The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1807-09-12 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE.....AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.....(PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
VOLUME 4.]
RICHMOND, SATURDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 12, 1807.
[NUMBER 56.]
Europe.
Continuation of News received at New-York.
SEVENTY-NINTH BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Weblau, June 17. The combats of Spanden and of Lomitten, the days of Guttstadt and of Heilsberg were but the prelude to greater events.
On the 12th, at four o'clock in the morning, the French army entered Heilsberg. General Latour-Maubourg, with his division of dragoons, and the brigades of light cavalry of generals Dufour and Wattier, pursued the enemy on the right bank of the Alle, in the direction of Bartensstein, while the corps of the army put themselves in march in different directions to come up with the enemy, and to cut off his retreat to Konigsberg, by arriving with him at its magazines—Fortune failed on this project.
On the 12th, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, the emperor fixed his head-quarters at Eylau. It was no longer those fields covered with ice and snow; it was the most beautiful country in nature, interspersed with beautiful woods, handsome lakes and fine villages.
The Grand Duke of Berg on the 13th, bore upon Konigsberg with his cavalry; Marshal Davoust marched in the rear, to support him; Marshal Soult bore upon Guttstadt; Marshal Lannes, on Domnau; & the Marshals Ney and Mortier, on Lampach.
In the mean while, general Latour-Maubourg wrote that he had pursued the enemy's rear-guard; that the Russians abandoned many wounded; that they had evacuated Bartensstein, and continued their retreat on Segippenhoff, by the right bank of the Alle. The emperor immediately directed his march on Friedland. He gave orders to the Grand Duke of Berg, and Marshals Soult and Davoust, to manoeuvre on Konigsberg; and with the corps of Marshals Ney, Lannes, Mortier, the imperial guard, and the first corps, commanded by general Victor, he marched in person on Friedland.
On the 13th, the 9th of the Russians entered Friedland; but it was driven out by 800 cavalry.
On the 14th, the enemy defiled by the bridge of Friedland. At 5 o'clock in the morning, the firing of cannon was heard; "this is a fortunate day" said the Emperor, "it is the anniversary of Marengo."
The Marshals Lannes and Mortier were the first engaged; they were supported by the division of dragoons of general Grouchy, and by general Nansouty. Different movements, different actions took place. The enemy was kept within bounds, and could not pass the village of Potsgereen. Believing that he had before him but a corps of 15,000 men, he continued his movement to file on Konigsberg. On this occasion the dragoons and French and Saxon cuirassiers made the most handsome charges and took four pieces of cannon from the enemy.
At five o'clock in the evening, the different corps of the army were in their places. On the right Marshal Ney; in the center, Marshal Lannes; on the left, Marshal Mortier; in the reserve, the corps of general Victor and the guard.
The cavalry under the orders of gen. Grouchy, supporting the left; the division of dragoons of general Latour-Maubourg was in reserve behind the right; the division of dragoons of general Laboussaye, and the Saxon cuirassiers were in reserve behind the center.
In the meanwhile, the enemy had displayed his whole army. He supported his left on the town of Friedland; his right extended a league and a half.
The Emperor, after having reconnoitred the position, decided immediately on carrying the town of Friedland, by making briskly a charge of the front, the right in advance, and the attack was begun by the extremity of his right.
At half after five, Marshal Ney put himself in motion; some discharges of a battery and twenty pieces of cannon, were the signal.
At the same moment, the division of general Marchand advanced to charge (Parole du Repel) the enemy, taking a direction from the Beeple of the town.
The division of gen. Biron supported him on the left. From the moment that the enemy perceived that marshal Ney had quitted the wood where his right was in position, he attacked him with regiments of cavalry, preceded by a cloud of Cossacks. The division of the dragoons of gen. Latour-Maubourg formed immediately in gallop on the right, and repulsed the charge of the enemy. In the meantime, general Victor placed in front of his centre, a battery of 20 pieces of cannon: General Scouramont, who commanded it, pulled it more than 400 steps in advance, and made a horrible destruction among the enemy. The different operations which the Russians undertook, to cause a diversion, were useless.
Marshal Ney, with that coolness and intrepidity which are peculiar to him, was in advance of his esclavons , directed the most minute details, and gave the example to a corps of the army, which has always caused itself to be distinguished, even amongst the corps of the grand army. Several columns of the enemy's infantry, which attacked the right of marshal Ney, were charged with the bayonet, and precipitated into the Alle: Several thousand men there found their deaths; some escaped by swimming. The left of marshal Ney, during this time arrived at the ravine, which encircles the town of Friedland.
The enemy which had embarked, the Russian imperial guard, horse and foot, came out with intrepidity, and made a charge on the left of marshal Ney, which, for a moment, was shaken; but the division of Dupont, which formed the right of the reserve, marched on the imperial guard, overthrew it, and made a horrible carnage.
The enemy drew from his reserves and his centre, other corps to defend Friedland. Vain efforts! Friedland was forced, and its streets were covered with dead.
The centre, which marshal Lannes commanded, found itself engaged at this moment. The effort which the enemy had made on the extreme of the right of the French army having failed, he endeavoured to make the same at the centre: he was received as was to be expected, by the brave divisions, commanded by Oudinot, Verdier, and the Marshal.
The charges of infantry and cavalry could not retard the march of our columns; all the
efforts of Russian bravery were useless, they could stop nothing and found death on our bayonets.
Marshal Mortier, who, throughout the whole day, gave great proofs of his coolness and intrepidity in supporting the left, then marched forward, and was supported by the fulcra of the guard which general Savary commanded—cavalry, infantry, artillery, all distinguished themselves.
The imperial guard, foot and horse, and two divisions of the first corps, were not engaged. Victory was not doubtful for a single instant. The field of battle is one of the most horrible that can be conceived. It is not exaggeration to carry the number of the dead on the side of the Russians, from 15 to 18 thousand. On the side of the French, the loss does not amount to 500 killed, nor more than 2000 wounded. We have taken 80 pieces of cannon, and a large quantity of caissons. Many stand of colors remain in our power. The Russians have had 25 generals killed, wounded, and taken. Their cavalry has sustained immense losses.
The Carabiniers and Cuirassiers, commanded by general Nansouty, and the different divisions of the dragoons have distinguished themselves. General Grouchy, who commanded the cavalry of the left wing, rendered important services.
General Drouet, chief of the staff major of the corps of the army commanded by general Lannes; general Cohorn, colonel Regnaud, of the 15th of the line; col. Lamotte, of the 4th of dragoons, and gen. Brun, are wounded. Gen. Latour Maubourg is wounded in the hand. The col. of artillery, Desfourneaux, and the chief of escadron Hutin, first aide-de-camp of general Oudinot, are killed. The aide-de-camp of the Emperor, Mouton and Lacosse, are slightly wounded.
The night did not prevent the pursuit of the enemy, we followed them until 11 o'clock.
The remainder part of the night the columns which had been cut off endeavored to pass the Alle at several points. The next morning, in many places, we found caissons, cannon and wagons lost in the river.
The battle of Friedland is worthy of being placed at the side of those of Maringo, of Austerlitz and of Jena. The enemy was numerous, had a handsome and strong cavalry, and fought with courage.
The next day, the 15th, while the enemy endeavored to rally and make his retreat on the right bank of the Alle, the French army continued its manoeuvres to cut him off from Konigsberg.
The heads of columns arrived together at Weblau, a town situated at the confluence of the Alle and the Pregal.
The Emperor had his head-quarters at the village of Peterwalde. The 16th, at day break, the enemy having cut down all the bridges, profited of this obstacle to continue his retrograde movement towards Russia.
At 8 o'clock in the morning, the Emperor caused a bridge to be thrown over the Pregal, and the army placed itself in position.
Nearly all the magazines which the enemy had on the Alle, were thrown by him into the water or burnt; from what remains we can estimate the immense losses he has met with. Every where in the villages the Russians had magazines, and every where in passing, they burnt them. Notwithstanding, we have found at Weblau more than 16 thousand quintals of grain.
On receiving the news of the victory of Friedland, Konigsberg was abandoned. Marshal Soult has entered this place, where we have found immense riches, many hundreds of thousands of quintals of grain; more than 20,000 wounded Russians and Prussians, every thing that England has sent to the Russians; amongst other things 160,000 muskets still on board. Thus has providence punished those who, instead of negotiating with good faith to arrive at the salutary work of peace, have made a sport of it, taking for weakness the tranquillity of the conqueror.
The army here occupies the most beautiful country possible. The banks of the Pregal are rich. In a little time the magazines and cellars of Danzick and Konigsberg will afford us new means of abundance and health.
The names of the brave who have distinguished themselves, the details of what each corps have done, exceed the limits of a single bulletin. The etat major is employed in collecting these details.
The Prince of Neufchatel, in the battle of Friedland, has given particular proofs of his zeal and his talents—many times he was found in the midst of the crowd, and there made useful dispositions.
The enemy recommenced hostilities on the 17th, he may reckon the loss he has suffered in ten days at 60,000 men, taken, wounded, killed or rendered useless. ( hors de combat ) He has lost a great part of his artillery, nearly all his furnitures, and all his magazines, on a line of more than forty leagues. The French armies have rarely obtained such great success with less loss.
NEW-YORK, September 5.
By the arrival at Boston of the ship Sally, Captain Lewis, in 42 days from Liverpool; London papers, complete to the 17th July, have been received. They furnish much interesting news.
The French bulletins, to No. 83, are given, says the Baron Cencelin, in the same manner as in the English papers. Respecting the battle of Friedland, &c. two other accounts are added, one from a French and one from a Russian officer; the latter is laid, in the French papers, to have been taken from the intercepted letter. No official Russian accounts of the late battles had been received in England.
The British are apprehensive that Denmark would be compelled by France to shut up the sound, and were about sending a strong fleet into the Baltic to shew both Denmark and France that neither of them have the right nor the power to exclude her.
The expedition which had failed from England for Stralsund, had not been recalled.
The Wasp, which carried out Mr. Purniance with the rejected British Treaty, from this country, had arrived at Yarmouth; and Mr. Purniance reached London the 15th July. We see no particular observation, either in the British Parliament or of the London editors, which tend to show otherwise than that the negotiations of our ministers are in amicable train.
From London papers received at Boston. GRAND ARMY BULLETINS.
No. 81, dated TILSIT, June 21.
At the affair of Heilsberg, the Grand Duke of Berg passed along the line of the 3d division of cuirassiers, at the moment when the 6th regiment had just made a charge. Colonel d'Avry commander of the regiment, his sabre dyed in blood, said "Prince review my regiment, and you will find that there is not a soldier whose sword is not like mine."
Col. Borde Soult was wounded; Guibene, aide-de-camp to Marshal Lannes, was wounded.
[Here follow the names of some officers who signalized themselves.]
The sons of the Senators Perignan, Clement, de Rio, and Garren Coulon, died with honor in the field of battle.
Marshal Ney proceeding to Gumbinen, secured some of the enemy's parks of artillery, many wounded Russians, and took a great number of prisoners.
No. 82, dated TILSIT, June 22.
An Armistice has been concluded, upon the proposition of the Russian General. The following is the Armistice:
ARMISTICE
BETWEEN FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
His majesty the Emperor of the French, and his majesty the Emperor of Russia, anxious to put an end to the war which has so long divided the two nations, they have in the mean time resolved to conclude an Armistice. Their majesties have named and empowered the following Plenipotentiaries, viz. on one part the prince of Neufchatel, Marshal of the Empire, major general in the Grand Army, and on the other part Lieutenant General Prince Labanoff Von Retzow, Knight of the order of St. Anne, Grand Cross, who have agreed upon the following preliminaries:
Art. 1. An armistice shall take place between the French and Russian armies, in order that, in the mean time a peace may be negotiated, concluded and signed, to put an end to that bloodshed which is so contrary to humanity.
Art. 2. If either of the two contracting parties shall incline to break this armistice, which God forbid! the party so inclining shall be bound to signify this at the head-quarters of the other army, and hostilities shall not again commence until one month after the above notification.
Art. 3. The French and Russian armies shall conclude a separate armistice. Officers shall be appointed for that purpose. During the four or five days requisite for the conclusion of this armistice, the French army shall not undertake any hostilities against the Prussians.
Art. 4. The limits of the French and Russian armies, during the armistice, shall be from the Curiloff Hill, the Thelweg of the Niemen, and up the left bank of that river to the mouth of the Arama at Stakkin, and purging the course of that river to the mouth of the Bobra, following Doltawo, Gomadzh, and Wyna, up to the mouth of the Babro in the Narew, and from thence ascending the left Bank of the Narew by Tylowczyn, Suratz, Narew, to the frontiers of Prussia and Russia. On the Curiloff Acung the limits shall be at Nidden.
Art. 5. His majesty the Emperor of the French, and his majesty the Emperor of Russia, shall name Plenipotentiaries within the shortest time possible, who are provided with the necessary powers for negotiating, concluding, and signing a definitive peace between those two great and powerful nations.
Art. 6. Commissaries shall be named on both sides, in order to proceed immediately to the exchange of prisoners, which exchange shall take place by rank for rank, and man for man.
Art. 7. The exchange of the ratifications of the present armistice, shall take place within 48 hours, or sooner, if possible, at the head-quarters of the Russian army.—Done at Tilsit, this 21st of June, 1807. (Signed)
The Prince of Neufchatel, Marshal, ALEX. BERTHIER.
PRINCE LABANOFF VON NOSTROW.
Approved of, Tilsit, 22d June.
(Signed) NAPOLEON.
(Underwritten) By the Emperor.
The Minister and Sec. of State, H. B. Maret.
"I do hereby ratify the whole contents of the armistice concluded between the Marshal Prince of Neufchatel, and Lieut. Gen. Prince Labanoff Von Nostrow."
Tourougen, 11-23 June, 1807. ALEXANDER.
"In testimony of his approbation."
(Underwritten) The Major Gen. Marshal, ALEX. BERTHIER.
Prince of Neufchatel.
The French army occupies all the Thelweg of the Niemen, so that there only remain to the King of Prussia, the town and territories of Memel.
PROCLAMATION OF THE EMPEROR & KING TO THE GRAND ARMY.
Soldiers, on the 5th June we were attacked in our Cantonnements by the Russian Army. The enemy mistook the causes of our inactivity. He found too late that our repose was that of the Lion—he regrets having disturbed it.
In the affairs of Guttstadt, Heilsberg, and the ever-memorable one of Friedland, in a 10 days campaign in short, we took 120 pieces of cannon, 7 standards, killed, wounded or took 60,000 Russians, carried off all the enemy's magazines and hospitals—Konigsberg, the 800 vessels that were there laden with all sorts of ammunition, 160,000 fusils sent by England to arm our enemies.
From the Banks of the Vistula we have reached the borders of the Niemen with the rapidity of an Eagle.—You celebrated at Austerlitz the anniversary of the Coronation—you celebrated this year in an appropriate manner, the battle of Marengo, which put a period to the second coalition.
Frenchmen you have been worthy of yourselves and of me. You will return to France covered with laurels, and after having obtained a glorious peace, which carries with it the guarantee of its duration. It is time that our country should live at rest, secure from the malignant influence of England. My benefits shall prove to you my gratitude, and the full extent of the love I bear you.
At the Imperial Camp at Tilsit, June 22.
No. 83, dated TILSIT, June 23.
Annexed is the capitulation of Neiffe. The garrison, 6000 strong in infantry and 300 cavalry, defiled on the 15th before Prince Je-
rome. We found in the place 500,000 pounds of powder, and 500 pieces of cannon.
LONDON, July 17.
Preliminaries of Peace have not only been signed between Russia and France, but according to the following letter from Rotterdam, dated at eleven o'clock at night, on the 11th, between Prussia and France, they were signed on the 29th of last month at Tilsit:
A letter from the Banks of the Elbe, states, "that after the armistice was agreed upon between the emperor Bonaparte and Alexander, the latter wrote a letter to the King of Sweden inviting him to become a party to the armistice. A report was current that the English had been banished from Russia."
It is stated, in a letter from Deböt, of July 11, that after the preliminaries of Peace were signed, June 29th, between Bonaparte and Alexander, the two emperors had a meeting, and mutually embraced each other, rejoicing over this event.
At the first meeting which took place on the 25th, only the Emperor Alexander and Bonaparte were present. A second interview, at which the king of Prussia was present, took place on the following day, at half past 12 in a pavilion constructed in a little island in the Niemen. A third interview took place on the 28th, which was followed by a dinner. His Prussian Majesty was also present on this occasion.
By an arrival at Guernsey, from Montevideo, which place she left on the 27th April, we learn no attack had been made upon Buenos Ayres. The Spaniards had a few days before fitted out an expedition of 2000 men, against St. Scaramento, which is opposite Buenos Ayres; but they were mostly cut to pieces. The Spaniards who were suffered to remain at Montevideo after its capture, had secreted arms and ammunition for the purpose of attempting an insurrection; but their plans were discovered, and their arms, &c. seized.
The Jamaica fleet of 170 sail under convoy of Le Pique has arrived.
ROTTERDAM, July 11.—NIGHT.
"We have but time to inform you, that an express from the French head-quarters brought the intelligence, that on the 29th of June the Preliminaries of Peace were signed between France, Russia and Prussia. The particulars are not yet known."
As soon as the Preliminaries were signed, the intelligence was announced to the army, and celebrated by discharges of cannon and by illuminations. Bonaparte published a Proclamation to his army, in which we understand he declared, that now the peace of the Continent was ensured, he would lead them back to Paris to receive the rewards which they had so well merited. Of the conditions of the Treaties of Peace we are not yet accurately informed; but the following are said to be amongst the principal ones:—
"That Poland shall be possessed as before by Prussia and Russia.—That all the Prussian territories are to be restored, except Silesia and Westphalia.—That the fortress of Magdeburg shall be garrisoned by the French, until peace between Great Britain and France shall take place; and that all the ports and places on this side of the Elbe shall henceforward be under the dominion and control of France. It is conjectured that Bremen, Embden, and the whole of East Friedland, are to be united to Holland; and that Silesia is to be erected into a separate principality.
The above conditions, as our readers will see, apply almost wholly to Prussia.—Indeed it is not to be supposed that any cession of territory upon the continent would be demanded from Russia. There are, however, we have no doubt, some stipulations with respect to the Seven-Islands, and to Turkey.—France would stipulate that the war between Turkey and Russia shall cease, and the status ante bellum be established between the two Powers. We are anxious to ascertain whether in Negotiation any mention was made of this country.
OF DENMARK.
A mail from Tonningen arrived this morning. It has not brought later intelligence from Tilsit than we received yesterday—but it has enabled us to contradict the account of Denmark having shut the Sound. On the 2d about 20 ships belonging to the Expedition passed the Sound, and failed by Copenhagen without the least molestation. A part of the expedition went through the Great Belt.—But though no attempt has yet been made to shut the Sound, Ministers have reason to believe that Bonaparte will immediately after he has made Peace with Russia and Prussia endeavour to make Denmark depart from her system of neutrality and therefore they have resolved to send a strong fleet into the Baltic without loss of time. Denmark may then reply to any demand to depart from her neutrality, that such a measure would be of no avail, G. B. having so powerful a fleet in the Baltic.
The fleet which is to be sent to the Baltic will consist of 22 sail of the line, besides frigates, sloops and brigs, amounting in all to about 40 sail. An order (as we stated yesterday) was sent to Portsmouth on Wednesday, for all the frigates and brigs to sail from thence, and take flat bottomed boats. These frigates and brigs are to go with the fleet, which is to sail immediately. The following we believe are the officers that will command the fleet:—Admiral Gambier, commander in chief; under him, Sir Samuel Hood, Admiral Ellington, Sir Home Popham, and Commodore Keats.
SUMMARY.
As the London papers furnish a great many lengthy articles of interest, which we cannot now find room to detail; the following abstract is made.
BATTLE OF FRIEDLAND, &c.
The French bulletins do not give the particulars of the battle of Friedland;—the following is the account of the French General Kozelinski:
"The enemy was compelled to accept battle on the 14th. The column under the Grand Duke of Berg, Marshals Soult and Davoust, had marched towards Konigsberg. At two o'clock, in the morning of the 14th, Marshal Lannes attacked the enemy, who were at least 8 times stronger than his column. The Marshal maintained the fight till four o'clock, when Marshal Mortier, with his corps of the 3d Polish Legion, came to his assistance: these two corps, which did not exceed 32,000 men, sustained for a whole day, the furious attacks of the enemy, whose army was four times stronger than ours and possessed several local advantages. At noon,
the emperor arrived upon the field of battle with his guard. At four o'clock all our columns were united, and the Emperor took the command, in order to put an end to the battle by his manoeuvres. At six o'clock, Marshal Ney attacked the enemy's left wing, and in a moment, the horizon was quite overcast with smoke and dust. The enemy had but one bridge to effect his retreat over the Alle, and a great quantity of artillery, carriages, baggage, &c. went into the Alle, together with the small number of men and horses.—Between Friedland and Plauendorf, only half a league distant from each other, several islands appeared to have been formed of the materials scattered by the Russians in their flight. In order to cover their retreat, the Russians set fire to that part of Friedland beyond the bridge. At ten at night the battle and the cannonade, which had lasted the whole day, ceased, and then the cries and the groans of the wounded were alone heard. Even now, four days after the battle, we have not finished bringing in the enemy's wounded. General Dombrowski is wounded in the same leg which was hurt before, in the battle of Dirschau.
A Russian officer writes thus: "From Heilsberg we went to Friedland, skirmishing all the way continually. There the French annihilated us. The affair is disgraceful to us. In the morning we were victorious.—One single fault was the cause of the misfortune that happened to us in the evening and also of our total defeat, that of not having sufficiently fortified ourselves on the left wing. All those who could not get over the bridge were obliged to throw themselves into the Alle. I was taken prisoner. Our left wing was to drive the enemy out of the woods. We kept up a brisk fire all day, without being able to effect it, till a regiment of chasseurs ran up to the enemy with a frightful hurra and drove them from the wood, but this regiment at length found itself within reach of the fire of a masked battery, which overwhelmed it with bullet and case shot.
(The Russian Officer then relates the manner in which he was made prisoner, and by what means he escaped, in passing the river before a picquet of cossacks.)
"There I found the army in full rout, retiring in disorder to the frontiers of Russia. God knows what will be the result of all this. We all wish for peace, and we hope we shall not long be without it."
The following letter has been sent from the Emperor Bonaparte to the Archbishops, in Paris, &c.
Letter from the Emperor and King to the Archbishops and Bishops.
"MONSIEUR. The splendid victory obtained by our arms at Friedland, which has confounded the enemies of our people and put the important city of Konigsberg in our power with the large magazines which it contained, ought to be a new motive with our subjects for thanksgiving to the God of Armies. This memorable victory has signalized the anniversary of the battle of Marengo; that day when full covered with the dust of the field of battle, our first thoughts, our first concern was for the re-establishment of peace and order in the Church of France. Our will is, that on the receipt of the present you take the proper means of assembling our subjects of your respective dioceses in your Cathedral and Parish Churches, there to sing a Te Deum, and offer up such other prayers to Heaven, as you shall think convenient to order under such circumstances. This letter having no other object, L'Evêque, I pray God to have you in his safe and holy keeping.
"Written in our Imperial Camp at Friedland, June 15, 1807.
(Signed) NAPOLEON."
He also sent other letters to the French Bishops, ordering Te Deum to be sung.
VIENNA, June 20.
Respecting the revolution at Constantinople, we learn that the Mufti, at the head of 3000 Janissaries repaired to the Sultan Selim, reproached him with having rendered himself unworthy of the throne by his transgressions against the laws of the empire, (other accounts say in consequence of the scarcity of provisions, and the introduction of European exercise and discipline) and demanded the heads of fourteen members of the government. Among the number were those of the grand admiral and the grand Vizier, who were absent. Twelve of the heads were immediately placed on pikes and presented to the people. Selim is dead; being poisoned by Mufti up-ba, the new Turkish Emperor. The Grand Vizier had gained some success before he died. He passed the Danube at Ismail and forced General Michelson to retire from Wallachia to Plokany and Rinnick.
The new government is devoted to the Janissaries. Mussapha IV, the new Emperor, is about 28 years of age, and was cousin to the late Selim. This revolution is said to be the work of Sebaissiani.
VIENNA, June 24.
Admiral Siniavin has been reinforced with nine sail of Russian transports near Tenedos.
ALTONA, June 24.
It is reported that the French minister has presented a note to the Danish government, announcing that Bonaparte would consider the conduct of Denmark in allowing a British force to pass the sound as a declaration of war and would immediately march an army to Holstein and Stelvig.
NAPLES, June 9.
The Prince of Hesse Philipsthal, has been defeated in Calabria, and near all the enemy's troops are taken. The Prince attended by about 50 horsemen and some few foot escaped to Reggio; and immediately embarked for Italy

pay his income tax, six pounds a year, out of his little salary of sixty pounds, his majesty, our most gracious sovereign, and father of his people, is exempted by law from paying ten per cent upon the annual produce of his boardland treasure; and that the bankers who hold it in their hands, and receive the dividends, are exempted from stating what the amount of the royal treasure is. These gentlemen have it in their power to escape (under cover of the royal wings) no small share of their own income tax. This, in the way of trade, may be called fair play, but surely it cannot be called fair play in our representative, as they call themselves, to have taken 10 p. ct. from our little incomes, besides an addition of 10 p. ct. upon all former assessments, while they exempted his majesty, who has an income of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Pounds, not only from paying all direct taxes, but even from the property tax! Whence his majesty derived all this wealth, and how he contrived to acquire it, we know not, nor can well devise, since he was never in India, nor a loan contractor, nor an army agent (like Greenwood) nor secretary to the ordnance nor commissary (like Brooke Watson) nor barrack master (by what means then this accumulation was made we know not, and it may not be very prudent, at present, to inquire; but it seems strange, that the person, for whose support the war was said to be first undertaken, should even desire to be screened from paying his share in common with the people who maintain his throne. "It is with all sober-minded men, a question well worth considering, whether a sovereign of a free country ought to be allowed to amass wealth for his own private use: I am decidedly of opinion that he ought not. If it be true that his majesty possesses in the funds five millions, that sum in the per cent. gives to the sovereign 150,000l. per annum, which no King of England, in common policy, ought to be allowed to possess, and which no King of England independent of parliament can constitutionally hold. No sovereign in a free country ought ever to be independent of his subjects." "His majesty is provided with an ample income for all wholesome and legitimate purposes by the state. He can have no proper occasion for money that the legislature will not accord him."
PROPLICACY EXPOSED, OR THE ROYAL BROTHERS ADMONISHED.
We are not able, upon the most deliberate recollection, to fix the period of time when inordinate lasciviousness and the spirit of incontinency were more prevalent than in the present age. Every one who has the least knowledge of the town, cannot be ignorant of the dreadful prevalence of this vice, and of the disgraceful examples which have been set by more than one of the Royal Brothers. In coffee-houses, men talk of their inquiries and immoralities without reserve. Their rank has become eclipsed by their habits of profligacy, and all the moral duties of life seem by some of the leading branches of the Royal family to have been long sacrificed to their horrid debaucheries, extravagance, and profligate indulgence of their passions. We deeply lament the notoriety of the conduct which has long characterized some of the present Royal brothers: endowments, Providence certainly meant to be devoted to the cause of virtue, we have seen prostituted and applied to the gratification of the most reprehensible passions. However vices of high and dignified blood may be varnished over, or whatever efforts may be employed to impede the due course of the law, the guilt still remains, and the evasion of justice is no proof of innocence. To impeach the faith in religion of some of our present princes, we with we could say were a hard task, but the flagrant instances of the immorality of their conduct, which continue almost daily to occur, but gain upon our opinions, and persuade us such a task (were we to attempt it) would not be attended with the least difficulty.
FROM THE AURORA.
LOOK OUT ONCE MORE!
From the suppression of the 7th bulletin of the northern army of Europe, in Great Britain, we may estimate the danger apprehended in Britain from its promulgation; and the certainty that measures congenial to the apprehensions and dangers of that government, would immediately follow the news of the total overthrow of the Russian and Prussian armies, and the sudden truce which was granted by the victor to the supplicants of the vanquished.
Among the first measures of British despatch, would be a GENERAL EMBARGO in all the ports of Great Britain and Ireland—and the seizure and sequestration of every article of property, and the imprisonment of every man that could be used for the purposes of war.
This measure would be the natural effect of the situation of that country, as to the policy and desperation of its affairs.
It would be requisite to preserve what had not failed of the expedition for the north.
It would be necessary to preserve the mercantile British, who adventured to the Baltic in their own bottoms, from falling into the hands of the conqueror, or those of the enemies which the ages of injury done by Britain made, and the recent disfusture of the last coalition had gained as allies for France.
It would necessarily follow, from an Anticipation of the policy which the conqueror will pursue upon deciding on the destiny of the Russian monarchy: for
On that point being determined, it must be expected, that the victor will follow up the declaration of blockade of the 21st November, 1806, with new mandates, and by measures excluding peremptorily and under military penalties, British productions from the whole of maritime Europe.
To avert the confiscations, therefore, an embargo will have been among the first measures that follow the intelligence of the overthrow of Russia.
As the war will, therefore, be concentrated, the whole of the energies of the British nation will be also concentrated, and France will, by a war of parade on her own coasts—and by her proclamations on the whole margin of Europe, prepare the means for her internal aggrandizement in arts; by monopolizing the internal commerce of all Europe, thro' the medium of internal navigation—by the Rhone and the Rhine, by the Danube and the Vistula, by the Baltic and the Bosphorus—by the Adriatic and the Caspian seas; over Arabia and Persia, and to the frontiers of British dominion in Asia.
"And what will John Bull be doing the while?"
John Bull will carry on a war of maritime expeditions, against remote and defenceless towns, in obscure and inconsequential positions. New invasions of the Cevennes, of Venice, of Calabria or Quiberon—new revolts like those which he attempted in Romagna—in Dalmatia; Turkey, Romania may be stirred up; a solitary port may be blockaded or a town inefficiently bombarded; and perhaps Copenhagen or Cadiz, Venice or Constantinople, may be annoyed by the feeble efforts of bombardments or stone expeditions, which proved so futile and ridiculous at Boulogne, and which have been denied at Toulon and Brest.
"What will follow?" There will follow that extravagant buccaneering piratical despatch, which plunders, despatches, and massacres indiscriminately—the drunkenness of debauched power will then come on—and after that drunkenness, death.
Woe to the infatuated who hang to the skirts of this political whore of Babylon—who are deluded by her wiles and her incitements, or defied by her embraces—they will be shunned like lepers without commiseration, and fadness and anguish will be their midnight companions.
Domestic.
FROM THE BALTIMORE AMERICAN.
[OFFICIAL.]
Baltimore, Aug. 31, 1807.
Sir—We have the honor to report to you the proceedings of the detachments from the Independent Company, and United Volunteers, under our command, who offered their services to take the pirate that was lately molesting the commerce of the Chesapeake.
We embarked in the evening of the 27th inst. on board the fchr. Volunteer, commanded for the occasion by captain Porter of the American navy. In our progress down the bay, we looked into the several inlets and harbours, which were likely to be hiding places for a pirate, and boarded a number of vessels, from none of which we could receive any correct information.
On the 28th in the evening we made the Patuxent, and were happy to discover a schooner at anchor, which was soon recognized to be the object of our search. It was resolved to approach her if possible without exciting suspicion, for which purpose the whole of the troops were concealed below; and it was concerted with captain Porter that he would pass her, so as to prevent her escaping up the Patuxent, then tack ship, cut her off from the shore, and immediately lay her along side, when the troops would board. Unfortunately the water was too shallow to admit the execution of the last part of our plan, when captain Porter resolved to approach as near as possible, and to attack, if he did not surrender on being summoned. At this moment, we discovered the pirate's boat putting off with four men in it, and making for the shore. They were instantly fired upon, but after a momentary pause, they persevered in making for the shore, when we gave them a second shot. At this time the schooner hoisted French colours, and very soon struck her, when we sent the boat on board to take possession, and were greatly surprised to find but three men in her.
The boat was then manned to pursue the fugitives, but we discovered a brig at anchor across the Patuxent which we suspected was a prize to the pirate, and believing it to be of the first importance to retake her, the boat was ordered back, and we proceeded for the brig, but found she was an outward bound merchantman, and had not been boarded by the pirate. We returned to the place where we had captured him, but it being now dark it was deemed a vain attempt to endeavour to pursue the four fugitives, through the woods at that time, and we stood off, on our return with the prize. The following morning we spoke captain Woodland and capt. Hynson, with their rifle companies from Baltimore, proceeding on the same business, and communicated what we had done, and requested them to continue their course, and to land and scour the woods for the pirates that escaped; which service they undertook with the greatest cheerfulness and alacrity. They were accompanied by lieut. Calhoun of the Independent company, who was to point out to them the grounds for their operations, and who was also instructed to proceed to the French imperial ship Patriot, and to request her commander, if any of the pirates had taken refuge on board of him, to surrender them to be tried by the laws of the U. States.—The whole of this service was executed with correctness. Commodore Krohm received lieut. Calhoun with politeness, and at once informed him, that he had the four men who had escaped from the schooner in irons on board of him; that he had communicated the circumstance to his excellency the French minister, to whom he held himself responsible for the prisoners. Upon Mr. Calhoun re-urging his request, Commodore Krohm agreed to deliver them to him, but stipulated that they should be accompanied by an officer of his ship, and not surrendered to the civil authority, without the consent of the minister. Upon application to general Turreau, his consent was readily granted and the prisoners are now in jail. The citizens of Annapolis and the crew of the French ship L'Etoile, were also on the alert on the occasion, and have arrested five of the piratical crew, so that we now have 12 in confinement, to take their trial, and among them all the principal characters.
Thus has a plan of piracy, which threatened serious injury to our commerce, been completely broken up. The small fchr. our prize, has a quantity of small arms, boarding knives, &c. on board, and it is ascertained was to have been kept as a store ship, until their arrangements were completed, when they were to possess themselves of a vessel, better calculated for their iniquitous purpose. We are greatly indebted to the vigilance and bravery of captain Porter for our success, and to his amiable and very correct deportment, for the harmony and happiness which prevailed from the beginning to the end of the expedition. He has secured our friendship and esteem and merits the thanks of the merchants of Baltimore. A number of master mariners and others, volunteered their services also, and conducted themselves with a spirit and propriety that did them honor. We furnish you a list of their names that you may report them to the committee of merchants. The pilot, boatswain, gunner, and seamen engaged for the service, all behaved well, and did their duty like skilful and brave seamen. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the officers and soldiers of our respective companies; they embarked with alacrity, submitted with cheerfulness to the many inconveniences of their situation, were strict observers of the necessary discipline, and displayed a cool and deliberate courage in the hour of trial. The owner of the schooner Volunteer, Mr. James Calwell, who voluntarily offered her for this service, is entitled to the thanks of the public.
We have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your humble servants.
SAMUEL STERET, Captain Independent Company. JOSEPH STERET, Captain Baltimore United Volunteers. Col. JOHN STRICKER, 5th Maryland Brigade.
Master, mariners and others that volunteered on board the armed fchr. Volunteer, lieut. Porter commander, on an expedition to take a French pirate.
Wm. Cooper, of Norfolk. Charles Virgman, William Davidson, Geo: Lee, Wm. Richardson, James Vinson, James Towers, Thomas Bing, Wm. Macey, Tobias Belf, John Miller, Wm. Deahine, James Brien, James Dunnahue, Claudius Belfe, John Davis, John Fergus, Wm. Murdoch, and Overton Hardy, of Baltimore.
NEW-YORK, Sept. 4.
The English brig of war, mentioned in the last number of the Mercantile Advertiser as being below, is the Columbine, from the British blockading fleet off the Chesapeake. On Wednesday afternoon a pilot brought her to an anchor within the Hook, seduced by the assurance that he had dispatches on board for the Government. These dispatches have not been yet sent up. Mr. Schenck, the surveyor of the port, went down yesterday in a pilot-boat, to ascertain the object of her visit.
Captain Meekins from North-Carolina, passed a ship of war at anchor outside of the Hook yesterday, and soon after saw her boat go ashore at the Light House; about 5 p. m. the got under weigh and came to an anchor within the Hook, in the Bay. Capt. M. supposed her to carry about 32 guns and under French colours.
Nineteen British transports, with General Stuart, one other General and a number of troops on board, failed from Madeira June 14, under convoy of the Malabar, for the River La Plata.
September 5. The British Frigate (mentioned yesterday) to have anchored within the Hook is the Jason, Captain Cochrane, in 5 days from Halifax, with dispatches for the government of the United States, which we understand were forwarded yesterday to the Secretary of State.
We have heard nothing farther respecting the brig Columbine, or her dispatches.
Five gun-boats dropped down yesterday from the Navy-Yard, and anchored opposite Governor's Island.
The British frigate Jason, Cochrane, in 5 days from Halifax, anchored at the Quarantine Ground last evening. Left at Halifax, the ship Jane, Simms, from Bordeaux, for New-York, sent in by the Squirrel.
PORTLAND, August 24. Yesterday 9 gun boats, mounting one gun, and manned with five men each, failed from this port for New York, under the command of Lieutenant Lawrence.
G. W. Campbell, is re-elected a representative of the state of Tennessee for the next Congress. Mr. Campbell had 5143 Votes. Mr. Miller 2281
The militia in the vicinity of Staunton, Virginia, made a very handsome parade on the 20th ult. In the two regiments, which paraded on the occasion, there are no less than 902 volunteers.
A committee of the corporation of the city of New York, have made a report for more effectually defending that port: for which purpose they recommend certain measures in aid of those taken by the general government, the expense of which is estimated at three hundred thousand dollars. This plan has been adopted.
FRENCH PRISONERS.
Yesterday Judge Houston, the district Judge of the United States, for the district of Maryland, proceeded in the examination of the affair of the Othello and took the deposition of Mr. Harden, a passenger on board the ship; after which, the judge decided that the crime for which the French prisoners, then in the custody of the marshal, were committed, was committed within the jurisdiction of the state of Maryland and that the United States court had no cognizance of it.
The prisoners were then committed to the custody of the sheriff of Baltimore county, by Mr. Coale, the register of the city, who attended agreeably to the request of the court, the mayor not being able to attend on account of indisposition.
It is understood that Calvert county is the nearest inland to the place in the Chesapeake, where the crime was committed, therefore the court of that county alone has jurisdiction; and that the prisoners will be tried there. Baltimore Fed. Gaz.
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, 12th SEPTEMBER.
TRIAL OF AARON BURR ON THE INDICTMENT FOR A MISDEMEANOR.
WEDNESDAY, September 9.
The names of the jurors who had been previously selected, were called over; some of them were absent. The court then proceeded to fill up the vacancy.
1. Charles Spencer had formed and expressed an unfavorable opinion of the accused. Set aside. 2. Robert Gordon, upon being asked by the Ch. Justice whether he had formed or expressed any opinion on the subject, replied, that like most other people he had conversed about it; but that he, was not conscious of any fixed prejudice for or against the accused. Accepted. 3. James Taylor had formed and expressed an opinion that Col. B. was guilty of something. Set aside. 4. John Glinn had also formed and delivered an unfavorable opinion. Set aside. 5. John New was in the same situation. Set aside. 6. William Rowlett observed, that he lived in Richmond, and was in the same situation. Set aside. 7. James Penn had been occasionally engaged in conversation on this subject; but he had not made up any positive opinion. Accepted. 8. Heath Jones Miller was decidedly of opinion that the accused was guilty. Set aside. 9. Jourdain Harris had made up a positive opinion to the same effect. Set aside. 10. James Harris was in the same situation. Set aside. 11. Samuel Woodson had formed a very unfavorable opinion of the accused. Set aside. 12. Benjamin Wolfe had formed and expressed his opinion a thousand times. His mind was fixed as to the guilt of the accused. Set aside. 13. Jesse Bowles had said, that if common report was to be believed, Col. Burr had been guilty of something; but he had not made up a positive opinion on this charge. Accepted. 14. Daniel Holloway was excused from indisposition. 15. John Price was excused for the same reason. 16. Thomas Lewis had in general conversation expressed an opinion unfavorable to Col. Burr; being asked by the Ch. Justice, he said, that his opinion on this charge was not fixed. Accepted. 17. Richard Young was excused from indisposition.
Carter B. Berkeley, one of the selected jurymen, wished to be excused from serving, on account of his business. Mr. Hay. Have you, Mr. Berkeley, formed and expressed no opinion on this subject? Mr. B. I have been, Sir, different publications about it; I have thought that Col. Burr might have been guilty of something; but I have formed no positive opinion. Mr. B's excuse was overruled by the court. Mr. Hay was solicitous to have Orris Payne excused, and asked him whether upon his conscience he had formed no opinion on the subject? Mr. Payne observed, that he had formed an opinion. Mr. Baker. Is it a fixed opinion on this particular charge or has it fluctuated according to circumstances? Mr. Payne observed, that he had no fixed opinion as to this particular charge. Mr. Payne was retained.
The jury were then sworn and consisted of the following individuals:
Orris Payne, Jr. Carter B. Berkeley, James Burrington, Robert McKim, Obadiah Gorth, Gth, Robert Gordon, John Murphy, James Penn, Wm. Beasley, Jesse Bowles, Yeames Smith, Thomas Lewis.
The clerk then rose to read the indictment, to which Mr. Borts objected. He said that it was the province of the attorney himself, to read his own indictment. Mr. Hay replied, that such was not the usual practice; and after a short conversation it was read by the clerk in the following terms:
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT AND DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA.
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA, TO WIT: The grand inquest of the United States of America, in and for the body of the district of Virginia, upon their oath, do present, that AARON BURR, late of the City of New-York and district of New-York, attorney at law, did, on the tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six, within the jurisdiction of the United States, to wit: at a certain Island in the river Ohio, called Blennerhassett's Island, in the County of Wood, with the jurisdiction of this court, with force and arms, begin a certain military expedition, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of a foreign prince, to wit: the dominions of the King of Spain; the said United States then and there being at peace with the said King of Spain, against the form of the statute, in such case made and provided, to the evil example of all others, in like case offending, and against the peace of the said United States and their dignity; and the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath, do further present, that the said Aaron Burr, afterwards, to wit: on the said tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six, and within the jurisdiction of the said United States, to wit: at a certain Island in the river Ohio, called Blennerhassett's Island, in the County of Wood, with the jurisdiction of this court, with force and arms, set on foot a certain other military enterprise, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of a foreign prince, to wit: the dominions of the King of Spain; the said United States then and there being at peace with the said King of Spain, against the form of the statute in such case made and provided, to the evil example of all others, in like case offending, and against the peace of the said United States and their dignity, and the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath, do further present, that the said Aaron Burr, afterwards, to wit: on the said tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six, within the jurisdiction of the said United States, to wit: at Blennerhassett's Island, in the river Ohio, with force and arms, provide the means, to wit: boats, men, provisions, fire-arms, gun-powder, bullets, leaden balls, and other military munition, for a certain other military enterprise, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of a foreign prince, to wit: against the dominions of the King of Spain; the said United States then and there being at peace with the said King of Spain, against the form of the statute in such case made and provided, to the evil example of all others, in like case offending, and against the peace of the said United States and their dignity; and the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath, do further present, that the said Aaron Burr, afterwards, to wit: on the said tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six, within the jurisdiction of the said United States, to wit: at an Island in the river Ohio, called Blennerhassett's Island, in the county of Wood and district of Virginia, with force and arms, prepare the means, to wit: boats, men, provisions, fire-arms, gun-powder, bullets, leaden balls, and other military munition, for a certain other military enterprise, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of some foreign prince, to wit: against the dominions of some foreign prince, to wit: the territory of the King of Spain, and the said United States then and there being at peace with the said King of Spain, against the form of the statute in such case made and provided, to the evil example of all others, in like case offending, and against the peace of the said United States and their dignity; and the jurors aforesaid, upon their oath, do further present, that the said Aaron Burr, afterwards, to wit: on the said tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six, within the jurisdiction of the said United States, to wit: at Blennerhassett's Island, in the river Ohio, in the county of Wood and district of Virginia aforesaid, and within the jurisdiction of this court, did with force and arms, set on foot a certain other military enterprise, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of some foreign prince, to wit: against the dominions of some foreign prince, to wit: the territory of the King of Spain, and the said United States then and there being at peace with the said King of Spain, against the form of the statute in such case made and provided, to the evil example of all others, in like case offending, and against the peace of the said United States and their dignity.
GEORGE HAY, Of the City of Richmond, in the State of Virginia, Attorney of the United States for the Virginia District, Prosecutor.
A TRUE BILL. JOHN RANDOLPH, A Copy. Telfe, WILLIAM MARSHALL, CL'K.
The clerk was then proceeding to charge the jury.
Mr. Borts contended that this was the province of the attorney for the prosecution. The Ch. Justice observed, that there was no charge necessary. Mr. Hay. All that the clerk had to say, was that to this indictment the accused had entered not guilty, and that the jury were to try the validity of that plea. In saying this, however, I have delivered the charge. Mr. Hay then stated to the court, that his express had arrived from Monticello, and had brought back the return of the President of the United States, which he was now prepared to read. The Ch. Justice, did not know whether there was any necessity for it, if there
was any difficulty on the part of the bar. Mr. Hay. None at all, I assure you. Mr. Borts. We wish, Sir, to hear the return.
Mr. Hay then read the following certificate from the President, annexed to his extracted copy of Gen. Wilkinson's letter:
"On re-examination of a letter of Nov. 12th, 1807, from Gen. Wilkinson to myself (which having been for a considerable time out of my possession, is now returned to me.) I find in it some passages entirely confidential, given for my information in the discharge of my executive functions, and which my duties and the public interest forbid me to make public. I have therefore given, above, a correct copy of all those parts which I ought to permit to be made public. Those not communicated are in no wise material for the purposes of justice on the charges of treason or misdemeanor, depending against Aaron Burr: they are on subjects irrelevant to any issues which can arise out of these charges, and could contribute nothing towards his acquittal or conviction. The papers mentioned in the 1st and 3d paragraphs, as included in the letter, being separated therefrom, and not in my possession, I am unable from memory to say what they were. I presume they are in the hands of the Attorney for the U. S. Given under my hand this 7th day of September, 1807.
TH: JEFFERSON.
Mr. Hay observed, that in his own and in the President's extracted copy from Gen. Wilkinson's letter there was not a variation of more than 10 or 15 words: The omitted passages, were indeed so manifestly improper to be submitted to the court.
Mr. Hay then rose to open the charge of the misdemeanor; May it please your honor and you gentlemen of the jury;
The Defendant before you is charged with a violation of the law of Congress of the U. S. passed in the year '94. As originally passed, the existence of this law was limited to a short period; but experience having proved its salutary tendency, it is now made permanent. The defendant stands charged with violating the 5th section of this act; and no other. That section is in the following terms:
"If any person shall within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States, begin or set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominions of any foreign prince or state with whom the United States are at peace, every such person so offending, shall, upon conviction, be adjudged guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall suffer fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court in which the conviction shall be had, so that such fine shall not exceed three thousand dollars, nor the term of imprisonment be more than three years."
You will observe, gentlemen of the jury, that an offence against this law may be committed by beginning or setting on foot within the territories of the United States, any military expedition or enterprise against the territory of any foreign prince or state with whom the United States are at peace. The law declares, that if a man begins or sets on foot, or provides or prepares means for any such offence, he shall be liable to punishment.
The indictment filed in this case contains 4 counts; between which there is some slight difference. That it is incumbent on me to state:
The 1st count in the indictment charges the defendant with beginning a military expedition at Blennerhassett's Island, to be carried on from thence against the dominions of the King of Spain with whom the United States are in a state of peace.
The 2nd charges him with setting on foot a military expedition against the territory of the King of Spain.
The 3rd is the same as the last, except that the province of Mexico, is stated as the territory of the King of Spain, against which the expedition is intended.
The 4th count charges the defendant with providing the means of a military expedition against the dominions of the King of Spain.
The 5th is the same as the 4th, except that Mexico is particularly mentioned as the province against which the expedition is intended.
The 6th is the same as the 4th, except that the foreign territory is said to be unknown.
The 7th charges him with setting on foot a military design against the dominions of a foreign state, to the jurors unknown.
If the evidence produced proves him guilty on any count in this indictment, you must find him guilty. This is all that you are bound to say. The fine & imprisonment belong to the court—I shall trouble you with no remarks upon the enormity of this offence, nor upon the consequences which were likely to have resulted from this expedition, had it been carried into effect. The court will consider these circumstances, in estimating the fine and imprisonment. It is only your province to determine whether he is guilty or not of the facts charged in the indictment.
It is not necessary for me to enter fully into the evidence which will be exhibited before you. The case is shortly this: It is believed and it will probably be proved to you, that the accused with several others had formed a scheme to dismember the Western from the Atlantic States, and that for this purpose preparations were actually made. But the design did not terminate with the separation. Their object was to make war upon the territories of the King of Spain. To effect this scheme, New Orleans was to be seized & Mexico was to be invaded both by land and sea. During that period and even since that time, Spain and the United States have been in a state of peace. To accomplish this object, men, arms and provisions were prepared. About 35 or 40 men assembled at Blennerhassett's Island under the direction of the accused. It will be proved to you, that they left that place and descended the Ohio, on their applying them of the danger of interruption from the civil, perhaps the military authority. It will be proved to you, that after they had arrived at the mouth of Cumberland river, they were joined by the accused, who took the command of all the force there assembled; that they descended the Mississippi to a considerable distance below Natchez, that at Bayou Pierre he received the first information that the first part of his project could not be accomplished; that he fell into the hands of the civil authority, from which he is said to have escaped, and that he was arrested and brought here.
I have only one additional remark for your consideration. The act of congress is not intended to operate upon those who have accomplished their plans. Success is not necessary. It operates on those, who prepare and set on foot a military expedition. It is not necessary they advance far in the enterprise. If means are already accomplished and their destination is certain, it is sufficient. You, gentlemen of the jury, are to enquire, whether the accused did prepare these means with the view of making such an attack. If you conceive that such was his intention, you must pronounce him guilty.
Mr. Hay then called over the names of the witnesses on the part of the United States.
Mr. John Graham was summoned to the book and was about to be sworn, when Mr. Burr requested the attorney for the prosecution to state the substance of Mr. Graham's testimony; and whether it related to the acts done on Blennerhassett's Island.
Mr. Hay observed, that he could give a very rough outline of Mr. Graham's evidence; as he had not frequently conversed with the witness on the subject: He believed however that Mr. G. would prove that the military expedition down the river was under the direction of the accused; that he had set on foot and provided means for the expedition; whose object was to invade the Spanish Territories, after the preliminary object of taking possession of New Orleans had been accomplished.
Mr. Burr. It would save time, if gentlemen would state the contents of Mr. G's testimony, with more precision. It is within my knowledge, that Mr. Graham has never seen me nor once, and only for a few moments, at the town of Washington—and that he was not at the Island at the time when the military expedition is said to have been there nor any other which is expected to be proved. We shall ask the court to censure the counsel for the prosecution for proving the facts first.
Mr. Graham was sworn; when Mr. Hay observed, that he hoped he was at liberty to bring out the

HOUSE OF COMMONS, July 27.
the indictment. The defendant is charged with beginning, setting on foot, providing and preparing the means of a military expedition...
The Sylvania cutter from Halifax, arrived at Portsmouth, 25th July, with dispatches from Admiral Berkeley...
Mr. Hay then called upon Peter Taylor, (11. Blennerhassett's gardener) whose testimony we have already published in a more expanded form...
Mr. Hay then called upon Richard Neil, who being sworn proceeded to state his testimony: Last year one of my sons went to the island on Blennerhassett's business...
Mr. Bots continued his observations, and laid down a new proposition. This 6th point was, that no evidence of conversations...
Mr. Hay continued and observed, that this 3d objection of Mr. Bots's had not been taken by the able and zealous counsel...
Mr. Hay contended that the 4th proposition, that the acts on the island do not come within the law, there being no military expedition...
Mr. Hay contended that the 5th proposition was no reason for excluding the evidence, that this was a question of law and fact...
Mr. Hay contended that the 6th proposition standing naked was true in itself, but he contended that if there was a connection between the parties...
Mr. Hay contended that the 7th proposition standing naked was true in itself, but he contended that if there was a connection between the parties...
NOTICE. TO SUBSCRIBERS. TO ADVERTISERS. Run away from the subscriber, living in Chesterfield county, on the Farm-Pike Road, on the night of the 9th inst...