Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1806-04-08 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XIIIth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1249.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum...paid in advance.]
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1806.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, March 6.
DEBATE. ON MR. GREGG'S RESOLUTION, (CONTINUED)
MR. JOHN RANDOLPH.—Mr Chairman, I did expect, on coming to the House this morning, that the friends of the resolution under discussion, would have brought forward some arguments to shew (what they have studiously avowed)—that the ability to coerce Great Britain is within the compass of this nation's power; that this power ought now to be exerted, and that the proposed measure is equal to the desired effect. I behoves them to demonstrate all this, before they ask for our support. I did not come down to the House with an expectation of listening to a gross misrepresentation of my expressions yesterday; loose and desultory as I allow them to have been—much less was I prepared to hear such misrepresentations from the lips of gentlemen, whom I have treated with invariable and guarded respect—between whom and myself there has long existed a political friendship—real or in part, apparent or theirs. I did not indeed expect to hear particular expressions, used by me in the ardor of debate, broken and culled from their connecting members. I mutilated and tortured into meanings, which colliblooded malice alone could have devised. Sir, in this way of proceeding (without intending any profane comparison) the Bible itself may be made to preach atheism to declare that there is no God. "The idol saith in his heart, there is no God." Taken together, it is inspired wisdom: dismember it, it is impiety.
It has not been denied, by any member on this floor, that the carrying trade—that the commerce & navigation of these states ought to be protected. The only question is quo modo ? Have you the ability to protect them by war, and are they of sufficient value to justify the expense of such protection? We say no—they cannot pay for so dear a defence, rich as they may be—but above all, they cannot repay us for the loss of our constitution. It is above all price. We go farther: we affirm that trade is now protected by the most efficient means within our power, by discriminating duties, laid by the votes of southern men, and yet, sir, we are threatened with schism, with a dissolution of the union, if we do not adopt particular systems, devised by chance, begotten of ignorance or imbecility. Are these the mild and conciliatory plans and ideas of which gentlemen boast? Is this mildness? Is this conciliation? Is this peace? The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smilie) with a face of wondrous importance, tells you, that, by the constitution, we have power to raise and maintain armies, to build and equip navies: from which he draws the inference that (under whatever circumstances, I suppose) we must actually do what the constitution allows. And yet that gentleman, in former times, voted with us against: armies and navies! Let him justify himself if he can, upon his new principles? I repeat it—if the unjust aggression of a foreign nation, if indignity and insult, abroad, are always to produce war, the gentleman was criminal in refusing to support the administration in 1798. Yes, you were then compelled to drain the cup of humiliation to its very dregs. Did he put that cup by? Did he vote for fleet and armies, or a suspension of commercial intercourse with France? What was the French edition of the laws of nations then? That a bale of British manufacture (without any question of enemy's property) should subject to seizure and condemnation. And what was the British doctrine in 1793? That France was (with one sweep of the pen) in a state of siege and blockade, and that American flour, &c. should not be carried there at all. And yet against these principles and practices, preposterous as they were, we did not go to war—at least that gentleman was opposed to such war (if war it may be called) as was waged.
But whilst I acknowledge the carrying trade to be valuable to a certain extent, I must, unless I abandon every pretension to the character of a politician, act on existing circumstances, on things as they are, not as I believe they ought to be. In casting about, the first thing for one of the first to be considered is revenue. Almost our whole revenue is derived from commerce; that is, from the domestic consumption of imports from abroad. How much comes from the carrying trade? Your statements (I am told) say 800,000 dollars. But if our whole consumption were imported in foreign bottoms, the impost would exceed its present amount by 11 or 1200 thousand dollars. I warn gentlemen against a
misrepresentation of this fact. Am I therefore desirous to gain this increase at the expense of our navigation? Far from it. It would be to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. But what is this branch of the carrying trade, for which gentlemen would sacrifice not only our whole navigation and commerce, but the agriculture and constitution of the country? Look at this trade which is to be guarded at every risk and the men who follow it. Do they carry your products abroad, and bring back goods for home consumption? No, they plough their hands into your pockets for drawback—during this very session they threatened to plunder the treasury of millions, by a bill happily arrested on its passage. If our fair trade is not protected, how comes it that it has grown with a rapidity before unheard of in any age, unknown in any nation? That growth has been nourished by protecting duties, fostered by our neutral position. We are the real friends of your navigation. It has grown beneath the shade of discriminating duties—flourished in the sunshine of the neutral character. With the first blight of maritime war it dies.
I am accused too with stigmatizing the merchants of the United States. I deny the charge. Every profession and calling of human life is disgraced by unworthy members. The law has its pettifoggers, the church its hypocrites, medicine and politics too, sir, have their empirics:—and if there be two professions in the world, which can be selected for a tendency to develop the pre-existing germ of imperfection planted in our nature, they are the profession of the lawyer and the occupation of the trader. And wherefore? Because they open the wide field of temptation. The wisest prayer that ever was or can be devised for human infirmity, is that which teaches us to deprecate such trials—"We beseech thee, lead us not into temptation." What is the fact? Whilst we boast of our honor on this floor, our name has become a by-word among the nations. Europe, and Paris especially, swarms with pseudo Americans, with Anglo and Gallo-Americans, and American French and English, who have amassed immense fortunes by trading in the neutral character, by setting it up to auction and selling it to the highest bidder. Men of this description—stippling, without connexions or character, have been known to buy rich vessels and their cargoes, in Amsterdam and Antwerp, and trade with them, under the American name to the Indies. Neutral character has constituted one of the best remittances for colonial produce, or the goods which purchase it; and the trade in this commodity of neutrality has proved a most lucra-ve branch of traffic. This it is that has sunk and degraded the American name abroad, and subjected the fair trader to vexatious seizure and detention. But I am asked, if we shall submit to a tame and dastardly abandonment of our rights—and by those, too, who have made a cowardly surrender of our best interests and our honor when we were well able to have maintained them. I beg leave to reply to this question by asking another. Are you prepared to assert them? to go all lengths to enforce them? In what consists true dignity? In vapouring in the newspapers? In printed handbills and resolutions? Or in taking ground which you can and will maintain—which no change of fortune shall compel you to desert? Aut nunquam tentare aut perferre. Does the gentleman want a translation? Here is one truly American:—"Stick, or go through." This is true dignity:—can he give a better definition? And what constitutes false dignity? Playing the part of a Bobadil—bullying England and truckling to Spain—I beg pardon, there is no Spain:—bullying England and truckling to France. This you have done—You know it. When gentlemen tell us of their willingness to publish our proceedings, why do they not clear the galleries and take off the injunction of secrecy? Let their private vote correspond with their public profession. And let me tell the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Smilie) that I would rather have his vote than his speech at any time. Who would suppose, if he had not avowed it, that he held silence and good sense in such high respect—that he preferred the calm decisions of quiet wisdom to the effusions of empty garrulity.
The gentleman from New-York has told us, that after the call of the Executive for firm measures, he did not expect this opposition. And does he call this a firm measure? What would have been a firm measure? An embargo. That would have gone to the root of the evil. But that, sir, would not have suited your Proteus politicians. There could have been no evasion of that. But your slippery, mercantile eels can slide over or under this provision, and leave the whole burthen of suffering to fall on the planter, the farmer, and the real A-
merican. The whole revenue (we are told) is derived from commerce. Who pays it ultimately but the consumer, and with as large a profit on the merchants' advance of the duties (often a mere advance of credit) as he receives from any other part of his capital. These new ideas of firmness are either above or below my comprehension. And because we are anxious to see the public debt paid off & the true interests of the nation maintained—because we will not abandon the plough, and struggle to restrain Executive influence we are charged with hostility to all commerce, with insensibility to the honor of our country. When our doors were shut—this is no breach of confidence—one of my colleagues called for the reading of a Message from the President, soon after he came into office. It was the most severe and cutting satire that ever man listened to. I say it was a bitter satire on your proceedings, then or now. It recommended the application of our resources to a speedy discharge of the public debt, a rigid adherence to specific appropriations—tying down executive officers to the letter of the law, restricting them to the literal objects and amount of our appropriations. What is the commentary? In time of peace (for I trust no one will call this wind-mill attack on Tripoli war) the expenditures of the navy department (so far from each item of expense being limited by the specific appropriation for that object) have exceeded the gross sum appropriated for that branch of the public service one hundred per cent! And if this is a specimen of the yearly cost of hulks rotting in the mud, what estimate can you make of the disbursements in time of actual war against a powerful maritime state—when your seventy-fours are ready for sea? This is naked truth. It rests on figures—if it be not true, how comes it that we have passed two appropriation laws, to the amount of six hundred thousand dollars, during the present session, to cover the navy deficiencies of the last year—almost the only bills that we have passed. Yes, sir, I am for paying one debt off (the rest of a former war) before I enter into another and score up a second. I confess myself to be among the number of those politicians (gentlemen may style them visionary if they please) who hailed the President of the U. States as the political Messiah sent to convince an unbelieving world that a debt once funded, might be paid off, without the intervention of a sponge. If in this I was visionary, at least I was not alone. The promise has been large, the nation calls for its performance. Look at the measures of the government, and when you reckon the Louisiana debt, that created under the British Treaty and some others, it will appear that you have nearly scored up as much new debt as you have paid off of the old. I speak of principal: paying the interest of a debt is not diminishing it—and my friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. J. Clay) must have taken the interest into his large account of yesterday. The amount of principal redeemed is less than 18,000,000. If gentlemen deny this, let them refer to the treasury statements laid before us at the opening of the session, or call upon the head of that department to state the amount of debt paid and created, within the last 5 years. But you will be told, for your money you have value received, at least. This I freely acknowledge. I would have given the sum for the Delta of the Mississippi, if it could not have been honorably acquired for less. Of whom did we purchase—from Spain who had wrongfully held our right of deposit?—So far from it, that we tell her she has yet to make satisfaction for that injury and insult:—we bring it into account against her—No, sir, we purchased from France, the rightful proprietor, against whom we then had no subject of complaint.
I am accused by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Smilie) this I suppose is a specimen of his candor—[I am reluctant to say anything whilst he is absent—I am sorry he has fled his seat]—of designedly passing over one of the most important considerations presented by the present subject—the impressment of our seamen . And yet what did that gentleman tell you? That he himself (long as he had trespassed on your time) had been compelled to omit many important things, that he intended to say. This realises the proverb. "One man may steal a horse, whilst another must not look over the hedge." I will tell the gentleman, if I did omit this topic, I had scarcely thrown myself into the carriage that conveyed me home, before I recollected and regretted it. The gentleman may say what he pleases, but he never had, no man ever shall have cause to upbraid me with finching from any question that may be brought on this floor. Now, sir, let gentlemen lay their hands upon their hearts and answer sincerely if they do believe this resolution has the
power to take one American seamen out of a British ship of war? Are gentlemen hostile to impressment, and yet friendly to a naval war, to systems which must eventuate in the introduction of this system at home, in the subversion of our liberties? Let them examine the profound argument of Judge Foster on this subject. They will find that Great Britain is compelled to resort to it, to maintain her naval power and her existence. And it is because I am opposed to resorting to the same expedient, for will any man pretend that a great navy can be manned without recurring to it? because I think it abhorrent to the genius of a free people, that I am against rushing into that naval war, into which gentlemen wish to precipitate us. No, sir, you cannot command seamen for your navy, in time of war, without impressment. The wealth of Creesus could not sustain the expense, and even if that objection could be removed, the operation by enlistment is too tardy to meet a sudden emergency. If you have difficulty in procuring seamen to serve in the Mediterranean, what will be the case in a war against England. With all their bravery many a man who would willingly meet the corsairs, or even the Dons and Monsieurs, would feel reluctant to be led to battle against a British fleet—and why? Because waving other considerations, a great proportion of our seamen are foreigners—natives of Great Britain, who still feel prejudices for their parent country. Yes, sir, the character of the American seamen, like that of the neutral trader, too often eludes our grasp. The moment you make war, much more if you resort to impressment, the American sailor vanishes, he becomes a subject of Denmark: with the first frost, he disappears in a night.
But if I did not misunderstand the gentleman from Pennsylvania, he said that I had treated the House in a manner of which, sir, I trust I am incapable of acting towards any assembly much less one of your dignity. Am I indeed, so ignorant of the feelings of men? Of the character and composition of this House? No, sir, I have spoken of certain projects and their projectors in language such only as I think they deserve, and in which, claiming the same liberty which that gentleman urges and exacts, I will ever speak of such absurd and fantastical systems. The authors are no doubt interested in diffusing the ridiculous burthen of their disgrace as widely as possible. I cannot blame them for it, sir—'tis natural to wish for partners in our shame. But the great political sin, for which I have been denounced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, is the opinion which I have expressed of a certain book, which seems to be his political Bible. And, sir, he would have me considered as an inconsiderate person who would not scruple to call Locke a dunce, Newton a driveller and Franklin a journeyman printer; and in an oracular saw he has pronounced that this book will live when he and I too are laid in our graves. But when he considers his own age and the frailty of my constitution, he will confess that he has allowed but a short span for the existence of his favorite work. But even though it should live when we are wasting in the silent tomb, there is nothing in my composition that aspires to being considered as its author. Who is the author? Does the gentleman know? Must we have semi-official authority, even for a title page? No, sir, whatever others may think I have no ambition to have written such a book as this. I abjure the very idea. Unless my understanding has abandoned me, it involves an abandonment of the very doctrine for which the writer contends. Sir, the very cursory view which I took of this subject yesterday will compel me into some repetitions, but I must beg to be indulged in some additional remarks. What is the doctrine?
"In times of peace among all nations, their commercial intercourse is under no other restrictions than what may be imposed by their respective laws, or their mutual compacts. No one or more nations can justly control the commerce between any two or more of the others."
"When war happens between any two or more nations a question arises, in what respect it can affect the commerce of nations not engaged in the war?"
"Between the nations not engaged in the war, it is evident that the commerce cannot be affected at all by a war between others."
freedom as if no war had arisen between them. This, as the general rule, is sufficiently established."
Here is a faint endeavor to establish the principle that free ships make free goods. But the writer, as if despairing of his ability to effect it goes on to say—"But in as much as the trade of a neutral nation with a belligerent nation might in certain special cases affect the safety of its antagonist usage founded on the principle of necessity has admitted a few exceptions to the general rule"—usage founded on what? Reason? Right? No, sir, on that law which admits no thing to control it—Necessity that cannot stoop to argument. If once you admit that necessity ought, can, or does establish exceptions to this broad rule, do you not admit all that the British doctrine requires? But, sir, it will be said that the sole legitimate proof of its necessity is usage. But usage must have had a beginning, and the small protection which this argument affords is thrown away by the subsequent admission, that a change in circumstance ("in the course of commerce" for instance) will justify a departure from established maxims, will warrant the commencement of a new usage. As if all the articles contraband of war, were minutely specified—and by a change in the maxims, and implements of war, new and more terrible instruments of annoyance should be fabricated;—would they not fall under the head of contraband? And is it not demonstrable that a direct trade to France, in gunpowder, or any other articles contraband of war, would be less beneficial to her a direct injury to her enemy, than the colonial trade now in dispute—and is not (according to this writer's acknowledgment) the lesser principle involved in the greater? Am I therefore the apologist of England? I scorn to boast of my patriotism:—it is indigenous. And when I am reduced so low as to plead to the charge of want of love to my country, of natural affection to my birth-place, my pride will tell me to bid you farewell to go home and hide my shame. Am I the apologist of Britain because your cause has been weakly defended, or treacherously betrayed? No, sir, this "Examiner" is her apologist. I have not minutely dissected the work—I here was no occasion for it. It is something like the edifice we inhabit. 'Tis hardly worth while to be examining cracks and corners, and architraves, and succo works, when you know the foundation to be rotten, whilst the building is tumbling about our ears, and we are obliged to take refuge in another. It is not, indeed, sir, worth while to consult in 'orders of architecture' in a miserable card house of an argument, which the first puff of wind must demolish.
Sir, the admission, that a change of circumstances will justify a departure from the established maxims amongst nations, was an unnecessary and final concession not called for by the nature of the case—Writ is "the course of commerce," now! Totally changed in a few short years. The marine of France, Spain and Holland, whether for the purposes of trade or war, is no more. They have no longer, navigation, or navy. Again amongst a host of quotations from Grotius, and Puffendorff and the lord knows who, and we are told it is the duty of the neutral to observe the strictest impartiality "to behave himself alike to both the belligerent parties." But is it to be have alike to both parties to carry for him who cannot carry for himself, to throw the Ægis of neutrality over a commerce which he can no longer protect, to save him all the danger, expense and risk of convoy and war insurance. This is a hollow Delphic reciprocity:—reciprocity to the ear, but not to the sense. If you carry contraband, or attempt to enter a blockaded port, you are liable to capture. Why? Because justified by necessity. As to the motives of the neutral merchant, they are out of the question. His object, no doubt, like that of every other trader under the sun, is gain. He, sir, is too often the mere ephemeron, the butterfly of the day, who does not care one farthing whether you are at war with this or that nation, with England or with France, provided he can get good returns. His business is to post his books and balance the ledger, and whether he deals with the subjects of a white emperor or a black one, of Bonaparte or Dessalines, 'tis all one to him. No doubt, sir, it is the right of the neutral to pursue, and he will, he ought to pursue his own interest. But it is the right of a belligerent (as conceded by this writer) to enquire how far such pursuit comes into collision with his interests and his safety. The motive of the neutral may not be hostility to either party engaged in war, but his own benefit. This however, will not influence the belligerent nation, who takes up the question solely with a view to its effect.

on itself. What will Great Britain say? That the exigency exists—it has occurred, flagrante bello that the necessity admits of no delay, that you yourselves have abandoned the question in dispute, and even if you have not, that she cannot consent to sit down quietly, and be expelled from the face of nations, out of complaisance to Gratius or Bynkershoek , or in deference to the unknown author of this pamphlet, although he should exceed Bacon in genius, or Newton in intensity of thought. I must defend myself, the knife is at my throat, I have no more time for argument, but if you insist upon it I will fight you. Sir, I have tried, but I could not get through this work, I found it so wire drawn—the thread so fine that I could neither see nor feel it,—such a tangled cobweb of contradictions that I was obliged to give it up. The first thing that struck me on opening it was the peculiar infelicity with which it had surrendered the matter in dispute. And if this appeared at once, to my unlearned eyes, do gentlemen suppose it will not be detected on the other side of the Atlantic?—That it will receive no able examination there, than the feeble and cursory one that I have given it.—And after all, what does it contain? A remedy for the evil? No, a formal declaration that we are diseased.—Sir, we wanted no ghost to tell us that. It required no extraordinary exertion of learning, or genius, to shew, that we had, indeed, delicate subjects of difference with Great Britain;—the question is how shall they be adjusted. We want the opinion of the doctor on the mode of treatment, and don't choose to be referred to the apothecary, because the superior does not choose to risk his reputation in a dubious case.
A gentleman from Pennsylvania has told us that Great Britain is our commercial rival. But does not the gentleman know that the very term implies a correlative. That if she is your commercial rival, you are her commercial rival also. This is the very view that I have been endeavoring to take of the subject to impress on the committee;—to warn the nation against being drawn into a war of commercial rivalry. Sir, when men fall out about women they are not apt to call in some learned doctor to decide the dispute—they yield to feeling or instinct—just so with nations, commercial nations especially differing on interest, which is their instinct. And would gentlemen wish to excite this young nation, as yet in the gristle, to a foreign contest with Great Britain, in the full strength of manhood? I speak of foreign war. The will and ability to defend ourselves one thing,—to act 3000 miles off, another. They may rely as much as they please upon the French emperor's making a separate peace with the continent, to the exclusion of Great Britain. If she puts out her strength, you will feel it. This proposition will subject her to all the evils of an American war without any of the concomitant advantages. And can you expect a tame acquiescence on her part? If her minister be not a bastard; if he has one drop of the Chatham blood in his veins he will die contending for the liberties of his country sooner than surrender her independence. He will do it. No, sir, whatever I may think of the vices and corruptions of the government of that country, I must applaud her intelligence and spirit, must admire her ability, wisdom and strength.
But another gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smilie) asks if it is not astonishing that a man, whom he allows to possess common sense, whom he represents as trembling at the power of Great Britain, should be making calculations of the future power of France, instead of guarding against the immediate danger? Sir, France may become a naval power—Great Britain never can be a military one. I ask any practical man, if the day can ever arrive when Great Britain will be able to threaten the safety of the continent of Europe or America, or dictate to either of them. Is it my fault that the gentleman cannot, or will not see this, and I to blame because (as he tells you) fools and madmen can never be brought to believe that the spirit of God hath passed them by, and enlightened the understandings of other men. But to shew that this is not just cause of war we are referred to the time of the stamp-act and the non-importation agreement of 1774, which did not (it seems) produce immediate war. Is there any analogy between the two cases? We then formed one nation. A man may make a great sacrifice to preserve his friend, but when he has lost him, he will (as has been seen to day) be denounced as the bitterest enemy. The other instance, are equally defective and impracticable. You may as well go back to the flood.—The same gentleman enquires, are you indeed so peaceable towards England, who has trampled upon you, and hostile to France who has offered you no injury? Wherefore? On this occasion I must repeat the old proverb, 'tis the still hog that drinks the swill. She finds it convenient to make a miserable stalking horse, a scarecrow of Spain. The gentleman enquires how long Great Britain has acted upon these philanthropic principles; this generous, benevolent policy ascribed to her. But is any man so weak or so wicked as to pretend that there is any principle of action between nations except interest? Give Great Britain the power, and she will to-morrow play the
same part. Sir, we are not the philanthropists, but politicians; not dreamers and soothsayers, but men of flesh and blood. 'Tis idle to talk of a sense of justice in any nation. Each pursues its sense of interest, and if you calculate on their acting upon any other principle, you may be very amiable, but you will prove a cully. We are asked what Great Britain can do to annoy us. We answer at this moment more than any other nation of the world, because she commands the ocean, the sole medium of communication between us. But draw her off from that element, and France is not less omnipotent upon it. She is a great military power, and it is because Britain is not, cannot be such a power, that it is impolitic to break her down. Go to war when you will, you must become the ally of France, you will only put off, by enhancing it, the danger you would guard against. You will but clap a tortoise under your elephant.
The same gentleman tells you that the gigantic power of France hangs on the brittle life of an individual. But do you believe it? Are you such drivellers in politics as to believe that the fate of such a military despotism hangs on the life of one man. If Mahomet II. had been killed under the walls of Constantinople, would the destiny of the Greek empire have been changed? Would not the power have passed into the hands of some Selyman or Selim, the terror of the civilized world? Shall we abandon practice for theory?
In some respects we are situated as the successors of Alexander were placed in relation to Rome and Carthage.—Here is an iron republic or call it what you will, that threatens the liberties of mankind: the government above all others, in Europe, to which our own is most hateful and obnoxious. This is beyond dispute. Does it become us to facilitate its designs? I do not enquire as to motives, nor will that government care about them. If you give it facilities to effect its purposes, those purposes are obtained so far as depends on you. Is this wise, is it proper, is it right? Am I asked for my plan? If I meant to act efficiently, I would have begun with an embargo—I would now do what was done before—I would treat with Great Britain, and for the reason that I would not have treated with her, in the year 1794; for the same reason that the gentleman, whose resolution is now under discussion, then treated with her I would not: now, he is for war, I am for negotiation and peace. And why? Because the state of nations has since undergone a momentous change; disastrous changes indeed have been effected in the face of things. We often hear of the abuses and corruptions of the British government; whilst the continental despotisms pass unnoticed and unregarded. Let us beware of introducing such abuses into our own.—We have no farther concern with them. Do gentlemen think worse of the character and motives of William Pitt than of Robespierre, and yet, monster as he was, Robespierre—that cannibal of his own countrymen, was in his day the sole bulwark of the human race. And whatever be her motives or professions Great Britain now stands exactly in the place of France twelve years ago. Take her navy out of the way to-morrow, and where are you?—The secretary of the navy has indeed reported that the Chesapeake is fit for service, and the Constitution is in a state of thorough repair, but would the real Chesapeake, the bay, be fit for use in that case, and what would be the operation on the actual constitution of the United States? Sir, I am opposed to a French war as well as to a war with England—I would treat with England for another reason. I wish we had not a commercial treaty with any nation whatever. I am opposed to them on principle: but the principle is already settled. We have them. By our treaties with her enemies your hands are tied up from taking against them, any such measure as the one proposed: they are to be admitted on the terms of the most favored nation. This is probably one of the principal causes of disgust to England. Again, she made an offer to repeal her discriminating duties, if you would do so too; to trade with us upon even terms. By mercantile clamor you were deterred from meeting her half way: moreover, you have refused to ratify treaties with her, after they had been signed by your own minister. No doubt you had the right to do so. But can you be surprised under such circumstances that a haughty commercial rival has been irritated.—After your obligations to France, who cannot receive a single pound of sugar, or coffee, but under cover of your flag, who is dependent upon you for services which she cannot render herself, who is not your rival in commerce, what can you expect from a jealous competitor in trade who stands not in need of your navigation—whose every advance towards a good understanding has received a mortifying repulse? Sir, you have at this moment a negotiation pending with Great Britain. You have no cause to despair of its success: far otherwise. The plain question is, will you await its issue, or will you, pendente lite , precipitate yourself into a measure, which must put all negotiation aside, which must eventuate in war. If you want war, there is no doubt that you may have it. Great Britain will not submit to all the hardships and mischiefs of war, because you choose to call it peace. She will prefer open war to war in dis-
guise: and I, sir, have no hesitation in saying that I am for no half measures.—Begin that system when you will, war, or disgrace must grow out of it. I am for neither. The gentleman indeed says that this, which has been denounced as a war measure, is a measure of peace. Let us have no more quasi wars I beseech you, sir—no half measures, no intermediate stage, but open war, or peace. I abhor this political quackery. Give us war, or negotiation—if you resort to the one, let us abandon the other. But we are asked if American virtue will so far degrade and debase itself as to treat with the old and corrupt government of England. There is a plain answer to this. You have a treaty with her now, with every government, I believe, that would make one with you. But whilst we boast of our virtue, let us beware that our own sins are not cast into our teeth. Let us see, how far these punillios are warranted by the conduct of our own agents. Look to the management of the convention of Paris, of the 30th April, 1803. You have all seen the case of the New-Jersey, Nicklin and Griffith's ship. It has created a general sensation. And yet what is the fact. Compared with others, they have almost nothing to complain of. Bad as that case is, it is amongst the least exceptionable instances of misconduct in your ministry at Paris. It is true Nicklin and Griffith's claim was cut down, I believe one half, because the sum appropriated, would not otherwise (it was feared) be sufficient to answer all the drafts of chancery upon it. These men were therefore mulcted fifty per cent. They are rich merchants—able to make their case known. It has been heard, and has rung through the continent. There are hundreds of cases even worse than this. The claims intended to be provided for are set aside. Why? Because government has been represented abroad by unfaithful, dishonest agents. Have they been called to account for their conduct? Three millions seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars stipulated to be paid, to bona fide American citizens—where have they gone? Into the pockets of renegades and the bureaux of Paris. Yes, the traders in neutral character have divided the spoil with the harpies of the French bureaux. These are they, in whose favor the bills have been drawn on the treasury of the United States by their own minister. Take the case of the Pigeon—There was no question, indeed as to her being American property—but she was captured flagrante bello :—when we were taking the insurgent (and Bercay) she was therefore good prize, and condemned accordingly. Yet the decision of the inferior court was reversed by the council of prizes, and this case brought within the convention—to the exclusion no doubt of bona fide claims for neutral American property captured and condemned, and for which the convention was intended to provide. This is a specimen of the mode of doing business at Paris. If gentlemen doubt upon the subject let them call on the secretary of state for the correspondence of the commissioners. Let them call for John Mercer, one of those commissioners, a man inferior to few in point of talents; in point of character to none. Put him to the bar and examine him.
Painful as it is to me I must defend my principles and those of my friends. Open your statute book—what does it say? That the shores and waters of the bay & river Mobile shall form a district—I brought in the bill myself. The executive had informed us, that we had purchased from France as far as the Perdido to the east—We legislated upon it. Whence have arisen your disputes with Spain—from Pensacola or St Augustine? No—From the very country which the statute book says is yours—in your own collection district are Spanish duties exacted and paid—From this very quarter incursions have been made into the old United States. Do gentlemen believe that this fact will be lost on Great Britain? But we are asked (by Mr. Smilie) what has she to do with differences between us and Spain?—What right has she to interfere to enquire, or even to know, to seem conscious of what has passed in that quarter? Is this intended as a serious question? Because you have clapped a padlock upon your own mouths and wilfully shut your eyes, do you expect to hoodwink an eagle eyed adversary? 'Tis in vain to expect that any nation in her intercourse with you, will be blind to your conduct towards others—Great Britain must shut her eyes, and ears too, not understand the state of things here—at least negatively speaking. She must know that you have taken no imposing attitude towards Spain, done nothing to strengthen the Southern frontiers—made no addition to your naval or military force, left even the militia in statu quo ante . Because the doors have been shut, can people be brought to believe that we have raised armies and equipped fleets in conclave? I never heard, sir, but of one army incoq. and that was levied by the factious Mr. Bayes for the service of the stage, not of the state—and from some dramatic specimens which I have lately seen, I should not be surprised to hear of a similar project being started on this floor. Great Britain will see, then, what has not been your proceeding towards Spain. She will say, shall I suffer myself to be brow-beaten by a nation, clamouring for the right of highway, that has not spirit enough to defend her own domicile? If A acts like a poltroon towards B who has committed a gross outrage upon her, and shall have a subsequent controversy with C, shall he pretend to bully him, and expect C not to call to mind his cowardly behavior with B and treat him accordingly? One foreign nation will be influenced, will be governed in her concerns with you by your concessions to another—and it is the idlest thing in the world to expect that your treatment by one government will not have an effect on the deportment of others towards you.
One word more, sir, before I conclude. Gentlemen miscalculate if they suppose that mere authority (much less at second hand) will do for us. They must shew us something better before we swallow their resolution. 'Tis an infirmity, sir, of my nature that I cannot yield to the imposing sound of great names—they never did and they never shall put me to silence, or drive me from my purpose. I am apprised of the secret denunciations which are on foot, and I despise them. They shall never affect me—I came into public life with these principles, and I will leave it with them, leave it when I may.
WASHINGTON CITY, April 2. On Monday the House of Representatives were exclusively engaged until 5 o'clock, with closed doors in discussing the propriety of taking off the injunction of secrecy relative to the measure taken on Spanish affairs, which issued in taking off the injunction of secrecy. The following is the journal of these proceedings. Long as it is, it is but a skeleton. Such, however, as it is, it will be read with a deep interest. We have not time to accompany these proceedings with any elucidating remarks. We shall merely say that there appears to have been on this subject an honest diversity of opinion, which resulted in the adoption of measures of a pacific complexion , by a large majority. On the final passage of the bill, the whole votes were 130, of which 76 republican votes were in favor of the bill, and 27 republican and 27 federal (including every federal member that voted) against it.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Friday, the 6th of December, 1806. The Speaker laid before the House a letter & communication from the President of the U. S. which were read. Ordered, That the said letter and communication, together with the documents accompanying the same, be referred to Mr. John Randolph, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. John Cotton Smith, Mr. Mumford, Mr. Williams of S. Carolina, Mr. Bidwell and Mr. Brown.
Friday, the 31st of January, 1806. Mr. John Randolph, from the committee to whom were referred the message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of December last, together with the documents accompanying the same, made a report thereon as follows:
Report of the committee to whom was referred the message of the President of the U. S. of the 6th of December, 1805. The committee have beheld with just indignation the hostile spirit manifested by the court of Madrid towards the government of the U. S. in withholding the ratification of its convention with us, although signed by its own minister under the eye of his sovereign, unless with alterations of its terms affecting claims of the U. S. which, by the express conditions of the instrument itself, were reserved for future discussion, in practical depredations upon our fair commerce—in obstructing the navigation of the Mobile;—in refusing to come to any fair and amicable adjustment of the boundaries of Louisiana; and in a daring violation, by persons acting under the authority of Spain, and no doubt apprised of her sentiments and views of our undisputed limits which she had solemnly recognized by treaty.
To a government having interests distinct from those of its people and disregarding their welfare, there is ample cause for a formal declaration of war, on the part of the U. S. and such, did they obey the impulse of their feelings alone, is the course which the committee would not hesitate to recommend; but to a government identified with its citizens, too far removed from the powerful nations of the earth for its safety to be endangered by their hostility, peace must always be desirable, so long as it is compatible with the honor and interests of the community.
Whilst the U. S. continue burdened with a debt, which annually absorbs two thirds of their revenue, and duties upon imports constitute the only resource from which that revenue can be raised, without resorting to systems of taxation, not more ruinous and oppressive, than they are uncertain and precarious, the best interests of the union cry aloud for peace. When that debt shall have been discharged, and the resources of the nation thereby liberated, then may we rationally expect to raise, even in time of war, the supplies which our frugal institutions require, without resorting to the hateful and destructive expedient of loans; then, and not till then, may we bid defiance to the world. The present moment is peculiarly auspicious for this great and desirable work. Now, if ever, the national debt is to be paid, by such financial arrangements as will accelerate its extinction; by reaping the rich harvest of neutrality, and thus providing for that diminution of revenue, which experience teaches us to expect on the general pacification of Europe. And the committee indulge a hope, that, in the changed aspect of affairs in that quarter, Spain will find motives for a just fulfilment of her stipulations with us, and an amicable settlement of limits, upon terms not more beneficial to the U. S. than advantageous to herself,—securing to her an ample barrier on the side of Mexico, and to us the countries watered by the Mississippi, and to the eastward of it. But whilst the committee perceive, in the general upsur of Europe, a state of things peculiarly favorable to the peaceable pursuit of our best interests, they are neither insensible to the indignity, which has been offered on the part of Spain, nor unwilling to repel similar outrages. On the subject of self defence, where the territory of the U. S. is insulted, there can be but one opinion,—whatever difference may exist on the question, whether that protection which a vessel finds in our harbors, shall be extended to her, by the nation in the Indian or Chinese seas? Under this impression, the committee submit the following resolution:—the annexed letter from the secretary of war will explain why it is not more explicit.
Resolved, That such number of troops not exceeding as the President of the U. S. shall deem sufficient to protect the southern frontiers of the U. S. from Spanish invasion and insult, and to chastise the same, be immediately raised. The said report was read and ordered to be referred to the consideration of a committee of the whole house on Monday next.
On motion made and seconded, that the house do come to the following resolution:
Resolved, That the additional duty of two & a half per centum ad valorem, imposed by an act, entitled "An act further to protect the commerce and seamen of the U. S. against the Barbary powers," be continued for years.
Ordered, That the said resolutions be committed to the committee of the whole house, to whom is committed the before mentioned report of the committee on the message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of December last.
Monday, the 6th of January, 1806. The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house on the report of the committee to whom were referred the message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of Dec. last, & the documents accompanying the same, as also on the resolutions referred to the said committee of the whole house on Friday last; & after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Gregg reported, that the committee had, according to order, had the said report and resolutions under consideration, and made some progress therein, but not having time to go through the same, had directed him to move the house for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this house will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole house, on the said report and resolutions.
Tuesday, the 7th of January, 1806. On a motion made and seconded, that the house do come to the following resolution: Resolved, That any arrangement of limits between the U. S. and Spain, which shall secure to her an ample barrier on the side of Mexico, and to the U. S. the countries watered by the Mississippi, and to the eastward of it, will meet the approbation and support of this house; and
Ordered, That the third resolution be committed to the committee of the whole house, to whom is referred the report of the committee on the message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of Dec. last, and the documents accompanying the same, as also two resolutions referred to the same committee of the whole house on Friday last.
The house then, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on the said report and resolutions, and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Gregg reported, that the committee had, according to order, again had the said report and resolutions under consideration, and made a further progress therein, but not having time to go thro' the same, had directed him to move the house for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this house will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole house on the said report and resolutions.
Wednesday, the 8th of January. The house according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on the report of the committee to whom was referred a message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of Dec. last, and the documents accompanying the same, as also on two resolutions referred to the same committee of the whole house on Friday last, and one other resolution referred to the same committee of the whole house on Tuesday last; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Gregg reported, that the committee had, according to order, again had the said report and resolutions under consideration, & made some progress therein, but not having time to go through the same, had directed him to move the house for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this house will to-morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole house, on the said report and resolutions.
Thursday, the 9th of January. The house, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on the report of the committee to whom was referred a message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th Dec. last, & the documents accompanying the same, as also on two resolutions referred to the same committee of the whole house, on Friday last, and one other resolution referred to the same committee on Tuesday last, and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair and Mr. Gregg reported, that the committee had, according to order, again had the said report and resolutions under consideration, and made a further progress therein, but not having time to go through the same, had directed him to move the house for leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this house will, to-morrow, again resolve itself into a committee of the whole house on the said report and resolutions.
Friday, January 10. The House, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on the report of the committee to whom was referred a message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of Dec. last, and the documents accompanying the same, as also on two resolutions referred to the same committee of the whole House on Friday last; and on one other resolution referred to the same committee on Tuesday last; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair and Mr. Gregg reported, that the committee had, according to order, had the said report and resolutions under consideration, and directed him to report to the House their disagreement to the resolution contained in the report of the committee aforesaid, also their agreement to the first of the two resolutions referred to them on Friday last with sundry amendments; and further, that the said committee of the whole House not having time to go through the whole of the business referred to them, had directed him to move the House for leave to sit again.
On the question that the committee of the whole House have leave to sit again, it passed in the negative.
Ordered, That the report of the committee of the whole House do lie on the table.
Saturday, January 11. The House proceeded to consider the report of the committee of the whole House made yesterday, on the report of the committee to whom was referred the message and communication from the President of the U. S. of the 6th of December last, and sundry resolutions of the 3d and 7th instants—whereupon,
The resolution contained in the report of the committee on the President's message aforesaid being read in the words following, to wit:
Resolved, That such number of troops, not exceeding as the President of the U. S. shall deem sufficient to protect the south-

frontiers of the U. S. from Spanish furor and insult, and to chastise the same, be immediately raised." The question was taken that the House do agree with the committee of the whole House in their disagreement to the same. And resolved in the affirmative—Yeas 72—Nays 58—as follows: YEAS—Messrs. Alston, jun. Anderson, Bard, Barker, Bedinger, Bidwell, Bishop, Blake, jun. Blount, Brown, Boyle, Butler, G. W. Campbell, Casey, Chaudhuri, M. Clay, Clifton, Conner, Cook, Crowninshield, Cutts, Darby, Dickson, Earle, Elliot, Elmer, Eppes, Finley, Fisk, Gray, Gregg, Green, Halsey, Hamilton, Holland, Holmes, Jackson, Kenan, Knight, Lambert, Leib, Marion, Masters, Meriwether, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, J. Morrow, Vir. J. Morrow, Ohio, Olin, Pugh, T. M. Randolph, Rea, Penn Rhea, Ten Richards, Russell, Schumann, Seaver, Sloan, Smilie, O'B. Smith, Southard, Srandford, Stanton, Thomas, Tracy, Varnum, J. Whitehill, R. Whitehill, D. R. Williams, M. Williams, N. Williams, and Wynns—72. NAYS—Messrs. Archer, Basset, Betton, Broom, Bryan, J. Campbell, Chittenden, Claiborne, Clark, J. Clay, Clinton, jun. Dana, Davenport, jun. Early, Ellis, Ely, Fowler, Garnett, Goldsborough, Hastings, Hough, Jones, Kelly, Lewis, jun. Livingston, Lyon, Magruder, McCreery, Mosely, J. Nelson, R. Nelson, Newton, jun. Nicholson, Picken, jun. Quincy, J. Randolph, Saily, Sandford, J. C. Smith, J. Smith, S. Smith, Spalding, Stedman, Sturges, Taggart, Talimadge, Tenny, P. R. Thompson, T. W. Thompson, Trigg, Van Cortlandt, Van Pelt, Verplanck, Wadsworth, Walton, Wickes, Wilson and Winston—58.
The House then proceeded to consider the amendments reported by the committee of the whole House to the first resolution referred to them on the 3rd inst. which resolution & amendments being read at the clerk's table as follows: "Resolved, That dollars be appropriated by law for the purpose of defraying any extraordinary expenses which may be incurred in the intercourse between the United States, and foreign nations to be paid out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and to be applied under the direction of the President of the U. S. who shall have authority to borrow the said sum or any part thereof, on behalf of the United States, at a rate of interest not exceeding six per centum per annum, and shall cause an account of the expenditure thereof to be laid before Congress as soon as may be."
Amendments. 1st. Prefix a preamble in the words following, to wit: "Whereas in the settlement of our differences with Spain, it may be for the interest of the United States, to procure acession of the Spanish territories eastward of the river Mississippi by purchase; to enable the President, in effecting such purchase, to secure to the United States, the most advantageous terms." 2d. Strike out the words, "any extraordinary expenses which may be incurred in the intercourse between the United States, and foreign nations" and insert "the expenses which may be incurred in the purchase of the Spanish territories lying on the Atlantic ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and eastward of the Mississippi."
3d. After the words "per annum," insert "redeemable at will." The first of the said amendments, to prefix a preamble to the resolution being again read, it was moved and seconded to amend the said preamble by proceeding it with the following words: "France having transferred to the United States, the sovereignty of Louisiana, embracing extensive, but undefined countries contiguous to the Spanish province of New Mexico, and Spain retaining the sovereignty of territories on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, detached from her other American possessions, but whose local position render them desirable to the United States."
And on the question thereon, It was resolved in the affirmative—Yeas 74—Nays 57—as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. Anderson, Archer, Bard, Basset, Bedinger, Betton, Broom, J. Campbell, Casey, Chittenden, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Clinton, jun. Clifton, Dana, Davenport, jun. Early, Ellis, Ely, Fowler, Garnett, Goldsborough, Gray, Hastings, Hough, Hough, Jackson, Jones, Kelly, Kenan, Leib, Lewis, jun. Livingston, Marion, Masters, McCreery, Meriwether, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, Morrow, Va. Mosely, J. Nelson, Newton, jun. Nicholson, Picken, jun. Quincy, J. Randolph, J. Rea, Pen, Sammons, J. C. Smith, J. Smith, O'B. Smith, S. Smith, Spalding, Stedman, Sturges, Taggart, Talimadge, Tenny, P. R. Thompson, T. W. Thompson, Trigg, Van Cortlandt, Van Rensselaer, Verplanck, Wadsworth, Wickes, D. R. Williams, M. Williams, Wilson, Winston, Wynns—74. NAYS—Messrs. Alston, Barker, Bidwell, Bishop, Blake, jun. Blount, Brown, Boyle, Bryan, Butler, G. W. Campbell, Chandler, M. Clay, Conrad, Cook, Crowninshield, Cutts, Darby, Dickson, Earle, Elliot, Elmer, Eppes, Finley, Fisk, Gregg, Green, Halsey, Hamilton, Holland, Knight, Lambert, Lyon, Magruder, J. Randolph, R. Nelson, Olin, Pugh, T. M. Randolph, J. Rhea, Ten Richards, Russell, Saily, Sanford, Schumann, Seaver, Sloan, Smilie, Southard, S. Stanton, Thomas, Tracy, Varnum, Walton, J. Whitehill, R. Whitehill, N. Williams—57.
And the said preamble as amended being under consideration, it was, on a motion made and seconded, ordered to lie on the table.
MONDAY, Jan. 13. The House resumed the consideration of the report of the committee of the whole House of Friday last. Whereupon a motion was made and the question being put that the said report be recommitted to the committee of the whole House it passed in the negative; and then the second amendment reported by the said committee to the first resolution referred to them, being again read, as followeth—strike out the words "any extraordinary expenses which may be incurred in the intercourse between the United States, and foreign nations," and insert "the expense which may be incurred in the purchase of the Spanish territories lying on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and Eastward of the Mississippi."
The question was then taken that the House do concur with the committee of the whole House in their agreement to the said amendment, and resolved in affirmative—Yeas 74—Nays 58—as follows: YEAS—Messrs. Anderson, Archer, Bard, Basset, Bedinger, Betton, Broom, J. Campbell, Casey, Chittenden, Claiborne, Clark, J. Clay, Clinton, jun. Clifton, Covington, Dana, Davenport, jun. Ellis, Ely, Fowler, Garnett, Goldsborough, Gray, Hamilton, Hastings, Holmes, Hough, Jones, Kelly, Kenan,
Leib, Lewis, jun. Livingston, Lyon, Marion, Masters, McCreery, Meriwether, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, Morrow, Vir. Mosely, J. Nelson, Newton, jun. Nicholson, Picken, jun. Quincy, J. Randolph, Rea, Pen, Sammons, John, Smith, J. Smith, S. Smith, Spalding, Stedman, Sturges, Taggart, Talimadge, Tenny, P. R. Thompson, T. W. Thompson, Trigg, Van Cortlandt, Van Rensselaer, Verplanck, Wadsworth, Wickes, D. R. Williams, M. Williams, Wilson, Winston—74.
NAYS—Messrs. Alston, Barker, Bidwell, Bishop, Blount, Brown, Boyle, Bryan, Butler, G. W. Campbell, Chandler, Conrad, Cook, Crowninshield, Cutts, Darby, Dickson, Earle, Elliot, Elmer, Eppes, Finley, Fisk, Gregg, Green, Halsey, Helms, Holland, Jackson, Knight, Lambert, Magruder, Morrow, Ohio, R. Nelson, Olin, Pugh, T. M. Randolph, Rhea, Ten Richards, Russell, Saily, Sandford, Schumann, Seaver, Sloan, Smilie, O'B. Smith, Southard, Stanton, Thomas, Tracey, Varnum, Walton, J. Whitehill, R. Whitehill, N. Williams, Wynns—58.
The third and last amendment reported by the committee of the whole House to the said first resolution, to insert after the words "per annum" the words "redeemable at will" was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House. [To be continued.]
BALTIMORE, April 3. The ship United States, arrived below yesterday, after a short passage of 28 days from London; her accounts, therefore, are 14 or 15 days later than those heretofore received. Mr. Purvis (son of the collector of this port) with other passengers came up last evening in the Annapolis packet. The gentleman named politely forwarded us a number of London papers of dates 27, 26, 23, 21, and 20th of February—and others irregular and not so late. Their contents claim but little interest—his our readers will necessarily calculate when we inform them that the following selections are the most important we could furnish.
LONDON, Feb. 21. CAPTURE OF MEDINA.—Last night a packet arrived at the India house from Mr. Barker, the company's resident at Bagdad, containing an account of the capture of Medina by the Wahabees, whose army, having been reinforced from the desert, has overwhelmed the adjacent country, and taken the city by assault, with infinite bloodshed and devastation. They set fire to Medina, in various places, destroyed the mosques, after having ransacked them of their valuable shrines and treasures, and completely demolished the tomb of the Prophet.
Some thousands of females of the first rank were carried off by the besiegers into the desert, with a number of the principal male inhabitants. A troop of camels were also sent away with jewels and other treasure to an immense amount. Our letters from Holland continue to assert, that Bonaparte perseveres in his earnest entreaties to the king of Prussia, to induce his Majesty to shut his ports against the commerce of England, and it is feared that the implacable tyrant will ultimately carry his point in this respect. Much, however, will depend upon the result of the negotiations now pending at Berlin, in which the Danish minister takes a conspicuous part.
A council of the cabinet ministers was yesterday afternoon held at Mr. Secretary Fox's office, in Downing-street. Rumor stated, that the deliberations related to the subject of peace; but we could not trace this rumor to any authentic source.
A private letter from Bremen of the 11th inst. contains the following article, relative to the sentences passed on the officers whose conduct produced the recent misfortunes to the house of Austria:
"You have of course heard that the archduke Charles has caused a thorough investigation into the causes of the misfortunes of the imperial arms in Germany, and, astonishing to think, the undermentioned persons, so high in the confidence of his Majesty, are said to have had the following sentences passed upon them, for the criminal part they have acted in the late transactions—"
Prince Auersburg, to be deprived of his nobility, his estates confiscated, and imprisoned ten years in the fortress of Spielberg. Prince Lamberti, imprisoned for life, in the said fortress. General Jell, sentenced to be shot. Privy Counsellor Callenbach, ordered to quit the imperial states. Counsellor Faszender, to be dismissed from his office.
Field Marshal Kaunitz and Field Marshal Aulenberg, have committed suicide while under arrest.
All the staff officers of the regiments of Kaunitz & Spork, reduced & disgraced.
Count Cobentzel, ordered to quit the country.
General Mack's plans to be submitted to a board of general officers.
Thirty generals dismissed, and many more under examination. The trimming policy of the cabinet of Berlin is universally reprobated in the North of Germany. It has formally acknowledged the mock sovereignty of Bavaria and Wirtemberg.
We received this morning American papers to the 16th inst. The Congress has been occupied in close sitting in the
discussion of the differences between the court of Madrid and the United States, as well as of the grounds of complaint preferred by the mercantile interest against the acts of violence that have been so frequently imputed to our cruisers. None of the proceedings in either had, however, been allowed to transpire. The merchants of New York are extremely indignant at the restrictions and vexations under which they assert their trade labors, from the conduct of British ships of war. Should their complaints be just, we sincerely hope that every explanation and facility will be offered by our government to preserve a good understanding with the United States.
The merchants of the city of London have drawn up a petition to government, praying that a more efficient protection than that hitherto granted may be offered to commerce. In this petition it is set forth, that, notwithstanding the heavy convoy duty at present imposed, the number of our merchant ships captured during the last three months, has been far greater than during the whole of the present war besides. As a remedy for a grievance so serious and alarming, the merchants propose to government, to commission an additional number of armed luggers to serve as convoy, and to cruise in the channel, which now warns with the privateers of the enemy.
We understand that a close blockade of all the enemy's ports is one of the measures determined upon by the new board of admiralty.
Accounts were yesterday received from Dublin, of partial disturbances having arisen in the county of Mayo, but wholly unconnected with any political question. They are stated to have originated solely in the vexatious manner, to the poorer classes, in which the tithes are let, and in which they are collected.
February 25. The electors of Bavaria and Wirtemberg were proclaimed kings on the 1st day of this month, at which time Napoleon was at Munich. A report had prevailed on the continent, that he intended making a visit to Berlin, where, it appears the emperor Alexander is again expected.
February 26. It is the general opinion in Spain, that they will be compelled by the French, to march an army against Portugal in the approaching spring. We recollect an article to his effect, in the Moniteur , some days ago, given as intelligence received from Madrid, but which, in all probability, came direct from the French government.
NEW YORK, March 29. CAPTURE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
By the ship Ælius , captain Mather, arrived yesterday from Canton and St. Helena, we have received the particulars of the capture of the Cape of Good Hope, by a British force under the command of sir Home Popham and sir David Baird.
On the 23d January, the English brig L'Esperance , arrived at St. Helena from the Cape of Good Hope, and brought intelligence of the surrender of that place to the English on the 10th of January. The English troops were landed about the 5th January, on the Hottentot shore. They were much annoyed in landing, by the Dutch light troops, and were soon attacked by the whole Dutch force under the command of general Vansen. A sharp engagement took place. Various were the reports at St. Helena respecting the number killed and wounded, but it was generally supposed that 1000 Dutch, and from 600 to 800 of the English were killed and wounded. The Dutch troops were finally defeated and Gen. Vansen, with about 3000 troops retreated to the country, and the place capitulated.
The force sent against the Cape consisted of 7,300 troops under the command of general sir David Baird; and the following ships of war under the command of sir Home Popham, viz. Diadem , 64 guns; Raisonable , 64; Belliqueux , 64; Diomedea , 50; Narcissus , 38; Leda , 38; and another 38 gun frigate; L'Esperance brig, 18, and another brig of 18 guns; 3 Indian and 38 transports. The Britannia , a fine ship belonging to the company, having as report says, £500,000 sterling in specie on board, and a transport, were totally lost off St. Roque—two lives only were lost, one of which was colonel Yorke, of the royal artillery.
FOR SALE, by the SUBSCRIBER, BURR MILL STONES. Of different sizes, from 3 feet 10 inches to 6 feet diameter—about one thousand BURR ROCKS, that have just come to hand and are of good quality—Also, constantly keep a large & good assortment of BOLTING CLOTHS , of the best quality, that I have had purchased at the Manufactory with cash, that I offer for sale for cash or good paper, on as good terms as they are sold in the United States. ISAAC M'PHERSON. Baltimore, March 19, 1806. w6t Apply to M & B. MYERS, Richmond, for particulars.
TAKEN up as a runaway on the 29th of March, and committed to Hanover jail, a negro man slave, who calls himself RICHARD BROWN , and says he is the property of James Holle of Lynchburg. The owner is requested to come forward, pay charges and take him away, or he will be dealt with according to law. HENRY H. VAUGHAN. April 1, 1806. 2m
VIRGINIA ARMS. RICHMOND: TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1806. RICHMOND PRICE CURRENT. (CORRECTED WEEKLY.) Tobacco, 30 to 33s CASH. WHEAT, 6s 6d do. FLOUR, fine, 33s do. FLOUR, superfine, 36s do. CORN, 16s do. HEMP, clean, £54 do. IRON, £36 do. WHISKEY, 3s do.
GERVAS STORRS, Esq. and Dr. WILLIAM FOUSHEE, were yesterday chosen to represent the county of Henrico, in the next General Assembly of this Commonwealth.
Extract of a letter from an American Captain in the Mediterranean, dated Jan. 21, 1806. "On my passage I was boarded by five cruisers, two British, two French, and one Spanish; from all whom, I received the most gentlemanly and polite treatment. I was first boarded by the Unit. British frigate; not a question was asked re: the origin of the property but merely whether the ship and property were neutral; and the register, bills of lading, and the invoice of the cargo, were with them sufficient evidence. I concluded from this gentle treatment, they were ignorant of the late decision of the British Courts, and ascribed my escape to their want of knowledge—I soon after fell in with the Alma bomb ketch, right out of Gibraltar. 'It is now all over with me' said I, 'this fellow has a lesson from a different school; he has studied too deep to let me pass without molestation!' but the same questions were made, and the same treatment shown by the latter as were by the former, and I was suffered to proceed with the least hindrance possible. The two French cruisers merely asked for the evidence of neutrality of the ship, and the French Consul's certificate; and the Spaniard in a little dirty Felucca, to my great astonishment, came on board bowing and scraping, curving his body into an obtuse angle of at least 30 degrees, and was perfectly satisfied with the examination of the passport in four languages, and declared there was no document like that; it was sufficient, he said, to convince a Turk. This same fellow, seven years ago when all manner of crimes were committed in the Straights with impunity, would most likely have taken a man's reach out of his head, if he could have found nothing of more value. Since the commencement of the French Revolution, I have not witnessed so much respect for the American Flag, as I have this passage, nor can I learn that any of our vessels in this quarter have experienced a different treatment of late."
A report was in circulation on Saturday last, said to have been received from France, by the way of New London, that the Emperor Napoleon had been assassinated at one of the public Theatres in Paris; and that several leading members of the government, as well as general officers, were arrested on a suspicion of being agents in the conspiracy. How, or in what manner this report originated we know not. We have an arrival here, from Rotterdam, as late as the 19th Feb which makes no mention of any event of this kind. Boston Gaz
A letter received in New York from St. Marks, mentions, that the ship Leander , capt. Lewis, arrived at Jacquemel about the 17th February.
The Leander sailed from that port the 2d February.
As the letter does not state her having touched at any other port, we presume that she has carried general Miranda, and those engaged in his expedition, direct to that place. [N. Y. Gaz]
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Nantz, dated 13th ultimo, to his friend in New York. "A peace with England is now likely to take place soon—it is a very desirable event, and particularly for this unfortunate city. The pope is coming to reside at Versailles, & Prince Borghese, brother-in-law of Bonaparte, is to be sovereign of Rome. Many other important changes are expected."
A gentleman in Gloucester county, writes to his friend in this place, "I have five lambs this spring, and three of them are deformed; one has a hair lip, another two hair lips, and the third has neither eyes nor nose; the two having hair lips may live, but the one without eyes or nose, in my opinion, cannot; I feed it with milk, and is now seven days old.—It is the greatest phenomenon I ever beheld." [Norfolk Herald.]
DIED—In Charlottesville, on Wednesday last, after a lingering illness, Mr. ISAIAH ISAACS, formerly a respectable inhabitant of this City. His many virtues endeared him to society, and he died universally regretted by his numerous acquaintance.
Just published and for sale at this office, BROOKS'S GENERAL GAZETTEER IMPROVED; or, a NEW AND COMPENDIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY: CONTAINING A description of the Empires, Kingdoms, States, Provinces, Cities, Towns, Ports, Seas, Harbours, Rivers, Lakes, Mountains, Cafes, &c. IN THE KNOWN WORLD, With the Government, Customs, Manners, and Religion of the Inhabitants. Illustrated by eight Maps, neatly executed. ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY R. BROOKES, M. D.
The first American edition from the latest European, with great additions and improvements in every part. Foolscap & Letter Paper For sale at this office.
MATCH RACE. ON the day preceding the Jockey Club Purse, a MATCH RACE will be run over the New-Market Course, for 100 guineas, between Mr. Lightfoot's filly by Knowles (her dam Country Lass) and Mr. Collier's filly by Whipsey by Whip, out of the dam of Brutus—4 mile heats—36 lbs. on each N. Market, April 4th, 1806.
Racing at New-Market. THE subscriber having taking this celebrated Race Course, for the ensuing Spring races, takes the liberty of informing the gentlemen of the turf, and the public generally, that the SPRING MEETING will commence on the fourth Tuesday in April next, being the 22d of the month, and continue four days viz. 1st. A Sweepstakes for three year old colts and fillies, a mile heats, carrying 86 lbs. each, the latter allowed 8 lbs. entrance 100 dollars, half forfeit—to close the 15th of April. 2d. The Jockey Club Purse 450 dollars, 4 mile heats, 86 lbs. to the u.s. and regulations of the club. 3d. The Proprietor's Purse of 225 dollars 3 mile heats, the same rules and regulations. 4th. A Sweepstakes for 4 year old colts and fillies, 3 mile heats, carrying 100 lbs. each, the latter allowed 8 lbs. entrance 100 dollars, half forfeit—to close also the 15th of April. The 5th and last day will be a Handy Cap, 3 mile heats, free for any nag running at these races or others never having won a race of greater value than 100 dollars. entrance 25 dollars & weights to be determined by the members of the Jockey Club.
Toll will be collected at the gates each day, as usual, viz. 4 wheel carriages 6s 9 wheel do. 3s horse en 3s footmen 1s 6d. Good tables and better furnished race horses, carriages, and the very best accommodation for gentlemen, their servants and horses, at the house, where the utmost civility and attention shall be paid, by their obedient servants. BENJAMIN MORRIS, N. B. Persons wishing to rent booths can be accommodated, if immediate application be made to B. M.
New Market, 14th March. N. B. The public are assured that the different purses in the spring meeting, will be made up by the subscriber. March 21, 1806. By virtue of a deed of trust executed by Charles E. Saunders and Jane his wife, and Liscum Wash to the subscribers for the purpose of securing a debt due to Samuel H. Saunders, (since assigned to Robert L. Lewis, sen. dec. and now due to his representatives from the said Liscum Wash—Will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for cash, on the premises, on the 1st day of May next, one certain Tract or Parcel of LAND lying and being in the county of Powhatan, and described in the said deed as follows: to wit: Bounded by the deep creek on the west, by the land of Wm. Hickman on the north, and by the lands of John H. Saunders on the east, and by the Southham Glebe lands on the south, containing by estimation two hundred and twenty nine acres, be the same more or less, it being the land on which the said Liscum Wash now resides, or so much of the said land as will be sufficient to discharge the amount due on the said deed of trust. Signed, David Owen, sen. } Trustee. Robert G. Pleasants, } do. John H. Saunders, jr. } do. Powhatan, April 3d, 1806.
SALES AT AUCTION, BY VIRTUE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED TO THE subscribers by Mr. Richard Young & others bearing date the 11th of February, 1806, to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned, due Mr. Guley Lewis and Mrs. Susanna Lewis, will be SOLD, on the premises, on Saturday the 26th inst. for ready money, the LOT or LOTS, expressed in said deed, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to discharge the balance due, together with expenses attending the execution of said trust. John Prosser, } Trustees. John Power, } do. Richmond, April 1st. 1806. ids
VIRGINIA: In the Superior Court of Chancery held in Richmond. Between John Garthright, plaintiff, and John Miller, defendant. ON the motion of the plaintiff by counsel the court the sixteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five rejected the accounts in this suit to one of its commissioners, to be by him examined, stated, settled, and to the court reported, with any special matter & thought fitment by himself or required by the parties to be specially stated. A Copy—Teste. P. TINSLEY, C. C. Commissioner's Office, Richmond, March 20th, 1806.
THE parties are hereby notified that I have appointed the fourth day of July next to carry into effect the annexed order of court, on which day they are desired to attend at my office in this city with their accounts and vouchers ready for examination and settlement. SAMUEL GREENHOW M. C.
LOST, A Scotch Pebble WATCH SEAL, on which is the motto "LE VATRE, &c." The finder will oblige the owner by leaving it at Mr. Pleasants' Book Store.
THE PRIVATE Academy of Doct. JOH. HALLER, will be removed on the first day of May next, to that large brick-house lately built by Colonel Havvie, not far from the state house. On the said day, a certain number of fresh scholars will be admitted to the said institution; but only children of approved habits & deportment can be entered; a Dr. H. is firmly determined to adhere to the rules and regulations mentioned in his plan of education, the printed copies of which may be had at his house. Richmond, April 1, 1806. 3w
JUST received on consignment, a few Piques prime LAMP OIL, Which will be sold cheap for ready money. B. TATE. Richmond, March 31st 1806. w3
TO BE RENTED TWO TENEMENTS, near opposite the court house in this city—One adjoining, upon the ground floor, and four rooms above, with fire places and glass in each—The other contains a front shop room and a sleeping room adjoining upon the ground floor, and two rooms above, with fire places and glass in each—with some back ground and a small kitchen to each tenement. Enquire of GEO. WM. SMITH. Richmond, March 24th, 1806. 4s

Geo. Watt HAS removed from the store he formerly occupied to a brick house on the cross street leading from the main street to Shockoe warehouse, where he has on hand and offers to dispose of on moderate terms, by wholesale, The following Articles, viz: Loaf and Muscovado Sugars, N. England, W. Island, and Antigua Rum, Cognac, Brandy and Apple Brandy, Sherry and Malaga Wine, Coffee of a superior quality, Molasses, Ginger and Fig Blue, Young Hyson and Imperial Tea, 400 Sacks Liverpool Salt, Patent Shot, assorted sizes—And The remainder of his Stock of Dry Goods, consisting principally of articles suited to the present and approaching season, which he will either sell on a credit of 3, 6 and 9 months, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia, with approved endorsers, or barter for Tobacco, Flour or Hemp. Cash given for Tobacco. Richmond, 22d Mch. 1805.
FOR SALE, THAT well known and very valuable farm belonging to the estate of Samuel Couch, dec. lying on James River, near Goodland Court house, containing about 900 Acres of LAND, about half of which is well-timbered wood land; about 200 acres of River Low Grounds and from 50 to 100 acres of valuable Creek Bottom. The cleared land is well enclosed and improved, with convenient dwelling and out houses in good repair, with a commodious Store a valuable Mill, and a choice collection of about 1500 bearing fruit trees. The terms of sale may be known on application to Daniel Couch on the premises (who will show the land to any person inclined to purchase) or to Micajah Crew in Hanover. The above tract of land contains improvements and accommodations for two families, and, if more agreeable to the purchasers, they may be divided and sold separately. MICAJAH CREW, ANN COUCH, Exors. & Exrs. of S. Couch.
A. Hewes & Co. HAVE for Sale at their Store, next door to the Market, Richmond, an assortment of Groceries and other Articles, which they will dispose of at the lowest prices for cash or country produce. Among which are, Jamaica and Antigua Rum, old and very superior Cognac Brandy, Loaf and Brown Sugar, Coffee, Chocolate, Imperial, Hyson, Hyson Skin, and Young Hyson Tea; Port and Sherry Wine, Honey, Molasses, Figs, Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves, Cinnamon, Allspice, Pepper, Fig Blue, Star anise, Soap, Candles, Salt, Tubbs sets, &c. &c. Richmond, Feb. 10th. 1806
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS it is represented to the Executive, by the Keeper of the Penitentiary, that two of the prisoners therein confined to wit: JOHN TRAMBLE and ISAAC HARRIS , have made their escape from the Penitentiary; I have, therefore, thought fit, with the advice of the Council of State, to issue this Proclamation, hereby offering a reward of ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for the apprehension of each, or either of the said prisoners and for their delivery at the Penitentiary; and I do, moreover, enjoin all officers, civil and military, and exhort the good people of the commonwealth to use their best endeavors to apprehend and convey to the Penitentiary the said John Tramble and Isaac Harris. Given under my hand, with the Seal of the Commonwealth annexed, at Richmond, this 24th day of February, 1806. (Signed) Wm. H. CABELL.
John Tramble was convicted of Horse Stealing before the District Court of Washington, in the spring of 1805, and sentenced to five years and five months confinement. He was born in Maryland; is 5 feet 7 1-2 inches high; 25 years old; fair complexion; light hair; grey eyes; has a nick in his left ear; scars in his forehead, and is a shoemaker by trade. Isaac Harris was convicted of larceny before the District Court of Monongalia in the spring of 1805, and sentenced to two years confinement. He was born in the county of Wood, in this state, is five feet nine inches high, 18 years old, swarthy complexion, dark hair and hazel eyes.
NOTICE. I DO hereby forewarn any person or persons from trading or taking an assignment of a Bond executed by me to Charles Matthews of the county of Buckingham, for the sum of two hundred pounds, dated 5th February, 1805, and payable the 25th December, 1805, as the same was given in purchase of a tract of land, which said Matthews was not possessed of. Walter Irvine. New Canton, 20th Feb. 1806.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by John Christian, Jr. to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned due to the late firm of Dunlop, Pollock & Co. will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at Prince Edward courthouse, on Monday the 19th day of May next, (being court day) a TRACT of LAND , containing 190 acres more or less, lying on the waters of Big Rough creek, in the said county of Prince Edward, being the land bought by said Christian, from Abner Coffey, per deed bearing date the 28th day of May, 1803. The land may be viewed previous to the day of sale, by applying to the said John Christian, Jr. Samuel W. Venable, Trustees. Peter Johnston. Prince Edward, 17th March, 1806.
Twenty Dollars Reward, Will be given for apprehending and bringing home NED , who ran away the 24th ult. he is 42 years old, about 6 feet high, very spare make, bony & black, very artful and insinuating. He has always been accustomed to labour in the field, as a farm hand; there are few men who can out work him—carried off only his working clothes, which were such as laboring slaves generally wear. The above reward will be given if taken up over 40 miles from home, if between 20 and 40 ten, if under 20, five dollars will be paid, by HENRY BELL. Buckingham, 10th March, 1806.
Advertisement. IN consequence of a resolution of the General Assembly, passed at their late session, I am instructed by the Executive to make enquiry respecting the situation of all Ordnance and Military Stores, belonging to the state (not including those in the service of the United States or of this State) and make report thereof to the Governor. In obedience to this instruction, and as the most probable mean of effecting the object contemplated by the Executive, I have thought proper thus publicly to request of such of the citizens of the commonwealth as may have any knowledge of the situation, number, quality and size or weight of any cannon or other ordnance, and muskets; cannon balls, shells or other military stores, supposed to belong to the state, and not in immediate use, to communicate a particular report thereof to me as soon as convenient. SAMUEL COLEMAN, Clerk to the Executive. Richmond, Feb. 7, 1806.
AUDITOR'S OFFICE, Chillicothe, State of Ohio, January 31st. 1806 EXTRACT FROM AN ACT LEVYING A STATE TAX FOR THE YEAR 1806 Section 2. Be it further enacted, That all lands shall be rated and classed in the manner following: that is to say, first, second, & third rates; and the rule to be observed is, that when a greater part of any tract shall be superior in quality to second rate land, it shall be denominated first rate; when a greater part of a tract shall be inferior in quality to first rate, and superior to third rate, it shall be denominated second rate; and when a greater part of a tract shall be inferior to second rate, it shall be denominated third rate land, taking into view the situation and the quality of the soil. First rate land shall be taxed at the rate of ninety cents, second rate sixty-five cents, and third rate forty cents, each per hundred acres. Sect. 3. Be it further enacted, That in all cases where the owners of any lands have by themselves or agents, or their lands in their proper classes, with the auditor or clerks of the court of common pleas, agreeably to the laws herefore in force, such lands shall under this act be placed in the same class for taxation and all lands which shall not be entered by the owners, or their agents, with the auditor, before he makes out his duplicate, he shall class and charge the same as second rate, and if any owner or proprietor of lands, or their agent, have herefore, or shall hereafter enter any tract of land in an inferior class to that of its real quality, said land shall until it is changed into its proper class be charged, over and above the rate for which it was entered, with double the amount of tax which should have been paid had the same been entered in its proper class; which shall be paid to the collector of the county, township, or district in which such lands may be chargeable, for the use of the state, on the information of any freeholder, making due proof thereof to the auditor or commissioners, and be recovered at the same time and in the same way as other taxes are recoverable. Sect. 4. Be it further enacted, That for the collection of taxes on non-residents lands, the state shall be divided into six collection districts: the first to include the lands purchased by John Cleves Symmes and his associates and the land within the district of Cincinnati land office; the second to include lands in the Virginia military district, the land within the district of Chillicothe land office and the French grant; the third to include the land purchased by the Ohio Company and all grants included within the limits thereof, and the land within the district of the Marietta land office; the fourth to include the lands in the United States military district and the refugee lands and all the lands within the district of Zane's land office; the fifth to include the lands within the district of the Steubenville land office and all lands south of the Connecticut reserve, and not included in the other districts; and the sixth to include the lands in the Connecticut Reserve. Sect. 5. Be it further enacted, That there shall be appointed, by a joint ballot of both houses of the general assembly, and commissioned by the governor, a collector in each district, who shall continue in office one year, and until his successor is chosen and qualified, who shall collect all taxes due and owing on non-residents' lands within their respective districts. The collector of the first district shall keep his office at Cincinnati; the collector of the second district shall keep his office at Chillicothe; the collector of the third district shall keep his office at Marietta; the collector of the fourth district shall keep his office at Zanesville; the collector of the fifth district shall keep his office at Steubenville, and the collector of the sixth district shall keep his office at the town of Warren in the county of Trumbull. And shall each, at the time they receive their duplicates, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, viz: I, A. B. do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) that I will according to the best of my ability, faithfully and impartially perform the duties enjoined on me by law, and will not directly or indirectly purchase any land by me sold for taxes. Notice is hereby given that all taxes within this state are due and payable after the first day of August next ensuing, and if not paid by the first Monday of December, the lands will be sold on so far thereof as will satisfy the amount due. 1st district collector, A. Coforth, Cincinnati. 2d do. Virginia army lands, Thomas Scott, Chillicothe. 3d do. William Skinner, Marietta. 4th do. James Herron, Zanesville. 5th do. Charles Maxwell, Steubenville. 6th do. James Hillman, Warren. THOMAS GIBSON, Auditor of accounts for the state of Ohio. JUST received from London, and for sale by Wm Crozier, in Manchester, a complete and general assortment of Fresh Garden Seeds, All of the last year's growth. N. B. The above collection of seeds may be had at Mr Oakley Philpotts next door above Russell & Wallace's main street, Richmond. William Crozier. Richmond, 7th March, 1806.
AN APPRENTICE WANTED. A LAD of reputable connections, about the age of 14 or 15 years, would be taken as an apprentice to learn the printing business, at the office of the Virginia Argus. John Russell. March 4th. 1806.
LAND FOR SALE. THE subscriber intending to move to the state of Kentucky next fall offers for SALE his TRACT of LAND , lying in the county of Hanover, within fifteen miles of Richmond, ten of Pag's town, and six of the courthouse, on Crump's creek, which affords ten or twelve acres of Meadow Land. This tract of land contains 385 1-2 acres, is as well-timbered and watered as any tract of land in the county, has about 200 acres cleared, and in fine order for cropping. The dwelling house is 20 feet by 28, containing two rooms below stairs and three above; a barn 30 feet by 40 and all necessary out houses; 150 apple trees, also a quantity of fruit trees of almost every kind. Should the above land not be sold by the first day of October next, it will on that day be offered for sale to the highest bidder; terms of sale, one half cash and a credit of twelve months given for the balance. Bond with approved security will be required, to carry interest from the date, if not punctually paid. Also, on the same day and place, will be offered for sale, the Crop of CORN and FODDER, HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, STOCK, and PLANTATION UTENSILS. It is presumable any person wishing to purchase, will first view the land, before the day of sale, which will be shown by making application to the subscriber, who lives on the premises. JOHN RUSSELL. March 4th. 1806.
LAND FOR SALE. P S 330 Acres of Land adjoining the above, may be had.
New-York Grand Literature LOTTERY, No. 4. AUTHORISED by an act of the Legislature, and payment of prizes guaranteed by them— Positively begins drawing in May next. 25,000 Dollars, 10,000 Dollars, 5,000 Dollars, HIGHEST PRIZES. Tickets, Twelve, Sixty and Eighty, are now selling in a great variety of numbers, at G. & R. WAITE'S Truly for future Lottery Offices. No 64 and No. 38, Maiden Lane, New York. Where was awarded in the two last lotteries, the HIGHEST PRIZE in each, and other capitals to an enormous amount, amongst which are the following: No 17199 (highest prize) 25 000 dollars No 8839 20 000 dollars No 15298 3 000 dollars N 1394 2 000 dollars N 23596 2 000 dollars N 28573 2 000 dollars N 3978 1 000 dollars N 20555 1 000 dollars N 22315 1 000 dollars Besides a great number of 500, 200, 100 dollar prizes, &c. * Distant adventures by forwarding bank notes of any description in letters post paid to G. & R. Waite, may have tickets and shares sent them to any amount with the utmost punctuality and perfect safety to any part of the United States, and the earliest advice will be sent of their success.— Price of Tickets Seven Dollars. New-York, February 16th. 1806.
Bohn & Hubner, HAVE RECEIVED FROM BREMEN, A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF GERMAN LINENS, CONSISTING OF Osnaburgs, Rosens Sheetings, Tockenburs, Plaited, Messams, Brown Rolls, &c. Which they offer for sale on the most reasonable terms. Richmond, March 28d. 1806.
CITY OF RICHMOND IN HUSTINGS COURT, March 14th. 1806 SAMUEL WILLIAMSON this day made application for a licence to sell Tobacco within the City for one year; which, according to a rule of this court, is ordered to be notified for one month by advertisement in one of the newspapers of this city. Teste GEO. CHISMAN D. C.
THE IMPORTED HORSE ARCHER, Will stand at my stable in Chesterfield county, 6 miles from Richmond and 18 from Petersburg, and will cover mares at the low price of 20 dollars the season (to commence on the 20th inst. and expire on the 1st of August) or 15 dollars, if sent with the mares—10 dollars the single leap, and 40 dollars to insure a mare being in foal, with half a dollar to the groom in either case. Notes, payable on the 1st of August, will be accepted with the mares. Archer is a fine brown 16 hands high, remarkably gay and active—was raised by the late Duke of Cumberland, and at his sale was bought by Mr Broadhurst, who entered him for the Derby stakes, for which he was a very great favorite until he fell lame in training, which prevented him from appearing as a racer. ARCHER was got by Faggetgill, his dam (bred also by the Duke of Cumberland) sister to Crassus by Eclipse, grandam by Young Cade, out of Miss Thigh, who was the dam of Selim, and got by Rub—Grisewood's Lady Thigh by Parmer—Greyhound—Curwen Barb. Faggetgill was bred by Shattoe, and was got by Snap, out of Miss Cleveland by Regulus, her dam the famous Midge, by a well bred son of Bay Biron grandam by Battle's Childers, great grandam by Honeywood's Arabian, out of the dam of the two True Blues—Faggetgill was own brother to Mr Shattoe's mare, Papillon, who was the dam of Sir Peter Teazle, Wren Lady Teazle, &c. & to his mare Middlesex, the dam of Scagli, Coddy, Moley, & etc. and at 3, 4 and 5 years old, was accounted one of the best horses of his year. For the satisfaction of gentlemen who may wish to breed from Archer, I have thought proper to publish the certificates of John Taylor and Carter Beverley, Esquires. I do hereby certify that the brown stud horse Archer, was sent to me by Mr Rives of London, and from the certificates I have seen of his blood, as well as the tracing his pedigree in the general stud book of England, where it may be fully ascertained, I believe him to be of as good blood as most horses that have been imported into this country. January 27, 1806 JOHN TAYLOR. I do hereby certify that the imported horse Archer, stood at my farm in Culpeper county the last two years, and that his cuts were generally superior to almost any in that and the adjoining counties of Fauquier, Madison & Orange. I have been very anxious to purchase the horse, but the proprietor, Mr Thomas Rives, of London, and myself, could not agree upon the price. Given under my hand at Williamsburg this 16th day of Feb 1806 CARTER BEVERLEY. Attest—GAWIN G. COLEMAN Good and extensive pasture is provided, and the greatest care taken to prevent accidents or escapes, but no responsibility for either. ROBERT TEMPLE. Ampthill, 17th March 1806.
LAND FOR SALE. THE subscriber is authorised to dispose of between two and three thousand acres of LAND , situate in the county of Prince George, and known by the name of Old Town on the following terms, to wit:—One fifth of the purchase money to be paid down, and the balance in four annual instalments, to carry interest from the time of sale—the payment whereof must be secured by bond and mortgage on the land. This land is distant from the town of Petersburg about 14 miles; from James river 4 or 5 miles, and about 11-2 from Nubie's creek, which is navigable for boats up to Peaches's mill. The soil is remarkably well adapted to the culture of corn, wheat and Tobacco, and the greatest part of the tract is covered with fine timber. It will be sold in lots to suit purchasers, and will be shown to any person desiring to view it, by Mr Drury Livesay, who resides on it. Prompt attention will be paid to any communication on the subject, directed to the subscriber at Shirley, in Charles City county, by post, to Granville mills. PATRICK HENDRUS, agent for Chs Carter of Shirley. Feb 20. 1806.
A FEW COPIES OF THE American Clerk's Magazine, Or, POCKET COMPANION. Are just received at S. PLEASANT'S Book-Store.
CORB'S CELEBRATED PATENT METALLIC HONES. Are for sale at this Office.
JAMES WALKER & Co. RESPECTFULLY inform their friends and the public in general that they have just received from Baltimore and Philadelphia a complete assortment of GOODS Suitable to the approaching Spring season, which they are now opening in the house formerly occupied by Clinton Gadsden, Esq. in the town of Warren, where they will sell very low for Cash country Produce, or on a short Credit to punctilious customers. They will also receive flour, &c. on storage, and will pay great attention in having the same forwarded to Richmond, as the owners may direct. Warren, Feb 20th. 1806.
WANTED as House-Keeper, in a large family, an elderly Lady, who can come well recommended. Liberal wages will be given. Enquire at the printer. Nov 6, 1805.
ST. PAUL, A beautiful sorrel horse, 15 hands 3 inches high, remarkable for his elegance, beauty, strength and fine form; will stand the ensuing season, at my plantation on James river, generally known by the name of Maiden's Adventure, about 3 miles above Fine Creek mill, and 4 miles below Michaux's ferry, in Powhatan county, to cover mares at twenty-five dollars the season, which will commence the first of March, and expires the first of August—Extraordinary good and extensive pasture gratis, but no liability for accidents or escapes. Gentlemen wishing their mares fed, may be furnished with corn at the market price, for which cash must be paid with the mares—as also, notes of hand for the due payment of the money for the season. N. B. Twenty dollars, paid on or before the third Wednesday in November (being Powhatan court day) will be received as full completion of the above, with half a dollar to the groom. This beautiful horse, St. Paul, was raised by the Prince of Wales, and got by his horse Saltram, who was got by Eclipse that covered a 200 guineas the season—his dam Virago by Snap—his grandam by Regulus out of a sister to Black and all Black—and was thought to be the best runner of his time—he won several large stakes, among which was the Derby, 1783, bearing Dungannon, Volunteer, Phenomenon, Gonzales and several others—he was the sire of Whiskey, who at 3 years old won 4650 guineas, also of Whisp, Royston, Peeping Tom General, Coiner, Sylvan, Septim, Caroline, Tiffany, Laurestin, St. David, Sprightly, Queen of Sheba, Spinkawake, Rose, Sweepstake, Cistus, Countess, Puckpocket, Ocean, Ambrosio, Peaty Party, and several others of the first rate runners. St. Paul's dam Peaty was got by Matchem, who covered for several of the last years of his life at 50 guineas a mare—her dam the Old squit mare, of a great fame perhaps, as a good breeder, as any mare in the kingdom—she was the dam of Virgin Dido, Conundrum, Nantcho, Snigra, Miss Timans, Pumpkin, Maiden, who was dam of Walnut, Le Sang Russes, Purity, and several others. Purity was the dam of Rockingham, Archibald, Fitzwilliam. St. Paul and several others—Several certificates of St. Paul as a good and sure footed horse may be seen at his stand. THOMAS HARRIS, Jr. Powhatan city, March 1st. 1806.
BUZZARD, Imported by the late C. John Hoopes, of the Bowling Green, will stand the ensuing season, (to commence the 1st of March, and end the 15th of July) at my farm in Goochland county, four miles from Goochland and Devil's Bridge, on Appomattox river, twenty five above Petersburg, the same from Richmond, and fifteen from Amelia courthouse; & will be let to mares on the following terms. Fifty Dollars the season, by note, dischargeable at any time within 6 months, by the payment of fifty, with one dollar to the groom. In every instance, either a note, or the money must accompany the mares. BUZZARD in point of form, blood and performance, stands almost unrivaled, in this or any other country; and as a race horse, the racing calendars of England fully attest his celebrity. In 1799, he produced on the turf at Newmarket, 5 winners. In 1800, seven. In 1801, fourteen. In 1802, sixteen. In 1803, twenty-one; and in 1804, sixteen (total twenty-nine) and from what I have seen of the sheet calendar for 1805, I think his numbers in the list of winning horses, will exceed that of any other year. I have in possession a calendar of the 9th of November last, which concluded the Hougham meeting at Newmarket. It contains thirty odd races eleven of which were won by Buzzard's stock; and in the same calendar, two of them are advertised to cover at ten guineas a mare, the next season. Buzzard's stock are large and highly formed. Popinjay is upwards of sixteen hands, and is said to be the most elegant horse in England. Quiz won the great Oatland stakes, and a match over the Oatland course (4 miles and a quarter) for 1000 guineas. Good high and low land pastures, and every attention paid to mares sent, but no responsibility for accidents. Mares will be fed on moderate terms if required, for which the money must be sent. THOMAS BRANCH. 24th January, 1806.
PEDIGREE BUZZARD was got by Woodpecker, his dam Misfortune, by Dux his grandam Curiosity, by Snap—Regulus—Bartlett's Cinders.
LAND FOR SALE. THE subscriber is authorised to dispose of between two and three thousand acres of LAND , situate in the county of Prince George, and known by the name of Old Town on the following terms, to wit:—One fifth of the purchase money to be paid down, and the balance in four annual instalments, to carry interest from the time of sale—the payment whereof must be secured by bond and mortgage on the land. This land is distant from the town of Petersburg about 14 miles; from James river 4 or 5 miles, and about 11-2 from Nubie's creek, which is navigable for boats up to Peaches's mill. The soil is remarkably well adapted to the culture of corn, wheat and Tobacco, and the greatest part of the tract is covered with fine timber. It will be sold in lots to suit purchasers, and will be shown to any person desiring to view it, by Mr Drury Livesay, who resides on it. Prompt attention will be paid to any communication on the subject, directed to the subscriber at Shirley, in Charles City county, by post, to Granville mills. PATRICK HENDRUS, agent for Chs Carter of Shirley. Feb 20. 1806.
A FEW COPIES OF THE American Clerk's Magazine, Or, POCKET COMPANION. Are just received at S. PLEASANT'S Book-Store.
Land for Sale. THE subscriber offers for sale, 950 acres of that valuable tract of LAND , belonging to the late Col. Bernard Markham, dec. about three miles above Marchester and lying upon the river affording several very convenient mill seats; this tract possesses many advantages which would be considerable to a purchaser. It is now under high cultivation, inclosed in a good fence and well watered; two thirds of the above tract is covered with valuable timber, and lies convenient either to the turnpike or river. The above land if not disposed of privately, prior to the 1st day of May, will then be offered at public auction, on the premises, in lots to suit purchasers. Any person wishing to view it, will be shown it by the subscriber, or in his absence by William Bowles residing thereon. George Markham. December 24th, 1805.
The celebrated high blooded English Horse, OSCAR, Full fifteen hands high, imported by me in 1804, after having been seen him the year before, and satisfied myself as to his reputation, is now in fine health, full of vigor and a superior strength, and will be let to mares, the ensuing season, at my stable in Charles City county, Sandy Point, at Six Guineas the season, which may be discharged by the payment of Five Guineas, on or before the tenth day of August next; Three Guineas the leap and Ten to insure a foal; a Dollar to the groom—Pasture as extensive as any in the state and inferior to none for fine natural grass, especially the white clover, which abounds in a wonderful degree in the months of April, May and June as also after harvest, that succession of crab and other grass, which so plentifully takes place here, will be afforded, with entertainment for servants, free from charge. No liability for invoice, jury escapes nor will I be responsible for any injuries or accidents which may not be the result of wanton neglect or abuse, as I here give my word to the public, that no pains nor assiduity will be wanting on my part to render satisfaction without respect to persons, to every gentleman who thinks fit to send mares for the season—This very extraordinary fashion cost me, when landed in this state, greatly upwards of one thousand pounds, and without meaning to detract from the merits of any other, I can fairly venture to say, is the most perfect horse in Virginia, for the most critical observer has not yet been able to discover a single defect or blemish in him, either as to activity, strength, or beauty. Nothing can exceed in the neck, ear and eye: So bold, gay, and full of fire is he, that he fascinates in spite of prejudice, every beholder, that instant he is brought into view. I would endeavor to give a full description of him, for the satisfaction of those gentlemen who cannot conveniently visit me, but in the attempt I might do him injustice, and therefore, I invite the most scrupulous examination of him, even by those who think themselves competent judges in this respect, and I do not fear the result. In short, it will not be deemed extravagant to say, he is of his kind, the best effort of nature. OSCAR is a dark brown, was got by Saltram, the best horse in his day, (who was the sire of Whiskey, and many good races)—his dam by Highflyer, grandam by Herod, great grandam (Miss Middleton) by Regulus, great grand dam (Camilla) by a son of Bay Bolton, Bartlett's Children Honeywood's Arabian, dam of the two True Blues. In 1798, at New Market, at 3 years old he won a Hanoverian Sweepstakes of 15 guineas each, two year old course, beating Lord Clermont's b c by Deserunt, Mr Howarth's b c Movie, Mr Adams's b c Cypress, Mr Watson's b c Duplicity; two to one on Offer. At Lambourn he was 2d best, 4 mile heats, against Heart of Oak and others, running 3 heats. In 1799 he won the Oatlands stakes of 50 guineas each, half ditch in (20 subscribers) beating Lord Grosvenor's ch f by Sub, Mr Heathcote's b c Warner, Sir F. Standish's b c Stamford, Mr D'Arcy's Play or Pay, Mr Cookson's b c Ambrosio, Lord Clermont's b c Amaster, Lord G. Cavendish's b c Jupiter. The judges could only place the first three. In 1800, the same year, he won at Brackett Hall, for all ages, heats out one mile and a quarter, beating Mr Charles Bunbury's Combatant, 4 years old, Mr Bowes's Badler, 5 years old. In 1801, he won the Oatlands stakes of 30 guineas each (18 subscribers) beating Mr Thorne's b c Chippenham, Mr Williamson's b c by Buzzard, out of Rachel, Lord Grosvenor's Amaster, Lord Grosvenor's ch f Lady Bull, Mr C. Bunbury's Wrangler, Sir F. Poole's b f by Dragon, Mr Howarth's Spectator, Mr Ldbrooke's Humbug. The judge could only place the first three. In 1802, at New Market, April 14th, he won the Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, across the Flat, at 4 years old, carrying 8 st 9 lb the tree for all ages, beating the Duke of Oatland's b c Fitt Fruits, Lord Clermont's b c by Meteo, Mr Cookson's b c Diamond, Mr Coesbury's b c Vesper, Mr O'Kelly's Grey Pique, Mr Durand's Ramelchoondraj, late Princess, Mr D'Arwood's Play or Pay & F. Standish's b c by Peter, out of Storage. The judge could only place the first five. Even betting, Offer against the field. In the same year, at New Market, he won a subscription plate of 50l, beating Mr. Heathcote's ch f Georgiana, Mr Haller's Quiz, Mr O'Kelly's Anticipation, Lord Clermont's ch c Vernal, Mr Golding's b c by Balloon, Mr Travis's Ballarina, Mr Pettit's Pizzarro, and Lord Grosvenor's ch c by Buzzard. The judge could only place the first three, 7 to 4 on Offer. He was second best for the King's plate of 100 guineas for 4 years old, carrying 11 st, running against Sir F. Poole's Worthby, by Potso's, and F. Standish's b h Stamford, 5 years old. In Oct. New Market, he received forfeit of Mr Heathcote's Warner, for 500 guineas, across the Flat, half forfeit. For those remarkable instances of speed and bottom, in so young a horse, I refer the reader to the Racing Calendars for 1798, '99 and 2000. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT. Sandy Point, Feb. 1806. N. B. The season will commence immediately.
WE have just received for Sale, 20 Bags best Green COFFEE, 20 Hds. MOLASSES, 2,300 lbs CHEESE, 20 Boxes Cotton & Wool CARDS, 6 Hds. Amigua RUM, 6 do. Windward Island do. 6 do. New England do. 40 Tierces Stone LIME, 30 Barrels HERRINGS, 4 Casks fresh CLOVER SEED, 150 Sacks SALT, Which we will sell low for Cash, approved paper, or Country Produce. Feb. 20, 1806. Shepard & Lucke.
CORB'S CELEBRATED PATENT METALLIC HONES. Are for sale at this Office.