Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1809-05-30 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVIIth Year.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1658.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS,) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
Four Dollars Per Annum—Paid in Advance.]
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 1809.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
Richmond Price Current.
[CORRECTED WEEKLY.]
   CASH. D. C.     Tobacco, - 4 50   Wheat, - 1 08   Flour, super-fine, - 5 50   Flour, fine, - 5 00   Corn, - 2 50   Hemp, per ton, - 170 00   Iron, - 120 00   Bacon, - 00 10   Whiskey, - 00 44  
BOOKS.
FOR SALE BY S. PLEASANTS, JR. RICHMOND.
(Continued.)
 Domestic Cookery (a new system) formed upon principles of Economy, and adapted to the use of private families. By a Lady.  Exile of Erin, a Novel, by Mrs. Plunket.  Evans' Sketch of the denominations of the Christian World; accompanied with a persuasive to religious moderation. To which is prefixed an account of Atheism, Deism, Theophilanthropism, Judaism, Mahometanism and Christianity. Adapted to the present times. With portraits of Wickliffe, Luther, William Penn, Calvin, Baxter, Winchester, Whitfield, and Wesley.  Edwards' Treatise concerning Religious Affections.  Edward, or, Various Views of Human Nature, taken from Life and manners, chiefly in England, a Novel—By Doct. Moore.  Evelina, or a young lady's entrance into the world, a Novel, by Miss Burney.  Emmelina, the Orphan of the Castle, a Novel, by Charlotte Smith.  Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia, a tale, founded upon facts.  Economy of Human Life.  English Exercises, by Lindley Murray.  English Reader, by the same.  First Settlers of Virginia, a Historical Novel, exhibiting a view of the rise and progress of the colony at James Town, a picture of Indian Manners, the countenance of the country, and its natural productions. With a handsome engraving.  French Introduction, by Murray.  Fyfe's Compendium of the Anatomy of the Human Body, intended principally for the use of students.  Fox—Recollections of the life of the late Charles James Fox: exhibiting a faithful account of the most remarkable events of his political career, and a delineation of his character as a Statesman, Senator, and man of fashion—comprehending numerous anecdotes of his public and private life; and an accurate description of the ceremonies which took place at his funeral in Westminster Abbey, by B. C. Walpole, Esq. To which is added, the character of Mr. Fox, by R. B. Sheridan, Esq.  Fenning's Arithmetic.  Fair Sex—Sketches of the history, genius, disposition, accomplishments, employments, customs, virtues and vices of the Fair Sex, in all parts of the world. Interspersed with many singular and entertaining anecdotes.  Frugal Housewife, or complete woman cook.  Flavius Josephus' works.  Fordyce's Sermons to young Women.  Farmer's Boy, a rural poem, by Robert Bloomfield.  Fables of Flora—By Langhorne—a new edition.  Father and Daughter, a Novel, by Mrs. O'pie.  Gay's Fables—a new edition.  Grandpre's voyage in the Indian Ocean and to Bengal, in 1790—containing an account of the Seychelles Islands and Frincomale; the character and arts of the people of India; with some remarkable religious rites of the inhabitants of Bengal. To which is added, a voyage in the Red Sea, including a description of Mocha, and of the trade of the Arabs of Yemen, with some particulars of their manners, customs, &c. Translated from the French of De Grandpre, an officer in the French army.  Goldsmith's History of Rome.  Greece.  England.  Gass's Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a Corps of Discovery, under the command of Capt. Lewis and Capt. Clarke of the army of the United States, from the mouth of the river Missouri through the interior parts of North America to the Pacific Ocean, during the years 1804, 1805 & 1806—containing an authentic relation of the most interesting transactions during the expedition; a description of the country; and an account of its inhabitants, soil, climate, curiosities and vegetable and animal productions—by P. Grass, one of the persons employed in the expedition—with geographical and explanatory notes by the publisher.  Gospel its own witness; or the holy nature, and divine harmony of the Christian Religion contrasted with the immorality and absurdity of Deism. By A. Fuller, D. D. [“Laying his hand on the Bible, he would say, ‘There is true philosophy. This is the wisdom that speaks to the heart. A bad life is the only grand object to this work.’”]  Goodwin's Enquirer. Reflections on Education, Manners and Literature. (To be continued.) 
NEW YORK, May 22.
Latest Foreign News.
The ship Herkimer, Howland, from London, for New York, has put into New London in distress. She left London on the 13th of March, and the Downs on the 30th. Captain Robert M. Steel, who came passenger in her, arrived in town on Saturday evening, and has obligingly furnished the editor of the Mercantile Advertiser, with London papers to the 29th of March, inclusive, 4 days later than our previous advices, and more important than any we have for a long time back received from the continent of Europe.
In the English House of Lords, on the 27th of March, Lord Selkirk gave notice, that after the recess he would submit a motion to the House on the subject of Mr. Rose's mission to the Government of the United States.
From London Papers to the 29th March, received at the office of the Mercantile Advertiser.
LONDON, March 27
Another important event is to be added to the many that have occurred of late years; a Revolution has broken out in Sweden, and the gallant Monarch has been deposed. His uncle has seized the reins of Government, and in a Proclamation addressed to the People, declares his Nephew incapable of conducting the affairs of the Nation. The details of this revolution we have not yet received. It was probably concerted by the Duke of Sudermania, and some of the Nobles at Stockholm, with the Commanders of the Troops on the frontiers of Norway. The revolutionary symptoms developed themselves first among the troops. The want of clothing and provisions had created great discontent, which was fomented by the Commander in Chief, who broke up from his position, and began his march for Stockholm to demand a Diet of the States. On their march they published a Proclamation, in which they stated that their views were merely these: that the states of the Realm and the legislatures shall be at liberty to assemble and deliberate without control.—The Proclamation then draws a picture of the wretched state of Sweden; and in speaking of Great Britain and France, says, that the former, the ally of Sweden, shall learn to appreciate and value a nation which knows how to break its fetters, and that the latter shall be taught to respect a People anxious to rival her military powers. The Proclamation contains a solemn declaration, that not a single inch more of Swedish territory shall be given up to the enemy. The Duke of Sudermania, not waiting for the meeting of the States, deposed the King by his own authority, and assumed the Government. His Majesty was put under arrest as he was about to set out for his country residence. When the guard surrounded him, he drew his sword, but he was soon overpowered, and when the last advice left Stockholm, he was a close prisoner.
That this revolution has been of French contrivance, we are not able to pronounce, though many will be inclined to suspect that it is—Since the revolution of 1772, brought about by the deposed Monarch's father, a considerable degree of discontent has existed among the Nobles, whose authority was considerably abridged. The revolution too destroyed the influence which the Russian and French parties had over the Councils of Sweden, an influence so injurious to the real interests and dignity of the country. The recent disasters in Finland, the severity of the winter, and the loss of commerce, occasioned by the shutting up of the ports of the Continent, had produced a discontent which was industriously encouraged by the malcontents. Great eccentricities of character his Swedish Majesty certainly had; he was violent, he was impatient, and acted too much, perhaps, from the impulse of his passions; but it were indeed an act of injustice to impute to him the miseries of Sweden, or the loss of her territories. Had he chosen perhaps to have bent the knee to Bonaparte; to have acknowledged himself his vassal; to have crawled in his train with the servile herd of Rhenish
Princes—had he linked himself in the same fetters with the Kings of Wirtemberg and Bavaria, he might have been permitted to keep Pomerania, on the condition, however, of carrying on no trade with Great Britain. That he did not so debase himself, will never be imputed to him as a fault by any Swede who is a friend to the independence and freedom of his Country. Is the war with Russia to be imputed to him as a crime? He did not provoke it. It was begun by Russia against every principle of honor and justice; his Swedish Majesty could not have avoided it, unless he had consented to disgrace himself and the people over whom he ruled, by the most abject submission. That he did not defend Finland as long as it could be defended—that he did not dispute every inch of ground against a superior force, will not be said even by his bitterest enemy. That the war, and the severity of the season, produced extreme miser, is most true, but they were not occasioned by the King. He exercised the right which God and nature give all Sovereigns, of defending their territories against any enemy who attack them. He has failed, however, in the struggle, and the fall of another lawful Sovereign will add another triumph to the many achieved by Bonaparte over the principles of legitimacy, freedom and justice. The King of Sweden has thus in some degree had the fate of Hamlet's father—“Upon my secure hour, thy uncle stole.” He has been deprived of his Crown by his uncle—whether the tragedy will be completed by the death of the deposed Monarch, we are yet to learn.
The French have retired from the Tagus, after destroying the bridge of Arcobispo, and the Spaniards are preparing to follow them. Some advantages have lately been gained over the French in Spain.
Dutch papers have been received to the 22d inst. and though they do not announce the commencement of hostilities, they afford additional proofs that war is inevitable. The first column of Quinault's army, 30,000 strong, is now at Aug. burg. The second column filed off through Ulm on the 1st, and proceeded in the same direction. The number of the French in Germany, including the Rhenish contingents, is estimated at 180,000 men. The Austrian troops are encamped at Ezra, in the Bohemia, Lutz in Upper Austria and on the side of Italy. Considerable apprehensions are entertained in Saxony on account of the contiguity of the Austrian army and the treasure and Archives have been sent off in great haste from Dresden. From Russia we have not sufficient information to assert that we will take part with Austria; but we have a strong belief that she will. Count Witten, an Austrian officer, is reported to be gone to Turkey, to arrange with the Russian General the march of the Russian army from Turkey into Galicia.
WHITBULL, March 25.
The King has been pleased to constitute and appoint the Right Hon. General Sir David Dundas, K. B. to be Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's Land Forces in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
March 28.
A Flag of Truce arrived yesterday afternoon at Dover, with a Russian Messenger on board.—He came from Boulogne in a French Schooner, and his name is De Sass. He left Russia the latter end of February. At seven o'clock last night he set off for London, in a post-chaise and four, and arrived in town this morning. The Flag of Truce returned to Boulogne as soon as they landed him. It is supposed by some that he is the bearer of another joint Overture from France and Russia; but had that been the case, he would have been despatched from Paris, and not from Petersburg.—Others assert that he is come with dispatches for the Russian Admiral.
Mr. Whitbread asked a question in the House of Commons last night, relative to the Revolution in Sweden. Mr. Canning replied, that he was not yet prepared to give the Hon. Member any accurate information.—There is no doubt, however, that such a Revolution has taken place. Immediately after the Duke of Sudermania deposed the King, his Majesty was conveyed to the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, situated in a small Island at the
distance of about seven miles from Stockholm, where he still remains confined.—The chief objects of the revolution being said to be the restoration of the peace, Couriers were immediately sent to the Courts of London, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Copenhagen, with a view to accelerate the event.
As the authors of the Revolution are ready to cede Finland to Russia, peace it is supposed may easily be concluded. But let us not adopt that opinion too hastily. The Emperor Alexander may see in this summary proceeding against his brother in law, something to alarm him. He may know or suspect it to be the work of France, and she holds it up as a kind of warning or menace to him if he should throw off her influence. He may therefore determine to adopt a vigorous measure and to restore his brother in-law to his Throne by force of arms.
As to peace with this country we always caused it to be understood, that we never had any objection to Sweden purchasing her safety by making a treaty with France.—Of course, however, we could not refrain from treating her as an enemy if France would not permit her to be neutral towards us—but we should have recourse to hostilities with great reluctance.
That peace may easily be made by the authors of the revolution with France we can readily believe.—The deposition of their sovereign will be their immediate passport to the grace and favor of Bonaparte.
The French, as appears by the Paris papers to the 20th, did not make their formal entry into Saragossa till the 5th inst. though its surrender is said to have taken place on the 21st of last month. The account of Palafox's death is contradicted.—Long may he be preserved to his country, of which he is so bright an ornament!
It is announced in the latest letters from Cadiz, which are of the 10th inst. that tranquility has been restored in that city; and that the several persons confined in the Capuchin Convent, on the charge of treason, are to be brought to a speedy trial. Upon this subject an interesting proclamation has been published by the Supreme Junta to the people of Cadiz. It asserts the innocence of the Marquis de Villel; and in order to prove it more fully, states that the commissioners who are to examine his conduct are not to be chosen out of their own body, but out of persons indifferent to his person, and partial only to the cause of their country. His papers are said to have discovered no symptoms of treason, having been subject to the inspection of General Jones, the person in whom more than others the people place the greatest confidence. At the commencement of the disturbances, General Mackenzie was invited to land his troops, in order to aid the popular cause; an inference which he very properly declined.
Admiral Purvis is said, at the date of the above letters, to have been employed in assisting to fit out the ships of war in Cadiz, and preparations for the defence of the town were daily continued.
Extract of a letter from an officer in the squadron off Rochefort, dated March 18, 1809:—“We are this day mooring our ships in a half moon line of battle, within four miles of the enemy's ships, and our frigates half way in advance, so that it is impossible for the Frenchmen to get out without bringing us to action. They have one three-decked ship, and ten two-deckers. We have the same, but I am afraid they will not engage as, and that it will be a long blockade. It is said that the commander in chief is determined to lay at anchor, blow high or low, so that they cannot escape.”
PORTSMOUTH, March 27.
Arrived the Hardy gun brig, and Success frigate, Ascough, with important dispatches from Lord Collingwood; she brings with her likewise two Messengers, who are supposed to be bearers of dispatches from the Austrian Government, but the strictest secrecy was observed, and the ship placed under quarantine. She left Malta on the 2d inst. and touched no where on her passage.
The Letters Patent and Proclamation of his Royal Highness the Duke of Sudermania, Regent of the Swedish
Kingdom, to all the Estates of the Realm, concerning a General Diet to be held on the first of May, in the present year.
“We Charles, by the Grace of God, assure you, Estates of the Realm, Counts, Barons, Archbishops, Bishops, Nobles, Clergy, Burghers of Cities, and Commonalties, of our particular favour, gracious intentions, and kind affections, under the protection of Almighty God.
“Since we, according to our Gracious Proclamation of the 13th inst. have found ourselves called upon to take the reins of government as Regent, in order to save our beloved native country from unavoidable destruction, we have considered it of the highest importance to deliberate with the States of the Realm, upon the means which may procure and confirm the future happiness of the Swedish nation. We wish, therefore, and command, that all the States of the Realm may assemble in the Capital of the Kingdom before the 1st of May next, and not only the Nobility may regulate their conduct by the laws, for the House of Nobles, given the 6th of June, 1626, by the King Gustavus Adolphus, of glorious memory, &c. and revived and confirmed by Gustavus III. on the 9th November, 1778, but that the other states, which, as usual, send Deputies, may observe the following order: From the Clergy are expected to appear the Archbishop, every Bishop from his Diocese, the first pas or in Stockholm, together with so many from each Diocese as usual, and of the other States, as usual, all provided with necessary letters of deputation, in order that we may be able to begin the Diet, and after its being fortunately finished, give you permission to return every one to his province. Which every one must respectfully observe and we are, &c.
“Given at the King's Palace at Stockholm, March 14th, 1809.”
March 29.
Westminster Meeting.—The inhabitants of Westminster met this day at one o'clock, pursuant to public advertisement, and unanimously passed several resolutions expressive of their gratitude to Colonel Wardle, Sir F. Burdett, Lord Folkestone, and the whole of the supporters of the charges lately made against the Duke of York. The principal resolution stated that the public had long been aware that undue influence had been used in the disposal of commissions in the army, and that this undue influence was now made manifest to the whole world. The principal speakers were Mr. Stretch, Mr. Whitbread, Sir F. Burdett, and Mr. Whitbread. The horses were taken from Sir F. Burdett's carriage, & he was drawn by the populace to Westminster-Hall.—He was received with loud huzzas.
The Russian Messenger who landed at Dover the night before last, reached London yesterday morning. He is the bearer of dispatches for the Russian Admiral at Portsmouth.
The Success frigate, Captain Assough, from Malta, arrived on Monday at Portsmouth. Two King's Messengers came in her, who arrived in town yesterday morning. They came from Trieste; and there certainly is no port open to us on the Continent of Europe from whence dispatches of greater interest may be expected at this moment. It is understood that one of the Messengers has brought dispatches from Mr. Adair, the British Minister at Constantinople. The Success left Malta on the 21st inst. She brings an account of the capture of a French 40 gun ship in the Mediterranean.
Twelve sail of fine transports, which have been converted into fire ships, having had their masts and numbers erased, and been filled with combustibles, sailed from the Nore last week for Portsmouth; these, with a company of Colonel Congreve's rockets, which are shipping at Dover, it is conjectured, are intended for an attack on the French fleet in Basque Roads; the destruction of which, from its exposed situation, it is thought, may by these means be accomplished.
The utmost possible exertion is making in every department in the Dock yards, in order to equip a fleet for the Baltic.

PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT 1 O'CLOCK: Consols, for money, 67 3/8 1-2—for acc. 67 1/2 8-5—Omnium 1-2 pre. Exchequer Bills, 4s. 5s. prem.
GERMANY.
[From the Delft Corrant , March 21.]
In Austria, all Newspapers published in France, or the Confederation of the Rhine, have been prohibited.
Some persons at Vienna considered the departure of Andreossi favourable to peace, and believe that his presence at Paris may be serviceable. At least, it is believed that hostilities will not be commenced till the receipt of the first dispatches after his arrival at Paris from Vienna. General Andreossi, on the 28th of February, had an audience of his Majesty, and the day before his departure dined with the Minister, Count Stadion.
The King of Wirtemberg issued on the 9th of March, an order that all his subjects who were out of the country should return home, on penalty of having their property sequestered.
It is said that the Duke of Auerstadt (Davoust) is appointed Commander in Chief of the French army in Germany, which including the troops of the Confederation of the Rhine amount to 180,000 men, & that the head quarters are removed to Wurzburg; that the division of Boulet & Molitor passed the Rhine by Huningen, and 20,000 other French troops had entered the Black Forest by Kniebis; and that the division of Legrand was to return from France, and repair to Narenberg.
SEVILLE, March 3.
The Spanish army under Urbino, Count of Celloagar, is in high condition, and amounts to near 30,000 men. Its head quarters are Valdepenas. The detachment under the Duke of Albuquerque behaved with the greatest courage and steadiness in the affairs of Moro and Consuegra. The cavalry, particularly distinguished itself. The army of Cuesta occupies its former positions, and amounts to near twenty thousand men.
By the Projector, from Canton, we learn that an expedition fitted out at Bengal and Penang, under the direction of Admiral Drury, for the purpose of taking possession of Mocoa, arrived in Mocoa Roads on the 11th September last. Immediately after his arrival the Admiral demanded of the Portuguese Governor a surrender of the place, which was peremptorily refused him, and nothing farther respecting it, than negotiations took place till the 20th, when about three hundred soldiers, with two or three pieces of artillery were landed and put in possession of one of the forts.
Previous to the landing of the troops, Admiral Drury had made every preparation of the boats and men belonging to his squadron, for taking the town by assault, to prevent which the Governor consented that there should be no opposition to the landing of the troops, and that they might garrison the forts, upon which, however, they were not permitted to hoist English colours.
The Chinese now interfered and ordered Admiral Drury to leave the place, alleging that he had made an encroachment upon the territory of the Empire which could not be submitted to. He persisted in keeping his troops on shore, and declared his determination to hold the Town at all hazards. In consequence, the Vice-Roy of the province issued an order on the 25th Sept. forbidding the landing of any cargoes from, and sending any on board the English ships, of which there were between forty and fifty lying at Whampoa. An entire suspension of trade ensued, and continued three months, during which time the Admiral visited Canton, attended by all the boats and about two thousand men from the ships. The object of this visit was to obtain an interview with the Vice-Roy who haughtily refused to admit him into his presence, and treated him with contempt.
On the 10th Nov. Admiral Drury ordered all the English subjects to quit Canton in three days, and repair on board the ships of their nation at Whampoa. Ten days after, he attempted another visit to Canton with the launches and other boats of the fleet strongly armed, but was driven back by the Chinese, who had stationed some Man of war Junks five or six miles below the city, where the boats were fired at and stopped.
From this time till the 20th of December, all communication between Canton and the ships at Whampoa, and all supplies of provisions were strictly forbidden, and no Englishman was suffered to remain in Canton, or
return to that city. One gentleman attempting to get there by stealth, was discovered, carried into the city, and there kept in confinement during the continuance of the difficulties.
Finding that his expedients to induce the Chinese to connive at or consent to his holding Mocoa, were ineffectual. The Admiral abandoned the enterprise, withdrew his troops & left Mocoa for Bengal about the first day of January last. As this was a compliance with the conditions required by the Chinese, the trade with the English was renewed.
LATEST NEWS FROM THE WEST INDIES.
By the brig Lydia, Captain Parsons, in 13 days from St. Bartholomews, we learn that on the 14th of April, Admiral Cochrane, landed his troops and took possession of the Saints. At half past 2 at night, the three French Men of War, cut their cables, and put to sea, and were pursued by a division of admiral Cochrane's fleet consisting of the Pompey, of 74 guns, Latona, and Acasta frigates, which came up with the French Line of Battle ship, D'Hautpuit, and after a action of 3 hours, the French ship struck her colors & surrendered to the British. Admiral Cochrane, in the Northumberland, with two 74's and a tender had arrived at St. Bartholomews; and the Prize we understand, was ordered to St. Kitts. Passengers in the Lydia, the Doctor and Purser of the French ship D'Hautpuit, which was captured by the British.
May 23.
We learn by the brig Elizabeth, from St. Johns, that the Spaniards were besieging the city of St. Domingo, and that troops had gone there from Porto-Rico. The French had defeated them on their landing, with great slaughter. In the last battle 800 Spaniards were killed.
At a numerous meeting of the Federal Republicans, held at the Circus on Monday, May 22d, the following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to:
Resolved, That this Meeting tender their cordial congratulations to the friends of the liberty, peace and prosperity of the country, upon the general result of the late election in this state, by which a majority of the people have declared their disapprobation of the violent, disgraceful, and lawless measures of the late administration, & by which the state of New York has become united in principle, as she is in interest, with the navigating and commercial states of the union.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, the important change thus produced in the state of our foreign relations has been effected by the constant and unceasing efforts of the people, against the unnecessary and oppressive system of policy adopted by the late administration.
Resolved, That it would be improper, as it is unmerited, to bestow applause in advance upon a chief magistrate, who was elected under auspices little favorable to the happiness of our country; nevertheless, as the objects of the Federal Republicans are not men, but measures; not the mere honors of office, but the good of the country; Therefore, Resolved, That the President of the United States will deserve and ought to receive, the support of all good men, in proportion as he shall abandon the pernicious policy of his predecessor, and adopt & pursue a wise, dignified, and impartial administration of our national affairs.
Resolved, That we lament the unhappy extremes to which the spirit of party has been excited, arising from causes, the force of which we hope is in some degree abated; that we regard all good citizens of whatever denomination or party, as possessing an equal and common interest in the fortunes of the country, and entitled to the same benefits and privileges; and we conjure them to unite their exertions with ours, to obtain and support a wise, just, and impartial administration of our public affairs, and to abolish the odious systems of corruption, family aggrandizement, and proscription, which have so long disgraced the conduct of our rulers.
Resolved, That the General Committee of the Federal Republicans of this City be instructed to publish an address to our friends throughout the State, expressing, among other things, the sense of this meeting on the subjects above mentioned.
And whereas certain persons have attempted to erect in this city an inquisitorial tribunal, to control the right of free suffrage, or punish the exercise of it; a measure fraught with imminent danger to public liberty;—therefore, Resolved, as the sense of this meeting, that we highly estimate the candor and patriotism of those citizens who, though generally differing from us in political opinions, have at the late election, joined their efforts to ours, in opposition to a ruinous and destructive course of measures; that all such of them as are on that account exposed to persecution, are entitled to our friendship and protection; and that the General Committee be instructed to take such measures as may appear to them expedient, to carry this resolution into effect.
RICHARD VARICK, Chairman. PETER HAWKS, Secretary. May 24.
Ticket No. 3169 first drawn number 25th day of drawing, entitled to 5000 dollars, was sold at G. and R. WAITE'S Truly Fortunat Lottery office, in Maidenlane to a gentleman of this city.
WASHINGTON CITY, May 25. The following are the names of the gentlemen who compose the Standing Committee, of the House of Representatives, appointed agreeably to the decision of that body on Tuesday last:
Committee of Elections.—Messrs. Findley, Clay, Sturges, Troup, Taylor, Van-Rensselaer, and Gannett.
Of Claims.—Messrs. Johnson, Seaver, Butler, Pitkin, R. Brown, Jones and Stanley.
Of Commerce and Manufactures.—Messrs. Newton, Dana, Marion, Cutts, Mumford, John Porter and Al'Kim.
Of Ways and Means.—Messrs. Eppes, W. Alston, Tallmadge, Montgomery, Bacon, Rea, (Penn.) and Haven.
On Public Lands.—Messrs. Morrow, Goodwynn, Bibb, Ely, Boyd, Howard and Sawmmons.
Of Revision and unfinished Business.—Messrs. Southard, R. Jackson and Shaw.
Of Accounts.—Messrs. N. R. Moore, Stedman and Minor.
For the District of Columbia.—Messrs. Love, Holland, Van Horn, L. J. Alston, Newell, S. Smith and Gardener.
On Post Offices & Post Roads.—Messrs. Rhea, (Tenn.) Helms, John Thompson, Desha, Stanford, Kenan, Calhoun, Smelt, Morrow, Davenport, Chittenden, Goldsborough, Whitehill, Potter, John Smith, Upham, Wilson, (N. H.) and Bird.
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Tuesday, May 23, 1809.
The journal of yesterday's proceedings having been read—
Mr. Reed & Jph moved to amend it so as to record the precise state of the tw. ballots for a speaker; with a view to a correct understanding of the case, if it should ever be drawn into precedent hereafter.
After a discussion of nearly two hours on the subject of the decision of yesterday, and the a-logy be-wixt it and the case of the Presidential election of 1801, Mr. Randolph's motion was agreed to, ayes 70.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
The message of the President of the U. States was received as given in our paper, by Mr. Graham, agreeably to the intention given by the President yesterday to the committee appointed to wait on him. The message, having been read was referred to a committee of the whole House on the state of the Union; and 5000 copies ordered to be printed of the message, with the documents accompanying it.
A message was received from the Senate proposing the appointment of two chaplains of different denominations, to interchange weekly between the two Houses. The proposition was concurred in, ayes 81.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Mr. W. Alston moved that the standing committees of the House, viz. the committee of Ways & means, Commerce and Manufactures, Public Lands, Claims, Elections, Revision and Unfinished business, and of the district of Columbia, be now appointed.
Mr. Lyon moved to amend the motion by inserting at the end of the words "by ballot." The reasons which he assigned for this motion were that the course proposed by it would be more respectful to the nation; and that the persons so appointed would feel a greater responsibility to the House. He declared that he should have made the same motion, had the person for whom he had voted been elected to the chair; having no personal views in proposing it.
Mr. Gardener supported the motion. He was in favor of it on the principle of this government, that the many ruled, in contradistinction to that of monarchical or aristocratical governments where one or a few bore sway. He thought it consistent with the republican mode of proceeding and thinking proper for this country, that on all practical occasions this rule should be regarded where the many were as competent as the few or the one; and without meaning the least disrespect to the present Speaker, he conceived that the members of this House were as competent to choose their own organs, as the Speaker, whoever might fill the chair.
Mr. Lyon's motion for amendment was negatived by Yeas and Nays, 67 to 41.
Mr. Macon, in the course of some observations on the motion for appointing the standing committees, declared that he should vote for it under the impression that the House would at this time proceed on general business, and thus avoid a meeting in the winter, except the public service should particularly call for it. Such a course would be a saving of the public money, and also a convenience to the members of Congress. If it were intended merely to take up those subjects expressly recommended, he could not see the propriety of appointing the standing committees. He made a number of observations going to show that frequent and long sessions not only encroached the public expense, but would prevent those who were best fitted for the public service, particularly in the Southern and Western parts of the country from consenting to serve as Representatives. The constitution, he said had wisely provided that on any emergency Congress might be convened by proclamation. With out bringing into question the subject of confidence, every man must have sufficient confidence in the Executive to believe that he would convene Congress together if the public service required it. He therefore was in favor of going through the unfinished business this time, and intermitting the usual winter session, unless some extraordinary occasion should require the aid of Congress.
Mr. W. Alston said that for himself he was opposed to having a long session at this time; and yet he believed it would be necessary to appoint most of the standing committees. It was clear, from the message which had been just read, that it would be necessary to appoint committees of Ways and Means and of Commerce and Manufactures. He believed that the good of the nation required that Congress should not make a long session; for they were not possessed of sufficient information to act on several important questions. No one, however, would say that each one of these committees might not be wanted for the dispatch of business.
Mr. Lyon was for going on with the business now. At this season of the year he said more business could be done in one month, than could be done in three months in the winter when the days were so short, and gentlemen instead of attending to business, were warming themselves at the fire.
Mr. Alston's motion for appointing the committees, was carried without a division.
On motion of Mr. Stedman, the usual rule was adopted for furnishing members with newspapers.
And the House adjourned.
Wednesday, May 24.
Mr. Bacon presented a petition from Charles Turner claiming the seat of William Baillies of Mass chusetts; and also a memorial from sundry inhabitants of the district protesting against the election of Wm. Baillies. Referred to the committee of elections.
A petition from sundry inhabitants of Newburyport, praying for the election of a new high house, and a petition from sundry inhabitants of Philadelphia, praying to be discharged from certain penalties incurred under the embargo laws, were presented and referred to the committees of commerce and manufactures.
Mr. Randolph, after a variety of introductory remarks, in which he advocated the propriety of reducing the standing military force, and of keeping a watchful eye on the expenditure of public money, submitted the following resolutions:
[Debate at length in the next Argus.]
Resolved, That the troops raised by the act of the 12th April, 1808, entitled an act to raise an additional military force, be immediately disbanded and that the unexpended money appropriated to that object, and also any balance of appropriations for gun boats which may be unexpended, be applied towards arming the whole body of the militia of the U. States.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire and report whether the monies drawn from the treasury since the 3d of March, 1801, have been faithfully applied to the objects for which they were appropriated, and whether the same have been regularly accounted for; and to report likewise whether any further arrangements are necessary to promote economy, to enforce adherence to legislative restrictions, and to secure the accountability of persons entrusted with the public monies.
The ayes and noes were taken on the question of considering the resolutions, and it was carried unanimously.
After some discussion on the first resolution was referred to a committee of the whole house, ayes 81. The ayes and noes were taken on agreeing to the second resolution, and it was carried unanimously—ayes 124.
Mr. J. G. Jackson immediately moved to reconsider this vote, for the purpose of striking out a part of the resolution, which he said interfered with the duties of the committee of ways and means—he house agreed to reconsider it, ayes 55, noes 58; but before he had designated the part he wished struck out, a motion was made to adjourn, and carried—(three o'clock.)
Thursday, May 25.
We have only room to state that on this day the committee of Commerce and Manufactures reported a bill to permit vessels of those nations with whom intercourse is permitted, as Sweden and Portugal, to clear out with cargoes of foreign or domestic growth or manufacture. The bill was twice read, and referred to a committee of the whole house to-morrow.
The following resolution, offered by Mr. Livermore, was referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, with leave to report by bill or otherwise:
Resolved, That it is expedient, that the operation of so much of the act to interdict commercial intercourse between the United States and G. Britain and France and their dependencies as prohibits the importation of goods from Great Britain and her dependencies be suspended until the 10th day of June next.
Mr. RANDOLPH, after some prefatory observations, offered the following resolution, on which, after a debate of four hours, was adopted without a division, the words italic having been inserted on motion of Mr. Troup.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any and what prosecutions have been instituted before the courts of the United States, and by whom, for libels at common law, and to report such provisions as, in their opinion, may be necessary for securing the freedom of speech and of the press.
Friday, May 26.
Mr. Randolph, after expressing his regret that he had not been present when the message from the President had been cut up and dissected; after dwelling a little on the difficulty experienced by the committee which was generally appointed on the military and naval establishments, arising from the pressure of too much business, and from its having under consideration two different and distinct objects, moved that that committee should be discharged from the consideration of so much of the message as relates to the military establishment, and that a separate committee be appointed on this part. Carried.
Mr. Randolph moved that the committee of the whole house should be discharged from the consideration of the resolution he offered the other day, relative to disbanding the army, &c and that it be referred to the committee on the military establishment of the United States. Carried.
Mr. Randolph preached the following resolution with a number of observations. A debate of several hours ensued on it, in which Messrs. Findley, Randolph, Dana, W. Alston, Bacon, J. G. Jackson, and Holland participated. The discussion between Mr. Randolph and Mr. Jackson, particularly, embraced the late change in our relations with Great Britain, and two or three of the most conspicuous measures of the latter part of Mr. Jefferson's administration.
Resolved, That the promptitude and frankness with which the president of the United States, has met the overtures of G. Britain, towards the restoration of harmony, and free commercial intercourse with the United States, receive the approbation of the house.
Mr. Bacon moved to amend the resolution, by adding, in substance, that the said adjustment also furnished additional evidence of the spirit of accommodation by which the government had hitherto been animated.
Mr. J. G. Jackson moved, that the consideration of the resolution be postponed indefinitely.
This motion was still under consideration, when the house adjourned till to-morrow.
FROM THE NEW YORK PUBLIC ADVERTISER
The Election.—The Election for representatives in the Legislature of this state is decided and rumours from various quarters are to be believed, the federal party have obtained a small majority in the lower house.—The Senate is almost unanimously republican.—To the ignorant or superficial observer of events, to him whose impenetrable skill no ray of intelligence ever enlightened, and to the dark, hypocritical and malignant slave of federal prejudice, it may possibly appear, that this change in the aspect of our state politics, is produced by the late measures of the national administration. But the correct enquirer into politics, who for the year past has witnessed the wayward, inconsistent and stupid conduct of some of those to whom the republican party of this state, entrusted the management of its affairs can be at no loss to discover the causes of our defeat. From this cause, the reader will of course exclude, gov. Tompkins and others, denominated "Parisian cut throats," who have been most unmercifully traduced & insulted, because they would not abandon the interests and rights of the party, to satiate the ambition of a self created oligarchy. Let us however, drop a veil over this discussion for the present—painful as it is to stifle resentment on a subject so full of mortifying reflections, it becomes us to meet our disappointment with courage, and like the old revolutionary Whigs, never to despair though treason for a time has robbed us of a promised victory. The ancient enemy of our liberties dare to insult us as a fallen party—and already dream of Japheth and power, as if a great and stout-hearted people, are so soon to fall a prey to a vagrant heart of political excombs. "New-York (says Coleman) now allies herself with New-England, in the great cause of federalism." God forbid that any alliance for a purpose so base and discreditable, should ever be contracted. New-York possesses a large, commanding and decided majority of Republicans, as will unquestionably appear at the next Election, when the energies of the party will once more be put in requisition to stop the mouths of these insolent boasters. We most heartily entreat our friends in different parts of the U. States, not to be alarmed at the circumstances of the late Election. There is no falling off of Republican strength in this state, whatever false hopes the apathy and indifference of many of our Western friends have created on the occasion.
It is a fact which no federalist will deny, that our numbers in the southern and middle districts of the state have increased, and that no evidence of a change in politics exists except where the falsehoods of certain quidum republicans have not as yet been detected and exposed. But the day of exposure has arrived, and our old friends are fast abandoning the hypocrites who have betrayed them and returning to the standard of unerring principle. We do not hesitate to predict that the result of the next election in this state will be a proud theme of eulogy and exultation. If New England returns to the path which our southern friends have so nobly pursued, New York will then join in the joyous alliance, and lend her wealth and influence in the general cause. But if the intrigues of Pickering and others have so corrupted Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as to perpetuate the reign of toryism, we shall say to federalism of the East, as Coleman says to the republicanism of the South,—Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther, and here shall thy proud insolence be stayed.
We have hitherto viewed the cringing sycophancy of the combined editors Coleman and Cheetham to president Madison as a conduct natural to such crawling animals. Open enmity we always esteem more desirable than treacherous friendship, as in private life, we should most heartily detest a base Iago who affects to serve us by defaming a friend, so must Mr. Madison who duly estimates the Judas-promises of such pretended admirers, despise them more heartily for attempting to worm into his favor by false and fulsome contrast between himself and Mr. Jefferson.
With regard to the late president we had abandoned all thoughts of publishing a syllable in his defence, for we consider his name already inscribed upon a monument more durable than marble. And the little offering we can pay to his virtues although traced with sincerity and uttered with zeal, could not enhance the lustre or unspotted purity of his character. So far from admitting that Mr. Jefferson, by his late conduct has "ruined his party" we as members of his party, most sincerely pray that in difficult crisis, the wisdom of this correct statesman may yet mingle in the deliberations of the executive, and continue to protect the rights and avenge the wrongs of the nation.

A CARD to some of our complaining SUBSCRIBERS.
WE have recently received many complaints both verbal and epistolary from the District of Mr. John Randolph, stating that we had never published the speeches of that gentleman, and that indeed he had sent communications which were refused and rejected. This statement it seems has been industriously circulated by him during his late electioneering campaign, and has been the only cause of the remonstrance of some of our friends. To them we pledge ourselves and we merely ask them to turn to their papers to establish what we say, that as many, if not more of the speeches of Mr. Randolph were published by us than that of any other member of Congress; and that in regard to communications, none have ever been received. Although we have described the course of Mr. Randolph's political inconsistency in a style of harshness, but not more so, than deserved, we did not suppose that he would resort to a trick of this character to overreach his opponents, and to increase his popularity. If he expected by these means to limit, if not, to destroy the circulation of this paper, he is deeply mistaken. It has only produced enquiry, and enquiry has given birth to the truth, which is, that we have never acted in the style described. Those subscribers who may have been deluded by the "honored words" of Mr. Randolph, we hope will rely with confidence upon this statement of facts. We cannot believe that Mr. Randolph would seriously and sedately fabricate a scheme of this sort; his opinions must have been formed in a moment of vexation and prejudice and he imperceptibly led into a belief that they were true.
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL.
The redoubtable editor of this paper expected, it seems, to reap the reward of his hypocrisy and extravagant flattery of Mr. Madison in being elected as the Clerk of Congress. He was however so very unfortunate as not to receive one solitary vote! What will the vain-glorious Mr. Elliott think of this? Will he continue to profess his admiration of Mr. Madison after finding that with all his adulation and parasitical courting of the new administration, that he could not even get one vote for even a clerkship? What else, we fain would enquire, could have inspired him with the least hope of success; But that he thought himself so important and formidable, that the friends of the administration would eagerly accept of his services, as it might serve, to enlist him in the party.
FROM THE SALEM REGISTER.
GREAT BRITAIN Never offered to discontinue the practice of Impressment. Many persons have supposed that Great Britain actually offered to discontinue her impressment at the time of the negotiation with Mr. Monroe and Mr. Pinckney. Mr. Monroe appears to have entertained the same opinion, from the note which lords Holland and Auckland, (the British commissioners,) communicated to him at that time & has intimated that opinion in some of his printed correspondence. An attentive examination of the note of the British commissioners is sufficient to satisfy every intelligent and impartial man that no such intention has ever been manifested by the British government. But in this age of prejudice and bigotry, when the plainest truths are denied, if asserted by our own government, and the most unjust accusations believed if made by Great Britain, we would from the indisputable authority of the latter, prove to all honest minds which are yet deluded, the absolute truth of our assertion.
The following letters, written in consequence of the note above alluded to, were communicated to the British Parliament in the winter of 1808—yet, strange to tell, they have scarcely met the America eye in any papers in this country. Hear, therefore, the language of the British ministers on the subject of impressments.
Extract from Mr. Secretary Canning, to lords Holland and Auckland, dated July 27th, 1807.
MY LORDS,—I have the honor to enclose to your lordships, the copies of a note which I have received from Mr. Monroe and Mr. Pinckney, and of the several documents that accompanied it; I submit those papers to the consideration of your lordships, for the purpose of calling your attention to that passage of the note which refers to a suggestion on the part of his majesty's commissioners, on the subject of the impressment of seamen from on board of American ships. It is extremely desirable that his majesty's government should have the fullest information of this important point; and I have to request, that your lordships will be pleased to state to me, whether the representation contained in this part of the note of the American commissioners be accurate; and whether your lordships signified any such acquiescence as is there described in the implied "informal understanding respecting the forbearance to be observed by the British cruisers, in regard to the practice of impressment of seamen on board of American vessels." I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) GEO. CANNING. Right hon. lord Holland, and lord Auckland.
To which they returned the following answer, dated July 28th, 1807. Letter from lords Holland and Auckland, to Mr. Secretary Canning, dated July 28, 1807.
SIR—We have received the honor of your letter with several inclosures, and are desirous to give the fullest information in our power respecting the late negotiation with the commissioners of the United States. We have accordingly applied our attention
to that passage of the note delivered to you by Mr. Monroe and Mr. Pinckney which states that "soon after the suspension of the negotiations, it was suggested by his majesty's commissioners that if the topic relative to impressments should be expressly reserved for future conventional arrangement, and a pledge given to the United States for resuming the consideration of it at a convenient season, with that view; and, that, if in the mean time such an informal understanding should be substituted, as in its practical effect would remove the vexations complained of, it might perhaps be yet possible to conduct the negotiation to a result which would not be unacceptable to the respective governments. And in pursuance of this suggestion, the British commissioners presented their official note of the 8th day of November last."
It appears to us that the several parts of this statement taken with the context, have all the accuracy, and honorable and right meaning which we experienced in the negotiation.
When the American commissioners speak of "such an informal understanding to be substituted, as would in its practical effect remove the vexation complained of" they do not mean, & certainly his majesty's commissioners never meant that there should be a forbearance or suspension or discontinuance of the practice and exercise of the impressment of British seamen. On the contrary, they proceeded to say that "pursuant to the suggestion of the British commissioners, the official note of the 8th of November was presented." To that note we beg leave to refer.
We considered that not, and still consider it as pledging his majesty's government to give instructions to British cruisers "to be very cautious in the exercise of the right of impressing British seamen, to take the strictest care to preserve the citizens of the United States from molestation or injury, and to redress any grievances which might be sustained by them."
When the negotiation proceeded after our delivery of that note, we thought, and still think, that the treaty which we signed (omitting the point of impressment, and several other points afterwards included in the proposed additional articles) was itself complete and unconditional, and subject to no reservation on their part except that which was expressed in our second note of the 30th December, on the signature of the treaty.
If circumstances had not taken place, which made it our duty to suspend the signing of the additional articles, and which eventually discontinued the negotiation in our hands, we should have considered ourselves as bound to advert bona fide to the further pledge contained in our official note of the 8th November. We mean that paragraph which states, "that no recent cases of complaint had occurred, (respecting the exercise of the right of impressment) and that no probable inconvenience can result from the postponement of an article subject to so many difficulties; still, that his majesty's commissioners are instructed to entertain the discussion of any plan that can be devised to secure the interest of both states, without any injury to rights to which they are respectively attached." The obvious sense of this paragraph, and the forms and substance of the completed treaty, and the proposed additional articles, appear to us to leave no doubt relative to the mutual understanding and views of those who were employed in a negotiation of such importance to their respective countries.
We have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) VASSAL HOLLAND. AUCKLAND. Right hon. George Canning.
But Mr. Canning was not satisfied with this explicit assurance, and to place the question beyond all doubt, or more perhaps with a view to injure the British negotiations, he wrote them a second letter dated 6th August, 1807.
Letter from Mr. Secretary Canning to lords Holland and Auckland, dated August 6th, 1807.
MY LORDS, In acknowledging the receipt of the letter which your lordships have done me the honor to address to me, in answer to mine of the 25th. ult I am sorry to have occasion to trouble your lordships with any further enquiry; but I am sure that your lordships will feel that the point most immediately in question, respecting impressment of British seamen from American ships is one of such essential importance at the present moment, as to make it necessary for me to ascertain, with as much accuracy as possible, what has really passed between your lordships and the American commissioners on this subject.
I understood the American commissioners to say, that in addition to whatever passed in writing between you, they received from your lordships an informal assurance of something that "should in its practicable effect remove the grievance complained of." I understood the commissioners to mean the practice of impressment itself, not any ad hoc of that practice.
Your lordships deny that any forbearance was promised, "in the sense of any suspension or discontinuance of the practice," and your lordships refer to your note of the 8th of Nov. as containing the correct statement of what you communicated to the American commissioners.
The note of the 8th of Nov. certainly promises forbearance in the practice, but not a discontinuance of the practice of impressment.
I am therefore under the necessity of requesting your lordships to have the goodness to state to me, whether the note of the 8th of Nov. does, according to your lordships' recollection and belief contain the whole of what was promised or held out by your lordship to the American commissioners upon this point?
Whether whatever else passed (if any thing else did pass) in conversation, was in strict conformity to that note; implying no further concession or forbearance on the part of Great Britain, and authorising no further expectation on the part of the U. States.
If it be so, it does appear to me, that the American commissioners misconceived the effect of your lordships' communication to them; and must have represented it to
their government as implying a much larger concession than was in fact in your lordships' contemplation.
I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) GEORGE CANNING. Rt. hon. lord Holland and lord Auckland.
To this letter they returned the subjoined answer. Aug. 10th 1807.
Letter from lords Holland and Auckland to Mr. secretary Canning, dated August 10th 1807.
SIR—In answer to your letter of the 6th inst. we have the honor to repeat our former assurances that it is our desire as it is our duty, to give you every possible information respecting the negotiation with the American commissioners, which his majesty was lately pleased to entrust to us.
As the points in which our answer to your letter of the 25th ult. had not appeared to you sufficiently clear and satisfactory, we must again refer to our official note of the 8th of November last, as containing a full and authentic statement of what was settled between us and the American commissioners, with regard the impressment of British seamen from on board of American ships. The note was delivered after many fruitless conferences, held for the purpose, devising some expedient that might reconcile the interests and pretensions to both nations on this important point—But finding after much careful consideration of the different plans proposed to us, that the difficulties which stood in the way of any final adjustment were at that time insurmountable, we were compelled to rest satisfied with the temporary and imperfect arrangement which our note of the 8th of November promised to afford. We certainly did not then understand nor do we now understand, that by that note we pledge our government to abstain in future from the practice of impressing British seamen from American merchant vessels. We certainly however did mean to pledge the British government to make its cruisers observe the utmost caution, moderation and forbearance in the exercise of that practice, but we never either expressed or implied that they were to desist from taking British seamen from American merchant ships. We further engaged that our government would be at all times ready to take into its serious consideration any proposal made to it by the American government, for the recovery of deserters from the British navy, who take refuge in the American territory on board of American ships, without having recourse to the means which are at present resorted to for that purpose.
Who ever passed in conversation, was, we conceive, in strict conformity to that note, and implied no further concession nor forbearance on the part of Great Britain, than extreme caution and moderation in the exercise of the right, which does, without any discountenance, much less renunciation of the practice, we expressed our confident hope would be sufficient to prevent such inconveniences and outrages as the American commissioners represented and contended had frequently arisen from it.
We have the honor to be &c. (Signed) VASSAL HOLLAND, AUKLAND. Right honorable George Canning.
LATEST FROM EUROPE.
The schr. Mary, from Liverpool, has arrived in the Delaware, bringing English dates down to the 10th April. This vessel is seized at New Castle by the Custom-house officers for a violation of the Non-Intercourse law, in entering the waters of the U. States, after the 20th May. The extracts given from the English papers in the Philadelphia True American are vague and unimportant rumours, not substantiated by any authority except "it is said;" the amount of the rumour is that Bonaparte had killed Massena, as is said by some in a fit of passion, and by others, accidentally; that Bonaparte was at Paris the 28th of March, and an extraordinary meeting of the conservative senate was to be held prior to his setting out for Germany; that troops were pouring into Germany from all quarters; that General Dupont, for surrendering to Cuesta, was tried, condemned by a court martial, and shot by torch light; that the Dalecarlians, under Gen. Fall, had liberated the king of Sweden, had re-instated him, and the Duke of Sudermania had fled into Finland towards the Russian frontier, but that no arrivals from Sweden since the 28th March, had taken place, consequently the rumor was thought to be groundless; that Palafox was not dead, but had been ordered from Bayonne for Nancy; and that the Austrian minister had not quitted Paris, nor did not intend it until after the departure of the French emperor, in consequence of orders to that effect. To-morrow's mail may furnish us with further details.
A London paper of the 10th April states, the Amsterdam Courant of April 4, contains a decree for opening the ports of Holland for the exportation and importation of certain enumerated articles, the preamble of which decree, declares it to be "to place all matters relative to navigation on a complete uniformity with the decrees of France." By this Dutch instrument, certificates of origin are required, the possession of which subjects the neutral flag to the operation of the British Orders in Council, as a lawful prize.
*The decree is given in the next column of this day's Argus.
From the office of the Freeman's Journal, Philadelphia, May 21.
Latest from Spain.—The brig Cerberus, Hull, arrived here on Saturday evening in 42 days from Cadiz. By this arrival the Editors of the Freeman's Journal have received Gibraltal papers to the 2d, and the Seville Gazettes to the 4th of April.
It is positively stated by one of the passengers, that Russia had made peace with Great Britain, and that two ships be-
fore the Cerberus sailed an express had been received in Cadiz from the British admiral in the Tagus, ordering the Russian flag to be respected.
After the battle of Medellin, in Estremadura, of which we have no detailed account, the French penetrated into Andalusia, and were said to be within 18 leagues of Seville.
The situation of Spain, which we cannot disguise, looks worse than we expected, is not however, hopeless. Their allies the British, who ought to be supposed to know the real state of the country, have again sent a fine army of 30,000 men to their assistance. This does not look like despondency, nor do we see any thing of it in our papers—but the verbal reports of a passenger are quite the reverse.—He appears to think that Spain must ultimately yield to the French power.
The American vessels which had been so long detained at Cadiz, had been restored through the interference and at the request of the Marquis de Cossa Yrujo.
Verbal accounts state that Gen. Reding was in Catalonia, and Gen. Cuesta in Estremadura—That the Marquis Romana was in the mountains of Asturias—That nothing was known of Blake.—That the army of Lamancha formerly under Infanteado and lately under Gen. Urbina, was totally annihilated—That Gen. Castanos was confined in a convent near Seville for misconduct, (no doubt at the battle of Tudela)—That nothing was known of Palafox whether dead or living, but that it was reported that Saragossa was totally a heap of ruins and destroyed, having been literally blown up by inches, and only 10,000 inhabitants remaining alive out of 80,000 which were in the city when the siege commenced—That after the battle of Medellin in Estremadura, another severe battle took place, in which Cuesta was defeated while the French, as stated above were encamping Seville. Such is the substance of our verbal accounts, which the passenger who narrated them states was the reports at Cadiz.
IMPORTANT.
LONDON, April 10.
DUTCH DECREE.
From the Royal Courant of the 5th Inst.
LOUIS NAPOLEON, by the grace of God, and constitution of the kingdom, King of Holland and Constable of France, taking into consideration that the term prescribed by our decree of the 27th of Nov. 1808, No. 5, expires on the 31st inst. Taking further into consideration that it is necessary, at the present period, to take further measures, either for the renewal of the aforesaid decree, or the previous decrees respecting the means of carrying into execution the prohibition of all commerce with the enemy, or of replacing them, in whole or in part, by other measures calculated to place all matters relative to navigation on a footing of complete uniformity with the decree of France and of our brother the emperor; and notwithstanding the difficulties arising from the maritime war; and those which commerce suffers for its own interest, being continually anxious to contribute to that important object, we have decreed and hereby decree:—
Art. I. All commerce, correspondence, and communication with England, remains prohibited according to the purport of our previous laws, decrees, and regulations, and particularly such of them as expired on the 31st inst so far as no alteration is therein made by the present decree.
Art. II. and III. From the the first day of the succeeding month of April, the following articles may be exported to and imported from friendly or neutral countries in Dutch vessels, or those sailing under the flag of neutral or allied powers.
Art. IV. The commodities prepared for exportation shall not be put on board until previous notice has been given thereof to the marine director of the ways and means, with a particular specification of such articles which cannot be exported but from the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Groningen, Embden, Harlingen, Veere, Zierikzee, Ditsizl, and Brouwershaven.
Art. V. In order to the admission of any vessel into the harbors of this kingdom, they must enter in ballast, or laden with the products of the north, specified in the 3d article,* with the exception of such vessels as are laden with salt, or those which in the years 1806 or 1807 obtained our licence to proceed to China for a cargo of tea, upon showing our said authority.
Art. VI. No other goods than those mentioned in the 4th article shall be suffered to be imported under any pretence whatever; all prohibited goods of whatever description, and in whatever quantity imported, and also the vessels on board which they be found, being hereby declared liable to confiscation.
Art. VII. In case of suspicions arising respecting the origin of the cargo, from information received by the officers of the marine director, the same shall be provisionally sequestered until proof be given that it has not come from England or her colonies.
Art. VIII. Our consuls in giving certificates of origin for goods shipped at their ports of residence for Dutch ports, shall not confine themselves to certifying that the goods neither come from England nor her colonies, nor belong to English commerce, but they shall further specify the place whence the goods originally came, the documents produced to them in proof of the respective declarations, and the names of the vessels in which they were conveyed from the place of origin to the port where the consuls reside. They are required to transmit a copy of the said declaration to our marine director.
*The following is a list of goods which from the first of April 1809, are permitted to be exported and imported to & from allied or neutral states, in Dutch vessels or those of allied or neutral powers, to and from the harbors of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dord, Groningen, Embden, Harlingen, Veere, Zeirker, Dalszyl, & Brouwershaven:
Exports.—Books, beans, butter, brandy, bricks, cheese, cambrics, copper manufactured, clocks, clover and garden seeds, eels, flower roots, fruit, Geneva, gauze, glue, hoops, hides dried, iron manufactured, leather, linen, linseed, madders, mill stones, oak bark, ground oats, oils of seeds, mercury, plants, pipes, playing cards, mills, rushes, silk manufactured, sacch, saturni, starch, tins, thread and thread tape, tobacco, tarras, turf, vinegar, watches, white lead, wine, wood manufactured.
Imports.—Ashes (pot), candles, copper, iron, fish oil, isinglass, hare skins, hemp, and hemp seed, hides (rough) iron, lead, leather, (unmanufactured) lead lined, mercery, mats, pitch, Russia skins, rape seed, stock-fish, seeds, tar, tallow, tobacco, timber, wax, wool and wine.
This relaxation of Bonaparte's commercial restriction has excited considerable surprise and speculation. We must first however remark, that it affords another proof of the wisdom of that vigorous policy which his majesty's ministers adopted to meet the system, by which Bonaparte slyly attempted to destroy our trade, and to isolate us from all communication with the continent, a system which has involved his own subjects in the greatest distress, and which has been so efficacious as applied to us, that we believe the exports from this country for the year ending the 5th of this month, exceeded the exports of the preceding year by about a million Sterling!
The decree is perfectly adapted to please America. The articles which are permitted to be exported, are those which France and Holland have in abundance, and many of which America stands in need of, such as pottery, linen, mercery, ironmongery, &c. The articles permitted to be imported are those which America abounds in, such as grain, hemp and hemp seed, timber, pot ash, tobacco, tar, &c. The decree is also calculated to relieve the commerce of Russia, by the permission it affords to import hides, hemp, tallow and other things.
Such are the motives which appear to us to have operated in producing this decree. It is said that it would enable this country to extend its connection with the continent; but that his majesty's ministers are determined to take measures for preventing such an extension, and that the licences that have hitherto been granted to carry on an intercourse with the continent, are not to be continued.
IN COUNCIL, May 29, 1809. PROPOSALS will be received by the Executive till Thursday the 29th day of June next, for repairing between Five and Six Thousand stand of public Arms. The repairs will be of various kind; and the Executive would prefer a contract at so much a piece, for each stand, to be made completely fit for service. The arms may be seen, and further information obtained by application to Alexander Quarrier. Extract from the Journal. DANIEL L. HYTLON c. c.
EXHIBITION OF ARLINGTON SHEEP.
TWO CAPITAL TUPS, PATRIOT AND DUKE OF BEDFORD, bred by George W. P. Guiss, Esq. of Arlington, have been shipped for the White House, and will be exhibited at Mr. Bull's, about four miles below Richmond, on the road leading to the New Bridges, on the 2d of June next; where gentlemen wishing to patronize the domestic manufactures of their country are particularly invited to attend.
Patriot, is an Arlington long wool, and the Duke of Bedford, an Arlington long wool improved. These Tups are exhibited with a view of letting one of them out to Tup the ensuing season, provided a subscription can be obtained of one hundred dollars; the other will Tup at the White House, at the price of one dollar each Ewe. The object of letting Tups is the improving the breed of Sheep, which is of such importance in manufactures. As all monies arising therefrom will be added to the Arlington premiums should a deserving and Patriotic community give due encouragement to this infant and laudable institution, the benefits arising therefrom, it is presumed, will be sensibly felt by the public.
JAMES ANDERSON, May 29th, 1809.
JUST PUBLISHED, And for Sale, at Lynch & Southgate's Printing Office, corner of Harris's building.
A SERMON, Lately delivered by the Revd. JOHN D. BLAIR, on the Impetuous and bad effects of passion."—Price 25 cents.
JUST PUBLISHED, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE, [Price 25 Cents,]
SERMON, DELIVERED AT THE CAPITOL, ON SABBATH, APRIL 30TH, 1809, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE Female Humane Association OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND.
BY THE REV. CONRAD SPEECE, A. M. Published by request of the Association, May 27, 1809.