The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1809-05-09 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
VOL. 5.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1809.
[No. 114.]
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS TAYLOR, AT THE GLOBE TAVERN, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.
RICHMOND PRICES CURRENT
 Tobacco, Old, D. 4  New, 5 6  Flour—Superfine, 7  Do. Fine, 6 3  Corn, per barrel, 2 50  Wheat, 1 8  Bacon, per lb. 0 10  Whiskey, per gallon, 44  Bar Iron, per ton, 120 00  Hemp, per ton, 280 00  Wool, per lb. 45 
A TUTOR WANTED. —The Trustees of the town of York, are anxious to employ a gentleman of character, & literary acquirements, to conduct a SCHOOL in the said town. The branches of Science to be taught are, reading, writing, English grammar, arithmetic, geography, use of the globes, the Latin and Greek classics. The situation of York is pleasant and healthy: From twenty to forty pupils can be procured: A comfortable house will be furnished the Tutor free of expense. A person who shall produce testimonials of his sobriety, discretion and acquirements, which shall qualify him for the conduct of the school, will meet with encouragement on application to
CORBIN GRIFFIN, } Committee THO. GRIFFIN, } of ROBT. NELSON, jr. } Trustees.
May 2.
SALES AT AUCTION.
ON Monday the 15th day of May next, will be sold on the premises, the Tenement at present occupied by Mr. Edward Carter Standard. Terms of sale—One third payable in three months, one third in six months; and the remaining third in twelve months. Notes with approved endorsers will be required.
THOMAS TAYLOR, Aucr. (tds.)
April 27.
SALES AT AUCTION.
ON Tuesday the ninth day of May next will be sold on the premises, one half Acre of ground on Shockoe Hill, opposite the dwelling-house of Mr. Robert Pollard on the south side of the street; the said lot will be divided into four lots of thirty-five feet front on the said street and extending back the depth of the entire lot, except fifteen feet which will be reserved as an alley for the use of all the purchasers! The terms of the sale will be one fourth payable in three months, for which a note negotiable in the Bank of Virginia, will be required, with an approved endorser, the balance payable in twelve months, for which a Deed of Trust will be required upon the property.
And on Wednesday, the 10th day of the same month, at four o'clock, in the evening, will be sold on the premises, forty-four feet of ground on the main street, on the east side of Shockoe Creek, adjoining the lot of John Enders, and extending back the depth of the lot. The terms of sale will be three and six months credit, with notes well endorsed, negotiable in the Bank of Virginia.
THO. TAYLOR, Aucr. (tds.)
April 28.
STOP THE THIEF!
—Broken open and stolen out of the subscribers' Stable, in Petersburg, on Saturday night, the twenty-second inst.
A ROAN HORSE, Eight years old, five feet one or two inches high, with a bobtail nicked, strong and well formed, and in good condition, moves well and paces remarkably fast. The horse was raised by Mr. Day of Fredericksburg, formerly owned by Mr. Thomas Powell of that town, and latterly by Mr. Gregory of the Half-Way House, of whom we purchased him.
ALSO, stolen at the same time, a SADDLE & BRIDLE, with a very large plated Bitt and Burdon. We will give TWENTY DOLLARS for information of the said Horse, Saddle & Bridle, so that we get them again, and Fifty dollars on conviction of the thief.
The Horse was seen last Sunday, about Chesfield court-house, and 'tis supposed the rider is making up the country.
WM. & CHS. CORLING. (tf)
April 28.
PURSUANT to a Deed of Trust executed to the subscribers,
by Samuel Parsons & Sarah his wife, for the benefit of Wm. Cocke and Thomas and Amos Ladd, and other Creditors of the said Samuel Parsons, will be exposed to Sale at Public Auction, on the respective Premises, on Wednesday the 3d of next month the following PROPERTY, lying in the City of Richmond, viz. nearly three-fourths of the LOT described in the plan of the said City by No. 436, on the S. W. side of the Basin, and between Thomas Ladd's and the Hay-Market Square, bounded on the North-East by the street running between the Hay-Market Square and the public Warehouse.
All that part of LOT, No. 436, on the N East side of the Basin, which is bounded by the street running by the Bank and Robert McKim's to Cary street, thence by the last mentioned street to the tenement occupied by Mr. Smith as a bakery, & back to the alley which divides said Lot from R. McKim's.
One Moiety of the Tenement on the Main street, now occupied by David Logan, containing 24 feet front, and extending back to an alley leading to Byrd's Warehouse, on which are a two story brick store house, lumber house, kitchen, stables, &c.
Also, ten SHARES in the Richmond Turnpike and a COACHEE and Horses, together with sundry Household-Furniture, &c. The sale will commence at the Tenement occupied by David Logan for the Moiety thereof, the Turnpike Shares and the Personal Articles; and will thence adjourn in course to the other LOTS mentioned.
Terms of sale will be, cash for the Personal property, the Turnpike shares, and the Moiety of the Tenement in the occupancy of D. Logan; on notes negotiable and payable at the Bank of Virginia, satisfactorily endorsed, and titles to be withheld as further security, until full payment of the respective notes—or, at the option of the purchaser, one fourth to be paid down and the other three-fourths to be secured by deed of trust on the property purchased, and bond of the purchaser. The Lots will be sold as they stand, or be divided as may appear reasonable.
E. CARRINGTON, } Trustees. RICHARD ADAMS, } GEO. GREENHOW, } cpts
Richmond, April 7.
The above SALE is postponed to Saturday the 27th inst. when it will certainly commence at 12 o'clock.
May 2d, 1809.
NOTICE. —The subscriber has, for the present, removed his VENDUE OFFICE, to the front room of the house occupied by Mr. Carter B. Page, opposite to Messrs. Hovey and Sizer where he transacts business as usual.
He has on hand a quantity of West India and other GOODS, and is prepared with convenient store-houses to receive any further consignments that may be made to him.
JAMES BROWN, Jr. Auctioneer.
April 11.
RACING! —The Tappahannock JOCKEY CLUB RACES, will commence on Thursday the 25th May next.
1st DAY—The Jockey Club Purse of $320 four mile heats.
2nd DAY—The Jockey Club Purse of $240 three mile heats.
3rd DAY—The Proprietor's Purse of $100 (three 10 dollars, two mile heats, (five horses no race.)
WEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS:
Aged horses, lb. 130 4 Years old, lb. 100
3 Years old 120 3 Do. 86
5 Do. 110 And under that age a Feather.
A course, &c. will be in good order, we therefore may expect fine sport; stables and litter provided gratis, upon timely application to the proper of the course.
A. S. BROCKENBROUGH,
Secretary and Treasurer.
The Secretary cannot state accurately the amount of each days purse, but supposes they will be as above stated, after deducting the Jockey Club dinner and expense of advertising the races from the subscription.
April 11.
FOR SALE. —By virtue of a deed of trust, executed by Pleasant Younghusband, in his life time, recorded in the General Court:—
Will be sold, on the twenty-second day of next month (May) at the Eagle-Tavern, in the city of Richmond, hundred and ninety-three acres of LAND, in the county of Henrico, being the tract of LAND wherein Francis Lewis, dec'd. resided until his death, which LAND was deeded to said Younghusband, by Moses Davis and wife.
The deed was executed to the Subscribers to secure to Frederick Harris, the payment of two thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars, with interest from the first of March, 1809.
It is made for ready money, but the deed is dated on the 23d March, 18, therefore subject to the act of the last session Assembly of Virginia, entitled "An Act concerning executions & for other purposes."
DAVID WILLOCK, } Trustees. THOS. NUVILLE, } (tds.)
April 28.
S. & J. JACOBS, are receiving a hand-
some assortment of GOODS, among which are,
64 Cotton Cambrics, Ylow Nankeens,
44 Do. do. Bll do.
64 Figured Leno, Mynet, do.
44 Do. do. Diniey, do.
1 trunk sup. Plates, Bombetts, do.
1 do Curtain Callico, Bandano Hdkfs.
Silk Shambay, A handsome assortm't
Black Lustrings, Tonse Combs.
Plaid do. 1 bale perfine Batias,
Florentine Waistcoating 1 do. Mynamoodies,
Marseilles do.
An elegant assortment Floor Carpeting.
With a number of other articles too numerous to enumerate. All of which will be sold at reduced prices for cash.
April 28.
8t
EUROPE.
NEW-YORK, May 1.
Last evening a Rhode-Island Packet arrived at this port, and the Captain furnished the Editor of the MERCANTILE ADVERTISER, with the Boston Repertory, from which the following intelligence is copied:—
is 5 days later than our former advices from London.
LATEST FROM ENGLAND
VIA HALIFAX.
We were yesterday favored with a Halifax paper of the 18th inst. containing articles of intelligence from the London Gazette to the 14th, and from Greenock papers to the 17th of March. The news is of considerable importance.
The die, at last, is cast in Germany.—The whole empire exhibits one scene of military movements.
FRENCH MOVEMENTS.
The French army of the Rhine, under Davoust, is on its march to the Danube. General Oudinot, whose head-quarters are at Augsberg, commands nearly 30,000 men. Several Dutch regiments have passed the Mayn, on their way to Franconia, putting all the carriages and horses, in their passage, in requisition.
A French army is to be formed in Saxony, with which the forces of the Confederation of the Rhine are to act.
The French have an army of above 40,000 men in Italy, near the Austrian frontiers.—Massena is to have the command.
On the 12th of February, dispatches arrived at Vienna, with the final decision of Bonaparte on the subject of his differences with the Emperor Francis. Messengers were immediately dispatched to Petersburg, Berlin and Copenhagen, and to the several Austrian governments.
Marshal Duroc passed through Frankfort, February 2d, on an important mission from Bonaparte to the Russian cabinet.
Jerome Bonaparte, by imperial command, has issued a decree, ordering out an army, for service of 5,000, and an army of reserve of 2,500 men.
GERMAN MOVEMENTS.
A cordon of troops has been formed along the whole extent of the Austrian frontier. Great exertions are making to fortify Ems, in upper Austria.
The British government had received intelligence from the head-quarters of the Spanish army at Catalonia, (an advantageous post in the Sierra Morena) dated February 15th. The Spanish patriots still retained a respectable force, and a confidence of eventual success. General Urbin had been appointed to the command of the central army and that of Carolina, in place of the duke d'Infantado, under arrest. The French army had retired upon Toledo and Madrid, for
the purpose of entering Estremadura with an army of 25,000 men.
Among the Spanish forces now embodied, we observe the following mentioned. Gen. Cuesta at Texillo with 14,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. A division of British and Portuguese, at Alcantara, of 14,000. The army of Carolina 21,000 infantry and 1,700 cavalry. The advanced guard at La Mancha, 8,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry—making 62,700.
The Halifax paper contains a splendid account of the arrival of Sir George Prevost, at that place, with his gallant troops, whose bravery in the speedy reduction of Martinique, prepared them a cordial and grateful welcome.
The cabinet of Vienna have ordered further augmentation of their armies. The militia too are disciplined two evenings every week, and provided for actual service.
The Archduke Charles is appointed Generalissimo, with unlimited powers, so that his operations will no longer be shackled by the interference of the Aulick council.
SPIRIT OF HOLLAND.
"Louis Bonaparte was at Utrecht, taking measures to relieve the country, suffering under the inundations, when he received orders from Napoleon for the immediate march of fifteen thousand Dutch troops into Bavaria, to act under Davoust, and another division of like force, to be ready by the middle of March. Louis sent off couriers to Amsterdam, for calling his ministers & council of state to Utrecht, where, after much deliberation, his council declared to him the incompetency of the nation to bear the burdens of a new war, and solemnly protested against his employment of so large a force, in a service so unconnected with the interests of the country. A few regiments were, however, sent off: (the same mentioned above, on their way to Franconia.")
From the Ottoman Porte, it is said in letters from Holland, will immediately join Austria in a war against France. Is it said to be one of the secret articles of peace between Turkey and Great Britain.
An Antigua paper of the 4th of April, mentions the arrival of an express brig from England to the Admiral off that station, with the important intelligence, that war had been declared against France by Austria, Prussia and Russia, who had conederated; and that a minister from each of these three powers had been sent to England to enter into an alliance.— Merc. Adv.
We learn, verbally, (says the Boston Palladium) by the French vessel which arrived on Tuesday, that Trieste has been taken possession of by the French.
Continuation of foreign intelligence by an arrival at Boston.
THIRTY-THIRD BULLETIN OF THE ARMY OF SPAIN.
[FROM THE PARIS MONITEUR OF MARCH 2, 1809.]
The Duke of Dalmatia arrived at Tuy on the 10th February. The whole province is quiet. He was gathering all the means necessary to cross the Minho on the next. The river is wide there. He was to be at Oporto from the 15th to the 20th, and at Lisbon from the twentieth to the twenty eighth.
The British were embarking at Lisbon to abandon Portugal; the indignation of the Portuguese was at its height. There were daily some severe and bloody engagements between the British and Portuguese.
In Galicia, the Duke of Elchingen perfected the organization of the province. Admiral Massaredo had arrived at Ferrol, and activity was beginning to revive in that important arsenal. Tranquility is restored in all the provinces under the orders of the Duke of Istria, and situated between the Pyrenees, the sea, Portugal and the ridge of mountains that cover Madrid. Security succeeds to disorders and alarms.
Numerous deputations daily arrive in Madrid to tender their homage to the King. The re-organization and public spirit makes rapid progress under the new government. The Duke of Belluno is marching towards Cadiz; he disarms and pacifies all Lower Estremadura.
Sarragossa has capitulated. The calamities which have befallen this wretched city, are a terrible example for nations. Order is re-established in Sarragossa, and extends to the whole provinces of Arragon. The two corps d'armee which invested that city are now dispensable. Sarragossa was the real focus of the insurrection in Spain. It was a city that the party who wished to call a Prince of the House of Austria, to reign on the Tagus, had assembled. The men of that party, had inherited this opinion from their ancestors, who were of that sentiment at the time of the succession war, and which has just been crushed for ever.
The battle of Tudela had been won on the 23d November, and on the 27th, the French army was encamped within a short distance from Sarragossa. The populace of the city were armed. The inhabitants of the neighboring country had joined these, and Sarragossa contained fifty thousand men, formed into regiments of one thousand, composed of ten companies of one hundred men. All the grades of generals, commissioned and non-commissioned officers, were filled by monks. A body of ten thousand men, who had escaped from the battle of Tudela, had retired to that city, the subsistence of which was secured by immense magazines, and defended by two hundred pieces of cannon. The image of Our Lady of the Pillar was daily operating miracles, according to the directions of the monks, who animated the courage of that numerous population or supported their confidence.
In the field, these fifty thousand men would not have stood against three regiments; but in the city, and spurred on by all the leaders, how could they avoid the evils which arrogance and fanaticism attached to them! Every thing has been undertaken, that it was possible to do, to bring them back to reason. Immediately after the battle of Tudela, it was thought that the opinion entertained at Sarragossa, that Madrid would make a bold stand, and that the armies of Somosierra, Guadarama, Estremadura, Leon and Catalonia would eventually beat the French, would be used by the leaders of the insurgents to keep alive the fanaticism of the inhabitants. It was therefore resolved not to invest the city, and to leave open its communications with all Spain, in order that they might learn the discomfiture of the Spanish armies, and the accounts of the French army in Madrid. But this news reached only the ring-leaders, who took care that the inhabitants should not know it. Truth not only was concealed from them, but they were encouraged by lies. To day, the French had lost 40,000 men at Madrid; yesterday Romana had entered France;—in fine, the British army were rapidly advancing, and the French Eagles must fly before the terrible Leopard!
All this time sacrificed to political views & to the hope of being able to calm those heads heated by fanaticism and error, was not lost for the French army. The general of engineers, Lacoste, aid-de-camp to the Emperor, and an officer of the most distinguished abilities, gathered at Alayon all the tools, equipments of mines, and materials necessary for the subterraneous war which H. H. had ordered.
The general of division Dedon, commanding the artillery, assembled a great quantity of mortars, bombs, howitzers, and heavy ordnance. All which were drawn from Pamplona, seven days march from Sarragossa.—
Meanwhile it was perceived that the enemy were availing themselves of this stagnation to fortify the Monte Torrero and other important positions. On the 21st December, the division of Suchet drove them from the heights of St. Lambert, and two other works, out of the reach of the city. The division of general Gazan overthrew the enemy from the heights of St. Gregorie, and the 21st of light Infantry, and 100th regiment of the line, carried the redoubts in the suburbs, which defended the roads of Sueva and Barcelona. He also ordered the storming of a large building near Gallego, where 500 Swiss had entrenched themselves. On the same day, the duke of Corneghiano also carried the works and positions of Monte Torrero, took all the cannon and a great number of prisoners, and did great execution among the army.
The duke of Corneghiano being taken sick, the duke of Abrantes took, in the beginning of Jan. the command of the third corps. He signaled his arrival by the taking of the convent of San Josef, and pursued his successes on the 19th January by the carrying of the tete de pont of Huerba, where his troops made good their stand. The chief of battalion Stahl, of the 44th of the line, distinguished himself at the attack on the convent of San Josef, and lieutenant Victor de Buffon was one of the first to scale the works.
The investing of Sarragossa was not yet complete. They persisted in leaving open the communications, in order that the insurgents might be informed of the overthrow of the English, and their shameful flight out of Spain. It was on the 16th of January that the English were driven into the sea at Coruna, and it was on the 26th that the operations began to take a serious aspect before Sarragossa.
The duke of Montebello had reached it on the 20th, to take the chief command of the siege. As soon as he was convinced that the news sent to the city was productive of no good effect, and that the monks who directed the minds of the people had succeeded in preventing that news from reaching the people or altering it so as to perpetuate the delirium of the besieged, he took the resolution no longer to spare them.
Fifteen thousand peasants had assembled at Perdiguera, on the left bank of the Ebro. The duke of Treviso attacked with three regiments, and notwithstanding the fine position they occupied, the 64th regiment entirely overthrew and routed them. The tenth hussars were in the plain to receive them, and a great number remained on the field of battle. Nine pieces of cannon and several stand of colours were the trophies of this encounter.
The duke of Montebello had sent the adjutant commandant Gasquet of Zuera, to disperse a party of rebels. With only three battalions, this officer attacked 4000 of them, overthrew them, and took four pieces of cannon with their horses and appurtenances.—General Vattier had at the same time been ordered with 800 foot and 200 horse to scour the road to Valencia. He met 5000 of the rebels at Alcaniz, forced them in the very city to throw down their arms in their flight, killed 600 men, and took magazines, provisions, ammunition and arms; among these latter were 1000 English muskets. The adjutant commandant Carrion de Niza at the head of a column of Infantry, Colonel Burthe of 4th hussars, and the chief of Battalion Camus, of the 28th light Infantry have particularly distinguished themselves.
These operations took place between the 20th & 26th January. On the 26th, the city was severely attacked, & the batteries were unmasked—On the 27th at noon, the breach was practicable on several points. The troops lodged themselves in the convent of San-Ingracia. The division of Grand Jean occupied about 30 houses in the city. Colonel Chopiseik, and the soldiers of the Vistula, distinguished themselves. At the same time the general of division, Morlot, in an attack on the left, possessed himself of the whole front of defence of the enemy.
Captain Cueteman at the head of the pioneers, and of 36 grenadiers, mounted the breach with a rare intrepidity. Mr. Robiesky, an officer in the Vistula Rangers, a young man of only 17 years of age and having already received seven wounds, was the first who entered the breach. The chief of battalion Lejeune aid-de-camp to the prince of Neufchatel, and Haxo behaved well, and were both slightly wounded. On the 30th, the convents of St. Monique, & the Great Augustines were carried, as were 60 houses taken by pioneers. The Sapeurs of the 14th regiment of the line distinguished themselves.
On the 1st February, General Lacoste was struck with a musket ball, and died on the field of battle. He was a very brave and distinguished officer. His loss has been much felt by all the army, but more particularly by the Emperor. Colonel Rognat succeeded
him in the command of the engineers, and the direction of the siege.
The enemy defended every house—three attacks by mines were carried in front, and every day three or four mines blew up several houses, and opened the way to our troops.
In this way we reached the Corso (the main street in Saragossa) lodged ourselves on the quays and took possession of the universities and colleges. The enemy attempted to oppose their miners to ours, but little acquainted with this kind of warfare, their miners were quickly discovered and stifled. This manner of conducting the siege rendered its progress slow but sure, and less dangerous for the army. While three companies of miners, and eight companies of pioneers, are occupied with this subterraneous war, whose results are so terrible, the city is continually kept on fire by the mortars throwing shell and fire-balls.
The attack had been made but ten days, before the reduction of the city was considered as not far distant. More than one third of the houses were in our possession. The church of Our Lady of the pillar, who by so many miracles was to save the city, was destroyed by bombs and no longer tenable.
The duke of Montebello, then thought it was time to take possession of the suburbs on the left bank, in order to occupy the diameter of the city, and cross his fire. The general of division Gazan, carried in a brilliant manner the Swiss barracks. On the 17th a battery of fifty pieces opened early in the morning. At 8 P.M. a battalion of the 28th attacked a large convent, whose brick walls were 4 or 5 feet thick and carried it. Seven thousand of the enemy defended the suburbs. General Gazan advanced rapidly to the bridge, by which the rebels could effect their retreat into the city. He killed a great number and took 4000 prisoners among whom were two generals, 12 colonels, 19 Lt. Colonels, and 290 officers. He also took 6 ammunition waggons, and 50 pieces of cannon. Almost all the troops of the line in the city, occupied this important post, which had been threatened since the 10th.
At the same moment the Duke d'Abrantes crossed the Corso and blew up the Colleges.
After these events, the Junta in order to gain time, and to give the people time to get over the horror and surprise with which they were struck, demanded to parley; but their faithlessness was known, and deception was useless. Thirty more houses were carried by mines or pioneers.
At last, on the 21st, all the city was occupied by our troops—15,000 infantry and 200 horse have laid down their arms at Partillo, & have surrendered 40 stands of colors & 150 pieces of cannon. The rebels lost 20,000 men during the siege, 13,000 were found in the hospitals, and of these five hundred died daily.
The Duke of Montebello would not grant a capitulation to the city of Sarragossa; he only issued the following orders:
"The garrison shall, on the 21st, at noon, lay down their arms at the gate of Portillo, after which they shall be prisoners of war. The soldiers of the line who will take the oath of allegiance to King Joseph, and enter into his service

is given in the Star, of the 16th March, which was terminated by the final vote on the subject, as follows:
For the motion to acquit, Ayes 364 Against it, 123
Maj. in favor of the Duke 241 It will be observed by a short article in this day's Gazette, that although His Royal Highness has escaped the stigma of corruption in his office of commander in chief, the scrutiny which has been had into his conduct has developed many instances of gross misconduct and indiscretion—and that although he has eluded public punishment, the enquiry has produced the salutary effect of drawing him back to a sense of his public and private duties. A commercial arrangement had been made between Great Britain and Sweden.
It is evident, by numerous accounts from the Continent, that a war between Austria and France is actually about to commence; and it was strongly rumored, that Russia and Prussia were about to unite their strength with Austria, in a grand struggle to check the overwhelming and unquenchable ambition of France.
The English papers to the 17th, contain no additional advices from Spain. Relf's Gaz.
GERMANY.
EMBDEN, March 4.
The French army of the Rhine, under the Duke of Auerstadt, (Davoust) has broken up from its cantonment in the counties of Gotha, Hanau, &c. and is now on its march to the Danube. The staff of the army was, on the 17th ult. removed from Erfurth, for the purpose of being established at Ulm. The army under Gen. Oudinot, which on the 20th had head quarters at Augsburg, at that date, comprised nearly thirty thousand men.
Jerome Bonaparte, king of Westphalia, has issued a decree for calling out his contingents of conscripts on active service; and 2500 more, who are to form a reserve, to be taken from the young men born in 1788.
The reports of an early adjustment of the differences which subsist between Russia and Britain, had induced a considerable reduction in the price of colonial produce in the former country.
It is stated that the emperor Alexander had appointed prince Profotowsky, who commands the Russian armies in Moldavia and Wallachia, his plenipotentiary at the congress peace with the Porte.
GREENOCK, March 17.
The foreign papers make a war between Austria and France inevitable. The archduke Charles is appointed sole dictator of military operations.
Our London correspondent, after mentioning the raising of the 24 hours embargo in Sweden, adds, the Sublime Porte will immediately join Austria in the war against France.
LONDON, March 13.
OFFICIAL FROM SPAIN.
On the 12th Feb. the headquarters of the Spanish army was at La Carolina, under Gen. Urbina. The duke d'Infantado had been unfortunate, and was removed. The Supreme Junta remained at Seville. General Abidia had been appointed minister of war. A French army of 25,000 was preparing to enter Estramadura. General Cuesta, with 16,000 Spanish troops, was at Truxillo. At Alacantara there was a Portuguese and British division, amounting to 14,000. The French had advanced to Ciudad Rodrigo. South was at Betanzos the 28th January. Romana had entered Portugal. The 40th and three other British regiments were at Seville on the way to join Urbina's army at La Carolina, and to defend the Sierra Morena. The Spanish army in La Mancha was looking their enemy in the face.
March 9.
Yesterday colonel Wardle moved, in the House of Commons, an address to the king for the removal of the Duke of York from the command of the army. This motion was opposed by Mr. Burton and Mr. Percival (C. of E.) who declared his intention not only to oppose the motion, but to move an address highly approbatory of the conduct of the noble Duke as commander in chief; and that his removal would be highly injurious to the army and public service. Mr. P. republished the connection with Mrs. C. No decision was had on the motion.
The Russians, we learn, have marched a body of troops on the ice across the Gulf of Bothnia, captured the Swedish island of Aland, and were preparing ice boats for an expedition to Sweden proper. The distance from Aland to the main is about 80 miles.
March 12.
The Gazette of yesterday contains Lord Cochrane's official account of the defence of Rosas and the castle of Trinidad against the French; of the surrender of the former by the Spaniards, and of the evacuation and destruction of the latter by his lordship, and a party of seamen and marines belonging to the Imperieuse. Lord Cochrane speaks in high terms of the heroic spirit and ability which have been exhibited by Lord Cochrane, in the assistance he has endeavored to afford the Spanish patriots. Lord Cochrane was at Malta the 26th Jan.
The Gazette contains also a letter from admiral Stopford, dated on board the Cæsar, near Belaise light house, March 2d; which states, that the French Brest fleet then remained at Ise d'Aix, consisting of 10 sail of the line, 4 frigates, and the Calcutta. The 11th sail of the line was bilged on the shoal within L'Isle d'Aix. She is the Warsaw, a new 80. Of the 3 French frigates which ran under Sables d'Olonne, one was bilged and abandoned; and the other two up an inlet where they grounded every low water. A western swell which was set in would destroy them.
March 13.
Our Falmouth letter says, "The Surveillante, on the 2d March, in lat. 40, 50, long. 10, 12, saw 4 sail of the line and 3 frigates, lying to, to leeward, and in the act of burning a brig; but several large ships, apparently of the line, appearing to windward, they crowded all sail, and stood to the westward. The first is undoubtedly the L'Orient squadron; the latter supposed to be admiral Duckworth in pursuit.
The French squadron at Flushing is said to consist of 12 sail of the line, which being joined by others, and a Russian and Danish force, is to attempt some great enterprise in the spring. So say the French papers.
CORRESPONDENCE TO THE PHILADELPHIA REGISTER.
PARIS, March 18, 1809.
You have, no doubt, already heard of the surprising conversion of the Emperor of Chi-
na and his family to the Roman Catholic religion. (Some mention is made of it in the London Times of Feb. 20th.) As the principal Mandarins are imitating the example of their Sovereign, many persons here expect, that the mass of the people, will hasten to adopt the creed of their superiors, and that political innovations will soon follow this religious alteration. Missionaries, members of the Propaganda , instituted by Napoleon in 1802, after the publication of the Concordat, have been the instruments in the hand of Providence of effecting this conversion. Already reports are circulating of his Chinese Majesty, having consented to admit into his empire, French political as well as commercial agents, and that two principal Mandarins are on their passage to France, in an American vessel, to compliment Napoleon, and to offer homage in the name of their prince to the sovereign Pontiff. As to our differences with Austria, I fear battles alone can settle them. It is said, that orders have already been given to occupy with our troops Trieste, and thus prevent Austria communicating with England—The seizure of the Pope's Territory and temporal power, and the expulsion of the Bourbons from Spain (a kingdom to the sovereignty of which, the house of Austria has eminent pretensions) are said to constitute the chief complaints of the cabinet of Vienna against our government.
Though the day of our emperor's departure for Germany, has four times been fixed, we yet possess this hero within our walls. Do not imagine that internal discontent has induced his majesty to prolong his stay; no, the rumours of insurrection in the southern and the western departments are as unfounded, as the reports of mutiny & desertion among the troops marching back again from Spain to Germany. Our merchants and manufacturers suffer, indeed very much, and have laid their humble applications at the foot of the throne; but they are too dutiful not to wait, without murmur , his majesty's leisure to attend to their painful situation.
Among the many reports here, is the very absurd one of a war with Prussia, as well as with Austria. Russia is said to have determined to remain neutral in this continental war, and is now negotiating a peace with Sweden, in which Denmark is to be included.
BOSTON, May 1.
On Saturday evening arrived at this port the British ship Dykes, captain Hutchinson, 40 days from Liverpool, bringing London papers to March 18.
LONDON, March 18.
The escape of the fleet which has been so long weather-bound at Oporto, which had crossed the bar on the 23d ult. is matter of consolation, considering the unseaworthy condition of that country. The property on board is estimated at the value of 400,000, and insurances have been done at Lloyd's to that amount—There are from eight to ten thousand pipes of wine on board this fleet.
It is rumored that the Duke of York is to resign the command of the army, and that the Earl of Harrington is to succeed him.
FRANCE.
M. Decres, the French minister of Marine, in an official report, mentions that the Brest Fleet had driven the British from L'Orient, and left captain Troude, with his division, to execute the mission confided to him. North American.
NEW-YORK, May 4.
CAPTAIN Baerjen, who arrived at this port yesterday from Lisbon, which place he left the 27th of March, informed us, that the French army had not got possession of that place, but were in the neighborhood. The merchants were making preparations to get off as fast as possible—that the British and Portuguese troops had taken all the guns from the batteries in Lisbon, on board the British fleet, which consisted of three sail of the line and 5 frigates. We further learn, that the French army had taken Oporto.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF COMMONS,
AMERICAN AFFAIRS.
Debate on Mr. Whitbread's motion.
(CONTINUED.)
Mr. Rose, in reply, proved the Non-Importation Act was passed prior to the issuing of our Orders in Council; that in the President's Message to congress the remotest allusion to our Orders was not made; and but a week afterwards Mr. Madison transmitted to the President a copy of the resolutions entered into by the Congress. The statement made by the Hon. Gentleman, that the Brazils were stocked already for the consumption of ten years, he was not prepared to reply to, as he had not inspected the documents from which such information could be derived. He then proved, by various arguments, the Non-Importation Act to be hostile to this country, and this only; and combat the assertions made by the Hon. Member, by laying the following statement before the House:
  Exports to American States, from England for the years, ending 1806 and 1807, 11,774,000   Ditto in 1808, 5,784,000   Decrease in 1808, is $5,99,000   Ditto to all parts of America, exclusive of the American States, but inclusive of the British and French West-Indies, in 1808, 12,859,000   Ditto in 1806 and 1807, 8,632,000   4,230,000 
Leaving a decrease of 1,760,000 But to set against the decrease, should be taken into the mercantile proof on the 4,230,000, which in the way the trade was before carried into these countries, was entirely to the proof of the Americans; and the profit (with all the consequences attending it) on the British shipping employed, instead of the Americans.
  The British goods, exported to America in 1808, 5,784,000   The consumption in America from accounts from thence in 1804, 5,156,000   So that under all the embarrassments of Non-importation and Embargo imposed in America, we did, in fact, last year, send goods there to the value of their consumption: and we had profit of the increased trade to other parts of America, which the U. States had before. We deprived the enemy of the whole of the colonial produce to the amount of more than 9,000,000. Thus, instead of the impending ruin, which it has been declared, hang over our heads, it appeared our trade had sustained but a very inconsiderable diminution. Our colonies were not at such a loss for a market to dispose of their commodities as might be imagined. The Island of Jamaica, we verily believed, excepting in the 
article of white oak staves, had suffered little or no inconvenience from those evils which had been represented as so formidable, and so fatal to our West-India possessions. The Right hon. Gentleman went into several written documents, respecting the relative situation of both countries, before and after the orders in council, and at a late hour concluded a statement of great length and ability.
Mr. Grattan next rose and said, that it was in the common phraseology of every member rising to speak upon almost any subject, to say that that subject was important. The question now before them was indeed so. There could be none perhaps of greater, except that by which they lost America; and the same temper that then broke the connexion between England and her colonies seems to be revived again, and to be now studiously busy in effecting the connexion between America and France, and yet the success that crowned our policy at that time, should now make us rather industrious to avoid such ambitious of retracting its disasters. I would (said Mr. Grattan) anxiously direct your observations to that eventful time, not to incite you to an imitation of those who went before you, but to deter you by their example—that we may profit by their errors and their failures, and that thus their disgrace may be made of use to their posterity. I recollect the history of that day when America stood up against us, and resisted England and oppression; what in that day was the language of this house? It was the language of complaint; complaint that our colonies were worked up into unnatural rebellion by the speeches delivered in this place. The opposition was the cause of all, and the opposition only. The Americans took their instinct of resistance not from their character; not from the spirit that because it will, must be free; not from their condition as the colonists of a free people; not from their right of birth as the descendants of a British people, but from the mouth of a faction in this house. This was the language then, and what are we told now? that America is angry not because she feels the effects of your injustice, but because there are men in this house to complain of that injustice, and that such language opens her eyes to injuries that would otherwise escape her notice. Though this goes to attack the privilege of speech in this place, it shall not deter me from speaking what I think, for sure I am that the fate of America depends on that of England, and that England is nearly, most nearly interested in the welfare of America. The right honorable secretary has himself admitted this in the conclusion of one of his letters to Mr. Pinkney. I was happy to see that admission; but should have been more so, if the letter had been consentent with the principle of that admission. ( Hear! Hear! ) The honorable gentleman who was second in debate, argued that America acquiesced in the maritime restrictions imposed by France. I deny it. She resisted the orders of Berlin. She resisted the decrees of France; general Armstrong remonstrated repeatedly and spiritedly. Here Mr. Grattan went into a detailed statement of the conduct of gen. Armstrong at Paris, and commented on it as he went along. He next proceeded to argue, that the embargo was the effect of our orders in council. But (said Mr. Grattan) if they are not the cause of that embargo, why is that embargo continued? What continues the embargo? ( Hear! Hear! ) America offers to take off her embargo if you will rescind your orders; do you doubt the sincerity of the offer? for one gentleman seems to point out as much. If you do, I ask then, will you go off upon that; will you rest upon that, and say that if America is sincere in the offer, you will accede to it; will you say this? If you will not, again I ask, what continues the embargo? Who is now the cause of the embargo, when you yourselves refuse to do that which, if done, would remove it? ( Hear! Hear! ) Is it so? then how does the country stand in point of right? Do you join with an unoffending neutral, and visit France with the consequences of her own insolence and injustice? No; but you join yourselves to France against that neutral. It is the bad retaliation of a worse principle; it is a sort of wicked emulation in injustice; and if it is warrantable to us, then extend the argument, and what will it amount to? Why to this; that if France, instead of declaring against the commerce of neutrals, should declare against their liberties; against their lives, you, in the spirit of this retaliation, losing the spirit that made you what you are, are to trace the footsteps of the same atrocities, making the measure of the French wrong, the measure of the British right. The application appears monstrous, but the principle is the same, extended perhaps, but certainly not changed, and whether less or greater, in every shape a monster! for qualify it as you may, it goes to the root of the law of nations; it goes to build up a system of wrong retaliating wrong, and injustice combatting injustice, that can only end in an undenied suspension of the dominion of right—( Hear! Hear! )—taking as it were the laws of nations theoretically from the laws of God, but at the same time learning their practical application from the enemy—( Hear! Hear! )—and in pursuing such conduct, whose work is England doing? Who now enforces the orders of Berlin? England. Who now enforces the Decrees of France? England. She does more, she repels America from her; she does still more, she drives her into the very arms of France. But to all this you say, "we will fight France with her own weapons," as if her principles could be your weapons. ( Hear! Hear! ) No, no, we have fought too long and too nobly, to begin now to fight away our national character against the well practised iniquity of France. Let us fight in no cause we don't believe to be an honest one; and let our weapons be as honest as our cause. So much for our justice. Look to it now as it affects our trade. The avowed object of those measures is the sustenance of our commerce. Is America, our own America; our colonized America; our solitary neutral to be injured, that our commerce may be improved? Are you quite sure that injustice to the one would not be injury to the other? Commerce, applied to us, includes America—and yet is one to be prompted by the industrious subjection of the other? Before those restrictions, I mean the year before your exports to America were more than twelve millions, your imports upwards of six. How was Ireland now with respect to flax-seed? How was this country as to cotton? Consider well before you give up a growing country, adding abundantly to her population, that was increasing your wealth by the consumption of your manufactures; a country where the tyrant mace of Bonaparte never strayed. To give up such a country, requires great countervailing advantages—where are they if you do? ( Hear! Hear! ) Can you coerce the continent of Europe by the exclusion of all colonial commerce? Impossible! You may banish luxury from Europe; you may abolish
the refinements that enervate your enemy; you may convince him that superfluities are not necessities; you may prove to him how many things he can live without; you may make Europe an universal soldier; you may barbarize Europe, and in a degree martialize her, and England will fare the worse for it. Bonaparte knows this well, that superior man of mischief is glad to see you resort to his own weapons, your iniquities must be too shabby to affect him seriously. The honorable gentleman who was second in this debate says, that America is indisposed towards us. I lament it and would remedy it. Abolish that repulsive policy towards her, that you have used too much, and that you have been glad to use towards her. You have gradually chilled her into a state of frozen alienation, and then you charge her with the ingratitude of colonies; and what have you done for it? To compel her to come over to this country, and pay a tax to us for allowing an independent country the privilege to trade! to pay us a tax for carrying on her own trade! But what effect must this have upon America! You will send her in search of those resources, that will ultimately make her independent of your manufactures. So that you make the enemy a nation of soldiers, and America a nation of manufacturers; and thus do all you can to enable the one to beat you, and the other to starve you—( Hear! Hear! )—I say again, lament the feeling of America towards this country. I lament that you have provoked that feeling. With a sort of tedious pertinacity in all offices; a teasing restlessness; kind of incapacity to be quiet, you have pestered yourselves out of the affections of America. You have not acted with wisdom, you have not acted with dignity; your strength lies in the entirety of your commerce. There has been too much of a meddling spirit of envy, that should have been foreign to so great a people. Why should we have been so jealous of the little trade of an infant state comparatively? You should have such thoughts far from you; in entertainments such, you descended from the grand elevation that was peculiarly your own, to meddle in a little game with which your dignity should not have suffered you to interfere—you have lost much by dealing in small games—( Hear! Hear! ) You have been too great to profit by them—look back to the time when you possessed one litment and influenced another—you loathe one in a wanton effort to put about a hundred thousand pounds into your treasury! You call this pride—it is the want of pride; for if you had it, you would know how pause in your own greatness, and not dally to trifle in a rivalry that would betray her the craving of monopoly, than the spit of emulation. Let England be so American what she ought to be, and America will be to England all that we could wish her. Be warned by the infatuation that once led you to America, and let not the same infatuation drive her now into the arms of France. ( To be continued. )
DOMESTIC.
PHILADELPHIA. Yesterday morn the jury in the case of the United States vs. G. Bright and others, appeared in court, and returned a special verdict, stating generally that the defendants were guilty of opposing the marshal; but adding, that in so doing, they acted under the orders of the constituted authorities of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Some conversation took place between the court, the attorney general, and the counsel for the defendants as to the regularity of this verdict. The attorney suggested, that the words "in form and manner as laid in the indictment," should be added to the first section of the verdict; and it should then have no objection to the concluding part. The court acquiesced in this suggestion, and the jury then retired. [A verdict in his form was afterwards returned.] Phil. Gaz. May 3.
CIRCUIT COURT U.S.
On Monday afternoon, at four o'clock, the jury, impanelled to try the case of United States vs. Michael Bright , and others, appeared in court and delivered the following verdict:
TO THE UNITED STATES, vs. Michael Bright, and others. Special verdict, Philad. 1 May, 1809. Ad now, to wit, on the first day of May, in the year aforesaid, the jurors sworn, affirmed, and examined as aforesaid, upon their oaths and affirmations aforesaid, do find, that on the 24th March, 1809, in the city of Philadelphia, aforesaid, the defendants did knowingly and wilfully obstruct, resist, and oppose the said John Smith, then and there being an officer of the United States, to wit, the marshal of the district of Pennsylvania, in attempting then and there to serve and execute the said judicial writ of arrest, in the indictment mentioned; and that the said defendants, then and there, acted under the orders of the constituted authorities of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in so obstructing, resisting and opposing the said marshal, as aforesaid; and whether, upon the whole matter, the law is in favor of the United States or of the defendants, the jurors aforesaid refer to the consideration of the court; & if the court are of opinion that the law is for the United States, then the jurors aforesaid do find the defendants and every of them guilty—but, if the court are of opinion that the law is for the defendants, then they find the defendants not guilty. (Signed)
Wm. Sharswood, Liberty Brown, Benj. Thaw, John Jennings, Mathias Corless, John White, jun. John Gallagher, Charles Barrington, John Phillips, Thomas Algeo, Conrad Seybert, Geo. A. Wray.
The court decided that this verdict should be entered, and instructed the counsel to be prepared by 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning, if they proposed to discuss the point of law: the district attorney declared his readiness, & the council for the defendants enquired if the time allowed were not too short. Judge Washington answered, that if the counsel for the defendants would say on Tuesday morning that they were not prepared, the court would extend the time. Yesterday morning, the court met at ten o'clock. The district attorney said, that the discussion had already been so extensive and deliberate he did not wish to trespass upon the time of the court by any further observations, and therefore as he could take no novel ground, he would submit the point of law to the decision of the court, as contemplated by the verdict.
Mr. Ingersoll, counsel for the defendants, also declined entering into any argument. Mr. Franklin, attorney general for the commonwealth, having read an affidavit to prove that Mathias Corless, one of the jurymen, had clandestinely left the jury room, on the 20th ult. before a verdict had been agreed upon; said, that he would merely submit the facts stated in the affidavit to the court, as he found they did not authorize him to move for a new trial. Some conversation took place on the subject between the court, the U. States' attorney and marshal.
Judge Washington then declared, that as the opinion of the court had been already decided, and maturely formed, it was unnecessary to defer its decision; in accordance, therefore, with
the verdict of the jury, he pronounced the defendants guilty, in manner and form as charged in the indictment.
The Court directed the defendants to appear at 4 o'clock, to await the sentence.
At 4 o'clock, the court met, when Mr. Dallas, district attorney, prayed the court to pronounce its sentence. He prefaced the request, by expressing great regret which he felt at the circumstance which made it his duty to ask it; he declared that the prosecution would not have been had, had the constituted authorities of Pennsylvania expressed, through its organ, any regret the part they had taken; but, that, as no supportunity was offered him, he was compelled to his wishes for the integrity of the union, the safety of the constitution and laws, for the welfare of the community, and by a sense of his duty, superior to all personal feeling, to the punishment of the defendants, for an offence, the certainty and tendency of which he was persuaded they would all acknowledge and regret.
Judge Washington addressed the defendants, in a very impressive manner, and represented the gravity of the offence they had committed, & the circumstances that would follow a prostration of civil before the military authority. He recited for the honor of the union, and particularly for the honor of Pennsylvania, that the defendants had mistaken their duties, and obeyed a military order to do an unlawful act; and said it was the more inexcusable in Philadelphia, where the means of obtaining legal and political information was at every man's command. He concluded by pronouncing the following as the sentence of the court:
Gen. Michael Bright, 3 months' imprisonment, 200 dollars fine.
James Atkinson, Charles Westfall, Abraham Ogden, Charles Hong, Wm. Cole, Samuel Wilkins, Daniel Phyle, John Knipe, One month imprisonment, 50 dollars fine each.
Aurora.
General Bright and his men accompanied by the Marshal and two deputies went through the State House Yard, and on to the door of the Debtors side of the County Jail, into which they were conducted—They were attended by an immense multitude of citizens. Dem. Press.
THE INADMISSIBLE PRINCIPLES OF THE KING OF ENGLAND'S PROCLAMATION, OF OCTOBER 16, 1807, CONSIDERED, BY THE LATE PRESIDENT ADAMS. (CONTINUED.)
They will be thought to have no friends in America, who will care enough for them to make much noise, and these will be impressed. If there should be any natives or sons of natives of any of the West India Islands, or any part of the East Indies, where the king is said to have thirty millions of subjects, these must all be impressed, for conquest confers the indelible character of subjects, as well as birth. But if neither English, Scotch, Irish, Welsh, Italian, German, Dutchman, Spaniard, Portuguese, East or West India-man, is found, the reverend Lieutenant will think, if he is prudent enough not to say, "Jura negat sibi lata, nihil non arrogat armis." "Our ship is so weakly manned, that we cannot fight an enemy; we cannot even navigate her in safety, in bad weather; Procul a Jove, procul a fulmine. I will take as many native Americans as I please. It will be long before I can be called to account; and at last, I can say that I saved the King's ship, and perhaps beat a Frenchman by the aid of this meritorious impression, and I am sure of friends, who will not only bring me off, but obtain a promotion for me, even for this patriotic action." How many American ships and cargoes will be sunk in the sea, or driven on shore, wrecked and lost; how many masters and remaining sailors will be buried in the ocean for want of the assistance of the men thus kidnapped and stolen, no human foresight can calculate. It is, however, easy to predict, that the number must be very great. These considerations, it seems, have no weight in the estimation of the British Ministry. Their hearts are not taught to feel another's woe. But all these things the captain and owner of an American merchant-ship must take into consideration, and make the subjects of calculation before they can venture to sea. In short, there should be a corporation erected in every State for the express purpose of insuring against impressment of seamen. In a course of time and experience the chances might be calculated, so that the insurers & insured, might at a great expence be secure. But the poor sailors can never be safe.
The law must be settled, or remain unsettled. If such impressments are determined to be legal, either by treaty, or by acquiescence in the king's Proclamation, it will establish in the minds of British seamen a pride of superiority and a spirit of domination, and in the minds of American seamen a consciousness of inferiority and a servile spirit of submission, that ages will not eradicate. If the question is allowed to remain undetermined, American seamen will fight in defence of their liberty, whenever they see the smallest prospect of escaping, and sometimes when there is none. They will kill and be killed. Some will be punished for their resistance on board the British men of war; and some may be carried to a British port and there prosecuted for piracy and murder. This however, will seldom or ever be done; for I still believe, there is sense and justice enough in the British nation and their juries to acquit any seaman, American or British, who should kill a press-gang in defence of his liberty; but if he should escape and return to America, and be here prosecuted, I will not believe there is a judge or juror on the continent so ignorant of the law, so dead to every sense of justice, so abandoned to every feeling of humanity, as to find him guilty of any crime, if it were proved that he had killed a dozen press gangs in defence of his freedom. We shall have a continual warfare, at sea, like that lately at Canton. Our Secretary of State's office will be filled with representations and complaints; our nation will be held in a constant state of irritation and fermentation, and our government always distressed, between their anxiety to relieve their fellow citizens, and their inability to serve them.
A republican, who asserts the duty of jealousy, ought to suspect, that this proclamation was dictated by a spirit as hostile and malicious as it was insidious, for the determined purpose of depressing the character of our seamen. Take from a sailor his pride and his courage, and he becomes a poor animal indeed. Broken hearted, dejected, depressed even below the standard of other men of his own level and society. A habit of fear will be established in his mind. At the sight of a British man of war

panic will seize him; his spirits will sink, and if it be only a cutter or a lugger, he will think of nothing but flight and escape. What but the haughty spirit of their seamen, which has been encouraged and supported for ages by the nation, has given the British navy its superiority over the navies of other nations? Who shall dare to set bounds to the commerce and naval power of Great Britain? It is the magnificent language of defiance in Parliament, and it vibrates and echoes through every heart in the nation. Every British sailor is made to believe himself the master and commander of the world. If the right of impressment is conceded by us, in theory or practice, our seamen's hearts will be broken, and every British seaman will say to every American seaman, as the six-nations of Indians said to the southern tribes, whom they had conquered, "We have put petticoats on you." In such a case, many would have too much reason to say, let us no longer rejoice for independence, or think of a navy or free commerce, no longer hope for any rank in the world, but bow our necks again to the yoke of Great Britain. If the spirit of a man should remain in our sailors, they will sometimes resist. Should a British cutter demand to search an American merchant ship, of five hundred tons burthen, armed as they sometimes are and have a right to be—the commander of the cutter calls for a muster of the men, in order to impress such as he, in his wisdom, shall judge to be British subjects. It is credible that the captain and crew of the merchantmen will submit to this usage. No, he will sink the boat and cutter too, rather be so insulted, and every American must applaud him for his spirit. Is this right of impressment to be all on one side, or is it to be reciprocal? British modesty may say; "It is an exclusive privilege, because it is necessary to support our dominion of the seas, which is necessary to preserve a balance of power, in Europe, against France, and to prevent the French Emperor from sending fifty thousand men to conquer the United States of America." All this will not convince American seamen. They will answer; "We think a balance of power on the ocean as necessary as on the continent of Europe. We thank you for your civility in kindly giving us hopes, that you will defend us from the French army of fifty thousand men; but we are very willing to take our defence upon ourselves. If you have a right to impress seamen from our ships, we have an equal right to impress from yours." Should one of our gun-boats meet a British East Indiaman, armed with fifty guns; the gun boat demands a search for American seamen; calls for the muster roll, commands the men to pass in review before him; would the East India captain submit? No. He would sooner throw over board the press-gang, and run down the gun boat. Such will be the perpetual altercation between Britons and Americans, at sea, and lay an immovable foundation of eternal hatred between the two nations. The king's proclamation will be found as impolitic a step as ever the court of St. James has taken. It is said, in the context, "The British ship of war, agreeably to a right, claimed and exercised for ages—a right, claimed and exercised during the whole of the administrations of Washington and Adams, and of Jefferson, continue to take some of the British seamen, found on board our merchant vessels, and with them a number of ours, from the impossibility of always distinguishing Englishmen from the citizens of the United States." We have before seen what sort of a right to impress men from their own ships has been claimed, in what manner it has been exercised, and what light it has been considered by the English nation. It amounts to a right of getting their officers, lawfully killed. But surely, no right was ever before claimed to impress men from foreign ships. If such a pretended right was ever exercised, or, in other words, if such a crime was ever committed, I presume it would be no better proof of a legal right, than a robbery, burglary, or murder committed on shore, would prove that such actions are innocent and lawful. To argue from single or a few instances to a general law, is a fallacy too common with political writers, and is sometimes imputable to compilers of the laws of nations; but none of them ever went to such extravagance as this. No claim or pretension of any right to search foreign vessels for seamen, ever existed before our revolution; and no exercise of such a right ever prevailed since, except such as resemble the exercise of the right of committing robbery, burglary and murder in some of our cities. No ages have passed since our revolution. The right was never asserted or claimed, till the late proclamation of the king appeared, and that proclamation will make an epoch of disgrace and disaster to one nation or the other, perhaps to both. From the peace of 1783, the commencement of our government, under the present national constitution, whenever any American seamen were impressed, they were immediately demanded in the name of the old congress, & immediately discharged, without ever pretending to such right of impressment. During the administration of Washington, whenever information was received of any impressment, immediate orders were sent to demand the men, and then men were promised to be liberated. Washington sent captain Talbot to the West-Indies, as an agent to demand seamen impressed on board British men of war. Talbot demanded them of the British commanders, captains and admirals, and was refused. He went then on shore, and demanded and obtained of the chief justice of the island, writs of habeas corpus, by virtue of which the impressed seamen were brought from the king's ships, and set at liberty by law, the commanders not daring to disobey the king's writ. During the administration of Adams, a secretary of state's office can show what demands were made, and the success of them. The remonstrances that were made, consequence of positive instructions, and the memorials presented at court by our minister, were conceived in terms as strong as the English language could furnish, without violating that respect and decorum which ought always to be preserved between nations and governments, even in declaration of war. The practice was asserted to limit only incompatible with every principle of justice and every feeling of humanity but wholly irreconcilable with all thoughts of a continuance of peace and friendship between the two nations. The effect the memorial was, an immediate order the commanders of the navy to liberate the demanded men. I shall say nothing of Jefferson's administration, because the negotiations already made public, sufficiently show, that he has not been behind either of his predecessors in his zeal for the liberty American seamen. Du-
ring all this time, excuses and apologies were made, and necessity was sometimes hinted; but no serious pretension of right was advanced. No. The first formal claim was the king's proclamation. With what propriety then, can this be called a right, claimed and exercised for ages, and during the whole of the administrations of Washington, of Adams, and Jefferson? Is there any reason why another proclamation should not soon appear, commanding all the officers of the army in Canada and Nova-Scotia to go over the line, take by force all the king's subjects they can find in our villages. The right would stand upon the same principles—but there is this difference—it would not be executed with so little danger. The sins of the late PRESIDENT ADAMS against the BRITISH FACTION in America, will never be forgiven—they will be visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation. The same vindictive spirit which began the persecution of the father by artful insinuations and malicious whispers, openly and boldly assaults the son with all the rancor of aspersion. The letter of the Hon. J. Q. Adams, yet fresh in public recollection, has furnished the evidence of the charge of apostasy from what now passes as orthodox federalism. The little critics of the day have worried down themselves in hunting for those defects of composition which were to disgrace the Professor of Rhetoric; but neither his feebleness nor his mighty antagonists have deigned to point out an unsound principle, or the shadow of inconsistency in the statesman. These we know to be the sentiments of such as have not disgraced the federal cause, by renouncing what ever is substantially republican. The following letter from President WASHINGTON, will show in what estimation that great judge of character, has the "talents and worth" of the young Mr. Adams. (Editors of the Patriot.) Monday 14th Feb. 1797. DEAR SIR, "I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The sentiments do honor to the head and heart of the writer; and if my wishes could be of any avail, they should go to you in a long hope, that you will not withhold merited admiration from Mr. John Adams because he is our son. For without intending to compliment either the father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr. Adams is the most valuable public character we have abroad—and that there remains no doubt in my mind, that he will prove himself the ablest of all our diplomatic corps." "If he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other public walk, I could not, upon the principle which has regulated my own conduct, disapprove of the caution which is hinted at in the letter. But as already entered—The public, more and more as he is known, are appreciating his talents and worth; and his country would sustain a loss, if these were to be checked by over-delicate on your part." "With sincere esteem and affectionate regard, I am ever yours. "GE. WASHINGTON. "Vice-President." From the N. Y. Gazette, May 2. We learn by the scholar Richard, capt. Bradford, in twelve days from Havana, that the riotous proceedings in the place had, in a great measure, subsided. The French inhabitants, however, by permission, were selling their property to the best possible advantage, and hurrying off. We also learn, and we believe it, that flour was 22 dollars a barrel, on which there was a duty of ten dollars; this not so bad as has been reported. And we also learn, that the duty on exports had been entirely abolished; and that Americans were treated with more respect and attentions than they were during the embargo. There was a report at Havana, that an insurrection had broken out at Jamaica among the blacks, but that the leaders, having been timely discovered, 44 apprehended with arms in their possession, to the number of about one hundred, were put to death. In consequence of the late negotiation at Washington with Great Britain, the gun-boats in this port, are to be laid up in ordinary, and their crews to be transferred to the Constitution frigate. NORFOLK, May 3. The horizon becomes brighter, and "shocks of war" disappear. We learn from good authority, that orders are issued from the navy department, to discontinue the equipment of the Gun-boats.—Ledger. BALTIMORE, May 3. The following price current of Colonial goods at the exchange of Bourdeaux, stated by M. Dupeyron, broker of merchandise, was communicated for the North American by a friend. [TRANSLATION.] On the fifteenth March, 1809. COFFEE. 10 bags Moka, of good quality free from duty, 4 francs, 55 cents per lb. On the 16th March. 100 quintals, Havana, in common order, free from duty, 4 francs, 45 cents. 60 quintals, Havana, in bad order, free from duty, 4 francs 35 cents. 50 ditto, good ordinary green, in bad order, free from duty, 4 fr. 35 cts. 7 barrels, 21 sacks Guadalupe, in good order, free from duty, 4 francs 50 cents. 26 tierces, Martinique, old, ordinary white with dark grains, free from duty, 4 francs 30 cents. 139 quintals, Havana, good, common green with yellow ground, free from duty, 4 francs 35 cents. SUGAR UNREFINED. 10 barrels, Guadalupe, good fourth quality, free from duty, 200 francs per 100 lb. 12 barrels, Martinique, good fourth quality, free from duty, 200 fr. per 100 lb. CAMPÉCHE WOOD. 300 quintals, Spanish cut, good quality, sold at 105 fr. per 100 lb. COTTON. 11 bales of Georgia, short, common and below common, grey in the seed, free from duty, 465 fr. per 100 lb. Extract of a letter from Bordeaux, dated March 20, 1809. "You will see by the enclosed price current, the rise that colonial and American produce has taken in France, owing to the difficulties to maritime commerce, which the political situation of Europe does not appear to ameliorate. The Imperial Decree of the 25th Feb. permitting American vessels detained under the embargo to sail direct to America, amount to little or nothing, as there is but 10 or 12 vessels only under that restriction in all the French ports. Three of them belonging to the eastward are getting ready to sail from hence in ballast, not being able to comply with the construction of the bond." The legislature of Tennessee have elected Messrs. Anderson (from West Tennessee) and Jenkin Whiteside (from East T.) Senators of the U. States.—Mr. A. whose term of office had expired, is re-elected: Mr. W. in place of Gen. Smith resigned.
BALTIMORE, May 4. We learn that one of the public vessels, now here is under orders to sail to Europe with dispatches.—North American. WASHINGTON, May 4. (COPY.) PARIS, Feb. 28, 1809. SIR, His majesty has been pleased to raise the embargo on American vessels within the ports of France and her dependencies, and the better to assure their direct return to the U. States, to place them altogether at my disposition. You will therefore be good enough to apprise the captains, supercargoes and owners within your consular district, of this arrangement, to the end that they may sail as soon as possible for some port or place in the U. States. The only rule which, in my view of the subject, is necessary to accomplish the direct return of these vessels, (which is at once the object of our government and of this,) is hereto subjoined. You will be pleased to consider it in every case indispensable, and should objections be made to it by captains or others; you will lose no time in stating to me their nature & extent, so that means may be taken to obviate them. I am with much regard, Your obedient servant, [Signed] JOHN ARMSTRONG. Wm. Lee, Esq. Consul of the U. S. at Bordeaux. RULE.—The owners, consignees or captains of the American ships in the ports of France, or of her dependencies, must, previously to their clearing out, give to the consul or vice consul of their nation, in his public capacity, (and which shall become matter of record in the office of the said consul or vice-consul,) sufficient security by written obligation, that their return to the U. States will be prosecuted directly and bona fide, and that they will not voluntarily touch at any port or place on their homeward passage, by doing which they will subject themselves to future capture and detention by either belligerent." The honorable PAUL HAMILTON, Secretary of the Navy of the United States, sailed yesterday in the ship Caroline, capt. Scrymgeour, for Philadelphia, from whence he will proceed to the seat of government. Charleston, April 24. THE ENQUIRER. RICHMOND, MAY 9, 1809. "Le pavillon neutre couvre la marchandise." FREE SHIPS MAKE FREE GOODS. The Editors of the Baltimore "Federal Republican" have designed to notice our remarks on the late negotiation. These strictures are, however, on too contracted a scale to deserve a reply. Let these gentlemen come out fairly and fully with their animadversions—and we will join issue with them.—We have no objections to measure weapons with them. With truth and justice on our side, we have no fears of an encounter with querulous gallantry and impotent invective.—In the meantime, we call upon them to lay their hands upon that part of Mr. Rose's correspondence, which declines making a due reparation for the attack on the Chesapeake, because of the inequality existing in our ports between the French and British navies. For the present, we beg leave to return the compliment which these gentlemen have so politely paid us. In these days, Retaliation seems to be the only law among belligerents. We shall not address these heroes by any "hard names." We shall only use arguments against them. We shall not denounce them political quacks—tho' perhaps we may prove them to be such. We may teach them at least one lesson which may be somewhat instructive to those, who pretend to teach the public.—Let Messrs. Livermore and Hanson hereafter think before they write. Let them consult the laws of nations, ere they presume to set themselves up as the oracles of those laws. In one of their last papers, they take the following position: "The maritime rights which Great Britain claims to exercise, were always held as clearly derived from the law of nations by every state in Europe, until the time of the armed neutrality, in 1782. At that period the empress of Russia, among other equally unfounded pretensions, insisted on introducing into the code of public maritime laws, that the neutral flag should protect the property of an enemy. This pretension Great Britain resisted with effect, and the principle which she maintains was afterwards solemnly acknowledged by all the parties to the armed neutrality, by the treaty of Petersburg, 1801." The Editor of the N. Y. American Citizen, completely concurs in this idea. The political apostate of New York—whose trimmings and whose treacheries have wiped of every sentiment of gratitude which his exposition of Burr's trimmings and treacherous would have deserved—the miserable man, who was attempting to undermine the administration, at the very moment when he professed a reverence for it; whose glozing has lately attempted to defeat the election of the republicans of N. York, by perverting the adopted republicans to withdraw from the polls, from some mistaken impression of their being intentionally excluded from office by the native born republicans—will soon be unmasked in all his deformity. This man too has been ignorant enough to assert that the principle of the neutral flag covering enemy property "forms part either of the code of the law, or of the customs of nations," and that "not a writer on the law of nations acknowledges" it. We shall prove these gentlemen to be mistaken. They will find the history of this principle in the celebrated pamphlet of Schlegel, professor of law in the University of Copenhagen, on "Neutral Rights." They will find that in the 11th and 12th centuries, the free states of Italy, and some cities of Catalonia and Arragon, were almost the exclusive sovereigns of the maritime trade of the South, as the Hanse towns were of the North of Europe. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed that celebrated code, Il Consolato del Mare , which provided that "a neutral cargo should be safe on board the ship of an enemy; but that enemy's property found on board a neutral vessel, should be deemed lawful prize, saving only the right of the freight agreed on from the captor to the neutral owner of the ship." In the 14th and 15th centuries almost all the treaties were made according to these principles. From the middle of the 17th, things underwent a considerable change. The Dutch, at that time the carriers of all Europe, found this principle at war with their prosperity. They principally established the rule, that le pavillon neutre couvre la marchandise , free ships make free goods; and from that time almost to this, the great body of
the treaties were concluded on this basis.—And yet, say these literalists of Baltimore, this rule was never dreamt of till the armed neutrality in 1782. "Busch has published a list of thirty five commercial treaties, concluded between the years 1642 and 1780, which are all favorable to this principle, while on the contrary, only two have been concluded in that interval, in which the opposite one has been followed. These are the treaties of Great Britain in 1661, with Denmark, and in 1670, with Sweden." Since 1780, up to the period at which Schlegel wrote, there were 23 treaties, which acknowledged the proud prerogative of the neutral flag. This list is annexed to his work. He cites only the treaty between G. Britain and the U. States, as an instance to the contrary. Our subsequent treaties with Prussia and France, are also to be added. To which side then does the scale preponderate? Which principle is the general rule, which the exception? Surely judging from the prevalence and preponderance of customs, there can be no doubt on the subject. Nay, the English themselves, those mighty lords of the ocean, have been known to accede to this doctrine. Nay, gentlemen, do not thus start and rub your eyes. We repeat the assertion—your favorite England herself refutes your position. As "early as the middle of the 14th century, they established, by formal treaty, the rights of the neutral flag, as may be seen by the treaties of Edward III. with the commercial cities of Spain in 1351, and afterwards with Lisbon and Oporto towards the middle of the 17th century." Of the same description are several others concluded by England, "such as those with France in 1655, '77, 1713, '42, and the last of the 26th of September 1786—with those with the United Provinces in 1688 and '74, and lastly, the commercial treaties with the Porte and the Barbary powers." But says the Editor of the American Citizen "not a writer on the law of nations acknowledges" it. Is it so? What then becomes of the writers quoted by Schlegel? Where is Hubner, or de Steek, Galliani, Lampredi, Hennings, a Busch, or a Martens; writers of different countries, but who have all united their voices in favour of this principle? Such is the conventional law of nations—and how stands the natural law? If that law be founded on reason and general utility—if to preserve nations from the ravages of wars in which they are not engaged, if to narrow the sphere of those ravages, and to extend the limits of peace, be agreeable both to reason, utility and philanthropy—the relations of neutrals to belligerents ought to be marked out by this principle. Neutrals will always be more or less subject to the turmoils of war, until their bottoms can be saved from the harassing persecutions which the contrary rule brings along with it. It is their interest, therefore; it is peculiarly that of the U. States, to establish this principle in all practicable cases. We do not say, that no treaty is to be made either with France or Great Britain, which does not recognize it. Judging from the present state of maritime nations, it is not easy to expect its establishment in all or in most cases—nor should it stand in the way of a very favorable adjustment in other respects. But, wherever we can, let us not lose sight of it. The two great acknowledged restrictions upon the liberty of neutrals, as established by the law of nations, are those as to contraband of war and regular blockade. As to enemy's goods being free or not in their bottoms, the practice has been more or less variable.—But besides these restrictions, the British assumed right of pressing seamen out of our vessels on the seas, is now, unauthorised, and ought to be resisted. It falls not under either of these three restrictions.—In the approaching negotiation with England, we have no doubt that our government is sufficiently impressed with the importance of this point, to attempt to make some practical provision for the safety of our seamen.—This is our creed. If there are branches of trade, not connected with the natural direct trade of this country, which are brought into dispute along with it, let us modify any one of these rather than abandon our brave and enterprising tars. INTERESTING!! The following circular is to be forwarded by the Governor of this Commonwealth, to the officers commanding its detachment of the requisition of 100,000 troops, for the use of the U. States. RICHMOND, May 5th, 1809. SIR, I have great pleasure in forwarding to you the enclosed communication from the Secretary of war, and have to request that the wishes of the President of the United States, therein contained, may be fully complied with: To that end I send you a copy of the said communication, for each of the commanders of Regiments within your Brigade. Accept my hearty congratulations on the late happy change of prospect with respect to our foreign relations; and permit me to hope that on all occasions similar to the one which produced the late call for a portion of our citizen soldiers to be held in readiness to take the field, the Militia of Virginia will, as they always have done, promptly step forward in vindication of her national rights & honor: Effectually to do so, it is necessary that no relaxation of effort to obtain military knowledge should be permitted to take place in consequence of present pacific appearances. I have therefore (and I trust it will not be deemed unreasonable) to exhort my fellow citizens of the Militia, zealously to employ themselves in the acquisition of a knowledge of that art which may be their greatest security in the day of battle. I am, with great respect, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) JNO. TYLER. Brigadier General (CIRCULAR.) His Excellency, the Governor of Virginia. WAR DEPARTMENT, 29th April, 1809. SIR, I am directed by the President of the U. States to inform your Excellency that the Detachment of 10,198 Militia, made in pursuance of a communication from your Excellency from this department, bearing date the 29th day of October, 1808, is no longer required to be held in readiness for actual service. In the orders which your Excellency will give for discharging the troops from that service, it is requested by the President that his thanks may be presented to those corps whose
patriotism has induced them to volunteer their services to the U. States. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, WILLIAM EUSTIS, Sec'y. for the Department of War. Orders have been issued to cease the equipment of our Gun boats & and to discharge the Va. detachment of the 100,000 troops. The last is important. It would seem that there is a probability of adjusting our affairs, not only with Great Britain, but with France. What is the tenor of the dispatches by L'Esperance to Boston? They are perhaps more important. Rumour is afloat, that they contain some rays of hope as to the French decrees. But she is a lying jade.—Virgil represents her as a Monster. We must wait in patience the éclaircissement. Nothing is yet known on the subject. We are happy to learn, by a letter from Mr. John Southgate, whose death was notified in this paper of the 2nd inst. that he is still alive. This announcement came to us in an anonymous form—but the wicked wight, who was guilty of this pitiful joke, deserves an exposure for his wit, if he had not too much wit to permit himself to be known. No deaths or marriages will henceforth be published, in this paper, unless they are subscribed by some responsible name. Members elected to serve in the next General Assembly of Virginia. Brunswick—Philip Claiborne,* John Tucker,* Bedford—Isaac Otey, Wm. Hawkins,* Cumberland—John Hatcher,* Jones,* * New Members. MARRIED—On last Saturday Evening, Mr. WILLIAM ROANE, eldest son of the Hon. Judge Roane, to the lovely Miss MARIE SELLERS, only daughter of Miles Sellers, Esq. near this city. THE sale of the 3 acre LOT opposite Mr. R. Pollard's, advertised for sale This Day, is postponed until to-morrow. THOS. TAYLOR. May 9. BOOKS AT AUCTION. ON Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, at the office of the subscribers, will commence the sale of a valuable collection of Books, containing about 1000 volumes on all subjects. FOSTER & SATCHELL, Auctioneers. May 9. DOCTOR JOHN HAYES, offers his professional services to the citizens of Richmond and its vicinity. May 9. M. GRETTNER, SILVER-SMITH AND JEWELLER, respectfully informs the citizens of Richmond, Manchester and their vicinity, that he has commenced the above business, on the main street, opposite to the Store of Messrs. John & Robert Gamble, junr. where all orders, in his line, will be thankfully received & punctually attended to. N. B. Cash given for old Gold or Silver. May 9. BENJAMIN KIMBALL, has taken the Store lately occupied by Mr. Jacob Fackler, where he has now a tolerable, and will shortly receive a very general and extensive assortment of European and India Goods; Which will be sold wholesale or retail at very moderate prices. May 9. FOR SALE—One thousand acres LAND lying in the lower end of Buckingham county, on both sides of Buffalo creek, and on the road leading from Ca-Ira to New-Canton, within half a mile of navigation, on Williams's river, and about two from Ca-Ira. This tract is esteemed remarkably fertile, and has a plantation cleared on it sufficient to work ten or twelve hands to advantage, and a good proportion of rich tobacco Land to clear. The improvements are only sufficient for the accommodation of an overseer and negroes, with a barn, and apple orchard. This estate, from its great fertility, vicinity to market, and situation in a polite and agreeable neighborhood, is well worthy the attention of any gentleman who may wish to remove from the lower country to a more healthy situation. For terms apply to Mr. Linzas Bolling, of the aforesaid county, who is fully authorised, by the subscriber, to treat with any person wishing to purchase. SUSANNA WILCOX. Chellow, May 9. JACOB FACKLER has removed from Richmond to Staunton, where he intends permanently to reside—He has placed in the hands of Mr. Stevenson, his attorney, a list of debts due him from persons residing in Richmond, and the adjacent counties with positive instructions to bring suits indiscriminately against all those who may be in arrear after the first day of June next—payments made to Mr. S. will in all cases be good. Richmond, May 5. VIRGINIA, to wit:—At a Chancery District Court, held in the City of Williamsburg, the 15th day of April, 1809. Wm. McPeters and James Wardlaw Plffs against John W. Fox and Elizabeth L. Fox, infants, children and heirs of John Fox the younger, and John Lewis administrator of the said John Fox, Ann Fox, Thomas B. Fox, William Fox, Henry Fox and Isaac Shelby Defs. THE defendant Isaac Shelby, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the Act of Assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their 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 plaintiffs, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in one of the Richmond news-papers, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former capitol in this city. A Copy, ANTY. ROBINSON, C. C. May 9. VIRGINIA, to wit:—At a Chancery District Court, held in the City of Williamsburg, the 14th day of April, 1809. Kendall Lee Plff against Ann Spiller, widow of Benjamin Spiller, deceased, Benjamin Spiller, Susan Hurst, George Smith and Nancy his wife, and Grace, Patrick, Roxilana and James Spiller, infants, by the said Benjamin Spiller their guardian, and William Spiller and Hickman Spiller Defs. THE defendant, William Spiller, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the Act of Assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the plaintiff, by his 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 one of the Richmond news-papers, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former capitol in this city. A Copy, ANTY. ROBINSON, C. C. May 9.

MISCELLANEOUS.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
IMPRESSION OF SEAMEN!!
Mr. Adams deserves great credit for the ingenious Essays, which he is now publishing, against the British practice of impressing seamen from American vessels.
Sir Michael Foster, whose great argument in 1743 has been the text-book on this subject, grounds the speculative right upon the "necessity of the case in order to the preservation of the whole" society, and as to the point of law, asserts that this right is a prerogative inherent in the crown, grounded upon common law, and recognized by many acts of Parliament.
Lord Chatham connived at the practice, and indirectly justified it. The celebrated Junius asserts, that this right is "founded, originally, upon a necessity which supersedes all argument, established by usage immemorial, and admitted by more than a tacit assent of the legislature."
Different substitutes for this evil have been proposed in G. B. How are these things "ordered in France?" It is believed, that a register is there formed of all the seamen who are, or shall arrive in port, and that when the government wants a certain number of them, a certain proportion is taken by draft, or some species of sortition.
In 1759, in the reign of George II. the Ministry introduced a bill for registering all seamen, watermen, fishermen and lightermen throughout his Majesty's dominions. This was rejected on its second reading. It was however revived at the next session by this scheme, the justices of the peace were empowered to issue warrants to constables and headboroughs to search by day or night for such sea-faring men as should conceal themselves within their respective jurisdictions.
In 1748, the government, says Smollett, "found great difficulty in pressing men for the service of the navy—a practice, which, however sanctioned by necessity, is nevertheless a flagrant encroachment on the liberty of the subject, and a violent outrage against the constitution of G. Britain."
In the year 1758, in the same reign, a similar bill was introduced "for the more effectually manning of his Majesty's navy, for preventing desertion, and for the relief and encouragement of seamen belonging to ships and vessels in the service of the merchants."
Let such then, as are ambitious of establishing a great navy in the U. S. consider things! Let them remember the abominable alternative, to which they must be driven, to man it after its establishment!!
If then the British impressment out of British vessels stands upon such precarious grounds—how visionary is their pretended right to search American vessels & impress our seamen!! Although G. B. may have a "right to command the service of her own people, whenever the public safety calleth for it," she has no right to the services of our own. Though she may be empowered to disturb the rights of her own subjects, she has no authority to disturb those of the U. S.
The following extract from Dr. Franklin's notes on Foster's argument is a most humorous satire on this subject.—Let us laugh and learn.
FROM FRANKLIN'S WORKS.
When this author speaks of impressing, page 158, he diminishes the horror of the practice as much as possible, by representing to the mind one sailor only suffering hardship (as he tenderly calls it) in some particular case only; and he places against this private mischief the inconvenience to the trade of the kingdom.
But it may be said, to give the king's seamen merchant's wages would cost the nation too much, and call for more taxes. The question then will amount to this: whether it be just in a community, that the richer part should compel the poorer to fight in defence of them and their properties, for such wages as they think fit to allow, and punish them if they refuse?
It is a question of the public security, without doing so much intolerable injustice as attends the impressing common seamen. In order to be better understood, I would premise two things: First, that voluntary seamen may be had for the service if they were sufficiently paid. The proof is, that to serve in the same ship, and incur the same dangers you have no occasion to impress captains, lieutenants, second lieutenants, midshipmen, pursers, nor many other officers.
AGRICULTURE.
To secure Garden Vegetables from the effects of frost.
The next morning after a night's frost, at day break or soon after, sprinkle every thing liable to injury, with water from a watering-pot.
Every person in the least conversant with culinary affairs, knows that frozen meat or frozen vegetables should, before cooking, be immersed in cold water, by which the frost is extracted, and the original qualities of the articles retained;
COMMUNICATION.
On Saturday the 29th of April, the Arlington Sheep Shearing was held near Arlington House, the seat of George Washington Custis, Esq.
The visitors were likewise highly gratified by the exhibition of many of Mr. Custis's own flock of sheep, and in witnessing the great improvement made in this invaluable stock by his judicious care and attention, no less honorable to him than beneficial to his country.
nufactures, without which, we boast in vain of our independence. At half past four o'clock, the company partook of the hospitality of Mr. Custis, who had provided a very abundant and excellent dinner, served in the field under a handsome spacious marquee, at which, nearly one hundred gentlemen were seated, among whom the greatest hilarity and good humor prevailed.
LOUISVILLE (K.) April 12.
This morning Mr. Benjamin Wilkinson, with a hardy band of warriors, hunters and trappers, all well armed and equipped, for a 3 years' expedition, left this place for St. Louis, there to join the St. Louis Missouri Company, who intend to push their trade to the river Columbia, and probably in a few years, by that Route to the East Indies.
Our readers will be surprised to learn the industry and enterprize which prevail at St. Lewis, Upper Louisiana, under the fostering inspection of governor Lewis—The Missouri Gazette of the 1st of March, 1809, says: "At Herculeum a shot manufactured is now erecting by an active and enterprising citizen of our territory; the situation is peculiarly adapted for the purpose; having a natural tower, or rather a stupendous rock, forming a precipice of about 180 feet, having the lead mines in the neighborhood, and one of the finest harbors for vessels, we presume the proprietor will be enabled to supply the Atlantic states on such terms as will defeat competition;"
POLITICAL.
IMPORTANT POLITICAL RESPECT BY THE LATE PRESIDENT ADAMS.
CORRESPONDENCE relative to the TREATY WITH FRANCE. (CONTINUED.)
To the Printers of the Boston Patriot. SIRS. From Mr. Murray, the American Minister at the Hague, who had been appointed by President Washington, I received assurances from the French government similar to those in Mr. Barlow's letter.
[TRANSLATION.]
EXTERIOR RELATIONS, 3D DIVISION. LIBERTY. EQUALITY.
N. B. The good order of the (French Seal.) Correspondence requires, the (of the Depart.) answer should relate to the (ment of Ex.) number of the division above in (terior Rela.) dictated.
Paris, the 7th Vendemaire, of the 7th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible. The Minister of Exterior Relations to Citizen Pichon, Secretary of Legation of the French Republic, near the Batavian Republic.
I have received, successively, citizen, your letters of the 22d and 23d Fructidore. They afford me more and more reason to be pleased with the measures you have adopted to detail to me your conversations with Mr. Murray. The conversations, at first merely friendly, have acquired consistency, by the sanction I have given to them by my letter of the eleventh Fructidore.
The President's instructions to his envoys at Paris, which I have only known by the copy given you by Mr. Murray, and received by me the 21st Messidore, (9th July) announce, if they contain the whole of the American government's intentions, dispositions, which could only have added to those which the directory has always entertained; and notwithstanding the posterior acts of that government, notwithstanding the irritating and almost hostile measures they have adopted, the Directory has manifested its perseverance in the sentiments which are deposited both in my correspondence with Mr. Gerry, and in my letter to you of the 11th Fructidore, and in which I have herein before repeated in the most explicit manner.
I presume, citizen, that this letter will find you at the Hague; if not, I ask it may be sent back to you at Paris. Salute and fraternity. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
This letter was transmitted by Mr. Murray to the American government, and I own I am not acquainted with any words either in the French or English language, which could have expressed in a more solemn, a more explicit, or a more decided manner assurances of all that I had demanded as conditions of negotiation.
In what other manner could Mr. Talleyrand have transmitted the assurances demanded? He had communicated them to Mr. Gerry, but was desirous of sending them by another way that he might increase the chances of their arrival.
Mr. Gerry's letter to the Secretary of State dated Nantasket Road, October the 1st, 1798, confirmed these assurances beyond all doubt in my mind, and his conversations with me, at my own house, in Quincy, if any thing other than want of attention, would have corroborated the whole.
Quincy, April, 1809.
IN CHANCERY—Buckingham County, January Court, 1809. John Scruggs Plaintiff Vs. Wm. G. Briant & James Martin Defendants.
ON the motion of the plaintiff, by counsel, and appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the defendant Briant, is not an inhabitant of this state; It is ordered at decreed, That unless the said Briant shall appear here at May Court next, and answer the plaintiff's bill, the same will be taken for confessed to him, and the matter thereof decreed accordingly, and that a copy of this order be forthwith published in some public news-paper, of the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and another copy be posted up at the front door of the court-house of this county.
A Copy. R. ELDRIDGE, jr. D. C. April 18. w8wp
IN CHANCERY—Buckingham County, March Term, 1809. Elizabeth Alafiero administratrix of Charles Taliaferro, deceased Plaintiff, against John Bas Kerrville, Jr. Defendant.
ON the motion of the plaintiff, by counsel, and appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the defendant is not an inhabitant of this state; It is ordered and decreed, That unless the said defendant shall appear here on or before June Court next, and answer the plaintiff's bill, the court will then proceed to take the same for confessed, and decree the matter thereof accordingly, and that a copy of this order be forthwith published in some public news-paper of the city of Richmond for two months successively, and another copy posted up at the front door of the court-house of this county.
A Copy. R. ELDRIDGE, jr. D. C. April 18. w8wp
IN CHANCERY—Buckingham County, March Term, 1809. John Russell Plaintiff, against Wm. G. Briant and James Martin Defendants.
ON the motion of the plaintiff, by counsel, and appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that the defendant Briant is not an inhabitant of this state; It is ordered and decreed, That unless the said Briant appear here on or before June Court next, and answer the Bill of the plaintiff, the court will then proceed to take the same for confessed as to him, and decree the matter thereof accordingly, and that a copy of this order be forthwith published in some public news-paper of the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and another copy posted up at the front door of the court house of this county.
A Copy. R. ELDRIDGE, jr. D. C. April 18. w8wp
IN CHANCERY—Louisa county, February Court, 1809. Joseph Woolfolk and Bentley Brown Plffs. against Samuel M. Smith, executor of John Brown deceased and Frederick Harris, Defs.
THE defendant Samuel M. Smith not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly, and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this state, therefore, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel; It is ordered and decreed, by the court, That the said defendant Samuel M. Smith, do appear here on the second Monday in May next, and answer the plaintiff's bill, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the news-papers published in the city of Richmond, for eight weeks successively, & published at the front door of the court house of this county on some court day.
A Copy. Teste, JOHN POINDEXTER, C. L. E. oaw8w
IN CHANCERY—At a quarterly Court, continued and held for King and Queen County, at the Courthouse on Tuesday the 14th of March, 1809.
Joseph Temple, senr. Plff. against John W. Semple and Edward Hill, Defs.
The defendant John W. Semple not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly and rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of this Court that he is not an inhabitant of this state. On the motion of the plaintiff by his Council; It is ordered, that the said defendant John W. Semple 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 published in some public news-paper, printed in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and that another copy be posted at the front door of this Courthouse.
A copy. Teste, RO: POLLARD, C. C. March 24. oaw8w
TUITION.—A Person of respectable character, capable of teaching the Classics, and most of the important and useful branches of the English Language, wishes to engage with a respectable Family, as private Tutor for the remainder of this year; or to open a seminary in some pleasant Town or Village, where an assistant and attentive Teacher might reasonably hope, in a short time, to establish a permanent School.
FOR SALE—A VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND, lying on the banks of James River, nearly opposite to the Westover Estate; containing between eight and nine hundred acres, bounded by the river upwards of a mile; by the lands of Mr. Harrison of Maycocks and the Road leading from Cocke's ferry to Petersburg; about one fourth part of the tract is cleared; it has some grass land and affords a good range for cattle, has a good Landing place, and a profitable fishing place might be made on it, at a small expence; it has no improvements except an old dwelling house. This land, with proper village, would make a good wheat farm. One fourth part of the price will be expected on giving possession, and for the residue a credit of two, four and six years will be given if required. Miles Selden, junr. will be good enough to shew the land. T. G. PEACHY. Williamsburg, April 25. wtf
COMMITTED to the Jail of King William county, a Negro Man named TOM, a runaway, who says he belongs to a Mr. Christie, living in the state of Tennessee, and escaped from the said Christie in Bedford county, in the state of Virginia, some time in the month of August last, and says he was sold to the said Christie by a Mr. Bradley of Pittsylvania. The said fellow is about five feet eight or nine inches high, and of a yellow complexion; the owner is desired to come forward, prove his property, pay charges and take him away. H. LITTLEPAGE, D. Sheriff. Wm. GREGORY, Sheriff. April 18. w3mp
TO RENT or LEASE, The MILLS in the county of Goochland, commonly known by the name of the DOVER MILLS, situated on James River, about twenty miles above this city. These Mills are in good repair, furnished with two pair of BURR, and one pair COLOGNE STONES, and all necessary apparatus. For terms enquire of Mr. Mayo C. Watkins living in the County of Goochland, near the Mills, or of the subscriber in the City of Richmond. THOMAS RUTHERFORD. April 25. w6w
FOR SALE, GARDEN PALINGS AND SHINGLES of Cypress and of prime quality. EDWARD JOHNSTON. Rocketts, May 2. tf
LANDING from the Schooner RICHMOND, Isaac Seaman, Master:— 50 Boxes Raisins, 10 Boxes Soft Shelled Almonds, 5 Casks Green Coffee, 19 Barrels Prime Pork, and 1 Pipe London Particular Madeira Wine. IN STORE. 17 Hogsheds Brown Sugar, 25 do. Molasses, 5 Ternes Green Coffee, 75 Boxes Hayman Segars, 3 Boxes Welch Planes, Family Flour in barrels and half barrels, Young/Hyon, Hyson Skin and Souchong Tea, 10 Boxes Mould Candles, FOR SALE BY, GEORGE WATT. January 17. tf
PURSUANT to a decretal order of the chancery district court of Williamsburg, will be offered for sale, at Westmoreland court-house on the 4th Monday in May next, being court day, that very valuable FARM, situated on Nomony river, in the county of Westmoreland; the property of John Matthews, late of said county, containing 643 acres. A credit of 12 months will be given, the purchaser executing bond with approved security to the commissioners acting under the said order and a deed of trust on the land to secure the payment of the purchase money, according to the terms of the decree. April 11. tf
HATS, SHOES, PORTER, &c. D. J. RUER, offers for sale, at the same house which is kept the Penitentiary Store, second door above the Eagle-Tavern, A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF HATS. Including Gentlemen's black, drab and patent Silk BEAVER, CASTORS, RORUMS, &c. Chip and leghorn Hats, Mens' and Boys' Wool do. Servants' Cazed Leather do. Hatters' Timmings and Materials. SHOES. Ladies' Moroco and Kid Slips and Ties, Gentlemen's sperine press Shoes and Pumps. Constantly on hand a large stock of bottled Porter, Ale and Cider, Philadelphia Beer, &c. &c. April 18. tf
REMOVAL.—The Subscribers (in consequence of the late Fire) have removed to a brick tenement adjoining to Messrs. J. & R. Gamble, on the street leading to Mayo's Bridge, opposite Messrs. Town and Rives's Accomplishing House, where they have for sale, a general assortment of GEMAN GOODS, consisting of Oznaburgs & Ticklen—Fine Shirting Linen, burgs, Bed Tick, Dantzic Rolls, Damask Table Cloths, Brown Rolls, Looking Glasses, Sheetings, Liquor Cases, Dowlas, Quart, Pink and 1/2 Pint, Platillass, Decanters, Also, Fresh RE. CLOVER SEED BOHN & HUBNER. April 4. 6w
MESRS. Steph. G. Letcher, and Stephen Arnold—neither of you are residents in the state of Virginia, nor have any known agent or attorney with the same, to whom this notice can be given; hereby give you notice, that at Goochland courthouse, on the 20th day of May, 1809, between the hours of six in the morning and seven in the afternoon, I shall proceed to take the deposition of George Underwood, a single and material witness for me to a particular fact in the suit, which you have brought against me, in the circuit court of the United States, in the district of Virginia, in pursuance of a commission that purpose obtained. SAUEL WOODSON. April 21. ep4w
Merchant's, Lawyer's, Sheriff's and Constable's BLANKS, For Sale at his Office.