Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1806-12-19 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS
[XIVth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1322.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—paid in Advance.]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1806.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
W. HAIGHT, Upholsterer and Paper-hanger,
FROM NEW-YORK; RESPECTFULLY informs the inhabitants of Richmond and its vicinity, that he has taken a house in the main-street nearly opposite the Old City Tavern, where he has for Sale, a large and elegant assortment of the following Upholstering articles, viz. 5000 pieces of French, English, Dutch and American Paper-hangings, with elegant Borders to suit; Fringes, Tassels, Cords, Bed-laces and Curtain-bindings of different colors and qualities; Sophas, Settees, Easy-chairs; Hair, Moss and Flock Mattresses; likewise, a large and fashionable assortment of MAHOGANY FURNITURE, made by the best and most approved workmen in New-York, viz. Side-boards, Bed-stands of different kinds, Dining-tables, with and without ends; Card-tables, Portable Desks, Sattin-wood Ladies' writing-tables, Foot-stools, Wash-hand-stands, Butlers' trays, Secretaries with and without Book-cases, Letter-cases with tables, Knife-boxes and Music-cases, with a number of other articles too tedious to mention.
Bed and Window Curtains made in the most fashionable style.
W. HAIGHT, flatters himself that his knowledge in the above business, and the constant supplies which he shall receive, will entitle him to the patronage of a generous public.
All the above articles will be disposed of on the lowest terms, for cash or negotiable notes.
Live Geese Feathers, and Horse-hair, bought and sold. Richmond, November 3d, 1806. W.H.
NOTICE.
I FOREWARN all persons from purchasing two tickets in the New York State Lottery, No. 5, for the promotion of Literature and other purposes. The Nos. of those tickets are 15528 and 22361 purchased by me from Messrs. G. and R. Waite, of New York, and were remitted me per post by them, as may be seen by the following letter from them to me—As the said tickets have not yet come to hand I have thought proper to publish them—It is presumed that no person will purchase or apply for the prizes (should they draw any) as no doubt every necessary precaution will be made use of by the managers to secure them to the real owner.
WM. MITCHELL. Richmond, Nov. 22, 1806. w4t
New York, September 30, 1806.
MR. WM. MITCHELL, Sir,
ABOUT 16 days since we forwarded you two tickets in the ensuing lottery No. 15528 and 22361, both of which we are still in hopes will come safe to hand, if not please inform us.
Yours, &c. G. & R. WAITE.
NOTICE.
By virtue of a deed of trust, a parcel of choice NEGROES consisting of ten Men, that have been accustomed to live in the upper country, and as likely as any in the commonwealth, will be offered for Sale to the highest bidder, to satisfy a debt due Carter Page, Esq. by the Messieurs Deane's, at Cumberland courthouse, on Monday the 26th of January next, (being court day;) a credit of twelve months will be allowed, the purchasers giving bond and approved security. It is agreed by the parties that the subscriber shall act for the trustee.
SAMUEL TAYLOR, Jr. Nov. 17, 1806. wtds
ON the first day of January next, at the late Dwelling-House of Mrs. Ann Woodson, dec. in the county of Powhatan, WILL BE SOLD, SEVEN OR EIGHT
Likely Negroes,
Consisting of Men, Women, Boys & Girls—At the same time and place will also be SOLD, a variety of HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE—Stock of Cattle and Sheep; among the Household Furniture are some very fine Feather Beds.—Twelve months credit, will be given for all sums above ten dollars, all sums under, cash will be expected—Bonds with approved security will be required, to bear interest from the date if not punctually paid.
NATHL. SELDEN, Ex'r. Powhatan, Nov. 1, 1806. wtds
HENING & MUNFORD'S
Term Reports.
ARE now in the press, and the first number, will certainly be ready for delivery before the rising of the General Assembly; after which time, the subscription will be closed, and the price to non-subscribers increased one fourth.
Richmond, 3d Dec. 1806. w4t
TAKEN up by Samuel W. Venable, at his plantation near Prince Edward courthouse, a BARROW, about a year old, his color is mostly white, but has a number of black spots; he is marked with a crop in the left ear, and a slit and under-crop in the right. Appraised to twenty-three shillings. w3t
THE Subscriber has accommodations for twenty-five gentlemen of the Legislature. He has also stabling for as many horses.
ALEXR. QUARRIER. Richmond, Oct. 15th, 1806. tf
Thirty Dollars Reward.
DESERTED from this place, on the 14th inst. JAMES LOWNES, a soldier of the public guard, about 28 years of age, five feet 7 or 8 inches high, fair complexion, with red hair and large whiskers, with blue eyes. It is unknown where he will go, as he is very fond of spirits. Any person taking up said deserter and bringing him to this place, and delivering him to me, or either of the officers of the said guard, shall receive the above reward.
ALEX. QUARRIER, C. P. G. N. B. All masters of vessels are forewarned from carrying him out of this place.
A. Q. Richmond, Nov. 18th, 1806.
WHEREAS some time past, I purchased a piece of land in Goochland county, of one William Lovell, for which I gave him two bonds, one for eighteen pounds, payable the 25th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and eight, the other bond for 27 pounds, payable the 25th of December, one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and as the said Lovell has gone away without making me a right to the said land agreeable to bargain, I do forewarn all person or persons in trading for the above-mentioned bonds, as I do not intend to pay them unless I get a right agreeable to bargain.
WM. SHEPPARD. 9th November, 1806. tf
And'w. Stevenson
HAS REMOVED his Office to the large room immediately above Mr. Jacob Fackler's Store, on the main street, and nearly opposite the Auction House of Taylor and Brown.
Richmond, Dec. 6. 1806 (4t)
SELLING off CHEAP.
M. & B. MYERS, INTENDING to decline the retail business, offer for sale, at reduced prices, the whole or any part of their present stock of
DRY GOODS,
Consisting of a variety of useful and fashionable articles, to wit:
Irish Linens, Flanders' Sheetings, Ozanburgs, Hessian's Long-Lawns; Linen and Cotton Cambricks; Superfine and second Broad Cloths and Casimers; Blankets, Coatings and Flannels; Bennett's & Fancy Cords and Velvets; Swans Downs and Mole-skins; rich figured Satins; Silver Muslins; Sarcens; Italian Lutestrings; Cotton and Silk Chambrays of very handsome patterns; a few Silk Pelisses; Gloves and Hosiery; elegant Plumes; Wreaths and fancy Head-Ornaments; a handsome assortment of Bibbons; Table-Cloths and Napkins in sets; 3-4 7-8 & 10-4 Diapers; a few sets of China in boxes of 40 pieces; sets of Cut-Glass Decanters, Wine & Tumblers; Glass-Bowls, Spice-Bottles, Hall-Lamps, &c. &c.
They have on hand and will continue to keep, as usual, a complete assortment of DUTCH BOLTING CLOTHS.
Those who buy with cash will be allowed a very liberal discount which will be increased according to the augmentation of the amount of their purchase at any one time. On sums of consequence, a credit, if required, will be given of three to six months; the purchaser giving approved negotiable paper.
Richmond, 9th Dec. 1806. tf
Advertisement.
A LIST of 22 Hogsheads of TOBACCO, which have been deposited in Shockoe Warehouse over two years. They will therefore be sold at April Henrico court next, if not claimed before that time; viz:
 No MK. No. 348 134 1147 Spring Inspec.  171 1118 do. do.  T S 588 195 1460 do. do.  1098 125 1631 do. do.  C T 11 165 1200 do. do.  1566 163 1191 do. do.  W T 1895 140 1410 Cannon's do. do.  No MK 184 182 1328 do. do.  R T 926 118 1607 Lynch's do. do.  W L 1913 123 1327 do. do.  W S W 1773 135 1457 do. do.  1433 140 1706 Martin's do. do.  W P 205 146 1232 Horsley's do. do.  not full.  No MK 295 116 1237 Henderson's do. do.  442 185 1077 do. do.  780 137 1300 Nicholas's do. do.  561 132 1156 Deane's do. do.  I G 917 158 1242 do. do.  M H 109 124 1497 Randolph's do. do.  S T 750 136 1207 Lynch's do. do.  W C 1212 150 1310 Rivanna do. do.  1213 149 1435 do. do.  MOSBY & YOUNG, Inspectors.  Dec. 10, 1806. 3w 
TO RENT.
THE BRICK HOUSE, at the Falling Garden, at present occupied by S. Pleasants Jr.—Possession may be had by the last of this month. Enquire of the subscriber, near the premises.
JAMES LOWNES. 10th Month, 3d 1806. tf
"DISCOVERIES OF LEWIS AND HIS PY- TY IN LOUISIANA."
A fresh supply of the above interesting work is just received and for sale at this office.
October 25. if
L. WERCO, MERCHANT TAYLOR,
BEGS leave to inform his friends and the public in general, that he has just received a large supply of CLOTHS, CASIMERS, SWANS DOWNS, and SILK STOCKINGS, which he now offers for sale at reduced prices.
Richmond, Dec 15, 1806.
Negroes for Sale.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by Richardson Harris, to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned, due from said Harris to the estate of Thomas Byers, dec. will be SOLD, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the house of Haley Cole, near the Coal mines in the county of Chesterfield, on Thursday the first of January, 1807, the following SLAVES, viz. Charles, Phillis and Annaky, or so many thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy the debt mentioned in the said deed of trust. The above named Charles is an excellent waterman, about 36 years of age; Phillis and Annaky are under 21.
WILLIAM TRABUE, Trustee. Dec. 13, 1806. 3t
WILL BE SOLD,
To the highest bidder, for cash, at New-Kent Courthouse, on the 19th of January next, by virtue of a deed of trust from Benedict Crump, executed to me to secure the payment of a sum of money due to Robert Christian, which has been transferred to Thomas Claiborne, the TRACT of LAND whereon the said Crump now lives, containing by estimation 376 acres, adjoining the lands of John Adams, James Davis, Francis Ferguson and others. Also, the TRACT of LAND whereon the said Crump's mill stands, including said mill, containing by estimation 343 acres, and bounded by the lands of John Waddill, dec. Edwin Poindexter and others. Likewise the following SLAVES, viz. Rachel and her two children Edmund and George, Charlotte, Judith, David, Jenny and Violet, or so much of said property as will be sufficient to discharge the debt mentioned in the deed.
THE TRUSTEE. Dec. 15, 1806. tds
WILL BE SOLD, AT AUCTION, on the premises on the 10th day of Janua- ry next, if fair, otherwise the next fair day,
MY LAND,
In Hanover county, situated on Chickahominy river, 12 miles from the city of Richmond, and five miles above the Meadow Bridges; containing 344 acres. On this land is a dwelling house 44 feet by 16, a kitchen, negro houses, stables, and a granary, all in good repair. It is deemed needless to speak of the advantages resulting from a farm so convenient to market, as this must be obvious to every one; or to give a description of the soil, as it is presumed that no one will purchase without first viewing the premises—Suffice it to say, there is no land on said river more fertile, nor any situation more agreeable. The terms will be made known on the day of sale.
PETER CRUTCHFIELD. December 11th, 1806. tds*
JOSHUA WEST,
COACH-MAKER—RICHMOND, HAS for sale, at his shop between the Market-House and Courthouse, Richmond; several handsome
NEW GIGGS,
Made on the most approved construction. Also, second hand GIGGS; and two good second-hand COACHES.
** He likewise keeps a HACK and HORSES, with a good Driver, to HIRE. Dec. 12, 1806. 3t
A BARGAIN MAY BE HAD IN A
Chariot, Harness and Pair of Ex- cellent Horses.
Enquire of the printer. Richmond, August 2, 1806. cf
LAND FOR SALE.
THE subscriber being anxious to remove to the western country, will sell on very moderate terms, two valuable tracts of LAND, lying in the county of Halifax, one tract lying on Dan river, eight miles above Irvine's ferry, containing about 540 acres, 90 of which are Low Grounds of the best quality, with convenient houses for the accommodation of a family. Also a tract on Birch's creek, containing 770 acres, with houses fit only for negroes and an overseer. Each plantation has cleared land sufficient to work 5 or 6 hands to advantage.
CHARLES BARKER. Dec. 10, 1806. 6t*
I DESIGN the ensuing year, with the aid of a qualified teacher, to attempt the Tuition of 15 Females—Grammar, Geography & Arithmetic will be taught. Strict attention will also be paid to the composition of the Scholars, nor will their morals be neglected. The price will be $28 each scholar finding her own bed—1-6th of the price to be paid in advance.
Gerard Banks. Goochland, 27th Sept 1806. tf
FOR SALE AT S. PLEASANTS' BOOK STORE, HENING'S
New Virginia Justice,
Containing the Duties of a Justice of Peace, &c. together with a variety of useful precedents, adapted to the laws now in force. Also, forms of conveyancing, such as deeds of bargain and sale, lease and re-lease, mortgage, trust, &c.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Wednesday, December 10th, 1806.
An engrossed bill, "Concerning the town of Liberty in the county of Bedford," was read a third time and a blank therein filled up;
On motion, Ordered, That the said bill be laid upon the table.
A bill, "For dividing the county of Amherst;"
A bill, "Concerning the attendance of witnesses in the inferior courts;"
A bill, "Altering the court day of Caroline county;" and
A bill, "Making an appropriation for the payment of a public debt due to the representative of Doctor Thomas Walker, dec." were severally read a second time and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
A bill, "Making provision for the payment of such warrants as have been drawn on the treasury and towards the discharge of which there is no fund appropriated," was read a second time, and on motion, ordered to be laid upon the table.
Mr. Harrison (of Amelia) made the following report from the committee of propositions and grievances:
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 counties of Botetourt, Montgomery, Greenbrier, Monroe, Kanawha, Mason and Giles, praying that the superior court for the judicial district composed of the said counties, heretofore held at the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe, may hereafter be held in the town of Lewisburg, in the county of Greenbrier, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry other inhabitants of the said counties, praying that the superior court for the said judicial district, heretofore held at the Sweet Springs, be removed at all, it may be removed to the town of Union in the county of Monroe, be rejected.
3. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Bedford & Franklin, praying that a law may pass, for removing the obstructions to the passage of fish up the river Staunton, is reasonable.
4. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Culpeper, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on their lands ying adjacent to the town of Jefferson in their said county, is reasonable.
5. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry other inhabitants of the said county of Culpeper and town of Jefferson, in opposition thereto, be rejected.
6. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Russell, praying that a law may pass for adding a part of their said county, to the county of Tazewell, is reasonable.
7. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry other inhabitants of the county of Russell, in opposition thereto, be rejected.
8. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of William C. Bovee, praying that he may be authorised by law to erect a public warehouse for the inspection of tobacco, on his lot adjoining the lots of Samuel Davis and Conrad Webb, on the south side of High Street, in the town of Petersburg, is reasonable.
9. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Robert Marshall, praying that he may be authorised by law to establish a ferry from his land in the county of Brooke, across the Ohio river, to the opposite shore, is reasonable.
The first resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same, by striking out at the end thereof the words "is reasonable," and inserting in lieu thereof the words "be rejected;" and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the negative.
The question being then put upon the resolution as reported, it was agreed to by the house.
The remaining resolutions being severally read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That bills be brought in pursuant to the 1st, 3d, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th resolutions; and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Foushee from the committee of claims made the following report:
The committee of claims have, according to order, had under consideration several 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 county of Augusta, stating that the horse of William Britton was impressed by the Sheriff of the said county, to convey a criminal to the Penitentiary house, in which service he was materially injured, and praying compensation therefor, is reasonable.
2. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that forty dollars should be allowed to William Britton as a compensation adequate to the injury his horse sustained whilst in the service of the commonwealth.
3. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that there ought to be some ge-
neral provision made, to embrace all cases of the same kind that may hereafter arise.
4. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Margaret Jordan, stating that she was the wife of Michael Jordan, who was on the pension list of this state, and received one hundred dollars a year, but that he is now dead, and she with a small child about ten years of age left destitute and praying relief from the legislature, be rejected.
5. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the inspectors of the town of Petersburg, praying for an increase of their salaries, is reasonable.
6. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the inspectors at Martin's warehouse in the town of Lynchburg, praying for an increase of their salaries, is reasonable.
7. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of William Farris, stating that he was constable in the county of Campbell in the year 1804, and that he was ordered by a justice to seize and bring before him a lunatic; that the lunatic continued in his care for some days; after which he was commanded by the said justice to carry him to the sheriff of the said county, which he did, and obtained his receipt for his body; his claim for these services amounted to sixteen dollars and forty one cents, and was certified by the court of the county; he made application to the Auditor for the amount of his claim, and was refused payment; and praying the legislature would pass a law authorising the Auditor to grant a warrant for the same, is reasonable.
8. Resolved, also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Alexander Burton, executor of Jesse Burton, dec. who was the acting executor of William Burton, dec. stating that on the 17th day of May, 1780, Robert Burton, one of the executors named in the last will and testament of William Burton, dec. paid into the treasury the sum of thirty one hundred and ninety three dollars, to be applied to his credit in account with James and Robert Donald & Co. British subjects, according to the sequestration law, which will appear by a reference to the Treasurer's books; the original receipt of the then Governor is lost, in consequence of which an application was made to the executive, on the 30th November, 1792, when it was advised a new receipt be given for the one lost, which will appear by an extract from the Journal of that date; that provision hath been made by an act of Assembly for the payment of the interest of money paid into the treasury according to the sequestration law; but though the loss of the Governor's receipt, he is without remedy; and praying the legislature would pass a law, authorising the Treasurer to grant a new certificate for the sum aforesaid, that he may have a right to draw the interest thereon, upon his giving bond with security to indemnify the commonwealth, according to the existing law, is reasonable.
The 1st, 2d, 3d and 8th resolutions being severally read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The 4th 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 thereof the words "is reasonable" and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the negative.
The 5th and 6th resolutions being read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, disagreed to by the house.
The question being then put on the resolution as reported, it was agreed to by the house.
The 7"><

An engrossed bill, "Making an appropriation for the payment of a public debt due to the representative of Dr. Thomas Walker, deceased," was read a third time, and passed.
Mr. Harrison (of Amelia) presented, from the committee of propositions and grievances, a bill, "Establishing several inspections of tobacco;"
A bill, "For adding part of the county of Russell to the county of Tazewell," and a bill, "For removing the district court from the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe, to the town of Lewisburg in the county of Greenbrier;" which were severally received and read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Harrison (of Amelia) from the committee of propositions and grievances, made the following report:
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 county of Harrison praying that a law may pass for a division of their said county, is reasonable.
2. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Mason, praying that a law may pass for opening a public road from Point Pleasant in the county of Mason, to Clarkburg in the county of Harrison, is reasonable.
3. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Buffington, of the county of Kanawha, praying that he may be authorised by law to erect a dam 100 feet long in the Ohio river at the rifle at the mouth of Guyandott, for the purpose of setting up a floating mill, is reasonable.
4. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Thomas Buffington, praying that a law may pass establishing a town on his land at the point formed by the conflux of the river Guyandott and Ohio, in the county of Kanawha, is reasonable.
5. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Jacob Eib, praying that a law may pass authorising him to establish a ferry from his land in the county of Harrison, across the West Fork river, to the lands of Benjamin Wilson and Daniel Davison on the opposite shore, is reasonable.
The first resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same, by striking out at the end thereof the words "is reasonable," and inserting in lieu of them the words "be rejected;" and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the affirmative—Ayes 103—Nees 38.
The question being then put on the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
The 2d, 3d and 5th resolutions being severally read a second time, were on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The 4th resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "is reasonable;" and inserting in lieu of them the words "be rejected;" and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the affirmative.
The question being then put on the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the 2d, 3d and 5th resolutions; and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Smyth (of Wythe) presented, from the committee for courts of justice, a bill, "For the appointment of other trustees of Abingdon Academy, and for other purposes;" which was received and read the first time and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Smyth (of Wythe) from the committee for courts of justice, made the following report:
The committee for courts of justice have according to order, had under their consideration the petition of Nathaniel Hart, to them referred, and agreed upon a report and come to a resolution thereupon, as follows:
It appears to your committee from the affidavits of sundry persons produced to them, that since the marriage of the petitioner with his wife Elizabeth, she has committed the crime of adultery. It also appears to your committee from the affidavit of another person, that the said Elizabeth acknowledged that she had been guilty of the said crime, and shewed considerable concern therefor; acknowledging that her husband had always behaved kindly and affectionately towards her, and promising in case of forgiveness, to conduct herself thereafter with more propriety; and by the affidavits of several other persons, it appears further to your committee, that after it was known to your petitioner, that his wife had been guilty as aforesaid, there appeared to have been a reconciliation between the parties, and by one of the same affidavits it also appears, that after the aforesaid acknowledgment of the said Elizabeth, the said parties were in the night seen actually in bed together.
Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the said Nathaniel Hart, praying that an act may pass divorcing him from his said wife, is reasonable.
The said resolution being read a second time, a motion was made to amend the same by striking out at the end thereof the words "is reasonable," and inserting in line of them the words "be rejected;" and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the affirmative.
The question being then put on the resolution as amended, it was agreed to by the house.
Mr. Smyth (of Wythe) from the committee for courts of justice, made the following report:
The committee for courts of justice, have, according to order, had under their consideration several petitions to them referred, and have come to the following resolutions thereupon:
1. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, praying that the charter of the said borough may be so amended as to make the mayor of the said borough eligible to office from year to year, for four years at the least; and that the mayor and aldermen of the borough may receive a compensation for their services, to be paid out of the funds of the town, or raised for the purpose by a tax on bills of health, law process, &c. is reasonable.
2. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Polly Stone, praying that an act may pass divorcing her from her husband Jeremiah Stone, for the reasons therein stated, be rejected.
3. Resolved , That it is the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of Wood county, praying that an act may pass for altering the court day of said county from the first Monday to the fourth Monday in every month, or to some other day so as not to interfere with the courts of Harrison and Mason counties, is reasonable.
The 1st and 3d resolutions being read a second time, were on the question put thereupon agreed to by the house.
The 2d 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.
The question being then put on the resolution as reported; it was agreed to by the house.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the first and third resolutions; and that the committee for courts of justice do prepare and bring in the same.
Friday, December 12. The following bills were severally read the 2d. time and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, viz.
A bill, "For removing the district court from the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe to the town of Lewisburg in the county of Greenbrier;"
A bill, "For adding part of the county of Russell to the county of Tazewell;" and
A bill, "For the appointment of other trustees of Abingdon academy and for other purposes."
A bill, "Establishing several inspections of tobacco," was read a second time, and a motion made to amend the same by striking out so much thereof as goes to establish an inspection of tobacco on the land of William Prentis and another on the land of William C. Boxwell in the town of Petersburg; and the question being put on the proposed amendment, it passed in the negative.
Ordered , that the said bill be engrossed and read a third time.
Mr. Harrison (of Amelia) from the committee of propositions and grievances, reported that the committee had, according to order, had under consideration several petitions to them referred, and had come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read and agreed to by the house as follows:
1. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Ohio, praying that a law may pass for a division of their said county, be rejected.
2. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Monongalia, praying certain amendments therein set forth, to the law passed at the last session of the assembly, entitled, "An act authorising mill dams to be built across the Monongalia river, is reasonable."
3. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of David Long and others of the county of Harrison, praying that the mill dam of the said Long may be an exception to the provisions of the above recited act, is reasonable.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to the 2d and 3d resolutions; and that the committee of propositions and grievances do prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Foushee (of Henrico) from the committee of claims, reported, that the committee had, according to order, had under their consideration sundry petitions to them referred, and had come to several resolutions thereupon, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read and agreed to by the house as follows:
1. Resolved , As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of the county court of Fairfax, stating that certain claims which the county of Fairfax had against the commonwealth of Virginia, for money advanced at different times, for defraying expenses on criminal prosecutions, were liquidated at the auditor's office on the 12th of January, 1788, and warrants issued for the same; and that the said warrants had been presented at the treasurer's office, and payment demanded; but there being no appropriation for the same, could not be satisfied; and praying the legislature to make appropriation to meet the amount of the said warrants, with interest from the time of liquidation, is reasonable.
2. Resolved , Also, as the opinion of this committee, that the petition of James Vaughan, stating that he was deputy sheriff of Goochland, and in the month of February, 1805, was directed by warrant, to carry John Markham to the lunatic hospital in Williamsburg; but was supposed to be of sound mind by the directors, and was not received; in consequence of which neither the guard nor himself have been paid, there being no law providing for such cases; and praying the legislature would compensate the guard and himself as they may deem just, is reasonable.
Ordered , That bills be brought in pursuant to each of the said resolutions; and that the committee of claims do prepare and bring in the same.
Saturday, December 13. The following bills were severally read a third time and passed, viz.
A bill, "Establishing several inspections of tobacco;"
A bill, "For removing the district court from the Sweet Springs in the county of Monroe, to the town of Lewisburg in the county of Greenbrier;"
A bill, "For adding part of the county of Russell to the county of Tazewell;"
A bill, "For the appointment of other trustees of Abingdon academy and for other purposes;"
A bill, "To prevent obstructions to the passage of fish in the river Staunton;"
A bill, "Granting to Alexander Burton the duplicate of a lost certificate;" and
A bill, "To amend the law of descents," were severally read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.
The house according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, on a bill, "To amend the act, entitled, an act to extend the jurisdiction of justices of the peace;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison (of Amelia) reported, that the committee had, according to order had said bill under consideration & had made several amendments thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were twice read, agreed to by the house, and the bill, with the amendments, ordered to be engrossed & and read a third time.
On motion, Ordered , That the committee of the whole house, to whom was referred the resolution approving of the conduct of the President of the United States, be discharged from further consideration of the said resolution, and that the same be referred to Messrs. Baker, Brooke, Nelson, Prunty, Smyth (of Wythe) Semple, C. B. Harrison, Miller, (of Powhatan) Blake, Love, Robertson, B. Harrison and M'Henry (of Washington.)
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9.
On motion of Mr. Clarke, Resolved , that the committee on the public lands be directed to enquire whether any, and what alterations are necessary in the act for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to land in the territory of Orleans, and the district of Louisiana, with leave to report thereon by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Lewis, from the committee on that subject, reported a bill authorising the erection of a bridge across the river Potomac, within the district of Columbia, which was read twice and referred to a committee of the whole on Thursday.
Mr. J. Clay remarked that under an existing rule of the house, the member first named on committees was the chairman, unless another member was chosen by the committee; and that he was instructed to state that, in virtue of the last provision, the Committee of Ways and Means had appointed Mr. J. Randolph chairman.
On motion of Mr. Jer. Morrow, resolved , that the committee on public lands be instructed to enquire into the expediency of offering for sale the public lands situated between the U. S. military tract and the Connecticut reserve, and that they report by bill or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. Clopton the petition of Joseph Jackson and Charles Spencer, executors of Wm. Carter, was referred to the committee on public lands.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10.
Mr. Eppes presented the petition of Peter Dupuy, which was referred to the committee of claims.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11.
Mr. Clopton rose, and addressed the Speaker in a speech of considerable length, which he concluded with the following amendment to the constitution of the U. S.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both houses concurring, That the following article be submitted to the legislatures of the several states, which when ratified and confirmed by the legislatures of three fourths of the said states, shall be valid and binding as a part of the constitution of the U. S.
The last clause of the 8th section of the 1st article of the constitution which contains the following words: "to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the U. S. or in any department or officer thereof," shall be construed so as to comprehend only such laws as shall have a natural connection with and immediate relation to the powers enumerated in the said section, or to such other powers as are expressly vested by this constitution in the government of the U. S. or in any department or officer thereof.
The house immediately considered the said amendment, and referred it to a committee of the whole on the state of the union.
COMMITTEES APPOINTED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Committee on the Mississippi territory memorial—Messrs. T. M. Randolph, Latimore, Taggart, Wickes and Hamilton.
SENATE UNITED STATES.
December 9.
The bill from the House of Representatives, for suspending the operation of the non-importation law, was referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Giles, Mitchell and Baldwin.
December 10.
The bill which had yesterday been reported without amendment by the select committee, was considered as in committee of the whole house, when Mr. Mitchell proposed a new section to the bill, empowering the President to give a further suspension to the law beyond the 30th June, 1807, until the 31st of December, if in his opinion the public interest should require it. On this the bill with the amendment was re-committed.
December 11.
Mr. Giles reported the bill with the new section, and another amendment; and Mr. Mitchell's proposition being thus incorporated into the bill, the whole was ordered to be printed.
December 12.
The Senate took into consideration the bill, entitled "An act to suspend the operation of an act, entitled 'An act to prohibit the importation of certain goods, wares, and merchandise,' and to remit the penalties incurred under the same."
When the following amendments were agreed to without a division, viz. strike out at the end of the 2d sec. the following words: "This act shall take effect from and after the passing thereof."
Add to the end of the bill the following section:
And be it further enacted , That the President of the United States be, and is hereby authorised, further to suspend the operation of the aforesaid act, if in his judgment the public service should require it: Provided , That such suspension shall not extend beyond the second Monday in December next.
The bill so amended, was read a third time, and passed without a division.
LATEST European Intelligence.
NEW-YORK, December 9.
IMPORTANT.
The fast sailing ship Eugenia , capt. Boden, arrived here last evening in 37 days from Amsterdam.
Capt. Boden having favored the editors of the New-York Gazette with Dutch papers to the 28th of October, (having obtained the latter in the Channel) they have it their power to make this day's Gazette highly interesting to their numerous readers, in giving the subsequent details. The translations were made by a valuable friend, who is to furnish more matter for our next paper. It will naturally occur to the reader, that the account of the French victories, are French accounts. Readers will draw their own inferences. The news from our London papers, tho' not so late from the continent, is worthy of an attentive perusal. They contain the King of Prussia's Manifesto, occupying eight columns, which we will endeavor to publish in a day or two—it is a firm, well written justification of his conduct towards France.
The latest news from Amsterdam, (and if true, the most important) comes under date of Oct. 29, from a respectable merchant to Mr. Young on board the Eugenia , and received at the Texel. It follows—
A letter from Amsterdam, dated the 29th October, says—"The war with Prussia is at an end and the French are at Berlin. In nine days an army of 150,000 men has been destroyed, and a kingdom taken. I think great operations are still to be carried on."
TRANSLATIONS—From Dutch papers.
[Supplement to the Rotterdam Courant of October 18.]
Hague, Oct. 17. —Last night his excellency the secretary of state received the important intelligence, that hostilities have commenced between the French and Prussians; and that repeated and desperate engagements have already taken place between the two armies. Fortunately however, the result of them has proved entirely favorable to the arms of France.
Prince Louis Ferdinand, brother of the King of Prussia, who on one of the above occasions, commanded in person, is killed; and the further advantages over the enemy on the first occasion, consist in a great number of prisoners of war, and thirty-two pieces of cannon.
Gera, Oct. 13. —The battle of Schleitz, which opened the campaign, and was very unfortunate for the Prussian army—that of Saalfeld, which was fought the following day—have occasioned a great depression of the enemy's spirits. All the intercepted letters say, that at the same sensation prevails at Erfurth, where the King & Queen, and the Duke of Brunswick, still are; and that they are continually consulting what line of conduct to adopt. But while they consult, the French army advances.
Hamburg, Oct. 21. —The Queen of Prussia arrived at Berlin on the 17th, and on the day following she departed again for Stettin, or according to other accounts, for Gustrin.
The French seem to have taken peculiar pains to mark the Prussian officers, by which a great number of them were killed, and the confusion which finally resulted from it.
Magdeburg, Oct. 18. —The battles which were fought on the 14th, 15th and 16th inst. near Weimar, Cosin and Naumburg, have annihilated the Prussian army; and yesterday the army of reserve, under Prince Eugene of Wirttemberg, was defeated by Marshal Davoust, between Lamchstadt & Halle. The French are before Halle, and will probably to-morrow visit our city, which is full of confused military. Yesterday the King arrived here, but set out again for Berlin; and at this moment an adjutant of Gen. Count Tarenzieh is passing through this city for Weimar. Orders have been sent to Hamburg, to detain all shipping bound from thence to this port.
BATTLE OF JENA.
Jena, Oct. 15. —(5 o'clock, A. M.)—The battle of Jena, fought yesterday, is one of the most memorable in history.
The Prussians amounted to the number of 150,000; they lost 200 pieces of cannon, and 30 stand of colors, besides 28,000 prisoners of war. The Duke of Brunswick and General Ruchel are killed. Prince Henry of Prussia is badly wounded. A great number of Generals, besides many officers of rank, are wounded. The loss of the French army is, comparatively, infinitely less; yet we have in the hospitals of Jena, 1200 wounded, and in those of Naumburg 1500. There is no other General killed on our part, but General of Brigade Billy, a brave man. The French army has acquired great glory.
Marshal Davoust, who was stationed in
the narrow passage of Koesen, and before Naumburg, left the enemy no time to tarry; he fought the whole day, and threw more than 60,000 men into confusion, which were commanded by Mollendorff, Kalkreuth and the King in person.
The Queen of Prussia was pursued by a troop of horse. She was obliged to take shelter in Weimar, and three hours before our advanced posts arrived there, she took a road which was full of our troops, and it is therefore very likely that she has been overtaken.
Our troops reached Weimar in the evening, pursuing the rear-guard of the enemy on the left flank; on the left Marshal Davoust pursued them as far as Neustadt. His head-quarters were at Elkardsberg this morning. It is supposed that the enemy is endeavoring to collect his forces on the side of Frankenhausen, in order to reach Magdeburg. The enemy must have suffered a terrible loss, which will not be ascertained until late. Six of their generals are prisoners of war, besides a great number of colonels.
Jena Oct. 15. —The battle of Jena has erased the shame acquired by the battle of Rosbach; & thus in seven days terminated a campaign which has quenched the dreadful thirst for war which tormented the Court of Prussia.
The position of the army on the 15th inst. was as follows:
The Duke of Berg and Marshal Davoust stood with their corps at Naumburg, having divisions of their troops at Leipzig and Halle.
The corps of the Prince Ponte-Corvo was on its march for Naumburg; and that of Marshal Lannes was posted at Jena; while the corps of Angereau was stationed at Kahla, and that under Ney at Roda.
The head-quarters were at Gera.—The French Emperor was on his march for Jena.
The corps of Marshal Soult was on its march from Gera, to take a nearer position where the roads from Jena and from Naumburg meet.
The enemy's army was posted as follows.
The king of Prussia commenced his operations on the 9th October, by advancing his right wing for Frankfort, his centre for Wartburg, and his left wing for Bamberg. All the divisions of his army were prepared for the execution of this plan; but the French Army, turning his left wing, was in a few days posted at Lovenstein, Schleitz, Gera and Naumburg. The Prussian army being turned, fixed on the days of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, to concentrate her divisions; and on the 13th, the whole army presented itself in order of battle, Cappelendorf and Auerstadt, to the amount of nearly 150,000 men.
On the 13th, at two o'clock, P. M. the Emperor arrived at Jena, and from a small hill, occupied by our advanced posts, viewed the positions of the enemy, who seemed to manoeuvre for the purpose of forcing, on the next day, the narrow passage of the Saal. The enemy made a most obstinate resistance on the road leading to Jena and Weimar. Davoust was ordered to turn him in flank, while the Prince Ponte-Corvo was dispatched to attack him in the rear.
The Emperor collected the whole force of Marshal Lannes on the above hill in order of battle.
The troops of Generals Ney and Soult marched the whole night. A thick fog obscured the following day; and the Emperor guarded the infantry against the formidable attacks of the Prussian cavalry. The riflemen commenced the action and the fire of Musketry was brisk. Good as the position of the enemy was they were dislodged from it—and the French army formed in order of battle in the valleys.
The enemy only waited for the fog to disperse to commence a general action. A division of 50,000 men intended to take the defiles of Koesen, to cover Naumburg, but was prevented by Marshal Davoust. The two other divisions 30,000 men in number, together, drew up in order of battle in front of the French line.
The fog covered both armies for the space of two hours; but when it cleared up, the two armies had a view of each other at the distance of a cannon shot.
The enemy's army was numerous, and exhibited a handsome body of cavalry: his manoeuvres were executed with exactness and swiftness. Having made an advance on our left wing, Marshal Augeau was charged to throw him back again; and in less than an hour the attack was general—From 250,000 to 300,000 men, with 7 or 800 pieces of cannon, spread death every where before them, and exhibited a very rare spectacle. The Emperor always kept a strong body of reserve with him besides his imperial guard.
At this interesting crisis, a division of French cavalry arrived also, and formed a line of battle in reserve, in conjunction with the above. The whole body now advanced, and together with the main army soon threw the enemy into confusion: they took post again—but were completely routed, by a fresh attack from the Duke of Berg, with his heavy horse and dragoons.
The result of the battle was the taking of 30 or 40,000 prisoners, 25 or 30 stand of colours, and 300 pieces of cannon, besides magazines and stores.
The enemy is supposed to have lost 23 or 30,000 killed and wounded. General Mollendorff, and Prince Henry of Prussia, are wounded. The Duke of Brunswick and General Ruchel are killed.
Our loss is estimated at 1000 or 1100 dead, and 3000 wounded.
The Duke of Berg has at this moment enclosed Erfurth, which is garrisoned by a corps of the enemy, commanded by Mollendorff and the Prince of Orange.
Nuremberg, Oct. 18. —A great number of wounded French soldiers have arrived at Baureuth, and many hospitals are established here.
LONDON, Oct. 27.
It is with great concern that we are obliged to check the pleasing expectations that were entertained yesterday on the success of the Prussian army. The accounts which were circulated in the Sunday papers, and received with such a natural avidity, related merely to the two wings of the respective armies. The engagement which followed between the main

bodies has been terminated to the advantage of the French. This intelligence has been communicated in a dispatch from Lord Morpeth. His lordship mentions that the action which took place on the 14th inst. was most severely contested. The Prussians sustained great loss. The Duke of Brunswick was wounded, and had been taken to Magdeburgh. His Prussian majesty is stated to have had two horses shot from under him. These are the only particulars which have reached us.
The following are the circumstances which appear to have led to this general engagement as extracted from the Hamburg mail, due on Wednesday, which arrived yesterday morning.
Hostilities as it has been before stated, began on the 9th instant; but no affair of importance took place until the 10th or 11th, when a very warm action was fought at Saalfeld. Prince Louis Ferdinand, who commanded an advanced corps of the left wing of the Prussian army, was stationed at the town to defend the passage of the Saal. His orders, it is said, were to maintain his position to the last extremity for the purpose of affording the Prince of Hohenlohe an opportunity of executing a bold movement which he had planned against the right wing of the enemy. Prince Louis bravely performed his duty, defending the bridge during the greater part of the day against a force three times more numerous than his own; he had only 6000 men under his command, and the French were estimated at 20,000. In the end however, the enemy prevailed. Prince Louis was killed, the passage of the Saal forced, and the Prussians forced to retreat, with the loss of several men, and some cannon. These are the most authentic particulars which we have been able to extract from the mail respecting the result of this first affair, which was produced by an attempt of the French to turn the right wing of the Prussians, and destroy the considerable magazines which they had formed at Nuremberg.
The enemy encouraged by this first success, pressed forward with their characteristic impetuosity, which brought on an action in which it appears that a large proportion of the respective armies were engaged. We cannot, from the accounts brought by the Mail, ascertain the day on which this battle was fought, but the result of it is stated to have been decidedly in favor of the Prussians. Upwards of 20,000 French are reported either to have fallen in the field, or to have been made prisoners. The official account had not reached Berlin when the post of Hamburg left that city, but the fact is placed beyond all doubt, by a short note which was received from her Prussian majesty.
During the confusion incidental to so general an affair, attended with such consequences, a small corps of French cavalry, which was separated from the main body, penetrated to Leopold: and employing a very allowable russe de guerre , ordered quarters to be provided for several thousand men, and extracted a small contribution from the town. This was on the night of the 12th; it may be, therefore, presumed, that the action in which the prince of Hohenlohe was so successful, was fought early on that day. It is probable that a series of actions took place up to the 14th, when the general engagement was fought, the result of which has been unfavorable to the Prussians.
Sixty thousand Russians are said to have entered the Prussian territory. If they have advanced as far as Silesia, they may prevent the French from following up their successes—if they have only entered South Prussia, we fear they will not reach Saxony, in sufficient time to enable the Prussians to maintain possession of that country.
His Prussian majesty addressed a proclamation to his army, the same day on which his manifesto was published. It has all the energy and spirit of that admirable composition. Every circumstance, every sentiment, which could excite the enthusiasm and increase the ardour of the army, is compressed into this vigorous appeal to its loyalty and heroism.
An Austrian courier, who arrived yesterday morning from Vienna, met, at Dessau, a Prussian officer on his way to Berlin, who had been sent from the army with the intelligence that, after different affairs of posts, in one of which prince Louis Ferdinand lost his life, prince Hohenlohe, by a well planned manoeuvre succeeded in cutting off 25,000 men from the main French army, the greater part of whom were made prisoners. Preparations were making at Magdeburgh to receive 6000 of them. The affair took place near Jena.
WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 15. Extract of a letter from a public character in Warren, Trumbull county and state of Ohio, dated November 30, 1806.
Tyler, of the state of New-York, (who is supposed to be one of Aaron Burr's subalterns,) has lately been in this county in company with an English gentleman, by the name of Constable, a man of science and well skilled in drawing charts and views of places; he has engaged our tavern keeper, and some others of desperate character and fortune in his service, who are now enlisting men to go down the Mississippi, but where is kept a secret from the Gulls. Boats and provisions are said to be purchased, and a number are to start next week from this county; it makes a great rumor, and the people are in gaping expectation of some wonderful event. For my part I have not formed any opinion of the enterprise. It, at any rate has the prospect of doing us some good by ridding us of a parcel of idlers.
Leave has been given by the House of Delegates of the state of Maryland, to bring in a bill, entitled "An act to tax batchelors and bachelors for the education of poor children in the several counties of the state" —Yeas 37—Nays 21.
FRANKFORT, (Ken.) Nov. 20. On Tuesday last the legislature proceeded by joint vote of both houses, to the election of a senator to represent this state in congress after the 3d of March next. The candidates were General John Adair, John Pope, esq. and Gen. Samuel Hopkins.
On the first ballot the votes were for John Pope 38; John Adair 28, and Samuel Hopkins 15. On the second ballot Pope 38, Adair 28, Hopkins 14. On the third ballot the same; and on the fourth John Pope had 45, and John Adair 37—Mr. Pope was consequently duly elected.
On the same evening Gen. Adair resigned, and on Wednesday the legislature proceeded to elect another senator to serve until the 3d of March next; for which period the general was elected last session.—Henry Clay, esq. was chosen by a large majority. The votes were for Henry Clay 58—George M. Bibb 10—John Pope 1.
Captain Lewis arrived in this place on Thursday last, and on Saturday morning proceeded on his journey to the city of Washington, by way of the old Wilderness road. He was accompanied by the chief of the Mandane Indians, and a party of the 2d regt. Mr. Chouteau, with the latter, took their route through Lexington.
VIRGINIA ARGUS. RICHMOND: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1806.
THE recent events on the continent of Europe, seem so obviously to result from the relative situation and resources of the powers engaged, that we are astonished how any persons, in the least degree acquainted with the affairs of Europe, should be surprised at the issue. When we recollect the exploits of France, at a time when all Europe was combined against her, and when anarchy prevailed in her interior, and discord in her councils, when in this situation, she compelled Prussia to abandon the coalition and sue for peace; when we recollect the rapid overthrow of the Austrian power during the campaign of the last year, who could have anticipated any other result than the one which has been witnessed. And yet there are many deluded and infatuated Englishmen and friends of England, who have indulged flattering and groundless hopes respecting the success of this last coalition.
We had no hesitation, on the first intelligence of warlike preparation, to pronounce a decided opinion, not only of the inefficacy, but of the disastrous consequences which would ensue from this campaign. We do not wish an aggrandizement of the power of France, we believe it is already too great for the safety of the world; but we believe the impolicy of the British government has been one of the most operative causes in producing the evil which we deplore. Why did that government refuse the fulfilment of the treaty of Amiens? Why did they not evacuate Malta? It would have been then time enough, to clamour about the perfidy and ambition of France.
It is difficult to conceive on what foundation, the people of England could have built those towering hopes respecting the contest between France and Prussia, with which the London editors appear to have been dazzled. From various accidental circumstances, Prussia has had a great name, but she never was a great power. From the prudence and economy of her first kings, and the talents and enterprise of their successors, she was enabled to equip a numerous and well disciplined army, and gain some splendid victories; but the preservation of her existence was long in suspense, and Frederick the great was at length indebted to accident, for empire and for safety. If the limited extent of his resources, circumscribed the ambition of the great Frederick, and compelled him to renounce the trade of war, what was to be expected from the same power, wielded by feeble hands, and in an age when the situation of things is so much changed.
The exalted hopes of the English editors appear to have simulated their imaginations, and induced them to conceive that they lived in another age & were cotemporaries of Frederick the great. One of the late London papers, after describing with much enthusiasm and pomp, the march of a Prussian regiment of Dragoons through Berlin, observes, this is the same regiment that so gloriously determined the first battle fought by Frederick the great at Molwitz. Now the battle of Molwitz was fought somewhere about the year 1740 or '41, that is, 66 years ago, and supposing that each soldier of this regiment was only 20 years of age at the battle of Molwitz, they must now be 86 years of age. Such men must certainly form a very veteran and venerable corps, but I should apprehend, too old for service. After this we should not be surprised, if the British government were to send the Duke of York at the head of an army to invade France, and inform the world that it was the same army with which the Black Prince had gained the battle of Cressy.
It appears that the king of Prussia, previously to the commencement of hostilities, issued a MANIFESTO, explanatory of his motives for resorting to arms. This performance possesses no merit either in point of style or argument; it contains much of the common place declamation against the ambition and insidious policy of France. As a state paper however, it discloses some facts which tend to throw light upon the present politics of Europe and upon the insincerity of courts in general. We shall therefore endeavor to give an abstract of such statements contained in it, as we deem of most importance.
Many of the causes of complaint existed before any hostile indications on the part of Prussia towards France, and are already well known to the world; as the invasion of Hanover, the violation of the German territory in the seizure of the Duke d'Enghien, laying the Hanse towns under contribution, under the specious name of a loan, the intimidating influence exercised over Portugal, the seizure of the British Minister, Sir George Rumbold at Hamburg, &c.
The manifesto then proceeds, with some obscurity to the immediate, real and as we believe, the only causes of the rupture with France. It is well known that the French Emperor after the successful campaign which terminated in the victory at Austerlitz, and prostrated the Austrian power,
had dissolved the Germanic constitution, and instituted what he termed a confederation of the Rhine , composed of all those Princes whose territories are in the south of Germany, of which he was declared protector. Altho' the King of Prussia professes to have viewed this transaction with regret, yet it does not appear, so fond was he of peace, that he had any intention of making an open resistance. But the unpardonable offence was this. The manifesto proceeds thus:
"The Emperor, at length, informed his majesty that it was his pleasure to dissolve the German empire and form a confederation of the Rhine, and he recommended to the king to establish a similar confederation in the north of Germany. This was according to his customary policy; a policy which had long been crowned with success; at the moment of the birth of any new project to throw out a lure to those courts which might occasion difficulties in the execution of such project. The King adopted the idea of such a confederation, not that the advice he received made the least impression on him, but because, in fact, it was rendered necessary by circumstances; and because, after the secession of the Princes who had acceded to the confederation of the Rhine, a close union between those of the North became more than ever the condition of their safety. The King took measures to establish this league, but on other principles from those of the model presented to him. He made it his pride to collect the last of the Germans under his banners; but the rights of each he left unimpaired, and honor alone was the bond of the league."
It appears then that the King, although the advice he received did not make the least impression on him, but merely from his regard for the interests of the Germans, and entered heartily into the project of forming a confederation, in the north of Germany, similar to the one which the French Emperor had formed in the south. Among the most considerable of the sovereigns in the north of Germany, is the Prince of Hesse Cassel, and on him was the first attempt made by the King, to draw him into the proposed confederacy.
The Emperor, on the other hand, wishing to attach the Prince of Hesse to his confederation of the Rhine, made secret proposals to him for that purpose, suggesting his superior power to remunerate his allies, and offering him the possessions of the Prince of Orange, brother in law to the King of Prussia. This is the first cause of discontent alleged against the Emperor. The second respects Hanover.
After the conquest of Hanover by the French, it was proposed to cede it to Prussia, in exchange for the principalities of Anspach and Bayreuth, to this exchange the King readily assented, and accordingly took possession of the hereditary dominions of his good friend, ally and kinsman the King of England, from the same motive which induced him to accede to the northern confederacy, to wit, a regard for the interests of Germany. But mark the honesty of Bonaparte and Talleyrand. Whilst the late negotiations for peace were pending between France and Britain, the former offered, among other inducements, to restore to the latter the electorate of Hanover then in possession of Prussia.
The manifesto then proceeds to state, that the King had ordered a note to be transmitted by General Knobelsdorf containing the conditions on which he was ready to come to an accommodation. The conditions were:
1. That the French troops should immediately evacuate Germany. 2. That France should oppose no obstacle to the formation of the northern confederacy and that this confederacy might embrace all the larger and smaller states not included in the fundamental act of the confederation of the Rhine. 3. That a negotiation should immediately be commenced for the adjustment of all differences still in dispute; a preliminary article of which should be, the restoration of three abbeys and the separation of the town of Wesel from the French empire.
This appears to us to be nearly the substance of a manifesto, which occupies more than six columns of a newspaper. It only furnishes additional evidence of the intrigue, corruption, insincerity and perfidy of the courts of Europe, which have been always the same, from the days of Cardinal Richlieu to those of C. M. Talleyrand. But it would be difficult for the king of Prussia to prove, that the French Emperor is worse than his brethren, although he may possess more cunning, or that he himself is any better.
VIRGINIA ASSEMBLY. Tuesday, December 16.
Mr. Baker from the committee to whom was committed the resolution appropriating the conduct of the President of the United States, reported, that the committee had according to order had the said resolution under consideration, and had made an amendment thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same was twice read, as follows:
Resolved, that the General Assembly have the highest confidence in the wisdom, firmness and patriotism of the President of the United States.
The question being put upon the proposed amendment, it passed in the affirmative—Yeas 138—Nays 19.
Wednesday, December 17.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Robertson.
"Resolved, that the legislature of Virginia continue to view with the highest approbation, the firm, just and liberal policy, which characterises the conduct of the government of the United States, towards foreign nations."
The foregoing resolution gave rise to some debate, in consequence of its friends avowing an intention to cast an indirect censure upon the minority who opposed the measures adopted by the executive, during the last session of Congress, in regard to foreign nations. We only heard Mr. Nelson and Mr. Lindsay on the occasion, who delivered their sentiments, as well as we could collect, to the following effect.
Mr. NELSON.—Although I am one of those who approve of the conduct of the executive of the United States, although they possess my confidence full and entire, yet I am always disposed to make allowances for those who honestly differ from me in sentiment. It is true that I disapprove of the opposition which the federal executive has encountered, and particularly of the manner in which that opposition was conducted. But as I believe that the minority were influenced, in the course which they pursued by motives pure, honorable and patriotic, I am willing to exercise towards them, that liberality and forbearance, which is due to virtue and independence, although employed in support of opinions adverse to my own.
If the conduct of the minority has been substantially wrong, let their constituents pass sentence upon them. If in the course of their opposition they have violated the rules of parliamentary decorum, the house in which they sit, is the proper tribunal to judge of that indecorum, and to assert its violated dignity. If any occasion can demand the exercise of a censorial power on the part of this house, it is when a victorious & overbearing majority invades the rights of the States, & tramples upon the liberties of the people, but I never will consent to hurl the thunder of legislative censure against a feeble minority, whose errors are atoned by their virtue and independence.
Mr. LINDSAY.—I never expected to hear a member of this house declare, that altho' the conduct of men in office may deserve censure, yet we dare not censure them. When the great and good man who presides over our councils, has met with the most virulent and acrimonious abuse, from men too, who have started into public notice, without any public services to support their mushroom fame, I cannot conceive any occasion which can more imperiously demand an expression of the sentiments of this house.
Who are the persons for whom this forbearance and respect is required, at the expense of one of the most virtuous and enlightened statesmen whom the world has ever known? The conduct of the President of the United States through life, has been such as to deserve the esteem and gratitude of his country. He has always been called into service in times of difficulty and danger.
No sooner was the independence of our country threatened by hostile invasion, than the eyes of his country were turned upon him, and to him was assigned the post of danger and of honor.
When the public liberty was endangered by the wayward policy of a federal executive, it was he who headed a Spartan band which resisted with magnanimous firmness the encroachments of the enemies of popular liberty.
Here Mr. L. entered into a just and merited encomium on the President of the United States, and concluded with observing, "And shall we not shield such a character from the assaults of his enemies, merely because they are independent?"
After some remarks from Mr. Nelson, the question on the resolution was taken & carried in the affirmative—Yeas 122—Nays 35.
On the same day the house proceeded to the choice of a Brigadier General, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of Gen. Bowyer. On counting the votes, there appeared,
For Andrew Moore, esq. 124 Col. Breckenridge, 52
DUEL.—It affords us much pleasure to be enabled to state, that our information respecting the duel which was said to have taken place between Mr. Hooe and Doct. Blake, was incorrect. The gentlemen met on the succeeding morning, when after exchanging one ineffectual fire, they were prevented from the prosecution of their design by the interference of officers of the peace, by whom they were arrested and recognized to keep the peace.
MUNGO PARK.—A few months since we published an account, which we received from Africa, of the death of Mungo Park, at Sego, the capital of Bambarra, upon the banks of the river Niger. It has since been thought to have been premature, upon the authority of a letter received and published in London. From the respectability of our informant, no doubt rested upon our minds of the fact. We have now the unpleasant task of again repeating, upon the authority of a gentleman who has just arrived from Africa, that no doubt remains of Mr. Park's death. He has seen and conversed with several people upon the Rio Pongu , from Sego, who affirm it to be correct as we had stated it. It was always deemed in Africa a very impolitic measure to travel through the interior of that country with a military force. He arrived at Sego with but a few of his followers, having lost the greatest number of them, on his journey, by sickness. The remainder were cut off, it is believed, by the king's orders. Sego is the residence of the king of Bambarra, and contains about thirty thousand inhabitants. Thus we have to deplore the loss of one of the most enterprising and learned men, that ever attempted to make us acquainted with the interior of that barbarous country. His labors were as useful to society as they were honorable and commendable to himself—and if the hand of treachery has numbered him with the dead—he fell in promoting the interests of the civilized world.— Charleston Courier.
From Lancaster, Dec. 2.
"The Senate have this moment declared PRESLEY CARR LANE their Speaker. Twenty-three members attended, out of which Mr. Lane had twelve."
"The House of Representatives have this moment finished their election of Speaker, and have chosen SIMON SNYDER. The votes were, 42 for Snyder, 41 for Ingham." ( Philadelphia paper. )
MARRIED—On Thursday the 4th inst. JOSEPH CARTER, Esq. to the truly amiable Miss NANCY ROBERTSON, daughter of Mr. Christopher Robertson, all of the county of Pittsylvania.
*** TICKETS in the Second Class of the William and Mary College Lottery are for sale at this office.
Marshal's Sales. By virtue of a decree of the Court of the United States for the fifth circuit in the Virginia district, pronounced at the May term, 1806. John Somervill, Plt. against David Ross, Deft. WILL be sold to the highest bidder, for ready money, so much of a TRACT of LAND, lying on James River, in the county of Chesterfield, and commonly called and known by the name of the Falls Plantation, as will raise the sum of seven hundred and twenty-six dollars and thirty-seven cents, and the costs. The sale will be had on the premises on the 20th Day of January 1807. JOSEPH SCOTT, M. V. D. Dec. 13. tds.
Notice. By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber, on the 20th day of January last, by Thomas Paulet, jr. of Charlotte county, for the benefit of Martin Hancock, will be sold, for ready money, on Friday the 9th of January, 1807, at Thomas & McKinney's store in said county, the following property: to wit:
Three likely Negroes, named Frank, Washington and Anna; also three Horses, six head of Cattle, two feather Beds and furniture, with a quantity of household and kitchen Furniture, or so much of said property as shall be sufficient to satisfy the purpose of the said deed of trust. Claiborne Barkdale, jr. Trustee. Charlotte, Dec. 13, 1806.
Notice.
FOREWARN all persons from taking an assignment of sundry Bonds, given by Smith Blakey of Henrico county, to Robert Mitchell of the city of Richmond, which I will not pay unless compelled by law, as I conceive the said bonds were discharged by the said Smith Blakey, and the said Robert Mitchell has refused to give them up; there is a balance on one bond of 24 shillings; three other bonds of ten pounds each, due in 1793, 1794 and 1795, and one note taken on demand for fifty-three in 1797. GEO. BLAKET, Adm'r. of Smith Blakey, decd. 25th Nov. 1806. 3t
To Rent, THE HOUSE and LOT, with a good garden and stable, where Mr. James Whitelaw lived. Enquire of the subscriber on Shockoe Hill. THOMAS ELLIOTT. Richmond, Dec. 19, 1806. 4tj
Private Academy.
DURING the ensuing year the Rev. G. H. DEVENISH will resume and pursue the professional instruction of youth, at the Sweet Springs. The extreme healthiness of the situation, the cheapness of boarding, the total exclusion from every opportunity or incitement to dissipation, and the singular advantage it enjoys of being visited by a number of literary characters, capable of inspecting and superintending its management, render this among the most eligible situations in Virginia for an institution of this nature, and are among the principal reasons which have induced him to make choice of this most delightful and advantageous place, as the seat of his seminary.
His course of instruction will be divisible into two parts: The first will comprehend English Grammar, Geography with the use of the Terrestrial Globe and Maps, Elocution, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Euclid's Elements. The greatest attention will also be paid to the study of the dead languages, where it may be the desire of parents or guardians. The second part will comprehend Logic, Political Economy, History, Composition and Ethics. It is his most anxious wish that a majority of his pupils may be composed of boys from nine to fifteen years of age, who will be continued under his direction till they shall complete the course.
Under these circumstances he flatters himself it would be in his power to render permanent and substantial services, and to inspire his pupils with a love of virtue, knowledge and predilection for manly, useful and honorable sentiments and pursuits, which would exert a predominant influence over their future happiness and usefulness in life.
He wishes to receive from 20 to 25 pupils. His charge for tuition will be 10 dollars per quarter, paid in advance, for boys under 15 years of age, and 12 1-2 dollars per quarter, paid in advance, for boys beyond that age. His charge for board, washing, candles and fire (the fees of tuition not included) will be 20 dollars per quarter, paid in advance, for boys under 15 years of age, and 22 1-2 dollars per quarter, paid in advance, for boys after that age. Each boarder must furnish his own bed, or be subjected to an additional charge of 7 dollars per annum, payable as above, in case of having it furnished.—Parents who may wish to place their children under his direction will please make application to Messrs. GEORGE and ROBERT TURNER, Richmond, or to the subscriber at the Sweet Springs. G. H. DEVENISH. Sweet Springs, Nov. 22, 1806. w8t
DR. REE'S NEW CYCLOPEDIA. THE third number, or vol. II. Part I. of the above work, is just received and ready for delivery to Subscribers at this Office. October 26.