Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1808-02-23 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVTH YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1435.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—Paid in Advance.]
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1808.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
Richmond Price Current.
(CORRECTED WEEKLY.)
 Tobacco, 8 4 25 cash.  WHEAT, new, — 0 67 do.  FLOUR, superfine, new, — 4 50 do.  FLOUR, fine, — 4 00 do.  CORN, — 2 — do.  HEMP, clean, (per ton) 180 00 do.  IRON, — 110 00 do.  BACON, — 12 do.  WHISKEY, — 45 do. 
The thorough bred imported horse, GOUTY,
WILL stand the ensuing season at my plantation on Rucker's Run, 5 miles from Amherst court house and 12 from Warrenton, and will cover mares at 25 dollars the season, 13 dollars the tea and 40 dollars insurance with one dollar to the groom in either case. The lease money to be paid at the time of service, the season on first day of August, and the insurance on first day of March 1809. Crop tobacco inspected at any of the ware-houses on James river from Lynchburg to Richmond will be received in payment at 5 dollars per 100lb if rendered on or before the day it becomes due. Pasturage gratis but no liability for accidents or escapes—Gouty is a beautiful bay, 11 years old, 5 feet 3 inches high, elegantly formed and of great strength. He was got by Sir Peter Teazle, and came out of the celebrated Yell mare. Mare, she was got by Tandem, her dam Peddler by Herod out of Fain Fanny by Shep, and so through the best stock that England has produced as may be seen by reference to the general stud book—She was the most distinguished racer of her day, & was never beat. Gouty's Colts are running with great credit in England—In 1806 four only started of which one was a winner and when losing they came in with great credit, beating the get of Buzzard, Precipitate, Oscar, Sir Peter Teazle and others of the first character in England—In 1807 Mr. Weatherby (author of the Racing Calendar) writes to me under date Sept 12th, at which time the racing for that year was not over, that several of Gouty's Colts were winners, and one of them had the misfortune to break his shoulder, or it was supposed he would have been the best of his year in England. The season will commence on first March and termi-nate first August. R. RIVES. February 16, 1808. 10W
Advertisement.
WILL BE SOLD on Saturday the 27th day of February next, for ready money, on the premises, a valuable
Tract of Land,
Lying in the county of Halifax, on Staunton river. Containing SEVEN hundred and twenty five acres, more or less; it was once the property of Samuel Beall, was sold by him to William Mosely, and mortgaged by Mosely to Robert Andrews and John Pierce, trustees of Beall, to secure the payment of the purchase money—The indenture of mortgage, which was recorded in the general court bears date the 22d day of June 1795. At the same time and place, such of the SLAVES as are described in the said mortgage, and may be produced by the said Mosely, will also be sold for cash—The sale is made by virtue of a decree of the superior court of chancery for the Richmond district, pronounced in a suit therein pending, in which the said Pierce, surviving trustee is plaintiff, and the said Mosely's defendant, and for the purpose of raising the following sums, with interest, viz—£108 15 with interest at the rate of 5 per cent. from the 1st of January 1793—£105 2 6 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1794—£101 10 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1795—£97 17 6 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1796—£96 5 with like interest from the 1st day of January 1797—£81 14 with like interest from the 14th day of July 1802—and 35 dollars 8 3/4 cents, the costs of the suit.—The residue of the money declared to be raised the plaintiff does not pretend to claim, as appears by an endorsement made by the clerk of the said court on the order dissolving an injunction obtained by John B. Scott, to stay the sale of the said and, which endorsement is copied from a writing filed in the suit first above mentioned by the plaintiff's agent and attorney. THE COMMISSIONERS. Richmond, January 14, 1808. (2)
Wanted, a Wet Nurse;
One that has been Accustomed to House Business, And can be recommended to be A Healthy Woman, Will meet with liberal wages by applying to the printer hereof February 19 1808. (3w)
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY Feb. 11.
Mr. Newton presented a memorial from the inhabitants of Norfolk and its vicinity, praying for a grant of twenty-five or thirty thousand dollars to complete a canal connecting the waters of Albemarle Sound in N. C. with those of Elizabeth river, Va. Referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures. Mr. Newton said it had become necessary to call the attention of the House to the act laying the embargo, the restrictions of which were not yet sufficiently strong; and it was necessary in order to have effectual laws that all cases arising under them should be provided for. Those states in the neighborhood of foreign states had taken advantage of the provision excepting vessels of five tons burthen from the general restriction. To provide a gainst cases of that description and some
others he moved the following resolution, in order that the operation of the law should be equalised:
Resolved, That the committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to inquire whether any, and if any, what further restrictions in addition to those already imposed by the act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the United States, and by the act supplementary to the last mentioned act, are necessary to prevent the exportation of goods, wares and merchandise of foreign or domestic growth or manufacture to any foreign port or place, and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
On this resolution a desultory conversation took place between Messrs. Withers, Newton, Dana and Fisk, in which however no objection was made to the resolution. It was stated that foreign vessels were not by law inhibited from port to port in the United States with the products of our country; and may go to Pasamaquoddy from any southern port in the United States, and thence transport their cargoes across the bay by means of boats under five tons burthen; and thus foreigners may enjoy the benefit of that traffic from which citizens of the U. States are precluded: that the citizens of Vermont and other northern states also enjoy the benefit of trade by means of these boats across lakes Champlain, Erie, &c. and that the embargo thus operates as a mean of fourfold profit to some while it denies the common intercourse of commerce to others.
The resolution was adopted without objection; and Mr. Newton, from the committee of commerce and manufactures, reported the bill to amend an act entitled "An act supplementary to an act entitled an act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and harbors of the U. States;" which was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole on Saturday.
On motion of Mr. J. Montgomery, the committee of the whole was discharged from the consideration of the bill concerning courts martial and courts of enquiry, as some parts of it had been thought objectionable; and it was re-committed to the committee who reported it, 63 to 17.
Mr. Bacon presented the petition of Timothy Wellman of Salem, Mass. praying the payment of two-thirds of the amount of certain bills drawn in favor of Dento Hall and Nathan, by the minister plenipotentiary of the U. S. to France, which was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Burwell called up his resolution offered a few days ago relative to the procuring certain arms. He wished it to be referred to the committee who might bring in a bill, which might pass or not as the sense of the House might then be.
The House agreed to consider the resolution, Ayes 63; and it was then passed without a division.
On motion of Mr. Poindexter, Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of offering for sale the lands lately ceded to the U. States by the Choctaw nation of Indians, in the manner in which the other lands of the U. States south of the state of Tennessee, are directed to be sold, and that they report thereon by bill or otherwise.
The House again went into a committee of the whole, Mr. Curts in the chair, on the bill to extinguish the debts due from the United States. The motion to strike out the first section, being yet under consideration, Messrs. Cook, Upham, Johnston, Dana, Rowan, and Minor, opposed the motion, and Messrs. Rhea (T.) and Taylor supported it. When
Mr. Fisk moved that the committee rise and ask leave to sit again.
Mr. Dawson said that early in the session, the President had invited their attention to the great object of national defence. Have we, said he, attended to that invitation? No; we have met here day after day, week after week, discussing subjects which relate to our internal affairs. I hope a great majority of the House are prepared to say that we shall get rid of this subject which has been discussed over and over again, and on which each speech that is made is a repetition of what has gone before, and prepare for events which may arise. I hope the committee will not rise.
Mr. Newton held the same opinion as the gentleman just sat down, but should vote for the rising of the committee that the subject might be postponed for a few weeks.
Mr. Lyon hoped that the subject would not be postponed as proposed by the gentleman just up; for after the discussion which had taken place during these two days, every gentleman was now prepared to vote on the principle. The committee then rose, 46 to 39, and obtained leave to sit again. Ayes 65. Mr. Newton was far from averse to satisfying all just claims on the nation; but when they viewed the situation of the country, the alarming crisis which now prevailed gentlemen would think with him that
all the energies of the nation should be exerted to place it in the best possible situation to meet events. Conceiving that it was his duty to attend to this object, he moved to postpone the further consideration of the bill till the first Monday in March.
Mr. Cook said when he had called up this, he had believed that there was a temporary suspension of urgent public business, and he had never been inclined to push this on to the exclusion of other matter of more importance, nor ever would. He hoped the gentleman would withdraw his motion.
A motion to adjourn was now made, and carried 47 to 44.
FRIDAY, Feb. 12. Mr. Bacon presented the following memorial.
To the honorable the House of Representatives of the United States of America.
Respectfully represents the undersigned, a citizen of the state of Massachusetts, that he has been duly appointed the agent of the New England Mississippi company for the purpose of supporting their claim, before the Congress of the United States, and finally liquidating and adjusting the same, and he most respectfully prays that he may be admitted to a hearing at the bar of the House of Representatives in behalf of said company to state their rights and explain their claims—and as in duty bound will ever pray, &c.
JOSEPH STORY. Feb. 10, 1808.
Which being read Mr. Bacon offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of Joseph Story as agent of the New England Mississippi company, praying that he may be admitted to a hearing at the bar of this House in behalf of the said company to state their rights and explain their claims which are now pending before Congress be granted; and that the House will proceed to hear said agent, accordingly at this bar, on Monday 22d February, inst.
The House agreed to consider the resolution 45 to 43.
A short debate took place on the resolution (which shall appear in our next, not having room for it in this paper) when the resolution was negatived, Yeas 28, Nays 76.
The House went into committee of the whole, 56 to 33, Mr. Bassett in the chair on the bill making appropriations for carrying into effect certain Indian treaties. The bill being gone through the committee rose and reported it and it was ordered to a third reading on Monday.
On motion of Mr. Parke,
Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of allowing further time to the board of commissioners for the Kaskaskia district, in the Indiana territory, to complete the investigation of claims to land in the said district; and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Boyle from the committee of public lands, reported a bill authorising the sale of the lands of the U. S. and for other purposes; which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole.
A bill from the Senate for the relief of Joseph Chase, Jared Gardner, and others was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole.
Adjourned to Monday.
From Colvine's Weekly Register.
THE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT. It has been frequently urged in conversation, and often implied in print, that Mr. Madison is not so proper a person for President as some other gentlemen, because he is not a military character. This objection has its origin from that clause of the constitution of the United States, which declares that "The president shall be commander in chief of the army."—The futility of the proposition can be easily made apparent, by merely pursuing the same section of that instrument for a very few words further, when we shall find that it is not only declared he shall be "commander in chief of the army," but also "commander in chief of the navy of the United States." And the same reasoning that can be adduced to demonstrate that an American president ought to be a military character, would go equally to prove that he ought to be a naval one likewise. On all hands it will be admitted, I have no doubt, that no man combines at this day tactical knowledge and maritime acquirements, from experience, sufficient to make him eminent in both. The quest on then is, as the provision of the constitution runs, in which of the two qualifications should the president excel to make him most able to serve his country? In case of foreign war, the first contest will be on the water: This is admitted on all hands; and would seem to imply that a great seamen would be quite as serviceable to the nation as a great soldier, if not more so. Thus the argument used to disparage Mr. Madison, may be turned against those who are set up as having superior claims on the score of experience in war. But the objection is alto-
*Article II, sec. 2.
gether an absurd one; for the constitution never intended that a president should either head in person the armies of the nation, or command a fleet. It is a question, however, not unworthy of examination: Those who have tortured it to their own partial purposes, either did not understand it; or fairly begged it.
What is meant in any country by the first magistrate being the commander in chief of the army, is nothing more than that he shall have the direction of the public force; and the necessity for this arises out of the nature of his office, which is executive. A military despot commands in person, because the duration of his power depends on his popularity with his army, and he cannot maintain his throne with vigor but by its agency. In a free government (like that of the United States,) this is not the case. The first officer of the administration in the latter is only the effective representative of the people, who are essentially the sovereign. All he has to do, as commander in chief, is to apply the force of the country for the general benefit. Supposing that the president could, consistently with his other duties, head the armies of the nation, what good patriot is there who would wish to see him there, and a favorite with the soldiery? Would there, in such a case, be no danger to the liberties of the people? Remember, that all usurpers have been bred in the field of battle, or have been supported in the exercise of illegitimate authority by cannon and the bayonet!
But it never was intended that a president of the United States should be particularly either a soldier or a sailor. If he understands both naval and military tactics theoretically it is all that is necessary. Whoever will read over carefully the 2nd and 3rd section of the 2nd article of the constitution, will find that the performance of the various duties prescribed to the president is quite as much as any man is equal to without undertaking the personal command of the army. He has to consult with the officers of the principal departments; to make treaties, in concurrence with the senate; to appoint ambassadors, consuls, judges, and other officers; to communicate with congress when in session, which will generally be the case in time of war; to receive ambassadors and other public ministers. Will any reasonable man pretend to say, that all this can be done in camp, at a remote point of the Union? Or would gentlemen wish to see a president of the United States receiving and appointing ambassadors, convening congress and recommending measures to them, at the head of a large body of troops? Do they not fear, like Cromwell, he might march into the Capitol, and order the delegates of the people to "Seek the Lord Elsewhere?" How inconsistent are those who are blinded by prejudice, or are the victims of a selfish policy! They declare they are friends of freedom; and in the same breath they tell you that the principal merit of a republican ruler is his knowledge of war.
No! may we never have a great military personage at the head of the government. We shall not always find a Washington, in the exhilarating hour of victory. If we have men of abilities in the departments of war and the navy, and a capable general at the head of the army, that will be enough. Recollect that all our officers are commissioned by the President; and reflect on the danger of having him personally present with the men of his own appointment, and a disciplined soldiery, ripe for ruin, at his control! Woe to the constitution, in such an awful hour.
While I am on this topic, I will correct an error into which the editor of a New York paper has very needlessly run. He declares that "the republican members of the legislature of Virginia, now in session at Richmond, are in a state of political distraction." And adds, "when information arrived at Richmond of the Washington nomination of Mr. Madison, the friends of this gentleman in the Virginia legislature called a meeting by advertisement to echo the nomination," &c. "in which advertisement the friends of Mr. Monroe were in terms excluded from the meeting." Had the writer of these assertions been a petty party scribbler, I should have taken no notice of them; But when I know the gentleman to be intelligent and reflecting, I must believe it is something more than accident which induced him to term that "distraction," which gives to Mr. Madison 120 votes, and to Mr. Monroe only 57. I had always understood in "distraction" to mean a state of things completely unsettled, where every one is an uproar: And I will submit the question to any man of sense, whether nearly three votes to one do not exhibit a tolerable tranquil and determined state of mind! I believe the point is pretty well settled in Virginia. The alleged "echo" is still more unfortunate: for the meeting at Richmond took place on the 21st of January, and the convention at Washington not until the 23d! If the former could be an "echo" of the latter, old father Time would have been in a very awkward predicament. The charge of excluding the friends of Mr. Monroe, is altogether futile. The friends of Mr. Madison were alone invited to the meeting, in order to prevent "distraction;" for the purpose of ascertaining, without commotion or noise, the amount of their numbers. This is a fact almost self evident, and it will not be seriously disputed.
* See American Citizen, Feb. 5. JUST RECEIVED, A FRESH SUPPLY OF CHURCH'S PATENT MEDICINES; including Cough Drops, Essence of Mustard, Scotch Ointment, &c. &c.
SALEM, Feb. 6. The following agreeable Intelligence was received here last night, by the ship Packet, from Malaga.
PEACE WITH ALGIERS. (CIRCULAR.) Algiers, December 16, 1807.
SIR, You have undoubtedly before this heard that three American vessels had been detained by a frigate of this place, in consequence of the annuities for two years past not having been paid by the United States in naval stores, as stipulated by treaty, notwithstanding the amount thereof has been repeatedly offered in cash.
These vessels are the ship Eagle, of New-York, Nathaniel Thader, master; brig Violet, of Boston, James Merrett, master; sch. Mary-Ann, of New-York, Sheffield, master.
The people on board the vessels have been treated very well, and no pillage of any kind has been committed.
I have now the honor to inform you that I have adjusted this business with the Dey, who has received the amount of two years annuities due in cash, and the vessels are liberated: and that our commerce will receive no further molestations from the cruisers of this Regency.
I pray you will have the goodness to give this as much publicity as possible, for the benefit of all concerned.
I have the honor to be, sir, TOBIAS LEAR. December 17, 1807.
P. S. We have this moment heard by an arrival from Leghorn, that the sch. before mentioned has arrived in Naples, having been retaken by the captain and part of the crew left on board, who threw overboard four of the captors, and put four others in the boat to shift for themselves.
I have myself received no advice of this, and on application to the Dey, who first sent me the information, he assures me that it shall not alter the arrangement made yesterday, and that our vessels may navigate without fear or molestation.
At present all their cruisers are in port. I have the honor to be, &c. TOBIAS LEAR.
Extract of a letter from an American Vice-Consul in Spain, dated Oct. 12.
"Without any of your esteemed favors, the purpose of the present is to inform you, that a large frigate, a brig and seven smaller vessels like bomb-ketches, all Algerines, armed in war, have appeared off this coast, a few days since, and continue cruising between Adra and the Cape. They have, as reported here, already picked up some small vessels under Portuguese, Sardinian, and Jerusalem colors, and sent them for Oran and Algiers. The frigate is the one they have taken some time ago from the Portuguese."
It gives us pleasure to state that definitive arrangements have been made for the execution of that part of the treaty with Tripoli that relates to the Ex-Bashaw. His family have been liberated, and sailed from Tripoli on the 13th of Oct. carrying with them their property, their slaves, and a present from the reigning to the exiled brother.—Nat. Int.
The following article is taken from a late number of the Paris Argus, and shews the light in which the conduct of the British government is there viewed.
Paris November 10, 1807.
The London papers of the 27th Oct. repeat those ridiculous rumors which have been spread in America by their correspondents, for the purpose of relaxing in that country the national enthusiasm and the indignation generally felt against the maritime despotism of England. However, as we said in our last number, the Americans cannot be mistaken in the secret motives of these miserable devices. They are only a repetition of the political tales given out in 1799. The authors have merely changed the names of prince Adolphus and Mr. Adams. But at this day, as was the case at that time, the security of the United States cannot be alarmed at such manoeuvres any more than their policy ought to be changed by them.
The same English newspapers, having nothing satisfactory to relate respecting continental affairs, repeat with affectation the trial of an unfortunate sailor seized on board the Chesapeake, tried before a court martial at Halifax, found to be an Englishman and condemned as such to be hanged. The ministerial writers pretend to see in this trial a kind of justification for the atrocious violence exercised by the captain of the Leopard against the Chesapeake. But in the opinion of every impartial man and according to the morality of all nations, that aggression is not the less a scandalous violation of the sacred rights of the independence of the United States. Whether or not there were English deserters on board the Chesapeake; whether the captain had received them knowing or being ignorant that they were so, it by no means attenuates the grievances of the injury done to the American flag. The question is, whether an independent power must suffer the English officers to exercise under this pretext, the right of visiting her men of war, and whether the captains of the latter have only to choose between destruction and infamy.—His Britannic Majesty's always speaks of the necessity of taking their de-

atters wherever they are to be found; but the continental powers might allege the same right to claim the soldiers who pass from their service to that of another. In this respect the principles are the same. When deserters fall again into the power of the state which they have quitted, they suffer the punishment due to their crime; but we do not see their government going to wrest them by force from the foreign regiment in which they have taken refuge. Their desertion is a particular accident, which their country does not revenge by so grievous an injury to the independence of a nation. Principles so evidently true upon the Continent, cannot cease to be so upon the ocean. It is of little moment to know whether the captain of the Leopard had reason to think that there were English deserters on board the Chesapeake; but it is of the greatest interest for all nations, to know whether he had a right to enforce the restitution of them by the atrocious means which he made use of. Now, this is what England will not find either in the laws of any nation or in her own maritime code, however exclusive, and however tyrannical it may be in other respects. Never was it thought that a man of war was liable to this submission. The United States enjoyed in this respect the common right. Their jurisdiction over their land and sea forces was as full and as independent as that of any other power. Were it otherwise, let us only represent to ourselves the consequences of this humiliating submission; a man of war stopped when and where it should please the captains of a miserable English sloop, obliged to lie too at the first requisition, constrained respectfully to admit foreign inspectors on board, to submit to them her muster roll and to let them muster her men! Can any thing be imagined more contrary to order, more subversive of discipline, and more degrading to the dignity of the state submitting to this inquisition? No doubt, an American captain would be very ill received if he should think proper to set up such a pretension in the road of Portsmouth, and to ask, under pretext of seeking for deserters, to search in this manner an English ship. However, his right would be the same as that of the commander of the Leopard. Between two nations, the one which suffers such a degradation is already subject to the other. However, the declaration of his Britannic Majesty, of the 18th October last, appears to resolve in a peremptory manner the question relative to the visiting of men of war. It authentically disavows the conduct of the captain of the Leopard. But it will be observed that it says nothing of the right which the English have arrogated to themselves for some years past, of visiting merchant ships; a right which is not less derogatory to the dignity of sovereigns, and which is perhaps more detrimental to the prosperity of their subjects. The English government doubtless relinquished the former only to yield to the necessity of the moment. But it still keeps the latter ostensibly proclaimed since it has availed itself of the disputes of the continent to work the destruction of all other navies. If it is a right of superiority, all nations ought to unite in order to put an end to this odious vassalage: if it is a right of justice and of public utility, then it must be reciprocal between the parties. But then also the English navy will suffer more than any other from the exercise of this right. There are scarcely a thousand Englishmen who serve on board American ships; whereas the English navy has encircled by all the sailors whom it has inveigled or carried off from France, Holland, Spain, and from all the nations of the North and the South, whom it keeps with the most unrelenting vigor, and who wait only for a favorable moment to escape from their captivity. If England admits the reciprocity of the right of visiting, she may expect to see her crews diminish. If she requires it exclusively, she has no other right to invoke than that of force; but soon the common force of nations may at last triumph over her and wrest from her what she would not yield to justice.
BOSTON, February 6.
Yesterday arrived the brig Dearborn , captain Macey, in 63 days from Boyonne , who states, that a considerable army of French troops passed through that place for the interior of Spain and for Portugal, commanded by General Oudinot.
PROCLAMATION,
Of the Prince Regent of Portugal, prior to his embarkation for the Brazils.
Having endeavored by every possible means to conserve a neutrality, which until the present time, my faithful and beloved subjects have enjoyed, and notwithstanding my having drained my royal treasury, and every other sacrifice which I have subjected myself, arriving to the excess of shutting the ports of my kingdom to the subjects of my ancient and faithful ally the king of Great Britain, thereby exposing the commerce of my subjects to total ruin; and suffering by this motive great prejudice in the revenues of my kingdom; I find that in the interior of my kingdom are marching troops of the emperor of the French and king of Italy, to whom I had united myself on the continent, in the persuasion of being no longer disturbed; and that the same are directing their march for this capital; and I wishing to avoid the horrible consequences which may ensue from a defence which would be more horrible than beneficial, serving only to shed blood to the destruction of humanity, and probably to excite in a greater degree the dissension of troops who have come to this kingdom, with the declaration and promise not to commit the least hostility. Knowing likewise that they are directed very particularly against my royal person; and that my faithful subjects will be less disturbed, if I absent myself from this kingdom. I have resolved for the benefit of my subjects, to pass the queen, my lady and mother, and with all the royal family for the States of America, and establish myself in the city of the river Janeiro until a general peace. And considering further how much it behoves to leave the government of these kingdoms in that order which is essential for the good of them and of my subjects as a thing to which I am so essentially obliged.
Having in this every consideration which in a similar case is present to me: I am pleased to appoint to govern in my absence and to rule these my kingdoms the Marquis of Abrantes, my dearly beloved cousin, Francisco da Cunha de Meneses, lieutenant general of my armies, the Prince Castro, of my council, and regidor of justice, Pedro de Mello Breyner, of my council, who will serve as president of my royal treasury, in the absence and impediment of Luis de Vasconcellos Souza, who is unable from sickness; Don Francisco de Noronha, lieutenant general of my armies and president of the Meza da Conscienciae Ordens; and in deficiency of either of them, the Count Monteiro Mir, who I have appointed president of the Senado da Camera, with the assistance of the two secretaries; the Count Sampaio and in his room Don Miguel Pereira Forjaz, and of the Desembargador de Paro, and my Procurator of the crown, Joao Antonio Satter de Mendonza, from the great confidence which I have in all of them, and great experience which they have had in the affairs of this government. Being certain that my kingdom and people will be governed and ruled in a manner that my conscience will be at ease, and that the said governors will entirely fulfil their obligation during the time that God is pleased that I shall be absent from this capital, administering justice with impartiality, distributing rewards and punishments according to the merits of each one of them.
The said governors will thus understand and fulfil in the manner aforesaid, in conformity with the instructions which will be signed by me with this decree; and they will make the necessary participations to the competent departments. Palace of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, the 26th Nov. 1807, with the signature of the Prince Regent, O. L. Instructions referred to in my royal decree of the 26th November, 1808.
The governors which I thought fit to appoint by my royal decree of this date, to govern these kingdoms during my absence, will have the accustomed oath administered to them by the Cardinal Patriarch, and will be diligent, watchful, active and vigilant in the administration of justice, distributing it with impartiality, and conserving in rigorous observance the laws of this kingdom.
They will secure to the subjects all privileges which by me and by the kings my ancestors have been granted. In the consultations which may be presented them by the respective tribunals the plurality of votes shall decide, regulating themselves, by the law and customs of the kingdom. They will consider those employments by parents, and the officers of justice and revenue in the manner until now practised by me.
They will be careful to defend the persons and property of my faithful subjects, choosing for the military employments those whom they shall know deserving of them. They will endeavor as far as possible to preserve this kingdom in peace, and that the troops of the emperor of the French and king of Italy, may be well quartered and provided with every thing necessary during the time they may stay in this kingdom, avoid perpetrating all and whatsoever insult, and punishing it with rigor whenever it may happen; preserving always the good harmony which ought to be practised between the armies of those nations with whom we are united on the continent.
If by any manner one of the said governors should be lost, the plurality of votes shall decide his successor. I confide much in his honor and virtue, that my people will not suffer embarrassment in my absence and that should God permit me to return to these my kingdoms with brevity, I may discover in every one among them the good order and tranquility which ought to exist among subjects who have rendered themselves so worthy of my paternal care. Palace of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, 25th November, 1807.
PRINCE.
NEW-YORK, February 13.
IMPORTANT.
A gentleman from Washington, who early in the present week had an interview with the President of the United States, informed a friend of ours yesterday, that in the President's opinion the differences between this country and Great Britain were in a favorable train of adjustment; and that there was good reason for believing that the embargo would not be much longer continued.— Mer. Adv.
IMPORTANT.
The following important extract of a letter from Daniel Crommelin and Sons of Amsterdam, was this morning received by the Editors of the New York Gazette from Daniel Ludlow, Esq. They hasten to lay it before the public.
AMSTERDAM, Dec. 30, 1807. "We have to inform you that this morning we received Official Intelligence of a Proclamation issued by the French Emperor from Milan, respecting the Navigation of Neutrals—the following are the chief heads of this Important State Paper:
"Every vessel which has been visited by an English ship, or which has submitted to make a voyage to England, or has paid any duty to the English government, is by this alone declared to have become denationalized , to have forfeited the rights of her flag, and shall be considered as English property.
All vessels which thus through the arbitrary measures of the British government, have forfeited the rights of their flag, and might come into our harbours, or in those of our allies, or might fall into the hands of our ships of war or privateers, are declared good and lawful prize.
"Every vessel of whatever nation she may be, or of whatever description her cargo may be, which is cleared out in the harbours of England, or in English colonies, or in places in possession of English troops, or steering her course to England, English colonies, or to places in possession of the English troops, shall be considered good and lawful prize."
The British islands are declared in a state of blockade both by sea and land!!
The above decree is dated at Milan, the 17th Dec. 1807.
PHILADELPHIA, February 13.
Extract of a letter from Chillicothe, January 23d, 1808.
"Burr and Blennerhassett have been indicted, and a capias has been awarded against them. Certified copies of Burr's recognizance, with the judgment of forfeiture, have been forwarded to the United States attorney general.
"After the bills were returned by the grand jury, and there was not a dissenting voice, on motion to have the defaults of the recognizances made absolute, the motion was opposed by Mr. Burnett on the part of the accused, praying the court to respite their recognizances until the next term; on the argument, the court sustained the motion, and ordered their defaults to be made absolute. It was certainly of great consequence to the accused, to have their recognizances continued over to the next term—free them from arrest in the mean time, and give them an opportunity of escaping from the jurisdiction of the United States. If indictments are laid for treason before the grand jury, at the spring term, of the circuit court of the U. States for the district of Kentucky, a mass of testimony, independent of that laid before the grand jury at Richmond, will be found to establish the guilt of the offenders, should they remain within the United States, and can be bro't to trial."
Extract of a letter from Chillicothe, January 24th, 1808.
"The circuit court closed its session at this place last evening.
"The grand jury unanimously indicted Burr and Blennerhassett for misdemeanor.
"Jonathan Dayton was here during the greater part of the term, he kept close house and departed early yesterday morning—his business here was doubtless to watch events, and give his friends, the B——'s the earliest intelligence.
"A forlorn and desperate attempt was made by the counsel for the offenders, to continue the accused on bail, in the pitiful penalty imposed by a partial (not to say corrupt) judge until the next term—the court, with the integrity and independence which become their station, repelled the motion without hesitation.
"Blennerhassett, with the effrontery, abuse of privilege, and hostility to the common interests of the community, which has all along marked the execrable conspiracy, has, notwithstanding his flight from trial, sent forward a list of seventy-seven witnesses, scattered from the Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and in New-York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, for the purpose of having them brought forward by subpoena to the next term. The attorney who handed about the subpoenas, had the unblushing depravity to say, they were determined to put the government to as much expense as possible—this is exactly in unison with the scenes at Richmond.
"Would it not be worth legislative consideration, whether the indicted should not surrender themselves into custody, before he has the privilege of demanding process for witness? Ought not an affidavit of the materiality of the witnesses to be filed? Whether any and what limitation should be set as to the number of witnesses to each part or point."
BALTIMORE, February 16.
It will be seen by the resolution offered by Mr. Dawson, yesterday, that congress intend soon to rise. We must view this in connection with the reported special mission of Mr. Nourse to Great Britain. Is it not probable, that the government have offered such terms as they are taught to believe by Mr. Rose will be accepted to by his court, and that congress having no fury his and necessary business (in their estimation) to perform at present, will adjourn to meet again about the time at which Mr. Nourse may be expected to return from London? We have no positive information of this being the present state of things; but from all the information in our possession, we are of opinion that congress will adjourn this month, to meet early in May. We hazard no opinion as to the probability of the embargo being raised sooner or later in consequence of this agreeable change in affairs.— Fed. Gazette.
WASHINGTON CITY, Feb. 17.
We some time since briefly noticed the patriotic steps taken by the citizens of Baltimore towards the encouragement of domestic manufactures. We have now the further pleasure of stating that a plan for effecting this great object has been devised and commenced on a scale of liberality which promises the happiest effects, and evinces a zeal equal to surmounting every difficulty which is likely to occur. It is proposed to receive subscriptions to the amount of one million of dollars, payable in shares of fifty dollars, and in small instalments, by which every man in tolerable circumstances will be enabled to take at least one share, while the opulent capitalist may be expected to embark a considerable portion of his wealth. The avowed object of this institution is to establish, carry on, and encourage manufactures of all the useful and necessary articles, which have heretofore been imported from foreign countries; but the establishment of manufactures of cotton and wool, by means of the latest improved labor-saving machines, to be put in motion by water, is to be the first and immediate object to which the attention and funds of this association are to be applied.
There never has been a season so propitious as the present for the furtherance of this great object. If the existing negotiations shall terminate in a rupture, the American people ought to prepare themselves for a state of things whose duration no human wisdom can limit. The points at issue will be so deeply momentous, and national pride will be exacerbated to so high a pitch, that many years may elapse before the relations of amity with Europe shall be restored. Under such circumstances it will be the strongest evidence of wisdom to cultivate to its greatest extent every internal resource we possess, and make ourselves by this means, in a great degree, independent of the foreign world. This will be a necessary, an inevitable resort; and there can be no question but that under such circumstances the capital employed in manufactures will yield a sufficient remuneration.
The only question seems to be whether the individual interest of the capitalist may not suffer, in case there should be no rupture, or in case that rupture should be but of fugitive continuance. We are decidedly of opinion that no such injury will be incurred, provided the plan proposed at Baltimore shall be carried into effect, and similar plans be effected in other parts of the union.
Domestic manufactures being once established to a degree adequate to our wants, it will be so manifestly the interest of the whole nation to uphold them that there may be an unequivocal confidence reposed in the national government. Guided by the public sentiment, and sensible of the perils to which for a long time past an overgrown commerce has exposed us, measures will, undoubtedly, be taken that will protect from injury those who have embarked their fortunes in such a cause. For, whether our lot be peace or war, it is the sound policy of this nation to make itself independent as it can in every respect.— Nat. Int.
The Legislature of Massachusetts have passed the following resolution. In the House of Representatives—Yeas 178—Nays 81. In the Senate Yeas 19—Nays 16.
Whereas the pacific and impartial policy pursued by the government of the U. S. in relation to the belligerent powers of Europe appears, at the present period, to have no effect in executing a fair and honest reciprocity in their conduct, and whereas from the aspect of our foreign relations it is altogether uncertain how long the blessings of peace continue to us, and whereas, under circumstances of national danger, an expression of accordant sentiments on the part of the individual states will give force and energy to the General Government and convince our enemies that we are not a divided people—
Therefore be it resolved, That the Legislature of Massachusetts view, with the highest approbation, the wise, dignified and energetic measures pursued by the Executive of the U. States relative to the outrageous attack on the Chesapeake, by the Leopard ship of war.
Resolved, That in the present convulsed state of the civilized world, when a war of exterminating aspects spreads destructive consequences over nations remote from the scene of its immediate fury, and when the experience of former ages affords no assistance in calculating its effects or duration, we repose with confidence in the wisdom and patriotism of the General Government, to avert from us, if possible, the impending danger, or to direct our energies in the event of encountering it with a spirit of decision, becoming a free and sovereign people.
RALEIGH (N. C.) January 28.
Mr. Gales. As the following information may relieve the pang of some distressed parent, you are requested to insert it in your paper:
Late in the summer a traveller passed through Morgantown with a small boy, who from his color, appeared to be a negro or dark mulatto. He stopped at the House of a respectable citizen, two miles from this place, who happening to discover the skin of the boy on some parts where the coloring had not been put, on further examination found him to be a white child by nature, and that the blackness of his face and other parts exposed to view, proceeded from artificial coloring. The gentleman of the house immediately took charge of the child, and the traveller made his escape and left him. He is said to be named Beatty, and on being detected, pretended he had bought the child of some negro trader. The head of the little victim was frizzled to resemble that of a negro's. He says he was stolen while playing on a road in the sand, but he cannot tell the name of his father or of any relation. However happy for him he is now under the care of a good guardian who no doubt will give him all the advantages of learning and moral example, and contribute to him in property as bountifully as his circumstance will admit.
It is for human nature to lament that men like Beatty exist—that such wretches infest society, who so little appreciate its blessings, as for a pitiful morsel to rob their fellow-beings of Liberty, the best birth right of man. Yet, until these monsters are purged from our coasts or our nature assumes a more perfect rank, humanity must bleed. Morgantown, January 1.
PETERSBURG, Feb. 19.
Extract of a letter from a Member of Congress, to his friend in this town dated Washington, Feb. 15.
"It seems that Virginia was determined to divide the Republicans in the first place, and now to widen the breach. I should have thought that the real Republicans of Virginia would have been willing to unite in support of Mr. Madison for the next President. We learn that a report is now circulating with you that the sending of Pinckney as an extraordinary minister to London, was designed by Mr. Jefferson and Madison to detract from the credit of Mr. Monroe that which he might obtain by making a popular treaty with England. This is one of the vilest slanders on earth, for it is a truth that Mr. Jefferson was opposed to the measure, until the Senate of the U. S. by a unanimous vote, passed a resolution recommending a further attempt at friendly negotiations, and he then sent Pinckney.
"Although no man is more disposed to favor Mr. Madison's election than myself, I feel almost willing to look to some other quarter for a President. Hortensius says it is right that the federalists should join with the minority of Republicans and make a President. The Lord keep us from a President made out of such materials.
"Nothing has transpired since Mr. Rose's arrival, touching his mission.—The best we can do is to delay a while until events in Europe show us more fully the design of these two great contending powers. Although we feel very sensibly the effects of the embargo, I have no doubt but those powers feel it more than we do. I think our fellow citizens may rest assured that we shall not keep it on one moment longer than their real interest requires it.
"It seems that the Federalists in your country have declared for Monroe; pray how does this happen? can it be for agreeing to the treaty which the President would not lay before the Senate, which if true as
appeared in a New-York paper, amounted to an alliance with Great Britain against France. It begins to be whispered here that the federalists intend not to support Monroe; (this is a late thing) if so the little band or faction, or republican minority will cut a pretty figure for Monroe. I should like such an event, because our strength would then be known to the nation."
Nothing has transpired by which we can be enabled to form an opinion respecting the state of our negotiations at Washington. An impenetrable veil necessarily shrouds the proceedings of the executive on this subject. The variety of extracts of letters which find their way into the prints at New York, Boston and Philadelphia, respecting the relative progression and probable issue, serve only to expose the ignorance of their various writers on diplomatic subjects. When the subjects shall be thoroughly discussed, definitive points determined on, and the intentions of each government properly understood, then may we conclude that the negotiation is verging towards a termination. It is well known, that the diplomatic corps are privileged spies on the actions of the courts at which they reside, and are recognised by the law of nations, and the interests of their separate courts are frequently so variant, that each is casting peep the other's way every obstacle to impede the acquisition of their wishes. This organised system of espionage renders in the adjustment of differences, or formation of treaties, secrecy a diplomatic virtue, without which no one is qualified to be entrusted with affairs of state. The garrulity of those Washington epistolary writers which so often grace the columns of the Gazette of the United States and the New-York Evening Post , can only serve to expose their ignorance and vanity, and accumulate contempt.— Balt. American.
FRANKFORT, [Ken.] Jan. 21.
The bill from the house of representatives, to repeal the act of the last session, allowing George Muter three hundred dollars per annum for life, passed the senate yesterday—yeas 12—nays 11.
The house of representatives on Saturday last, passed unanimously , sundry resolutions approbatory of the policy, pursued by the executive of the United States with regard to the belligerent powers of Europe, and condemning particularly, the conduct of Britain, in her aggressions on the neutral rights of America.
On Tuesday last the legislature of this state, expelled John Kercheval, one of the members from Mason county, for forgery, and a writ of election has issued to fill the vacancy occasioned by his expulsion.
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, February 15.
A message was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Graham, as follows: To the Senate and House of Representatives of U. S.
I communicate for the information of Congress a letter from the Consul of the United States at Malaga, to the Secretary of State, covering one from Mr. Lear, our Consul at Algiers, which gives information that the rupture threatened on the part of the Dey of Algiers, has been amicably settled, and the vessels seized by him are liberated.
TH: JEFFERSON.
February 15, 1808. The document which accompanies the message is the same with that which appears in this day's Argus .
The message was on motion of Mr. Quincy referred to the committee appointed to consider a former communication of the President of the United States relative to our relations with Algiers.
Mr. Newton moved for the order of the day on the bill extending the terms of credit on revenue bonds.
Mr. Cook supposed the bill for extinguishing the debts due from the U. States had preference as unfinished business; if not, he hoped the gentleman from Virginia had too high a sense of decorum to insist on his motion.
Mr. Newton's motion was negatived, and Mr. Cook's agreed to by the House; Mr. Curts again in the chair.
Messrs. Holland, Sturges and Quincy advocated the bill, and Messrs. Alston and Rhea opposed it.
The question was then taken on striking out the first section (the principle of the bill) and negatived 58 to 24.
When, on motion of Mr. Cook the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
Mr. Dawson from the committee on military and naval establishments, reported the following resolution, which was agreed to, ayes 58, and referred to the committee who reported it to bring in a bill.
Resolved, That the sum of dollars be appropriated to enable the President of the U. S. to procure by purchase, or to cause the same to be manufactured stand of arms for the use of the U. S. and to cause the same to be deposited in safe and suitable places.
Mr. Dawson also reported the agreement of the same committee to the bill from the Senate which was to them referred for increasing the military peace establishment of the U. S. which was referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Newton, the House went into committee of the whole, Mr. PITKIN in the chair, on the bill to allow the importation of old copper free of duty; which being gone through and reported to the House, was ordered to a third reading.
On motion of Mr. G. W. Campbell the House went into a committee of the whole, Mr. W. ALSTON in the chair, on the bill from the Senate to defray the expenses incurred in an enquiry into the conduct of John Smith, a Senator from Ohio; which being gone through and reported to the House, was ordered to a third reading.
Mr. Dawson laid upon the table the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed on the part of this House jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate to consider and report what

further business it is necessary to be done during the present session; and at what time it will be proper for Congress to adjourn.
TUESDAY, February 16.
Mr. Stanford laid upon the table a resolution for the regulation of business in the House, which he should call up in the event of the rules and orders not being sooner considered.
The several bills yesterday ordered to be read a third time were severally read and passed, except the bill concerning contracts.
On which Mr. Troup having called the yeas and nays, after some discussion, it was on motion of Mr. Southard re-committed to a committee of the whole for amendment of the detail.
[A view of the debate hereafter.]
Mr. Dawson reported a bill for procuring a certain number of arms; which was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
On motion of Mr. Blackledge,
Resolved, That the committee of Ways and Means be directed to enquire whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary to be made in the several acts fixing the salaries and emoluments of the collectors of duties on imports and tonnage, and that the committee be authorised to report by bill or otherwise.
A bill from the Senate for erecting a light house, and placing buoys at the places therein mentioned, was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole.
The bill for the relief of Samuel Whiting was ordered to a third reading.
United States Court, Fifth Circuit & Virginia District, Nov 23, 1807.
James Ritchie and Company, plaintiffs, against, Mary Brent, widow of George Brent, Daniel Brent, Robert Brent, John Cook, Bailey Washington, William B. Burt and Robert Brent, Mary Brent and George F. Brent, infant children of George & Mary Brent, defendants.
THE defendants Daniel Brent, Wm. Brent, and Robert Brent, not having entered their appearance and given security according to a rule of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that they are not inhabitants of this district, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel, It is Ordered, that the said defendants do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the plaintiffs' bill, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the Capitol in the said city. A copy—Teste.
WILLIAM MARSHALL, CLE.
United States Court, Fifth Circuit & Virginia District, November term, 1807.
Edward Scott & Charles Scott, executors of John Scott, deceased, plaintiffs, against, John Tyndale Ware, executor of William Jones, deceased, who was surviving partner of Fawell and Jones, defendant.
THE defendant John T. Ware, not having entered his appearance and given security according to a rule of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this district, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel, It is Ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the plaintiffs' bill, and that a copy of his order be forthwith inserted in some one of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the Capitol in the said city. A copy—Teste.
WILLIAM MARSHALL, CLE.
JUST RECEIVED AT THIS OFFICE.
A few copies of a very interesting Political Pamphlet published in London entitled,
OIL WITHOUT VINEGAR,
AND DIGNITY WITHOUT PRIDE; Or British American and West-Indian Interests Considered. The second edition with a preface, and additions. Together with a Chart, shewing the due and fall of the trade between the two countries.
By MACAULY, MIDDLEFORD Esq. London: Printed for W. J. & J. Richardson, Cornhill; J. Baskett, St. James Street; and T. Dobsone, Philadelphia.
"The title of Mr. Medford's Pamphlet is by much the worst thing we have found in it. The saying about the effects of an ill name, applies to books as well as other objects; and we fear that this tract will suffer greatly from a circumstance almost wholly irrelevant to its merits. It is in truth one of the most sensible political essays that have lately appeared, far exceeding any other which has been produced by the present differences in the rare qualities of candour and impartiality."
Edinburgh Review for October, 1807.
NOTICE.
WHY POSITIVELY BE SOLD by the subscribers who are commissioners for that purpose appointed by the county court of Powhatan on the premises, on Thursday the 24th day of March next, if fair, if not the next fair day, that valuable TRACT OF LAND, lying in the county of Powhatan, on which the late Mrs. Judith Bingley resided, belonging to John Howard, containing about 286 acres, on a credit of twelve months, the purchaser giving bond with indispensible security for the payment of the purchase money.
JORDAN FLOURNOY,
DAVID FLOURNOY,
WILLIAM PORTER.
February 23, 1808.
For Sale or Rent, THE HOUSE, OFFICE & STABLE, with an excellent garden, all in good order, and at present occupied by Mr. Samuel P. Parsons, joining major Prior, on the Hay-Market square. For particulars apply to
JASPER ROBBINS, at Mr. JOHN M'ENRY's.
Feb 24, 1808
NOTICE.
I INTEND to apply to the Baltimore County Court, at its next session, or in its recess, to one of the judges thereof, for the benefit of the insolvent law of this state, passed 1805, and the supplement thereto, passed 1806
BENJ. MORRIS.
February 15, 1808.
Just Received at this Office, Numbers 1 and 2 of The American Military Library, Or, Repository of Modern Tactics, Feb. 23.
BLANK BONDS
For Sale at this Office.
Virginia Argus.
RICHMOND: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1808.
THE intelligence of Bonaparte's decree that, hereafter, there shall be no Neutrals, and that all vessels sailing towards Great Britain shall be liable to capture and condemnation, is not yet officially announced in this country, but appears pretty well authenticated. It would seem therefore, that the government of the United States is already brought to the necessity of making the choice, of which we spoke in a late Argus; that is to say, of either going to war with France or England, or of relinquishing all trade with both while the present terrible contest continues.
If the news be true, it follows of course that we cannot remain in peace with Great Britain, and carry on any commerce with that country, or its dependencies, without being considered as enemies of France, and of the numerous and powerful confederacy under the control of the latter.
The question, therefore, concerning the proper course of policy to be adopted by the United States at this time, becomes every day more important, and demands the most serious consideration of all the friends of America. We look forward with anxiety to the result of our national deliberations, and hope it will be favorable to that cause on the success of which all the best hopes of human nature (depending for their existence on the prosperity of the only free government on earth) so essentially depend.
An Association, proposed to the Members of the General Assembly of Virginia, written by Dr. Walter Jones, a Member of the Senate, an inhabitant of Northumberland county, Virginia, which well deserves the attention of our citizens at this time.
In the late war with Great Britain, sovereignty, freedom and national prosperity were at stake; and nothing but the fairest prospects of obtaining these objects, could have animated us to sustain so arduous a contest. How deeply therefore must they be affected who contemplate our present situation, after three years peace; who seriously compare the weight of our public debt, with the disorder of our finances and the depression of our public credit, the accumulated load of private debt with the administration of justice, and the prevalent manners of the times. A comparison thus made, will exhibit to our view such present or impending evils, as ought to awaken the apprehensions of all good citizens, and incite their endeavors to correct or avert them. Our endeavors to this end will be facilitated by investigating the causes of those evils, which we think may be comprised in the following concise observations. The principal relations in which we formerly stood towards Great Britain, respected our government, our commerce and our manners; of these our government was least profitable; it added splendor to her crown, but brought with it the risque and charge of our defence; the substantial, unqualified advantages she derived, were from the direction of our commerce and our manners to her own exclusive aggrandizement. She regulated the one, and fashioned the other, with the most vigilant attention, to the secondary and dependent character of colonists. When we assumed independent sovereignty, we in our turn, incurred the risque and charge of protecting it. The first could be only durable and valuable, in proportion as we possessed the means of supporting the latter—the acquisition of the means required as complete a change in the direction of our commerce and our manners, as of our government. It then became our duty, destitute as we were of self-derived power and wealth, to discard our unmanly fondness for the tinsel of European luxury; to draw forth and cherish every source of active commerce and manufacture; to increase the productions of our soil by spirited exertions of industry, and by a correspondent frugality, to provide the means of discharging, honorably, our past obligations to foreigners, and of furthering the internal resources of wealth and power, that might in future supersede the necessity of foreign aid. But so far have our pursuits deviated from these great objects, that we are as little prepared for defence as if we had escaped no recent dangers, and were perfectly secured from future hostilities; we discern no general improvements in agriculture; no regular establishments to perfect those manufactures and that extent of commerce of which we are capable, but on the contrary, we see a listless indifference to our weakness and our debts; a keen avidity and predilection for British trade and British products upon the old colonial system—in short, we fear, we present to the discerning world, the wretched spectacle of a people, free in their government, but colonists in their commerce; of a people, emancipated by their spirit, but subdued by their manners. WE DO THEREFORE, under the fullest impression of these momentous considerations, solemnly pledge ourselves each to the other, in our capacities merely of private citizens, by our examples to inculcate, and by our influence to extend, the principles and practices contained in the following resolutions, which we severally confirm by our signatures.
Resolved, That the only method in the power of the people honestly and effectually to relieve themselves from the oppression of public and of private debt, is by spirited exertions of industry, to increase the productions of the country, to avoid dissipation, and by a strict frugality, to lessen their expenses.
Resolved, That we will be at all times ready, by every encouragement in our power, to promote any well-founded scheme of trade and manufacture, to which the circumstances of this state are adapted, and the profits of which shall arise and centre with our own citizens.
Resolved, That the present circumstances of this state, are adapted to the manufacture of the coarser woollens, cottons, linens, cordage, leather and iron; and the production of salted pork and beef, of butter, cheese, soap, tallow and candles.
Resolved, That the present circumstances of this country are also adapted, to the
brewing of malt liquor, and to the distillation of spirits from grain and other subjects, in such quantities as, with proper attention and encouragement, would be sufficient for general consumption.
Resolved therefore, That we will use the utmost of our exertions, to promote agriculture in general, and more particularly those parts of it, which tend most to the encouragement of our own manufactures, and to the diminution of foreign importation.
Note.—After the doctor and four members of the house of representatives had signed it, Meriwether Smith, a representative of the county of Essex, who had been a member of congress, dissuaded them from offering it to any other members, assuring them that congress was meditating a more complete accomplishment of the objects they had in view: that they might excite an alarm in Britain, which might be prejudicial to Virginia, and a jealousy in our sister states, at our affecting to take the lead in an example of great national concern, &c. &c. They were not convinced by his arguments, but as Dr. Jones through modesty, seemed disposed to withdraw his association from the public eye, and too many members appeared unwilling to sign it, they acquiesced in Mr. Smith's dissuasions.
FOR THE ARGUS.
A Dialogue between Eusebius a Christian, Theotus a Deist, and Asbestos an Atheist.
Theotus. Do you think it possible Eusebius, that God, that being who is so infinitely beyond all our comprehension, and who has created such wonders, as we see in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, and who has evidently left all creation, except man (as you say) unrestrained by any other laws than those of nature and reason, can possibly have condescended to attend to their little affairs; or cares any more concerning their transactions than he does about the friskings of lambs, and frolics of goats and kids?
Asbestos. Aye, what say you to that? But I cut short your answer, by asserting that there is no such being as Eusebius talks of, who can care any thing about us.
Eusebius. Unfortunately for you Asbestos, your assertion has no weight, with either of us; nor indeed with mankind throughout the world; and if assertions are of any weight, with us here, we have two to one against you. And as to what Theotus said, it may be replied, that reason teaches us, that the frolics of goats, though too common amongst men, is destructive of human happiness—and that whatever is so, if God be (as from all his works he appears to be) benevolent to all his creatures, man, must be an object of his attention, and must have induced him to warn them against whatever is injurious to their happiness, and this you both know, we Christians not only affirm that he has done, but we prove it, in a manner equal to a mathematical demonstration; from the best attested matters of fact; from the best authenticated histories; from the necessity of a Divine Revelation respecting God, and his creature man; from the fitness of the doctrine taught to our nature and wants; from the impossibility that such doctrines should have made their way through the world in spite of all the opposition of the high priests and rulers of the world and the passions of mankind warmly interested and arrayed to oppose them, had they not been of divine original, and miraculously supported. As to you Asbestos, it is to no purpose to argue with you, for you shut your ears to all argument, and confine yourself to silly assertions, affirming what is really so absurd, that an Atheist, pardon me for quoting David's expression, is "emphatically a fool"—but Theotus, as you acknowledge, not only the being, but the goodness of God, I may address some arguments to you—such as these, "if God be benevolent, and has made man capable of enjoying exalted intellectual pleasures, which are found to be more durable than any sensual gratifications, and are incapable of diminution by a decay of bodily strength, as they are; and every gratification of the senses when properly indulged may be useful and highly agreeable, but when used to an excess is highly injurious, it is reasonable to suppose, that he would not only warn us against this evil and hold out inducements to that intellectual happiness, and tell us as the gospel does, of a Heaven, where it may be eternally and supremely enjoyed. It is, indeed, Theotus, as certain to me that christianity, from its internal and external evidence, is true, as it is, that any proposition in Euclid is so; for there is not one of them, nor any axiom which Asbestos might not as well deny, as the being and power of God.
Asbestos. Not quite so well neither—but I will confess Eusebius, that I wish there was as much plausibility on my side of the argument as on yours, I should feel a little easier than I do after some of the indulgencies which my opinion allows, and your doctrine forbids. I confess that when I am alone in the dark, I have some foolish superstitious notions, such as Epicurus himself had; and when in danger, or sick, I have almost wished I had been a Christian.
Theotus. Oh for shame Asbestos, what a degrading confession you make! But God knows I have wished for a little more demonstration of the falsity of the Christian religion. The arguments against it, I must confess do not amount to such proof as can be safely relied on, and for the sake, as you say, of a free enjoyment of pleasures of sense, and of calmness in dark solitude, and above all, in sickness, and at the approach of death, I do want and sincerely wish for, a few more and better arguments than I have yet heard.
Asbestos. I know no better way to get rid of the difficulty, than to go merrily on and drown all thought in dissipation, and like old Anacreon, "with women and wine defy every care."
Eusebius. Well then, fly to your bottles gentlemen. Adieu!
COMMUNICATION.
Mr. Pleasants. ALTHOUGH our country is externally menaced from every quarter, the north, the south, the east and the west; and war seems inevitable—yet ought we not to neglect an
disregard our internal and domestic policy; on the contrary, at such a time as this, the greatest vigilance should be used, and our magistrates and all our civil officers, should exert their utmost watchfulness and industry to preserve peace and good order at home; but however self-evident and indisputable this doctrine may be, I have reason to believe and fear, that it is not attended to in practice—else whence all this mischief by fire? Within a few weeks past, Mr. Philip Sheppard's mills have been burnt—Capt. John Austin's stable and two horses therein—Mr. Alexander Anderson's barn, containing an hundred barrels of corn and four horses—and Mr. John Cross's barn, and several hundred barrels of corn, and two hundred bushels of clean wheat have been all consumed by fire, in the night time, and unquestionably by design—within a small compass. Are not these examples enough to induce the belief that there is a conspiracy on foot, and to admonish our civil and military officers to be vigilant and austere—or shall we supinely wait till our dwellings are enveloped in flames, till the shrieks, cries and groans of our wives and children rouse us from our lethargy? Heaven forbid! It is easier and wiser to prevent than to remedy an evil, for some evils, alas! are unremediable.
So circumspect have the incendiaries been, that I have heard of but one person being arrested, a slave belonging to Mrs. Jones; on the examination of whom there was adduced strong circumstantial proof of his guilt, inasmuch that he was committed for trial, which is to take place on Wednesday the 24th instant, at Hanover courthouse—when it is hoped no magistrate will take his seat who is conscious of having prejudged the cause. This is intended as a friendly hint, a disregard of which may be followed by disagreeable consequences.
HANOVER. February 20th, 1808.
PETERSBURG, Feb. 20. BARTER.
Many are inclined to disbelieve the authenticity of the letters from Washington, respecting the proposed barter of seamen for landsmen. Be it so. Their publication at least shew how the land lies, and has had one good effect. The merchants are compelled, since the question is brought home to themselves, to acknowledge that they have their doubts as to the justice of the demand—and we cannot but congratulate the public on the visible alteration which the publication of these letters has produced on the mind of many a thorough-going Briton who, till lately, justified every measure of their belov'd sovereign—while many, in the language of Mr. Randolph, exclaim, who thanks them for it!
The following is the letter alluded to on Saturday: Extract of a letter from a member of Congress, to a gentleman in this town, dated February 9, 1808.
In my letter of the 4th, I promised to write you again, on the subject of citizenship, one of the prominent points of controversy between our country and Great Britain. The rumor which I then stated to prevail here, of bartering landsmen for seamen among those who are called his majesty's natural born subjects. A scent from the Rose, it is said, has transpired on that subject, which gives it a consequence with them, which heretofore it had not obtained.
Meetings (I will not say caucuses, as that term seems lately to have lost its meaning in your state) are constantly held by these people, and committees established to correspond with his majesty's natural born subjects, in the several commercial cities and towns in the U.S. recommending to them to meet and confer with each other on this very interesting subject. The several chambers of commerce have been ably and patrically addressed, requesting them to come forward to Congress with memorials and remonstrances, in their behalf.
You would be surprised to observe the change of political sentiment, and diversity of opinion, which this class of people every day exhibit; some advocate the propriety of the principle, contending, that as his majesty is now deserted by his allies, and is fighting the battles of America, and of the world, his natural born subjects ought therefore to rally around the THRONE, wee a their legions.
Others very candidly acknowledge, that they came to this country with a view to make money; that they always intended to return HOME, but that they cannot see the necessity of their being converted into an article of traffic, and bartered off, like Asses and Mules!
A third party declare, that they came to this country as the land of liberty; the asylum of the oppressed of all countries; a land, where virtue and genuine patriotism form the distinguished characters among men; a land to which they are determined to adhere, as long as they possess life.
To give you a detail of the various remarks made on the subject, would be too tedious, I encertain no doubt in my own mind, but these people now begin to repent their countenancing, or in any degree admitting his majesty's claim to his natural born subjects; and it is supposed, that application will be made to the parliament of Great Britain, for an abandonment of the principle on their part, in such manner as to admit of declarations of expatriation in their public offices.
But, my friend, I must not omit another rumor which prevails here, and which it is said grows in some measure out of these corresponding committees. The rumor is, if the pending negotiation should fail, the Rose is to shed its fragrance over the majesty of the people, in the stile of Genet, of famous memory. I have no doubt but a correspondence is by this time opened with your town and Richmond. Be on the alert, and let me know what is doing.
I am yours, &c.
pending negotiation? For if the cause which delayed our ship here, be the cause of the suffering there, some demand exists & enquiry too, especially if the object of the expedition on the Chesapeake was known, before she was attacked by the English squadron even in Europe.
French Military.—A military gentleman lately from France, a friend of General Moreau, states that Bonaparte is reviving in his immense army the white uniformed and colored facings of the Bourbons. The blue uniform and liberty caps are laid aside as unimperial if not pernicious. The soldiers, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, wear mustachios, with the hollow of the under lip unshaved. An imperial regiment of infantry consists of three thousand men. Of these there are in service, pay, equipped & exercised, one hundred and twenty regiments or 3 hundred & sixty thousand men, besides one hundred thousand cavalry, artillery, &c. making a military force now in France of near six hundred thousand men. [Citizen.]
THE PEASANT'S DEATH.
This poor man, lifting up his death-lim'd eye, On those he lov'd to take a farewell view, And giving them, by faith, to God on high, Finds in his soul more satisfaction true, Than if he saw, with every wind that blew, Waited for them the wealth of Asia's shores; Than if he left them crowns, or rich Peru Were opening, vast her subterranean doors, For them th' astonish'd world to heap with all her stores. Yet still, no Stoic he, with cold neglect To treat his own, despising Nature's tie; Nor raving rapt Enthusiast, to expect A miracle from Heaven for their supply— No, no, the dew that moistens either eye The heavy sigh he labours to suppress, While stretching forth his feeble hand to dry The stream of grief that flows on every face, Compassion, love sincere, and deep regret confess. "My lovely flock," he cries, "for whom e'en to-day Was sweet at morn, at noon, at twilight grey, If still I found you, with complacent smile, Around me gather'd at the close of day, Oft, while the silent hours have wing'd their way, Each shedding soft on you its soothing power; Watchful have I remain'd behind to pray, That Heaven might long defer this trying hour, And kind, upon your heads its choicest blessing pour."
Richmond Academy FOR FEMALE EDUCATION.
THE superintendant of this institution begs leave to inform the public that the Academy is now open for the reception of Pupils in a large and convenient house on the highest part of Shockoe-hill, the situation of which is remarkably pleasant and healthy.
The young ladies who board with her are furnished with genteel and comfortable accommodations, (including washing) at the rate of forty-five pounds per annum, payable quarterly in advance; but the rule, which required, that pupils sent to the academy by persons not residing in this city should board and lodge with her, has been rescinded, for the purpose of giving a choice to those having friends or relations in town, with whom it may be desirable for them to reside.
She has now procured a female assistant of respectable character, and in her opinion, well qualified to teach English grammatically, whose constant attention, together with her own, to the duties of her school, and to the care and superintendence of her pupils, she flatters herself will be conducive to their happiness and improvement.
In order to promote those important objects, the trustees have resolved that two of their own body shall be designated as a committee for each month; and that one or both of them, shall visit the academy, at least once a fortnight, and examine into the conduct of herself and her assistant, and of the other teachers, and make a monthly report of the state of the institution; a resolution which she hopes will produce the most beneficial consequences.
The annual prices of instruction, (which are payable quarterly in advance) are the following:—for reading and writing English, Arithmetic, and needle work, 20 dollars; Geography and History, 15 dollars; the general principles of Natural and Moral Philosophy and Natural History, 15 dollars; the French language, 20 dollars; Music, 40 dollars; Dancing, 20 dollars; and Drawing, 20 dollars;—Every young lady may attend all or any of the teachers, at the pleasure of her parent or guardian, except that no pupil is to be taught Music, Dancing, or Drawing, without being also instructed in some one or more of the branches other of Education taught in the Academy.
Richmond, Feb. 18th, 1808. ANNA BYRD. w.Bt
Just Published and for sale at this Office, MEMOIRS
WILLIAM SAMPSON,
Including particulars of his adventures in various parts of Europe, his confinement in the dungeon of the Inquisition in Lisbon, &c. &c.
SEVERAL ORIGINAL LETTERS.
Being his correspondence with the ministers of state in Great Britain and Portugal. Ashford sketch of the HISTORY OF IRELAND, Particularly as it respects the spirit & British Domination in that country; and a few observations on the state of manners, &c in America.

LAND In the state of Ohio—For Sale. THE subscriber wishes to SELL a valuable TRACT OF LAND, in the state of Ohio, containing 1,000 acres. This tract is of excellent quality, as the subscriber has understood from most respectable information. It lies on Deer creek, a branch of the Sciota, about 16 miles from Chillicothe, in a well settled neighborhood, and is very convenient to the trade of the Ohio. He will dispose of it for cash, or on a short credit, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia; or will exchange it for property in the city of Richmond. An unquestionable title, with general warranty, will be made to the purchaser. Wm. MUNFORD. Richmond, Sep. 24, 1807.
Land for Sale! PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed to the subscribers by John C. Miller, for the purpose of securing the payment of sundry debts therein mentioned; will be sold upon the first Monday in January, 1808, for cash upon the premises, a TRACT OF LAND, mentioned in said deed, lying upon the waters of Lockett's and Harris' creeks, in the county of Prince Edward, and supposed to contain between six and seven hundred acres. We shall make such title as is transferred to us by said Miller, saving all former encumbrances. The improvements upon this land are such as are usual upon snug plantations in this part of the country, but better fenced than usual. CHARLES WOODSON, } Trustees. JAMES MADISON, } Prince Edward, 16 Oct. 1807.
ADVERTISEMENTS. Just Received, a General Assortment of Dutch Bolting Cloth, Of a superior quality. J. Darmsdatt. Oct. 22, 1807.
100 Dollars Reward. RUN AWAY about the first inst. from the service of Mr. William Rawleigh, (to whom he was hired,) a BLACK MAN, named JACKSON, a House Carpenter by profession, of thin consumptive appearance, about 40 years of age, five feet eight or nine inches high; from circumstances attending his elopement; it is believed, he intends making his way to one of the Eastern States, and has been provided with false papers of freedom. If taken within the State, and delivered to me here, or secured, that I get him, I will give Fifty Dollars; or if taken out of the State, One Hundred Dollars. Robert Gamble, Jr. Richmond, Dec. 24, 1807.
20 Dollars Reward. RUN AWAY about the 8th inst. from Richmond, JACOB, a very black fellow, about six feet high, twenty-eight years old, handsome address and very artful, has several scars on his neck, and one or two, I believe, on his left cheek, resembling small pox pits, a waterman by trade, and left his boat in the basin of the canal in the above city when he went off, at which time he broke open the store of a gentleman in Richmond and stole to a large amount, for which said gentleman has offered a reward of 50 dollars for apprehending said fellow (as I am informed)—he has a numerous acquaintance in the said city, the counties of Hanover and Caroline, in one of which he was raised, and where I expect he may be harbored. The above reward will be paid and all reasonable charges, for securing said fellow in any jail so I get him, or delivered me in Bent Creek, Buckingham, Virginia. Samuel Horatley. November 20, 1807.
For Sale, MY Dwelling House, and Four Half-Acre Lots of Ground, in the Town of Manchester, as formerly advertised: On receiving a part in cash, I am disposed to give a considerable credit, for the balance of purchase, or I will take young Negroes at a fair valuation, and Land in the State of Ohio, Tennessee or Kentucky, on such terms as may be agreed on—If the said property is not sold between now and Christmas, it will be leased to an approved tenant for a term of years. ARCH'D CAMPBELL. Manchester, Nov. 30, 1807.
Valuable Lands. THE subscriber will SELL, on a credit, or exchange for Property in Richmond or its neighborhood, the following LANDS, to wit: 822 acres in the state of Kentucky, by survey bearing date the 10th day of October 1797, lying and being in the district set apart for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia state line, on Little Barren river. Also, 1000 acres, in Kentucky, by survey bearing date the 10th October 1797, likewise lying in the district set apart for the officers and soldiers of the Virginia state line, on the north side of Little river, a branch of Cumberland river, and about two and an half miles from the mouth of Little river. Also, 450 acres of Land in the county of Mason, state of Virginia, on Old Town creek, about 8 miles from Mason courthouse. Indisputable titles will be made to the above mentioned lands; and plots of each tract may be seen on application to the subscriber residing in Richmond. THOMAS BOHANNAN. January 23d, 1808.
WASHINGTON HENRY ACADEMY WAS once a school of some note, but has been on the decline for many years. The fault is not so much in the foundation as in the prejudice of the public. The public is therefore respectfully requested to give it once again a small portion of encouragement and it may again hold up its head. Washington Henry Academy is situated in a very healthy and populous neighborhood, about nine miles from Richmond, in Hanover county, where pupils may be boarded in respectable families at 70 dollars per annum—tuition only five pounds. The Rev. Thomas Hughes will teach the dead languages, & the English grammar, mathematics, &c. will be taught by an assistant adequate to the task. The cardinal virtues and christian graces will be inculcated by precept, and enforced by example. N B Modern tactics will be taught and exemplified. December 1, 1807.
May be purchased on a long credit, and low terms. The Tenement, ON which the subscriber lives, situated on Church Hill, within about one half mile of the Richmond market—containing two acres of ground, well enclosed and highly improved—The buildings consist of a large and well constructed dwelling house, laundry, kitchen, dairy, smoke-house, two stores, brick office, coach house, barn and stable. All these buildings are well finished, and in complete order for the accommodation of a large and genteel family, who may have easy access to all the advantages of the city, and live as retired as they could wish. John Ellis. February 4, 1808.
NOTICE. I WILL DISPOSE OF MY TRACT OF LAND, LYING in Powhatan county, containing 500 acres of which there is 30 or more prime low grounds, which never is over-flowed by the river. Appomattox here is also a fine mill seat, the dam nearly completed, and timbers ready to go to complete the mill, upon a never failing stream. The terms will be one half cash, the balance in 12 months. I will sell or treat with any one between this and the 1st July next, otherwise it will be sold upon the premises, to the highest bidder together with other property. The terms of the personal property will be made known on the day of sale. John H. Saunders. January 5, 1808.
William & Mary College. A MEETING of the visitors of William and Mary College in their convocation room, is requested on the first Tuesday in the next month. The interests of the college require punctual attendance. Samuel Tyler, Rector. Williamsburg, Feb. 5, 1808.
NOTICE. WILL be sold on the twenty sixth day of this month, at the tavern of Mr. Nathaniel Childress, in the town of Manchester, five likely NEGROES, one of which is a good blacksmith, belonging to the estate of James Winfrey, deceased. Six months credit will be given the purchaser, giving bond with approved security, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to bring them forward, that provision may be made for payment thereof; and all those indebted are requested to make immediate payment, or suits will be commenced, as I wish to close my administration. WM. POINTER, Adm'r of JAMES WINFREY, dec. February 15.
THE Subscriber wishes to employ a manager for the present year that understands the culture of Tobacco & wheat, none need apply unless they can come well recommended; to such a man liberal wages will be given by applying to me at George Blakey's, esq. within one mile of Richmond. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT. February 15, 1808.
TO RENT, A GOOD TENEMENT on Market Alley, opposite the Market House; it is among the best stands in the neighborhood for a grocery. For terms apply to the subscriber or to Harry Tompkins. ISAAC WEBSTER. February 15.
A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS it appears to the Executive, on the evidence of Jacob Stealy, Peter Link, Jacob Myers and William Williams, taken before Benjamin Wilson, jun. esquire, one of the justices of the peace in and for the county of Harrison, within this commonwealth, that a certain JOHN SOMMERVILLE did on the night of the third of December last, at the house of David Hews, in the town of Clarksville, violently assault with a club, the body of John G. Jackson, esquire, and did feloniously, on purpose and of malice aforethought by lying in wait, unlawfully maim and disable the head and right arm of the said John G. Jackson, by fracturing the skull of the said Jackson, and by a violent blow on the said right arm of the said John G. Jackson inflicted; by which fracture and blow, and also by reason of divers other wounds, blows and bruises given said Jackson, by said Somerville, with the club aforesaid, the life of said Jackson became greatly endangered, and that the said Somerville hath escaped from the justice of the law: I have therefore thought fit, with the advice of the council of state, to issue this proclamation, hereby offering a reward of FIFTY DOLLARS to any person or persons who shall apprehend and conduct the said John Somerville before some one or more of the justices of the peace in and for the said county of Harrison, that he may be dealt with as in such cases the law directs: And I do moreover enjoin all officers civil and military, and exhort the good people of the commonwealth to use their best endeavors to apprehend and conduct before some one or more of the justices of the peace in and for the aforesaid county of Harrison, the said John Somerville, to be dealt with according to law. Given under my hand, with the seal of the (L.S.) commonwealth annexed, at Richmond, this fifteenth day of January, 1808. WM. H. CABELL.
P.S. The abovenamed John Somerville is a man of about six feet high, appears to be about twenty six or twenty-seven years of age, rather spare, but nervous, of light complexion and light hair. I AM desirous to exchange the following property, or any part thereof, as may be agreed on, for a small tract of good Land, in a healthy situation, with a dwelling house and other improvements, a good spring of water, and an agreeable neighborhood, at a distance of 50 to 100 miles up the country—To say for Houses in this city—Lands in Enrico county, joining the sea-demy lands, and near this city—2,000 acres on Richland creek, in Lincoln county, Kentucky—1,000 acres on the waters of the Ohio, in Mason county—and two tracts of Military Lands on the river Tennessee, each 866 2/3 acres. Robert Mitchell. Richmond, Feb. 6, 1808.
BLANK BONDS For Sale at this Office.
BETHLEHEM GABOR, OR THE Man-Hating Palatine; An historical Drama, By JOHN D. BURKE, of Petersburg.
Fisher's Military Tactics Wirt's Speeches.
The Editor of the Argus has this day published the SPEECHES of WILLIAM WIRT, Esq. on the TRIAL of AARON BURR, and Others. By virtue of a deed of trust executed to by Carter Wilkinson, to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned, to Austin Wharton, will be SOLD, on the premises, to the highest bidder for cash, on the 10th of March next. The Tract of Land Whereon the said Wilkinson now lives, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to pay the said debt and costs. John G. Daniel. Thomas H. Walton. February 4, 1808.
For Rent, THE House on the Main Street, next to Messrs Ellis and Allan, and now occupied by Mrs. Pheoep. Possession will be given on the first of January next—apply to JOSEPH GALLEGO. Richmond Dec. 27, 1807.
NOTICE is hereby given, That in conformity with the provisions of the act supplementary to the act, intitled "An act making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States," books will be opened at the office of the commissioner of loans for the state of Virginia, on the first day of July next, to continue open until the seventeenth day of March, 1808, inclusively, the fourteen last days of each quarter excepted, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions for such parts of the old six per cent. deferred stock as may, on the day of subscription, stand on the books of the said commissioner of loans. Those proprietors of the old six per cent. and deferred stocks, who may subscribe, will receive in lieu thereof a new six per cent. stock, equal to the unredeemed amount of the stock surrendered, redeemable at the pleasure of the United States, under a proviso however, that no reimbursement shall be made except for the whole amount of any such new certificate of stock, nor till after six months previous notice: and the proprietors of the three per cent. stock who may subscribe, will receive in lieu thereof, a six per cent. stock, equal to sixty-five per cent. of the amount of three per cent. surrendered, redeemable in the same manner as the new six per cent. abovenamed, but not reimbursable however, without the assent of the holders, until after the whole of the new six per cent. (given in exchange for the old six or deferred as abovenamed) as well as the whole of the eight per cent. stock of the United States, shall have been reimbursed. It is also provided that in every reimbursement which may take place, a preference will be given to those creditors who may notify their wish to be reimbursed; and that if the applications to that effect shall at any time either exceed or fall short of the sum then applicable to that purpose, the priority of payment shall, so far as may be necessary, be determined by lot. The present stockholders who reside in any part of Europe, and may assent to that modification, may, at their option, receive the interest accruing on the new stock, either in the United States as heretofore, or in London, or Amsterdam, at par: in which last case the interest will be paid there by the bankers of the United States, six months subsequent to the day on which the same would be payable in the United States and subject to no variation; nor to any other deduction than a commission to the bankers, of one half per cent. on the interest thus paid. JOHN PAGE, Commissioner of Loans.
NOTE. Proprietors of 1000 dollars nominal six per cent. stock, subscribed before the 1st October, 1807, will be entitled to receive, 649 62 of new six. If subscribed between the 1st October, and 31st Dec. 1807, 644 37 If subscribed between the 1st January and 17th March, 1808, 619 03 Proprietors of 1000 dollars nominal deferred, subscribed before the 1st October, 1807, will be entitled to receive, 855 78 If subscribed between the 1st October, and 31st Dec. 1807, 853 62 If subscribed between the 1st January, and 17th March, 1808, 831 42 Being the unredeemed amount of the old stock on the 1st July, and October, 1807, and 1st January, 1808, respectively. Proprietors of 1000 dollars three per cent. stock will be entitled to receive 650 dollars of new six. w9m J. P. Com'r. Loans.
MILITARY LANDS IN THE STATES OF OHIO AND KENTUCKY THE subscriber has for SALE, sundry valuable tracts of LAND, on the waters of the Miami and Sciota rivers, state of Ohio. Also, on the waters of Cumberland and Green rivers, state of Kentucky, which will be sold low for cash or good bonds—For further particulars enquire of William Price, register, who has the title papers, or to William Du Val. Buckingham, January 20, 1808.
APPLICATION will be made to the county court of Charlotte, to DISCONTINUE the ROAD leading from Morton's ferry road to Colie's ferry road. THOMAS READ.
The Famous High Blooded English Horse HAMBLETON, BRED by the Duke of Grafton, near 16 hands high, of high form and elegance, rising 16 years old, in good health and great perfection, imported by Wm. Lightfoot, Esq. of Charles City county, will stand the ensuing season, at my plantation in Hanover county, 20 miles from Richmond and 2 from Hanover Town and New Castle, to cover mares at 6 guineas the season, for which a note will be required, dischargeable by the payment of 20 dollars at any time before the first of August next, when the season will expire, with one dollar to the groom for each mare, paid at the stable door. Ten dollars the single leap, and 40 dollars to insure a mare with foal. Good and extensive pasturage, well enclosed, with branches running through the flat land affording as good forward pastures as any in this part of the country, gratis. Servants that may be sent with mares will be boarded for two dollars per week, and mares fed, if required, on reasonable terms. The greatest attention will be paid by my overseer, Mr. John Hog, but no liability for escapes or accidents. * Any gentleman putting 8 mares to Hambleton may send one gratis. GEORGE BLAKEY. February 15, 1808.
P E D I G R E E. Hambleton was got by Dungannon, sire of Bedford and one of the best sons of O'Kelly's famous Eclipse, who was esteemed to be the best horse in England of his day, and covered at fifty guineas—his dam by Snap, sister to Jupiter, bred by Mr. Cross, 1793—her dam, Young Marsk's dam, by Blank, Stirling, Miss Meynell, by Partner, Greyhound, Curwen, Bay Barb, Lord D'Arcy's Arabian, Whiteshirt, Old Montague mare. Thus it appears he descended from the best running stock in England.
P E R F O R M A N C E S. This horse ranks very high as a racer, both for speed and bottom, as he proved successful in 20 races before he left the turf, 4 of which he walked over, none venturing to start against him. In '94 at Hamble-on, Yorkshire, on Wednesday, May 14th, he won a sweepstakes of ten gs each, for 3 year olds. 6 subscribers, 2 miles, beating Mr. B. B. B. by Magnum Bonum. Pierce's b f by Young Marske, Turner's Confederacy, and Craddock's ch c Leicester. At York he won 50l. for 3 year olds, beating Lowther's b c Giffin Crompton's ch c Ambush, Sheppard's Madcap, Clifton's b c Cedar, and Garforth's ch c—even betting on Ambush against the field. At Manchester, in June, he won 50l. for 3 year olds, two mile heats, beating Foreigner and Loyalist. At Stockton, Sept. 20, he won a sweepstakes of 20 gs each, 5 subscribers, then Sir H. Williamson's property, formerly Mr. Hutchinson's, beating Field's Highflyer, out of Wren and Turner's Delphine. In 1795, Hambleton won 5 times, to wit: a handicap plate of 50l. 2 mile heats, at 4 years old, beating Insect, Blacklegs and Wathin's b c 5 years old. At Edinburgh, July 20, he won his majesty's plate of 100 gs 4 years old, 4 mile heats, beating Greyson's b h Archer, 6 years old, Mr. Peacock's ch g Farmer, and Mr. Wilson's Greeping Kace. At Dumfries in Oct. he won 50l. beating Lord Darlington's b m Constant. In 1796, Hambleton won at Kelso, Oct. 5, a purse of 50 gs beating Mr. Baillie's Blackcock. In 1797, he won 8 times, to wit: at Middleham, in York-shire, a sweepstakes of ten gs each, 5 subscribers, 3 mile heats, beating Merry Lad and Arthur. At Edinburgh, on Wednesday the 26th, 50 gs f all ages beating Eliza Fox and Betsy. On Friday the 28th, the Ladies subscription purse of 50 gs beating Fletcher's Jane. At Montrose, in Scotland, August, he walked over the ground for a 50l. plate, and also walked over the ground for a subscription of 50l. At Kelso, Oct. 16 for a plate of 50 gs he walked over the ground—and also his majesty's 100 gs given to the Caledonian Hunt, for forty horse, &c, carrying 12 st 4 mile heats, then 6 years old, he won against Mr. Wentworth's Trumbull, Piermont's Timmer, aged, and Kinkade's Hector, aged—and Saturday following, a purse of 50l. given by the Hunt, free for any horse, &c, beating Farewell and Roiker. At Carlisle he won 180 gs of Mr. Sitwell, beating his b f by Meteor. In 1798, he won at Edinburgh, August, 50l. for all ages, beating Maxwell's Arab, and Mr. Maule's Hippopamus. At Montrose he won a plate of 50 gs for all ages, beating Pitfother and Contractor. See the racing Calendars for the foregoing years. WM. LIGHTFOOT.
Colt's Performances—London. Hambleton's colts also rank very high as racers, both for speed and bottom as they proved themselves good runners in England. In 1805 at Catterick bridge, on Thursday 18th, Wentworth's b c Silverheels, by Hambleton two years old, won a sweepstakes of ten gs 8 subscribers, two miles, beating Mr. Riddle's b c by Overton, dam of Spadille; Mr. Lonsdale's ch c by Piperdam by Paymaster—Lord Strathmore's g f by Overton, dam by Delphin—Several others also started but were not placed—Durham, Wednesday, 24th, a Maiden Plate of 50l., given by the country members, for all ages, 3 mile heats. Sir H. Williamson's b c by Hambleton, 2 years old, run 4 heats, and proved second best—and 4 others started and proved themselves good runners.
C E R T I F I C A T E S. London, 17th February, 1806. William Lightfoot, Esq. Dear Sir,—Hambleton ought to stand very high with you, as his colts in this country turn out excellent runners &c. Ro. Crew. Charlotte, 10th May, 1806. I put five mares to Hambleton, and they all proved in foal, and the colts fine and large—I also have a mare which has bro't me four colts, one by Diomed, one by Dragon, one by Seagull, and another by Hambleton, and the Hambleton colt has the preference of either. I think her one of the finest fillies, both in size and figure that I ever saw—Given under my hand. Henry Lester.
Lunenburg, 5th May, 1806. This will certify that I put a mare to Hambleton in 1804, when he stood at Mr. H. Lester's in Charlotte county, and am as well pleased, if not better, with the colts by him, than with any the same mare ever had—she previously bred by Coeur de Lion, Diomed, Quicksilver and Dion. Gbed'h Lester. Charlotte county. In the year 1804 I put a mare to Hambleton, then kept by Mr. H. Lester of this county, and am fully persuaded that it is the best colt the mare ever had, and is in my estimation the best colt I ever bred from any horse—I moreover never have heard of any complaining of their colts from that horse. Thomas Read, Jr. Hanover County. I herewith certify that Mr. Wm. Lightfoot's horse Hambleton, stood at my stable the last season, and that he has proved an excellent foal-getter: his colts would do credit to any horse on the continent. Mr. Wm. Morris of this county and I put five mares each, all of which proved in foal. Given under my hand this 7th day of May, 1806. John T. Nelson.
Albemarle county, Temple Hill (VA) I do hereby certify that Mr. Wm. Lightfoot's English horse Hambleton, stood at my stable two seasons, viz in 1806 and 1807, and I consider him to be an excellent sure foal-getter, as any horse that I have been acquainted with—I have seen a number of his colts; I consider them large, fine and handsome—Not one that I have seen was different—I have previously put my fine mare Lady Slipper to Precipitate, Knowles and Hambleton, and she brought a colt by each, the Hambleton I consider much preferable. Given under my hand 10th December, 1807. James Kincaide. Charlotte County, 6th May, 1806. We the undersigned subscribers had colts dropped last season by Hambleton, and they are esteemed by us and we believe by the neighbours generally, to be remarkable good colts; being for the most part large, fine and handsome. We also believe that the season he stood in this country, he got as many colts as any horse could get with the same number of mares. William Mitchell, James Lambkin, Clement Smithson, Green Petus, Thomas Pettus, Wm. J. Morton, W. B. Lester.
THE IMPORTED HORSE, Diomed & Robin Redbreast, Stand the ensuing season at my stables, to be let to mares—Terms made known in due time. Thomas Goode.
SIR HARRY, THE handsomest and one of the best sons of Sir Peter Teazle, (unquestionably the best stallion now in England or inter to none ever bred in that country,) will stand the ensuing season at my stable, in King and Queen county, about 40 miles from Richmond, 7 from Dunkirk and 12 from Tappahannock, at 50 dollars the season, notes for which, and half a dollar for the groom, must be sent with the mares or before they are taken away. The 50 dollars may be discharged by the payment of 40 dollars cash (and in the event of the embargo continuing, or war, by 30 dollars) on or before the expiration of the season, which will commence on the 1st March and end 1st August. Extensive high and low land pasturage, as good as any in Virginia, gratis. Mares may be fed with corn at the market price, and every attention will be paid to them, but no liability for escapes or accidents of any kind. Mares and foals will be kept by themselves. Sir Harry was imported in the fall of 1804, from London, is now 12 years old, in high health and vigor, 15 hands 3 inches high, full of bone and muscle, fine points, elegant form and beautiful brown color. He has covered three seasons in this country, has proved himself a sure foal-getter, and his stock are equal to any in the world. He was one of the best racers in England, both for speed and bottom, with very heavy weights, and probably cost more money than any horse ever imported into this country (standing the owner within a trifle of £1200 sterling when landed) and in the estimation of good judges, is equal, if not superior, to any that is now, or ever was in the state. As the universal practice here, is to run heats, it is needless to point out to those who have fine mares the advantages that may result from sending them to this horse. His dam Matron. (foaled in 1785) was got by Alfred, grandam (dam of 1st) by Marsk, great grandam by Regulus, great great grandam (dam of Wildair and Vampyr) by Steady, great great grandam by Partner, Greyhound, Makeless, Counsellor Brimmer, Peace's White Turk. Alfred was got by Matchem (foaled in 1770) out of a Snap mare (the dam of Conduct r, Dicatar, Georgiana and others) bred by the duke of Kingston, foaled in 1762; her dam by the Cullen Arab; Griswold's Lady Thigh, by Partner; Greyhound; Sophonisba's dam, by the Curwan Bay Barb; Lord D'Arcy's chequer Arabian; Whiteshirt; Old Montague mare. Matchem was got by Cade; Cade (own brother to Lath) was got by the Godolphin Arabian; Marsk was got by Squirt; Squirt was got by Bartlett's Childers; Regulus was got by the Godolphin Arabian. Sir Peter Teazle was got by Highflyer, out of Papillon, by Snap. Snap was got by Snip; Snip was got by the Devonshire Childers, out of a Basta mare; Highflyer was got by Herod, out of Rachel by Blank; Herod was got by Tartar, out of Cypron, by Blaze; Tartar was got by Partner, out of Meliora, by Old Fox. John Hoskins. January 15, 1808. N.B. It is not probable that Sir Harry will ever again stand to the northward of his owners in the neighborhood of Petersburg.
Daniel Simmons, RESPECTFULLY informs the public that he has taken the TAVERN formerly occupied by John Brewer, and assures them, that no exertion shall be wanting on his part, to add to the comfort and ease of those who may please to favor him with their company. He will constantly keep on hand good spirits and provender. Petersburg, February 2, 1808. w3r
Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from this city, about the 12th of last November, a negro man slave named CESAR, the property of the subscriber; he formerly belonged to Mr. Robert Alexander of Campbell county, and was bought from him a small boy in the year 1789; he is now about 6 feet high his big toe on his right foot is very remarkable, being split with an axe thro' the nail and nearly as high; as the second joint, by that it is much broader and larger than the other. He was accustomed to run James river above the falls, and was seen on the 16th of the same month November, going thro' the locks in a bateaux, with a negro man slave named Abram, who was head man, and belongs to the estate of Col. John Harvie, dec. If Cesar is not concealed by the said Abram he is gone up the river in some other bateaux. On delivering him to me or securing him in some jail so that I get him again, shall be paid the above reward by Robert Mitchell. City of Richmond, 25th Jan. 1808. wif
200 Acres of Land, BY virtue of a deed of trust from Thomas Poor, to the subscriber, bearing date the 18th day of January, 1803, and recorded in Goochland court, for the purpose of securing the payment to James Scruggs, of a certain sum of money therein mentioned, together with interest and costs attending the sale, will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the house of the said Thomas Poor, in the county of Goochland, on Saturday the 5th day of March next. More or less, whereon the said Poor now resides, possession to be given the purchaser on the 25th day of December next. ARCH. BRYCE, Trustee.
By virtue of a deed of trust from Thomas Poor, to the subscriber, bearing date the 18th day of January, 1803, and recorded in Goochland court, for the purpose of securing the payment to James Scruggs, of a certain sum of money therein mentioned, together with interest and costs attending the sale, will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the house of the said Thomas Poor, in the county of Goochland, on Saturday the 5th day of March next. More or less, whereon the said Poor now resides, possession to be given the purchaser on the 25th day of December next. ARCH. BRYCE, Trustee.