The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1807-07-14 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RICHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE.....AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.....(PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
VOLUME 4.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY MORNING, JULY 14, 1807.
[NUMBER 19.]
VIRGINIA BANK STOCK.....101.
Richmond Prices Current.
   D. C.     Tobacco, : : : : : 5 7 00   Wheat, new, : : : : 92 100   Flour—superfine, new, : : : 5 3/4 ca/b   fine, : : : : : 5 00   Corn, per barrel, : : : : 4 50   Bacon per lb. : : : : 16   Bar iron—per ton, : : : 110 120   Hemp—per ton, : : : 200 210   Whiskey—per gallon, : : : 54  
FOR LIVERPOOL. One hundred Hds. Tobacco wanted at freight at 80¢ per bld. and 5 per cent primage, per the American Register Ship.
MINERVA, Captain KEEL, Apply to Brown and Rives, Richmond, or to ALEXANDER LECKIE, or THOMAS WILLOCK. Norfolk, June 24. ep3w.
TO BE SOLD, FOR READY MONEY.
In pursuance of a Deed of Trust, from David Rofs, Esq. bearing date on the 5th day of July, 1806, and recorded in the general court, in order to raise the sum of 57,768 25-100 dols. and interest due on sundry bonds, to Granberry and Hancock and to Littleton Waller Tazewell, and a further sum of 10,000 dols. and upwards, with interest due also on sundry bonds, to the said Granberry and Hancock, and the charges and expenses of sale:
THOSE well known MILLS with the appurtenances in the city of Richmond, called the Coburnian Mills. Two undivided third parts of the Deep Run Coal pits, in the county of Henrico, containing about 1750 acres more or less. Two undivided third parts of the Falling Creek Coal pits in the county of Chesterfield, containing about one hundred acres. Two undivided third parts of the Dever Coal Lands in the county of Goochland, containing about ninety acres, which three several tracts of Coal Land were held in partnership between the said David Rofs and James Currie, decd. Also all that tract or parcel of Land in the county of Goochland, known by the name of Goochland court-house, containing about fifteen hundred acres more or less; Also twelve hundred acres of Land in Goochland county, called Howards Neck, before pledged to Galtigen and Gilson, for a debt due to them and secured by deed of trust, bearing date on the 24th day of May, 1806, and recorded in the general court.
The Columbian Mills & appurtenances, are subject to a ground-rent to Samuel Overton; and the said Mills and the two tracts of Coal Land, first mentioned, are pledged for the security of sundry sums of money, due to Mrs. Frances Tabb and Wm. B. Giles, administrator of John Tabb, deceased—a large proportion of which, is stated by the said Rofs to have been paid, & other estates are pledged for the balance. For further information in this subject, persons inclined to purchase, are referred to the said Rofs, or it may be obtained on application to the subscribers.
The greater part of the debt due to P. Gibson, and secured by deed of trust above mentioned, bearing date the 24th day of May, 1806, has been paid, there being now a balance due him of only 1354 dls. 75-100 with some arrears of interest; a particular statement of which will be exhibited on the day of sale.
The sales will take place at the Eagle-Tavern, on Tuesday the 15th day of September next. E. W. ROOTES, WILSON ALLEN, } Trustees. July 11. tdf.
NOTICE
THE Partnership known by the firm of Lyle and McCredie, is dissolved by the death of the partner, George McCredie. The subscriber, the surviving partner of this house, requests all those indebted to that concern to make speedy payments to him, as he is now the only person who can grant the proper receipts and discharges for those debts.
Those who may have claims on that firm, are requested to come forward, that they may be adjusted and paid. JAMES LYLE. Manchester, July 11. 3w.
NOTICE
That by virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed by John B. Winton to us, and duly proved and admitted to record in the district court held in this city; we shall on Wednesday the 22th day of the ensuing month, expose to sale by public auction, upon the premises for ready money.
ONE half acre LOT No. 698, opposite to the residence of the Rev'd. Wm. Dawson in this city. There is upon the said Lot, an excellent Kiln of Bricks, and which are nearly burnt, containing as is supposed at least 75,000, and which will be disposed of with the Lot as appurtenant thereto, or so much thereof, as may be necessary to raise the sum of 200l. with the costs and charges of executing this trust.
SAML. MCCRAW, WM. MCKIM, } Trustees. Richmond, July 8. tdf.
S. JACOBS,
Being about to decline the DRY GOOD business, (in which he has been engaged for some time,) requests all those indebted to him to make payment, as suits will be instituted against all delinquents at the August term; and if any have claims against him, they shall be paid on being presented.
Lately received a well selected assortment of-- GOODS. Suited to the present and approaching season which will be sold at the lowest possible price.
Among which are-- Ladies Kid and Mo. Fanny and Leno Muffins rocco shoes, best quality.     and Veils. 2 bales Mawfannas.     Check'd Silks, Shawls & 2 Do. Coffes.     Habit Shirts. 1 Do. fine blue Cotton,     Hosery, Gloves & Cal- 1 Do. Checks.     icoes. 3 Do. blue Gilly Handk'fs.     Cotton & Silk Umbrellas, Superfine and common     1 Do. blue Gilly Handk'fs. Elegant cotton and thread     Cloths, &c. &c. Laces.     Gun Powder by the Keg. July 7. tdf.
DR. THOMAS B. W. GRAY, Respectfully informs the public that he intends to practice Physic, Surgery and Midwifery at Tappahannock, and hopes that by an unremitted attention to all the duties in the different departments of his profession, he will give general satisfaction, and merit the confidence and patronage of all those who may please to consult him. He also proposes to keep constantly for sale, and upon moderate terms, the various medicines which are generally known and used. July 8. 2m.
JAMES RIVER COMPANY.
At a meeting of the President and Directors of the James River Company, on the 3d July, 1807:
RESOLVED, That the Treasurer pay to the shareholders, a dividend of six per cent. on their respective shares, for twelve months ending the 30th June last.
Extract from the Minutes, ROBERT POLLARD, CLK. July 7. 2d lt.
LANDS FOR SALE.
The Subscribers are authorized to sell the three following Tracts of LAND, lying in the counties of Albemarle & Fluvanna, to wit:
ONE Tract of 400 acres, known by the name of Dickenson's Tract. One other Tract containing 242 acres, being part of 400 acres, known by the name of Hastings Mark's Tract, adjoining the above mentioned Tract. And One other Tract of 163 acres, also known by the name of Hastings Mark's Tract, and is said to have a valuable Mill seat on it. All three Tracts have a great abundance of heavy pine timber of the best kind, and are convenient to navigation.
Should these Lands not be disposed of by private contract before the third day of August next, they will on that day be offered at Public Auction, at the Eagle Tavern, in the City of Richmond. In the mean time, all persons desirous of purchasing, will please apply for further information to TAYLOR & BROWN, v. m. tdf. July 1.
MANCHESTER TURNPIKE COMPANY.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT a general meeting of Stockholders in the Manchester Turnpike Company, will be held at Brook's Tavern in Manchester, on the first Monday in August next; when business of importance to the interest of the company will be submitted for consideration.
By order of the Directors, JAS. BRANDER, CLK. July 3. tdf.
NOTICE.
Agreeable to an order of the County Court of Amelia, the Commissioners appointed, will proceed at Amelia Court-House, on Thursday the 16th of July, to examine, settle and liquidate the claims that may be exhibited against the estate of John Batson, deceased:
ALL persons having claims against said estate, are hereby requested to make them known on that day, supported by proper vouchers or testimony. All persons indebted to said estate, are hereby notified, that coercive measures will be resorted to, provided their respective claims are not immediately discharged. This notice will certainly be plead in bar, in default of the respective claimants making their claims known on the aforesaid day.
A. S. TOWNES, D. S. for WM. MURRAY, Shff. July 1. tdf.
Bank of Virginia, 6th July, 1807.
THE President and Directors have this day declared a dividend of 4 per cent. in the Capital Stock; which will be paid after the fifteenth inst.
JOHN BROCKENBROUGH, Cashier. 3t.
FOR SALE,
THAT well known Tavern, in the town of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, formerly the property of Isaac Miller, and now in the occupancy of Mr. Triplett T. Ekes, consisting of an elegant two story House, sixty-six by forty feet, in excellent repair; in which there are on the first floor, four Rooms, a large and commodious Bar, and a passage through the centre of the building, eighteen feet wide. On the second floor, eight lodging Rooms, four of which are sufficiently large for the accommodation of traveling families. Also, a dining Room, immediately over the passage, of the same size of the passage; the Garret is divided into six different Rooms, four of which have Fire-places. There is also, an excellent well of water in the back yard, from whence water is conveyed by subterraneous pipes to the Bar, and different parts of the Lot. There are also, convenient and well furnished Stables, with Stalls for about fifty horses, together with about thirty sheltered Stalls, raised on locust posts; and two inferior Stables; so that about one hundred horses can be accommodated on public days. Also, about seven acres of Land, adjoining the town, and very convenient to the Stables; known by the name of Clover Lot, extremely rich and productive, and well enclosed. The whole of the buildings are insured. It would be useful to dilate on the eligibility of this stand for business of this sort, or the real value of this property, as every person inclined to purchase will enquire in to these facts; suffice it to say, that it is not exceeded by any, & equalled by few in all the upper country. The former proprietor, & his immediate successor, having in a few years made fortunes, and retired, & the present occupant rapidly following their steps. For the information of strangers, it may be observed, that at this house top both the Richmond and Fredericksburg stages, and by the same route passes a number of genteel families and others to the Springs every season. Also, at this place is held twice a year the District Court, composed of several of the most opulent Counties in Virginia. Also, spring and fall racing; these advantages, together with the County Courts, and one of the most public roads in the state, open a vast advantage to this house; it is now under lease to the present tenant for three years from October next, the benefit of which will be transferred to the purchaser, on the receipt of the first payment.
Term of sale, one third on the first of January next, and the balance in two equal annual payments from that date. Bond with approved security, and a deed of trust on the property to secure the payments, will be required, which are to bear interest from the date if not punctually paid will be required. If the above property is not sold before, it will be offered at public sale, on the premises on the fifteenth day of September next, if fair, if not, the next fair day. Stock of the Bank of Virginia, at its current value, would be received in payment for the whole, or any part, or undivided bonds due at the time of sale, for the two last payments, the ultimate payment being made entirely in specie.
For further particulars, enquire of Nathaniel and Benjamin Sheppard in Richmond, or the subscriber living at Scotch-Town, in Hanover. JOHN M. SHEPPARD. June 10. cpi153.
TO EDITORS.
A PERSON adequate to conduct the mechanical part of a Printing Office, would engage in a permanent situation, if immediate application be made to A. B. Post-Office, Richmond. All necessary requisitions will be given.
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF
BLANKS, FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
RICHMOND TURNPIKE COMPANY.
At a meeting of the Directors, held at the Eagle-Tavern, in the City of Richmond, on Monday evening the 8th of June, 1807:
RESOLVED, That the Stock-holders in the said company, pay to their Treasurer, on or before the first day of August next, the further sum of five dollars upon each share held by them respectively, in the said Company.
A Copy, Teste, N. SHEPPARD, Clerk. May 20. tf.
THE SUBSCRIBERS
HAVE JUST RECEIVED A SUPPLY OF COLOGNE MILL-STONES, OF DIFFERENT SIZES,
WHICH will be disposed of for CASH or approved negotiable Notes at 60 days. TAYLOR & BROWN. June 10. tf.
FOR SALE,
By EDWARD HALLAM, THREE Hundred Barrels good merchantable CORN. Also, a few Thousand Wt. Salt Pe- tred BACON. July 1. tf.
FOR SALE,
175 Ton Liverpool Stoved Salt, 80 Do. Do. Common Do. 60 Pieces Sacking, 50 Crates well assorted Earthen Ware, On board the Ship Viligant, Capt. Bowruth, at Bermuda Hundred. Apply to, WM. BROWN & Co. July 8.
TO BE SOLD, FOR READY MONEY,
At the Eagle-Tavern, in the City of Richmond, on Monday the 20th day of July next, by virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed by John S. Moore, for the purpose of securing a debt therein specified, due to Walter Boyd Gilliam.
A TRACT of LAND, lying partly in Hanover, and partly in Goochland, adjoining the Lands of Eliza Leake, Samuel Mosby, William Woodson and others, and containing, by estimation, 560 acres, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy said debt, with the expenses attending the execution of the trust. By order of the Trustee, TAYLOR & BROWN, v. m. tdf. May 29.
NOTICE.
By virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed to us by Mr. William Skipwith, for the purpose of securing the payment of a certain sum of money, therein mentioned—see seal, on Monday the 20th of the ensuing month, between the hours of one and three o'clock, proceed to sell, at the Eagle-Tavern, in the City of Richmond, to the highest bidder, for ready money,
THAT valuable TRACT of LAND, lying in the county of Cumberland, called MILL-MOUNT, containing seven hundred acres—the same having been conveyed to the said William Skipwith, by Col. Henry Skipwith.
We shall likewise, should the above mentioned Land not produce the necessary sum, proceed in like manner to sell one other TRACT of LAND, in the county of Amelia, containing one hundred and thirty acres, together with a Grist-Mill thereon. The said Land and Mill having also been conveyed to the said Wm. Skipwith by the said Col. Henry Skipwith.
JOSEPHILIP SCOTT, } Trustees. W. WARDLAW, June 20. tdf.
FOR SALE,
By virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed on the 24th day of May, 1806; whereby David Rofs conveyed to us, a tract of Land called Coles, in the county of Goochland, containing by a then late survey, 1510 acres; also, another tract a small distance from that called Coles, containing 200 acres, more or less, it being the same land, that the said Rofs purchased from John Hughes and wife, and also the tract of land called Mount Prospect, the greater part of which lies in Fluvanna, containing by estimation 1200 acres, except 225 acres heretofore sold by the said Rofs, out of the said tract, to Samuel Pettit, to raise the sum of eleven thousand and four hundred dollars, with interest thereon, from the 14th January, 1807, together with all charges and expenses of sale; and in pursuance of a requisition made in writing, under the provisions of the said deed; we shall on the 3d day of August next, before the front door of the Eagle-Tavern, in the city of Richmond, sell for ready money, all and singular, the land and estates above mentioned, at which time and place, conveyances will be made to the purchasers. A more particular description of the above property, may be seen by tracing the references contained in the said deed now of record, in the general court, under an acknowledgment of the same in court, on the 12th June, 1806.
THOS. NORVELL, W. ALLEN, WM. C. WILLIAMS. June 29. tdf.
TO BE SOLD,
On the premises, on the 29th of July next, for cash, A LOT or GROUND, in the town of Columbia, in Fluvanna, designated in the plan of the said town by No. 68--and adjoining the Ware-house, on which there is a two storied Stone-House, now in the occupancy of Messrs. Herndon and Morn--There is also on the said lot, a wooden building, of a moderate size. The aforesaid property is conveyed to us in trust, to secure a certain sum of money due by Wm. J. Stowe, to Gilliat and Kirby and others.
MATTHEW WILLS, THOMAS WILLS, WM. PASTEUR, June 20. ep4w.
TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
Run away from the subscriber, living near New-Castle, in the lower end of this county, on the 27th of March last,
NEGRO MAN BILLY, about 50 years of age, and about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high—he is of rather a delicate form, a little inclined to a yellowish complexion, and considerably marked in the face with the small-pox—his hair rather inclined to be bushy, this is not very long—he is a fellow of good understanding, a well-informed mind, and very specious insinuating manner—he speaks rather quick & pert, and has a disposition to be very polite. He no doubt will attempt to change his appearance, by altering his name, changing his hair for a wig, &c. He is pretty well known in most parts of this state, as well as in the Carolinas and Georgia, as the waiting man and fiddler of Mr. Nicholas M. Johnson, of whom I purchased him. His wife lives in Richmond, where he has frequently been since his elopement, and his wife has also been a part of his time in Petersburg, and his wife has a daughter, a free woman, living in Norfolk, where it is probable he has been also—though having no general acquaintance, there is no knowing where he will keep himself.
I will give the above reward to any person who will deliver the said runaway to me, in Hanover. P. STREET. June 10. tf.
Europe.
LONDON, May 13.
The transports that were at Portsmouth have been ordered to the Downs to receive troops immediately. Ten thousand foot, it is said, are to be embarked, and four thousand horse. Four companies of artillery have been embarked at Woolwich. Three troops of gunner drivers are also under orders for embarkation.
The letter which the King of Sweden wrote to General Ellen, refusing to ratify the treaty which he concluded with the French, is said to have commenced thus: "I learn with much displeasure, that you have concluded an Armistice with Napoleon, Commander of the French armies, &c. I count on his proffered friendship, and consider that my own honour, as well as the interest of my people, impose on me the necessity of treating him as an enemy."
The French succeeded lately in gaining possession of the heads of one of the Canals near Danzig, which would have considerably facilitated their operations if they could have retained it; but the garrison dislodged them from it, after a very severe and obstinate conflict. One of our gun-boats, lately disguised as a merchantman, failed up the Vistula, near Danzig, and opened a heavy fire upon a French column, which immediately broke and fled in every direction, leaving behind them a great number killed and wounded.
May 19. Last night we received Foreign Journals to the 14th inst. They contain nothing of importance.
FRANKFORT, May 6. The divisions of Generals Molitor and Boudet, which have arrived in the vicinity of Augsburg, received orders, the latter end of the month of April, to march without delay for Leipzig and Halle.
According to accounts from Buda, his Majesty the Emperor has decreed, that all the subjects of the House of Austria, as well as the Hungarians, from 17 to forty years of age, shall belong to the army, without exception to rank. They are to be provided with arms and uniforms, and taught their exercise; and in this manner a National Guard is to be formed which is to be called out in case of necessity.
The States of Hungary have agreed to support his Majesty with all their power. A regular guard of 5000 men is to be formed and supported at the public expense, and in time of war they are to serve in common with other regiments.
Last night Lord G. L. Gower, set off for St. Petersburg.
May 21. Letters from Rotterdam, dated on Monday last, were yesterday received. Intelligence from Danzig, of the 5th inst. had reached Holland. At that time the siege had not been raised, but there was an evident relaxation in the operations of the enemy. This was attributed to the vigor with which the reiterated attempts of the French to carry the town by storm, on the night of the 28th April, were repulsed. The garrison made fortissimo every day, most of which are represented as having been completely successful.
These letters state it to be the general opinion in Holland, that the court of Vienna was on the eve of declaring against France. It was even reported, on the 18th inst. that such a declaration had actually been made. We do not believe that Austria has yet gone so far. The intended interview between the two Emperors will, however, produce something decisive; it will either terminate in confirming Austria in her system of neutrality, or making her a party in the war.
Captain Baker, of the Tribune frigate, has destroyed a convoy of Spanish gun-boats and coasters, in a very spirited action; but, unfortunately, in the conflict, he lost 16 men, killed, wounded and missing—Captain Baker had a very narrow escape: a ball struck the hilt of a musket which he was about to fire. His Coastman was one of those wounded.
The Channel Fleet failed from Torbay on Monday, under the command of Sir James Saumarez, to resume its station off Ushant.
Admiral Russell is appointed Commander in Chief of the North Sea Squadron.
May 22. Yesterday we received Dutch Papers to the 20th inst. and Paris Journals to Sunday last.
The only intelligence contained in them relates to the progress of the Russian army. Gen. Michelson, it appears, had crossed the Danube, after having carried the fortress of Giurgiew by storm. Czani Georges had also lent his powerful aid to the Russians.
We are happy to state that our commercial relations with Russia, which were lately to have been interrupted, owing to some mismanagement which it would be altogether needless to state, are in a fair way of being placed on a solid and permanent footing. Matters were lately so circumstanced, that a passport could not be obtained for an Englishman without its being sent from St. Petersburg, which was attended with much trouble. We now have good authority to announce that his excellency, the Russian Ambassador, is authorized by his court to grant passports to all British subjects who may be desirous of entering the Russian territories, provided such persons be properly recommended to his Excellency by his Majesty's Government.
The war in Poland having nearly exhausted the stock of provisions, we understand that Government is about to send up the Baltic, for the use of our allies, a large quantity of Irish bacon, and other articles of domestic consumption.
ENGLAND.
Gobett declared, that England was already hated and despised on the continent, but, that in America, it would be very soon abhorred and condemned much more, the prediction is realized, and much sooner even than we had expected; never perhaps was there so general an execration of the British government—the number of its partisans at present does not equal the number of Tories in the revolution.
Cullen declared that, if Bonaparte had been permitted to select a ministry, which would best promote his views, and bring ruin upon their own country, he could not have chosen a set better suited to the purposes, than the villains Dundas, Castlereagh, &c. The truth of this every day's experience has proved.
Shut out from every port on the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean, an honest ministry would have sought to keep open a free communication with the Archipelago and sea of Marmora—but among the first acts of madness and perfidy was the conversion of the Turks from friends to enemies, cutting British commerce off from the only mart in Europe, and that a most important one.
The object of an enlightened ministry would have been to prevent the encircle and dispersion of French manufactures—but the attack upon the Turks has effectually gratified a long and politic desire of Bonaparte to push the manufactures of France into the extensive provinces of European Turkey.
The object of a wise ministry would have been to make no more continental enemies, but to bring all possible force against the French
Domestic.
NEW-YORK, July 6.
The thirty-first anniversary of the independence of the United States was celebrated in this city on Saturday with a fervour of enthusiasm almost without example. The recent cowardly attack upon our national sovereignty, and the assassination of our citizens on board the Chesapeake, have amalgamated every local prejudice; and no other sentiment is uttered or conceived, than that which is honourable to the American character—"an union of all honest men in defence of the liberties, the independence, and the unfulfilled integrity of our country."
Captain Gibbs, from Cherbourg, informs us that he brought out with him the French papers to the 22d of May, but that he had given them on his passage to the commander of a British ship of war. No engagement had taken place between the French and Russians; but, such was the position of the two armies, that the news of a dreadful and decisive battle was expected every moment.
The President of the United States has appointed the Secretary of War, the Vice-President, and Colonel Williams of the corps of artillery and engineers, Commissioners to carry into effect the act of Congress appropriating a certain sum of money for the protection of the port and harbor of N. York.
Merc. Advertiser.
In the course of a very short time between sixty and eighty GUN BOATS, fully equipped, will be stationed at the most exposed points of the U. S. to repel any aggression that may be offered.
Extract from the Logbook of the Revenue Cutter Albion.
Monday, June 29th, 1807.—Cape Henry bearing South distant about two leagues.—At half past four, put the pilot on board of a pilot-boat; about this time, a ship of the line (then about two leagues distant) fired a gun to bring us to, and at the same time manned one of her cutters, armed with a swivel, and gave chase for one hour, during which time they fired three times, but finding they could not come up, gave up the chase, being about a mile and three quarters distance from us. At 8 P. M. saw a ship or some other vessel which altered her course as we altered ours, supposed to be a frigate.
Capt. Lemarque, commander of the French privateer Jenny, which arrived on Thursday, left Point Petre, G

on the Frigate Chesapeake necessarily requires. Consistently with the usage of civilized nations, the act of its petty officers cannot be considered as the act of the British government until an opportunity be afforded them of avowing or disavowing it.
ALEXANDRIA, July 9.
Information of undoubted credibility has just reached our city, that the British squadron, having assumed a threatening position before Hampton, have required the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth to refund their requisitions, and have declared, that disobedience to the requisition will be deemed a commencement of war. The demand has been rejected with becoming firmness. It is also stated, that in consequence of this and other hostile proceedings, the merchants of Baltimore have deemed it necessary to recall those vessels which had been recently discharged from their port, and to postpone the departure of others. The committee of Alexandria, believing that individual safety and the public welfare may require a short suspension of the commerce of Potomac, have thought it expedient to publish this information, and to advise the merchants of our city to retain their vessels while the commerce of the bay and river continues to be threatened with predatory violence. The committee do not intend to recommend any measure which has the colour of undelegated power, but to apprise the citizens that their property cannot pass the bay and river without danger to themselves, and of detriment to the community. The proclamation of government and the resolutions of our city were intended to repel an offensive belligerent from our waters by withholding the comforts of hospitality; but their removal cannot be effected in this manner, while supplies and riches can be gained by the plunder of our vessels. It is therefore hoped, that a becoming regard for private interest and the common safety will prevent the citizens of Alexandria from exposing their vessels until upon the restoration of amity affords more certain grounds for commercial calculation.
J. M c Kinney, Ch. Simms, Robert Young, Eliza C. Dick, W. Jones, Jr., Cuthbert Powell, N. Fishburn, Francis L. Lee.
WASHINGTON July 8.
The ANNIVERSARY of our Independence was celebrated here with great and uncommon zeal. An elevated sentiment of patriotism pervaded all ranks of society, who vied with each other in demonstrations of joy on the return of a day so eminently calculated to inspire noble and generous feelings. The young and the old, the rich, and the poor, the republican and the federalist, all burned with indignation at the wrongs of Britain, and avowed their unalterable purpose to shed their last drop of blood, and spend their last farthing, should the crisis require it, in defence of their country. The calm decision with which this determination was expressed leaves us no room for doubt but that in case of a war what the heart prompts the arm will execute. The dawn of the day was announced by a grand salute at the Navy Yard, at which instant the colours of the various nations with which we hold intercourse were raised, all except those of Britain, which was not seen here, or in any other quarter of the city during the day. Hitherto the flag of this nation had occupied a conspicuous place among those of the powers in friendship with the United States. On this occasion it was justly consigned to marked obscurity and neglect.
The volunteer companies of the militia of the district of Columbia, commanded by col. M c Kinney, assisted by major Young, paraded at an early hour in front of the President's house, composed of capt. Cox's and capt. Dangerfield's troops of cavalry, capt. Lynn's and capt. Beatty's companies of light infantry, capt. Patterson's artillery, capt. Bonall's riflemen, and capt. Nourse's infantry.
At 12 o'clock the line was passed in review by brigadier gen. Mason, attended by majors Beall, Jones, and Sprigg, and several other officers on horseback—when various evolutions and firings from the artillery, and musketry took place; These done, the troops formed in an open column, and paid the marching salute to the President standing in the north portico of his house, attended by the secretaries of war and of the navy, gen. Wilkinson, gen. Mason, col. Wharton, and a number of officers of the army, navy, and militia; after returning to their ground the troops were dismissed, and their officers waited on the President.
It gave us infinite pleasure to witness the zeal displayed on this occasion by our neighbouring citizen soldiers; all seemed to have been routed by the late act of violence, and to have vied with each other, to shew to the chief Magistrate the alacrity with which a free people will fly to arms, when the interest and honour of their country are at stake. Particular praise is due to the several corps from Alexandria, who marched up in the morning and back in the evening, making a distance of about 20 miles to perform this service.
The evolutions and ceremonies were executed with spirit and precision, the variant uniforms of the different corps had a fine effect, and the whole was a very handsome military display worthy of the day and the occasion. The President's rooms were, as usual, opened for the reception of company. On no antecedent occasion has the assemblage been so great; and party spirit, which heretofore had withheld a number of leading federalists from offering any public mark of respect to the chief Magistrate, to the honor of human nature, gave way to the patriotic feelings and unanimity called for by the times, and a large number of the most respectable federalists heretofore in opposition to the administration, made their first appearance at the President's levee, and mingled in perfect cordiality with their republican brethren. Among the citizens present, were gen. Wilkinson and his suite, who had arrived the preceding night. While the company partook of a most liberal supply of refreshments, they were entertained by the performance of patriotic airs played at regular intervals by the fine band attached to the marine corps, which was placed in the large hall, and whole tones, though loud and impressive, did not, from the intervening distance, in the least interfere with conversation. No one, as the public may well imagine, seemed more at home on this occasion (if criticism will allow the expression) than the chief Magistrate. How proud the consciousness, how elevated the thoughts, how sweet the feelings inspired by this day in the heart of him, who amidst all the vicissitudes of fortune, as well in the tempest of the revolution as the sunshine of peace, undismayed by danger, and what is still more rare (unintoxicated by prosperity and power) has pursued the unswerving course of patriotism and philanthropy, and unrelentingly employed his great powers of mind in promoting the happiness of his own country, without impairing that even of a hostile world. Let not this be called adulation or hypocricy. The crisis requires that every independent American should speak what he thinks, it requires too, confidence in the government not that flattery confidence that coldly enjoys a performance of duty, but that full and hearty confidence that upholds those who administer the public concerns upon the irresistible tide of public opinion. What then we think, we dare to say,
and infinitely elevated above every thing servile or mean, are ready to treat with contempt or derision every pitiful reflection that may fall from party malice. Between 2 and 3 o'clock the company withdrew; and the remainder of the day was devoted to patriotic hilarity. Various parties assembled in different quarters of the city. A large company dined at Steele's hotel—ROBERT BRENT, the mayor of the city, in the chair, supported by col. VAN NESS and col. WHARTON as Vice-Presidents. The entertainment was honored by the presence of the heads of departments, most of the other officers of the general and local governments, and by several strangers of distinction, among whom were gen. Wilkinson and his suite.
TOASTS ON THE 4TH JULY.
WASHINGTON. The American People. Ready at a moment's warning, to vindicate the rights and avenge the wrongs of their country. The President of the United States; The hand that drafted the Declaration of Independence will maintain inviolate the principles it recognizes. Washington; His guardian spirit must delight in observing that the sacred fire deposited by him in the temple of American liberty, for the worship of freedom, is not extinguished. Franklin and his co-patriots and statesmen; Immortal honor to the founders of the first republic erected on the principles of representation. The militia. A million of armed citizens, animated by one soul and possessing equal rights, the safest defence of a free nation. Let the tyrant of the ocean beware! Carthage had her day; but the rocket fell, and her glory was extinguished forever. National rights and national honor. Infamy to those who violate them, and redress or chastisement for the violation. In the event of a war, may every American bullet be winged with death. The American seamen impressed into the service of our enemies; May the victories of their masters, restore to them their freedom.
NORFOLK, July 9.
MILITARY MOVEMENTS. On Sunday evening, the 54th regiment, at a few moments notice, paraded, when General Orders were read, directing this corps to be prepared for actual service, and ready to march at a moment's warning; this regiment is composed of 13 companies, viz. one complete Troop of Horse, two companies of Artillery, two of Light Infantry, and eight of the Line. Early on Monday morning the 7th regiment, 900 strong, paraded at Portsmouth—and on Tuesday the 9th regiment, 750 strong, paraded at the Marine Hospital, and received General Orders to be prepared for actual service, and to march at a moment's notice. Every spark of many indignation is kindled in the bosom of our WARRIORS —they are prepared and determined on revenge—the blood of our countrymen is spilt, and the people, so long deluded with expectation of British justice, have their arms in their hands—the SWORD is drawn never to be sheathed, until they can appease the manes of their countrymen. This discovers a spirit becoming an injured people—and is the language held by all at the late mutiny—it was with reluctance the Militia retired to their peaceful homes to wait the event of further orders. Herald.
The Horse-Stealers mentioned in our last, to have been committed to the county jail, are removed for trial to Petersburg. They travel by the names of Wm. Blake and John Porter. Id.
COMMUNICATED.
When a man is either conscious of doing a wrong, or is in want of argument to defend himself, he generally flies to invective, and expects to make his opponent either desist or fight—the people will, perhaps, do neither—they will continue to examine the conduct of their public servants, and if they meet with any self appointed ones , they will not be prevented by the Bilingate of their language from faulting them with merited censure. Let us enquire what has been the conduct of Mr. TAZEWELL on the late transactions. When the Court met to hear the letter of Capt. Douglas, and to answer it, Mr. T. who was not a member of the Court, addressed the Court, and from the tenor of his address, and his well known ability, he was desired to answer it—he did so, and he was deputed to carry his own answer. Several persons expressed a wish to accompany him, but the Court expressly disapproved of this. Mr. T. waited on the Committee by their request, and on leaving the Committee room, took occasion to declare, that he did not, nor would not act under that body, and that he did not acknowledge their authority. Let it be remembered, that these persons were appointed in the late emergency by the people, to prevent all communication with the British ships, and were, of course, the only persons privileged to regulate messages that might be unavoidable, notwithstanding the prohibition.
After this Mr. T. proceeded on board the Bellona, and contrary to the direction of the Mayor, carried Mr. Taylor with him. Arrived at the ships how did Mr. T. behave? Did he carry with him the fire of the American breast indignant at the wrongs it had sustained? Did he represent an injured people, half maddened with the outrage on our honour and the murder of our men? Did he represent in any way the spirit of retaliation that burnt within us? Did he spurn their proffered friendship and their invidious civility? no! no! we blush to record, that he sat at the same board, eat of the same bread, drank of the same cup, and fulfilled the holy communion of hospitality by admitting affability and murder to its reverential rites—Mr. Tazewell might have turned then to Humphries who was near him and cried "VILLAIN" with truth, but as he did not, let him bow in submission to the maternal hand of the "PEOPLE" that now corrects their misguided, we hope not guilty, Child. Mr. T. on his return, instead of communicating with us in any public way whatever, sits down and pens an account to the President of the United States, and the Governor of the State, and ends the whole business by a complete overthrow of the Court, the Committee, and the People. Assuming to himself all responsibility, all power, he writes the letter, carries it, brings no answer, answers it himself, and sends just such an opinion to the Executive as suits his own opinion and his own views, and this is to pass as the public sentiment , while he stands like the God of our river with one foot on Portsmouth and the other on Norfolk, and we Lilliputians peep at each other through his magisterial legs. The People have not been called on to disavow these proceedings of Mr. T. because we are all fearful of discord and tumult, and because the general sentiment of this part of the country will reach the President also, and have perhaps more weight than any private communications, and because the letter of capt. Douglas and his, and Mr. T's construction of it, are so evidently in contradiction, that he will wonder at the child's play of our able negotiators; and ask of his friends how old they were when they left Norfolk to go on board the Bellona, and whether they had grown any before they came back, that they should bring such a baby rattle in their hand, as I have the assurance to send it to him in his old age!
The author of these observations has used the signature of the PEOPLE , because he knows there is but one opinion on the subject, viz. that the letter should have remained unopened and unanswered—that if answered, it ought to have been sent by a common messenger, and that the Committee was the only organ of communication. If Mr. T. thinks otherwise, let him call a Meeting, to be satisfied. With regard to the words flanderer, villain, &c. this is a private, individual affair, which can be adjusted properly by the parties alone—the Public have nothing to do with the abuse, &c. the writer of the article only is bound to pay due notice to the "gentlemanly" expressions.
THE PEOPLE.
July 10.
It was yesterday rumoured that the French ship L'Patriot , of 74 guns, had got down the bay, and proceeded to sea; we have the best reasons for saying that the report is without foundation. Ledger.
On Wednesday evening two of the British ships (the Triumph and Melampus ) left Hampton Roads, and went down to the Capes; the Bellona and the Leopard remain as before. We have not understood that the Proclamation of the President has been officially communicated to the commander of the British ships, although we believe that he is informed of it, but most probably waits an official notification before he departs, if he means to depart. This notification will probably be given this day. Id.
It is very evident from subsequent events, that commodore Douglas repeats the letter which he addressed to the Mayor; he may have further and more serious cause of regret on this subject. We were never more disappointed in the result of any affair, than we were in the present case. The spirited, and at the same time discreet answer returned by the Mayor, placed the British commander in a situation the most awkward that can be supposed. He did not appear to be sensible at first of the high and responsible ground which he was about to assume. To block a port of a neutral and friendly power, and to detain its vessels going out and coming in, would be no less an act of hostility, than if a force had been landed, and a fort or post retained. Neutrals submit with much reluctance to the exclusion of their commerce to belligerent ports by blockade; force and not right too often settles the question. The British commander from his acknowledgment to Mr. Tazewell, had no orders to commit acts of hostility, but in defence of his flag; he therefore could not execute what he menaced in his letter of the third, without doing what he was not authorized; he did not appear when he wrote to recollect that the act was an act of hostility. Sensible now of his error, he wishes to give an explanation to his letter, which it is not susceptible of. No one can mistake its meaning, and it was in this way we were mistaken, for when we read his letter, we concluded that hostilities were to follow.
The limitation of hostility prescribed in the letter, had no weight with us, for when hostility begins, it is not for one party to determine its limits. It however is evident, from the result, that commodore Douglas has conducted himself upon this occasion without any credit to himself, or honor to his country. To threaten with a view to intimidate, does not furnish the evidence of understanding or courage. If this affair concerned the future fate and reputation of captain Douglas only, we should not perhaps have noticed it in this way; but there is some reparation to be made for the insult, and for the consequences which have followed. The executive of the state, considered from the letter of commodore Douglas, that hostilities would commence immediately, and accordingly ordered a military force to repair to this place and Hampton. The public expense, the inconvenience to citizens, many of them engaged in important and useful avocations, brought upwards of 100 miles from their places of residence, and the particular injury done to this place in various ways, all demand reparation. It is some consolation to reflect, that the conduct of our magistracy upon this occasion, has been marked with so much prudence and firmness. Id.
In the narrative which we published the 24th of last month, it might be inferred that the men taken from the Chesapeake had deserted from the Halifax—the fact is, they had left the Melampus ; but admiral Berkeley's instructions contained a list of right men, which the commander of the Leopard was ordered to search for and take, if found on board; one had belonged to the Melampus , the other four to the Halifax . We state from good authority, that capt. Humphries was ordered to offer permission to commodore Barron to search the Leopard for American seamen, and that he communicated these orders to commodore Barron. Such an offer might have the appearance of reciprocity, but nothing more. The commander of the Leopard , knowing that he was to make this offer, could very easily have removed any Americans that might have been on board to any of the other ships. An offer to permit a search of all the ships, would have produced a substantial benefit, but all this is mere trifling—no national right ought to be searched, and although we ever have advocated, and still do advocate the creation of a navy, we would rather see the few ships that remain destroyed, than to surrender a principle that would reduce us from the rank of an independent nation. Id.
The Federal, and state Executives, are daily adding to the security of our place. We are already in a state to bid defiance to the force now within our waters. This evening the Richmond and Petersburg Cavalry are expected at Portsmouth. The Infantry may be expected on Sunday.
EXECUTIVE MEASURES.
We understand that the following arrangements have been decided in the cabinet at Washington, as necessary to meet the exigencies of the present crisis. The immediate equipment of a national vessel to carry dispatches to our minister at the court of London—Congress to convene in the month of October—A call on the several states for their respective quotas of 100,000 infantry, cavalry, and artillery, to be held in a state of preparation for field or garrison service. The immediate repair of those fortifications on the sea board, which may require it—and the erection of new defences, where they may be deemed necessary. The equipment of fifty gun-boats.
These preparatory steps being taken, the U. States, it is said, will suspend further proceedings until the determination of the British government is known, which may be expected about the time that congress assembles—when, we trust, the united spirit of the American people, will give effectual support to the decision of their government, whatever it may be—unless the repeated outrages of the British marine banditti should, in the intermediate time, render vigorous offensive operations necessary. General Dearborn, secretary of the war department, is now in this city, for the purpose of carrying the measures of the executive into effect—and, we understand, that he will proceed to the eastward. Phil. Political Register.
PETERSBURG, July 12.
Two of the members belonging to the Petersburg Republican Light Infantry , have returned on Sunday. They left the following companies at Cabin Point on Friday evening, viz. the Richmond Light Infantry Blues , the Richmond Republican Blues , the Petersburg
Republican Light Infantry , and a company of Mitria from this town—in all about 900 men. The troops were in high health and spirits, and animated alike with one sentiment, that of love for their country, and an ardent desire to avenge its wrongs. The cavalry had proceeded on their march, and it was supposed would reach Norfolk on Sunday—the foot companies were expected to arrive this day—Barracks had been provided for them in Portsmouth.
It is conjectured that unless the Proclamation of the President is instantly complied with, an attack will be made on the British ships by such force as can be collected, which will probably consist of the French frigates now in Norfolk, and the guns boats & fitted out by Commodore Decatur.
A vessel passed Alexandria on the 7th inst. with 750 musketeers for the gun-boats at Norfolk, having Lieut. Terrell on board, who, it is said, is to take command of those vessels.
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, 14th July.
ALL IMPRESSMENTS UNLAWFUL AND INADMISSIBLE.
An important and luminous communication on the subject of the impressment of American and Foreign seamen and other persons.
It has become manifest to every attentive observer, that the early and continued aggressions of Great Britain on our persons, our property, and our rights, imperiously demand a firm stand—an effectual, though calm system of measures of arrestation. For this purpose, it is our duty to make ourselves completely masters of the great truths and arguments by which our rights have been elucidated, supported and maintained. On the 17th of January, 1806, the President of the United States communicated to Congress an extract from a dispatch of James Madison, Esq. our secretary of state, to James Monroe, Esq. our minister in London, which contains many facts highly important, and observations and arguments perfectly satisfactory and conclusive against "impressments of seamen and passengers, whether Foreign or American, on board of our vessels." The re-publication of that document at this crisis will at once display some of the reasons on which the government has probably declined to sanction the recent draught of a treaty with Great Britain, and will elucidate the ground on which the question of the impressment of persons , both native and alien, has been settled by our administration.
Extract of a letter from the Secretary of State to James Monroe, Esq. dated 5th January, 1804.
We consider a neutral flag, on the high seas, as a safeguard to those sailing under it. Great Britain, on the contrary, asserts a right to search for, and seize her own subjects; and under that cover, as cannot but happen, are often seized and taken off, citizens of the United States, and citizens or subjects of other neutral countries, navigating the high seas, under the protection of the American flag.
Were the right of Great Britain, in this case, not denied, the abuses flowing from it, would justify the United States in claiming and expecting a discontinuance of its exercise. But the right is denied, and on the best grounds. Although Great Britain has not yet adopted, in the same latitude with most other nations, the immunities of a neutral flag, she will not deny the general freedom of the high seas, and of neutral vessels navigating them, with such exceptions only as are annexed to it by the law of nations. She must produce then such an exception in the law of nations, in favor of the right she contends for. But in what written and received authority will she find it? In what usage except her own, will it be found? She will find in both, that a neutral vessel does not protect certain objects denominated contraband of war, including enemies serving in the war, nor articles going into a blockaded port, nor as she has maintained, and as we have not contested, enemies property of any kind. But no where will she find an exception to this freedom of the seas, and of neutral flags, which justifies the taking away of any person, not an enemy in military service, found on board a neutral vessel.
If treaties, British as well as others, are to be consulted on this subject, it will equally appear, that no countenance to the practice can be found in them. Whilst they admit a contraband of war, by enumerating its articles, and the effect of a real blockade, by defining it, in no instance do they affirm or imply a right in any sovereign to enforce his claims to the allegiance of his subjects, on board neutral vessels on the high seas. On the contrary, whenever a belligerent claim against persons on board a neutral vessel, is referred to in treaties; enemies in military service alone are excepted from the general immunity of persons in that situation; and this exception confirms the immunity of those who are not included in it.
It is not then from the law or the usage of nations, nor from the tenor of the treaties, that any sanction can be derived for the practice in question. And surely it will not be pretended that the sovereignty of any nation, extends in any case whatever, beyond its own dominions and its own vessels on the high seas. Such a doctrine would give just alarm to all nations, and more than any thing would countenance the imputation of aspiring to an universal empire of the seas. It would be the less admissible too, as it would be applicable to times of peace, as well as to times of war, and to property as well as to persons. If the law of allegiance, which is a municipal law , be in force at all on the high seas, on board foreign vessels, it must be so at all times there, as it is within its acknowledged sphere. If the reason alleged for it be good in time of war, namely, that the sovereign has then a right to the service of all his subjects, it must be good at all times, because at all times he has the same right to their service. War is not the only occasion for which he may want their services, nor is external danger the only danger against which their services may be required, for his security. Again; if the authority of a municipal law can operate on persons in foreign vessels on the high seas, because within the dominion of their sovereign, they would be subject to that law, and are violating that law by being in that situation, how reject the inference that the authority of a municipal law may equally be enforced, on board foreign vessels, on the high seas, against articles of property exported in violation of such a law, or belonging to the country from which it was exported? and thus every commercial regulation, in time of peace too, as well as of war, would be made obligatory on foreigners and their vessels, not only whilst within the dominion of the sovereign making the regulation, but in every sea, and at every distance where an armed vessel might meet with them. Another inference deserves attention. If the subjects of one sovereign may be taken by force from the vessels of another, on the high seas, the right of taking them when found, implies the right of searching for them, a vexation of commerce, especially in the time of peace, which has not
yet been attempted, and which for that as well as other reasons, may be regarded as contradicting the principle, from which it would flow.
Taking reason and justice for the basis of this practice, it is peculiarly intolérable; because it deprives the desert rights of a regular state , to which the most incontestable article of property captured on the high seas, is entitled; and leaves their destiny to the will of an officer, sometimes cruel, often ignorant, and generally interested by his want of mariners, in his own decisions. Whenever property found in a neutral vessel, is supposed to be liable, on any grounds to capture and condemnation, the rule in all cases is that the question shall not be decided by the captor, but be carried before a legal tribunal, where a regular trial may be had, and where the captor himself is liable to damages, for an abuse of his power. Can it be reasonable then, or just, that a belligerent commander, who is thus restricted, and thus responsible in a case of mere property of trivial amount, should be permitted, without recurring to any tribunal whatever, to examine the crew of a neutral vessel, to decide the important question of their respective allegiances, and to carry that decision into instant execution, by forcing every individual he may chuse, into a service abhorrent to his feelings, cutting him off from his most tender connections, exposing his mind and his person to the most humiliating discipline, and his life itself to the greatest dangers? Reason, justice and humanity unite in protesting against so extravagant a proceeding. And what is the pretext for it? It is that the familiarity of language and of features between American citizens and British subjects, are such as not easily to be distinguished; and that without this arbitrary and summary authority to make the distinction, British subjects would escape, under the name of American citizens, from the duty which they owe to their sovereign. Is then the difficulty of distinguishing a mariner of one country from the mariner of the other, and the importance of his services, a good plea for referring the question whether he belongs to the one or to the other, to an arbitrary decision on the spot, by an interested and unresponsible officer? In all other cases, the difficulty and the importance of questions are considered as reasons for requiring greater care and formality in investigating them, and greater security for a right decision on them. To say that precautions of this sort are incompatible with the object is to admit the object is unjustifiable; since the only means by which it can be pursued are such as cannot be justified.
The evil takes a deeper die, when viewed in its practice as well as its principles. Were it allowable that British subjects should be taken out of American vessels on the high seas, it might at least be required that the proof of their allegiance should lie on the British side. This obvious and just rule is, however, reversed; & every seaman on board, though going from an American port, and sailing under the American flag, and sometimes even speaking an idiom proving him not to be a British subject, is presumed to be such, unless shown to be an American citizen. It may safely be affirmed that this is an outrage and an indignity which has no precedent, and which Great Britain would be among the last nations in the world to suffer, if offered to her own subjects, and her own flag. Nor is it always against the right presumption alone, which is in favor of the citizenship corresponding with the flag, that the violence is committed. Not unfrequently it takes place in defiance of the most positive proof, certified in due form by an American officer. Let it not be said, that in granting to American seamen this protection for their rights as such, the point is yielded, that the root lies on the American side; and that the war of it in the prescribed form justifies the inference that the seamen is not of American allegiance. It is distinctly to be understood, that the certificate usually called a protection to American seamen, is not meant to protect them under their own, or even any other neutral flag on the high seas. We cannot admit, that in such a situation, any other protection is required for them, than the neutral flag itself on the high seas. The document is given to prove their real character, in situations to which neither the law of nations, nor the law of their own country, are applicable; in other words, to protect them, within the jurisdiction of the British laws, and to secure to them, within every other jurisdiction, the rights and immunities due to them. If, in the course of their navigation even on the high seas, the document should have the effect of repelling wrongs of any sort, it is an incidental advantage only, of which they avail themselves, and is by no means to be misconstrued into a right to exact such a proof, or to make any disadvantageous inference from the want of it.
Were it even admitted, that certificates for protection might be justly required in time of war, from American seamen, they could only be required in cases where the lapse of time from its commencement, had given an opportunity for the American seamen to provide themselves with such a document. Yet it is certain, that in a variety of instances, seamen have been impressed from American vessels, on the plea that they had not this proof of citizenship, when the dates and places of the impressments demonstrated the impossibility of their knowing in time to provide the proof, that a state of war had rendered, it necessary.
Whether, therefore, we consult the law of nations, the tenor of treaties, or the dictates of reason and justice, no warrant, no pretext can be found for the British practice of making impressments from American vessels on the high seas. Great Britain has the less to say in excuse for this practice as it is in direct contradiction to the principles, on which she proceeds in other cases. Whilst she claims and seizes on the high seas, her own subjects, voluntarily serving in American vessels, she has constantly given, when she could give, as reason for not discharging from her service American citizens, that they had voluntarily engaged in it. Nay, more, whilst she impresses her own subjects from the American service, although they may have been settled and married, and even naturalized in the United States, she constantly refuses to release from her, American citizens impressed into it, whenever she can give for a reason, that they were either settled or married within her dominions. Thus, when the voluntary consent of the individual favours her pretensions, she pleads the validity of that consent. When the voluntary consent of the individual stands in the way of her pretensions, it goes for nothing! When marriage or residence can be pleaded in her favour, she avails herself of the plea. When marriage and residence and even naturalization are against her, no respect whatever is paid to either. She takes, by force, her own subjects voluntarily serving in our vessels. She keeps by force American citizens involuntarily serving in hers. More flagrant inconsistencies cannot be imagined.
Notwithstanding the powerful motives, which ought to be felt by the British government to relinquish a practice which exposes it to so many reproaches, it is foreseen, that objections of different sorts will be pressed on you. You will be told first, of the great number of British

seamen in the American trade, and of the necessity for their services in time of war and danger. Secondly, of the right and the prejudice of the British nation with respect to what are called the British or narrow seas, where its domain would be abandoned by the general law of nations.
1st. With respect to the British seamen serving in our trade, it may be remarked, first, that the number, though considerable, is probably less than may be supposed. Secondly, that what is wrong in itself cannot be made right by considerations of expediency or advantage.
It cannot therefore be doubted, that the acquisition of British seamen, by these impressments, whatever may be its advantage, is in the wrong done to Americans ignorantly or wilfully mistaken for British subjects.
Should any difficulty be started concerning seamen born within the British dominions, and naturalized by the United States since the treaty of 1794, you may remove it by observing; first, that very few, if any, such naturalizations can take place, the law here requiring a preparatory residence of five years, with notice of the intention to become a citizen entered of record two years before the last necessary formality.
The objection in itself has certainly not the slightest foundation. The time has been, indeed, when England not only claimed, but exercised, a jurisdiction over the British seas, and even as far as Cape Finisterre to the south, and Van Staten, in Norway, to the north.
What are, in fact, the prerogatives claimed and exercised by Great Britain over these seas? If they were really a part of her domain, her authority would be the same there as within her own dominions.
But whatever may be the origin or value of these prerogatives over foreign flags in one case, and within a limited portion of these seas in another, it is obvious that neither of them will be violated by the exemption of American vessels from impressments.
This extension of the British law to four leagues from the shore is inferred from an act of parliament passed in the year 1706, (9 G. 2. C. 35) the terms of which comprehended all vessels, foreign as well as British.
This plea, like all others, admits a solid and satisfactory reply. In the first place, if it could prevail at all against the neutral claim, it would authorize the seizure of the persons described only, and in vessels bound to a hostile country only.
COMMUNICATION.
COMMODORE TRUXTON. The very honorable part which has been acted by this distinguished veteran, in relation to the affairs of Col. Burr.
It is true, that Commodore Truxton, is nominated a federalist, but he is neither a political sectarian, nor a factious partizan.
Commodore Truxton has been out of employment for some time, and this perhaps will occasion some difficulty among the present commanders.
England too affords examples; the celebrated and immortal General Wolfe, and admiral Nelson, were preferred to their seniors in age and rank.
is old in service, in virtue, in fame, in exploits and in genuine patriotism; and there is not a man in existence, who ought to think himself dishonored by such a commander.
This small tribute to merit, has been written, much more with a view to promote the public weal than to pay a tribute to the merits of our distinguished and meritorious countryman.
A VIRGINIAN.
Extract of a letter from an officer of the Virginia Detachment, dated
HEAD-QUARTERS, Cabin Point, Saturday Morning July 11.
I cannot devote the short time which we have for refreshment, more pleasantly to myself or more usefully to others, than by giving you a rapid sketch of our operations.
Last night we arrived at Cabin Point, a small village about 15 miles from Welfover. This had been described as the place of rendezvous for the Petersburg and Richmond Infantry.
FROM RICHMOND.
Light Infantry Blues: Their Capt. Richardson is not present. Lieut. John Dunsmure, Ensign, Henry Shore, 96 Privates, besides Musicians.
Republican Blues: Peyton Randolph, Captain, G. W. Dixon, Lieutenant, T. Ritchie, Ensign, 40 Privates.
FROM PETERSBURG.
Republican Light Infantry Blues: T. Bolling Robertson, Captain, Watkins Leigh, Lieutenant, J. Wright, Ensign, 59 Privates.
Militia.
Captain Bragg, Lieutenant, Peford, Ensign, 45 Privates.
The detachment of Light Horse, consisting of Capt. Sheppard's company; and Majr. McRae's of Petersburg, encamped at Cabin Point on Thursday night; and at Smithfield last night.
Every man in our companies breathes vengeance against the British; and the whole country is animated by the spirit of '76.
But the generale beats; I must march. Farewell.
The Executive Council have this day met and had under consideration the propriety of stopping the further march of troops to Norfolk: the subject, we understand, will be referred to-morrow.
We have received a number of communications from different quarters, relative to the aggressions of Great Britain, some directed to the committee of correspondence, others directed to the Editor of this paper.
A letter from Norfolk of the 9th inst. says: "It is a current report, that Douglas is lightening his ship for the purpose of approaching Norfolk, and probably firing on it; if this rash measure is adopted, we are sufficiently prepared to chastise this insolent flave of a tyrant!"
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Commandant of the 19th Regiment of Militia, by the act of Gen. Assembly of Virginia, entitled "an act concerning the militia of the City of Richmond," a Battalion Court of Enquiry is directed to be held for the 1st Battalion at the Bell-Tavern in the said City, on Friday the 24th day of this month.
The purpose of these courts being to assess the fines incurred for non attendance, at the preceding muster, in the last and present month, the commandants of companies will be expected to be exact in making their several company returns, to the commandants of Battalions, on or before the days appointed for said courts, respectively; and also in their attendance on said courts.
All persons fined by the Battalion courts of enquiry in the month of May last, and having excused yet to make, are hereby notified, that they may attend these courts respectively, and make their excuses.
GEO: Wm. SMITH, Lt. Col. Commandant 19th Regiment. Richmond, July 14, 1807.
IN COUNCIL, July 10th, 1807.
SEVERAL patriotic addresses from military associations, in various parts of the state, expressive of their warm indignation at the outrages lately committed by the British Squadron within our jurisdiction, and offering their services to march at a moment's warning to repel their lawless aggressions, having been received by the Governor, and laid before the board; it is unanimously advised, that the officers,
soldiers and privates, who have thus voluntarily come forward, be requested to accept the thanks of the Executive for the very laudable zeal manifested by them in defence of their country.
The following tenders of services have been, with great pleasure, received by the Executive since the date of the advice of Council, published on the 8th inst. viz.
From Capt. Harry Hobbs of the Manchester Troop of Cavalry, and the officers and soldiers under his command:
From Capt. Robert Anderson of a Company of Riflemen, formed by a voluntary association in the City of Williamsburg, and the officers and soldiers under his command:
From Capt. John D. Burk of the Republican Rifle Corps of Petersburg, and the officers and soldiers under his command; and
From Capt. Byrd C. Willis of a Volunteer Company of Light Infantry at Fredericksburg, and the officers and soldiers under his command. Published by order of the Executive. DANIEL L. HYLTOM, C. C.
At a meeting of the Troop of Cavalry, commanded by Capt. John D. Watkins, called for the purpose of taking into consideration the present state of the country; the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we cordially participate in those feelings of indignation expressed by our brethren from different parts of the state, at the insolent and unjust depredations of the British nation towards the United States; lately consummated by the wanton & perfidious attack of the British ship the Leopard, on the American Frigate Chesapeake.
Resolved, That we will promptly co-operate in any measures which the government may deem necessary on the present emergency; and that we desire to be considered amongst that number of our Fellow-Citizens, who are pledged to march whenever and wherever the interests of their country may require their services.
Resolved, That the Captain is instructed to forward a copy of these resolutions, to the President of the U. States; to the Governor of the Commonwealth, and some Printer in the City of Richmond for publication.
(Signed) J. D. WATKINS. New-Kent, July 8, 1807.
Richmond, 29th June, 1807.
SIR, In performance of a duty, enjoined by a meeting of the citizens of Richmond, Manchester, and their Vicinities, and of many other places, I have the pleasure of enclosing to you, a copy of their proceedings, on a subject which highly concerns the welfare, and the honour of the U. States.
It was cause of great joy to every genuine patriot, to observe the harmony, the concert, and the zeal, which marked the conduct of the meeting: Men of all parties were present, yet, one soul only animated the whole assembly, and one voice proclaimed their sentiments and their feelings.
The object of this communication, is to obtain your aid, in procuring as extensively as may be convenient, an expression of the public opinion, concerning the measures which have been approved by that meeting.
Not doubting your disposition, cheerfully to assist, in "collecting the national sentiment on this important occasion," I have the honour to subscribe myself, very respectfully, SIR,
Your most obedient servant, ALEX. MCRAE, Chairman of the Corresponding Committee.
Powhatan, July 10, 1807.
DEAR SIR, Your communication of the 29th ultimo, I had the honour of receiving yesterday at the meeting of the 102d Regiment, which I had invited on that day by anticipation.
Had the blood of their murdered fellow citizens from on board the Chesapeake, and the ghost of Pearce been before their eyes, the spirit of '76 could not have been more completely re-animated, than it was in the 102d regiment at this meeting. The most complete union of sentiment prevailed throughout the whole meeting; and it is with infinite pleasure to myself, and honour to them, that I inform you, that several respectable characters who had been mustered free for some years, have requested their names to be re-enrolled! A noble example for youth!
In behalf of myself and the regiment which I have the honour to command, I subscribe myself Your obedient humble servant, JAS. CLARKE, Lt. Col. Comdt. 102d Reg't. President C. C.
At a numerous meeting of the officers and privates of the 102d regiment at Powhatan courthouse, on Thursday the 9th of July 1807, to take into consideration, the repeated insults and injuries offered to our flag, by the armed ships of Great Britain; but more particularly the unparalleled outrage committed upon the United States Frigate Chesapeake, by the British ship Leopard, on the 23d of last month. After maturely considering the subject, they came to the following resolutions unanimously:
Resolved unanimously, That we view with undescribable emotions of indignation & resentment, the cowardly, coldblooded, murderous, and unlawful attack made by the Leopard upon the Chesapeake, sailing from the mouth of our own port, unsuspecting and unprepared.
Resolved unanimously, That the insults to our flag, and the blood of our murdered fellow citizens; call aloud for revenge.
Resolved unanimously, That we pledge our fortunes, and the blood which we inherited from the patriots of '76, in defence of our country's rights, and in support of that government which they purchased for us at so dear rate—a government under which we have enjoyed greater blessings than any nation on earth.
Resolved unanimously, That the 102d regiment will hold itself in readiness to march at a moment's warning, when and where its country shall call for its services.
Resolved unanimously, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the executive of this commonwealth without delay.
JAMES CLARKE, Lt. Col. Comdt. 102d regiment.
We have received a lengthy and very spirited communication from our fellow citizens of Alexandria, breathing a high sense of indignation against the violence and injustice of the British, from which the following is extracted:—Alexandria, July 9, 1807.
The Citizens of Alexandria have declared their sentiments on the hostile attack of the British ship Leopard, on the American Frigate Chesapeake, in the annexed resolutions. We shall be happy to co-operate with you in promoting the public safety, if future events should render it necessary; and if you should favour us with any communications, they will be received with pleasure and attention.
We remain your obedient servants, John M'Kinney, Charles Simms, Robert Young, Walter Jones, jr., Francis L. Lee, Cuthbert Powell, Nicholas Fitzhugh, Elisha C. Dick, James H. Doss.
At a full meeting of the citizens of the town of Alexandria, assembled on the market square, agreeably to the invitation of the Mayor of the town, on Thursday 2d July, 1807. The meeting adjourned to the Theatre, when Jacob Thompson, Esq. was chosen chairman, and George Deneale, Secretary.
There having been two much reason to conclude that the various and repeated instances of aggression and insult, which our flag has sustained from British cruisers, proceeded either from the rancorous hostility of the British government, or from a systematic, and ignominious, but deceitful calculation upon our timidity in initiating hostilities to their cupidity or their pride.
Therefore, Resolved, That we hold ourselves prepared to support, to the utmost of our power, and at the risk of our lives and fortunes every vigorous and effectual measure of our government, to punish or redress the atrocious and dastardly attack of the British ship of war, the Leopard, upon the American Frigate Chesapeake; and all the other flagrant wrongs, inflicted upon the British government have been to long suffered and unresisted, and which yet remain unresisted and unresisted.
2d. Resolved, That we sincerely applaud the patriotic resolutions and conduct of our fellow citizens of Norfolk, and that we co-operate with them and all other good citizens of the United States in their most strenuous endeavors to effect the object of those resolutions.
3d. Resolved, That John M'Kinney, Chas. Simms, Robert Young, Walter Jones, jun., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Cuthbert Powell, Nicholas Fitzhugh, Elisha C. Dick, and James H. Doss be, and they are hereby constituted a permanent committee of correspondence, with powers to make all suitable arrangements for promoting the public safety and the defence of the country.
4th. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and a copy transmitted, by the permanent committee, to the President of the United States, and the principal seaport towns, and that the same be published in the newspapers.
5th. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to Jonah Thompson, Esq. for the discharge of the duties of the chair.
JONAH THOMPSON, Chairman. GEORGE DENEALE, Sec'y.
At a meeting of the Shocke Volunteers, on the 27th June, 1807, for the purpose of ascertaining the wishes of its members at the present important crisis, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
The independent company of Shocke Volunteers, view with lively indignation, the late menacing and unwarrantable breach of friendship committed by the subjects of George the 3rd, on board his ship Leopard, upon our national ship the Chesapeake; whereby some of our citizens have met an untimely grave, and the dignity of our character, as a nation, set at nought.
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That we tender our services and our lives, to the disposal of the President of the United States, in revenging the wrongs of its citizens; and will march, at a moment's warning, wherever the public good requires.
Resolved, unanimously, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting, be immediately transmitted to the President of the U. S. signed by the Chairman and Secretary.
EDWARD HALLAM, Chairman. THOS. BURLING, Sec'y.
To Capt. Edward Hallam and the Independent Company of Shocke Volunteers.
The offer of your services, in support of the rights of your country, merits and meets the highest praise; and whenever the moment arrives in which these rights must appeal to the public arm for support, the spirit from which your offer flows, that which animates our nation, will be their sufficient safeguard. To the legislature will be rendered a faithful account of the events which have so justly excited the sensibilities of our country, of the measures taken to obtain reparation, and of their result; & to their wisdom will belong the course to be ultimately pursued.
In the mean time it is our duty to pursue that prescribed by the existing laws; towards which, should your services be requisite, this offer of them will be remembered.
I tender for your country, the thanks you so justly deserve. TH: JEFFERSON. July 8, 1807.
POSITIVELY, WILL BE SOLD,
By the subscriber, on the premises, on TUESDAY evening the 21st inst. at 4 o'clock—the
BRICK HOUSE,
At present occupied by Mr. Alexander Blackwood—28 by 30 feet; and the Lot of Ground on which it stands, with a front of 116 feet, on the main-street leading through Col. Richard Adams's valley, extending back 125 feet. Terms of sale made known on the day of sale. PROSSER & MONCURE, v. M. July 14.
THE SUBSCRIBERS
Respectfully inform the public, and particularly the inhabitants of RICHMOND, that having formed a consortium, they will transfer business under the firm of
DODGE AND COBB.
They have taken the Store on the fourth side of the main-street, lately occupied by Messrs. M. & B. Myers, WHERE they have for sale, a general assortment of ENGLISH, INDIA and FRENCH GOODS, suitable for the season. A. DODGE, GORSHAM COBB. July 14.
N. B. DODGE & COBB will sell their GOODS lower than at any other Store in Richmond, either by wholesale or retail.
FOR SALE,
BY THOMAS LEMPIERE & CO. AT ROCKETS, A QUANTITY OF—
GOOD SOUND OATS,
JUST received, at 2s. 9d. per bush. cash, or 2s. 10d. 1-2 for a negotiable approved endorsed note, at 60 days after date: Also a quantity of good BACON, on moderate terms. July 14.
WILLIAM HART,
OPPOSITE THE SCALE-HOUSE, HAS JUST RECEIVED,—
5000 wt. Salt Petre Bacon, 3000 wt. Coppers, 50 Boxes Liverpool Pipes, short and long, 30 Barrels Shad. Tea, Green Coffee, Brown Sugar in barrels, Loaf Sugar, Nutmegs and other Spices, Scotch Barley, London Mustard, &c. Hibernia London Brown Stout.
And has on hand, Real Cognac Brandy, French, Peach & Apple Brandy, Antigua, W. Island and N. England Rum, Gin, Whiskey, C. Bounce, &c. Philadelphia Porter, bottled by himself, Flour, Salt, Molasses, Queens Ware, a variety of other articles.
All of which he will sell at the lowest ready money prices, or exchange for country produce. July 14.
FOR SALE,
A LIKELY MALE SERVANT, who can come well recommended. For further particulars enquire of the Printer. July 15.