon afterwards, as the witnesses could be collected. I declare that it will be impossible for me to prepare my answer in such time as to commence the trial during this session with any prospect of bringing it to a close before the session must end; and were I to omit that full answer which I wish to give, it would be impossible for me, in the course of this session, (only two months of which now remain) to ascertain fully all the facts necessary for my defence; to find out and bring to this place, the witnesses & written testimony; or to make arrangements relative to that assistance of counsel which my case requires, my age and infirmities render essential, and a longer time would enable me to procure.
I hope, Mr. President, I may be permitted to observe, that my private and professional reputation for probity and honor has never been called in question. I have sustained a high judicial character for above sixteen years, and during the first six, I presided at the trial of more criminals than any other judge within the U. States. During this whole period of time my official conduct has never been arraigned, except only in the trials of Cooper, Fries and Callender, above 4 years ago. For the truth of these assertions I appeal to all who know me; and particularly to the two honorable senators from Maryland.
In respect to the present prosecution, I will make but one remark. That I am impeached for giving on the trial of Callender, several judicial opinions, in which judge Griffin my associate, concurred; my opinions are held to be criminal, or that they flowed from partiality, and an intention to oppress Callender; but the same opinions given by my associate have been considered perfectly innocent.
I have now only to solicit this honorable court to allow me until the first day of next session to put in my answer, and to prepare for my trial; and I submit myself as to the further proceedings in this case to the discretion of this honorable court, in whose integrity, impartiality and independence I repose the highest confidence. I will not for a moment believe that the spirit of party, can ever enter and pollute those walls, or that popular prejudice or political motives will be harbored in the bosom of any member in this honorable body.
On the contrary, I hope and expect that all its decisions will be governed by the immutable principles of justice, and a sacred regard to the constitution and the law of the land, which every member of this court is bound by duty, and the obligations of a christian judge to support and observe.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed by James Burnley, to secure a debt therein mentioned, originally to James Barbour, and by him transferred to A. S. Shelton, will be sold, for ready money, at Charlottesville, on Monday the 30th day of February next (being Albemarle court day),
A TRACT OF LAND,
lying about two miles above Charlottesville, whereon Mrs. Burnley now resides, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy and pay the sum of two hundred and seventy four pounds six shillings and eight pence, with interest and costs. Martin Davis, trustee. Richmond, 8th Jan. 1803.

THE LOYAL COMPANY.
Mr. PLEASANTS,
SIR,
SUPPOSING that the inclosed extract of a letter may throw some light on an important question now under consideration of the General Assembly, it is hoped you will give it a place in the Argus, and oblige
A SUBSCRIBER.
Abingdon, 21st December, 1804.
THE more I have reflected on the claim of the Loyal Company, I am the better convinced that it has not been sufficiently stirred in the General Assembly, or in the Superior Courts, to enable them to perceive its injustice, the sophistry and fraud by which it has been supported, or its pernicious operation upon the vested rights of individuals, by occupancy, if admitted in the latitude contended for by the company. I am also well satisfied that it derives little or no support from the act of 1783, and that it cannot be sustained by the decree of the Court of Appeals of the 2d of May, in the same year.
The primary question in the controversy between the settlers and the company is; was the claim of the latter by surveys made in 1774 and 1775 after their grant had expired, without being renewed, "a legal right or legal claim," by the first section of the act of 1779? All the other points in the discussion are subordinate, leading to a correct conclusion on the first, within which the others are comprised. It may be necessary to notice some of them for the purpose of illustrating the fraud and injustice by which the company has hitherto supported it.
To prove that it was not "a legal right or legal claim," it is sufficient to recur to the first section of the act, and from thence it will manifestly appear, that such surveys by order of council or entries in the council books, only, as had been made during the time the order or entry remained in force, the terms of which had been complied with, or the time for performing the same unexpired, were thereby declared to be good and valid. Surveys made in 1774 and 1775 having been made after their grant had expired, and at a time when there was no authority for making surveys, was by the 3d section of the act declared to be null and void. Hence it is evident, that it was not at the time of passing the act of 1779, "a legal right or a legal claim," and that by the operation of the 4th section, the rights of settlers were completely vested, and that the genius of our government and indeed the constitution itself will not warrant nor suffer them to be divested thereof, without being made parties in the proceeding, and without a trial according to law.
The powers transferred to the Court of Appeals by the 10th section of the act of 1779, were not judicial; but if they had been, it surely could not be the intention of the Legislature to enlarge their powers to an unlimited discretion over the subject referred to them, so as to create rights or give validity to those which had been discontinued and unsupported by law. This would be such a blending of the powers of the two branches of our government as is forbidden by the constitution. The jurisdiction given to the court by the Legislature it is humbly conceived was to select such surveys as had been declared valid by the act, and to reject such as had been declared null and void. A formal decree in a case which only required a certificate to this effect, that they had heard the claim upon such evidence as the nature of the case required, and from thence it appearing that the surveys in 1774 and 1775, were made during the time the order of council was in force, & that the claim stood established by the 1st section of the act, shows how imperfectly the principles and their effects, of the act of 1779 was then understood even by the Judges of the Court of Appeals. And unless they had certified that the said surveys were good and valid by the 1st section of the said act, it could not become such a claim as to exclude the settlers wholly from the operation of the 4th section or from the jurisdiction of the commissioners whose certificates were to remain in force. However, if they had granted their certificate in this form, and omitted making a decree, as they should have done, facts would have contradicted their certificate. But to avoid this palpable inconsistency what has been done? They have expressed an equivocal opinion in the form of a decree, without evidence, notwithstanding the facts stated in the company's petition, though plausible, were not true, that a certain claim by surveys made in 1774 and 1775, "ought to be confirmed," which by remote implications and unsearchable constructions of the company has been made to import every thing necessary for an incontestible establishment of their claim in the most extensive latitude for which they contend.
The words "ought to be confirmed," may signify that the claim ought to be confirmed to the settlers, in whose names the surveys were made, and which proves them to be the owners thereof, they may signify that the law did not warrant the court to establish the claim, but that they wished it to be confirmed by another act of the Legislature, to whom this was re-
commendatory, not perceiving that thereby the vested rights of settlers would be evicted; or they may signify that they intended to authorise a grant, leaving the right to a contest between the company & the adverse vested right of the settler in the usual form, for it is now certain that there may be claims by several legal surveys for one tract of land & only one right. The words "ought to be confirmed," are too uncertain, for the final determination of a question affecting so much landed property. By the company they import every thing, but to the settlers they import nothing compulsory or obligatory.
Here let me ask why the company's claim ought to be confirmed? It is not because the surveys in 1774 and 1775 were made during the time the grant was in force, for it is admitted that it expired in 1757; it is not because the order of council of the 16th December, 1773, renewed their former grant, at a time when that department of the colonial government "were restrained from making or renewing grants;" it is not because the governor and council were mistaken respecting the company's grant; in making provisions as if the grant was still in force, when in fact it had before that time expired, and the words in the order of 1773, "which is to be taken as part of the grants of the said order of council," does not import that the council thereby conceived that the company's grant was in force, the true meaning whereof, is, that the surveys thus made upon the choice of the settlers, were to be taken as part of the non-existing grant, and furnishes conclusive evidence that the Board were mistaken, conceiving the grant to be in force, although it had long before that expired; it is not because the claim derived any support from the act of 1779, to make it "a legal right or a legal claim;" it was not because the surveys were made in some instances upon the choice of the settlers, procured by misrepresentation, false pretence and fraud, and in others that they were made without the consent or knowledge of the settler, or any authorised agent; it was not because the surveys were made without any legal authority; it was not because the falsehoods stated in the company's petition to the Court of Appeals, was proved to be true, they having admitted them as true without proof; and it was not because the vested rights of settlers were thereby to be evicted. Numerous other affirmations might be made to shew why the claim ought not, without presenting any satisfactory or sound reason why it "ought to be confirmed."
As it is not apparent upon the record why the claim "ought to be confirmed," whether for causes originating in the unlimited discretion which the court assumed and exercised, after the rights of settlers had vested, or for plausible but sophistical causes prior to the act of 1779, deriving no legality therefrom; yet it is conclusive that a fair contract between the commonwealth and the settlers for a valuable consideration, without notice of prior, legal or equitable claims, was closed, and if the commonwealth has improvidently received a set of nullified claims, those claims cannot incombure the vested rights of settlers, but the commonwealth will be bound to extinguish the claim of the company, by making to them that compensation which they so unjustly demand from the settlers.
But this decree by the ingenuity of a learned, cunning, influential and courtly member of the company, has been imposed upon the general assembly as an eviction of the rights of settlers, and in the preamble of one of the acts passed in 1783, they have misrecited, by saying that the decree has evicted the rights of settlers. It may with propriety be here remarked that the claim derives no support from this act, with the exception of what is contained in the preamble, and fortunately "the recital in the statute which was untrue, did not change the law; for a recital even in the legislative act, hath not a plastic energy—a declaration that a thing is, which is not, will not make the thing to be."
To prove that the decision of the Court of Appeals on the 2d day of May, 1783, rendered almost in the infancy of the act of 1779, at a time when its principles and their effects were but imperfectly understood, is not judicially stamped with the dignity of a decree of that tribunal in their appellate character, it is barely necessary to remark that they assumed and exercised original jurisdiction.
If then the Court of Appeals were only executing a trust reposed in them, not in their appellate character, for a limited and specific purpose, which with more propriety and less mischief might have been confided to any other intelligent and upright individuals not members of that court, it is deemed conclusive that they acted in this case as commissioners of the general assembly, whose determination thereon, if repugnant to law, is within their controul, the controul of the Court of Appeals in their appellate character, or the other superior courts, whenever its injustice and pernicious tendency is discovered; for no lapse of time ought to sanctify it.
Thus it appears, that the claim of the company, has grown out of the decree upwards of three years after the rights of settlers had vested. It also appears that the act of 1783, was founded upon a mistaken apprehension of the import of the words "ought to be confirmed," and the effects of the decree, and that the claim of the company, was destitute of a single attribute that would constitute it "a legal right or a legal claim," previous to the 2d day of May, 1783.
IF TRUE! The American Tars, worthy of the name of Decii! Worthy of a national monument! Extract of a letter from a member of congress, to a gentleman in this city. WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 1805.
SIR, You will have seen the President's message, communicating the information lately received from our fleet off Tripoli, in Consul O'Brien's letters, &c. The only subject of regret in that affair was the loss of three most promising young officers, and nine of our brave seamen, blown up in the fire ship sent into the harbor of Tripoli, for the purpose of injuring their shipping, &c.
By letters received this day by the Secretary of the Navy, from Commodore Barron, it would appear that this fire ship did not explode by accident, as was first stated; by information since received from the town of Tripoli, it appears, that the fire ship had proceeded nearly to her destined position, when she was beset by two of the enemy's galleys, sent to intercept her, that the crew permitted them to approach, or perhaps saw them too late to effect a retreat; and did, themselves, put the match to that blew themselves up; the consequence of which was, the entire destruction of the two galleys or gun boats, containing one hundred men—about one hundred shells thrown into the town, and so much damage and alarm occasioned, that the castle might have been taken and the town sacked by the landing of two hundred men!
However the fact may be, this is certainly the impression at Tripoli. It has covered us with glory in that part of the world and must undoubtedly tend to a speedy release of our friends, now sighing for an opportunity of joining their gallant brethren. The letter which gives this information, refers to dispatches lately sent, which have not come to hand. Commodore Preble is coming home and Decatur commands the Essex. Should any thing further occur on this interesting subject, I will certainly make it the subject of another letter to you; but I fear our little fleet will not be able to renew their operations against that place before spring. It is, however, to be hoped, that the impression made on the Bashaw, of the energy of our brave tars, will induce him to sue for peace this winter.
From WASHINGTON CITY, Jan. 7. Advises, we understand, have been received from the Mediterranean by our arrival at Norfolk from Gibraltar, which state that Commodore Barron was off Tripoli on the 28th of September; that nothing of importance had occurred subsequently to the events described by Mr. O'Brien; and that the Gun Boats had returned to Messina.
We learn through a channel deserving confidence, that Capt. Lewis was on the 19th of August, 350 miles up the Missouri, that he had met with no accident and had been received in a very friendly way by all the Indians. It is expected he will winter 1300 miles up the river among the Mandan Indians, about lat. 48.
NORFOLK, January 7. Distressing accounts from the Coast.—We are truly sorry to say that the prediction which we expressed in a few numbers back, of further distress on the coast, has been but too fatally confirmed. Mr. Williams late of Gun Boat No. 1, came up to town on Friday, from whom we learn, that he sailed in the sloop Betsey, Capt. Burton, from Charleston bound to Baltimore, that on the night of the 21st ult. she ran on shore about 40 miles to the Southward of Currituck Inlet. Vessel and cargo lost—crew and passengers all saved.
Same night the schooner Paragon, Ward, from New-York, bound to this port, went on shore, and painful to relate, there is every reason to believe, that the whole of the crew, with several passengers have perished; the vessel is lost, but a large part of the cargo will be saved, which we understand is very valuable, and will be sold on the Beach on Wednesday. A brig, schooner and sloop, also went on shore near the same place, and at the same time, names unknown, the crews of both perished, vessels and cargoes totally lost. We are further informed that eight or ten other vessels are on shore to the southward.
Extract of a letter from an American gentleman at Port-au-Prince, to his friend in Philadelphia, dated Dec. 3.
"The aid-de-camp of the emperor Dessalines called on me this evening. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned, and wished it to be known, that the Emperor was entirely ignorant of the hanging of the mate of the Pilgrim; Gen. Christophe ordered it without his knowledge, and has since received a severe reprimand for so doing."
CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CHURCH LOTTERY. SIXTEENTH JAR'S DRAWING. Prizes of 100 dollars: Nos. 1765 1772. 14381. Prizes of 50 dollars: Nos. 594, 13940. Prizes of 25 dollars: Nos. 223, 9107, 9183, 15731, 19807. Prizes of 20 dollars: Nos. 253, 504, 606, 1523, 1769, 2131, 2755, 2831, 3082, 157, 3366, 3533, 4280, 4459, 4741, 5236, 6640, 6034, 5692, 6843, 7350, 8056, 9231, 9734, 9916, 10189, 10385, 10670, 10959, 11247, 12054, 12592, 12758, 13058, 13559, 13707, 13815, 14399,
15081, 15552, 15572, 15845, 16339, 16640, 16902, 17498, 17872, 18039, 18153, 18395, 18939, 19768, 19973, 19957, 20431, 20445.
And 51 of 15 dollars. Gain of the sheet this day 590 dollars —Total gain 7,295 dollars. Adjourned till Tuesday next at 10 o'clock.
Prince-Edward, November, 1804. Huriab Willard, plaintiff Against Henry Nixon & Pugh W. Price, defendants In Chancery.
THE defendant Nixon, not having entered his appearance and given security according to an act of the general assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this state: On the motion of the plaintiff by his counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant Nixon do appear here on the first day of March court next and answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some of the newspapers printed in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and also posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county.
A copy—Teste, Ben. Watkins, d. c.
Pursuant to a decree of the district court of Chancery held in Williamsburg, in a suit between Thomas Dab and Sarah his wife, and Phebe Ann Gistwood and Dorothy his wife, plaintiffs; and John Brackenbrough administrator with the will annexed of James Edmondson, Robert Banks and Elizabeth his wife, James Webb and Dorothy his wife, Edmund Cawthorn and Martha Todd his wife, James Throckmorton, Sally Throckmorton, Lucy Throckmorton and Judith Throckmorton, infants under the age of twenty-one years, devisees and legatees of the said James Edmondson, deceased, by James Webb, specially assigned their guardian, defendants—Will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on the 15th day of February next, on the premises, that
Valuable Tract of Land, Situated on Piscataway creek, in Essex county, containing about 1000 acres, it being the land whereon the said James Edmondson lived at the time of his death, by
The Commissioners, January 4th, 1805.
THE Surveyors of the different counties in Virginia who by law are to account annually with the President and Professors of William & Mary College, for a proportion of their fees; and who have not so done, are requested to render their accounts to July last, and pay the respective balances due to the College. WM. COLEMAN, Bursar Williamsburg, Jan. 6, 1805.
During the present session of assembly, James Semple, esq. member for the City of Williamsburg, will receive and grant a discharge for any money which shall be paid to him. W. C.
Mary McBride, MIDWIFE & DOCTRESS, TAKES this method to inform the public in general and her friends in particular, that she has removed to this city, to the house of Mr. Edward Winton, watch-maker, where she will be ready to wait on any that will favor her with their custom. Richmond, Jan. 8th, 1805. 1m
FOR SALE, On board the ship Industry, Capt. Samuel Vickery, lying at Bermuda Hundred, just arrived from Liverpool.
A Cargo of Salt in Sacks, An extensive assortment of QUEENS-WARE, clean coloured, blue and green edged, and STONE-WARE, consisting of butter pots, water pitchers and jugs from 1 quart to 3 gallons in crates well assorted—among which are a few crates consisting of Table Sets of Queens Ware, calculated for family use.
ALSO, CHOICE OLD Madeira & Sherry Wine, In Pipes, Hds. and Quarter Casks, in store. Brown, Rives & Co. Richmond, 10th Jan. 1805.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed by us by the Rev. Ekkanah Talley, late of Fauquier County, dec. for the purpose of securing to his late ward Benja. Anderson, whatever might be due to him the said Benjamin, from him the said Ekkanah, either as administrator of the estate of John Anderson, dec. or as guardian of the said Benjamin.
WILL BE SOLD, By us, or either of us, on the 5th day of Feb. next, for ready money, at the dwelling house of Mrs. Mary Talley in the County of Fauquier, about 3 miles from the Courthouse, two likely negro men slaves, four horses, and all the other estate of which the said Ekkanah, died seized, consisting of stock, furniture and plantation utensils.
Thomas Pollard, Patrick Anderson, John Anderson, jun. January 8, 1805. 4fm
Land for Sale.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by John Burnley, to answer the purposes therein specified, will be sold, on the premises, to the highest bidder, for ready money, on the 16th day of February next, three hundred and eighty two and one half ACRES OF LAND, lying in the lower end of Louisa, immediately on the Richmond road, leading from Louisa Court-house, adjoining the lands of Jesse Hoggard, Seth Burnley, John Diggins, Mrs. Christopher, &c. On this land there is a small plantation, orchards, a tolerable good dwelling house, barn and out-houses, immediately on the road. WM. G. POINDEXTER, Trustee. January 3d, 1805. w4t.
NEIL MCCOULL, Has received his Fall Supply of DRY GOODS. Richmond, 13th Nov. 1804. 1517F
SALES AT AUCTION.
ON Monday the 14th inst. (January), will be SOLD, at the Courthouse,
The Houses & Lot,
Opposite Mr. John Foster's—The lot contains 34 feet front and 365 back, on which there is a very good dwelling house, a part of which is fitted out for a store, and the stand for a retailer not inferior to any in Richmond. There are also on this lot a good kitchen, smoke house and garden—The terms of sale will be one third cash, one third in 6 months, and the balance in 12 months, on bond and approved security.
Prosser & Moncure, v. m. Richmond, Jan. 5, 1805. tds
BANK OF VIRGINIA.
NOTICE.
THE Board of Directors will proceed on Tuesday the 22d inst. to choose Cashiers for the respective offices, if discount and deposit, to whom the following salaries will be allowed, viz.
To the Cashier at Norfolk, dole 1700 per annum with house and fuel. To the Cashier at Petersburg, 1500 with do. To the Cashier at Fredericksburg, 1300 with do. John Brackenbrough, Cash'r. January 11th, 1805.
NOTICE.
THE Stockholders in the Bank of Virginia, are hereby notified, that the third instalment on their shares will become due on Tuesday, the 5th of February.
By a regulation of the Stockholders at a general meeting, no Stock will be transferable or assignable, after the 8th day of February next, except at the Bank, in person or by attorney. J. BROCKENBROUGH, Cashr. January 11th, 1805.
N.B. Until the 8th February.
* THE Sale of the TAVERN, in Manchester, advertised in first page of last Wednesday's Argus, to take place the 10th inst. is postponed until Tuesday next, the 15th inst. JOHN BAKER. January 12th, 1805.
FOR RENT.
The large white House, At Rocketts, formerly occupied by Mr. William Fenwick, and afterwards by Mr. Braxton Craddock. For terms apply to Gallagher, Richard & Co.
IN pursuance of a deed of trust from J. B. H. DIXON, to Carter H. Harrison bearing date the 10th Dec. 1797, Will be Sold, at public auction, at Fowler's tavern in Carversville, for ready money, on the 9th February next,
A TRACT OF LAND
Containing 1500 acres, be the same more or less, lying in the county of Campbell, on the branches of Mill's Creek, now in the possession of Mr. Philip Payne, who will show the land to any person disposed to purchase. Under an impression that those who wish to purchase will view the premises, it is deemed unnecessary to say much of the quality; suffice it to say, that it is esteemed a very valuable tract, great part of it capable of producing excellent tobacco. ROBERT C. HARRISON, PEYTON HARRISON, Ex'rs of C. H. HARRISON. January 9th, 1805. tds
TO BE SOLD.
For ready money, pursuant to a decree of the Federal Circuit Court, for the district of Virginia in a suit between Princes Bond, Attorney for the creditors of Ezekiel Edwards, plaintiff, and David Ross and others defendants—
Two undivided parts, out of three, of four two acres of LAND, in the county of Henrico, upon Four Mile Creek, with the MILLS & HOUSES thereon, known by the name of the Norwich Mills.
ALSO, a Tract of PARCEL OF LAND, situate in the county of Henrico, about seven miles below the City of Richmond, commonly called and known by the name of the Seven Pines, thought to contain one thousand acres, but Mr. Ross undertakes, that an accurate survey and plot shall be produced on the day of sale.
The sale will positively take place at the Eagle Tavern in the City of Richmond, on Thursday the 31st day of February next.
BEN. MOSBY, v. m. JOSEPH SCOTT, v. m. Jan. 8. (tds)
At the same time and place, I will dispose of the other undivided third part of the said Norwich Mills, and will also dispose of a valuable tract of LAND adjoining thereto, which contains about five hundred acres, with various improvements—The whole is a valuable estate—Mr. Hooten will show the Mills and the Land. The terms of payment for the said land and the other third part of the Mills will be half ready money, and twelve months credit for the other half. DAVID ROSS.
Government Security.
NEW-YORK LOTTERY.
No. III for the encouragement of Literature. Begins Drawing on the EIGHTH DAY of APRIL next.
25,000 DOLLARS, 10,000 DOLLARS, 5,000 DOLLARS, HIGHEST PRIZES.
The Scheme contains 33,000 Tickets, of which 9,913 are Prizes, less than two and a half blanks to a prize—Deduction fifteen per cent.
At the session of the Legislature of the state of New-York, on Monday the 12th Nov 1804, a Resolution passed the Senate, and was concurred in by the House of Assembly, that the drawing of the said Lottery be postponed, until the Second Monday in April next, in consequence of the defalcation of one of the managers, and that the Legislature will GUARANTEE the PAYMENT of ALL the PRIZES in said Lottery.
TICKETS
And Halves, Quarters & Eighths, ARE TO BE HAD AT G. & R. WAITE'S PERMANENT LOTTERY OFFICES. No. 64, MAIDEN LANE, & No. 38, MAIDEN LANE.
AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES. Whole Tickets Dols. 7 00 | Quarters, Dols. 1 87 1/2 Halves, - - - 3 50 | Eighths, - - - 1 00 But as the tickets and shares, have met with such an extraordinary rapid sale throughout every part of the United States, they will speedily advance in price.
Distant Adventurers, by inclosing BANK NOTES of ANY DESCRIPTION, may have tickets forwarded them by post, to any part of the Union, by G. & R. WAITE, with the utmost punctuality; and the earliest intelligence sent of their success—CASH advanced for prizes as soon as drawn, or warranted drawn tickets exchanged for prizes during the drawing.
For the satisfaction of adventurers in Richmond and its vicinity, G. & R. Waite will forward to the printer of this paper, the Managers' Official List of Prizes, as soon as printed, where any gentleman can examine his own number.—Letters post paid will be duly attended to. New-York, Nov. 23, 1804.
TRAVELS OF ANACJARSIS, THE YOUNGER, in GREECE.
Are respectfully informed that the work is now ready for delivery at S. Pleasants' Printing-Office.

Will certainly be Sold for Cash. The house of Mr. Treadway in the county of Powhatan, on Thursday the third day of January, one thousand eight hundred and five, pursuant to a decree of the superior court of chancery, held for the Richmond district, pronounced on the second day of June last, in favor of col. Samuel Meredith of Amherst county, against John Nunnally and others. On the day, and at the place above mentioned, and in conformity to the aforesaid decree, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, one certain tract or parcel of LAND, lying on Appomattox river, in the upper end of said county, within two miles of the place of sale, containing four hundred and twelve and one half acres, a part of which is low grounds, adjoining the said river, the remainder high land, thought to be equal in value to any in the neighbourhood; there are two plantations on this tract, one of which lies immediately upon the river, being that plantation whereon Archibald Nunnally lived in his lifetime, the buildings are such as might answer for the accommodation of an overseer & negroes, with a good barn, &c. The other is the plantation upon which Capt. John Nunnally has lived for a number of years; upon which there is a good dwelling house with two rooms below and two above stairs, a kitchen, smoke house, dairy, stable, barn, &c. all in good repair; upon this tract eight or ten hands may be employed to great advantage. Creditor: Francis E. Harris, Esq. Nels Patterson, Edward Mansford, Esq. Rich'd Camp, John Ford, Esq. December 7th, 1804. 3w
GIMCRACK  WILL stand next season, for a mable about 12 miles from Howells Ferry, ten from Sims's Ferry, and seven miles from the court-house. Herbert C. Cooke. Halifax, November 19th, 1804. 3m
THE SUBSCRIBER HAS Opened a Broker's Office, Opposite the Union Tavern, and over the Court-house of Thomas and Amos Ladd. All business confided to him will be transacted with strict fidelity. THOM. NORVELL. Richmond, October 3, 1804. tf
NOTICE. We the undersigned, partners in the late concerns of Buchanan, Dunlop & Co. at Petersburg, Robert Pollok & Co. at Richmond and of Dunlop, Pollok & Co. at Manchester, have sold to Mr. James Dunlop, our late partner in said concerns, the debt now due to us outstanding at these different establishments; those interested will therefore please to take notice, that hereafter payments are to be made only to the said Mr. James Dunlop, his attorney or attorneys, and to whomsoever having claims against these concerns will apply for payment. David Buchanan, By Robert Pollok his attorney. Robert Pollok. Virginia, Petersburg, Dec. 6, 1804.
J. Tompkins RESPECTFULLY informs those concerned, that he has removed the books and papers of the late concerns of Robert Pollok & Co. and Dunlop, Pollok & Co. to a new brick house near the basin, and directly opposite to the scale house, where he has for SALE, a few pipes of  Old Cogniac Brandy, Of superior quality.
Elegant Accomplishments At the Williamsburg Academy, which is now devoted solely to the education of young ladies, arrangements have been lately made for their instruction in the elegant arts of Drawing and Painting. The society of Williamsburg has ever been considered peculiarly favorable to youthful improvement, and the number of young ladies from every part of the state, who for that object, as well as for the purpose of instruction, annually assemble there, is a proof of the extensive influence of this opinion. Encouraged by this circumstance, Mr. Anderson has endeavored to concentrate within his institution every possible advantage for the accomplishment of young ladies in the various branches of polite education. In addition to his school for their tuition in the English and French languages, and with a view to render the study of Geography more attractive and interesting, he has lately imported very large Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, with a complete set of Maps upon an enlarged scale, elegantly coloured and framed. He has also fitted up, under the roof of the academy, apartments for their instruction by the most eminent teachers in Music, Drawing, Painting and Dancing; and parents who wish their daughters to acquire these fashionable and elegant accomplishments, will find his arrangements well adapted to their speedy attainment. A few young ladies can be accommodated with boarding in the family of Mr. Anderson, where an excellent teacher has been engaged to attend for the extra-tuition of those whose tender age, or hitherto neglected education may render such a measure desirable. Parents whose solicitude for the rapid improvement of their children renders the additional expense of so importance, will perceive this to be a most valuable appendage to the institution. The misfortunes of neglected instruction in early instruction will thus be obviated, and young ladies, who are anxious to be advanced to the higher branches of improvement, may, in this manner, retrieve their lost time without descending into a lower class. The course of instruction for the ensuing year will commence on the 15th January, and it is requested that the pupils may assemble in Williamsburg previously to that date. Further information may be obtained on application by letter to Mr. Leroy Anderson, post-master, Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg, 20th Dec. 1804.
WANTED TO HIRE FOR THE KNOWN TEAR, A good Female Cook. Also, a good WASHER and IRONER. Enquires of the printer. Dec. 12. tf
ALMANACKS. Bales's and Curran's Franklin Almanacks, for 1805, are for sale at this office, by the gross, or dozen.
NOTICE. ALL persons indebted to the late firms of  Buchanan, Dunlop & Co. Of Petersburg;  Robert Pollok & Co. Of Richmond; and  Dunlop, Pollok & Co. Of Manchester, Are hereby notified that James Dunlop, late a partner in the above concerns, has become purchaser of the outstanding debts; they will therefore be pleased to make payment to Mr. John Tompkins, residing in Richmond, or the subscriber, residing in Petersburg; who alone are authorised to make collections and grant discharges. Suits will be indiscriminately commenced against all who do not make payment before the first of February next. JOHN DUNLOP, Attorney for JAMES DUNLOP. Petersburg, Nov. 15, 1804. (tf)
The subscriber wishes to sell for cash, or on credit till the first day of January next, the  Two Brick Tenements, Adjoining the house of Mr. Benjamin Mosby. JOHN PENDLETON. City of Richmond, Nov. 10th, 1804. 2w
THE Subscriber hath removed his SCHOOL from the Falling Garden over to the white house near the Courthouse, where Messrs. Cohen & Isaac formerly kept store. He will continue to teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography; he will also teach Book-Keeping, and several branches of the Mathematics, if required. The price of tuition will be made known on application. J. S. PLEASANTS. 13th Nov. 1804.
FOR SALE. A Life Estate in the DWELLING HOUSE, (which has just undergone a thorough repair) Four half acre LOTS, with stables, coach-house and other necessary outbuildings, on the church hill, in the occupancy of John Banks, Esq. It commands an extensive prospect, and is as healthy a situation as any in Richmond. Neil M'Coull. 12th December, 1804. tf
THE IMPORTED HORSE, PRECIPITATE, WILL stand at my house to be let to mares the next season. THOMAS GOODE. Chesterfield county, Appomattox river, Nov. 37, 1804. tf
Fifty Dollars Reward WILL be paid to any person who will deliver to the subscriber in this City, a Runaway Negro, named  CLAIBORNE, About 17 years of age. He has a long and smiling countenance, small legs, is round shouldered, his colour is between black and mulatto. He has been always employed as a house servant, and does not understand any other kind of business. He had a great variety of wearing apparel, all of excellent quality, much better than is usually given to servants. There is great reason to believe, that he has been decoyed or inveigled away by the master of a northern trading vessel, and it is probable he will endeavour to go to Norfolk or Hampton for the purpose of getting on board; and as he is well acquainted on the stage road, and has very good address he will probably pass for a free man. THOMAS GILLIAT. Richmond, Dec. 11, 1804.
FOUND IN THE STREET IN THIS CITY, A red Morocco Pocket Book. The owner may have it by applying at this office. December 12.
CASH will be given for Twelve or Fifteen BOYS, From 7 to 15 years old,—Enquire of the Printer.  Ten Dollars Reward. Run away from the subscriber on the 1st day of December, a negro man by the name of ARCHER, about twenty five years old, his complexion black, and when spoken to has a smiling countenance, has a scar under his left ear occasioned by a burn—he formerly belonged to Mayo Carrington, Esq. of Cumberland county—his clothing was when he left me, a long blue cloth coat, Virginia cloth pantaloons, a swansdown waistcoat and a pair of coarse negro shoes. It is supposed he is lurking about John Daniel's, Esq. of Cumberland county, where his wife lives. Whoever will deliver the said Archer to me, living in Buckingham county, or secure him in any jail so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward. All masters of vessels are forewarned from carrying the said negro out of the state of Virginia under the penalty of the law. Henry C. Bell. December 10th, 1804. 1m
FOR SALE, YARMOUTH, Lying in James City county, on Chickahominy river, ten miles from Williamsburg. The improvements are, a two story brick house with two rooms on each side, a large and capacious barn, and 3 other out houses. The whole tract including an island in view of the house, high and low land, with marshes, contains about 2700 acres, scarcely one third of which is cleared. Two thirds of the island is arable, which, with the land adjoining the houses, is of superior quality. Adjacent to the island are two bold and navigable creeks with a convenient landing to each. The range for cattle is very extensive and the marshes and meadows will supply an abundance of hay. Fish and fowl, in their respective seasons, may with ease be obtained at your door. The orchards, consisting of the greatest variety of all kinds of fruit selected with care, are now in their prime. The terms will be made known by William Berkeley of Richmond, William Randolph of Wilton, or the subscriber. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Jr. Nov. 4th, 1804. For Eliz: Ivers own N 2w aft tf
Bail and Delivery Bonds For sale at this office.
ADVERTISEMENT. To be sold, at public auction, at the place formerly known by the name of the Palace, in the city of Williamsburg, on Thursday the tenth day of January, 1805, if fair, if not the next fair day, a number of  Very valuable & likely SLAVES, And other personal Estate of the Rev. Samuel Smith M'Croskey, dec. among which are a valuable collection of Books, a Single Chair and Harness, and all the stocks of Cattle, Sheep & Horses, and Farming Utensils belonging to the farm, and the crops of Grain, Hay and Fodder thereon made, some Household Linen, and other articles. A credit of six months will be given to all who purchase above the value of twenty dollars, the purchasers giving bond with approved security, to carry interest from the date; but if punctually paid the interest will be remitted. Ready money will be required for all purchases not exceeding twenty dollars. Elizabeth M'Croskey, Ex'x. Williamsburg, Nov. 28, 1804. tds
WILL be offered for sale, to the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 23d day of January, 1805, (if fair, if not the next fair day) at the late dwelling house of William S. Smith, dec. of this county, some Stock of CATTLE, SHEEP & HOGS, a number of good GESE, several FEATHERBEDS and FURNITURE, Household and Kitchen FURNITURE, 50 Gallons of Apple and Peach BRANDY, a single CHAIR, and sundry other articles. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchasers for all sums above ten dollars, on giving bonds with approved security to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. It is necessary that all persons having claims against the estate of said decedent, do, on or before the day of sale, bring forward their accounts properly authenticated, as this notice will be plead in bar against any claim produced after the said date. JOSIAH SMITH, Ex'r. Powhatan county, Dec. 19th, 1804. 3w
FOR SALE. BY virtue of the power vested in me as trustee, by a deed of trust executed to me by Philip Day, for the purpose of securing a debt due from said Day to William Clarkson—I shall on the 22d of January instant, proceed to sell, on the premises, that  TRACT OF LAND Lying in Albemarle county, whereon Philip Day now resides, (or the right of the said Day therein) containing 400 acres, it being the land which said Day holds during the life of his wife, under the will of her former husband William Banksdale. Also a NEGRO MAN named WARICK, about twenty two years of age, and a BOT named Wilson, about six years of age. THOMAS JACKSON, Trustee. January 1, 1805. 5w
Valuable Land For Sale. By virtue of a deed of trust from Wm. Massie, dec. in order to secure and pay the following debts, viz the sum of £590 3 8 in specie, assigned by Nathaniel Massie, to Arch. Bryce, Jr. for the purposes mentioned in the said assignment, and the sum of £133 7 10, due to Arch. Bryce, with interest thereon from the 15th day of December, 1802, at 6 per cent per annum, till paid. WILL certainly be SOLD, at the late residence of William Massie, on Tuesday, the 15th day of January, eighteen hundred and five, for ready money. John Forbes, trustee. December 28th, 1804. 2
All that Tract of Land, In Goochland county, lying and being on the waters of the Little Byrd creek, (whereon Mrs. Frances Massie now lives) containing by late survey 268 1-4 acres, and bounded by the lands of Capt. Nathaniel Massie, dec. Mr. David Ross, Mr. John Matthews and others. This land is of the first rate quality of high land, pleasantly situated, and within 5 or 6 miles (and good road,) of the town of Columbia, and from 7 to 8 miles of Lewis's mill on the Byrd Creek. John Forbes, trustee. December 28th, 1804. 2
TEN DOLLARS WILL be given for apprehending and delivering to me in Richmond, a negro woman named EASTER, about thirty-eight or forty years of age, rather spare made, and of a yellow complexion, who absconded on the 23d of December. She is well known in and about Williamsburg; she was sold by Burwell Bassett to Wm. Brown, who sold her to Stafford Gibbs, of whom I purchased her; she formerly lived with Len Hendley, dec. of Charles City county; I do suppose if she is not harboured in or about Richmond, that she is gone towards Williamsburg. She has a free husband living in Richmond, who calls himself Jacob Martin. H. DABNEY. Richmond, Jan. 1, 1805. tf
Board, Washing and Mending, For £36 Per Ann. THE subscriber has removed to the City of Richmond for the purpose of receiving boarders: He has rented a large and commodious brick house, about two hundred yards from J. Ogilvie's Academy: He is particularly desirous of receiving as boarders, young gentlemen from the country who intend to become students in this school during the present year. He will board, wash and mend for thirty-six pounds per annum: He will be prepared to receive from fifteen to twenty boarders, and can accommodate ten or twelve with chambers and bedding on terms which will be made known to applicants. J. RAWLINS, Jun. Richmond, January 1st, 1805. 6t
TUCKER'S BLACKSTONE This day is published and ready for delivery to subscribers, in Virginia, at S. Pleasants' Book Store, Richmond.  BLACKSTONE'S COMMENTARIES, WITH  Notes of Reference to the Constitution and Laws of the Federal Government of the United States, AND OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA: IN FIVE VOLUMES. With an appendix to each volume, containing extracts upon such subjects as appeared necessary to form a systematic view of the Laws of Virginia as a member of the Federal Union. By ST. GEORGE TUCKER, Professor of Law in the College of William & Mary, and one of the Judges of the General Court in Virginia.  BLANK BONDS For sale at this office.
HENNING'S New Virginia Justice, Containing the Duties of a Justice of Peace, &c. together with a variety of useful precedents, adapted to the laws now in force. Also, forms of conveyancing, such deeds of bargain and sale, lease & release, mortgage, trust, &c. FOR SALE AT S. PLEASANTS' BOOK-STORE. Blank Notes, and Checks, Either by the single quire, or bound up in books, FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
VIRGINIA: In the High Court of Chancery. BETWEEN Christopher McConico and Thompson Foulks, Executors of Matthew Marable, and Richard Kennon, defendant. ON motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, he court this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, doth order, that the plaintiffs do render an account of their administration of the goods, chattels & credits of their testator, before master commissioner Hott, who is directed to examine, state and settle the same, and make report thereof to the court, with such matters specially as he may think pertinent, or the parties may require to be so stated.
A Copy—Teste, P. TINSLEY, C. C. COMMISSIONERS OFFICE, Petersburg, 30th Nov. 1804. THE parties concerned will please take notice, that I have appointed Monday the twenty eighth day of January next, for carrying the foregoing order into effect—On which day, their attendance is required at my office, with their accounts and vouchers ready for examination. JOSEPH G. WILDER, M. C.
WHEAT FAN & WOVEN WIRE MANUFACTORY, No. 7, Bridge-street, four doors north of Griffith's Bridge, Baltimore: WHERE are made and sold, WHEAT FANS, first quality; ROLLING and other SCREENS, for wheat, barley, flax-seed, &c.; HAND RIDDLES and SIEVES, for coal, corn, barley, wheat, rye, oats, meal, brick-dust, flax seed, clover seed, cockle, lime, sand, &c.; SHAKES for Indian meal; WIRE SAFES; WOVEN WIRE for windows, &c. &c. AMOS SMITH, (Formerly WEST & SMITH.) N. B. A good assortment on hand. Any of the above articles will be delivered in Richmond, (on short notice) at the same prices as at the manufactory (exclusive of freight) on the orders being left with SAMUEL PARSONS & SON, Near the Basin, of whom the prices may be known—who have now on hand Wheat Fans, Wheat and Lime Sieves, and Ideal Sieves, &c. of a superior quality. P. S. WIRE SAFES, and a few tons BAR IRON on hand. 11th Nov. 1st. 1804. wtf
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES, Are for sale at Dr. Wilson's Apothecary Shop opposite the Bell Tavern, to wit: Red and white Lead, Venetian, Spanish Whiting, Spanish Brown, Umber, Naples Yellow, Blue Smalt, Brown Pink, Rose Pink, Flake White, Gold Leaf, Liquid Gold Size, Copal and Spirit Varnish, Camel's Hair Pencils, Yellow Ochre, Litharge, Sugar of Lead, &c. &c. Also a quantity of Salt Petre. He wishes to rent a stand for an Apothecary's Shop in the neighbourhood of the cross street leading to Mayo's bridge. 20th Dec. 1804. wtf
HUGH J. CRAWFORD, Has just received per the ship Alexander, from London, a general assortment of genuine  Drugs and Medicines, Which he will dispose of on moderate terms. Richmond, Dec. 24th, 1804. w2m
A PROPOSAL, BY WILLIAM YOUNG BIRCH & ABRAHAM SMALL, OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, THAT CELEBRATED WORK,  GIBBON'S HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE: Together with MEMOIRS of the LIFE and WRITINGS of the AUTHOR. No book could be offered, which stands in less need of encomium and recommendation—It has been read in almost every European language—The history of the long and interesting period from the reign of Augustus to the taking of Constantinople, and the death of Mahomet the II. is no where else to be found in the shape of regular and well-arranged history—The Publishers presume to hope, that they do a service to their country in giving an Edition of it from the American press—They will briefly speak of their intentions, and the superiority of this edition. 1. It will be the most complete Edition of Gibbon extant.—Because it will be enriched with the Memoirs of his Life and Writings, written by himself.—This will be an addition to the London copy of nearly 200 pages. 2. It will be about one-third cheaper than the London Copy. 3. It will be executed in the best style.—The Publishers, with confidence, recommend to the public an inspection of the books, published by them within the last three years.—They are, Russell's Ancient and Modern Europe, 7 Volumes—The Domestic Encyclopedia, 3 Volumes, and Tucker's Blackstone, 5 Volumes.—They promise not to degenerate.
CONDITIONS. I. It shall be printed from the last London edition, and be published in Eight Octavo Volumes, during the year 1805. II. It shall be delivered to those Subscribers who take it in Volumes, at Two Dollars per Volume, in boards. Those who wait for the completion of the Work, may have it either at Sixteen Dollars in boards; or in a good and handsome binding, at Twenty Dollars; payable on delivery. It will be enriched with Two whole sheet Maps—One of the Eastern, the other of the Western part of the Roman Empire—A Map of the parts of Europe and Asia adjacent to Constantinople, and an elegantly engraved Head of the Author. Subscriptions received by SAMUEL PLEASANTS, Richmond.
FOR SALE OR HIRE,  Three Negro Men, Two of whom are good Black smiths. Enquire of SHAPARD & LUCKE.
THE FOLLOWING GENUINE Patent Medicines. Hill's Balm of Honey, Turlington's Balm, Godfrey's Cordial, Essence of Peppermint, Steers' Opodeldoc, Oriental Catechu, for the cure of entanglements, scalds, sores, &c. obstinate eruptions, &c. British Oil, Hooper's Female Pills, Anderson's Storm dr., The celebrated Specific Pills, for the cure of the outward and inward Piles.
A SCHOOL. THE subscriber intends opening a SCHOOL at his plantation in Hanover county, about ten miles from Richmond, as early in the month of January, 1805, as he shall have the assurance of six scholars; and wishing to pay a particular attention to the improvements of the youth entrusted to his care, will not undertake the instruction of more than fifteen, which number he will be enabled to accommodate with board, &c. He purposed to teach the English Language grammatically; and in such wise as to obviate the necessity for a knowledge of the dead languages; he will read the practical branches of Mathematics and Geography. The most approved English authors will be read with a view to forming the taste, and applying the rules of grammar; the sense and scope of those authors; with the derivation, definition, and government of words will be expounded.—The ancient classics will be read, in translations, whence the learner will become as familiarly acquainted with the customs, manners and mythology of the times when, and about which those authors treat, as if read in the original, and in a much shorter time. The price of tuition, board, lodgings and washing, will be forty pounds for each scholar per annum, to be paid quarterly. JOHN SEABROOK. Richmond, November 27th, 1804. wtf P. S. J. SEABROOK will be thankful to those persons disposed to encourage him by confiding pupils to his care, to give him as early information thereof as possible, that he may be enabled to make the necessary arrangements in time.
Lexington Lottery. By Authority of the Legislature of Virginia for raising 25,000 Dollars.  SCHEME Of the first Class. The drawing positively to commence on the 12th of February next. The managers are now making up the numbers and prizes for the purpose.
  1 Prize of 4000 dols. is dols. 4,000   1 do. 2000 2,000   1 do. 1000 1,000   4 do. 500 are 2,000   10 do. 200 2,000   20 do. 100 2,000   25 do. 50 1,250   100 do. 30 3,000   4327 do. 6 28,962   The first drawn number on the first day,   First do. 7th day, 500   First do. 8th day, 100   First do. 9th day, 150   First do. 10th day, 200   First do. 11th day, 250   First do. 12th day, 300   First do. 13th day, 350   First do. 14th day, 400   First do. 15th day, being the last day of drawing, 500   Last number drawn, 458 
Dollars 50,000 Five thousand Tickets, at 10 dollars each, is 50,000. There are to be no blanks in this Lottery, and the prizes will be subject to no more than 15 percent discount. Tickets will be sold at 10 dollars each, five of which are to be paid in hand, and the remaining five when the prize money is applied for. The law authorising this Lottery, was passed in the year 1796 for the relief of the sufferers by fire in Lexington, all of whom, except Orphans have assigned and transferred their interest and claim to the managers thereof, to be by them applied to opening a good Carriage Road over the North and South Mountains, and across the Valley through Lexington. This road will be in a direct line with the New State Road to the Western waters, and so far a continuation thereof toward Richmond, which will shorten and greatly improve the passage from every part of James River between the Blue Ridge and Richmond to the Sweet and other mineral Springs, and from thence towards Greenbrier, Kenhawa, &c. The Managers flatter themselves, that the object of this Lottery being so laudable, in which a great part of the State is interested, and from the sales that have been already made of Tickets, that upon the day above mentioned a sufficient number of Tickets, if not all will be sold to warrant the drawing, and that no further postponement will take place. When the drawing is finished a list of the fortunate numbers will be published.—All prize money, not applied for within one year after the drawing, will be presumed to have been relinquished for the benefit of the Lottery.
William H. Cabell, David S. Garland, John Coatker, Andrew Moore, James M. Dovel, James Caruthers, John Caruthers, Treasurer. Philip Grimes, John Leyburn, Thos. S. Al'Clanld, Andrew Alexander, William Wilson. Wm. Caruthers, Secretary.
Tickets are to be had of the Managers, and of Ellis and Allan, Robert Gamble, Jim and Wm. M Kenzie Richmond, Jan. 6th, 1805. Wtf
IT is requested by Col. Richard A. A. Davis, that all gentlemen residing in or near the city of Richmond, who may have arms in their possession, which have been left with them by young men whom they have employed, will make it known to Joshua West, Quarter Master to the 19th Regiment, who will take charge of them; and it is further requested, that the Captains of the 19th Regiment do examine their respective companies and see how many arms there are, that I may make my returns to the Colonel of the state of the arms as soon as possible. JOSHUA WEST, Quarter Master of the 19th Regiment.
FOR SALE OR HIRE,  Three Negro Men, Two of whom are good Black smiths. Enquire of SHAPARD & LUCKE.

VIRGINIA ARGUS EXTRA.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1805.
House of Delegates of Virginia.
THURSDAY, January 3d, 1805.—Continued.
The question being then put upon the passage of the said bill, is passed in the affirmative—Ayes 102—Noes 50.
A bill, "To amend and carry into effect the several acts providing for the opening a road from the upper navigation of James river to the upper navigation of Kanawha river;" and,
A bill, "Authorising Talbot Godwin, to erect a toll bridge from the town of Suffolk over the eastern branch of Nansemond river," were severally read a second time, amended at the clerk's table, and with the amendments, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "To amend the act, for incorporating the bank of Virginia," (which lay on the table) was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time;
On motion, Ordered , That the said bill, be now read a second time.
The said bill was accordingly read a second time, and,
On motion,
Ordered , To be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
A bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, directing the registering the names, ages and sexes of slaves in certain cases;"
A bill, "Concerning seamen;" and,
A bill, "To raise by way of lottery or lotteries a sum of money for the purpose of erecting a seminary of learning at the Hot Springs, in the county of Bath," (which lay on the table) were severally read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Johnston presented, from the committee for courts of justice, a bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, "To incorporate the trustees of Washington Henry Academy, in the county of Hanover;"
Mr. Mallory presented, according to order, a bill, "To amend and explain the act, passed on the 20th of January, 1804, intitled, an act, "Concerning proceedings in chancery, and for other purposes;"
Mr. Riddick presented, according to order, a bill, "To incorporate two companies, for the purpose of cutting a navigable canal from Roanoke river, to Meherrin river, and another navigable canal from Nansemond river to Bennett's creek, in the state of North-Carolina;"
Mr. Hawes presented, according to order, a bill, "To raise by lottery a sum of money for the benefit of Stevensburg academy, in Culpeper county;"—and Mr. Byrd presented, according to order, a bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, to extend the jurisdiction of justices of the peace, which bills were severally received, read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Johnston reported, from the committee for courts of justice, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration, sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read, and agreed to by the house, as follows:
1. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry citizens, owners and captains of craft, navigating the river Appomattox, praying that an act may pass, to explain and amend the act, intitled, "An act to amend and reduce into one, the several acts of Assembly for improving the navigation of Appomattox river, from Broadway to Pocahontas' bridge," is reasonable.
2. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the memorial of the shareholders of the Lower Appomattox Company, in opposition to the petition above mentioned, be rejected.
3. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that so much of the petition of the justices of the peace of King George county, as prays that the act directing the mode of laying and collecting the county levy, may be so amended as to invest the county courts with power to provide by levy, for the payment of all expenses attending the binding of their record books, is reasonable.
4. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the residue of the said petition, praying that the act respecting county and corporation clerks, may be so amended as to make it lawful to remove out of the counties and corporations, for the purpose of being rebound, such record books as in the opinion of the courts of such counties and corporations, shall require re-binding, be rejected.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st and 3d resolutions, and that the committee of courts for justice do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Alexander reported, from the committee of claims, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration, sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Catharine Bond, stating that a negro man, the property of the said Catharine Bond, was executed in the county of Lancaster, pursuant to a sentence of that court, for whom she was only allowed seventy eight dollars thirty seven cents, which appears much under his real value; and praying the Legislature would interfere in her behalf, in such manner as to indemnify her for the loss, is reasonable.
2. Resolved also , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition in behalf of the Public Guard in the city of Richmond, praying for a further supply of half a dollar per month, for months, to furnish them with fuel, is reasonable.
3. Resolved also , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Jordan, collector of the taxes, due from the county of Isle of Wight, for the year 1799, praying the Legislature to allow him two and a half per cent. on his collections, be rejected.
4. Resolved also , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Filmer W. Montford, Jailor of the county of Nansemond, praying the Legislature to grant him compensation, for keeping and defraying the expenses of a lunatic, consigned to his care, by a magistrate of the said county, be rejected.
The first resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the word: "is reasonable," and inserting in lieu of them the words "be rejected;" and the question being put upon the proposed amendment;
It passed in the affirmative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
The second resolution being read a second time, was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The third resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "be rejected," and inserting in lieu of them the words "is reasonable"; and the question being put upon the proposed amendment;
It passed in the negative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
The fourth resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same, by striking out at the end thereof the words "be rejected," and inserting in lieu of them the words "is reasonable;" and the question being put upon the proposed amendment;
It passed in the affirmative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as reported, it was agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the second and fourth resolutions, and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Alexander presented, from the committee of claims,
A bill, "Authorising the Auditor to give credit to Francis White, for his list of insolvents and delinquents for the year 1803, upon certain conditions;"
A bill, "Increasing the salaries of the inspectors of tobacco, in the town of Petersburg;" and,
A bill, "Making provision for improving and keeping in repair the road from Mockerson gap to Powell's valley, in the county of Lee," which were severally received and ordered to lie on the table.
Ordered , That Mr. Price be added to the committee of claims; and Mr. Du-Val to the committee on the subject of the Lower navigation of James river.
FRIDAY, January 4th, 1805.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk;
The Senate have passed the bill, intitled, "An act remitting a fine to the heirs of Thomas Anderson, deceased."
They have also passed the bill, intitled, "An act to prevent the hauling of seins at certain places, within certain periods annually," with several amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of the House of Delegates.
The house forthwith proceeded to consider the said amendments; and the same being twice read, were, on the question being put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
An engrossed bill, "Authorising Talbot Godwin to erect a toll bridge from the town of Suffolk over the eastern branch of Nansemond river," was read a third time, and several blanks therein filled up, and passed.
An engrossed bill, "To amend and carry into effect the several acts, providing for the opening a road from the upper navigation of James river to the upper navigation of Kanawha," was read a third time, and passed.
Ordered , That the Clerk do carry the said bills to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A bill, "To amend and explain the act, passed on the 20th day of January, 1804, intitled, an act, "Concerning proceedings in Chancery, and for other purposes," was read a second time, and,
On a motion made,
Ordered , To be committed to the committee who reported the same, and that Messrs. Semple and E. Harrison be added to that committee.
A bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, to incorporate the trustees of Washington Henry Academy, in the county of Hanover;" and,
A bill, "To raise by way of lottery or lotteries a sum of money for the purpose of erecting a seminary of learning at the Hot Springs, in Bath county," were severally read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
Mr. Johnston presented, from the committee for courts of justice, a bill, (which was committed) "Authorising certain regimental and battalion courts of inquiry to be held in Berkeley county," with an amendment, which was twice read and agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the said bill, with the amendment, be engrossed and read a third time.
The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole

house, on the bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, for regulating conveyances;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. E. Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole house had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, and had made some progress therein, but not having time to go through the same, had directed him to move for leave to sit again; and the question for leave to sit again, being put;
It passed in the negative.
A motion was then made to postpone the further consideration of the said bill to the 31st of March next.
And the question being put upon the said postponement;
It passed in the affirmative.
Resolved , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to the 31st of March next.
Mr. Otey presented, according to order, a bill, "To amend an act, intitled, an act, to amend and reduce into one, the several acts of the General Assembly for regulating the militia of this commonwealth," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time;
On motion,
Ordered , That the said bill be now read a second time; the said bill was accordingly read a second time, and,
On a motion made,
Ordered , To be committed to the committee of the whole house on Monday next.
Mr. Semple presented, from the committee for courts of justice,
A bill, "To explain and amend the act, intitled, an act, to amend and reduce into one the several acts of Assembly, for improving the navigation of Appomattox river from Broadway to Pocahontas' bridge"; and
A bill, "Making an appropriation for the payment of a public debt, due to Louis A. Pauly."
Mr. Cabell presented, according to order, a bill, "Concerning the James river Company."
Mr. Hening presented, according to order, a bill, "Further to amend an act, intitled, an act, to reduce into one the several acts, concerning the county and other inferior courts of this commonwealth."
Mr. Hooe presented, according to order, a bill, "Giving further time to the owners of lots in the town of Moorfield, to build thereon, and for other purposes," which bills were severally received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Alexander reported, from the committee of claims, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration, sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Emanuel I. Leigh and John Chaffin, deputy sheriffs of Prince Edward county, praying the legislature would authorise and require the auditor of public accounts, to grant to them a warrant on the treasury for the amount of their expenses incurred in conveying to the Williamsburg hospital from the county aforesaid, James Mitchell, a lunatic, by an order of two of the magistrates, and in consequence of there not being room to receive him, back again to the said county, is reasonable.
2. Resolved also , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Mary Cox, administratrix of Abner Cox, dec'd. stating, that at a court held for Essex county, on the 18th day of September, 1797, an order was made directing the repairing of Layton's warehouses should be let to the lowest bidder, and Abner Cox, dec'd. in his lifetime, became the undertaker thereof at sixty pounds, and fulfilled his contract to the satisfaction of all concerned, when, on presenting his claim to the auditor he refused to grant him a warrant for the same; that she is led to believe she has no remedy but from the legislature, and praying that a law may pass, directing the county court of Essex to make payment for the same, with the interest thereon, out of the next levy for the said county, is reasonable.
3. Resolved also , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Rene Rapicault, stating that he has four bills of exchange from General Clarke to him to the amount of fourteen hundred and forty-eight dollars, for goods delivered by him for the use of the state of Virginia.
The first of 617 dollars, dated Kaskaskia, the 25th June, 1779, signed by G. R. Clarke, and directed to the treasurer of Virginia, for sundries furnished for the use of the commonwealth.
The second of 408 1-2 dollars, dated at Kaskaskia, the 26th May, 1779, signed by G. R.
Clarke, and directed to the treasurer of Virginia, for sundries furnished for the use of the troops garrisoned at the place above dated.
The third of 123 dollars, dated at Fort Clarke, in the Illinois, the 5th July, 1779, signed by William Shannon, and directed to the treasurer of Virginia, for cartage of wood, &c. furnished for the troops stationed at the Illinois.
The fourth of 300 dollars, dated at Kaskaskia, the 22d May, 1779, signed by G. R. Clarke, and directed to the treasurer of Virginia or Oliver Pollock, Esq. for sundries furnished the troops garrisoned at the above named place, the amount of which bills the petitioner also states, he has never received any part thereof, and praying the legislature would authorise and require the auditor to grant him a warrant on the treasury for the same, be rejected.
4. Resolved , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Gabriel Burnet and Richard Townsend, praying the legislature to remit a fine amounting to one hundred and fifty dollars, and costs imposed on them by the Petersburg district court, be rejected.
5. Resolved also , as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Robert Douthat, William Chambers and Anthony Mustoe, praying to be relieved from the commonwealth's judgment against them for part of the revenue tax of 1784, for which they became bound for William Bowyer, late sheriff of Augusta, is reasonable.
The 1st, 2d and 4th resolutions being read a second time, were, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The 3d resolution being read a second time, was,
On a motion made,
Ordered , To lie on the table.
The 5th resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same, by striking out at the end thereof, the words "is reasonable," and inserting in lieu of them the word "be rejected;"
And the question being put upon the proposed amendment;
It passed in the affirmative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st and 2d resolutions; and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
On motion,
Ordered , That the report of the committee of finance be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
Ordered , That Mr. Miller, (Powhatan) be added to the committee appointed to bring in a bill to prevent the circulation of private bank notes.
S A T U R D A Y, January 5th, 1805.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk;
The Senate have passed the following bills, to wit:
A bill, intitled, "An act, refunding to Charles Carter a certain sum of money with the interest;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, to amend and explain an act, further declaring what shall be deemed unlawful meetings of slaves;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, divorcing Robert Campbell from his wife Anne;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, releasing to James Crawson the right of the commonwealth to a lot of land therein mentioned;" and,
A bill, intitled, "An act, authorising the auditor to receive the delinquent list of John Allen and Charles Brown;"
They have also passed the following bills, with amendments, to wit:
A bill, intitled, "An act, granting to William Bentley the duplicate of a lost certificate;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, authorising Adam Hickman to erect a dam across the west fork of Monongalia river, for certain purposes therein mentioned;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, authorising John Beale to build a toll bridge over James river;"
A bill, intitled, "An act, authorising improvements and repairs on the lot of the Haymarket district court;" and,
A bill, intitled, "An act, concerning Charlestown, in the county of Jefferson."
The house forthwith proceeded to consider the said amendments to the several bills; and the same being twice read, were, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That the clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
An engrossed bill, "To raise by way of lottery or lotteries a sum of money for the purpose of erecting a seminary of learning at the Hot-Springs, in the county of Bath," was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up; and passed.
An engrossed bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, to incorporate the trustees of Washington Henry Academy, in the county of Hanover," was read a third time; and passed.
An engrossed bill, "Authorising certain regimental and battalion courts of enquiry to be held in the county of Berkeley, was read a third time, and the title amended; and passed.
Ordered , That the Clerk do carry the said bills to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A bill, To raise by lottery a sum of money for the benefit of Stevensburg Academy, in the county of Culpeper"; and,
A bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, directing the registering the names, ages and sexes of slaves, in certain cases," were severally read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Concerning seamen";
A bill, "To amend the act, intitled, an act, to extend the jurisdiction of justices of the peace;" and,
A bill, "Further to amend the act, intitled, an act, to reduce into one the several acts, concerning the county and other inferior courts of this commonwealth," were severally read a second time, and on motions made, were ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house; the first and second named bills on Wednesday next, and the last on Tuesday next.
Mr. Davison presented, according to order, a bill, "To amend the several laws concerning appeals, and to extend the power of the superior courts in granting writs of supersedeas," which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
On motion,
Ordered , That the said bill be now read a second time; the said bill was accordingly read a second time, and on motion, ordered to be committed to a committee of the whole house on Monday next.
A bill, "Increasing the salaries of the inspectors of tobacco, in the town of Petersburg," (which lay on the table) was read a first time; and the question being put upon the second reading of the bill;
It passed in the negative, and was rejected.
A bill, (which lay on the table) "Authorising the Auditor to give credit to Francis White for his list of insolvents and delinquents for the year 1803, upon certain conditions," was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Alexander presented, from the committee of Claims,
A bill, (which was committed) "Allowing compensation to James Vaughan, James C. Moorman and William Arthur, for carrying lunatics to the Williamsburg hospital," with an amendment; and,
A bill, "Allowing a further sum of money to the Soldiers of the City Guard, to furnish them with fuel";
Mr. Mallory presented, according to order, a bill, "Concerning certain lands in the county of Elizabeth City; and the said bills were severally received and ordered to lie on the table."
(To be continued.)