Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1806-02-07 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XIIth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1252.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH
[Four Dollars Per Annum....paid in advance.]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1806.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
REMOVAL.
DOCT. WILSON has removed from the Bell Tavern to the Brick House opposite the stores of Messrs. J. & R. Gamble and Mr. Neil M'Coll, and the 2d door below the corner formed by the main street and the cross street leading from Col. May's bridge. In addition to his former stock, he has just received a considerable supply of Articles in the Apothecary line, all of which are offered for sale at reduced prices.
It is his intention to devote a great share of his attention personally to his shop. Orders from Merchants, Physicians and others, will be faithfully attended to—Families can be supplied with Medicines of every kind, accompanied with proper instructions as to their mode of exhibition.
Richmond Jan. 23d, 1806. W.F.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of the late William Duiguid, Esq. of Buckingham county, are hereby requested to make them known, that provisions may be made to discharge the same. Those indebted will it is hoped, see the propriety of making immediate payment.
Lucy Duiguid, Adm'x. George Christian, Adm'r. January 10th, 1806. W.F.
Taken up by the subscriber early in December, FOUR HOGS , marked with a crop & two slits in the left ear, and a slit and half crop in the right—Appraised to ten pounds sixteen shillings.
John Robertson.
CATALOGUE OF A VALUABLE COLLECTION OF BOOKS.
FOR SALE AT THE PRINTING OFFICE AND BOOK STORE OF S. PLEASANTS.
Among them are some of the newest & most interesting English publications, in elegant binding.
  Hobbes's Reccreations, 4 vols.  Hutchinson's Biography, 2 vols.    Bigland's Letters  elegant Pocket Bibles    Schomberg's Naval Chronology, 6 vols.  Universal History, 2 v.    Bisset's Geo. 3, 2 vols.  Paul and Virginia.    Sale's Koran, 2 vols.  Jemison's Works, 12 v.    Park's it. and as it was, 2 vols.  Locke's Works, 10 v.    Wilkinson on Calvinism, 3 vols.  Beacon's Memoirs, 6 v.    Publick on Chess  Bolingbroke on History    Jones's Life of Home  Montesquieu, 3 vols.    Chatterton's works, 3 vols.  Swift's Gulliver's Travels, 4 vols.    Burns's Rural Philosophy  Peacock's view of life    Burns's works, 8 vols.  Asiatic researches, 7 v.    Lobb's life, 4 vols.  Rutledge, 2 vols.    Pinkney's works, 3 vols.  Melmoth's Fanny, 2 v.    Naval Chronicle, 11 v.  Melmoth's Cicero, 3 v.    Mariner's Chronicle, 4.  South's Wealth of Nations, 5 vols.    Sonney's Tales  Churchill's works, 2 v.    Home, a new novel, in 4 vols.  Cyclopaedia    Public Characters, 6 v.  Gilbert's Frederick    Rural Reccreations, 2 v.  Paris delineated    Trotter on Drunkenness  Ferguson's art of Drawing    Sugden on Women, 8 v.  Ramford's essays, 3 v.    Bruce's Geography  Wilson's Egypt, 3 vols.    Keck on the Globe  Gillies's Greece, 4 vols.    Swiss Emigrants  Kalm's Siberia, 2 v.    Sentimental Journey  Zimmerman on Solitude, 2 vols.    Natural History  Bell on Wounds    Dictionary of Poetic Literature  Young's Night Thoughts    Pilkington's memoirs  History of England, 3 v.    Genie Shepherd  Chaplet    Shenstone's Poems  Sorrow of Werter    Thomson's Seasons  Pleasures of Imagination    Gray's Poems  Cowper's Poems, 2 v.    Falconer's Shipwreck  Thompson's Dictionary    Goldsmith's Poems  Esop's Fables    Baker's Livy, 6 vols.  Death of Abel    Belsham's Biographical Dictionary  Hoofer's Tasso, 2 vols.     Mawer's Gardener     Swift's Works, 24 v.     Turkish Spy, 8 vols.     Goke's Travels, 5 vols.     Homer's Iliad, 2 v.     Farmer's Boy     Ovid's Art of Love  
Also, just received and for sale as above,
  Ferguson's Astronomy  Fife's Anatomy    Scott's Gazetteer, 4 v.  T. Paine's works, 2 v.    Young's Lat. Dictionary  Adams's defence of the American Constitution, 3 vols.    Lady's Museum, elegant binding with plates 14 v.  Kotzebue's Plays    Do. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14, is complete sets  Bombardier    Ferguson's Lectures  Chase's Trial    Guthrie's Grammar, edition of 1805  Gordon's Civil War in Ireland    Clarke's Homer  Ralston's Cookery    Greek Lexicons  Bordley's Husbandry    Jacobi's Dialogues  Law's of Kentucky    Greek Testaments  Anacharsis's Travels    Grammars  Antenor's Travels    Percy's Exercises   
Just received and for sale at S. Pleasants Book-Store, near the Bridge.
THE FOLLOWING GENUINE Patent Medicines.
  Hill's Balm of Honey  obstinate eruptions, &c    Tarlington's Balm  British Oil    Godfrey's Coral  Hooper's Female Pills    Essence of Peppermint  Anderson's Scours do.    Streets Opodeldoc  The celebrated Specific    Oriental Cerate, for the cure of outward piles, scurf, sore legs, burns  Pills, for the cure of the outward and inward Piles  
Nine Month's Credit with Good Security.
TO PRINTERS.
Printing Materials for Sale.
  LONG PRIMER, Pica, English, Double Pica, Two Lines English, French Canon, Four Lines Pica, Five Lines Pica, Seven Lines Pica, Nine Lines Pica, Thirteen Lines Pica, Sixteen Lines Pica, Nineteen Lines Pica, Quotations, Footscap and Demy Classes, and Cress.   
PROSSER & MONCURE, V. M. Richmond, Nov. 23d, 1805. (offon)
* * * Subscribers to PINKERTON'S MODERN GEOGRAPHY, who have not yet received their Books, are respectfully informed that they are ready for delivery at this Office. (H.)
(By Authority.)
AN ACT
Making an additional appropriation to supply the deficiency in the appropriation for the naval service, during the year one thousand eight hundred and five.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That for supplying the deficiency in the appropriation for the naval service, during the year one thousand eight hundred and five, the further sum of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, to be paid out of any monies in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, be, and the same hereby is appropriated.
NATHL MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO. CLINTON, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
January 23, 1806.—APPROVED. TH. JEFFERSON.
AN ACT
To provide for light houses in Long Island Sound, and to declare Roxbury, in the state of Massachusetts, to be a port of delivery.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the secretary of the treasury shall be, and he hereby is authorised and required, to cause two good and sufficient light houses to be erected in Long Island Sound, one to be placed on Watch Hill Point, in the town of Westerly, and state of Rhode Island, and the other on Watch Point, in the town of Northampton, on Long Island, in the state of New York, and to appoint the keepers of the said light houses (under the direction of the president of the United States) and otherwise provide for such light houses at the expense of the United States: Provided, That sufficient land, for the accommodation of such light houses, can be obtained at a reasonable price, and the legislatures of Rhode Island and New York shall cede the jurisdiction over the same to the United States. And a sum not exceeding six thousand dollars is hereby appropriated for the purpose of defraying the expense of erecting the said light houses, to be paid out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the secretary of the treasury, to cause the said light houses so to be constructed, that their lights, on being discovered, may with certainty be distinguished from those of all other light houses heretofore erected in their neighborhood.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the town or landing place of Roxbury, in the state of Massachusetts, shall be a port of delivery, to be annexed to the district of Boston and Charlestown, and shall be subject to the same regulations and conditions, as other ports of delivery in the United States.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO. CLINTON, Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
January 23, 1806.—APPROVED. TH. JEFFERSON.
Extract from the Miscellaneous Companion, by William Matthews.
MAXIMS AND THOUGHTS
Unless a man have particular reasons, and reasons of public good, for widely extending his temporal engagements, and especially in the decline of life, it may in general be far better to avoid it. For besides the great advantage of preserving his mind the more quiet and easy, he will generally be better prepared to educate and guard his children, and assist them the more easily, both by precept and example to commence a safe and happy outset in this world.
Add to this, that by having it in his power to keep his affairs in a regular and connected arrangement, he will feel himself so much the more like a man prepared for the great, approaching, and inevitable event, which the next moment may end all his labors.
And if we have a due regard to the ease of our friends who are to manage and finish our affairs after us: or to our own reputation, when that a long can be of any avail in our favor, a wise man will feel a proportional care to secure, by his prudent management, such a chain of important objects.
The consideration which we naturally feel, at times, for the welfare of our relations after us, should not lead us into an over anxious solicitude about the quantum of property we may leave behind us.
A life of indolence on the one hand is, indeed, as bad as a life of the most rigid parsimony on the other. But both are to be avoided as sinful. The middle way, compatible with calm devotion and thankfulness to our God—with benevolence to society, and the cultivation of right affections in those dependent upon us, is the path of duty.
All men who tread this path are not to be rich in worldly goods; though all men may become rich in faith—which, when exercised on the divine providence over all worlds, and all possibilities of things, is a specie infinitely finer than gold—it is the currency of heaven—and that by which we may purchase an interest in the gracious benediction on—Leave thy fatherless children, I will keep them alive, and let thy widows trust in me.
Curius, who is said to have had no money of his own, was offered a large sum by the Samnites, but refused it, saying, "That he saw no glory in having money, but in commanding them who had it." A sentiment quite in the character of a brave warrior.
But in the character of a man of peace, let me lay down for myself, a different rule: I see no glory in having money; true glory consists in rendering one's self superior to them who have it, in knowledge and virtue.
Just received, and for sale at this office,
FLEETWOOD,
OR THE NEW MAN OF FEELING, By Wm. GODWIN.
House of Delegates, Monday, January 30.
CALL OF A CONVENTION.
(Continued.)
MR. STANARD moved that the Ayes and Noes should be taken. On such an important question, it was proper for the votes of the house to be recorded.
MR. RANDOLPH (of Amelia)—Hoped that the motion of postponement would prevail. Had the gentleman from Franklin confined his observations to this question, he would have been in favor of going into a committee of the whole on the resolution for calling a convention, but since he has fully entered into the discussion of its merits, the object for going into a committee is answered, & to do so now, would be an unnecessary waste of time. Our Bill of Rights secures to the majority of the community an indubitable & unalienable right to reform, alter, or destroy the constitution, when the public weal may require it. No man on this floor estimates more highly (said Mr. R.) than I do, this invaluable privilege. Let us revere it; let us cherish it as the safeguard of our liberties, but let us not abuse it by an unnecessary exercise of it. Founded on this Bill of Rights, distinguished patriots, equally distinguished for their wisdom, formed our present constitution, than which few, in my opinion, approach nearer perfection. At the period of its institution, when an insupportable tyranny, pathetically described in the preamble, enumerating the various instances of royal misrule, drove to despair the thinly scattered inhabitants of this then widely extended wilderness, the genius of liberty animated its councillors, and by her support, braved the storm which hung over them. It was under the influence of this spirit, that the Bill of Rights and our present government were formed, in comparison with which the cold speculations of the theorists must sink into insignificance.
As a human institution it must be imperfect; the wisdom of man cannot devise that system of government which will please us all. This, however, has proved salutary in its operation, and experience, the best teacher, speaks loudly in its favor. When the grand features of a government are secured, let us not quibble about minutiae; for government is at best an evil imposed on us by our vices. Wherefore hazard the experiment? It is a dangerous one; the conflicting opinions of a multitude are not easily reconciled, and dire necessity alone, should induce us to adopt the expedient. He could not perceive the necessity of the measure; we are all equal, we are happy; the liberty of the press, trial by jury and religion, are secured by the present constitution. Why, then, hazard certain blessings, for those, which a new system may produce, but the dangers and consequences of which cannot be foreseen?
The right of suffrage, it had been said, ought to be extended, yet it is admitted, that some evidence of attachment ought to be required to give the right, but what that evidence should be, would be a subject of great diversity of opinion. Without advocating the present requisite, he would only observe, that it is at present easily acquired and equally in the power of us all. There were other objections to the present measure, flowing from the mode which is proposed for calling a convention. It should never be done by our ordinary Legislature. We should be warned by the experience of Pennsylvania. Until the people themselves call for an amendment to the constitution, until they demand a convention to be called, we ought not ourselves to interfere.
MR. ROBERTSON—Heard with astonishment and regret the motion to postpone the consideration of this subject. Shall the Legislature devote its whole time to enacting laws, the most frivolous and uninteresting, and shrink from the discussion of principles, upon which the liberties and happiness of the people depend? When important questions are brought forward, was it not incumbent upon the house to bestow upon them the most mature and deliberate consideration? Gentlemen have insisted that the constitution requires no amendments. If this is the case, scrutiny need not be feared; examination will only tend to establish the fact: If it is defective, remedies can and ought to be applied. Do they suppose that society is to be always stationary, and that the science of government is never to be progressive? When the present constitution was formed, the theory of politics was in its infancy. We had not the advantages of experience, and the American mind was still tainted with prejudices imbibed from a government, hostile to the principles of democracy. Are we then altogether certain that men had at that time arrived at the true principles of representative government? We say, that the people have a right and are competent to govern themselves. If this is denied,
nied, republicanism here is a word without meaning. I do not see then, how any man can call himself a republican, who fears to trust the people with sovereignty, or who refuses to allow them to retouch the principles of their political fabric. For my own part, I have no objection to their remodelling the constitution, whenever they may deem it expedient, and so far from avoiding investigation, should consider it an admirable trait in a government, which should enjoy a full and frequent discussion of the principles upon which it was established.
Most of the objections urged against the present constitution meet my concurrence. Indeed it seems to me to have been framed in direct violation of all the political truths, contained in the Bill of Rights. I can scarcely admit, and posterity will never believe that the men who drafted the one, established the other. The very principles too, against which we were fighting, were with daring effrontery engrafted on that instrument. We complained that we were taxed without being represented. Virginia called upon her sons to gird on their armour and oppose this iniquitous principle. The people obeyed her call; they fought and triumphed over her foes: Yet did the framers of this constitution with an ingratitude the most flagrant, apply the same doctrine to the very men, who had been called upon to oppose it. Yes! against the very men who had fought for the principle of equal rights, was this doctrine of inequality exerted. Shall the soldier of the revolution be told when coming to the poll, that he has no vote, because he has not 50 acres of land? He points to the wounds he received in fighting the battles of his country; he tells of the blood he spilt in the cause of republicanism; he is rudely and inhumanly rejected, because he can give no evidence of permanent attachment to his country.
We eulogise the people. We speak of the government of the people. We toast the people. The Bill of Rights acknowledges the people. Why is it that the word is treated with so much respect and the people themselves with so much injustice and contempt? It is nothing but rank hypocrisy. Away with the word. Let us change it into one more familiar to our system of government. Let us speak only of freeholders. Let them be the subjects of our eulogies. We are their representatives and not the representatives of the people.
Political writers acknowledge no distinction between the rights of freeholders and the rights of the people. It was left to our constitution to introduce the innovation, to add insult to injury. It was not made for the people. It is not a republican constitution. Nature has made no distinction among men. Man is man, and it is not within the power of a freeholder to change his character. But why should a freeholder be the criterion of rights? What analogy is there between them? If laws operated solely on landed property, then would the freeholder have a shadow of claim to exclusive legislation; but are life, liberty and reputation nothing? They are nothing if not united with the possession of fifty acres of land.
The term liberty seems not to be well understood: the most eminent authors and orators have differed as to its meaning. Liberty is of kinds, political and civil. Political liberty may be defined to be the security with which from the form of the government, civil liberty is enjoyed. It is the power we have over the government. Civil liberty consists in the rights, we are permitted to enjoy under it. Nothing is more true than that civil liberty may be enjoyed to as full an extent under a despotism as under a democracy. Political liberty is known only in a democracy: Indeed they are the same, and the one does not exist where the other is denied. The man is destitute of this species of liberty, who has no voice in the enactment of laws. He is as much a slave in a political point of view, as the wretched inhabitant of Turkey. The friends of a convention do not complain of the want of civil liberty: they complain that it is not alike secured to the people. The laws, it may be said, operate equally: they will continue to do so only as long as the freeholder shall choose. He holds his rights and interests of himself; he knows no superior. The man who has no vote, politically speaking, is a slave and enjoys his civil rights at the discretion of another. It is a cruel mockery to call the citizens of this commonwealth, free men.
I wish to see in this union at least the purest principles of democracy reduced to experiment. In no other part of the habitable globe, can it now be done. If they fail here, then shall I be contented to put up with any other more aristocratic form of society. I will lose sight of the truths and principles of republicanism, & will unite to form and support a government upon the principles of expediency.
To an extension of the right of suffrage it is objected, that the people are poor and would be liable to corruption. But Thomas Paine (for introducing whose name he should make no apology: strange indeed would it be if he who had done so much for the cause of liberty should find an enemy here) Thomas Paine has observed, that poverty is a negative proof of a man's honesty. He has not resorted to those arts, villainies and speculation, by which a fortune is very generally acquired. But if this objection be well founded, why not strike off another part of the constitution and extend the exemption to the rich? He who is able to corrupt the poor is certainly as great an enemy to our liberties, as he who is poor enough to be corrupted. Let us strike both these classes from the list of electors. But no: this would not answer. It would not suit that aristocratic spirit, which has already imposed its fetters upon the poor.
It has been well observed, that when we are in need of assistance; when insurrection and invasion threaten our tranquillity, we look to these outcasts for succour. Would it weaken their attachment to their country and their exertions for the common cause, if they felt another inducement to exert their energies; if they had political rights? Let us beware, that like the ass these men may not say to us in the hour of danger "take care of yourself, the enemy is approaching; expect not our assistance." It is absurd to say that the poor man has no regard for the interests of his country. Patriotism does not flow from property. In other countries it springs from the soil on which a man is born. The soldiers of Switzerland, though poor, were of all others the most devoted to their country. Shall we attach the right of suffrage to a tax? to mere property? No, Sir, let us attach it to a man's country. Let it be to every man one of the attributes of his birthright.
It would be unnecessary to enter into other objections against the present constitution. If there were no other objection than this, the mass of the inquiry which it comprehends would of itself be sufficient to call for a reform. But tho' I did not object at all, I can see no reason, why the people themselves may not be permitted to examine and reform. I believe they are competent to all the purposes of self government. Certainly they are not so weak or foolish as to pursue any course which may conduct them to ruin. (To be continued.)
Remonstrance by the minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the British government.
[Accompanying the Message of the President.]
GREAT CUMBERLAND PLACE,
No. 13, Sept. 23d, 1805.
MY LORD, I FLATTERED myself, from what passed in our last interview, that I should have been honored, before this, with an answer from your lordship, to my letters respecting the late seizure of American vessels. I understood it to be agreed, that the discussion which then took place, should be considered as unofficial as explanatory only of the ideas which we might respectively entertain on the subject and that your lordship would afterwards give me such a reply to my letters respecting that measure, as his majesty's government might desire to have communicated to the government of the U. States. In consequence, I have since waited with anxiety such a communication, in the daily expectation of receiving it. It is far from being my desire to give your lordship any trouble in this business, which I can avoid, as the time which has since elapsed sufficiently shews, but the great importance of the subject, which has indeed become more so, by the continuance of the same policy, and the frequency of seizures which are still made, of American vessels, place me in a situation of peculiar responsibility. My government will expect of me correct information on this point, in all its views, and I am very desirous of complying with its just expectation. I must, therefore, again request that your lordship will be so good as to enable me to make such a representation to my government, of that measure, as his majesty's government may think proper to give.
I am sorry to add, that the longer I have reflected on the subject, the more confirmed I have been in the objections to the measure. if we examine it in reference to the law of nations, it appears to be repugnant to every principle of that law; if by the understanding, or as it may be more properly called, the agreement of our governments, respecting the commerce in question, I consider it equally repugnant to the principles of that agreement. In both these views your lordship will permit me to make some additional remarks on the subject.

By the law of nations, as settled by the most approved writers, no other restraint is acknowledged on the trade of neutral nations, with those at war, than that it be impartial between the latter; that it shall not extend to articles which are deemed contraband of war; nor to the transportation of persons in military service; nor to places actually blockaded or besieged. Every other commerce of a neutral with a belligerent, is considered a lawful commerce; and every other restraint on it to either of the belligerents by the other, an unlawful restraint.
The list of contraband is well defined, as are also the circumstances which constitute a blockade. The best authorities have united in confirming the first to such articles as are used in war, and are applicable to military purposes; and requiring, to constitute the latter, the disposition of such a force, consisting of stationary ships, so near the port, by the power which attacks it as to make it dangerous for the vessel of a neutral power to enter it. The late treaty between Great Britain and Russia designates these circumstances as necessary to constitute a blockade, and it is believed that it was never viewed before in a light more favorable to the invading power.
The vessel condemned were engaged in a commerce between the United States and some port in Europe, or between those states and the West India Islands, belonging to an enemy of Great Britain. In the European voyage the cargo consisted of the productions of the colonies; in the voyage to the West Indies, it consisted of the goods of the power to which the colony belonged, and to which the ship was destined. The ship and cargo in every case, were the property of American citizens, and the cargo had been landed and the duty on it paid in the United States. It was decided that these voyages were continuous, and the vessels and cargoes were condemned on the principle that the commerce was illegal. I beg to refer more especially in this statement to the case of the Essex, and appeal from the judgment of the vice admiralty court, at New Providence, in which the lords commissioners of appeals in confirming that judgment, established this doctrine.
It requires but a slight view of the subject to be satisfied that these condemnations are incompatible with the law of nations as above stated. None of the causes have involved a question of contraband, of blockade, or of any other kind that was ever contested till of late, in favor of a belligerent against a neutral power. It is not on any principle that it is applicable to any such case, that the measure can be defended. On what principle then is it supported by Great Britain? What is the nature and extent of her doctrine? What are the circumstances which recommend the arguments which support it? For information on these points we cannot refer to the well known writers on the law of nations; no illustration can be obtained from them of a doctrine which they never heard of. We must look for it to an authority more modern; to one which, however respectable for the learning and professional abilities of the judge who presides, is, nevertheless, one which, from many considerations, is not obligatory on other powers. In a report of the decisions of the court of admiralty of this kingdom, we find a notice of a series of orders issued by the government, of different dates and imports, which have regulated this business. The first of these bears date on the 5th of November, 1793: the second on the 8th of January, 1794: the third on the 25th January, 1798. Other orders have been issued since the commencement of the present war. It is these orders which have authorized the seizures that were made, at different times, in the course of the last war, and were lately made by British cruisers of the vessels of the United States. They too form the law which has governed the courts in the decisions on the several cases which have arisen under those seizures. The first of these orders prohibits altogether every species of commerce between neutral countries and enemies' colonies, and between neutral and other countries, in the productions of those colonies; the second and subsequent orders modify it in various forms. The doctrine, however, in every decision, is the same; it is contended in each, that the character and just extent of the principle is to be found in the first order, and that every departure from it since, has been a relaxation of the principle, not claimed of right by neutral powers, but conceded in their favor gratuitously by Great Britain.
In support of these orders it is urged, that as the colonial trade is a system of monopoly to the parent country in time of peace, neutral powers have no right to participate in it in time of war, although they be permitted to do so by the parent country; that a belligerent has a right to interdict them from such a commerce. It is on this system of internal restraint, this regulation of colonial trade, by the powers having colonies, that a new principle of the law of nations is attempted to be founded; one which seeks to discriminate in respect to the commerce of neutral powers, with a belligerent, between different parts of the territory of the same power, and likewise subverts many other principles of great importance, which have heretofore been held sacred among nations. It is believed that so important a superstructure was never
raised on so trifling a foundation. Permit me to ask, does it follow, because the parent country monopolies in peace the whole commerce of its colonies, that in war it should have no right to regulate it at all? That, on the contrary, it should be construed to transfer, in equal extent, a right to its enemy, to the prejudice of the parent country, of the colonies, & of neutral powers? If this doctrine was sound, it would certainly institute a new & singular mode of acquiring & losing rights; one which would be highly advantageous to one party, while it was equally injurious to the other. To the colonies, more especially, it would prove peculiarly onerous and oppressive. It is known that they are essentially dependent for their existence, on supplies from other countries, especially the United States of America, who being in their neighborhood, have the means of furnishing them with greatest certainty, and on the best terms. Is it not sufficient that they be subjected to that restraint in peace, when the evils attending it, by the occasional interference of the parent country, may be, and are frequently repaired? Is it consistent with justice or humanity, that it should be converted into a principle, in favor of an enemy, inexorable of course, but otherwise without the means of listening to their complaints, not for their distress or oppression only, but for their extermination? But there are other insuperable objections to this doctrine. Are not the colonies of every country a part of its domain, and do they not continue to be so until they are severed from it by conquest? Is not the power to regulate commerce incident to the sovereignty, and is it not co-extensive over the whole territory which any government possesses? Can one belligerent acquire any right to the territory of another, but by conquest? And can any rights which appertain thereto, be otherwise defeated or curtailed in war? In whatever light, therefore, the subject is viewed, it appears to me evident that this doctrine cannot be supported. No distinction, founded in reason, can be taken between the different parts of the territory of the same power to justify it. The separation of one portion from another by the sea, gives lawfully to the belligerent which is superior on that element, a vast ascendancy in all the concerns on which the success of the war, or the relative prosperity of their respective dominions, may in any degree depend. It opens to such power ample means for its own aggrandizement, and for the harassment and distress of its adversary. With these it should be satisfied. But neither can that circumstance, nor can any of internal arrangement, which any power may adopt for the government of its dominions, be construed to give to its enemy any other advantage over it. They certainly do not justify the doctrine in question, which asserts, that the law of nations varies in its application to different portions of the territory of the same power: that it operates in one mode, in respect to one, and in another, or even not at all, in respect to another; that the rights of humanity, of neutral powers, and all other rights, are to sink before it.
It is further urged that neutral powers ought not to complain of this restraint, because they stand under it, on the same ground, with respect to that commerce, which they held in time of peace. But this fact, if true, gives no support to the pretension. The claim involves a question of right, not of interest. If the neutral powers have a right in war to such commerce with the colonies of the enemies of Great Britain, as the parent states respectively allowed, they ought not to be deprived of it by her, nor can its just claims be satisfied by any compromise of the kind alluded to. For this argument to have the weight which it is intended to give it, the commerce of the neutral powers with those colonies should be placed and preserved through the war, in the same state, as if it had not occurred. Great Britain should in respect to them take the place of the parent country, and do every thing which the latter would have done, had there been no war. To discharge that duty, it would be necessary for her to establish such a police over the colony, as to be able to examine the circumstances attending it annually, to ascertain whether the crops were abundant, supplies from other quarters had failed, & eventually to decide whether under such circumstances the parent country would have opened the ports to neutral powers. But these offices cannot be performed by any power which is not in possession of the colony; that can only be obtained by conquest, in which case, the victor would of course have a right to regulate its trade as it thought fit.
It is also said, that neutral powers have no right to profit of the advantages which are gained in war, by the arms of Great Britain. This argument has even less weight than the others. It does not, in truth, apply at all to the question. Neutral powers do not claim a right, as already observed, to any commerce with the colonies which Great Britain may have conquered of her enemies, otherwise than on the conditions which she imposes. The point in question turns on the commerce which they are entitled to with the colonies which she has not conquered, but still remain subject to the dominion of the parent country. With such it is contended, for reasons that have been already given, that neutral powers have a right to enjoy all the advantages in trade which the parent country allows them; a right of which the mere circumstance of
war cannot deprive them. If Great Britain had a right to prohibit that commerce, it existed before the war began, and of course before she had gained any advantage over her enemies. If it did not then exist, it certainly does not at the present time. Rights of the kind in question, cannot depend on the fortune of war, or other contingencies. The law which regulates them is invariable, until it be changed by the competent authority. It forms a rule equally between belligerent powers, and between neutral and belligerent, which is dictated by reason and sanctioned by the usage and consent of nations.
The foregoing considerations have, it is presumed, proved that the claim of Great Britain to prohibit the commerce of neutral powers in the manner proposed, is repugnant to the law of nations. If, however, any doubt remained on that point, other considerations which may be urged cannot fail to remove it. The number of orders of different imports which have been issued by government, to regulate the seizure of neutral vessels is a proof that there is no established law for the purpose. And the strictness with which the courts have followed those orders, through their various modifications, is equally a proof that there is no other authority for the government of their decisions. If the order of the 6th of November, 1793, contained the true doctrine of the law of nations, there would have been no occasion for those which followed, nor is it probable that they would have been issued: indeed if that order had been in conformity with that law, there would have been no occasion for it. As in the cases of blockade and contraband, the law would have been well known without an order, especially one so very descriptive; the interest of the cruisers, which is always sufficiently active, would have prompted them to make the seizures, and the opinions of eminent writers, which in that case would not have been wanting, would have furnished the courts the best authority for their decisions.
I shall now proceed to show that the decisions complained of are contrary to the understanding, or what, perhaps, more properly be called an agreement of the two governments, on the subject. By the order of the 6th Nov. 1793, some hundreds of American vessels were seized, carried into port and condemned. Those seizures and condemnations, became the subject of an immediate negotiation between the two nations, which terminated in a treaty, by which it was agreed to submit the whole subject to commissioners, who should be invested with full power, to settle the controversy which had thus arisen. That stipulation was carried into complete effect; commissioners were appointed, who examined laboriously and fully, all the cases of seizure and condemnation which had taken place, and finally decided on the same, in which decisions they condemned the principle of the order and awarded compensation to those who had suffered under it. Those awards have been since fairly and honorably discharged by Great Britain. It merits particular attention that a part of the 12th article of that treaty, referred expressly to the point in question, and that it was on the solemn deliberation of each government, by their mutual consent, expunged from it. It seems therefore to be impossible to consider that transaction, under all the circumstances attending it, in any other light than as a fair and amicable adjustment of the question between the parties; one which authorised the just expectation, that it would never have become again a cause of complaint between them. The sense of both was expressed on it in a manner too marked and explicit, to admit of a different conclusion. The subject too was of a nature that when once settled ought to be considered as settled forever. It is not like questions of commerce between two powers, which affect their internal concerns, and depend, of course, on the internal regulations of each. When these latter are arranged by treaty, the rights which accrue to each party under it, in the interior of the other, cease when the treaty expires. Each has a right afterwards to decide for itself in what manner that concern shall be regulated in future, and in that decision to consult solely its interest. But the present topic is of a very different character. It involves no question of commerce or other internal concern between the two nations. It respects the commerce only, which either may have with the enemies of the other, in time of war. It involves therefore, only a question of right, under the law of nations, which in its nature cannot fluctuate. It is proper to add, that the conclusion above mentioned, was further supported, by the important fact, that until the late decree, in the case of the Essex, not one American vessel, engaged in this commerce, had been condemned on this doctrine; that several which were met in the channel, by the British cruisers, were permitted, after an examination of their papers, to pursue their voyage. This circumstance justified the opinion, that the commerce was deemed a lawful one by Great Britain.
There is another ground, on which the late seizures and condemnations are considered as highly objectionable, and to furnish just cause of complaint to the United States. Until the final report of the commissioners under the 7th article of the treaty of 1794, which was not made until last year, it is admitted that their arbitration was not obligatory on the parties, in the sense in which it is now contended
by Great Britain. Every intermediate declaration, however, by Great Britain, of her sense on the subject, must be considered as binding on her, as it laid the foundation of commercial enterprises, which were thought to be secure while within that limit. Your lordship will permit me to refer you to several examples of this kind, which were equally formal and official, in which the sense of her majesty's government was declared very differently from what it has been in the late condemnations. In Robinson's reports, vol. 2, page 368, (case the Polly, Lasky, master) it seems to have been clearly established by the learned judge of the court of admiralty, that an American has a right to import the produce of an enemy's colony into the United States, and to send it on afterwards to the general commerce of Europe; and that the landing the goods, & paying the duties in the United States, should preclude all further question relative to the voyage. The terms "for his own use," which are to be found in the report, are obviously intended to assert the claim only that the property shall be American, & not that of an enemy; by admitting the right to send on the produce afterwards to the general commerce of Europe, it is not possible that those terms should convey any other idea. A bona fide importation is also held by the judge to be satisfied by the landing the goods and paying the duties. This therefore is, I think, the true import of that decision. The doctrine is again laid down in still more explicit terms by the government itself, in a correspondence between lord Hawkesbury and my predecessor, Mr. King. The case was precisely similar to those which have been lately before the court. Mr. King complained in a letter of March 18, 1801, that the cargo of an American vessel going from the United States to a Spanish colony had been condemned by the vice-admiralty court of Nassau, on the ground that it was of the growth of Spain, which decision he contended was contrary to the law of nations, and requested that suitable instructions might be dispatched to the proper officers in the West Indies, to prevent like abuses in future. Lord Hawkesbury in a reply of April 11th, communicated the report of her king's advocate general, in which it is expressly stated that the produce of an enemy may be imported by a neutral into his own country and re-exported thence to the mother country; and in like manner in that circuitous mode, that the produce and manufactures of the mother country might find their way to its colonies; that the landing the goods and paying the duties in the neutral country, broke the continuity of the voyage, and legalized the trade, although the goods were re-shipped in the same vessel, on account of the same neutral proprietors, and forwarded for sale to the mother country of the colony. It merits attention in this report, so clearly and positively is the doctrine laid down, that the landing the goods and paying the duties in the neutral country broke the continuity of the voyage; that it is stated as a doubtful point whether the mere touching in the neutral country to obtain fresh clearances will be considered in the light of the direct trade; that no positive inhibition was insisted on any but the direct trade between the mother country and the colonies. This doctrine in the light here stated, is also to be found in the treaty between Great Britain and Russia, June 17, 1801. By the 2d section of the 3d article, the commerce of neutrals in the productions or manufactures of the enemies of Great Britain, which have become the property of the neutral, is declared to be free; that section was afterwards explained by a declaratory article of October 20 of the same year, by which it is agreed that it shall not be understood to authorise neutrals to carry the produce or merchandise of an enemy either directly from the colonies to the parent country, or from the parent country to the colonies. In other respects the commerce was left on the footing on which it was placed by that section, perfectly free, except in the direct trade between the colony and the parent country. It is worthy of remark that, as by the reference made in the explanatory article of the treaty of Russia, to the United States of America, it was supposed that these states and Russia, Denmark and Sweden, had a common interest in neutral questions, so it was obviously intended from the similarity of sentiment which is observable between that treaty as amended, and the report of the advocate general above mentioned, to place all the parties on the same footing. After these acts of the British government, which being official were made public, it was not to be expected that any greater restraint would have been contemplated by it, on that commerce, than they impose, that an enquiry would ever have been made, not whether the property with which an American vessel was charged belonged to a citizen of the United States or an enemy, but whether it belonged to this or that American; an inquiry which imposes a condition which it is believed that no independent nation, having a just sense of what it owes to its rights or its honor, can ever comply with. Much less was it to be expected that such a restraint would have been thought of after the report of the commissioners above adverted to, which seemed to have placed the rights of the United States incomparably on a much more liberal, and, as it contended, just footing.
It is proper to add, that the decree of the lords commissioners of appeals in the case of the Essex, produced the same effect as an order from the government
would have done. Prior to that decree from the commencement of the war, the commerce in question was pursued by the citizens of the United States as has been already observed, without molestation. It is presumable that till then his majesty's cruisers were induced to forbear a seizure, by the same considerations which induced the American citizens to engage in the commerce, a belief that it was a lawful one. The facts above mentioned were equally before the parties, and it is not surprising that they should have drawn the same conclusion from them. That decree, however, opened a new scene. It certainly gave a signal to the cruisers to commence the seizures which they have not failed to do, as has been sufficiently felt by the citizens of the United States who have suffered under it. According to the information which has been given me, about 50 vessels have been brought into the ports of Great Britain in consequence of it, and there is reason to believe that the same system is pursued in the West Indies and elsewhere. The measure is the more to be complained of, because Great Britain had, in permitting the commerce for 2 years, given a sanction to it by her conduct, and nothing had occurred to create a suspicion that her sentiments varied from her conduct. Had that been the case, or had she been disposed to change her conduct in that respect towards the United States it might reasonably have been expected that some intimation would have been given of it before the measure was carried into effect. Between powers who are equally desirous of preserving the relations of friendship with each other, notice might in all such cases be expected. But in the present case the obligation to give it seemed to be peculiarly strong. The existence of a negotiation which had been sought on the part of the United States some considerable time before my departure for Spain, for the express purpose of adjusting amicably and fairly, all such questions between the two nations, and postponed on that occasion to accommodate the views of his majesty's government, furnished a suitable opportunity for such an intimation, while it could not otherwise than increase the claim to it.
In this communication I have made no comment on the difference which is observable in the import of the several orders which have regulated at different times, the seizure of neutral vessels, some of which were more moderate than others. It is proper, however, to remark here, that those which were issued, or even that any had been issued, since the commencement of the present war, were circumstances not known till very lately; on principle it is acknowledged, that they are to be viewed in the same light, and it has been my object to examine them by that standard, without going into detail, or marking the shades of difference between them. I have made the examination with that freedom and candor which belong to a subject of very high importance to the United States, the result of which has been, as I presume, to prove that all the orders are repugnant to the law of nations, and that the late condemnations which have revived the pretensions on the part of Great Britain, are not only repugnant to that law, but to the understanding which it was supposed had taken place between the two powers, respecting the commerce in question.
I cannot conclude this note without advertting to the other topics depending between our governments which it is also much wished to adjust at this time. These are well known to your lordship, and it is therefore unnecessary to add any thing on them at present. With a view to perpetuate the friendship of the two nations, no unnecessary cause of collision should be left open. Those adverted to, are believed to be of this kind, such as the case of boundary, the impressment of seamen, &c. & since it is presumed there can be no real conflicting interest between them, on those points. The general commercial relation may then be adjusted or postponed as may be most consistent with the views of his majesty's government. On that point also it is believed that it will not be difficult to make such an arrangement as, by giving sufficient scope to the resources, to the industry and the enterprise of the people of both countries, may prove highly and reciprocally advantageous to them. In the topic of impressment, however, the motive is more urgent. In that line the rights of the United States have been so long trampled under foot, and the feelings of humanity, in respect to the sufferers, and the honor of their government, even in their own ports, so often outraged, that the astonished world may begin to doubt, whether the patience with which these injuries have been borne ought to be attributed to generous or unworthy motives: whether the United States merit the rank to which in other respects they are justly entitled among independent powers, or have already, in the germination of their political career, lost their energy and become degenerate. The United States are not insensible that their conduct has exposed them to such suspicions, though they well know that they have not merited them. They are aware, from the similarity in the person, the manners, and above all, the identity of the language, which is common to the people of both nations, that the subject is a difficult one; they are equally aware, that to Great Britain also, it is a delicate one, and they have been willing in seeking an arrangement of this important interest, to give a proof by the mode, of their very sincere desires

to cherish the relations of friendship with her. I have only to add, that I shall be happy to meet your lordship on these points, as soon as you can make it convenient to you.
I have the honor to be, With high consideration, Your lordship's most obed't serv't. (Signed) JAMES MONROE.
General Assembly of Virginia.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Saturday, February 1st, 1806.
Mr Smyth (Wythe) from the committee appointed to examine the expenditure of the executive department for the last year, made the following report:—
The committee appointed to examine into the executive expenditures of the last year, have, according to order, performed that duty, and have come to the following report and resolution:—
It appears to your committee, that from October, 1804, until October, 1805, warrants have issued on the contingent fund to the amount of $ 11,085 46 cents; being $ 85 46 more than the sum appropriated, owing to inadvertence.
Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the executive in making the expenditures on the contingent fund in the last year, have been justified by law and established usage.
The said resolution being read a second time, was agreed to by the house, and ordered to be laid on the table.
Mr Smyth (of Wythe) presented, according to order, a bill respecting the land office, which was read the first time, and the question being put upon the second reading, it was rejected.
On motion, Ordered, that the committee of the whole house, On the state of the Commonwealth, be discharged from further consideration of the amendment proposed by the state of Kentucky to the constitution of the United States.
The Speaker signed Sixty-Two Enrolled Bills.
Monday, February 3d, 1806.
On motion, Resolved, that the executive be requested to take immediate measures for removing to the armory, all the ordnance and military stores belonging to the state, not including those in the service of the United States, or of this state, and render the same fit for service, the expense of which shall be defrayed out of the contingent fund.
Ordered, That Mr Minor carry the said resolution to the Senate and desire their concurrence.
A message from the Senate by Mr. Munford. Mr. Speaker—The Senate have passed the bill, Making certain changes in the penal laws of this Commonwealth, with several amendments.—And then he withdrew.
The house proceeded to consider the said amendments, and the same being read, were disagreed to by the house.
Ordered, That Mr Thompson acquaint the Senate therewith.
Tuesday, February 4th, 1806.
The house proceeded to consider the amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill, To appropriate the public revenue; and the same being read at the clerk's table; on motion, ordered, that the said bill with the amendments be laid upon the table.
A motion was made that the house come to a resolution with a preamble in the following words:—
Whereas, by the constitution of Virginia, "all laws shall originate in the house of Delegates, to be approved or rejected by the Senate, or to be amended with the consent of the house of Delegates, except money bills, which in no instance shall be altered by the Senate, but wholly approved or rejected;"
And whereas, a bill appropriating the revenue is a money bill:
Resolved therefore, UNANIMOUSLY, As the opinion of this house, that the Senate have no power to amend a bill appropriating the revenue.
The question being put upon the said preamble and resolution, it was agreed to by the house, unanimously.
Ordered, That Mr Smyth (of Wythe) do acquaint the Senate that the house have agreed to the above preamble and resolution.
The bill, To appropriate the public revenue, was then taken up together with the amendments proposed by the senate to the said bill; when, on motion, the said amendments were unanimously rejected.—Ordered, that Mr Smyth acquaint the senate therewith.
A message from the senate.—The senate insist upon their amendments to the bill, Making certain changes in the penal laws of this Commonwealth, which were disagreed to by the house of delegates.
On motion, Resolved, that this house do adhere to their disagreement to the said amendments.—Ordered, that Mr Wooding acquaint the senate therewith.
On motion, Resolved, That Robert Dothart, Wm Chambers and Anthony Mustoe, shall have leave to discharge the balance of the Commonwealth's judgment against them, amounting to two hundred and eighty-three pounds one shilling and two pence, in four equal annual payments, the first to commence on the first day of January next; and that the execution be suspended during that time, on their entering into bonds with approved security, payable to the public treasury, to secure the said payments.
Ordered, that Mr Kinney carry the said resolution to the senate and desire their concurrence.
NEIL MCCOULL, Has received by the late arrivals from LONDON and LIVERPOOL, HIS USUAL SUPPLY OF Fall & Winter Goods. Richmond, 18th October, 1805.
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
RICHMOND:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1806
The General Assembly of this Commonwealth closed their session yesterday.
• An EPITOME of all the ACTS of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of VIRGINIA, of a PUBLIC NATURE, passed at the December Session, 1805; with the TITLES of those of a LOCAL NATURE; Operations of the Army; Penitentiary System; Public Taxes; number of Militia; Resources, Expenditures, and Revenue of the Commonwealth, &c. &c. Prepared for the Editor of this paper , by WILLIAM WALLER HENING, Esq. will be given in a Supplement to Tuesday's Argus.
Extract of a letter from a member of Congress to a member of the General Assembly of this state.
"You will discover by the newspapers that no important business has been done in Congress. The most important before us has been conducted with closed doors, and is not yet decided on. The Spanish minister D'Yrujo, who has been notified that his presence was disagreeable and for whose removal, application has been made to his Court, is now here, and assumes a tone of independence of control by the Executive. A publication of his has appeared in the Baltimore papers—as it has not yet appeared in the papers of this city, and may not have reached you, I enclose it for your perusal. I believe no other nation would have submitted so long to such inuendos from a foreign minister. It has excited general indignation—I hope something will be done to check his insolence."
Notable, February 1. By a gentleman of this place we were favored with the following
Extract of a letter from Barbadoes, dated Jan 4, 1806
"Admiral Cochran spoke a Portuguese ship a few days ago off Martinique, from Rio de Janeiro bound to Havanna, from whom he learnt, that Sir Home Popham's squadron was at Buenos Ayres. The Cork fleet, which had a dreadful time of it, came in here a few days ago under convoy of the Fishguard frigate, on board of which is Sir Eyre Coote, his Lady, and suit, for Jamaica, of which he is appointed Governor—Ten sail of the fleet are missing, and fancy most of them are taken, as French privateers swam to windward of this island."
The oldest inhabitant does not recollect such a warm season as the present—yesterday the Thermometer, in the shade, stood at 76!
The awakened spirit of the nation will hail with satisfaction the resolutions laid by Mr Gregg on the table of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. There are those who regret, and we rank ourselves of the number, that the unjust conduct of Britain has not received from the representatives of the nation an earlier notice. As soon as that injustice appears to be deliberate and systematic, we considered it as requiring a firm and vigorous resistance. Entertaining no doubt of the adequacy of our resources to command redress, or to punish injustice, we should have rejoiced, if congress had refused an attention to a minor concerns until they had unequivocally manifested their determination to repel the aggressions of this power.
But another course has been pursued. And now, although we cannot but deprecate the delay which has taken place, we are ready to acknowledge it has been attended with some peculiar benefits. It has served to convince every one that our councils, exempt from a spirit of precipitation or passion, have been solicitous to show by their patience and forbearance, an ardent desire for a good understanding with foreign nations. It has likewise given an opportunity to our fellow citizens in every part of the union to make themselves acquainted with the important subject presented to their consideration, and to express their sentiments on it, together with the course proper, in their opinion, to be pursued. It has further enabled the representatives of the people to be some better acquainted with the subject than they might otherwise have been; and no doubt can be entertained but that they have by this time reflected calmly and dispassionately on the best course to be pursued without being exposed to that aberration which sometimes springs from the vehement collision of conflicting opinions.
In every aspect, in which the subject can be viewed, it is now ripe for legislative discussion. And never, perhaps, has the legislative discussion of a great national question presented itself under more favorable auspices.
The people are indignant at the wrongs committed upon them; and there is but one sentiment as to the necessity of taking some firm and vigorous steps. While, however, the undissenting voice of the nation demands some measures of vigour, reposing concurrently in the discernment, the fidelity and the spirit of the government, there has been no premature or embarrassing dictation of measures. The field of legislation is large and unoccupied. Those who are to bear the responsibility are left free to adopt the measures which shall be deemed by them the most expedient. And let them rest assured, that whatever diversity of sentiment may exist on this point, there is not a good citizen, who will not, when the legislature shall have prescribed the course to be pursued, not merely acquiesce in it, but who will not with a vigour suited to trying occasions, give it that energetic support that shall insure it a complete success.
With justice on our side, with the bold consciousness it inspires, and with an undiminished love of peace, we may, perhaps, be compelled by the folly of others, to develop the energies of a republican government. Should this prove the case, we shall be woefully mistaken, if it is not made to appear, that the power of a free people is not only competent to the maintenance of their own rights, but that it may likewise be made terrible to those who invade them.
Even the proposed measure, pacific as it is, & short of the length which circumstances may eventually drive us, will, if carried into effect, strike dismay throughout the empire of Britain. Her embarrassed trade and ruined manufactures, should she persist in her ill-starred policy, will present a more eloquent remonstrance than she has been accustomed to hear. It may be, and we sincerely hope it will be, that the foresight of these evils will induce her to abandon the unjust principles and practices which have produced this solemn crisis.
In connexion with this topic, we offer to our readers the following account by Gobbert , in his Political Register of the 26th October , of the dispute between the United States and Great Britain. The subject is so important, that the fullest information should be given upon it; nor is it uninteresting to be apprised of the feelings and impressions of the adverse party.— Nat. Intel.
DISPUTE WITH AMERICA.
"As this dispute is of considerable importance in itself, and as it is likely to give rise to
much public discussion, it will be proper to state, at the outset, the nature of the case. In a manner somewhat more full and correct, than it has yet been stated in the public prints. The first information of the existence of the dispute was communicated to the public through the Morning Chronicle of the 10th instant; and as it is pretty evident, that the article alluded to came from the pen of some one who wished to put the people of this country upon the American side of the dispute, the insertion of the article here, previous to my statement of the case, will, I hope, be regarded as a proof of that fairness, which, it is my wish, should be apparent in every part of that share, however trifling it may be, that I shall venture to take in the discussion.
"It appears (from the American papers) that an account of the decisions which have recently taken place in our courts of admiralty, had been received in America and had given rise to the most serious complaints against this country. The papers are full of the matter, they treat even reprisals in a way which demands, on our part, a little seasonable reflection on our conduct. The Americans complain of all the European powers in different ways, and perhaps with reason. It is material that our readers should know the precise nature of their complaint against us, and we shall in favore to state it in few words. So long ago as the year 1799 an American ship called the Essex , capt. Orne , took in a cargo of wine at Barcelona for Salem. I was landed at Salem, and paid the custom house duties there; it was then re-shipped on board the same vessel, and the ship sailed for the Havanna. In her voyage she was taken by an English cruiser, and carried into a West India island, where, after a long discussion, she was declared a lawful prize, as Spanish property. An appeal was made to England, and the case came on to be argued here about eight months ago, when the counsel for the captors set up an argument, for the first time, founded on an old and almost obsolete practice, that the touching at Salem, and landing of cargo there, was a more subversive of the original intention than to carry the cargo to the Havanna, and that, in fact, the voyage from Salem to the Havanna was a continuation of the original voyage. The Lords of appeal said this was a most important consideration, and required time to decide upon it. After an interval of 3 months they decided upon this argument, that it was a lawful capture. As soon as this decision became known in our navy, the cruisers seized and brought in a number of vessels under the same circumstances, and several decisions have been made. The first was the case of an American vessel, which took in a cargo of sugar at Guadalupe, carried to New York, where landed the sugar, paid the port duties &c for thence re-shipped and sailed for Anwerp. In the voyage the ship was taken, and on a trial before Sir Wm. Scott, he solemnly decided, on the new argument, (which, however, he said, was founded on an old doctrine) that it was a continuation of the original voyage, and the ship was condemned. Many others followed. It was a G D send to our men of war and privateers, for the Americans conceived themselves perfectly safe in pursuing this course, as it had been once upon a time without question the whole of the last war. Several instances have occurred indeed, where the ships brought in upon this pretext have been released. Whenever the captured party could exhibit satisfactory proof that the cargo was originally intended for the American market, that it was advertised for sale, exposed in an open market, offered at a price, &c, and that it was evidently re-shipped only because the owner could not find a purchaser, then it has been held that the capture was not legal. But the course of the trade was the other way; and though it was a doctrine good only until it came to be known, yet the denunciations upon America, to which it has given rise, is enormous. And this complaint is that the practice having gone on, without interruption or question, during the whole of the last war, and until this decision on the case of the Essex , they ought, in fairness, to have had notice of our return to the old obsolete practice; and that all the condemnations made without such notice, are unjust, violent, and hostile. These are the facts as we understand them. We trust we have stated the case fairly. A strong memorial has been presented by the American minister to Lord Hawkesbury on the occasion; and his answer, as transmitted a few days ago, was, that it was a case of such importance as to demand time for serious investigation. We trust it will receive serious investigation, and also a candid, speedy, and fair answer. We have had too much of hasty violence and hasty adjudgement. Our maritime strength does not so much depend on our power of seizure as on the freedom of our commerce. And we ought not, either in justice or in policy, to drive America to measures of reprisal. If she should lay an embargo on all exports to our West India Islands for only six months, what would be our and their condition? And even without that a lot of vengeance, a non importation agreement of British manufactures for one year, would be a loss to this country of even millions sterling. The observations, with which this article closes, will demand some little notice by and by. At present it is necessary only to say, that they appear to betray the origin of the statement; and, if it should be found that I am correct, it will certainly be evident, that this statement is not
(To be continued.)
English Stamp Duties.
We observe that the Countess of Bath had paid the sum of 6000l. sterling, about 28,000 dollars for a single stamp, on which were inscribed letters of administration on the personal estate of her father, the late Sir Wm. Pultney.
R. Argus.
KINE POCK.
Since the establishment of the Vaccine Institution at New York, 910 poor persons have been inoculated for the Kine Pock—and has since been tested by inoculations for the small Pox, and by being exposed to take it the natural way. The Jennerian discovery maintains its first character.
Great Calf —A Calf was raised by col. Aaron Compstock of this town, last season, and killed 15th ult. at the age of six months and 3 days, which weighed 393 1/4 lbs. This circumstance ought to be recorded in testimony of the merit due to Mr. Compstock.— Wash. N. Y. pap.
PRETTY PATRIOTISM!
Some of our half or two thirds British editors are continually hewing abuse on the president of the United States, whose whole life has been employed in the most active and useful public service, and who is an honor to his country and to human nature—while on Nelson, celebrated only for being an expert Butcher or destroyer of the human race, and the humble tool of a tyrannical government, they bestow the most extravagant encomiums, and even describe his soul as "ascending to heaven in glory's brightest blaze!" from scenes of carnage and destruction which
his government planned and he was executing!— T. T. Amer.
Richmond Academy Lottery. SECOND CLASS.
 SIXTEENTH DAY.  Prize of 100 dollars—No. 4161.  Prizes of 25 dollars—Nos. 6310 5921 7595 4639  Banks—Nos. 4232 5457 5283 6103 4659  4150 4295 6475 4532 4605  4705 6586 7205 7744 4913  4133 7104 5485 3837 5005  7574 3856 5165 4601 6893  5414 5308 3829 5249 4104  4190 5713 7344 4571 7097  6652 6371 5032 5396 4747  3927 5462 3853 5151 4066  6710 4047 4016 5848 6309  4394 4969 3801 5115 6765  5875 6300 5386 5054 3902  7001 4929 7478 4804 7100  4319 4901 6589 6793 5688  5035 4564 4430 6491 4526  3919 5363 5475 4863 5953  5510 4528 5420 3963 4603  7152 7363 5325 5161 6283  7312 3780 7252 7550 6102 
William & Mary College Lottery.
 ELEVENTH DAY.  Prizes of 500 dollars—No. 517 7357.  Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 16 79 547 311  399 2690 1844 3166 5608  5223 7547 6415 3270 1775  5197 6710 7335 1701 4315  5061 3005 5364 9074 3934  7454 1932 5374 6445 4005  1157 6517 1406 6781 5480 
 TWELFTH DAY.  Prizes of 500 dollars—No. 51 7527.  Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 1446 733 7439  2240 373 7710 7575 1057  885 8345 4842 6092 2150  4808 3483 516 325 673  687 2254 3766 5316 5524  6498 3335 7790 3958 4830  3926 6361 7113 
 THIRTEENTH DAY.  Prizes of 500 dollars—No. 1570 3012.  Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 1670 2183 6993  2774 1182 1369 1195 3057  3513 2227 510 6766 6184  5335 4965 9220 3624 4554  5901 3095 1306 2347 1965  5058 6289 3192 1249 650  3951 1207 7385 7506 2770  3193 6752 6390 1247 6581 
 FOURTEENTH DAY.  Prize of 500 dollars—No. 2994.  Prizes of 15 dollars—Nos. 2711 3899 6098  4730 3677 7346 3027 6327  3994 1015 3185 2375 4930  4911 2374 2471 3445 4571  3530 3323 1290 5437 3632  385 3309 5062 2737 2341  2465 2319 2441 3077 7935  4846 6152 1614 775 381  685 31 
Louisiana County, January Court, 1806. Mason Rogers, plaintiff vs Elizabeth Biggers widow and administratrix of David Biggers deceased, David Terry and Elizabeth his wife, George Morris and Sarah his wife, Miles Biggers, William Biggers, Mary Biggers, and James Biggers, defendants
THE defendant James Biggers not having entered his appearance and giving security according to law, and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this state. Therefore on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, It is ordered and decreed by the court, that the said defendant James Biggers do appear here on the second Monday in May next, and answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some of the newspapers printed in the city of Richmond for eight weeks, successively, and published at the

WANTED , as House-keeper, a large family, an elderly lady, who can come well recommended. Enquire of the P. office. Nov 6, 1805.
Fall & Winter Goods. The subscribers are now received, and a considerable part of their stock of assorted Rose & Duffel blankets, Do. Nap'd Cottons, Do. Yarn & Plaid Hose, Do. White & Coloured Plains, Do. Kerseys & Hali-thicks, Do. 6-4 & 7-4 Coatings, plain and strip'd, Do. Cloths, assorted colours and prices, Do. Forrest Cloths, Boxes Men's Hats assorted prices, Irish Linens, Long Lawns, Diapers, &c. Also—An assortment of HARDWARE, CUTLERY and NAILS. In addition to which, they daily expect on the arrival of the Suffolk from London, a large assortment of FASHIONABLE GOODS, Which will be offered for sale on their usual terms. GILLIAT & KIRBY. October 4, 1805.
Forty Dollars Reward. RUN away from the subscriber living in Goochland county, North Carolina, in March last, two bright mulatto fellows; one by the name of BARTLEY, about 35 years of age, he has but little to say, and appears to be very humble; he is a tolerable good Shoemaker and Cooper, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, and he is a well set negro. GEORGE is about 23 years of age, about 5 feet 8 inches, spare made, but a very active negro, fond of drink, and a very forward saucy fellow. I expect they have obtained free passes and will endeavor to pass for free negroes; it is probable they are lurking about Manchester, Richmond or Petersburg; they were seen in Manchester a few days past. Any person taking them up and confining them in jail, so that I get them, shall have the above reward, or 20 dollars for either, paid by the subscriber. LEWIS HENING. June 5th, 1805.
Geo. Watt HAS removed from the store he formerly occupied to a brick house on the cross street leading from the main street to Shockoe warehouse, where he has on hand and offers to dispose of on moderate terms, by wholesale, The following Articles, viz: Leaf and Mucovado Sugars, N. England, W. Island, and Antigua Rum, Cognac, Barcelona and Apple Brandy, Sherry and Malaga Wine, Coffee of a superior quality, Molasses, Ginger and Fig Blue, Young Hyson and Imperial Tea, 400 Sacks Liverpool Salt, Patent Shot, assorted sizes—And The remainder of his stock of Dry Goods, consisting principally of articles suited to the present and approaching season, which he will either sell on a credit of 3, 6 and 9 months, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia, with approved endorser, or barter for Tobacco, Flour or Hemp. Cash given for Tobacco. Richmond, 22d March, 1805.
To be Rented, A NEW BRICK HOUSE, two stories high, with dormer windows, with eight fire places in each tenement. The house was built to accommodate two families. It lies on the main street, on Shockoe hill, a little above Major Wolfe's. Wm. DU-VAL. December 16, 1805.
S. JACOBS HAS FOR SALE, GUN POWDER of superior quality, by the Keg. S. J. flatters himself that from his attention in preparing this article only of an excellent quality, and the reasonable rate at which he sells it—the will not only merit a continuation of his customers, but be enabled to supply (much to their satisfaction) all those who are in the habit of retailing it. October 29th, 1805.
Fashionable Goods. Ready made White Satin Pelisses, various dark coloured silk do. Florence Silk and Satin Spencers, elegant Souffle Dresses, Rich Brocades and Figured Satins, Plain & figured Lenau and Pique Muslins, A handsome variety of plain, check'd and strip'd Sarsnets, Ladies' Tabouret Neck Handkerchiefs, Lace Sleeves and Shoulder Ornaments; Which, with a general assortment of Seasonable Goods, are offered for sale at moderate prices, by M. & B. MYERS. Richmond, 24th Dec 1805.
To Rent, AND possession given the first of January next, a HOUSE and LOT, situated near the Rock Landing. Enquire of Joseph Gallego. December 7, 1805.
Survey of Land, On the north-western side of the Ohio, lying on Cizer's creek, a military claim, in the name of Benjamin Spiller, and conveyed to the subscriber by his last will and testament—the whole of the survey is four thousand acres. Any person wishing to purchase will apply to the subscriber in Danville, Virginia. Hickman Spiller. 18th Jan. 1806.
Manchester Turnpike Company. THE shareholders of said company are hereby required to pay into the hands of James Brander, Treasurer, the additional sum of ten dollars on each share, on or before the 8th day of February next.
Delinquent Shares on former Requisitions. NOTICE is hereby given that all the shares upon which there shall appear to be due delinquencies of former requisitions, will be offered for sale, at McBrooks's Tavern, in Manchester, on the 11th day of February next, at 12 o'clock in the forenoon. By order of the Directors. JAMES BRANDER, clk. December 24, 1805.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber, by Jacob Madison, of Buckingham county, to secure the payment of a debt due to James Murphy & Co. therein expressed, will certainly be SOLD, to the highest bidder, on Saturday the first day of February next, at New-Market, in Amherst county, before the store door of the said James Murphy & Co. The Following Property, to wit: Lucy and her two children, Milly and Nancy, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to discharge the said debt, with interest and charges. John Higginbotham, Trustee. Warminster, Dec. 25th, 1805.
Marshal's Sales. To be Sold, for ready money, under a decree of the Court of the United States for the fifth Circuit in the Virginia District, between Phineas Bond, attorney for the creditors of Ezekiel Edwards, plff. and David Ross and others, defts. in order to raise the sum of dollars 967 89, due and payable on the first day of July, 1805, and the further sum of dollars 1666 66, due and payable the first day of January, 1806, that valuable and well known estate in the county of Botetourt, called POTTER LEWIS , stated by said Ross to contain 2508 acres. The sale will take place on the premises on the 27th day of February next. Also, on the 4th day of March next, will be sold, under the aforesaid decree, at the Oxford Iron Works, in the county of Campbell, a number of valuable SLAVES. Ben. Mosby, D. M. for Jos. Scott, M. V. D. January 13, 1806.
Threshing Machines, Of the best kind: they thresh out with ease from seventy to eighty bushels of grain in a day with two horses and five hands. Gentlemen who wish to purchase will please to send letters to Farmville in Prince Edward county, directed to 3w Wm. S. Walton.
District of Virginia, to wit: Be it remembered, that on the ninth day of January, in the thirtieth year of the Independence of the United States of America, John Seabrook of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a Map or Plan of the City of Richmond, the right whereof he claims as author in the words following to wit: "A Map, or Plan of the City of Richmond, By JOHN SEABROOK." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the term therein mentioned." Wm. Marshall, Clerk of Virginia District.
PROPOSALS for publishing the above Map, or Plan may be seen at all the Book-Stores in this city; where gentlemen wishing to possess themselves of one or more impressions thereof, are respectfully invited to bestow their encouragement at an early period, that the proprietor may be the better enabled to have the work executed with neatness and dispatch. The proprietor presumes it obvious to every one, that in a primary work of this nature, there will be many difficulties to surmount, much labor to be borne, and inevitable expense incurred, whilst the reward is in prospect; which though never so fair and flattering, may nevertheless prove deceptive, and disappoint his well founded hopes; to obviate which calamity in a degree, a small part of the premium is stipulated for in advance; the terms being six dollars, one of which to be paid at the time of subscribing, and the balance when the plan is delivered. Should the proprietor be advised thereto, he will transmit his proposals to some of the principal cities and towns within the state—in the mean time any gentleman at a distance wishing to encourage the undertaking by becoming a subscriber thereto, shall be considered such by directing a letter to the proprietor expressive of that will. Richmond, January 10, 1806.
MARSKE, By Diomed, will be let to mares the ensuing season, at my stable: its pedigree, its performance, &c. will be fully advertised before the season commences, which will be on the first day of March. Gentlemen may have their mares covered as early as they please. Hugh WYLLIE. Charlotte county, 20th Jan. 1806.
BUZZARD, Imported by the late Col. John Hoomes, of the Bow-ling Green, will stand the ensuing season, at my farm in Chesterfield county, four miles from Goochland and Bo-til Bridges, on Appomattox river, twenty five above Petersburg. The same from Richmond, and fifteen from Amelia courthouse. Terms, &c. to be made known hereafter. THOMAS BRANCH. 24th January, 1806.
William & Mary Lottery. COMMENCED drawing the middle of this month, and will be continued till all the tickets are drawn. Tickets may be had at S. Pleasants' printing-office. Jan. 30.
New Virginia Justice, Containing the Duties of a Justice of Peace, &c. together with a variety of useful precedents, adapted to the laws now in force. Also, forms of conveyancing, such as deeds of bargain and sale, lease & release, mortgage, trust, &c. FOR SALE AT S. PLEASANTS' BOOK-STORE.
A Valuable Manufacturing MILL TO RENT. ON Monday the 6th day of March next, will be rented to the highest bidder, for one year, that valuable Manufacturing and Grain MILL, in the county of Amelia, belonging to the estate of the late Col. John Royall, dec. It is situated near the mouth of a never-failing stream, almost immediately upon the river Appomattox, distant about 45 miles from Petersburg, and 40 from Manchester. This mill possesses the great advantage of an abundant supply of water, throughout the dullest season, and its local situation is such as to afford it complete protection against the highest freshest we have yet known. The toll each share receives amounts annually to 200 barrels and upwards. There is one pair of Burr stones and one set of boiling cloths, both of which are of very superior quality, and the whole works have lately undergone a thorough repair. The flour manufactured here and sent to Petersburg and Richmond for sale, has uniformly commanded as much, and in many instances more, than flour made any other mill. Attached to the mill are about 23 acres of land, upon which has lately been erected a commodious store and lumber house, cooper's shop, blacksmith's shop, stables, and some other out houses, all of which will be rented with the mill. A mercantile establishment at this place, connected with the manufacturing business, it is believed would succeed very well. The above property will be rented upon the premises. Bond and security will be required to carry interest from the date it not punctually paid. William Royall, Guardian of the Orphans. January 8th, 1806.
Notice. PROPOSITIONS will be received by the Executive, for the purchase of EIGHT CONDEMNED NEGROES, reprieved for transportation, under the act "to empower the Governor to transport slaves condemned, when it shall be deemed expedient."
FOR SALE, THE HOUSE and LOT, on Shockoe Hill, lately occupied by Mr. William Berkeley, and at present occupied by Mr. Andrew Traquin. For terms, apply to Will. W. Dickinson. Richmond, 14th Jan. 1806.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscriber by John Harden, to secure to Brown, Rives & company the payment of a sum of money, as expressed therein, will be sold on Saturday the first day of March next, on the premises, for ready money, a certain Tract or parcel of Land, Situate, lying and being in the county of Amherst, containing by estimation three hundred acres, be the same more or less, being the same tract of land that was devised by Groves Harden, to a certain Edward Harden, and by him sold to the said John Harden—and also the following SLAVES, viz: Tumbler, Alley, Will and Peter, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to discharge the balance that may be found due from the said John Harden to the said Brown, Rives & company, and all charges attending the same. John Higginbotham, trustee. Warminster, 15th Jan. 1806.
Slaves for Sale. ON Monday the 10th February next, will be sold, at Hanover Town, five or six VALUABLE SLAVES, to the highest bidder, for ready money. January 20th, 1806.
NOTICE. THE administratrix of James Winfree, dec. hereby gives notice to all persons who have claims against the decedent, that she means to close her administration as speedily as possible, and requests those who have claims, either by bond, note or open account, to bring them forward properly authenticated—and those who are indebted to the said estate, to make payment on or before the second Monday in March next; that being the time when the said administratrix proposes to make up her account of administration, and return to the county court of Chesterfield. All persons concerned are hereby notified that unless due attention is paid to this advertisement, it will be plead in bar against all those who are in default. Ann Winfree, Adm'x. Chesterfield, 28th Jan. 1806.
WILL BE SOLD, At the late residence of Samuel Dixon, dec. on Wednesday the 26th day of February, (it being Hanover court day) if fair, if not the next fair day, ALL THE PERSONAL ESTATE Of said decedent, consisting of several likely young Negroes, Household Furniture, Shop Tools, Plantation Utensils, &c. &c. Terms of sale will be cash for all sums of ten dollars and under; for all sums above ten dollars a credit will be allowed until the 31st of December next, the purchasers giving bond with approved security. The sale will commence at 12 o'clock. N.B. The above mentioned place of sale is within half a mile of Hanover courthouse. G. W. Dixon, Adm'r. January 30th, 1806.
FOR SALE, A LEASE of eight years (from the 29th Feb next) in the three BRICK TENEMENTS near the Market bridge, at present occupied by Messrs. Jas. & Alex. Dunlop, Moses H. Judah and Royster & Bohannon. Wm. M'Kim. Richmond, Jan. 27th, 1806.
A N elegant and almost new Snaffle BRIDLE, was found on the river road, near Martin's Blacksmith's shop, Powhatan county—the owner, by applying at this office, and paying the expense of this advertisement, may obtain it. N.B. The bridle is at Maj. John Harris's.
Notice. By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by Jacob Going, late of Louisa county, will be exposed to sale, on the premises, on Tuesday the 18th day of February next, for ready money, The tract of Land, Whereon the said Going resided at the time of his death, containing by estimation 73 acres; also three Horses, three Beds and Furniture, three head of Cattle, five Hogs, and all the said Going's Household Furniture, for the purpose of satisfying a debt or debts due to Walter Chisholm, jun. Fred. Harris, Wm. G. Poindexter, } Trustees. January 24, 1806.
THE tract of Land, Whereon the said Going resided at the time of his death, containing by estimation 73 acres; also three Horses, three Beds and Furniture, three head of Cattle, five Hogs, and all the said Going's Household Furniture, for the purpose of satisfying a debt or debts due to Walter Chisholm, jun. Fred. Harris, Wm. G. Poindexter, } Trustees. January 24, 1806.
COMMITTED to the jail of this county, about the 8th of December last, a negro man: says his name is JOHN; that he was on his way with his master Dempsey Nash, moving to the Tennessee from near Norfolk, when he left him near this county; says he formerly belonged to captain John Bramble, of Richmond; was sold to Mr. Nash, of Norfolk; says he was hired for the two last years by Messrs. Wm. & Henry Haxhall, of Petersburg. He is a stout, well made fellow, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, appears to be about 24 years of age, has had the Small Pox very bad. Had on when taken up, a blue cloth coat and home spun checkered pantaloon. The owner is requested to come forward, pay charges & take him away, or he will be dealt with according to law. JOHN WILLIAMSON, Keeper of the Jail. (2m)
Louisa County Court, November 15th, 1805. Charles Barrett, surviving partner of Charles and Thomas Barrett, plff. AGAINST John Lemay, heir at law of John Lemay, deft. THE defendant not having entered his appearance, and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court; and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that he is not an inhabitant of this state; Therefore, on the motion of the said plaintiff by his attorney, It is ordered and decreed by the court, that the said defendant do appear here on the second Monday in March next and answer the plaintiff's bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some of the newspapers printed in the city of Richmond for eight weeks successively, and published at the front door of the courthouse of this county on some court day. A Copy, JOHN POINDEXTER c. l. c.
Goochland County Court, 16th December, 1805. John Michie, plff. On an Injunction in Chancery. AGAINST John Salmon, deft. THE defendant not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court; and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this state; on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here and answer the bill of the plaintiff on or before the third Monday in April next, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted for two months successively in some newspaper published in the city of Richmond; and that another copy be posted at the front door of the courthouse of this county. A Copy—Teste, WILLIAM MILLER. c. c. c.
At a court held for Cumberland county, the 25th of November, 1805. James Morton & Co. Plaintiffs, In Chancery. AGAINST Drury Watson and John Bish, Defts. THE day came the plaintiffs by Henry E. Watson, their attorney, and the defendant Drury Watson not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said Watson is not an inhabitant of this state; on the motion of the complainants by their attorney, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the fourth Monday in March next and answer the complainants' bill; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some one of the newspapers published in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the courthouse on some court day. A Copy—Attest, Sam. Hobson, D. C. C. C.
VIRGINIA, to wit: At a Chancery District Court held at the former capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, the 24th day of November, 1805. Thomas Crutcher & Sebert Crutcher, only children of William Crutcher, dec. Charles Poindexter and Lucy his wife, Benjamin Pickin and Susanna his wife, John Poindexter and Sarah his wife, Elizabeth Sneed, widow of Fielding Sneed, and Coleman, William and Robert Crutcher, which said Lucy, Susanna, Elizabeth, Coleman, William last mentioned, and Robert, are the only children of Hugh Crutcher, deceased, Henry Crutcher, Margaret Turpin, Mary Sneed, Sarah Crutcher and Luinford Pitts, and Elizabeth his wife, Defts. AGAINST Thomas Crutcher, executor of Thomas Crutcher, deceased, Richard Sale, Amos Blackburn, Leonard Clark, Amos Howerton and Charles Howerton, administrators of Leonard Crutcher, dec. Reuben Chapman, Christopher Blackburn, George Isbell, Lucetta Green, widow of Jesse Green, deceased, and Thomas Crutcher, of Sarah Crutcher, deceased, Defrs. THE defendant Lucetta Green not having entered her appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that she is not an inhabitant of this country; on the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term & answer the bill of the plaintiffs; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper of the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former capitol in this city. A Copy, Ant'y. Robinson, c. c.
VIRGINIA: In the High Court of Chancery, May the 16th, 1801. Between John H. Overstreet, Philemon Holcomb and Peter Johnson, plffs. And Richard Bibb and Catharine Cauthorne, defts. THE defendant Richard Bibb not having entered his appearance and given security according to the act of assembly and the rules of this court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is not an inhabitant of this country; On motion of the plffs by their counsel, It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term and answer the bill of the plaintiffs; and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in some newspaper in the city of Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the capitol in the said city. A Copy—Teste, P. Tinsley, c. c.
CORR'S CELEBRATED PATENT METALLIC HONES, Are for sale at this Office.
Negroes for Sale. WILL be offered, at public auction, at Zech. Brooks's Tavern, in the town of Manchester, on the 10th day of February, 1806, on a credit till the end of the year, FURNERY SLAVES, belonging to the estate of the late Col. Bernard Matthews, dec. bond and approved security will be required. The Executors. December 24th, 1805.
WE have for Sale the following articles, most of which being consigned, we will sell low for cash or good sixty days paper. 10 Hog-heads Molasses. 5 do. N. E. Rum. 10 Barrels do. do. 16 do. Liver or Tanner's Oil. 1 Box Hais. 8 do. Cotton and Wool Cards. 2 Pipes French Brandy. 30 Barrels Herrings. 80 Tierces Lime. 3 do. Rice. 5 Hogsheads & Pipes Apple Brandy. Ground Plaister in barrels. Shapard & Lucke. November 26, 1805. N. B. Ground and Pine Salt in Sacks.
FOR SALE, THAT VALUABLE, HEALTHY AND PLEASANT SITUATION, On which the subscriber at present resides, containing between five and six hundred acres, lying in Amelia county, near Genito bridge. Terms made known by application to Wm. Murray. Grove Brooke, May 13, 1805.
LAND FOR SALE. THE subscriber wishes to sell 250 acres of land, lying in Chesterfield county, within six miles of Manchester. The advantages of small farms near large towns are so obvious and generally admitted, as not to require particular enumeration. Any person wishing to purchase may see the land and know the terms by applying to Mr. John Branch, residing in Manchester, or the subscriber, near Buckingham courthouse. Archibald Branch. September 2, 1805.
To Rent, A HOUSE at the Falling Gardens. Apply to the Editor, or to D. Wilson, who will give cash for a few thousand pounds of SENECA or RATTLER SNAKE ROOT; also for BEE-SWAX and LINSEED OIL. Richmond, Dec. 5th, 1805.
W. Wardlaw, HAS RECEIVED HIS FALL SUPPLY OF MEDICINES. BY the ship Rola, from London.—Also, a great variety of PAINTS, VARNISHES, SURGEON'S INSTRUMENTS, PATENT MEDICINES, &c. &c. And by the ship George, from Liverpool, a large supply of VIGOLS and SHOP-GLASS. Those who favor him with their orders may depend on being supplied with every article in his line on the most liberal terms. The citizens of Richmond are requested, when they apply at his shop by a child or servant to put the name of the article wanted on paper, to prevent mistakes. Wtf
Advertisement. WILL be sold, to the highest bidder, on Monday the 17th day of March, 1806, on the premises, my TRACT OF LAND, on the waters of Ward's Fork, on the main road leading to Booker's and Coles' ferry, three miles above Charlotte courthouse, containing by estimation 512 acres more or less. The quality of this land is well adapted to the culture of tobacco, corn, wheat, &c. and the situation as a public place is very advantageous, having been a long time known as Price's race ground. It is unnecessary to enter into a minute detail of the good qualities or advantages of the situation of this place, as it is probable any person wishing to purchase will view the land before the day of sale, which they may do by applying to the subscriber who lives on the premises. SHORT JONES.
JUST RECEIVED, From Dr. Church's Dispensary New-York, and for sale at this Printing-Office, a fresh supply of the following Patent Medicines: CHURCH'S COUGH DROPS, A medicine unequalled by any in the world, for the cure of coughs, colds, asthma & consumptions. FITIROSA LOZENGES, For the voice, hoarseness, colds, coughs, &c. &c. CHEMICAL ESSENCE AND EXTRACT OF MUSTARD, For the cure of the rheumatism, gout, rheumatic gout, palsy, white swelling, chilblains, &c. ANODYNE ESSENCE, FOR THE HEAD-ACHE. VOLATILE TINCTURE, FOR THE TOOTH-ACHE. THE BOTANICAL TEA. INFALLIBLE GERMAN CORN PLAISTER, For the cure of corns. CHURCH'S ANALYPTIC FEMALE PILLS. SOOTH OINTMENT, Cures the most inveterate itch in fowls, hens with out Mercury. EYE SALVE, FOR ALL DISORDERS OF THE EYE. ANTISORUMTIC TINCTURE, For the teeth, breath, and scurvy in the gum. ESSENCE OF SCURVY-GRASS, For preventing and curing the sea & land scurvy. PERMITUGE LOZENGES, For destroying worms in children & grown persons. ANTISPASMODIC ELIXIR, For the cure of all kinds of Fits. CORDIAL RESTORATIVE BAISAM, For nervous disorders, debility, inward weakness, &c. &c. VEGETABLE LOTION, For the face and skin, freckles, sun-burns, prickly heat, ring worms, tetter, &c. &c. DR. CHURCH'S ANTIBILIOUS PILLS, For the cure of malignant and bilious fevers, dyspepsia, jaundice, costiveness, acidity, cholera morbus, gravel, indigestion, loss of appetite, and all disorders of the head, stomach and bowels. THE GENUINE PATENT ALTERATIVE PILLS, For the cure of scurvy, cutaneous disorders, the venereal disease, &c. HOOPER'S FEMALE PILLS. ESSENCE OF FEPPER MINT. ALSO, DR. CHURCH'S TRESORIE ON THE VENTRE. Containing plain and easy directions for the speedy and effectual cure of that disease in both sexes; whereby any person may cure themselves at a small expense—price half a dollar.

Epitome of all the Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia, of a public nature, passed at the Dec. session, 1805.
ACT 1. Concerning master commissioners in chancery.
Commissioners in chancery in the county and corporation courts, may issue their tickets for sums allowed by such courts for services performed under their order, and put them in the hands of the sheriff or serjeant of their county or corporation, at the time now appointed for clerks of courts; and the sheriff or serjeant shall collect and account for them, as well those now due, as hereafter to become due, in all respects as for the clerks' fees of such courts.
Every commissioner in chancery shall be empowered to administer an oath or affirmation to witnesses in cases referred to them; and whatever would constitute perjury in a witness giving his evidence before a court, shall be perjury under this act.
No justice of the peace of any county, or mayor, recorder or Alderman of a corporation, who is or shall be a commissioner in chancery shall give an opinion on the reference of any cause, nor on the trial of any suit in which he has or shall have acted as commissioner.
Commissioners in chancery, in the superior and inferior courts, may issue subpoenas for witnesses to attend before them, to be executed and returned in like manner as if issued by clerks of such courts; and any witness failing to attend after service of such subpoena, shall be reported to court, whereupon the same proceedings shall be had as if the witness had been summoned to attend the trial of a cause therein. And such witness shall also be liable to the action of the party injured, in the same manner as for a default in court.
2. Regulating the manner in which certain duties shall be performed by the county and corporation courts.
In future it shall not be lawful for the justices of any court, to make any order for the erection of public buildings, or bridges, nor recommend any persons to the executive to be commissioned as justices, unless a majority of the acting justices be present; or unless the court shall have signified their intention of making such order or recommendation at least one month previous thereto; and shall have caused the same to be entered of record, with directions to the sheriff to summon the parties to attend at the next term for the purpose aforesaid. And it shall be the duty of the clerk certifying such recommendation, to certify therewith a copy of the previous order of court, if any shall have been made; and if no such order shall have been made, he shall certify the names of the justices present where such recommendation shall have been made, as also of all the justices of such county. Whenever a vacancy shall hereafter happen in the office of clerk of a county or corporation court, it shall not be lawful for the court to supply such vacancy, unless a majority of all the members of the court be present, or unless the members of the court shall have been summoned, by order of the court, to attend at the next court for the purpose aforesaid. And the court is authorised to appoint a clerk pro tempore , where it shall be necessary for the special purpose of making such order and issuing such summons.
3. Concerning jurors in certain cases.
Where a person is summoned as a juror to attend any inquest, and fails to attend, the sheriff shall return his name to the next court from which the process issued, who may fine him not exceeding eight dollars, unless at or before the court after the return is made he shows cause to the contrary.
4. To amend the several laws concerning slaves.
A slave hereafter brought into this commonwealth, and remaining therein a year, or so long at different times as shall amount to a year, or sold or hired within the same, shall be forfeited, and the right vested in the overseers of the poor, who shall apprehend, or attempt to apprehend him, in trust for the benefit of the poor. Upon complaint of any overseer of the poor, where such slave may be, to a magistrate, he shall issue his warrant to any officer of his county or corporation, commanding him to bring the slave before him or some other justice, and also to summon the owner or holder, if found, to appear and answer the same. The magistrate, upon hearing the evidence, may either dismiss the prosecution or require the owner, or holder, if he appears, to enter into a recognizance, with security, payable to the governor and his successors, in a penalty equal to double the value of each slave, conditioned for his appearance at the next court, be it monthly or quarterly, to abide by the order of the court; which recognizance, together with the warrant, shall be immediately returned by him to the clerk of the court. If the owner or holder shall not be in the county or corporation, or fails to appear, having been summoned, or is unable or refuses to give security, the magistrate shall deliver the slave to the sheriff or serjeant, to be forthcoming at the next court. Upon the appearance of the party at court, in discharge of his recognizance, or his failing to appear, the court to which he was bound to appear, shall cause a jury to be impanelled to try the facts, without pleadings, unless cause be shown for a continuance; if the jury find that the slave was brought into this state, and remained there contrary to this law, the court shall direct such slave to be delivered to the overseers of the poor to be sold for cash, and applied as herein directed. If the owner or holder be not in the county or corporation, or be not summoned, the court shall order him to be summoned to some court-day to be specified in the order, to defend his right, which order shall be published at the front door of the courthouse, for two successive court days, and inserted in some newspaper printed in the state, four times successively. The court to which the owner or holder is directed to appear, shall proceed in all respects, as if he had regularly appeared. The nett proceeds of such sale, deducting ten per cent. as an allowance to the overseers of the poor who commenced the prosecution, and the legal costs, shall go towards lessening the poor-rate. Any person bringing a slave into this state contrary to this act, forfeits 400 dollars; and every person selling, buying, or hiring such slave, knowing the same to have been brought in contrary to this act, forfeits 400 dollars, for every slave so bought, sold, or hired; which forfeitures shall accrue to the commonwealth, to be recovered by action of debt or information, in which the defendant shall be held to special bail; judgment shall be given without regard to any exception for want of form, and an attorney's fee of 20 dollars, taxed in the bill of costs. Any slave who hath been, or may be brought into this state contrary to law, or who shall be passing through the same, by land or water and shall commit a capital crime and be tried and executed therefor, shall not be valued by the court condemning such slave, nor paid for out of the public treasury. Nor shall any slave be paid for, who shall be executed for any crime, in the perpetration of which the owner shall be either a principal or accessory, and be thereof convicted. If any slave hereafter emancipated shall remain within this commonwealth more than twelve months, after his or her right of freedom shall accrue, such slave shall forfeit all such right, and may be apprehended and sold by the overseers of the poor of any county or corporation where found, for the benefit of the poor of such county or corporation. Every overseer of the poor, in addition to the present oaths, shall take the following: "I, A B, do swear that I will faithfully enforce the laws to prevent the importation of
"slaves." If in any action or prosecution by overseers of the poor, in virtue of this act, they shall be cast, they shall not be liable to costs, but the same shall be defrayed out of the levy laid by them. Nothing in this act contained shall abridge the power of the executive to remove slaves brought into this state, conferred by the 4th section of the act passed the 21st of January, 1801, to amend an act, to reduce into one the several acts concerning slaves, &c. nor to repeal an act, "authorising the removal of slaves from the county of Alexandria in the District of Columbia." This act to be given in charge to every grand jury.
(To commence the 1st day of May next.)
5. To amend the act concerning suits on bills of exchange, &c.
The object of this law is to amend the third section of the act (Revised Code page 113) so as to authorise an action against the drawers and indorsers jointly, or against either of them separately, instead of the drawers or indorsers jointly, or either of them separately; the word or having been inserted in re-publishing this act in 1792, by inadvertence, as it is supposed, the original act from which it was copied having the word and .
6. To amend the act, directing the method of proceeding in courts of equity against absent debtors and other absent defendants, and for settling the proceedings on attachments against absent defendants.
Whenever any creditor whose claim amounts to ten dollars or 400 lbs. of tobacco, shall have good grounds to suspect that his debtor will remove with his effects out of this commonwealth before his debt will be payable, or when such debtor shall have removed, leaving effects, such creditor may go before any magistrate of the county or corporation where his debtor resides, or in case of his removal from where he last resided, or where his effects may be found, and make oath to the true amount of his debt, and the time it will be payable, and that he has just cause to suspect and verily believes that such debtor will remove himself with his effects out of this commonwealth before the debt will be payable, or hath actually so removed, and also, that he had no knowledge when the debt was contracted of the intention of the debtor so to remove; whereupon such magistrate, taking bond and security of the creditor as in other cases of attachments, shall issue one against the effects of the debtor, returnable to the next court, which attachment may be served on the goods of the debtor, or on any garnishee. If the debtor shall not on or before the return of the attachment, enter into bond and good security for the payment of the debt when it becomes due, the court, on due proof of the justice thereof, and of the debtor's intention to remove, or of his being actually removed out of the commonwealth, shall grant judgment as in other cases of attachments, but execution shall be stayed against any garnishee, who states that he is indebted, or will be indebted at a future day to the defendant till the claim of the plaintiff or such garnishee's debt to the defendant shall become due, and the goods condemned shall be sold on a credit till the plaintiff's claim shall be payable. The officer selling such goods shall take bond and good security from the purchaser, and assign the same to the plaintiff to the amount of his debt, interest and costs; and where the amount of sales exceeds such debt, &c. shall take a bond with security for the surplus and assign it to the defendant: Provided, that no more of the goods shall be sold than sufficient to pay the debt, interest and costs, except where the property cannot be divided; in such cases, the officer shall have commissions only on the amount of the plaintiff's demand, which shall be included in the bond or bonds assigned to the plaintiff, who shall pay the same as commissions included in forthcoming bonds: Provided also, that such attachments shall be repleviable as other attachments now are. Where such debt shall be less than 10 dollars or 400 lbs. of tobacco, an attachment may be obtained as aforesaid, returnable before any magistrate of the county or corporation, who may grant such judgment, direct such sale and stay execution as aforesaid.
Whenever the plaintiff in any attachment shall alledge that any garnishee hath not discovered the true amount of the debts due from him to the defendant, or what goods of the defendant are in his hands, the court shall direct a jury to be impanelled immediately, without pleadings (unless good cause for a continuance be shown by either party) to enquire into the true amount due from the garnishee to the defendant, and what goods of the defendant's are in his hands. If the verdict be against the garnishee, the court shall give judgment as if he had confessed the facts found by the jury, and if the jury find in his favor he shall recover his costs against the plaintiff. When the goods taken by virtue of any attachment shall be claimed by any person other than such debtor, the court shall immediately (unless good cause be shown by either party for a continuance) direct a jury to be impanelled to enquire into the right of property; and where the jury find for the claimant he shall recover his costs, so where the jury find for the plaintiff in the attachment, such plaintiff shall recover his costs. In all cases of attachments the defendant may make defence, and any other person claiming the property attached may interplead, without giving bail, provided that the property attached shall not thereby be replevied.
7. To amend the several acts concerning the inspection of tobacco.
Inspectors of tobacco shall inspect all transfer tobacco, after it is picked and before it is weighed, and make each hogshead weigh 1250 pounds nett, at least. Inspectors, pickers and coopers of tobacco shall not either directly or indirectly be concerned in the transportation of tobacco by water from their warehouse, under the penalty of 100 dollars for each hogshead; nor shall they for themselves or others, purchase, sell, stem, manufacture, barter, lend, or exchange any tobacco inspected at their warehouse, under the penalty of 10 dollars for each hundred so purchased, &c. Every inspector shall stow away and secure at night, every hogshead of tobacco inspected during the day, under the penalty of 10 dollars per hogshead, for each failure; and shall also be liable to the action of the injured party for damages. Inspectors shall prize and cooper up all refused tobacco which the owner shall not choose to have picked, shall weigh the same, and mark the gross weight on each cask, and preserve and deliver it to the owner, or his order, for which they shall receive 50 cents a hogshead: the inspectors shall grant a manifest for each hogshead so delivered; and any person selling or manufacturing refused tobacco, without such manifest forfeits 100 dollars a hogshead. But any person having a hogshead of tobacco refused, may carry it with the manifests to any other warehouse, and the inspectors, first destroying the manifest, may view the tobacco, and if they esteem it of good quality, may either grant a receipt therefor, as now required by law, or another manifest, for which 50 cents shall be paid, expressing the review and that it was a second time refused; after which it shall not be carried to any other warehouse for re-inspection; but may either be picked, or sell it as this law directs. The duty of commissioners, under the act of 1796, shall not extend to any repairs or additions to the warehouses, but only a report of their condi-
(Continued in 1st col. next page.)
ACTS of PRIVATE and LOCAL NATURE.
1. An act authorising the appointment of commissioners to ascertain the different county lines bordering on the Three Notched road, leading from the county of Albemarle to the county of Hanover.
2. Authorising George Pegram, jr. to erect a public Warehouse on his land in the town of Petersburg.
3. Authorising a sum of money to be raised by lottery, for the improvement of a road, leading from Wood court-house to Clarksburg.
4. Authorising the overseers of the poor of the Hampshire county to recover a certain sum of money of the late sheriff of the said county, for the purpose therein mentioned.
5. Concerning certain lots in the town of Springfield.
6. To incorporate a company to build a toll bridge over the North Fork of Shenandoah river, from the town of Newhaven to Port Republic, in the county of Rockingham.
7. To authorise the county court of Lee to erect a turnpike or toll-gate on the road leading from Mockerson gap to Cumberland gap, through the said county.
8. Appointing other trustees of the town of Milton.
9. Releasing to John White and William Lee, the right of the commonwealth to a certain lot and lands named therein.
10. Authorising George Cabell, sen. to erect a public Warehouse on his land.
11. Establishing certain public Warehouses, in the town of Lynchburg.
12. Authorising a sale of the Glebe of Bristol parish.
13. Establishing a turnpike road from the head of Roanoke river, over the Alleghany mountain.
14. Declaring Clinch river a public highway.
15. Authorising the payment of a sum of money to Thomas Millan.
16. Remitting certain militia fines.
17. To repeal an act for killing crows in certain counties.
18. Making provision for improving and keeping in repair certain parts of the state road, leading through the county of Randolph.
19. For raising a certain sum of money by way of lottery or lotteries for the benefit of Rumford academy, in the county of King William.
20. Establishing certain inspections of flour.
21. Authorising a sum to be raised by lottery, for opening a road from Monongalia glades, to the mouth of Fishing creek.
22. To amend the act establishing an Academy near the city of Richmond.
23. Altering the reward for killing wolves in certain counties.
24. Appointing commissioners to view and mark out a way for a road from Thornton's gap, in the Blue ridge, to the Little river turnpike road leading to Alexandria; and to raise a sum of money by lottery for opening the said road.
25. Establishing certain inspections of tobacco in the county of Kanawha.
26. Authorising a toll bridge over Pagan creek, in the county of Isle of Wight.
27. Establishing a town on the lands of James Simpson, in the county of Botetourt.
28. Divorcing Ayers Tatham from his wife Tabitha.
29. Remitting a fine to Drury Woodson.
30. To amend the act concerning the town of Abingdon.
31. Establishing a turnpike over the Blue ridge, at Thornton's gap.
32. Authorising a sale of part of the real estate of John Peyton, deceased.
33. To increase the salaries of the inspectors at Woodson's warehouse.
34. Allowing certain insolvencies to the account of William Cole, dec.
35. Making an addition to Westbrook warehouse, in the town of Petersburg.
36. Authorising a sum of money to be raised by lottery to build a toll-bridge over Cheat river.
37. Respecting the mutual assurance society against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia.
38. For incorporating trustees of an academy in the town of Dumfries.
39. Authorising John Brander to erect a toll-bridge over Swift creek, in the county of Chesterfield.
40. To amend the act providing for the poor, &c. The object of this law being merely to extend to corporate towns, the provisions of the act now in force, for indemnifying the several counties, on account of bastard children who are likely to become chargeable to the county, it was thought unnecessary to give a summary of the act, under the head of those of a public nature.
41. Concerning a mill-dam, authorised to be erected by Adam Hickman, across the West fork of Monongalia river.
42. Concerning the town of New-Market, in the county of Shenandoah.
43. Releasing to James Wright and Eve his wife, the right of the commonwealth to certain land therein mentioned.
44. Allowing a further time to the owners of lots in certain towns, to build thereon.
45. Allowing Edward Houchins a sum of money for his present relief, and placing him on the pension list.
46. Allowing a claim to Jesse Merryman, administrator of Thomas Merryman, dec.
47. Incorporating the town of Wheeling, in the county of Ohio.
48. Forming a new county out of certain parts of Montgomery, Monroe and Tazewell.
49. Amending the act "authorising the erection of mills on Little Kanawha river.
50. Establishing several new ferries and increasing the rates of others, heretofore established.
51. To incorporate a library company in the county of Rockingham.
52. Altering the time of holding quarterly courts for Northampton county.
53. Allowing further time to the Potowmack company to complete the navigation of Potowmack river and for other purposes.
54. Concerning James Terlington.
55. To amend the act, entitled, "An act, concerning the town of Charlottesville."
56. Altering the court day of Spottsylvania and Rockbridge counties.
57. Appointing trustees of the estate belonging to the orphans of James Rind, for the purposes therein mentioned.
58. Remitting certain fines to John and Thomas Warren.
59. Concerning the navigation of James River.
60. To amend and explain the act concerning certain free school land in the county of Elizabeth City.
61. Concerning the militia of the Borough of Norfolk.
62. To amend the act for classing the counties, &c. The object of this amendment is to give to the counties of Goochland, Isle of Wight and Stafford, two commissioners of revenue, instead of one, allowed by the act of the last session.
(Continued in last col. next page.)

Continuation of Public Acts from 2d col. first page.) and the quantity of tobacco they are capable of containing; upon which report the court may make such orders relating thereto, as before the passage of the said act: Provided , that the commissioners shall provide such conveniencies as are now authorised to be at the public expense, and have the same repaired when necessary. In case any court shall fail to appoint such commissioners at August or September terms, they may appoint them at any time between the months of September and April following. Penalties under this act may be recovered by action of debt, petition or warrant, in the county or corporation where the offence shall be committed, one half to the prosecutor, the other to the commonwealth. The public printer shall hereafter furnish one copy of all the acts now in force concerning the inspection of tobacco, to the inspectors at the several warehouses established by law; and in like manner furnish the said inspectors with one copy of any law hereafter to be made, amending the laws concerning the inspection of tobacco, which copies shall be forwarded to the several counties in which the inspections are situated, with the acts of the General Assembly. (To commence the 1st day of June next.)
8. More effectually to enforce the payment of certain fines into the public treasury.
The clerk of every court, in which any fine, forfeiture, penalty or amercement, shall be imposed or adjudged, the whole or any part of which goes to the commonwealth, shall, immediately after the rising of the court, issue an execution against the goods, or body of the defendant, which shall be levied and accounted for, under the same penalties for neglect of duty, as in case of other executions on behalf of the commonwealth. Every clerk issuing such execution, shall obtain the sheriff's receipt therefor, and certify a copy of the receipt, together with a copy of the execution and judgment to the auditor within 60 days after the date of the receipt, for which he shall be allowed one dollar, to be paid by the public, and such certified copies shall be evidence on any motion against the sheriff or officer. Any clerk failing to certify such papers, within the aforesaid time, forfeits 50 dollars to the commonwealth, recoverable by action of debt or information in any court. The auditor, on receiving such receipt, shall immediately debit such sheriff with the amount thereof, in his account of the revenue of that year; and if the sheriff fails to pay the same, with the public taxes, after an allowance for insolvencies to be made by his court, such sheriff shall be subject to the same proceedings against him as for public taxes, provided , that no sheriff shall be liable for the amount of such execution which is not returnable before the taxes are payable, until the revenue of the next year becomes due, when he shall pay the amount collected by virtue of such execution as before directed. The clerks of the several courts, in which any fine, forfeiture, penalty or amercement, may have been imposed or adjudged for the use of the commonwealth, shall within three months after the commencement of this act, transmit to the auditor correct lists of all writs of capias pro fine , or other writs of execution which have issued from their offices, on judgments rendered since the first day of January, 1796, for any
A resolution approbatory of the conduct of the present administration of the government of the U. States, in its intercourse with foreign nations, and reciting the causes of our differences with Spain, as well as other foreign powers who have violated our neutral rights, particularly in our commercial affairs, concluded with the following sentence:
"That the General Assembly of Virginia, having the highest confidence in the wisdom, virtue and firmness of the President of the United States, and of the Congress thereof, are ready, whenever the latter shall deem it necessary, to join in a contest with any nation that has injured us, and "try which party can do the other the most harm."
On the question to agree to the resolution, in the house of Delegates, a division was called for. That part which expressed our confidence in the wisdom, virtue and firmness of the President, was carried by 151 to 8 votes. The latter part of the resolution, together with the preamble, was unanimously adopted. In the Senate, the resolution was agreed to with one dissenting voice only.
Several other subjects of great importance have been discussed during the late session, but miscarried either in the house of Delegates, or the Senate.
1. A petition from the counties of Henry and Patrick, "requesting the legislature to adopt means for calling a convention to revise the state constitution," was taken up, and the further consideration of it postponed to the 31st day of March next.—Ayes 98—Nocs 58.
2. A bill "to prevent the emancipation of slaves within this commonwealth," was lost in the house of Delegates, on the question for reading it a third time.—Ayes 73—Nocs 75.
3. A bill "to amend the judiciary system," together with a substitute to the original bill, produced much discussion; and after having undergone various amendments, both were finally lost, in the house of Delegates.
4. A bill to extend the jurisdiction of a single justice of the peace to twenty dollars, and to abolish petitions for small debts, passed the house of Delegates—Ayes 89—Nocs 62—but was lost in the Senate by the casting vote of the speaker.—The provisions of this bill were nearly similar to those contained in the bill which passed the house of Delegates last year.—The judgment of a single magistrate was to be final as far as ten dollars. From ten to twenty dollars an appeal was allowed; but in order to prevent appeals a stay of execution was granted the defendant. On the affirmation of the judgment, ten per cent. damages were to be awarded. When an execution
fine, penalty, forfeiture or amercement appropriated by law, either wholly or in part, to the use of the commonwealth, with their amount severally, the officer's name to whom delivered, and his return, if any. Every clerk failing to transmit such list, forfeits 50 dollars, recoverable by motion of the auditor, in the general court, on ten days notice. The auditor, on receiving such list, shall proceed against every sheriff who has collected any fine, penalty, forfeiture or amercement, or part thereof, by motion in the general court, on ten days notice, for the amount collected; on which motion the list certified by the clerk, shall be admissible evidence. The clerk of every court shall furnish the attorney for the commonwealth prosecuting therein, lists of all process for fines, &c. issued since the first of January, 1796, and which are not returned. And it shall be the duty of such attorney, to proceed by motion against such sheriff, on ten days notice, for failing to return such process, who shall be liable to the same penalty for the use of the commonwealth, as for failing to return other executions on behalf of the commonwealth. And, on any such process, being afterwards returned satisfied in whole or part, the clerk shall certify the return to the auditor, who shall proceed to recover the same as before directed. No court shall remit any fine, penalty, forfeiture or amercement, except fines imposed for contempts committed against the court, in which case, the court may remit such fine, or any part, during the term at which it shall be adjudged. Provided , that nothing herein contained shall extend to cases, where, by law, time is given the party to show cause, nor to cases where express power is given to the courts to remit such fines, &c. by the respective acts imposing the same.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to extend to such fines, forfeitures, penalties or amercements, as are now directed by law, to be applied towards lessening the county levy, or which may otherwise be specially appropriated by any act of the general assembly. (To commence the first of June next.)
9. Giving further powers to overseers of the poor in certain cases.
In cases where donations were formerly made for charitable purposes, to be under the direction of vestries, the overseers of the poor, by this law, have the power of collecting the funds and appropriating them according to the intention of the donor. No person migrating into this state, shall be entitled to be placed on the poor list within three years after his arrival, unless it shall appear that he was not an object of charity at the time of his migration.
10. To amend the several acts concerning the high court of chancery.
This law is merely intended to authorise the removal of a cause from one chancery district to another, where the judge in which it is depending is or may be interested; also, in case of a vacancy in the office of judge to enable the next nearest judge to grant injunctions and writs of ne exeat .
11. Giving further time to the proprietors of certain lands forfeited for the non-payment of taxes to redeem the same.
Until the first day of March, 1807, is given to redeem lands forfeited for non-payment of taxes, by paying all arrears of taxes due thereon.
12. To amend the acts concerning the district courts. &c. This law provides for supplying the place of a judge appointed during the recess of the legislature, who is allotted to a particular district and who may be displaced.
13. Further to amend the several acts concerning the militia—Officers commanding companies are to cause the public arms heretofore distributed to be produced to the Major at the battalion muster in May next, who shall cause them with those heretofore issued to be distributed by the light companies where they are complete; if there is more than one light company, the Major to determine between them by lot; so if there is no light company he is to decide by lot between the other companies. Non commissioned officers and soldiers thus armed, failing to attend their muster with their arms in complete order, to be fined not less than 75 cents nor more than 2 dollars; and refusing to receive arms when offered, or to give a receipt therefor, except the refusal be by a Quaker or Menonist, to be fined not exceeding 10 dollars; and for refusing to deliver the same when called for, or removing out of the bounds of their company without delivering their arms to their officer, to forfeit 20 dollars. Majors to attend company musters, and Colonels battalion musters at least once a year, to review them and inspect their arms. For failing to carry the provisions of this law in effect, a Captain forfeits 20 dollars, a Major 30 dollars, and a Colonel 40 dollars. Artificers in the Armory to be embodied in one entire company, and the officers appointed by the Executive, and to act as a guard to the Armory—No officer hereafter accepting a commission can resign in less than 5 years, unless by consent of the regimental court of enquiry, or the executive—The executive to declare by proclamation the uniform of the state.
14. Concerning free negroes and mulattoes.—This law prevents free negroes & mulattoes from keeping fire arms, unless by order of court.
Continuation of Private Acts from 3d col. 1st page.)
63. Incorporating a library company in the city of Richmond.
64. To amend the act authorising Talbot Godwin to erect a toll bridge from the town of Suffolk over the eastern branch of Nansemond river.
65. Imposing taxes for the support of government.
66. To repeal part of the several acts allowing a reward for killing wolves. Every part of an act heretofore made, giving a reward for killing wolves, is repealed, so far as it is prescribed that the rewards paid by the county shall be repaid by the public.
67. To provide for the payment of certain expenses incurred by the removing of certain prisoners to the penitentiary.
68. Concerning the auditor.
69. Appointing commissioners to view a way for a navigable canal from Roanoke to Appomattox.
70. Concerning Joseph Woodson and Carter B. Harrison.
71. Supplementary to the act concerning the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings, &c.
72. Authorising the superintendent of the manufactory of arms to receive patents on behalf of the state.
73. To pay the officers of the present general assembly for their services.
74. Authorising mill dams to be built over Monongalia river.
75. Concerning the James river company.
76. To amend an act for more effectually preventing obstructions to the passage of fish in James river, &c.
77. Suspending an execution against Benj. & Edw'd. Branch, adm'rs. of Benjamin Branch.
78. To relinquish to Elizabeth Smith, wife of William Smith, the right of the commonwealth to certain lands.
79. Providing for the appointment of collectors of certain taxes in Tazewell and Lee.
80. Authorising Andrew McIntire to erect a mill dam across the mouth of Simpson's creek.
Operations of the Armory.
From a very accurate and detailed statement furnished by the Superintendent of that institution, it appears that the following arms have been finished in the year ending with the 30th of November, 1805, with the cost annexed to each article.
   Article Q Unit Cost     2135 Muskets, with bayonets, at 10 91 2 each.   211 Pistols for cavalry, (carrying a musket cartridge) 7 52 2 do.   699 Swords, for ditto 5 29 6 do.   18 Iron scabbards 2 45 1 do.   352 Set tips for leather do. 81 9 do.   58 Rifles 16 70 5 do.  
Thus it appears that a musket with bayonet complete, manufactured at the Virginia Armory, and of superior quality, costs only ten dollars, ninety one cents and two mills; whereas those imported, are well known to be of inferior quality, & cost the state, upon an average, thirteen dollars and fifty cents.
PENITENTIARY SYSTEM.
   Criminals received. Crimes for which they are now confined.     In 1800 21   1801 33   1802 41   1803 55   1804 41   1805 50   Total 244   Discharged 115   Escaped 4   Died 7   126   Remaining 118  
There are 91 white men and 2 white women, 22 blackmen and 3 black-women now in confinement. Since the penitentiary went into operation 4 have been returned for new offences. Balance against the institution last year, from its interior operations, D. C. 2691 38. Expense of guards in carrying prisoners from the district jails to the penitentiary in 1805, 3066 47. Total 5757 85.
Revenue of the Commonwealth to meet the foregoing expenditures.
   Article D. C.     Cash in the treasury the 1st of October, 1805 128,700 40   Probable receipts on account of the revenue of 1805, by October next, 180,000   Probable receipts on account of arrearage of the revenue of 1804 84,000   Do. on account of arrearages prior to the year 1804 15,000   Surplus on tobacco exported 21,269   Tax on law process 14,241   Register's fees 1,953   Dividend on the state's shares in the bank, declared the 6th of January, 1806 12,000   Probable dividend on ditto, in July next, estimated at $3 50 cts. each share 10,500   Nett amount collected at the James river canal warehouse 1,000   Probable amount which will be received on account of transported slaves 2,000   Tax on merchants' licenses 30,432 74   $ 501,096 14  
The taxes remain as heretofore, viz.
   Article D. C.     On lands, for every 100 dollars value according to the equalizing law, 00 48   On every slave above 12 years old, except those exempted as heretofore, 00 44   On every stud horse and jack ass, twice the price of the season.   On all other horses, mules, mares and colts, for each, 00 12   On every ordinary license, 12 50   On every 4 wheeled riding carriage, except phaetons and stage waggons, per wheel, 1 25   On every phaeton and stage waggon, per wheel, 00 84   On every other riding carriage, with two wheels, per wheel, 00 43   On lots and houses in town, for every 100 dollars of the rent, 1 56   On every merchant selling by wholesale and retail, for each store, 40 00   On every retail merchant, for each store, 15 00   On every hawker and pedlar, 20 00  
Number of Militia in the Commonwealth of Virginia, taken from the annual return, for the Year 1805.
   Infantry 76,573   Cavalry 3,438   Artillery 1,365   Total 81,376  
[S. PLEASANTS, JR. PRINTER RICHMOND]
Resources and Expenditures of the Commonwealth.
   Article D. C.     Expenses of the General Assembly 46,000   Officers of Civil Government 64,000   Officers of militia 3,400   Criminal prosecutions 25,000   Expense of guards 10,000   Slaves executed 3,000   Slaves transported 2,000   Lunatic hospital 6,500   Richmond guard 15,000   Building of manufactory of arms 4,000   Expense of manufacturing arms, including officers' salaries 40,000   For the completion of James river canal warehouse 750   For the completion of the penitentiary building 1,577   Expense of removing criminals to the penitentiary, and their confinement therein, including the salaries of the officers 7,500   Public services of district court clerks 1,700   Interest on public debt registered 6,000   Ditto on debt due persons who paid money into the treasury on account of British debts 3,000  
   Pensioners 5,500   Expense of representation to congress, and the senate of the state 300   An instalment on the shares of the state in the bank of Virginia 30,000   Commissioners of the revenue 13,500   Contingent expenses of government 11,000   Upper Appomattox canal company 625   To pay the debt due James Prudden 905   To pay the debt due John A. Chevallie 1,994   To refund money to Thomas Millan 75   To pay for bringing up the manuscript journals of the house of delegates, of the years 1783 & 1784, agreeably to the resolution of the house of delegates of December 19, 1804 36 25   To pay warrants on the treasury in favor of the surveyor of James river, above the falls 702 26   To pay the interest due the bank prior to Jan. 1805 10,652 68   To do. which will become payable in July next 4,800   To pay James Terlington 77 26   For renting a house for the residence of the governor 500   320,074 75