Virginia Argus (Richmond, Va.), 1807-11-24 00:00:00

VIRGINIA ARGUS.
[XVth YEAR.]
A FREE PRESS MAINTAINS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE.
[No. 1409.]
RICHMOND:—PRINTED (ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) BY SAMUEL PLEASANTS, JUNIOR, PRINTER TO THE COMMONWEALTH.
[Four Dollars Per Annum—paid in Advance.]
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1807.
[12 1-2 Cents Single.]
Richmond Price Current.
   (CORRECTED WEEKLY.)     Tobacco, - $ 5 00 CASH.   WHEAT, new, - 1 00 do.   FLOUR, superflne, new, - 5 50 do.   FLOUR, fine, - 5 00 do.   CORN, - 3 50 do.   Hemp, clean, (per ton) 160 00 do.   IRON, - 110 00 do.   BACON, - 14 00 do.   WHISKEY, - 45 do.  
STATEMENT
OF THE SITUATION OF THE FRENCH EMPIRE.
1806 AND 1807.
(Continued.)
Government has established schools designed to form pupils who should learn more than what belongs to mere workmen. In these schools the practice of the arts is to be taught with the principles, of the sciences, from which they derive a new degree of perfection. The school which exists at Compiegne, being transferred to Chalons-sur-Marne, was received by the inhabitants of that town with testimonies of the greatest eagerness; that of Beaupreau will be formed without delay; that of Saint-Maximin is only delayed by the immense repairs which the premises stand in need of. In these schools, without a model at any time or among any nation, are formed carpenters, blacksmiths and workmen of every kind, who know how to calculate, who are acquainted with descriptive geometry, and have notions of physics and chemistry, they study the mechanism of machines and execute them with success. Uniting the habits of the combinations of the mind to the skill of the hand which executes, they will be remarked for their intelligence in conceiving their plan, and by the perfection of their work. Their inclination draws a great number of them into the military career; and if ever glory should again call our armies into those distant countries where hands are wanting, where industry is hardly known, where nature multiplies obstacles, their chief would find in the soldiers of these schools, hands which might employ to renew the miracles of his genius, to execute some of his plans, to throw durable bridges over large rivers, to build cities, to give a new face to the whole country, and raise monuments which indicative of his glories traces, would also be blessings for the nations who would see them rise. The practical school of the mines of Puzey obtains the most complete successes. Another practical school, agreeably to a decree of the emperor, is forming at Geislarn (Sarre) for the study of one of the most important arts, because it serves as a foundation to many others, because it is applicable to a mineral substance with which the soil of France greatly abounds, I mean the treatment of iron, and from thence precious information will be derived for the improvement of our utensils. A drawing school and a school of descriptive geometry as applied to the mechanical arts, has been placed at the conservatoire of the arts & trades, next door to the spinning school. A number of scholars taken from the school of the arts are instructed in Paris, at the expense of the government, in the manufacturing of surgical instruments, which are now as well finished as those of England, & in that of sea-watches, justly called transcendant watchmaking , as serving to the progress of the most noble science, astronomy, and of the first of the arts, navigation, the two most illustrious conquests of human genius, courage and industry.  External Commerce. —A few branches of external commerce have suffered; however, several connections have been extended, consolidated, or re-established; Italy affords more considerable vents to French commerce; America has sent our manufacturers unexpected orders, in return for the tobacco and colonial produce which she supplies us with; and trade being brought back to its true spirit, resumes its equilibrium. Switzerland has ceased to be the channel for the introduction of a rival trade. England, punished in the very cause which has inspired her cruel policy, sees her merchandise repelled by all Europe, and her ships, laden with useless riches wandering over those vast seas where they affect to reign by monopoly, seek in vain from the straits of the Baltic to the Hellespont, a port which opens to receive them. The Levant, that ancient appendage of the trade of France, wrested from her by craft, is restored to her by negotiation. The seas of the Levant call back the French merchandise: at the moment of this important revolution, the French merchants will, no doubt, hasten to re-establish the reputation of their loyalty in those countries where good faith alone presides over commercial transactions. Government will take care on its side, that the consumers of the ports in the Levant be not deceived in their confidence. It is taking measures to re-establish, with the modifications which circumstances have rendered necessary, regulations which experience has demonstrated the wisdom and efficacy of. The present war is only the war of the independence of trade; Europe knows it; and the emperor has constantly sought, in the guarantee of this independence, the first basis of all negotiation, as he saw in its violation the first cause of hostilities. Each of his conquests, by shutting a vent against England, has been a future conquest for the trade of France. Thus, this war, which had momentarily suspended all her connections, has been made above all for her
interest, for the interest of all Europe, oppressed by the monopoly of England. (To be continued.)
Congress.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10. Debate on the bill, making further appropriation for the support of the Navy. (Continued.)
Mr. RANDOLPH hoped the time would come; and that very soon; when we should have an opportunity of going into a regular discussion of the points touched upon by the gentleman from Maryland, and of some others. He trusted that, in the first place, the question would be regularly brought before the House; and the late experiment had thrown considerable light upon the subject; whether the U. S. ought to maintain a navy, and to what extent? Whether an establishment which for years had proved a motif in the public purse, and which, when the exigency of the moment called for its last exertions, had proved only a conductor of dishonor to the nation, deserved to be cherished with the tenderness and supported at the expense, which had hitherto been lavished upon it. He hoped this question would be fairly met and as fairly decided; for strange as it might appear, this great point had never been directly settled, since the present administration came into office, but had heretofore been determined in an oblique, collateral way. He hoped too the question would be discussed how far the present state of our political relations abroad, had grown out of the proceedings of the memorable session of 1805—6, and how far (perhaps this might prove the only opportunity for such a discussion) the measures taken by the executive upon the capture of the Chesapeake comported with the wishes and expectations of the people and with the maxims of a sound, dignified and enlightened policy.
The gentleman from Maryland, who had just sat down, allowed that the position contended for yesterday in opposition to the practice of contracting public debts or extending public money illegally, were in the general good, but seemed to consider them liable to many and great exceptions. On this subject he would produce an authority which would show what had been the opinion of the republican party, when they were out of power, and how far it supported the doctrine which gentlemen had now undertaken to defend. Here Mr. R. quoted Gallatin on the Finances of the U. S. page 32. "Another irregularity has once taken place upon an extraordinary occasion. Although the President of the U. S. was authorized to call out the militia to suppress insurrections, no monies were appropriated for that service. When the western insurrection took place, until Congress had covered the expenditures of that expedition by an appropriation made only on the 31st of Dec. 1794, the expenses were defrayed out of the monies appropriated for the military establishment. Yet even the principle, by which the specific appropriations for the several objects of the military establishment have been considered as a general grant for the whole, could not authorize the application of a part of that grant to the expenses of that expedition. No farther discretion had been claimed by virtue of that principle than that of indiscriminately applying the whole sum appropriated by law to any of the objects enumerated and specified under distinct heads in the law itself. But, as the militia called out to suppress an insurrection make no part of the military establishment, the expenses attending such a call were not among the various objects enumerated in the law making appropriations for the military establishment. The monies drawn from the treasury on that occasion were paid out of a fund appropriated for other and distinct purposes; they were not drawn agreeably to the constitution, in consequence of any appropriation made by law. It might be a defect in the law, authorizing the expense, not to have provided the means; but that defect should have been remedied by the only competent authority, by convening Congress. The necessity of the measure, may, in the mind of the executive have superceded every other consideration. The popularity of the transaction" (and he might have added of the agent) "may have thrown a veil over its illegality, but it should by no means be drawn hereafter into precedent."
Mr. Randolph believed that the opinion which he had just read would bear him fully out in the principles which he had laid down yesterday as those on which the old whig or republican minority in Congress had acted, on which they had specifically as well as virtually pledged themselves to the nation to continue to act, and which when they deserted they deserved the reprobation of every honest mind. Can any man pretend to say that the western insurrection, in the very infancy of this government, presented a case of less public exigency than the capture of the Chesapeake? And yet the then President of the U. S. for having illegally defrayed the expense of that expedition, instead of convoking the legislature and acting under its authority, had deservedly received the censure; not of the multitude, for they were with him; but of the thinking few. He was condemned by the reflecting part of the community and the system on which he acted, and which his successor had subsequently pushed to the most extravagant lengths, was finally arrested by the public voice.
In a preceding part of his work (page 79) the Secretary passes some deserved strictures on the practice of mingling appropriations. "The appropriations heretofore made for the military establishment have been subdivided into a number of separate heads making specific and distinct appropriations for the pay of the army, for its subsistence, for clothing, &c. and it was supposed that the monies thus distinctly appropriated were respectively applied to the specific objects, for which they were appropriated. It however appears by a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, of May 1795, that by far the greatest part of the expenditures for the military department are found by experience to be unsusceptible of that particular distribution which is observed in the issues of monies appropriated to other objects; and that appropriations for military purposes ought to be considered as a general grant of such sums as the public service is found to require, to be issued according to exigencies, and applied and accounted for pursuant to law." The House will recollect that at this time we had not that other department which has since proved yet more unsusceptible of any economical regulation, or legal control. The Secretary of the Treasury goes on to say—"It would seem that, if those appropriations are considered by the treasury department, as general, of which grants, to be issued according to exigencies that or some other executive department is to judge, and if, therefore, the monies specifically appropriated to one head of service are applied to another head, they are not applied and accounted for pursuant to, but contrary to law. Such a mode is undoubtedly liable to great abuses: it deceives the legislature who, when appropriating one hundred thousand dollars for the defensive protection of the frontiers, did not think that the treasury would assume a power to apply them to the quarter master or any other department. It deprives the legislature from any control, not only over the distribution of the monies amongst the several heads of service, but even over the total sum to be expended. For the million and a half of dollars, appropriated for the annual support of six thousand men, the nominal establishment, may be spent in the same time, and in fact has actually been expended within 14 months for the 3,500 men who constituted the effective establishment. The same abuse has, for a considerable time, prevailed in England, where it has, at several periods, been taken notice of, and did lately produce a motion of impeachment against the ministers."
"On the other hand it is impossible, for the legislature to foresee, in all its details, the necessary application of monies; and a reasonable discretion should be allowed to the proper executive department. The most proper way would perhaps be, not to enter into so many details, not to make specific appropriations for every distinct head of service, but to divide the general appropriation under a few general heads only, allowing thereby a sufficient latitude to the executive officers of government, but confining them strictly, in the expenditure under each of those general heads, to the sum appropriated by law."
The two cases noticed by Mr. Gallatin, were the mingling or lumping of appropriations, and the expenditure of money on objects authorized by law, but for which there was no appropriation. The present case not only embraced those two, but another, and much stronger case than any which Mr. Gallatin had imagined; the expenditure of money not only without an appropriation, but upon objects not previously authorized by law.
But Mr. R. said it was asserted that the articles were not paid for; that contracts only had been made for them. So much the worse. In point of principle there was no difference between contracting an illegal debt, and making an illegal disbursement of money. But in point of economy, there was a great difference against the former. If these articles had been bought with cash, they would have cost less. Merchants all over the world looked to profit . Would they deliver upon contract to be paid some months hence, provided Congress approved their saltpetre, for instance, at a cash price—at a time too of imminent danger of war, and when every article of military equipment must be expected to rise enormously in value. He could not see in such a procedure (granting the fact to be so, of which however he doubted) a theme for eulogy on the economy of men in office, or any mark of promptitude to provide for the public defence, which could be done effectually by the legislature alone.
He put it to the candor of the gentleman from Maryland to say whether, if the President had pursued a different course, had met the public expectation and convened Congress, he could not have found in the respect shown by the Executive for the laws, and the constitutional rights of that House, by a prompt recurrence to the only source of legitimate authority, a more ready and natural defence of his conduct than that which he had laboriously but fruitlessly taxed his ingenuity to produce. The gentleman's argument proved too much. The more he magnified the danger of the crisis to justify an illegal and unconstitutional expenditure of the public money, the more clearly did he demonstrate the necessity of convening Congress. But, sir, when the call of an immediate preparation to meet the emergency of the times, is distinguished into our ears, will any man pretend to say that such preparation has been made—that we are now prepared for war? Could any gentleman bring himself to believe that a few pounds of saltpetre had put the nation in a posture of defence—or that we had any other preparation than that which stout and willing hearts afforded? The measures which had been taken were as far as respected a violation of the constitution and laws certainly efficient, but in relation to defence next to nothing. We were nearly in the same state of preparation now as two years ago when the non-importation law, that panacea of political empiricism, came into vogue. So late as the last session of Congress, the House had been told, by a gentleman from Massachusetts not now in his place, that this law had already done wonders—that until it had passed, Great-Britain would not listen to any proposition from our ministers, but no sooner was it enacted than her ears were opened and a disposition manifested to grant our demands. But a regular course of this nostrum had ended, as all quackery was sure to do, in an aggravation of the disease. The gentleman from Maryland had said something which he could not distinctly hear, concerning the Spanish minister. He hoped the gentleman did not consider him as an apologist of Spain or her minister. He had warned the House two years ago of the consequences of truckling to Spain, of the inevitable effect of such mean submissions on the conduct of other nations towards us. What then was prophecy is now history.
A fear had been expressed that if a reluctant assent were given to this bill we should disappoint the hopes of the people. Mr. R. said he did give a reluctant assent. Because it was a measure of defence? No, because it was a half measure, a mere make-believe, a tub to the political whale, something like the famous act for raising volunteers which had caused such confusion in our militia system, that in fact it could not be executed—because more especially the expense had been illegally incurred. But he would be the last to give a reluctant assent to vigorous and efficient measures originated in a constitutional way, which might be deemed essential to the national defence, or to the vindication of the national honor. If instead of waiting the slow return of the Revenge, Congress had been assembled immediately on the attack of the Chesapeake, to provide for the common defence, he would have given his warmest assent to any measures that could have been devised for retrieving the national honor. For if any thing was worth going to war for it was a nation's honor, since it is inseparable from a nation's safety.
Mr. QUINCY deemed it his duty to assign his reasons for the vote he was about to give. The House would recollect, that in the course of proceeding which had taken place yesterday, this bill containing so many appropriations, and coming before the House under such peculiar circumstances, & a motion being made for the committee to rise, he had assumed the parliamentary right of asking of the organ of the House, a few questions, in order to ascertain the particular objects of these appropriations—whether the amount of appropriations in the bill covered the whole extent of military stores mentioned in the President's message, as having been purchased, and whether they extended over all the expenditures which had been made? He had conceived that all the questions he had asked, were relevant to the subject, and such as he had a right to ask: he had expressed no disapprobation of the appropriation or the expenditure which produced it, but merely asked for information. There was no gentleman of the committee of Ways and Means who pretended to illuminate the subject; on the contrary, not a collateral remark had been made. It had been said that he wished to overthrow the bill. Being placed in this situation, he deemed it his duty to add a few remarks to show what were the real objects of his enquiries.
He laid down as a principle, and he called on gentlemen to contradict it, that this was a particular case on our records; unprecedented as he believed. The gentleman from Virginia had anticipated his ideas on the subject;—that, though under former appropriations there had been no instance in which there was not a previous appropriation. This was a new case; a leading case, for which there was no precedent. He wished to know its particular circumstances, how the faith and honor of the nation was pledged, and how it had been done? He thought he had a right to ask this. He made the enquiry for another reason: in all cases under the former administration, although misappropriations had been made, the whole procedure had been avowed; always appeared on the records, from reports of the committees, or from some representation to the House. As an evidence of this Mr. Q. referred to a report of a committee made on the 22d of May, 1794; in which the committee expressly said.
"It has occasionally happened, that the omission or delay of appropriations by law renders it impossible to satisfy, in regular course, demands upon the treasury, which have been incurred pursuant to law, and the satisfying of which is essential to the public service."
"In such cases, the course has been for the Secretary of the Treasury to request informal advances by the banks to the persons to whom the payments are to be made, to be reimbursed when provision is made by law. The account of such advances are distinct from that of the Treasurer; and the advances are reimbursed, when provision is made by law, by warrants upon the Treasurer."
The gentleman who had just sat down, had said, that he wished no concealment, he wanted information. Surely that gentleman had not read the estimate from the Secretary of the Treasury laid on their tables; for in that he might find ample information; it stated the very articles for which these expenses had been incurred. It had been said there was no law to cover this expense: no person denied that. Was it a question material to the House whether they were paid for or not, or if paid for whether out of any particular appropriation? The prices given for the particular articles were shown to them; there were merchants in the House who knew what the price of these articles should be; he presumed that if any extraordinary price had been given, some gentleman would have said so.
It had been said that the President should have called Congress, and not have violated the laws of his country. He thought this the greatest emergency that had ever occurred and that we were now better prepared to decide on the important question of peace or war, than at the moment when the event had taken place which called them together: The course which had been pursued would be sanctioned by all prudent men, and if by this course war had been averted, the voice of the nation would approve it. The cases which he had heard cited did not apply, for in the present case there had been no improper application of public money; what contracts had been made it was not for him to enquire, but it appeared that not a cent of money had been drawn from the Treasury without appropriation.  Mr. CHANDLER remarked that the gentlemen from Massachusetts and Virginia had argued much on the subject of this appropriation. Their whole argument had gone to show, that it was improper to apply money to one purpose which had been appropriated to another; or at all to apply money which had been appropriated. It appeared to him that the present case differed very much from that of applying money without previous appropriation; there had been no money applied. The exigency of the country, in the opinion of the Executive, required these contracts to be made. They had been made; but no money had been paid. The gentleman from Massachusetts wished to be told the difference between paying for an article and purchasing it; the distinction was obvious; an article may be purchased to-day and paid for to-morrow. He must confess that in this case he could neither see misappropriation or misapplication.  Mr. FISK said, he had understood that there were diseases both of body and mind, which admitted of no radical cure. The disposition to find fault was one of these. The gentleman from Massachusetts had complained that the committee of ways and

means had not done their duty; he wanted to know the prices given for the several articles before he could give this bill his full assent. At present he was in Egyptian darkness; an obscurity so great as to be terrible; this being his situation, it was doubtful whether any ray of light fell even by reason, could reach his optical nerve; there could be no doubt but his mind was clouded, for he had read three lines more of the letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the committee, a part of which he had just read, he would have found the very information he wanted: "We have consequently purchased all that has been offered for sale at a reasonable price. For that stated in the estimate we have given different prices, the lowest of which has been 16, and the highest 18 cents per lb. For powder, cannon, cannon ball, copper, canvas and cordage, we have contracted at the ordinary market prices."
Here they found the prices which were given for salt-petre; the other articles were purchased at the market price. Did the gentleman wish the House to return the letter to the Secretary, to ask what the market prices were? Surely not. Mr. F. conceived the only question now was whether it was expedient to make the appropriation, (it was at their option) or withhold it. The money had not been paid. The President had told them that he made purchase on his own responsibility; yet the gentleman from Massachusetts thought the money was actually paid because purchase implied payment; the gentleman might, as a professional man, have found a very plain distinction between purchase and payment. The same gentleman had said, that the Executive in the present instance had exceeded the powers delegated by the constitution much more than had been done by his favorite administration in the case cited by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Randolph). Mr. F. thought very differently. In that case money appropriated for one object was taken from it and applied to another; in the present case no money had been drawn from the Treasury; no money had been paid.
The gentleman from Virginia had recommended them of the measures adopted the first session of the 9th Congress, to which he attributed the late outrage committed by a British ship on one of our public armed vessels. Mr. F. called upon the House to decide whether the measures then pursued provoked, or the conduct of the then majority in Congress invited this outrage; that minority which endeavored to distract and weaken the counsels of our government, who declaimed against all opposition to British usurpation, and declared, that the British navy was the only barrier between us and universal despotism. These things circulated and were read with avidity in that country, and no doubt induced that nation to believe that there was a strong party in this country in her favor, and that she might insult us with impunity. But, thank God! said Mr. F. the indignation expressed by the country on the late outrage will convince them of the error into which they had fallen.
Mr. UPHAM asked the patience of the committee, while he made a few remarks. He believed that there was a general concurrence of opinion, that the Executive had no right to appropriate money for any object not authorized by the legislature; the legislature had not authorized the making contracts or purchases; but as the general principle of appropriation was not contested, it became a question whether more good or evil would have resulted from calling Congress together previous to making these preparations. Upon a whole view of the subject, and as it was necessary to send a vessel with dispatches to England and allow time for its return, it was perhaps better for the President to act as he had done.
He believed that it was unanimously agreed by the nation, that if the English government had directed the search of a national ship, it was a cause for war; there was no question but an aggression had been committed by searching a national ship by force; and it appeared from the letter from Admiral Berkeley to captain Humphreys, that it was done by order. This being an encroachment on the laws and usages of nations, he did not wish it to be understood that he thought it improper to make these preparations to resent it. But if they permitted their officers to make contracts unauthorized, if the legislature were not to examine into and scrutinize these things, they might conceive they had a right to act in this manner, and it would become a matter of course for them to do so. As to the general principle then there could be no question; but he believed with the gentleman from Virginia, that there might be a case where it would be necessary to make preparations before the legislature could be called; and in that case there should be no sort of reluctance to sanction such measures; at the same time, were it possible, it might be safer to call Congress together.
Under every circumstance of the case, however, he was inclined to believe that the Executive had acted correctly in this case; at the same time that he thought there was no impropriety in making enquiries as to particulars. He concluded by declaring that he should vote for the bill. (Debate to be continued)
THURSDAY, November 12. Mr. Sturges presented a petition from sundry batters in the town of Danbury, (Conn.) praying an additional duty on imported hats—referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. Dana said, as it was frequently necessary in the course of their proceedings, to refer to the constitution of the U. States, he thought it would be necessary to have a number of copies printed for the use of the House and moved a resolution to that effect, which was adopted.
Mr. Cook said, that some late occurrences had determined the nation to oppose piratical nations. To do this, various means were necessary; what more so than soldiers. As the former services of many were still unpaid, they would find difficulty in procuring them now. The family of the war worn soldier was suffering for want, while other people were enjoying
the recompense so justly due to his toils. In a public capacity, they should act as in a private, by paying all just and honorable debts. To bring this principle into practice, which was adopted, 94 members rising in favor of it, and a committee of seven were appointed accordingly, viz: Messrs. Cook, Eliot, Wilbour, J. K. Smith, Mosely, Thompson, Helms, Milner, N. R. Moore, Clapton, Wilson, Holland, Taylor, Smelt, Jer. Morrow, Desha, and Wharton.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire if any, and if any, what description of claims against the U. States, are barred by the statute of limitations, which in reason and justice ought to be provided for by law, and that they report by bill or otherwise.
FRIDAY, Nov. 13. The order of the day being called on the report of the committee of Elections on the contested election of Mr. McCreery, Mr. Rhea, (Ten.) moved that the consideration thereof should be postponed, which motion was supported by Mr. Blount and opposed by Messrs. W. Alston and D. R. Williams. This motion was negatived; and
The House went into a committee of the whole on the report, Mr. Basset in the chair; when a debate ensued of considerable length, involving as it did yesterday, an interesting discussion of various points, and among others the constitutional question, whether the state legislatures can prescribe the qualifications necessary for members of Congress, other than those which the constitution of the United States has expressly designated? Messrs. Bibb and Love opposed the report, and Messrs. Rowan and Johnston supported it. Messrs. Thomas, Varnum, W. Alston, J. Montgomery, Randolph, Key, Quincy, Smilie, Desha, Alexander, Dawson, D. R. Williams, Nelson, Rhea, (Ten.) M. Clay, Blackledge, Gardener also spoke principally upon incidental points.
The debate was continued till near four o'clock, when the committee rose and obtained leave to sit again, 73 members rising in favor of it.
MONDAY, Nov. 16. Mr. J. Clay observed that he understood many large purchases had been lately made by different agents for the United States, some of whom are paid for their services a certain per centage on the amount of these purchases. He thought this the worst possible way of expending the public money. For the purpose of enquiry and to bring the subject before the House, he moved the following resolutions, which were adopted:
Resolved, That the Secretary of war be directed to lay before this House an account or estimate of the purchases of merchandise and supplies made on behalf of the U. States, by the superintendent of Indian trade, by the purveyor of public supplies, and by the military agents in the different districts, for the three years ending the 30th day of September last, specifying, as far as may be practicable, the amount purchased, for what departments, at what place, and by what officer, together with the emoluments, commissions, or salary allowed to such officer.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the navy be directed to lay before this House an account or estimate of the purchases of merchandise and supplies made on behalf of the United States by the navy agents in the different ports of the United States, for the three years ending on the 30th day of September last, specifying, as far as may be practicable, the amount purchased in each year, at what port, and by what agent, together with the emoluments, commissions or salaries allowed to such agent.
Mr. Poindexter, after a few preliminary observations, exposing various defects in the organization of the courts of the Mississippi Territory, moved the following resolution, which was adopted; and a committee appointed accordingly, consisting of Messrs. Elliot, Van Allen, Key, Howard and Poindexter.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary in the act, entitled "An act for the appointment of an additional judge for the Mississippi Territory, and for other purposes," and also in the act entitled, "An act to allow jurisdiction in certain cases to the territorial courts," and that they report thereon by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Barker moved the following resolution, which was negatived, 50 to 47.
Resolved, That the committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to enquire into the expediency of granting a bounty on all salt which shall be manufactured in the United States, and report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. M. Clay moved the following resolution, which was adopted, and a committee appointed, consisting of Messrs. M. Clay, Thomas, Butler, Dana, Chandler, Helms, and Desha.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary to be made in the militia laws, and that they report by bill or otherwise. Mr. Dana said he had a resolution prepared for the purpose of calling the attention of a committee of this House to a subject materially interesting to the sovereignty of the nation; the committee he wished to instruct was that on aggressions committed in our waters, &c. but as he did not see the chairman of that committee in the House, he should lay it on the table and call it up when that gentleman was present.
The resolution laid on the table was as follows: Resolved, That the committee, to whom was referred so much of the message of the President of the United States as relates to aggressions within our ports and waters, to violations of our jurisdiction, and to measures necessary for the protection of our ports and harbors, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing for the employment of adequate force to compel the immediate departure of such foreign armed vessels as may be found remaining within the waters of the United States in defiance of any interditory proclamation duly issued by the President of the United States; and that the commit-
tee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Findlay moved for the order of the day on the report of the committee of Elections on the contested election of Wm. McCreery: Whereupon,
The House went into a committee of the whole—Mr. Basset in the Chair, on the said report. A motion was made by Mr. Bibb, to amend the resolution by making it read substantially as follows:
Resolved, That Wm. McCreery is duly elected, agreeably to the laws of Maryland, and is entitled to his seat in this House.
On this motion a lengthy debate took place, which was not solely confined to the amendment; but extended to the subject generally. The speakers were Messrs. Bibb, Quincy, Howard, Gardner, Gardener, Upham, Nelson, Findlay, Holland, Sloan and Key.
TUESDAY, Nov. 17. Mr. Blount from the committee to whom was referred so much of the message of the President as relates to aggressions, &c. made a report.
The report commences with an expression of sensibility at the outrage committed on the Chesapeake, states the receipt of information relative thereto from the state and navy departments, presents a general view of the circumstances, observes that it might be said to have been incontestably proved that Wm. Ware, John Strachan, and Daniel Martin are citizens of the U. States; but the committee add that they conceive it unnecessary for them or the House, to go into any enquiry on that part of the subject, as in their opinion whether the men taken from the Chesapeake were or were not citizens of the United States, and whether the Chesapeake was or was not within the acknowledged limits of the United States at the time they were taken the character of the act of taking them remains the same.
From the foregoing facts it appears to your committee, that the outrage committed on the frigate Chesapeake has been stamped with circumstances of indignity and insult of which there is scarcely to be found a parallel in the history of civilized nations, and requires only the sanction of the government under color of whose authority it was perpetrated to make it just cause of, if not an irresistible call for, instant and severe retaliation. Whether it will receive that sanction or be disavowed and declared an unauthorized act of a subaltern officer remains to be determined by the answer which shall be given to the demand of explanation, that answer, now daily expected, will either sink the detestable act into piracy, or expand it to the magnitude of premeditated hostility against the sovereignty and independence of this nation, and until its true character shall be fixed and known, your committee deem it expedient to decline expressing any opinion as to the measures proper to be adopted in relation to it. But as other acts of aggression have been committed within our ports and waters by British ships of war as well anterior as posterior to this, some of them manifesting the same disregard of our national rights, and seeming to flow from the same contempt for the authority of our laws, and especially as the British squadron, of which the Leopard was one, after being notified of the President's proclamation ordering them to depart from the waters of the U. S. which they knew had been published in conformity to an act of Congress, anchored within the capes of Chesapeake Bay, and in that situation remained capturing American vessels even within our acknowledged territorial limits, and sending them to Halifax for adjudication—impressing seamen on board American vessels, firing on vessels and boats of all descriptions having occasion to pass near them in pursuit of their lawful trade, and occasionally denouncing threats, calculated to alarm and irritate the good people of the United States, particularly the inhabitants of Norfolk and Hampton, all which facts are substantiated by the accompanying documents No. 1 to 6, the committee are of opinion that it is expedient to provide more effectually for the protection of our ports and harbors, but not being prepared to report specifically on that subject, they ask further indulgence of the House, and beg leave to submit for their consideration the following resolution:
Resolved, That the attack of the British ship of war Leopard on the U. S. frigate Chesapeake, was a flagrant violation of the jurisdiction of the United States, and that the continuance of the British squadron (of which the Leopard was one) in their waters, after being notified of the proclamation of the President of the United States, ordering them then to depart the same, was a further violation thereof.
The report was referred to a committee of the whole on Monday.
WASHINGTON CITY, November 16.
The following ADDRESS was on Friday last presented to the President of the U. States:
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States. We, the representatives of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, for the Western Shore of Maryland, the adjacent parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the state of Ohio, being convened in the city of Baltimore, on those concerns which relate to our society, apprehend that we feel our minds engaged to address thee on behalf of ourselves, and the religious society which we represent. Permit us to say, that whilst we desire to be preserved from intermeddling with the policy of those governments, under which we live; we believe it to be our indispensable duty, consistently with that Christian obligation, in relation to governments, to "lead a quiet and peaceable life under them, in all godliness and honesty." We feel gratitude to the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, in that he hath influenced the councils of the General Government of our country, to decide upon several important subjects, agreeably to the principles of eternal justice and right. Amongst the most prominent of those acts, which claim our approbation, we are induced to notice the evidences of thy efforts to preserve our country from the calamities and ravages of War, by cultivating a
disposition, and pursuing a conduct marked with conciliation and friendship towards all nations with whom we have intercourse; thereby avoiding those grounds of dissent, which are often the causes from whence this desolating scourge has its origin, to the reproach of Christianity. For, as we are firmly persuaded of its obligation as a religious principle, so it is our fervent desire, in regard to all men, that even the smallest germ of enmity may be eradicated. And our ardent prayer to the Father of the Universe is, that through the overruling order of this Providence, the hearts & understandings of his erring and contending creatures, may be illuminated, so to behold the excellency of brotherly affection, as to become willing to admit the spirit of universal reconciliation.
We are also bound to acknowledge those philanthropic exertions, which have been used to ameliorate the condition of the Indian natives, by introducing amongst them a knowledge of agriculture, and of some of the mechanic arts. We sincerely congratulate thee on their progress in civilization, and the very encouraging prospect, abundantly evinced, that this truly benevolent and laudable undertaking will ultimately be crowned with the desired success—an undertaking which, whilst it increasingly obviates the wretchedness of their former condition, converts them from dangerous neighbors to valuable friends.
But there remains a subject, inexpressibly dear to our hearts, which has particularly interested our feelings. We rejoice in the prospect of a termination to the wrongs of Africa, and that a traffic, heretofore legalised in a district of our country, in its nature abhorrent to every just and tender sentiment, and reproachful to humanity, to say nothing of christian principles, is interdicted by our government. For the exertion of thy influence, united with the National Legislature, (may we not say,) to relieve our country, from the complicated evils attendant upon this cruel and inhuman trade, we are engaged, through this medium, to testify our warmest approbation.
And may the future Councils of our country, yield to the influence of Him who is called "Wonderful, Counsellor The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace;" so that the exercise of additional acts of justice and mercy, towards this greatly oppressed part of the Human Family, may utterly remove the cries of oppression, from this highly favored land.
With sentiments of respect, due from us to those, who, in the ordering of divine Providence are set over us, we, are thy friends.
Signed on behalf of the Meeting. By GERARD T. HOPKINS, Clerk.
To the foregoing Address, the President of the U. States returned the following ANSWER
Friends and Fellow-Citizens, I thank you for the Address you have kindly presented me, on behalf of that portion of the society of friends, of which you are the representatives: and I learn with satisfaction their approbation of the principles which have influenced the councils of the general government, in their decisions on several important subjects confided to them.
The desire to preserve our country from the calamities and ravages of war, by cultivating a disposition and pursuing a conduct, conciliatory and friendly to all nations, has been sincerely entertained and faithfully followed: it was dictated by the principles of humanity, the precepts of the gospel and the general wish of our country; and it was not to be doubted that the Society of Friends, with whom it is a religious principle, would sanction it by their support.
The same philanthropic motives have directed the public endeavors to ameliorate the condition of the Indian natives, by introducing amongst them a knowledge of agriculture and some of the mechanic arts, by encouraging them to resort to these as more certain and less laborious resources for subsistence, than the chase, and by withholding from them the pernicious supplies of ardent spirits. They are our brethren, our neighbors; they may be valuable friends, and troublesome enemies. Both duty and interest then enjoin, that we should extend to them the blessings of civilized life, and prepare their minds for becoming useful members of the American family. In this important work I owe to your society, an acknowledgment that we have felt the benefits of their zealous co-operation, and approved its judicious direction towards producing, among those people habits of industry, comfortable subsistence, and civilized usages, as preparatory to religious instruction and the cultivation of letters.
Whatever may have been the circumstances which influenced our fore-fathers to permit the introduction of personal bondage into any part of these states, and to participate in the wrongs committed on an offending quarter of the globe, we may rejoice that such circumstances, and such a sense of them, exist no longer. It is honorable to the nation at large that their legislature availed themselves of the first practicable moment for arresting the progress of this great moral and political error; and I sincerely pray with you, my friends, that all the members of the human family, may, in the time prescribed by the Father of us all, find themselves securely established in the enjoyments of life, liberty and happiness.
TH: JEFFERSON. Nov. 13, 1807.
November 18. The discussion in the House of Representatives on the contested election of Mr. Mac Creery, which was commenced on Thursday last, and which has been continued since almost without intermission, has excited an unusual interest. It is not a question between A and B, or one that is dependent on any statement of facts—but a question that implicates principles of the highest importance, and the constitutional question, in what degree, or whether at all, the state legislatures possess the power of prescribing the qualifications requisite for members of the House of Representatives. On the one hand, it is contended that the constitution of the U. S. con-
tains, on this point, a complete demarcation of power, as well in relation to the general government, as to the state governments, and that, consequently the latter do not possess the power of requiring any qualifications which are not prescribed in the federal constitution, and that such requisitions are unconstitutional. On the other side it is contended that the restrictions of the constitution are only imperative to a certain extent, and only bind the state to that extent; and that the silence of the constitution in other respects implies a residuary power in the states over them.
This text has been ramified to a vast extent; and fact, argument and eloquence have been copiously enlisted into the discussion, to which justice can only be done by a comprehensive view.
Extract of a letter, dated Norfolk, November 8. Yesterday the long talked of affair of honor between captain Gordon and Mr. M c C.

Conico was decided on the borders of N. Carolina, for which place they set off about 7 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at the destined ground about 12, when they immediately proceeded to business, standing at the distance of eight paces and advancing after each fire; both missed the first fire, then advanced and fired when both were wounded; Mr C. lightly. G. it is said mortally. The ball passed through the fleshy part of Mr C's thigh. G. Received the ball a little below the groin—the ball cannot be extracted."
It is currently reported that Mr Erskine has sold out the stock recently held by Lord Erskine in our funds to a large amount.
SENATE. On Monday the motion, made on the 28th of October, to refer that part of the message of the President which relates to our sea port towns and harbors, &c. was agreed to, and a committee appointed consisting of Messrs Mitchell, Adams, Sumpner, Milledge and Robinson.
On Tuesday the bill making further appropriations for the support of the navy, &c. was ordered to a third reading without a division.
BOSTON, Nov. 11. Yesterday a vessel arrived at this port in 27 days from Bordeaux.
This vessel brings corroborative accounts of the surrender of Copenhagen on the 7th September—and the possession of the Danish fleet by the British.
The Crown Prince, it is said, refused to ratify the capitulation.
It is said also that a new Decree has been passed by the French government; the particular features of which, have not come to our knowledge; we are informed, however, that it amounts to a sweeping prohibition of intercourse with England.
NEW-YORK, Nov. 17 The Swift, capt. T. Sher. arrived in this port last evening, which left Liverpool on the 29th September, brings dispatches from Mr Monroe for the Secretary of State. Capt. T. informs that on the 31st inst. in lat. 42, 40, long. 52, spoke ship Friendship, Williams, of Salem from Leghorn, via Gibraltar, on 12 days, who informed him that all the U. S. vessels had left the straits, that he had spoken the U. S. brig Herene, and parted with her off the Western Islands.
The report of the probability of hostilities between this country and America [says the Liverpool Chronicle, of Sept. 24] has been revived, in consequence of Mr Monroe's intended departure, the causes of which we do not profess to be acquainted with, but our gentlemen are, that we may have at least one friend in the world. Mr Pinckney succeeds Mr Monroe.
From Halifax—Numerous letters state that orders have been received there from England to organize the militia; and put the fortifications in repair. One hundred will be employed daily, in assistance on the works; and large reinforcements were expected there. So say the letters.
Bell's Weekly Messenger per ship Swift, says, "reports without number were yesterday circulated in the city that the negotiation with America was broken off; that Mr. Monroe had suddenly set out from London; and that we were consequently to be immediately involved in a war with the United States. We believe there is no foundation whatever for any of these rumors. In the first place no answer to the dispatches from America has yet been delivered to Mr. Monroe by our government. In the second place, even had it been received, and that it was unsatisfactory, still Mr. Monroe would not immediately leave this country. The answer, of what nature soever, will be sent back by the Revenge , that took the American dispatches; and Mr. Monroe will remain here until the differences between the two governments are finally adjusted. Then, and then only, Mr. Pinckney will succeed him as minister from the United States."
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19. By the ship Western Trader, arrived at this port yesterday from Liverpool, we have received London papers to the 30th September. The W. Trader left Liverpool on the 29th Sept. in company with a number of American vessels, and made her passage to the capes of Delaware in 46 days.
When the W. T. left Liverpool, the differences between the U. S. and the English government had not been adjusted. Mr. Monroe had not at that time received a final answer from the British ministers.
On the 19th October, about 14 leagues west of Scilly, was boarded by the British frigate Amethyst and treated politely. The Lieutenant informed us that they were out six days from Torbay on a cruise. That the U. S. schooner Revenge sailed for America with the ultimatum of the British government. That the Russians and French are likely to go to war again and that the English government meant to retain possession of Copenhagen and the island of Zealand, notwithstanding they had agreed to evacuate it in six weeks after the signing of the capitulation. Aurora.
THE subscriber will accommodate the 20 or 25 gentlemen of the assembly, during the ensuing session.
Alexander Quarrier. November 23d, 1807.
BY virtue of a deed of trust executed by Beck Brown of Charles City county, bearing date the 10th of September, 1804, and recorded in said county, to secure the payment of fifty seven pounds and three farthings, to John Crew, Jr. will be SOLD, for ready money, at the dwelling house of said Beck Brown, the 10th day of next month, if fair, if not, the next fair day, two HORSES, five COWS, three FEATHER BEDS and FURNITURE, one yoke STEERS, two YEARLINGS and seventeen head of SHEEP, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy the said claim and cost.
Joshua Crew, Trustee. 11th month 20th, 1807. w3
FOR SALE. ON VERY REASONABLE TERMS,
Two Likely Negro Men. If the above negroes are not disposed of at private sale before the first day of January next, they will on that day be offered at public auction, in the town of Jefferson, Powhatan county, for cash.
James R. Stokes. Jefferson, Nov. 21, 1807. tds
Virginia Argus.
RICHMOND:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1807.
REPORTS are still uncertain and contradictory, concerning the state of our negotiation in England; and the question of war or peace continues doubtful. In such a situation of affairs a variety of speculations will naturally be made according to the different opinions entertained of the probable result. We may therefore be indulged in hazarding a few observations on the subject.
Notwithstanding the news that Mr. Monroe had left London, that British insolence had been swollen to the highest pitch by the capture of Copenhagen, and had declared all neutral vessels trading to any of the countries under Bonaparte's dominion or influence to be lawful prizes, we conceive there may yet remain a hope that the door of accommodation kept open by our government will not finally be shut. We are induced to say this, not from any impression that Great-Britain has returned to her senses, nor from any reliance on her disposition to do us justice; but we believe the utter destruction, which would attend her from the loss of the American trade at this juncture, will restore her at least to a lucid interval, and make her, like a madman on the edge of a precipice, stop short, and pause before she plunges into irretrievable perdition. The necessity of her own preservation, which her minions in this country pretend is her inducement for insisting on the right of seizing our seamen, is certainly so much more pressing in favor of her not relinquishing a trade by the loss of which nearly all her merchants would become bankrupts and her manufacturers starved, that, surely, if she possesses the smallest glimmering of reason, she will not, for her own sake, go to war with the United States.
Though many men will commit injustice for the sake of promoting what they suppose to be their interest, or of gratifying their passions, few or none will perpetrate it, when they know it to be to their own disadvantage. Weak as the intellects of the tyrant George the 3d, & of his present ministry generally are, even they must be sensible that their subjects cannot dispense with the trade to the United States, at a time when Bonaparte has shut them out from nearly all the continent of Europe; and, if, indeed, they are so simple as not to know this, their wealthy merchants know it, and the remonstrances of that numerous and powerful class of men must be heard and complied with. We think it therefore most probable that the return of the schooner Revenge , which is now so anxiously expected will bring information that some arrangement has been made, by which they will not lose their trade with America, and our seamen will be relieved from the danger of impressment; in short, that we shall still enjoy the blessings of peace, not because our enemies are unwilling to disturb us, but because they cannot do it, without a great and irreparable injury to themselves.
THE President of the United States is accused by his enemies of indulging a real inclination to go to war with Great-Britain, hidden under the feigned appearance of a love of peace. His demands are said to be unreasonable, and such as cannot be granted by the government of that country without endangering its national existence. These are heavy charges indeed. Let us see how they are supported. What is it that our government demands of the British ministry? Only that retribution may be made for the abominable outrage on the frigate Chesapeake , and security given against the repetition of similar wrongs; for that purpose, that the flag of the United States shall protect all persons sailing under it from violence and oppression, which can be done only by maintaining the correct principles that free ships constitute free goods, and that all persons in such ships shall be free from arbitrary seizure or impressment.
The President does not demand that our flag shall protect deserters from the British service from being legally reclaimed, on proof that such is truly the case. Those who argue upon the supposition, that he contends for an absolute exemption of British seamen from the claim of their officers, either grossly misunderstand, or wilfully misrepresent the nature of the controversy at present existing between the two countries. If the government of the U. States had in fact insisted on a concession of that sort from Great Britain, we would not scruple to acknowledge its conduct to be unreasonable and not authorized by the law of nations. But the fact is otherwise. The question is not whether British deserters shall be reclaimed, or not; but whether they shall be taken from on board our vessels, and by force?—that is to say, whether every British officer shall be a judge in his own cause, and seize every man whom he may think proper to charge with being a deserter from his ship?
The latter is the course which has hitherto been pursued, to the dreadful injury of many thousands of unfortunate American citizens, and the great annoyance of our commerce. A nuisance so intolerable can no longer be submitted to by a free people; and, if Great Britain will persist in putting it in practice, inevitable war must be the consequence. But, if she is not determined to go to war with all the world, and like a desperate gambler to stake her all on a single throw, it is perfectly evident that war between her and America may be avoided, by her consenting to such an arrangement as will be sufficient to prevent the American flag from being a shelter to deserters without subjecting it to ignominy and disgrace. This is the reasonable proposal of our government, and sufficiently evinces its fondness for peace, at the same time that it will not submit to dishonor for the purpose of avoiding war.
But then we are told that Great Britain cannot, consistently with her national existence, relinquish the right of promptly seizing all persons whom her officers may assert to be British seamen; in other words, that she must domineer and tyrannize over
all the nations of the earth, and that this is essential to her existence! We cannot believe that even the British ministry themselves entertain an opinion so very absurd. But, if this is indeed the case; if they are resolved to agree to no amicable compromise with a nation whose friendship is so much more essential to the existence of G. Britain than any number of seamen whom she might lose by desertion could possibly be; if they are willing that poor old England, after having long followed the business of war and bloodshed, and acted the part of the common disturber of the peace of the European continent for the last hundred years, should now take up the trade of universal piracy and robbery, and be outlawed as the enemy of the human race; it is a catastrophe truly to be lamented, but for contributing to which the government of the United States cannot be chargeable. We only contend for our just rights; and not to infringe those of Great Britain.
But her friends in this country say it is cruel to subject her to this desperate alternative; that she has so long been in the habit of doing wrong that she cannot live without it; that we ought, therefore, in pity to her, to abandon our seamen to her mercy, rather than to occasion her perdition from the prevailing power of the terrible Napoleon. This is, indeed, very abominable in our gvy. that they will not relinquish the rights of America even for the salvation of Great Britain! We acknowledge this grievous fault on their part; and know alas! of no remedy for such deplorable obstinacy and perverseness.
THE argument of the Anglo-federalists that Great Britain must engage in a war with the U. States, to prevent a few of her seamen from deserting, puts us in mind of the worthy Knight whose barn was infested with Rats: to destroy which, he set fire to the Barn, and consumed it with all its Corn. They seem to be of opinion that she must be ruined at any rate, and must therefore rush at once to destruction, rather than run the risk of an uncertain decay of her vital principle for the want of seamen; like a man who thinking the shortest misery the best, should kill himself to get rid of a disease of which he might recover. But, while they approve of her pursuing this desperate course, it would be but kind in them to share the fate of their dear mother country, and resolve to go and perish with her, rather than to remain here in subjection to a government they so much hate and despise.
WE earnestly recommend to the attention of our readers the address of the Society of Friends to the president of the U. States, with his answer, inserted in this day's paper, as specimens of the most pleasing kind of composition; breathing the language "of peace upon the earth and good will to mankind."
It should be recollected that the Society of Friends are not accustomed to offer food to the ambitious mind, or render the tribute of their approbation to any man or body of men, but upon the most interesting occasions, and under the clearest conviction of the propriety of so doing. This consideration should have its weight in the present instance, and may afford us strong evidence (did we require it) of the pure intentions and correct conduct of that administration whose measures this very respectable society have seen proper to applaud.
It is also worthy of remark that when Mr. Jefferson was a candidate the first time for the presidency that he had no warmer opponents than those members of this society, who, to use the words of an eminent & venerable "public friend," dabbled in politics. As a duty they visited the election of a man who, they were taught to believe would prostrate religion, trample on morality, endeavor to bring into contempt the principles and practice of truth, and throw the whole system of our government into anarchy, confusion, and distress—but the strong bands of prejudice and misinformation have been broken asunder, and of the friends of Mr. Jefferson perhaps the society of Friends are, as a body, the most considerable, firm and determined. They have seen his works, and have felt their happy effects, and many have candidly declared "they wronged him much in judging him with an unjust judgment." "Such fruit does the tree of virtue bear."—Balt. Ev. Post.
The question whether a defect be found in Mr. Burr's trial, may be answered by the public opinion. If the law allows another trial, and the parties are not satisfied, is there to be in no case an appeal? Why are our courts so ordered that they should give a new hearing? And if the States have been apprehensive of the most alarming evils, & if the evidence produced has strengthened the conviction of guilt, the President is to be justified in the necessary duty which devolves upon him, to assist the utmost enquiries into the transactions at the trial of Mr. Burr, by the sovereignty of the States themselves.—Essex Reg.
Prejudice must be sadly in want of means to justify complaint, when in remarks upon the President's message, it is an objection that he had no right to mention a thing which he could not determine by his own power. What legislative power does the President possess? What right has he to mention any thing to the legislature? What need of a Message? Indeed so contemptible is prejudice, that it has become a child, is foolish, and is too silly to trifle.—ib.
The denomination of religious people called Methodists in the United States have within one year sent out 102 preachers. The number of travelling preachers in that society is about 600, and of local preachers more than 2000. Thirty elders have been ordained the last year. The sum total of members now belonging to that denomination is 144,520.—[Poulton.]
Mr. Curtis Bolton, of Savannah, a passenger in the Swift, from Liverpool, came up in a pilot boat last evening from the hook, and informs us, that he left Liverpool on the 29th September; that Mr. Monroe had taken his passage in the ship Pocahontas, for Baltimore, but owing to a slight indisposition (occasioned by a cold) he had determined not to come out in the above ship.—[Mer. Ad.
A letter received from captain Felt, at Salem, dated at Palermo, mentions the Massacre of 15,000 Christians at Constantinople by the Turks.—ib.
Extract of a letter from the supercargo of the ship Maria, of Philadelphia, captain Hughes, dated at Buenos Ayres, 14th July, 1807.
"The hardships which the few Americans who came here after the conquest from Beresford in August underwent are not easily described. Captain Hyatt of Newport, the captain and supercargo of the ship Diana, of the Wiswasset and myself were confined in a loathsome prison for forty days, part of the time among double ironed convicts of all colours—incommunicable—denied all the aid of medicine, although in extreme want of it, committed without a crime and enlarged without trial or examination. No American for four months could obtain the assistance of agent, attorney or interpreter."
"The English army commanded by six generals were, on the 5th inst. completely beat in this city, lost 2000 prisoners and from 11 to 1200 killed and wounded—and beat too, by the most miserable rabble that God ever created, under the command of officers who never had seen an action. The misfortune must be placed to the account of the British commander in chief, Whitelocke and his second general Gower.—The prisoners on each side are to be given up, and the English to evacuate their conquest on the La Plata and depart in two months from the 7th inst. In this business, though unfortunate, there was not a British soldier who did not do his duty."
A letter received at Boston from Halifax, N. S. reports that Mr. Monroe was coming home in the Revenge with the British ultimatum; that the British refuse to relinquish the privilege of searching for seamen; and that Admiral Strachan supercedes Admiral Berkeley on the Halifax station.
LATEST FROM FRANCE.
By the Sally-Barker-Windsor, arrived at Boston, in a short passage from Bordeaux, we have French papers to the 5th of Oct. Their contents, excepting the affair of Copenhagen, are not interesting.
From a gentleman, however, who came passenger in the above vessel, and through the channel of private letters, we are able to present our readers with the following interesting intelligence:—
Extract of a letter from a house of the first respectability in Antwerp, to another in Bordeaux dated September 28, and received at Bordeaux, by express, just before the Sally-Barker-Windsor left the latter place.
"We understand, an order has been given out by the Emperor, to capture every vessel, bound to, or from England, and if with cargoes, are to be considered as good prize. This is a mortal blow to the American commerce; and we fear will lead to a rupture between America and France."
"It is reported, that Mr. Monroe has left London; but not on account of the existing differences between the two countries; but by reason of ill health. Mr. Pinckney is said to be charged with the public business."
The first paragraph of the above letter, was corroborated at Bordeaux, by letters directed from Paris, of a later date.
A gentleman, who came passenger in the Sally-Barker-Windsor, informs us "that two cases of capture, [American,] made since, and under the Decree of the 21st Nov. 1807, were brought before the Prize Court at Bordeaux, a short time before he left that city; but the court had refused to give an opinion, until fresh instructions should be received from the Emperor. These instructions were called for by the Court, and a question demanded—whether the Decree was to be put in full force against the Americans? His answer was, that in effect, the law must operate against them as with all other neutrals." We were yesterday favored with the following article from a source which may be relied on.
"Answers were given by the Emperor, to the Council of Prizes, on the 23d Sept, last, to the following questions:—
1st. Whether there should be any exceptions to the Decree of Nov. 21, 1806, in favor of such nations, as, by their treaties, were allowed a free trade, or the privilege of neutralizing enemies property. Answer. That as the Decree, contained no exceptions, their should not be any made in its application.
2d. Whether neutral vessels, in ballast, should also be made liable to confiscation, upon the plea of capture, or stress of weather, if they had entered a British port. Answer. That it must lay over for further consideration.
3d. Whether one half of the confiscated property, should, in all cases, be appropriated towards indemnifying sufferers by British spoliations?—The answer was in the affirmative."
A letter from a respectable gentleman in Marseilles, dated Sept. 9, states, "That the Emperor has marched an army of 5000 men into Leghorn and Civita Vitta, and laid an embargo on all the vessels lying in those ports."
Accounts had been received at Bordeaux from Mr. Armstrong, at Paris, stating that a number of American seamen, taken on board of English vessels, during the war, had been liberated.
An article, under the head of Genoa, Sept. 13, states, "That the American Consul has been arrested, and seals put upon his papers." No reasons were assigned for this arrest; nor is it probable any will be given. Neither on compulsion or voluntary consent, are the French disposed to give reasons for their conduct, at any time.
The Swedish Island of Regen has been surrendered to the French.
Letters from Paris state that the boundaries of Louisiana have been settled by the French Emperor to the satisfaction of our minister in Paris.
An Embassy from Spain, consisting of a Spanish Nobleman and a large retinue, passed through Bordeaux about the 1st of October, on their way to Paris, to present the Sword of Francis the First to the Emperor Napoleon, as a Peace Offering.
Circular.
TO THE MAJOR AND BRIGADIER GENERALs OF THE MILITIA OF VIRGINIA.
ADJUTANT GENERAL's OFFICE, Richmond, Nov. 17th, 1807.
SIR, BY the general orders of the 17th July last, it is directed, among other things, that "Correct muster rolls and inspection returns (of the detachments from the several divisions, forming the quota of this state, of one hundred thousand militia as required by the President of the United States) be made to the Adjutant General, who is, without delay, directed to transmit copies to the Secretary of War."
As it was not expressly stated by whom these returns were to be made, it was expected, of course, that they would be forwarded by the Brigade Inspectors (countersigned by the Brigadier Generals) to the Major Generals, and by the latter to this office. Presuming that this course may have been intended to be pursued, I am instructed by the Governor to request, that the returns aforesaid may be transmitted to this office with as little further delay as possible.
If no such returns have yet been made to the Major Generals, and as they have been called for by the Secretary of War, I am further instructed by the Governor, to request, that they may be immediately transmitted to this office, directly from the Brigadier Generals.
I have the honor to be, With great respect, Sir, your ob't servant, SAMUEL COLEMAN, D. A. G.
THE subscriber wishes to take an accommodation of ten or twelve gentlemen, (members on the general assembly) to reside in a room occupying a large house, sign of the Wagon. John S. P. P. S.
November 23d, 1807.
DISSOLUTION.
THE partnership of Lownds & Pringle is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All persons having claims against the Firm are requested to bring in their accounts for settlement; and those who are indebted to make immediate payment unto either of the Subscribers. James Lownds, GOWIN PRINGLE. Richmond, Nov. 16, 1807.
NOTICE.
THE business heretofore carried on by LOWNDS & PRINGLE will in future be conducted by the subscriber, in the same house, who are, and will continue to be amply supplied with every article in their line of business, which will be sold on moderate terms. Joseph Lownds, William Hutchinson. November 21 1807. 4t
Sale of Negroes.
IN pursuance of a deed of trust executed to him by Thomas Pollard of Amelia county, to secure the payment of a debt therein mentioned, due to Madame Goode, I shall on the 12th day of December next, proceed to sell at Panamys in Amelia county, to the highest bidder, the following SLAVES, to wit: Patrick and J. ha, to answer the purpose of said debt. Wm. Powell, Trustee. November 20th 1807. tds
ATTENTION!
THE Battalion Court of Enquiry for the first Battalion 19th regiment, is directed to be held at the Bell Tavern in this city, on Thursday the 26th of this month, to commence its sittings at ten o'clock A. M.
The Battalion Court of Enquiry for the second Battalion 19th regiment, is directed to be held at the Washington Tavern in this city, on Friday the 27th of this month, to commence its sittings at ten o'clock A. M.
The adjourned meeting of the Regimental Court of Enquiry is directed to be held, at the Bell Tavern in this city, on Saturday the 28th inst., to commence at ten o'clock, A. M. Ezrah from regiment orders. G. W. Dixon, Adjutant 19th Virginia Regiment. City of Richmond, Nov. 20, 1807. 2
TO BE SOLD.
At Public Auction, for ready money, on the premises, on Saturday the 28th inst.
The Land & Plantation,
Whereon James Allen now resides, lying in Henrico, on the north branch of the Brook, about eight miles from Richmond, containing three hundred acres by estimation, to satisfy a debt due to Michael Wilkinson. It being the land formerly advertised, and the sale postponed at the special request of the said Allen. Any person or persons inclined to purchase may attend on the day above mentioned, as the sale will actually take place between the hours of twelve and five o'clock, by Watson Patmon, } Trustees. Peter Wilkinson, } 16th Nov. 1807. 2
Wm. W. Dickenson,
OFFERS FOR SALE ON LOW TERMS, 12 Tons James River Hemp, 16 Tons Country Bariron, and 80 Tierces Whiskey. Richmond, Nov. 16 1807. 1
Will be Sold,
For ready money, on Monday the 30th Nov. (instan) at Brooks Tavern, in the town of Manchester, one WOMAN, named Fanny, and her three children, Lucy, Ben and William, conveyed to us in trust, by Mr Robert Mays, for the purpose of discharging the debt therein mentioned, and the incidental expenses attending the execution of this trust. Nicholas Mills, Jesse Hays. Manchester, Nov. 19 1807. tds
Lands for Sale.
THE subscriber wishes to sell the Lands and Plantation whereon he at present resides, containing 900 acres, well watered with several excellent springs, and convenient to four excellent manufacturing mills.—Also a tract of Land lying two miles from the above, on Fine Creek, containing 440 acres, about 50 of which is in a state of superior quality.—The lands shown and the terms made known by application to Horatio Turpin, Powhatan, 19th Nov. 1807. 1

FALL GOODS.  KIRBY, DRAKE & TAYLOR, ARE now receiving by the Ship Rolls, from London, a large and handsome assortment of FASHIONABLE GOODS, (selected by a partner of the house.)
AMONG WHICH ARE London Superfine Cloths, Casimeres, and Tolliets, superior quality. Gentlemen's Patent Silk and Beaver Hats. Children's Trafalgar and Erskine do. Elegant Leno Pique and Sewed Muslins. Do. Robes and Dresses. Colored Italian Crapes for Ladies' Dresses. Silk, Cotton, and Worsted Hosiery. Irish Linens, Lawns and Sheetings. 4-4 Cotton Shirting, very fine. Ladies' Kid Shoes. Calicoes, Cambricks, Chambrays, Cotton and Thread Laces, &c.
And in daily expectation of receiving by the Protestants from Liverpool, a large assortment of COARSE WOOLENS, and all of which will be sold very low, wholesale and retail, for cash, or on a short credit to punctual customers. Richmond, September 29, 1807. tf
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by Ambrose Dudley of King William county, to secure a debt due by the said Ambrose Dudley to Benjamin Mosby, assignee of William Dan-dridge—We shall proceed to sell, for ready cash, the best price that can be obtained, on the premises, on the fifth day of January next, a certain Tract or Parcel of Land, Lying and being in the county of King William, being the same on which the said Dudley now resides, & the same which the said Dudley purchased of William Dan-dridge, containing 602 acres, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to pay the sum of four hundred pounds, current money, with legal interest thereon from the 1st day of April, 1807, till payment, together with all expenses attending the execution thereof. BERN'D. LIPSCOMB. NATH'L. FOX. 3d Oct. 1807. rds
Fifty Dollars Reward. RUN AWAY from Reuben Clopton, when living in King William county, in the year 1791, on the first of January.
A Negro Man, By the name of NEPTUNE, who formerly belonged to the estate of John Hales, dec. living then in the lower end of Henrico—he is a tall, portly fellow, stoops in his shoulders, or you may say round shouldered, high forehead, his hair picked up each side of his forehead, fat nose, large white teeth, draws his words when he talks, or rather talks through his nose, and has a scar some where in his face, about forty-five years of age—it is supposed he is now passing as a free man in the city of Richmond, as he looks himself secure. There never has any efforts been made to apprehend him—he has a wife at John Hales, dec. living in the lower end of that county, and a mother—perhaps he may be harbored there. Any person, that will deliver him to William Clopton, in Cumberland, or secure him in any jail, so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward. ELIZABETH CLOPTON. Cumberland county, Aug. 14, 1807. tf
FALL GOODS.  TOMPKINS & MURRAY, Are now opening in the house opposite the Post Office, lately occupied by Messrs. Bohn & Hubner, an extensive assortment of FINE GOODS.
Received by the Ship Calpe from London. They have been selected with much care and attention. Among them they would particularly recommend their Assortment of London Superfine Cloths, Casimeres, Tolliets and Hats. Also, an elegant assortment of Fashionable ROBES, MUSLINS, LACES, &c. They have also on hand, a large assortment of Coarse Woollens, Hardware, &c. Received by the ships Herschell, and John & Charles from Liverpool. The whole forms a complete assortment well worthy of attention, which they offer for sale on liberal terms. Richmond, 10th Oct. 1807. tf
TO BE SOLD, At Paineville, in Amelia county, on Monday the 29th of December next, an Extraordinary valuable Black-smith Belonging to the estate of Richard Eggleston, dec. on a credit of six months. Bond with approved security will be required of the purchaser, by THE EXECUTORS. October 11, 1807. tds
LAND In the state of Ohio—FOR SALE. THE subscriber wishes to SELL a valuable TRACT OF LAND, in the state of Ohio, containing 1,000 acres. This tract is of excellent quality, as the subscriber has understood from most respectable information. It lies on Deer creek, a branch of the Sciota, about 16 miles from Chillicothe, in a well settled neighborhood, and is very convenient to the trade of the Ohio. He will dispose of it for cash, or on a short credit, for notes negotiable at the Bank of Virginia; or will exchange it for property in the city of Richmond. An unquestionable title, with general warranty, will be made to the purchaser. W.M. MONROE. Richmond, Sept. 24, 1807. tf
Lands and Negroes FOR SALE. Will be offered for SALE, on the premises, to the highest bidder, on the 24th day of November, (if not previously sold) the TRACT OF LAND whereon the subscriber resides, lying in the county of Prince Edward, on the waters of Buffalo. Containing between 2500 and 3000 acres; a considerable portion of which is valuable CREEK LOW GROUNDS, well adapted to the culture of Tobacco, Corn and Grass. Persons wishing to purchase, will apply to the sub. either on the spot. ALSO, FORTY NEGROES, of different ages and sexes. One third part of the purchase money will be demanded on the day of sale, and the remainder to be paid in twelve months from that date. Bond and security will be required, bearing interest from the date, if not punctually paid. At the same time and place, the Imported Horse
MUFTI, Will be offered for sale on a liberal credit, and if not sold, will be farmed out for the ensuing season. Richard K. Randolph. N. B. The terms on which the land is offered, will be made known on the day of sale. September 11, 1807. oafS.wO.ep.n.
TO BE LEASED for a term of years, the TAVERN, STORES, and two hundred acres of LAND at Charles City Courthouse—An excellent situation for the mercantile business, in a rich neighborhood and on James river 25 miles from Petersburg, 30 from Richmond, and 23 from Williamsburg. For terms apply to John Tyler. Green Way, Nov. 19th, 1807. 6r
GERMAN GOODS.
BOHN & HUBNER, Have just received from Bremen, a general Assortment of German Goods—consisting of Osnaburgs Rowans Sheeting Ticklenburgs Plaitillas Brown Bells Brown Holland Hessians Dowlas, and Damask Rolls Bleached Linen. Sacking
Glass Ware. Quart, Pint and half pint Decanters. Pint and half pint Tumblers—All of which they will sell on reasonable terms. N. B. They have removed to the new brick tenement, the door below Messrs. Taylor and Brown's Vendue Office. Richmond 2d November, 1807. 4w
A LIST of one Hnd. Tobacco remaining in Henderson's Warehouse, upwards of two years, inspected in the names of Joseph Toms, marked I. T. No. 128—124—1192, and if not claimed will be disposed of according to law. Oglesby & Sharp. Milton, October 31, 1807. 3w
NOTICE is hereby given, that a petition will be presented to the next Virginia Assembly, praying that the lands whereof John M'Murry died seized, may be sold for the purpose of satisfying his just debts, he having no heir or legal representative to inherit the same. Wm OVERTON, Adm'r de bonis non, of John M'Murry. Prince Edward, Oct. 27, 1807. 2m
Land for Sale!
PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed to the subscribers by John G. Miller, for the purpose of securing the payment of sundry debts therein mentioned; will be sold upon the first Monday in January, 1808, for cash upon the premises a TRACT OF LAND, mentioned in said deed, lying upon the waters of Lockhart's and Harris' creek, in the county of Prince Edward, and supposed to contain between six and seven hundred acres. We shall make such title as is transferred to us by said Miller, saving all former encumbrances. The improvements upon this land are such as are usual upon good plantations in this part of the country, but better fenced than usual. CHARLES WOODSON, } Trustees. JAMES MADISON, } Prince Edward, 16th Oct. 1807. 10w
PURSUANT to a deed of trust executed by James N. Marshall of the county of Buckingham, to the subscriber for the purposes therein expressed, will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, or upon a credit of six months, at the dwelling house of said Marshall, on the first Monday in December next, four head of HORSES, six head of CATTLE, and twenty head of HOGS, and sundry articles of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, or so much of said property as may be sufficient to satisfy the purposes of this trust. RICHARD POWELL, Trustee. Warrington, October 28, 1807. 1m
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to the subscribers on the 30th day of April last, by Peyton Saunders, for the purposes therein mentioned, will be sold, at the front door of the Eagle Tavern, on Monday the 7th day of next month, between the hours of 11 and 1 o'clock, for ready money, two valuable TRACTS OF LAND, lying and being in Buckingham county, one of them containing two hundred and thirty-eight Acres, this tract is adjoining the lands of Linnaeus Bolling, John Drun, John Lipscomb and James Hudgens, on Buffalo creek—The other tract containing four hundred acres and adjoining the lands of John Harris, Raney Chastain, Nancy Allen and Charles Cault—We shall convey on title to said lands, only as trustees. THOMAS LADD, } Trustees. JOHN TOMPKINS, } 11th Mo. 4th, 1807. tds
BREAM & FOLLET, At the sign of the Anvil, Main street, Richmond, have received, by the latest arrivals from London and Live pool, a very large and General Assortment of
Hardware, Ironmongery, Cutlery, &c. Which will be sold low for Cash, or on a short credit—Amongst which are—
CARPENTER'S joiner's, cooper's, shoemaker's & other mechanical Tools; sheet iron sheet copper and copper bottoms, tin plates, iron brass and copper wire; building materials, nails, tack, brads, locks & hinges, house bells, bell wire, ca. brine measuring, surveyor's compasses, chains & cases of mathematical instruments, gun locks gun and pistol flints, bear, wolf, fox, rat and mouse traps, shot, bar and sheet lead, pots and kettles, bake pans, tea kettles, chafing dishes, block tin coffee pots, Britannia metal tea pots table and tea spoons, knives and forks, pewter dishes, plates and basins, dish covers, plate warmers, plate baskets, tea kettles w. h lamps and cocks, candlessticks and snuffers, fire irons and irons, coal rods, cinder sifters, fender, tavis or footmen, smoothing irons, grid irons, warmers, patent lamps, house lanterns, small hand lanterns, cloak pins, curtain holders, brass nails, fish hooks, jews harps, brass cocks, knitting needles, Bartlett's old patent needles, ivory and horn combs, button moulds, japan'd ware, scissors, pen and jack knives, razors and razor honeys, razor straps, shaving boxes and brushes, curling tongs, curriers' knives and steels, specialties & cases, coffee mills, corn mills, scale beams & weights, money scales, steelyards, cork screws hair and wire sieves, vertical jacks and screens, mill, cross cut and pit saws, jack screws, German steel, weeding & garden hoes, garden rakes scythes and sickles, straw knives, grind stones, marbles, with a great variety of other articles too tedious to enumerate. —ALSO— 40 Kegs FF gun powder, double battle canister powder, liver and paint oil, bolting cloths, glue; 15 pipes 4th proof cogniac brandy, window glass, paints, putty, glaziers' diamonds, best seine twine, wrap twine, patent Windsor shaving soap, Spanish segars, prime pork New-York inspection, old flint corn, a few pieces low priced blue cloths and yellow and white flannels, and a few pipes best New York & Anchor Gin. Richmond, November, 1807. 4w
ADVERTISEMENT. Just Received, a General Assortment of Dutch Bolting Cloth, Of a superior quality. J. Darmstadt. Oct. 22, 1807. tf
The Grand Lodge of Virginia, Will meet on Monday, December the 14th next. Wm. H. Fitzhughson, G. S. Richmond, Nov. 16, 1807. tdm
Will be Sold, To the highest bidder, on Wednesday the 16th of December next, (if fair, if not, the next fair day), all the
Household & Kitchen Furniture, STOCK of all kinds, the Crop of CORN, FODDER, &c. belonging to the estate of Peter Baker, dec'd, among which are some very valuable high blooded Cols, an excellent large House Clock, and a Ten Plate Stove.
The sale will take place at Dover, (the late residence of the deceased)—Terms of sale will be, nine months credit on all sums above ten dollars, the purchaser to give bond and security, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid—for all sums under ten dollars cash will be required. CHRISTENIA BAKER, Ex'x. Dover, Goodland, Nov. 10, 1807. tds
FOR SALE,  My Dwelling House,
IN the town of Manchester, built of brick, two 1 stories high, with 7 rooms and 7 fine places, two passages, besides 4 cellar rooms; together with a complete square of land of two acres, under a fence, and much improved with a variety of choice trees, both forest and fruit. This property will be sold on a long credit, with a small proportion of the purchase money paid at the time the title is made, which is clear of any kind of encumbrance. I appoint the 30th day of this month, for the sale thereof, if fair, if not, the next fair day, at Mr. Brooks's tavern door, at public auction, should it not be disposed of before at private sale—and on Monday next, the 19th instant, I mean to sell at my house, all my Valuable Furniture, and an elegant Chariot and Harness, completely finished and varnished, on a credit of 9 months for all sums above ten dollars; discounts made where I owe on any known sum. This arrangement in my affairs I am disposed to make, from the late loss my family has sustained, intending to live at my plantation in Chesterfield, six miles above the town of Manchester. Archibald Campbell. November 13th, 1807.
THE above Sale, as it respects the Furniture, is postponed until Saturday next, the 21st current, at 11 o'clock, in the forenoon; when it will certainly take place. ARCH'D CAMPBELL.
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by John H. Saunders, junior, of Powhatan county, to secure two debts, one due to Alban Gilpin & Co. and he other due to Gilpin Cooke & Co. of said county, amounting to ninety-one pounds sixteen shillings and six pence, with interest from the date of said deed; will be sold, one NEGRO MAN, Sam, the property of said Saunders, to the highest bidder, for ready cash, on Saturday the fifth of December next, at Powhatan Courthouse, to satisfy the said debts, together with all charges attending the execution thereof. John Archer, } Trustees. Wm. Royall, } Nov. 9th, 1807. 3w
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by Peter F. Archer, of Powhatan county, to secure the payment of two debts due to Alban Gilpin & Co. and Gilpin, Cooke & Co. of said county, amounting to three hundred and forty-seven pounds four shillings and seven pence, with interest from the date of said deed; will be sold, the following PROPERTY, viz. one certain tract or parcel of LAND, containing forty-two acres, which said Archer purchased of Dabney M'Wharton, and adjoining Powhatan courthouse tract, and also one Negro Woman, Chainey, the property of said Archer, the fifth day of December next, at Powhatan courthouse, to satisfy the said debts, together with all charges attending the execution thereof. Wm. A. Cooke, } Trustees. Jacob Michaux, } Nov. 9th, 1807. 3w
By virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by Archibald Cary Randolph of Goodland county, to secure the payment of a debt due Samuel Harris of Powhatan county, amounting to one hundred and fifty three pounds eighteen shillings, with interest from the date of said instrument, will be sold, the following PROPERTY, viz. one Negro Woman, Nelly, and her son John, and a Mulatto Girl, Priscilla, the property of said Randolph, to the highest bidder, for cash, on Friday the fifteenth of January, 1808, at Jefferson, to satisfy the said debt, together with all costs and charges attending the execution of said trust. Alban Gilpin, trustee. Nov. 9th, 1807. tds
Holland Linen. JUST received, an Assortment of HOLLAND LINEN, from 3s 9d to 12s per yard. BOHN & HUBNER. November 12, 1807. 2w
For Rent, A HOUSE and LOT, with a stable, a smoke-house and a good garden well enclosed, on Shockoe Hill, wherein Mr. John Peairie lived the present year. Thomas Elliott. Richmond, Nov. 9th, 1807. tf
FOR SALE, And may be seen at the Bel Tavern, one of the most elegant pair of
Full bred Bay Horses, that has ever been exhibited in the city of Richmond—one of them 5 and the other 6 years old. Nov. 12. tf
JUST PUBLISHED, And for sale at this office by the gross, dozen or single,  THE VIRGINIA FARMER'S Almanac, for 1808; Adapted to the latitude and meridian of Richmond. By BENJAMIN BATES, of Hanover county.
CONTAINING, beside the Astronomical calculations, Officers of the State Government—Senators & Members of the House of Delegates—Judges of the Superior Courts—Superior and County Court days—An Essay on the cultivation of Tobacco, &c.—Fattening Horses—Raising Turnips and preventing the Fly—Finishing of Cattle—A variety of interesting Anecdotes—The celebrated New Tid Re L, the birth of Paddy O'Rafferty, junior, &c. &c. &c.
Notice, THAT the following articles, manufactured at the Penitentiary, with the prices thereof annexed, are constantly kept for sale at the store of Nicholas Hallam, agent for the commonwealth, a few doors above the Swan Tavern in the city of Richmond: viz.
   CUT NAILS.   Wholesale. Retail.     3d. 13 cents. 14 cents per pound.   4d. 12 1-2 13 1-2   6d. 11 1-2 12 1-2   8d. 10 1-2 11 1-2   10d. 10 11   12d. 10 11   20d. 10 11        CUT BRADS.     8d. 10 11   10d. 9 1-2 10 1-2   12d. 9 1-2 10 1-2   20d. 9 1-2 10 1-2        WROUGHT NAILS.     6d. 13 14   8d. 12 1-2 13 1-2   10d. 12 13   12d. 12 13   20d. 12 13   30d. 12 13    Spikes of all sizes the same price as 30d nails. Men's fine shoes from 12s to 13s 6d coarse do from 7s 6d to 10s Women's fine do from 7s 6d to 9s Boys & Miss's do from 3s 6d to 6s Negroes' shoes from 7s 6d to 9s Richmond, November 4th, 1807. tf
GERARD BANKS Has it in view to establish a NEWS-PAPER in Richmond, to be published twice a week—The Title
THE VIRGINIAN. THE Editor has been always attached to Republican systems. The present Administration, in his view, is well calculated to ensure the happiness of the people, and any Administration which may succeed, pursuing the same general course, will be supported. Foreign and Domestic details will be noticed. Besides this, the public will, time after time, be apprised of the affairs of the public institutions, and particularly of the course of the Bank, its managers, its influence, its defects and impositions. The usurpations of this dangerous institution will be noted; the Aristocracy which grows from its management will be exposed. This course will be pursued with a temper and firmness, which will yield neither to the blandishments ofattery, nor the frowns of power. Stock jobbing and Favoritism, Twin Demons, will be arrested when ever they appear. 500 Subscribers at 5 dollars per annum each, one half in advance, are necessary to the commencement of the paper. (ti) GERARD BANKS
PROPOSALS, FOR  PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, A REPORT OF THE
TRIAL  OF  Col. Aaron Burr,
FOR  HIGH TREASON, In the Circuit Court of the United States, held at the City of Richmond, in Virginia, in the Summer of the year 1807.
TAKEN IN SHORT HAND,  By DAVID ROBERTSON, OF PETERSBURG.
THIS publication will contain a correct and full statement of the documents in the cause, the arguments of counsel, and the opinion of the Judges on the different points discussed, including the preliminary and interesting proceedings which occurred before the Grand Jury were sworn, and while they were in deliberation. It will consist of two volumes, bound in boards, of which, the precise number of pages cannot yet be ascertained, as the trial is not finished; but the price will not exceed fifty cents for every hundred pages: it will be less if it can possibly be afforded. It will be put to the press as soon as possible. The first volume will be ready to be delivered in two, and the second in four months from the termination of the trial, and sooner if it can be accomplished. It is essential to a correct execution of the work, that it should not be too hastily published. The price must be paid on the delivery of the first volume. The arguments of the counsel will be detailed verbatim as uttered—as also the opinions of the Judges—except where they were read in court; in which cases, they will be published as read and furnished by themselves. To all persons capable of reading and understanding, this trial, the most important that has ever yet taken place in America, will be amusing and interesting. and to the lawyer, politician, and man of general information, it will be particularly gratifying and useful; as comprehending a valuable treatise on legal subjects, especially High Treason. Mr. ROBERTSON, with some inconvenience to himself, undertook this publication at the earnest request of many respectable gentlemen, and in compliance with what he conceived to be a very general desire.—The applications to him were induced by a wish, to have a faithful and correct statement of the proceedings. His known skill and experience in this art, his strict impartiality in former publications, and his legal and literary knowledge, warrant the belief, that the utmost confidence may be put in the fidelity and accuracy of his report. To the foregoing will be added, the subsequent proceedings against Col. Burr. His trial for a misdemeanor—for preparing an expedition against Mexico—and the motion to commit him, in order to send him to Kentucky to be tried for treason said to be committed at the mouth of Cumberland river. FOR SALE, SIXTY and three fourth acres of LAND, in Henrico, lying within ten miles of the city of Richmond. The land is well timbered with pine and oak,—there is an almost new house on the land, 16 by 18 feet, and about two or three acres cleared, and a well of good water. Any person inclined to purchase, may have a bargain, by applying to the subscriber near the city. Wm ROWNTREE. November 24, 1807. w3t
NOTICE is hereby given, that the subscriber will petition the ensuing General Assembly to have restored to him an original Military Certificate, granted on the part of the Commonwealth of Virginia in favor of one Francis Bourne, for balance of pay as a drummer in the Virginia line, and assigned by said Bourne to the petitioner, and claimed from him by John Pendleton, late auditor of public accounts, when presented to him by the petitioner for payment of interest. ROBT. MITCHELL.
W. WARDLAW, HAS received his fall supply of Surgeon's Instruments, Patent Medicines, &c. By the Ship Herschell, from Liverpool, he has received an assortment of Pills and Sharp Furniture, suitable for Physicians. On hand a few MEPHITIC AIR MACHINES. Richmond, October 19, 1807. w8t
Charlotte Court, 5th October, 1807. Charles M. Kenney, plaintiff. Against John Pallett and Harry Pallett, defendants. In Chancery.
THE defendant John, not having entered his appearance 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 he appear here on the first day of January Court next and enter his appearance, and give security for performing the decree of the court; and that a copy of this order be inserted in one of the newspapers printed in Richmond for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the courthouse of the said county. A copy, Teste, Thomas Read, clk.
Notice. COMMITTED to the jail of Charlotte county on the 29th of July last, a Negro Man, who calls himself Frederick, and says he belongs to Fleming Cocke of Goodland, he is about 5 feet 10 inches high, has an old drab great coat, and an iron collar about his neck with about 2 feet of chain to it; the owner is requested to prove his property, pay charges and take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs. Francis Scott, Jr., Jailer. 25th Sept. 1807. w3m
A House and Lots  FOR SALE.
THE subscriber offers for sale three valuable LOTS OF GROUND in the city of Williamsburg; on which there is a large and commodious dwelling house, (containing eight good rooms, and two large passages,) together with a good garden, a stable, and all necessary out houses for the use of a genteel family. Any person desirous of purchasing will please to apply to William Munford, Esq. of this city, who will make known the terms of sale, and is authorised to conclude the bargain. Possession will be delivered to the purchaser on the 16th day of January next. Anna Byrd. Richmond, September 12, 1807. tf
TO RENT  TWO LARGE BRICK STORES, Almost new, under one roof, and covered with Tiles.
SITUATE on the south side of the main Street, and nearly opposite the Market House; one is a corner house. These houses are rendered fire proof (externally) by the addition of Iron Shutters in the direction that there is danger (from fire) to be apprehended. Possession may be had on application to Wm. MITCHELL. Richmond, September 24, 1807
Fitzhughson & Potter, Have on hand, an extensive assortment of Blank Books Musical Instruments Stationery Spectacles School Books Pen Knives Music, and Travelling Trunks, &c. BOOK BINDING in all its branches executed in the best manner. Richmond, November 16, 1807. w4t
Drugs & Medicines.
Daniel Wm. Sackrider & Co. Have this day opened a general assortment of DRUGS & MEDICINES, And a great variety of valuable PATENT MEDICINES, which they are determined to sell on reasonable terms. DANIEL WM. SACKRIDER offers his services to the citizens of Richmond and its vicinity as a practitioner of Physic, Surgery, &c. &c. He has every reason to believe his professional services will be satisfactory to those who will honor him with their confidence. Richmond, July 20th, nearly opposite Doct. Foushee's. 12m
Royster & Bohannan, Respectfully inform their friends and the public generally, that they have just received a general assortment of
GROCERIES, Which they will sell low for cash, country produce, or good notes at sixty days.
—AMONGST WHICH ARE—   1200 sacks Liverpool Salt
consisting of