Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1806-01-31 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XLIITH YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1250.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH
[Four Dollars Per Annum....paid in advance.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1806.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
LAND FOR SALE.
THE subscriber wishes to sell 250 acres of land, lying in Chesterfield county, within six miles of Manchester. The advantages of small farms near large towns are so obvious and generally admitted, as not to require particular enumeration. Any person wishing to purchase may see the land and know the terms by applying to Mr. John Branch, residing in Manchester, or the subscriber, near Buckingham courthouse.
Archibald Branch.
September 2, 1805. wtf
To Rent,
A HOUSE at the Falling Gardens. Apply to the Editor or to D. Wilson, who will give cash for a few thousand pounds of SENECA or RAT-TAIL SNAKE ROOT; also for BEESWAX and LINSEED OIL.
Richmond, Dec. 5th, 1805. wtf
W. Wardlaw,
HAS RECEIVED HIS FALL SUPPLY OF
MEDICINES,
By the ship Rolla, from London.—Also, a great variety of PAINTS, VARNISHES, SURGEONS' INSTRUMENTS, PATENT MEDICINES, &c. &c. And by the ship George, from Liverpool, a large supply of VIOLS and SHOP GLASS.
Those who favor him with their orders may depend on being supplied with every article in his line on the most liberal terms.
The citizens of Richmond are requested, when they apply at his shop by a child or servant to put the name of the article wanted on paper, to prevent mistakes. wtf
DOCT. WILSON,
Takes the liberty to observe that he continues his APOTHECARY SHOP at the Bell-Tavern, where may generally be had MEDICINES of every kind in general use, as well as other articles in the drug line, of good quality and at fair prices; of which persons disposed to buy may satisfy themselves by calling at his shop.
He also begs leave to observe, that he professes to practice Physics in all its branches. Persons of needy circumstances will be prescribed for gratis by paying the retail prices of his medicines. Richmond, Oct. 3d, 1805 wtf
Ten Dollars Reward for a Horse,
TAKEN from the main-street, opposite the post-office, in this city, between 6 and 7 o'clock, in the evening of the 21st inst. a bright bay HORSE, with a Saddle and Bridle, supposed to be 5 years old last spring, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, coarse made, two or three white spots on his back, occasioned by the saddle, and a hurt that is not hard to see, though well, and I have been informed, a small white spot on the inside of one of his thighs; has rather a thick mane, his gait a strong steady trot, carries his head low, and a sleepy countenance when still. The saddle is double skirted, and the stirrup irons placed, has been in use about twelve months, a double reined bridle with a leather curb. Whoever delivers the horse, saddle and bridle to me, near the basin, shall receive the above reward; and Five Dollars for the horse alone, if taken out of this county, and half that sum if within the county. 'Tis supposed he was rode off, not with a view to keep. SAMUEL PARSONS. Richmond, 12th Mo. 26th, 1805. wtf
Louisa County Court, November 15th, 1805.
Charles Barrett, surviving partner of Charles and Thomas Barrett, plf. AGAINST
John Lemay, heir at law of John Lemay, deft.
This defendant 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 state; Therefore, on the motion of the said plaintiff by his attorney, It is ordered and decreed by the court, that the said defendant do appear here on the second Monday in March next and answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some of the newspapers printed in the city of Richmond for eight weeks successively, and published at the front door of the courthouse of this county on some court day. A Copy, JOHN POINDEXTER C. L. C.
Goochland County Court, 16th December, 1805.
John Michie, plf. AGAINST
John Salmon, deft. On an Injunction in Chancery.
This defendant 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 state; on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here and answer the bill of the plaintiff on or before the third Monday in April next, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted for two months successively in some newspaper published in the city of Richmond; and that another copy be posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county. A Copy—Teste, WILLIAM MILLER, C. L. C.
Just received and for sale at S. Pleasants' Book-Store, near the Bridge,
THE FOLLOWING GENUINE
Patent Medicines.
  Hill's Balsam of Honey  obstinate eruptions, &c    Turlington's Balsam  British Oil    Godfrey's Cordial  Hooper's Female Pills    Essence of Peppermint  Anderson's Scott's do.    Steers' Opodeldoc  The celebrated Specific    Oriental Cerate, for the  Pills, for the cure of    cure of outward piles,  the outward and in-    scalds, sore legs, burns  ward Piles.  
At a court held for Cumberland county, the 24th of November, 1805. James Morton & Co. Plaintiffs, In chancery.
AGAINST Drury Watson and John Bibb, Defs. This day came the plaintiffs by Henry E. Watkins their attorney, and the defendant Drury Watson 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 the said Watson is not an inhabitant of this state; on the motion of the complainants by their attorney, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the fourth Monday in March next and answer the complainants' bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the courthouse on some court day. A copy—Teste, Sam. Hobson, D. C. C. C.
Advertisement.
WILL be sold, to the highest bidder, on Monday the 17th day of March, 1806, on the premises, my TRACT OF LAND, on the waters of Ward's Fork, on the main road leading to Booker's and Cole's ferry, three miles above Charlotte courthouse, containing by estimation 512 acres more or less. The quality of this land is well adapted to the culture of tobacco, corn, wheat, &c. and the situation as a public place is very advantageous, having been a long time known as Price's race ground. It is unnecessary to enter into a minute detail of the good qualities or advantages of the situation of this place, as it is presumable any person wishing to purchase will view the land before the day of sale, which they may do by applying to the subscriber who lives on the premises. wtf SHORT JONES.
CATALOGUE OF A VALUABLE COLLECTION OF BOOKS,
FOR SALE AT THE PRINTING OFFICE AND BOOK STORE OF S. PLEASANTS. Among them are some of the newest & most interesting English publications, in elegant binding.
  Hooper's Recreations, 4 vols.  Hutchinson's Biography, 2 vols.    Bigland's Letters  Elegant Pocket Bible    Schemberg's Naval Chronology, 6 vols.  Universal History, 3v    Bisset's Geo. 3. 2 vols.  Paul and Virginia    Sale's Koran, 2 vols.  Johnson's Works, 12v    Paris as it is and as it was, 2 vols.  Locke's Works, 10v    Wilkinson on Galvanism, 3 vols.  Beacon's Memoirs, 6v    Philidor on Chess  Boilingbroke on History, 3v    Jones's life of Horne  Minstrelsy, 3 vols.    Chatterton's works, 3 vols.  Swedens    Bates's Rural Philosophy  Percy's view of the Asiatic researches, 7v    Burke's works, 8 vols.  Hodson's, 2 vols.    Dibdin's life, 4 vols.  Melmoth's Pliny, 2v    Pindar's works, 5 vols.  Melmoth's Cicero, 3v    Naval Chronicle, 11v  Smith's Wealth of Nations, 3 vols.    Mariner's Chronicle, 2v  Churchill's works, 2v    Southey's Tales  Cyclopaedia    Home, a new novel, in 5 vols.  Gilbert's Frederick    Public Characters, 6v  Paris delineated    Rural Recreations, 2v  Fergusson's art of Drawing    Trotter on Drunkenness  Rumford's essays, 3v    Sugar on Women, 3v  Wilson's Egypt, 3 vols.    Bruce's Geography  Gillies's Greece, 4 vols.    Keith on the Globes  Kaime's Elements, 2v    Swiss Emigrants  Zimmerman on Solitude, 2 vols.    Sentimental Journey  Bell on Wounds    Natural History  Young's Night Thoughts    Dictionary of Polite Literature  History of England, 3v    Pilkington's memoirs  Chaplet    Gentle Shepherd  Sonnets of Weter    Shenstone's Poems  Pleasant Imagin'n    Thomson's Seasons  Cowper's Poems, 2v    Gray's Poems  Theophrastus    Falconer's Shipwreck  Epope's Fables    Goldsmith's Poems  Death of Abel    Baker's Livy, 6 vols.  Hooke's Tasso, 2 vols.    Beatham's Biographical Dictionary  Mawer's Gardener     Swift's Works, 24v     Turkish Spy, 8 vols.     Coke's Travels, 5 vols.     Homer illustrated, 2v     Farmers' Roy     Ovid's Art of Love  
Also, just received and for sale as above,
  Ferguson's Astronomy  Fyfe's Anatomy    Scott's Gazetteer, 4v  T. Paine's works, 2v    Young's Lat. Dictionary  Adams's defence of the American Constitution, 3 vols.    Lady's Museum, elegant binding with plates 14v  Kotzebue's Plays    Do. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14, to complete sets  Bombardier    Ferguson's Lectures  Chase's Trial    Guthrie's Grammar, edition of 1805  Gordon's Civil War in Ireland    Clarke's Homer  Ralston's Cookery    Greek Lexicons  Bordley's Husbandry    Lucian's Dialogues  Laws of Kentucky    Greek Testaments  Anacharsis' Travels    Grammars  Antenor's Travels    Perrin's Exercises   
THE WHOLE OF THE SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE LATE EDITION OF THE
Debates of the Convention, Published by Messrs. Ritchie & Worsley and Augustine Davis, having been transferred by those gentlemen to Samuel Pleasants, Jun. subscribers will please to take notice, that the books will be delivered by him (only) in Richmond, and by such persons as he may appoint for the purpose in other places.
Amelia, January 26, 1805. TAKEN up by the subscriber early in December, FOUR HOGS, marked with a crop & two slits in the left ear, and a slit and half crop in the right—Appraised to ten pounds sixteen shillings. John Robertson.
FOUND, on the counter of Lownes & Pierce, A SMALL SUM OF MONEY, which the owner may have again by paying the expense of this advertisement. January 27th, 1806. St
House of Delegates, Monday, January 20.
CALL OF A CONVENTION.
A motion being made, that the house resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration a petition from the counties of Henry and Patrick, requesting the legislature to adopt means for calling a convention to revise and amend the state constitution."
MR. BALL moved that the question be postponed till the 31st of March. He was opposed to calling a convention at this time on account of our political relations. We should perhaps be soon engaged in a contest with some of the foreign powers. Our prospects abroad are cloudy, and a revision, such as the present question contemplated required, beyond any other, the enjoyment of complete sunshine. It would be impossible to assemble a convention and revise the constitution, without raising a considerable ferment. It was idle to grasp at perfection. The happiness of the people was what we all aimed at; but under the present constitution, the people were contented and happy. Some men are, to be sure, fond of change; but this is a fondness as yet confined to their own bosoms: the people at large have not partaken of it. There may be some defects in the present constitution; Mr. Ball admitted there were some: but it was perhaps impossible to get clear of them altogether. If we call a convention; if we open such a wide door for amendment, there is not perhaps a single feature in the present constitution, which we may not be able to retain. Those who framed it at first were pure and enlightened men: they assembled at a favorable time; could we now expect more able framers, or a more propitious period?
MR. BURWELL, although he was indisposed, and extremely feeble, felt it a duty he owed to the petition he had presented, and people he represented, to oppose the motion of postponement. It was surprising that the gentleman had attempted to dispose of a question so important without discussion. How will the people ever understand the defects of their constitution; how are they to be impressed with the necessity of a reform unless the proposition is fairly met and fully investigated?
Whence arises the danger of examining the constitution and convening a convention? Are we afraid that, like the Roman Decemvirs, they will declare their sitting permanent and their powers unlimited? If this be not the danger, whence then arises all this apprehension? Against all these usurpations, we had a bulwark, which would never fail us, in the information and intelligence of the people. Besides, this argument, if it proves anything at all, proves infinitely too much. It would teach us to confide no powers at all to any set of men from an apprehension that they would abuse it. If the constitution be defective, it was proper to amend it; to expunge its imperfections and retain all its valuable features. What kind of an argument then was it to say, that we should make no effort to introduce the most positive benefits, from a vague apprehension that uncertain evils may possibly ensue? Do not our ordinary legislatures possess the most extensive powers? Still do they not meet and transact public business without public usurpation? They meet here to consult for the public welfare, and not to violate the rights of the people, from whom they received their power. If we have any apprehensions from the abused authority of a convention, why should we exempt our ordinary legislature from similar suspicion? It is not to be denied that the present assembly can divide among themselves the money in the treasury. The stock, which the state owns in the bank may take in the same direction. The armory; the whole of the public property of every description, may be squandered without economy, or plundered without shame. Why then, is not such a scene exhibited here? It is because no man would dare to make such a proposition. It is because the public indignation; the contending integrity of the majority of the people, is prepared to cover such a wretch with endless ruin. The people must employ agents to conduct the general affairs of society. The important concerns of the world require that confidence should be reposed in men; and happily, experience has here demonstrated that necessity is not at war with the interests of society. Why then should we dread the assembling of a convention, when its members are to be appointed by the very same people who select their legislators and on far more interesting concerns? Will the superior value of the trust diminish the care and discernment employed in their selection? Is it to be expected that any agents would be preferred but those who are most complete-
ly qualified for the great purposes, which are to be confided? On such interesting questions, we have a right to expect that such men only will be called to the service of their country, who have age, discretion, and talents, to recommend them. The character of the Virginians is sufficient to fortify us in that hope. Their love of peace and the uncommon share of information diffused through the various parts of the state, are a sufficient guarantee for the virtue of the selection and the discretion of the agent. And should a convention ever be summoned, we might expect that another crisis would arrive, whose termination would serve to strengthen the principles of a republican government, & increase our confidence in the wisdom & virtue of our fellow citizens. I wish, said Mr. B. to have an opportunity of expressing my opinion of the defects of the present constitution. I wish that the people themselves should have an opportunity of understanding the subject and expressing their opinions. Let us, then, submit the proposition at once to their consideration.
We have been told (said Mr. B.) that there are a few restless, discontented individuals, who complain, and that the fault is in them and not in the constitution. Certainly I myself enjoy the most perfect personal liberty: I am happy and contented; my property in common with that of the people at large is sacred and respected. But there is yet a class of people in the community who are very differently circumstanced; men who are divested of all political rights, and left at the mercy of their governors. I allude, Sir, to those who are deprived of the right of suffrage.
The Bill of Rights declares, that "men cannot be deprived of their property for public uses, without their own consent or that of their representatives, so elected nor bound by any law to which they have not in like manner, assented for the public good." Yet does not every person know, that nine tenths of the free men of the state are disfranchised, and excluded from all agency in the councils which give the law binding upon the people of the commonwealth? Men who are thus deprived of the privilege of electing representatives, are as much enslaved as those unfortunate beings who inhabit the Turkish Empire; if they enjoy more personal liberty; if they suffer less vexations in the management of their property; it is because their masters are more indulgent, & not that they are less absolute. This state of political existence is peculiarly oppressive, since the Bill of Rights in the clause which has been recited, promises the reverse. Upon what principles, then has this sacred and invaluable provision been violated? for what purposes? We shall be told perhaps, that these people pay no taxes, and that they should not therefore participate in the administration of the government. But is this argument correct? Are land-holders the only persons, who pay taxes? Men without land possess slaves, horses and other property, subject to taxation. Even when destitute of these, they render personal services to the government? Are not these to be deducted from the little pittance allotted to themselves and a dependent family, and under this point of view may they not fairly be considered as a tax upon their industry and subsistence? So far then as the argument of taxation applies, it is obviously unfounded. But are governments instituted for the purposes of taxation alone? Let it be recollected that the laws which define crimes and punishments, and by whose influence the personal liberty of every individual is secured or endangered; the laws which regulate the mode of transferring and acquiring property; and let it also be recollected, that the laws which apportion the military services of the citizen; are interesting to every one, whether he be a land-holder or not. No doubt it is right that society should demand some "evidence of common interest with, and attachment to the community." The qualifications of age, colour and sex were no doubt indispensable. For in what situation should we be placed, were we to see the sable race crowding round our polls and controuling our elections? For the same reason perhaps, minors and females should be excluded from the right of suffrage, though for my own part (said Mr. B.) I have no very strong objection to the latter. But why should this pledge consist in property, or why should one species of property be preferred to another? Where is the justice of requiring 25 instead of one or 25,000 acres as the qualification of an elector? Let it be granted that some standard is necessary: but let that standard be one which embraces the greatest possible portion of the people. Can there be any more rational pledge of attachment to the community than birth? It is birth, which engenders that indescribable sensation, called patriotism. The poor landless Virginian feels more real
love for this, his native country; a more ardent zeal to support its dignity and independence, than the wealthy foreigner, who has spread his titles over an extensive soil, and whose lofty palace rises like an exhalation to the skies. And yet what a paradox do our laws produce! Whilst the latter is admitted to all the rights of citizenship, the former is completely excluded. If we have indeed no confidence in the attachment of these people to their native country, why in times of the utmost peril, when we are threatened with foreign invasions or domestic convulsions, do we call forth, embody and arm them, for the public defence? Are you not afraid (said Mr. B.) to trust them with weapons, which may be turned against yourselves? As for my part, my mind revolts against the charge. I abhor the monstrous injustice of saying to the soldier, who had impaired his constitution, wasted his fortune, and spilt his blood: "you have saved your country from ruin, and devastation. But you cannot be trusted even with the election of a representative." I am a freeholder myself, Sir; yet rather than be guilty of such crying ingratitude, I would abridge my own power and divide with these men my portion of sovereignty.
In all republican governments, it is proper to begin by establishing as little discrimination, as possible between the different members of the community. This principle is absolutely just in itself, but it becomes still more important as a practical maxim, when it is recollected that society is irresistibly progressive. As it advances in almost every country, it naturally leads to the accumulation of property in the hands of particular individuals. Such has been the history of England, such the history of Germany; such the history of every nation in Europe. The result has always been inauspicious to the cause of the people; favorable to privileged orders, and productive of civil confusion. Look at Ireland. Why has that gallant nation been so long oppressed and agitated? It was because a large portion of her people was excluded from a share of the elective franchise. What produced the dissensions in ancient Rome? Why did the people secede to the Sacred Mount and refuse to appear under the banners of the republic? It was because they had received from that republic nothing but oppression and injury. It was because the Patricians and the Plebeians, in other words those who were freeholders and those who were not, had divided the population of Rome. Let us beware (said Mr. B.) that the same casualty does not happen to ourselves. When an enemy arises upon us; when the landless citizen is enlisted in our ranks to fight the battles of his country, let us beware that like the ancient Plebeians he may not retire to some sacred mountain, and refuse to resist the enemy. "You have denied us (he may say) the right of suffrage; you have divided among you the honors and the treasures of the government. Fight then your own battles: when our country chooses to treat us as her children, by admitting us to share in the benefits of our birthright, she may then expect us to appear in the defence of her rights. But till then, let the haughty landholder go forth to defend her."
We may be told, however, said Mr. B. that all this is mere idle speculation. We may be called upon for proofs of the injury, which actually results from this political discrimination. I could produce several to the consideration of the house, but a single one is sufficient for the illustration of the evil. The law appointing processioners to mark and ascertain the boundaries of land, allows to each of them a compensation, to be defrayed by the people at large, and to be collected in the shape of a poll-tax. The consequence is, that an expense intended for marking and securing the landed property of the nation, is in part levied in the most grievous and oppressive manner, upon men, not in the slightest degree concerned in the arrangement.
But there are other defects in our present constitution, which must command our attention and regret.
What shall we say of the organization of the legislature? It is an admirable feature in the constitution, that it has given almost all the power to the legislature; to men annually elected by, and responsible to the people, for the exercise of their authority. But even, the legislature itself is by no means perfect in its structure. There are certain powers given and some restrictions imposed upon it, which a wise politician would be willing to change. The legislature, for instance, is entrusted with the power of electing the governor. What has been the consequence? Tho' a man of great talents be sometimes elevated to the chair of state; though a master may sometimes appear to illuminate the political horizon, yet at the end of 3 years he vanishes only to make the succeeding gloom more melancholy and im-

penetrable. Sometimes a Monroe is in- vested with office; but there are few gov- ernors who have possessed the qualifica- tions and deserved the reputation of Mon- roe. The reason is too plain to escape observation. Candidates for offices with- in the gift of the legislature, have too of- ten succeeded by solicitation, by canvas- sing and intrigue. A man of real talents is unwilling to go through this annual pro- bation. He is unwilling to employ po- liteliness, solicitation or the other instru- ments of success. But let the power of appointment be transferred to the people; and a new scene is likely to be developed. Men of real talents will come forth to serve the commonwealth. It is a greater harm to the feelings of a man of talents, to receive the national approbation, than that of a body of legislators. No man will be brought forward as a candidate, but one whose qualifications are so well known throughout the whole state as to entitle him to the honor of the selection. The people will be the arbiters of the choice; and before them, the usual in- struments of politeness, solicitation, and intrigue, will be of no avail. (To be continued.)
FROM THE BALTIMORE FEDERAL GA- ZETTE.
To the Editors. A friend in Washington has fur- nished me with the inclosed transla- tions of diplomatic papers now in circu- lation at that city, with liberty of giving them publicity here; you may, if agreeable, insert them in your useful paper.
A SUBSCRIBER. Baltimore, Jan. 23d, 1806.
A translation from the French of the Mar- quis de Casa Yrujo's circular, addressed to the different foreign ministers accredited near the United States. Philadelphia, Jan. 21, 1806.
Sir. The want of correctness which ap- pears to prevail throughout the article, relative to Spain, of the message which the president of the U. States sent to congress on the 3d instant, compelled me to transmit on the 6th of said month, to the secretary of state, the note of which I have the honor of inclosing to you a translated copy. The extreme publicity given to said message, as well as to the documents relative to the above-mentioned article, sent to congress some time after, caused me to hope that government, from the ostensible purity of its in- tentions, would also have published my note, as its publication would have tended to present the affairs in question under their true point of view. I have been waiting in silence for more than forty days in expectation of this act of justice, but I have waited for it in vain; and as no hopes any longer remain of seeing it verified, I have thought it my duty sir, to transmit you a copy of this document, for the information of your court, with the object, that whatever may have been the light under which the president of the United States may have thought proper to present the conduct of Spain, it may be known that the king my mas- ter, in his political relations with the United States has always manifested that good faith, so well known, which is the true character of his govern- ment, acting towards them always with justice, and very often with ge- nerosity.
Accept, sir, the sentiments of high consideration, with which I have the honor to be, your most obedient hum- ble servant, (Signed) THE MARQUIS OF CASA YRUJO. P. S. I authorise you, sir, to give copies not only of my note, but even of the present letter.
[TRANSLATION.]
Philadelphia, Dec. 6th, 1805.
Sir. The zeal with which I have endeav- ored to preserve the harmony and good understanding betwixt Spain & the United States, has caused me to read with particular regret, the article of the president's message, sent to congress the 3d instant, respecting the political relations between the United States and the king my master. As in the exposition to which I allude, there exist in my opinion several mis- takes of a delicate and important ten- dency, although I render to the pre- sident due justice, in regard to the motives which may have caused this apparent want of correctness, yet my character, imposes on me the task of entering into an examination of some of his assertions, and of demonstrat- ing that either from the want of exact information, or owing to defective translations, they appear in some cases not altogether correct.
In the article of the president's mes- sage relative to Spain, after mentioning that the negotiations for the settlement of the existing differences had not had a satisfactory issue, he says "spoli- ations during the former war for which he had formally acknowledged herself
responsible, have been refused to be com- pensated, but on conditions affecting o- ther claims in no wise connected with them. Yet the same practices are re- newed in the present war & are already of great amount." It is very well known that in a state of war, there exists and will probably ever exist, a certain abuse of force, confined to subaltern hands. E- ven the United States themselves have not been an exception to this general rule, and during the short period of hos- tilities with France, in the year 1798, not- withstanding no privateers were armed and that their protecting force consisted only of a small number of frigates, neutrals experienced from them many in- juries, well authenticated by the nume- rous claims on this government by the injured powers, principally on the part of Denmark and Sweden.
Probably there might have existed last war some abuses of this nature, although very rare, on the part of the royal navy of Spain; but the king my master, ani- mated by the love of justice, which char- acterises him, authorised his principal secretary of state to sign a convention with the American minister near his per- son, in which were stipulated reciprocal compensations for the damages and inju- ries their respective subjects and citizens might have sustained from officers, or in- dividuals of either, contrary to the right and laws of nations. This stipulation, similar to that of the same nature in the treaty of friendship, navigation and limits concluded in 1795, and scrupulously com- plied with by my sovereign, would now have had the same effect by the ratifica- tion of the convention, had not an article been inserted therein tending to impose on Spain the obligation of a responsibility both detrimental and important in its re- sult, as well as unsupported by reason and justice under existing circumstances. My court has in a direct manner, as well as through me repeatedly manifested to the American government its readiness to carry the said stipulation into effect whenever the article in the same convention relative to the above-mentioned respon- sibility, should either be suppressed or altered in a manner more comforta- ble to justice, and has been so far from refusing to satisfy said compensations on account of other claims in no wise connec- ted with them, that it was precisely be- cause they are connected, that the said convention has not been carried into ef- fect, as has was and still is the wish of the king my master.
It is true that the two subjects by their nature are not connected with each other in themselves, but it is also true that this connection is very great, when we con- sider that an endeavor is made to form out of those two things, distinct in them- selves component parts of the same whole; thereby, placing the king my master, under the disagreeable dilemma of either refusing to ratify a stipulation which he conceives to be just and therefore wishes to fulfil, or else of taking on himself a re- sponsibility, more or less direct, in favor of the United States to which it is well proved they have no right to pretend.
In regard to what concerns the new spoliations, I can assure you, sir, few are those that strictly merit this denomi- nation on the part of Spanish vessels, as many of the captures, which so frequently figure in the American papers, arises ei- ther from acts of contraband, or from a want of having on board the documents required by the treaty of 1795, or even from other circumstances which the cap- tains and owners of said prizes will take good care to conceal; besides, on this head, the citizens of the U. States would receive that justice which they have al- ready experienced on the same subject, in virtue of the treaty of 1795. I cannot but observe, that although I had the honor of communicating to you, sir, two months a- go, that the strictest injunctions had been given by the king, my master, not to inter- rupt the navigation of American citizens, when employed in lawful trade, no mention is made by the president of this circum- stance, as highly important in its effects towards American commerce, as it is ne- cessary to demonstrate his just and pacific intentions.
Without any view to recrimination, I find it necessary to observe, that although the violations of the rights of neutrals are infinitely more frequent and extensive on the part of England, whose vessels of the royal navy have almost continually block- aded the ports of the United States, and what is more, when this power daily es- tablishes new principles on the rights of neutrals, which in reality, tend to under- mine and annihilate them—the name of Great Britain is no where to be found in the columns of the president's message.
The circumstances in themselves would not authorize any animadversions on my part, were it not for a most essen- tial one which immediately affects the in- terests of the king my master—I al- lude to many thousand American sailors violently forced from the shelter of the flag which ought to protect them, and compelled to fight on board of British ships of war, against the subjects of the king, my master. I cannot but call the attention of the government of the United States towards such a conduct, that in their wisdom, they may adopt the neces- sary measures to correct an abuse, which at the same time that it violates their neu- trality is extremely prejudicial to Spain.
The president adds, "On the Mobile, our commerce passing through that river continues to be obstructed by arbitrary du- ties and vexatious searches." Although this assertion is not accompanied by any
observation whatever, which might entitle it to be viewed as a national offence, I must observe, that according to my in- formation, the duties on imports and ex- ports are very moderate, only 6 per cent. that every power has a right to regulate as they please these objects within the boundaries of their jurisdiction, and that this exercise of sovereignty is prac- tised by the American government at Fort Stoddert; that is, within their lines, without any pretensions on the part of Spain to interfere in their regulations. But even admitting it may be trouble- some, it never surely can be pretended as a national offence.
He afterwards says—"Propositions for adjusting amicably the boundaries of Lou- isiana have not been acceded to." This assertion is not strictly correct; for it is, and always has been, the wish as well as the intention of Spain, to adjust amicably the limits of Louisiana; but however friendly (amicable) may have been her disposition towards it, she cannot sacrifice thereto either the dignity or rights of her crown; so that it was not, as the presi- dent supposes, owing to the want of a desire of adjusting amicably, that this business was not concluded; but rather from the nature of the proposals, which were in themselves inadmissible. The paragraph continues—"While the right is unsettled, we have avoided to change the state of things, by taking new posts, or strengthening ourselves in the disputed territories, in the hope that the other power would not, by a contrary conduct oblige us to meet their example, and endanger conflicts of authority, the issue of which may not easily be controlled; but in this hope we have now reason to lessen our confidence." In truth, I can- not comprehend what the president can call unsettled right; and still less, if he wishes to apply it to that part of West Florida comprehended within the Mis- sissippi, Iberville, the lakes, and the river Perdido. The right of this territory cannot be considered as unsettled or doubtful; for independent of that right arising from actual possession and from the treaty of retrocession of Louisiana to France, there is another conclusive cir- cumstance, well known to the American government, which ought and must dissipate every doubt, if any could ever exist on this subject. The most distin- guished civilians agree, that the true interpreters of a treaty, doubtful in any of its clauses or expressions, are the contracting parties themselves, when this can be obtained.
Spain and France, who were the contracting parties in the treaty of retrocession, on which is founded that of sale, of the 30th of April, from whence the pretensions of the American govern- ment emanate, have explained it in the manner already known to you, sir, namely, that it was not the intention of Spain to cede to France more than she had received from her, as the title and word retrocession made use of therein, clearly imply; and that France never would have pretended or hoped to obtain one inch of land east of the Mississippi, Iberville and the lakes. The true intention of the contracting parties being thus expressly manifested, I shall content myself by copying a single paragraph from Vattel, among many other similar ones which I could produce from other civilians, in support of the rights of the king, my master, on this subject. In paragraph 274 of "The Interpretation of Treaties," Vattel says—"When we manifestly see what is the sense that agrees with the inten- tion of the contracting powers, it is not permitted to turn their words to a contrary meaning. The intention sufficiently known makes the true matter of the convention, of what is promised and ac- cepted, demanded and granted. To solve the trea- ty, is to go contrary to the intention sufficiently ma- nifested, rather than against the terms in which it is conceived; for the terms are nothing without the intentions throughout to dictate them." According to this, the position taken by the president, in the said paragraph of his message, that the right (no doubt alluding to the territorial right) was doubtful or unsettled, is inadmissible, and of course all the inductions and consequences he draws from this supposition, fall completely to the ground. Besides, whatever alteration or change might have taken place in the territories of his Catholic majesty could never have been, as I have had the honor to inform you, sir, but the effects of a new plan of frontiers, which the retrocession of Louisiana would of course render necessary; or else it might proceed from the circumstance of Spain's being engaged in a war with England, but never with a view to dis- turb the peace and good understanding betwixt Spain and the United States.
The president continues saying "Inroads have recently been made into the territories of Orleans and the Mississippi; our citizens have been seized and their property plundered in the very ports of the former, which had been actually delivered up by Spain, and this by the regular officers and soldiers of that government."
Although I have not on this subject more in- formation than that received through the A- merican newspapers, whose accounts cannot be supposed very impartial, never, unless supposing them correct, in all their extent, from those I have read, it is neither proved, nor do I think it possible to believe, that officers and soldiers of the king, my master, have crossed the American line, to commit within the jurisdiction of the U. States the pretended inroads. The first exam- ple of these inroads was given by several American citizens, who, in August, 1804, penetrated thro' the territory of Baton Rouge, and aided by the brother Kemper, and other malcontents of the Spanish side, made an attempt to surprise and render themselves masters of the fort of Baton Rouge, and actually arrested some magistrates & other persons of note. On this subject I had the honor of speaking and writing to you, sir, in due time, but I am hitherto without the least answer. If the seizing of American citizens ("our citizens have been seized") has any reference to the arrest of the Kemper, I must in the first place declare, that according to my late information these Kempers are not American citizens, because when they settled themselves in the Spanish territory, they became subjects of the king, and of course had lost their rights as American citizens; and in the second, that the arrest of these persons, according to a letter from New Orleans, of the 20th Oct. last, published in the U. States Gazette, of Philadel- phia, was effected by negroes, mulattoes & A- merican citizens, who, no doubt, expected some re- compence, delivered them within the Spanish lines, from whence it appears, some Spanish soldiers took charge of to conduct them to Baton Rouge. It is true that it has also been said, that
a part of a company of cavalry, commanded by a certain Capt. Jones, had entered another part of the line and had concluded themselves in a vi- olent and improper manner towards two families; but should this account be true, I can assure you, sir, that the government of the U. States shall receive due satisfaction from Spain, the reputa- tion of whose government is too well established, to believe it can in any manner be privy to, or approve of acts, as far beneath its character, as they are useless in their ends. Incidents of this nature often happen on the frontiers of every country, and they only deserve attention when they receive the sanction of the government of the aggressors, or when in such cases, due sa- tisfaction is refused.
I have gone over, step by step, the article of the president's message, which relates to Spain, and I have endeavored to present with candor & truth, although in a cursory manner, whatever may give correct ideas on its nature and tendency. Having fulfilled this duty incumbent on my situ- ation, permit me to offer you, sir, the sentiments of high consideration, with which I have the honor to be, EL MARQUIS DE CASA YRUJO. JAMES MADISON, Esq.
* Note.—It is necessary to remark that the na- vigation of the Mobile, which appears to furnish the president a motive of complaint, is enjoyed by the Americans, in consequence of a gracious indulgence on the part of Spain; as no right does yet exist, to navigate the waters of that ri- ver within the boundaries of Spain, who holds exclusively that right grounded on sovereign pos- session, on the opinions of the most celebrated civilians, and supported by the very principles established by the American government, thro' the medium of their attorney-general, Brad- ford, in the case of the prize Grange, taken on the wa- ters of the Delaware. After this, it is necessa- ry to confess, that the animadversions of the president upon this head are as unjust as they are impolitic.
CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Wednesday, January 22.
Mr. P. R. Thompson presented a memo- rial from sundry inhabitants of Alex- andria, in the district of Columbia, repre- senting that the fees paid to the officers of the courts are exorbitant and oppres- sive, and praying that the fees may be reduced to the same amount chargeable in the courts of Virginia.
Referred to the committee appointed yesterday on the resolution offered by Mr. Nelson.
After a few explanatory remarks, the object of which was to shew the necessi- ty of uniformity in certain judicial pro- ceedings of the states, Mr. Bidwell offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee be appoint- ed to consider whether any, and if any, what further provision ought to be made by law for prescribing the manner in which the public acts, records and judi- cial proceedings of the respective states shall be proved, and the effect thereof; and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Agreed to, and referred to a commit- tee of five members.
The house again went into committee of the whole—Mr. Dawson in the chair —on the resolution of Mr. Sloan, for im- posing a tax of ten dollars on every slave imported into the United States.
When, after a long debate, the resolution was agreed to—Ayes 79.
The committee rose and reported their agreement to the resolution.
The house immediately took it into consideration; and after some further debate, concurred in the report—Yeas 90 —Nays 25—when the resolution thus agreed to was referred to a committee of three members to bring in a bill.
On motion of Mr. Sauly, the house re- solved itself into a committee of the whole—Mr. Varnum in the chair—on the bill to extend the jurisdiction in cer- tain cases to the state judges and state courts. After a short discussion of the provisions of the bill, the committee rose and reported it with an amendment, which was ordered to lie for considera- tion.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA. HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Saturday, January 25, 1806.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk.
The Senate have passed the following bills to wit:—
An act concerning James Terlington; Allowing a further time to the Potow- mack company for completing the naviga- tion of the Potowmack river and for other purposes; and altering the time of holding a quarterly court for Northamp- ton county.
They have also passed the bill to a- mend the act, entitled an act, reducing into one all acts and parts of acts concern- ing suits brought for sterling money, and for ascertaining the rate of exchange and damages on protested bills of exchange; and concerning jurors in certain cases; with an amendment to each, to which amendments they request the concur- rence of the House of Delegates.
The House proceeded to consider the said amendments, and the same being read, were agreed to by the House.
Ordered, That the clerk acquaint the Senate therewith.
An engrossed bill giving further powers to the overseers of the poor in certain cases, was read a third time and several blanks therein filled up;
Resolved, That the bill do pass, and that the title be, an act, giving further powers to the overseers of the poor in certain cases;
Ordered, That the clerk carry the said bill to the Senate and desire their concur- rence.
An engrossed bill concerning the Bo- rough of Norfolk, was read a third time, a blank therein filled up and amended by an engrossed clause by way of rider; and the question being put on the passage of the said bill, it passed in the negative: Ayes 62—Nays 66.
Resolved, That the said bill be rejected.
The House according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole House on the state of the commonwealth; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair and Mr. B. Harrison reported, that the committee of the whole House on the state of the commonwealth, had, according to order, had under their consideration on the report of the committee of Finance, had gone through the same, made some amendments thereto, and agreed to a re- solution thereupon;
On motion, Ordered, that the said re- port with the amendments and resolution lie on the table.
Mr. Singleton made a report from the committee appointed on the part of this house, jointly with a committee of the senate, to enquire into the state and condi- tion of the Bank of Virginia—which re- port is in the following words:—
The committee appointed to enquire into the state and condition of the Bank of Virginia, pursuant to a resolution en- tered into by the Senate and House of Delegates, have according to order, called on the president and directors of the said Bank, who exhibited, not only the books containing minutes of their proceed- ings, but a particular statement of the capital stock of the company; of the debts due to the same; of the monies deposi- ted in their coffers; of the notes in circu- lation, and of the cash in hand; and the committee having examined as well the books as the statement, beg leave to report—That the said books contain fair and distinct entries of the general concerns of the company; shewing at certain peri- ods not only the entire resources of the com- pany & the demands which might possibly be made against it as an individual body, but shewing under its organic form, and at stated periods the transactions of the mother bank with its different branches or offices of discount, whereby the committee were enabled, not only to examine the more general operations but by this necess- ary intelligence & superintendant control of the mother bank, to trace any impro- vident management to its proper source, and the committee are gratified in being able to add, that the bank seems to have been conducted generally, more upon the principles of permanent security than in- considerate gain, and that this prudent administration of the affairs of the company, while it excludes every idea of danger, will if pursued, in the opinion of the com- mittee, ensure the permanent success of the institution.
Monday, January 27th, 1806.
A communication from the Senate by their clerk.
The Senate have agreed to the amend- ments proposed by the house of delegates to the amendments proposed by the Se- nate to the bill, To amend the act, direct- ing the method of proceeding in courts of equity against absent debtors and o- ther absent defendants, and for settling the proceedings on attachments against absconding debtors.
They recede from the 6th amendment proposed by them to the bill, To prevent slaves being brought into this common- wealth, to which the house of delegates have disagreed.
They have passed the bill, Altering the court day of Spottsylvania and Rock- bridge counties; and, the bill, To amend the act entitled, an act, concerning the town of Charlottesville.
They have also passed the bill, Con- cerning the navigation of James river, with several amendments, to which they request the concurrence of the house of delegates.
The house proceeded to consider the amendments of the Senate to the las- named bill, and the same being read, were agreed to by the house.
Ordered, That the clerk acquaint the senate therewith.
The house proceeded to consider the amendments made by the committee of the whole house on the state of the com- monwealth to the report of the commit- tee of finance, which were heretofore laid upon the table, and the same being se- verally read, were further amended and a- greed to by the house.
Resolved, That it is unnecessary and in- expedient to change the permanent revenue taxes for the present year.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a bill, Imposing taxes for the support of government; and that Messrs. Wood- ing, Semple, Campbell, Burwell, Wood- ford, Coleman (Pittsylvania) Dashiell, Maclin, Miller (Powhatan) Gregory, Evans (Ohio) J. Yancey and Walker do pre- pare and bring in the same.
The house, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house on a bill, "To amend the act, entitled, an act, reducing into one the several acts regulating the course of descent;" and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Madison reported, that the com- mittee had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, had gone thro' the same and made several amend- ments thereto, which he handed in at the clerk's table, where the same were read and further amended, and the bill as a- mended, ordered to be engrossed and read a third time.

NEUTRAL RIGHTS.
Extract of a letter from an American gentleman in London, to his correspondent in this town, dated September 29th, 1805.
"This country is spreading upon our commerce an unexampled length, and to suppose that any man will find favor in the courts of vice admiralty, or with the greedy plunderers of our commerce, is absurd. To destroy our commerce with a view to give opening for the employment of their own vessels at the close of the war, is one object; and another is, to give encouragement to the navy, particularly to the higher officers of it, whose small pay without booty, will not afford them an adequate support, there having been no alteration in it for upwards of a hundred years. These considerations have a great influence in inducing the conduct, which is pursued towards our vessels; especially as the commerce of France, Spain and Holland at least, is in a manner destroyed. It is a curious fact which ought to be known in the United States, that Sir Wm. Scott, who is the judge of vice admiralty, and determines the law of nations respecting neutrals, as set up by this nation, is a member of the privy council, and from time to time receives directions from the board to modify his decisions according to circumstances; whereby the law, which ought to be fixed and settled, upon just principles, is perpetually varying, and is wavering and unsettled; and it is also to be observed, that the decisions of the judge produce all the effect of new orders to the ships of war and privateers, by their agents giving notice of every new principle or change adopted by the judge. It is by this management that our vessels have been lately brought in and condemned, whilst it has been openly declared that no new orders have been issued. Nothing can exceed the management with which this government proceeds towards our vessels and commerce."
It is high time that we had a national character, and that we felt for the national interest, that when either we were attacked we should be ready to avenge the injury, let it come from what quarter it might. Without this, it is vain to hope for the security of our commerce, or the adoption of proper measures for that purpose.
Mr Monroe has presented a long note to Lord Mulgrave upon the subject of the late captures. It is well written, argumentative and spirited, although tempered with moderation and respect to this government.
The principle of free ships making free goods, is considered here to be abandoned by the United States, and there is no doubt but that our concession of it to this government produced an important influence inducing the modification or rather abandonment of the principle, by Russia, and the other northern powers in June, 1801. In the October following, four months after the treaty between Russia and Great Britain had been signed, the parties made a declaration explanatory of the second section of the 3d article, by which they declare (in a case however in which Russia had no interest) "that the freedom of navigation and commerce, granted by the said article to the subjects of a neutral power, does not authorize them to carry in time of war the produce or merchandise of the colonies of the belligerent power direct to the continental possessions, nor vice versa from the mother country to the enemy's colonies; but that the said subjects are, however, to enjoy the same advantages and facilities in this commerce as are enjoyed by the most favored nations and especially by the United States of America."
It is in this way that the interests of neutral nations have been played off against each other to the advantage of this nation, and the United States are now left alone to contest their own rights and interests as neutrals.
In the present conjuncture of affairs, it appears to me advisable, that our merchants should meet and discuss the subject of neutral rights, and taking the Russian treaty with Great Britain for their guide as it stood unexplained in June, 1801, when it was made, should pass resolutions consonant thereto, and enforce them with a petition to the government of the United States, to adopt the most ready means to carry into execution such measures as it might deem necessary to give the most effectual protection to our navigation and commerce. A measure of this kind, I have no doubt, would be attended with the happiest effects. It would show that the merchants were united among themselves, and were disposed to place their neutral rights upon an equitable ground, whilst their claim would be moderate, and grounded upon the old law of nations, as laid down by the best writers. No party views or dissensions ought to enter into this measure: all should join and make a common cause in it; & in this case, such weight would be given to the representations of our ministers in Europe, that I have no doubt, that our neutral rights would be respected by this and other belligerent nations. I have had no motive in suggesting the foregoing advice, but for the better protection of our navigation and commerce. It arose out of the unjust condemnation of Mr St's property, connected with such facts, and the best view of things, which my present situation has enabled me to obtain.
Before I conclude I ought to mention to you a new case which has occurred, and which I heard of since writing the foregoing. It shows to what length this government means to carry its restrictions upon our commerce, whilst it equally points out the necessity for decisive measures from our government. The case to which I allude refers to an American vessel, bound from China to Amsterdam, which was condemned a few days since by Sir Wm. Scott, but restored to the owner a day or two afterwards by the agent of the privateer, at the instance of Sir John Nicholls, the advocate general, who, it is said, observed to the agent, that it was an unfavorable time to enforce the principle.
COMMITTED to the jail of this county, about the 28th of December last, a negro man; says his name is JOHN; that he was on his way with his master Dempsey Nash, moving to the Tennessee from near Norfolk, when he left him near this county; says he formerly belonged to captain John Bramble of Richmond; was sold to Mr. Nash, of Norfolk; says he was hired for the two last years by Messrs Wm. & Henry Marshall, of Petersburg. He is a stout, well made fellow, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, appears to be about 24 years of age, has had the Small Pox very bad, had on when taken up, a blue cloth coat and home spun checkered pantaloons. The owner is requested to come forward, pay charges & take him away, or he will be dealt with according to law.
JOHN WILLIAMSON, Keeper of the Jail. (2-)
NEIL M'COULL, Has received by the late arrivals from London and Livorno, HIS USUAL SUPPLY OF Fall & Winter Goods. Richmond, 18th October, 1805. if w
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
RICHMOND:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31. 1806.
It is stated, with some confidence, that the "Examination of the British doctrine," etc. lately published at Washington, is from the pen of Mr. Madison. It does honor to his feelings as a patriot, and to his learning and industry as a statesman.
BALTIMORE, Jan. 25.
By a letter from Washington, of the 23d instant, we received the following information:—
"That it was generally understood the doors of the House of Representatives had been lately closed in consequence of certain propositions offered by Mr. J. Randolph—which were acceded to by the House, and which are to form the basis of a communication to Mr. Monroe, and upon which he is to require an explicit answer—if in the affirmative, all well ; if in the negative, that he is to leave London immediately."
"The above relation is considered to be the fact. That the government has acted with much decision, is allowed by all, and that they are not disposed to relax a single inch appears to be the general opinion."
"It appears to be a matter of some importance to know what government intend—this is impossible, at present for one to ascertain."
"A pamphlet has just been published in direct opposition to the British doctrines of neutral rights—it is ascribed to Mr. Madison. If it is written by him, it may be expected to express the sentiments of the Executive on this momentous question."
Extract of a letter from a member of Congress to a member of the House of Delegates, dated Washington, Jan. 21, 1806.
"Nothing has happened here that I am at liberty to communicate, worth your attention, except the conduct of the Spanish minister. The Marquis, you know, has his residence generally at Philadelphia. His conduct has been so disagreeing to the government, that his recall was requested. This requisition met with due attention at the Court of his Catholic majesty; but as he himself had signified a desire to return home, his government wished, if it was agreeable to ours, that it might assume the shape of a voluntary act; to this there could be no reasonable objection, and it was consented to.—Hearing he was about leaving Philadelphia for this place, it was hinted to him that his presence would not be agreeable. Disregarding this intimation, he came, and upon his arrival an official note was addressed to him desiring his departure. To this he wrote an answer full of insolence and abuse, and continues here; his party declaring that he is vested with full powers to adjust all differences with us, and complaining of the conduct of the executive in not seeing him. This course he has undoubtedly adopted to render the government unpopular; for I cannot believe it is a fact, that his master would trust to his care such important negotiations after the application for a recall—even if true, the dignity and honor of the government forbids his reception after what has passed.—I believe it has been seriously deliberated whether it would not be proper, under his present conduct, to seize and ship him."
"This evening Mr. Madison, by a fall from his door steps, has either sprained or dislocated the pann of his knee."
WM. B. GILES, Esq.
We have regretted the absence of Mr. Giles from the senate of the U. States at this important crisis. The unavoidable cause of his detention in Virginia, when known, will afford the public a satisfactory apology. He had long been engaged in the extensive & complicated affairs of the large estate of a deceased friend, whom he represented. He time had arrived, when the justice which he owed to himself, and the individuals concerned, demanded that his administration should be settled and closed. Two professional gentlemen were mutually selected and appointed for the purpose. Those gentlemen were not at leisure to take up the subject until the winter vacation of our courts. The personal attendance of Mr. Giles could not be dispensed with; on the 19th inst. the business was brought to a conclusion, and without a moment's delay, he departed for the Federal City. This distinguished and patriotic citizen, after many years public service, was never before known to be absent from his duty a single day.
The most affliction intelligence has reached us—Mr. Giles's carriage, when within twelve miles of Richmond, and on his way to the seat of the general government, on the 20th inst. was unfortunately overset: By this accident, one of his legs was dreadfully fractured, and he was otherwise materially injured. We hear that serious apprehensions are entertained with respect to his recovery.
With us, every Virginian, every American, every sincere friend to his country, must deeply lament the melancholy catastrophe that lately happened to Mr. Giles. At this important and perilous juncture of our national affairs, when every nerve should be strained, and every power brought into action, in defence of the best rights of our country, to be deprived of the genius and abilities of Mr.
Giles, is truly unfortunate. The senate of the United States in particular, will feel the absence of this tried and inflexible patriot. His native eloquence and ingenious reasoning, have been often heard, and their force as often acknowledged, in the legislative councils of the nation.—We ardently hope, that the fears and apprehensions of his friends may be premature, and that his senatorial labors will again, at no distant day, draw forth the applause of a grateful country.
(Republican.)
Appointment by the Governor and Council of Maryland.
GABRIEL DUVAL, Chancellor, vice Alexander C. Hanson, deceased.
INTERESTING.
SAVANNAH, (Geo.) January 11.
Arrived schooner Joseph, capt. Conn, Cape Francois, via New Providence, 4 days from the latter. Capt. Conn was taken by three English men of war, and carried into New-Providence; after a detention of 15 days, was permitted to depart, on paying 700 dollars cost of court.
Capt. Conn corroborates the account under the Nassau head—he says that he saw at Nassau, capt. Riley, direct from Tenerife, which place he left about the 7th of December, who informed him that the Rochefort squadron, under the command of Mons. Le Almene, consisting of 5 sail of the line, 2 frigates, a brig and a cutter, had put into Santa Cruz, in said island, to water, several days prior to his sailing, bringing with them the Calcutta English 50 gun ship, and 6 English India merchant ships, taken on their homeward bound passage—an embargo was immediately laid. On the 5th, the squadron again put to sea—on the 7th, the day capt. Riley sailed, he fell in with the squadron then in sight of Tenerife, and saw them capturing the outward bound Cork fleet, consisting of about 40 sail, one of which, being a fast sailer, escaped, spoke capt. Riley, and informed him that it was probable the most of them would fall into the hands of the French.
The following information is copied from a Nassau Royal Gazette Extra, received by capt. Conn:
NASSAU, (N. P.) January 1. Capture of the English ship Calcutta, of 50 guns, and six merchant ships from India.
Extracts from the Journal kept by capt. Riley of the brig Eliza & Mary.
Sailed from New York the 16th of September, and arrived at Tenerife the 5th of November, where he learnt the following intelligence: That the Rochefort squadron, consisting of 6 sail of the line, three frigates, and two brigs of war, with the Calcutta English 50 gun ship, and six English merchant ships, prizes to the squadron, had arrived at Santa Cruz on the 3d ult. which caused an embargo to be laid on all vessels directly, which was to continue while the squadron was in port. They had sunk several English ships that had very valuable cargoes, on account of their bad sailing, not being able to keep up with the squadron—that they had uniformly sunk or burnt all Neutral vessels they fell in with at sea, that were either bound to or along the coast of Europe, to prevent intelligence getting to the English fleet—that they had taken out their crews and told them they must go with them to France, and should be paid by the government, the full amount with damage, &c. that among the Neutrals were the following American vessels, viz. brig Minerva, Salter, of New-York, brig Two Friends, Fenwick, of Charleston, with valuable cargoes were both burned; schooner —, Tucker, of Boston, schr. —, Sargent, of ditto.—The number of vessels taken and destroyed by the squadron, amounted to 26; the captains of which, during the day, were allowed the liberty of going on shore, but the same privilege was not extended to their officers or crews. The commander in chief, Mons. Le Almene, had taken all their papers, and given to each a certificate, stating he had destroyed their vessels and cargoes, and that they must apply to the Minister at Paris, for a remuneration.
FROM WASHINGTON CITY, JAN. 27.
Extract of a letter from Lisbon, to a gentleman now in this city.
Lisbon, 5 o'clock, 6th December. "An hour since the mail arrived. Unofficial advice says that Vienna is taken, and a contribution of a million sterling levied. Venice and Tyrol, and twelve strong holds given to the French as security for an armistice whilst a peace is negotiated."
We understand, that in consequence of the decision of Gabriel Duval, William Kilty is appointed, and has accepted the office of Chancellor of the state of Maryland. Nat. Inst.
An arrival at New York from Bourdeaux, tho' not bringing intelligence as late a date as we have already received, brings the 18th and 19th official bulletins of the grand army of France, the details of which have been already given. It also brings the 5th bulletin of the army of Italy, by which it appears the French army had pursued the Austrians to Vincence, had taken that city, with 800 prisoners and 1000 wounded. After which they pursued the Austrian army to the village of St. Pierre in Gu, carried it and took 600 prisoners. The French army having reached the Brenta, a heavy cannonade ensued from one bank to the other, which was only terminated by the night. In the morning a part of the French army forced the river, and in the evening arrived at Castel-franco. The right division was expected to occupy Padua the 14th Brumaire, the date of the bulletin, and the left to occupy Passana.
Paris, 22d Brumaire (Nov. 14) The following is an extract of a letter from Milan dated Nov. 9, which contains the account of the flight of the arch duke Charles, subsequent to those which we read in the 5th bulletin from the army of Italy. "At the moment at which I am writing to you the whole of Italy must have been evacuated by the Austrians. It was expected they would endeavor to retreat through Syria & Carinthia, which might still have afforded them some passages by which to escape from the grand army. The arch duke Charles believed that he saw a more speedy retreat in the Tyrol, and he will there be placed between two fires. Austrian prisoners and deserters come in crowds. They express joy at finding themselves among the French, and above all of having bread to eat. They cannot express all the hardships which they have suffered. A contribution of 400,000 francs has been imposed, by the French, on Verona, and one million on Padua. The Austrians have abandoned Venice, but it is believed that it is yet occupied by the Russians. The greatest joy prevails in the kingdom of Italy."
MARRIED —in George Town, (Potowmac) on the 19th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Balch, Mr. NICHOLAS HINGSTON, Botanist and Merchant, of Alexandria, to Miss ELIZABETH BLOOMFIELD, sister to the celebrated author of the "Farmer's Boy," &c.
Richmond Academy Lottery. SECOND CLASS.
FOURTEENTH DAY. Prizes of 500 dollars—Nos. 6718 4940. Prize of 100 dollars—No. 7387. Prize of 50 dollars—No. 3980. Prizes of 25 dollars—Nos. 6528 6012 4838 6327  Blank—Nos. 7089 4329 2594 6923 6301  6651 6809 5122 6605 5030 6054  5677 7737 6769 4381 5775 6694  7273 5191 7290 5945 672 4449  4186 773 7530 6473 6795 6745  514 6917 6385 3874 6073 4967  6850 4738 4073 776 4602 5274  7133 1181 4699 5194 6820 5048  6894 4363 5562 5810 5112 9779  5025 6888 4134 422 5246 5563  4769 4773 7022 6344 7301 4622  4461 4155 3814 5996 7145 6128  5043 6464 680 4364 5577 6930  4462 4263 7023 4703 5974 
William & Mary College Lottery.
EIGHTH DAY. Prize of 500 dollars—No. 6603. Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 2 84 153 294 395 4408 7881 1913 6880 9467 7300 4653 9277 5421 6879 6353 6503 6017 7631 7890 2290 4953 2794 3869 6670 4584 7561 2493 6758 7170 5214 2783 4977 6415 4994. NINTH DAY. Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 194 159 386 492 546 751 5250 2746 1460 5756 5428 7259 2908 5646 3967 4259 1802 4069 6357 5031 7517 6673 2446 3712 6434 6314 7250 7099 4893 1763 7880 1304 2516 2887 5842.
VIRGINIA, TO WIT: At a Chancery District Court held at the former capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, the 24th day of November, 1805
Thomas Crutcher & Sebert Crutcher, only children of William Crutcher, dec. Charles Poehere and Lucy his wife, Benjamin Pickin and Susanna his wife, John Poehere and Sarah his wife, Elizabeth Sneed, widow of Friedrich Sneed, and Coleman, William and Robert Crutcher, which said Lucy Susanna, Elizabeth Coleman William last mentioned and Robert, are the only children of Hugh Crutcher, deceased, Henry Crutcher, Margaret Newman, Mary Sneed, Sarah Crutcher and Luinford Pitts and Elizabeth his wife, P'ts
AGAINST Thomas Crutcher, executor of Thomas Crutcher, deceased, Richard Sale, Am brose Blackburn, Leonard Clark, Am brose Howerton and Charles Howerton administrators of Leonard Crutcher, dec Reuben Chapman, Christopher Blackburn, George Isbell, Lucretia Green, widow of Jesse Green, deceased, and Thomas Crutcher, of Sarah Crutcher, deceased, of Sarah Crutcher, Def'ts.
THE defendant Lucretia Green not having entered her 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 she is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term & answer the bill of the plaintiffs; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper of the city of Richmond for two months successive, and posted at the front door of the former capitol in this city.
A Copy Ant'y. Robinson, c. c.
VIRGINIA: In the High Court of Chancery, May the 16th, 1801.
Between John H. Overstreet, Philemon Holcomb and Peter Johnson, P'ts.
And Richard Bibb and Catharine Cauthorne, def'ts.
THE defendant Richard Bibb 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 motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the bill of the plaintiffs; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper in the city of Richmond for two months successive, and posted at the front door of the capitol in the said city.
A Copy P. Tinsley, c. c.
William & Mary Lottery, COMMENCED drawing the middle of this month, and will be continued till all the tickets are drawn Tickets may be had at S. Pleasants' printing office. Jan. 30.
BEST CABBAGE AND OTHER Garden Seeds, Of last year's growth, for SALE at ISAAC H. YUDELL'S STORE Richmond, January 28th, 1806. w4t
FOR THE AMUSEMENT.
ABSENCE.
O when shall I behold again The oft remember'd narrow plain, Where I my infant hours enjoy'd In scenes of bliss, that never cloy'd! Each object to my mind is dear; The cottage and the streamlet near; The rows of cherry trees behind; The locusts bent by airy wind. On blossom'd boughs that shed perfumes The blackbird trims his shining plumes. His song of love the robin rears; His soft heart there no gunner fears. Those objects all are dear to me; Those objects all I long to see: But more my mother dear to view; My father, sister, brother, too. O when shall I behold again The oft remember'd narrow plain; Where I my infant hours enjoy'd In scenes of bliss that never cloy'd!
REMOVAL.
DOCT. WILSON has removed from the Bell Tavern to the Brick House opposite the stores of Messrs. J. & R. Gamble and Mr. Neil M'Coull, and the 2d door below the corner formed by the main street and the cross street leading from Col. Mayo's bridge. In addition to his former stock, he has just received a considerable supply of Articles in the Apothecary line, all of which are offered for sale at reduced prices.
It is his intention to devote a great share of his attention personally to his shop. Orders from Merchants, Physicians and others, will be faithfully attended to.—Families can be supplied with Medicines of every kind, accompanied with proper instructions as to their mode of exhibition. Richmond, Jan. 23th, 1806. wtf
NOTICE.
THE administrators of James Winfree, dec. hereby give notice to all persons who have claims against the decedent, that she means to close her administration as speedily as possible, and requests those who have claims, either by bond, note or open account, to bring them forward properly authenticated—and those who are indebted to the said estate, to make payment on or before the second Monday in March next; that being the time when the said administrators propose to make up her account of administration, and return to the county court of Henrico, if all persons concerned are hereby notified that unless due attention is paid to this advertisement, it will be plead in bar against all those who are in default.
Ann Winfree, Adm'x. Chesterfield, 28th, Jan. 1806
WILL BE SOLD.
At the late residence of Samuel Tison, dec. on Wednesday the 26th day of February, (if not sold previous to that day) at 12 o'clock, at the following described real estate.
All the PERSONAL ESTATE of said decedent, consisting of several likely young Negroes, Household Furniture, Shop Tools, Plantation Utensils, &c. &c. Terms of sale will be cash for all sums under ten dollars and under; for all sums above ten dollars a credit will be allowed until the 21st of December next, the purchaser giving bond with approved security. The sale will commence at 12 o'clock. N.B. The above mentioned place of sale is within a mile of Hanover courthouse.
G. W. Dixon, Adm'r. January 30th, 1806.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of the late William Langford, dec. of Buckingham county, are hereby requested to make them known, that provisions may be made to discharge the same. Those indebted will, is hoped, see the propriety of making immediate payment.
Lucy Dauguid, Adm'x. George Christian, Adm'r. January 20th, 1806. w4t
FOR SALE.
A LEASE of eight years (from the 28th Feb. next) in the three BRICK TENEMENTS near the Market Bridge, at present occupied by Messrs. Jas. & Alex. T. Lumpkin, Moses H. Judah and Royster & Bohannon. Wm. M'Kim. Richmond, Jan. 27th, 1806. sw
A N elegant and almost new Single BRICK, was found on the river road, near Martin's Blacksmith's shop, Powhatan county—the owner, by applying at this office, and paying the expense of this advertisement, may obtain it. N.B. The brick is at Maj. John Martin's.
Notice.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by Jacob Going, late of Louisa county, will be exposed to sale on the premises, on Tuesday the 18th day of February next, for ready money.
The tract of Land, Whereon the said Going resided at the time of his death, containing by estimation 73 acres; also three horses, three cows and furniture, three head of cattle, five hogs, and all the said Going's Household Furniture, for the purpose of satisfying a debt or debts due to Walter Chapman, jun.
Fred. Harris, Wm. G. Poindexter, } Trustees. January 24. 1806. sw
BUZZARD, Imported by the late Col. John Hocmes, of the Bowling Green, will stand the ensuing season, at my farm in Chesterfield county, four miles from Goose's and Devil's Bridges, on Appomattox river, twenty five above Petersburg, the same from Richmond, and fifteen from Amelia courthouse. Terms, &c. to be made known hereafter. THOMAS BRANCH. 24th January, 1806.
MARSKE, By Di mid, will be let to mares the ensuing season, at my stable; his pedigree, his performance, &c. will be fully advertised before the season commences, which will be on the first day of March. Gentlemen may have their mares covered as early as they please. HUGH WYLER. Charlotte county, 20th Jan. 1806. sw
Charlotte county, 20th Jan. 1806. sw

WANTED , as House-keeper in a large family, an elderly Lady, who can come well recommended. Liberal wages will be given. Enquire of the printer. Nov 6, 1805.
Fall & Winter Goods. The subscribers have received, and are now opening a considerable part of their WOOLLENS;
Among which are Assorted Rose & Duffill Blankets, Do. Nap'd Cottons, Do. Yarn & Plaid Hose, Do. White & Coloured Plains, Do. Kerseys & Halfhicks, Do. 6-4 & 7-4 Coatings, plain and strip'd, Do. Cloths, assorted colours and prices, Do. Forrest Cloths, Boxes Men's Hats, assorted prices, Irish Linens, Long Lawns, Diapers, &c.
Also—An assortment of HARDWARE, CUTLERY and NAILS. In addition to which, they daily expect on the arrival of the Suffolk from London, a large assortment of FASHIONABLE GOODS, Which will be offered for sale on their usual terms. GILLIAM & KIRBY. October 4, 1805.
Forty Dollars Reward. RUN away from the subscriber living in Granville county, North Carolina, in March last, two bright mulatto fellows; one by the name of BARTLEY, about 55 years of age, he has but little to say, and appears to be very humble; he is a tolerable good Shoemaker and Cooper, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, and he is a well set negro.—GEORGE is about 23 years of age, about 6 feet high, spare made, but a very active negro, fond of drink, and a very forward fellow. I expect they have obtained false passes and will endeavor to pass for free negroes; it is probable they are lurking about Manchester, Richmond or Petersburg; they were seen in Manchester a few days past. Any person taking them up and confining them in jail, so that I get them, shall have the above reward, or 20 dollars for either, paid by the subscriber. LEWIS HENING. June 5th, 1805.
Geo. Watt HAS removed from the store he formerly occupied to a brick house on the cross street leading from the main street to Shockoe warehouse, where he has on hand and offers to dispose of on moderate terms, by wholesale, The following Articles, viz: Loaf and Muscovado Sugars, N. England, W. Island, and Antigua Rum, Cognac, Barcelona and Apple Brandy, Sherry and Malaga Wine, Coffee of a superior quality, Molasses, Ginger and Fig Glue, Young Hysan and Imperial Tea, 400 Sacks Liverpool Salt, Ratrat Shot, assorted sizes—And The remainder of his Stock of Dry Goods, consisting principally of articles suited to the present and approaching season, which he will either sell on a credit of 3, 6 and 9 months, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia, with approved endorsers, or barter for Tobacco, Flour or Hemp. Cash given for Tobacco. Richmond, 22d March, 1805.
To be Rented, A NEW BRICK HOUSE, two stories high, with dormer windows, with eight fire places in each tenement. The house was built to accommodate two families. It lies on the main street, on Shockoe hill, a little above Major Wolfe's. Wm. DUVAL. December 16, 1805.
S. JACOBS HAS FOR SALE. GUN POWDER of superior quality, by the Keg. S. J. flatters himself that from his attention in procuring this article only of an excellent quality and the reasonable rate at which he sells it—he will not only merit a continuation of his customers, but be enabled to supply (much to their satisfaction) all those who are in the habit of retailing it. October 29th, 1805.
Fashionable Goods. Ready made White Satin Pelizes various dark coloured silk do. Florence Silk and Satin Spencers elegant Souffle Dresses Rich Brocades and Figured Satins Plain & figured Lenau and Pique Muslins A handsome variety of plain, check'd and strip'd Saracens Ladies' Tabourel Neck Handkerchiefs Lace Sleeves and Shoulder Ornaments; Which, with a general assortment of Seasonable Goods, are offered for sale, at moderate prices, by M. & B. MYERS. Richmond, 24th Dec 1805.
To Rent, AND possession given the first of January next, a HOUSE and LOT , situated near the Rock Landing. Enquire of Joseph Gallego. December 7, 1805.
Survey of Land, On the north-western side of the Ohio, lying on Cizer's creek, a military claim, in the name of Benjamin Spiller, and conveyed to the subscriber by his last will and testament—the whole of the survey is four thousand acres. Any person wishing to purchase will apply to the subscriber in Danville, Virginia. Hickman Spiller. 18th Jan. 1806.
BLANK BONDS For sale at this office.
ROBERT GREENHOW, MERCHANT in Williamsburg, returns his thanks to his good customers, and the public in general, for the support and encouragement he has experienced during the whole of his mercantile career. His time of life, and extensive dealings, renders it now absolutely necessary, that a retrospection should be taken; that he should in a measure withdraw from business; and seriously set about the winding up of his past concerns. To accomplish which, he now entreats all those in arrears, either by specialties or open accounts, to favor him so far, on the presentation of their respective debts, to come forward, & make payments, or give him satisfactory assurances, that on or before the year eighteen hundred and seven, such should be made. FROM and AFTER the 1st day of the ensuing year, the business of the store will devolve wholly on ROSCOW COLE , for whose conduct in every respect, he can from long experience, vouch. It will be conducted under the firm of GREENHOW & COLE , and if not on the extensive scale that it has heretofore been, it will be generally found supplied with such articles as are most in demand—which being at all times purchased with CASH, will be disposed of for CASH, such PRODUCE as may suit, AND NO CREDIT ONLY TO PUNCTUAL CUSTOMERS, on as low terms as possible. ROSCOW COLE begs leave to assure all those who may favor him with their custom, that no exertion on his part shall be wanting, to give satisfaction. That late, or early, he will (if health permits) be ever ready to attend the demands of customers, and endeavor to deserve, the PATRONAGE of the PUBLIC. Williamsburg, Dec. 20th 1805.
Manchester Turnpike Company. NINTH REQUISITION. THE shareholders of said company are hereby required to pay into the hands of James Brander, Treasurer, the additional sum of ten dollars on each share, on or before the 8th day of February next.
Delinquent Shares on former Requisitions. NOTICE is hereby given, that all the shares upon which there shall appear to be delinquencies of former requisitions, will be offered for sale, at Mr Brooks's Tavern, in Manchester, on the 11th day of February next, at 12 o'clock in the forenoon. By order of the Directors, JAMES BRANDER, clk. December 24, 1805.
To be Rented, FOR one or more years, together or separately, Two Five BRICK TENEMENTS , in the back street near the basin, and adjoining the warehouses occupied by Messrs. Taliaferro & Dickinson. They are suitable for warehouses or stores, and will be fitted up with counting rooms and shelves to suit the tenants. JOHN WICKHAM. December 24, 1805.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber, by Jacob Maddox, of Buckingham county, to secure the payment of a debt due to James Murphy & Co. therein expressed, will certainly be SOLD , to the highest bidder, on Saturday the first day of February next, at New-Market, in Amherst county, before the store door of the said James Murphy & Co. The Following Property, to wit: Lucy and her two children, Milly and Nancy, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to discharge the said debt, with interest and charges. John Higginbotham, Trustee. Warminster, Dec. 25th 1805.
The sale of the above property is postponed until Saturday the 22d of February next, at which time and place it will certainly be sold, on the terms above mentioned; the postponement is in consequence of the above not appearing in the Virginia Argus in time so as to give the 30 days previous notice required by the deed in trust. John Higginbotham trustee. January 15th, 1806.
General Office of Insurance. JANUARY 8th, 1806. The general meeting of the Mutual Insurance Company against Fire on Goods and Furniture, in the state of Virginia, which took place this day agreeably to notice previously given, in the public papers, was too thin, to authorise any proceedings, as to the general concerns of the company. The meeting was therefore adjourned until 10 o'clock in the morning of Tuesday the fourth day of next month. As the affairs of the company are in such a state as to require immediate, immediate attention, and as most of the members are now liable to incur all the disadvantages of the institution, without a possibility of being, in any degree, benefited by it, should any accident occur to them, it is earnestly hoped, as a matter of the first consequence to their individual interests, that they will be pointed in attending the said meeting, either personally or by proxy. Wm. H. Fitzhughson, P. Agent. Richmond.
Marshal's Sales. To be Sold, for ready money, under a decree of the Court of the United States for the fifth Circuit in the Virginia District, between Phineas Bond, attorney for the creditors of Ezekiel Edwards, plf and David Ross and others, defts in order to raise the sum of dollars 967 89, due and payable on the first day of July, 1805 and the further sum of dollars 16666 66, due and payable the first day of January, 1806, that valuable and well known estate in the county of Botetourt, called FORT LEWIS , sitated by said Ross to contain 2608 acres. The sale will take place on the premises on the 27th day of February next. Also, on the 4th day of March next, will be sold, under the aforesaid decree, at the Oxford Iron Works, in the county of Campbell, a number of valuable SLAVES . Ben. Mosby, D. M. for Jos. Scott, M. V. D. January 13, 1806.
Threshing Machines, Of the best kind: they thresh out with ease from seventy to eighty bushels of grain in a day with two horses and five hands. Gentlemen who wish to purchase will please to send letters to Farmville in Prince Edward county, directed to Wm. S. Walton.
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, &c, ease & release, mortgage, trust, &c. FOR SALE AT S. PLEASANTS' BOOK-STORE.
DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA, to wit: Be it remembered, that on the thirtieth day of January, in the thirty-third year of the Independence of the United States of America, John Seabrook of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a Map or Plan of the City of Richmond, the right whereof he claims as author in the words following to wit: "A Map, or Plan of the City of Richmond," By JOHN SEABROOK. In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the term therein mentioned." Wm. Marshall, Clerk of Virginia District.
PROPOSALS for publishing the above Map, or Plan may be seen at all the Book-Stores in this city; where gentlemen wishing to possess themselves of one or more impressions thereof, are respectfully invited to bestow their encouragement at an early period, that the proprietor may be the better enabled to have the work executed with neatness and dispatch. The proprietor presumes it is obvious to every one, that in a primary work of this nature, there will be many difficulties to surmount, much labor to be borne, and inevitable expense incurred, whilst the reward is in prospect; which though never so fair and flattering, may nevertheless prove deceptive, and disappoint his well founded hopes; to obviate which calamity in a degree, a small part of the premium is stipulated for in advance; the terms being six dollars, one of which to be paid at the time of subscribing, and the balance when the plan is delivered. Should the proprietor be advised thereto, he will transmit his proposals to some of the principal cities and towns within the state. In the mean time any gentleman at a distance willing to encourage the undertaking by becoming a subscriber thereto, shall be considered such by directing a letter to the proprietor expressive of that will. Richmond, January 10, 1806.
A Valuable Manufacturing MILL TO RENT. ON Monday the 6th day of March next, will be rented to the highest bidder, for one year, that valuable Manufacturing and Grist MILL, in the county of Amelia, belonging to the estate of the late Col. John Royall. It is situated near the mouth of a never failing stream, almost immediately upon the river Appomattox, distant about 45 miles from Petersburg, and 40 from Manchester. This mill possesses the great advantage of an abundant supply of water throughout the driest season, and its local situation is such as to afford it complete protection against the highest freshests we have yet known. The toll corn that receives amounts annually to 200 barrels and upwards. There is one pair of Burr stones and one set of Bolting cloths, both of which are of very superior quality, and the whole works have lately undergone a thorough repair. The flour manufactured here and sent to Petersburg and Richmond for sale, has uniformly commanded as much, and in many instances more, than flour made any at other mill. Attached to the mill are about 23 acres of land, upon which has lately been erected a commodious store and lumber house, cooper's shop, blacksmith's shop, stables, and some other out houses, all of which will be rented with the mill. A mercantile establishment at this place, connected with the manufacturing business, it is believed would succeed very well. The above property will be rented upon the premises. Bond and security will be required to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. William Royall, Guardian of the Orphans. January 8th, 1806.
Notice. PROPOSITIONS will be received by the Executive, for the purchase of EIGHT CONDEMNED NEGROES, reserved for transportation, under the act "to empower the Governor to transport slaves condemned, when it shall be deemed expedient." FOR SALE, THE HOUSE and LOT, on Shockoe Hill, lately occupied by Mr. William Berkeley, and at present occupied by Mr Andrew Troun. For terms, apply to Wm. W. Dickinson. Richmond, 14th Jan. 1806.
Family Bibles, School Bibles and Nonpareil Testaments. M. CAREY, RESPECTFULLY informs the BOOKSELLERS throughout the Union, that he is now enabled to furnish the common Family Bibles by the single hundred, at as low a rate as they can be printed for, in editions of 4000 at a time, when the expense of composition is incurred for each edition. It is unnecessary to mention the heavy advances those large Editions require during their progress, and the great delay unavoidably attendant on them, at least eighteen months or two years. These are considerations that cannot escape the observation of those interested in the business, and which have been duly felt by such as have been concerned in the editions heretofore printed in this country. It is not by any means the publisher's intention to depreciate or deary any works of the kind, either American or imported. But he begs leave to observe, that there are more curious and useful addenda of Tables, &c. to be found in his Bibles, than in any extant—and the marginal references are thrice as numerous as in the Bibles usually imported or published here. M. Carey's standing School Bible has been carefully read over, and all the battered and damaged letters removed. It is at least equal to any offered for sale in this country. The terms of sale are liberal as to price and credit. Testaments printed on Nonpareil Types, and on excellent paper, to be had as above.
A Valuable Establishment FOR SALE. M. CAREY intending to devote his attention chiefly to the manufacture of the above three articles, offers for sale on very liberal terms, his Miscellaneous assortment of BOOKS & STATIONARY , in whole or in part, as may suit the purchaser; and if necessary will give a lease for a few years of his store, No. 122, Market-street, which as a stand is inferior to few in this city. This holds out a very advantageous opportunity for a young man, possessed of a moderate capital, and capable of giving the necessary security. To such a person the payments will be made easy. * * * A few TICKETS in the William & Mary College Lottery, now drawing in Norfolk, for sale at this office.
PREPARING FOR THE PRESS, AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IMMEDIATELY, AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE NEXT SESSION OF ASSEMBLY, BY S. PLEASANTS, JUN. PART 1st OF 2nd VOL. OF THE REVISED CODE; CONTAINING A COLLECTION OF ALL SUCH ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA, Of a Public and Permanent nature, as have been passed since the year 1801; together with those of the same nature, which were omitted in the last edition of that work, from 1793 to 1801, inclusive; with NOTES OF REFERENCE To former and subsequent Statutes. To which will be added, AN APPENDIX and COPIOUS INDEX.
THE SUBSCRIBER WISHES TO SELL, TWO Waggons & Teams, One of six horses, waggons, gears and the necessary appendages, the other six mules, waggons, gears, &c. Both have been used in hauling coal, and judging by the quantity hauled last year, are capable of doing as much as any others so employed. On receiving a part of the money, a credit will be allowed for the balance. A purchaser can be accommodated with an extra mule, or horse to each team; and may have it in his power to employ both drivers at a moderate hire, for a part, or for the residue of the year, as may be agreed on. I would also sell a MARE , and a valuable MULE , both well suited to the purposes of a plantation; the mule is perhaps as large as any in the state. JAMES BRANDER. Manchester, 29th Jan. 1806.
Slaves for Sale. ON Monday the 10th February next, will be sold, at Hanover Town, five or six VALUABLE SLAVES , to the highest bidder, for ready money. January 20th, 1806.
NEWSPAPERS. THERE is not a nation upon earth, to whom newspapers are more valuable, nor by whom they are better encouraged, than these United States. The reason is obvious: there being no other nation who enjoy the inestimable right, nor who exercise the important duty, of self government. A nation of freemen, is a community of friends; amongst whom, a continual, and social correspondence should be maintained, which can be effected only by the free circulation of newspapers. It is evidently the duty of a people who possess the right, and exercise the prime functions of sovereign authority, to be correctly informed of whatever occurrences may in any way affect the concerns of their country: thus the citizens of the United States, knowing the high character which they sustain, and rightly estimating the importance of political information, have always liberally patronised the publication of newspapers. Some persons affect to consider the people, as their own worst enemies; and have kindly offered their services to protect them from themselves! They would enact penal laws for the good of the people only, without the least view of applying their efficacy to their own conduct: such, for instance, as the memorable sedition law. They would generously dispose of the people's money in multiplying and maintaining courts & judges, to carry such laws into effect. Nay, rather than the people should carry their enemy against themselves too far, they would hire an army of patriots, officered by "prominent characters" at the people's own expense, who should compel them at the point of the bayonet, to be happy even against their will. Surely if the people are not their own enemies they will not easily forget such disinterested patriotism. But if ever the people have been their own enemies, it must have been for want of information; and this they can obtain best by the circulation of newspapers. It is the freedom of newspaper communications, that the nation is chiefly indebted for its present able, vigilant and upright administration; and these happy effects resulting from their wisdom and prudence. It may be safely affirmed, that so long as the press remains free, and the people disposed to encourage its labours, their internal enemies can do them but little harm. For should they even hope to succeed, by hiring profligate presses to pollute the streams of information, their labours will be unavailing; nor can any danger be apprehended from the number of papers in circulation, let their principles be what they may; as "error of opinion may be safely tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it." But a scarcity of newspapers, might be fatal to national liberty. Taking the above remarks to be correct, and believing that there is ample room for the establishment of another periodical publication, an attention is respectfully solicited in the following PROPOSALS FOR PUBLISHING IN THE CITY OF RICHMOND, A NEWSPAPER, UNDER THE TITLE OF THE IMPARTIAL OBSERVER.
CONDITIONS. I. An "IMPARTIAL OBSERVER" shall be published every Saturday, upon a set of superior paper, and a good type, equal to the generality of the most respectable prints now in circulation. I. The price, to subscribers, will be three dollars a year, to be paid in advance, on the receipt of the first number.
Tract or parcel of Land, Situate, lying and being in the county of Amherst, containing by estimation three hundred acres, be the same more or less, it being the same tract of land that was devised by Groves Harden, to a certain Edward Harden, and by him sold to the said John Harden—and also the following SLAVES , viz: Tumbler, Alley, Will and Peter, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to discharge the balance that may be found due from the said John Harden to the said Brown, Rives & company, and all charges attending the same. John Higginbotham, trustee. Warminster, 15th Jan 1806.
WILL be offered, at public auction, at Zech. Brooks's Tavern in the town of Manchester, on the 10th day of February, 1806, on a credit till the end of the year, SUNDAY SLAVES , belonging to the estate of the late Col. Bernard Markham, dec. bond and approved security will be required. The Executors. December 24th, 1805.
FOR SALE, THAT VALUABLE, HEALTHY AND PLEASANT SITUATION, ON which the subscriber at present resides, containing between five and six hundred acres, lying in Amelia county, near Genito bridge. Terms made known by application to Wm. Murray. Grove Brooke, May 13, 1805.
WHEAT FAN & WOVEN WIRE MANUFACTORY, No. 7, Bridge-street, four doors north of Griffith's Bridge, Baltimore. WHERE are made and sold, WHEAT FANS , first quality; ROLLING and other SCREENS , for wheat, barley, flax-seed, &c; HAND RIDDLES and SIEVES , for coal; corn, barley, wheat, rye, oats, meal, brick dust, flax-seed, clover seed, cockle, lime, sand, &c; SHAKES for Indian meal; WIRE SAMES ; WOVEN WIRE for windows, &c &c AMOS SMITH, (Formerly West & Smith.)
N. B. A good assortment on hand. Any of the above articles will be delivered in Richmond, (on short notice) at the same prices as at the manufactory (exclusive of freight) on the orders being left with SAMUEL PARSONS & SON, Near the Basin, to whom the prices may be known—who have now on hand, Wheat Fans , Wheat and Lime Sieves , and Meal Sieves , &c. of a superior quality. P. S. WIRE SAMES , and a few tons BAR IRON on hand. 11th Mo. 1st, 1804.
TO THE PUBLIC. It will be the design of this paper, to preserve that independence of character, so indispensably necessary, to the title which has been adopted. In conformity to this title, it will regularly publish candid and impartial observations upon such public occurrences, or contemporary productions of the press as the publisher may deem of sufficient importance to require them. In the execution of this part of his duty, as well as in his selections from other newspapers, public utility shall be his principal object, unindulged by party attachments. Fearless of the passions of man, he means to act fairly the part he has undertaken, and regardless of the hopes he might indulge by devoting his labors to a few, while the interests of the whole are concerned, he will always exhibit the same impartiality of conduct in the capacity of an Editor, as his duty would require him to do in that of a judge, if his merits had fitted him for such an office, and his country had so appointed him. Yet he does not pretend to be without an opinion of his own. He has read and observed too much upon the subject of politics, to be at this time undecided. But he does not conceive that an Editor's own political opinion should always be the criterion by which a newspaper of general utility ought to be conducted: nor will he aim at that insipid and stupid kind of impartiality, which would hope by an awkward and unbecoming complaisance, to please every body.—Nothing can be further from his views than conduct like this. He has too often seen the ridiculous absurdity of such vain attempts. But he designs to conduct a newspaper which shall be equally open to all parties, and free from, and independent of, the influence or controul of any. Whenever it becomes his duty, from the want of communications, to fill up the columns of the OBSERVER with his own compositions, he will uniformly endeavor to make them bear that general usefulness of character, which may cause them to be read, when their author is no more. Should any little critics attempt to be merry with him, in consequence of the preceding sentence, he hereby enters his causa against them; and will refer them to posterity for the decision. Of his editorial abilities, he has but little to say. And were his talents much greater than they are, it would certainly be improper for him to speak of his own qualifications, since this is a question on which the public will decide. His works must finally depend upon their own merits. Should they prove to be good, they will need no apology; and should they prove to be bad, then no apology can excuse them. With the assistance which he has engaged, he hopes, however, to render the IMPARTIAL OBSERVER both useful and entertaining, and worthy of that attention which he solicits from the public. SAMUEL BROOKS. Richmond, 15th January, 1806.
III. Every subscriber who shall have complied with the foregoing article, shall be entitled to the insertion of a square advertisement, for one month at any time during the year gratis . The commands of all advertising customers will be thankfully received, and carefully and punctually attended to upon moderate terms, which shall be made known in the first number. But all letters, essays and advertisements, intended for this paper, must be post paid ; and such articles as are of a private or local concern, to insure insertion should be accompanied by the cash .
IV. Subscribers in this city, and the town of Manchester, shall have their papers delivered at their houses, as early as possible on the day of publication; and those who reside at a distance, will have them punctually transmitted by the mails.
V. The first number shall appear as soon as there will be obtained a sufficient number of subscribers, to warrant the publisher in undertaking the expenses.
From the liberal encouragement already offered, preparations are making to commence the publication without delay. Printers that may be disposed to exchange newspapers, are requested to forward them, and the IMPARTIAL OBSERVER shall be regularly sent in return.
Negroes for Sale. WILL be offered, at public auction, at Zech. Brooks's Tavern in the town of Manchester, on the 10th day of February, 1806, on a credit till the end of the year, SUNDAY SLAVES , belonging to the estate of the late Col. Bernard Markham, dec. bond and approved security will be required. The Executors. December 24th, 1805.
FOR SALE, WE have for Sale the following articles, most of which being consigned, we will sell low for cash or good sixty days paper. 10 Hogsheads Molasses. 5 do. N. E. Rum. 10 Barrels do. do. 16 do. Liver or Tanner's Oil. 1 Box Hats. 8 do. Cotton and Wool Cards. 2 Pipes French Brandy. 30 Barrels Herrings. 80 Tierces Lime. 3 do. Rice. 5 Hogsheads & Pipes Apple Brandy. Ground Piaster in barrels. Shapard & Lucke. November 26, 1805. N. B. Ground and Fine Salt in Sacks.
FOR SALE, THAT VALUABLE, HEALTHY AND PLEASANT SITUATION, ON which the subscriber at present resides, containing between five and six hundred acres, lying in Amelia county, near Genito bridge. Terms made known by application to Wm. Murray. Grove Brooke, May 13, 1805.
WHEAT FAN & WOVEN WIRE MANUFACTORY, No. 7, Bridge-street, four doors north of Griffith's Bridge, Baltimore. WHERE are made and sold, WHEAT FANS , first quality; ROLLING and other SCREENS , for wheat, barley, flax-seed, &c; HAND RIDDLES and SIEVES , for coal; corn, barley, wheat, rye, oats, meal, brick dust, flax-seed, clover seed, cockle, lime, sand, &c; SHAKES for Indian meal; WIRE SAMES ; WOVEN WIRE for windows, &c &c AMOS SMITH, (Formerly West & Smith.)
N. B. A good assortment on hand. Any of the above articles will be delivered in Richmond, (on short notice) at the same prices as at the manufactory (exclusive of freight) on the orders being left with SAMUEL PARSONS & SON, Near the Basin, to whom the prices may be known—who have now on hand, Wheat Fans , Wheat and Lime Sieves , and Meal Sieves , &c. of a superior quality. P. S. WIRE SAMES , and a few tons BAR IRON on hand. 11th Mo. 1st, 1804.