The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1807-04-14 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE...AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM... (PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
NUMBER 107.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 14, 1807.
[VOLUME 3]
VIRGINIA BANK STOCK.....101 3/4.
Richmond Prices Current.
   Dolls. Cts.     Tobacco, 5 3/4 to 6 00   Wheat, New, 1 17   Flour—superfine, New, 6 to 6 50   fine, 5 75   Corn—per barrel, 4 50   Bacon—per lb.   Bar Iron—per ton, 120 12   Whiskey—per gallon,  
IN CHANCERY.
Buckingham county, January court, 1807. Daniel and William Guerrant [for the benefit of James Rea and others their trustees.]
Smyth Tandy & Nathan Ayres, Defs. ON the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the defendant Tandy is not an inhabitant of this state; It is ordered and decreed, that unless he shall appear here on or before May court next and answer the plaintiffs bill, the court will then proceed to take the same for confessed as to him, and decree the matter thereof accordingly; and that a copy of this order be forthwith published in some public newspaper of the city of Richmond for two months successively, and another copy be posted up at the front door of the court-house of this county.
A Copy. Teste, R. ELDRIDGE, jr. D. C. Feb. 24. ouw2mp.
IN CHANCERY.
In King William County Court, March 24th, 1807. Edward Watson, Compt.
Thomas Reeves, (an absent debtor) & John Temple, Defs. THIS day came the Complainant by his Counsel, and the deft. Thomas Reeves, not having entered his appearance, and given security, according to the act of Assembly, and the rules of this court; and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the Complainant, it is ordered, that the said Deft. Thomas Reeves, do appear here, on the fourth day of the May term next, and answer the bill of the Complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper, printed in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and another copy posted at the front door of the court house, of this county. And it is further ordered, that the said John Temple do not pay, convey away, or secrete any debts by him owing to the other Deft. Thomas Reeves, until the further order or decree of this court.
A Copy. Teste, ROBERT POLLARD, c. c. March 27. cpm.
JOHN LE TELLIER, DENTIST,
AT THE EAGLE TAVERN.
OFFERS his services to the inhabitants of Richmond, in the various branches of his profession, in restoring the Teeth to their natural elegance, without injuring their enamel, by cleansing them from that corrosive substance called Tartar, which adheres to them, it being of a yellow or black appearance, producing Scurvy, causing an offensive Breath, decaying of the Teeth, or a washing of the Gums and bony process of the Jaw, till they drop out.
Persons unto whom nature has denied the satisfaction of lasting natural Teeth, may have their loss supplied by artificial ones, fit with such nicety and beauty, that they cannot be distinguished from natural, and of materials that will not change to an unnatural colour. Hollow ones he plugs, so as to prevent them from being painful, or further decaying for many years, and reinserts those with the Gums that are much depreciated by carelessness or corrosive medicines. Likewise extracts such as are too far gone to save, in which operation he makes use of his Patent Perpendicular Extracting Instruments, which take the Teeth out without any possibility of fracturing the jaw or bruising the gums, and with much less pain than the instruments that are in general use by Surgeons and Dentists.
He has DENTIFRICE of a very superior quality, which he has lately prepared and for Sale.
Those who are to be waited on at their residence, by directing a line or servant to Mr. Le Tellier, will be attended to.
April 7. 2w2w.
SMITH'S PATENT BAKERY. N. E. side of the Basin of the Canal, Richmond. CRACKERS, Pilot, Navy and Ship Bread, are now making at the above manufactory, and sold there and at the Store of the Subscriber, in any desirable quantity to accommodate purchasers. Every pains will be taken that the quality of the Bread may be improved equal to the best in the U. States; and the prices will be regulated as low as the rates of flour with admix. Letters and orders will meet respectful and prompt attention from JAS. SMITH, 2nd door below the Eagle-Tavern. April 7. 4t.
THE SUBSCRIBER, Is desirous to sell a part of his LOT, on the Main-Street nearly opposite the Court-House, lay from twenty-two to forty-four feet in front, and extending one hundred and fifty-five feet back, it is an eligible situation and worthy the attention of any person who wishes to purchase for the purpose of building thereon. The terms will be made known on application to RICHARD THOMPSON. April 7. 4t.
To be sold, to the highest bidder, on the premises, on the 5th day of May next,
So much of the LAND, wherein John Kelso lives, in the county of Cumberland, late the property of Peter Francisco, as will pay the balance claimed of him, by Samuel G. Adams, of £ 163, with its interest, by virtue of a Deed of Trust executed to me, by the said Peter Francisco, for that purpose.
WM. RANDOLPH, Trustee. April 8. cpm.
THE FARMER'S VIRGINIA ALMANACK, for the Year 1807, printed by Thomas Ritchie, is now for sale, by the gross, dozen or single, at the ENQUIRER Book-Store. Also—A General Assortment of Lawyers' and Sheriffs' BLANKS, just printed.
March 10. (tl.)
NOTICE.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of William Maltbie, deceased, of Chesterfield county, wherein I am concerned, are requested to bring them forward, their accounts properly authenticated, on or before the first day of April next, as provisions may be made for the discharge of the same. Also, all those having claims against the estate of Andrew Scott, deceased, of said county, are requested to come forward; and those indebted, to pay off their respective accounts, as no indulgence will be given, and this notice plead in bar, of any claim brought forward, after the above date, as I intend to close my administration, to April court.
ROBERT M'TYRE, Adm'r of ANDREW SCOTT. March 10. tf.
NOTICE.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of John Pendleton, eq. late of the City of Richmond, deceased, are requested to exhibit them to either of the subscribers as speedily as possible. GEO. PICKETT, ROBERT POLLARD, CHS. JOHNSTON, N. SHEPPARD. Administrators. November 18. tf.
NOTICE.
JOHN TOMPKINS. HAS received an assortment of GOODS consisting of FLANNELS, Coatings, Blankets, Rose and Duffel, the Drabs, Frize, Kerseys, Feanought, Cloths, Carpets and Carpeting, Bombazetts, Swansdown, Patent Cord, Powder and Shot, Dowlas, Sheeting, Kerseys, Calicoes and Muslins, &c. &c. which he will dispose of on very liberal terms, by the piece or package. Nov. 14. tf.
THE Subscriber has commenced the practice of the Law, and has determined to prosecute it with the greatest assiduity in all the courts held in this place. He will, likewise, regularly attend the county courts of Goochland and Chesterfield. His Office is over the Store of Mr. Burr, in the second house above the Eagle Tavern. Richmond, Feb. 27. WM. HAY, JR. cpm.
PUBLIC SALE.
To satisfy sundry protested notes due from Michael Grantland, to M. W. Hancock & Co. & Granbury & Hancock, will be sold, for ready money, on Tuesday the seventh of next month, at the office of Taylor and Brown.
A LOT OF GROUND with all its houses and appurtenances, situated in the City of Richmond, on the cross street leading from the main street to Adam Craig's office, adjoining Crawford's lot, and extending on the cross street aforesaid one hundred and ten feet towards the main street, from thence fifty feet back, from thence one hundred and fifty feet in a line parallel with the cross street, and from thence fifty feet to the beginning; being the same lot of ground and appurtenances which was conveyed by the said Grantland in trust to the subscriber, bearing date the 25th June, 1805, now of record in the Huitings Court of this City, as by reference thereto will fully appear. March 23. THOMAS TAYLOR, Trustee.
THE sale of the above property having been postponed on an application for an injunction, which injunction having been refused by the chancellor, the public are informed that a sale of the said property will positively take place at the Office of Taylor and Brown, on Monday the 20th day of the present month, between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock of that day. April 10. THOMAS TAYLOR.
NOTICE.
ALL those having claims against the late firm of Thomas Scott & Co. of Powhatan County, as Archibald McRae who was one of the partners in that business, will render their accounts properly authenticated to the subscriber in all the month of April next, that a dividend may be made of such funds as has come into his hands, as soon thereafter as possible. JAMES FISHER. March 20. tf.
TO BE SOLD, FOR READY MONEY.
IN pursuance of a Deed of Trust, from Wm. Bentley, Esq. executed on the 28th day of Jan. 1806, and recorded in the Richmond District Court, in order to raise the sum of five hundred dollars due to Ann Dorley with the expenses of sale.
A TRACT of LAND in the county of Goochland, on Beaver Dam Creek, containing 6 hundred acres more or less, it being that part of the Tract of Land formerly owned by Wm. Ronalds, which was sold under a decree of the High Court of Chancery, in the suit of Jefferson vs. Ronalds Representatives, and whereof the said Bentley became the purchaser, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to raise the said sum of money and the expenses. The sale will take place at Goochland Court-House, on Monday the 20th day of April next. E. CARRINGTON, J. WICKHAM, } Trustees. Richmond, March 20. tdf.
LAND—FOR SALE.
On the 27th day of this month, at Cumberland Court-House, being court day: WILL be offered to the highest bidder, a tract of LAND belonging to the estate of Peter Field, dec. in Cumberland county, on Willis's river, and adjoining the town of Cairo, containing by estimation 786 ACRES. This sale is made in conformity to a decree of the Superior Court of Chancery, for the Richmond District, to satisfy a debt therein mentioned, due to Alexander Trent's estate. The terms of sale are one third down, one third in twelve months, and the balance in two years, from the day of sale.—Bonds, with a Deed of Trust on the land will be demanded by the COMMISSIONERS. April 8. tdf.
THE SUBSCRIBERS,
Having taken a House a few doors below the Ball-Tavern, offers For Sale, under the firm of WHITE & SHELTON.
A GENERAL assortment of GROCERIES, which they will dispose of on very moderate terms, for Cash, Country produce, or approved paper. ISAAC WHITE, JOHN S. SHELTON. December 23. cpm.
TO RENT.
THE TENEMENT lately occupied by Mrs. Whitaker, in an agreeable retired situation and very convenient for a family. WM. M'KIM. Richmond, March 6. tf.
TWENTY-EIGHT BARRELS APPLES,
FOR SALE BY WHITE & SHELTON. March 10. (tl.)
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the night of the 26th of March, from John Miller's Tavern, in the county of Essex, a NEGRO MAN named Nelson, lately purchased from Mr. Richard Straughan of Richmond county. He is about five feet seven or eight inches high, low legged, of a black complexion, one of his under fore teeth out, and has a pleasing countenance, when spoken to; & was hired by Col. Daingerfield, near Tappahannock; any person that will apprehend the said fellow, and secure him in Jail, in Tappahannock, or any other Jail in this state, shall receive twenty five dollars reward, and all other reasonable charges paid by JOHN FROST.
N. B. It is likely that he is lurking about the plantation of Col. Daingerfield, where he has a wife, or about Mrs. William's plantation, below Farham Church, where he formerly resided. South Carolina. (New ) March 31.—law4wp Berry Court House. } tf.
THE LAND wherein I now reside, containing 550 acres is still for sale by private contract and immediate possession given if required. JOHN KELSO. Dec. 27. lawtf.
TO RENT.
For three or five years: THAT valuable TANYARD of the late Mr. Jacob Bockius, and now occupied by the Subscriber situated on the Main-Street of this city, between the Capitol and Basin of the canal, its conveniences are superior to any other in this place. A large Currying Shop, Cellar and drying loft, a spacious Bark House, two Bark Mills and Houses, a Beam House and every other requisite for the tanning of from 2 to 3000 hides a year, exclusive of skins: Also on the same tenement a convenient DWELLING HOUSE, Kitchen, Smoke-House, Stable and Garden, the renter may be accommodated with about one hundred cords of excellent red and black oak Bark, now in the Bark House at a fair price. Proposals for the above will be received by the subscriber. Bond with approved security will be required, and possession given of the whole, except a few of the vats, on the first of September next. The reason assigned for offering the foregoing property for rent, is the ill state of health of the Subscriber to pay that attention the business requires. MARCUS ELCAN. April 3. tf.
A SSIZE OF BREAD for the city of Richmond,
from the 6th inst. until further orders (Superfine Flour being 7 Dollars and 34 Cents per Barrel) viz. A single loaf made of Superfine Flour to weigh 23 ozs. for 4 1-2 Ditto of Common Flour 24 4 1-2 Double the above wt. respectively 9 EDW. CARRINGTON, Mayor. January 6. tf.
MILITARY LANDS.
In the State of Ohio, for Sale. WHEREAS William Carter, late of the city of Richmond, commonly called Doctor William Carter, was, on the first day of August 1797, and at the time of his death, entitled by warrant or warrants for services as a Surgeon, in the service of the United States, to 4000 acres of such Lands, and made his testament and last will on the same day, & year, whereby he directed, "That as soon as the Surveys of his Lands on the waters of the Scioto, north west of the river Ohio could be received, and a Patent or Patents obtained for the same, the said Lands might be sold to the best advantage, and on the longest credit, that the purchase of his houses and lots would admit of," and departed this life, without altering or revoking the said testament, whereof he constituted three Executors, two of whom, to wit, Joseph Jackson and the subscriber, both of the city of Richmond, only, took that office upon themselves: And whereas before the said surveys could be obtained, to wit, two of eight hundred acres each, and one of twelve hundred acres, on the upper side of Darby creek, and one of one thousand, and one of two hundred acres on the waters of the said creek, the Lands so surveyed had been ceded by the commonwealth of Virginia, to the United States, whereby the obtainment of Patents for the same hath been hitherto obstructed; but that obstruction has been lately removed by an act of Congress, though the circumstance of the estate of the said Testator, will not admit any extensive credit, to be given to the purchaser or purchasers.
I, as acting Executor of the said Testament, hereby notify to the public, that a sale of the said lands, will be made at the front door of the Eagle Tavern, in the city of Richmond, on Tuesday the 12th day of May next ensuing, at Public Auction, to the best bidder, for the most that can be gotten, in ready money, or notes, with approved endorser, negotiable, and payable at the Bank of Virginia, within 60 days of the day of sale, when satisfactory proof, relative to the title of Doctor Carter, will be exhibited by the subscriber, and when he will be ready to transfer the same, with a covenant of warranty against all his own acts tending to lessen or impair the same. CHARLES SPENCER, law tdf. April 3. tf.
NOTICE.
THE co-partnership of Shepherd and Ferguson, is this day dissolved by mutual consent; all persons that are indebted to the said firm, are requested to come forward and make immediate payment, to Abraham Shepherd, who is fully authorised to receive and grant discharges for the same—otherwise, suits will be brought indiscriminately. ABRAHAM SHEPHERD, SAMUEL FERGUSON. March 24. (Imlaw.)
A GOOD BARGAIN.
FOR SALE, THAT well known TRACT OF LAND, THE SABLING GROVE, thirteen miles below the town of Abingdon, in Washington county, Virginia, containing one thousand six hundred acres, and including the plantation wherein the late general Evan Shelby lived. The whole of this tract is level; great part of it is equal in quality to any land on the Western waters, has many very fine springs upon it, and a stream running through it, suitable for any kind of Water Works, at all seasons of the year. As a purchaser would choose to view the premises, any further description of the Land, or of the valuable Farm thereon, is unnecessary. The title is indisputable. To prevent trouble, the price is ten thousand dollars, payable in three equal annual payments. Likely slaves will be taken for any part of the purchase money. ISAAC SHELBY. Lincoln County (K.) Nov. 28. 1a10m4j.
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF
BLANKS, FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
Europe.
FRENCH BULLETINS.
In the present dearth of foreign and domestic intelligence, we conceive we cannot render our readers a more acceptable service than to put in their possession the regular series of "Bulletins from the French Grand Army," in their official form; because (however tinged with prejudice or partiality) they contain the only authentic account of the operations of the army, and will be useful to refer to hereafter as a very important historical record. We, therefore, commence where our last advices left off, with the 45th. N. Y. Merc. Adv.
FORTY-FIFTH BULLETIN OF THE
GRAND ARMY. Pultusk, December 27.
The Russian General Benningsen had the command of an army which was estimated at 60,000 men. At first he intended to cover Warsaw; but he took a lesson from the intelligence of the occurrences which had taken place in Prussia, and determined to retreat towards the Russian frontiers. Without having been compelled almost to fight a single battle, the French entered Warsaw, passed the Vistula, & occupied Praga. In the mean time, Field Marshal Kamenkoy joined the Russian army, just at the moment when Benningsen's corps formed a junction with that under Buxhowden. He was indignant at the retreat of the Russians, conceiving that it tended to fulfil the honor of his country's arms, and he accordingly made a movement in advance.
Prussia remonstrated with the most earnest importunity, and complained that after all the promises of support made to her, she was abandoned; representing that the way to Berlin was not by Grodno, Olita, or Breze; that her subjects had begun to abate in their zeal for their sovereign; and that the habit of beholding the throne of Berlin in the possession of the French, was dangerous to him and favorable to the enemy. The Russians not only ceased their retrograde movement, but they again began to advance. On the 5th of December, General Benningsen moved forward his head-quarters to Pultusk. The orders issued were to prevent the French from passing the Narew, to retake Praga, and to occupy the banks of the Vistula, until the moment when more important offensive operations could be adopted.
The junction of Generals Kamenkoy, Buxhowden, and Benningsen, was celebrated at the Palace of Sierock with rejoicings and illuminations, which were deferred from the Reciprocals of Warsaw. Nevertheless, at the moment when the enemy were cheering themselves with festivals, the Narew was passed. Eight hundred Frenchmen having suddenly crossed that river at its junction with the Ukra, entrenched themselves the same night, and when the enemy appeared the next morning, with the intention of forcing them back into the river, they found themselves too late. The French were secure against every event.
Being informed of this change in the enemy's operations, the Emperor left Posen on the 16th.—At the same moment he put his army in motion. Every report which had been received of the conversation of the Russians gave him to understand that they designed to resume offensive operations.
Marshal Ney had been for several days master of Thorn. He united the different corps of his army at Gollup. Marshal Bessieres, with the second corps of the cavalry of reserve, consisting of the divisions of the dragoons of Schue and Crouchy, and the divisions of Hautpoul's cuirassiers, marched from Thorn to proceed to Biezun. The Marshal Prince of Ponte Corvo marched with his corps to support them. Marshal Soult passed the Vistula opposite Plock; and Marshal Augereau passed at Zaakroczyn, where the utmost exertion was made to establish a bridge. The same activity was exerted in constructing that on the Narew.
On the 22d, the bridge on the Narew was completed. All the reserve of cavalry instantly passed the Vistula at Praga, on their march to the Narew where Marshal Davoust had collected the whole of his corps. At one o'clock in the morning of the 23d, the emperor set out from Warsaw, and passed the Narew at nine. On reaching the Ukra, and the considerable intrenchments thrown up by the enemy, he ordered a bridge to be thrown across at the confluence of the Narew and Ukra. By the zeal of the General of Artillery the bridge was completed in two hours.
Battle during the night at Czarnowo.
The division of Morand immediately passed, with the intention of carrying the enemy's intrenchments near the village of Czarnowo. Brigadier Gen. Maulde supported him with his light cavalry. Gen. Beaumont's division of dragoons passed immediately after. A cannonade commenced at Czarnowo. Marshal Davoust ordered Gen. Petit to pass over with the 12th of the line, and to carry the redoubts. Night came on. All the operations had to be carried on by moonlight, and by two o'clock in the morning the object which the emperor proposed to himself was attained. All the batteries of the village of Czarnowo were carried. Those of the bridge were also occupied. Fifteen thousand men who defended them were routed, after an obstinate resistance. A few prisoners and six pieces of cannon remained in our hands. Several of the enemy's Generals were wounded. On our side we had few killed, but nearly 200 wounded. At the same time, at the other extremity of our line of operation, Marshal Ney totally routed the remains of the Prussian army, and drove them, with very considerable loss, into the wood of Lauterburg. Marshal Bessieres had a brilliant affair of cavalry, surrounded and made prisoners three squadrons of hussars, and took several pieces of cannon.
Battle of Naselsk.
On the 24th the Reserve of Cavalry and the Corps of Marshal Davoust began their march to Naselsk.—The emperor gave Gen. Rapp the command of the advanced guard. At the distance of a league from Naselsk they fell in with the enemy's advanced guard. Gen. Lemavois was detached, with two regiments of dragoons, to turn an extensive wood and surround this advanced guard. This movement was executed with promptitude; but the enemy's advanced guard finding that the French army made no
motion in advance, suspected some manoeuvre, and did not keep their ground. Some charges, however, were made, in one of which Major Onwarow, aid-de-camp to the Emperor of Russia, was made prisoner. Immediately after, a detachment reached the little town of Naselsk. A brisk cannonade ensued. The enemy had a good position, his intrenchments being secured by morasses and woods. Marshal Kamenkoy commanded in person, and thought he might pass the night in that position to await the arrival of other columns to join him. Vain calculation! He was driven out of it, and compelled to retreat several leagues, though fighting all the way. A few Russian Generals were wounded, several Colonels made prisoners, and several pieces of cannon taken.—Colonel Belker, of the 8th regiment of dragoons, a brave officer, was mortally wounded.
Passage of the Ukra.
At the same moment Gen. Nasfow, with Klair's division and a brigade of light cavalry, totally routed, in front of Kurskomb, the Cossacks and enemy's cavalry who had crossed the Ukra at that point, and then defended the passage of the river. The 7th corps of the army, commanded by Marshal Augereau, effected its passage of the Ukra at Kurskomb, and routed the 15,000 men who defended it. The passage of the bridge was achieved in the most brilliant style. It was performed by the 14th of the line in close columns, while the 16th light infantry kept up a brisk fire of musketry on the right bank. Scarcely had the 14th formed on the other side of the bridge, when they had to meet a charge of cavalry, which they sustained with the intrepidity habitual to the French infantry. But a pikeman unfortunately forced his way to the head of the line, and plunged his pike into the Colonel, who fell dead on the spot. He was a brave soldier, and worthy of commanding so brave a corps. A discharge of musketry by his regiment, in the very faces of the enemy, and which threw their cavalry into the greatest disorder, was the full honour done to his memory.
On the 25th the 3d corps, commanded by Marshal Davoust, marched for Tykoczyn, whither the enemy retreated. The 6th corps, commanded by Marshal Lannes, took the road to Pultusk, with the division of Belker's dragoons. The emperor, with the greater part of the cavalry of reserve, proceeded to Ciechanow.
Passage of the Sanna.
General Garella, whom the Emperor had sent with 30 of his Guards, to reconnoitre the enemy's motions, reported that they were passing the river Sanna at Lopazyn, and directing their march to Pyczczyn. The Grand Duke of Berg, who had been left ill at Warsaw, unable to resist the impatient desire which he felt to take a part in the events which were in preparation, set out from that city, and had just joined the emperor. He took two squadrons of the chasieurs of the guards with him, to observe the motion of the enemy's column. The brigades of the light cavalry of reserve, and the divisions of Klein and Nasfow, made all speed to join him. On reaching the bridge of Lopazyn, he found it guarded by a regiment of Russian hussars. This regiment was instantly charged by the chasieurs of the guards and driven into the river, with no other loss on our side than that of a quarter-master being wounded. The half of this column had not yet passed; it was attempting a passage higher up the river. The Grand Duke made Colonel Dahlmann charge it at the head-quarters of the column, after putting several squadrons to the route.
Whilst the column which the enemy had so imprudently thrown down the right bank, were endeavoring to gain the Narew, in order to reach Tykoczyn, their point of rendezvous, Tykoczyn was already occupied by Marshal Davoust, who took there 200 baggage-carts, & a great number of sledges which had been collected from all quarters.
All the columns of the enemy are broken, and wandering about in a state of disorder difficult to imagine. The Russian General committed the error of posting his army so as to have the French army on his flank, separated, it is true, by the Narew, but having a bridge across that river. Had the season been favourable, one might have predicted that the Russian army could not have retreated, and that it would have been destroyed without a battle; but at a season when it is dark at four, and where it is not light until eight; the enemy are pursuing has every chance of escape, particularly in a country naturally difficult and intersected with woods. Besides, the roads are four feet deep with mud, and thaw continues. The artillery can no longer advance more than two leagues in a day. It is therefore easy to foresee that the enemy will effect his retreat from the embarrassing situation which he is placed; but he will lose all the artillery, wagons and baggage.
In the evening of the 25th, the following was the position of the French army. The left, consisting of the corps under the Marshal Prince of Ponte Corvo, and Marshal Ney and Bessieres, were marching from Biezun on the road to Grodno. Marshal Soult was entering Ciechanow. Marshal Augereau was marching for Colymin and Pultusk. Marshal Lannes was at Pultusk.
In these two days we made from fifteen to sixteen hundred prisoners, and took from twenty-five to thirty pieces of cannon, three pair of colours, and one standard.
The weather here is extraordinary. It is warmer than in the month of October at Paris; but it is rainy; and in a country where there are no regular roads, one is in the mud at every step.
FORTY-SIXTH BULLETIN OF THE
GRAND ARMY. Colymin, Dec. 28.
Marshal Ney, charged with executing the manoeuvres by which he was to drive the Prussian Lieutenant General Leflocq from Wroka, to outflank him, and, by these means, to cut off his communication with the Russians, has executed these movements with his accustomed ability and intrepidity. On the 23d, General Marchand's divisions moved to Guenzno. On the 24th, the enemy was pursued to Kusibrook. On the 25th, the division came to an action, by which the enemy's rear suffered some loss. On the 26th, the enemy having collected at Soldan and Miawa, Marshal Ney was determined to advance and attack him. The Prussians were in possession of Soldan with 6000 infantry, and

about 1000 cavalry, and, being defended by moralis and other obstacles about the place, they thought themselves secure against any attack. All these difficulties, however, were surmounted by the 59th and 78th regiments. The enemy defended himself in all the streets of the place, and was every where driven with fixed bayonets.—General Lebow, observing the small number of the troops that had attacked him, wished to retake the place. In the course of the night he made four successive attacks, without effect. He afterwards retired to Neidenburg. Six pieces of cannon, some colours, and a great number of prisoners are the effects of this affair at Soldan. Marshal Ney praises General Von der Woldt, who was wounded. He also makes particular mention of Colonel Braun of the 69th, whose behaviour was highly encouraging.
“On the same day, the 59th marched to Lauterberg.”
“During the action at Soldan, Gen. Marchand’s division drove the enemy from Miawa, where also a great action took place.”
“Marshal Bessieres had already taken possession of Biezun, with the second corps of cavalry, on the 19th. The enemy feeling the importance of this post, and observing that the left wing of the French army wished to cut the Prussians off from the Russians, made an attempt to retake the place: this gave rise to the engagement at Biezun.”
“On the 23d at 9 o’clock, the enemy approached by various ways. Marshal Bessieres had placed the only two companies of infantry he had, upon the bridge; when seeing the enemy approach in great numbers, he ordered Gen. Crouchy to advance with his division to meet them. The enemy had already made himself master of the village of Carmieden, into which he had thrown a battalion of infantry.”
“Being attacked by Gen. Crouchy’s division, the enemy’s line was soon broke; the Prussian infantry and cavalry, 6000 strong, were thrown into confusion, and driven into the moat. Five hundred prisoners, five pieces of cannon, and two standards, are the fruits of this attack. Marshal Bessieres bestows the highest encomiums upon Gen. Crouchy, Gen. Rouget, and his Chief of the Staff Gen. Roussel; Renie, the Chief of Escadron, of the 6th dragoons, distinguished himself. M. Launay, Captain of the select company of that regiment is killed.”
“M. Borrau, Aide-de-camp of Marshal Bessieres, is killed. In general our loss is of small consequence; it consists of eight killed, and about 20 wounded. The dragoon Plat, of the 6th, and M. Joffroy, of 5d., took two standards.”
“His Majesty, wishing to give Prince Jerome an opportunity of obtaining military knowledge, had ordered him from Silesia. This Prince has been present in all the affairs that have occurred, and has frequently been at the advanced posts.”
“His Majesty is highly pleased with the conduct of the artillery, for the firmness they have displayed in various affairs, and for the activity in laying bridges, and conducting the cannon along the bad roads.”
“General Marulaz, Commandant of the cavalry of the light corps; Colonel Excellmans, of the 1st Yagers; and General Petit, have displayed marks of courage and military skill.”
“His Majesty has given particular orders, that in the official details of the different affairs, no traits be passed over which deserve to be conveyed to future ages; as it is on that account, and in order to live forever in the memory of posterity, that the French soldiers brave every fatigue and danger.”
“[The 47th Bulletin was published in the Enquirer of the 13th March, copied from a Boston paper, and there erroneously called the 45th.]”
FORTY-EIGHTH BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Warsaw, Jan. 3.
“Gen. Corbineau, aid-de-camp to the Emperor, had set out from Pultusk in pursuit of the enemy, with three regiments of light cavalry. After occupying Brok, he reached Ostrowie, on the 1st instant. On his march he picked up 400 Russian soldiers, officers, and a great quantity of baggage waggons.”
“Marshal Soult, with three brigades of light horse, part of LaSalle’s division, has taken a position along the banks of the little river Creyca, in order to cover the cantonments of the army.”
“Marshal Ney, the Prince of Ponte Corvo, and Marshal Bessieres, have cantoned their troops on the left bank.”
“The light corps under Marshal Soult, Davoust, and Lannes, continue to occupy Pultusk, and the banks of the Bug.”
“The enemy’s army continues to retreat. The Emperor arrived at Warsaw on the 2d of Jan.”
“We have had snow and frost for two days in continuance; but it has begun again to thaw, and the roads, which were becoming somewhat better, are now as bad as before.”
“Prince Borghese has incessantly been at the head of the 1st regiment of Carabiniers, which he commands. The brave Carabiniers and Cuirassiers testified the most anxious desire to meet the enemy; but the divisions of dragoons which came first into action, by carrying every thing before them, left the former no opportunity of attacking the enemy.”
“His Majesty has appointed Gen. Lariboisiere a Gen. of division, and given him the command of the artillery of the Guards. He is an Officer of the highest merit.”
“The troops of the Grand Duke of Werthburg compose the garrison of the city of Berlin. They consist of two regiments, which make an excellent appearance.”
“The corps under Prince Jerome continues to besiege Breslau. That beautiful city is in ashes. A disposition to wait the course of events, and the hope of being relieved by the Russians, have prevented the garrison from surrendering, but the siege makes progress. The Bavarian and Wurtemberg troops have merited the praise of Prince Jerome, and the esteem of the French army.”
“The Governor of Silesia had collected the garrisons of the fortresses or yet blockaded, and formed out of them an army of 80,000 men, with which force he had commenced his march to intercept the operations of the army besieging Breslau.”
“Against this force Gen. Hédouville, the Chief of Prince Jerome’s Staff, detached Gen. Montrichon, Commandant of the Wurtembergers, and Gen. Minucci, Commandant of the Bavarians. They came up with the Prussians at Strenien, put them to flight, and took 400 men, 600 horses, and several convoys of provisions, which the enemy intended to send into the fortress. Major Hetcher, at the head of 150 of Leiningen’s light horse, attacked two Prussian squadrons, and completely routed them, making 30 of them prisoners.”
FORTY-NINTH BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Warsaw, Jan. 8.
“Breslau has surrendered. The capitulation has not yet been received at the head-quarters; neither has the inventory of the magazines of subsistence, or of the clothing and artillery, yet
come to hand. They are, however, known to be very considerable. Prince Jerome must have made his entry into the place. He is going to besiege Brieg, Schweidnitz and Kosel.”
“General Victor, commander of the 10th corps of the army, has marched to besiege Gohlberg and Danzig, and to take these places during the remainder of the winter.”
“M. de Zastrow, Aid-de-camp to the King of Prussia, a wise and moderate man, who had signed the armistice which his master did not ratify, was, however, on his arrival at Konigsburg, appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.”
“Our cavalry is not far from Konigsburg.”
“The Russian army is continuing its movements towards Grodno. We learn that in the last engagements it had a great number of generals killed and wounded. It evinces great discontent against the Emperor of Russia and the Court. The soldiers say, that if their army had been judged strong enough to fight with advantage against the French, the Emperor his guards, the garrison of Peterburgh, and the Generals of his Court, would have been conducted to the army by the same security which brought them to it last year; that if on the contrary, the events of Auferlitz and those of Jena made it be thought that the Russians could not obtain success against the French army, they ought not to have been engaged in an unequal struggle. They also say, ‘The Emp. Alexander has compromised our glory. We had always been vanquishers; we had established and shared the opinion that we were invincible. Things are greatly altered. For these two years past we have been led about from the frontiers of Poland to Austria, from the Dnieper to the Vistula, and made to fall every where into the snares of the enemy. It is difficult not to perceive that all this is ill managed.’”
“Gen. Michelson is still in Moldavia. There is no news of his having marched against the Turkish army, which occupies Bucharest and Wallachia. The feats of that war are hitherto confined to the investing of Choczim and Bender. Great movements are taking place throughout all Turkey to repel to unjust an aggression.”
“Gen. Baron Vincent is arrived from Vienna at Warsaw, with letters from the Emperor of Austria for the Emperor Napoleon.”
“There had been a great deal of snow, and it had frozen for three days. The use of sledges had given great rapidity to the communications, but the thaw has just begun again. The Poles assert that such a winter is unexampled in this country. The temperature is in reality milder than it generally is at Paris at this season.”
“The troops found at Ostrolenka several sick Russians, whom the enemy had been unable to take off with him. Independent of the loss of the Russian army in killed and wounded, it has suffered still greater losses by the illness which increases it from day to day.”
“On the 8th of January the garrison of Breslau, consisting of 5000 men, desired before Prince Jerome. The town has sustained considerable damage. From the first moment it was invested, the Prussian Governor caused the 3 suburbs to be burned. The fortress was regularly besieged; we were already battering it in breach when it surrendered. The Bavarian and Wurtemberg troops distinguished themselves by their intelligence and bravery. Prince Jerome is now investing and besieging at the same time all the other fortresses in Silesia. It is probable that they will not hold out long.”
“The corps of ten thousand men, whom the Prince of Pless had formed of the garrisons of the fortresses, were cut to pieces in the engagements of the 29th and 30th of December.”
“General Montrichon, with the Wurtemberg cavalry, went to meet the Prince of Pless, near Ohlau, which he took possession of on the 28th in the evening. On the following morning, at five o’clock, the Prince of Pless ordered him to be attacked. General Montrichon, taking advantage of the unfavourable position occupied by the enemy’s infantry, made a movement to the left, turned him, killed a number of men, made 700 prisoners, took four pieces of cannon, and as many horses.”
“The principal forces, however, of the Prince of Pless lay behind the Neis, where he assembled them after the engagement of Srechin. He left Schurgah, and marching day and night, advanced as far as the night encampment of the Wurtemberg brigade, which were drawn up in the rear of Hube, under Breslau. At eight in the morning he attacked with 6,000 men the village of Grieten, occupied by two battalions of infantry, and by the Litange light-horse, under the command of the Adjutant Commandant Duvoyrier; but he met with so vigorous a reception, that he was forced to make a speedy retreat. Generals Montebon and Minucci received orders immediately, on their return from Ohlau, to cut off the enemy’s retreat. But the Prince of Pless made haste to disperse his troops, and made them return by detachments into the fortresses, abandoning in his flight a part of his artillery, a great deal of baggage, and several horses. He had a number of men killed in this affair, and left us 800 prisoners.”
“His Majesty has given orders to testify his satisfaction to the Bavarian and Wurtemberg troops.”
“Letters received from Bucharest give some details concerning the preparations for war making by Baraytar and the Pacha of Widdin. On the 20th of December the advanced guard of the Turkish army, consisting of 15,000 men, were on the frontiers of Wallachia and Moldavia. The Prince Dolgoroucki was also there with his troops: they were thus in the presence of each other. In passing Bucharest, the Turkish officers appeared very much animated; they said to a French officer who was in that town: ‘The French shall see what we are capable of; we form the right of the army of Poland, we shall show ourselves worthy to be praised by the Emperor Napoleon.’”
“Every thing is in motion through this vast Empire: the Sheiks and Ulemas give the impulse, and every one flies to arms, in order to repel the most unjust of aggressions.”
“Count Italinsky has hitherto only avoided being cut to the Seven Towers, by promising, on the return of his messenger, the Russians, that he will have received orders to abandon Moldavia, and restore Choczim and Bender.”
“The Servians, whom the Russians no longer disavow for allies, have taken possession of an island in the Danube, belonging to Austria, whence they cannonade Belgrade. The Austrian Government has ordered it to be retaken.”
“Austria and France are equally interested in not seeing Moldavia, Wallachia, Servia, Greece, Romania, and Natolia, become the sport of the Muscovites.”
“The interest of England in this contest is at least as evident as that of France and Austria, but will she acknowledge it? Will she impose silence on the hatred which directs her cabinet? Will she listen to the lessons of policy and experience? Should she shut her eyes to the future? Should she only live from day to day; should she listen only to her jealousy of France, she will perhaps declare war against the Porte, become the auxiliary of the insatiable ambition of the Russians, and for her own sake, the depth of which she will not perceive until she falls into it.”
“A bill for abolishing the Slave Trade has passed the English house of lords.—V. S. employed in that iniquitous traffic (so contrary to justice, humanity, and sound policy) must clear out from British ports for Africa previous to the first of May next, and complete their lading in Africa and their voyage from thence to the West-Indies previous to the first of Jan. 1808, after which period the trade becomes contrary to law. An exception, however, is made in favor of cases where, by capture, loss of the vessel, or other unavoidable accident, (the proof to lie on the party) the completion of the voyage to the West-Indies within the time limited may have been prevented.”
“The following is an abstract of the effective strength of the volunteers in Great Britain; distinguishing infantry, cavalry, and artillery, according to the latest returns, dated the 1st December, 1806:—
“CAVALRY.—Field officers, 160; captains 493; subalterns 1092; staff officers 745; serjeants 1556; trumpeters and drummers 520; rank and file 25,180.”
“INFANTRY.—Field officers 1288; captains 3851; subalterns 7435; staff officers 1786; serjeants 13826; trumpeters and drummers 6762; rank and file 259501.”
“ARTILLERY.—Field officers 29; captains 151; subalterns 309; staff officers 55; serjeants 551; trumpeters and drummers 228, rank and file 10482.”
“TOTAL.—Field officers 1487; captains 4458; subalterns 8797; staff officers, 2576; serjeants 1936; trumpeters and drummers; 7505; rank and file 295180.”
“His excellency general Michaud, who arrived here yesterday is appointed by his Maj. by the emperor and king Napoleon, as governor of the Hanse Towns, Hamburg, Bremen and Luebeck, of which our Senate had received previous information. His excellency will make this city his place of residence.”
“SWABIA, Dec. 11. In the course of last week several respectable Jews from Constantinople, and other cities in Turkey, passed through this country on their way to the grand congress of Israelites to be held at Paris.”
West-Indies.
“NORFOLK, April 8. Capt. Gould passed the French ship Patriot on Monday night at anchor in Pautuxent, 20 miles below Sharp’s Island. Ledger.”
“The information received by the Louisa, from Jamaica, although coming in a circuitous direction, is later than any thing which we have received from Barbadoes and Trinidad.”
“It appears that the Rochefort fleet is out, and destined for Martinique. The British force consists of the five ships of the line mentioned under the Jamaica head. The Ramillies of 74 guns, had also arrived at Barbadoes, and will if necessary, be added, which will make the two fleets equal in number, in which case, the event of a battle may be calculated upon with certainty. It is not without the scope of probability that the Rochefort fleet may make its appearance off our Capes, with a view to relieve the Patriot and Cybelle, now blockaded by the British force in the bay. Ib.”
“Our readers will notice under the Kingston head, the arrival of a vessel there, which left Trinidad the 29th of February, bringing the advices of General Crawford’s having landed at Cumana. The information is certainly too loudly stated to gain entire credit; it will nevertheless be remembered that General Crawford failed from England some time since, upon an expedition against some of the Spanish dominions. It will also be observed by an article respecting Miranda in this day’s paper, that a force was expected from England, in which he was to have a command. Ib.”
“Captain McNamara of the brig Louisa from Kingston (Jam.) has favoured us with a file of Jamaica papers, from which we select the following articles;”
“KINGSTON, (Jam.) March 10. His Majesty’s ship Blonde, of 38 guns, Capt. Ballard, arrived at Port Royal yesterday, with the London and Cork fleets, under convoy, left from Barbadoes.”
“On the 23d of February, his majesty’s ship Ramillies, of 74 guns, arrived in Carlisle Bay, with the Cork Fleet, consisting of 126 sail for the different West-India Islands; they left the Cove on the 10th Jan. On the 25th the first London fleet which failed under the Blonde, arrived and the day following 18 sail of merchantmen also anchored in Carlisle Bay; they missed the convoy of the Blonde, and put into Falmouth, from whence they took their departure on the 12th Jan. On the 1st instant the Blonde weighed anchor from Barbadoes, with 155 vessels for this island. Yesterday morning off the east end, 110 sail parted for the different out ports.”
“His majesty’s ship Bellisle, of 80 guns, capt. Hargood, 50 days from Spithead, arrived at Barbadoes the 27th February. She brings reports devotedly to be wished, of the defeat of Bonaparte by the Russians, who had got his armies in a strait beyond the Vistula, where they had too rapidly and far advanced, and were obliged to entrench themselves after a dreadful battle, in which they had met with considerable loss, to prevent their being entirely cut off by the Russians.”
“Sir Alexander Cochrane has received accounts by the Bellisle (dispatched by government) of the Rochefort squadron, consisting of six sail of the line and two frigates having put to sea; and by a small vessel, captured by the Cerberus, bound from L’Orient to Guadaloupe, with dispatches, it was ascertained that they were destined for Martinique. In consequence of which the admiral in the Northumberland, with the Canada and Bellisle, of 74 guns each, Prince George of 98, and Agamenon of 64, accompanied by the Alexandria, Galatea, and Cerberus frigates, and Dart and Woolverine sloops of war, were to sail from Carlisle Bay (Barbadoes) on the first int. for the purpose of cruising off Martinique, to endeavor to fall in with the enemy.”
“The Eagle (whose arrival we mentioned in yesterday’s publication) was last from Trinidad, which island she left the 28th of February, the day previous to which a vessel arrived with accounts of Cumana, on the Spanish Main, having been taken by general Crawford, who sailed from England, not long since, in the Spencer, of 74 guns, the hon. capt. Stopford, with some frigates and several transports.”
“One hundred and fourteen sail of outward bound West-India traders, from Cork, safely arrived February 24 in Carlisle Bay. They failed from thence on the 10th ult. 126 sail in company, under convoy of his majesty’s ship Ramillies, 74 guns, capt. Pickmore, and Ro-
laris sloop of war for their destination—and the Princess Charlotte frigate, as far as Madeira, which they made in ten days; but afterwards meeting with baffling winds, were 34 days from thence. The Ramillies, with the above number, came to the and the remainder, under the charge of the Rosario, previously proceeded for the colonies to the southward.”
“On the 31 instant, off Cape Tiburon, the Dunoerbin Castle, capt. Cooper, from Norfolk, engaged a Spanish privateer schooner of 14 guns, which she beat off without any loss on her side, but capt. Cooper thinks the privateer must have lost a good many hands, as she received the contents of four 12 pound carronades, loaded with grape, when close along-side of her ship; at any rate the Dons thought them rather serious, for they out sweeps and pulled off. Off the capes of Virginia, capt. C. saw a French 80 gun ship, and was informed by a vessel on board, that the Frenchman had got a pilot on board, in order to conduct him into port, and also that he was from the Havana; (this was the Ponderoyant) the day after saw two British 74’s and a frigate.”
“It is said that if the duke of Sussex does not come out as our governor, that lord Barcarrias is likely to be appointed.”
“NASSAU, N. P. March 23. By an arrival from Cuba, we are informed, that the Count of Santa Clara, (formerly Governor of Cuba) had arrived at Jamaica from London, where he had been on a secret business with our Government; and that a Packet had arrived at Cuba, with dispatches, saying, that an army of 80,000 men were on the frontiers of France; and the declaration of war, by Spain, against France, was momentarily expected.”
“Extract of a letter from Turks Island, dated March 1, 1807. We continue to be harassed by the predatory visits of our neighbouring enemies. They long ago made Sand Key (only nine miles distant) their place of rendezvous; but now come into Hawk’s Nell, which is our best harbour, and wholly defenceless.”
“On the 18th ult. they took a small schooner from her moorings, at Salt Key, and on the 20th two of them, stout privateers, went in open day into the Hawk’s Nell, and thence into the Southern Creek, where they burnt and destroyed the schooner Faithful Anna, and sloop Atlanta, both fine new vessels and owned here.”
“They are constantly carrying off our negro fishermen, whom they find useful pilots. In short, our situation is so uncomfortable as only to be imagined by those who know our unfortunate condition.”
“We want almost every thing, but especially a militia and pioneers; the inhabitants, if organized, and put under proper officers, would form a sufficient security, and allow us to sleep quietly in our beds; but from this deficiency, every one does what is right or wrong in his own eyes, and nothing results to the general good.”
“Yet we pay to his Majesty, and our treasury, more than all the Bahamas besides, New-Providence only excepted!”
“Accounts from Surinam, dated the 14th of December, state, that ordinance bills had sold there in the preceding week, at 18 guilders to the pound sterling, being 50 per cent. above par; and mention, that there was then such a demand for bills, that government might dispose of almost any amount. It was added, that for the two preceding months, there had not been twenty barrels of flour at a time in the colony, excepting a small supply in the king’s stores, received from Barbadoes. Produce was high, and the colony healthy and quiet. Saw. Repub.”
Domestic.
“REMARKS, On a string of resolutions offered by Mr. Hale, to the New-York House of Representatives at Albany.”
“These resolutions have the appearance of being what is sometimes called an electioneering trick , similar to that about fortifications, practiced at New-York when the election for charter officers was to come on. They are like baits thrown out to catch gudgeons. I will examine each of the resolutions separately, and show their defects.”
“First, ‘Resolved, if the honourable Senate concur herein, that in the present state of our national concerns, it becomes the duty of the people of this state, represented in Senate and Assembly, to express their sentiments on the important subject of fortifying the port and harbour of New-York, and of protecting the valuable and extensive commerce of the United States.’”
“Remarks.—Is Mr. Hale acquainted with the subject he speaks upon? Does he know enough of the principles of fortification to explain to the house what is practicable and what is impracticable? Did he ever see a fortified town; fortified, I mean, on the established principles of fortification? Does he know scientifically or practically what places can be fortified and what cannot? If he does not know those things, he has waded out of his depth in making his resolutions.”
“He speaks of the ‘Port and Harbor of New-York.’ But what ideas does he affix to the terms ‘port and harbor?’ If by port he means the City of New-York, it proves he knows nothing of fortification; for the condition of N. York, as well by nature as by the irregularity of its outline, render fortifying it impossible.”
“Again, if by the term ‘harbour,’ he means the water at the wharves within the range of the Harbor-Master, the case is, that to bring a fortification there the ships must be sent up the East or North River, and the wharves turned into parapet batteries with embrasures and planted with cannon. Commerce and fortification cannot be in the same place.”
“But if by ‘harbour’ he means the bay between the city and the narrows, the most effectual defence would be by gun-boats, each carrying a twenty-four pounder. A gun-boat being a moveable fortification, has a large sphere to act in, and a battery at land a small one. A ship can always keep out of the reach of a land battery, or with a brisk wind and tide can be out of the range of its shot in fifteen minutes, and being a moving object all the time, the chance is, that not a shot would strike her.”
“Before men assume to make motions and resolve about fortification, they should endeavor to understand them. The history of fortifications during the revolutionary war, is the history of traps. All our principal losses in that war were occasioned by trusting to fortifications. Fort Washington, with two thousand five hundred men, was taken in less than 4 hours, and the men made prisoners of war. The same fate would have befallen the garrison at Fort Lee, on the opposite shore, had not General Greene marched suddenly off and gained Hackensack bridge. In the spring and summer of ’76, General Washington had possession of N.”
“York, and fortified it. General Howe passed up the East River, landed his troops about twenty miles above the city, and after taking possi- of King’s Bridge, marched down upon the city, and had not general Washington stole off on the North River side of York Island, he and the army with him had been prisoners. Gen. Lincoln undertook to fortify Charlestown, and he and the garrison were shut up in it by the enemy, and made prisoners of war. It is an imposition on the public to hold up the idea of fortifications as places of safety. The open field is always the best. One of the principal cares of a general is to secure a retreat in case of defeat, but there is retreat for men besieged in a fortified town.—I pass on to his second resolve.”
“Resolved, that when the state in acceding to the government of the U. S. surrendered its valuable and increasing import revenue for the general benefit of the Union, it was done under a full conviction that it would then become the indispensable duty of the U. States in return to afford the capital, harbor, and commerce of this state, full and competent protection.”
“This resolve is founded in error, and every position it contains is fallacious.”
“The several states agreed to consolidate the import revenue for the benefit of the whole. There was no surrender in the case. Every state did the same thing, because it was its duty to do it. This consolidation of the import revenue was for the purpose of sinking the debt, as well foreign as domestic, incurred by the war, and also to defray the expense of the general government; and had it not been for the extravagance of former administrations, which increased the debt instead of diminishing it, the debt would have been sunk before this time. The present administration had a dead-lock to pull out of the mire.”
“It is also to be observed that the prosperity of New-York arises from the very circumstance of which this resolve complains. Had New-York not agreed to consolidate the import revenue in common with the other states, she would have been excluded from the commerce and carrying trade of all the other states, and have sunk into solitary insignificance. Her wharves would not have been crowded with ships as they are now.”
“It is by consolidating the import revenue into a whole and thereby leaving every state, and every part of a state, free to chuse its port of export or import, either in its own, or in another state, that the commerce, or rather the carrying trade, of New-York, has of late years increased so much.—Were New-York confined to the exports of her own state, and to import only for the consumption of her own state, she would not have more than a third of the commerce and of the carrying trade she has now. The consolidation of the import revenue has operated as a bounty to New-York, and yet this short sighted legislator complains of it. But though men, as merchants, tied down to the study of their ledgers and cash books, are in general but dull politicians, it is necessary for them to understand their own affairs, and they ought to have advised Mr. Hale not to have brought in the string of foolish and ill-founded resolves he has done.”
COMMON SENSE.
“It is proposed, in the corporation of the city of New-York, to lay off in lots a range of land in the neighborhood of the city, for the purpose of enabling the citizens to provide themselves with retreats from the ravages of the yellow fever.”
“By the judgment of a council of war, held on board the French ship the Patriot, on the 27th of March, 1807, William Kerivel, quartermaster, was condemned to suffer death, for having murdered Nicholas Ache; which sentence was executed at 4 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day, on board the said ship, lying at anchor in the Annapolis roads. Maryland Gazette.”
“Pennsylvania legislature.—On Saturday morning the senate rejected the bill from the house of representatives, to authorise the governor to subscribe for shares of stock in certain turnpike companies.”
“This bill had been labored through the house with peculiar assiduity and ability, by men of all parties, and upon the success of it, the citizens of Pennsylvania were building sanguine hopes of rivaling the boasted prosperity of N. York.”
“The house of representatives, who come immediately from the people, and who in this instance have certainly expressed their wishes, dividing themselves of every local and party jealousy, passed the bill by a majority greater than any other object of such general interest has secured during the session.”
“We fubjoin the yeas and nays, with a hope that those to whom we owe the defeat of this patriotic measure, will be remembered by the people at the next election.”
“YEAS—Messrs. Brady, Dorsey, Mayer, Miller, Richards, Staylor, Sommer, and Wayne.—8.”
“NAYS—Messrs. Harris, Hart, Heister, Laird, Martin, M’Arthur, Mewhorter, Mitchell, Pennel, Rahn, Spangler, Vance, and Lane, speaker.—13.”
“The majority of our senators, upon a reconsideration of their vote to reject the bill from the house of representatives, relative to turnpikes, have resolved to recommend the subject to the consideration of the next legislature. U. S. Gaz.”
“GEORGETOWN, March 28. Extract of a letter from Commodore Truxton, to the honorable Joseph Alston, dated Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1807.”
“DEAR SIR.—It is scarcely necessary for me to say, that since the peace with France, I have not been off the continent of America; except in April, 1802, making a passage from Norfolk to Amboy. A considerable time, however, previous to the President’s message to Congress, accompanied by a copy of a deciphered letter, stated to be a communication from col. Burr to Gen. Wilkinson, I had heard of ungenerous whispers, extremely unpleasant to me, and afterwards received advices from my friends at Washington, that information had been given to the government, from the Westward, or New-Orleans, in which I was noticed as concerned in the projects of Mr. Burr. This calumny I immediately refuted by prompt letters of denial, directed to several members of Congress and other gentlemen at Washington, and with this observation—that I had the Flag of Defiance flying at the main top, against the author of such falsehood and all my enemies. But it was determined there should be no mistake made in leaving the good people of the United States to conjecture, who was meant by T. in the deciphered letter already mentioned; for when that letter was published, as you have seen, T. was explained in a marginal note.”

which could not have been the case in the original letter, as every one who knows Mr. Burr, must know that he is ever too concise to give himself the trouble, in the body of a letter, of using the initial of a name and then explaining it by a note. Hence I considered this attention as another mark of the good disposition manifested to honor me, in the present day, at the seat of government, by some good friends, and laughed, and invited others to laugh at it.
"It is said here, and published in letters from Washington, but from whom I know not, that Mr. Burr has declared, that he never wrote a letter to Wilkinson in cypher. Nay, it was previously stated to me by some very respectable gentlemen, that they did not believe Mr. Burr could have written the letter in cypher attributed to him, and I must confess, though I did not doubt at the time, from the manner in which that letter came to Washington, and had publicity, that the language and style is not such as I should consider most familiar to Mr. Burr, or likely to be used by him. I have, therefore, determined to say little on the subject until, from some sort of light, a better judgment can be formed."
"The intention of Mr. Burr, as has been stated, to sever the union (a most diabolical project) was first suggested to me by Western newspapers; and its attack on New Orleans was entirely new to me until I saw the acts of the governor and legislature of Ohio. But it is true, that Mr. Burr did tell me that, in case of a war between the United States and Spain, which he considered inevitable, he intended to attack Vera Cruz and Mexico, give liberty to an enslaved world, and establish an independent government in Mexico; and inviting me to take command of the expedition by sea. But although this enterprise was expressly mentioned to me as to take place in case of a war between the United States and Spain, I at once declined it, on asking if the Executive of the United States was privy to, or concerned in, the project, and being answered that he was not; though I said then, and I say now, I shall always be ready as I ever have been, when properly invited by my country, to turn out against any nation with whom we may be at war."
"Should I have occasion to appear before a court of Justice, in this business of Mr. Burr's at any time, under the solemn obligation of an oath, or before the bar of the public, I shall have no hesitation, either as a christian, or on the honor of a soldier, the honor of a man, and the honor of a citizen, to make declaration (though more lengthy in detail) to all of which this is but a summary. And further, that I know nothing of plots and insurrections to sever the union, except what I have seen in the newspapers. If I had known of any, I should have communicated them to the President of the United States, as I have communicated what, in substance, is contained in this letter. But by the declaration here made, you will not infer that I feel satisfied with the conduct as respects the cypher letter (if genuine) any more than that I am yet in the habit of extraordinary dreaming, and of believing such dreams a reality. On the contrary, I always desire to deal in justice to all men, and despise exaggerated or touching character, even when they respect those who do me the greatest evil. In fact, I care not whom I please or displease, when I feel bound to relate facts which concern men up or men down."
"I am, dear Sir, respectfully yours, &c. THOMAS TRUXTON."
FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
The enemies of the administration are industriously engaged in endeavoring to produce two effects.
First, to excite the public indignation against General Wilkinson on account of the arrests made by him at New Orleans.
And secondly, to produce the impression that these acts are sanctioned by the administration.
It is not our purpose, at present, to enter into an argument on these two points. But as it is highly desirable that the people, who in this country are the ultimate judges of every political question, should have as much light shed on this subject as circumstances allow, we recommend the perusal of Findlay's history of the Pennsylvania insurrection of 1794.
Which will show—
That the military invasion of civil power, of which the federalists so vehemently complained, were committed on that occasion as well as recently.
That they were committed during the administration of General Washington.
That there were many of them committed if not by his authority, by an army under his command.
That he deprived no officer of his commission for committing them.
That he did not even censure them.
That they were principally committed at the direction of Alexander Hamilton, an eminent lawyer, who could not, as Wilkinson perhaps to a certain extent might, plead ignorance of the law in justification.
That they were committed at places incomparably freer from danger than that apprehended at New Orleans.
That the blood of innocent unoffending men was spilt.
That several of these violations of law took place, although a federal judge was present with the army, who was above all suspicion of being concerned in the insurrection.
That the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus was actually suspended, not merely while the accused was in his passage from one place to another, but for months afterwards at the then seat of the general government.
These circumstances are not adduced as proofs either of the correctness of the proceedings in the insurrection of 1794, or of the recent proceedings at New Orleans; but to show, that on emergencies of imminent peril, real or apprehended, the regular course of justice is frequently obstructed or abandoned; and also to show that measures were pursued under Gen. Washington, the purity of whose motives are not questioned, which infringed the civil authority to a much greater extent than those taken by Wilkinson.
HATS, SHOES, &c.
The Subscriber has just received and offers for sale, a full and complete assortment of
HATS, among which are—
GENTLEMEN'S best beaver and black beavers, Castors, and Korons, broad and narrow brims, do. black satin beavers, light and plain, glazed iveri hats and bands, women's and youth's do.
SHOES.
Ladies Kid, Morocco and Leather ties and flips, Gentlemen's superfine dress and common Shoes.
He has also on hand, a few pipes first quality COGNAC BRANDY and 20 boxes New-York mould CANDLES.
A large supply of Philadelphia bottled Porter and Cyder, Clarat and Port Wine in bottles.
D. J. BURR, Second door above the Eagle-Tavern. Richmond, April 12. Lawson.
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, 14th APRIL.
POLITICAL REFLECTIONS.
The greatest modern discovery, which has been made in political science, is that government has had so little power; and individuals too little.
It is this principle reduced to practice, that constitutes the great distinction between Europe and the U. S.
It is this equality of rights which constitutes the very essence of freedom; and which forms the grand discrimination between free and despotic governments.
In despotic governments, not only are political offices placed under the monopoly of the few; not only is the opinion of the people subjected to the controul of these privileged orders; but even the sources of wealth itself, in all its different branches, are placed under a vexatious monopoly.
These privileges were extended to the three great sources of wealth; Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce; the means of which in many important points were snatched from the enjoyment of the people, and thrown into the hands of small privileged classes.
The picture of these oppressions is drawn at full length in the celebrated work of Adam Smith; than whom there scarce ever appeared an able advocate of the principle of free trade.
Agriculture was subjected to the oppression of laws of Entail, and Primogeniture; and of Tithes.
Manufactures were restrained by corporation laws; and statutes of apprenticeships.
Commerce was oppressed by the influence of commercial privileges, and of privileged companies.
There was scarce any quarter, where these privileged institutions did not assail the disguised eye.
If a man had capital, which he wished to employ upon land; he found that the greater part of the most valuable land of England was subjected to Entails, to the laws of Primogeniture, and of Tithes.
And Tithes were levied upon the land, to support a privileged priesthood to the utter prostration of all liberty of conscience.
If he wished to employ his capital in manufactures, he found himself completely restrained by corporation laws and statutes of apprenticeship.
The first created each corporation into a kind of petty tyranny over every manufacturer, that was not regularly bred within its limits.
The last made one master-workman a little tyrant over every other workman, who however superior in integrity, industry, and skill, had not yet attained the artificial dignity of a master.
According to the first, our unfortunate capitalists could not move from certain corporations to others to pursue his manufacturing occupation, until he had submitted to the servitude of a new apprenticeship.
According to the last, he could not employ his capital in manufactures, until he had purchased the privileges of a master, by a seven year's apprenticeship.
If he cast his eyes into the Vista of commerce, he beheld the same species of monopoly; or the same unnecessary restrictions upon the rights of commerce.
In many, the most lucrative branches of trade, he had to encounter the oppressive tyranny of commercial companies.
If he wished to send to the Indies for Tea and Piece goods, he was forced to pay the E. I. Comp. for the permission.
He could not even buy a racoon skin from the Esquimaux, without bowing before the supremacy of the Labrador company.
What a contrast is presented in the United States! There are none of these petty inequalities; to disturb the people.
Perhaps there never existed a country where so few of the rights of an individual were sacrificed to the government; and yet where is the country that is better governed?
But some relies on this political superstition still remain even upon the free soil of Virginia.
Rights to be equal, must be reciprocal. If a man has a right to contract a debt, the creditor should have the right to exact the payment, where the means exist.
What then shall we think of the laws of a state, which permits an execution for a debt to be levied upon goods, upon slaves, upon money, upon every other kind of property; but preserves the land itself from the just claims of the creditor?
What opinion shall we form of a law, which keeps the land alone out of that fluctuating mass of property, which enters into the pecuniary concerns of men?
Why may every other species of property be seized to indemnify the demands of justice; and yet the land alone be consecrated? In one respect this species of law operates like the privileged law of Entails in a despotic government.
Though the land-holder of Virginia may dispose of his land if he pleases; a privilege which is certainly denied to the titled peers of England; yet there is no power adequate to bring the land under a sheriff's execution.
The English peer cannot; and the Virginia land-holder will not be compelled to part with his right.
It is time to do away this semi-servitude of a landed aristocracy.
It is time for the government of Virginia to relinquish its unnecessary interference with the pecuniary transactions of its citizens.
It is time to divest the land of the privileges, which it now enjoys; and to reduce it to the same equality of rights with the other species of property.
Not to add, that the mercantile credit of our citizens among foreign nations and our sister states, imperiously demands this reformation of our code.
In this state, if a man has land, or corn, or any species of property to sell, he may get what he can for it.
There is no law to limit the price of a bushel of wheat or a piece of stuff; such as once absurdly prevailed in Europe.
But we still retain one of the absurdities, which disgrace their Code of laws.
If a man has money to sell; & is permitted to be made at the end of a year; he is forbidden to ask a profit of more than 6 per Cent.
In other words, he is prevented from receiving more than an interest of 6 per Cent. on loans of money.
Everything is permitted to seek its own market; land, corn, shoes; to fluctuate in its prices, agreeably to the varying ratio of the supply and the demand;
and yet money alone, the great representative and active spring of every other species of wealth, is regulated by the despotism of the law.
It were useless to expatiate upon the consequences of this law. They are every where before our eyes.
There is not a money-lender, or money-borrower in the city of Richmond; but will tell you, that the law of usury only serves to increase the rate of interest.
Why is the Premium on money at their times as high as 2 or 3 per cent. a month?
Let us refer to the report on loans, by Mr. Turgot, the ablest minister that France ever possessed; whose great principle was that of freedom of trade; and whose great reforms were so well calculated to remedy the abuses of the French government, that they would most probably have prevented the French revolution.
He has illustrated this truth in the most affecting colours. "M. Turgot," says the Marquis de Condorcet in his life of that great man, "had another opportunity of displaying his zeal for the freedom of trade, or rather for that justice which demands that every one should be permitted the free use of his lawful property (for however useful may be the freedom of trade, it has an argument on its side full more unanswerable than its utility)." "This liberty is necessary, because the interest of money must naturally be regulated by the amount of the profits of each species of commerce, by the risks to which that commerce is exposed, and by the greater or less degree of credit due to the borrower."
"The liberty of making loans upon what terms men please, is a natural consequence of the establishment of property; and a very moderate share of understanding is sufficient to discover, that though the lender may, by exacting too rigorous conditions, show himself to be wanting in humanity, yet he cannot be guilty of a violation either of law or justice, by exercising his natural right of disposing of his own property upon what terms he pleases."
"The business of law is, to fix a price only where it has not been or could not be fixed by particular contracts."
"Let us not however run wild with this principle of liberty. Let us not too far extend this want of political interference with the affairs of individuals."
Can any one doubt, that the present defects of our population, of individual enterprise and wealth, exacts greater interference from the government, than would be required under a more advanced stage of society?
In a word, that there are certain general institutions, which it becomes the legislature to encourage by its sanction if not by its resources; to supply with spirit if not with money?
Such as Schools, navigable Canals, and roads &c. We shall confine our remarks to the last objects.
It is possible to resist the claim which they have upon our notice; at a time, when Pennsylvania is making such large appropriations for their accomplishment?
We are a great agricultural nation. The earth is the great source of our wealth, and of that republican simplicity of manners, which keeps alive the spirit of a dignified freedom.
Surely then if we encourage commerce, we should, if possible, attempt to nourish this great source of our prosperity.
Many are for lavishing extensive sums on the defence of our sea ports and towns.
Some are for building large navies for the defence of our merchant ships. And shall we do nothing, if we can, for agriculture?
But can we, is an important question? Can our government promote the interests of agriculture? And how?
We do not demand any direct pecuniary encouragement. We do not expect that the Legislature should establish Boards of agriculture; distribute premiums; prohibit the cultivation of one kind of grain, and encourage another.
But the true kind of encouragement which it should give to the farmer, consists in clearing his way to a market; and thus diminishing the expense of transportation, and enhancing the value of his produce.
It is, in one word, by improving the roads, and opening the navigable waters, that a legislature can most effectually advance the interests of the farmer.
Such arrangements ought to be confided to the state rather than to the general governments; & therefore we disapprove of that passage in the President's message to the last Congress, which recognizes the idea of bringing "the great purposes of the public education, roads, rivers, canals and such other objects of public improvement within the constitutional enumeration of federal powers."
Such a system is not only less adapted to the very purposes for which it is designed than a state system; but it is productive of a consolidation of state powers.
These objects are best to be promoted by establishing companies under the sanction of the legislature; which will at the same subscribe for a certain number of shares, and which thus advances some of the funds towards the accomplishment of those objects to which private capital may be insufficient.
This is the system which has been generally applied to the navigable waters.
But not to roads. The plan generally pursued in Virginia is to confide their improvement to the neighboring farmers.
The whole state does not contain more than two or three short turnpikes.
It is time, however, for us to profit in these respects by the experience of Europe and the New-England states.
We refer our readers to an essay on our last page which contains a volume of argument on this subject.
Let us return to the same able work from which we have already made one quotation:
"Of all the methods of defraying the expense of the public roads, "says the Marquis de Condorcet" that which M. Turgot was desirous to establish is the most equitable, because the contribution is paid by those to whom the roads are most useful, and in proportion to the advantage which they derive from them;
it is also the least burthensome, because the roads cost less, are better made, and require less repairs; and lastly, it is the most beneficial, because instead of being like the Corvée an actual slavery and a source of misery to the people, it offers them pay, which a wise administration may distribute and proportion to their emergencies."
The principle of these companies ought to be, that they ought not to be too privileged.
An essay which appeared in the first volume of the Enquirer on irredeemable laws from the pen of a very able JUDGE, sufficiently proved that these institutions ought not to have an exclusive monopoly as to prevent the establishment of similar institutions, when the public interest required it.
The principle was illustrated by the case of Mayo's bridge, under the hypothesis that the city of Richmond was to extend as high as Wetham.
These institutions should have two other properties.
Their profits ought not to be so exorbitant as to grow oppressive upon the public.
Nor ought the shares to be irredeemable.
Such dividends should be higher than the ordinary rate of profit;
because these are young institutions which particularly require the spirit of enterprise, and because enterprise is a virtue, which does not yet sufficiently thrive among us.
But there is still a maximum of profit in the different institutions, which should not be passed:
Perhaps 15 per cent. on an average.
These shares ought to be made redeemable by the government after a certain time.
And then might the legislature be authorized to resume its charter & to convert what belongs to privileged individuals into the property of the whole.
Our state Legislature has provided for the clearing out of the Appomattox and the James river to the falls.
The quantity of produce which daily appears on our Basin sufficiently attests the advantages of the latter.
But is the genius of improvement to stop here?
Are there no other rivers to be cleared?
No more
canals to be dug; where the improvement of the county would sustain the expense?
Is the Rappahannock to be wholly neglected?
We have at this time a sketch in our possession drawn by the ingenious Mr. Harris, of the windings, depth, and distance of that river, and an estimate of the sum necessary to clear it to its falls;
from which we cannot but believe that such an effort is both practicable and proper.
British Treaty.—It is a fact that the paper so denominated, will not be sent back, out of respect to the B. government.
Our ministers have been directed to proceed as if no such treaty had been draughted.
What will be the effect of the relations in which we now stand to G. Britain?
It is sufficiently apparent from the President's proclamation, what he himself thinks of the fate of our relations.
He recommended to the last congress to suspend the Non-importation act, because it would promote the adjustment of our differences.
At this time, the same reasons may have induced him to adopt the same policy.
He still believes that the British Cabinet is disposed to do injustice; and he therefore conceives that a temporary suspension of the Non-importation act is calculated to promote the same object.
The president was placed in a very different situation from what was anticipated at the time of passing the suspension act.
There was then every reason to presume that our negotiations with Great-Britain would be definitively settled one way or the other in a short time;
time enough for Mr. Jefferson himself to have positively determined, whether it would be most our interest to suspend or execute the non-importation act.
But things have happened contrary to these expectations.
We have not hitherto obtained from her all that we demand; and yet she has displayed such a spirit of peace, as to promise the most favourable results from a negotiation.
The President was placed in a delicate situation.
This was the season of the year when our merchants were to give orders to their British correspondents for their fall imports.
The president was therefore to expose them to all the embarrassment of giving these orders without any knowledge of his intentions; or at once to suspend the non-importation act.
The president adopted the last alternative.
He determined to extend the suspension of the non-importation act, until the 14th of Dec.
The federalists have vehemently abused him for rejecting the treaty.
What an inconsistency between the professions and cries of the federalists—and the practice of Mr. Jefferson!
Mr. J. who has been charged with an hostility to our commerce and our seamen, rejects a treaty, which does not sufficiently secure the rights of our seamen.
And the federalists, who have hitherto pretended to be the exclusive friends of commerce, have arraigned him for rejecting this very treaty.
They first proscribe him for having abandoned the rights of our commerce; and then they proscribe him for a tempting to deliver thousands of our seamen from British chains.
It is impossible to anticipate what may be the effect of this measure.
Perhaps not even Mr. J. with all the dispatches from our commissioners before him, can undertake to predict the consequences.
Two objections were made to this project of a Treaty;
the one, the want of some adequate remedy for the improvement of our seamen;
the other was the note annexed to it by the British Cabinet.
As to the last point, we have one source of consolation and hope.
If Decree's letter to General Armstrong, expresses the spirit in which the French government, intended to interpret their own decree;
and this sense derives no little probability from the guarded manner in which it has been hitherto carried into execution;
no difficulty can exist on this ground.
The question of improvement is still more serious, because on this point our own principles and those of G. Britain are so completely discordant.
We recommend it to our readers to peruse the Secretary of State's letter to Mr. Monroe, of the 4th of January 1804, on this subject.
This letter completely demonstrates that "whether we consult the law of nations, the tenor of treaties, or the dictates of reason and justice, no warrant, no pretext can be found for the British practice of making impressments from American vessels on the high seas."
The law of nations circumscribes the right of search and impressment within very narrow limits.
That law imposes but two restrictions upon neutral commerce.
A neutral vessel does not protect certain objects denominated contraband of war, including enemies serving in the war, nor articles going into a blockaded port.
But "no where will England find an exception to this freedom of the seas, and of neutral flags, which justifies the taking away of any person, not an enemy in military service, bound on board a neutral vessel."
According to these comprehensive principles, G. Britain has no right to impress from American vessels, the captain or any part of his crew.
She has no right to impress passengers, unless they be enemies, in military service.
She has no right to impress any one protected by the American flag, whether he be an American by birth; or a British subject naturalised by our laws;
or even a British subject, who has not even set his foot on our shores;
unless they are respectively enlisted in the military service, and destined for the service of her enemies.
In a word, Great-Britain has no right to initiate a search or an impressment from our vessels, unless the person so sought and impressed be in military service bound to the enemy's ports, and destined for the enemy's aid.
In such a case only, can he incur the name and incidents of contraband of war.
Is this the doctrine for which our administration are now contending?
If so, it is completely at war with the British practice.
It is not enough for them to think that "once a