Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1809-12-08 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
XVIIIth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1712]
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JUST PUBLISHED, AND NOW READY FOR DELIVERY TO SUBSCRIBERS, AT S. PLEASANTS, JR'S. BOOK-STORE RICHMOND,
THE Statutes at Large; BEING A COLLECTION OF ALL THE LAWS OF VIRGINIA, FROM THE FIRST SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE, IN THE YEAR 1619. PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO AN ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA, PAS- SED ON THE FIFTH DAY OF FEBRU- ARY, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHT. VOLUME I. BY WILLIAM WALLER HENING.
"The Laws of a country are necessarily connected with every thing belonging to the people of it; so that a thorough knowledge of them, and of their progress would inform us of every thing that was most useful to be known about them; and one of the greatest imperfections of historians in general, is owing to their ignorance of law."
PRIESTLEY'S LECT. ON HIST. p. 140
Extracts from the Editor's Preface.
Much of the present work has existed until now, only in manuscript, and in single copies; and has been inaccessible to all our Historians. To this cause may be ascribed some of the errors with which all the histories of Virginia abound; but too many of them may be traced to the gross ignorance or wilful misrepresentations of the English historians. Except the rays of light reflected by Mr. Burk (from the scanty materials in his possession,) on that portion of our history which comprises the existence of the commonwealth of England, the whole of that period is either enveloped in total darkness, or has been most inaccurately represented by every historian who professed to depict it. In defining the leading events of that day, it has been said "that the governors of Virginia were appointed by the commonwealth or by Cromwell; that the people, tired of the restraints imposed on their commerce & strengthened in principles of loyalty by the royalists who flocked hither from England, were impatient to shake off the yoke of Cromwell; and dragging Sir William Berkeley from his retirement, unanimously appointed him governor, and proclaimed Charles II, with all his titles, before the restoration had been effected in England." There is not one word of truth in any part of this relation. Not a single governor was appointed either by the parliament or by Cromwell; but they were all elected by the House of Burgesses, in pursuance of the powers vested in them by the provisional articles of government, adopted at the surrender of the colony to the commissioners appointed on behalf of the parliament. The commerce of Virginia was even more free than that of the mother country. None of the restrictions of the act of navigation were felt. The vessels of all nations were admitted into their ports; and a duty of ten shillings a hogshead imposed on all tobacco exported, and shipped to any part of America or elsewhere except in English vessels directly bound to England; from the payment of which duty, vessels belonging to Virginians were afterwards exempted. Finally the assembly passed an act asserting the right of the colony to a free trade with all nations in amity with the people of England, and compelled all masters of vessels to give bond, in the penalty of two thousand pounds sterling, not to molest any person trading here under the protection of the laws. So far were the assembly from erecting the royal standard
and proclaiming Charles II, at the time when they elected Sir William Berkeley governor, that, by the very first act of the same session they expressly took the power of government into their own hands; and directed that all writs should issue "in the name of the Grand Assembly." By the second act, they appointed Sir William Berkeley, governor; enjoined it on him to call an assembly once in two years at least, or oftener if necessary; gave him the power of making choice of a secretary and council of state, with the approbation of the assembly; and restrained him from dissolving the assembly without the consent of the major part of the house. These acts passed in an assembly held in March 1659-60, between the resignation of Richard Cromwell, (on the 22d of April, 1659) and the restoration of Charles II. (on the 29th of May, 1660;) at a time when as the assembly express themselves, "there was no resid. ab. oute and gen. eral confessed power in England." They were unquestionably the offspring of necessity, and arose from that state of interregnum which existed in England, when the cautious proceedings of Gen. Monk left it uncertain what kind of government would be ultimately adopted. *****
The administration of justice in Virginia, was originally extremely cheap, and simple in its details. Commanders of plantations held monthly courts for the trial of civil actions, not exceeding the value of one hundred pounds of tobacco, and for the punishment of petty offences, reserving the right of appeal to the quarter court held by the governor and council, which possessed the supreme judicial power, under the different charters and had original jurisdiction in all cases whatsoever. Commissioners of monthly courts succeeded to commanders of plantations, with the like jurisdiction in civil cases; which like afterwards extended to five pounds sterling. The jurisdiction of the court was further extended to sixteen hundred pounds of tobacco, and they were to be called county instead of monthly courts; and that a single magistrate was final as far as twenty shillings sterling. In consequence of the great distance of many of the counties from James City where the quarter courts were held, jurisdiction was finally given to the county courts, in all cases of law and equity, and the trial by jury secured to those who desired it. The decision of the county court was, at first, final as far as sixteen hundred pounds of tobacco, and for all sums above that an appeal was allowed to the quarter court, and from thence to the assembly; which afterwards had jurisdiction of appeals in all cases, of whatever amount. Besides the general jurisdiction of the county and quarter courts, special provision was made for certain counties and settlements where it was considered too inconvenient to the people to ascend at the usual place of holding courts. The leading principle seems to have been to carry justice to the doors of the inhabitants. Thus, the county court of Northampton, "on account of its remoteness from James City," had final jurisdiction as far as three thousand two hundred pounds of tobacco; one commissioner on the South side of the river in James City county, was vested with the powers of a county court; the inhabitants of Appomattox or Bristol parish, were also authorised to hold courts, with the right of appeal to Henrico or Charles City county courts. Two courts were permitted to be held in Northampton; two in Isle of Wight; and two in Charles City. As the population of the county increased, and new counties were formed, these special courts were abolished.
The following letters addressed to the editor, since the publication of the 1st Volume, are from gentlemen eminently qualified to form an opinion of the importance of the work
S. ROANE's respects to Mr. Hening.—A necessary attention to the business of the court, has disabled S. R. from reading attentively, the whole of the first volume of the Statutes at Large: He can, therefore, give no satisfactory opinion upon the character of the laws contained therein. It is easy, however, to perceive that this laborious work has been executed with great care and fidelity, on the part of Mr. Hening, to whom, in the opinion of S. R. our countrymen, in all generations, will be indebted, for placing beyond the reach of accident, statutes which existed only in manuscript, and, in some instances, perhaps, only in a single copy. It is true that, at the present day, the statutes contained in the first volume, are of little comparative importance as laws; having grown obsolete or been replaced by others; but they afford a rich treasure for historians; and, in themselves, contain an excellent history, of the situation, policy, institutions, opinions and language of our forefathers. It will be seen that they possessed thatardy and determined spirit, which could not be appalled by diffi-
culties and has enabled their posterity, in less than two centuries, to outstrip the nations of the old world, as far in the wisdom and justice of their political institutions, as in the enjoyment of civil liberty. If the work in question were, therefore, to stop here, it is undoubtedly entitled to the patronage of every public spirited American; but, as it advances, it will be of eminent practical utility. It will, (especially if aided by a general index) enable Judges and Lawyers to see, at one view, every act which has ever been passed on any subject; and thus conduct them to the happiest result, in evincing the meaning of the legislature. S. R. therefore earnestly wishes that no adverse state of things may occur, to arrest the entire completion of the undertaking. Wm. W. Hening, Esq. Richmond, Dec. 2, 1809.
RICHMOND, Nov. 24th 1809.
DEAR SIR, I have received with great pleasure the first volume of your edition of the Statutes of Virginia at Large; & am extremely glad that you have been able to make such a progress in a work of such real importance, not only to the gentlemen of the profession, but to the community at large. Few persons have more reason to estimate the value of such an undertaking than myself; having for five and twenty years been endeavoring, in vain, to procure copies of our public acts from the period of the revival in 1705, to that of our revolution. And even from the latter period to the end of the last century, it was nearly twenty years before I could procure copies of all the acts of the several conventions and succeeding legislatures. The unfortunate policy of omitting laws which had either expired, had been repealed, or were consolidated in the successive revisions made during the last century rendered it almost impossible to trace any subject which had engaged the attention of successive legislatures through all the mazes of its progress. Nothing but a complete edition of our laws at large, can afford that light, so necessary to the well understanding of the laws, and the distribution of justice, in our common country. A work of such magnitude and importance must be attended with infinite labour and expense. You have my sincere wishes for your success in completing that work, and that it may receive that general encouragement to which it is entitled from so many important considerations.
I am, respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most ob't. Servant, ST. G. TUCKER, Wm. W. Hening Esq.
RICHMOND, 30 Nov. 1809. Dear Sir, Besides the examination, which I gave with Mr. Muir, to your first volume of the old Statutes at Large, I have again perused, with attention, the copy which you so kindly presented to me.
I am really pleased to find, that the materials for a correct history of our country, are, at last coming to light; and that those laws which form in so many instances, the rule of our property, have been saved from the wreck of time, by the means of one, to whom we are indebted for so many acts, which he has done for the good of his country; and allow me to say, that in this your labours have not been less deserving; and I hope, will be amply requited, by a generous public, for giving to posterity a work, so deserving of their attention and preservation.
I am, D. ar Sir, Very sincerely your friend, CREED TAYLOR, The Hon. Wm. W. Hening, Esq.
FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE A FEW HANDSOME COPIES OF GIBBON'S DECLINE & FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE; To which is added, (in this edition only) THE VERY INTERESTING LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, written by HIMSELF, Eight Vols, Large Octavo, Price 22 Dollars
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DOCUMENTS, WHICH ACCOMPANIED THE MESSAGE of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
(Mr. Jackson's Letter—concluded from our last.)
It could not enter into view my to withhold from you an explanation, merely because it had been already given, but because, having been so given, I could not imagine, until informed by you, that a repetition of it would be required at my hands. I am quite certain that his majesty's government having complied with what was considered to be the substantial duty imposed upon it on this occasion would, had this been foreseen, have added to the proofs of conciliatory good faith already manifested, the farther complacency to the wishes of the United States of adopting the form of communication most agreeable to them, and of giving through me the explanation in question. I have therefore no hesitation in informing you, that his majesty was pleased to disavow the agreement concluded between you and Mr. Erskine, because it was concluded in violation of that gentleman's instructions, and altogether without authority to subscribe to the terms of it. These instructions I now understand by your letter, as well as from the obvious deduction which I took the liberty of making in mine of the 14th instant, were at the time, in substance, made known to you, no stronger illustration therefore can be given of the deviation from them which occurred, than by a reference to the terms of your agreement.
Nothing can be more notorious than the frequency with which, in the course of a complicated negotiation, ministers are furnished with a gradation of conditions on which they may be successively authorised to conclude. So common is the case which you put hypothetically, that in acceding to the justice of your statement, I feel myself impelled to make only one observation upon it, which is, that it does not strike me as bearing upon the consideration of the unauthorised agreement concluded here, in as much as in point of fact Mr. Erskine had no such graduated instructions. You are already acquainted with that which was given, and I have had the honor of informing you that it was the only one by which the conditions on which he was to conclude were prescribed. So far from the terms, which he was actually induced to accept, having been contemplated in that instruction, he himself states that they were substituted by you in lieu of those originally proposed.
It may perhaps be satisfactory that I should say here that I most willingly subscribe, on this occasion, to the highly respectable authority which you have quoted, and I join issue with you upon the essentials which that authority requires to constitute a right to disavow the act of a public minister.
It is not immaterial to observe on the qualification contained in the passage you have quoted; as it implies the case of a minister concluding in virtue of a full power. To this it would suffice to answer that Mr. Erskine had no full power; and his act does not come within the range of your quotation, although it cannot be forgotten that the United States have, at no very distant period, most freely exercised the right of withholding their ratification from even the authorised act of their own diplomatic agents, done under the avowed sanction of a full power.
I conceive that what has been already said establishes beyond the reach of doubt or controversy that his majesty's minister did violate his instructions, and the consequent right in his majesty to disavow an act so concluded. That his majesty had strong and solid reasons for so doing will appear only from his instructions having been violated, but from the circumstance that the violation of them involved the sacrifice of a great system of policy deliberately adopted & acted upon in just & necessary retaliation of the unprecedented modes of hostility resorted to by his enemy.
There appears to have prevailed throughout the whole of this transaction a fundamental mistake, which would
suggest that his majesty had proposed to propitiate the government of the U. States in order to induce it to consent to the renewal of the commercial intercourse between the two countries; as if such had been the relations between Great Britain and America, that the advantages of that intercourse were wholly on the side of the former; and as if in any arrangement whether commercial or political, his majesty could condescend to barter objects of national policy and dignity for permission to trade with another country.
Without minutely calculating what may be the degree of pressure felt at Paris by the difference in the price of goods whether landed at Havre or at Hamburg, I will in my turn, appeal to your judgment, sir, whether it be not a strong and solid reason, worthy to guide the councils of a great and powerful monarch, to set bounds to that spirit of encroachment and universal dominion which would bend all things to its own standard? Is it nothing to the present state of the world, when the agents of France authoritatively announce to their victims "that Europe is submitting and surrendering by degrees," that the world should know, that there is a nation which by that Divine goodness so strongly appealed to in the paper to which I allude, is enabled to falsify the assertion? Is it not important at such a moment, that Europe and America should be convinced, that, from whatever countries honorable and manly resistance to such a spirit may have been banished, it will still be found in the sovereign of the British nation and in the hearts of his subjects?
As to the precautions taken in England to insure from injury upon this occasion the citizens of the U. States, and which appear to you to be even yet insufficient, I am confident that in every doubtful case the usual liberality of our tribunals will be exercised in determining upon the circumstances of it; and it was at Mr. Pinkney's express requisition, that additional instructions were given to the commanders of his majesty's ships of war and privateers to extend to vessels trading to the colonies, plantations and settlements of Holland, the same exemption from capture and molestation, as was granted to vessels sailing for any of the ports of Holland.
On the subject of return cargoes from those ports, I must observe that altho' it was intended to prevent as far as was practicable the inconveniences likely to be created by the unauthorised agreement made here in April last, yet it was not and could not be intended to obviate all possible inconveniences, even such as might have arisen if no such agreement had ever been made.
If an American vessel had sailed from America for Holland in time of profound peace, or in time of war, the ports of Holland not being at the date of sailing under blockade, it might yet have happened that, in the period between the commencement of such voyage and the arrival of the vessel at the port of destination, a blockade might have been established before that port. The vessel arriving would in that case have been warned not to enter the port, and would have been turned away with the loss of the whole object of the voyage. This would be no extraordinary hardship, and would afford no legitimate ground of complaint.
The order in council is far less strict than such a blockade would be, for as much as it provides for the original voyage, commenced in expectation of being admitted to the port of destination, by permitting the entry into the ports of Holland; and it is no just ground of complaint, that it does not superadd to that permission the liberty to re-export a cargo of the enemy's goods or produce.
I beg leave briefly to recapitulate the substance of what I have had the honor to convey to you as well in a verbal, as in written communication.
I have informed you of the reasons of his majesty's disavowal of the agreement so often mentioned; I have shown them, in obedience to the authority which you have quoted, to be both strong & solid, & such as to outweigh the judgment of his majesty's government, every other consideration which has been contemplated; I have shown that, that agreement was not concluded

in virtue of a full power, and that the instructions, given on the occasion, were violated.
Beyond this point of explanation which was supposed to have been attained, but which is now given, by the present letter, in the form understood to be most agreeable to the American government, my instructions are prospective; they look to substituting for notions of good understanding, erroneously entertained, practical stipulations on which a real reconciliation of all differences may be substantially founded; and they authorise me, not to renew proposals which have already been declared here to be unacceptable, but to receive & discuss any proposal made on the part of the United States, and eventually to conclude a convention between the two countries. It is not, of course, intended to call upon me to state as a preliminary to negotiation, what is the whole extent of those instructions; they must, as I have before said, remain subject to my own discretion, until I am enabled to apply them to the overtures, which I may have the honor of receiving from you.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your most obt. humble serv't.
F. J. JACKSON.
The Hon. Robert Smith, Sec. of the Navy.
Mr. Jackson to Mr. Smith.
Washington, 27th October, 1809.
Sir,—Finding by your letter of the 19th inst., that, notwithstanding the frequent statements made by me in our conferences of the terms of satisfaction which I am empowered to offer to this country for the unauthorized attack made by one of his majesty's ships of war upon the frigate of the U. States, the Chesapeake, I have not had the good fortune to make myself distinctly understood by you. I have the honor to enclose herewith a paper of memoranda, containing the conditions on the basis of which I am ready to proceed to draw up with you the necessary official documents in the form proposed in my letter of the 11th inst. or in any other form upon which we may hereafter agree.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
F. J. JACKSON.
The Hon. R. Smith, Sec. of the Navy.
The President's proclamation of July 1807, prohibiting to British ships of war the entrance into the harbours of the United States having been annulled, his majesty is willing to restore the seamen taken out of the Chesapeake on reserving to himself a right to claim in a regular way, by application to the American government, the discharge of such of them (if any) as shall be proved to be either natural born subjects of his majesty, or deserters from his majesty's service.
His majesty is willing to make a provision for the families of such men as were slain on board the Chesapeake, in consequence of the unauthorized attack upon that frigate, provided that such bounty shall not be extended to the family of any man who shall have been either a natural born subject of his majesty, or a deserter from his majesty's service.
Mr. Smith to Mr. Jackson.
Department of State, Nov. 1, 1809.
Sir,
Your letter of the 23d ult. which was duly received, would have been sooner acknowledged, had I not by sickness been rendered for several days utterly unfit for business.
Although the delay and the apparent reluctance in specifying the grounds of the disavowal of the arrangement with respect to the orders in council, do not correspond with the course of proceeding deemed most becoming the occasion; yet as the explanation has at length been thus made, it only remains, as to that part of the disavowal arrangement, to regret that such considerations should have been allowed to outweigh the solid objections to the disavowal; it being understood at the same time that his Britannic Majesty perseveres in requiring as indispensable conditions on the part of the United States, an entire relinquishment of the right to trade with enemies' colonies, and also permission to the British navy to aid in executing a law of Congress; pretensions, which cannot but render abortive all proposals whatever upon this subject, whether made by the United States or by his Britannic Majesty.
Whilst you have deemed it proper to offer an explanation with respect to the disavowal of one part of the arrangement, I must remind you that there is not to be found in your letter any like specification of the reasons
for the disavowal, nor particularly is it shown that instructions were violated, as to the other part, viz. the case of the Chesapeake; the case in which an especial manner an explanation was required, and in which only you professed to have authority to make to this government any overtures.
For the first time it is now disclosed that the subjects arranged with this government by your predecessor, are held not to be within the authority of a Minister Plenipotentiary, and that, not having had a "full power" distinct from that authority, his transactions on those subjects might of right be disavowed by his government. This disclosure, so contrary to every antecedent supposition and just inference, gives a new aspect to this business. If the authority of your predecessor did not embrace the subjects in question, so as to bind his government, it necessarily follows, that the only credentials yet presented by you being the same with those presented by him, give you no authority to bind it, and that the exhibition of a "full power" for that purpose, such as you doubtless are furnished with, is become an indispensable preliminary to further negotiation; or, to speak more strictly, was required in the first instance by the view of the matter now disclosed by you. Negotiation without this preliminary would not only be a departure from the principle of equality which is the essential basis of it, but would moreover be a disregard of the precautions and of the self respect enjoined on the attention of the United States by the circumstances which have hitherto taken place.
I need scarcely add, that in the full power alluded to, as a preliminary to negotiation, is not intended to be included either the whole extent or any part of your instructions for the exercise of it. These of course, as you have justly remarked, remain subject to your own discretion.
I abstain, sir, from making any particular animadversions on several irrelevant and improper allusions in your letter, not at all comporting with the professed disposition to adjust in an amicable manner the differences unhappily subsisting between the two countries. But it would be improper to conclude the few observations to which I purposely limit myself, without advertting to your repetition of a language implying a knowledge on the part of this government that the instructions of your predecessor did not authorise the arrangement formed by him. After the explicit and peremptory asseveration that this government had no such knowledge, and that with such a knowledge no such arrangement would have been entered into, the view which you have again presented of the subject, makes it my duty to apprize you, that such insinuations are inadmissible in the intercourse of a foreign minister with a government that understands what it owes to itself.
I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) R. SMITH.
The Hon. Francis James Jackson, Sec. of the Navy.
Mr. Jackson to Mr. Smith.
Washington, 4th Nov. 1809.
Sir,
When I forwarded to my court your letter of the 19th ult. and the answer which I returned to it, I imagined, and I may add, I hoped, that the retrospective correspondence, into which you thought it necessary to enter with me had been closed. You will, no doubt, recollect with what reluctance I acquiesced in your intimation on this head; not, as I believe has been seen, from any difficulty in maintaining the justice of the cause which is entrusted to me, but because I was and still am of opinion that this sort of correspondence is not calculated to remove differences and soothe irritations of the most unfortunate tendency. As, however, I had no choice but to renounce, for the present, the hope of effectuating this desirable object, or to pursue it in the manner prescribed in your letter of the 9th ult., so I am now unwillingly compelled to enter upon the consideration of another letter from you under date of the 1st inst., which but too strongly confirms the opinion I before entertained.
Since, sir, it has been judged expedient to confine to a written form this important and interesting discussion; since that mode has been declared by you to be indispensable, I will first appeal to the written communications which have passed between us; and I do this with the greater satisfaction, because I consider it to be the chief cause of the present remarkable state of things, that in speaking of engagements contracted or supposed to have
been contracted between the two countries, understandings or implied engagements have been allowed to take place of written compacts, and have been considered, in some instances, as having on the same validity. It is furthermore necessary to place in the most unequivocal light a topic, which I observe to be constantly and prominently restated in your letters, notwithstanding the repeated, but, as it should seem, fruitless endeavors used in mine, to clear it from the slightest shadow of obscurity.
You say "that it is understood that his Britannic Majesty perseveres in requiring as indispensable conditions on the part of the United States, an entire relinquishment of the right to trade with the enemies' colonies, and also a permission to the British navy to aid in executing a law of Congress."
This same statement is contained in your letter of the 9th inst. and represented as the substance of what had fallen from me in our previous conferences. In my answer to that letter, I took the liberty of shewing that such a supposition was erroneous, and I have looked in vain to my letter of the 23d, to find in it any suggestion of a similar tenor. I believe, therefore, that by reference to my two letters you will find, that the statement now again brought forward is contained in neither of them, that it made no part of my previous conversations with you, and that I have in no way given room to suppose, that I ever made any such statement at all.
That before the orders in council can be revoked, their object must be obtained in some other way, is unquestionably true; but you may be assured, sir, that there is no wish whatever entertained in England, that the British navy should be employed in executing a law of Congress—If the proposal that was made upon that subject, and made, as you now know, because it was believed to be acceptable here, had been adopted, and had become a matter of compact between the two countries, and thereby a part, not of the law of Congress, but of the public law binding upon both parties, and which both would have had a common interest in seeing duly executed; in that case the agency of the British navy would not have had the invidious aspect, which is now attempted to be given to it.—At present, there is no engagement between the two countries, no laws of Congress which bear a reference to any such engagement, and consequently it cannot be wished to take any share whatever in the execution of those laws.
In regard to the colonial trade I need only observe, that all or nearly all the enemies' colonies are blockaded by British squadrons, it cannot therefore be so much an object of solicitude, as you imagine, to obtain the relinquishment of the trade of any country to those colonies. On the contrary you will find it stated in my letter of the 11th ult., to be a "matter of indifference whether the order in council (on this subject) be continued, or an arrangement by mutual consent substituted in its room."
When I informed you that the agreement concluded here in April last, had been framed in deviation from the instructions given for the occasion, my explanation was intended to apply to both parts of that agreement.—That nothing, required by the most scrupulous accuracy, may be wanting, I now add, that the deviation consisted in not recording in the official document signed here, the abrogation of the President's Proclamation of the 2d July, 1807, as well as the two reserves specified in the paper of Memoranda enclosed in my official letter to you of the 27th ult.
There is another motive for the disavowal of this part of the arrangement, considered to be so strong and so self evident upon the very face of the transaction, that I am not commanded to do more than indicate it in the manner I have already done.—By this forbearance his Majesty conceives that he is giving an additional pledge of his sincere disposition to maintain a good understanding with the United States.
I am somewhat at a loss to give a distinct reply to that part of your letter which relates to Mr. Erskine's authority to conclude with you in virtue of his general letter of credence, because I do not very distinctly understand the tendency of it. I never before heard it doubted that a full power was requisite to enable a minister to conclude a treaty, or that a mere general letter of credence was insufficient for that purpose.
If it were otherwise, and a government were in all cases to be bound by the act, however unauthorized, of an accredited Minister, there would be no safety in the appointment of such a Minister, and ratifications would be useless.—No full power was given in the present case, because it was not a
treaty, but the materials for forming a treaty, that was in contemplation.
In his dispatch of the 23d of January, Mr. Secretary Canning distinctly says to Mr. Erskine—"Upon receiving through you on the part of the American government a distinct and official recognition of the three abovementioned conditions, his Majesty will lose no time in sending to America a minister fully empowered to consign them to a formal and regular treaty."
This Minister would, of course, have been provided with a full power, but Mr. Erskine was to be guided by his instructions, and had the agreement concluded here been conformable to them, it would without doubt have been ratified by his majesty. I must beg your very particular attention to the circumstance that his majesty's ratification has been withheld, not because the agreement was concluded without a full power, but because it was altogether irreconcilable to the instructions on which it was professedly founded.—The question of the full power was introduced by yourself to a high weight, by a quotation from a highly respected author, to your complaint of the disavowal, in answer to which I observed that the quotation did not apply, as Mr. Erskine had no full power. Never did I imagine, or anywhere attempt, to rest the right of disavowal upon that circumstance:—undoubtedly his agreement would, nevertheless, have been ratified, had not the instructions, which in this case took the place of a full power, been violated.
I am surprised at the transition by which it appears to you that this part of the subject is connected with the authority empowering me to negotiate with you. I will not, I dare say, have escaped your recollection that I informed you at a very early period of our communications, that in addition to the usual credential letter, his majesty had been pleased to invest me with a full power under the great seal of his kingdom, for the express purpose of concluding a treaty or convention. I well remember your testifying your satisfaction at the circumstance; and I have only now to add that I am ready, whenever it suits your convenience, to exchange my full power against that with which you shall be provided, for the progress of our negotiation.
I am concerned, sir, to be obliged a second time to appeal to those principles of public law under the sanction and protection of which I was sent to this country. Where there is not freedom of communication in the form substituted for the more usual one of verbal discussion, there can be little useful intercourse between Ministers; and one, at least, of the epithets which you have thought proper to apply to my last letter is such as necessarily abridges that freedom. That any thing therein contained may be irrelevant to the subject it is of course competent in you to endeavour to shew and as far as you succeed in so doing, in so far will my argument lose of its validity—but as to the propriety of my allusions, you must allow me to acknowledge only the decision of my own sovereign, whose commands I obey, and to whom alone I can consider myself responsible. Beyond this it suffices that I do not deviate from the respect due to the government to which I am accredited.
You will find that in my correspondence with you, I have carefully avoided drawing conclusions that did not necessarily follow from the premises advanced by me, and least of all should I think of uttering an insinuation, where I was unable to substantiate a fact. To facts, such as I have become acquainted with them, I have scrupulously adhered, and in so doing I must continue, whenever the good faith of his majesty's government is called in question, to vindicate its honor and dignity in the manner that appears to me best calculated for that purpose.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
Humble Servant,
F. J. JACKSON.
The honorable R. Smith, Sec. of the Navy.
Mr. Smith to Mr. Jackson.
Department of State,
November, 8, 1809.
Sir,
In my letter of the 19th ult. I stated to you that the declaration in your letter of the 11th, that the despatch from Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine of the 23d January, was the only despatch by which the conditions were prescribed to Mr. Erskine, for the conclusion of an arrangement on the matter to which it related, was then for the first time made to this govern-
ment." And it was added, that if that despatch had been communicated at the time of the arrangement, or if it had been known that the propositions contained in it were the only ones on which he was authorised to make an arrangement, the arrangement would not have been made.
In my letter of the 1st inst., advertting to the repetition in your letter of the 23d ult. of a language implying a knowledge in this government that the instructions of your predecessor did not authorise the arrangement formed by him, an intimation was distinctly given to you, that after the explicit and peremptory asseveration that this government had not any such knowledge, and that with such a knowledge, such an arrangement would not have been made, no such intimation could be admitted by this government.
Finding that in your reply of the 4th inst., you have used a language which cannot be understood but as reiterating and even aggravating the same gross insinuation, it only remains, in order to preclude opportunities which are thus abused, to inform you that no further communications will be received from you, and that the necessity of this determination will without delay, be made known to your government. In the mean time a ready attention will be given to any communications affecting the interests of the two nations, through any other channel that may be substituted.
I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) R. SMITH.
The Honorable Francis James Jackson, Sec. of the Navy.
Mr. Oakley, his Majesty's Secretary of Legation, is desired by Mr. Jackson to state to the Secretary of State that as Mr. Jackson has been already once most grossly insulted by the inhabitants of the town of Hampton in the unprovoked language or abuse held by them to several officers bearing the King's uniform, when those officers were themselves violently assaulted & put in imminent danger: he conceives it to be indispensable to the safety of himself, the gentlemen attached to his mission, and of his family, during the remainder of their stay in the U. S. to be provided with special passports or safeguards from the American government. This is the more necessary since some of the newspapers of the United States are daily using a language whose only tendency can be to excite the people to commit violence upon Mr. Jackson's person. In consequence he requests that the undermentioned names may be inserted in the document to be furnished him.
Francis James Jackson, Mrs. Jackson, Their three Children, Charles Oakley, Esq. His Majesty's Secretary of Legation, Mr. George Ottey, Private Secretary.
SERVANTS.
Robert Clavering, Francis Martin, William Atree, Charles Beecroft, Richard Lowe, John Price, John Lilly, James Wright, Amelia George, Mary Smith, Harriet Patten, Martha Wood, Frances Blacknell.
[Received of the Department of State on the 11th Nov. 1809.]
Mr. OAKLEY, is desired by Mr. Jackson to say to the Secretary of State:
That Mr. Jackson has seen with much regret that facts, which it has been his duty to state in his official correspondence, have been deemed by the American government to afford a sufficient motive for breaking off an important negotiation and for putting an end to all communication whatever with the Minister charged by his Sovereign with that negotiation so interesting to both nations, & on one point of which an answer has not even been returned to an official and written overture.
One of the facts alluded to has been admitted by the Secretary of State himself in his letter of the 19th of Oct. viz. that the three conditions forming the substance of Mr. Erskine's original instructions were submitted to him by that gentleman. The other, viz. that that instruction is the only one in which the conditions were prescribed to Mr. Erskine for the conclusion of an arrangement on the matter to which it related, is known to Mr. Jackson by the instructions which he has himself received.
In stating these facts and in adhering to them, as his duty imperiously enjoined him to do, Mr. Jackson could not imagine that offence would be taken at it by the American government, as most certainly none could be intended on his part; but since he has been informed by the Secretary of State that no further communications will be received from him, he conceives that he has no alternative that is consistent with what is due to the King's dignity, but to withdraw altogether from the seat of the American government, and await the arrival of his majesty's commands upon the unlooked for turn which has thus been given to his affairs in this country.
Mr. Jackson means to make New-York the place of his residence.
WASHINGTON, 18th November, 1809.
Mr. SMITH to Mr. PINKNEY. Department of State, November 23, 1809.
Sir, My letters in the correspondence with Mr. Jackson, already transmitted to you, sufficiently evince the disappointment that

was felt, on finding that he had not been charged to make to this government either the frank explanations or the liberal propositions, which the occasion manifestly required. Instead of this obvious course of proceeding, it was in the outset perceived, that his object was to bring us to resume the subjects of the arrangement of April in a way, that would imply that we were aware that the arrangement was not binding on his government, because made with a knowledge on our part that Mr. Erskine had no authority to make it, and to convert the responsibility of his government for the disavowal into a reproach on this for its conduct in the transaction disavowed. In the first instance it was deemed best rather to repel his observations argumentatively than to meet them as an offensive insinuation. This forbearance had not the expected effect of restraining him from a repetition of the offence. And event on his further insinuations nothing more was done than to pronounce him of the inadmissibility of so indecorous a course of proceeding. This also being without effect, nothing remained but the step finally taken. And there was the less hesitation in shutting the door to further opportunities, for the insulting insinuations, as the disclosures he had made and the spirit of his discussions had so entirely shut it to the hope of any favorable result from his mission.
Mr. Smith's Letter to be Concluded in our next.
CONGRESS.
IN SENATE.
FRIDAY, December 1, 1809
The resolution yesterday submitted by Mr. Giles, was agreed to; and Messrs. Giles, Pope, Bradley, Goodrich, Leib, Sumpter, and Gilman were appointed a committee in pursuance thereof.
The following resolution was submitted for consideration by Mr. Leib:
Resolved, That so much of the President's message as relates to an efficient organization of the militia of the United States be referred to a select committee with leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Condit was appointed to join a committee to be appointed by the House for examining enrolled bills.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, December 1, 1809.
NAVIGATIONS LAWS.
Mr. Macon said he wished early to call the attention of the House to two motions, the object of which he deemed to be very important. The first of them had been formerly submitted to the House by a gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Early) but never acted on, and afterwards by a gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. D. R. Williams); the other had been presented by Mr. Macon himself at the last session, but at so late a period that it had not been acted on. It appeared to Mr. Macon that these motions, combined with one submitted at different times by a gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Dana) would form something like a system. The object of the first motion he was about to submit was to prohibit any foreign vessel from coming from any port or place to which the vessels of the United States could not go. Gentlemen would at once observe that there were many places whence vessels came to this country, to which we cannot go, and would perceive the extent of his motion. The other motion relative to the sea-letter vessels only, Mr. Macon said he wished to put them out of the nation, and to have no vessels belonging to the United States which were not perfectly American. He would have our vessels wholly American, or they should not at all partake of the character of American vessels.
After declaring that he considered his motions as calculated for permanent regulations, Mr. Macon submitted the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of prohibiting the entry of any vessel into the United States from any port or place to which a vessel of the United States is not admitted by permanent regulation of the government owning such port or place by treaty.
Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the registering anew of vessels built in the United States, which are owned in whole by citizens of the United States, any disability incurred by such vessel to the contrary notwithstanding, and also into the expediency of forbidding by law sea-letters or any custom house documents being granted to vessels not registered or licensed according to law or not owned by citizens of the United States within a limited time after the passing of such a law.
Mr. Newton having seconded these motions, Mr. Macon moved to refer them to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. Dana observed that these resolutions had in view merely an investigation by the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures into the subject of them. On such a question it was but necessary to ask whether the subject be of itself interesting, and whether or not the proposition bears on the face of it so much of probability and propriety that there could be no objection to it on the score of its being utterly inadmissible. Unless therefore the propositions were utterly inadmissible, if they related to a subject interesting to the nation in time of peace as well as of war, if they had a connection with one great branch of national policy, there could be no objection to have them investigated by a committee. Without expressing any opinion on the first proposition, which embraced a variety of important considerations, Mr. D. said, that the motions were recommended to the House by their being founded on permanent principles, to which the nation could adhere in every alternative; and in addition to the attention due to them because they were of a permanent character and not merely temporary expedients, they might contribute to some of those mea-
suures of temporary policy deemed proper, and without a possibility of thwarting, might perhaps aid any project the government might adopt. As to the second resolution, that he considered it important in another point of view, as tending to encourage American manufactures. If there be any manufacture which requires great precision of science and experimental skill, any one which embraces more of the profound and elevated principles of science and requires more dexterity in practical execution than any other, it is the constructing of ships. With these ideas, which Mr. Dana said were not applicable to the merits of the proposition, but to the question of reference, he should vote for referring them. He was extremely glad the motions had been brought forward, and particularly that they had been introduced by a gentleman so well qualified to sustain them, by his character and talents.
The motion for referring Mr. Macon's propositions was carried.
AMERICAN SEAMEN.
Mr. Dana said it would be recollected that at the last session he had proposed a resolution for the benefit of the seamen of the United States, which had been referred to a select committee, and a bill to that effect had been reported. But as the time to which Congress had thought proper to limit its session did not admit of a full discussion, he had not thought proper to press its consideration. It appeared to him that the proposition had some connection with the subject of the motions of the gentleman from N. Carolina (Mr. Macon) and also with the subject recommended by the President, of guarding against abuses of the American flag by collusive prosecutions of it. If a vessel of the United States was to be considered as a "floating colony" he did not wish it to be a colony of foreigners.
The following is the resolution submitted by Mr. Dana:
Resolved, That for the benefit of seamen of the United States it is proper to make provision, that registered ships or vessels, after a time to be limited by law, shall not continue to enjoy the benefits or privileges appertaining to ships or vessels of the United States, unless a certain proportion of the mariners on board the same shall be citizens of the United States.
This motion was also referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures, who were instructed to report by bill or bills or otherwise on all three propositions.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
On motion of Mr. Eppes, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the state of the union, Mr. Macon in the Chair.
Mr. Eppes offered eight resolutions, which being agreed to by the committee were reported to the House, and agreed to, as follows:
1. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as respects the relations of the United States with foreign nations, be referred to a select committee.
[The following gentlemen compose this committee: Messrs. Macon, Findley, J. G. Jackson, Massey, Taylor, Wm. Chamberlin, Fisk, McKee and Garnett.]
2. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to penalties involuntarily incurred by the infraction of the law prohibiting commercial intercourse with Great Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes, be referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
3. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to abuses of the flag of the United States by collusive prosecutions thereof, be referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
4. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the naval establishment of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
[The following gentlemen compose this committee: Messrs. Basset, Quincy, John Brown, Sawyer, Milnor, Crist, J. C. Chamberlin.]
5. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the military establishment of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
[The following gentlemen compose this committee: Messrs. Nelson, Dawson, T. Moore, Champion, Cox, Miller, Wheaton.]
6. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the organization of the militia of the United States, be referred to a select committee.
[The following gentlemen compose this committee: Messrs. Edinridge, Clay, Butler, Rea (Pa.) Weakley, Hale, Turner.]
7. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the finances of the United States be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means.
8. Resolved, That so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to the fortifications of the ports and harbors of the United States be referred to a select committee.
[This committee is composed of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Clifton, John Porter, Emmet, M'Kim, Gardner, M'Bride, Whitherspoon.]
Mr. W. Alston offered the following resolution, which being varied on the suggestion of Mr. Poindexter, so as to refer the subject to the committee of Public Lands, was agreed to:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the propriety of conferring the right of the city of New Orleans to the Common of said city, including the ground occupied by the fortifications of the same and also of vesting in the said city or in the territory of Orleans the public and vacant lots of ground within the city aforesaid on such conditions as may tend to the improvement and health of the city.
The House then proceeded to ballot for a Chaplain. The Rev. Jesse Lee, Obadiah Brown and James Laurie were nominated. The following is the result of four ballotings:
   Whole No. Lee Brown Laurie     First 162 39 32   Second 160 39 31   Third 167 43 35   Fourth 94 40 31  
The Rev. Mr. Lee having a majority, was duly elected.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Comptroller of the Treasury, enclosing a statement of unsettled balances standing on the books of the United States. The communication and documents were ordered to be printed.
Mr. Poindexter offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of allowing the citizens of the county of Madison, in the Mississippi Territory, Representative in the assembly of that territory.
Mr. Troup moved to amend the motion by adding the following, in substance, which he afterwards consented to make the subject of a separate motion, as follows:
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to lay before the House of Representatives any information he may have touching any settlement contrary to law on the public lands of the United States, in the county of Madison, in the Mississippi Territory, by whom, to what extent, and what measures have been taken for their removal.
Both these resolutions were agreed to. Mr. Poindexter took occasion to observe, that the citizens of Madison county were not Yazoos settlers, as the gentleman from Georgia seemed to suppose, but persons who had become purchasers of public land, some of which in that county had been sold at 20 and 30 dollars the acre, and a considerable sum of the purchase money of which had lately been paid in the Treasury.
On motion of Mr. Smilie, a committee was appointed to prepare and report standing rules and orders for the government of the House. The committee consists of Messrs. Macon, Smilie, Rhea of Ten., Southard, and Shaw.
On the receipt of a message from the Senate on the subject of a joint committee of enrolled bills, a committee for that purpose was ordered to be appointed on the part of this House.
Messrs. Crawford and Roane were named accordingly.
Mr. Morrow presented several petitions, amongst which was one from purchasers of public land, praying an extension of the time allowed for payment for the same; which were severally referred.
And the House adjourned till Monday morning, 11 o'clock.
MONDAY, December, 4.
Mr. Troup introduced the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it is expedient to authorize the President by law to inspect the commanders of armed vessels of the United States, to stop and bring into the ports of the same, all ships or vessels with their cargoes, the property of the subjects of the King of Great Britain, or of the Emperor of France, bound to ports other than those within the dominions or colonies of either.
Resolved, That it is expedient further to authorize by law the detention of all ships and vessels with their cargoes the property of the subjects of the King of Great Britain, until the duties to be regulated and ascertained by law, shall be first levied and collected upon the goods and merchandise whereof the said ships or vessels shall be laden or tariff therein prescribed, and until the said ships or vessels shall have received due licence to depart.
Resolved, That it is expedient further to authorize by law the detention of all ships or vessels with their cargoes, the property of the subjects of the Emperor of France brought within the ports of the United States, there to abide the final decision or order of the government in relation to the same.
Resolved, that an ad valorem duty of 10 per cent. be levied and collected on all goods, wares and merchandise of British produce and manufacture.
Resolved, that it is expedient to authorize the President, on paying of the duties authorized to be levied and collected on the goods laden on board vessels the property of the subjects of the King of Great Britain forthwith to grant licence to such vessels to depart and to proceed to the port of original destination without further hindrance or molestation.
After reading the above resolutions, Col. Troup remarked, that gentlemen would perceive, their tendency towards France approached nearer to actual hostility than it did towards England. The ships of France were to be detained without release or ransom, to be disposed of as government should think proper; while those of England would receive licences to pursue their trade upon paying a certain duty to be levied upon the cargoes. This feature was in regard to Great Britain; as it resorted were had to war, our cruisers and privateers would be able to cut off the trade entirely.
To give every member an opportunity of reflecting upon the subject as he had, he would move that the resolutions lie upon the table. Agreed to; and the resolutions ordered to be printed.
NOTICE.
NECESSITY compels me to make further application to all those who are indebted to the trustees of the Richmond Academy, by sales of lottery tickets of the first and second class, and voluntary subscriptions, and all such are hereby requested to make payment to the subscriber to enable the building committee to pay all arrears for work done, and to procure materials this winter in order to proceed with the work next spring, it being for the education of our rising progeny, which ornaments and attaches them to republican principles and gives a spring to liberty and independence. I have undertaken the collection by agreement with John Brockenbrough and William W. Henning, Esqrs. the other members of the committee appointed by a board of trustees. As the building of the Academy has progressed considerably, I flatter myself there will be but little trouble in obtaining the money for the purpose of carrying into effect so laudable an institution.
ROBERT MITCHELL. December 8th, 1809.
FOR SALE, a good HOUSE WENCH. For RENT, 3 TENEMENTS, with gardens and grounds for cultivation; and also large and convenient stables, all connected, issuable and well calculated for a place of entertainment—or each separate for private families. Enquire of LUMAN BISHOP. Manchester, December 6, 1809.
Virginia Argus.
RICHMOND,
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1809.
Extract of a letter from our Correspondent at Washington City, December 5, 1809.
"A very lamentable circumstance took place in the vicinity of Bladensburg yesterday morning. An affair of honor, or a combat by duel, terminated in a dangerous wound received by the honorable J. G. Jackson from the second fire of Mr. Pearson. They are both, as you know, members of Congress; and the quarrel is, I believe, of some months standing. They fired twice each, and Mr. Jackson missed his object both times. The second of Mr. Pearson was Mr. Stevenson (of the H. of R. from Virginia,) and the second of Mr. Jackson was Mr. Howard, (also a member of Congress—from Kentucky.) After the catastrophe, the wounded party was conveyed to the residence of Mrs. Digges, in the neighborhood of the scene of action, where he received proper attention, and the necessary medical advice. Mr. Jackson was esteemed, and therefore the event is exceedingly regretted; he has many respectable relatives and sincere friends, and over these the incident will cast the gloom of despondency. Can nothing be done to exterminate this vestige of barbarism? Will our rulers tamely look on and suffer our best, our most beloved citizens to destroy each other in single combat? The logic which supports the propriety of duelling, and yet admits the killing of one citizen against his will by another citizen to be murder, is mere sophistry. What is the object of those laws which punish the crime of murder with death? Surely not revenge. The object is, by punishing the perpetrator of the foul offence to preserve in future the lives of men in society by deterring others from destroying them. It is not to atone for the death of one citizen by putting to death another citizen, but to render the lives of all more secure, and to preserve all for the benefit of the state; for the state has a claim upon the services and the life of a citizen which the citizen cannot by his own sole act deprive it of, whilst he is a member of the community of that State. A man premeditatedly takes the life of another man against his will, and that is murder. A man premeditatedly kills another, both consenting, and that is considered no murder. Is this not ridiculous! The distinction is a quibble. It is worse than a quibble. The consent of both parties is a conspiracy to deprive the state of two members, for the lives of both are endangered; and, strictly speaking, all seconds to duels are aiders and abettors in such conspiracy. I leave out of view entirely the domestic affections which these contests, produce in society—they are, however, very deplorable, and sufficient, I should suppose, to make a man of sensibility pause for a long time before he would assent to throw his life away on the ebullition of a moment. What signifies the opinion of the world? Will that opinion protect the orphan, console the widow, or pour balm into the bleeding paternal heart? When the head of a family is cut off, the children are left without a natural protector and friend, without a guide or counsellor. If the victim of a duel be poor, will that world to whose opinion he sacrificed his life, administer comfort to his fatherless offspring, become the guardian of their infancy or the pioneer of their future fortunes? No, Sir. The opinion of the world is like the frolicsome spirit of a cockfighter: whilst the sport is going on, it urges it to a bloody catastrophe—but when the fight is over, it is careless alike of the bleeding sufferer and of all that concerns him. Woe be to that individual who surrenders his judgment to the loud opinions of a fluctuating world! He commits it to a trifler who overrules it for its own diversion. The principle of duelling is an absurd one—it puts to hazard the life of a sage at the requisition of an idiot, and, according to the rule, Socrates himself would be compelled to exchange shots with a man-monkey. It does not equalize men with one another—it only equalizes them with brutes. The bull or the bear may very properly settle their disputes by horn or by paw, but reason is the only legitimate weapon of men in the same political society. If I am subject to
the call of any man to the field, is not my life dependent on his will? And may not any person in whose way I stand, purposely provoke me to a duel? what signifies it to me that he risks his own life—that only proves that I am so obnoxious to him that he is willing to perish himself provided I perish too—and if he is a skilful marksman, the chances are in his favor. In short, my dear Sir, every view I can take of the subject impresses me with an opinion decidedly hostile to duelling. It is not even necessary upon any plea. The Greeks and the Romans did without it—and so can we. Fighting a duel is only a proof of quick feelings, and that is all it is a proof of.
"I find I have preached quite a sermon. You will pardon me; I know Mr. Jackson and feel interested in his fate. Of politics I can say little to day. The federalists are mute as fish about ambassador Jackson's correspondence. They are spelling out contrivances. A resolution it is thought will soon be proposed by some republican which will bring them forth at full length.
Virginia Legislature.
The Senate formed a quorum on Monday, and re-elected all their old officers.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
TUESDAY, December 5.
Agreeably to the standing orders of the House, the following committees were appointed, viz.
A Committee of Courts of Justice; of Privileges and Elections; of Propositions & Grievances; of Claims; To examine the Army; of Finance; to examine the Executive Expenditures; to examine the Clerk's office.
Ordered, That John Robinson be appointed Clerk to the Committee of Courts of Justice; Charles Barrett Clerk to the Committee of Privileges and Elections, and Claims; and Edmund Pendleton, Jr., Clerk to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances.
A motion was made that the House should come to the following resolution:
Resolved, That a Chaplain be appointed to perform divine service for the General Assembly during the present session. And the question being put on the said resolution, it passed in the negative—Ayes 75—Noes 94.
The rest of the day was occupied in reading petitions, &c.
Adjourned till 12 o'clock to morrow.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 6.
The speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, covering the resignation of John Minor, Esq. of his commission of Brigadier General in the Militia of this commonwealth. Ordered to be laid upon the table.
A petition and memorial was presented from sundry inhabitants of the counties of Loudon, Hampshire, Shenandoah, and of other counties, praying the passage of a law making certain alterations in the judiciary system of this commonwealth, particularly in respect to the present Circuit Judges. On a day fixed for hearing, and increasing the number of the Judges of the Court of Appeals to five. Referred to Messrs. Noland, Barker, Preston, Pendleton, Laidley, Blackburn, Gaines, McCampbell, Otey, White, Strickler and Tate (of Nelson.)
On motion, Resolved, that this House will on to-morrow proceed by joint ballot with the Senate to the choice of a Governor or Chief Magistrate of this commonwealth for one year.
On Motion, Resolved that this House will on Saturday next proceed by joint ballot with the Senate, to the choice of a member of the Privy Council or Council of State to supply the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of Alexander Stuart, Esq. to a judgeship in the Illinois Territory.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "To suppress Duelling;" and that Messrs. Noland, Barker, Buckner, Daniel, Smith, Rutherford, and Prunty, do prepare and bring in the same.
The remainder of the sitting was occupied in the reading of the documents accompanying the governor's letter, & receiving and disposing of private petitions.
Adjourned till to-morrow 12 o'clock.
JOHN TYLER, Esq. was yesterday re-elected Governor of this Commonwealth for the ensuing year, by a joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly.
On Tuesday last, [says the Spirit of '76, now published at Washington city] Mr. Peyton Smith, son of General John Smith, of Frederick county, Virginia, was killed in a Duel by Mr. Joseph Holmes, of Winchester, in the same state.
The great length of the Governor's letter and the pressure of other matter, rendered it impossible to publish that very valuable document in this day's Argus. It shall appear on Tuesday.
THE Stockholders of the Goodland Manufacturing Society are hereby notified that the sum of five dollars on each share is called for by the President and Directors of said society, and is required to be paid to Thomas B. Watkins their treasurer, on or before the 10th day of January next.
M. C. WATKINS, Clerk. December 30, 1809.
JUST RECEIVED, A general assortment of Dutch Boiling Cloths, of superior quality, ALSO, 2 Piano Fortes. J. DARMSTATT. Richmond, Nov. 22, 1809.

One Thousand Pounds
WANTED,
FOR the interest of which, a plantation of 500 acres of valuable land will be given, until the money is refunded. Nearly 100 acres are in low grounds, now in cultivation, lying on navigable water, the improvements new and very good, in a healthy and desirable country. Enquire of the Printer September 8, 1809. tf
REMOVAL.
THE subscriber has removed near the Mason, where he continues to keep a house of Private Entertainment. He has also for sale, a general assortment of GROCERIES. Likewise sells all kinds of country produce on commission. HEZEKIAH PURYEAR. Richmond, May 17th, 1809. tf N. B. The highest price given for wheat. H. P.
NEW MEDICINE STORE.
THE Subscriber has recently taken a store, near the Market Bridge, opposite Messrs. White and Shelton's, where they offer for sale a very general assortment of DRUGS & MEDICINES , a few of which are enumerated, viz: Ammon Assa Foetida Arabic Guaiac Gamboge Myrrh Opium Copal Shell Lac Tergacanth Aqua Fortis Ammoniac Arrow-Root Camphor Cochineal Red and Pale Bark Cream Tartar Chamomile Flowers Magiesia Tartar Ipecac Calomel Tart Emet Essence Bergamot Lemon Spruce Cloves Nutmegs Mace Cassia, &c. &c. &c.
ALSO A general assortment of PAINTS & DYES —all of which will be sold as low as any other store in this city. Medical practitioners and gentlemen who are in the habit of selling medicine in the country, will do well to call. VAIL & ROGERS. Richmond, 29th Aug. 1809.
A BANK NOTE OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
was taken from a black boy who called himself James Smith, & says he found it in the street—No thinking it proper to let the boy keep it, I delivered it for the proper owner, who may have it, on giving satisfactory evidence of his or their right to it and paying the expense of this advertisement. JOHN McDONALD. Richmond, March 10th, 1809. tf
20 Dollars Reward,
is offered for apprehending ANDREW, a negro slave, who about the beginning of this month RUN AWAY from the subscriber residing in the neighborhood of Amelia Court House. Andrew is about thirty years old, an intelligent active man, a good house and stable servant, drives a Carriage well, understands a little of Shoemaking, and readily performs any kind of plantation labour. Some years ago he was in the service of Mr. Turner at the Bell Tavern in Richmond, where I believe he generally acted as hostler and after-wards till last Christmas, was employed by Mr. Henry L. Dicoe of Manchester in his tobacco stemmery. He has a wife living at the Manchester coal yard, a free mulatto woman named Sukey Hollinger, by whom I have reason to believe he is secreted. I will pay the above reward to any person who will deliver to me the above mentioned slave, or secure him in Jail, so that I get him again. James Henderson. 20th June, 1809. tf
IN COUNCIL, Sept. 19th, 1809. It is advised, that from and after the 1st day of January next, the Auditor be instructed in every case where any claim is presented to him by a person whose name is not mentioned therein, to require such person to produce also an order or power of Attorney from the individual in whose favor such order or Certificate of court was made, together with an affidavit of one witness at least, certified by a Magistrate or Notary Public, that such individual actually signed and acknowledged the same. And to give general information of this rule, it is advised, that a copy hereof be published in the Virginia Argus, Enquirer, Petersburg Intelligencer, Norfolk Herald, Lynchburg Star, Staunton Eagle, and Winchester Gazette, once a week, until the first day of January next. Extract from the journal, (will) DANIEL L. HYLTON, c. s.
BY VIRTUE of a deed of trust executed by John Dennis to the subscriber, bearing date the 25th day of July, 1807, of record in the county court of Richmond, for the purpose of securing a debt due to Ezekiel Levy; will be sold, at Farnham Church, on the 6th day of December next, to the highest bidder, under the provisions of the act of assembly passed last session, entitled "an act concerning executions and for other purposes;" the following property conveyed by the said deed, to wit—Schoner Henry, of Tappahannock, with all her apparel, and sundry negroes, whose names are Sarah, Sam, George, Hannah, and Joe; three horses, ten head of cattle, and five feather beds and furniture, or so much of the said property as will raise the sum required. Provided the day of sale above mentioned should be bad weather, the sale will take place the first fair day after. B. MCCARTY, Trustee. Richmond County, 11th Nov. 1809. 3w
For sale at this office, A FEW COPIES OF BISHOP MADISON'S MAP OF VIRGINIA.
NEW STORE.
THE SUBSCRIBER, Is now opening, opposite the GLOBE TAVERN, a General Assortment of Piece and Fancy GOODS;  AMONGST WHICH ARE, Superfine and Com. White and colour. mon Broad Cloths ed Habit do. Do. do. Cassimere. Cambric Muslins. Do. do. Coatings. Plain and Seeded Flannels. Mull. do. Fancy Vesting, Spider Nett and Red & Black Bom. Fancy Craps ds. bazzets. Knotted and Sprig'd Worsted, Cotton & Lenox. do. Silk Hosiery. Diagonal and Vein- ed do. do. Gingham, do. do. do. Cotton Shirting, Elegant Worked Irish Linen and Dresses. Dowlas, Ditto Silk Shawls & Fine and common Handkerchiefs. Printed Calicoes, Black Plain and Plain Velvets, Coloured Lustings, Cords, Plain, Silk and Fan- cy Cut Velvets, Umbrellas, White Satin and Threads, Sewing Silks, Craps, &c. &c. &c. Extra long white and coloured Kid Gloves, JOHN WOOD. Richmond, Nov. 16, 1809. tf
AT A meeting of the directors of the Richmond Turnpike Company on Wednesday evening, the 15th of November, 1809. Resolved, That all shares of delinquent holders of shares in the said company be sold at the Washington Tavern in the city of Richmond on the 19th day of next month at 12 o'clock. Resolved, That a call of five dollars on each share be paid by the share-holders in the company to the treasurer, on or before the first day of December next. A Copy, N. SHEPPARD, Clk.
FOR SALE. 150 Boxes English Crown Glass, 12 14 10-12 8-10. 50 Boxes Baltimore ditto, 10 12 8-10 300 Kegs English White Lead. 100 do. Spanish Brown. 100 lb. Pury. 1500 lb. Seine twine An extensive assortment of American and Swedish Iron, amongst which are 12 ton suitable for Hoes and Axes, 2 ton American and German Steel, 12 Bales Cotton of a Superior quality, with our usual assortment of Groceries. RUSSELL & WALLACE. Richmond, Nov. 20, 1809. 3w
THE GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA will meet in the Mason's Hall, in the city of Richmond, at 6 o'clock in the evening of the second Monday in December next, being the 11th day of the month. November 19th, 1809. tdm
FOR SALE. 300 bds bro. Sugar 50 boxes fresh raisins 100 bds do. do. 50 boxes soap 20 bds loaf do. 10 casks sherry wine 15000 bds green Coffee 10 do. malaga do. 2000 yds. twill'd sack 30 bags pepper 10 ton hoop Iron. 25 bags race ginger 50 bds sewing Silk 100 reams writing pa- per 6 bds Rye Whisky 10 gross Eagle playing 15 boxes chocolate cards 8 boxes refined salt pc. Blistered steel, shoe- es, gauging rods, tre winter strained oil, &c. &c. 15 bds Tanners oil Apply to HOVEY & SIZER. Richmond, Nov. 20, 1809. 3w
FOR RENT. —The House & Lot at present occupied by Mr. George Watt, situated on the east side of Shockoe creek. For particulars apply to Mr. Watt or to JOSEPH GALLEGU.
FOR SALE. —A handsome, second hand, London built CHARIOT, which has been but little used and is in a good state of preservation. Apply to the printer, or to Mr. Hughes, coach maker, opposite the Old City Tavern, where the carriage may be seen. tf
BLACKSMITH FOR SALE. FOR sale, a most valuable Blacksmith about 39 years of age. He is a stout well disposed negro; and probably inferior to no smith in the State. Enquire of the printer. September, 11th 1809. (3m)
THE Subscriber wishes to employ TWO good Workmen in the Wheelwright business, to whom good wages will be given: the workman may be at liberty to work by the piece.—Also two Apprentices are wanted to the Wheelwright business. A. Quarrier. Richmond, 8th Oct. 1809. tf
A PETITION will be presented to the next General Assembly for leave to dispense with the Lock required to be built at my Mill Dam until some efficient measures shall be adopted for improving the navigation of Banister River. JOHN WIMBISH. Oct. 13th, 1809.
NOTICE —The subscriber having administered upon the Estate of the late Mr. JOHN HUGHES, sen. of Cumberland and now Powhatan county, it is earnestly requested if there be any demands against that Estate, that they may be brought forward on or before the first day of January next, properly authenticated, and receive payment, as I intend to make a division of the residue of that Estate immediately after the said first day of January next, after which this advertisement will be plead in bar against any claim whatsoever. JOHN CUNLIFFE, Adm'r. Coalpit, Chesterfield county, 16th Oct. 1809. (1J)
CASH will be given for a good male house servant and female cook. JOSEPH TRENT. Oct. 27th, 1809. tf
FOR SALE, between 4 and 500 acres of GLOUCESTER LOW GROUNDS. That valuable plantation called SHIP YARD belonging to the estate of the late Benjamin Dabney, situated on Ware River. It is well timbered and convenient for fish and oysters. Terms may be made known by application to TH: G. SMITH, Esq'r. and SARAH DABNEY, Ex'trx. November 4, 1809. 2np
FOR SALE, A TRACT OF LAND, in the county of Cumberland, within a mile of Farmville, containing four hundred acres, not quite half of which is cleared. The remainder is for the most part prime tobacco land, uncommonly well timbered and watered. The cleared land is generally in excellent heart. There are on the tract a commodious framed granary shed-ded all around and two tobacco houses. The situation is esteemed uncommonly healthy. If not previously sold, it will be offered at public sale, on Friday the first day of December next, in the town of Farmville—where also, the subscriber has for sale an excellent well built small dwelling house with a commodious store house and lumber house adjoining, with good cellars, &c. Mr. EDWARD RADFORD, who lives adjoining the land, will show it to any one disposed to purchase. JOHN RANDOLPH. November 1st, 1809. 6w
BOARDING FOR DELEGATES. WILLIAM RALEIGH, has taken the house belonging to David Bullock, Esq. west from the capitol, and lately occupied by William Wirt, Esq. He can accommodate from 15 to 20, and shall make preparations for that purpose. He begs leave to inform his friends as well as those who may confide in him, that he will devote himself with the greatest attention to give satisfaction to them, as well as to obtain the approbation of his own mind.
MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. THE Annual General meeting of the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings of the State of Virginia, will be held by adjournment, at the capitol in the city of Richmond, on the second Monday in December next, [being the eleventh day of December.] SAMUEL GREENHOW, P. Agent M. A. S. Richmond, 10th Nov. 1809.
As much inconvenience and unnecessary expense results from the present mode of collecting the contributions of the members; which annually diverts a considerable part of those contributions from the uses for which they were intended—burdens individuals with heavy costs and greatly delays the collections, to the injury of the credit of the society, the general meeting at their last annual session, applied to the legislature to authorise a more certain, expeditions, and less expensive mode of collection—their application was rejected, under an impression that the members of the society might not approve of this act of their proxies. Having been informed that a similar proposition will be submitted to the consideration of the next general meeting, and believing some amendment in that respect necessary to the prosperity of the institution, I have thought it proper to give this public notice thereof. S. GREENHOW, P. A.
Other printers in this state, are requested to insert the above in their papers till the eleventh December next. S. G.
WILL BE SOLD, at Buckingham courthouse, for ready money, on the 8th day of January next (it being court day) by virtue of a deed of trust executed by Charles Talley to Henry Rawlins and David Bell, as trustees, for the purpose of securing a debt therein mentioned due to the executor of John Adcock, dec. a TRACT OF LAND, containing 140 acres, lying and being in the said county, between the two Buffalo creeks, branches of Willis's river, and in the neighborhood of Cairo. HENRY RAWLINS, Surviving Trustee. Nov 9th. 1809. 4w
WILL BE SOLD. —To the highest bidder, at Haley Cole's tavern, in the county of Chesterfield, on the 9th of December next, one fourth part of a valuable Coal Mine, on Falling creek, in said county, containing 34 1/2 acres, more or less, and commonly known by the name of "Union Pits." The pits have only been worked to an extent to ascertain that the mines are of sufficient thickness to be rated among the best seams or beds of coal now known.—Also will be sold at the same time and place, one-twentieth part of the pits commonly called Ellison and Wool-dridge's pits, containing 103 acres, more or less, and immediately joining the other. An indisputable title will be made to purchasers, and the terms made on the day of sale. JAMES CHEATHAM. Nov. 22, 1809. tds
NOTICE —The subscriber being desirous of closing the executorship of the late John Collins, most earnestly solicits all those indebted to discharge the same, as suits indiscriminately will be instituted; and all persons having claims will please exhibit them properly authenticated before the 1st of February next, as this notice will be plead at bar. CATHARINE DABNEY, Surviving Executrix of JOHN COLLINS, dec. December 1st, 1809. 3w
FOR SALE, to the highest bidder, on the 20th of December, 1809, on the premises, a PARCEL OF GROUND, on the main street, at or near Rockets landing, and opposite to Lewis's wharf, belonging to the estate of Wiltshire M. Lewis, dec. containing one hundred feet, or upwards, which will be divided into convenient lots to suit purchasers. Also, about 50 acres of LAND, bounded by the main Road, the lines of Mr. William Mayo, Mr. Geo. Blakey and Gillis's Creek, which will also be laid out into tenements to suit purchasers. The terms of payment will be made known on the day of sale. WALTER P. SHELTON, Executor of the said WILTSHIRE M. LEWIS. November 29th, 1809. tds
TO BE RENTED, the large and commodious TAVERN, and also the TAN YARD, late the property of James Fowler, deceased, situate in the town of Cartersville. Possession can be had immediately. For terms apply to THOS H WALTON, Adm'r. with the will annexed of JAMES FOWLER, deceased. Cartersville, 29th November, 1809. 4wp
NEGROES FOR SALE. —On Friday the 29th day of next month, will be sold, at Mecklenburg courthouse, to the highest bidder, 20 Likely Negroes, on 12 months credit, the purchasers giving bonds with approved security, bearing interest from the date, but such interest to be remitted in case of punctilious payment. WM. MUNFORD. Richmond, Nov. 25th, 1809. tds
VALUABLE LAND FOR SALE. —The subscriber intending to remove to one of the Southern States, in the course of fifteen or eighteen months, offers for sale the tract of land on which he now dwells. It contains, by a late survey, about eleven hundred and eighty acres, of which six hundred and fourteen are yet in woods. The soil is peculiarly suited to the production of wheat, and is excellent for corn and tobacco. The situation is remarkably healthy, and is only one mile from the navigation of Appomattox. Those who wish to purchase, a good tract of land at a reasonable price, are invited to view this property. It should not be sold by private contract before the sixth day of January next, it will then be put up to the highest bidder, at Farmville, on a credit of one and two years. PETER JOHNSTON. Prince Edward, November 20th, 1809. 4w
IN order to complete the residue of the requisitions of the decree of the honorable high court of chancery, for the Richmond district, dated the 20th June, 1809, and published in this paper from the 15th of August to the 19th September, inclusive, and an additional decree dated the 22d September, 1809, in the cases of William Marshall and Thomas Taylor, guardians of Eleanor and Lavina Dandridge, orphans of William Dandridge, deceased, and others. Plffs. AGAINST William Duval, administrator of William Price, deceased, Lucy Price, widow, and William D. Price, Alexander Price, John Harvie Price, and Anne Price, infant heirs of the said William Price, deceased. Defts. And also in conformity with a further decree of the aforesaid court, dated the 22d September, 1809, in the case of Matthias Jordan, Plaintiff, AGAINST
The same defendants as above. We or one of us will positively proceed to sell, on the premises, at public auction, on Tuesday the 12th day of December next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. if fair, if not, the next fair day, at the said hour, the Blue House and Lot on the street on Shockoe Hill, mentioned in the first decree, which the late register William Price, purchased of John Britain, subject to the claim of Mrs. John Britain, for a supposed right of dower, she never having relinquished any claim which she might have in the event of her living longer than her said husband.—And immediately thereafter two lots of ground near the Federal Spring, known by the numbers in Duval's addition to the city of Richmond, and three lots near the late residence of William Nice, on Shockoe Hill known by the numbers in Judge Washington's addition, 11, 12, and 18, on two years credit, from the day of sale, with interest from date. Bonds with approved security will be required, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy William Marshall, and Thomas Taylor, Esqrs. guardians as aforesaid.—the residue of the original sum decreed in their favor of 1400 dollars, with interest and costs of said suit, and Matthias Jordan, in the sum of 500 dollars, with interest from the first day of January, 1809 till paid, and the costs expended by him in said suit, and also to discharge the balance of the expenses of the previous and said sales yet unprovided for, as authorized by the aforesaid decrees. JOHN PROSSER, WM. MONCURE, Commissioners. Richmond, November 23d, 1809. tds
NOTICE. It is the subscriber's wish to set all his debts contracted for, and to get in all monies due John Granbery, Esq. as respects the Columbian Mills. It is to be hoped those indebted will come forward and pay off their accounts, and all those that have claims will come forward and receive payment without delay. SAMUEL LEECH Columbian Mills, Dec. 5th, 1809. 2
BY VIRTUE of two deeds of trust executed by Robert Campbell, one on the 16th of June, 1807, and the other on the 24th of September, 1807, for the purpose of securing to Niel McCool, certain sums of money therein mentioned, will be sold, to the highest bidder, at the Eagle Tavern, in the city of Richmond, on Saturday, the 6th of January next, the following tracts or parcels of LAND, belonging to the said Robert Campbell—One tract lying on Cumberland river, in the state of Kentucky, surveyed for John Crawford, by virtue of a military warrant, dated 6th January, 1785, numbered 2552, and containing four hundred and forty acres. Seven other tracts of Land adjoining each other, and containing five hundred acres each, lying in the county of Kanawha, on the waters of Sandy Creek, surveyed in October, 1798. The sale will be made agreeably to the act of assembly, passed on the 31st of January last, entitled, an act concerning executions and for other purposes. And will be conducted by one or more of the TRUSTEES. Richmond, November 28th, 1809. wtr
NOTICE. —Once more, it is hereby requested that those who are indebted to the trustees of the Richmond Academy, do make payment to the subscriber, as the work is now begun, and it is expected that there will be laid from one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand bricks in the walls of the Academy this fall. He has undertaken the collection by agreement with John Brockenbrough and William W. Hening, the other members of the committee, appointed by a board of trustees: Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that the collector may have as little trouble as possible in the collection, in order to have money in hand, to carry on so laudable an undertaking. ROBT. MITCHELL. City of Richmond, Sept. 7th, 1809. wtr
NOTICE —A petition will be presented to the next General Assembly, praying that a law may pass for selling the lands of Samuel Dixon, deceased, lying in the county of Hanover. The object of the said intended sale is to make a more beneficial division of the subject among the subscribers, Mary Richard, Henry St. John Dixon, George Dixon, Jr., Rosanna Dixon and George Dixon, Jr. (who are the only heirs at law of the said Samuel Dixon) than it is believed can otherwise be effected, as the said Samuel Dixon died in estate, and some of the said subscribers are infants, and the said lands not susceptible of an advantageous division. Mary Richard. Henry St. John Dixon. George Dixon. George Dixon, Junr. By their near, Rosanna Dixon, est friend, John Richard October 6th, 1809. wtr
NOTICE —Intend to petition the legislature at their next session for leave to convert one of my mills on Bear Garden Creek, near New Canton, into a manufacturing mill, which shall be exempt from the necessity of grinding corn, while the other is kept for that purpose. RANDOLPH HARRISON. October 3d, 1809. wtr
WILLIAM WARDLAW, informs his friends that he is receiving by the PROTECTRESS from Liverpool, a large supply of VIALS, WINDOW GLASS, PAINTS, —also by the POWHATAN from London, a general assortment of MEDICINE, SURGEON'S INSTRUMENTS, AQUA FORTIS, &c. Richmond Nov. 1. (8w.)
VIRGINIA: At a superior court of chancery held at the capitol in the city of Richmond, the eighteenth day of September, 1809. Hugh Mercer, Plff. AGAINST Betay Green. Deft.
THE defendant not having entered her appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that she is not an inhabitant of this country, on motion of the plaintiff by counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the bill of the plaintiff—and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper published in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the capitol in the said city. A Copy—Tests, PETER TINSLEY, c. s.
VIRGINIA: At a superior court of chancery held at the capitol in the city of Richmond, the 15th day of October, 1809. Thomas Foster and Susanna his wife, which said Susanna is the daughter of John Mitchell, deceased. Plffs. AGAINST
Robert Scott, administrator of John Mitchell, the said Robert Scott, administrator of Susanna Mitchell, and the said Robert Scott and Jaucett his wife, Thomas Holloway, administrator of John Mitchell, junior, deceased, and Walter Logan and his wife, his wife not having entered their appearance and given security according to the act of assembly, and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that they are not inhabitants of this country, on motion of the plaintiffs by counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendants do appear here on the first day of the next term, and answer the bill of the plaintiffs—and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper published in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the capitol in the said city. A Copy—Tests, PETER TINSLEY, c. s.
In Powhatan county court, October the 18th, 1809. William Jenkins, assignee of Allen Bowles, Plff. AGAINST Samuel Owen and Joseph Mayo, executor of David Owen, dec. Defts. In Chancery.
IT appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant Samuel Owen is not an inhabitant of this commonwealth—Therefore it is ordered, on motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, that the said defendant Samuel Owen do appear here on or before the first day of February next, and answer the plaintiff's bill—and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the newspapers printed in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and that another copy be posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county. A Copy—Tests, JAMES PONDEXTER, Clk.
A TUTOR well qualified to teach the English language grammatically, Arithmetic, Geography, with the use of the Globes, some of the most simple branches of the Mathematics, & who writes a good hand Such an one coming well recommended as well for these qualifications as for correct deportment, will meet with liberal encouragement from the subscriber, who may be seen in Richmond from the 20th to the 26th inst. RANDOLPH HARRISON. Cumberland, Nov. 4th, 1809. wtr
JOSEPH & GEORGE MARK offer for sale on board the schooner Feronia, 600 SACKS SALT. Twilled Sacks and well filled. They are in daily expectation of receiving several thousand bushels LIVERPOOL GROUND SALT, which will be disposed of on reasonable terms. Richmond, 2d December, 1809. if
BALTIMORE LOTTERY. A few tickets in the Baltimore Lottery now drawing for sale at this office, Price 13 dollars.
GERMAN AND ENGLISH, Almanacks for 1810, for sale at this office.
THE Subscriber being anxious to discharge his debts, offers for sale, that valuable Plantation, lying in Amelia county, on Flat Creek, containing upwards of 900 acres, a considerable quantity of which is very valuable meadow land. For terms apply to WILLIAM MURRAY. Grove-Brook, October 12th, 1809. wtr