The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1806-08-19 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE.....AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM.....(PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
NUMBER 30.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 19, 1806.
[VOLUME 3.]
Richmond Prices Current.
Table with 3 columns: Item, Dollars, Cts. Items include Tobacco, Wheat, New, Flour, Corn Meal, Bacon, Bar Iron, Whiskey.
REMOVAL.
DOCTOR WILSON has removed from the Bell Tavern to the Brick House opposite the stores of Messrs. J. & R. Gamble and Mr. Neil McCall...
MEDICINES, PAINTS, &c. The whole of which he offers for sale at reduced prices. Orders from Physicians, Merchants and others, will be promptly attended to and carefully executed.
Table with 3 columns: Item, Dollars, Cts. Items include Peruvian Bark, Jalap, Rhubarb, Senna, Magnesia, Manna, Salts, Gambog, Spanish Elix, Digitalis, Pink Root, Opium, Arrow Root, etc.
THOMAS RUTHERFORD & Co.
A Few Boxes 4-4 and 7-8 16th Linens, 30 Crates Queens Ware, and a quantity of Liverpool Salt loose and in sacks, just received on consignment by the ship Herald from Dullin and Liverpool May 27.
CHARLES SPENCER,
HAS received by the ship James from Liverpool an additional supply of GOODS, amongst which are, Carpenters and Blacksmiths' TOOLS of every description, Seine Twine, Shoe Thread, Page Chord, Velvet Corks, &c. August 5.
TO RENT,
THE TENEMENT formerly occupied by M rs . James and Alexander Dunlap and lately by Wm. T. Stone, at the west end of the Market bridge, and adjoining the house in which an extensive Vendue Store is about to be established. If more agreeable, I would sell, on reasonable terms, a Lease of about seven and an half years in the said tenement. WILLIAM M c KIM. August 1.
RICHMOND JAMES RIVER COMPANY.
At an adjourned meeting of the Richmond James River Company on the 24th July, 1806,
WHEREAS The Legislature of Virginia has, without the consent of this company, proceeded to alter the act incorporating the same in many essential parts, by which it is deemed unsafe to proceed further in the improvement contemplated at the original formation of the company; and that it is also improper to incur any additional expense under an order of the company dated the 15th February last, RESOLVED, Therefore, that the President and directors be requested to cause the machine to be put, in a state of repair and sold, together with the negroes and other property belonging to the company, and that a final adjustment of the affairs of the same be brought to an immediate close; and that the Treasurer be requested to call upon those members of the company who have not paid their respective requisitions, to make immediate payment thereof.
Extract from the Minutes, ROBERT POLLARD, Clk. July 25.
HOUSES & LOT FOR SALE.
WE offer for sale the Houses and Lot near to Mr. Rutherford's dwelling House and next below Mr. Isaac Webster's on Shockoe Hill, at present occupied by Benjamin Sheppard. This situation is scarcely exceeded by any in town for beauty, and by none as to pleasantness, being nearly if not quite as high as any part of Richmond. The dwelling house and out-houses are sufficient for the accommodation of a genteel family; that is not very large, there being 2 rooms and a fine large passage below, and 4 rooms above flanked in the dwelling house, a good kitchen and smoke house all in good repair, and the yard and garden under a new inclosure of the best materials. Any person inclined to purchase, may be accommodated with credits which probably will be agreeable; or debts due or not due from persons residing in Richmond or Henrico, will be taken in payment, or a considerable deduction from a credit price will be made for cash. N. B. & J. SHEPPARD. July 15.
Adjoining the above mentioned lot is an un-paved Lot belonging to me, which borders on the Main-street leading from Shockoe bridge, & which may be had with the improved lot, if the purchaser should wish it. D. SHEPPARD.
TO BE RENTED—The Tenement where I now reside, and possession given in time. J. PENN. April 11.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
June 21, 1806. WHEREAS the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, at a meeting held on the 23th day of April, 1806, did resolve, that the sum remaining to complete the expenditure of the annual appropriation of EIGHT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, should among other purposes be applied to the reimbursement of the NAVY SIX PER CENT. STOCK, created in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed on the 30th day of June, 1798, and to the reimbursement of the FIVE AND HALF PER CENT. STOCK, created in pursuance of an act of Congress, passed on the 30th day of March, 1795.
This is therefore to give notice, that the principal of the said NAVY SIX PER CENT. STOCK, with the interest due thereon, will, on surrender of the certificates, be paid on the 18th day of October next ensuing the date hereof, to the respective stockholders or their lawful representatives or attorneys duly constituted and authorized, either at the Treasury or at the Loan Office, as the case may be, where credits have been given for the amount of stock, respectively held by them; and that the principal of the FIVE AND HALF PER CENT. STOCK, with the interest due thereon, will in like manner, and at the same places, be paid on the 18th day of January, 1807, to the respective stockholders, or their lawful representatives or attorneys duly constituted and authorized.
It is further made known, for the information of the parties concerned, that no transfers of the NAVY SIX PER CENT. STOCK, either from or to the books of the Treasury, or from or to the books of a Commissioner of Loans, will be allowed after the 10th day of September ensuing, nor of the FIVE AND HALF PER CENT. STOCK, after the 18th day of December ensuing. And the interest on all certificates of said stocks, which shall not have been surrendered, in pursuance of this notification, will cease and determine, on the day preceding the day hereby fixed for the reimbursement thereof. ALBERT GALLATIN, Secretary of the Treasury. (osw1115.) July 1.
TO BE RENTED, THE large THREE STORY HOUSE on the Main-Street east of the Market, formerly occupied by Cohen and Isaac, and lately by Capt. John S. Pleasants; it is a good stand for business and suitable for the accommodation of a large family. Also, the HOUSE (formerly known by the sign of the Bird in hand) at the corner of the street leading to church hill: to both of these tenements gardens are attached. The terms will be moderate, and made known on application to James Whitelaw, ferjeant of the City, or to JACOB I. COHEN. (law14.) February 25.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed to the undersigned, by John M. Rose, of the county of Buckingham, bearing date the 19th day of June, 1803, for the purposes therein expressed, will be sold, on Saturday the 30th day of August next, at the front door of the Eagle Tavern in the City of Richmond (Virginia) for ready money, a certain Tract or Parcel of LAND, containing 640 acres, more or less, lying and being in the county of Davidson and state of Tennessee, on the waters of Stones river, it being the same land which was granted by the state of North-Carolina to Willoughby Williams, assignee of Amos Davidson by patent, bearing date the 14th day of April 1794, and number 2439—beginning at a hickory running four 320 poles to a walnut, thence east 320 poles to a Mulberry, thence North 320 poles to a Walnut, thence West 320 poles to the beginning. EDMUND W. ROOTES. (osw414.) July 23.
NOTICE.
THE partnership of Jeffe Higgensbotham & Co. this day dissolved by mutual consent; all persons who have accounts with the concern, are requested to come forward and settle them with Jeffe Higgensbotham. BROWN, RIVES & Co. JESSE HIGGENBOTHAM. Cairn, 1st August, 1806.
THE business will be continued by James Brown, of Richmond, Robert Rives, of Amherst county, and Henry Rives of this place, under the firm of Henry Rives & Co. who will pay all claims against the late concern of Jeffe Higgensbotham & Co. JAMES BROWN, ROBERT RIVES, HENRY RIVES. Cairn, 1st August, 1806. 8thS
MINISTER is wanted for the Parish of St. George,
in the county of Spotsylvania, which lately became vacant by the indisposition and consequent resignation of the Rev. Mr. Waugh, a minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Proposals will be received by the Subscribers till the first day of November next, and it is expected the gentleman contracting will enter upon the duties of his office, on the first Sunday in December next, or sooner if convenient. JAMES BROWN, } Church Wm. TAYLOR, } Wardens. Fredericksburg, August 8, 1806.
FOR SALE.
IN virtue of a deed in trust, to me executed, by captain Rouse G. Tibb, for purposes therein mentioned; the whole of the property specified in said trust deed, consisting of a very valuable tract of LAND, several valuable Slaves, Household & Kitchen furniture, and Stock of various kinds. The Land lies in Essex county on Rappahannock river, ten miles below Tappahannock; very convenient to the best of fish, oysters and crabs, contains 333 3/4 acres, lays level and well adapted to the culture of tobacco, corn and small grain. There is on it a dwelling house in good repair, as also other convenient out-houses for a small family, valuable young orchards of peach and apple of choice fruits, belonging to the above tract; there is as much marsh as will afford hay in the greatest abundance, for one hundred and fifty head of cattle; the land is well watered and remarkably healthy. The sale will take place on the premises, on the 24th day of October next, and the terms fully made known on that day; a part of the purchase money for each article will be required in hand, by CHARLES BROWNE, Trustee. Essex, August 8.
THE subscriber has removed his Broker's Office to the middle tenement, in Doctor Tooke's new building, the first door above Messrs. Pickett, Pohlard and Johnson, and the second below the Post-Office; where he will attend particularly to all business confided to him. THOMAS NORVELL. For sale, 10 SHARES in the JAMES RIVER COMPANY. June 6.
WILL BE SOLD,
On Tuesday the second day of September next, at Chelsea, the seat of the late Bernard Moore, Esquire, in King William county, on a credit of six months (the purchasers giving bond and security): ALL the Household and Kitchen Furniture, and a plantation Utensils, two hundred barrels of Corn, one hundred head of the best Sheep, and the Stock of Horses and Hogs, belonging to the estate of the said Moore. Also, on the same credit, about one hundred acres of valuable Land, lying in Palmer's swamp, in King William county, adjoining the lands of Mr. Curtis and Mr. Littlepage. At the same time will be sold for cash, one thousand pounds of excellent Bacon, and a very large and valuable flock of Cattle, in such order for Bees as to merit the attention of those persons who are in the habit of furnishing the markets of Richmond and Petersburg with that article. The creditors of Mr. Moore, are invited to attend the sale, and exhibit their claims in order that provision may be made for discharging them. GEORGE R. LEIPER, executor of Bernard Moore, dec'd. July 15. (3w.)
The Subscribers have just received from Bremen, a supply of
GERMAN LINENS,
which they offer to sell on the most reasonable terms. BOHN & HUBNER. August 15. 2m
BY virtue of a Deed of Trust, executed to us on the fourteenth day of February 1804, to secure a debt due from Col. Robert Goode to William B. Giles, Esq. WILL BE SOLD, to the highest bidder for ready money, on the first day of October next, at the front door of the Eagle Tavern, in the city of Richmond:
HAT well known Tract of Land whereon Col. Goode now resides, lying on James River, in the county of Chesterfield, containing twelve hundred and sixty one acres more or less, and commonly called and known by the name of WHITBY. This valuable estate lies within three miles of the city of Richmond and two from the town of Manchester, and has on it a large and commodious dwelling house, with all convenient out-houses and other improvements, well suited to the accommodation of a genteel family. JOSEPH SCOTT, WM. MOSLEY, ROE POLLARD, } Trustees. August 15, 1806. tds
To be sold, for cash, at Zachariah Brooks Tavern, in the town of Manchester, on Monday the 25th of this present month, by virtue of a deed of trust to me executed by William Ellison alias Moody, for the purpose of securing a debt due to John McLeod, therein specified: NINETEEN acres of LAND, with coal mines thereon, lying on Falling Creek, about 12 miles from Manchester, under a lease at present to Messrs. Heth & Binion. CORNELIUS BUCK, Trustee. Manchester, August 15. tds
WANTED to hire immediately, a young and active NEGRO MAN—Also, a NEGRO GIRL about 14—15 years old. Apply to the printer. August 15.
IN addition to the County Courts of Prince Edward, Buckingham, Cumberland and Powhatan, and the District Court of Prince Edward, in which said Courts I now practice LAW. I shall in future attend the High Court of Chancery for the Richmond District. The honorable Creed Taylor, having resigned his practice in the last named court, at his request, the business therein which was committed to his care and remain unfinished, will, with the exception of a few cases to be attended to by me. Letters by post addressed to me (near Cumberland Court house) will be duly attended to. WILLIAM DANIEL, jr. Cumberland, August 15. 3t.
Cart-Indices.
BOSTON, August 1. [From a file of Galcutta papers received at this office.]
CALCUTTA, February 5.
A dispatch has been this day received from the honorable the governor general, by the honorable the vice president in council, and is now published, together with the treaty concluded between the British government and Jemset Row Holkar, on the 24th December, 1805, and the declaratory articles, annexed to it, for general information. [This dispatch contains Sir G. H. Barlow, the governor general's letter, covering a copy of a treaty of peace and amity, concluded by Lord Lake with Jemset Row Holkar, the 24th December, 1805, at the camp at Raspoor Ghat, on the Bhima River, corresponding with the 24th Shawwal, in the year of the Hejirah 1220. This treaty is signed by colonel Maxwell, on the part of the English, and by Sheikh Huseer Ollay, and Bal Ram Set, on the part of Holkar; and contains nine articles.—Article 1, provides for the usual cessation of hostilities. By the 2d article Holkar renounces all title to six or seven districts of his territory now occupied by the British. [N. B. A declaratory article is attached to the treaty, by which the English government, to manifest its solicitude to cultivate the friendship and good will of Holkar, relinquish the renunciations in this article.] Article 3, provides, that the English shall have no concern with the antient possessions of the Holkar family in certain provinces, and that they shall deliver up to him certain of his districts in the Deccan, excepting Chandore, A nbar, Seabam, &c., which are to remain in the possession of the English company for eighteen months, when if they are satisfied with the friendly and peaceable disposition of Holkar, they also are to be delivered up. By article 4, Holkar renounces all claims to the district of Kooneh; but the English promise, on his good behavior for two years, to restore the district to his daughter, to be held under the company's government on the same terms as they are enjoyed by Bhaia Bhy, another daughter. By the 5th, 6th and 7th articles Holkar renounces all claims on the English; engages never to entertain in his service any Europeans whatever, without the consent of the English government; and not to admit into his service Serjee Row Gantok, who had been proclaimed an enemy to the English. The 8th article permits Holkar to return, by particular roads, to Hindostan—he engaging that his troops shall not commit any acts of plunder and hostilities. The 9th article provides the forms of delivering and ratifying the treaty.]
THE Enquirer.
THE subscriber has removed his Broker's Office to the middle tenement, in Doctor Tooke's new building, the first door above Messrs. Pickett, Pohlard and Johnson, and the second below the Post-Office; where he will attend particularly to all business confided to him. THOMAS NORVELL. For sale, 10 SHARES in the JAMES RIVER COMPANY. June 6.
A treaty of peace with Holkar,
on terms highly honorable and advantageous to the British government, having been concluded, a royal salute has been fired from Fort William, and three volleys from the troops in garrison. Extraterritorial services were served to the European troops on the occasion.
February 12.
The insurance companies of this place have resolved not to insure on any ships or their cargoes, which have been captured by the French, carried into Mauritius, (re-captured ships excepted) and which have returned to India. Letters from the eastward say, that opium has fallen; and that the current price fluctuated between 350 and 900 dollars per chest. The American ship Putnam, was captured by a Malay pirate brig, November 27th.
Two tigers, which had been in the habit of carrying off cattle at Chatta, were killed a short time since by a party of old and experienced sportsmen on Elephant-back. One of the tigers measured eleven feet five inches long, and thirteen inches between the ears; the other ten feet and a half in length. The tufts of the larger measured seven inches, and the claws three inches and an half.
Foreign Intelligence.
BRITISH IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
House of Commons, June 20.
SLAVE TRADE.
Mr. Fox rose to make his promised motion. Before he entered upon the subject, he thought it necessary to say a few words as an apology for being the person to propose it. This motion had been repeatedly made for the last sixteen or seventeen years by an honorable gentleman (Mr. Wilberforce) who had on many occasions distinguished himself by his talents, but who upon no occasion had more strongly recommended himself to the house and to the country, than by his very powerful exertions to repel the trade in question. Having found the business in such hands, he would willingly have left it there. In his own opinion, it would have been far better if his honorable friend had kept it. He was sure that no doubt could have been entertained but that, whenever the measure should be brought forward, it would meet from him, and from those with whom he was joined in administration, the same support which it had always received on former occasions. However, from different circumstances, it had appeared better both to his honorable friend (Mr. Wilberforce) and to those gentlemen who had been associated with him in the same object (the abolition of the Slave Trade), that the motion should now be brought forward by him, Mr. Fox. Under those circumstances, he confessed most unwillingly to take the business from those able hands in which it had so long been. If, however, he felt an unwillingness from the consideration he had mentioned, in other respects he brought it forward most willingly. As it had been resolved, by those who had taken to warm an interest in the business, that the motion would then come best from him, he should declare, that there would be nothing, that could personally give him more pride or pleasure, than to be instrumental in an object he had so much at heart. He must declare, that if, after spending more than 30 years in parliament, he had been able only to effect this one measure, he should feel that his life had not been passed in vain; when he retired from public life, the recollection of having contributed to such an important good would completely satisfy him. He was happy to say, that, upon the principle, the house had appeared pretty unanimous, that the trade ought to be abolished. If there was not an absolute unanimity upon that point, there was as near an unanimity of opinion as could be expected on any important question. Resolutions of the committee of that house, in committee, had been printed for the use of the members, in which it was stated, "that the African Slave Trade was contrary to the principles of humanity, justice, and sound policy, and that it ought to be abolished." He, therefore, should not think it necessary to detain the house five minutes, in speaking of the principle of the Slave Trade. A right honorable gentleman, now no more (Mr. Burke), had most eloquently condemned "this traffic, not in the labor of men, but in the men themselves." He had said, that it went to keep down the human race, and prevent that free intercourse among the nations which providence had designed. The carrying men forcibly from their own country to make them slaves, was certainly a thing not to be defended on any principle of justice; and it was not making the matter much better to say, that the men who had been so dragged from their own country, were persons whom we did not make slaves, but whom we found so, who had been condemned to slavery in their own country, for witchcraft and other crimes which certainly the European laws would not think deserving of such a punishment. Such an excuse for the trade as this was a mere pretence, and it would be better to avow at once, that we were incited by avarice and the lust of gain to continue a practice which our conscience told us was wrong. But even if that were the case, and if slavery were inflicted in Africa, only as the punishment of crimes, even in that case it would be most degrading for a great nation to send its ships to support and execute the police of African monarchs. Altho' the House was pretty unanimous upon the principle that the Slave Trade ought to be abolished, yet there were some gentlemen who had contended that it was not only a good thing, but so good, that it had never existed before, we should now endeavor to form such a trade. This opinion, however, was not only contrary to the declared opinion of the house, but to the greatest authorities that could be mentioned. In point of authority upon the subject, he should first name his right honorable friend Mr. Wilberforce, who had so long and with so much perseverance and ability, supported the measure which he had originally introduced. He would next mention the authority of a right honorable gentleman, the highest talents (Mr. Pitt) now no more. He hoped that that authority would have as much weight upon this question as upon any other, and especially as this was a question in which party motives could not at all enter. A noble Viscount, who had filled that chair (Lord Sidmouth), although he disapproved of the time that it was proposed to carry the abolition into effect, agreed with others in reprobating the detestable nature of the trade itself. Another noble Viscount (Lord Melville, we believe, was alluded to) had also, from the beginning, reprobated the principle of the trade, although he differed respecting the time that it might be prudent to carry the abolition into effect. The proceedings and resolutions of the house itself, however, be considered as the highest authority. Above eighteen years ago, the house was fully persuaded that it ought to be abolished, and yet not a single step had been taken, during all that time, for carrying their resolution into execution. Such an inconsistency appeared contrary to the character and dignity of that house. In 1792, the house seemed to think that three years was the longest period that the trade should be permitted, and Lord Melville, who appeared the most anxious for delaying the abolition, named the year 1800, as the period at which it might safely be carried into execution, and yet now, in the year 1806, not a step had been taken towards it. Not only the country, but the whole civilized world, might reproach them, for neglecting that duty, to the performance of which they had pledged themselves, and which they yet appeared to want the courage to perform. At first, they found fault with the slowness of other nations to abolish the trade; but it appeared, that other nations, altho' slower in making resolutions, were much more rapid in the execution of them. While we had made no progress in the abolition, the Americans and the Danes had made a considerable progress. Denmark had abolished the trade in the Danish colonies, and had prohibited Danish vessels from embarking in it. This was a most generous and honorable manner. It was saying, "If we cannot prevent other people from being concerned in it, we will at least abstain from that wickedness ourselves." This was what it was in our power, and it was our duty to do. It had been his house, in the beginning of the session, that a bill for this purpose might have passed thro' both houses, and have received the royal assent in the course of the present session. The bill was, however, now too far advanced to expect it, as the lords might well allege, that they would not have sufficient time to study the evidence upon which the bill was to be supported. The house was therefore placed in this alternative—they must either let the present be the best session which has passed without some agitation of the question, or else they must pledge the house to a particular principle, without pointing out either the mode or the time in which the abolition should take place. Some gentlemen had thrown out hints, that the abolition might better be effected by other regulations and arrangements, than by an express act of parliament. Such suggestions, however, could have very little influence on his opinion. He had considered the subject with great attention for the last eighteen years, and was convinced that it could only be properly settled by an act of parliament. As to the time when it would be proper that the abolition should take place, that was a subject on which he did not with the house to pledge itself; but he should say that his opinion was, that an immediate abolition would be the best. He hoped that the house would be nearly unanimous in agreeing to the resolution he should propose. He hoped they would not be flattered into the opinion that former regulations had done every thing that was necessary. The town of Liverpool, that was always foremost in opposition to the abolition, declared, when those regulations were proposed, that if those regulations were adopted, the trade would be ruined, and would be as well to abolish it at once; & now the same town of Liverpool would wish to postpone the house, that those regulations were so perfectly perfect, that it was quite unnecessary to do any thing more in the business. It had turned out all, that those regulations, which they had then certainly run the trade, had served them materially, and the introduction of a more just and humane manner of carrying the business, improved the traffic. Again when the foreign slave trade bill was brought in, the town of Liverpool declared, that it would be as well to abolish the trade altogether. If the gentlemen were sincere in their declarations, they need not object to the present measure. If the mischief were already done, there could be no harm in their getting their hands to it; and if they would have it, that the trade might as well be abolished, as subject to those regulations, he might request them to go one step farther, and confess it, the most brilliant and ablest speeches which we had ever heard in Parliament (he alluded, we believe, to a speech of Mr. Burke's) It was a speech not adorned with purple and florid graces, but full of the most solid and convincing arguments. Although there existed some account in print of the leading arguments of that speech, yet he would venture to say, that whoever had the advantage of hearing that speech itself, must have gone away convinced, that the abolition of the slave trade could not produce that ruin in the West-Indies that was spoken of. In North America, independent of improvements, the black population had increased very nearly in the same proportion as the whites. They had nearly doubled in the last fifteen years. This was a most convincing proof that our West-India Islands could, under proper regulations, support their existing population independent of the Slave Trade. It must even considerably more. There would be a considerable increase of the population, and with that increase a considerable amelioration of our hands. He hoped and trusted that the memory of that right honorable gentleman (Mr. Pitt) that had been so often brought forward upon other occasions, would not be forgotten on the present day. When a question was brought forward, not through party motives, but on such motives as interested every gentleman, and when the arguments on the other side of the house would show their real respect for the authority of that gentleman, and not merely introduce his name when they wanted a topic for throwing odium on his successors.—After a few more general observations, he concluded by moving, "that the African Slave Trade was contrary to justice, humanity and sound policy, and that the house would adopt measures, as speedily as it was practicable, for its complete Abolition."
FRANCE.
Napoleon, emperor of the French, and king of Italy. Accounts having reached us, that in several of the northern departments of our empire, certain Jews, not exceeding any other profession than that of usury, have by extorting an enormous interest, reduced a number of farmers to a state of great distress; we have conceived it

BOSTON, August 3.
Captain Webber, of the barque Edward Henry, arrived from Rotterdam, which place he left the 13th June, informs, that Prince Louis Bonaparte had arrived at the Hague accompanied by a numerous and splendid retinue, and was to be proclaimed King the next day.
Contradictory reports are in circulation respecting a peace between England and France; but we see no grounds to expect such an event, and many circumstances render it improbable.
From the Salem Register.
According to the last accounts from Europe, Sweden has lately offered advantages to neutral commerce. In its present situation this kingdom will profit from the alliance with Great Britain, and should it not eventually preserve its continental possessions in Germany, by the treaty of the 5th October, 1805, by which it gives the present possession of Stralsund to England, it will be assisted against the depredations on its commerce from Prussia.
Our Minister of the Interior is charged with the execution of the present decree. (Signed) "NAPOLEON." Palace of St. Cloud, May 30.
It is now understood, that ministers have so far conceded to the court of directors as to forego their determination with respect to the appointment of lord Lauderdale to the government general of India; and that lord Minto is to be appointed to that high and important office.
The small garrison, which, under the command of an Irish officer, so long and so gallantly maintained the post of Civitella del Tronto, has been starved into a surrender.
Orders have now been sent to Trieste, to reopen the ports which had been shut against the English and Russians. Our state paper has suffered some depreciation. Coffee and sugar have risen considerably in price, that numbers of people have given up the use of these articles.
CONSTANTINOPLE, April 28. Mr. Barker has published a reply to the charges of the French, respecting the murder of the agent Roumeu. The presents sent to Paris by Mouhib Effendi, are worth 100,000 piasters.
GENOA, May 2. Yesterday 236 galley slaves arrived here from Naples, on their way to Corsica, where they are to be employed on the public works.
ROME, May 10. The prince of Hesse Philipsthal has made a sortie from Gaeta, with a view of destroying a French battery, which he effected, though he lost 50 men. The French on this occasion had 50 men killed and 26 wounded.
KONIGSBERG, May 26. It has been officially announced, upon the exchange in this city, that the British government have declared, that not only the blockade of the Trade is raised, but that it is also determined, that no hostilities of any kind, shall be committed in the Categat, nor in the Baltic, above Skagen.
SWEDISH POMERANIA, May 31. An embargo is laid upon the Dutch ships at Stralsund. A part of the cavalry from Sweden arrived here yesterday.
SCHIEDAM, June 14. Letters from Berlin say, that baron Hardenberg was about to depart from thence to London on a special mission.
It seems, that the king of Sweden has demanded a categorical answer from the king of Prussia, whether or not he chooses to evacuate the Lauenburg territory. He has had an answer which, if not deemed satisfactory, is to be enforced by the immediate march of the troops which have so long been destined to that service.
A letter from Augsburg, dated June 2, says, "the French troops will remain tranquilly in their respective cantonments in Bavaria and Suabia." It is generally asserted, that the emperor Napoleon has demanded an indemnity for his ally the king of Bavaria, in consequence of the protracted stay of the French troops in his dominions.
time of capti... Ship and owners property directed to fu... proof; another part of the cargo restored... claimed; and the remainder condemned, unless claimed within a fortnight.
West-Indies.
From a Nassau, (N. P.) paper.
COURT OF VICE ADMIRALTY, July 22, 1806.
Before His Honor Henry Morton Dyer, Esq. sole Judge and Commissary.
His honor proceeded to the adjudication of the following prizes, viz.
Three Friends, Kenrick, master—Further proof pronounced insufficient, and condemned as good and lawful prize to the private ship of war Charlotte, Bethell, commander.
Adeline, Strong, master—Further proof pronounced insufficient, and condemned as good and lawful prize to H. M. ship Stork, George Legoyte, Esq. commander.
Two Pollies, Cole, master—Further proof pronounced insufficient, and condemned as good and lawful prize to the private ship of war Viper, Tabson, commander.
Caroline, Patridge, master—Further proof having been ordered in the first instance, now for want of proof condemned as good and lawful prize to the private ship of war Mars, Gibson, commander.
Eleanor, Randall, master—Further proof pronounced insufficient, & condemned as good & lawful prize to his majesty's ship Stork, George Legoyte, Esq. commander.
San Josef, alias el Desco, Antonio Cavo de Villa, master—A Spanish vessel taken on her voyage from Havana to Campeachy, condemned as good and lawful prize to his majesty's brig Port Mahon, Samuel Chambers, Esq. commander.
La Pastora, Rodriguez, master—A Havana droghing vessel, condemned as good and lawful prize to his majesty's fchr. Redbridge, lieut. Burt, commander.
In the case of the Juno, Packard, master—Mr. Armstrong, in behalf of the claimants, interposed an appeal from the decree of condemnation to the right hon. the Lords Commissioners of appeals as to prizes.
IRISH TRADE.
We have been favoured with the following by a gentleman lately arrived from Ireland:— "The Lords of Committee of Council for Trade and Foreign Plantations, having expressed their opinion, that the governors of his Majesty's Colonies and Settlements in America and the West-Indies should be directed to exclude from the articles allowed by their proclamations to be imported from the United States of America, salted beef, pork, and butter; their Lordships desire has been communicated by Mr. Fawkner, Secretary of the Privy Council for Trade, to the principal officers of the customs of Ireland, that the communication be made with all convenient dispatch, to such persons in Ireland as will be most disposed to ship those articles for the West-India Islands, it being considered an object of great importance, and of material advantage, both to Ireland & to his Majesty's colonies and settlements in America and the West-Indies, to increase and expedite the supply of the articles in question from Ireland to the said Colonies and Settlements." Barbadoes Mercury.
BOSTON, August 6.
Capt. Schott, arrived here from Tortola confirms the former accounts of the French and English fleets. The French were standing in for the harbor when the English appeared in sight. The French then put away to leeward. From the flt they learnt the intention of the French admiral to destroy Tortola, and the shipping (15 sail deeply laden) in the harbor. Admiral Cochrane did not think his force sufficient to court a battle, but intended to defend himself if they first attempted it.
It was reported, at Tortola, July 11th, that Sir Richard Strachan's squadron, of 10 sail of the line, had arrived at Barbadoes. This is given as report.
We have a file of Martinique papers to the 9th ult. They mention the sailing of the French squadron the 18th July.
We do not yet understand, whether the Tunisian ambassador will condescend to embark in the U. S. brig Franklin. His suite have frequently visited the brig.
French Fraternity!!!
Extract of a letter from captain John Hand, junior, of the Schooner Caroline, of Alexandria, dated "Port Spain, (Trinidad), July 8, 1806."
"On the 21st of June, in lat. 14, long. 58, was boarded by two French line of battle ships, who took from us about 140 barrels of flour, all the beans and cheese and a greater part of the hams, and never gave us the scrap of a pen for them."
ALEXANDRIA, August 11.
Arrived, Schooner Fame, captain Dangerfield, 16 days from Antigua.
St. Johns, (Antigua) July 22.
It appears by the extracts from a Barbadoes paper, given in the foregoing columns of this publication, that the inhabitants of that island have been alarmed for the fate of Antigua. The squadron of men of war, (mistaken by the Vigilant for French) was admiral Cochrane's, which appeared off this harbour on the 5th instant; and no doubt the alarm-guns, which were generally fired upon the appearance of a fleet, were supposed to be the commencement of a cannonade.
It was at 7 o'clock on the morning after the admiral failed from thence, that he saw the French fleet lying to, on the fourth side of Tortola, and immediately bore down upon them. The enemy at the same time filled their sails, and ran towards the island of St. Thomas. At one P. M. the captains of the Elephant, Canada and Agamenon, in obedience to a signal previously made, repaired on board the Northumberland, where a council of war was held, by which, we have reason to believe, it was resolved, that "it would be improper for the admiral to attack, with his small squadron, a force so very superior." At a little after sunset, P. M. the French ships doubled the south-west point of St. Thomas, and soon after, disappeared. The Northumberland, Elephant and Canada, returned to the roads on the 17th inst. after having watered at St. Kitts.
This morning the honorable Sir Alexander Cochrane, rear-admiral of the white and commander in chief of his majesty's ships in these seas, was invested, in a private manner, with the ribbon of the order of Bath, at the government house of this island. It was, we understand, the admiral's wish that the ceremony should be private.
The Julianne, Williams, of Boston, bound to
No accounts have been received respecting J. D. Warren and the fleet under his command, since their passing St. Kitts, on the 14th, in the evening.
NEW-YORK, August 11.
Admiral Cochrane, with his squadron was at Antigua when the Schooner Aurora left that port, about seventeen days ago. Mer. Adv.
Domestic Intelligence.
BOSTON, August 7.
When the beauty of youth, blooming in science, excellent in virtue, and rich in expectations, is taken from life in the ordinary course of mortality, the tears of sympathy flow spontaneously; but when the grave reluctantly receives its untimely prey from the hand of violence, gloomy silence, burdened with astonishment, denies to sorrow its usual utterance.
The funeral of Mr. CHARLES AUSTIN, Esq. oldest son of the Hon. Benjamin Austin, Esq. was attended yesterday by a vast multitude, from this and other towns.
On Monday last, T. O. SETHRODGE, a lawyer of this town, about 34 years of age, was committed by Justice Gorham, for his MURDER, perpetrated on the same day, a little after one o'clock. We do not mean to anticipate a trial, which will be more affecting and interesting than any one which has taken place in our country; but the public anxiety demands a statement of this unhappy affair, so far as it can be given with propriety.
The Coroner's jury, who were very respectable men, formed and signed an Inquest of Murder. The witnesses, sworn before the Justice on the examination, testified, that a few minutes after one o'clock, they saw Selfridge and Austin meet in State-street, on the side path, near the shop of Mr. Townsend, goldsmith. No witness was sworn who was high enough to hear any words that passed. Within less than a minute after they met, the witness saw Selfridge take a pistol from a side pocket, and discharge it upon Austin. Austin instantly struck him, or at least, with a small stick he had in his hand; Selfridge threw the pistol from his hand; Austin struck him with the stick, and continued to beat him until some persons came up, and with great force prevented his proceeding further. Austin never spoke but expired instantly. The blood was gushing from his mouth. The Coroner was sworn, who said the ball entered his breast just below the left pap, and passed through his body. No evidence was offered by the prisoner; but at an impartial and interesting trial, the circumstances of mitigation, if there are any will appear; and justice will, we trust have its course.
Mr. Austin was in the nineteenth year of his age; he was to have taken his first degree at Cambridge College the ensuing commencement. He was respected by the scholars there, & beloved by his class. The government of college had aligned him an honorable place in the literary examinations, on that day. His fond parents were providing an entertainment on the occasion, for a large number of his and their friends; the guests were invited and the agreeable topic of commencement day, floated spontaneously on all their language.
Sethroge had the same day published in the Boston Gazette, that Mr. Austin's father was "a liar, a villain and a coward," and signed it. The young man visited a number of his friends, and families where he was acquainted, in the forenoon, as usual, and appeared very cheerful and gay; he left one of their houses about ten minutes before he was killed. His breath glowing with filial piety, received the fatal ball, which probably had been prepared for the fond bottom of his father!
COMMUNICATION.
The melancholy event of Monday last, which terminated in the death of Mr. Charles Austin, is universally deplored; and those most sensibly affected by it, are objects of general sympathy. It is therefore much to be regretted that a desire should any where be manifested, to surcrease the public feeling, or to give it an improper direction by any perversion or particular interpretation of the coroner's inquest. The form of inquisition is given by the statute, and used as such by the Jury without any intention to decide on the criminality of the deed. It was their province, and their wish, to find the fact merely, without determining the motives or causes that led to it. Justice to the reputation and life of the person, now most interested, requires that no judgment should be passed, and no colouring be given to the unfortunate act, for which he is hereafter to be tried by the laws of his own country. That trial will be impartial, and his innocence or guilt will then appear. [Boston Gazette.]
Important Query.—Why have ALL the federal papers, which have since been published, omitted the verdict of the coroner's jury, on the late savage assassination in State-Street? The reason is obvious, and will be duly appreciated by a candid and sympathising public. The verdict was of "Wilful Murder, by the hand of Thomas O. Selfridge, with malice aforethought." Chronicle.
FRENCH SHIPS.
July 27, latitude 32, 36, long. 74, 10, the French fleet was seen. Afterwards in lat. 25, 25, long. 74, 17, an 80 gun ship, one of the fleet was spoken, steering N. E. by N. she had taken a British privateer.
July 29, off Hatteras, 3 ships of the line, two frigates and a brig, were seen, steering for C. Henry. They were supposed to be French, with a prize or two.
It has been supposed, from the course the French squadron was steering, when seen off New-York, that they were bound to Boston; but if that had been the case, they must have arrived before this time, as the winds have been favourable. It is now conjectured they have gone to the eastward, to run down the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and possibly to make an attack on Halifax. If the latter object should be effected, they will meet a warm reception, as there are 2 or 3,000 regular troops at Halifax, and most of the men of war belonging to that station were in port on the 1st inst.
The Tunisian Ambassador.
As many reports have been current respecting the Tunisian Ambassador's declining to return in the brig Franklin, now in this port, it may not be amiss to state the facts.
The brig Franklin is designed as a compliment to the Bey of Tunis, and has been principally freighted with presents for him. On her arrival here, the Ambassador went on board, examined her accommodations, and expressed no dissatisfaction, until he learnt from some quarter, that the same brig had once been a prize in Tunis. He immediately laid, in positive terms, that he should not go in her, as a present to his master, for he would not accept of a vessel of her description, as a gift.
This is the true reason of his refusal, and his determination has been communicated to Government. His Excellency did not object to the brig's being sent, as a store ship, provided another were sent as the present; for he had no objection to completing the freight of two. Repertory.
The case of the brig Izette and cargo has been tried, at Halifax, the 20th ult. and both vessel and cargo are to be restored, on payment of full costs.
the Mediterranean, and another vessel from Boston belonging to Mr. Keating, have been carried into Halifax. It was expected that the same judgment would be pronounced as in the case of the Izette. Vice Admiral Berkeley is arrived at Halifax. 16.
Lord Selkirk's arrival may be expected in this country, as he had taken leave of his government for his departure. 16.
By the commercial arrangements in Sweden, in consequence of the difference with Prussia, the duty on the exportation of iron, was lowered ten shillings sterling a ton.
From the Salem Register.
The fate of the negotiations in England are by some attributed to the proceedings of New-York and to the President's proclamation; by some, to the proceedings of Congress and to the partial non-importation act. And they might as well impute it to our growing national commerce. In the last war we knew enough to discover, that every effort would be made by the British to maintain their commercial superiority, and to secure all the advantages of their naval power. The same causes act with increasing obligations upon the British nation. What we do at home is of little consequence with them, their enquiries, what power they have to assert their claims, or what necessity they have to abate them. To assert their claims, they will do every thing. An absolute necessity alone will oblige them to withdraw them. It is a temporary policy to be at peace with any nation, but it is of eternal consequence not to relinquish and extinguish any claim, by which their navy may rule the ocean, and preserve its superiority over the world. The French ambition has never out-stepped the British. They are natural enemies, while nothing but all, will satisfy them.
FROM THE WITNESS.
The Standing Committee, appointed at the Republican Meeting, to visit Litchfield prison daily and learn the state of Mr. Osborn's health, &c.
REPORT.
That they have complied with the injunctions of the meeting, and find, that although neither of the requests made to Sheriff Landon, have yet been complied with—although Mr. Osborn is still refused bail, denied the privilege of attending public worship, and confined with the same companions, and nearly under the same circumstances, as heretofore represented—yet that since the last report on this subject, the situation is improved as to afford a hope that he will survive the probable term of his imprisonment. MOSES SEYMOUR, Jun. REUBEN WEBSTER, OZIAS LEWIS, Jun.
PETERSBURG, August 14.
SELLECK OSBORN.—A number of the republican citizens of Petersburg met at Brewer's tavern on Monday evening, to take into consideration the hardship and oppression to which Selleck Osborn, the editor of the Litchfield Witness, is subjected, by the pride and power of the federal party in Connecticut. The meeting entered into several patriotic resolutions, censuring, like freemen, the conduct of the tyrants of Connecticut, and appointed gen. Jones, T. B. Robertson, B. W. Ligh, John Somervell, John Dickson, and E. Pefend, a committee to receive subscriptions for the Witness.
From the New-York American Citizen.
It is a subject of congratulation to our fellow citizens that a system of defence is now in operation for the city and harbour of New-York. The survey made by col. Williams has for some time been under consideration at the war office. A plan of repairs for the works at Fort Jay, has been agreed upon and contracts have been made under the direction of general Dearborn, by captain Willy, for the stone and material necessary for the work. A large quantity has already been delivered on Staten Island. The undertaker of the masonry and his labourers are expected to begin their labours within a few weeks. It is understood that the whole of the ramparts and parapets are to be faced with brick and stone. New ravines and curtains are to be added to the salient angles of the fort. The original design of the engineer is to be completed or improved upon, and every additional repair and enlargement made that skill and labour can give it. In consequence of these defensive operations, it is affirmed by competent judges, that both the east and west sides of the city will be protected by the cannon of the fort to effectually, that an hostile fleet will find it impossible to lie at anchor in either of the rivers. Fort Jay will thus be made a very formidable work; capable of giving security to the city and of destroying the ships of an enemy.
Orders are now in execution at Washington, Philadelphia and New-York for mounting many pieces of heavy cannon. At Mr. Foxall's foundery at Georgetown, and at other manufactory in the nation, the casting and boring of cannon for the public service has long been going on. These home made guns are of the most excellent quality, and when mounted will be at the disposal of the executive for the general defence. The mountings are to be of the best materials, and the cannon and carriages when finished, to be transported to New-York, or to any other place where they may be wanted.
Proposals for contracts are likewise in circulation from the navy department, for the construction of a number of gun-boats upon the most modern and improved plan, at the city of New-York. Mr. Smith's agent has for some weeks been engaged in receiving proposals for building these powerful engines of offence to an enemy. As soon as the bargains can be made, the business will progress. A marine guard has likewise been sent to the navy yard at the Wallabout. Measures are taking for the housing, flooring, and preserving the timber. And it is expected the public ground will soon be enclosed and put into handsome fence.
With such rapid and auspicious beginnings we may expect that in the course of a few years, our city, under the auspices of a wise and provident administration, will be placed in such a state of security that no one need be afraid of hostile invasion; but all the inhabitants pursue their occupations in peace, under an assurance that there is nought to make them afraid.
DERNE, (N. Y.) July 25.
INDIAN WAR.
Extract of a letter from captain Dunham, commandant of the United States troops at Michilimackinack to his relatives in this town, dated June 30, 1806.
"I lately received a letter from the commanding officer at Port Wayne, (on the Miami river), dated May 20, of which the following is an extract: "I have this day received information from a man that can be depended on, who informs me

that the savages have formed a plan to take the garrisons of Miami, Macana, Detroit, Fort Wayne, and Chicago. Their first attack is to be made on our posts, and if successful, the other three are all to be attacked at the same time." &c. &c. He goes on to tell the mode of attack contemplated by them, and says he relies on it so much, that he is preparing to receive them, and advises me to do the same. At Detroit the alarm has been very great, and a regiment has been ordered under arms, and on the day of the eclipse was out all day, momentarily expecting a surprise from the Indians.
"On the 20th instant I had a grand council of all the chieftains in this part of the country, and received a talk, which I will send you, together with my answer, for your private amusement. I do not feel any apprehension for myself. I know they are uneasy and dissatisfied. I believe there have been rumours among them from the French and Spaniards on the Mississippi, perhaps as they say, from the red coats, or English; but certain it is, that somebody has been tampering with them, and endeavouring to seduce them from their attachment to the United States.
"It is however my opinion, after all I can learn, that they will never take up the hatchet, unless we are actually at war with some foreign power, in which case they will oppose us, if they dare."
A gentleman lately through the Indian nation informs, that he passed there the 17th ult. the day after the eclipse of the sun, that the Indians were assembled in large bodies, with a view (they said) to shoot away the eclipse. He observes that he supposes that the number of guns fired on that occasion exceeded one thousand. This shews what degree of superstition prevails among them. Trenton paper.
We learn that Mr. Hammond, who killed the Indian, who attempted to assassinate Judge Meigs at St. Louis, has had his trial, and was acquitted. Nashville paper.
NEW-YORK, August 9.
The following vessels, captain Fairchild informs me, have been captured and were at lying at Halifax at the time of his departure:—
Ships Harkness, Church, of New-York, detained for further proof; Hope, Dyer, do. further proof; Golden Age, Nye, Philadelphia, do. Sally, Poor, Newburyport; Fanny and Almira, Mix, Newhaven; Manchester, Bunker, from New-York for Amsterdam; briggs Brilliant, Montserrat, Baltimore; Hope, Debell, from New-York for Bordeaux; Neptune, Craft, do. do. Janer, Combs, Baltimore; Juliana, Williams, Gloucester; Eliza, Haley, Philadelphia; fchs. Fame, Marchant, Boston; Venus, Henderson, Edenton; Rising Sun, Folger, from Martinique for New-York; and sloop Eagle, Clark, of N. port.
General Miranda. —We have this morning seen a letter from an Officer on board the Leader, dated Trinidad, July 18th, from which we have been politely indulged with the following extracts:
"It is reported that Sir John Borlase Warren has arrived at Barbadoes. His intention in coming to the West-Indies is to join and assist Gen. Miranda: he is said to have brought dispatches to Gen. Boyer, at Barbadoes, Commander in Chief in the West-Indies, authorizing and requesting him to render every possible assistance in prosecuting the expedition.
"Every thing now presents a prospect of certain success. A few short days will resolve my future happiness and prosperity. Should we succeed, and I survive, my present anticipations, though sanguine, will not, I trust, prove chimerical; if we fail, my life, I expect, will pay the forfeit. Should fortune frown on mankind, and deny success to the noble endeavours of General Miranda, life or death will be equally indifferent to me: for I never could return to my native country, to bear the humiliating scoffs and sneers (perhaps) of all my friends. While the warm breath of life flows through my bosom—while yet there is the most distant prospect of success, I will prefer the glorious phantom, and resign my life in the cause of Liberty."
"Yesterday information was received from the Main, that Don Pedro Minto, the general's particular and most influential friend, had assembled an army of fifteen thousand men, and was advancing towards Caracas: that the enemies of liberty, few in number, were retreating with equal speed. Gen. Minto begs that no delay or procrastination may take place; he requests that we come and join him immediately; says he has every thing prepared for the officers; and only awaits our junction to commence more effectual operations."
"Our departure from this, will take place, I presume, in a very few days; I should be happy if it were to-morrow. We shall be joined here by very considerable reinforcements. Our forces, that are military, will consist of about fifteen hundred men, including officers; a small part of which we procured at Barbadoes, the remainder at this place. We are in momentary expectation of the arrival of two frigates from Barbadoes; this I believe is all that detains us at present."
Captain Wood of the Schooner American, from Trinidad, by which the foregoing was received, states, that on the day he failed, he understood an order was given for the troops to embark, and that the naval force which he saw at Trinidad, consisted of the ship Leader, of 18 guns; the British sloop of war Lilly, of 20 guns; the government brigs Express and Grenada; four Schooners, and five or six Gun Boats. He also understood that two frigates were expected to join them.
Our correspondent at Kingston, (Jam.) writes us, that Baltimore superfine flour sold there on the 6th May, at public auction, for Twenty-Nine Dollars and Fifty Cents. N. Y. pap.
Mr. Tillotson, in a suit against Mr. James Chetham, editor of the New-York American Citizen, for a libel, obtained a verdict on the 28th ult. for fourteen hundred dollars damages.
Albert Gallatin, Esq. arrived in town yesterday from the seat of Government.
PHILADELPHIA, August 11.
We understand, that advices, of a very unpleasant tenor, have been received from Halifax. The court of Admiralty at that place, it is said, have determined to condemn all produce of enemies captured, and bound to neutral ports, whether it be found on board neutral ships importing the same, or otherwise. By this latitude of condemnation, it follows, that the whole of our foreign trade will be entirely destroyed. Admiral Berkeley, who was so favoured to that station, had not arrived. It therefore does not clearly appear whether this destructive principle is derived from recent orders or not. We are promised an abstract of the new doctrine for our next. Phil. Gaz.
Non-importation act, again. —The British manufacturers at London, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Birmingham and Sheffield, are even now laughing, and openly boasting, at the tricks they will play in packing their merchandise, and exulting how clever they will dupe the stupid Yankees.
Let those laugh who will, take care British agents of the 17th November—you little think of the steps taken to procure from every one of those, and other packing towns, direct , the name of every individual shipper and consignee, and every deception intended by each—you cannot complain, you have timely warning. Aurora.
Yesterday arrived the brig Eliza, capt. Toby, she left New-Orleans the 18th July, and the Baltimore 21st. By her we learn, that a great Fire broke out in the Faubourg on or about the 15th July, which burnt several houses and stores, in which was contained about three hundred and fifty hds tobacco, one hundred bales cotton, some flour and sundry articles. The most of the property belonged to people in the western country. Loss estimated about forty or fifty thousand dollars.
Extract of a letter from our correspondent, dated "Lazarette, August 8."
"The United States brig Hornet, who took the 2,000,000 dollars to France, is below, in 60 days from Gibraltar."
NORFOLK, August 11.
The Schooner Adeline, Strong, of this port, taken into New-Providence in October last, was condemned on the 23rd of last month. As unjust a sentence, we will undertake to say, as was ever pronounced by any tribunal, having the appearance of a court of justice.
A British frigate of 44 guns, anchored this morning in Hampton Roads, supposed to be the Chichester from N. Y.
The squadron now in this harbour, under the command of Captain Cox, will sail the first fair wind, except Gun-Boats Nos. 2, 3, and 9, which are to remain here, under the command of Lieut. Gadsden. Charleston Times.
IMPRISONMENT OF THE EDITOR OF THE AURORA.
From the Aurora—August 10.
As some solicitude has been expressed concerning the commitment of the editor of this paper to prison, on Thursday forenoon, on a false warrant, issued by the mayor, we think it proper barely to state, that the editor was brought up at five o'clock the same evening before the chief justice; when, the attorney-general (McKean) being absent, the hearing was postponed to 3 o'clock on Friday evening (yesterday) and after hearing Mr. W. Franklin on the part of the editor, and the attorney-general on the part of the Chevalier Yrujo, the chief justice postponed the decision on the habeas corpus to Monday next, at 10 o'clock in the morning.
We understand that William Duane, Editor of the Aurora, has been discharged from jail by the chief justice on a habeas corpus. He was committed for refusing to find surety for his good behaviour on a conviction for a libel. This decision is in direct opposition to that of C. J. McKean, in the case of Cobbett. We are informed that the Chief Justice said, that there would have been no doubt in his mind, of the propriety of discharging the prisoner, but for the decision of the supreme court in the case alluded to; & notwithstanding that he thought it his duty to decide as he has done. U. S. Gaz.
From the Aurora—August 10.
At ten o'clock yesterday morning the parties being before the chief justice, and a concurrence of the most respectable citizens, the chief justice delivered his judgment on the case as follows:
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This case comes before me, in consequence of a habeas corpus, directed to the jailer of the city and county of Philadelphia, commanding him to bring before me the body of Wm. Duane, together with the cause of his being imprisoned—the jailer, in obedience to the writ, has produced the body of Wm. Duane, and returned, that he was detained in prison, by virtue of a warrant of commitment from the mayor of Philadelphia. This warrant recites, that Wm. Duane had been charged on the complaint of the Marquis de Casa Yrujo, made through the attorney general, and on the oath of William B. Hight, with having on the 19th and 21st of July last, in a public newspaper called the Aurora or General Advertiser, edited by the said Wm. Duane, published certain libels on the said Marquis, and that the said Wm. Duane had been required by the said mayor, to enter into a recognizance, as well for his appearance at the next mayor's court, as for his good behaviour in the mean time, which he had refused to do; and contains a commitment of Wm. Duane until he shall enter into a recognizance as aforesaid, or be delivered by due course of law.
From an examination that has been had before me, it also appears that the said Wm. Duane offered, before the mayor, to enter into a recognizance for his appearance, but refused to enter into one for his good behaviour. So that the only question for my determination, is, whether it is proper to insist on recognizance for the good behaviour of Wm. Duane, between this time and the next mayor's court.
In the consideration of this point, are involved principles of importance, which have agitated the feelings and divided the judgments of many persons both in this and other states of the union.
I have considered it, certainly without passion or prejudice, and with as much attention as the short time allowed for decision would admit.
Surety for good behaviour, may be considered in two points of view. It is either required after conviction of some indictable offence, in which case it forms part of the judgement of the court, and is founded on a power incident to courts of record, by the common law, or it is demanded by judges or justices of the peace, out of court, before the trial of the person charged with an offence, in pursuance of authority, derived from a statute, made in the 34th year of Edward 3. It is this last kind of surety we are now to consider. The statute 34 Edward 3 authorizes justices of the peace, to take surety for good behaviour of all those that are not of good fame, to the intent that the public may not be troubled by such persons. It is supposed that this statute was made to prevent the disorders which were introduced by the soldiers of Edward the third, numbers of whom, after serving in his armies in France, were dis-
charged in England. The natural meaning of the words "persons not of good fame," seems to be, those who by their general evil course, & habits of life had acquired a bad reputation, & were supposed to be dangerous to the community. In process of time, however, the statute, the construction of these expressions has been extended, far beyond their original meaning, and persons are now, commonly held to find surety for their good behaviour, who are not generally of ill fame, but have only been charged with some particular offence. It is laid down by some ancient authors, that libellers may be held to surety for good behaviour. But on searching the English books of reports, I find but few cases, in which courts have given their opinion on this point. The decisions of the English courts prior to our revolution, are, with some exceptions, received as authority in our courts. Now it appears from the cases before the revolution, that it was by no means an established practice, that a man charged with a libel, should, before conviction, be held to surety for his good behaviour. In the case of the king v. Shuckburg, in the year 1748—Reported 1. Wilton, 29, the defendant was arrested, by virtue of a warrant from the secretary of state, for publishing a blasphemous libel, called "Old England's Te Deum."—Upon being brought up to the court of king's bench, by habeas corpus, in order to be bailed, he offered to enter into the common recognizance for his appearance. The attorney general insisted on bail for his good behaviour also. The lord chief justice said, it had often been taken both ways, and he intended to take the opinion of all the judges; & therefore, for the present, took the defendant's recognizance for his appearance only, and made him enter into a rule, to put in bail for his good behaviour if the major part of the judges should be of opinion that he ought. Nothing further appears to have been done in this case—in a marginal note of the report of it by Serjeant Wilson, is mentioned the case of the king v. Franklin, 5. George 2d when the same point was argued before all the judges, but they never gave any opinion. Mr. Heighmore, in his treatise on bail, published in the year 1788, cites the case of the king v. Shuckburg, and seems to consider the law as still unsettled.—It appears from these authorities, that the English judges were unwilling to establish a practice, which they might have thought hostile to the genius and spirit of the nation. Let us now examine how this matter has been considered in America.—The United States, in general, have at all times, been very much alive to the liberty of the press, and the right of trial by jury; and their constitutions have been great security & facility in the various prosecutions of individuals against the king, & officers of government, it has been usual in Eng. to prosecute by way of information; a mode of proceeding, by which the defendant is brought to his trial by a petty jury, at the instance of the attorney general, without the previous inquiry by the grand jury.—The constitution of Pennsylvania has taken special care to guard against this. Grand juries are not to be dispensed with, except in certain enumerated cases, of which libel is not one. It also provides that every citizen may freely speak, write and print, on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. I think the counsel for Mr. Duane has gone too far, in contending that our constitution absolutely prohibits the binding a man to his good behaviour for a libel, before conviction. It only provides, that a man may freely speak, write and print at his own peril, being responsible either to the public, or any individual whom he may injure. It is generally understood, and I think truly, that this provision was intended to prevent men's writings from being subject to the previous examination and control of an officer appointed by the government, as is the practice in many parts of Europe, and was once the practice in England; now, a man that's bound to his good behaviour, may still publish what he pleases, and if he publishes nothing unlawful, his recognizance will not be forfeited. Indeed I consider this point as having been decided, by the supreme court, and ultimately by the high court of errors and appeals, in the case of the commonwealth vs. Cobbett, which I shall consider more particularly presently. But although it has been decided that a recognizance when this taken, is not void, yet it never has been decided within my knowledge, that it is incumbent on a judge, or that it is prudent, or proper, to call for surety of good behaviour from a person charged with a libel, before trial, and that is the point now before me. I decided from the charge delivered by C. J. Shippen in Cobbett's case, of which my brother judge Smith, has favored me with a very accurate note, I should not suppose that the chief justice, or either of the other judges, would have thought it proper to call for this kind of surety, except under very extraordinary circumstances.—The case now before me is attended with no extraordinary circumstance, so far as it has come to my knowledge, judicially, and I must confine myself to the evidence produced.—The mayor, who was so obliging as to favor me with an account of what passed at his office, declared that he considered the security for good behaviour, as a thing quite of course, and for that reason only, would not dispense with it. And he also declared, that he prepared the recognizance himself, in what he conceived the usual form, without the instruction or direction of the attorney general.—Now if this practice is established, two consequences will follow, which certainly may be attended with great inconvenience. In the first place the justice who takes the recognizance, may fix it in whatever sum he pleases, and then if it should be forfeited by a libel of the mildest nature, the whole penalty must be recovered, without any power in the court to mitigate the punishment, according to the nature of the offence. And in the second place, the defendant may be brought to trial for a libel, so far as to be burthened with the forfeiture of his recognizance, without the previous investigation of a grand jury. No considerate man will say, that under certain circumstances, these may not be very great evils. No man can exactly calculate, how far a practice of this kind, exercised by wicked and daring hands, into which it may sometimes fall, may rife, or even extinguish, the spirit of honest investigation, and necessary inquiry. And what is the occasion for it?—The party complaining, has a right to the protection of the laws, and will receive it. The person accused, will be brought to his trial, and if convicted, he will be punished according to the degree of the offence; what more does public justice require? But it is said, it is necessary to prevent future libels.—If future libels are published, while the prosecution is depending, they will be punished, on conviction, in proportion to the obliquity of the offender. No man abhors more than I do, the base practice of libelling. It is a crime forbidden by the laws of God and man, and of much blacker dye than many men seem to be aware of. All classes and descriptions of men, all parties, have in their turn, lamented and suffered by the uncontrolled licentiousness of the press. I am not without hopes that the evil will be lessened, that a remedy will be found, in the honesty and good sense of a majority of the people, aided by the wholesome chastis-
ment which courts and juries will be called on from time to time to inflict. But in order to give those punishments their full efficacy, in the community, it will be necessary in judicial proceedings, to temper firmness with liberality, never forgetting that humane principles, which, in doubtful cases, turns the scale in favour of the accused. I should have felt little difficulty in deciding the question before me, but for the case of Wm. Cobbett, cited by the attorney general in his argument. Mr. Cobbett was, in the year 1797, bound with two sureties, in a recognizance for his good behaviour, by the chief justice and present governor McKean, whose opinion has great weight with me, because I consider him as an eminent lawyer, zealously attached to the liberties of this country both civil and religious. I have not been able to obtain an accurate statement of the case of Cobbett, so far as relates to the binding of him to his good behaviour. Judge Smith's notes only contain an account of the action on the recognizance tried in the supreme court. As far however as I have heard, it differs from the present case, in some material circumstances. I have never seen the warrant against Cobbett, but I have been informed, that he was charged in it, with numerous libels against different persons, of which, on his appearance before the chief justice, he avowed himself the author.—In the present case, Duane is charged with publishing two libels, against the same person, and he has not confessed that he is the author of either. As a judge, I know nothing that is not legally proved before me. I must not act on the supposition, that the defendant has published numerous libels, because there is no oath to that purpose, and by our constitution, all warrants must be grounded upon an oath or affirmation. Upon the whole, the most that can be said with regard to recognizance for good behaviour, is, that they are demandable or not at the discretion of the judge. They differ from recognizance to keep the peace, in two important features; 1. Surety for good behaviour, is more extensive in its nature, than surety for the peace, and be more easily forfeited, and, therefore, should be exacted with greater caution. 2. Surety of the peace, is demandable of right, by any individual who thinks himself in danger of bodily hurt, and will make the necessary oaths; but this principle has not been applied to surety for good behaviour—I will not say, that there are no circumstances, in which surety for good behaviour ought not to be exacted in cases of libels, before conviction; on the contrary, I have no doubt but there are occasions, on which it may be proper and necessary to insist on it. But I am of opinion that it will be most agreeable to the spirit of our constitution, and most conducive to the suppression of libels, to adopt it as a general rule, not to demand surety for good behaviour before conviction. Under these impressions, I must discharge the defendant, on his entering into a recognizance for his appearance at the next mayor's court.
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, 19th AUGUST.
The editor of the Enquirer having occasion to leave the city for a few days, must trust to the indulgence of his friends for any inaccuracies which may occur in his paper, during his absence.—It is with no little regret, that he is obliged to defer his duties at this particular juncture.
It is with sorrow and concern that we announce the death of MERIWETHER JONES, Esq. Commissioner of Loans. He died on the 9th inst. within a few miles of the Sweet Springs.
The above announcement was received too late to admit of the just encomium due to the character of the deceased.
Last Evening's Mail.
Neutral Commerce. —The following information, received from Halifax, by a letter of the 29th ult. from a source that may be relied on, is published for the information of the merchants of the U. S.
The Golden Age , loaded at Philadelphia, and was destined for Hamburg—but in case that port was blockaded to proceed to Tomingen.
In the case of the Golden Age , the captors failing to establish the fact of any blockade of the Port having existed previous to the 16th May, the Court directed restitution of the ship and such part of the cargo, as is not the produce of enemy's colonies in the West-Indies, which latter is all held for further proof of property. The captor's counsel made a formidable stand on the much contested ground of this vessel being illegally employed in carrying the produce of the enemy's colonies to Europe, but the judge in the present case overruled it because the ship was not going to an enemy's port in Europe, and signified, that if he had been bound to an enemy's port, he must have condemned her, and that part of the goods which had been purchased in the enemy's colonies. We hope Messrs. _____ will be able to produce evidence, that the colonial produce imported by themselves, was purchased from their own funds, transmitting attested copies of their letters upon the subject, and accounts current, between them and the parties, who were the shippers in the West-Indies.
SALEM, August 8.
The following is an extract of a well written letter from a commercial house in Barcelona to a merchant in this town.
"Looking to the circumstances that have already happened, we shall not be surprised if the passages of the Sound and the Dardanelles be closed relatively to England, which would be tantamount to the annihilation of navigation to the Baltic and Black Sea. In such a state of things, the other parts of Europe must look to the U. States for supplies. The wants of this province are neither casual, nor accidental: it raises but little grain, and in the best of years requires an importation of 1,200,000 bushels for the population. If the resources it has hitherto had, be cut off, wheat from your continent will be a very rare object of speculation this way, and those resources have hitherto depended on the Baltic and the Black Sea."
"Europe has undergone changes, that are conceived of only because they are seen and felt. The fate of empires has proved as mutable as the property of individuals: nations are disposed of with so little ceremony, that a knowledge of their language is not thought necessary in those, to whose government they are consigned; principles of legislation are acquired in the refinement of a garrison, and laws presented on the point of a bayonet. Such is the state of things, that must make you look to your own government with pride. The million of lord Seikirk and the known disposition of the British minority, make us easy on your account. This government [Spain] cannot wish to fail out with you."
Sales at Auction.
On Wednesday the 20th inst. will be sold, the following property, viz.
A LOT OF GROUND, 44 feet on the Main-street, nearly opposite to Mr. William Marshall. Also, 75 feet on the street leading to Ricketts, opposite Ricketts Warehouse, to be divided into three lots. Terms, one third of the payment to be discharged by a note at four months, negotiable in the Bank of Virginia, with an approved endorser; the balance to be paid in twelve months, secured by a deed of trust, and to carry interest from the date, if not punctually paid.
Also, one other LOT, being a part of Roper's testament, and known by the number of 2 in Mr. W. Lewis's plan of that property.—Terms made known on the day of sale.
TAYLOR & BROWN, Aucts. August 15.
WILL BE SOLD.
ON a credit of six and twelve months, three acres of GROUND on Shoctoe-Hill, in one body adjoining Col. Penn, Mr. A. Barret, and Lydia Broadax. These lots command a handsome prospect, and the advantage of Court's and several other fine springs of water. The situation is a desirable one, either for a private family, a Church, or a Public School. The sale will commence on the premises at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, on Friday, the 22d inst. 1806. August 19.
JAMES WALKER,
WATCH & CLOCK MAKER, a little below the Capitol, and near the Bank, will attend to all commands in the line of his business with which he may be favored. As it is the peculiar characteristic of all quacks and bunglers in all trades, to practise themselves, put on airs of consequence, promise much, and pretend to a great deal, J. W. will not even touch upon his capabilities, but merely say, that he hopes those who may choose to throw their custom in his way, will have good reason to be satisfied with the performance of his work. He will be completely satisfied when his skill as an artist meets with such encouragement as it ought justly claim. August 19.
NOTICE.
THE Co-partnership of GILLIAT & KIRBY, by its limitation, would expire on the first day of next month; but the members of that firm have mutually agreed to extend it to the first day of May next.—All persons indebted thereto are earnestly requested to come forward without delay and pay off what they respectively owe, as longer indulgence ought not to be expected. Those who have unliquidated accounts and cannot make immediate payment, it is hoped will execute bonds for their respective balances.
GILLIAT & KIRBY have already received a part of their FALL GOODS, and by the first arrivals from London, Liverpool, &c. the residue is expected, which they will sell low for cash.—Country produce or approved notes.
GILLIAT & KIRBY. August 19. ep 2m.
WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE, AUGUST, 1806.
It is hereby made known to the public, that there will be established in College a plain, but decent table, upon the lowest terms, which will secure the institution against loss. The board will commence on the 3rd Monday in October, the period fixed for opening the lectures in the philosophical and mathematical schools.
It is also notified, that all junior students will be compelled to lodge in College, to board at the public table, to devote certain stated hours to study, to attend at the calling of a roll at 8 o'clock in the evening, summer, to continue in their rooms, after they have observed other regulations, which cannot fail to be highly beneficial to youth.
The object of these arrangements is, not only to diminish the expense of a student at this College, but to guard, as effectually as can be done, against dissipation and idleness. For this latter purpose, a system more restrictive than that hitherto adopted, will be finally pursued. Parents and Guardians who witness the increased tendency to those evils, against which the College holds itself bound to oppose every barrier within its power, will not hesitate to approve of those means, which may be deemed necessary for its salutary purpose. But, a strict approbation is not sufficient. Their cooperation also is essential. They are, therefore, earnestly requested to take care, that their sons, or wards, shall be compelled to observe a prudent and wise economy. It is a maxim, not to be forgotten, that the improvement of youth will generally be inversely as their expense; nor is it less true, that their expenditures will be in proportion to the credit. Let then no money be furnished beyond a moderate sum; and let no credit be allowed, except for specified articles, and to a specified amount. This advice to Parents and Guardians, will, it is hoped, be duly appreciated, and departed from, in no instance. It is impossible, that the wisest system of education can give to youth the inestimable benefits, which might otherwise be derived,

Miscellaneous.
CONVERSATIONS ON CHEMISTRY.
A NEW LONDON WORK.
It needs no deep research; no studied appeal to the pages of Alexander or of Seguin; to demonstrate how much the general improvement of society depends upon the improvement of woman. It is the interest of man himself, therefore, to promote the attainment of the fair.
But woman has never yet occupied that station to which she is entitled. In the savage state of society, she is degraded to a beast of burden. In more polished countries, she is exalted into a faditious idol, a play thing, a highly finished ornament, an animated object of luxury, to tickle the vanity or flatter the proud pre-eminence of man.
Some women, it is true, have exerted that elasticity of effort, which is incident to the very nature of MIND, when fostered by propitious circumstances. They have overcome those obstacles which opposed the general improvement of their sex, and nobly broken down the artificial barriers by which man has attempted to mark out the discrimination of the sexes. Such are those celebrated names, which Europe has in a few years enrolled among her celebrated and her wife: the Swards, the Wolfsonbrooks, and the Edgeworths of England; the madam Rolands, the Condorcets and Lavoisiers of France. It is therefore with pure and undissimulated pleasure, that we have hailed every effort hitherto exerted to polishing the mind of woman . Many of such efforts have started forth within the last few years: & every year augments their number.
May we not therefore presume to recommend to their consideration, the perusal of the interesting little work, from which we have made the following quotation? It is written on a science, of all others the most extensively applicable to the phenomena of the universe or the economy of domestic life: It is written by a female, and principally for the use of her own sex. It is an Octavo Volume of 430 pages: its title " Conversations on Chemistry , in which the elements of that science are familiarly explained and illustrated by experiments, and plates."
But should the ladies suppose it to be above or beneath their notice, it is still to be hoped, that the gentlemen will not, in this instance, at least, be subservient enough to their opinions to imitate their example.
CONVERSATION I.
ON THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY.
Mrs. B. Having now acquired some elementary notions of Natural Philosophy, I am going to propose to you another branch of science, to which I am particularly anxious that you should devote a share of your attention. This is Chemistry , which is closely connected with Natural Philosophy, that the study of the one must be incomplete without some knowledge of the other; for it is obvious that we can derive but a very imperfect idea of bodies from the study of the general laws by which they are governed, if we remain totally ignorant of their intimate nature.
Caroline. To confess the truth, Mrs. B. I am not disposed to form a very favourable idea of Chemistry, nor do I expect to derive much entertainment from it. I prefer those sciences that exhibit nature on a grand scale; to those which are confined to the minutiae of petty details. Can the studies which we have lately pursued, the general properties of matter, or the resolutions of the heavenly bodies, be compared to the mixing up of a few insignificant drugs?
Mrs. B. I rather imagine that your want of taste for chemistry proceeds from the very limited idea you entertain of its object. You confuse the chemist's laboratory to the narrow precincts of the apothecary's shop, whilst it is subservient to an immense variety of other useful purposes. Besides, my dear, chemistry is by no means confined to works of art. Nature also has her laboratory, which is the universe, and there she is incessantly employed in chemical operations. You are surprised, Caroline; but I assure you that the most wonderful and the most interesting phenomena of nature are almost all of them produced by chemical powers. Without entering therefore into the minute details of practical chemistry, a woman may obtain such a knowledge of the science, as will not only throw an interest on the common occurrences of life, but will enlarge the sphere of her ideas, and render the contemplation of Nature a source of delightful instruction.
Caroline. If this is the case, I have certainly been much mistaken in the notion I had formed of chemistry. I own that I thought it was chiefly confined to the knowledge and preparation of medicines.
Mrs. B. That is only a branch of chemistry, which is called Pharmacy; and though the study of it is certainly of great importance to the world at large, it properly belongs to professional men, and is therefore the last that I should advise you to study.
Emily. But did not the chemists formerly employ themselves in search of the Philosopher's Stone, or the secret of making gold?
Mrs. B. These were a particular set of misguided philosophers, who dignified themselves with the name of Alchemists, to distinguish their parlor from those of the common chemists, whose studies were confined to the knowledge of medicines.
But, since that period, chemistry has undergone a complete revolution, that, from an obscure and mysterious art, is now become a regular and beautiful science, to which art is entirely subservient. It is true, however, that we are indebted to the alchemists for many very useful discoveries, which sprung from their fruitless attempts to make gold, and which undoubtedly have proved of infinitely greater advantage to mankind than all their chimerical pursuits.
The modern chemists, far from directing their ambition to the imitation of one of the least useful productions of man's nature, aim at copying almost all her operations, and sometimes even form combinations, the model of which is not to be found in her own productions. They have little reason to regret their inability to make gold (which is often but a false representation of riches), whilst by their innumerable inventions and discoveries, they have so greatly stimulated industry and facilitated labour, as prodigiously to increase the luxuries as well as the necessities of life.
Emily. But I do not understand by what means chemistry can facilitate labour; is not that rather the province of the mechanic?
Mrs. B. There are many ways by which labour may be rendered more easy, independently of mechanics; but even the machine the most wonderful in its effects, the steam engine, cannot be understood without the assistance of chemistry. In agriculture, a chemical knowledge of the nature of soils, and of vegetation, is highly useful; and in those arts which relate to the comforts and conveniences of life, it would be endless to enumerate the advantages which result from the study of this science.
Caroline. But, pray, tell us more precisely in what manner the discoveries of chemists have proved so beneficial to society?
Mrs. B. That would be an unfair anticipation; for you would not comprehend the nature of such discoveries and useful applications, so well as you will do hereafter. Without a due regard to method, we cannot expect to make any progress in chemistry. I wish to direct your observation chiefly to the chemical operations of Nature; but those of Art are certainly of too high importance to pass unnoticed. We shall therefore allow them also some share of our attention.
Emily. Well then, let us now let to work regularly, I am very anxious to begin.
Mrs. B. The object of chemistry is to obtain a knowledge of the intimate nature of bodies and of their mutual action on each other. You find therefore, Caroline, that this is no narrow or confined science, which comprehends every thing material within our sphere.
Caroline. On the contrary, it must be inextinguishable; and I am at a loss to conceive how any proficiency can be made in a science whose objects are so numerous.
Mrs. B. If every individual substance formed of indifferent materials, the study of chemistry would indeed be endless; but you must observe, that the various bodies in nature are composed of certain elementary principles, which are not very numerous.
Caroline. Yes: I know that all bodies are composed of fire, air, earth, and water; I learnt that many years ago.
Mrs. B. But you must now endeavour to forget what I have already informed you what a great change chemistry has undergone since it has become a regular science. Within these thirty years especially, it has experienced an entire revolution, and it is now proved that neither fire, air, earth, nor water, can be called elementary bodies. For an elementary body is one that cannot be decomposed, that is to say, separated into other substances; and fire, air, earth, and water, are all of them susceptible of decomposition.
Emily. I thought that decomposing a body was dividing it into its minutest parts. And if so, I do not understand why an elementary substance is not capable of being decomposed, as well as any other.
Mrs. B. You have misconceived the idea of Decomposition; it is very different from mere division: the latter simply reduces a body into parts, but the former separates it into the various ingredients, or materials, of which it is composed. If we were to take a loaf of bread, and separate the several ingredients of which it is made, the flour, the yeast, the salt, and the water, it would be very different from cutting the loaf into pieces, or crumbling it into atoms.
Emily. I understand you now very well. To decompose a body is to separate from each other the various elementary substances of which it consists.
Caroline. But flower, water, and the other materials of bread, according to your definition, are not elementary substances?
Mrs. B. No my dear; I mentioned bread rather as a familiar comparison, to illustrate the idea than as an example.
The elementary substances of which a body is composed, are called the constituent parts of that body; in decomposing it, therefore, we separate its constituent parts. If on the contrary, we divide a body by chopping it to pieces, or even by grinding or pounding it to the finest powder, each of these small particles will still consist of a portion of the several constituent parts of the whole body; these we call the integral parts ; do you understand the difference?
Emily. Yes, I think, perfectly. We decompose a body into its constituent parts ; and divide it into its integral parts .
Mrs. B. Exactly so. If therefore a body consists of only one kind of substance, though we may divide it into its integral parts , it is not possible to decompose it. Such bodies are therefore called simple or elementary , as they are the elements of which all other bodies are composed. Compound bodies are such as consist of more than one of these elementary principles.
Caroline. But do not fire, air, earth, and water, consist each of them, but of one kind of substance?
Mrs. B. No, my dear; they are every one of them susceptible of being separated into various simple bodies. Instead of four, chemists now reckon upwards of forty elementary substances. Now we shall first examine separately, and afterwards consider in their combinations with each other.
Their names are as follows:
  Light, Silex, Zinc,   Caloric, Alumine, Bismuth,   Oxygen, Yttria, Antimony,   Nitrogen, Glucina, Arsenic,   Hydrogen, Zirconia, Cobalt,   Sulphur, Agglutina, Manganese,   Phosphorus, (55 Metals.) Tungsten,   Carbone, Gold, Molybdenum,   (2 Alkalis.) Platina, Uranium,   Potash, Silver, Tellurium,   Soda, Mercury, Titanium,   (10 Earths.) Copper, Chrome,   Lime, Iron, Osmium,   Magnesia, Tin, Iridium,   Strontites, Lead, Palladium,   Barites, Nickel, Rhodium, 
Caroline. This is, indeed, a formidable list?
Mrs. B. Not so much to you as you imagine; many of the names you are already acquainted with, and the others will soon become familiar to you. But, before we proceed farther, it will be necessary to give you some idea of chemical attraction, a power on which the whole science depends.
Chemical Attraction, or the Attraction of Composition , consists in the peculiar tendency which bodies of a different nature have to unite with each other. It is by this force that all the compositions, and decompositions, are effected.
Emily. What is the difference between chemical attraction, and the attraction of cohesion, or of aggregation, which you often mentioned to us in former conversations?
Mrs. B. The attraction of cohesion exists only between particles of the same nature, whether simple or compound; thus it unites the particles of a piece of metal which is a simple substance, and likewise the particles of a loaf of bread which is a compound. The attraction of composition, on the contrary, unites and maintains in a state of combination particles of a dissimilar nature; it is this power that forms each of the compound particles of which bread consists; and it is by the attraction of cohesion that all these particles are connected into a single mass.
Emily. The attraction of cohesion, then, is the power which unites the integrant particles of a body; the attraction of composition that which combines the constituent particles. Is it not so?
Mrs. B. Precisely; and observe that the attraction of cohesion unites particles of a similar nature, without changing their original properties; the result of such an union, therefore, is a body of the same kind as the particles of which it is formed; whilst the attraction of composition, by combining particles of a dissimilar nature, produces new bodies, quite different from any of their constituent particles. If, for instance, I pour on the piece of copper, contained in this glass, some of this liquid (which is called nitric acid) for which it has a strong attraction, every particle of the copper will combine with a particle of acid, and together they will form a new body, totally different from either the copper or the acid.
Do you observe the internal commotion that already begins to take place? It is produced by the combination of these two substances; and yet the acid has in this case to overcome, not only the resistance which the strong cohesion of the particles of copper opposes to its combination with them, but also the weight of the copper which makes it sink to the bottom of the glass, and prevents the acid from having such free access to it as it would if the metal were suspended in the liquid.
Emily. The acid seems, however, to overcome both these obstacles without difficulty, and appears to be very rapidly dissolving the copper.
Mrs. B. By this means it reduces the copper into more minute parts, than could possibly be done by any mechanical power. But as the acid can act only on the surface of the metal, it will be some time before the union of these two bodies will be completed.
You may, however, already see how totally different this compound is from either of its ingredients. It is neither colourless like the acid, nor hard, heavy, and yellow, like the copper. If you tasted it, you would no longer perceive the sourness of the acid. It has at present the appearance of a blue liquid; but when the union is completed, and the water with which the acid is diluted is evaporated, it will assume the form of regular crystals, of a fine blue colour, and perfectly transparent. Of these I can show you a specimen, as I have prepared some for that purpose.
Caroline. How very beautiful they are, in colour, form and transparency!
Emily. Nothing can be more striking than this example of chemical attraction.
Mrs. B. The term attraction has been lately introduced into chemistry as a substitute for the word affinity , to which some chemists have objected, because it originated in the vague notion that chemical combinations depend upon a certain resemblance, or relationship, between particles that are disposed to unite; and this idea is not only imperfect, but erroneous, as it is generally particles of the most dissimilar nature, that have the greatest tendency to combine.
Caroline. Besides, there seems to be no advantage in using a variety of terms to express the same meaning; on the contrary it creates confusion; and as we are well acquainted with the term attraction in natural philosophy, we had better adopt it in chemistry likewise.
Mrs. B. If you have a clear idea of the meaning, I shall leave you at liberty to express it in the terms you prefer. For myself, I confess that I think the word attraction best suited to the general law that unites the integrant particles of bodies; and affinity better adapted to that which combines the constituent particles, as it may convey an idea of the preference which some bodies have for others, which the term attraction of composition does not so well express.
Emily. So I think; for though that preference may not result from any relationship or finitude, between the particles (as you say was once supposed), yet, as it really exists, it ought to be expressed.
Mrs. B. Well, let it be agreed that you may use the terms affinity , chemical attraction , and attraction of composition , indifferently, provided you recollect that they have all the same meaning.
Emily. I do not conceive how bodies can be decomposed by chemical attraction. That this power should be the means of composing them, is very obvious; but how it can at the same time produce exactly the contrary effect, appears to me very singular.
Mrs. B. To decompose a body, is, you know, to separate its constituent parts, which, as we have just observed, can never be done by mechanical means.
Emily. No; because mechanical means separate only the integrant particles; they act merely against the attraction of cohesion.
Mrs. B. The decomposition of a body, therefore, can only be performed by chemical powers. If you present to a body composed only of two principles, a third, which has a greater affinity for one of them than the two first have for each other, it will be decomposed, that is, its two principles will be separated by means of the third body. Let us call two ingredients, of which a body is composed, A and B. If we present to it another ingredient C, which has a greater affinity for B, than that which unites A and B, it necessarily follows that B will unite with C, and A will be set free. The new ingredient, therefore, has effected a decomposition of the original body A, B; A, has been left alone, and a new compound, B, C, has been formed.
Emily. We might, I think, use the comparison of two friends, who were very happy in each other's society, till a third distanced them by the preference which one of them gave to the new-comer.
Mrs. B. Very well, I shall now show you how this takes place in chemistry. Let us suppose that we wish to decompose the compound we have just formed by the combination of the two ingredients, copper and nitric acid: we may do this by presenting to it a piece of iron, for which the acid has a stronger attraction than for copper; the acid will consequently quit the copper to combine with the iron, and the copper will be what the chemists call precipitated , that is to say, it will return to its separate state, and reappear in its simple form.
In order to produce this effect, I shall dip the blade of this knife into the fluid, and, when I take it out, you will observe that instead of being wetted with a bluish liquid like that contained in the glass, it will be covered with a very thin pellicle of copper.
Caroline. So it is, really! but then it is not the copper instead of the acid, that has combined with the iron blade?
Mrs. B. No; you are deceived by appearances: it is the acid which combines with the iron, and in doing so deposits the copper on the surface of the blade.
Emily. But cannot three or more substances combine together, without any of them being precipitated?
Mrs. B. That is sometimes the case; but in general, the stronger affinity destroys the weaker; and it seldom happens that the attraction of several substances for each other is so equally balanced as to produce such complicated compounds.
It is now time to conclude our conversation for this morning. But before we part, I must recommend you to fix in your memory the names of the simple bodies, against our next interview.
From the Providence Phoenix.
Mr. OLNEY,
Enclosed is a poetical effusion from the pen of SELLECK OSBORN, Esq. editor of the well-conducted Journal THE WITNESS .—It is with pleasure I transmit you "The Sailor," knowing that the mile of this valuable and yet living master of poetical truth, will never fail to delight the lovers of poetry. Though he is yet confined in the gilded and fickle gleams of a Connecticut prison, we hope he will fill every duty of editorial employment, with the frigidly numbers of his lyre. The nightingale's best notes are in the shades of night; and it is said there are instances, in which the confinement of birds in their cages, add sweetness and harmony to their notes. We can but indulge a hope that Mr. OSBORN, on his enlargement, will bring forward something that shall, at once, astonish the public and felicitate his friends. We rejoice, although he has been called to suffer perils from sickness and from the boots of Ephebus , his spirits are not in any degree broken; that he has promised the public that he will employ "the left dash of his pen" in the cause he has undertaken, and in which he has uniformly succeeded. In employing his happy talent of writing, his own mind, conscious of its merit, must enjoy that self-foothing satisfaction which may compensate, in a degree, the retrenchments of imprisonment; at least it would bestow emotions of relief to the minds of those who have read, with painful sympathy, the account of his sufferings, and who view, with indignation and astonishment, that ill-fated policy, which, though in a state of desperation, continues in the attempt to support itself by temerity and perfection; whose forlorn apology can only be that of the unfortunate Dido to the Trojans—
Res dura, et regni novitas me talia cogunt moliri.
Bristol, July 22, 1806.
THE SAILOR.
BY SELLECK OSBORN.
THE weary sea-bird screams afar: Along the wave dire omens sweep; From the veil'd sky no friendly star Beams on the undulating deep. Hark! from the cliffs of distant shores The Lom emits his dismal cry— The wave portentous warning roars, And peaks the threatening tempest high! What guardian angel's watchful pow'r Shall snatch me from the angry deep, Or bid, in that tremendous hour, The demon of the waters sleep? Or who, if on some desert wild I drift, weak, famish'd and distress'd, Shall buff the forrows of my child, And sooth Lavina's wounded breast, Sweet objects of my earthly love! For you with aching heart I moan! Far from your peaceful vale I rove, Ah! hopeless ever to return. Yet should it be my happier lot To hail again my native shore, Secure within my humble cot, I'll brave the restless deep no more.
* MARTYR is a Greek derivation signifying Witness.
His prayer was heard, the rolling barque Rode thro' the storm with stubborn pride; And William, blithe as morning bird, Flew to his sweet enraptur'd bride.
Yet Will, with love and liquor warm, Ere yet a month had pass'd in glee, Forgot the terrors of the storm, And, singing, squar'd away for sea.
NOTICE.
APPREHENSIONS for the health of his family having disabled the subscriber from abiding permanently at Norfolk, he has removed to the city of Richmond, and fixed his office in the house near the Capitol, lately occupied by the Commissioner of Loans. He proposes to practise law in the Federal Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Chancery, in Richmond; and will continue also to practise in the Chancery District Court of Williamsburg, and District Court of Suffolk.
WM. WIRT.
August 5.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Richmond Turnpike Company, held at Edward Hallam's tavern in the city of Richmond, on Tuesday the 29th of July, 1806.
RESOLVED, That five dollars be paid on each share held by the Stock-holders in the said company to Nathaniel Sheppard their treasurer on or before the first day of September next.
Resolved, That propositions be received from any persons inclined to undertake the work on the Turnpike until the first day of October next, and that the same be filed in writing with the clerk of the Company by the persons making such propositions.
An extract from the minutes.
N. SHEPPARD, Clerk.
August 5. 11th Sept.
ALEXANDER STUART, Esquire, of Richmond, and Col. William Daniel, of Cumberland county, are so obliging as to undertake my law business. The former will give his attention to it in the federal court and in the court of appeals. The latter in the superior court of chancery for the Richmond district.
CREED TAYLOR.
July 18. (if)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
THAT for some time in the month of October 1804, I enclosed a parcel of papers in a letter directed to Mr. John A. Robertson of Amelia county, near Genito Bridge, which letter with its contents was never received by Mr. Robertson. The subject of the letter related to a certain suit, brought by me, against Pleasant Roberts, of Amelia, giving Mr. Robertson, whom I employed as my attorney, such directions as the case required. The papers were principally wheat receipts, some signed by the said Pleasant Roberts, & others by Chastain and Willie Roberts for Pleasant Roberts, together with other vouchers. Any person who will be good enough to convey or cause them to be conveyed to me in this place, shall receive TWENTY DOLLARS reward.
DENJAMIN DENNIS.
Manchester, August 8. 6p.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY,
A NACTIVE Young Man to act as a BAR-KEEPER, to whom liberal wages will be given. Enquire at the Eagle Tavern.
July 22. (if)
A BARGAIN
MAY be had in a Chariot, Harness, and pair of excellent horses—Enquire of the Editor.
August 5. (if)
BURR MILL STONES, OF ALL SIZES; and
PLASTER OF PARIS, of an excellent quality, FORESEE, AS UNAL, or
WILLIAM DAVIDSON,
near the Market. [epit]
Dec. 4.
TO SPORTSMEN.
Will be sold publicly at the Bowling Green, on the 10th, day of October next (if not privately disposed of before that time) the following Stallions:
BUZZARD—DARE DEVIL—ARCHDUKE, ESCAPE, by Precipitate out of a fister of Buzzard's—STORM, by Cormorant out of a Darlington mare.
After which about thirty thorough bred brood Mares, Colts and Fillies. The terms of sale will be made known in a few weeks by
JOHN G. WOOLFOLK and
JOHN HOOMES,
Executors of John Hoomes, dec'd.
August 1. (if)
3,000 wt. SALT PETER'D BACON,
1,000 wt. BOTTLED N. ENGLAND CHEESE,
10 gross BOTTLED CYDER,
A few butts CLOVER SEED,
150 pieces PAPER HANGINGS.
For Sale by
EDWARD HALLAM.
Constantly for Hire—An Excellent Carriage and Horses—apply as above.
May 27. eof
JUST RECEIVED,
And for sale at the Enquirer Book-Store,
"A MANUAL OF PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE
FOR THE USE OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES"
BY THOMAS JEFFERSON.
—ALSO—
THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURT AND CABINET OF ST. CLOUD.
PRINTED AT THE ENQUIRER PRESS &
"HIS DAY PUBLISHED,
A CORRECT Edition of "THE RUDIMENTS of