The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1804-09-26 00:00:00

THE ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND, (Virginia) PUBLISHED BY RITCHIE & WORSLEY, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE...AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM...payable in advance.
NUMBER 41.]
WEDNESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 26, 1804.
[VOLUME 1.]
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 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. 
OLD MADEIRA, DRY LISBON, & PORT WINE.
ROBERT GORDON & Co.
HAVE received by the Juliana from Madeira, 50 pipes selected OLD WINE, which they offer their friends proves to be excellent. They have also a few pipes, hogsheads and quarter-casks DRY LISBON and PORT WINE, imported by themselves direct from Lisbon and Oporto.
FALL GOODS.
They have received by the Charles and Edward from London, part of their FALL GOODS, and daily expect from Liverpool and Glasgow an extensive assortment of nearly every article usually imported. September 22. ep3w37,834
EDUCATION.
THE Trustees of Winchester Academy acquaint the public, that the Latin, Greek and French languages, together with Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, the use of the Globes, Euclid, and the practical branches of the Mathematics, are taught in the Academy, by the principal master and his assistants.
The school is provided with Globes and Maps, for the use of the lower classes; with Telescopes and an Electrical Machine; with an Air-pump, Eudiometer, and other parts of a Chemical and Philosophical apparatus, for making the usual experiments on Air, and exhibiting the properties of the different elastic fluids.
In their examinations of the school, the Trustees have been highly pleased with the plan of teaching and the proficiency of the Pupils; and are extremely happy in adding, what they believe must greatly increase the utility of the institution, that Judge White will, in future, deliver in the Academy, a Course of Lectures on the Laws and Constitutions of this state, and the United States.
These Lectures will commence annually on the first Monday in December, and continue until the last of the succeeding March, and it is confidently believed, that every exertion in his power, will be made by that gentleman, to render his Lectures beneficial to his Pupils, and worthy of public patronage.
JOHN SMITH, President of the Trustees. September 22. (ep-5w.)
(BY AUTHORITY.)
SCHEME OF A LOTTERY...CLASS No. 1.
   TO BUILD AN ACADEMY IN THE CITY OF RICHMOND.     3750 Tickets at 10 dolls. each, dolls. 37,500   1 Prize of dolls. 5000 dolls. 5000   1 Do. 2000 2000   5 Do. 1000 5000   5 Do. 500 2500   10 Do. 300 3000   20 Do. 100 2000   1500 Do. 12 18000--37,500  
1542 Prizes. 2208 Blanks.
3750 Tickets at 10 dolls. each 18 drawn Ticket having a blank to its number after 2000 tickets are drawn, } dolls. 1,000 Do. after 2500 do. are drawn, } 1,000 Do. after 3000 do. are drawn, } 1,000 Do. after 3500 do. are drawn, } 1,000 Last drawn Ticket, } 5,000
This Lottery has been authorized by the Legislature of Virginia, for the laudable purpose of erecting a Seminary of Learning in or near the Metropolis of this State. With this view, it is contemplated to raise 20,000 dollars, and 2,500 dollars in addition, for defraying the expenses of drawing. The Trustees to insure success, have divided the Lottery into four distinct classes, so as to raise the sum contemplated by an annual Lottery, for four years, to raise every year 5,000 dollars, that the work may progress; it is expected that the present Lottery may be drawn by the first day of January next.
It is hoped that the gentlemen who have purchased Tickets in the Richmond Academy will still hold them, as the division of the former Lottery into four classes was deemed necessary by the Trustees, to insure success to so useful an institution. The town of Belfon (to the honor of its citizens) has public schools in which are about sixteen hundred pupils. The flourishing and increasing city of Richmond cannot boast of one public school. The Trustees of the Richmond Academy, have about thirteen acres of ground, nearly one half is accepted as a donation, and the remainder they have contracted for, on which they intend to erect the Academy. The site is elevated, healthy and beneficial. If any gentleman who has purchased Tickets is dissatisfied with dividing the Lottery into four classes, if he returns the tickets the money will be repaid, provided they are returned in ten weeks from this day—Doll. William Poffee, William Du Val, William Price (Registrar) and George Tucker, are appointed by the Trustees to sell and dispose of the Tickets, who are authorized to appoint agents for the above purpose.
Tickets may be had of the said committee, at the Office of the Enquirer, at A. Davis's Office, of Messrs. Gallego, Richard & Co. Messrs. Burton & Brown, Messrs. Thomas Taylor & Co. of Wm. Prentis of Petersburg, of Dr. John Brockenbrough, jr. Samuel Pleasants, jr. and William Pritchard.
Printing,
IN ALL ITS VARIETY, EXECUTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ENQUIRER.
BILLS OF LADING, SHERIFF'S BLANKS, BLANK BONDS, &c. &c. FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
"HIGHLY IMPORTANT."
THE republican printers throughout this state are requested to state in their papers, that the election for Electors of a President and Vice-President of the United States, will be held on the first Monday of November next, at the Court-house of each county and corporation in this commonwealth; and that the persons chosen as Electors, are to meet at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on the first Wednesday in December next, to vote for a President and Vice-President. September 15. [ep1m.]
At a board of Directors, of the Bank of Virginia, on Thursday the 13th September, 1804;
RESOLVED, that the operations of the Bank, commence on Monday the 8th of October. Resolved, that any person producing and depositing at the Bank scrip or Commissioners receipts, for any number of shares regularly enclosed or assigned, shall be entitled to receive one in his, her, or their own name or names, in a form similar to that used by the Commissioners at Richmond, stating therein the whole number of shares to which he, she or they may be entitled, and the sum paid thereon. JOHN BROCKENBROUGH, Cashier. September, 19. [ep1804.]
FOR RENT,
FOR A TERM OF YEARS, THE Farm subseroem James Harris, decd. lived about 18 years ago, in the county of Caroline. It is beautifully situated on Pamunkey River, commands a handsome prospect, and is extremely healthful. The dwelling house is very convenient with six rooms in the Cellar, and very dry. A person may stand in the dwelling house and see the mill, which is about a mile distant. The mill, which has a great deal of custom when going, wants a little repair; the timber for which purpose is already on the spot. There are three springs on the place, the streams of which making into each other, form a rivulet which runs through the plantation. There are several flourishing orchards of charming fruit, such as Peaches, Apples, Pears, Damsons, Cherries of different kinds, &c. As I presume no one will rent without viewing the premises, I think it useful to give a further description. The terms will be made more particularly known to those that wish to rent, by applying to George Winston, at Caroline Court next. MARY HARRIS, jr. Sept. 1. ep1f.
A PETITION will be presented to the next General Assembly, to establish a FERRY from the lands of PETER RUST, in Richmond County, to the said RUST's lands in Essex County. September 15. [5wep.]
FAIRFIELD RACES.
ON Monday the 1st of October next, will be run for over the FAIRFIELD COURSE, a Sweep-stake for Colts three years old, two mile heats. Seven Cols are entered at two hundred dollars each, and the subscription closed. Weights, agreeably to the rules of the Jockey Club. On Tuesday, 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 133 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.
Mediterranean Passports.
NOTICE is hereby given, that it has been deemed expedient to change the form of the Mediterranean passport issued to vessels of the United States; that from the 8th day of July next, those of the new form will be issued at the custom houses to every vessel, for which application may be made on a compliance with the terms prescribed by law and surrendering the former passport of which she may be possessed, if any, in which latter case no fees will be required for the exchange: and that by an arrangement agreed upon by the Barbary powers with whom we are at peace, either the old or the new form of passport will be sufficient to protect the vessels of the United States, from capture until the 1st of July 1805, after which the old form of passport will be unavailable and the new one alone in use. Department of State, 23d of May, 1804. The printers of the laws of the United States are requested to insert the above in their Gazettes twice a week for the space of six months, and the Collectors of the customs to keep copies of it posted up in their offices. June, 2.
THE office of Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Virginia being discontinued, and the unexpired 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 whose 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. A 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 six per cent per annum on the purchase money, to the day on which it may be paid to me. JOSEPH SCOTT, Marshal V.D. July 7. ep-4f.
NOTICE.
WANTED ON HIRE; A WOMAN without a Child, who is a good Cook, Washer, and Ironer. Liberal wages are offered for one who can come well recommended. Also—A GIRL, from 12 to 16, who has been accustomed to wait in a house. Apply at the Enquirer Office. Sept. 8.
LIFE OF WASHINGTON.
THE FIRST VOLUME is ready for Subscribers at the Book Store of Wm. PRICHARD. Richmond, August 18, 1804. ep1f.
BATES'S ALMANAC—FOR 1805—Published by Messrs. Davis & Courtney, may be had at the Office of the Enquirer. September 13. ep1f
SHERRY WINE, of an excellent quality, in pipes and half pipes—for sale by SAMUEL MYERS. Sept. 8. $42
JUST PUBLISHED,
And For Sale at Wm. Prichard's Book-Store: VOLNEY'S VIEW OF THE CLIMATE AND SOIL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA—with MAPS and PLATES. Sept. 8. ep1f
A WET NURSE. WANTED to hire or purchase, a Wet Nurse without a child of her own. Enquire of the Printers. August 8. [ep]
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. ep1f
FALL GOODS.
WILLIAM TEMPLE has received by the ship Edward and Charles, from London, AN EXTENSIVE ASSORTMENT OF GOODS, suitable to the approaching season. He expects an ADDITIONAL SUPPLY, to complete his assortment, by the ship Sally from London, and Latona from Liverpool; which he will dispose of on his usual low terms. Sept. 8. ep1f
FOR RENT,
THE Tenement in which the Office of the Examiner was formerly kept, situated on Brooke Hill immediately below the Swan Tavern. The House and lot has lately undergone a thorough repair. The stand is supposed to be an excellent one for a Grocery and Dry Good Store; for which purposes the front Room is neatly fitted up. The above tenement may be rented with or without a Kitchen. Application to be made at the Office of the ENQUIRER. Sept. 5.
DOCTOR WILSON,
HAS taken (as a temporary residence) the house lately occupied by Doctor ADAMS, opposite the Bell Tavern, and intends to combine the APOTHECARY'S 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 Apothecary's Line, which will be sold on the lowest terms. Orders from the country, Recipes, &c. will be carefully attended to. June 27. [eW6m]
BALTIMORE FRENCH COLLEGE. NOTICE TO PARENTS.
THE numerous inconveniences arising from the successive entry of pupils, through the course of the year, have brought on a resolution of fixing on the month of September as the only period of admission for new boarders: that being the time of recommencement of the school, after the great vacation. Persons desirous of securing places for their young friends, should be early in their applications, as, from the present number, it is apprehended the College will soon be full. Baltimore, 18th August 1804. N. B. The Editors of newspapers throughout the United States, are requested to give the above advertisement as many insertions in the course of the month, as may be convenient. A prospectus of this institution may be seen at the office of the Enquirer. [eW 4t.]
VIRGINIA, TO WIT: At a CHANCERY DISTRICT COURT HELD AT THE FORMER CAPITOL, IN THE CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG, the 12th day of July, 1804. Gwinn 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, Miriam Lunsford, Maria Lunsford and Darius W. Lunsford, children and coheirs of the said Lunsford.....Defendants. T 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 records following: "The defendants upon whom an attachment for their contempt in not answering the bill of the plaintiffs, hath been returned executed, still failing to answer the same, the Court, on the motion of the plaintiffs, by their counsel, doth take their bill for confessed, and will proceed at a future day, to decree the matter thereof, unless 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, show cause 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 plaintiffs, 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 plaintiffs, 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.
TUNSTALL'S PATENT THRESHING MACHINE.
THE advantages to be gained by farmers, by applying some effectual parts to Threshing Machines, which have greater velocity, adequate strength, and greater cheapness than hitherto, and applicable to any machinery, are universally allowed to be very great. WILLIAM TUNSTALL has obtained a Patent for such improvements; and wishes to benefit the public on the most reasonable terms. Districts and individuals may be now accommodated with Machines and patent rights, by applying in person or by letter (post paid) to the patentee, William Tunstall, at the Swan Tavern, Richmond. N. B. A Mill Wright and Iron Worker for the respective parts, are wanted—apply as above. These Machines will hull Clover and thresh Rice, Buck Wheat &c. preferred free from grit.—Counterfeits will be dealt with as the law directs. July 18. eW-4f
WANTS EMPLOYMENT, A YOUNG MAN who writes an excellent hand, and has been accustomed to BOOK-KEEPING for the last nine years. He can come well recommended for his sobriety and attention to business. A letter directed to A. B. and left with the Printer hereof shall be duly attended to. August 29. [eW 4f.]
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 inventory of the interest of the Money, thereby vested, in the present Incumbent, so long as he may continue to act as such in the said Parish. CAROLINE, August 14, 1804. [ew3m.]
FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
Continuation of News by the late arrivals.
VIEWS OF BONAPARTE.
It is through the Paris Moniteur, that the foreign power of France, whether invested in a Committee, a Directory, a Consulate, or an Emperor, have made known their will and objects, in a sort of half official manner. And it has more than once been the case since Bonaparte assumed the reins of government, that the Moniteur has designated what the Great nation intended doing; by pointing out what it had done. This fact may serve as an index to the views developed in the following extract. (London paper.)
From the Moniteur, (July 10, 1804.)
Different reports are spread throughout Europe, of the ambitious views of the French government; which could only have originated in the malignity of the enemies of France, who have an interest in propagating such insinuations. From among these reports, we select the following:—
The Emperor is going to unite to his dominions the Italian and the Ligurian Republics, the Republic of Lucca, the kingdom of Etruria, the papal state, and also Naples and Sicily, Switzerland and Holland are to have the same fate; and Hanover and its annexation will furnish the Emperor with the means of becoming a Member of the Germanic body. From these suppositions various are the inferences that are drawn—but it is inferred, that a Pope will abdicate, and the Cardinal Pitch, or Cardinal Ruffo, will be raised to the Pontifical throne.
We have before said, and often repeated it, that if France was to interfere in changes relative to the Sovereign Pontiff the world rather exert her influence to increase the happiness and the consideration of the Holy See and its dominions, and not to diminish them.
As to Naples, the aggression of Mr. Adron, and his uniform hostility to them, would have formerly afforded France very just motives for making war, which she never would have entered into with the intention of uniting the two Sicilies to the French empire.
The Italian and Ligurian Republics, and the kingdom of Etruria, shall not cease to exist as independent states; and most assuredly it is rather improbable that the emperor should disregard at the same time, the duties attached to the power which he holds from the Committee of Lyons, and the personal glory he has acquired in twice restoring the independence of States which he had twice conquered.
With regard to Switzerland, who presented its annexation to France previous to the act of mediation. That act, the immediate result of the attention and of the thoughts of the Emperor, restored tranquillity to its inhabitants, and the pledge of their independence and security, as long as they themselves do not break that pledge, by substituting for the elements of which it is composed, the will of one of the constituted bodies, and one of the parties.
Had France been anxious to annex Holland, Holland might be French as well as Belgium. If it be an independent power, it is because France felt with respect to that country, the same as she felt with respect to Switzerland, viz. that their locality required an individual existence, and a particular organization.
The supposition of annexing Hanover is still more ridiculous. The annexation of that province would be the most fatal prospect that could be made to France, which requires but slight reflection to perceive. Hanover would become a bone of contention between the French people and that prince, who has approved himself the ally and friend of France, at a time when all the rest of Europe had conspired against her.
In order to retain Hanover, a military force would be required, the expenses attending which would exceed all proportion to the few millions which constitute the whole revenue of that state. Would a government that has sacrificed to the principles of the necessity of a line of demarcation, simple and contiguous, even the very fortifications of Strasburgh and of Mentz, on the right bank, be blind enough to its interests to endeavour at the incorporation of Hanover? But such a position, it is said, would bring with it the advantage of being a member of the Germanic Body. The title alone of Emperor of the French is a sufficient answer to that absurd supposition. The Germanic Body is composed of kings, electors, princes, and with respect to itself, but one Imperial dignity. Besides, it would be a glaring misconception of the noble vanity of our country, to imagine it possible that it should consent to enter as an element into any particular body.—If such a thing were compatible with the national dignity, who would have prevented France from preserving its right to the circle of Burgundy, and the claim which gives her possession of the Palatinate? We may ask, indeed, with a well grounded pride, who prevented France keeping part of the dominions of Baden, and of the territory of Swabia?
No! never shall France pass the boundary of the Rhine! neither shall her arms ever attempt to cross it, unless it be necessary to guarantee the Germanic Empire, and secure those Princes who inspire so powerful an interest, not only from their affection for her, but also by the assistance they may afford in maintaining the balance of Europe.
If the suppositions we have alluded to arise from idle curiosity, we have sufficiently answered them.
If, however, they owe their birth to the reflection of certain powers constantly in the habit of crying out that France is ambitious, in order to cloak their ambition another answer may be given them. Thanks to the two coalitions successively formed against us, and to the treaties of Campo Formio, and of Lunéville, France has bordered on her territory no province that she should be anxious to retain; and if in events that are past, she evinced a moderation unexampled in modern history, she derives from it this advantage, that she no longer will feel it necessary to take up arms.
The capital of France is situated in the centre
of Europe; her frontiers are surrounded by small states which complete her political system; she has geographically nothing to desire of what is natural enmity to entertain against any one; and as for her there exists no other Finland, no other lines of the line, she finds herself in a situation, which belongs to no other power.
Reports of a very different description are, on the other hand, circulated at the same time. At one time, our camps are in a state of inactivity; only the day before yesterday, 30,000 Frenchmen refused to embark at Boulogne. Yesterday our legions fought ten against ten, standards against standards. The four departments of the Rhine were told that we were going to surrender them to their former domination. To day, perhaps, it is said, the public treasury is exhausted of money; that every work is suspended; that discord is abroad; and that the taxes can be levied no where. If the Emperor with the camps, he is said to hasten hither to quell disturbances.
In short, whether he remain at St. Cloud, whether he go to the Tuileries, or whether he return to Malmaison, just so many reports are circulated, the one more absurd than the other.
And if these rumours so industriously and simultaneously bandied about in foreign countries, had at the same time for their object, to excite alarm at the ambition of the Emperor, and to inspire boldness at the weakness of his administration, respecting such unbecoming and erroneous proceedings, we should only have to repeat what a Minister was instructed to say on leaving a Court. The Emperor of the French does not wish for war with any one, neither does he dread it with any one. He does not meddle with the affairs of his neighbours, and he has a right to expect a reciprocal conduct. A long peace is the wish that he has invariably manifested; but the history of his life affords no room to imagine, that he is of a temper to allow himself to be insulted or dictated to.
LONDON, July 18.
River Pencibles.—At about ten o'clock yesterday morning this excellent body of men, commanded by commodore Lucas, took water at the Tower, and were accompanied by the 7th battalion of loyal London volunteers, under the command of major Pratt. The Pencibles were about 600 in number, and the volunteers about 400. They advanced up the river in the following order:—Six gun boats in a line, in front, to protect the infantry in their advance, and to cover their landing; two boats with a brass cannon each, and two boats with a band, and drums, and fife, followed.—Fifteen launches then advanced abreast, with the volunteers on board, and several of the Pencibles. The rough and hardy look, and the plain notions of the dregs of the latter attracted particular notice. Each boat had fourteen oars, or sweeps, which were all manned by the Pencibles. Though the smooth water of the Thames is not well suited for a display of nautical skill, this we may with confidence assert, that even in the confined situation they displayed such manliness and dexterity as could not possibly be equalled by any set of men in Europe but by the natives of our islands.
The rapidity with which they darted along at each stroke, the regular order in which they preferred their two lines across the river, and the correct time which each boat preferred within itself, in the feathering of 14 oars exactly at the same instant, was exceedingly pleasing to every spectator, and many were seen to enjoy a portion of self-vanity in the performance, and say, "Where will you get their fellows?" They fired several shots, at various intervals, as they went up, and when they came to Chelsea, they fired a salute in honor of the veterans they passed. When they came to Eight Bells, near Putney, the Putney and Rockhampton volunteers were discovered lining the beach, and posting a detachment upon a little bridge, which they would have to pass if they landed. The guns on board the boats were exceedingly well served; they kept up a constant cannonade; & those on the beach poured in several most complete volleys upon the boats. At length, however, the superiority of numbers, and the heavy weight of metal prevailed, and silenced the fire of the small arms.
The light infantry were first disembarked, some skirmishing then ensued, and it was not until the whole had landed that the Rockhampton and Putney volunteers fell back. They then marched up to Wimbledon Common where they had a grand field day. After they had some refreshment, the Pencibles again practiced the working of their guns, until the Volunteers returned. The whole came down the river in the same order in which they went up, with music playing and colours flying. They landed the Volunteers at Blackfriars, about 8 o'clock in the evening. The day was very favourable. The river above the Bridge was literally covered with boats, and though it must be very obvious that if one of the heavy gun-boats was to come athwart any of the little skiffs that are generally seen upon the river, it would be immediately run down, yet such was the regularity and skill of those in the greater boats that not a single accident occurred.
From Paris, July 9.—The grand parade yesterday was the first that took place in the emperor's presence since his elevation to the imperial dignity. The exclamations of "long live the emperor," were heard from all parts as soon as his majesty appeared. The cavalry closed their twirls in demonstrations of joy. The rest of the troops, and the great crowds of spectators joined in these demonstrations, and repeated the same exclamations. amations. There are 2000 vacancies in the legion of honor, and 64,000 petitioners have applied for them.
The activity of the French government, both in military and naval preparations, in Italy, is unrelaxed. An army of 30,000 men is to be immediately stationed near Leghorn, and a considerable quantity of shipping for transporting troops is building at Genoa.
The government of the republic having heard that the council of state has decreed eleven articles, regulating the legion of honor, by which the quality of a member is lost by the same causes that destroy the rights of a French citizen, the grand judge, and the ministers of war and the marine, are to send to the grand chancellor, copies of all judgments on this subject. No infamous punishment can be inflicted on any member, provided the legionary has not been degraded. The formula in which such degradation is to be pronounced, is as follows: "You have lost your honor. I declare in the

name of the legion, that you have ceased to be a member.
It is strange to observe how all the German states flock round the new imperial throne, which they seem more eager to acknowledge, as descending from the ancient Cæsars, than that with which Austria is invested. The court of Vienna must naturally be jealous of this, and the states of the empire, who have ever looked with envy on the usurpation of Austria, gladly seize the opportunity of mortifying her.
We have been favoured with the following private letter from Paris, of the 8th instant:—
I take the earliest opportunity of sending you intelligence from this place, where I arrived on Thursday last. I visit the Thuilleries daily, and I shall have an opportunity of sending you every thing worthy of notice. Already I perceive the dissatisfied stillness and secret murmuring of the days of Robespierre wherever I go. Discontent is most evident in all parts of Paris. The death of the unfortunate duke D'Enghien has caused universal disgust; and, the late conspiracy is openly spoken of at the palais royal as the production of Bonaparte's genius. Persons are openly pointed at in the gardens who were in London the last winter preceding the conspiracy, and endeavouring to implicate as much as possible the French emigrant princes in the plot. The death of Pichegru, the execution of Georges, &c. have given evident dissatisfaction; but the trial and banishment of Moreau more than any thing else. It is supposed here, that had they condemned and executed Moreau, nothing could have prevented a fresh scene of insurrection.
"A caricature print is privately handed about, but not sold, in which Bonaparte is represented on his throne, surrounded by his brothers, with the bloody corpse of the duke D'Enghien at his feet, over which is written, "PRINCES OF BLOOD."
The Gazette of Saturday evening contains the following appointments:—The honorable Cecil Jonkinson to his Majesty's secretary of legation to the court of Vienna; the right hon. G. Rose and lord Charles Henry Somerset, to be paymasters of the forces; James, duke of Montrose and lord Charles Spencer to the office of postmaster general, and lord John Thynne to be one of his majesty's privy council.
It is remarked that Admiral Truget, who formerly commanded the fleet at Brest, is the only one of all the commanding officers who has not voted for the assumption of imperial dignity.
[VIA BOSTON.]
From late London Papers.
The most prominent news in them is the increased prospect of speedy war between Russia and France. The event appeared almost inevitable, if any reliance can be placed on European appearances. The former was making great preparations for hostilities in the Baltic and the Black seas. The emperor Alexander had refused to acknowledge the emperor Napoleon; and had lately been very lavish of his favours on Louis XVIII. and his encouragement to the French loyalists. Nor does the emperor Napoleon appear very solicitous to allay the resentment of his brother. In one of the last Moniteurs, he makes Talleyrand repeat, what he had directed general Hederbourg, his ambassador to say, on quitting Petersburg:—"The emperor of the French does not wish for war with any one; neither does he dread it with any one! A long peace is his wish; but the history of his life affords no room to imagine that he is of a temper to allow himself to be insulted or dictated to." This appears to be the language of defiance. It was said Sweden would unite with Russia in the war. The British government had recalled its ambassador from St. Petersburg; and sent out lord Gower with new powers.
In France, excepting the bustle of invasion, little were to be seen, but the splendid preparations for the coronation of the emperor; which is to be on the 9th November next. More than nine-tenths of the votes taken in France were in favour of the inheritance of the imperial dignity in the family of Napoleon Bonaparte. All the powers of Europe, excepting Russia, Great-Britain, and Sweden, had acknowledged Bonaparte emperor of the French.
Mr. Pitt's popularity was on the rise, and the British king remained in good health. On the 31st. July he was to prorogue his parliament in person.
PARIS, July 10.
The unfortunate General Moreau, his brother the Tribune, and their families, are about bidding adieu to France forever.
37 We state as facts, that Gen. Moreau left the Temple, in Paris, in the night of the 22d June, under guard of light horse, commanded by General Savery. He passed through Bordeaux, and arrived at Perpignan, about the 10th July.—From Perpignan (a capital city, in the Eastern Pyrenees, situated near the mouth of the river Tet) he proceeded to Barcelona, where he arrived about the 22d July. He only travelled in the night, and his route was circuitous. Previous to setting out, he signed an instrument empowering his mother-in-law to sell his estates in France. His wife followed him on his route to Spain, on the 23d of June. His brother, the Tribune, sat out before him to procure a suitable vessel, for the accommodation of the family. It was said, the beautiful chateau, which had been given him by the nation, would be purchased by his Imperial Highness Prince Louis. Moreau was considered a man of fortune; but which will be much diminished by that part of the sentence which condemned those to be imprisoned, jointly and severally to pay the costs of prosecution, amounting to a million and a half of livres; the greater part of which will fall on Moreau. Every anecdote of this illustrious victim to ambition must be interesting.
[Cent. Edt.]
London, July 23.
Russia, Sweden, and France. Private letters from Paris, of the 10th, state a new proof of the hostile spirit of Bonaparte in his conduct towards Russia and Sweden. He has adopted a system of rigour and persecution against all the subjects of these two powers whether travellers or merchants in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Holland. His military gens d'arms, commanders and police agents, are ordered to arrest, oppress and arrest them upon the slightest pretence. The least informality in their passes, any complaint that ingenuity and suspicion can devise, is considered a sufficient ground to detain their persons. Those who are going to France are stopped at the frontiers, under the pretence that they ought to have new passes from Paris; and those who are leaving France are detained under the pretence that their passes are not correct. During these last five weeks, no Russian or Swedish ship has been permitted to clear out and fill; and notwithstanding the demands and representations of the Consuls of their respective nations, the only answer that has been obtained is, "Such are the will and pleasure of the Emperor." This measure is generally supposed to be a prelude to an embargo.—Many circumstances tend to confirm this suspicion. Among these is the great activity of the police agent to discover and ascertain
the property of Russian and Swedish subjects in France, and to prevent any transfer or removal of it. Should a rupture with these countries take place, an event considered in France very probable, there is little doubt but that Russian and Swedish subjects will experience similar treatment to that which British subjects in France experienced last year.
Although the report of a considerable deficit in the finances of the emperor Napoleon Bonaparte has been for some time accredited, there does not seem any immediate danger that the imperial republican treasury will be exhausted. A new supply from the mines of Peru and Mexico will, no doubt shortly find its way into the grand deposit of plunder at Paris, as we learn by private letters from Cadiz, that a sum consisting of nearly four millions sterling in specie has recently arrived there from South America, and is now lodged in transitu in his Catholic majesty's treasury, on its way to that of the new emperor.
The deficit of forty millions of florins in this year's budget of the Batavian government has excited the attention of the first consul, who has consulted citizens Talleyrand and Marbois, with the counsellor of state of the section of finances, as to the best means to make good this deficit. Report says that the plan of citizen Talleyrand has been adopted, and the French Minister, Semonville, at the Hague, has received orders to invite the Dutch directory to put it into execution, notwithstanding the clamours of the mercantile aristocrats of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, whose Anglo mania is proverbial in Holland as well as in France.
With regard to the landing of Russian troops in Ireland, it is only necessary to observe, that ministers, however inclined and ready they might be to violate the constitution, would not be so daring and so lost to every principle of sound policy, as to consent to such a measure, without the sanction of parliament.
A Gentleman who came passenger in the Magistrate, which arrived at Weymouth a few days ago, from the Cape of Good Hope, has communicated several interesting particulars respecting the affairs of that colony. He says that prior to his coming away on the 4th of April, the cape was almost in a state of open insurrection, which disposition was greatly encouraged by a report that an expedition had failed against that settlement from England. The inferior classes to a man, were ready to rise in favor of the English. It is added that several persons, who had been bold enough to declare themselves partisans of the British, had been apprehended, and that about twenty were convicted of this offence and shot. The utmost force at the cape, was 2000 men, but they were of such a mixed description, and so badly disciplined, that it would not require half that number to take possession of the place.
We can assure our readers, (says the Morning Chronicle) from indisputable authority, that the king of Sweden has formally intimated to all his ministers resident at foreign courts, that he peremptorily refuses to recognize the newly acquired title of Bonaparte, as emperor of the French. An official communication to this effect has been made to all the courts, and that conveyed in strong and energetic terms.
The protest of Louis XVIII. which we copied on Saturday from the Moniteur, proves to be a scandalous fabrication. The French princes and their friends all regard this paper as a forgery from Talleyrand's office, to lessen the effect of the real protest when it shall appear.
We are assured that our government has received from the Swedish minister here, a formal notification on the part of his Sovereign, expressing in the strongest language, the determination not to recognize the new title of emperor of the French, assumed by Bonaparte. A similar communication is also stated to have been made foreign courts at which his Swedish majesty has ambassadors. It is highly probable that the cabinet of Stockholm would not have pursued a line of conduct so very bold, unless fairly sanctioned by the approbation of the emperor of Russia.
NEW-YORK, September 17.
By Capt. Hiller, of the ship Centurion, from Cronstadt, we are informed that on the day he failed, the Russian fleet, consisting of 11 sail of the line, and 4 frigates, were ready for sea. An officer of one of the ships of war informed Capt. H. that they had received orders to sail for England. The Russian troops had been lately under a more strict discipline, and from their movements it was expected they would soon be called into service.
Capt. H. has brought dispatches from Mr. Harris, the American Consul.
[N. Y. Merc. Adv.]
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 20.
Yesterday at noon arrived the ship Pigeon, Capt. Collet from London, 51 days passage, by whom we have received our file of papers to the 27th inclusive, from which we have the following:—[True Amer.]
LONDON, July 26.
We yesterday acquainted our readers that accounts had been received at the India House, of an engagement having taken place between the homeward-bound China Fleet and the squadron under the command of Admiral LINCOLN. We are happy to have it in our power to confirm fully this most important and pleasing intelligence.—The action lasted some time with great warmth; at length LINCOLN, finding the attempt hopeless, was glad to escape himself, instead of taking any of our ships. His vessels were so much shattered in the engagement, that they are effectively disabled, for some time at least, from attempting any further depredations on our commerce. It has been stated in some of the papers, that the Centurion, of fifty guns was probably with the China fleet at the time of the action; but we have the strongest reasons for believing that was not the case. Indeed we are convinced there could not possibly have been any man of war with the fleet, as the monsoon was directly in the teeth of a ship sailing from Madras or Bombay, where the whole of Admiral Rainier's fleet was in January last, except a few that were cruising in the Bay of Bengal. The whole merit, therefore, of this most gallant achievement, belongs to the officers and crews of the Indian men; and when it is considered with what disadvantage ships deeply laden contend against vessels constructed solely for the purpose of war, this Victory must be allowed to add greatly indeed to our Naval reputation.
July 27.
We are happy to state, that capt. Oliver, of the Melpomene, with the bombs under his command has made a second attack upon the French squadron assembled at Havre, and has done them considerable damage, the particulars of which we hope to be able to lay before our readers to morrow.
CORN EXCHANGE, July 27.
To-day there are many further arrivals of Wheat, and rather better prices are made, with many doubts of the pending bill passing; malt is higher; grey peas 49s. per quarter, and beans at little difference; there are further arrivals of
foreign oats but many out of condition are cheaper—good samples keep last prices, as does new rape seed and flour.
Table with 4 columns: Grain type, Price 1, Price 2, Price 3. Rows: Wheat (44s to 54s), Fine ditto (67s to 69s), Barley (27s to 32s), Malt (68s to 73s), Rye (28s to 30s).
OFF BOULOGNE, July 24.—Yesterday evening the weather being clear, and the sun shining upon the French Coast, we had a very good view of the Enemy, and have clearly ascertained, that their loss in the gale of Friday and Saturday last has been very considerable. We distinctly counted nine wrecks on the rocks between Portel and Boulogne, and from the boldness of the Coast and the tremendous Sea when they went ashore, it is scarcely possible that any of the people on board, five hundred in number at least, could have been saved—the entire Coast between Boulogne and Portel was covered with waggons and soldiers, clearing away the wrecks, and an immense number of small boats were engaged in searching the bottom for different articles. In the space of 50 yards, close under Portel, there are a Gun brig and four Luggers completely dashed to pieces. The few Brigs that succeeded in getting into Boulogne, seem to be much damaged in their masts and rigging; indeed from the amazing surf, when getting in it is impossible it could be otherwise. Altogether the loss of the Enemy on Saturday morning, has been the most severe they have met with since the commencement of the War, and it is highly probable that the soldiers will not be so sanguine for the Expedition after having had such convincing proofs of the danger attending it, and having seen our ships ride out gales of wind in perfect safety when they have invariably suffered, both in men and vessels.
PORTSMOUTH, July 25.
On the 19th instant, his majesty's ship Favourite, commanded by Charles Foote, Esq., the fastest sailing Man of War on the station off Havre-de-Grace, being, in spite of their batteries, &c. very near in shore on the morning above-mentioned, in order to reconnoitre the Enemy and dare them to attack, observed their force to consist as follows, viz.
Table with 4 columns: Ship type, In tide, Out tide, Under sail, Total. Rows: Ships (5), Brigs (15), Schooners (3), Luggers (45), Cutters (2). Total: 107.
It must be a great comfort to the feelings of our countrymen, when we reflect on the watchful eye kept by our squadron off this port. Not a single vessel has been known to enter Havre since the Melpomene has been the Commodore ship on that station, notwithstanding the many attempts made by the neutrals.
NORFOLK, September 22.
We are obliged to a gentleman who came passenger in the ship Sheffield, Captain Cowper, for papers as late as the 25th July, from Bourdeaux, and the 19th from Paris. To this date we have files of several Paris papers. They do not appear to contain much intelligence. They are principally employed with the Louanges of his imperial majesty. In this day's paper we have given some extracts. If we meet with anything particular, we shall translate it for our next.
The invasion was much the subject of conversation. It was understood that Bonaparte had sent his plate &c. &c. to the Camp at Boulogne, and was soon to follow himself. The Sheffield was embargoed for some days in the river until a flotilla had failed for the place of rendezvous. Apprehensions had been expressed that Moreau had been assassinated; as he had not been heard of since he was taken out of prison. Concerning him we shall submit to our readers a valuable article in our next. Jerome was also much spoken of, and his marriage censured; yet it was generally understood that the office of High-Admiral was reserved for him, to be conferred on him immediately after his arrival, and the accomplishment of his divorce.
[Public Ledger.]
Translated from the French papers received by the Sheffield, from Bourdeaux.
INSTALLATION OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR.
PARIS, July 17. The details of the ceremony which took place yesterday, at the Hôtel des Invalides, merit particular notice. Her majesty the empress, and the princesses, left the palace of the Thuilleries at fifteen minutes before twelve o'clock. They passed through the grand avenue of the garden, in their carriages, across the Pont Tournant, to the Hôtel.
Several officers, and the Marechal Murat, attended on horseback, at the head of a numerous retinue. In the first carriage, drawn by six horses, were the Grand Chamberlain and M. de Segur, master of ceremonies. Next followed the carriage of her majesty, the empress, drawn by eight grey horses, of peculiar beauty: the princesses followed.
The Emperor soon after appeared on horseback, dressed, as is his usual custom, in the most simple manner, that is to say, in the uniform of the national guard.
The Princesses were adorned with rich diadems; that of the Empress was entirely composed of diamonds.
Their majesties were everywhere received with repeated acclamations. The Emperor replied to those demonstrations of joy, by actions full of grace & affability.
The governor of the invalids received the Empress at the gate, and conducted her to the place prepared for her reception.
His Excellency the Cardinal-Legate had been conducted in the morning, in one of the state coaches, to the Hôtel, where he was to officiate.
The order which was established in the church, before the arrival of their majesties, was as follows.—The Legionaries were ranged according to their rank.—A throne destined to receive the Emperor, & around which the Grand Dignitaries were to take their places, was erected on the right.—Opposite, a superb gallery, magnificently decorated with blue silk, was raised for the Empress, and the princesses who accompanied her.—Under the arch of the Dome, and behind an altar expressly prepared for this ceremony, a vast amphitheatre was constructed for the accommodation of the invalids.—The galleries were occupied by ladies, richly dressed.—Under the organ was a gallery for the orchestra.—The church was decorated with the standards and flags taken from the enemies of France.—Two principal trophies were placed, one beside the throne, the other beside the gallery of the Empress; the first had for device, Marengo , the other Egypt : These trophies were composed of groups of arms and bucklers.
The Cardinal-Legate with his clergy were seated in an alcove at the side of the throne; in front of the throne was a place reserved for His Serene Highness, the Arch Chancellor of the Empire; here also the Grand Master of Ceremonies, was stationed to receive the orders of the Emperor.
Precisely at twelve o'clock a discharge of cannon announced the arrival of the Emperor. His Majesty, on entering the church, was received by universal and
reiterated cries of Long Live the Emperor! He ascended the throne. The Empress who had preceded him, was already in her gallery. Immediately before the Gospel, M. La Cèpède, grand chancellor of the Legion of Honour, pronounced a discourse on the object of the ceremony. The Grand Dignitaries, Ministers, Marshals, of the Empire, and Grand-Officers, took the oath, individually, on the holy evangelists. The Emperor then arose, covered his head, and called upon the commanders, officers, and legionaries, to take the oath which he was pre-ared to dictate to them, and to swear to maintain it all its provisions. He then pronounced "Commanders, Officers, Legionaries, Citizens, and soldiers, you swear, on your honor, to devote yourselves to the service of the Empire, and the preservation of its territory in all its integrity; to the defence of the emperor, of the laws of the Republic, and of the rights which they have established: to oppose by all means which justice, reason, and the laws authorize, every enterprise which may tend to re-establish the feudal system. Finally you swear, with all your powers, to assist in maintaining LIBERTY and EQUALITY, the first principles of our constitution.—You swear it! Every member of the Legion then raised his hand and declared aloud, I swear! The church instantly rung with the cry of Long Live the Emperor! and with long and repeated plaudits.
Divine service was then resumed. The mass having concluded the Grand-Chancellor of the Legion, presented the grand-dignitaries and the grand officers, to receive, from the hands of his majesty, the decorations of the order. The Emperor was first invested with the badge by the Constable, and afterwards bestowed it upon the grand dignitaries, grand-officers, and successively on every class of the legion.—It was remarked that an officer, deeply furrowed, and even maimed, with wounds, advanced with confidence to receive the cross, although he had not been enrolled as a member of the legion: the Emperor immediately knew that he had not the diploma, but nevertheless bestowed the badge upon him, observing, that he read a certificate of glory in the traces of his wounds.
At three o'clock the train returned to the place, in the same order, under numerous discharges of artillery, and between double files of soldiers, which lined the whole way from the Palace of the Thuilleries to the Hôtel of the Invalids.
It is impossible to describe the emotions which this ceremony occasioned. The monuments of the Triumphs of France suspended to the vault of the church, and waving over the illustrious assemblage of her bravest warriors; the numerous ranks of veteran soldiers covered with honorable wounds, and of youth eager to run the same career, presenting to their country the union of glory and hope; the splendour of the whole assemblage, the decorations of the altars, and the sacred ceremonies of religion, exalted the imagination to enthusiasm: and gave the surest pledge of the greatness of an institution formed under such auspices.
HAVRE, July 15. Yesterday at 8 o'clock P. M. an English squadron, consisting of two ships of the line, four frigates, and two bombs with two mortars each, a float of war, and three cutters, advanced, under a light E. N. E. wind, against our line of embassage, and within 1500 fathoms of the shore. It was covered by a line of 26 pieces of cannon, and six gun-boats. The enemy commenced the fire at a distance of about 250 fathoms of our line, by discharging two bombs and a volley of cannon; to which the flotilla and batteries on shore, gave a prompt and terrible reply. The night put an end to the engagement, and prevented us from discovering the damage done to the enemy. Our troops, both on shore and in the boats, behaved with great activity and zeal. Our spirit of impartiality obliges us also to acknowledge, that the fire of the enemy was well directed, and calculated with great precision. Happily we have sustained no injury. Our mortars have too much force. It appears necessary to reduce the charge nearly to two thirds of what it now is.
WEST-INDIES.
Translated from a Guadaloupe Paper of the 11th August, 1804.
REPORT.
Of the affair which has taken place in the night of the 13th to the 14th August, between the sloop of war the Lilly, prize to the French privateer La Dame Ambert, and anchored in the Road of the Saintes, under the command of captain Lapoint, and five barges armed with 120 men, from the English frigate Galatea, in an attempt to cut out said sloop of war.
The English frigate Galatea upon being informed that the sloop of war Lilly was at the Saintes with very few men on board, sent, in the night of the 13th to the 14th, her boats to attempt carrying her off. They approached near enough to perceive that there was a detachment of troops of the line on board; and seeing that this vessel kept a good look out, they retired at day break.
On the next day, 26th at dusk, the same frigate came up the channel and approached the batteries. The commandant Madier caused some cannon shot to be fired at her, and sent off two bombs, one of which having burst in the air, cut some of her rigging. From her coming to near in shore, it was conjectured that the enemy had some projects for the night 30 men of the 15th and 6th of the line, commanded by Lieutenant Mouret were put on board the Lilly. The puffs had intimation of what was going on—captain Lapointe made his dispositions, and the commandant Madier ordered that, the more to deceive the enemy, the land and sea rounds should be done without the least noise; and especially that the word full-watch should not be called aloud. Accordingly, at two in the morning, five English barges entered the road and rowed to the Lilly. Captain Lapointe fired a broadside at them, and the troops of the line discharged their musketry; and notwithstanding all the efforts of the English, they could not succeed in boarding; they were vigorously repulsed on every side. They had two barges sunk, one taken, and the two others, having lost almost all their men, had surrendered; but the commandant Madier having no shallops at his disposal could not send people on board to man them. The currents drove them from the shore, and the breeze enabled them to get off; not, however, without sustaining the fire of the batteries of 11st.
The loss of the enemy is estimated at 60 men, among whom is a Lieutenant, killed on board, in whose pocket has been found a list of the men ordered for this expedition. On board of the barge that was taken were found a Lieutenant having his arm much fractured, a midshipman and seventeen seamen 4 of them killed and 12 wounded. On our side we have lost a Sergeant of the 15th of the line, two chasurs of the 6th, and a seaman.
Captain Lapointe has been grievously wounded by two shots; one in the shoulder, and the other in the breast, Lieutenant Mouret, officer of the 15th of the line, commanding the detachment of infantry has been slightly wounded.
In the course of the morning were found at 11st and at Terre de Bas, pieces of the wreck of the two sunken barges, the rudder of a large shallop, ten oars, and several dead bodies.
A neutral schooner which anchored at the Saintes the same day, reports that she was visited by the English frigate Galatea which had no other embarkation but a small boat, manned with one seaman and four cabin boys, and that the Captain of the frigate requested him to pick up those of his crew whom he might meet with off the Saintes. It appears that the two last barges have not been able to get back to the frigate.
ges have not been able to get back to the frigate.
Such are the outlines of the facts contained in the report of the 26 Thembdor year twelve (14th August)
Signed, The Chief of battalion, commander of the Saintes, MADIER.
A letter from Curacao to a respectable house in New-York, under date of 26th July, says, "This is to inform you that the blockading ship relinquished her station off this port about ten days ago." N. Y. Merc. Adv.
DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.
Capt. John Manwaring, of the brig Exchange, who arrived at Boston on Saturday last, from Bordeaux, informs, that on his passage to the Island of St. Thomas, he was captured off and sent into Tortola by the armed schooner Colpoys, on the 17th of April, 1804, for adjudication, and detained three months and ten days. Her cargo (amounting to 31,000 dollars) was condemned, and the vessel liberated by paying all expenses. Her cargo belonged to the house of M'Gall and Co. of Philadelphia. At the same time the brig Samuel, captain Evans, of Philadelphia, was captured and sent to Tortola. On examination, by her papers it appeared that the captain had received a letter from Martinico, with a Box marked "Noveau," with particular orders to deliver it immediately on his arrival. On a critical examination, the box was found to be letters from the Governor of Martinico, with dispatches to the French Government, stating, that the Island was so closely blockaded by the English, that no vessel could scarcely get a supply. The letters were dispatched to Antigua, and directed to Judge Byram. Orders were sent back to detain her for trial. The vessel and cargo were condemned, amounting to 40,000 dollars.
Capt. M. was informed at Turks-Island, by the schooner Polly, captain E. Yeaton, that 20,000 men marched from Cape-Francois, on the 1st of August, as a reinforcement against the City of St. Domingo. [Ibid.]
From Hudson, on the river of that name we are informed that a Brig had taken in March last at Prince Edward Islands 17,000 Seal Skins, and was in expectation of four times that number. A ship from the same port had arrived from the South Seas with oil. The Medical Repository published at New-York, which to the most valuable communications on medical science unites a review of the most interesting events in literature and commerce, takes notice of this subject. It informs us that the Vessels usually visit Juan Fernandez, and Maffalucos; that being in less abundance in these Islands, the vessels have visited the other Islands of the same seas; and that in 1800 and 1801, as many as ten Vessels were employed from New-York, and the Northern States. These Voyages have been undertaken for several years past. Some of the vessels have carried to Canton from 60,000 to 100,000 seal skins. The voyage generally exceeds two years. Of the whale fishery the same work gives the following account: In 1799, 26 vessels were in the whale fishery, amounting to 5055 tons; in 1800, 17 vessels amounting to 2814 tons, in 1801 15 vessels, not above 2349 tons, and in 1802, 20 vessels, reckoned at 3210 tons. Of the last twenty, one belonged to Sagg Harbour, one to Boston, 6 to New Bedford, and 12 to Nantucket. A lift we have in our hands received from a friend stating that the Nantucket and New-Bedford whalers give 40 ships with their names and tonnage, besides such as are building for the trade, and 6 brigs, 10 schooners, and 36 sloops which may be employed in the fishery, giving above 12,000 tons, of which three fourths belong to the ships of these ports. It is observed that only 2 or 3 of the sloops are in the fishery, only 2 of the schooners and three of the brigs. Of New-Bedford 17 ships might be employed in the whale fishery—about 230 tons each. About half the oil is consumed in the country, and no head matter is exported. The work to which we referred states that in 1791 were exported 134,595 gallons of spermatic oil, and 447,323 gallons of right whale oil; 182,400 pounds of spermatic candles, and 124,829 pounds of whalebone. In 1802 only 28,470 gallons of spermatic, and 379,976 of right whale oil; 135,637 pounds of spermatic candles, and 10,334 pounds of whalebone. The average quantity for 12 years is given at 106,493 gallons of spermatic oil, 573,941 gallons of right whale oil, 197,967 pounds of spermatic candles, and 191,234 pounds of whalebone. This account is followed with a statement of the Cod fishery. The exports in 1791 were 383,237 quintals of dried fish, and 57,424 barrels of pickled fish. In 1802, were 440,954 quintals of dried, and 75,819 barrels and 13,229 kegs of pickled fish. In 1802, were employed 1140 vessels, having 39,399 tons, and 4533 men, not reckoning boats under 5 tons, nor the men employed in them. The author is not able to say how much the salt fish is supplied from the British northern colonies, but perhaps not so very considerable a part as he may imagine.—This might be ascertained, with respect to the whole quantity. We can judge only from our own market. We can a statement was made by a person well informed in the fisheries, and in regard to every port. [Salem Register.]
FREDERICK-TOWN, Sept. 14.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman on Tombigbee river, to his friend in this town, dated July 6, 1804.
"A Spanish Alcade told me at Mobile, that he saw a letter of a recent date from the governor of Cuba, to the governor of Pensacola, mentioning, that there were 5000 troops with ordnance, military stores, &c. in that place which would embark in a few days for the defence of the Floridas."
From the Louisiana Gazette, of Aug. 14
The committee of the meeting of New-Orleans, and of its adjacent parts, to the inhabitants of Louisiana, and to the citizens of the United States.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
The committee think this a seasonable opportunity to lay before you the address which the United States, in congress assembled, sent to Canada, in October 26th, 1774.
Without making any remarks on this memorial, only beg leave to observe, what was the language of congress, and to consider what relation there is between the present situation of the inhabitants of Louisiana, and that of Canada; at that time when congress put them in mind of their rights and privileges, which the agents of the English government would not allow them. By order of the committee.
BORE, President. ROBELOT, Secretary.
New-Orleans, 9th August, 1804.
[Here follows the address which is too lengthy for insertion]

A letter from London of the 16th July, mentions that the second installment of Awards, under the 7th Art. of the Treaty with America, would be paid on the 16th and 25th of that month.—[N. T. Mer. Adr.]
Within a few days past, several black women have been detected at Boston in entering dwelling houses during the evening, and attempting to pilfer therefrom linen and other articles of clothing.
MISCELLANEOUS.
LITERARY NOTICE.
We have been highly gratified, by a cursory perusal of a production, which has just made its appearance in Boston, under the title of "Letters from London, written during the years 1802 and 1803.—By William Austin."—The following is the prefatory Advertisement of the Author; and we venture to assure our Readers, that he has fully performed all he has promised.
"These Letters were written during a residence in London, and addressed to a friend in Massachusetts. The writer has endeavoured to blend amusement with information, and has attempted to sketch both national and individual character; with occasional outlines of the state of society in that interesting country. The frequent allusion to the United States, by way of comparison, while it adds variety, he trusts will take nothing from the impartiality of the work. The public will judge."
These Letters contain a valuable and well digested mass of information respecting the state of society, the manners and national character of England. The Author is evidently a pupil in the school of Milton, Harrington, Sidney, and Weymouth; yet he has portrayed the political situation of that country, with an impartial hand, though in glowing and animated colours. He has interspersed many amusing anecdotes and examples of nationality, which, like the random sketches of the Cartoons of Raphael, often give a more impressive idea of real life, than the most labored picture. He has introduced among the portraiture of "individual characters," interesting descriptions of the persons and manners of Fox, Pitt, Windham, Erskine, Gibbs, Grenville, Godwin, Wolcott, Holford, &c. With these three last, he was in company at the house of Mr. Godwin. The file of the letters we think far above mediocrity. It has much of the vivacity, and all the purity of Moore and Brydone. In describing the characteristic excellencies of the several Orators and Lawyers, Mr. Austin has displayed all the discriminating taste and all the animated spirit, which mark the so celebrated Letters of the "British Spy."
We are not fearful of lavishing immoderate praise on the production; nor do we doubt, that the public will sanction our opinion. We think the writer has done honour to his Country; and hope his Country will "delight to honour" him. —We earnestly recommend his work to the patronage of the public; we venture to promise to all pleasure from the perusal.
At present, we must content ourselves with this imperfect notice of a performance, which we are confident, must soon become popular. We are promised, however, that, in a short time, more ample justice will be done it, in a Review from the hand of a judicious and ingenious friend, who is well calculated for the task. When we are able to present this critique to the public, we shall accompany it with sufficient extracts, to give an idea of the writer's style and manner.—[Nat. Regis.]
COURT OF KING'S BENCH, GUILDHALL, July 14. PARR v. ANDERSON.
This was an action on a policy of insurance, and the following interesting and lamentable facts appeared in evidence. The Plaintiff was owner of the ship Mercury, bound for Liverpool to the coast of Africa, for slaves, and from thence to the West-Indies, for a market for them. For this voyage she was insured, and having first obtained letters of marque, proceeded on it accordingly. While sailing for the African coast, she spoke the Swallow armed brig, whose captain came on board the Mercury, and while both captains were taking some refreshment, a French corvette appeared in sight, with a vessel of ours (the Rachael of Bristol, bound to St. Kitt's) which the Frenchmen had recently captured. The second mate of the Mercury and four of her crew were sent back to Liverpool with the Rachael, which the Mercury took possession of, while the Swallow pursued the corvette. The Mercury after this affair, which occasioned some, though not a very considerable deviation from her course, proceeded according to her original destination, and took in a cargo of 246 slaves, with which she failed to the West-Indies.
Failing of the expected market for them at Barbadoes, Demerara, St. Vincent's, and Santa Cruz, where she successively touched, she bore away for the Havannah; but in those seas they call a North, came on, and the Mercury went to the bottom: 245 of the poor slaves perished. The crew, and by some account which did not appear, a negro girl were saved. The defence set up to this action was the deviation, and Lord Ellenborough observed to the Jury, that a vessel as is allowed, a measure of offence, and while in her regular course is permitted to make captures without forfeiture of the policy, but must not go out of her way to cruise.—Verdict for the Defendant.
PARR (same plaintiff as in the foregoing) v. WINSTANLEY.
The insurance in this case being made to commence from St. Vincent's only, the deviation in the former case did not apply to it. The defence was, that the underwriters were not fully apprized by the plaintiff of the following circumstance, viz. that the Mercury had sprung a leak in the course of her voyage. To rebut this it was proved that the leak was repaired and repaired, and sufficient for its purpose. It was also contended that the Mercury was not sufficiently provisioned for her voyage, and out of fifty hands ten had deserted, whose places were filled by negro slaves. It appeared in evidence that on her way from Santa Cruz to the Havannah, the Mercury fell in with a Spanish ship, with which she failed in company for some time, and being short of provisions, required some from the Spaniard, who advised the Captain of the Mercury not to venture at that season into the Bahama Straits, as the hurricane called the North was likely to come on. His fears of provisions, and eagerness to get a supply, caused him to disregard this advice, and the dreadful fatality before mentioned in the last case took place. The Jury after some consultation, found for the Plaintiff.
DIED.—At Paris, Mr. Nauche, President of the Galvanic society:—He fell a victim to his thirst for the sciences, being burnt to death by a bottle of phosphorus which he used for his experiments.
A new method of purifying water has lately been invented by M. Deyeux. It consists of simply collecting small pieces of charcoal, but not reduced to powder, and the water which passes through it will be rapidly purified. At the School of Medicine at Paris, the experiment was made with water, in which carabes had lain for three days; it speedily passed through the charcoal, by which it became perfectly limpid, and had neither taste nor smell.—[English paper.]
THEATRICAL PHENOMENON. The surprising boy whose performance on the principal stages of Ireland, and whose flattering reception at
Edinburgh we have noticed, has visited also the Glasgow Theatre. The following account of his appearance there, is from the last number of the London Monthly Mirror.
THEATRE GLASGOW, June 24, 1804. About a month ago, our theatrical manager commenced in this place, without any addition whatever to our winter company. These with the exception of two or three individuals are all of the "inferior cast," which the manager very fondly called "the new cast;" for during the first fortnight, he had almost every night the mortification of witnessing "a beggarly account of empty boxes." At the expiration of that period, the public was most agreeably surprised by an advertisement, intimating that "the young gentleman, who had for some time past performed in the theatres of Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, with such a series of success, and drew such crowded and overflowing houses, as to acquire the appellation of the Young Roscius, was engaged for a few nights at this Theatre." Public curiosity could not now remain long silent, and numbers flocked to the Theatre with an eagerness hitherto unexampled in the annals of Glasgow theatrical exhibitions. Their expectations were certainly gratified; for a young man of more deserving merit has rarely made his appearance on our boards.—His language is, in general, chaste, free from every provincialism, and his action is spirited and judicious. His diminutive size is perhaps, a little against him, in the opinion of some, but a candid critic must allow, that that defect is completely lost sight of in the high abilities he displays in every character he has attempted. When here, he performed Douglas, Romeo, Hamlet, Frederick, Tancrède, Rollo, and Richard III. but the character in which he seemed to give most satisfaction, was that of Frederick, in Lovers' Vows: a more chaste and excellent performance has seldom been witnessed in this city; and in the scene where he makes himself known to his father, almost every eye in the house was bathed in tears. He took his farewell of the Glasgow audience, at his benefit, on Wednesday last, in Othello, and the tragedy of Zara, in which character he acquired himself highly to the satisfaction of the most crowded house seen here these many years, and greatly to the regret of the amateurs of the drama.
ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1804.
VIEWS IN FRANCE.
The reader will find under the head of foreign intelligence, the latest foreign news which has arrived from France. The Editor conversed last night with an intelligent Virginian, who was a passenger in the Sheffield, and from the few defulatory sketches, which a very rapid conversation brought forth, he has every reason to believe that the political condition of France is at this moment peculiarly unsettled, and liable to the most important revolutions.
Bonaparte, he says, is not covered with that blaze of popularity, by which from the recent changes in that country, we should suppose him to have been encompassed. Enlightened and impartial Frenchmen do not hesitate to think him an unprincipled tyrant and an assassin; & these murmurs sometimes escape from their lips. Even his popularity among the soldiers has its limits. His political usurpation is said to be upheld by the most penetrating & wide-spread system of corruption and espionage. Most of his friends (if friends they can be called) are attached to his government by the personal benefits, which it confers upon them. A seat in one of the legislative bodies; a higher office in the army; a post in the legion of honour, or a seat among the marshalls of the empire; these and considerations like these flit before their dazzled imaginations, and lull to sleep all the generous suggestions of patriotism or the cares of disappointed ambition. His enemies are alarmed and kept at bay, by the silent and sleepless operation of the police. That instrument which only, and which alone is competent to melt into one moving mass the sentiments of a thousand different minds, to communicate and to concentrate the extensive energies of a nation, and thus to recover or to secure the liberties of the people, this instrument "in whose polished convex the tyrant will behold the deformity of his own nature and he turned into stone" (in terms like these has the Irish orator portrayed the freedom of the press) is also ravished from their hands and prostituted to the purposes of an infamous lust of power. Yet a short time shall elapse, and my friend seems to suppose, that a new revolution will probably be produced in France. As soon as the people have recovered in a certain degree from the struggles and ruins of the revolution; and as soon as suspicion and the fear of this event shall have multiplied still further the precautions of the usurper, which in their turn will still further exultate the wounded sensibilities of the nation; and he seems to suppose that a new revolution and a new modification of power will exist in that country. This event will evidently depend upon the fate of the great design which Bonaparte has long since meditated, and which the whole civilized world have hitherto viewed with the most anxious suspence. The successful invasion of England will add a new column of strength to his throne. The failure of the attempt will evidently endanger his infant and unsettled power.
That this invasion will be really attempted, was the general opinion in France. Bonaparte had promised and the nation expected it. But it is not the Emperor himself, who is to conduct the expedition. He has very wisely conferred all the dangers of the onset upon General Angereau. By this sagacious policy, he wishes as much as possible to flann all the dangers of the expedition; the dangers which would menace his ill-established power, were he at this moment to leave France; the dangers which might encompass his sacred person were he to encounter the gallant navy or the determined army of England; the dangers which would at once annihilate him, were he to fail in the attempt.—His enemies want only a temporary relaxation of his power to contrive and to execute plots, for the accomplishment of his ruin. Bonaparte, whose suspicious vigilance has well discerned their intentions, knows too well that his absence would relax the arm of authority. His superintending genius withdrawn, he knows too well that the minister of the police, and even the public Talleyrand himself, would be wanting in power to repress all their machinations. Such is one of the considerations which may tempt him to devolve the command of the expedition upon General Angereau.—A second inducement is to be found in the immediate danger of the attempt: Bonaparte knows too well how extremely disproportioned the fleet of Brest is to the English navy. He knows too well, that even if his flotilla of gun-boats could succeed in passing thro' the English fleet, whether aided by a dark night & a favourable breeze, by an impenetrable fog, or even by the cannon of his own fleet; he knows too well the mighty difficulties of effecting a landing in England. At no previous period in the English history, will he have perceived a more intimate combination of parties and of sections, a stronger enthusiasm in the cause of the nation, than what that country exhibits at the present moment. This perilous opposition is almost sufficient to strike a certain degree of terror into every heart. The hero of Lodi & Ma-
renngo is still a man. Perhaps even the courage, which he has displayed at those memorable moments of his life, has experienced little augmentation from the recent changes in his condition. If the maxim of the immortal Shakespeare may be trusted, that "conscience makes cowards of us all," perhaps the elevation of the Emperor of France has not been very auspicious to the magnanimity of the hero.—A new brook of policy besides has produced this military arrangement. Should the expedition fail the whole disgrace will be Angereau's: his was the plan, the consummation, his the disappointment and disgrace. Bonaparte is too well acquainted with the species and extent of his own reputation, to encounter such a hazard. The largest portion of his fame has been evidently erected upon his military achievements. His present power is not more dependent upon the strength of his army, his long list of new-created honours, and upon his system of precautions, than upon his military glory. That glory, like the chastity of the virgin, must not only be free from a spot, but free from the suspicion of contamination. Let it once be sullied in the estimation of Frenchmen, it would not terminate here; the circle of disgrace would even extend to all the past achievements of his life; and the army itself would desert his banners. Should Angereau, however, succeed, Bonaparte is too well acquainted with all the doublings and flexures of policy, to suffer him to enjoy the glory of the triumph. When the loyal Jackall has once scented out & hunted down his prey, the imperial Lion steps in, and devours the victim.
The late conspiracy in France has given to Bonaparte a temporary relief, by exciting on his side the sympathies of the people, and by encouraging a fear of new and perilous revolutions. Of this current in favour of his own person, and of a more permanent form of government, Bonaparte has not failed to make his advantage. Such has been his policy, that he has made the sympathies or the fears of the nation conduct him to a throne.
But in the suppression of this conspiracy new incidents are developed, which have converted much of this popular sympathy into hatred; and which by exciting new apprehensions from the tyranny of the present government, are well calculated to reconcile the nation to a new revolution. In this interesting drama, Bonaparte has played a part not at all striking by the grandeur of his talents, nor captivating by the mildness of his virtues; while in almost every scene, the most exalted and the most attractive qualities have distinguished the men, whom he fancied, or found his enemies. The seizure of the Duc d'Enghien in a neutral country; the sudden trial and execution of that young and accomplished prince; the abrupt termination to the life of Pichegru; the mild and magnanimous defence of Moreau, who like another Socrates, would not bend the knee to power, or shrink even at the prospect of death; the martyr-like intrepidity of Georges, whose fidelity to the house of the Bourbons, and to his imaginary sovereign Louis XVIII., ended only with his life; these are some of the incidents, which are so well calculated to act on man and on Frenchmen, and excite a sympathy for the oppressed, and detestation against the oppressor.
My friend informs me that new suspicions are afloat in France. Whether Bonaparte is really guilty of the charges which they contain, they at least contribute to prove the estimation in which he is held, since he is thought even capable of such nefarious conduct. He says that a rumour was prevailing that Moreau would never reach this country; that he had been entrapped by the artifices of Bonaparte; conveyed from his prison at night, attended by some of the gens d'armes; & that there he was to fall a victim to the treachery of his persecutor. Madame Moreau has entrusted a few copies of the defence of her husband's council to this gentleman, addressed to some of our most distinguished men! This defence had excited considerable interest in France, but the agents of the police had arrested its free circulation. The American public, it is to be hoped, will soon be favoured with a translation of it.
This gentleman also informs me, that the report which we have heard of the assassination of Pichegru is not without its converts in Paris. It is believed that some of the gens d'armes, habited like Mamelukes, had entered his prison in the night, and amidst his agonies and his cries, which penetrated to the other cells of the Temple, had perpetrated their infamous scheme.—Speculation had been busy in discovering the motives of this assassination. A suggestion had been advanced, singular and scarcely credible. Bonaparte, it was said, had entered into a correspondence with the British government, while he was in Egypt; and by their connivance had escaped the English fleet, on his return to France. Pichegru, it was suggested, had obtained some information of the contents of this correspondence; and the danger of a discovery had been averted by the death of the informant. The whole affair, however, wears an aspect of mystery, which defies conviction and belief.
During the present year nature has been more friendly to the inhabitants of France, than the political system under which they live. My friend had descended the Rhone from Lyons, and gives the most glowing account of the fruitfulness of the country. Their vintage and harvest had been astonishingly productive.
TRADE WITH ST. DOMINGO.
In spite of the proclamation of the Governor General of Guadalupe, the American merchants continue to carry on a trade with the negroes of this Island. Equip with arms, they even attempt to resist the legally commissioned cruizers of the French government, whose object it is to carry them into some neighbouring port for adjudication. When the fact has been sufficiently authenticated that they have really carried on this traffic with the rebels, their vessel and cargo have never escaped confiscation. A late account from Pointe à Petre in Guadalupe, has even informed us, that the officers of three armed American vessels have been tried for piracy, and sentenced to death. Have they a right to confiscate this property? Have they a right to put these American citizens to death? These are two questions of considerable importance.
The citizens of this country, can as yet consider St. Domingo (politically speaking) in no other light than as a part of France. The relations, in which any individual of a country stands to those of another, can be no other than the relations which his own government has established for him. If his government declares war against a country, he cannot be at peace with it. If it makes peace, he cannot be at war. He continues or suspends his trade with it, according as his government shall declare that the trade is either open or interrupted. In fact, he has no other relations to it, than those which his own government has already chalked out. This power is involved in the very definition of a government.—But the American government has not as yet recognized the new government of St. Domingo. It has not, therefore, recognized the right of St. Domingo to regulate its own trade. It has not consented to protect its citizens in this trade, or to indemnify them in some way or other, should this trade be interrupted. Our government con-
sequently, still considers St. Domingo as an appendage of France, and so also must our citizens. They must carry on this trade in that precise way which the French government shall permit. That intercourse would depend upon our treaty with France, if St. Domingo was not in a state of rebellion. Being in this state, the French government is so far exonerated from the obligations of the treaty. By the law of nation, a state has certainly a right to suspend the treaty in such a case. It has right to make every effort to recover its own possessions; for the treaty itself would be nugatory, if this effort was not made. The obvious conclusion is, that the American merchant has no recourse if he lose his property in this trade: he cannot seek it from the French government, for he violates one of their rights; nor from his own government, because it has not assumed the responsibility. How far then does the right of the French government extend? Does it extend to the lives also of the farmers employed in the trade?
The 3d. Number of "THE MINERVA; or, Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine."—From the plan and the execution of this paper, I have many reasons to augur the most promising success. Independently of the efforts of the Editors, the degree of their success will depend upon the encouragement which they receive. The increase of the number of their subscribers will be one inducement for exertion. Curious and interesting communications will constitute another. Why may not the female pen contribute to the beauty of a work so peculiarly devoted to female improvement? In spite of the Mahometan doctrine, WOMEN certainly have souls: and most generally that fine sensibility of the heart, which inspires the bewitching Tale, the captivating Song, or the polished Essay.
The Sweepstake purse of 5000 dollars, run for over the Broad Rock course, on Monday last, was won by Mr. Ball's forced horse Florizel, as follows:
 Mr. Ball's f. h. Florizel 1 1.  Mr. Mobby's b. m. Amanda 2 2.  Mr. Selden's b. m. Lavinia 3 diff.  Mr. Tayloe's b. h. Top Gallant 4 diff. 
The Jockey Club Purse of 400 dollars, run for over the same course yesterday, was won by Mr. Wyllie's grey horse Milk.
DIED—On the 18th inst. at Colkham, the seat of his father, David Rofs, Esq. William Rofs, Esq. of Mount Eden. His illness was long, and marked by that irritable sensibility peculiar to his disease.
In the various departments of social and domestic life—as a husband, a father, a brother, a friend and a neighbour, he fulfilled to their utmost limit, the duties of his station. By a disconsolate widow, his parents, by relatives, friends and neighbours, his loss is, hence, most feelingly deplored and long will be regretted.
[The following letter was received from an unknown gentleman of Amberst. Some minds will find it peculiarly interesting: and there can be few to whom it will be perfectly indifferent.]
Philadelphia, 20th April, 1776.
DEAR SIR, HAVING done myself the pleasure of writing to you by general Lee, I must now refer you to that letter, and at present invite your attention to the most important concerns of our approaching Convention. Ages yet unborn, and millions existing at present, may rue or bless that assembly, on which their happiness or misery will so eminently depend.
Virginia has hitherto taken the lead in great affairs, and many now look to her with anxious expectation, hoping that the spirit, wisdom and energy of her councils, will rescue America from the fatal lethargy into which the feebleness, folly, and interested views of the proprietary governments, with the aid of tory machinations, have thrown her most unhappily. The twelve years experience we have had of the perfidy and despotic intentions of the British court, is still further demonstrated by the king's speech; by the express declarations of every ministerial man in both houses of parliament; by their infamous retrogressive robbery act, and by the intercepted letter from the secretary of state to governor Eden—all join in proving the design of the British court to subdue, at every event, and to enslave America, after having destroyed its best members. The act of parliament has, to every legal intent and purpose, dissolved our government, unaccommodated every magistrate, & placed us in the high road to anarchy. In Virginia, we have certainly no magistrate lawfully commissioned to hang a murderer, or any other villain offending ever so atrociously against the state. We cannot be rebels excluded from the king's protection, and magistrates acting under his authority at the same time. This proves the indispensable necessity of our taking up government immediately, for the preservation of society, to effect the purpose of applying with vigour the strength of the country to its present critical situation; and above all, to set an example, which N. Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania and N. York will most assuredly, in my opinion, follow; and which will effectually remove the baneful influence of proprietary interests from the councils of America. When this is done, give peremptory instructions to your delegates, to take every effectual measure to secure America from the despotic aims of the British court by treaties of alliance with foreign states, or by any means that shall be thought most conducive to that end. A slight attention to the late proceedings of many European courts, will sufficiently evince the spirit of partition, and the assumed right of disposing of men and countries like live stock on a farm, that distinguishes this corrupt age. St. Domingo, Louisiana, Corsica and Poland, indisputably prove this. Now, Sir, I leave it with you to judge, whether, whilst we are hesitating about foreign alliance, Great Britain may not, and probably will not, seal our ruin by signing a treaty of partition with two or three ambitious powers that may aid in conquering us. Upon principles of interest and revenge, the surely will. When Great Britain finds she cannot conquer us alone, and that the whole must be lost, will she not rather choose a part than have none? Certainly she will—and to join the necessary aid, give up a part, and thus involve us, unaided, unassisted, in a very unequal, destructive contest with three or four of the greatest states in Europe. Nothing in the world is more certain, than that the present court of London would rather rule a single rod of earth despotically, than govern the world under legal constitutions. All this danger, however, may be prevented by a timely alliance with proper and willing powers in Europe. Indeed we are a singular instance in modern times, of a people engaged in war with a powerful nation, without taking any steps to secure the friendship or even neutrality of foreign states; leaving to our enemy the full opportunity of engaging all; and we know with certainty that every maritime state in Europe has been interceded with not to
supply us with military stores; and many states have been applied to for troops to destroy us, as Russia, Hesse, Hanover and Holland. It is not the most dreadful infatuation in us, to remain quiet in this way, and let not till we are too late? But not a state in Europe will either treat or trade with us so long as we consider our subjects of Great Britain! Honor, dignity and the custom of states forbid them, until we take rank as an independent people. The war cannot be prosecuted without trade, nor can taxes be paid until we are enabled to sell our produce, which cannot be done without the help of foreign ships, whilst our enemy's navy is in force near us. A contraband loop or so, may come from foreign ports, but no authorized & consequently sufficiently extensive trade, will be carried on with us whilst we remain in our present undeveloped condition. Our clearest interest, therefore, our very existence as freemen requires, that we take decisive steps now whilst we may, for the security of America. It is a most fortunate thing for us, that the present quiet revenue, with the impost on tobacco and tonnage, will do more than defray all our expenses of civil government, without fresh taxes on the people, and that the unappropriated lands will pay the expenses of the war.
The enclosed pamphlet on government is the production of our friend John Adams. It is sensible, and shews the virtue of the man, at the same time that it shews the business of framing government not to be so difficult a thing as most people imagine. The small scheme printed in hand-bills, I had written before I saw this work of Mr. Adams—and he agrees that the council of state had better be a distinct body from the upper house of assembly; their duration indeed may be too long, but it should be for a longer term than the lower house, in order to answer the purpose of an independent middle branch. The sheriffs had better I think be appointed as now in Virginia, or by choice of the freeholders in each county. The recommendation of Congress about taking government is, as you see, of old date, and therefore it is said "during the continuance of the present dispute," &c. but it matters not much, for the government taken up ought to be the best, whether it be for this, that or another term of years.
This I take to be the time and thing meant by Shakespeare when he says—"There is a time in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood leads on to fortune; omitted, all the remaining voyage is spent in shallow and miseries." Let us then, Sir, quitting every other consideration, heartily join in persuading our countrymen to embrace the present flowing tide, which promises fair to waft us into the harbour of safety, happiness, liberty and virtue.
Perhaps some may endeavour to injure you on account of your concurrence in opinion with Mr. Glyn and others, relative to the right derived to the company of Wharton and others from their Indian grant of lands within the colony; but as I consider it meant only to say, that unappropriated lands had better be purchased from the Indians or prime occupants, not denying the propriety of paying dues accustomed to the colony in which such lands lie, and complying with its laws; the objection against such an opinion loses its force.
I am well pleased to hear that you are going into Convention, and I hope your powers will be fully exerted in securing the peace and happiness of our country, by the adoption of a wise and free government. I shall be impatient to know your thoughts on these great subjects, and hope you will inform me as early as possible. Execute the length of this letter,
And believe me sincerely yours,
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
His Excellency Patrick Henry.
WASHINGTON TAVERN.
THE subscriber has taken a lease of this tenement for a number of years, and has put it in a state of repair which renders it not inferior to any in this City. Besides the Tavern he has detached buildings, well calculated to accommodate those who are anxious of greater privacy than a tavern usually affords. These tenements adjoin the public square, and are within two hundred yards of the Capitol. They have detached advantages over every other house in this City, with respect to pure air and excellent water. He has good stables and a constant supply of the best forage. He renders his services to his friends and the public, and assures them, that no unlawful gaming, nor any other practice which might, in any degree, have a tendency to disturb the peace of his house, will ever be permitted.
EDWARD HALLAM.
N. B. About THIRTY MEMBERS of the next ASSEMBLY may be such accommodated, of whom eighteen have already engaged.
CONFECTIONARY.
ALEXANDER PLAINVILLE respectfully acquaints the public in general, and the citizens of Richmond and its neighborhood in particular, that he has commenced the CONFECTIONARY and cordial DISTILLING BUSINESS in the brick house next door below Mr. Samuel Pleasants's book store, lately occupied by Mr. Jacob Wharton, where he will constantly keep for sale every article in his line of business, particularly cordials and PRESERVES, CAKES, &c. Orders from the country will be carefully and promptly executed.
September 26.
D. 25,000....D. 10,000....D. 5,000
PRIZES in the LOTTERY for the encouragement of LITERATURE, qualified by an act of the Legislature of the state of New-York.
Tickets in Class No. 3, for sale by B. H. JUDAH.
September 26.
SUPER-ROYAL PAPER.
FOR sale, for cash, or a note at 60 days, 50 reams SUPER-ROYAL PRINTING PAPER, of a good quality. RITCHIE & WORSLEY.
September 26.
A GREAT BARGAIN.
THE subscribers are authorized to sell by private sale, on liberal terms, and if not disposed of by the Second Monday in December ensuing, will in that day, at the Eagle Tavern, in the City of Richmond, put up to sale at public auction, without reserve, for cash, the entirety of a valuable TRACT of LAND, containing 1080 acres, in Spotsylvania county, within twenty miles of Fredericksburg. The tract is commonly known by the name of Gurnea's, and adjoins the lands of John Kenney, John Mitchell, Thomas Tuckers, and others. The money is that part merely the tax of Fredericksburg.
PROSSER & MONCURE, v. ms.
September 22.
ALL persons having claims on the estate of Col. Philip Pendleton dec. subscriber founded on private contracts, or his responsibility as Sheriff of King & Queen county, are requested to bring the evidences of their respective claims, before Thomas Claiborne Hoome, residing at King & Queen courthouse, (to whose management the aforesaid estate has been confided) in order that provision, commensurate with the demand may be immediately made by
EDWARD HILL, adm r , with the will annexed.

REVIEW.
A Treatise on Practical Farming: Embracing particularly the following subjects, viz: The use of Plaster of Paris, with directions for using it; and General Observations on the use of other manures. On deep Ploughing: Thick sowing of Grain: Method of preventing Fruit Trees from decaying: And Farming in General. By JOHN A. BINNS, of Loudoun county, Virginia, farmer. 2nd Edit. pr. by S. PLEASANTS, 1804.
"Whoever," says Swift, "can make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, deserves better of mankind, and does more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together." Such is the very extravagant compliment which this acute and much-admired writer, has paid to the useful agriculturist. It is extravagant, because it is not just. If the enlightened politician had not already secured to each man the produce of his own labour, exempt from all unnecessary taxation, the ingenuity and even the industry of the farmer, would have no inducement to display their influence. If the Turkish government in Syria had better protected the property of one individual against the violence of another, without encroaching itself upon the property of the people, Volney would never have witnessed the poverty of its farmers, obliged to plough their fields with a pointed and forked bough of a tree, and secreting in caves, far from the eye of the Pacha and his officers, the scanty produce of their industry.
If such a compliment were indeed compatible with truth, the author of the present treatise might claim a superior merit to many of the distinguished worthies of antient or modern times. The niche, which Mr. Binns would occupy in the temple of fame, under the ministry of such a judgment as this observation displays, would be more proudly pre-eminent, than those which would be ornamented by the busts of Solon and Lycurgus, of Jefferson and Fox. To such an exalted merit as this is, Mr. Binns will scarcely venture to aspire; and even were his expectations so ridiculously extravagant, it is not possible that any impartial judge will bear him out in his pretensions. All the merit to which he can conceive himself entitled, will result from his having made some experiments more conclusive than those which have been already instituted in our own state; by which our soil will probably be improved, and its productions considerably increased. This too is the degree of merit which no one who reads Mr. Binns's Treatise, and who relies on his own observations and in the certificates annexed, will be willing to refuse to him.
The Title-page of this little treatise, will sufficiently explain the nature of its contents. The principal part of its 82 pages in the duodecimo form, is taken up in explaining the uses of the Plaster of Paris in farming. To this important part of the treatise, therefore, the following observations and extracts will be principally confined.
If we consult the books of chemistry, we shall find that Plaster of Paris, or Gypsum, as it is technically called, is one of that class of bodies, which are called Neutral Salts. Like all other substances of that class, it contains an acid with a fixable base. The acid of Gypsum, is the vitriolic or sulphuric, sometimes called in the apothecaries shops the oil of vitriol. This is an acid which any one may make by burning brimstone under a close tumbler, particularly if the combustion be facilitated by mixing some nitre with it. The acid, which rises in a smoke, will be condensed into the form of drops against the side of the tumbler. The base of this Plaster is common lime. Water also constitutes a part of the combination. The researches of the indefatigable Kirwan have attempted to establish the proportion between these ingredients. He found in 100 parts by weight of the Plaster, about 32 parts of lime, 30 of the sulphuric acid, and 38 of water. Mr. Binns has made the proportion of acid much less; when in his 22nd page, he allows one ounce only of the oil of vitriol to three pounds of genuine Plaster. This substance has acquired different names from its different texture and external appearance. The lapis specularis and alabaster are of this kind. By the artists, it is principally employed for the casting of small statues, medals and other ornaments. When they expose it to a moderate degree of heat, part of its water is driven off. The dry powder which remains, is mixed with water to the consistency of thin paste, and poured into a proper mould. The proper impression is thus received.
The Gypsum, which comes to this country, is principally brought from France and Nova Scotia. Du Prat has informed us, that it is to be found in Upper Louisiana, whence the Atlantic States will probably procure it at some future day, when the labour of that country shall have become cheaper and the navigation of its rivers more improved. The current price of the Plaster in stone at Richmond, is about 3 dollars per ton.
The experiments and observations which Mr. Binns has made on the uses of this Plaster in farming, are susceptible of a very familiar distribution. We may arrange them as to the practice and as to the theory. Having stated the facts which occurred to him in the course of his rural operations, it was natural for Mr. Binns to make some efforts to explain them.
FACTS.
His experiments were principally made on the vegetation of Indian Corn, Wheat, Oats and Clover. The result of the most important experiments which he originally made, are thus detailed:
In 1787 I purchased about ten bushels of plaster, which I used as follows—about three and a half bushels on an acre of red clover orchard grass, &c. (But the use of this land, as it was called, produced from my neighbors a great deal of ridicule.) The first year the crop of clover was but small, but the next season it was so fine that it drew the attention of the neighborhood to enquire what was the cause of its luxuriant growth. I informed them that I had plastered it, which I supposed was the cause. It was discoverable from their countenance that they did not believe me. What is worthy of notice, there was an old road that ran through this ground, on which the clover was equal to any in the neighborhood, and the other far surpassed any that I had seen. I sowed some on a piece of timothy, which caused it to produce, in the first year, nearly one third more than that on the adjacent ground—the next season, without any addition of the plaster, it produced nearly double the quantity, and was greatly mixed with white clover. The third year there appeared to be the same difference. I had, this season, also sowed some on a small spot of spear-grass on a very poor bottom and on examining the next season, there was but a small quantity of the spear-grass remaining, and a copious growth of white and red clover in its place, so that it was with difficulty the hay could be made on the ground where it grew—I put a parcel of it on some corn in the hill, which produced about 22 bushels; the other part of the field yielding about twelve bushels to the acre; but I could not perceive any difference in the wheat the next season: another field was planted and re-planted four times, but it did not stand until the middle of June, owing to the quantity of blackbirds and worms that infested the field. About the last time of re-planting I had
read a small treatise recommending liming the wheat as a preventative: Instead of lime, I used the plaster, by rolling the corn with it at the rate of a peck of plaster to a bushel of corn, which appeared to come up much more luxuriant than that planted without the plaster; I then supposed the luxuriant appearance to proceed from the warmth of the earth, but found when gathering the crop (after a dry season) that one hill which was plastered was worth nearly two that were not; it produced nearly twenty-five bushels to the acre. Some few years after, the worms again attacked my corn, I again rolled the corn as before mentioned with the plaster of swamp or black hellebore, which again restrained the worms, as well as birds; and having a favorable fall, I made upwards of thirty-five bushels of corn to the acre. I was then fully convinced that rolling the plaster with the corn was the most valuable way of using it; and it was agreed that my corn was worth nearly twice as much per acre as any of my neighbors; nevertheless it was some few years after before they could get over their objections against its being used in that way. [P. 6. 7.]
This cultivated scene of his first improvements was afterwards exchanged for the farm on which he now resides. The soil of it was so unproductive that "it was generally thought by his friends that he was going to a place which was worn out, and that he must starve on it." He proceeded with his experiments on the vegetation of the Gypsum.
In the year 1798, I found sowed thereon twenty-one acres of wheat, and about eight of rye—the wheat was chiefly on corn ground, the rye was on fallow. On about ten acres of the wheat I sowed five bushels of plaster, which produced about ten bushels to the acre; the other that was not plastered produced about five bushels; the rye was not more than five bushels to the acre. I planted this year, after laying the plantation off into three fields, about fifty acres of corn, a part of which was rolled in plaster, and plastered on the hill when about six inches high, at about one bushel per acre. A second part was not rolled but plastered on the hill in the same manner; a third part was rolled but not put on the hill; a fourth part was neither rolled nor plastered: The first produced between seven and eight bushels to the acre; the second between five and six; the third about the same; the fourth not more than three: This corn was planted about fifteen hundred hills to the acre. In the fall all the corn ground was sowed in wheat, and ten acres of rye was sown on stubble, without rolling, (being unable to obtain the plaster.) In the month of March I plastered about two-thirds of the wheat: a part of the corn ground that had been plastered on the corn, I did not put on any plaster. Here I perceived but little difference. The product was about sixteen bushels per acre. A part of the corn ground, which was not plastered on the hill, was plastered on the wheat, this produced about sixteen bushels per acre, whilst the other, which was not plastered, only produced about eight. On a part of the rye I put a bushel of plaster to the acre, in the fall; I produced about sixteen bushels per acre, whilst that which was not plastered, only about seven. One acre of this rye I put a bushel of plaster on in the spring, but it was no better than that which was not plastered. The white clover amongst the stubble where the plaster was scattered, grew about fifteen inches high by the first of October, and as thick as it was possible for it to stand, which excited the wonder and admiration of my neighbors; this induced some of them to use a little on their corn and grass. Some of them affirmed that I must have collected all the manure in the settlement and put it on the ground, before the sowing it down with wheat: others declared they would have nothing to do with it, for they believed after two or three such crops my land must be ruined. This idea was kept up by them for years to their injury, before they generally fell into the use of the plaster, and they never have until a year or two past, used it in sufficient quantities to give it a fair and impartial trial. [P. 9. 10.]
In the year 1795, I cultivated the third field, containing fifty-four acres, most of which was as poor ground to appearance as I ever saw: several of my neighbors declared it to be entirely worn out; and if I raised corn there it might be raised in the main roads; it was planted about four feet each way, with half a bushel of plaster to every bushel of corn rolled therewith; and in this instance, the corn had no more plaster, being unable to get it manufactured in proper time. The product was near four hundred bushels; it being near the road drew the attention of those who passed by; it was thought to be the best upland corn in the county, and equal to or not superior to the river bottoms; this field was sowed in wheat between three and four pecks per acre, without rolling, owing to the difficulty of obtaining it at that fall: About the middle of April following I sowed half a bushel of plaster to the acre (except one acre which was worth little or nothing) it was supposed at the time of sowing the plaster it would not produce four bushels per acre; it produced upwards of six hundred bushels of heavy plump wheat. The white and red clover the summer following was in general six inches high, and as thick as it could well stand. This year laid off an acre of red clover, (sown the spring before) and sowed on it one and a half bushels of plaster: the growth of it was so luxuriant that it lodged before it was cut, and the reader will scarcely credit it when I tell him that upon straightening the stalks, I found a great many of them six feet long. It was supposed to contain at least four tons of hay the first cutting, the second cutting produced about three thousand weight, which I attributed to a drought immediately after taking off the first crop. [P. 12. 13.]
The two most abundant harvests, which were obtained by the use of the Plaster, are represented in the following manner:
In the year 1797 I planted fifty acres of corn, chiefly with two bands and two horses, (the other part of my force being engaged in a work of a different kind.) The corn was rolled with the plaster & a decoction of hellebore, and afterwards plastered on the hill with a bushel to the acre, which produced me four hundred and thirty seven bushels of corn, and about seven hundred bushels of wheat. I planted this year about five eights of an acre of corn, which was rolled and plastered: from this ground I gathered twelve barrels of corn.
In 1799 I let out all the ground I intended to cultivate this season, (my hands and horses having other employment) excepting ten acres, six of which were the poorest in the field, being a good deal washed into gullies, and was refused by the tenant. The four acres I planted with corn, in drills, using the plaster with a decoction of the hellebore, as before mentioned, and as soon as it came up I sowed one bushel of Nova-Scotia plaster to an acre. The produce was sixteen barrels per acre.
In the next section he proceeds to explain the difference between the various kinds of Plaster. He describes the different texture and appearance of the French and Nova Scotia Plaster, & lays down some tests for the selection of the best kinds:
"There is but one color of the French plaster, which is of a yellowish cast, and consists chiefly, I conceive, of a vitriolated sulphur, and produces a sulphurous smell when manufactured; but there appear to be two kinds of grain, one is of a dry coarse sandy appearance, and very soft, which is quick and powerful when sowed on grass, wheat, or corn, &c. in the spring of the year; the other kind is not so quick and powerful in its operation as the first, but is of the same color, the grain is much finer and hard, and has not so much appearance of sand in it. In the Nova Scotia plaster, I have discovered two kinds of grain, and several different colors, some of which have been variegated. I have used for eight or ten years past almost every kind; the first I purchased was variegated, the greater part was of the color of a cherry; in the same stone there would be a grey color mixed with a red; the red part was of a sandy appearance, which would melt like sugar, leaving very little grit in the mouth, and so would the grey part, which was soft, and had the appearance of rotten chalk; this plaster was the quickest in its effect of any I ever tried; having but a small quantity of it, I made five bushels sowed about twenty acres, which made the wheat and white clover grow very large; it likewise changed the
appearance of the soil in the course of ten days, which was a red complexion, to that of a mulatto soil, which was discoverable to every eye that saw it. The next year I had of the Nova Scotia plaster, several colors, white, grey, blue, yellow and red: I tried a small quantity of each, as also some French plaster; the preference for quickness and power, I gave first to the red Nova Scotia, secondly to the yellow, and thirdly to the French; the other kinds appeared to have no effect until the year following, and then I think they had rather the greatest effect on grass."
"There is also another way of knowing good plaster; that is, when there is clay sticking around it, and upon breaking the stone, you find it to look moist, and dissolve quickly in the mouth, then it is good; but if upon breaking the stone it appears dry, and upon biting it you find a grit on the teeth, and dissolving slowly in the mouth, the plaster is but indifferent. [P. 27. 29. 31.]
In the next section he attempts to explain in a very general manner, its effect upon the different soils which appeared on his farm. This part of the dissertation is extremely imperfect.
Mr. Binns has attempted to show, not only that the Gypsum is the best manure, but that it is the most permanent in its effects which has yet been tried. For the authentication of this fact, the following certificate has been introduced:
"WE do hereby certify, that about nine years ago we plastered about four acres of ground, the middle of an old poor field, with six bushels of Plaster of Paris, and have never plastered the ground since, nor yet manured it with any other manure, except rolling the corn planted in the field, before or since plastering of it, and have always discovered that spot of ground to bring at least five times as much of wheat or grass as any other part of the field; and have also seen stalks of clover upwards of four feet in height; and intend mowing that spot of ground this present year although the same has not had any Grass seed sown on it since it was plastered; and consider that spot of ground equal to any on our farm and believe the plaster to have a more lasting effect than any other manure we ever tried.—Given under our hands this 6th of June, 1803."
WILLIAM CLAYTON. ISRAEL CLAYTON.
[P. 78.] Perhaps it may be contended by some that the plaster may be admirably adapted to the soil of the upper and interior country; but that it will not suit the lands on the margin of the rivers and the sea. This position, which is (I believe) advocated by Judge Peters of Pennsylvania in his treatise on the uses of the Plaster, is controverted by our author in the following most satisfactory manner. En passant it may not be unnecessary to observe, that an intelligent gentleman of Middlesex, who made the experiment with corn, on the margin of a salt marsh, declared in my presence that the Plaster contributed in a most astonishing degree to the improvement of the land:
"It is the opinion of some persons, that the Plaster of Paris will have no effect on the lands near the Salt water course, which may prevent a number from using it. I consider this opinion erroneous: their lands, in such places generally speaking are light and sandy; on such it may not have any apparent effect the first year, but I think I can venture to assert, that in the course of two or three years it will make the lands produce any kind of grain, much better than without. From several years experience I have found, that soaking the wheat in strong brine, and then mixing the plaster also with brine, is very beneficial. I think from its retaining the moisture longer when mixed with water, the wheat comes up quicker, and in a dry season is an advantage, which I think was clearly evinced on my farm the last fall—finding in the use of brine an advantage, I cannot help differing from those, who suppose it will have no effect upon the salt water coast. [P. 69.]
The reader will find many other observations, interspersed throughout the work, on the uses of the Plaster.
THEORY.
There are three principal ways by which gypsum or any other manure, may contribute to the vegetation of plants. 1st. It may supply from its bosom, some part of the nourishment of the plant. 2d. It may assimilate or provide some other substance for its nourishment; or 3d. It may without contributing to its nourishment, contribute to its growth by stimulating its vegetative powers. Is there any part of the Plaster which is absorbed by the plant? Is there any substance which it either attracts, or which it decomposes, for the nourishment of the plant? Does the Plaster stimulate the roots of the plant? These are consequently the enquiries which may be made on the uses of this plaster.
It is the opinion of some, that it operates by its attraction for the moisture, which the plant converts into nourishment. Mr. Binns has attempted to refute this opinion by the following observations:
"Plaster has not the power of attracting from the air (as is frequently asserted) but salt and lime have: for instance, if you will mix lime and a strong brine with it, it will make the plaster stick to the wheat; but without lime and brine, it will fall off in a short time, unless you are continually wetting it. Another thing will prove that it has not the power of attraction: take a small piece of plaster and limestone, first pulverise each stone, then calcine each parcel equally alike, wet and role each in a ball, and you will find the ball of plaster will dry up immediately, and become harder and drier than when in a crude state. The limestone will continue wet for some time after the plaster is dry, and will remain in a soft state; this is sufficient to prove that the plaster is composed of parts different from that of limestone.—The plaster I suppose to be of a sulphuric acid and limestone of the carbonic. [P. 69.]
His own opinion of the operative principles of the Plaster, are to my judgment equally unsatisfactory:
"3d. I consider it to be of a different nature, and will dissolve on the ground by one shower of rain almost as quick as loaf-sugar. It therefore acts as an immediate stimulus to the earth; which no other manure will do, it taking a considerable time for it to rot and mix with the soil.
"4th. I believe it possesses an astringent quality; for if sowed on a light soil, it will stiffen and close the ground and thereby prevent it from washing in gullies.
"5th. I conceive it possesses a cooling nature to the earth and vegetation; for if sowed on grass, corn, and heat in the heat of summer, it will on some soils after a shower of rain, shew its effects in forty eight hours; but if sowed in the winter season, it will make no shew until the spring of the year, and thereby differs from any other kind of manure. [P. 25.]
Kirwan has attempted to resolve its operation into the second general method, which I have explained; into its decomposing and assimilating power.
Mr. Kirwan asserts, "That the gypsum used with success in agriculture is of a fibrous texture; and that clay lands, he believes, to be more improved by it than calcareous ones. The time of spreading it is in February or March, and it is then to be thinly strewed on grass-land at the rate of about eight bushels to an acre; as more he says would be hurtful. He further adds that the theory of its effects is to be deduced from its extraordinary septic power; as it is found to accelerate putrefaction in a higher degree than any other substance, (Histoire de Putrefaction, p. 36), whence it is not to be ploughed in, but barely to be strewed on the surface of the land in the month of February, to convert the old grass quickly into coal to nourish the young growths."
This subject therefore appears to be involved in obscurity and doubt. The field of discovery yet remains open for the curious enquirer; a rich harvest of discovery is yet destined to reward his persevering exertions. To some of the following topics, he might perhaps usefully direct his experiments and researches.
1st. How is the best kind of gypsum to be ascertained?
2d. To what kinds of soil is it best adapted?
3d. To what species of plants is it best adapted?
4th. How much of it is suited to each soil and plant?
5th. What is the best way of employing it?
6th. In what season of the year ought it to be used?
7th. How does it operate; by its own decomposition, by attraction and assimilation, or by its stimulating power?
BARON HUMBOLDT.
From the "Literary Magazine, and American Register."
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATION.
The following abstract of the American Travels of the celebrated Baron Humboldt and his companion Bonpland, has been drawn up from notes which the former has kindly furnished, and will supercede the many very incorrect accounts hitherto published relative to this interesting object.
Baron Humboldt, having travelled from the year 1790, as a naturalist, through Germany, Poland, France, Switzerland, and through parts of England, Italy, Hungary, and Spain, came to Paris in 1798, when he received an invitation, from the directors of the national museum, to accompany captain Baudin in his voyage round the world.—Citizen Alexander Aime Goujon Bonpland, a native of Rochelle, and brought up in the Paris museum, was also to have accompanied them; when on the point of departing the whole plan was suspended until a more favorable opportunity, owing to the recommencement of the war with Austria, and to the consequent want of funds.
Mr. Humboldt, who, from 1792, had conceived the plan of travelling through India at his own expence, with a view of adding to the knowledge of the sciences connected with natural history, then resolved to follow the learned men, who had gone on the expedition to Egypt.—His plan was to go to Algiers in the Swedish frigate which carried the Consul Skoldebrandt, to follow the caravan which goes from Algiers to Mecca, going through Egypt to Arabia, and thence by the Persian gulph to the English East-India establishments. The war which unexpectedly broke out in October 1798, between France and the Barbary powers, and the troubles in the East, prevented Mr. Humboldt from embarking at Marseilles, where he had been fruitfully two months waiting to proceed. Impatient at this delay, and continuing firm in his determination to go to Egypt, he went to Spain, hoping to pass more readily under the Spanish flag from Carthagena to Algiers and Tunis. He took with him the large collection of philosophical, chemical, and astronomical instruments, which he had purchased in England and France.
From a happy concurrence of circumstances, he obtained, in February, 1799, from the court of Madrid, a permission to visit the Spanish colonies of the two Americas, a permission which was granted with a liberality and frankness, which was honorable to the government and to a philosophic age. After a residence of some months at the Spanish court, during which time the king showed a strong personal interest in the plan, Mr. Humboldt, in June, 1799, left Europe, accompanied by Mr. Bonpland, who, to a profound knowledge in botany and zoology, added an indefatigable zeal. It is with this friend that Mr. Humboldt has accomplished, at his own expence, his travels in the two hemispheres, by land and sea, probably the most extensive which any individual has ever undertaken.
These two travellers left Corunna in the Spanish ship Pizarro, for the Canary Islands, where they ascended to the crater of the Peak of Teyde, and made experiments on the analysis of the air. In July they arrived at the port of Cumana, in South America. In 1799, 1800, they visited the coast of Paria, the missions of the Chaymas Indians, the province of New Andalusia (a country which had been rent by the most dreadful earthquakes, the hottest, and yet the most healthy in the world) of New Barcelona, of Venezuela, and of Spanish Guayana.—In January, 1800, they left Caracas to visit the beautiful valleys of Aragua, where the great lake of Valencia recalls to the mind the views of the lake of Geneva, embellished by the majesty of the vegetation of the tropics. From Porto Cabello they crossed to the south, the immense plains of Callabozo, of Apure, and of the Orinoco, also Los Llanos, a desert similar to those of Africa, where in the shade (by the reverberation of heat) the thermometer of Reaumur rose to 35 and 37 (111 to 115 F.) degrees. The level of the country for 2000 square leagues does not differ 5 inches. The sand every where represents the horizon of the sea, without vegetation; and its dry bosom hides the crocodiles, and the torpid boa (a species of serpent.) The travelling here, as in all Spanish America, except Mexico, is performed on horseback.—They passed whole days without seeing a palm-tree, or the vestige of a human dwelling. At St. Fernando de Apure, in the provinces of Varinas, Messrs. Humboldt and Bonpland began that fatiguing navigation of nearly 1000 marine leagues executed in canoes, making a chart of the country by the assistance of chronometers, the satellites of Jupiter, and the lunar distances. They descended the river Apure, which empties itself into the Orinoco, in 7 degrees of latitude. They ascended the last river (passing the celebrated cataracts of Maypore and Atures) to the mouth of the Guaviare. From hence they ascended the small rivers of Tabara, Juanini, and Temi. From the mission of Sarita they crossed by land to the sources of the famous Rio Negro, which Condamine saw, where it joins the Amazon, and which he calls a few of fresh water. About 30 Indians carried the canoes through the woods of Mami, Lecythis, and Laurus Cinnamomoides, to the canoe (or creek) of Pimichin. It was by this small stream that the travellers entered the Rio Negro, or Black River, which they descended to St. Carlos, which has been erroneously supposed to be placed under the equator, or just at the frontiers of Great Para, in the government of Brazil. A canal from Temi to Pimichin, which from the level nature of the ground is very practicable, would present a fine internal communication between the Para and the province of Caracas, a communication infinitely shorter than that of Casiquiare.—From the fortress of St. Carlos on the Rio Negro, Mr. H. went north up that river and the Casiquiare to the Orinoco, and on this river to the volcano Daida, or the mission of the Esmeralda, near the sources of Orinoco: the Indians Guaiacas (a race of men almost pigmies, very white and very warlike) render fruitless any attempts to reach the sources themselves.
From the Esmeralda, Messrs. H. and B. went down the Orinoco, when the waters rose, towards its mouth at St. Thomas de la Guayana, or the Angostura. It was during this long navigation that they were in a continued state of suffering, from want of nourishment and shelter, from the night rains, from living in the woods, from the musquitoes, and an infinite variety of stinging insects, and from the impossibility of bathing, owing to the fierceness of the crocodile and the little crab fish, and finally the miasmata of a burning climate. They returned to Cumana by the plains of Cari and the mission of the Carab Indians, a race of men very different from any other, and probably, after the Patagonians, the tallest and most robust in the world.
After remaining some months at New Barcelona and Cumana, the travellers arrived at the Havana, after a tedious and dangerous navigation, the vessel being in the night on the point of striking upon the Vibora rocks. Mr. H. remained three months in the island of Cuba, where he occupied himself in ascertaining the longitude of the Havana, and in constructing flutes on the sugar plantations, which have since been pretty generally adopted. They were on the point of setting off for Vera Cruz, meaning, by the way of Mexico and Acapulco, to go to the Philippine islands, and from thence, if it was possible, by Bombay and Aleppo, to Constantinople, when some false reports relative to Baudin's voyage alarmed them, and made them change their plan. The gazettes held out the idea that this navigator would proceed from France to Buenos Ayres, and from thence by Cape Horn, for Chili and the coast of Peru. Mr. Humboldt had promised to Mr. Baudin, and to the Museum of Paris, that wherever he might be, as soon as he should know of its having been commenced. He flattered himself that his researches, and those of his friend Bonpland, might be more useful to science, if united to the labors of the learned men who would accompany capt. Baudin.
These considerations induced Mr. Humboldt to send his manuscripts, for 1799 and 1800, direct to Europe, and to freight a small Schooner at Batabano, intending to go to Carthagena, and from thence, as quickly as possible, by the Isthmus of Panama, to the South Sea. He hoped to find capt. Baudin at Guayaquil, or at Lima, and with him to visit New Holland, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean, equally interesting in a moral point of view, as by the luxuriance of their vegetation.
It appeared imprudent to expose the manuscripts and collections already made to the risks of this proposed navigation. These manuscripts, the fate of which Mr. H. remained ignorant during three years, and until his arrival in Philadelphia, arrived safe; but one third part of the collection was lost, by shipwreck.—Fortunately (except the insects of the Orinoco and of the Rio Negro) they were only duplicates; but unhappily friar John Gonzales, monk of the order of St. Francis, the friend to whom they were entrusted, perished, with them. He was a young man full of ardor, who had penetrated into this unknown world of Spanish Guyana further than any other European.
Mr. Humboldt left Batabano in March, 1801, and passed to the south of the island of Cuba, on which he determined many geographical positions. The passage was rendered very long by calms, and the currents carried the little Schooner too much to the west, to the mouth of the Ataracho. The vessel put into the river Sinu, which no botanist had ever before visited, and they had a very difficult passage up to Carthagena. The season being too far advanced for the South Sea navigation, the project of crossing the Isthmus was abandoned; and animated with the desire of being acquainted with the celebrated Mutis, and admiring his immensely rich collections of objects of natural history, Mr. H. determined to pass some weeks in the woods of Turbaco, and ascend (which took 40 days) the beautiful river of Madelaine, of the course of which he sketched a chart.
From Honda, our travellers ascended through forests of oaks, of melastoma and of chincona (the tree which affords the Peruvian bark) to St. Fe de Bogota, capital of the kingdom of New-Grenada, situated in a fine plain, elevated 1860 toises (of six French feet) above the level of the sea. The superb collections of Mutis, the majestic cataract of the Tequedama (falls of 98 toises height) the mines of Mariquita, St. Ana, and of Zipaquira, the natural bridge of Sconzonza, three stones thrown together in the manner of an arch, by an earthquake, these curious objects flattered the progress of Messrs. Humboldt and Bonpland until the month of September, 1801.
At this time, notwithstanding the rainy season had commenced, they undertook the journey to Quito, and passed the Andes of Quidin, which are snowy mountains covered with wax palm trees, palms a cire, with pale flowers, passion flowers of the growth of trees, floris, and bambusa, bamboo. They were during 13 days, obliged to pass on foot through places dreadfully swampy, and without any traces of population.
(To be continued.)
LOW FOR READY MONEY.
FOR sale, an able NEGRO MAN, who has been accustomed to the use of the spade and scythe, and who will make a valuable labourer to a master residing in the country. Apply at the office of the Enquirer. August 5. eW4w
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 measure, 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 flick 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. epim.
LOW FOR CASH, OR ON SHORT CREDIT, Direct from Penington's Manufactory, Philadelphia;
LOAF SUGAR,
OF an excellent quality, either by the hogshead, barrel, or single loaf. The supply will be regular and large. ALSO—BAR IRON, by the ton or single bar: IRON CASTINGS of various kinds, by the ton or single piece, among which are a few tons of 50 and 60 lbs. weights. MICAHAJ DAVIS. 4th of 7th mo. 1804. [eW6m]