The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1808-01-02 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
VOL. 4.]
RICHMOND, SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1808.
[No. 71.]
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.
TO PRINTERS—FOR SALE, on very reasonable terms: About 500 wt. of BURGEOS, and 300 of BREVIER; The same Type on which the ENQUIRER was lately printed.
MR. L. TELLIER, DENTIST —Is now practicing in the various branches of his profession, i. e. cleansing and restoring the Teeth to their natural elegance, setting artificial ones, so as to be useful as well as ornamental, plugging the decayed cavities of such as can be preserved, and extracting such as are too far gone to be saved, in which operation he makes use of Bruff's Patent Extracting Instrument —which takes the teeth out without any possibility of fracturing the jaw or bruising the gums, and with much less pain than the instruments that are in general use.
He deems it unnecessary to say any thing concerning the advantages derived from the manner of his performance or his abilities, leaving it for his former operations to speak.
His dwelling is at the house next to E. Randolph's, near the Capitol. A line or servant directed to the said place, will be attended to.
Dec. 15. [ep2w] Mr. Le Tellier informs those that are travelling to Norfolk, that his Brother is practicing Dentistry there, and his abilities are unexceptionable.
YOUNG NEGROES FOR SALE —Will be sold to the highest bidder, for cash, at Durrell's tavern, in Petersburg, on Wednesday the 13th January next 25 young NEGROES. They are all young and likely, and consist of men, women and children. Should the above mentioned day be unlikely, or a sufficient number of purchasers from any cause not attend on that day, the sale will be continued from day to day till the whole are disposed of. JAMES DABNEY. Gloucester C. H. Dec. 24. (tds.)
FOR SALE —The subscriber is desirous of selling his PROPERTY in this City. The purchaser will be accommodated with time if required, on giving satisfactory security. SAML. GREENHOW. October 7. [tf]
FEMALE EDUCATION will be continued at Mount-air, the ensuing year, under the direction of Miss Terrell: who will teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, English Grammar and Geography.
The school will be opened on Monday the 18th January. Terms—For Board and Tuition, each finding her own bedding, $100 per annum, paid quarterly in advance; and as provisions will be made in due time for the reception of boarders, no deduction can be made for entering a boarder after a part of the first quarter has elapsed nor for the necessary vacations. HUMPHREY HILL. Caroline, Dec. 17. [9tf]
MORE CHEAP GOODS —JOHN KING, again respectfully informs his customers & the public, that he has just received, by the late arrivals from Philadelphia and New-York, a general assortment of Fashionable and Seasonable GOODS, which are now opening at his Store, the second door below the Eagle-Tavern; where they may be had upon as good terms, for cash, as at any other place in the City. November 6. [eptf.]
FOR SALE , 121,000 acres of LAND in Kenawha county, in the forks of Great Sandy river; 24,000 do. in Tazewell county, on the waters of Clinch river; 20,000 do. in the county of Wythe, on Reed and Peak creeks; 1,000 do. in Randolph county, on the waters of Cheat river; Also, 50,000 acres of Virginia Land Warrants. The above will be sold very low, and great accommodation given in the payments. To RENT, a Brick House, on Shockoe-Hill, in a good neighborhood, and possessing every accommodation for a family. THOS: NORVELL. Dec. 19. tf
KIRBY, DRAKE & TAYLOR —Have just received by the late arrivals from London & Liverpool, in addition to their Fall Assortment, 1 bare London superfine Cloths and Cassimeres, 20 do. Kendal Cottons, 2 do. Carpets and Carpeting, 4 boxes 4-4 Irish Linen, 1 do. Diapers, Lawn and Sheetings. All of which will be sold low for cash or on a short credit. Dec. 15. [eptf.]
FOR SALE —A Tract of LAND, lying on Mattopony river in the county of King William, about two miles above Fraser's Ferry, belonging to the estate of William Brooke, dec'd. This Land is remarkably well, and contains 760 acres of high land and upwards of one hundred acres of wild out marsh, which afford a delightful range for stock. The sale will take place on the 4th day of January next, on the premises, on the following terms, to wit: One fourth of the purchase money to be paid on the 1st of February next, the balance in two annual instalments, with interest from the date if not punctually paid. A more particular description of this Land is thought unnecessary, as those who are inclined to purchase will doubtless view it. The Land will be shown to any person disposed to purchase, by Mr. Wm. Alvey adjoining the premises. RICHARD BROOKE, Executor. Dec. 29. [tds.]
ABSCONDED from the subscriber on the night of the 15th current, a Negro MAN named Archie, about 25 years of age: he has been branded on both cheeks some years ago by his former master, which makes them blacker than the rest of his skin, and perhaps may have the mark of the whip on his back; he is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, somewhat bow legged and stoops a little as he walks; he has a variety of cloths: amongst which are a long black coat, a sailor suit of dark blue cloth and an old drab short jacket; he generally has his hair plaited in various parts of his head; he is well known also in the shop Hanties, belonging to me. I will give ten dollars reward to any person apprehending and lodging him in jail so that I get him again, and all masters of vessels and others are forewarned not to harbor or employ him, or to give him any false papers, or to assist him in any way, for if they do the law will be enforced against them. DAVID ANDERSON. Petersburg, Dec. 29, [4t.]
JOHN SCUDDER , respectfully informs the Ladies & Gentlemen of Richmond, Manchester and their Vicinities, that his GRAND EXHIBITION is now open for the reception of Company, at the Eagle-Tavern, Main-Street, Richmond: Consisting of the Historical PANORAMA of the ever-memorable BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL , with a view of Charles River, the English Shipping, and Floating Batteries. Also, a view of Corps Hill , in Boston, Massachusetts. Likewise, the BOMBARDMENT OF TRIPOLI , by the United States' Squadron of Frigates and Gun-Boats, under the command of the brave Commodore Edward Preble ; with a view of the town, batteries and adjacent Country. The destruction of the Frigate PHILADELPHIA , in the Harbour of Tripoli, by that gallant officer captain Stephen Decatur , in the Ketch Intrepid , assisted by the Brig Syrén . A correct likeness of BROOK WATSON, Esq. A most singular trait in the history of this Man, when 22 years of age, he being in the port of Havana, bathing in the water, was attacked by an enormous Shark, who seized him by the leg and tore it from his body, at the joint of the knee. The ship's boat was instantly sent to the unhappy man's relief, and arrived barely in time to rescue Mr. Watson, at the very moment when the shark was turning to attack him the second time; surgical aid was immediately administered, Mr. Watson recovered and some years after this truly miraculous escape, he was chosen Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Admission, from 8 in the morning till 9 in the evening. The Room will be well lighted every evening (Sunday excepted). Admittance, 50 cents—Children half price. N. B. This Painting contains 600 square feet of Canvas, and was executed by that eminent Italian Artist, P. Corney. Dec. 19. [tf]
NOTICE !!—The subscriber purposes leaving this City in the course of a few days, has determined to dispose of the whole or any part of his stock now remaining on hand at a very reduced price ; which consists of a large and superb assortment of Mahogany Furniture, Mattresses of all kinds and sizes, Paper-hangings, Window Blinds, Fringes, Tassels, Cords, &c. &c. W. HAUGHTON. N. B. Those who feel inclined to purchase, will apply opposite the City Tavern, on the main street. Dec. 31. [tf]
EDUCATION —A French gentleman, well known in this place, intends devoting his time to the Tuition of the FRENCH LANGUAGE . The most strict attention shall be paid to those who may become his pupils. A line addressed to A. B. and left at the office of the Enquirer, will be attended to. Dec. 31. [ep4t.]
TUITION —A young man qualified to conduct an English school (and has taught seven or eight years) wishes to engage in a private family or good neighborhood, with about 12 pupils: Wages being a secondary consideration, as an agreeable situation is more his object than a lucrative one. A line directed to D. P. C. King & Queen court house, will be promptly attended to. Dec. 31. [2tf]
STOLEN or strayed on the evening of Christmas day, a small light dun coloured Poney, white mane and tail, roached and bobbed. The person who will return him to the subscriber, shall be rewarded according to the trouble he has had. WILLIAM DYER, near the Loan-Office. Richmond, Dec. 31. (2t)
NOTICE —All persons indebted to the late Alexander Banks, dec'd of Manchester, are hereby requested to come forward and discharge their accounts as speedily as possible: and those persons having claims against the estate will bring in their claims properly authenticated, when provision will be made for their discharge, by ROBERT GRAHAM, Adm'r. of the estate of Alex'r. Banks, with the will annexed. Manchester, Dec. 31. [tds.]
PUBLIC SALE —On Saturday the 20th day of January ensuing, will be sold, at the plantation of the late Alexander Banks of Manchester, the entire stock of Cattle, Corn, Fodder, Hay, Plantation Utensils, &c. Terms of sale—Cash for all sums under 20 dollars, over twenty dollars, six months credit, the purchaser giving negotiable notes with approved endorsers, payable at the Bank of Virginia. ROBERT GRAHAM, Adm'r. of the estate of Alex'r. Banks, with the will annexed. Dec. 31. (tds.)
SALES of Valuable Property —On Monday the 15th day of February ensuing, will be exposed to public sale, at the late dwelling house of Alexander Banks, deceased, a variety of Household & Kitchen Furniture, three or four likely Negro Men, a few excellent milch Cows, two Horses, a small Wagon and Gear, &c. &c. Terms of sale—Six months credit for all sums over fifty dollars, the purchasers giving negotiable notes with approved endorsers, payable at the Bank of Virginia. R. GRAHAM, Adm'r. of the estate of Alex'r. Banks, with the will annexed. Dec. 31. (tds.)
WINGFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL will be opened on the 10th of January, on the usual terms, where accommodation will be provided for 15 or 20 boarders. PETER NELSON. Dec. 31. (4tf)
VIRGINIA to wit —At a Chancery District Court held in the city of Williamsburg, the 26th day of April, 1806. Benjamin H. Hilliard, Plaintiff —Against Armistead Hilliard and Reuben Jones, Defendants. The defendant Armistead Hilliard not having entered his appearance and given security according to the acts 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 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 some newspaper of the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former Capitol in this city. A Copy. ANTY. ROBINSON, c. c. Dec. 31. [law8w.]
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD —Stolen with the Saddle-Bags of the Farmville Post-rider, two water proof Locks, belonging to a double-barreled gun: the cock of the right hand lock was broken off with the part of the tumbler with which it was connected; the upper jaw and screw of the left hand cock were wanting. The above reward will be given to any person delivering them at the office of the Enquirer, or furthering them to the subscriber—No questions asked. THOS. ROBINSON. Farmville, Prince-Edward, Dec. 19—[law3w]
I TAKE this method of informing my distant clients, that I have relinquished the practice of Law in the county courts of Northumberland and Lancaster, and the district court of Northumberland, and have transferred my law-business, except in those cases in which I was opposed to me, to Stokely Towles, esq. of Lancaster county. JOHN MILLER, Jun. Dec. 31. [law4w.]
WILL BE SOLD , at public auction, on the 18th day of January next, at the door of the Eagle-Tavern, ninety-two thousand, seven hundred and thirty acres of western LANDS, lying in the counties of Montgomery, Harrison and Kanawha. A credit of one, two, three and four years will be allowed, if satisfactory security shall be given. SAMUEL GREENHOW. Richmond, Oct. 7. (oa wtds.)
VIRGINIA —At a Superior Court of Chancery held at the Capitol, in Richmond, May 1st, 1807.
Samuel Booker, administrator , with the will annexed of Wm. Brown, deceased, Plaintiff —Against J. John Scott and William Webb, Defendants.
The defendant Wm. Webb, 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 motion of the plaintiff by counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the bill of the plaintiff, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper, published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the Capitol in the said city. A Copy. PETER TINSLEY, c. c. Dec. 19. (law8w.)
LOST , between Hanover Court House, and the Eagle-Tavern, in the city of Richmond, this day, a red Morocco Pocket-Book, with Bank Notes, to the amount of ninety-five dollars—one fifty dollar note of the U. States' branch at Savannah, No. 5563—two twenty dollar notes of the Virginia Bank, and a five dollar, the numbers of the three last not now recollected; with two Bonds of Warner L. Wormeley's of a thousand dollars, given to Robert B. Gaines of King and Queen, one of five hundred due the first of January 1810, and the other also of five hundred dollars due in January 1811; with sundry other papers that can be of no service to any person but the owner. Who ever will deliver the said Pocket-Book with the ninety five dollars and all the other papers that were in it when lost, to Mr. Poitiaux of this city, or to the subscriber residing in King William near Hanover Courthouse, shall receive twenty dollars. THOMAS CARY NELSON. Richmond, Dec. 23. [2awtf.]
EDUCATION —My school will be open for the reception of students the ensuing year about the first of February; in which will be taught, English Grammar, Latin, Geography, History, Euclid's Elements, Elocution, Book-keeping, Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. The price for tuition will be twenty dollars for the term, to be paid half yearly in advance—Board may be had on reasonable terms in the neighbourhood. RICHD. M. SEGAR. Middlesex, Dec. 24. (law8w.)
NEGROES FOR SALE —By virtue of a deed of trust, executed to us by Chas. M. Gilliam, to secure the payment of a sum of money due to Richard Richardson, will be offered for sale for cash, at public auction at the house of John Anderson, in the town of New Canton, on Wednesday the 20th of next month, two likely NEGROES, viz. Jacob and Suky. ELLIS PUTNEY,  M. M. LANGHORNE,  JOHN B. SADLER,  Trustees. New Canton, Dec. 24. (law8w.)
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,  TUESDAY, Dec. 8.  Debate on the bill from the Senate authorizing the building of gun-boats and for the defence of ports and harbors. (CONTINUED.)
Mr. Blount said, that having the honor to be a member of the committee to whom had been committed by the house the subject of aggressions, he would ask the indulgence of the House to repeal an aggression on that committee, especially as he meant to do it by means which would not interrupt the tranquillity of the House. A gentleman from New-Hampshire had said or intimated that that committee regardless of their duty, had shown a particular partiality to the mode of defence by gun-boats. It would be a sufficient answer to this imputation to read the resolutions constituting that committee and the committee on our military and naval establishments. [Mr. B. read these resolutions.] He would ask the gentleman whether he could have expected from the committee of aggressions, a report proposing an augmentation of our naval force? The committee had an equal regard to the protection of all the states. As to the southern states, Mr. B. said, particularly the state which he had the honor to represent, they required no protection beyond their proportion. Far from having such selfish views as seemed to be entertained by some gentlemen, they relied more on their own strength and spirit for protection, than on fortifications by the U. S. A great deal had been said by gentlemen on the inefficiency of these boats. Mr. B. regretted that it was not known by the President of the U. S. when he was last session called upon for information on their utility, that there were other gentlemen in the U. S. than those whose opinions he had transmitted, who had such accurate knowledge on this subject. The committee, however, had believed that the evidence in their favor was conclusive; Mr. B. therefore called for the reading of the message of the President of the U. S. of the 10th February, 1807, with the accompanying papers. Which were read.
Mr. Cook said he could have wished that the different modes of defence should have been united, and decided upon together; but
from the disposition of gentlemen who were in favor of the gun-boat system, the House appeared to be compelled now to decide on this alone. It was well known that he was not averse to the proposition for constructing a number of gun-boats; that he had last session given his vote in favor of them, and was now in favor of increasing the number, believing that in some situations they might be eminently useful; but when he found that so large a sum had been appropriated, almost to the exclusion of any other mode of defence, he deemed it his duty to give his vote in favor of a proposition tending more equally to apportion the modes of defence.
It had been moved to strike out of the bill a certain number of gun-boats, and insert a certain number of ships of war. That a navy was necessary for the protection of our commerce was the opinion of President Washington, expressed at a time when our commerce was comparatively small. [Mr. C. here read an extract from an address to Congress from President Washington.] Mr. C. acknowledged that he had not experimental knowledge on this subject; but he appealed to the candor of those gentlemen who advocated this mode of defence, to accord to him that liberality which he would exercise towards them. He meant to impeach the motives of no man. He conceived that every gentleman would act according to the dictates of his conscience, and he claimed their indulgence to do the same.
He believed that gentlemen of the same political name through the union differed more on this subject than on any other whatever. It was natural to suppose that gentlemen whose property was afloat on the ocean should wish to adopt those means of defence which should appear to be most useful, efficient, and necessary for that purpose. Three fourths, if not seven eighths, of the mercantile interest of whatever political opinions from South to North, of the shipholders, commanders of ships, and officers on board of them, those persons whose property was at stake on the ocean, were in favor of the protection of commerce by ships of war, and did not feel that respect for gun-boats which had been attributed to them. He felt confident that he now spoke the sentiments of the mercantile interest generally; and that part of it which he had the honor to represent, being in favor of the present administration, were almost unanimously in favor of the protection of commerce by ships of war. Gun-boats were merely an aid for repelling invasion; he contended that they were not calculated for deep waters, or for the protection of commerce in time of war, when the enterprise of our citizens should induce them to venture out. He had in his hands a late newspaper which he begged permission to read, from which it appeared that twenty gun-boats had been entirely defeated by one single frigate and another small vessel.
Mr. C. said he was in favor of gun-boats generally, but wished them to be somewhat limited in their number. It had been said that some able naval commanders had been in favor of gun-boats. He was as well acquainted with commodore Preble (whose opinion had been stated in favor of them) as any gentleman in the House; that officer was of opinion that they might be useful in some circumstances, as in the waters of Tripoli; but had any man proposed to commodore Preble to take command of an armament of gun-boats, he would have shrunk from the offer. When an offer was lately made to commodore — to take command of the gun-boats, he accepted it, and said he would do anything for the service his country might require; but addressing himself to the gentleman who made him the offer, he begged if any larger ships were to be constructed, that he might not be confined to boats. Mr. C. thought, however, that the opinion of a commander of a squadron should not go further than that of any other officer, neither was he disposed to receive the dicta of any of the heads of departments on the subject; he was sent here by his constituents to legislate and not to rely upon their opinions in his vote on any subject. He felt astonished when he heard gentlemen say they must do this or that, because it was agreeable to the opinion of the Secretary of the Navy. When he asked these officers for information, he was willing to receive it; but he did not want their opinions. The House had the opinion of the Secretary of war at the last session; he reported an opinion that $20,000 was necessary for fortifications the ensuing year. Did the House concur in this opinion? No: they appropriated $150,000 for that object. Mr. C. did not conceive the opinion of any person to be entitled to consideration by the House: it was their duty to act as they conceived to be correct, and to be guided by calculations from whatever quarter, when supported by reason.
The U. States had formerly had a navy; it grew up under the first administration, increased under the second, and had not decreased under the third. What was the cause why a navy was unpopular? Was it because of its utility? Was it because it was degraded on the ocean? Neither; nor was the prejudice against a navy warranted by experience; for navies had been found useful and adopted by every nation under heaven. The true reason was, that the navy was augmented to serve offensively against France, when a large majority of the people of the U. S. believed (and with whom he himself thought) that the war then waged against that power was a war against reason. The high-toned measures adopted on that occasion caused the diversion of the public sentiment; the increase of the navy as an abstract measure, was never disapproved of by the northern states. It was there generally conceived that a navy commensurate with our means was absolutely necessary for the protection of our commerce. What rendered it unpopular, was, that it was intended to be used against a power that had been friendly to us; to whom we considered ourselves as owing a debt of gratitude, and to whom we had so conducted ourselves by an alliance with G. Britain, that she was almost justifiable in the measures she then pursued. This was the reason why that and other measures were at that time so extremely unpopular. Were the navy now to be increased to repel aggression from any foreign power, it would be regarded as a proper measure. He was not in favor of a large increase
of our navy; but he conceived it necessary to have a few large ships to drive from their ports scattering ships of an enemy. He thought himself not out of order since the opinion of the President of the United States on the subject of gun-boats had been read, verbally to quote his opinion on this subject. The President was in favor of large ships; he thought it was improper that any single ship should be able to block up a port or harbor of the U. States; and that a remedy should be provided. Mr. C. thought that no danger could arise to the liberties of the people from an increase of the navy; he called upon gentlemen who supported that doctrine to quote a single instance where any nation had lost its liberty from a navy. He did not himself consider an increase of our navy necessary at the present moment, but it might be necessary at a future time; it would not therefore be improper now to provide materials, that they might have them in readiness when wanted. At present their attention should be directed solely to the defence of their cities on the sea coast; but at any future time, when it should be made satisfactory to appear to this government that the nations of Europe were disposed to coalesce for the purpose of asserting those rights which were dear to every maritime power, he hoped the U. S. would be ready and willing to join them in maintaining the freedom of navigation. It has been said, by some people, observed Mr. C. that we ought to lie by on our arms and avert the event of the European contest; let the alone, say they, let Bonaparte fight it out with them. Now this was a doctrine to which Mr. C. could not subscribe. If there was one great power disposed to control and dominate over the ocean, and the U. S. had great property at stake, why not pay their proportion, their footing as it were? He considered an opposite conduct pusillanimous and unjust. They had more tons of shipping afloat, and were more largely concerned in the freedom of the seas, than any nation on earth, one only excepted; and should they say that they would lie by unconcerned, while the dearest rights of nations were destroyed by any one nation? It must be clear to every one that they should not, and yet instead of increasing their defensive powers where they were assailable and most vulnerable, he was hurt to hear gentlemen propose means of defence for points perfectly unconnected with existing events, which consisted in the harassing their navigation, and inflicting injuries on their floating commerce.
Mr. C. did not want ships for protection of our cities; he had no fear of their being hurt; he considered them as sufficiently protected by the proposed fortifications and gun-boats, but all the money in the treasury should not be applied to these subjects. The merchants of the U. States were more concerned for the defence of their property which they had sent beyond seas than for the burning or sacking of our cities. Some cities, it was true, had been burnt during the revolutionary war; but it should be recollected that the enemy then carried on a war of extermination, and even invited the savages to burn our towns. The war which was now feared was not a war of the same stamp; it would be merely a war for the right of trade, and not carried on in so sanguinary a manner.
Mr. C. did not believe that these gun-boats would aid or increase the spirit of the officers and men employed in our marine service. It was not a little extraordinary that those gentlemen who had been in the habit of telling the House that they were opposed to all naval appropriations, opposed to fortifying our cities, opposed to commerce altogether, and wished the people of the U. States were in the isolated situation of the Chinese, mere receivers of trade—it was indeed extraordinary that they should now force the northern states to receive that protection which they did not want. Why not permit them to receive that species of protection which was most congenial to their wishes? In speaking thus, he certainly expressed the sense of the mercantile interest generally.
Many maritime nations had in different ages grown into existence, had risen and declined; but we read of none that ever refused to defend their commerce. This plan of defence was a new and untried thing; would it not be prudent to make the experiment on a smaller scale? Let me know by experiment, said Mr. C. that as many guns as a large frigate carried, distributed in gun-boats, will conquer that frigate and I shall be convinced of their efficiency, but no till then. Mr. C. said he did not feel willing that so large a part of the resources of the country should be expended, for the purpose of trying new theories to so great an extent as was proposed. He had at present very little opinion of the efficiency of blocks sunk in the channels of ports for the purpose of impeding navigation, and preventing the approach of an enemy. If any thing could manifest the people of the United States to be a pusillanimous people, it would be done by defending their own harbors in preference to defending them; and the torpedo scheme was of the same stamp. Mr. C. predicted, that if these gun-boats were built and there was no occasion for their service, they would not be competent to the transportation of tobacco, flour, or any productions of the country. A project had been hatched for deserting their cities, and running over the mountains, when attacked; it would be much the same with their gun-boats—when an enemy approached, they would be obliged to abandon them. They would not answer; and in the event this country would be compelled to adopt the same plan as other nations—and to erect a navy for the protection of their commerce. Last year when they were on this subject, fortifications were ridiculed, and it was almost as much as a man's head was worth, to propose any thing of the kind. Now, when dangers became more pressing, those very persons who were most opposed to them, considered money as well laid out in erecting fortifications.
He was happy to find, however, that one and all were determined to resist the enemy at the water's edge; he did hope the time was not far distant when every gentleman who felt interested in the common stock, to protect which was their common duty, would admit that the erection of a navy was an advisable, an indispensable measure of

protection and defence. Was there any gentleman, however remote from the shore, who would not feel degraded and indignant at the knowledge that one single ship of 100 guns for instance had laid under contribution the city of Charleston or Norfolk? Had the United States now any force to prevent such an occurrence? It was the opinion of gentlemen in this country best acquainted with naval force, that the United States could muster no force, sufficient to contend with a ship of the line. Was it not time then to have such a force? He hoped this amendment might prevail, as a commencement to a naval force.
(Debate to be continued.)
Conclusion of the Minutes of Tuesday last.
Mr. Blount hoped the motion would not prevail. It gave him however, some satisfaction to find that this subject was not totally abandoned, for the language which had lately been used on that floor would have left him to suppose that there was no necessity for fortification at all. [Mr. B. was here called to order by the Speaker, for making allusion to what had taken place with closed doors.] Mr. B. said he had not mentioned any particular time on which this had been said, and therefore had not transgressed against the rules of order. The gentleman who made this motion must be convinced he could not get a larger sum than one million of dollars; a recommittal therefore would only produce a useless delay.
After some conversation at the request of the Speaker, Mr. M. reduced his motion to writing to this effect: "Ordered, that the bill for fortification, &c. be recommitted to a committee of the whole for the purpose of striking out the sum of one million, and inserting 1,500,000 dollars."
Mr. Stanford moved to amend the motion by striking out "1,500,000" and inserting "500,000."
The Speaker declared the amendment to be a substitute for the original motion, and that it could not be received.
The question was then taken on the motion of Mr. Masters, by Yeas and Nays, as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. Blake, J. Campbell, Chittenden, Cook, Dana, Durell, Elliot, Ely, Gardener, Gardner, Harris, Helms, Howard, Humphreys, Kirkpatrick, Masters, Milnor, Mumford, Pitken, Quincey, Rowan, Russell, Stedman, Storer, Sturges, Swart, Tallmadge, Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Upham, Van Allen, Van Cortlandt, Van Rensselaer, Wilbour—35.
NAYS—Messrs. L. J. Alston, W. Alston, Bacon, Barker, Bassett, Blackledge, Blount, Boyle, Brown, Butler, Calhoun, G. W. Campbell, Carlton, Champion, Chandler, M. Clay, Clopton, Cobb, Crowninshield, Culpepper, Cutts, Dawson, Deane, Desha, Findley, Fisk, Franklin, Goodwyn, Gray, Green, Heister, Hoge, Holland, Holmes, Isley, Johnson, Kelly, Kenan, Key, Knight, Lambert, Love, Macon, Marion, McCreery, J. Montgomery, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, Jer. Morrow, J. Morrow, Nelson, Newbold, Newton, Nicholas, Porter, Pugh, Rea, (Penn.) Rhea, (Ten.) J. Richards, M. Richards, Riker, Sawyer, Seaver, Sloan, Smelt, Smilie, J. K. Smith, S. Smith, J. Smith, Southard, Stanford, Troup, Van Horn, Wharton, Whitehill, M. Williams, Wilson, Winn, Withers—79.
The question then being on concurrence with the sum of one million, reported by the committee of the whole,
Mr. Cook spoke generally on the subject of fortifications, at considerable length, in which he protested against receiving the dicta of any officers of government as to what sums they were to appropriate, or what measures to adopt, at the same time that he professed the highest personal respect for those officers, as well as of the committee of aggression who reported the bill under consideration, the members composing which, though very respectable gentlemen and some of them military characters, were generally from the interior of the country, and could not be supposed capable of judging of measures proper to be adopted for the defence of the sea coast; he protested against the report of the committee and general course of procedure because the House were not told how many bastions, &c. or what description of fortifications were to be erected at the respective places; that the harbor near which he lived had sufficient depth of water to admit the largest ship in the English navy, and had not been estimated as requiring a defence, anything near equal to what would be necessary; and lastly he protested in his own name and that of his constituents against the sum reported by the committee of the whole, as totally inadequate to answer its professed object.
Mr. Sloan replied to Mr. Cook in an humorous strain showing that although he agreed with the gentleman in almost every thing he had said, taken abstractly, he differed, with him totally as to the conclusion he had drawn from his positions.
The bill was then ordered to a third reading.
To-morrow was named as the day for its third reading, but negatived—Ayes 29.
Today being named, was agreed to without a division.
Mr. Thomas, from the committee to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill for the further relief of the refugees from the British provinces of Canada and Nova Scotia; which was read twice, and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Crowninshield said it would be acknowledged by all that the prompt communication of information along the coast to different parts of the country would be extremely advantageous at any time; perhaps it was more proper to be considered at this moment than at any time since the conclusion of the treaty of peace which established our independence. It was true that the U. S. had a mail running from each extreme of the continent to the other; but information could not through the medium of the mail, be conveyed with the expedition which a Telegraph would afford to important intelligence. This had been acknowledged by almost all governments; and in France, Spain, and England they had been found of great utility. There had been a Telegraph in this country, from the Vineyard to Boston, a distance of about 100 miles; and communications could be made by it between those places in one hour. Calculating from this fact, information might be communicated from Norfolk to the seat of government in two hours, and from Washington to New-York or Boston in three or four hours. To bring this subject before the House he should offer the following resolution:
Resolved, That it be expedient to authorize the President of the U. S. to establish such a TELEGRAPH along the coast and in other directions in the U. S. as he may think proper.
Mr. C. said, as this was a subject which might require some discussion, being so little known he should not now press its decision, but moved that the resolution be referred to a committee of the whole to-morrow.
After some conversation on the propriety of a reference to a committee of the whole in preference to a select committee, the reference proposed by the mover of the resolution was agreed to—Ayes 55, Nays 34.
Mr. Alston said the committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business had some days ago made a report of bills the term of duration of which would expire in a certain time. Amongst others, Mr. A. said the House would perceive that the law passed in 1804, for establishing the salaries of the officers of the U. S. would expire on the first day of January. The Secretary of the Treasury, it would be found, in making up his estimates for the ensuing year, had predicted that part relating to salaries on the supposition that the salaries would be fixed at the same rates as they were formerly. It was proper that this subject should be now considered; and with that view Mr. A. submitted an order directing the committee of W. and M. to enquire into the subject and report by bill; which was agreed to.
Mr. Findley moved for the order of the day on the report of the committee of Elections to whom was recommitted the report of that committee on the contested election of Wm. McCreery.
This business was, on motion of Mr. Blount, postponed till to-morrow, when the enclosed bill supplementary to an act entitled "An act for fortifying the ports and harbors of the U. S." was read the third time and passed new con.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23.
Mr. J. Smith presented the petition of Chas. Mynn Thurston, for himself and others, praying for services during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the committee of Claims.
Mr. Bassett, from the committee to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill for incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the town of Alexandria, in the district of Columbia, which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Campbell, from the committee of Ways and Means, reported a bill making appropriations for the support of government during the year 1808, which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole House on Friday next.
Mr. Porter said, that as the act for the relief of debtors now stood, a debtor must at all events submit to imprisonment at least thirty days before he could be relieved, and then the discharge was only against the particular debt for which he was confined, although there might be other actions against him for each of which he was liable to the same length of confinement as in the first instance. It appeared to Mr. P. that this law bore hard on the honest but unfortunate debtor. He had long been of opinion that it was unjust and impolitic to confine a debtor in jail who had evinced the strongest desire to comply with the obligations of justice by surrendering up the whole of his property. If some provision could be devised which would guard the rights of the creditor, and at the same time save a debtor, who acted with integrity towards his creditors from a confinement in the common jail, where his energies might be paralyzed, his morals perhaps injured, his character depreciated, and which might prevent him from hereafter becoming useful to himself, family or country, it would indisputably be worthy an enlightened legislature. He then moved the following, which was agreed to.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any and if any what alterations are necessary in the act for the relief of persons imprisoned for debt, passed the 6th day of January, 1800, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Holmes, from the committee of Claims to whom the subject was referred, made a report unfavorable to the petition of Peter Landais, which was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Gray, from the committee appointed to enquire into the expediency of amending the ordinance for the government of the North Western Territory so far as relates to the duties of the supreme and superior judges of the Indiana Territory, reported a bill to amend the ordinance for the government of the North Western Territory; which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Gray moved that the petition of Robert Mabry, presented at a former session, be referred to the committee of the whole to whom was referred the bill reported by the committee on Claims barred, &c. Agreed.
On motion of Mr. Findley the House went into a committee of the whole on the report of the committee of Elections to whom was recommitted the report on the petition of Joshua Barney; and the resolution concluding the report being under consideration as follows:
Resolved, That Wm. McCreery, having the greatest number of votes, and being duly qualified, agreeably to the constitution of the United States, is entitled to his seat in this House.
A lengthy discussion took place, as well on the report, as on the various amendments proposed; as we have given the former debate on this subject at great length, we shall now confine ourselves to a brief statement of the course of procedure on this strongly contested question:
Messrs. Findley and Sturges supported the report, and confirmed the statement, of facts and procedure before the committee, as detailed in the former debate on the subject.
Mr. Love moved to strike out of the resolution the words "agreeably to the constitution of the U. States."
Mr. Goldsborough suggested the propriety of Mr. Love's withdrawing his motion, and renewing it in the whole House, when the votes on the question could be recorded.
Mr. Love declined withdrawing his amendment.
Mr. Key objected to the motion, because the House would by agreeing to such an amendment, express an opinion that a member could be entitled to his seat, without being duly qualified; which was absurd.
Mr. Love defended his motion, and declared his wish to be, to avoid a decision on the rights of states.
Messrs. Alston, G. W. Campbell and Upham opposed the motion.
Mr. Smilie said there was no member in the House but believed that Mr. McCreery was qualified by the law of the United States and he could not conceive the object of the motion.
Mr. Macon should prefer voting on the resolution in the original general form in which the committee had placed it in their first report.
Mr. Nelson declared his firm belief that
Wm. McCreery was not entitled to his seat; that the resolution as reported, was insidious, though he believed it was not intended or perceived by the committee, as it went to prostrate the law of Maryland; he believed the state had a right to fix qualifications for its representatives, and would contend for that right as long as he lived; if the law of Maryland was constitutional Wm. McCreery was not entitled to his seat; if it was unconstitutional, he was duly elected; gentlemen might evade the question in any way, but it should be taken in such a manner as fairly & honestly to show the grounds on which they voted; he always wished to register his vote in such a way that his constituents might understand clearly the reasons which actuated him.
Mr. Marion moved to amend the amendment proposed to the resolution by striking out other words, so that the resolution should read thus: "Resolved, That Wm. McCreery is entitled to his seat in this House"—and thereby avoid a decision on the constitutional validity of a state law.
Mr. Rhea advocated the amendment last proposed, from a wish to avoid a decision on state laws.
Mr. Clopton advocated the amendment and discussed the general principles of the constitutional question, in a highly argumentative speech of considerable length. He very strongly supported the right of the states to annex qualifications, and pointed out the evils to be feared from a contrary decision, which would be implicated by the resolution as reported.
He was followed by Mr. Sloan on the same side of the question.
Messrs. Findley and Sturges opposed, and Messrs. Goldsborough, G. W. Campbell, and Upham supported, the amendment last offered.
The question being taken on the amendment was carried—Ayes 73.
The question was then taken on the resolution as amended and carried—Ayes 83.
The committee then rose and reported the resolution as amended.
On the question of concurrence with the amendment reported by the committee of the whole.
Messrs. Kelly and Smilie opposed, and Mr. Marion and Mr. Taylor supported it.
The question was then taken on the amendment by yeas and nays—Yeas 70—Nays 37.
Mr. Randolph moved to amend the resolution, so as to read,
Resolved, That Wm. McCreery, not being qualified according to the law of Maryland, is not entitled to his seat in this House.
The Speaker declared the amendment to be a substitute to the resolution and therefore not in order.
Mr. Randolph, said he wished to bring the question of the constitutionality of the law of Maryland before the House, and therefore was constrained to move an amendment against which he should vote himself; he then moved to insert "being duly qualified by the law of Maryland, is entitled, &c."
The Speaker conceived that the House had already determined that the word qualified should not be contained in the resolution.
Mr. Randolph then moved it in another form: "having the qualifications prescribed by the law of Maryland is entitled, &c."
The motion being admitted in this form, Messrs. Key and Rhea (T.) opposed the amendment.
Mr. Montgomery warmly opposed the amendment; said he should never give his consent to any proposition by which the House should be compelled to give a decision on the constitutionality of a state law—should never consent that the House should be erected into a tribunal for that purpose.
The House adjourned without coming to any decision on the amendment.
THURSDAY, Dec. 24.
Mr. Randolph presented the petition of Joseph Ward praying payment of a claim against the United States; which was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter, from the Secretary of the Treasury, enclosing the annual statement of the district tonnage of the United States on the 30th December, 1806.
From this document it appears that the actual tonnage of the U. S. on the 30th Dec. 1806, might be estimated at about,
Registered tonnage 808,300 Enrolled do. 286,400 Fishing do. 66,300 1,161,000 Sea letter vessels not noticed in former statements 87,000 1,248,000
In the year 1806 were built 126,093 tons.—Of which 93,971 were registered, & 32,121 enrolled.
This report was read and ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Garnett obtained leave of absence till Thursday next.
Mr. Milner presented the petition of Alexander Morrison, which was referred to the committee of Claims barred, &c.
Mr. G. W. Campbell, from the committee of Ways and Means, presented a bill to continue in force for a limited time the act, entitled "An act continuing for a limited time the salaries of the officers of government therein mentioned;" which was twice read, and referred to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Harris presented the petition of Gilbert Goodrich, which was referred to the committee of Claims.
On motion of Mr. Findley the House took up for consideration the report of the committee of Elections on the contested election of Joshua Barney.
Mr. Randolph's motion of yesterday to insert "having the qualifications prescribed by the law of Maryland" being yet under consideration.
Mr. M. Clay observed, that being a member of the committee who made the report, and that committee having been attacked both without and within the walls of the House, he was called upon by the committee, who had a meeting on the subject, to rise & state the truth as respected the proceedings of that committee. About the 9th of Nov. the committee had made a report on this subject, "that Wm. McCreery is entitled to his seat in this House." Not satisfied with this report, the House had sent it back for a more particular statement on the suggestion of a gentleman from N. C. that the committee had not done justice to the petitioner; that they had not made a fair statement of facts as presented to them. On this subject a great discussion had then taken place; it had received more consideration and more deliberation than any subject of the kind that ever came before the House. About the time that this report was re-committed, it was attacked not only in the House, but also by a newspaper in Baltimore, under the title of "The
Whig;" after having stated the report of the committee that paper concluded by saying that a particular fact was not admitted by Mr. Barney. Now with respect to that report of the committee the truth was, that the facts were taken down by the chairman of the committee, the parties being present; when it was stated to them, they could not directly agree; but after some time, several days, the report was made out and read to them; they seemed to agree except in one point; Mr. McCreery contended that he had been in town ten days previous to the election, and Mr. Barney would admit but five or six; they at last however agreed that it should be stated at five or six. The report was at this time read over to them several different times, and the parties did consent to the statement of facts. Five or six members of the committee were then present, who would bear testimony to this statement. At the time the member from N. C. attacked the report, a member from S. C. (Mr. D. R. Williams) rose and stated the facts as Mr. C. had now stated them. The House, however, not contented with this statement, wished a more perfect report, sent it back to the same committee, who gave the parties time to procure farther proof on the case. When they returned from Baltimore they brought with them such evidence as they could collect which was reported by the committee & now before the House. He should not now have risen, had not this report been attacked by that newspaper, and had not an honorable gentleman whom he esteemed and respected as much as he did any member in the House (Mr. Nelson) yesterday declared that the last report was insidious. This was a heavy charge on the committee. Had that gentleman or any other stated wherein that report did not comport with the evidence? He had not, he could not. Members did not voluntarily form committees, they were compelled to do it by an order of the House. It was the duty of the committee of Elections to collate evidence, and to state to the House such facts as might come before them with their opinion thereupon. This was already done; and it must hurt the feelings of that committee to be "insidiously" attacked without and openly within. That paper which derived some eminence from assuming the title of "The Whig" had also attacked the last report as "insidious." Mr. C. thought it very unfair that the House or committee should be attacked while deliberating on a particular subject; after the subject was decided, it was fair game. That paper or any other had a right to discuss public characters and public measures. The editor of that paper had better from the matter it contained, head his paper "The retailer of slander and defamation." It was also very unfair Mr. C. said, that gentlemen could not step out of the doors, without being jostled on the way, and having opinions intruded on them by persons certainly not more entitled to respect than members of the House. The editor of that paper was possibly not to blame; he might be an honest man. Possibly these indecorous paragraphs might have been written by some member of the association which it seemed supported that paper; Mr. C. did not charge any gentleman within or without, but possibly there might be some sly, skulking member of this society lurking about these walls, and sending these defamatory paragraphs to the editor. By his observations Mr. C. did not mean to attack the liberty of the press; he thought that and a liberal education were two main pillars of the great Republican fabric. When speaking of the liberty of the press, he meant the fair reporter of facts which spread from one end of the continent to the other, to inform the people of the measures adopted by their Representatives, and the reasons and motives on which they were grounded.
Mr. C. said he had taken a view of the proceedings, and what was the result? That the report of the committee of the whole of yesterday produced the resolution, in the same form precisely as that first reported by the committee of Elections; the evidence last before the committee established the same facts that were originally admitted by the parties themselves. After gentlemen had the subject more than a month before them, twisted it and turned it, altered and amended it, sent it out of the House and brought it back, they had now reduced the decision to precisely the same words as at first.
Mr. C. concluded by explaining his reasons for the vote he should give; he respected the state sovereignties as much as any man, thought them the great sheet anchor of the republican government; but if they clashed with the federal government, he should err on the safe side of his oath, and support the constitution of the U. States.
[Messrs. Findley and Sturges yesterday stated facts to the same amount as those stated by Mr. Clay.]
Mr. Nelson justified the observations he made, but totally disclaimed any intention of reflecting on the members of the committee either in their aggregate or individual capacity. If any difference had occurred between the committee and "The Whig;" let them settle it; he had nothing to say; but if Mr. N. was disposed to rise in his place and repel every improper attack made on him in a newspaper, he should have enough to do.
Mr. Blount said it was true he had made a motion to recommit a former report of the committee of Elections, but in doing that he had not the slightest idea of impeaching the motives of that committee. He had then stated that he had heard Commodore Barney (with whom Mr. B. had no acquaintance) that morning complaining to other members of the House that the committee had stated certain facts which he had not admitted. But when the gentleman from S. C. explained, he had been content, and had not said another word.
Mr. Goldsborough said the introduction of this amendment was a legislative manoeuvre to embarrass the decision; at the same time did not impeach the motives of the gentleman who made it.
Mr. Randolph defended the introduction of the amendment. He thought the only principle on which the decision of this case could turn, should not be taken out to satisfy the scruples of gentlemen who found themselves in a dilemma; he did believe that William McCreery was not qualified by the laws of Maryland, and therefore not entitled to his seat; and so he should vote.
Mr. Rowan moved to amend the amendment by striking out the words "The laws of Maryland" and inserting "law;" he thought the constitution the supreme law of the land.
This amendment was declared to be a substitute, and therefore not in order.
Mr. Rowan then moved for a division of the question taking it first on the first clause of the amendment.
The Speaker declared that it could not be divided without changing its object.
Mr. Ely declared that he should not con-
sider himself as being committed on the principle by voting against the amendment; but should vote against it because he was perfectly satisfied with the present form of the resolution.
Mr. Rowan moved to recommit the resolution or report to a committee of the whole, to ascertain the principle on which the decision should be founded.
Mr. Love opposed the motion for recommitment, as it would be a great waste of time.
Mr. Key was opposed to the amendment and its introduction at this time; because a returned member was entitled to the sense of the House in the broadest manner & without circumlocution; he also opposed the motion for recommitment.
The motion for recommitment was negatived.
The question on the amendment recurring.
Mr. Desha was opposed to the amendment; he believed Mr. M. C. was duly elected according to the constitution, the supreme law of the land.
Mr. Blackledge said the constitution of the U. States being adopted by the State of Maryland, had become as much the law of that state, as any state law. If the amendment were so amended as to confine it to any particular state law, he should certainly vote against it; otherwise he should certainly vote in favor of it.
Mr. Gardner found himself considerably perplexed in voting for this amendment, they would vote Mr. M. C. elected on a different principle from that on which he should vote in his favour; in voting against it, they might vote him out of his seat.
The question was then taken on the amendment, to add the words "having the qualifications prescribed by the law of Maryland," by Yeas and Nays—Yeas 8—Nays 92.
Mr. Barker explained the reasons for his vote in a lengthy and elaborate speech; he advocated the right of states to superadd qualifications, of which he had not, till this discussion took place, conceived that there could be a doubt.
The final question was then on the report in these words:
Resolved, That Wm. McCreery is entitled to his seat in this House—by Yeas and Nays as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. W. Alston, Bacon, Bibb, Blackledge, Boyle, Burwell, Butler, Calhoun, G. W. Campbell, J. Campbell, Carlton, Champion, Chittenden, M. Clay, Cook, Crowninshield, Culpepper, Cutts, Dana, Davenport, Desha, Elliot, Ely, Eppes, Findley, Gardener, Gardner, Goldsborough, Goodwyn, Green, Harris, Heister, Helms, Holmes, Howard, Humphreys, Johnson, Jones, Kelly, Kenan, Kirkpatrick, Knight, Lambert, Lewis, Livermore, Love, Lyon, Macon, Masters, Milner, J. Montgomery, N. R. Moore, T. Moore, John Morrow, Mosely, Mumford, Newton, Nicholas, Picken, Porter, Pugh, Rea, Pen. Rhea, Ten. M. Richards, Rowan, Russell, Sloan, Smilie, J. K. Smith, S. Smith, Southard, Stanford, Stedman, Storer, Sturges, Swart, Taggart, Tallmadge, Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Upham, Van Allen, Van Horn, Van Rensselaer, Wharton, Whitehill, M. Williams, and Withers—39.
NAYS—Messrs. Bard, Barker, Blake, Blount, Chandler, Clopton, Durell, Gray, Hoge, Holland, Isley, Marion, Jer. Morrow, Nelson, Newbold, Randolph, Wilson, and Winn—18.
A bill was received from the Senate by Mr. Otis, their secretary, entitled "A bill supplementary to an act fixing the military peace establishment of the United States;" which was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next.
On motion of Mr. Holland, the House went into a committee of the whole, Mr. Cutts in the chair, on the bill to extend certain privileges therein mentioned to Anthony Bouche; and after some time, the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again. And the House adjourned till Monday.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28.
We have had the pleasure of conversing with a respectable and intelligent gentleman just arrived from Detroit. He states that the prevailing opinion at the British settlements in that neighborhood is that there will be a war between this country and Great-Britain. In corroboration of this opinion, he states that there are now at Fort Amherstburg, a British post about eighteen miles from Detroit, at least 2,000 Indians, almost exclusively warriors. That they are all armed and supported at the expence of the British, and with great liberality; that their arms are guns, rifles and tomahawks; and that since August there has been constantly between two and three thousand. In case of war, it is expected that, under the auspices of the British, a general massacre will take place, for which they are held in readiness, and from which none but those within the fort can expect to escape. Should such a nefarious measure be resorted to, our countrymen may rest assured that a dreadful vengeance will be taken on its perpetrators. Nat. Int.
NORFOLK, Dec. 28.
The British frigate Statura , captain Bromley, having on board his excellency G. H. Rose, Envoy extraordinary from Great-Britain to the United States, arrived in Hampton Roads on Saturday. Ledger.
The brig Sumner , captain Brown, of this port, whose capture by a French privateer we noticed some time since, has at length been heard from. The supercargo returned here on Wednesday last. This vessel was carried into Omoa, a port on the Spanish Main, and there condemned with her cargo for a breach of Bonaparte's blockade, of the 21st November. The Sumner was from Jamaica bound to this port. So much for " Je pense ." Id.
The following interesting extract of a letter was received by a gentleman in this place from his correspondent in Lisbon, dated the 31st of October, and politely handed us.
"Yesterday a courier arrived from France, bringing the disagreeable intelligence, that our Ambassador had left Paris the middle of this month. The Count de Ega, our Ambassador to Spain has also left Madrid. Twenty-five thousand men are on their march against this country, the advance guard of which was expected to arrive at Burgos yesterday. On the 10th of November the Spanish and French armies are to march from Salamanca, the place of rendezvous. General Junot, (late minister at Portugal) is appointed general in chief; L'Adorde and Clement, junior, are generals of division. The requisition of soldiers and seamen is exercised with utmost strictness and energy. The Provinces are without troops; most of which are drawn towards the capital. The lieutenant generals Gomez, Freire, Marquis D'Alorna and Francis de Cumba, are appointed the generals to command the troops of Portugal. Anthony de Araujo Azevedo (minister for foreign affairs) left this place yesterday for Madrid to negotiate with general Junot."
"The packet from Falmouth arrived this day, and left the mail, as they must hereafter do, without the Bar. Twelve sail of the line and five frigates British, are off the Bar at this moment, with what intention is not known, perhaps Lisbon is to share the fate of Copenhagen."

Our ships of war are still preparing. An embargo has been laid on all the Brazil ships, to carry troops and warlike stores in case the Prince Regent determines to go to Brazil. All the plate belonging to the churches and convents have been inventoried, and is to be deposited in the royal treasury, that it may be shipped at the approach of the French army. B.
We understand from very respectable authority that orders have been recently issued to all naval commanders in the service of the United States directing that they are to discharge from under their command, all foreign seamen, which they shall be satisfied are deserters from any foreign service. It is we presume in consequence of these orders that two men have been discharged from the Chesapeake within a few days past, one a British seaman and the other the French seaman who was particularly noticed by us a short time since.
We are happy to perceive that our government is sensible that the employment of deserters from foreign service is wrong, and although this order cannot remedy the mischief which has happened, it may be the means of preventing further mischief.
It is true the present order does not authorize the delivery of the seamen to the officer demanding them, it however goes far enough as relates to the conduct of the American officer. The delivery of deserters to the nation they belong to is a matter of special negotiation or legislative authority. In this state it would be in the teeth of a positive penal statute.
We venture to assert that if lieut. Sinclair had been authorised to discharge the deserters from the Halifax British sloop of war, that our country should not have been in the very critical situation in which she is placed. B.
Virginia Legislature.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES,
WEDNESDAY, December 23.
A report from the committee for courts of justice (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words.
This committee for courts of justice have, according to order, had under their consideration, the petition of Charles Boshier, to them referred, and have agreed upon a report, and come to a resolution thereupon, as follows:
It appears to your committee, from a certificate under the hand of Susanna, the wife of the petitioner, and proved by the affidavit of a subscribing witness thereto, that she has been guilty of adultery, committed with a certain Richard S. Grant, since her intermarriage with the petitioner, and that an acknowledgement thereof, and relinquishment of her right to any part of the petitioner's property, have been voluntarily made by the said Susanna.
It further appears to your committee, by the affidavit of a witness, that since the above acknowledgement of the said Susanna was made, she was seen by the said witness in the state of North Carolina, where she was then living with the said Richard S. Grant; the said Grant and Susanna recognizing each other as husband and wife, and declaring they had as such, been legally united in that state.
It further appears to your committee, by the affidavits of sundry respectable persons, that the petitioner, so long as they have been acquainted with him, hath uniformly behaved himself as an honest, industrious and sober man, and during the time that his wife lived with him, treated her with the utmost kindness and affection.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the said Charles Boshier, praying that an act may pass, divorcing him from his said wife, is reasonable.
The said resolution being read a second time, was on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
A report from the committee of propositions and grievances (which lay on the table) was taken up and read in the following words:
The committee of propositions and grievances have, according to order, had under their consideration, sundry petitions to them referred, and have come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the town of Petersburg, praying for the establishment of a warehouse on the lot of John McRae, lying on the south east side, and upper end of high street, in the said town, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of John M. Syme, of the county of Hanover, praying that he may be authorised to build a toll bridge across Pamunkey river, at the place where his ferry is kept, and to demand the same sum for tolls, that is now allowed him by law for ferryage, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Richmond and Westmoreland, praying that the superior court for the district composed of the counties of Richmond, Westmoreland, Lancaster and Northumberland, heretofore held at Northumberland courthouse, may hereafter be fixed and established by law, in a more central part of the district, be rejected.
The 1st and 2d resolutions being read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The 3d resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "be rejected" and inserting in lieu of them the words "is reasonable"—And the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the negative.
SATURDAY, December 26.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk: The Senate have passed the bill "For dividing the county of Amherst."
A bill "Incorporating a company to establish a turnpike from Fairfax court-house to Fauquier court-house," was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
On motion, Ordered, That the said bill be now read a second time.—The said bill was accordingly read a second time, and, on motion, Ordered to be committed to Messrs. Hunton, Dade, Blake, Summers, Mason, Brent and Tucker.
Mr. Preston from the committee to whom was referred that part of the Governor's communication which relates to the road from the upper navigation of Kanawha, to the upper navigation of James river, presented a bill "Concerning the road from the upper navigation of Kanawha, to the upper navigation of James river," which bill was severally and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Cheatham, from the committee appointed to examine the Clerk's office, made a report which was read, and ordered to be laid upon the table, and is in the following words:
The committee find that the papers, from the year 1775, to the year 1806, both years inclusive, are properly arranged in the office.
That the Journals written or printed, from the year 1760, to the year 1806, both years inclusive, are deposited in the office.
The enrolled bills from 1776 to 1806, both years inclusive, are filed in the office and neatly deposited in tin cases.
Mr. Foushee (of Henrico) from the committee of claims made the following report:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that so much of the petition of John Bracken, as prays that a law may pass, refunding to him the interest of a debt, from the 8th of April, 1807, to the 29th of June last, contracted with the state of Virginia, for the purchase of land, commonly called "Secretary's Lands," lying in the county of James City, from commissioners appointed to that purpose, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that so much of the other part of the said petition, as prays that the expenses of the survey of
the said land, be defrayed by the public treasury, be rejected.
3. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Samuel Franklin and Stephen Watts, inspectors of tobacco at Camden's warehouse, in the county of Amherst, praying for an increase of their salaries, so as to place them on a footing with the other inspectors in their neighborhood, is reasonable.
The 1st, 2d and 3d resolutions being severally read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "Explanatory of the act entitled an act concerning the election of the members of the General Assembly;" and that Messrs. Blake, Payne (of Monongalia) Willis, Slaughter and Nolan, do prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, "To amend an act, to amend an act, to continue and amend an act, for further continuing and amending the act, entitled an act for reducing into one the several acts concerning executions, and for the relief of insolvent debtors;" and that Messrs. Payne (Monongalia) Breckenridge, Foushee, Dade, Smyth (of Wythe) and Garland do prepare and bring in the same.
MONDAY, December 28.
An engrossed bill, "To continue and amend act concerning the James river company," was read a third time, and passed.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Governor, covering a letter from the Governor of Vermont, enclosing a resolution of the Legislature of that state, proposing an amendment to the constitution of the United States. Also a letter from the deputy adjutant general, enclosing the annual return of the militia of this commonwealth; which letter with the documents accompanying it being read, on motion, Ordered, that so much of the said communication with the accompanying documents, as relates to the amendment proposed to the constitution of the United States, by the Legislature of Vermont—be referred to the committee of the whole house, to which was referred the resolutions proposing certain amendments to the constitution of the U. States.
On motion, Ordered, That so much of the said communication, as relates to the militia of this commonwealth, be referred to the committee appointed to enquire into the militia laws of this commonwealth.
Mr. Preston presented according to order, a bill "To organize and establish a superior court of law and equity, in each county of this commonwealth;" which was received and read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.
On motion, Ordered, That the said bill be now read a second time.—The said bill was accordingly read a second time, and was, on motion, Ordered, To be committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the commonwealth.
Mr. Foushee, from the committee of claims, presented the following report:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Geo. Douglas, praying that he may be allowed the duplicate of a lost certificate, amounting to ninety-one dollars and fifty-six cents with interest, which was bequeathed to him by his mother Margaret Douglas, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Daniel Lott, stating, that he has never received three years interest on 673 dollars and twenty-five cents, the amount of a certificate which he has never transferred; that he was an inhabitant of the state of Pennsylvania, and ignorant of the law passed the 28th of January, 1802, which affected such claims; and praying that he may be allowed the same, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Harris, praying for an increase of his pension, and also, for a portion of land appropriated for the soldiers, who served in the revolutionary war, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of David Craig, praying to be indemnified for the loss of a horse, which was pressed by, and died in the service of the commonwealth, is reasonable.
5. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Hugh Wallace, praying the legislature would increase his pension, or allow him to retail spirituous liquors without paying for a licence, be rejected.
The said resolutions being read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Mr. Johnston (of P. E.) from the committee for courts of justice, made the following report:
1. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the memorial of Wm. W. Hening, praying that an act may pass, giving authenticity to a publication proposed to be made by him, of certain laws of this commonwealth, and proposing that a subscription may be authorised by the legislature for so many copies thereof as may enable the memorialist to complete the work is reasonable.
2. Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of Amherst county, praying that an act may pass annexing the said county to the judicial district, for which a superior court of Chancery is directed to be held at Staunton, is reasonable.
The said resolutions being read a second time, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill "To amend an act, providing for the poor, and declaring who shall be deemed vagrants;" & that Messrs. Dunton, Read, Hunton, Slaughter, Baytop, Crutchfield and Pegram, do prepare and bring in the same.
A petition of Joseph C. Baldwin, and Cyrus B. Baldwin, praying that the hands employed in their cotton and wool factories, may be exempted from militia duty;
will not land until every respect, provisions & supplies shall be granted to the vessel without any restriction. Our collector agreeable to the proclamation cannot insure the demand, but has wrote to Washington this mail respecting it; of course Mr. Rose is determined not to land until he hears from the Department of State."
The paragraph and the extract differ in this important point. In the first Mr. Rose is said to have been forbidden to land. In the second, he refuses to land, until the Statira is permitted to take in her supplies, &c. It would seem, however, that we had not arrived at the whole truth of the case; as it seems obvious to us, that the President's Proclamation of 27th June has made an explicit provision for this very case. The following is the last paragraph of that Proclamation:
"Provided nevertheless, that if any such vessel shall be forced into the harbors or waters of the U. S. by distress, by the dangers of the sea, or by the pursuit of an enemy, or shall enter them charged with dispatches or business from their government, or shall be a public packet for the conveyance of letters and dispatches, the commanding officer immediately reporting his vessel to the collector of the district, stating the object or causes of entering the said harbors or waters, & conforming himself to the regulations in that case prescribed under the authority of the laws, shall be allowed the benefit of such regulations respecting repairs, supplies, stay, intercourse and departure as shall be permitted under the same authority."
From this paragraph, it is certainly intended by the President, that all vessels, placed in the Statira's situation "charged with dispatches or business from their government," should be entitled to "repairs & supplies." There are probably some circumstances in this transaction, which we do not yet understand. It is extremely probable, that as soon as Col. Smith can communicate his instructions to his deputy in Norfolk, that Mr. Rose will be able to "effect a landing."
COMMUNICATION.
The exertions of Mr. S. Osgood of this city to extinguish a destructive and alarming fire in the town of Manchester on the 29th June 1807, induced its inhabitants to offer Mr. O. some memorial of their sense of his services. They have accordingly presented him with a small but elegant Urn, on which was an inscription illustrative of the purposes for which it was designed. It was accompanied by the following address: SIR,
The inhabitants of Manchester, duly appreciating the laudable and philanthropic exertions which distinguished you during the fire which so lately threatened the destruction of their little Town, deputed us to procure a piece of Plate, with an inscription expressive thereof to be presented to you in their behalf.
With some of the causes which have retarded the execution of this duty you are acquainted, and we beg you to believe, that none of them have had the remotest alliance to a disinclination to discharge it.
In soliciting, as we now do, your acceptance of so poor a token of your merit and of their sense of it, we have to add to it, our individual and warm wishes for the preservation of that life and those faculties which appear to be so much devoted to the public good.
MILES BOTT, ARCH'D. FREELAND. Manchester, 26th Dec. 1807. MR. SEWALL OSGOOD, Richmond.
To which Mr. Osgood returned the following Reply: To Messrs. Bott and Freeland; a committee of the Inhabitants of Manchester. GENTLEMEN,
I feel deeply sensible of the honor done me by the inhabitants of Manchester, in presenting me, through your hands, a handsome piece of Plate, "in testimony of their gratitude for my exertions during a conflagration on the 29th of June last."
Convinced that I only discharged a duty which the obligations of society and humanity imposed upon every good citizen, I felt my reward in the reflection that I had the good fortune to be useful in arresting the progress of that destructive element against which all our exertions were properly directed. I must therefore esteem this generous testimonial from the inhabitants of Manchester, rather as a proof of their liberality, than of my deservings: it may, however, and I trust, it will operate as a stimulus to others, to endeavour to merit such honourable marks of their fellow-citizens' approbation. For my own part, I shall never need any other inducement, to fly to the relief of my fellow-citizens, than the knowledge that they are in danger. Should a like unhappy circumstance again occur (which God forbid) my assistance shall not be withheld, so far as is consistent with the preservation of my own life and the duty I owe to my family.
Accept, Gentlemen, my acknowledgments for the polite manner in which you have been pleased to present me with this very handsome compliment from the inhabitants of Manchester.
I am, with due esteem and respect, your Obedient and very Humble Servt. SEWALL OSGOOD.
(Republished by Request.)
FROM THE NORFOLK HERALD.
A Letter from a Fellow-Student, containing a Sketch of the Characters of RICHMOND and NORFOLK. A. W. BRAXTON.
In selecting, dear B. a seat of residence, your mind should be guided more by the excellence of society, than the beauty of situation. For no matter how ravishing the scenic prospects of nature may appear, still if the social character is wanting, your abode would be irksome and dreary. A pure and generous society, is perhaps, the most rich and enviable acquisition of moral life, & never should be exchanged for the winning variety or artful wilderness of mead and lawn. There are few persons less fond of uniformity than myself, yet for the accompaniment of social pleasures, I would barter the most fairy site, for the most unvaried dullness, where
"Grove nods at grove, each alley has a brother, And half the plat-form just reflects the other. We cannot expect to find rational and animate nature in such sweet harmony, as that the beauties of the one shall hold due correspondence with the other; there is a playfulness in the dispensation of Providence which denies it: She too often pairs and reduces her blessings with an attendant alloy. The Metropolis of Virginia, the place where we groped through the mystic avenues of the law, is perhaps as lavishly gifted with au-
chanting scenery as any in the world, and were it but a faithful mirror of its social character, we should almost have Arcadia reflected to our view. But, my dear B. that same checkering spirit of fortune which is busy in all our affairs, has here displayed too much of her Siren-humour, for whilst she marked this spot as a retreat for descending deities, she has clothed it with a rank and noxious shrubbery. The eye may rove and feast in extacy, but the feelings of social nature are as hidden and cemented as the Rolls of Papiri.—If society in its true and genuine sense consists of free and rational intercourse, of cordial hospitality and unenvied merit, of respect and esteem for real and not fictitious worth, then in Richmond, 'tis a widowed, solitary thing." The people of our metropolis may herd and flock together, but you seldom perceive the genuine feelings and enjoyments of society, and never "the feast of reason and the flow of soul." The warm heart, glowing with sentiments of social love, has not so much concern in the impulse of association as the cold calculating mind, and if a gleam of cordiality should beam forth, you are not to impute it so much to the sensibility of fellowship as to the sordidness of expectation. In truth, my dear B. it would seem, that the Wierd Sisters of Pride and Avarice had elected this as their favourite habitation, the last of which moves about with electric swiftn with electric swiftness, as the hand-maid of the first. The pride of Richmond (from whence they derived it, I leave to dreamers and theorists) is of the most extravagant cast; they would almost induce a belief, that they enjoy princely prerogatives, and divine endowments, notwithstanding they declaim with so much feigned sincerity against the gradations of rank, and the pretensions of high family . Hence society is figured into various little circles, each contending for pre-eminence, and whenever you see them comprehended in one great circle, you will be highly amused with the leering glances of envious disdain. The old Federal Compact still hangs together, and its members still fancy themselves of titled order; but the indulgence of their pride is to be forgiven, it is the "sad privilege of despair." I must now be indebted to Horace for his emphatic expression of Novi Homines , in speaking of that class of citizens, who were on yesterday as pliant as the osier, but to-day as stately as the oak, who look forward with overweening arrogance, whilst they fear to cast an eye back upon the history of a day, lest it be ridiculed with the journal of trick and stratagem, or lest they start at the humor of chance, which so lately transferred them from the box to the coach.
These circumstances prepare the mind for the consistent deformity of Jewish inhospitality; a striking lineament in the picture of Richmond; the ridicule of our countrymen, and the jest of foreigners. It is but just, however, to remark, that although her citizens shrink with so much reserve and indifference at our natives, they have been known to recline their lofty heads with reverence to the liveried puppet of royalty. I remember not very long since, when accident led me to this place, to have seen this Babel community thrown into commotion by the arrival of a title, when their pride fomented the most ridiculous rivalry for the honour of pampering "that thing with a name."
You may justly imagine great difficulty in adjusting the claims of family precedence; 'tis true, my dear B. that they nominally have an Office of Herald, where every purpose is answered by the Bank, there you will find the motto of science and dignity blazoned upon Stock and Ancestry, computed per centum . This introduces the kindred spirit of Avarice, which of all the unsocial passions is most formidable; it corrodes every benign faculty and dissipates every generous thought. Avarice has here erected her Juno Moneta ; its influence is paramount to the claim of divinity; the feelings of friendship congeal in its shade, and benevolence evaporates in breath.—The God of Gold seems to have "made this spot his favorite temple, to have constituted a bag of coin his chosen Altar, and to have recorded his Oracles in a Ledger."
How often in musing have I wished for the pectoral Window, or the Glass of Lao, which reflects the "native line and figure of the soul," but 'twas vain and idle; there is a Talisman which will lay before you every plait and fold of the human bosom.—Such, O Gold, is thy Omnipotence?—such is the magic power of this fashioned earth, that Genius droops and is mute without it, whilst Folly and Vice flourish under the sainted names of Wisdom and of Virtue.—It transforms the penny arithmetician, whose intellect is limited to its reckoning, into the refined Statesman, and the Auctioneer, who has learned to scrape upon the hoghead, becomes the finished Courtier.—Where this temper of rapacity exists and men are counted and esteemed, according to their monied worth, it is easy to imagine the state of society, it sinks into the parade of pageantry and the sickening dullness of loquacious ignorance. Do not however infer, my dear B. that they are all of this base alloy ; no, there are some distinguished by the finest feelings of virtue and philanthropy, men who would grace the brightest circle of Christian fellowship; but it was wanton to hint this precaution, for you know that avarice like the element of heat requires something to consume in order to exist. I fancy that, instead of this rude though faithful sketch, the citizens of Richmond would thank me more to invoke Heaven for the Gold of Ophir, or the waters of Pactolus.
Is it not an enigma in philosophy, that whilst their hearts are cold and hollow, their minds should tower to the highest sphere of literary eminence; that their character even under the shade of unkindness, should rise to the reach of Athenian honors? I have always believed, from my earliest conception, that there was a delicate and sensitive sympathy between the mind and the soul, that the first would culminate in proportion to the impulse of the latter, but it would seem that the one may be narrow & contracted, whilst the other may visit the boundless expanse of thought and fancy. In this point of comparison Richmond soars conspicuous, and may triumphantly claim the palm of superiority. In the department of Genius and Literature, she may be justly styled the Athens of Virginia; whilst in another her Pride and Avarice sink her upon a level with Carthage.
The task of portraying is no less painful in its office than hurtful in its consequences, unless we employ the drapery of "furbelow and bounces to hide the imperfections of the Archetype." I could almost wish that every Painter who supplies the defects of nature with the graces of his pencil, like Holbein, who flattered Ann of Cleves into a Venus, may meet with the vengeance of a Henry.—You know, my dear B. how cordially I depise the vapid incense of fawning compliments; 'tis therefore with feeling of delight
Lord Murray.
that I leave the unsocial character of Richmond, to speak of the pure Milesian hospitality of Norfolk.
"Nor sense of ecstasy was ne'er so thralld But it reserved some quantity of choice To serve in such a difference."
I have been frequently astonished at the striking difference of manners, (I may almost say of nature) between the these places; in the first, social life is stagnant and corrupt; in the last, it circulates pure and divine. How to account for this contrariety I know not, unless we resort to the trick of some theorists who ascribe to the climate what they cannot trace to a moral cause. But I doubt very much whether any of the thirty climates could produce such an effect upon places so approximate; if the nature and manners of the citizens were to constitute the criterion of latitude, Richmond would be associated with Lapland and Siberia. How frequently, dear B. have we conversed upon this subject, without being able to furnish a solution, and yet there must be one, for so strange a difference cannot exist without a cause. Is it from the commercial life of Norfolk? Amore equal community of property? Or from a more lively and generous vein of nature?—It is true that trade involves a mixed and general association which may tend to polish and refine the rough particles of pride and selfishness from their frequent collision, and thus by profession they may be said to acquire courtesy & complaisance; But why on the other hand may it not be urged that a quick and rapid pursuit after wealth, which keeps the mind constantly alive to speculating schemes, would most probably produce a contrary effect, & give it a selfish & avaricious impulse? Philosophy has declared that the mind is as much subject to habit as any other part of our system, thence I should infer that trade which has in view self-aggrandizement would be creative of parsimony and economical reserve. If they were indebted to this adventitious school of trade for the winning urbanity of their deportment, we should perceive the colours of art and the impressions of practice instead of the native pulse of hospitality, and the unfeigned intercourse of social friendship. Is there a more equal community of property? Or is every inhabitant a votarist to the humours of Thetis? And therefore never considers himself wealthy, until he has retired from the commercial vortex. This ideal equality is the only species that can possibly exist, for in the round of trade there is more uncertainty, than any other department, and he that floats upon the wheel to day, may burrow beneath it to-morrow. The disparity of individual fortune is as great in Norfolk as any where else; this then cannot be the source of that transparent stream of hospitality which joys the stranger and refreshes the citizen. Is it a more lively and generous vein of nature? I believe comparatively that it may more correctly be ascribed to this cause than any other. It is true that both places possess specimens of every part of the globe, but Richmond appears to be infested with a greater proportion of the Canale D'Escoze , whose noxious influence is felt by every fibre of society, whose very nature is a potent antidote to the pleasures of intercourse—like leeches upon the corporate body, they gradually suck until they are distended with satiety, and then drop off in the obscurity of selfishness and the seclusion of joyless life.
Pardon this rude and rapid sketch, I am journeying to the mountains to my "native bower of innocence and ease," where nature is unfashioned and unformed to the purposes of art and chievement, where instead of the Ureter and the Alchemist I shall meet with the Farmer and the Planter;
"Their best compositions innocence and health, And their best riches, ignorance of wealth."
This day the Hon. ALEXANDER MCRAE was again unanimously re-elected President of the Council of State, and of course Lieut. Governor of this commonwealth for the ensuing year.
December 31st, 1807.
CHARLESTON, Dec. 24.
Capt. Ehrstrom sailed from Buenos Ayres on the 14th October.
About a week previous to the Franklin's sailing, all the neutrals received orders from the government, that they must depart from the river of Plate in 40 days from the date of the order, loaded or not. It was the general opinion there, that the Americans and Portuguese were all spies for the English; and for the term of two years no neutral whatever would be admitted into any of the ports in the river of Plate, under any pretence whatever, even if they should have a Royal license.
General Liniers had entered into a new treaty with the Commander of the British squadron, left cruising in the river, (which consisted of a frigate, a sloop of war, and a cutter) that the British were not to molest the river trade, that is, from Montevideo to Buenos Ayres, or any of the ports above Montevideo; and that the Spanish government are to supply the British squadron, or any ships of their nation that may put in there, with what supplies they may want. Maldonado was appointed the port for their rendezvous, and this was to continue in force for six months.
On the 17th October, was boarded off Maldonado by the British frigate Nereid , Capt. Cobbett, who took the chief mate out of the ship, he being an Englishman, but otherwise treated us politely. The sloop of war and cutter were also in sight. They informed us that it was their determination not to molest the River Trade, as the Spaniards supplied them with every thing they wanted. Capt. Cobbett also told us, that he expected a war between America and England, and that we should be taken before we got home.
WHEELING, (Ohio County) Dec. 17. Herman Blennerhassett, one of Burr's confederates, passed this place on Monday last, for Marietta, in a boat belonging to a Mr. Belitzhoover, of Pittsburgh.
The Circuit Court for the District of Ohio, commences its session, at Chillicothe, on the first Monday in January next.
MR. JOHN HOPKINS,
SIR, PLEASE to take Notice, That I shall, on the 17th day of February next, between the hours of 8 in the morning and 5 in the evening, at the Rising Sun Tavern, in the City of Richmond, and on the 10th of March at the Tavern at New Kent Court House, during the same hours, proceed to take the depositions of sundry persons, to be used as evidence in a suit now depending and undetermined, in the superior court of Chancery for the Richmond District, wherein myself and others are plaintiffs, and you are defendant. THOS. BURLING.
Richmond, Jan. 2. 1808. (Law4w) NOTICE.—On Monday the 11th inst. 11 o'clk. A.M. if not, the next fair day, at 3 o'clock P. M. will be sold at auction, without reserve, for ready money, for the benefit of a number of heirs, the late property of Wray Thomas, dec'd. it being in two Tenements on Shockoe Hill; one on the street leading west from the Capitol, now occupied by Mr. C. Blackgrove and adjoining the tenement now occupied by Mr. Orris Payne, the other on the main street, now occupied by Mr. B. Chaigneau as a grocery store. BENJAH THOMAS, Jan. 2. (cp4w)

REPORT Of the Secretary of State, on a Message of the President of the United States, of the 6th February, 1807, transmitting a Memorial of the French Minister, on the subject of the CLAIM of AMELIE EUGENIE DE BEAUMARCHAIS, heir and legal representative of the late CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS:—In pursuance of a resolution of the House, of the 27th February last.
December 14, 1807. Read and referred to the committee of claims. The secretary of state, to whom was referred, by the house of representatives, on the 26th of February last, the message of the President, transmitting a memorial of the French minister, on the subject of the claim of Amelie Eugenie de Beaumarchais; with instructions to report thereon:—
Now Reports. That having, in pursuance of the report of the committee of claims, on which the reference was founded, consulted the attorney-general, on the question, whether a sum of one million of livres, received June 10th, 1776, by Mr. de Beaumarchais, from the French government, ought to be regarded as a legal payment of so much in behalf of the United States, which question formed the principal difficulty in settling the accounts of Mr. Beaumarchais with the United States, he has received, in answer, the examination and opinion hereto annexed, and which contain the view of the subject, which he begs leave to lay before the house. Respectfully submitted, JAMES MADISON.
Department of State, December 10, 1807.
December 7th, 1807. SIR, I have examined with great care and attention, the papers you submitted to my consideration, concerning the claim of the representative of the late Caron de Beaumarchais. The subject is, in every view, important. Though I commenced the investigation with prepossessions unfavorable to the claim; from the first perusal of the documents, the inclination of my mind was against the respectable opinions which have been given on the principal, if not the sole question material to be decided. This circumstance led me to distrust my first impressions. I suspected they must be erroneous, and that they would yield to a more diligent enquiry, and more mature deliberation. With this view, I have reconsidered the case, and the result of my reflections, confirms me in my original opinion. I shall give it with great deference, because the sentiments I entertain are opposed to those of gentlemen every way well qualified to judge correctly on the subject. My remarks will be confined to that part of the case which embraces the question relative to the million of livres received on the 10th June, A. D. 1776.
Before we can form a correct judgment of the law applicable to the case, it is necessary first to ascertain the facts. Ex factis oritur jus . Very fortunately, in this instance, there is little dispute about the mere facts, though the inferences to be drawn from particular circumstances that exist in the case, afford room for great diversity of opinion.
It appears satisfactorily, from the documents, and seems, indeed, to be admitted that the United States, till actually receiving, to the full value of the million of livres in question, in arms, ammunition and warlike stores, from the late Mr. Beaumarchais, according to contract. The account between the United States and Beaumarchais, as settled by Mr. Harrison, the auditor, on the 24th May, 1793, and as revised and corrected by Mr. Duvall, the comptroller, on the 16th December, 1803, fully confirms this fact. That Beaumarchais originally had a legal claim for the value of these articles, must be evident from a perusal of the papers. That this claim must yet exist, unless satisfied or extinguished, is equally clear. On the part of the United States, it is contended, that this claim has been paid. When the allegation of payment is opposed to a demand acknowledged to be otherwise just, the plea should be supported by proof equally strong with the evidence that would have been required to verify the claim. The plea of payment is affirmative, and the burden rests with the party who relies on this defence, to make out his case by sufficient testimony. Natural justice would seem to require that degree of proof which would be necessary to establish the right in an original suit, to recover a sum of equal amount.
The United States, however, do not allege that they paid the money themselves. They do not say that Beaumarchais received this sum from their hands, but that it was paid for them, at a particular period, by the French government; to speak more correctly, that the government of France advanced to Beaumarchais, on account of the American government, a million of livres, as part of a larger sum gratuitously given by the king to the United States. For this sum the United States claim a discount against the representative of Beaumarchais. Whether it be considered in the light of a payment, or of a discount, cannot vary the question or the degree of proof required.
Let us, to make the case more familiar, suppose a suit to be instituted against the United States to recover the value of the articles furnished, amounting to one million of livres; the defence relied upon, would be either the plea of payment or discount. Let us proceed to examine the testimony that would be adduced to make out the defence.
If the United States should fail in maintaining legal proof, the grounds of defence assumed, the claim of Beaumarchais must be established against them, for there is no other objection to it. Unless it has been satisfied in the manner contended, it is a legal and existing claim for a debt contracted during the revolution.
The contract entered into by Dr. Franklin with the count de Vergennes, on the 25th February, 1778, is relied on, to prove that the king of France had, previously to the date of our treaty of the 6th February, 1778, granted to the United States three millions of livres, as aids and subsidies, under the title of gratuitous assistance from the pure generosity of the king. This paper ascertains the fact, and imports the receipt by the United States. The minister of the French government declares, and that of the American government admits, the grant of three millions of livres had actually taken place before the 6th February, 1778. So far as the two governments are concerned, this instrument would seem conclusive upon them. But it is very questionable, how far a contract to which Beaumarchais was neither a party, nor privy, ought to affect his rights or interests. It is, strictly speaking, in relation to him, res inter alios acta . The effect of this contract is to show, that the French government declared they granted to us, previous to the 6th February, 1778, three millions of livres, and that we acquiesced in their statement, without calling on them to explain in what way, either in the shape of aids or subsidies, all the money had been applied. We were then satisfied with their simple assertion, reposing full faith and confidence, I presume, in their declarations, and believing that the whole sum had been regularly disbursed for our benefit and advantage.
It was subsequently ascertained that the bank of the United States at Paris had received but two of these three millions of livres. In the year 1789 application was made to the count de Vergennes, to ascertain at what date, and to whom, the remaining million was paid. It is a remarkable
fact in this case, that the application was not made by the American government. Dr. Franklin, to prevent his character from being implicated in the transaction, solicited Mr. Le Grand, the banker of the United States, to make the enquiry of the count de Vergennes. Several letters were accordingly addressed to the proper officer, and laid before the minister, earnestly demanding information on the subject. The answers gave the date on which the money was paid, but in the last the count de Vergennes persisted in his refusal to give up the name of the individual who received it, declaring it would be useless and inconvenient.
These circumstances prove the transaction a secret one, and would seem to impress the belief that the application of the money was to remain a profound secret. Why this should be done, unless it had been expended in secret services, it would be difficult to say. The natural inference is, that it was applied in this manner. Whether the undertaking to pay with one hand in this secret way, the money they had given with the other, instead of permitting the United States to lay it out according to their own discretion, can be fairly considered within the terms of their grant, was originally a question of importance between the two governments. That in this particular instance the French government assumed the power, I presume, appears from the facts adduced. That we acquiesced in it is equally plain. By the contract we there had acknowledged the grant, though we knew neither the date, nor the person to whom the money was paid.
When the name of the individual was refused, it could not have been intended that our government should have from him any account of its application, for without knowing the person who received the money we could not possibly have an account rendered. It would be difficult at this period (1786) to assign any other motive for concealing the name of the individual who received the money, than the one already suggested. It is true that France attempted justifying her conduct towards England, to impose the belief that she gave us no assistance prior to her treaty with us. But as far back as 1783 by the contract with Dr. Franklin, she avowed the fact of having voluntarily granted us large sums before the date of the treaty. Nor did she hesitate to declare that arms, ammunition and warlike stores had been furnished from the king's stores.
The concealment of his name is in absolute hostility with every idea that the individual was accountable to the United States, because it effectually defeated that object. These facts and circumstances speak for themselves, and in my humble opinion, prove that the original destination of money was directed to a secret purpose.
As far as we have progressed with the facts and documents, there is, I believe, no evidence from which it could be presumed that this million of livres had been received by Beaumarchais on account of the United States. We might as legally charge it to the account of any other person as Beaumarchais.
It seems, however, on proceeding further, that Dr. Franklin suspected, as this sum had been paid before the arrival of the American commissioners at Paris, that it was probable it had been received by Beaumarchais. In what capacity does not appear.
After the death of de Vergennes, and when France had become a republic, in the year 1794, on the application of our minister, G. Morris, a diligent search was made among the public papers, & at length a receipt was found which I take the trouble to transcribe.
"I have received from Monsieur Du Vergier, agreeably to the order transmitted to him by Monsieur the count of Vergennes, dated the 5th current, the sum of one million, for which I will account to my said sieur count de Vergennes."
"At Paris this 10th June, 1776." Signed, CARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS. "Good for one million of livres Tournois."
This is the important piece of testimony in the case. It is on the foundation of this receipt, connected with the declarations contained in the contract of 1778, that the fabric of defence rests.
Let us proceed to examine this receipt agreeably to the general principles of evidence and law. On the face of the instrument itself, it appears that Beaumarchais was to account to de Vergennes and not to the U. States for the expenditure of the money. This contradicts the idea that he was to be accountable to us for its application. When a written instrument is produced in a court of justice, generally speaking, you cannot travel out of it. It cannot be varied by parole evidence, where there is no doubt as to the import of its terms. In this case there is neither the ambiguitas patens nor the ambiguitas latens . The engagement of Beaumarchais is positive, express and unqualified, to account to de Vergennes, and to him only for the money received. The U. S. are no parties in the instrument; there is no stipulation to render them any account of the expenditure. Taking this insulated paper, could we legally charge, in account against Beaumarchais, this sum as a debit, in order to compel him to shew its application, when the instrument itself shews that for the application of the money he was solely responsible to de Vergennes? From de Vergennes the money was received, and to him alone had Beaumarchais engaged to account. It is not easy to conceive upon what principle, he ought to be obliged to account twice for the same sum. If in compliance with the language of his receipt, he satisfied de Vergennes, it is reasonable that he should be compelled to settle his accounts a second time with us? This would make him doubly responsible. For one million received he must account for two.
I believe the million specified in the receipt to be the same with that which de Vergennes declared was paid on the 10th June, 1776. All the circumstances combined seem fairly to establish their identity.
An idea had been once entertained that the arms and ammunition, or part of them furnished the United States by Beaumarchais, in consequence of their having been taken from the king's stores, were furnished on account of his most christian majesty. To remove every doubt on this point, our commissioners in 1779, applied to de Vergennes for information on the subject. His reply, and the letters of Mr. Girard to Congress in the same year, are full and explicit on this point. They state that all the articles were furnished by Beaumarchais on his private account, who had settled with the artillery department for them, by giving orders or bills for the value; that it was a transaction wholly commercial, with which the minister of France had no concern; and that he could only interfere to prevent the United States being pressed for an immediate reimbursement. This explanation excludes the idea, that the million of livres in question, were intended to be applied to the payment in advance of the account of Beaumarchais, for arms and supplies furnished by him under an agreement dated 22d July, 1776, with Silas Deane the agent appointed by a secret committee of congress, or any subsequent contract. The impropriety also of supposing that the French government would on the 10th of June, 1776, pay out of the coffers of the treasury a million of livres, that they might, at a subsequent period, be deposited in the military chest, must be obvious. We have already seen that the war department however, was not paid in cash, but in bills or drafts, whose days of grace might be extended, and the time of payment thus prolonged, by the French government. Hence the offer of de Vergennes, just stated, to interfere so far as to prevent the American government being pressed for payment by Beaumarchais.
When a proposal was made, as appears by Mr. Girard's note of January 4th, 1779, in order to relieve the United States, that France should pay on account of congress a certain sum of money to Beaumarchais, to whom congress were indebted, we do not find any allusion to this receipt for one million of livres received long before. It is reasonable to conclude that some notice would have been taken of it, if it were intended pro tan-
to a payment on discount against the debt of Beaumarchais. Admitting, then, the million of livres specified in the receipt of Beaumarchais, to be the identical sum which de Vergennes asserts in the contract with Dr. Franklin, was granted among the "aids and subsidies furnished to the congress of the United States, under the title of gratuitous assistance;" and combining these facts, let us enquire into their legal operation and effect. We will first consider them separate and apart from the other testimony in the case, and then view them in connection with the rest of the evidence. De Vergennes was privy to the receipt, and was a party to the contract. Beaumarchais was a party to the first, but was not privy to the last. In a strictly legal sense, an instrument between third persons, made without Beaumarchais' knowledge, participation or consent, and a single line of which he could not alter, ought not to affect his rights. For the language of this instrument he cannot be responsible in any shape. The receipt to de Vergennes, declares, and it may be considered as his own declaration, that the money was to be accounted for to him, and not to the United States. In the contract, the same minister declares this sum to be among the aids and subsidies granted the United States. Are these different declarations from the same lips, reconcilable with each other? They are not, if we compel Beaumarchais to account with the United States; for, his stipulation is clear and express, to account to de Vergennes. On the other hand, if de Vergennes considered the application of this million to the secret service of America, as one of the most powerful aids that could be given, he might number it in that class. That this construction was legally or politically correct, I will not undertake to say. Suffice it to observe, that, from a view of the various facts, it seems to have been the construction put upon the voluntary grants of the king, by the French government at that period. A construction acquiesced in by our government, in the contract of 1778, when we knew neither the date nor the person to whom the money had been paid.
It is a general principle, that you should reconcile testimony apparently contradictory. This exposition of the facts, as far as we have progressed with them, is calculated to produce such an effect. It renders the various documents consistent with each other, and relieves us from the embarrassment that would otherwise ensue.
When we advert to the official declarations of general Turreau, we find they verify the position that this million of livres was appropriated solely and exclusively to a secret service. The source from whence this testimony is derived is that alone to which resort could be had for information on the subject. In every court of justice the best evidence, of which the nature of the case admits, is always required. The United States allege that the French government paid this debt for them. That government through their minister, declares officially that they did not. In the case of individuals, there could not be room for dispute. The just principles of our laws require not impossibilities, lex non cogit seu impossibilia sua vana . The French minister officially declares that for this million of livres Beaumarchais accounted to de Vergennes agreeably to the tenor of his receipt, and that it is their uniform rule to destroy all the vouchers and accounts relative to secret transactions as soon as they have been duly sanctioned.
Upon the whole, I cannot think the plea of payment or discount can be supported, unless collusion with Beaumarchais be attributed to the French government; an idea inadmissible, and which can not enter into my view of the case.
Such are the remarks I have to submit in obedience to your request. If they are of any service in performing the task assigned to you by the House of Representatives, I shall feel simply compensated for the time and labor employed in examining the documents.
I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) C. A. RODNEY. Honorable JAMES MADISON, Secretary of State.
IN CHANCERY. At a quarterly court continued and held for the county of Prince Edward, November the 17th, 1807. Martha Deshazor, Compts. against Zachariah Rice, Executor of John Deshazor, dec'd. John Deshazor, Zachariah Rice, guardian of James Deshazor, Martha Deshazor, Susanna Deshazor, Wm. Deshazor, Polly Burgess, lately Polly Deshazor, Elizabeth Paulton, late Elizabeth Deshazor, and John P. Burgess, husband of the said Polly Burgess.
The defendant William Deshazor, not having entered his appearance and given security according to an act of the General 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, on the motion of the complainant, by her counsel, It is ordered , That the said defendant, William Deshazor, do appear here on the first day of February court next, and answer the complainant's bill, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the public newspapers printed in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and also posted at the front door of the Court-House of this county. A Copy, Teste, F. WATKINS, c. c. (F8w)
Dec. 4. LANDS FOR SALE. —The subscriber offers for sale, the following Tracts of LAND, in which he will give great bargains: One tract of 1300 acres, lying in Buckingham, which is advantageously situated for trade, being two or three miles from Scott's Manufacturing Mill, and five from New-Canton. This Land is very valuable, having on it 900 acres of woods, nearly all of which is good tobacco Land; there are also very good improvements, such as are well calculated for the accommodation of a family, and a sufficiency of excellent land, to employ 10 or 12 hands advantageously. This tract will be shown to any person inclined to purchase, by Capt. Peter Guerrant, now resident on the land. One tract on Randolph's creek, of 400 acres, the greater part of which is fresh and will produce good wheat and corn; it joins the lands of Col. Wilson and Mr. Gilley Lewis. One other tract, in the neighborhood of New-Canton, of 212 acres, being a moiety of a tract owned by Mr. Maurice Langhorne. Another tract in Powhatan, of 300 acres, known by the name of Gibraltar.
These Lands will be offered for sale at very reduced prices, which may be known, during my absence, by application to Col. William Daniel of Cumberland, who is authorised to contract for them. The title will be made by me on my return from Kentucky, which will probably be between the 10th and 20th of February next. WADE MOSBY. Powhatan, Dec. 4. (Fff)
EDUCATION. —The subscriber offering his unfeigned thanks to those gentlemen who have manifested their confidence in him as a Teacher, proposes to continue his school at the same place the ensuing year.
In this seminary youth will be instructed in the Greek, Latin and English Languages, Geography and the use of the Globes, the Elements of Geometry, with practical Surveying; Also, the Elements of Natural Philosophy, Writing and Arithmetic, Vulgar, Decimal and Analytical. The price of board, tuition, washing, bedding and fuel, will be an hundred dollars for the term, paid quarterly in advance, to commence on the fifteenth of January and end about the tenth of December following. THOMAS NELSON. Humanity Hall, Forks of Hanover, Dec. 22. [law4w4f]
WILL positively be sold on Saturday the 23d January 1808, one tract of Land, lying in the county of Albemarle, containing two hundred and seventy acres, be the same more or less, about three miles from Charlottesville and adjoining the lands of Henry Williams, George Divers and others: Also, the following Slaves, to wit:—James, Jude, Sukey and Joe, by virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscribers, by Claudius Ruster, dec'd. in his life time, and committed to record in the district court of Charlottesville, to secure a sum of money due from said Ruster, dec'd. to Will. Gault, acting as trustee, will only convey title vested in us as such. DAVID ANDERSON, } Trustees. BENJAMIN BROWN, } Albemarle, Dec. 29. (law3w3w)
SEVENTEEN SLAVES. —By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber, by William Laurence, in his life time, and admitted to record in the General Court, at the June term, 1804, to secure the payment of a sum of money therein mentioned, due to William Fenwick, will positively be sold, at Louisa court-house, on the 11th day of January next, being Louisa court day, seventeen valuable SLAVES—Among them are several house Servants, a very good Shoemaker, regularly bred to the business, a good Seamstress and a good Hostler—Also, six Beds and Furniture, four Horses, thirty Hogs, and twenty head of Cattle.—By the consent of Mr. Fenwick, at the request of the Adm'r. of the dec'd. a credit of six months will be given to the purchasers of the Negroes, upon their executing bonds to the subscriber with good security, and likewise giving him a deed of trust on the Negro or Negroes purchased, and on real property to secure the punctual payment of the money when it becomes due; the other property will be sold for ready money. The subscriber will convey his title as trustee, which he believes to be indisputable. DAVID BULLOCK. [law4w4f] December 12.
THE SUBSCRIBER intends to open School at Mr. William D. Taylor's, in the Forks of Hanover, which will commence the first day of January next: Where he will teach youth to read and write the English & Latin Languages grammatically, and will also instruct them in Arithmetic and Geography. Mr. Taylor will furnish board for sixteen pupils. The terms for board and tuition will be one hundred dollars per annum, to be paid quarterly, if Mr. Taylor furnishes board, bed and candles, but where the pupil finds his own bed and candles, a deduction of ten dollars will be made. The terms of tuition alone, will be twenty dollars per annum, to be paid quarterly. Particular attention will be paid to the health and morals of such pupils as may be entrusted to the care and instruction of the subscriber. HENRY ROBINSON. [law3w4f] Dec. 15.
THE SUBSCRIBER having purchased the patent-right of erecting, using, &c. (within the greater part of this state southward of the bay) one of the truest, best and most expeditious Nail-Cutting Machines that has ever been introduced into this state, by which much superior nails are made: any person residing within a sufficient distance from this place, who is desirous of purchasing such a machine, may have one at the same price that was given by the subscriber; and for a reasonable consideration may likewise possess an exclusive right of working it within any such district as may be agreed on. Richmond, Dec. 15, 1807.
At McCall's Manufactory on the Basin of the Canal, are sold Nails of a superior quality, at the following prices:—and where also is to be had, bar and hoop iron, Nail-Rods, &c. &c.
WROUGHT NAILS. dy. Cents. Spikes, 40, 50 and 20 nails, 12 3/4 per lb. 12 nails, 13 10 do. 14 8 do. 14 1/2 CUT NAILS & BRADS. dy. Cents. 24, 20, 12 and 10 brads, 11 per lb. 8 do. 11 1/2 6 nails, 12 1/2 4 do. 13 3 do. 14 [law4f]
JOHNSON and REAT, Jewellers & Silver-smiths, Richmond; a few doors above the Bell-Tavern, and just opposite col. Mayo's new building; beg leave to inform the inhabitants of Richmond, Manchester, and their Vicinities, that they have on hand a large supply of Work, composed of the latest Fashions, viz.—An elegant assortment of pearl and topaz Breast Pins, Finger Rings and Bracelets, plain gold d. of nearly all patterns, Minute Settings, mourning and fancy Lockets, Ear Rings, mourning and fancy, cornelian, topaz, plain gold and common Watch Keys, gold, pebble and glass Seals, gold and gilt Chains, mourning and fancy gold mounted Necklaces, plain and ornamented Combs, pearl and tortoiseshell Segar Boxes, Dirks, Pen Knives and Scissors; a general assortment of silver Spoons and Ladies, Scissor Chains, Thimbles, Pencil Cases, Pens, Spectacles, Tooth Picks, Ink Stands, Snuff boxes and Tweezers, Morocco Pocket Books and Thread Cases: Also, silver and plated Table Ware, consisting of Coffee, Tea and Milk Pots, Bread Baskets, Sugar Dishes, Castors, Tumblers, Salt Stands and Candlesticks; and a number of other articles too tedious to enumerate; All of which they offer to their friends on the most moderate terms that can be afforded. Orders from any place will be thankfully received and speedily dispatched. December 4. [eptf]
JOHN ALCOCK, informs his friends and the public at large, that he has just received, and is now opening, next door to Messrs. Prosser & Moncure's vendue, a large assortment of Merchandise, consisting of the following articles:—Carpenters and Joiners Tools, iron and steel Locks and Hinges, for house work and cabinet ware. I also carry on my Cabinet Manufactory , as usual, adjoining the fire insurance office, and have on hand three thousand dollars worth of furniture, finished in the best workman-like manner and in the newest fashion. Also, Windsor Chairs. I will sell all of the above goods, very low for cash, or good paper at a short date. Sept. 5. [eptf]
THE subscribers having formed a connection in the Grocery line, under the firm of BRIDGES & ROBERTSON, they now offer for sale at their Store on the corner of the street leading to Byrd's ware-house, and opposite to Messrs. Jno. & Robt. Gamble, Jr's.—A general assortment of GROCERIES among which are Antigua Rum, Soap, Candles, Holland Gin, Rice, Spanish Indigo, 4th pf. Cognac Brandy, Northern Cheese, Raspberry ditto, Best Spanish Segars, London particular Madeira Wine, Hibbert's Porter and Port, Sherry & Tene- Brown Stout, ffle ditto, English, Swedish and Best green Coffee, Nail and spike Rod, Brown & Loaf Sugar, Pickled Salmon, Best Chocolate, F. F. Gun-powder in Gun-powder, kegs, Imperial, Raisins, Almonds, Hyson, Pepper, Ginger, Young Hyson & Queens-Ware, &c. &c. Southing, &c.
Which they will dispose of on liberal terms for cash, country produce, or on the usual credit to punctilious customers. JAMES BRIDGES, WM. ROBERTSON. Richmond, Dec. 4. (ff)
JUST RECEIVED, a general assortment of DUTCH BOLTING CLOTHS, of superior quality—For sale by J. DARMSDATT. Oct. 24. [tf]
FOR SALE. —Will be sold on the premises, by the subscribers, on Monday the 4th January next, a valuable HOUSE & LOT, situated on Shockoe Hill, on the main-street leading to the Capitol, at present occupied by Mr. Stanton. A credit of one, two and three years will be given, the purchasers giving a deed of trust on the property. PROSSER & MONCURE, V. M. We shall also offer for sale the day following, five valuable half-acre LOTS, situated in Divis' Platt of the City of Richmond. Six and twelve months credit will be given the purchaser, giving approved negotiable notes. PROSSER & MONCURE, V. M. Dec. 24. [eptds.]
A TEACHER, who can teach the Latin and French Languages, the English grammatically, Arithmetic and Geography, who wishes a healthy situation in the country, may obtain an advantageous situation upon liberal terms; for further information, any person who wishes employment of that kind, is referred to the Editor of the Esquire . Dec. 15. [tf]
WILLIAM TEMPLE, has received by the ship Herscheil from Liverpool, and Calpe from London, an extensive supply of MERCHANDIZE, suitable to the present and approaching season, which he will sell low. Oct. 10. [tf]
CASH SALES. —To be sold, for ready money, in pursuance of a deed of trust from David Ross, esq., bearing date on the 5th day of July, 1806, & recorded in the general court, in order to raise the sum of $50,000 and upwards, and the charges and expenses of sale—Those well known MILLS with the appurtenances, in the city of Richmond, called the Columbian Mills. Two undivided third parts of the Deep Run Coal Pits, in the county of Henrico, containing about 1750 acres, more or less. Two undivided third parts of the Falling-Creek Coal Pits, in the county of Chesterfield, containing about one hundred acres. Two undivided third parts of the Dover Coal Lands, in the county of Goochland, containing about ninety acres, which three several tracts of Coal Land were held in partnership between the said David Ross, and James Currie, deceased. The Columbian Mills and Appurtenances, are subject to a ground rent to Samuel Overton; and the said Mills and two tracts of Coal Land, first mentioned, are pledged for the security of sundry sums of money, due to Mrs. Frances Tabb and Wm. B. Giles, administrator of John Tabb, dec'd. a large proportion of which, is stated by the said Ross to have been paid, and other estates are pledged for the balance. For further information on this subject, persons inclined to purchase, are referred to the said Ross, or it may be obtained on application to the subscribers. The sales will take place at the Eagle-Tavern, in the City of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 20th of January, 1808. E. W. ROOTES, } Trustees. WILSON ALLEN, } Nov. 30. [eptf]
A NEW TAVERN will be opened at King & Queen Court-House on the first day of January next, by the Subscriber, who has leased for that purpose, the houses belonging to Robert Pollard, Esq. (in which a tavern was formerly kept) and provided himself with every thing necessary for the genteel accommodation of those who may call on him. The subscriber knowing that to solicit the public patronage will not be effective unless he deserves it, pledges himself & nothing shall be wanting to ensure general satisfaction. ALEX. P. MUSE. King & Queen C. H. Dec. 22. (epb1)
COLUMBIAN MILLS & COAL LANDS FOR SALE—By virtue of a Deed of Trust, bearing date the first day of October, 1801, executed by David Ross to the subscribers, and for the purpose of completing the objects of the said trust, in conformity to certain covenants therein contained—the following property will be offered for sale on the first Wednesday in January next, at the front door of the Eagle Tavern in the city of Richmond, to the highest bidder, for ready money, between the hours of twelve and four o'clock, to wit:—All that piece or parcel of Land, adjoining the city of Richmond, commonly called the Columbian Mills, with the Mills, Houses, Canals, Improvements, Appendages and Privileges thereunto belonging—Also, an undivided two thirds of a tract of Land in Henrico county, containing seventeen hundred acres, called the Deep Run Coal Pits, and an undivided two thirds of a tract of Land in Chesterfield, containing one hundred acres, called the Falling Creek Coal Pits, of which said Coal Lands, the late James Currie was part owner. GEO. HAY, ROBERT POLLARD, } Trustees. FRANCIS ANDERSON, } Nov. 27, 1807.
If the aforementioned property should prove insufficient to satisfy the debt thereupon charged, the subscribers will offer for sale at the same time and place, a tract of Land in Henrico, called the Seven Pines, containing by estimation, one thousand acres; also, a tract of Land in the same county on Four Mile Creek, being the same described on the late Col. John Pleasants formerly resident, containing by estimation four hundred and sixty acres, and forty acres adjoining thereto, binding on Bayley's creek and said Four Mile creek, on which stands the Norwich Mills. All of which property was conveyed in trust, by David Ross to the subscribers, by deed bearing date the nineteenth day of December, 1805, as an additional security for a debt due to Wm. B. Giles by the said Ross and charged on the Columbian Mills and Coal Lands first mentioned. GEO. HAY, BENJ. HATCHER, } Trustees.
BY virtue of a deed of trust from David Ross and Thomas Norvell to the subscribers, bearing date the 4th day of December last, and of record in the Honorable the General Court of this Commonwealth; will be exposed to sale on Friday the 18th day of next month (December,) before the door of the Eagle Tavern, in the City of Richmond, at public auction, for ready money, for the purpose in the said trust mentioned, five tracts or parcels of L. A. D. in the county of Fluvanna, adjoining each other, containing in the whole three thousand one hundred and eighty acres, be the same more or less, it being the same lands conveyed to the said David Ross by John Granberry and Susanna his wife, Littleton W. Tazewell and Ann S. his wife, and Michael W. Hancock. Also, one other tract in the counties of Montgomery and Botetourt, called Fort Lewis, containing two thousand six hundred acres, be the same more or less. Wm. C. WILLIAMS, } Trustees. JOHN PROSSER, } Richmond