The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1804-08-22 00:00:00

THE ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND, (Virginia) PUBLISHED BY RITCHIE & WORSLEY, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE...AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM...payable in advance.
NUMBER 31.]
WEDNESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 22, 1804.
[VOLUME I.]
CONDITIONS.
 I. The ENQUIRER will appear twice a week...During the session of Congress and the Virginia Legislature, either a third paper or a supplementary half-sheet, during the week.  II. Terms of payment FIVE DOLLARS per annum, in advance.  III. ADVERTISEMENTS, from those who do not subscribe to the paper, should they not exceed a square in length, shall be inserted for seventy-five cents the first time, fifty cents for each time during three weeks, and for every additional insertion thirty-three cents; long ones in the same proportion.  IV. SUBSCRIBERS shall have their advertisements inserted for fifty cents the first time, and thirty-three cents for every additional insertion. 
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
OF THE Bank of Potomac.
To all whom these presents shall come, or in any wise concern:
BE IT KNOWN, And it is hereby proclaimed, that we the subscribers, associating together have formed a company or limited partnership, and do mutually agree with each other, and hereby bind ourselves to conduct the business of the company under the name and title of "The President and Directors of the Bank of Potomac," and conformably to the rules and regulations herein after specified. And by these our fundamental articles of association, we do covenant and agree, with each other that we, & all persons, who at any time hereafter, may transact business with said company shall be bound and concluded.
ARTICLE 1. The partnership shall be, and continue for the term of twenty years, from, and after the opening of the subscription, unless a charter is sooner obtained; but the proprietors of two thirds of the Capital Stock of the Company, may by their co-occurring votes at a general meeting, to be called, for that express purpose, dissolve the same at any prior period: Provided , That notice of such meeting and its object, shall be published in one or more of the Alexandria newspapers for six months previous thereto; and if the President and Directors at their first meeting after the election in the last year of the aforesaid term, or two thirds of that body, shall concur in the opinion, that it will be proper and expedient to continue the partnership for a further limited term not exceeding twenty years, they shall have power to decide on the same, and shall immediately make known their decision by publication in the several Alexandria newspapers. And the President and Directors are hereby authorized at any time to apply for, and accept such charter as may be agreed upon with the concurrence of nine members of that body.
ART. 2. The capital stock of the company shall consist of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars, money of the United States; to be divided into shares of One Hundred Dollars each, and to be paid in the manner following, that is to say; twenty dollars on each share to be paid at the time of subscribing, thirty dollars in ninety days after the opening of the subscription, twenty-five dollars in one hundred and fifty days thereafter, and the remaining twenty-five dollars in two hundred and ten days; and a failure to make punctiliously any payment after the first, shall incur a forfeiture of all that shall have been previously paid on such share.
ART. 3. The copartnership shall transfer its business in the town of Alexandria, or in Virginia, within one mile thereof, Provided , a charter should at any time be obtained from the State of Virginia; and shall commence its operations as soon after the payment of the second instalment as circumstances will permit.
ART. 4. The subscription shall be opened in Alexandria, on Wednesday the fifth day of September next, for the whole stock of the company, under the direction of
Elisha Fanny, William Fitzhugh, Thomas Fanny, Charles Lee, Joseph Ridle, William Hodgson, Francis Fanny, James Patton, Cathbert Powell, William Hartshorne, Thomas Fanny, Jacob Hoffman, James H. Hoo, Robert Young, James Keith, Jun.
or a majority of them. And the commissioners aforesaid, shall open the subscription books at ten o'clock, A.M. and they shall continue open until four o'clock, P.M. and shall remain open between those hours for one day at least, and for the term of three days unless sooner filled: And if it should happen that more than the stipulated number of shares should be subscribed on the first day, then the Commissioners aforesaid are to apportion them among the subscribers, by deducting from the highest subscriptions, until they are reduced to the proper number, or if more persons subscribe than there are shares, the commissioners are to cast lots to decide to whom they shall belong. But no person or persons, bodies corporate or otherwise, shall be permitted to subscribe on the first day of opening the books, for more than twenty shares; and if the stock be not all taken the first day, the books shall remain open on the second day, on the same terms as on the first; but if the subscription be not filled on the second day, then the Commissioners may permit any person or persons, bodies corporate or otherwise, to subscribe for any number of shares until the whole number is complete. The Commissioners after having decided to whom the shares may belong, will issue receipts to the different Stockholders for the monies received at the time of subscribing, which receipts with the original subscription, shall be deemed good evidence of the quantity of stock to which each subscriber shall be entitled in this company.
ART. 5. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by twelve Directors, and a President, whose place if chosen from among their number, shall be supplied by that body; and six of the directors with the president shall form a board or quorum, for transacting all the business of the company; ordinary discounts may be done by the President, and any five of the Directors. In case of his sickness or necessary absence, his place may be supplied by any Director, whom he, by Writing under his hand may nominate for that purpose, or in case of his not making such nomination, the majority of the board may appoint a President to act during his absence; and the Directors who may be appointed at the first election, shall hold their seats until the second Monday in November, one thousand eight hundred and five, and the Directors from and after that period shall be elected for one year, by the Stockholders for the time being, and each Director shall be a Stockholder at the time of election, and shall cease to be a Director, if he should cease to be a Stockholder, and no Director of any other Bank shall at the same time be a Director of this Bank. And the number of votes to which each Stockholder shall be entitled, shall be in proportion to the stock he may hold, as follows: For one share and not exceeding two shares one vote each, for every two shares, above two and not exceeding ten, one vote; for every four shares above ten and not exceeding thirty, one
vote; for every six shares above thirty and not exceeding sixty, one vote; for every eight shares above sixty and not exceeding one hundred, one vote; and for every ten shares above that number, one vote; but no person or persons, bodies corporate or otherwise, shall be entitled to more than fifty votes, and no Stockholder shall be permitted to vote except at the first election, who has not held his stock for thirty days prior to the election; and all Stockholders shall vote at elections by ballot, in person or by proxy, which proxy, in all elections after the first shall be made in such form as the board of Directors shall appoint.
ART. 6. A general meeting of the stock holders of the company shall be held on the second Monday in November in every year, (except the present) at such place as the board of Directors shall appoint, by giving four weeks notice in one or more of the newspapers of Alexandria, for the purpose of electing Directors for the ensuing year, who shall take their seats at the board the succeeding day, and immediately proceed to elect the President: But for the present year, for the more immediate organization of the business of the company, the election shall be held on the second Wednesday in September next; under the direction of the commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions.
ART. 7. The board of directors are hereby fully empowered to make, revise, alter, or amend all such rules, orders, bye laws and regulations for the government of the company, and that of their officers, servants and affairs, as they, or a majority of them, shall, from time to time, think expedient, not inconsistent with law or these articles of association, and to use, employ and dispose of the joint stock, funds or property of the said company (subject only to the restrictions herein after mentioned) as to them, or a majority of them may seem expedient.
ART. 8. All bills, bonds, notes and every contract and engagement on behalf of the company for the payment of money, shall be signed by the president and countersigned or attested by the Cashier of the company; and the funds of the company shall in no case be held responsible for any contract or engagement whatever unless the same shall be so signed and countersigned or attested as aforesaid.
ART. 9. The books, papers, correspondence and funds of the company shall at all times be subject to the inspection of the Directors.
ART. 10. The said board of Directors shall have power to appoint a Cashier and all other officers and servants for executing the business of the company, and to establish the compensation to be paid to the President and all other officers and servants of the company respectively, and which, together with all other necessary expenses, shall be defrayed out of the funds of the company.
ART. 11. A majority of the Directors shall have power to call a general meeting of the Stockholders for the purpose of relating to the concerns of the company, giving at least 6 weeks notice in one or more of the newspapers of the town, specifying in such notice the object or objects of such meeting.
ART. 12. The shares of capital stock at any time owned by any individual Stockholder shall be transferable on the books of the company according to such rules as may conformably to law, be established in that behalf by the board of directors; but all debts actually due and payable to the company (days of grace for payment being paid) by a Stockholder requesting a transfer, must be satisfied before such a transfer shall be made, unless the Board of Directors shall direct to the contrary.
ART. 13. No transfer of stock in this company shall be considered as binding upon the company, unless made in a book or books to be kept for that purpose by the company, and it is further expressly agreed and declared that any Stockholder who shall transfer in any manner aforesaid, all his stock or shares in this company to any other person or persons whatever, shall thereupon cease to be a member of this company; and that any person or persons whatever who shall accept a transfer of any stock or shares in this company shall thereupon become and be a member of this company, according to these articles of association.
ART. 14. It is hereby expressly and explicitly declared to be the object and intention of the persons who associate under the name or firm of "The President and Directors of the Bank of Potomac" that the joint stock or property of the said company (exclusive of dividends to be made in the manner herein after mentioned) shall alone be responsible for the debts and engagements of the said company; and that no person who shall or may deal with this company, or to whom they shall or may become any wise indebted, shall on any pretence whatever have recourse against the separate property of any present or future member of this company, or against their persons, excepting the officers and servants of said company in regard to the faithful discharge of their respective duties in the conduct of the affairs and administration of the funds of said company; but all persons accepting any bond, bill, or note, or other contract of this company, signed by the President and countersigned by the Cashier of the company for the time being, or dealing with it in any other manner whatsoever, thereby respectively give credit to the said joint stock or property of the said company, and thereby respectively disavow having recourse on any pretence whatever to the person or separate property of any present or future member of this company, (excepting as before mentioned). And all suits to be brought against this company (if any shall be) shall be brought against the President for the time being, and in case of his death or removal from office, pending any such suit against him, measures shall be taken at the expense of the company for substituting his successor in office as a defendant, so that persons having demands upon the company may not be prejudiced or delayed by that event; or if the person suing shall go on against the person first named as defendant (notwithstanding his death or removal from office) this company shall take no advantage, by writ of error or otherwise, of such proceeding on that account; and all recovery had, in manner aforesaid, shall be conclusive upon the Company, so far as renders the Company's said joint stock or property liable thereby, and no further: and the Company shall immediately pay the amount of such recovery out of their joint stock, but not otherwise. And in case of any suit at law, the President shall from his appearance upon the writ, or file common bail thereto; it being expressly understood and declared, that all persons dealing with said Company, agree to these terms and are bound thereby.
ART. 15. Dividends of the profits of the Company, or so much of said profits as shall be deemed expedient and proper, shall be declared half yearly in the first week in May and November, in each year; the amount of such dividend shall, from time to time, be determined by the Board of Directors, at a meeting held for that purpose, and shall in no case exceed the amount of the net profits actually acquired by the Company, so that the capital stock of the said Company shall never be impaired by dividends; but the Directors shall be at liberty to retain at least one per cent upon the capital as a fund for future contingencies.
ART. 16. If the said directors shall at any time willfully and knowingly, make or declare any dividend which shall impair the said capital stock, all the Directors present at the making, or declaring of said dividend, and conforming thereto, shall be liable in their individual capacities to the company, for the amount or proportion of said capital stock, so divided by the said Directors; and each Director who shall be present at the making or declaring such dividend, shall be deemed to have concurred thereto, unless he shall
immediately enter in writing his dissent on the minutes of the proceedings of the board, and give public notice to the stockholders, that such dividend has been declared.
ART. 17. These articles of agreement shall be published in two newspapers in the Town of Alexandria, for one month; and for the further information of all persons who may transact business with, or in any manner give credit to said Company, every bond, bill, note, or other instrument of contract, by the effect or terms of which the Company may be charged, or held liable for the payment of money, shall specially declare, in such form as the Board of Directors shall prescribe that payment shall be made out of the joint funds of the Bank of Potomac according to the present articles of association, and not otherwise: A copy of the 14th article of this association shall be inserted in the Bank Book of every person depositing money, or other valuable property with the Company for safe keeping, or a printed copy shall be delivered to every such person, before any such deposit shall be received from him. And it is hereby expressly declared, that no engagement can legally be made in the name of said Company, unless it contain a limitation or restriction to the effect aforesaid; and the Company hereby expressly disavow all responsibility for any debt or engagement, which may be made in their name, not containing a limitation or restriction to the effect aforesaid.
ART. 18. The Company shall in no case be owners of any ships or vessels, or directly or indirectly be concerned in trade, of the importation or exportation, purchase or sale of any goods, wares, or merchandise whatever, (bills of exchange and bullion only excepted) and except such ships, vessels, goods, wares, or merchandise, as shall be truly pledged to them by way of security for debts due, owing or growing due to the said Company, or purchased by them to secure such debts so due to the said Company.
ART. 19. If any vacancy shall at any time happen among the Directors by death, resignation, or otherwise, the residue of the Directors for the time being, shall elect a Director to fill the vacancy.
ART. 20. The Company shall not purchase or hold any lands, tenements, or other real estates, other than what may be necessary for the convenient transaction of its business, unless such lands, tenements, and real estates, shall have been bona fide mortgaged to the Company, by way of security or conveyed to it in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in the course of dealings, or purchased to secure debts contracted with or due to the said Company, and in every instance in which the Company may become owners or claimants of lands, tenements, or real estates, the Board of Directors are empowered to sell or dispose of the same, in such manner as they may deem beneficial for the Company.
ART. 21. Any number of Stockholders, not less than forty, who together shall be proprietors of five hundred shares, may, for any purpose relative to the institution, at any time apply to the President and Directors to call a general meeting of the Stockholders; and if by them refused, the said number of Stockholders, proprietors of not less than the number of shares aforesaid, shall have power to call a general meeting of the Stockholders, giving at least 60 days notice in one or more of the public newspapers of the town of Alexandria, specifying in such notice the object or objects of such call.
ART. 22. Immediately on the dissolution of this association, prompt and effectual measures shall be taken by the Directors then existing, for closing all the concerns of the Company, and for dividing the capital and profits which may remain among the Stockholders, in proportion to their respective interests.
In witness whereof—
THE Commissioners above named will open the subscription Book, at the Court House in the town of Alexandria, on the 5th of September next, agreeably to the aforesaid articles of association.
The payments will be received either in specie or the notes of the Bank of the United States and its various branches, or in the notes of any of the Banks, from New York to Norfolk, inclusive.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT a Petition will be presented to the General Assembly, at their next Session, for the sale of the Glebe in St. Mary's Parish in Caroline; & the investiture of the interest of the Money, thereby raised, in the present incumbent, so long as he may continue to act as such the said Parish.
CAROLINE, August 18, 1804. [ew3m.]
DOCTOR WILSON, HAS taken (as a temporary residence) the house lately occupied by Doctor Adams, opposite the Bell Tavern, and intends to combine the APOTHECARIES BUSINESS with the PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. He is now opening a part, and expects to receive by the next arrivals from Philadelphia, the balance of a fresh and very general supply of MEDICINES, and other articles in the Apothecaries Line, which will be sold on the lowest terms.
Orders from the country, Recipes, &c. will be carefully attended to.
June 27. [ew6m.]
The following Six Hogsheads of TOBACCO,
now lying in Dymers Warehouse, will be sold according to Law: 1800, January 10th—Judith Kelly, marked I. K. No. 5, Gross 1111, Tare 114, Nett 997. 1801, January 9th, do. do. do. No. 10, Gross 1100, Tare 113, Nett 1077—January 23, William Diggs, marked W. D. No. 17, Gross 1163, Tare 120, Nett 1045—Do. John Brent, marked I. B. No. 21, Gross 1083, Tare 137, Nett 946—January 30, George Brent marked G. B. No. 23, Gross 1179, Tare 146, Nett 1033. March 13, Spencer George, marked S. G. No. 49, Gross 1059, Tare 106, Nett 946.
THOMAS HURST. Wm. MEREDITH. Inspectors.
May 19.—law3m.
VIRGINIA: AT A SUPERIOR COURT OF CHANCERY, HOLDEN IN RICHMOND, MARCH THE 26TH, 1804.
Between JOHN SOMERVILL, Plaintiff.
And LUCAS SULLIVAN and WILLIAM BASKERVILLE, Defendants.
THE defendant, Lucas Sullivan, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly, and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this country: on the motion of the plaintiff, by his counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of next September term, and answer the bill of the plaintiff, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper in the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the Capitol, in the said city.
A Copy—Teste, P. TINSLEY, c. c. July 25. [ew2m.]
BILLS or LADING, SHERIFFS, BLANKS, BLANK BONDS, &c. &c. FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
FOR SALE,
THAT beautiful and well improved TENE-MENT on the Hill, now occupied by Mr. Benjamin Mosby. This property lies near the Capitol, in a healthy and agreeable neighbourhood. Terms of sale will be made known by applying to
July 19. BARTLETT STILL. [ew7f.]
VIRGINIA, TO WIT:
A CHANCERY DISTRICT COURT HELD AT THE FORMER CAPITOL, IN THE CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG, the 12th day of July, 1804.
Gavin Lawton, Joseph Delaney and Sally his wife, and Zachariah Delaney.....Plaintiffs.
against Elisha Carter and Elizabeth his wife, late Elizabeth Lunsford, widow of Lewis Lunsford deceased, Harriet Lunsford, Hiram Lunsford, Maria Lunsford and Darius W. Lunsford, children and co-heirs of the said Lunsford.....Defendants.
IT appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, that since the entering of the order in this cause, on the first day of July one thousand eight hundred and three, in the words following: "The defendants upon whom an attachment for their contempt in not answering the bill of the plaintiff, both as to the matters and claims in the bill, have been returned executed, bill failing to answer the same, the Court, on the motion of the plaintiff, by their counsel, doth take their bill for confessed, and will proceed at a future day, to decree the matter thereof, which the said defendants on or before the tenth day of the term next after they shall have been served with a copy of this order, then to confess to the contrary," the defendants have removed themselves out of this Commonwealth, so that they cannot be served with a copy of the said order, on motion of the plaintiff by their counsel, it is ordered, that the said defendants do appear here on the first day of the next term, and answer the bill of the plaintiff, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper of the city of Richmond, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former Capitol in this City.
A Copy, W2m27 ANTHONY ROBINSON, C. C.
LIFE OF WASHINGTON.
THE FIRST VOLUME is ready for Subscribers at the Book Store of Wm. PRICHARD. Richmond, August 18, 1804. [ew7f.]
PIANO FORTES & MUSIC.
FOUR excellent Piano Fortes, for sale at Mr. WILLIAM PRICHARD'S Book-Store, on moderate terms.
ALSO—some NEW MUSIC, consisting of SONGS and PIECES for PIANO FORTE. BLANK MUSIC, PAPER and BOOKS.
A few very good FIELD DRUMS and FIRES. August 18.—3f.
We have received a small additional supply of MADEIRA WINE,
OF a superior quality, which we offer for sale by the hoghead and quarter-cask.
GIBSON & JEFFERSON. July 18. [ew7f.]
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
5th Circuit, Virginia District, May 30, 1804.
John Lloyd and John Hanbury, surviving partners of Hanbury and Lloyd, Plaintiffs.
against John Buchanan, Archibald Brice, Robert West and Elizabeth Carter his wife, Mary Thornton and Priscilla his wife, Henry Perrin and Anna his wife, Samuel Anderson and Janet his wife; John M'Kean, Willis M'Kean, and Alexander M'Kean, children and co-heirs of John M'Kean, deceased, and James Watt, executor of Alexander M'Kean, deceased, who was executor of the said John M'Kean, deceased, Defendants.
IN CHANCERY. ROBERT WEST is appointed guardian to Alexander M'Kean, an infant defendant in this cause, and the cause coming on by consent of the parties to be heard on the bill and amended bill, the answers of the defendants, replications, the will of John M'Kean, aforesaid, and the proceedings in a suit at law in this court brought by the complainants against the defendant Watt as executor aforesaid, which judgment was obtained at the December session 1801: WHEREUPON, it is DECREED AND ORDERED, That Edmund Randolph, William Mitchell, Robert Pollard and Edmund W. Rootes, or any two or more of them, do report to sale at public auction, together or separately, the lot and tenement in the proceedings mentioned, now in the occupation of William M'Kean; and the small tenements and ground thereunto belonging, which adjoin the tenement conveyed in trust to the defendants Buchanan and Brice—after the time and place of sale shall have been advertised four weeks in one or more of the Richmond newspapers—the terms of sale to be in installments, and the remaining two-thirds payable in three installments with legal interest from the day of sale, the first installment to be paid twelve months, and the second in two years from the day of sale; the purchasers to give bonds for the said two installments, and in default of payment to be again sold by the said commissioners, or any two of them, for ready money, for the payment of the balances that may be due from the respective purchasers: AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, That the said commissioners who may act do from the proceeds of the sales hereby first directed, pay unto the complainants, their agent or attorney, three thousand one hundred and twenty-five dollars, thirty-seven cents, with interest on two thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars, forty-five cents, part thereof, at five per cent. from the sixteenth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and one, the balance appearing to be due the complainants by a statement among the exhibits, and the cost of this suit; and the surplus, if any, after deducting the charges of the sale, to be brought into court, subject to such order as may hereafter be made concerning the same; the monies first raised by the sale to be applied to the satisfaction of the debt due the complainants: AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, That each of the commissioners as may act convey to the purchasers in conformity to the terms of this decree, and that they make report of their proceedings to the court.
A Copy—Teste, JAMES BLAGRAVE, d. c.
Richmond, August 13th, 1804.
IN pursuance of the foregoing decree, we shall expose to sale at public auction, the Lot, Tenements, Ground & Property therein mentioned, on the 19th day of the next month, in the premises, in the city of Richmond.
EDMUND RANDOLPH. WILLIAM MITCHELL. ROBERT POLLARD. EDMUND W. ROOTES.
FOR GLASGOW,
DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.
BY agreement, the partnership of SHANKS & MRAE will cease on the 1st day of August. Those to whom the firm stands indebted will please exhibit their accounts, that arrangements may be made for their discharge. The debtors of the firm are desired to make immediate payment, as delinquents will be indiscriminately sued. Those concerned will make application to COLIN MRAE. SHANKS & MRAE. Manchester, August 15, 1804.
THE SUBSCRIBER
EXPECTS this fall a very general assortment of GOODS, and intends to continue business in the house now occupied by Shanks & Mrae. All those who have been heretofore punctual, are solicited to continue their dealings.
COLIN MRAE. August 15. [ep3w.]
NEAL NELSON, BOOT & SHOE MANUFACTURER,
MAIN-STREET, RICHMOND,
MAKES Boots & Shoes to any pattern or fashion, equal in point of MATERIALS and WORKMANSHIP to any in general use.
Imported Boots and Shoes, of the first quality and newest fashion, for sale.
Gentlemen at a distance, who are disposed to forward me their measures, by paying attention to the annexed cut, can be fitted with Boots or Shoes as well as if they were on the spot.
A—The length of the Boot—C—round the Calf—B—the pitch of ditto—D—round the heel and instep—E—round the instep—G—across the ball of the foot. Fix the heel against a perpendicular, and stick a knife at the end of the great toe—set down in figures the number of inches and quarters, in the different measures. June 30. [ep6m.]
FOR SALE,
A TRACT OF LAND,
IN Powhatan county, on Appomattox River, where it is navigable, known by the name of M'Call's Quarter, containing 420 acres: this land lies about four miles from the Court House, and is well adapted to the culture of Tobacco, small grain and corn. Samuel Woodson, who lives near the land, will show it to any person who may wish to purchase. If it is not sold before the 1st of September next, I shall sell it upon that day to the highest bidder, at Woodson's Tavern, near the premises.
JOHN F. PRICE. Richmond, May 30, 1804. [15p2m.]
NOTICE.
THE office of Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Virginia being discontinued, and the unfinished business of the said Office transferred to me; the Collectors of the Direct Tax and Internal Revenue, whose accounts have not been finally adjusted and paid, are hereby informed, that they are now requested to call at my office, in the city of Richmond, without delay, and pay the balances due to the United States:—And those who hold lands have been sold in the district of Virginia by authority of an act of Congress of the United States for non-payment of the Direct Tax, may redeem such lands, by paying to me within the time limited, the principal costs and fees as the law directs.
As most of the abovenamed lands were sold in Dec. 1802, the privilege of redemption will continue until December next.
The money received by me for the redemption of the said lands, will be returned to the purchaser, with interest at the rate of 25 per cent per annum on the purchase money, to the day on which it may be paid to me.
JOSEPH SCOTT. Marshall V.D. July 7. [ep—tf.]
A WET NURSE.
WANTED to hire or purchase, a Wet Nurse without a child of her own. Enquire of the Printers. August 8.—tf.
CASH SALE OF LAND IN ALBEMARLE.
On September 15th, WILL BE SOLD, in Charlottesville, to the highest bidder, for Cash,
THE TRACT OF LAND lying on the east side of Rivanna, over against Charlottesville, containing about 600 acres, with a new commodious DWELLING HOUSE. Two years of a lease under good restrictions have to run after this. The land is all of the South-West Mountain quality; and though much injured in parts, is in general still very good, and all reclaimable. The sale proceeds from a deed of trust to indemnify against lots as security and bail, which was executed in December, 1802, by William Bache, of Pennsylvania, to THOMAS M. RANDOLPH. July 23. [ep158p]
FOR SALE,
On liberal terms, by the Subscribers,
THE HOUSE and LOT near the River Bank, at present in the occupancy of Mr. John Taylor, and distinguished in the plan of the city by the number 8, the property of the estate of Patrick Wright, dec. which, if not

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
CONTINUATION OF NEWS BY THE LATE AM RIVALS.
SLAVE TRADE.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, June 8, 1804.
Mr. Grenville observed that he was anxious to state his opinion upon the subject, in which, as it appeared to him, the honor and character of the nation were so much involved...
JUNE 12.
Mr. Fuller moved the order of the day, Mr. Wilberforce moved that the speaker do leave the chair. The last motion was opposed with much warmth, and supported with great spirit.
Mr. Wilberforce made a short but very pertinent & conclusive reply to the principal objections against his measure. The honorable and worthy member next proceeded to reinforce all his original arguments in favour of the abolition of the trade.
The negroes too rapidly increased in Benoolen, in St. Helena, in St. Kitt's, and in other settlements. It being ascertained that such a rapid increase was obtained in America, he saw no reason to think why our West-India negroes might not only keep up their numbers but might positively increase to a great degree.
The question finally, being found called for the house divided—Ayes 79—Noes 20. Majority for going into committee 59. The house then went into committee; and after considerable deftory debate, the clause, respecting the limitation of the trade from Africa to the West-Indies, was amended; and stood nearly thus:
CONSTANTINOPLE, April 28. M. Jonbert, the French interpreter, is arrived here from Paris. He has brought a letter from the First Consul to the Grand Signior, written by the former with his own hand.
GENOA, May 12.
Our senate, during the last week, had daily held private sittings. The report is stronger than ever that Genoa and Lucca will be incorporated with the Italian republic, and that Napoleon Bonaparte will be declared king of Lombardy.
PARIS, June 3.
Among certain other plans to settle the differences in the German empire, our government has proposed the partition of the electorate of Hanover, which may procure an equality of votes in the Diet of Ratisbon.
Some persons pretend that the supreme magistracy in Holland and Switzerland, as well as in Italy and France, are to be hereditary in the families of persons proposed by the emperor of the French...
VIENNA, May 23.
Our politicians pretend that France has gained great influence in the determination of our Cabinet, and they even go so far as to say that the treaty of 1756 will be renewed...
The intended interview between our Sovereign and the Russian Emperor is said to be suspended for the present; but it is generally believed, that in the course of June or July, Alexander and Frederick William will meet in cisleven Poland...
ANTWERP, May 24.
The day before yesterday the garrison of Brussels took the oath of fidelity to the emperor Napoleon. The greater part of the other garrisons in Belgium have already taken a similar oath to the new monarch.
A palace is preparing at Brussels for prince Joseph Bonaparte, who, as grand elector, will preside in the electoral college of the department of the Dyle. The castle of Laken is appointed an imperial palace.
EAST INDIES.
An overland dispatch has been received at the India house, with important intelligence of the further operations against the Lajah Berar. The division of the army under general Stephen was in December last, besieged and took by storm the Fort of Gyalgor.
The numbers were: European and Subsidiaries 5 killed—50 wounded; Natives 8 killed—51 wounded. Total 114.
Lieutenant George Young, 2d Bat. 7th Regiment native infantry—died of his wounds.
Wounded—Lieutenant Col. Kenny 1st bat. 11th regiment native infantry; Lieutenant Pacey, 2d bat. 7th regiment native infantry. The number of guns taken amount to 52.
Accounts have likewise been received, stating that peace was signed on the 20th December on very advantageous terms. Among other acquisitions, the company are to retain Baroach, in the maritime provinces of the Guzzerat.
Captain Ely, of the ship Oliver Ellsworth from Amsterdam, informs us, that Admiral Verheul, with about sixty sail of gun-boats, sloops, and brigs, under his convoy, in the passage from Flushing to Ostend, fell in with a division of Sir Sidney Smith's fleet, and an engagement ensued, in which the latter were beaten off, and the fleet arrived at the place of its destination without any other injury than the loss of two gun-boats.
A flotilla was collecting at Nieuw Diep to join in the projected invasion of England; and American vessels were of course refused admittance. We have received Dutch papers to the 23d June, but they are barren of news. One of which, however, mentions, that Talleyrand was appointed Arch-Chancellor of France.
Messrs. Wharton and Seaman, who came passengers in the ship Protector, arrived at New-York from Cetie, inform, that on their voyage from Leghorn to Marseilles, on the 23d May, off Toulon, they passed the English and French fleets engaged in action; but that night coming on, they were prevented from knowing the result.
Capt. Peck, from Cadiz, informs, that news was received there on the 10th of June, from the most respectable house at Gibraltar, stating that admiral Nelson had sent into Toulon Roads three sail of British ships of the line, who fired upon the town and shipping. The French sent out eight sail to give them chase; when admiral Nelson, with four additional ships, which were in the offing, gave chase to them and cut them off from the land.
A letter received this morning from Philadelphia mentions that a vessel had arrived there in a short passage from England, bringing an account that England had actually declared war against Spain.
A gentleman in London has informed his correspondent at New-York, that he had just returned from the admiralty where he had seen a Declaration of War on the part of Great Britain against Spain.
Yesterday evening captain Bowers, of the brig Commerce, in 44 days from London, furnished us with files of London papers up to the 30th of June; and what is rather extraordinary, notwithstanding they are very late from Europe, they contain scarcely a line interesting to the American reader.
A letter of the 24th May dated Marseilles, from the American Consul, is silent on the subject of any engagement between the English and French fleets off Toulon. This renders the intelligence of such an engagement represented to have taken place on the 23d of May, doubtful.
From the Salem Gazette, Aug. 10.
The positive manner in which the account of an engagement between the French and English fleets is said to have been reported at Gibraltar by an American Captain, and even confirmed by an oath that he was an eye witness to the scene, should leave but little doubt on the mind that it had really taken place...
The French accounts from Bordeaux, and the English accounts from London, are to the 17th and 19th of June without any mention of such a battle; and yesterday Capt. Mugford arrived here from the Mediterranean, having failed from Marseilles about the 9th, and passed Gibraltar the last of June; and neither at the port of his departure, nor in the course of his passage out of the Straits, heard any thing that we can learn, of such an event, which would be likely by that time, if true, to have been generally known in that sea.
In a French Journal, printed in Germany, called the Mirror of France, is the following remark: "The empires of Germany, Austria, and Prussia, are at this moment without any treaty of alliance. Prussia has none, except with Denmark, dated in 1763, and with Sweden, concluded in 1799. France has treaties of alliance with Spain, Holland, Switzerland and the Italian republic; England has only one with Portugal, and the United States of America with no power whatever. So that all the states of Europe, with the exception of France, are separate from each other."
DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.
[It has become a kind of general maxim among politicians, that the civilization of a country, at least in its earliest stages, may be determined by the degree of respect which is paid to its laws. That nation must have indeed attained to a very small degree of refinement, in which each man assumes to himself the right of taking the law into his own hands. The following fact goes a little way to prove, that our new brethren of Louisiana, if they be tried by this principle, can advance no very exalted claims to great civilization.]
NATCHEZ, July 3.
Extract of a letter from Baton-Rouge, dated June 27, 1804.
A singular event has lately occurred in this neighbourhood; a lawsuit, it appears, has been depending for near three years between a Mr. Kemper and a Mr. Smith. Judgment has been given by gov. Grandpre in favour of Smith, and certain property (which has been attached) decreed to be put in Smith's possession. Kemper has fortified himself in his house, and declares his determination to defend himself and the property which he claims. An armed party has been sent, accompanied by an Alcaid, to enforce the decree. Kemper and his friends disarmed and made them prisoners—but dismissed them on their parole not to serve against him during the campaign. The militia are under orders to hold themselves in readiness to march—I am of opinion they will not obey the order: two gun-boats are preparing here: three express have already been dispatched to New Orleans (to the marquis Casa Calvo I suppose)—In fact, the circumstance has created great alarm to the Spaniards and much amusement to the Americans. It is generally believed here, that Kemper will be supported by a number of his friends, and will be enabled not only to hold possession of his "fortress," but defeat his antagonists:—A few days will in all probability, terminate this most extraordinary affair. I will be enabled to give you farther particulars in a day or two, as I shall pass by the "expected" field of action, (Bayou Sara) on my way to Pinkneyville.
Bayou Sara, June 30.
"Kemper has evacuated his "castle" and crossed the Mississippi. The mild government under which we now "draw breath," has issued its mandate commanding forty of us planters, to repair with arms, accoutrements, ammunition, and four days provision, to guard a pitiful log cabin lately occupied by Kemper: for what purpose we have yet to learn. Five citizens have been apprehended and are now in irons, on suspicion of being friendly disposed to Kemper, I am informed that a party are in pursuit of Mr. Kemper, with orders to take him "dead or alive." We have been flattered with a hope of participating in the blessings of your government, as being included in the cession. If it is really the case, in the name of God, why are we left exposed to the despotism we daily experience."
Appointment by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
WILLIAM B. SHIELDS, Esq. agent on the part of the United States to appear before the board of Commissioners west of the Pearl river, for the purpose of investigating the validity of claims to land.
FROM NEW-ORLEANS, July 7.
"In my last I believe I mentioned something relative to a meeting held here for the purpose of authorizing a representation to Congress; and, I think, added that it would most probably prove abortive. The spirit however has mounted higher than I imagined. On Sunday last a meeting was held in the public Ball-room to hear and deliberate on a remonstrance to be signed by the inhabitants, and forwarded to Congress by two Deputies. Although I did not feel myself interested in the project, I attended, and heard the document read. It is the production of much ingenuity, and as such was cordially received. I can only pretend to give you the principle points of the remonstrance. It requires that the act passed by last Congress for the government of Louisiana be annulled, and particularly that part respecting the Slave trade:—that the French language be preserved in all our judiciary and civil proceedings; that we be immediately acknowledged as a State, and enjoy as such the privilege of appointing our own Executive council, and making our own laws. Such are the objects of this procedure. The merit of the remonstrance is given to Edward Livingston, Esq. To-morrow there is to be another meeting, for the purpose of choosing the two delegates, who are to proceed immediately to the seat of government, loaded with the grievances of the people of Louisiana."
"The 4th inst. was celebrated here with great enthusiasm."
"There is below an English Guineaman, with 250 head of slaves."—Phila. Gazette.
Extract of a letter from Wilkesbarre, (Penn.) of the 5th inst.
"Last night I received a letter from —; he mentions what I had before heard at Sunbury, that a Mr. Gobin was shot in Lycoming county, and supposed to be mortally wounded. He went to that place with a Mr. Donnell, who I understand is an agent for some of the landholders; it was believed at Sunbury, that Donnell was the person aimed at; says that for several days, some persons were seen lurking in the woods, near the river, dressed like Indians, and that it was said they were employed by the Sugar Creek people, and were to keep out all summer, to prevent the surveyors from working. He also observes that on the waters of that creek he found the people generally opposed to purchasing; and that they believed that Franklin and Jenkins could never be injured."
PHILADELPHIA, August 11.
Mrs. Elizabeth Weil, wife of that distinguished Pennsylvanian, Benjamin Weil, esq. has forwarded from London, by the brig Union, captain Thomas, and presented to the Library Company of Philadelphia as "an offering of her affectionate attachment to her native city," a portrait of the late Dr. Preston, painted by Mr. West. This portrait, we understand, will be placed in the apartment of the library which shall be assigned for the books, &c. bequeathed to that institution by the Rev. Dr. Preston.
From the New York Gazette.
The gentleman to whom the following letter from Commodore Truxton was addressed has put it into our hands for publication:
Perth-Amboy, 31st July, 1804.
MY DEAR SIR, It has been extremely painful for me to hear of so many erroneous statements respecting Col. Burr's arrival and reception at this place, and I am induced in consequence thereof, and in consideration of some circumstances in which my name has been frequently mentioned, to detail to you facts as they are at least in substance. Misrepresentations cannot, in the end, be useful, or considered advisable even in this case, but on the contrary, men of honour will want truth told with candor, and such only I wish to gratify: I disdain and consider as inadmissible, in a virtuous community, and unworthy of my character, that unfounded reports should have a currency, when I can relate the truth of what has come within my own observation.
On Sunday morning, the 23d inst. between the hours of nine and ten o'clock, I was engaged in my study, when a servant came to me and said a gentleman wanted to see me; supposing it to be one of my neighbors, I desired him to ask the gentleman to be seated in the drawing-room for a few minutes, and I would wait upon him. Soon after Mrs. Truxton came in, and told me it was the vice-president. I immediately went down stairs, and a negro boy walked up to me, whom I did not at the moment recognize; he said that Col. Burr was in a boat and wished to see me. I went out and discovered the boat that landed the boy, lying off at a short distance from the shore, and the bargemen on their oars, keeping a position opposite to my landing place. As soon as I approached near enough to the boat, the vice-president and myself exchanged salutations; the boat then came in, when he landed immediately, as did Mr. Swartwout, whom he introduced to me, never having seen that gentleman before.
In walking up to my house, the vice-president told me they had been most of the night on the water, and that a dish of good coffee would not come amiss. I told him it should be furnished with pleasure; and as soon as we got on the piazza, I ordered breakfast, which was soon prepared, as the equipage of that meal was not yet removed below. After breakfast, Mr. Swartwout returned to New York, and the vice-president asked me if horses were to be procured to take him on his journey further southward. Not believing (as it was Sunday, and as I afterwards was informed) that he could be accommodated with convenience in this respect, I told him so and that he must content himself where he was. On Monday morning, however, I ordered up my own horses and carriage, and took him to Cramberry, about twenty miles from this place, and at that village he hired a carriage and horses to proceed with him to the Delaware, and I returned home. During the time that Col. Burr was with me, but little was said of the duel—delicacy on his part, as well as mine, prevented much conversation. He appeared to me to feel much more sorrow and regret than I have observed in any other person on the occasion—though I have seen many who expressed unfeigned regret, and I was certain that they felt it. In conversation, I took an opportunity of observing my own feelings on the subject, and that general Hamilton I had esteemed as an invaluable friend, statesman and soldier—that as a politician I admired him always, & in fact loved him as a brother. These expressions were made rather involuntary, and I was sorry I made them, as they excited an increased emotion in the breast of Col. Burr, which ought not to have been made by me; but it seemed unavoidable. I added at the same time, however, that I had and always had an unfeigned and sincere regard for col. Burr; and that while I regretted the past event, I at the same time gave him a hearty welcome, as I should have done Gen. Hamilton, had the fate of their interview been reversed, and he had made me a visit. I have taken time and pains to recollect and relate as nearly verbatim as possible, every material expression on the subject introduced, in consequence of the unfortunate catastrophe, or that passed between us; and hope it will prevent any farther misrepresentation, at least as far as you can prevent it. The difference of these two gentlemen's political opinions, I could not but know; but notwithstanding this difference, I had often met them together, when the demon of discord in no instance excited an expression or gesture in the one that could disturb the harmonious feelings of the other. But I always observed in both a disposition, when together, to make time agreeable, according to the end intended by such meetings, in society, at the houses of each other, and of friends; and it was never until the unhappy affair of the duel was announced here, that I could have believed such a business was in contemplation between those gentlemen. No man, sir, can lament this sad event more sincerely than I do; and particularly since I have examined the correspondence, and other papers on the subject. But let the melancholy lesson teach the inconsiderate, that while any gentleman may express his opinion of men & things as he pleases by letter or otherwise, under his own responsibility, that he should be cautious how he implicates or commits others; who, in good faith, perhaps, and in private conversation, communicates sentiments never intended for the public ear. That such conversations daily happen among gentlemen, there can be no doubt; but for the honour of society they are but seldom promulgated to the world, without permission or by some uncommon accident. I am, respectfully, and with esteem, dear sir, your friend and obedient servant, THOMAS TRUXTON.
NEW-YORK, August 13.
The Coroner's Inquest, after a very patient and laborious examination of the facts and circumstances relating to the late afflicting event, have pronounced upon their oaths, that "Aaron Burr, Esq. Vice-President of the United States, was guilty of the MURDER of Alexander Hamilton; and that William P. Van Ness, Esq. Attorney at law, and Nathaniel Pendleton, Esq. Counsellor at law, were accessories."
To prevent the above Inquisition from making any incorrect impressions upon the public with regard to Mr. Pendleton the second of Gen. Hamilton, we think it proper to state that with respect to this gentleman the Inquest have mistaken the law; for the second of the party killed is not considered as an accessory to the murder. Accessories are divided into those before and after the fact.
An accessory before the fact is he "who counsels, commands, or procures another to commit a felony when such commander, or counsellor is absent at the time of the felony committed, for if he were present he is principal."—Hale's P. C. 1 vol. 613.
An accessory after the fact is, "where a person knowing the felony to be committed by another receives, relieves, comforts or assists the felon."—Ibid. 618.
Now as Mr. Pendleton was present at the time of the felony committed, he could not, according to the first authority, be an accessory before the fact: and it will not be pretended that he has done any act which would make him an accessory after the fact; it follows then that Mr. Pendleton was not in any legal sense an accessory to the late murder.
But it may then be said, that he is a ringleader, and as such guilty of murder himself; on this subject it will also appear that the head of the person killed in a duel is not considered as guilty of murder but only of a misdemeanor.
Hawkins observes, that "the law so far abhors all duelling in cold blood, that not only the principal who actually kills the other, but also his seconds are guilty of murder, whether they fought or not; and some have gone so far as to hold that the seconds of the person killed are also equally guilty, in respect to that countenance which they give to their principals in the execution of their purpose, by accompanying them therein, and being ready to bear a part with them. But some have thought this rather too severe a construction, to make a man, by such reasoning, the murderer of his friend, to whom he was so far from intending any mischief, that he was ready to hazard his own life in his quarrel."
Hawkins, Cr. 1 vol. Title, Murder, sec. 31.
Sir Mathew Hale also thus expresses himself: I have always taken the law to be, that if A. and B. have a design to fight one with another upon premeditation or malice, and A. takes C. for his second, and B. takes D. for his second, A. kills B. in this case C. is principal, as present, aiding, and abetting, but D. is not a principal, because he was of the part of him, that was killed, and yet I know that some have held, that D. is principal as well as C. because it is a compact, and rely much upon the book of 29 E. 3. Cor. 202 before mentioned, but, as I think, the law was strained too far in that case, and so it is much more in making D. a principal in the death of B. that was his friend, though it be, I confess a great misdemeanor yet I think it is not murder in D.
Hale, P. C. 1 Vol.: 403.
COMMUNICATION.
The Grand Jury this day unanimously ordered the District Attorney to draw a bill against Aaron Burr, William P. Van Ness and Nathaniel Pendleton, by which, agreeably to the last law of this state against duelling, they are, if confirmed by the competent tribunals, disfranchised , and of course will not be able either to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit, or to vote in the state for 20 years. The murder of General Hamilton having been committed in the State of New-Jersey, it was not cognizable by our Grand Jury, whose jurisdiction extends no farther than to breaches of the peace which happen in the City and County of New-York. But Aaron Burr, we are well assured, can be prosecuted for murder under the verdict of the Coroner's Jury, and we trust our courts will do their duty on this memorable occasion. Gould, the printer, separately went out of Town, of course we apprehend the indictment cannot be found for want of his efficient evidence against the persons whose names he offered as belonging to the Society of Duellists.—[Am. Cit.]
ISAAC L. KIP, Esq. has been unanimously chosen to the office of Notary Public for the Merchant's Bank in room of William P. Van Ness, Esq.—[Ibid.]
British Amity.—Will it never cease to be our duty to record British aggressions committed in our harbour? It would be less unpleasant to repeal than to record these insolent attacks. It is more agreeable to an individual and honorable to a nation to resist than to suffer indignities. On Friday last the ship Cicero, Morgan, master, arrived from Liverpool. In sight of the white Buoy (half a league N. E. of the Hook) the Cicero was fired at by an armed vessel. As the latter approached she fired a second time, without hailing. The second shot was in a direct line, but struck the surface of the water about 10 rods from the Cicero. The armed vessel was the Leader by which our harbour has been several weeks blockaded—compelled to heave to, the Cicero was boarded in our waters. The language of the boarding officer was insolent, & his conduct rude.—Capt. Morgan says, that the boarding officer of the Leader declared that their object on our coast was "to annoy the Americans."
The conduct of the Leader in respect to the ship Live Oak, Dyer, master, from Londonderry is still more exceptional. Capt. Dyer, was treated with a rudeness but little compatible with our ideas of civilization. Fired at in our own waters without being hailed, he was afterwards dragged on board the Leader, insulted by the foul language of Skaine, commander, abused by his officers and ordered among his men! They ranlocked his trunks for letters, and broke them open; not permitting those which had been written to him by his wife to escape the hand of violence. They ordered on board Mr. Ludlow, son of Mr. Carew Ludlow of this city, merchant, but after detaining him some time they suffered him to return to the Live Oak. Mr. Ludlow bears a commission in our navy. The passengers of the Live Oak were ordered on board the Leader, of whom seventeen were impressed. The following communication is from those who were so lucky as to escape impressment.
Ship Live Oak, Chris. Dyer, Master, at anchor off the Quarantine Ground, August 1804.
We, the remaining passengers now on board said ship from Londonderry, feeling for the cruel treatment of our unfortunate fellow passengers, now prisoners on board his Britannic Majesty's ship of war the Leader, Skaine, commander—think it a duty incumbent on us to publish a few of the numerous cruelties exercised on them, in hopes that some American will interest himself on their account.
We failed from Ireland the 23d of June, & after an agreeable passage, arrived in sight of Sandy Hook the 3d inst. all in good health and highly elated at the near prospect of a happy termination of our voyage; but about seven o'clock we were brought too by the Leader, who fired at us. On her coming along side of us and asking the captain a few questions, they ordered him to heave too, and they would send their boats on board—this was done and a lieutenant attended by two or three midshipmen and two boats manned, boarded us. We were now ordered on deck to be examined, the lieutenant taking charge of our ship. At the same time he obliged our captain to go on board the Leader, and taking every paper and letter whether belonging to his ship or of a private nature, that he had in his possession; as also the ship's letter bag and the mate's log-book—using the most abusive language to our captain and officers.
Our names were then called over, and every male passenger on board, without distinction whether of age or otherwise with the exception of four or five, was forced into the boats and taken on board the Leader. They were thus torn from their mothers, wives, and sisters who were left in distress that cannot be described, and this with a roughness and cruelty usual only among

Algerine Corsairs.—Arrived on board the ship...
The visiting gentlemen of the Leander...
COCKPIT, WHITEHALL.
On Friday the following Cases were determined...
The ship John, Buell, master.—This was a farther proof...
The ship Penelope, Groom, master. This vessel...
Captain Goss from Cowes, (Eng.) handed us the following...
PORT OF COWES.
Whereas for want of proper information of the laws...
That the Law of the 26th of its Britannic Majesty...
It is therefore hereby enjoined to all Captains...
THOMAS AULDJO, American Consul.
Extract of a letter from Aux Cayes, to a gentleman in Baltimore...
This will serve to inform you, that the English admiral...
Captain Morrell, arrived at Philadelphia from Point-Petre...
The following extract of a letter from Point-Petre...
By advices from Martinique, that island appears crowded...
BOSTON, August 8.
A letter from Havana, dated the 14th July...
Extract of a letter from Mr. Galt, late Consul...
The government of Naples has sent to sea two large frigates...
gun ship is fitting out with all expedition...
A letter, dated Tripoli, 4 April, mentions...
NEW-YORK, August 14.
MILITARY PARADE.—On Saturday his excellency...
The line was reviewed, by his excellency attended...
After the standing and marching salutes...
His excellency the Governor and suite then returned...
After the review, the parade concluded with some more military...
It was observed, agreeably to the general custom...
Simeon Baldwin, Esq. of Connecticut, has publicly declined...
IMPROVEMENT.
CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL.—The president & directors...
Under these circumstances the board think it scarcely necessary...
Signed by order of the board, JOSEPH TATNAL, president.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COURT.
JETT'S heirs & representatives. By virtue of a Decree...
These tracts lie contiguous to each other...
The quality of this land is not inferior to any in its neighbourhood...
THOMAS D. DOWNING, RICHARD EDWARDS, HIEROME L. OPIE, PETER C. RICE.
LOAN FOR CASH, OR ON SHORT CREDIT, Direct from Penington's Manufactory, Philadelphia.
LOAF SUGAR. An excellent quality, either by the hogshead...
ALSO—BAR IRON, by the ton or single bar...
MICA JAH DAVIS.
ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1804.
ON BANKS.
NO. V.
HAVING explained the different advantages which Banks may render...
The author of these Essays in speaking of the advantages which individuals receive from banks...
FARMERS. There appear to be three great operations...
A company of farmers living in the same neighbourhood...
He had been a resident of the county of Amherst...
Having taken his son Dr. Austin Brockenbrough...
Immediately after entering his pulpit...
THE EDITOR of the Evening Post, a newspaper...
In 1774, Mr. Jefferson was prevented from attending...
avoid therefore all the dangers attendant upon this situation...
How far did the French assignats issued during the revolution...
On the important subject of the Yazoo lands...
A late writer in the Petersburg Republican challenges...
About two weeks ago I was sitting in my room...
He had been a resident of the county of Amherst...
Having taken his son Dr. Austin Brockenbrough...
Immediately after entering his pulpit...
THE EDITOR of the Evening Post, a newspaper...
In 1774, Mr. Jefferson was prevented from attending...
sentiments which inspired the adventures of...
These resolutions were forwarded by Mr. Jefferson...
I shall probably be asked, why these resolutions...
Because Mr. Jefferson drew the Declaration of Independence...
To satisfy our own curiosity we lately had access to the original draft...
THE SUBSCRIBER, Having taken his son Dr. Austin Brockenbrough...
AUSTIN BROCKENBROUGH, Having imported a general assortment of FRESH MEDICINES...
THE SUBSCRIBER WANTS to hire two NEGRO FELLOWS...
FOR SALE OR RENT.
THE subscriber wishes to sell or rent, the place he now resides at...
WILLIAM EVANS.
Offborne, August 20, 1804.
NOTICE.
I DO hereby forewarn any person from taking an assignment of a BOND...
LEVIN LANDRUM.
Mediterranean Passports.
NOTICE is hereby given, that it has been deemed expedient to change the form of the Mediterranean passport...
Department of State, 2nd of May, 1804.
The printers of the laws of the United States are requested to insert the above in their Gazettes...
June, 2.
BILLS OF LADING, SHERIFFS' BLANKS, BLANK BONDS, &c. &c.
FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.

DEBATE on Georgia Claims, in Committee of the Whole, Mr. Dawson in the Chair, on the Bill providing for the settlement of sundry claims to public lands lying south of the state of Tennessee.
Mr. J. RANDOLPH.—Certain resolutions have been submitted by the House to this committee, and when it is proposed to take them up, objection is made, on the ground that no opinion ought to be expressed upon them, and a motion accordingly brought forward for the committee to rise. From the prospect before us, it is probable that the committee will rise, and if leave be given them to sit again, which seems to be the object of some gentlemen, these resolutions will be equally out of the power of their mover, or their friends. How far gentlemen were warranted in saying that this committee, which altho' it be inferior only to the House itself, is yet subordinate to it, and as much bound by its instructions as any other committee whatever, should refuse to be governed by those instructions, he would not undertake to say; but of this he would assure them that how much soever they might embarrass, they should not defeat the discussion of this subject, by any course which they might pursue—Consistent only in their hostility to the resolutions, gentlemen advocated the committee's rising by the most opposite and contradictory arguments; on the one hand contending that no opinion ought to be expressed upon them, whilst on the other they assert that such opinion has been fully expressed. Irresolvable in their objections, they are not less united in their object. When men for whatever reason, however opposite their premises, invariably agree in the same conclusion, by what arguments are they to be assailed? In this dilemma he was impelled much more by a sense of duty, than by any hope of success, to reply to some of the remarks which had fallen from various quarters of the committee.
It was said that the amendment, which he had the honor to propose to the bill, which had been just then considered, embraced the substance of the resolutions, and that its rejection was a fair decision upon their merits. Permit me (said Mr. R.) in the most explicit terms, to deny this position. One of these resolutions, & one only, to give gentlemen all that they can fairly ask, may have been virtually decided by the rejection of that amendment. But will any one be hardy enough to assert, that the question "whether the act of Georgia, of 1795, was, or was not passed by the grossest corruption," was embraced in that amendment, or in any wise affected by the decision upon it? Surely not. Gentlemen who voted against that amendment have not in debate, pretended to deny the fact. They cannot, they dare not deny it. He might go on and specify resolution after resolution, and shew that no opinion had been expressed upon them, (one only excepted) but the committee would anticipate, in the recollection of their contents, all that could be urged to demonstrate the variance between them and the amendment. They must be satisfied of the feebleness and insufficiency of this objection. Before he touched on any other, he deemed it proper to answer some observations which had fallen from a gentleman from Massachusetts (Dr. Eustis) to the left. I must here (said Mr. R.) express my satisfaction at finding myself supported by the conclusive authority of my respectable friend the speaker, in the position which I assumed at the outset—that every member has a right to claim a decision on any question bro't by him before the house, which they shall have agreed to consider. The gentleman from Massachusetts thinks differently. In his opinion no member has a right to interpret a refusal on the part of the house to act on his motion, into a personal disrespect to himself. I certainly have never expressed myself to the effect that this gentleman intimates. If the zeal with which I have supported a claim, sanctioned by the highest authority here, has been so construed, it has been my misfortune, not for the first time perhaps, to give rise to erroneous impressions. From the warmth however which has been exhibited by the mover of these resolutions, whenever their subject has been agitated, the gentleman from Massachusetts would infer that they are the offspring of feeling, rather than of judgment. I could wish, sir, when that gentleman condescends to notice any remarks of mine, he would confine himself to their substance & matter, and not pass over them, in order to fix upon the manner in which they are delivered. If the warmth with which an opinion be supported be made the standard of its truth or falsehood, it will have been my misfortune, perhaps, never to have advanced a correct opinion on this floor. Some men have a smooth, oily, insinuating address; they can make you a proposition ruinous to yourself or to your country, with a face couched in smiles. Others can scarce offer you an interchange of civility without wounding your feelings; 'tis their misfortune. But I trust that the adventurous circumstances of temperament and complexion are not to be made the criterion of truth; that propositions and arguments will be decided here, upon their own intrinsic merits, and not by considerations altogether foreign from them. On other occasions we have heard much of party spirit and the rights of minorities. But this is one of those cases in which the tocsin of party spirit and an over ruling majority will not answer the purpose in view. This is a season in which the old dark maxim "divide et impera" is to be resorted to;—in which personal pique and private jealousies shall enable an hopeless, opposition to hold the scales of this House:—once hopeless, though now like Anteus rising from their fall. From observations made out of doors, I expected to hear these resolutions treated as an encroachment on the rights of Georgia, and by the very men too, who did not scruple to usurp the jurisdiction of a great portion of the country in question (the Mississippi territory) in contempt of the rights and in defiance of the remonstrances of that state. Yes. I was prepared to see some crocodile tears shed over the violated rights of the states. If experience did not prove that war, oppression and misery are embraced by the greater portion of mankind in preference to peace, happiness and freedom, it would be no difficult matter to demonstrate, that these resolutions, so far from infringing upon the rights of Georgia, are in direct support of those rights as asserted by her in the most solemn manner, at this day. I little expected to stand on this floor, in the list of persons hostile to state rights, to be charged, as the gentleman before me has expressed himself, with having brought forward propositions subversive to the rights of the states. The sovereignty of the states has ever been the cardinal principle of our political opinions, and in the outset, I enlivened under the banner of state rights in opposition to federal usurpation. The doctrine of exciting the general government on the ruin of the authority of the states, is at length exploded, and those who have heretofore been most conspicuous in encroaching upon the rights of the states, generally, and upon those of Georgia in particular, are now foremost in displaying their zeal for
both. I cannot but rejoice at the acquiescence which this cause has made. But to those of its friends, who are too new to it to understand its interests, as yet, I would recommend, that they would take the conduct of the Georgia delegation as an evidence of the rights and interests of that state. They surely are not so destitute of information or fidelity, as to misunderstand or abandon the rights of the people whom they represent. So long, however as I have the honor of concurring with them in opinion, I shall be very easy under any clamor which the new friends of Georgia and of the rights of states may endeavour to excite. If however, gentlemen are unwilling to rely on the opinions of so few, however respectable men, I refer them to the act of the legislature of Georgia herself, generally called the rescinding act, passed under circumstances of unparalleled unanimity and confirmed by the general voice of the people, who subsequently recognized it, & engraved it upon their constitution. If still they remain dissatisfied I would ask them if the recognition of the claims against Georgia, in the bill which they are so eager to pass be not equally a violation of the rights of that state, with the rejection of those claims. Does not the bill before you, in pronouncing upon the validity of the act of Georgia, equally involve the principle against which gentlemen protest so loudly, with the resolutions themselves? They have their choice either to pronounce the corrupt act of 1795, or the rescinding act of 1796, invalid. Are not the rights of Georgia as much affected by the one as by the other? and even more by annulling the act of 1796, since the alone recognizes that to be her own. But gentlemen not only annihilate this act, without a scruple, but they support a bill predicated upon a principle which involves the validity of the other also, and then charge us with bringing forward propositions which, because they pronounce upon the acts of Georgia the same sentence which herself has passed upon them, they denounce as subversive of the rights of Georgia, & with them of every state in the union. Will not these gentlemen give themselves the trouble to examine their right to legislate on this subject, at all? Will they refuse to see that we hold it by solemn grant from Georgia herself, without which we could not constitutionally pass any law in relation to the territory in question. It is this only which authorizes us, in any shape, to interfere in a matter which, otherwise would exclusively belong to her. The act of interfering, and not the manner of that interference, with subjects cognizable by the state alone, would constitute an infringement of her rights. The bill which is advocated by gentlemen themselves would equally infringe the rights of Georgia with the provision which has been attempted to be inserted in it, but for our compact with her. Will any one pretend to say that these resolutions have for their object any thing forbidden, either expressly or by implication, in that compact?—that it stipulates for any provision for the claims under the act of 1795? Would the Georgia delegation unite in defeating those stipulations if any such indeed existed? Is not the right to reject involved in the right to grant those claims? Georgia having transferred the soil and jurisdiction of the country to the United States, subject to the existing claims against it, we have acquired precisely the same rights over it that she herself had. We stand in her shoes. There cannot be a clearer position on earth, than that the moment the transferred to us those lands, subject to prior grants, (those grants not being specifically enumerated) we became the judges of their validity. So frequently were we of this that we have appointed commissioners to audit and adjust those claims—and I repeat, that the bill which is so strenuously supported by the opponents to these resolutions does pass upon the validity of the acts of 1795 and 1796, modifying and abridging the grants under the first, and altogether abrogating the last, to say nothing of the act of 1789, under which the Virginia and S. Carolina companies claim. But, sir, these unfortunate resolutions, it seems, contain that damnable heresy in politics, abstract propositions. What are many clauses of your constitution—of your bills and declarations of rights, but so many series of abstract principles? Let us examine whether the propositions, of whatever description, contained in these resolutions, are indeed foreign to the subject before the committee—whether, on the contrary, they are not intimately and indissolubly connected with the provisions of the bill on your table. If indeed they were so vaguely expressed, or so loose in their application, they might have been safely left to expire in their own imbecility. But gentlemen have seen in them the evil genius of this bill, and hence their opposition.
[Here Mr. R. read the 1st and 2nd resolutions.]
"Resolved, That the state of Georgia were at no time invested with the power of alienating the right of soil possessed by the good people of that state in and to the vacant territory of the same but in a rightful manner and for the general good." Who will deny it? If Georgia has made a valid contract we must execute it. If invalid there is no obligation on us to perform it.
"That when the governors of any people shall have betrayed the confidence reposed in them, and shall have exercised that authority with which they have been invested for the general welfare to promote their own private ends; under the basest motives, and to the public detriment, it is the inalienable right of a people, thus circumstanced, to revoke the authority thus abused, to resume the rights thus attempted to be bartered, and to abrogate the act thus endeavoring to betray them."
I am afraid if we deny this position we have no title to shew for our own existence as a nation.
[Mr. R. here read the third resolution.]
"That it is in evidence to this House that the act of the legislature of Georgia passed on the 7th of January 1795, entitled an act, &c. was passed by persons under the influence of grots and palpable corruption, practised by the grantees of the lands, attempted to be alienated by the aforesaid act, tending to enrich & aggrandize, to a degree almost incalculable, a few individuals and ruinous to the public interest."
If there be any objection, in my mind, to this resolution, it is that it does not sufficiently detail, what it contains in substance; that the vendors of this iniquitous bargain being, at the same time the vendees, the contract was, therefore void.
On a former occasion when this position was advanced, we were told, that, on the same principle, the sale of our western lands might be set aside, since members of the legislature speculated in them to a vast amount. However indecorous and reprehensible this may have been in persons in their situation, there was a wide and material difference between the sales made by the United States and a pretended sale like this; not of a few acres, but of millions;—not of sections and half sections, but of thousands of square miles;—not measured by chains and perches but by circles of latitude and longitude;—not made in the face of day, on public notice, for a reasonable equivalent, and with the general participation of the citizens, but bartered away in the dark, by wholesale, for the emolument of the partners in the job, for a pretended consideration, too paltry to give an air of va-
lidity to the contract; and even this sum, pitiful as it was, had been drawn from the treasury of Georgia by those who had paid it, or others claiming under them, by an act—yet more infamous and disgraceful, if possible, than that by which it was deposited there. But it is not my intention, at this time, to enter into the particulars of this transaction. In the former stages of this bill I have endeavoured to give a faithful history of it. Weak and vain, however, must be every effort to do justice to this enormous and atrocious procedure. Some gentlemen, indeed, will tell you that we have no proof of these facts. The depositions, say they are ex parte, and therefore in frienclenss of law cannot be considered as evidence. But when was it known that men could not legislate on less than legal evidence? Have we not the same evidence of the fraud, that we have of the existence of the claims? Are not the evidences of both in the same report? the same proof of the corruption as of the claims. They both hang together. Do not gentlemen themselves admit the existence of the corruption? On what other principle could they justify their proposition to withhold from these harpies the whole of their glorious booty, and put them off with a comparative pittance. Set aside the evidence of the corruption, and it cannot be denied, that, instead of five, they are entitled to fifty millions of acres. I repeat they are entitled to all, or nothing. We at least are consistent—we deny their title to anything, and we propose to give them nothing. Gentlemen on the other side can support the claim to the five millions, which they propose to give, only by arguments which justify a claim to ten times that amount.
[Mr. R. here read the fourth resolution.]
"That the good people of Georgia impressed with general indignation at the act of atrocious perfidy and unparalleled corruption, with a promptitude of decision highly honourable to them, did, by the act of a subsequent legislature, passed on the 13th day of February 1796, under circumstances of peculiar solemnity, and finally sanctioned by the people, who have subsequently engraved it on their constitution, declare the preceding act and the grants made under it, in themselves null and void;—that the said act should be expunged from the records of the state and publicly burnt; which was accordingly done; provision, at the same time being made, for restoring the pretended purchase money to the grantees, BY WHOM, OR BY PERSONS CLAIMING UNDER THEM, the greater part of the said purchase money has been withdrawn from the treasury of Georgia."
This is another of the resolutions not even substantially embraced in the proffered amendment, which has been rejected by the committee. The evidence of the facts contained in the former part of it is to be found in the act of Georgia which I hold in my hand, commonly called the rescinding act. The report of our commissioners furnishes the proof of the withdrawal of the money, with a detailed statement of that nefarious business, which in the former stages of this bill has been amply explained. In taking other objections to the usurpation of 1795, besides those founded on its corruption. They deny the constitutional right of their predecessors to have made such an alienation of the public domain, even with honourable views and for a fair equivalent. They declare that their constitution prefers a certain mode whereby vacant lands shall be sold and granted, and that the pretended act of 1795 is void, not only from its corruption, but from its contravening those provisions. This is a weighty and vital objection. The flow yet equitable method known to the constitution of Georgia of laying off new counties, granting out the lands, and when they were appropriated and settled, laying off and settling others, was ill suited to the gigantic rapacity of the assembly of 1795 and their ravenous accomplices, who grasped at every acre within the nominal limits of the state, whether covered by Indian titles, or whether those claims were extinguished. [Here Mr. Randolph read a copious extract from the act of Georgia above mentioned, in support of what he had advanced.] The committee will see that the whole of this act, so far from being an abandonment of the rights of the state, goes on the ground of asserting and supporting them. It recognizes every principle and every fact (the withdrawing of the purchase money excepted, which was posterior to it) contained in these resolutions. Can they then be subversive of the rights of Georgia? Gentlemen of the most tender consciences in relation to state rights, have but the alternative of deciding against the act of 1795, or against the act of 1796—of justifying the assembly of 1795, or supporting that of 1796.
[Mr. R. here read the fifth resolution.]
"That a subsequent legislature of an individual state, has an undoubted right to repeal any act of a preceding legislature, provided such repeal be not forbidden by the constitution of such state, nor of the United States." Can there be a more undeniable position?
[Mr. R. here read the sixth resolution.]
"That the aforesaid act of the state of Georgia (the rescinding act) was forbidden neither by the constitution of that state, nor by that of the United States; If it were thus forbidden, it may easily be shewn."
[Mr. R. here read the seventh resolution.]
"That the claims of persons derived under the aforesaid act, (the corrupt act) of the 7th of January 1795, are recognized, neither by any compact between the United States, and the state of Georgia, nor by any act of the federal government." This fact, although none will venture openly to contradict it, has not been sufficiently attended to, or understood. I must beg leave in answer to the objection of some gentlemen here, to repeat what was advanced by me in a former discussion of the subject. Georgia ceded this territory to us subject to certain specified claims—arising under Great Britain—under Spain—and under her Bourbon act, as it is commonly called, which has no relation to any of the yazoo acts as they are termed. For these claims we have stipulated to provide, moreover paying her a certain sum out of the first proceeds of the lands, as a consideration for the grant. Besides the above mentioned claims there were others not recognized by, or provided for in our compact. In relation to these Georgia gives a reluctant assent, (which is to be inferred as well from the expressions which are used in the treaty, as from the declaration of the commissioners on both sides) that we may apply, not exceeding five millions of acres to quiet other claims, generally, without specifying what they are: the appropriation not to exceed the amount, above and to be made within six months from the ratification of the compact, or to revert back to Georgia.
Among the claims of this vague description may be ranked those of the Virginia and South Carolina Yazoo companies (under the act of Georgia of 1795, and those arising under the corrupt act of 1795.) We are at liberty therefore to give these reserved five millions of acres to either, or to both, of these descriptions of conflicting claimants, but we are certainly not bound to bestow an acre on one of them, either by compact with Georgia, or by our own act of appropriation. When that act passed it was at the close of our session; there was not time to investigate any of these claims. It was then understood that some of them were equitable and not founded in corruption. If we had not then
made the appropriation, the term within which we were permitted to make it, would have elapsed before the next session of Congress. We therefore made the appropriation, in the same general terms of our compact with Georgia, pledging ourselves to none, whilst we thereby reserved the right of examining and recompensing all, in case they should thereafter be found to deserve it. The day of investigation having arrived, you are invited to decline it altogether and hold that the reformation of the right to give, is converted by some political magic into a duty, and that too by those who propose to give nothing to the companies of 1795, although their claim is embraced by the general provision of our compact with Georgia, and by the terms of the act of appropriation, as much as the claims of the companies of 1795. The appropriation, like the compact, referring to neither of them, expressly, but to claims other than those English, Spanish, and Georgian claims, (under the Bourbon act) before mentioned. The position of the seventh resolution, that these claims are recognized neither by any compact between us and Georgia, nor by any act of our own being thus undeniably established the conclusion, in my mind, irresistibly follows from it, and from the preceding facts and principles. That no part of the five millions of acres reserved for satisfying and quieting claims to the lands, ceded by the state of Georgia to the United States and appropriated by the act of Congress passed at their last session, ought to be appropriated to quiet, or compensate, any claims, derived under any act, or pretended act, of the state of Georgia, passed, or alleged to have been passed, during the year 1795."
I cannot perceive the ground on which the opposition to these resolutions has been made. Altho' some have denied and others have evaded some of their positions, they have been generally admitted as true. The objection that they are trench upon the rights of the states, seems too futile to justify the opposition they have received. That they are inapplicable to the subject before us, would appear yet less caustic for the warmth with which they have been attacked. It is their bearing upon that question, it is their vital connexion with the bill, which seems to constitute the strong objection to them. Gentlemen cannot deny them: they see that they cannot pass the bill before you, if they enter upon their concurrence with them on your journal—they therefore move to postpone. Be it so. But if they pass the bill in question, they do an act which whole ages of political penance will never atone. I have during the whole course of this discussion listened with proof and attention, and the words expediency and policy alone have reached my ears. But I cannot comprehend that expediency which would countenance fraud, nor the policy which would foster corruption. During the agitation of this question, in every different shape which it has assumed, I have acted as my conscience and principles impelled me. It will be a source of never failing self-gratification that I have done so, as it would have been of remorse, had I done otherwise. Whatever be its ultimate fate, it has already abundantly appeared that party spirit, personal influence, & a domineering majority, of which we have so frequently heard, have no existence within these walls but as engines of debate. Such at least is the state of one side of the House. Persons of every political description are marshalled in support of these claims; we have had to contend against the bear of the arctic and the lion of the torrid zone. I have only to wish that those gentlemen who are our opponents may on returning among their constituents, feel the same pleasure on meeting them which I shall feel; and which I am sure is anticipated by those with whom I have the honor of acting, on this occasion.
Disposition of the River Mississippi, and its Delta, with that of the adjacent parts of Louisiana. By William Dunbar, of the Natchez, communicated by the Author, a Member of the Society; through the President.
[CONTINUED.]
The inundation takes place during the season that the crops are under cultivation, and in the precise time when required for perfecting the culture of rice, which is therefore most conveniently placed in the rear of the plantation; nor is the inundation necessary for any other species of crops, but on the contrary is often extremely injurious by its excess: the embankments are frequently ruptured, and the crops of many plantations are totally lost: the lives of the inhabitants are sometimes in danger from the disruption of their levees in the night time; this however is but a rare case. The planters possess great experimental knowledge in the art of arresting the progress of this devastation, and even entirely shutting up the breach which has been made by the torrent of the Mississippi. They begin their operations at some distance from the extremities of the breach at sound parts of the embankment, and advancing in form of a crescent towards the margin of the river, where they know the land to be most elevated, they are often enabled to shut out the river by this process, the greater part of the work being thus carried on in water comparatively still; whereas every inch of the breach is acted upon by a furious torrent, becoming every instant deeper and wider. A very great breach happened during Governor Miro's administration about three leagues above New Orleans; an immense body of water advanced on its rear and threatened to drown the city; the people were discouraged.—The governor called out all the assistance which could be spared from town and country and placed himself in the row of common labourers, transferring his load from hand to hand, to those who, from their superior knowledge in this species of hydraulic architecture, were employed in constructing the provisional embankment: they did not succeed in completely shutting up the breach, but the quantity of overflowing water was reduced to one quarter, and the extremities of the new levee were fortified until the retiring of the waters; vast quantities of fish were precipitated upon the land, which corrupted and filled the air with a pestilential stench. The town was unusually sickly that season.
The Mississippi is already celebrated on account of the salubrity of its waters: in which respect, no doubt, it rivals the Nile. It seems to be admitted (perhaps without due investigation) that it possesses properties favorable to the multiplication of the human species by promoting fecundity; it is probably more certain that the use of its waters contributes to banish several disorders common in other countries: the gout would be unknown were it not introduced by strangers; and instances of the stone and gravel are extremely rare. The Creoles who drink this water are a comely race, both male and female, of middle stature, and handsome persons; the males are ingenious, active, bold & enterprising; fond of hunting and other laborious amusements, and capable of enduring great fatigue: the gracefulness and beauty of the ladies are universally acknowledged.
The water of the Mississippi is drunk in great purity by the first class of French planters, and inhabitants of New Orleans; it is suffered to deposit by repose (in large earthen jars containing a hundred or more gallons) its sediment and feculencies; the precipitation is sometimes accelerated by bruised peach stones & kernels. Volney says that in Egypt bruised bitter almonds are applied to the same purpose; certainly the process of the Chinese is much nearer by means of alum. The inhabitants generally employ two jars, in order that one may be filled while the other is in use, by which means they always drink the purest water: those who are long in the habit of drinking the Mississippi water, cannot immediately reconcile themselves to the taste of any other.
When the river is low and the current extremely gentle, the water possesses but a very slight degree of turbidness; the current is however at all times suffi-
ciently strong to roll an immense body of water into the ocean, in which respect the diminutive Nile cannot bear a comparison; the waters of the latter are being frequently in a state of "corruption" immediately before the commencement of the inundation: the Nile becomes also shallow in many places, whereas that of the Mississippi is deep, at all times, sufficient water to float 500 miles up the Mississippi, were the impediment to be removed.
There is a very striking difference in the manner of the waters of the two rivers at their entrance to the sea; that of the Mississippi is at all times sufficient to preserve 17 feet of water upon the bar of the principal branch, whereas the mouths of the great branches of the Nile are so choked up with mud and sand, that small coastal vessels can scarcely enter, and this is practicable only through a very narrow winding channel, which resembles very much the entrance to many of the creeks, which to the westward of the Mississippi serve to disseminate the waters of the inundation.
The Mississippi has its Delta as well as the Nile, but that of the former is much more extensive than that of the latter; if we suppose the apex of the Delta of the Nile to be at Grand Cairo, near which the high land diverges considerably to the east, its latitude from south to north will be nearly a degree and a half; and its base, along the sea coast, about two degrees; if we admit the Delta of the Mississippi to commence only at Natchez (although there is an immense body of alluvial land above) opposite to which the high lands on the west of the valley open to the right with a rapid divergence, its latitude will be not less than two degrees & a half, and its longitude on the coast, about three degrees; hence it results that the superficial contents of the Mississippi Delta is to that of the Nile as 5 to 2, which may be adopted as the proportional magnitude of the two rivers, though there is reason to believe that our Nile pours into the ocean a much greater proportion of water than what we have stated, and that the Delta of the Mississippi would have been much more extensive, were it not placed in the tract of a perpetual vortex formed by an immense current in the sea, occasioned by the tropical east winds forcing the ocean against the oblique coast of America, which produces a continual flux between the main land and the island of Cuba, giving birth to the well known gulf stream; but a great body of this current, rushing on with impetuosity in a direct line northerly, impinges against the west coast of East Florida, and is there deflected and dashed along the coasts of East and West Florida, Louisiana and Mexico; and by the promontory of Yucatan is thrown again into the main current, thus constituting a permanent vortex, which sweeps along a great proportion of the spoils of the Mississippi, as many as they are projected into the ocean: in consequence of this position it may be remarked that the bay of Campêche, so favourably situated for the reception and retention of alluvial matters, is exceedingly embarrassed with shoals of sand and mud; so that vessels of moderate burthen can scarcely get within two or three miles of any part of the coast: this evil is upon the end of the current and can only be attributed to the operation of the current taking up every movable matter along our coast, & depositing it in every bay or creek in contact with the circumference of the vortex: there are no alluvial rivers flowing into the bay of Campêche; but the Rio del Norte, and one or two others of less note, contribute no doubt to the production of this effect, by throwing their mite into the ocean.
Pursuing our parallel of the two rivers, we shall find that the Mississippi as well as the Nile, proceeds to the ocean by two permanent branches, that to the west breaks off, about two or three miles below the Red river, and bears the Indian name of Chafalaya, or river of the Apalachoula: there is every appearance that this great Red river, the quantity of water delivered by the one and received by the other being nearly equal, and the general appearance of the banks and common breadth of the channels being very similar. The Chafalaya is dangerous for boats under the conduct of unskilful pilots descending the Mississippi; the velocity of the stream passing laterally out of the Mississippi, occasions an attraction (if the term may be admissible) of all floating bodies at a considerable distance from the shore; if the unskilful or ignorant voyager falls within the sphere of this attraction, and his boat be not sufficiently manned to enable him to escape, by taking an oblique course out of this unexpected fudion, he is precipitated into the western branch. Heavy boats cannot navigate the Mississippi; the lightest must be well manned to stem the extreme rapidity of the current; the perpetual rising of the bank and bed of the great river from the influence of the inundation, is probably the cause of so precipitate a descent into the smaller river. The Chafalaya was formerly, but is not now navigable into the country of the Apalachoula and Alacapa—the inconceivable quantity of drift timber which went down, had formed many islands, which to common sense the different channels, that at length they have been entirely shut up, (not to the passage of water, but to the passage of every kind of craft; there is said to be at this time a floating bridge upon the Chafalaya, ten leagues along the course of the river, and continually accumulating by the cause which produced it: some parts of it are so compact as to have an appearance of solidity; and vegetation has made considerable progress thereon. The Chafalaya in its progress through the Delta collects many other inferior streams, and before its junction with the ocean becomes, in certain situations, a mile in width; it is said to have nine or ten feet water on its bar; it is probably superior to the Panthemic branch of the Nile, but is not equal to one tenth part of the Mississippi. The mouth of the Chafalaya is probably distant from the principal mouth of the Mississippi nearly 130 miles, and is now unnoticed—at some future period its river will be crowded with vessels and boats transporting the rich harvests of its ever productive soil.
* Volney. † A certain extent of the Red River is in this situation—the water is heard gurgling under soil, being completely concealed by a stem of timber upon which there is soil sufficient to support plants, and even trees of a moderate size.
FAIRFIELD RACES.
ON Monday the 1st of October next, will be run for over the FAIRFIELD COURSE, a Sweepstakes for Colts three years old, two mile heats. Seven Colts are entered as two hundred dollars each, and the subscription closed. Weights, agreeably to the rules of the Jockey Club.
On Thursday, the 2d day of October, the JOCKEY CLUB Purse of 400 Dollars, will be run for, four Mile Heats.
The following day, the Purse of the proprietor of the Course, three Mile Heats.
WEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS. Aged Horses 138 lbs. 6 years old 128 5 years old 118 4 years old 106 3 years old 90. Mares and Geldings allowed three pounds. Richmond, August 18, 1804.
NOTICE.
By virtue of a Deed of Trust executed to us by John Woodson of Hanover county, for the benefit of Colles Terrell, Esq. of the Rev. William Douglass, dec.
WILL BE EXPOSED TO SALE To the highest bidder, for ready money at Col. Goodall's, Tavern, in the County of Hanover, on Saturday the 8th day of September next.
TRACT OF LAND, Whereon the said Woodson now resides, in the upper end of Hanover County, or so much thereof as shall be necessary to satisfy the balance due the said Executor, as also the costs attending the trust.
DAVID BULLOCK, FREDERICK HARRIS, Trustees. July 31, 1804. (cp 8 Sept.)
Printing, IN ALL ITS VARIETY, EXECUTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ENQUIRER.