Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1809-06-30 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVIIth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1666.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS,) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—Paid in Advance.]
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1809.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
Foreign News.
BRITISH AFFAIRS.
[We made mention in our last paper of a peace concluded between G. Britain and Turkey; we now present our readers with a copy of the treaty.]
CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 12.
A treaty of peace, concluded with England, has just been published: it is in the following terms:
In the name of the most merciful God, the object of this faithful and authentic instrument is as follows:
Notwithstanding the appearance of a misunderstanding, in consequence of the events of the times, between the Sublime Porte and the Court of London, these two powers, equally animated by a sincere desire to establish the ancient friendship which subsisted between them, have named, for this purpose, their respective plenipotentiaries, viz.
His majesty the very powerful and very magnificent sultan, Mahmoud the 2d, emperor of the Ottomans, has named for his plenipotentiaries, Seyd Mehmed Emin Vahad Effendi, director and inspector of the department called Meneauset, and bearing the rank of nechanchi of the imperial divan, and his very august and very honored majesty George the 3d of the kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, having appointed his minister plenipotentiary, Mr. R. Adair, member of the imperial parliament of G. Britain, who, having reciprocally communicated their full powers, have, after several conferences and discussions, concluded a peace equally desired by both powers, according to the following articles:
Art. 1. From the moment of the signature of the present treaty all acts of hostilities shall cease between England & Turkey, & the prisoners on both sides, in consequence of this happy peace shall be at liberty in 31 days after the signature of the treaty, or sooner if possible.
Art. 2. If there should be any places belonging to the Sublime Porte in possession of Great Britain, they are to be restored and given up to the Sublime Porte, with all their cannon, ammunition and other effects, in the same condition in which they were found when occupied by the English; and this restitution must take place within 31 days after the signature of this treaty.
Art. 3. If there shall be any effects or property appertaining to English merchants, or sequestered under the jurisdiction of the Sublime Porte, that shall be all returned, and restored to the proprietors; and in like manner if there shall be effects, property or vessels appertaining to the merchants and subjects of the Sublime Porte, under sequestration at Malta, or in the other isles and states of his Britannic majesty they shall in like manner be entirely returned and restored to the proprietors.
Art. 4. The articles of the treaty stipulated in the Turkish year 1236, in the moon Djunaziat Akber, as also the act relative to the commerce of the Black Sea, and the other privileges (midjinzals) equally established by the acts of subsequent periods, shall be observed and maintained as heretofore, and as if they had not suffered any interruption.
Art. 5. In consequence of the good treatment and favor granted by the Sublime Porte to the English merchants with respect to their merchandise and property, and every thing of which they may stand in need and in like manner with regard to all objects tending to facilitate their commerce, England shall reciprocally grant entire favor, and an amicable treatment to the subjects, and merchants of the Sublime Porte, who shall hereafter frequent the states of his Britannic majesty to exercise commerce.
Art. 6. The tariff of the customs which was lately fixed at Constantinople, at the rate of 3 per cent. and especially this article, which respects internal commerce, shall be constantly observed as they have been regulated.—To this England promises to conform.
Art. 7. The ambassador of his majesty the king of Great Britain shall fully enjoy the honors enjoyed by other nations at the Sublime Porte;
and, reciprocally, the ambassadors of the Sublime Porte to the court of London shall fully enjoy all the honors which shall be granted to ambassadors of Great Britain.
Art. 8. It shall be permitted to name shabbanders (consuls) at Malta, and in the states of his Britannic majesty, wherever it may be necessary to inspect the affairs and interests of the Turkish merchants, and the same treatment and privileges which are allowed to English consuls residing in the Ottoman states, shall be rigidly observed towards the shabbanders of the Sublime Porte.
Art. 9. The English consuls and ambassadors shall, according to custom, employ such dragomans as they may have occasion for; but as it has been before decreed by common consent, the Sublime Porte will not grant the berat of dragoman in favor of individuals who do not exercise that function in the place of their destination.—It is agreed conformably to this principle, that henceforward the berat shall not be granted to any person of the rank of tradesman or banker, nor to any one who shall keep a shop or manufactory in the public market, or who shall be concerned in affairs of this kind; and he shall not be appointed by the English consuls from among the subjects of the Sublime Porte.
Art. 10. The English patent of protection shall not be granted to any person from among the dependants of merchants, subject to the Sublime Porte, nor shall there be delivered to them any passport from the ambassadors or consuls, without the permission of the Sublime Porte.
Art. 11. As it has been at all times forbidden for ships of war to enter the canal of Constantinople, viz. in the strait of the Dardanelles, or that of the Black Sea, and as that ancient rule of the Ottoman empire must be henceforward observed in time of peace, by all powers whatever, the British court promises to conform to this principle.
Art. 12. The ratification of the present treaty of peace, between the high contracting powers, shall be exchanged at Constantinople in the space of ninety-one days, from the date of the present treaty, or sooner if possible.
CONCLUSION.
In order that the peace which has been happily concluded and re-established, with the assistance of God, and in virtue of the sincerity and fidelity of the two parties, consisting in the 12 articles above mentioned, and that the exchange of the ratifications may definitely have effect, I, the plenipotentiary of the Sublime Porte, furnished with full powers, have in virtue of those same full imperial powers, signed and sealed this instrument, which, having been, in like manner, signed by the plenipotentiary of the padishan of G. Britain according to the tenor of their full powers, I have committed to the said plenipotentiary the present in exchange, for another instrument exactly conformable, written in the French language, which has been transmitted to me on his part.
FROM THE AURORA.
Our files of London papers, abound with matter of curiosity in various respects, as they relate to the government, policy, morals, corruption, and universal profligacy that prevails in Great Britain.
The development of the nefarious corruption and profligacy of the "hopes of the family" of Great Britain, the general in chief of the British army, has forced him to make another retreat; but there ends the punishment of this royal criminal, while poor rogues and poor men, who are not rogues, are sent to the gallows or to close confinement.
Meetings have been held in most of the counties, towns and cities of England, expressing by votes, their thanks to a member of the house of commons, who, upon his own manly and virtuous determinations, undertook to bring the royal profligate to a strict test. At the meeting in Westminster, for the purpose of thanking col. Wardle, sir Francis Burdett, contrasted the unity that escaped, with the innocence that was punished, in the person of a Mr. Lomaitre, a mathematical instrument maker, who was
taken up upon a ridiculous allegation of meditating to shoot the British king with a pop-gun; this man had been confined upon the mere fiat of a minister, detained without further accusation, he had gone into prison a youth, in the prime of life, and with skill in his profession, and after seven years close detention in a dungeon, had come forth with his head bleached by wretchedness, want, and seclusion from society. The living witness of this farce was by sir Francis on the hustings.
He also referred to the case of Mr. White, the editor of the Independent Whig, who for exposing the abuses of power, was sentenced to a cruel confinement, and this injustice aggravated by his removal from his family, to the jail of Dorchester, above 100 miles from London. Upon his trial the jury was packed, the clerk of the crown having taken the roll from the sheriff, and packed the panel.
These and other oppressions, he contrasted with the patronage held and exercised by prostitutes, over the three departments, the military, the civil and the ecclesiastical.—Five different clergymen were detected in obtaining patronage by bribery of the kept mistresses of the duke of York.
Numerous military commissions. Places in the customs and colonies. Contracts and jobs, all sold by this concubine.
Another of the royal dukes, that of Cambridge, was implicated in the same way.
The duke of Portland and one of the archbishops were likewise implicated.
Lord Castlereagh president of the board of control, and a cabinet minister, was charged, and audaciously confessed the fact, with having employed corrupt means to secure a seat in Parliament for another lord and member of the board of control, or the title of lord Clancarty. He not only admitted but justified it, and determined to maintain his station of minister, and what was not more extraordinary—he had a majority of the House of Commons in his favor on a vote of censure being offered. Castlereagh was openly alleged to have been the agent who distributed two million of pounds to bribe the Irish Parliament into the union.
The same profligacy had extended to the military and civil promotions in the East-India company's service. Thellusson, one of the directors, had obtained in a short period the nomination for appointments of three writers (the title given to young men who go in the East-India company's civil service to India)—the laws forbid the sale of such appointments by the directors. Thellusson presented the right of nomination to his cousin, and this cousin sold the appointments for about 50,000 dollars! And this man set up again for a director! What but the plunder of Asia, would repay such anticipation of plunder; what but the plunder and debasement of mankind could uphold such profligacy as the British government exhibits?
Among the plunderers, detected in this rage for investigation, the notorious John Bowles, the apostle of Anti-Jacobinism, the great terrorist, he who recommended himself by instituting clubs of proscription in London, and instituting the detestable system of espionage; who in a book published by him, declared parliament and people wholly incapable and unenlightened to power or any other rights, but such as the king thought fit to allow, that the king was the tree, and the parliament and people only the branches, which might be cast off and the tree still flourish. This man, protected by Pitt, indicted for his offenses, was acquitted by a jury of true born Englishmen.—And this man has been found, in common with others of the same cast, a plunderer and dilapidator of the public money.
The boasted judiciary of England (we never could discover any thing but matter of detestation in this boasted British judiciary) had been proved to be as much contaminated as the other branches of the government; all the places of the courts being matter of barter and sale, the proceeds of which found their way to the pockets of the judges.
Debauchery, licentiousness, and ex-
travagance were never at so great a height; and what was deemed horrible a few years ago, when J. Horne Tooke in his petition, undertook to prove at the bar of Parliament that seats were bought in the house of commons, like stalls at a fair; the same facts are now reiterated in open debate, heard without denial or emotion, and justified as essential to the support of the government.
We subjoin a few extracts from the speeches on this subject.
House of Commons, Thursday, April 20.
A BILL TO PREVENT THE SALE OF PLACES.
The chancellor of the exchequer moved the order of the day, for the second reading of the bill for preventing the sale of places.
On the question being put, Lord Folkestone had but a few words to say on the subject. He observed, that these sort of preventive bills very rarely did any good. As long as temptations were suffered to remain, offences would be committed. Notwithstanding the provisions of such bills, the ingenuity of offenders would continue to evade them, at a little more expence or trouble. If the inquiry he had proposed a few nights since had been gone into, there would have been no occasion for the present measure. As to the offices connected with the courts of law, he found that they had been for a long time regularly bought and sold, but he could see no reason why this practice should be suffered to continue. There was another omission, however, in the act, which appeared to him of more material moment. The attention of the house had been much fixed to East-India writerships and cadetships, but there was another thing of much more consequence which had not been noticed.—It was most notorious that there was a traffic for other places, and also for seats in parliament.—(Hear! Hear! Hear!)—This was a thing most contrary to every idea of the constitution, & yet it was most notorious; and as it was most notorious, he thought the right honorable gentleman would do well to introduce a clause in his bill to prevent trafficking for seats in parliament. The treasury was the place where this traffic went on to the greatest and most corrupt extent. The secretary of the treasury was generally the agent in all those transactions on the part of the government. (Hear! Hear!) If gentlemen meant by this cheering to imply a doubt of his statement, he should be very happy to be allowed a committee to examine into the fact. At every dissolution of Parliament, there was an office open at the treasury, where the friends of administration stated their terms, and where persons made their bargains on different terms, according to the abilities with which they were supposed capable of supporting the government. This was his firm belief, and he believed it was also the belief of the public. He thought the house should correct abuses of this magnitude, at the same time that they were passing a bill with respect to minor offences.
Mr. BARKER observed, that as to the abuses in the East India company, he, as chairman of the committee appointed for the consideration of that subject, had brought down a recommendation to the house, that it was not necessary to pass any specific legislative measure on the subject. Although the system of the government of this country changed with the hands to whom it was confided, it was not so with the East India company. One of their regulations was, that at any distance of time, an appointment obtained corruptly would be set aside. He conceived that the present bill must be useful, as rendering this sort of corruption more difficult than it was before.
Mr. CREEVEY said, that the noble lord was perfectly correct in stating, that seats in the parliament had been notoriously bought and sold by the treasury. He would say, that this was not only his belief, but that it was within his knowledge. The treasury not only bought and sold these seats, but they kept in a great degree the monopoly of that market. If this was attempted to be denied by ministers, he should be glad to have the opportunity of proving it, and he could easily prove it from the lips of any one who had ever been secretary of the treasury. It was absolute nonsense and delusion on the public, for the house to spend
their time in considering abuses in the commissioners of the lottery, a department, when they knew and the public knew, that the greatest of all abuses was constantly practised by every secretary of the treasury, in buying & selling seats in parliament. To talk of a dissolution of parliament, as an appeal to the people, was mere mockery and impertinence. It was perfectly well known that a dissolution of parliament, was not an appeal to the people, but to the treasury. (Hear! Hear!) Although he had great respect for the last government, and owed some personal favors to them, yet he must say, that their dissolution of parliament, at the end of four years, like the dissolution by the present ministers, at the end of about four months, was not an appeal to the people but the treasury, (loud cries of Hear! Hear!) Until the house was disposed to suppress the odious and unconscionable traffic, the regulating on these minor abuses was mere mockery and delusion.
The CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer said he was happy to find that the noble lord (Lord Folkestone) had attributed what ever there was of obcurity in the bill, to the desire of making it as comprehensible as possible. He was also glad that the noble lord had admitted that the bill would render the commission of these offences more difficult in future. As to the purchase and sale of places connected with the courts of justice, that had prevailed from remote times, but he believed that it would not be said that the practice at all interfered with the purity of the administration of justice. As to what had been suggested with respect to the prevention of the traffic for seats in parliament, this would be a matter which might fairly be stated when the bill should come into a committee. If the noble lord or hon. gentleman would then bring forward any proposition of that sort, the house would be very ready to take it into their consideration. The noble lord had stated his firm belief of the existence of such transactions, and the honorable gentleman had gone further, and stated, that it was within his absolute knowledge. The honorable gentleman, to be sure, might have some knowledge from the confidence which was reposed in him by the late administration, with whom he was connected. (Loud cries of hear! hear!) He could not recollect, however, that the hon. gentleman (Mr. Creevey) had, at the time when a specific charge was brought against a secretary of the treasury for such interference, given the house the benefit of his knowledge. The house would perceive, that the case he alluded to was when a charge was brought against the secretary of the treasury, (Mr. Fremantle,) for interference in the election of Hampshire, where he was undoubtedly a freeholder. The hon. gentleman did not then tell the house a word of that practice which was in his own knowledge, of secretaries of the treasury corruptly interfering in the election of members of parliament. When he had that knowledge, how did it happen that his patriotism was a sleep on that remarkable occasion?—(Hear! Hear!) If he would, however, then bring forward impartially those specific facts that were within his own knowledge, he would probably find the house very ready to attend to them.
Mr. CREEVEY, in explanation, said, that what he had stated was not as a charge against any particular administration, but a mere matter of fact. The knowledge which he spoke of by no means proceeded from any confidence which had been reposed in him by his friends.
Mr. WHITEHEAD said, that he was happy that the suggestions of his noble & honorable friends appeared to be received with so much cordiality by the right honorable gentleman (the chancellor of the exchequer,) and that it seemed to be admitted that the practice of trafficking for seats of parliament was a thing which ought not to be tolerated. He supposed that when the right honorable gentleman (the chancellor of the exchequer) called upon an honorable friend of his (Mr. Creevey) to bring one set of cases before the House, he was also ready to practice that impartiality which he recommended, and bring forward those cases which were within his knowledge. (Hear! Hear!) It was nonsense to pretend to be ignorant of those abuses.
What member of Parliament was there that did not know that such things were done? Did not he know, did not every honorable gentleman know, did not every body in the house know, that there were many members who sat there, that were representatives of nothing but their own money? (Loud cries of Hear, hear! From the opposition benches.) And it was also known that many who had paid their money for their seats, still felt themselves dependent on other men, and if they differed from them felt those qualms of conscience or of honor which made them vacate both the seat and the money they

had paid for it. It was not certainly any charge against the present administration... had long known that those things were done and yet never brought it forward to Parliament in a proper shape. As to the case of the Hampshire election, the right honorable gentleman (the chancellor of the exchequer) happened at that time, for a very short portion of his life, to be in a minority. He (Mr. Windbread) had been for fifteen years generally in a minority, and therefore he was apt to think minorities right; but the right honorable gentleman who had been in a minority in that house, should rather be induced to suspect that he was wrong, when he acted so contrary to his usual practice. Without, however, meaning to arraign any particular secretary of the treasury, he would state generally, that under the present system, all secretaries of the treasury find themselves under the necessity of acting in this manner, and that there is always an open market at the treasury for bargains of this nature. If, however, the house was disposed to make it a misdemeanor to traffic in East India writeries and cadetships, they would certainly take some notice of a traffic which was equally notorious. but more scandalous and unconstitutional. If the right honorable gentleman would appeal to his noble neighbor (Lord Castlereagh), that noble lord would inform him, that in Ireland, about a million and a half had been paid for the purchase of boroughs, which was a decisive proof that those things were considered as money's worth, as a marketable commodity. It was impossible for him not to know that the practice which had prevailed to such an extent in a neighboring kingdom, also prevailed in this country. If this practice was not destroyed, it would be in the end destroy us. As to the tale of judicial situations, he did not pretend to say that it affected the policy of the administration, but he would still say that it was an anomaly, which should be removed. It would be easy to place the fees of their offices in a general fund, for increasing the salaries to the judges. He agreed perfectly with his honorable friend, Mr. Creevey that a dissolution of Parliament, was no appeal to the people but to the treasury. On the last dissolution ministers endeavored to see the people mad and then talked of appealing to their sense. The sense of the people had certainly some slight influence as a general election; but the great preponderating influence was the influence of the treasury.
Mr. WYNN approved of the principle of abolishing the sale of judicial offices in the manner stated by his honorable friend (Mr. Windbread). He could not, however, approve of the conduct of the East India Company in dismissing persons who had served them long and well, if it should be discovered that any thing of money transactions had passed at their original appointment, although entirely without their knowledge or privy.
Mr. THORNTON said, that the committee of finance had first suggested that the abolition of the sale of judicial places, precisely in the manner proposed by the honorable member (Mr. Windbread). In their report, they had recommended the applying the fees of these to a fund to remunerate the judges for any loss they might sustain.
The bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Tuesday se'night.
SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE AFFAIRS.
Bayonne, March 23. —Marlot, the General of division died yesterday in this city about four o'clock in the afternoon, of a putrid and malignant fever; his burial was performed this day with the greatest pomp. The superior officers and all the garrison of the place assisted.
March 25. —Letters from Madrid state that the Marquis de la Romana, after his defeat near Orense, offered to submit, on condition that the whole of his property & estates be returned to him. Palacio still continues in our town. His state of health does not permit him to undergo the fatigues of a journey. His General Staff has set out for Nancy.
Lisbon, April 1. Extract of a Letter from Chaves, March 25.
An official account has been received, that the Marquis de Romana has defeated the French in Villa Franca. I have myself seen the letter, he defeated them in a first attack, they then fortified themselves, and being surrounded lost a great number of men. At length they surrendered, to the amount of 2150 men, with two magazines of provisions, one of ammunition, a great quantity of arms, and eight millions of reals. Their communication is cut off with Spain, except Oporto, and everything goes on as it should do.
The letter then proceeds to give the particulars of the surrender of Port St. Francisco, at Chaves, where were made prisoners 749 soldiers, and 12 pieces of artillery.
Lisbon, April 4. GENERAL ORDERS. Head Quarters, Coehorn, April 2, 1809. Soldiers, The Marshal Commander-in-Chief, communicates to you the events which have taken place in the north, he will communicate to you both those which are favorable & those which are adverse to the arms of the country, convinced that the greater the exertions & services which are required, may be, the greater will be the ardour & enthusiasm of the army, & that it will display a valor not only equal to the exigencies of the times, but worthy of the Portuguese troops.
The Marshal informs us that the enemy having possessed himself of Braga, advanced slowly & cautiously against the city of Oporto, meeting with but little resistance by the way, as the insubordination of the troops rendered useless their own valor, & the efforts of their officers to retrace or prevent their advance. On the 26th, the enemy arrived in the vicinity of Oporto. On the 27th, they made some warm attacks, which were repulsed by the in repidity of our troops. They continued their attacks on the following day, with the same success; but on the 29th the distrust which had arisen between the people and the army, causing and increasing that anarchy and confusion which it ever produces, rendered ineffectual all the endeavors of the officers as well Portuguese as English, to direct the operations of the great force which was in the city, and the enemy entered it with little loss. Much as the marshal regrets the loss of that important city, he feels still more the alarming cause to which it is to be attributed. Let it be a warning to the rest of the kingdom to avoid the fatal consequences of anarchy and insubordination.
The great city of Oporto, defended by 24,000 men, with trenches and redoubts, furnished with more than 200 pieces of artillery, fell an easy conquest to an enemy of little more than half the number of its garrison, notwithstanding the people and their defenders were loyal and brave, because that enemy had been able to produce, under the appearance of patriotism, disunion, and, finally, a general insubordination, the consequences of which must ever be most ruinous. The marshal therefore hopes that the army will perceive that we ought always to distrust those who have been with the French or their partisans, & whatever reports they may propagate, as they are undoubtedly paid by the enemy to promote confusion and distrust. The arms with which they make the most dangerous use.
In the same manner, the enemy made themselves masters of the bridge of Villa Nova; at the same time let the troops be subordinate to their officers, and observe strict military discipline, and our country will have nothing to fear. The enemy is in possession of Oporto—so he was at Cinves—but this place he has lost again with more than 1300 men, including prisoners and killed.
Brig. Gen. Francisco da Silveira informs me that he has taken 12 pieces of artillery, a great quantity of arms and ammunition, and 80 horses. Recollect, soldiers, that this Officer, when prudence dictated to him the necessity of retiring from Chaves, where from the nature and number of his forces, he was incapable of resisting the enemy, those called patriots raised a cry of treason against him and caused numbers of the despisers of discipline to attempt the defence of that place, which they surrendered, without firing a gun, with the troops that had been deceived by them; but the firmness of the General saved the rest of his army, and placed it in a situation to acquire greater glory, and merit the thanks of its country. It is with the greater pleasure that the Marshal gives this public testimony of his great approbation of the conduct of Brigadier General Silveira, before his Royal Highness the Prince Regent.
The Marshal cannot sufficiently warn the people and the troops against those, who assuming the appearance of patriotism, are in reality leaders of sedition; nor can he sufficiently recommend union and confidence, for every thing may be hoped from the sentiments of loyalty, valor, and enthusiasm, which animate the nation in defence of the country.
MARSHAL BERESFORD. April 5.
General Hill arrived here yesterday with 5000 infantry and 400 cavalry. It is a matter of surprise how the French got Oporto, and that the place was so badly prepared or defended. We expect however they will be compelled to surrender. Great preparations are making here to receive them with proper respect.
HOLLAND. AMSTERDAM, April 15. When the Legislative Body repaired, on Sunday last, to the audience which his Majesty designed to grant, M. D. Vosmaer Sceet-wyk tot den-Hagenhof, President, spoke in the name of the Assembly in the following terms:—
Sire,—The legislative Assembly fills a duty highly agreeable to the epocha of the end of its session, in uniting round the Throne, to have the honour of renewing to your Majesty its sentiments of respect for your person; of an unbounded devotion to your service; and its unchanged attachment to the cause of the country. The association of these sentiments has constantly guided the proceedings of the Assembly; it has rejoiced at being able to correspond with the beneficent views of your Majesty, & to have given its assent to the projects which will fail to establish the State on an immovable basis. Among the objects of the highest importance which the legislative body has discussed, during its late sittings, we rank in the first place the introduction of the civil and criminal code. The Dutch nation has ever been able to pride itself on account of an impartial Administration of Justice: nomination by its physical and moral condition is more interested; and the desire of your Majesty to administer Justice throughout your kingdom, upon an equitable and invariable footing, has been accomplished. This, Sire, is a reflection highly agreeable to us to have the honour of observing to you that no sovereign before had been able to complete the introduction even in the space of a few days, of a Civil and Criminal Code, which is both adapted to the present circumstances of Europe as well as to the character and manners of the nation. The state of the finances, notwithstanding the difficult circumstances which press upon the country, has been regulated; the Revenues of the year will meet the public Expenditures, and the Creditors of the government have reason to congratulate themselves that their wants have been provided against.
Several laws of a general utility have
been passed; among others, those relative to common lands, to weights and measures, which demonstrate the arduous and foresight with which your Majesty labours to consolidate the principal bases of the prosperity of the State, commerce and agriculture. Agriculture, Sire, has ever been recognised as one of the objects most worthy the attention of the Government. It is with a most lively interest we love to bear in mind, that the support of Thieves is not less owing to this sceptre, than to the share of Belona. Commerce, Sire, so languishing for a number of years past, is, at this day, reduced to an absolute nothing; and the hope of seeing it revive, is deferred to an uncertain period.
Peace, Sire. Peace is the only, the great interest of the world. May that of Humanity be heard.—May that of the passion be satisfied!—Las ly. may Europe by the efforts of the Hero who presides over the destinies of States, soon enjoy that inestimable blessing.
Sire, we will not trespass any longer on your Majesty.—There remains but one word more for us to say, but we feel how difficult it is to speak appropriately to truly great souls, of the great good they have done; nevertheless we cannot permit ourselves to remain silent, with regard to that which your Majesty has done for the general welfare, in going personally, notwithstanding the inclemency of the season, to inform yourself of the actual state of things, and the dangers to be apprehended. The devastation and ruin caused by successive inundations, have carried misery and despair into a number of families, respectable, on account of their condition; without the genius, mind, and energy of your Majesty, in coming to the assistance of the unfortunate, several of your subjects would have been lost without remedy. Sire, we will not cease to appreciate the multiplied cares which your Majesty has manifested in these circumstances. Deign then to accept the expression of our gratitude, and permit us to observe, that it is in the hour of public calamity that the benevolence of a magnanimous Sovereign is more particularly distinguished. Sire, within a few days, our labours will terminate. In quitting our public functions, each of us will inform his fellow citizens of the zeal, the resolution, the ardour which animates your Majesty for the good of the country; and assured to our homes, we will not cease to set the example of attachment and fidelity.
The king, in his Answer, recommends attention to the internal improvement of the country, but it contains nothing satisfactory on the great object of Peace, and the revival of Commerce.
NEW-YORK, June 23. LATEST NEWS FROM LISBON.
Captain O'Connor sailed from Madeira on the 17th of May. On the 16th a Portuguese brig arrived there in 4 days from Lisbon, with dispatches for the Governor, the contents of which had not transpired. We learn verbally that Lisbon remained in possession of the Portuguese and British, who felt themselves perfectly secure from any attack of the French; having sent us the Tagus several gun brigs, and vessel that drew little water, in order to prevent the passage of the French, should they make their appearance.
In addition to the above, a commercial friend has favored us with the following extract of a letter from Madeira, dated the 17th of May, brought by captain O'Connor.
A vessel arrived here yesterday, in 3 days from Lisbon, and brought accounts that the Portuguese and British were all in high spirits in Lisbon—that Sir Arthur Wellesley had marched with a brave army to attack the enemy that were encamped at Oporto—On the arrival of the British army before Oporto the French commander offered to capitulate, but Sir Arthur Wellesley would not accede to the terms offered by the French, and it was supposed the whole garrison would surrender to the British, as they had but 3 days provisions.
Domestic News.
By an Order of the Supreme Junta of Spain, the Vice Royalties of New Spain, Peru New Grenada, and Buenos Ayres, the independent Military Government of Cuba, Porto Rico, Guatemala, and Chili, and the Provinces of Venezuela and Philippines, have been called upon to send Representatives to set in the Junta—each Vice Royalty, &c. &c. to send one Deputy.
A letter from St. Bartholomews, June 3, says:—We have most dreadful accounts of an insurrection of the blacks at Jamaica, two thirds of which island are said to be in their possession. The troops are going down from Martinique to assist in suppressing the insurgents.
Kingston, Jamaica April 4. The premium proposed by the African Institution, of a piece of plate, of 50 guineas for the greatest quantity of Cotton imported into England, the growth of the western coast of Africa, has been adjudged to Messrs. John and Alexander Anderson of Rimpot lane. The quantity imported was upwards of ten thousand weight, and it sold for 2s. 8d. per lb. These gentlemen have determined greatly to enlarge their cotton plantations on the river Sierra Leone, and the example is likely to be extensively followed. By means of the African Institution a large supply of Georgia Sea Island Cotton seed (by far the most valuable kind of cotton) has been sent to the coast. We may hope that in no long time the imports from this quarter, will fill that chasm in the cotton market, which the American embargo has occasioned. Nor is this the only benefit we
are likely to derive from an increase of attention to Africa. A considerable quantity of African rice has been already imported into the West Indies, and a much larger importation may speedily be expected. In the present state of our West Indies, this new and unexpected resource must prove of the very first importance, and ought to be anxiously cherished.
LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE. STATE OF HAYTI.
GENERAL ORDER OF THE ARMY THURSDAY, 18th MAY, 1809, YEAR 6th. (There has been no General Order of the army since the 4th April.)
The fort of the rebel, John Dugotier, & the four camps which surrounded it, and which were situated on the plantation Sabourin au Boucassin, have just been carried by a coup de main, by major gen. Peter Toussaint. The rebels have been routed, and owed their escape only to the quickness of flight over the precipices, abandoned their arms, artillery, ammunition, effects, &c. The papers containing the correspondence of John Dugotier with the chiefs of the rebels, and his register book of letters, have been taken.
Two pieces of iron cannon, one a twelve pounder, the other a four, a large quantity of ammunition, cartridges and implements of artillery, together with a number of prisoners, both men and women, are the fruits of this brilliant expedition.
The troops employed did not all participate in the action—the 3d regiment only was engaged.
These happy effects are due to the wise dispositions of general Peter Toussaint, who praises very much the intrepidity of the commander Francisco Victor, and the 2d regiment, who so well seconded him.
This expedition being so well terminated, the troops have returned to their respective cantonments. Done at head quarters, at the Cape, the 18th May, 1809, sixth year of independence.
Chief of the staff, P. ROMAIN. Examined and approved of by HENRY CHRISTOPHE.
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, June 17. BATTURE AT NEW ORLEANS.
Mr. Sheffey laid upon the table, the following resolution, premising that he did not mean to call it up this day, but at a future day, when he conceived that he should be able to prove to the satisfaction of the House, that this was the proper mode of disposing of the subject:
Resolved that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill authorising the President of the United States to appoint commissioners to try and determine the dispute between the United States and the person who was ousted from the possession of a certain portion of land called the Batture at New Orleans, on the 25th January, 1808.
FINANCES.
Mr. Dana moved, in substance, that the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to lay before the House such information as may be in the Treasury Department touching the exercise or construction of the authority given to the commissioners of the sinking fund to borrow money on account of it; and also copies of any correspondence with the Bank of the United States touching any loan or loans for the redemption of any stock under the act for the support of public credit, & for the redemption of the whole of the public debt.
Mr. Ross moved that it lie on the table. Motion negatived by yeas and nays—56 to 51.
Mr. Taylor objected to the motion for the reason that it could produce no new information in addition to that contained in the Secretary's annual report.
Mr. Dana's motion was adopted by yeas and nays—58 to 46.
The House then took up the unfinished business of the report of the committee of the whole, yesterday under consideration—61 to 43. When the House adjourned Mr. Dana's amendment was under consideration.
Mr. Pitkin advocated the amendment at length, and opposed the bill.
Mr. Quincey spoke at length against the bill.
Mr. Sheffey replied. Mr. Randolph moved that the bill and amendment be indefinitely postponed, and spoke at length in support of the motion, and against the bill.—When he concluded, the motion for postponement was negatived, by yeas and nays 75 to 52, being a majority of 23 against thus putting the bill to sleep.
Mr. Dana's proposed amendment was negatived—77 to 45, by yeas and nays.
Mr. Dana proposed the following amendment: "Provided That no money shall be borrowed in virtue of this act until at least 6 months previous to public notice of such loan"—Negatived by yeas and nays—74 to 47.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday next—ayes 70.
MONDAY, June 19.
A motion offered by Mr. Gold, for appointing a committee to enquire into the expediency of ascertaining and settling the boundaries of public lands at West Point, was agreed to.
A bill for the relief of Joseph Wilkinson, jun. was read twice and committed.
Mr. Macon called for the consideration of the report of the committee, recommending a reference to the attorney general relative to the Batture; on this subject the debate was long; not confined merely to the subject before the House, but embracing the merits of the claim and of the law authorizing the expulsion of intruders on public lands by military force. The proposition of the committee was however negatived apparently on the ground that it would produce delay; and that the attorney general had already given an opinion against the claim.
TUESDAY, June 20. Mr. Bibb according to intimation given
the preceding day, moved that the title or claim of the U. S. to the Batture, in front of the suburbs of St. Mary, be vested in the corporation of New Orleans. This was laid on the table for one day.
Mr. Macon brought forward a motion relative to vessels foreign built, not belonging to this country and called sea letter vessels. Of these he wished to get rid, on the ground of encouraging American shipping. Resolved that the committee of commerce and manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the re-gisering anew, of vessels built in the U. S. which are owned in whole by citizens of the U. S. any disability incurred by such vessel to the contrary notwithstanding; and also into the expediency of forbidding by law sea letters or any custom-house documents being granted to vessels not registered and licensed according to law, or not owned by citizens of the U. S. within a limited time after the passing of such law. The House agreed to consider the motion, but it was ordered for one day to lie on the table.
Mr. Johnson made a report on the claim of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, for monies due him by the U. S. recommending that the prayer of the petition ought not to be granted. Mr. Eppes made a motion to reconsider the claim without enquiring into its merits, because the principle had already been settled in the case of Hannah Foster; but after a debate, the report was ordered to lie on the table. This is presumed to be equivalent to a refusal to act upon it during the present session.
Mr. Johnson offered a resolution concerning the compensation of a brigadier general and fixing it at no more than 225 dollars per month, including rations and every other emolument heretofore received except stationery; but after a debate of some length, Mr. J. withdrew his motion to prevent its occupying the whole of the day.
The engrossed bill for the amendment of the act for the support of public credit was read a third time, opposed by Messrs. Livermore, Lyon and Randolph, and passed. Yeas 74. Nays 51.
The bill to alter the road from Baltimore to Rock-hall, was read a third time and postponed indefinitely, yeas 65.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Basset in the chair, to amend a bill from the Senate for amending the non-intercourse act; but after remaining a short time in session, the committee reported progress and the House adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, June 21.
Mr. Newton from the committee of commerce and manufactures, to whom was referred so much of the message of the president, as relates to commercial laws for the purposes of fostering the commerce of the U. S. and also petitions and memorials from sundry manufacturers of the U. S. made a report, whose length prevents its being inserted in the limits of the Argus. We shall however endeavor to state the reasons in the most condensed form that influenced their report.
After observing the difficulty and importance of the subject, and as a proof of the solicitude of the committee referring us to a numerous train of arguments, in 1st II, vol. T. Reports: He goes on to observe that whilst the committee could give the necessary support to withstand foreign competition, skill and capital, they have on all occasions endeavored to avoid the danger of fastening on the community oppressive monopolies—and though the committee was precluded going into a minute discussion of the subject owing to the shortness of the present session; yet they were of opinion that additional duties might with advantage be laid on the importation of certain articles: that for example the U. S. possess sufficient skill to make articles of wearing apparel; that shot can be manufactured in quantities even to exceed our own consumption: that the importation of cotton manufactures from beyond the Cape of Good Hope, not only comes into competition with our own manufactures, but also with such as are imported from Europe made of the cotton of the U. S.
That in some other cases an increase of duty on foreign manufactures would render us independent of foreign supplies in the case of some necessary articles: of these, salt, as a necessary of life, is indispensable: in case of a war, a scarcity of this article would be heavily felt: it was so in the American war: and assurances are given that the necessary supply can be furnished by our own manufacturers, if encouragement be given by a moderate duty on imported salt. The committee, therefore, have submitted to the House the following duties:—On ready made clothing and millinery 2 & 1/2 per centum ad valorem on cotton manufactures from beyond the Cape of Good Hope, on cordurys and fustians, one per centum ad valorem on shot and other manufactures of which lead is the chief article of value, one half per centum per pound on imported salt, 8 cents per bushel. After a long debate and various motions from Messrs. Randolph and Sheffey in opposition: we understand that nothing has been done, and that the report lies on the table.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
On the motion of Mr. J. G. Jackson, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Basset in the chair, on the bill from the Senate to revive and amend the non-intercourse act, &c. Mr. Jackson's motion went to prohibit the entrance of the waters of the U. S. to any public ship or vessel belonging to G. Britain or France. A motion was made by Mr. Smilie that the committee rise, and carried.
COMMITTEE OF ELECTIONS.
Mr. Findley from the committee of elections made a report in the case of the contested election of William Baillies: that Charles Turner, jun. is entitled to a seat in the House. Referred to a committee of the whole.
THURSDAY, June 22.
Several members obtained leave of absence.
Mr. Gold reported a bill authorising the secretary of war, by means of commissioners, to settle the boundary line of the public lands at West Point; twice read and referred.
Mr. Miller brought forward a motion to

ascertain the title of the U. S. to the Ad- vion's islands and banks on the Mississippi. This he made on the ground that as the title to the Batture at N. Orleans was in the U. S. according to the opinion given by the attorney general. He was against a partial investigation of a general right: he therefore wished to know if there was another property in the same situation.
On the motion of Mr. Basset, the House took up the consideration of the resolution of the Senate authorizing the president of Senate and speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives to adjourn their respective hou- ses on the 20th inst. This day was struck out, and Monday and Thursday menti- oned, but Wednesday was agreed to, ayes 63. Thus amended, it passed without op- position.
On motion of Mr. Cutts, the House re- solved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Macon in the chair, on the bill con- cerning the naval establishment. This bill authorizes the president of the U. S. to dis- charge from actual service or to lay up in ordinary, such frigates and public armed vessels as in his judgment, a due regard to the public interest and security will par- mit. Mr. Pitkin moved an amendment, that the President should cause to be sold all the gun-boats belonging to the U. S. ex- cept such as he may judge requisite for public service. The motion was negatived in the committee, and being renewed in the House, was decided by yeas and nays as follows: The yeas being in favor of selling the gun-boats.
YEAS—Messrs. Baylies, Blaisdell, Camp- bell, J. C. Chamberlain, W. Chamberlin, Champion, Chittenden, Clay, Cockran, Cook, Dana, Davenport, Ely, Enot, Goldsborough, Gold, Haven, Hubbard, R. Jackson, Jenkins, Jones, Kennedy, Knick- erbacker, Lewis, Livermore, Livingston, Macon, Matthews, McBride, T. Moore, Moseley, Pearson, Pickman, Pitkin, Quin- cy, Randolph, Ross, Sheffey, S. Smith, Stanford, Stanley, Stedman, Stephenson, Sturges, Swoope, Taggart, Tallmadge, Upham, Van Dyke, Van Rensselaer, Wheat- on, Whitman, Wilson—53.
NAYS—Messrs. L. J. Alston, W. Al- ston, Anderson, Bacon, Burt, Basset, Bibb, Boyd, J. Brown, R. Brown, Burwell, C. L. Bun, Clopton, Cobb, Crawford, Christ- cutts, Dawson, Desha, Eppes, Findley, Fisk, Frinklin, Gannett, Gardner, Ghol- son, jun. Godwyn, Hale, Helster, Helms, Holland, Howard, Hunt, Love, Lyon, Lyle, M'rao, M'Kee, M'Kim, Miller, Milnor, Montgomery, N. R. Moore, Morrow, Mumford, Newton, Nicholas, Nicholson, J. Porter, P. R. Porter, Rea of Pen. Rhea of Ten. Richards, Roane, Root, Sage, Sim- mons, Sawyer, Say, Shaw, Smilie, G. Smith, J. Smith, Souhard, Taylor, Thompson, Tracy, Troun, Van Horn, Weskely, White- hill, Winn, Witherspoon—73.
Previous to the question being put on the amendment, Mr. Macon moved to include the frigates not necessary for actual ser- vice; but the motion was negatived with- out a division, and the bill was ordered to a third reading tomorrow without opposi- tion.
On the motion of Mr. Basset, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Macon in the chair, on the bill to fix the time for the next meeting of Congress. After various unsuccessful at- tempts made to alter the time mentioned in the bill (4th Monday of Nov. next) the bill as received from the Senate, passed.
The House resolved itself into a com- mittee of the whole, Mr. Cutts in the chair, on the bill making appropriations for the contingent expenses of the two Houses of Congress.
Mr. Randolph moved to amend the bill by inserting an appropriation of 4000 dol- lars annually in addition to the present an- ual appropriation of 1000 dollars for the increase of the congress library. Carried by yeas, 54 to 31.
The bill as amended was ordered to a third reading tomorrow, and the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, June 23. A bill for the remission of forfeitures and penalties of the French exiles from the Havanna was read twice and committed. A communication was received from the secretary of the treasury enclosing proceed- ings of the commissioners of the sinking fund: & of the correspondence of the secre- tary of the treasury with the Bank of the U. States.
The bill concerning the naval establish- ment passed without opposition.
The bill to defray the contingent expen- ses of Congress passed 60 to 37.
The house resolved itself into a com- mittee of the whole Mr. Basset in the chair, on the bill from the senate to amend and continue in force the non-intercourse act; but after a debate, on the motion of Mr. Varnum, the committee rose 32 to 38, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again 57, to 41, and the house ad- journed about 4 o'clock.
SATURDAY, June 24. Mr. Johnson stated that he had been requested by a committee of the citizens to make a motion, that if the congress be not in session on the 4th of July, the citi- zens may be permitted to occupy the chamber of the house of representatives for the purpose of attending a discourse prepared for the celebration of that day; and Mr. Johnson made a motion to that effect.
However, on a debate Mr. Johnson with- drew it, to avoid occupying the time of the house: Mr. Cook renewed the motion, but the house refused to consider it.
The house refused to go into committee on the non-intercourse bill.
On the motion of Mr. Findley, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Basset in the chair, on the re- port of the contested election of William Baylies. The report was then read, and upon the motion of Mr. Dana, Charles Turner was admitted to a seat in the house without opposition.
A motion was made by Mr. Taylor, that the house rise and report progress: his object was to move a resolution for the postponement of the further consideration of the subject for the session. This was supported by many. The arguments relied on were that the testimony was taken un-
der no existing law; that the sitting mem- ber not having attended, it was believed the testimony was illegal, as being whol- ly of an ex parte nature.
To this it was replied, that though there was no law that prescribed the mode of taking evidence, that several contested el- ections had been decided by the house on the principles of common reason. The ques- tion was taken about 5 o'clock and carried 58, to 33; the committee were refused leave to sit again, and the house adjourn- ed.
SENATE.
JUNE 23.
Mr. Pope, according to leave given, introduced a bill freeing from post- age all letters and packets from Thomas Jefferson, which was read twice.
Mr. Leib from the committee ap- pointed on the 20th inst. to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the exclusion of foreign ves- sels from the ports and Harbours of the United States, preferred a resolu- tion: "that all further consideration of the subject be postponed until the session of next Congress."
This resolution he prefaced with the following principles: that the right to admit an armed force into a neutral territory, belongs exclusively to the neutral; that so long as the neutral shall confine itself to strict impartiali- ty, i. e. allowing no benefit to one bel- ligerent which it has refused to ano- ther, no cause whatever is afforded for complaint: and that treaties alone can make any modification in the exercise of this right.
That therefore as long as the U. S. want a competent force to protect their jurisdiction from violation, so long ought no asylum to be given (except in distress) to an armed vessel of any nation. And that although the Uni- ted States are at present under no ob- ligation whatever, to withhold res- traints upon the admission of foreign vessels into their ports; yet as le- gislative interference at this time might be construed into a desire of throwing difficulties in the way of pending negotiations; that therefore the committee are of opinion that no pretext ought to be afforded for such delay.
Mr. Lloyd from the committee to whom was referred the bill which makes appropriation for public credit and for the redemption of the public debt, reported the bill with amend- ments.
JUNE 24. The bill freeing from postage all packets and letters from Thomas Je- fferson passed.
The section (of the bill of appro- priations for the contingent expenses of the two houses of Congress) appro- priating 4000 dollars for the purchase of books, maps and charts, was dis- agreed to, yeas 10, nays 17.
A bill for a road from Cumberland (Maryland) to the state of Ohio, was read twice.
BY virtue of a deed of trust, executed by RO- BERT MYTYRE, on the 13th day of Octo- ber 1807, for the purpose of securing to John Baker, executor of Solomon Gordon, dec., the punctual payment of a debt particularly describ- ed in the said deed of trust, WILL BE SOLD, on the premises, to the highest bidder, on Fri- day the 15th July (next month.)
The Tenement
In the town of Manchester, at present in the oc- cupancy of Mr. Nathaniel Childers, formerly known by the name of LEATH'S OLD TAVERN, and designated in the plan of the said town by No eighty eight containing one hundred feet in front, and one hundred and sixty six feet back, with convenient buildings thereon for the accom- modation of a family or a house of public enter- tainment. The above described tenement has been advertised and sold on the 23d instant un- der the aforesaid deed, but the purchase not hav- ing complied with the terms of the sale, it will positively be sold on the day above mentioned, under the provisions of the act of the last As- sembly of Virginia entitled, "An act concern- ing execution, and for other purposes."
THE TRUSTEES. Manchester, 23th June, 1809.
NOTICE.
THE Cells appropriated for Male Patients in the Lunatic Hospital in the city of Williams- burg being now filled, none others can be receiv- ed until further notice. There is room for Females. By order of the Court of Directors WILL. RUSSELL, c. c. June 24th, 1809. (im)
Wants Employment,
In a retail dry-goods store, or Counting House.
A Young MAN from the country, who will produce satisfactory recom- mendations. He has some knowledge of business, having been engaged in a retail store about twelve months. Naturally possessing a sprightly intelligent mind, ad- d. to the benefits which consequently re- sult from a good education, there exists no doubt but he is now susceptible of the most rapid improvement. He will make an engagement for 2 or 3 years for a small consideration, provided he can obtain an eligible situation. A line addressed to B. P. H. and left at this office, will meet with prompt attention.
N. B. He understands Book-Keeping. June 30. (w2)
Virginia Argus.
RICHMOND.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30. 1809.
SKETCH OF THE POLITICAL SITU- ATION OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
GOVERNMENT, like every other spe- cies of knowledge, has been but gradual and progressive; and in the successive im- provement of the un-rotten line, the know- ledge of their rights has been one of the latest discoveries of mankind. Yet spec- ulation in government as well as in every other science is widely different from prac- tical policy. Montesquieu and DeLome, wrote panegyrics on the British constitu- tion either because they had studied it only in books, and not in the practices of those who governed: or perhaps having contras- ted it with the despotism which in their days overspread the world, they consider- ed it as the best among the many bad go- vernments that then existed.
The balance of the different depart- ments of government, the trial by jury, the freedom of the press, and religious tol- eration, were subjects upon which they exhausted their ingenuity. These how- ever, we either understand better in this country, or have at least practically car- ried to a greater degree of perfection.
The balance of the legislative, execu- tive and judicial departments, have at all times afforded an ample field to the decla- mation of lawyers on the security of per- sonal freedom throughout the British em- pire: just as a similar balance has been a perpetual theme in the mouths of states- men as the only stay to the independent sovereignty of nations. But in the one case as well as in the other, their reasonings have been entirely illusive.
In speculative policy it is so hard to combine the different existing principles that give force and momentum to the wheels of government; that any abstract conclusions we may draw are continually liable to error. Therefore that species of political reasoning is the best which ap- plies inferences from past events; and from similarly existing causes, will con- jecture similar results.
We recur to the volume of English his- tory and ask where that balance is to be found? Not under the princes of the house of Stuart; they created boroughs, pack- ed parliaments and imposed taxes with ab- solute authority: and they found both judges and juries to give the sanction of a court of justice to the mandates of a tyrant. They found both judges and juries to sacri- fice victims to their vengeance and to com- mit murders under the forms of law. Was it better under George I or II? Under the former does not the history of the state trials of the rebellion in Scotland; and under the latter, do not the trials which have occurred since the French re- volution, demonstrate the fallacy of the assertion? Have not the principles of law been explained as they never had been before, or juries bribed or packed of men hostile to the principles of the accused; or witnesses suborned, put in requisition and lodged at the seat of government? Have not judges known from whom they were to expect promotion for themselves or for their friends? Are not the sheriffs appointed by the crown, and have they proved unfaithful of those to whom they owed their places?
The trial by jury if it secures any prin- ciple of justice not derived from the opin- ion of the majority of judges under the civil law, it is that there is a greater difficulty of condemnation and chance of escape for the criminal from the unanimity which is required. In civil cases or even in criminal prosecutions where the passions or caprice of the monarch are not sufficiently influ- enced with the desire of vengeance, there is a chance of escape left to the innocent; but in alarms of civil commotions, when the jury are instructed, that the times call for examples to the rigour of the laws; then sus- picion is considered as a sufficient evidence of guilt: And woe beside the man whose sole dependence is in his innocence!
Has the parliament been conducted bet- ter? Under the princes of the house of Stuart, the parliaments of England assum- ed the semblance of freedom. Under the two Charles' and under the last prince of that house, the parliaments indeed, shewed themselves restive, but it was not in resisting civil, it was in resisting religi- ous oppression. The monarchs of that time were strangers to the corruption of modern days: they attempted not to deceive but to crush the people by force, and bind them in fetters of iron: two were deposed, and though the rest escaped, they were all in danger: but the princes of the house of Hanover were more munificent; they ap- plied to the avarice of the human heart; they gilded the chains of slavery, and there were people found to put them on and wear them for the fashion.
The two Charles' and the last James cre- ated boroughs to pack parliaments; even then at their first formation, the English representation was not as oppressive as it is at present. The principles of monarchical government are held to be unchangeable be- cause to tyranny, change is always alarm- ing and sometimes fatal. The Eng- lish constitution therefore possesses no re- cooperative powers; hence, towns which have dwindled into villages send one or two representatives to parliament; & villages which have increased to the population of ci- ties, are left unrepresented. The first is the case of Old Sarum; the second of the town of Manchester: the first with three houses sends two members to the imperial parli- ament, and Manchester with a population amounting to nearly one tenth of a million, sends not a single representative. Hence boroughs in the British dominions are pur- chased like the stock of the land, and the people are sold instead of being represent- ed.
Walpole, principal minister in the latter years of George the first, and under his successor publicly avowed that every man had his price: he bought a parliament and he governed them, because he bought them. Under George III. A principal minister regretted that England had as-
sayed the liberty of America with iron & ant with gold. They tried the principle in the case of Ireland; they disposed of a million, and it succeeded to a miracle; ha- ving paid for the boroughs, created some new titles and granted pensions. The representa- tives of the Orangemen transferred the privilege of playing truant in college green to the devotees of St. Stephen's chapel.
The Union with Ireland has not thrown more weight into the popular scale: on the contrary by the 100 who sold them- selves and their country, the prerogative is increased: and the Irish members cor- rupted and corrupting have exhibited another proof that men who have betrayed their country to England will betray the English people to the king.
But how is this business conducted? hear what says a petition presented to the house of commons May 6. 1793. It offered to prove at the bar of the house, that 134 in- dividuals did by their own authority pro- cure the return of 307 members, exclusive of these from Scotland. In 1782, Mr. Pitt declared that seven or eight members were sent there by the Nabob of Arcot: and that a foreign enemy could procure a party in the British parliament. It appears from a report laid upon the table of the House of Commons in June 1808, that 78 of its mem- bers were in receipt of £ 173,994 per an- num.
The imperial parliament at present contains but 658 members, of whom 513 are English 45 Scots, and 100 Irish. When we reflect that the English are ei- ther representatives of boroughs or bribed by the court; that the Scots are influenced by their nobles, who in turn owe their election to the crown; that of the Irish members many are notoriously bought and some even with unblushing front make avowal of their profligacy; what must we think of the boasted constitutional bal- ance in the British empire, of the influence of the people by the commons, of the inde- pendent honor of the nobles & of their mu- tual control on the king like power? The money of the court like the lightning of heaven has dissolved those links that bound the people to the constitution & the consti- tution to the people; & has put the spirit of li- berty to flight and left the people nothing but its monument.
Corruption has reached every depart- ment of the English government; the mis- tress of the commonwealth in chief keeps a broker's office for military commissions; a lord in the cabinet (Castlereagh) contesses that he bribed electors; the members of the commons house scout the idea of preventing corruption; the speaker ac- knowledges that the places of the law, have been brought and sold; yet he trusts that the administration of justice is uncor- rupted; the offices of the India company are disposed of at a dear market; and even the Bishops' lawn is become soiled by fingering bribes. Have we not reason to exclaim with the poet; "haeret lateri lethalis arundo;" and that Britain is ra- pidly approaching the crisis of its destruc- tion.
† Castlereagh. † See resolutions at the Crown & Anchor tavern, Morning Chronicle, May 3. † Castlereagh. † Vide the debates in parliament in this day's paper. (To be continued.)
20 Dollars Reward,
IS offered for apprehending ANDREW, a ne- gro slave, who about the beginning of this month RUN AWAY from the subscriber resi- ding in the neighborhood of Amelia Court House. Andrew is about thirty years old an intelligent, active, small man, a good house and stable servant, drives a Carriage well, un- derstands a little of Shoemaking, and readily performs any kind of plantation labour. Some years ago he was in the service of Mr. Turner at the Bell Tavern in Richmond, where I be- lieve he generally acted as hostler, and after- wards till last Christmas, was employed by Mr. Henry L. Biscoe of Manchester, in his tobacco stemmer. He has a wife living at the Man- chester coal yard, a free mulatto woman named Sukey Hollinger, by whom I have reason to be- lieve he is secreted. I will pay the above re- ward to any person who will deliver to me the above mentioned slave, or secure him in Jail, so that I get him again.
20th June, 1809. James Henderson.
BY virtue of a deed of trust, from Andrew Lewis, of the county of Montgomery, WILL BE SOLD by the subscriber, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the Eagle Tavern in the city of Richmond, upon the seventh day of August next, the following
Tracts of Land
With their appurtenances, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay certain debts in the said deed of trust mentioned, that is to say; one tract situate in the county of Montgomery, containing eight hundred acres, being that trac- t on which the said Andrew Lewis now lives; one other tract adjoining the last mentioned on the north, containing ten thousand acres; one other tract adjoining the first mentioned, being an inclusive survey, containing seven thousand seven hundred acres, one other tract adjoining the last mentioned at the west end, containing four hundred and fourteen acres; one other tract called the Chestnut Neck, containing three hundred and sixty six acres; one other tract called Scyenas tract on Bottom Creek, adjoin- ing the first mentioned tract of eight hundred acres, and containing one hundred and fifty acres; one other tract also adjoining the first mentioned tract called Prothmore's Garden, con- taining one hundred and twenty eight acres; one other tract adjoining the last mentioned, containing one hundred and thirty acres; one other tract adjoining the inclusive survey of seven thousand seven hundred acres; one other tract adjoining the same inclusive survey and contain- ing one hundred acres; one other tract lying on both sides of Little River, containing one hun- dred and fifty acres, on which is situated Hope- well Forge—one other tract adjoining thereto, containing one hundred and forty acres—one other tract adjoining the same, called the Saw mill tract, containing four hundred and thirty eight acres—and one other tract adjoining the last mentioned tract, containing one hundred acres—which said several tracts of land are situate in the county of Montgomery.
EDWARD JOHNSTON, } Trustees JOHN PROSSER, } Richmond, June 27th, 1809. apds
In Richmond Hastings Court,
June 12 h, 1809.
Elizabeth T. Younghusband and Samuel P. Parsons, administrators and admini- stratores with the will annexed of Pleasant Younghusband, deceased—vs—Isaac Davis and Pleasant—Pickens, Pollard and John- ston—Thomas Taylor and James Brown, late merchants and bankers and the firm of Taylor and Brown— James Brown, jun. and William Nor- well, surviving partners of the late com- mercial house of Norwell, Warr and Bullock.
Against Moses Davis, Prosser and Moncure & George Wm Smith, defendants.
THIS cause this day came on to be heard on the Bill, answers, sundry exhibits filed and was argued by counsel on consideration where- of the Court being of opinion that the land con- veyed by the said Moses Davis and Wife to the defendant George William Smith was intended to secure the payment of the notes in the posses- sion of the plaintiffs, Pickett, Pollard and John- ston, and that the said Moses Davis and his Wife have not been brought—And also of the judg- ments obtained on the notes which came to the possession of the other plaintiffs, namely, Taylor and Brown, James Brown, jun. and the surviving partner of the house of Norwell, Warr and Bul- lock as well as of those taken up by Pleasant Younghusband deceased, in his lifetime, to dis- charge and order, that George W Smith do proceed to make sale of the lot of land in the bill mentioned, to the highest bidder, upon a credit un- til the repeal or expiration of the act concerning executions and other purposes, passed 31st Ja- nuary 1809, taking bond with two good securities for the payment of the purchase money, and re- turn the bonds by him taken to court to abide his future order, he giving two weeks notice in some one of the newspapers published in the City of Richmond of the time and place of sale, and re- turning a report how he has executed this order. (A copy) TH: C. HOWARD, CLK. tds.
PURSUANT to the above decree, the land therein mentioned, which is situated in the county of Henrico, contiguous to the city of Richmond, being the same lot or parcel of land which was conveyed by Richard Adams and El- izabeth his wife to Moses Davis, by deed dated the 3d day of March 1807, & bounded as follows, to wit, beginning and running on the road or street leading from the Market House in the said city to Du Val's village, N 41 2 W 4 chains and 52 links, to a street for 7 feet wide, dividing said lot and parcel of land and the land formerly William Cannon's, now John Doyle's, & binding on said street N 89 E 4 chains and 94 links to the street—thence on the back street S 41 2 W 4 chains 32 links to a corner street 40 feet wide next towards said city, and binding on said street S 89 W 4 chains 30 links to the said road to the beginning—with the buildings and im- provements thereon consisting of a large framed House—will be Sold before the door of the Ea- gle Tavern, on the 17th day of July (next month) The whole land will be divided into lots accor- ding to a plot which will be exhibited on the day of sale, and these lots will be sold separate- ly. The sale will commence at 4 o'clock in the evening GEO. W. SMITH
NEW BOOKS, Just received and for sale by Lewis Adams, At his store between the Eagle and Globe Taverns.
VOL 2. HENING & MUNFORD'S REPORTS royal 8vo. handsome ed. binding. $ 8. 50.— vol 4 Orsbeck's reports $ 6.00—vol. 9. East's reports Lond 7 50. Chitty on Pleading 2 No. & 8 vo. Lond. a new work, also a few more copies of TRADEWELL OF WARSAW, a highly interesting no- vel.—LEWIS ADAMS has on hand a very ex- tensive assortment of Law from London, New- York, and Philadelphia, of the best editions. Richmond, July 1 1809. (w. 8. t.)
For Sale.
A Young Milch Cow with her first Calf Enquire of the Printer (f.) JENNINGS'S GAP, June 24th, 1809.
Robert M'Dowell,
RESPECTFULLY informs the public that he has Removed his family from Staunton to the Red House in Jennings's Gap, on the main Road to the different mineral Springs in Bath, Monroe & Green- brier, where he keeps a HOUSE of EN- TERTAINMENT, at the Sign of the SPREAD EAGLE, twelve miles from Staunton and 33 miles from Harrison- burg. His house is large and airy, well furnished with good beds, liquors of the best, good stabling to hold upwards of thirty horses, with plenty of hay and grain and pasturage. Also some Mine- ral Springs very convenient to the house, and as he intends paying particular attenti- on to the house himself; he hopes to give general satisfaction to those who favour him with their custom. 3m.
WILL BE LET, TO THE LOWEST BIDDER.
At Amelia Court House, on Thursday the 27th of July next, it being Amelia Court day.
The Building of a Jail
For the county aforesaid. The Jail will be built of Brick and Wood, and a plan may be seen by applying to Wm. T. EGGLESTON, one of the Commissioners. June, 24th 1809. (3wks.)
Lost or Mislaid,
(Belonging to the estate of Robert Da- vis.)
THE following BONDS, to wit: Isaac Davis's for six Hundred Dollars and by a receipt given, has been fully dischar- ged, also, a bond of William Robert's for forty dollars, and a bond of John Murray's for £20 0 1 L. 2, and another of William Clopton's for the sum of £25 principal.— I therefore forwarn all persons from tra- ding for said bonds at their peril. ISAAC DAVIS. June 23d, 1809.

REMOVAL. THE subscriber has removed near the Basin where he continues to keep a house of Private Entertainment. He has also for sale, a general assortment of GROCERIES. Likewise sells all kinds of country produce on commission. HEZEKIAH PURYEAR. Richmond, May 17th, 1809.
Vol. 10, Part 2d, or No. 20, of Dr. Rees' New Cyclopaedia, is just Received and ready for delivery at this Office. Subscription still open at $3 50 per No. June 12.
FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE, A FEW HANDSOME COPIES OF GIBBON'S DECLINE & FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE; To which is added, (in this edition only) THE VERY INTERESTING LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, written by HIMSELF. Eight Vols, Large Octavo, Price 22 Dollars.
A Bank Note OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, taken from a black boy, who called himself James Smith, and says he found it in the street—not thinking it proper to let the boy keep it, I delivered it for the proper owner, who may have it, on giving satisfactory evidence of his or their right to it and paying the expense of this advertisement. JOHN McDONALD. Richmond, March 10th, 1809.
NOTICE. By virtue of the last will and testament of Pleasant Younghusband, decd. WILL BE SOLD, To the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 13th of June next, at the courthouse of Botetourt county, being court day, One Tract of Land, Containing 254 acres, more or less, it being the same tract of land deeded to Pleasant Younghusband by Thomas M'George and Judith his wife, as by indenture bearing date the 2d day of July, 1800, on the following terms, to wit: one third cash, one third in twelve months, and the remaining third in two years. Bonds with security, to carry interest from the date if not paid in three months after they become due, and a deed of trust on the land to secure the two last payments, will be required. ELIZA T. YOUNGHUSBAND, Administratrix SAMUEL P. PARSONS, Adm'r. With the will annexed. 2d mo. 17th, 1809. N. B. The above sale is postponed to Botetourt August Court. E. T. YOUNGHUSBAND, Adm'r. S. P. PARSONS, Adm'r. 5th mo. 6th, 1809.
MATTRESSES OF ALL SIZES AND KINDS, MADE and repaired, agreeably to order, in the large wooden house opposite the Old City Tavern, two squares below the market bridge Richmond. J. S. PLEASANTS. May 31, 1809
One Thousand Pounds WANTED, FOR the interest of which, a plantation of 500 acres of valuable land will be given, until the money is refunded. Nearly 100 acres are rich low grounds, now in cultivation lying on navigable water, the improvements new and very good, in a healthy and desirable country. Enquire of the Printer. September 8, 1809.
To Rent, And possession given immediately, THE TENEMENT At present in the occupancy of Mr. William Mason, and directly back of the Hon. Creed Taylor's. Apply to EDWARD W. TRENT. May 4, 1809.
FOR SALE. Forty Thousand weight Isle of Wight Bacon, Amongst which are 900 Hams, 500 Barrels Herring and Shad, 200 Sacks Salt, Liverpool filled, 20 Bales Georgia Cotton, 40 Tierces Rye Whiskey, 8 Barrels Ditto, 45 Kegs English White Lead, 30 do. Spanish Brown, 90 Tons American and Sweden Iron, will be Sold low for cash only, GROCERIES, AS USUAL. Russell & Wallace. Richmond, May 22, 1809.
City Hotel to Let. THAT spacious convenient HOUSE and LOT with out Houses, Stables &c. situated on a street that leads from the main street by the Governor's to the Capitol; which was lately in the occupancy of Mr. Jas. Vaughan, as a Tavern. It will be let for one or more years, and possession given immediately. For terms apply to Benjamin Mosby of Powhatan, or B. Tate of this City, who are authorised by me to let the same. RICHARD CROUCH. Richmond, June 1st, 1809.
A Pair of Horses Stolen. 20 Dollars Reward. STOLEN from the commons of Manchester, on Thursday night 3rd inst. A Pair of Black Horses. One a BROWN BLACK, very thick set and well made, his left hind foot white—The other a jet or deep black, of rather slender make, both nearly the same age, 8 or 9 years, and about five feet high; they pace, trot and gallop, and run well in harness. I will give Ten Dollars Reward, with reasonable expenses, to any person delivering them to me, or five Dollars for such information that I get them again—& Twenty Dollars for the apprehension and conviction of the Thief. CORNELIUS BUCK. Manchester, 14th June, 1809
Proposals for furnishing materials, and building a Powder Magazine. IN pursuance of an advice of the Council of State, proposals will be received by me until 1st day of July next, for furnishing materials and building a Powder Magazine the plan and dimensions will be made known by application to Abraham Douglas. Richmond, June 15, 1809.
IN COUNCIL, January 20, 1809. PROPOSALS will be received by the Executive for manufacturing three hundred and ninety Rifles during the present year, being the number directed by law to be provided annually, including the deficiency of last year. Extract from the minutes. DANL. L. HYLTON, Clerk of the Council.
FOR SALE, On Saturday the 22d July, on the premises, The Tract of Land, WHEREON John Ibb, dec'd. resided, lying in the upper end of Charles City County, on James river, commanding an extensive view up and down said river, in an agreeable neighborhood—and as a stand for a grocery store, equal to any below the City of Richmond. There are 75 or 80 Acres of land in this tract, (more or less) and devised by the decedent to be sold for the payment of his debts. Terms will be made known on the day of sale, by the, ADMINISTRATOR, With the Will annexed. June 8th, 1809.
HAVING executed a deed of trust to Benjamin Oliver, jr. William Cunningham, and Samuel Richardson, conveying certain property therein mentioned, to them, for the purpose of making sale thereof, in order to discharge all debts for which I am bound for my father, and my own debts,—It is therefore my wish that all such creditors may as soon as possible, make their respective claims known to the above named gentlemen, that they may know how far to carry the sales, which will take place the 1st of August next. JOHN M. SYME. 4th June, 1809.
Valuable Property FOR SALE. PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed to us, by John M. Syme, of the county of Hanover, for the purpose of satisfying all debts for which he is bound for his father, and his own debts; we shall, on Tuesday the first day of August next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, upon the premises, proceed to sell, four hundred and sixty-three acres, (by a late survey) of prime and valuable Land, adjoining the town of New Castle, upon Pamunkey River, and the ferry across that river. Also, ELEVEN NEGROES, consisting of men, women, boys and girls, all the stock of Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, and implements of Husbandry, &c. conveyed by the said instrument. Such title as we hold as trustees will be made the purchaser or purchasers, and possession of the land given at Christmas, with the privilege of seeding wheat this fall. The terms of sale will be one third cash, one third in six months, and the balance in 12 months, from the day of sale. Interest will be expected upon the distant payments. Bonds with approved security will be required of the purchasers of the personal property, and bonds with deeds of trust upon the land and ferry of the respective purchasers. The land, &c. will be shown by Mr. WM. CUNNINGHAM, living in New Castle, or either of the Mr. SYME, to any person wishing to view the premises—Creditors will be allowed to purchase, and their claims discounted. According to Mr. John M. Syme's notification above, we or either of us, will receive the amount of any claim, and it is our wish that they be made known prior to the day of sale. There are some previous liens upon this property, or some of it, to secure certain debts, which will be first paid, according to their several dates. Proposals for any part of the above property will be received by either of the trustees prior to the sale. BENJAMIN OLIVER, jr. WM. CUNNINGHAM. SAML. RICHARDSON. New Castle, June 4th, 1809.
HENING'S New Virginia Justice, CONTAINING The Duties of a Justice of Peace, &c. together with a variety of useful precedents adapted to the laws now in force. Also forms of conveyancing, such as deeds of bargain and sale, lease and re-lease, mortgage, trust, &c. April 30th, 1809.
Virginia, to wit: At a court of Appeals held at the Capitol in Richmond, the twentieth day of May, 1809. RULE. —Great inconveniences & delays having arisen from motions to alter & amend the decrees & special entries of this Court, after they have been entered of record, it is expected that in future the Counsel will respectively in all cases where a special decree or entry shall be deemed necessary, prepare notes of such decree or entry; as they may think ought to be made on the decision: to be considered as part of their statement, and delivered to the judges, with the record, at the final argument, in each cause. A Copy, Teste,  J. Brown, c. c.
NOTICE. ALL those that have claims against the estate of Wadly Turner, dec'd. will please bring them forward, authenticated agreeable to law, for adjustment. Those who are indebted to the said estate are requested to come forward, as soon as possible, and make payment, as the situation of the estate will not allow of any further indulgence. A. TURNER, Adm'r. June 8th, 1809.
Land for Sale. BY virtue of a deed of trust bearing date the 25th day of March, eighteen hundred and seven, executed by Carter Wilson and Sally his wife, to the subscribers as trustees, for the purpose of securing a sum of money therein mentioned, to be due to William Bradley, Will be Sold, at Cumberland courthouse, on Monday the 24th day of July next, being court day, a Tract of Land, In the deed conveyed, containing 250 acres, lying in the said county of Cumberland, near the courthouse, and adjoining Thomas Hobson's tract of land, on which the courthouse stands. According to the provisions of an act, entitled an act concerning executions and for other purposes the subscribers will convey the title to the purchaser or purchasers, as vested in them as trustees only. Job G. Daniel. Thomas H. Walton. Cumberland, 10th June, 1809.
Wanted to Hire, By the week, month, or for the remainder of the present year, A Sober, Industrious Man, To superintend a parcel of laborers in the vicinity of this city. Enquire at the office of the Virginia Argus. Richmond, June 17th, 1809.
Healing Springs. MRS. ABERCROMBY, RESPECTFULLY notifies the public, that having taken the HEALING SPRINGS for the present season in the lower end of Louisa County, thirty three miles above Richmond, on the old mountain road, is prepared to accommodate such company as may wish to resort thither either for health or pleasure, during the summer and autumn months. The very recent proofs of the efficacy of those waters in removing the disorder, that has so fatally prevailed about Richmond and many other parts of this and the adjacent states, meaning the DIARRHOEA or BOWEL COMPLAINT, with the sore mouth, as also TETTER and RING WORMS, SCURVEY, and every kind of Cutaneous disorders, give them a decided preference over any other mineral water in this state, by sundry persons of experience, who have attended all the watering places of the upper country, in search of health, and a cure for most of the complaints above mentioned. The water at this spring is a strong chalybeate, and never fails to strengthen and give a tone to the stomach and restore a lost appetite in the shortest time imaginable—are unrivalled as to healthiness & pleasantness of situation, being surrounded with fine groves and in a pleasant and agreeable neighborhood.—The charge for board will be One Guinea per week for Ladies and Gentlemen, and half price for children and servants; and extensive pasturage and stables gratis, and nine pence a gallon for grain. Mrs. Abercromby pledges herself that no exertion on her part shall be wanted to render comfort and pleasure to her boarders, and relies on her own merits for their patronage. Mr. Abercromby will himself continue to TEACH MUSIC in Richmond. Healing Springs, June 10th, 1809.
FOR RENT, The Two following TRACTS OF LAND, lying on James river, in the County of Powhatan. THAT LARGE ESTATE called BELL MEAD, at present occupied by Mr. James Tucker. The Plantation immediately below it, now in the occupancy of Mr. David Mead. Also, The Tract of Land, called the Old Courthouse Tract, in the county of Powhatan, lying on Deep Creek, and now occupied by Mr. William Wilburn. These Lands, will, without reserve, be rented to the highest bidder, at Powhatan Courthouse, on the 19th of July next, (being the first day of the court) unless before privately rented.—Apply to JAMES CARTER, Goochland, NEIL MCCOULL, or JOHN ST. JOHN, } Richmond. April 30th, 1809.
General Assembly, begun and held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on Monday the second day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and five, and of the Commonwealth, the thirty-first. AN ACT giving further time to the proprietors of certain lands, forfeited for the non-payment of taxes, to redeem the same. [Passed February 1st, 1806] BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That the proprietors of lands forfeited to, and vested in the commonwealth, by the non payment of taxes, agreeably to the act, entitled, "An act more effectually to provide for the payment of taxes upon lands within this commonwealth," may redeem the same by paying into the treasury of this commonwealth, on or before the first day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and seven, all arrears of taxes due thereon. This act shall commence and be in force from and after the passing thereof. A Copy from the Roll—Teste, J. PLEASANTS, Jr. Keeper of the Rolls.
General Assembly, begun and held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on Monday the first day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and six, and of the Commonwealth, the thirty-second. AN ACT to amend an act, entitled, "An act more effectually to provide for the payment of taxes upon lands within this commonwealth." [Passed January 20th, 1807.] BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That when the taxes on any tract or parcel of land shall have heretofore remained, or shall hereafter remain unpaid for the space of two years, such tract or parcel of land shall be forfeited to the commonwealth, and shall not be subject to location Provided nevertheless, That the tract or parcel of land so as aforesaid forfeited, shall be subject to the redemption of the former rightful and proper owner at any time within three years after such forfeiture shall have accrued, upon payment of the taxes due thereon, according to the following rules, to wit: That if the said taxes shall be paid in the first year after such forfeiture shall have accrued, there shall be paid an interest of twenty-five per centum per annum on the amount of the said taxes from the time they became due, until paid. If the said taxes shall be paid in the second year after such forfeiture shall have accrued, there shall be paid an interest of fifty per centum per annum on the amount of taxes due aforesaid; If the said taxes shall be paid in the third year after such forfeiture shall have accrued, there shall be paid an interest of one hundred per centum per annum, as aforesaid; Provided also, That nothing in this act shall be so construed as to affect the rights of infants, femes covert, or persons of unsound mind, until one year after the disabilities shall have ceased, on their paying all taxes due, with an interest thereupon at the rate of ten per centum per annum on the amount due as aforesaid. All acts and parts of acts coming within the purview of this act, are hereby repealed. This act shall commence and be in force from and after the first day of March next. A Copy from the Roll—Teste, J. PLEASANTS, Jr. Keeper of the Rolls.
General Assembly, begun and held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond, on Monday the fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eight, and of the Commonwealth, the thirty-third. AN ACT providing for the redemption of certain lands forfeited for the non payment of the taxes thereon. [Passed February 6th, 1809.] BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That all lands heretofore forfeited or hereafter to be forfeited to the commonwealth for the non-payment of taxes, by virtue of the laws now in force, shall be redeemable at any time within three years from the time when such forfeiture hath heretofore accrued, or shall hereafter accrue, and until the first day of March next succeeding the expiration of the said term of three years, on payment of the taxes due thereon, with an interest of ten per centum per annum on each year's tax, from the time when the same became or shall become due, until the time of such redemption. Provided, nevertheless, That all lands heretofore forfeited, shall be redeemable in like manner, and on payment of the like interest, on or before the first day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and ten. Be it further enacted, That the auditor of public accounts, shall on or before the first day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eleven, and on or before the first day of March in every year thereafter, deliver to the collector of the taxes of each county, a list of all such forfeited lands therein, as on the first day of March preceding, had become irredeemable, which list shall be forthwith posted or hung up in the most public place in the courthouse of the county. Be it further enacted, That on the first Monday in August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eleven, and on the first Monday of August in every year thereafter, the collectors shall proceed, by public auction, at the door of the courthouse of each county, to sell to the highest bidder, each tract of land contained within the list of such forfeited lands, as were irredeemable on the first day of March in the preceding year, for ready money. Be it further enacted, That if at any such sale, the former owner or owners of any forfeited tract of land so about to be sold, or any person for him, her, or them, or in his, her or their behalf, with or without any authority or direction for that purpose, shall appear and pay the taxes due thereon, with interest as aforesaid, until the time of such sale, such tract shall not be sold, but an entry of such payment shall be made by the collector on the list aforesaid, and a receipt for such payment given to the person making the same in the name of the former owner or owners, and thereupon such land shall be taken to be redeemed, and the forfeiture accrued thereon, shall be, and the same is hereby fully waived and remitted. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the commissioner or commissioners of the revenue, annually, on the first Monday in August, to attend at the courthouse of their respective counties, and to take and make out a list of all the sales so to be made by the collector, specifying the name or names of the former owner or owners, the sums paid and to whom sold; which list the commissioner or commissioners shall forthwith transmit to the auditor of public accounts, who shall charge the collector with the amount of sales appearing thereon. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of every collector to pay annually into the public treasury, all such sums, or sums of money as he shall receive by virtue of this act, deducting a commission of five per centum thereon, which payment shall annually be made on the same day on which the taxes collected in the same year shall be payable. Be it further enacted, That the lists of sale so certified and taken by the commissioners, or either of them, shall be sufficient to charge the collector or his security or securities, his, her or their heirs, executors or administrators therewith, on any motion to be made to recover the same by the auditor of public accounts. And if, any collector shall make default in the payment of any monies by him received, by virtue of this act, at the time hereby required, such collector, or his security or securities, his, her or their heirs, executors or administrators, shall be bound to all such fines, interest, damages and costs, and be recovered in the same manner as in case of a default in the payment of the commonwealth's revenue. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of every collector making a sale by virtue of this act, to make and execute to the purchaser or purchasers a deed for the lands so sold, reciting the cause of sale, and in every action or suit at law or in equity, in which a former owner or owners of any tract of land so sold and conveyed, his, her or their heirs, devisees, or other person or persons claiming under him, her or them, shall contest the validity of the sale so made, the said proband shall be on the party so contesting. Be it further enacted, That the commissioner or commissioners for discharging the duties required of them by this act, shall be entitled to receive from the public treasury a commission of one and a half per centum on the amount of sales, on a warrant from the auditor of public accounts. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the auditor of public accounts, at the public expense, to cause a copy of this act, and of an act passed the first day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and six, entitled, "An act giving further time to the proprietors of certain lands forfeited for the non payment of taxes, to redeem the same, and also of an act passed the twentieth day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seven, entitled, "An act to amend an act entitled, "An act more effectually to provide for the payment of taxes upon lands within this commonwealth," to be published for six months successively in the present year and for three months successively preceding the first Monday in August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eleven, to be published in some newspaper of general circulation, edited in each of the United States, if any such there be. And be it further enacted, That the duties required by this act to be performed by the collectors, shall, where the sheriff is collector, be performed by the high sheriff in person, and every purchase made, wholly or in part, by the sheriff or his deputy, or by any other person being a collector, or by any other person, wholly or in part, being such sheriff, deputy sheriff or other person being a collector, making any purchase, either wholly or in part, for his own use, or procuring any other person to make such purchase, wholly or in part, for the use aforesaid, shall forfeit, and pay the sum of $500, to the use of the public, to be recovered by bill, plaint or information, in any court of record having jurisdiction thereof. This act shall be in force from the passing thereof. A Copy from the Roll—Teste, J. PLEASANTS, Jr. Keeper of the Rolls.
LAND for Sale. WILL BE SOLD, to the highest bidder, on the 18th day of July next, The Tract of Land, Whereon the late David Owen, dec'd. lived, containing 475 Acres, lying in Powhatan County, about four miles from the courthouse. There are two settlements on this land, on each of which is a good orchard, from which a considerable quantity of excellent cyder is annually made. The quality of the land is such as usually to be found in the neighborhood; it will be divided into two lots, or sold in one, as may be most conducive to the interest of the estate. The terms will be 500 dollars paid on the day of sale, 500 dollars in six months, and the balance in two equal annual payments. Bond with approved security and a deed of trust on the land will be required of the purchaser, the bonds to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. Possession given the first day of December next, with the privilege of sowing small grain the first day of September next. Mr. GEORGE OWEN, living on the land, will show it to those who wish to view it. JOSEPH MAYO, Ex'r. of the last Will and Testament of DAVID OWEN, dec'd. Powhatan County, 5th June, 1809.
Fluvanna County, May Quarterly session, 1809. James Cole, Plaintiff AGAINST Joshua Bartley and James Payne, Defendants. THE Defendant Bartley, not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of Assembly and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an Inhabitant of this Country; On the motion of the Plaintiff by his counsel, It is Ordered, that the said Defendant Bartley do appear here on or before the first day of the next Quarterly term and answer the Plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in one of the Richmond news-papers and continued for two months successively, and another copy posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county. (A copy)—Teste, JOHN TIMBERLAKE, Jr. D. C. (S.W.)
NOTICE. ON Thursday the 20th of July next, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the former residences of the late Mr. WM. FOWLER of Chesterfield. About twenty Negroes, Consisting of Men, Women, Boys and Girls; the stock of Horses, Cows and Hogs; the plantation utensils, and about 50 BARRELS of CORN. The sale will be made for the purpose of satisfying the claims against the estate, and will be continued from day to day, until the whole shall be disposed of, or a sufficient sum raised for that purpose. The EXECUTORS of WM. FOWLER dec Chesterfield, June 25, 1809.
NOTICE. ON Thursday the 20th of July next, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the former residences of the late Mr. WM. FOWLER of Chesterfield. About twenty Negroes, Consisting of Men, Women, Boys and Girls; the stock of Horses, Cows and Hogs; the plantation utensils, and about 50 BARRELS of CORN. The sale will be made for the purpose of satisfying the claims against the estate, and will be continued from day to day, until the whole shall be disposed of, or a sufficient sum raised for that purpose. The EXECUTORS of WM. FOWLER dec Chesterfield, June 25, 1809.