The enquirer (Richmond, Va.), 1806-03-04 00:00:00

The Enquirer.
PUBLISHED BY THOMAS RITCHIE, OPPOSITE THE POST-OFFICE... AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM... (PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.)
NUMBER 95.]
RICHMOND, TUESDAY MORNING, MARCH 4, 1806.
[VOLUME 2.
Richmond Prices Current.
Table with 4 columns: Item, Dollars, Cents. Items include Tobacco, Wheat, Flour, Corn Meal, Bacon, Bar Iron, Whiskey.
NOTICE.
I hereby give, that I will not be responsible for any backloading put on board my BOAT, commanded by James & branded W. Norvell, except it be done with my consent.
WILLIAM ROSE, Jr.
LAND.
One thousand acres, formerly known by the name of David Irvin's Quarter, on Otter River, in this county, adjoining the Land whereon the subscriber lives...
HOUSTON'S newly invented PATENT METALLIC HONE, may be had at Mr. Geo. Greenhow's store, opposite the Eagle Tavern.
RUNAWAY from the subscriber, two NEGROES, Billy and Edmund; Billy is supposed to be thirty years old, upwards of six feet in height...
200 NEGROES—FOR SALE. HAVING no long been delayed and disappointed in recovering considerable debts due to me, suspended by the multiplicity of business...
At the particular request of Mr. Rose, and in virtue of powers vested in us, we will dispose of ONE HUNDRED SLAVES.
At Warmfunder, on the 13th day of March next, and ONE HUNDRED at Lynchburg, on the 19th day of the same month.
One half of the purchase money must be paid down, the balance, payable in twelve months from the day of sale, bearing interest from the date; to be remitted if the principal is punctually paid.
THE SUBSCRIBER, OFFERS FOR SALE,
THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY, viz :
THE HOUSES AND LOTS on Shockoe-Hill at present occupied by himself; the quantity of ground, is two half acres lots and twenty-four feet.
The other houses on the Lots, are, a brick office 24 by 20 feet having a Cellar beneath, of the same size, a large and convenient room for business on the principal floor...
The well is plentifully supplied with water of the best quality; the yard about the house is nearly turf'd and shaded with trees, and ornamented with flower-beds.
The garden has in it every description of pot herbs, some fruit trees, and a number of Currant, Gooseberry and Raspberry bushes, with extensive beds of Strawberries.
The whole of these buildings are in a state of perfect repair; and whilst the occupant may with convenience attend to business in any part of this city, he will enjoy the health and retirement of the most pleasant country residence...
It is proposed to sell this property for cash. United States Stock, Bank Stock, or Slaves at their cash value.
The subscriber is likewise desirous of selling on a credit of six and twelve months, fourteen half acre Lots near the intended site of the Richmond Academy.
91,730 acres of LAND in the counties of Kenhawa, Harrison and Montgomery, which will be sold at very long credit, or exchanged for property on the eastern side of the Blue-Ridge.
And 606 2-3 acres on the Little Banen river in Kentucky, on which the taxes have been regularly and fully paid, and to which a general warranty title will be made.
SAMUEL GREENHOW. (Stow & Scott.)
TO RENT,
TWO HOUSES on the Cross-Street leading to Mr. Craig's Office: both of which are large and convenient for private boarding houses.
MICHAEL GRANTLAND. (1w. law.)
LAND FOR SALE.
By virtue of a decree of Louisa Court, will be sold on the premises, on the 20th day of March next, to the highest bidder, for ready money; a TRACT OF LAND belonging to the estate of Major Thomas Johnson...
COMMISSIONERS. (1m.)
NOTICE.
Pursuant to the last will and testament of Philip Groves, dec'd. late of Amherst county, will be exposed to sale—
A Valuable TRACT OF LAND, lying in the said county, on the main road leading from Lynchburg to New-Glasgow, within 3 miles of the latter and 18 of the former place; containing by estimation, four hundred and seven and one half acres...
Wm. B. GOOCH. ROBERT WALKER, } Executors. Jan. 30. (1w. law.)
WILL BE SOLD.
To the highest bidder for ready money, on the premises, on Monday the 17th day of March next, by virtue of a deed of trust, executed by Mathew Brown, to John Nicholas, and John Kelly, to secure the payment of a sum of money...
JOHN KELLY, Acting Trustee. Charlottesville, Feb. 19. (11w.)
FOR SALE,
A TRACT OF LAND, in the County of Prince Edward, on which the subscriber now resides, containing 600 acres, within 6 miles of the Courthouse, and 8 of Hampden Sydney College.
CHARLES SCOTT. February 11. (1w. law.)
Cumberland, January 25th, 1806.
TAKE notice that, on the twenty-fifth day of March next, at Waltham's old store, and on the twenty-fifth at Waltham's old store, I shall proceed to take the depositions of sundry persons, to read in a suit depending in the County Court of Amelia; in which I am Plaintiff and you Defendant.
I am, &c. CAIN MAUN.
MR. ARCHER PERKINSON. February 13. (law 3w.)
TO RENT,
FOUR ROOMS in my House on the street leading from the Main-street up Shockoe hill by the Governor's. The situation is healthy and pleasant, being in the centre of the town, near the Capitol and Main-street, it is very convenient for business...
W. F. AST. Feb. 3. (1w.)
IN pursuance of a Deed of Trust executed by Major Winfree to me, for the benefit of John Balfet, will be sold for ready money, the following SLAVES, to wit: Pat, Lucy, Jack, Moses, Fanny, Itham, Betty and Judy...
ROBERT KING, Trustee. February 18. (law 2w.)
FOR SALE.
On a credit of one two and three years; MY HOUSE and five acres of GROUND near the Poor House; the lots may be sold separately or together, and if together, land in Kentucky will be received in exchange for the part payment...
ROBERT CROUCH. P.S. His Father's TAVERN to rent. Feb. 15. (1w.)
VALUABLE PROPERTY FOR SALE.
To be sold to the highest bidder, on Thursday the 1st day of May next, in the town of Lynchburg, and county of Campbell.
THAT large and commodious TAVERN and improved piece of ground, adjoining thereto; situated in the centre of laid town and on the main street at the corner leading to the jail and court house, and not more than thirty yards from the latter, opposite Lynch's Ware-House and the street leading from the ferry landing.
SAMUEL SCOTT. Februar 11. (1w.)
Seat of Government.
SENATE UNITED STATES.
THURSDAY, FEB. 13.
BRITISH AGGRESSIONS.
DEBATE on the second resolution reported by a select committee, as given in our last.
[CONTINUED.]
DR. MITCHELL
DR. MITCHELL said he hoped the resolution would be adopted in its full extent.
As the proposition recommended to the Senate...
Towards the end of 1803, more than half the articles of the treaty between our government and that of Great Britain had ceased.
Of the three resolutions reported by the select committee, the second, which was the one under consideration, was solely of an executive nature.
Dr. M. did not think with the gentleman who preceded him, that the adoption of the proposition would be productive of discord;
Of the three resolutions reported by the select committee, the second, which was the one under consideration, was solely of an executive nature.
There was another step which might have been the subject of a fourth resolution, and that was war.
For his part, he believed the acts of the cruisers and courts of his Britannic majesty were directly and openly hostile;
and it was only necessary for us to consider them so, to make ourselves a party in the strife among the nations.
Although the provocation was sufficient to justify us in a declaration of war, Dr. M. said he would at present prefer a different policy.
He would in the first place make another overture of civility; and if that did not succeed, our connection could be discontinued.
If after that, it should be necessary to put ourselves in hostile array, he knew there was courage enough in the nation to make an enemy, now as heretofore, tremble on approaching our shores.
Viewing the subject in this manner, and conceiving the proposition as one of a catenation of measures on a subject of great national importance...
Mr. BAYARD.—Mr. President—If there be any objection to the resolution now before us, it is that it shelters the executive government from that responsibility as to its measures which properly ought to attach to it.
The duty prescribed by the resolution is of an executive nature, and the President is charged with the care of those interests for which the resolution provides.
By prescribing a course of conduct to the executive, we release that branch of government from responsibility as to the event, & take it upon ourselves.
But, sir, though I feel this objection, yet at the present moment it is outweighed by other considerations.
The state of our public affairs is critical, and at such a time I think it becomes every branch and member of the government to co-operate with cordiality and zeal in support of each other, and to strive to do more rather than less than their respective duty.
The design of this resolution, sir, presents itself to my mind in a very different point of view from that in which it appears to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Smith).
That honorable member is opposed to it because he thinks it gives just cause of offence to the President.
THE WAR
The war which was rekindled in Europe soon after the expiration of the temporary articles of the treaty...
great maritime powers, and thrown into the hands of neutrals an extraordinary proportion of the colonial and carrying trade.
The citizens of the United States among others, had profited by the opportunity, and engaged extensively in this neutral commerce.
But it had been the policy of Great Britain, the strongest maritime nation among the belligerents, to intercept this intercourse of neutrals, with the colonies of her colonies, as if they had been her own colonies.
A series of outrageous proceedings had been the result; such as had excited the most lively indignation against them from Maine to Georgia, and roused the nation with one voice to resist and repel them.
Dr. M. said he would enumerate a few of these injurious principles and acts.
The great and fundamental requisition, which served as a ground-work for a principal part of the war, was, that a commerce allowed to neutrals by belligerents, during and on account of the war, ought to be prohibited.
The assumption of such a rule, in contradiction of all the practices, acknowledgments, and treaties, among civilized nations, was a dangerous innovation upon their public law.
It was, however, followed by another declaration of theirs, equally unfounded in truth and reason; and this was that as the adherence to the principle was rightfully in them, they might relax from the observance of it when they pleased; and that such relaxations were always acts of favour and grace to neutrals.
Another of the extravagant consequences of this doctrine was, that the belligerent might inquire into the intention of the neutral, as to colonial produce exported from his own country under drawback, and if he would not prove to the satisfaction of the prize court, that such produce was originally imported into the neutral country for consumption there, without the design of sending it abroad once more, the ship and cargo should be condemned; thus declaring that two distinct commercial operations, were one and the same continued voyage.
So it has been pretended and insisted by them that a vessel which has escaped their vigilance on a voyage from the neutral to the belligerent port, and has begun her return voyage loaded with the productions (not contraband) of the latter country in exchange for the cargo carried thither, may be captured and condemned under an allegation that such outward cargo was the produce of an enemy's colony.
By this means, the certificate of origin as to French produce, was made the evidence on which the condemnation was grounded in the British court.
The catalogue of grievances, he said, was long and odious; but he would mention the oppressive manner in which the British exercised the right of search, the unjustifiable impressment of seamen, wherever they pleased to take them, and their arbitrary proceedings relative to blockaded ports, as tending to wound the feelings of individuals, to excite national irritation, and to revive those sentiments of animosity and hatred which had been dying away ever since the revolutionary war; and but for these renewed acts of hostility would have been forgotten.
With all these difficulties in view, stated & reiterated from all the commercial cities of the nation, the proposition now under consideration, had been reported.
It was in the nature of an admonition to the President, to make a further effort to accommodate these differences in a just and amicable way.
The resolve which passed the Senate unanimously yesterday, comprehended a total denial of the interpolated maxims, and the conduct which they authorized.
The resolution now before the Senate was a corollary from the other.
It sprang from the former as a natural inference.
The two were so intimately connected, that he considered the adoption of the former as a favourable prelude to the reception of this.
And having declared that unprovoked aggressions had been made upon the persons and properties of our citizens, there was an evident propriety in endeavouring to negotiate on the subject, and settle the differences by fair discussion.
But an objection had been made, that the Senate was about to proffer advice to the President of the United States.
The resolution certainly was written for that purpose, and in this there was the strictest propriety.
For by the constitution, this body is the council of that high executive officer.
In questions touching our foreign relations, the Senators are declared by the supreme law of the land to be the President's counsellors.
In urgent and arduous cases it was not only allowable for them to exercise this right, but it was their duty to do so.
By such a measure, there was no reflection on the chief magistrate; for it was well known he had vigilantly and correctly done his duty.
He had left nothing untried that was in his power.
Now, however, when another effort was to be made, he believed the President, though firm in the performance of the important trusts reposed in him, would be comforted and strengthened by the approving voice of his constitutional advisers.
With this resolution in his hand, he would speak to a foreign nation in a bolder tone, and employ the energetic language of his united fellow citizens.
Dr. M. did not think with the gentleman who preceded him, that the adoption of the proposition would be productive of discord; but on the contrary would have a happy tendency to promote harmony, by a candid and patriotic communication of sentiments between these two important organs of the government.
Of the three resolutions reported by the select committee, the second, which was the one under consideration, was solely of an executive nature.
The two others, to wit: the first which had passed without a dissenting voice, & the third which remained to be acted upon, were of a legislative complexion.
Together they constituted a series of measures adapted to the present exigencies of the nation.
The first declared the wrongs done us; the second proposed to settle the dispute to which these wrongs gave rise, by equitable arrangement or treaty; and the third proposed, in case no settlement could be obtained upon just and honourable terms, to diminish our intercourse with a nation whose administration was so unjust and inexcusable.
There was another step which might have been the subject of a fourth resolution, and that was war.
For his part, he believed the acts of the cruisers and courts of his Britannic majesty were directly and openly hostile; and it was only necessary for us to consider them so, to make ourselves a party in the strife among the nations.
Although the provocation was sufficient to justify us in a declaration of war, Dr. M. said he would at present prefer a different policy.
He would in the first place make another overture of civility; and if that did not succeed, our connection could be discontinued.
If after that, it should be necessary to put ourselves in hostile array, he knew there was courage enough in the nation to make an enemy, now as heretofore, tremble on approaching our shores.
Viewing the subject in this manner, and conceiving the proposition as one of a catenation of measures on a subject of great national importance...
Mr. BAYARD.—Mr. President—If there be any objection to the resolution now before us, it is that it shelters the executive government from that responsibility as to its measures which properly ought to attach to it.
The duty prescribed by the resolution is of an executive nature, and the President is charged with the care of those interests for which the resolution provides.
By prescribing a course of conduct to the executive, we release that branch of government from responsibility as to the event, & take it upon ourselves.
But, sir, though I feel this objection, yet at the present moment it is outweighed by other considerations.
The state of our public affairs is critical, and at such a time I think it becomes every branch and member of the government to co-operate with cordiality and zeal in support of each other, and to strive to do more rather than less than their respective duty.
The design of this resolution, sir, presents itself to my mind in a very different point of view from that in which it appears to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Smith).
That honorable member is opposed to it because he thinks it gives just cause of offence to the President.
That we prescribe to the President a course of duty which he ought certainly to perform without our injunction, and of consequence we betra
doubts that he will do what belongs to his office without our interference.
For my part, sir, I do not consider the resolution as intended in any degree for the President, but as designed for the British government.
I suppose without the resolution the President would take the course which it marks out.
But we intend to manifest by it, that it is not simply the opinion of the President that specific redress should be granted for the wrongs we have suffered, but that it is the concurrent sense of this branch of the government, that such redress should be insisted on.
I do not mean that we should be considered as offering an empty menace to the British cabinet, but a demonstration of the union of the different branches of our government in demanding satisfaction for the wrongs done us.
Foreign governments calculate much on our divisions, our union will disappoint those calculations.
It has been objected by the gentleman from Vermont, that it is improper to pass the resolution, because it is not the ground of any legislative proceeding.
The gentleman is too late in making this objection.
He has voted for the resolution which lays the foundation of the basis of a legislative act.
At present it is designed only as the declaration of our opinion as to the conduct of a foreign nation.
But I am not disposed to admit that these resolutions may not become the ground of a legislative act.
It belongs to Congress to declare war, and when I give my assent to these resolutions, I consider myself as pledged to vote for war; if redress is not granted to us.
In adopting the first resolution, we have gone too far to recede.
We have declared that unprovoked aggressions have been committed on the property of our citizens—that our neutral rights have been violated and our national independence trespassed upon.
This unanimous declaration is recorded in your journals; and can we hesitate whether we will bear the wrongs and affronts put upon us, or hazard the peril of a war?
Can we, fir, after the declaration which we have made sit quietly down and console ourselves with the meek virtue of suffering with forbearance?
For what purpose have gentlemen agreed to the first resolution?
To shew the world we knew the extent of our injuries, yet from indolence or dread we meant they should pass unredressed and unavenged.
I hope, fir, that it will not be thought that I wish for war, or would, without adequate cause, plunge the nation into it.
I am contending only that we must learn to insist upon our national rights, or by and by none will belong to us.
We must learn to defend our honor as a people, or soon we shall be without national character.
We are best protected against war when it is known that we are ready to meet it.
Let the nations of Europe know that a love of ease, a dread of disasters, or an apprehension of privations, chain you to a state of peace, and they will drain your treasury of its last cent, and make you drink the dregs of humiliation.
I hope the government will never go to war without a just and sufficient cause.
But when that cause does exist, I hope they will not be appalled by the dangers or calamities of war.
The resolution before us is not, however, a declaration of war.
We have stated in the first resolution the wrongs we have suffered, we here state the redress we expect.
I do not consider that the resolution enjoins on the President any particular mode of negotiation, or to demand any specific satisfaction.
But it requires something substantial, direct satisfaction or equivalent indemnity, and some assurance of future security.
I am in favor of the resolution because I think it will facilitate the negotiations of the President.
When it is seen that we are united in insisting upon our rights, that rather than abandon them, we are resolved to encounter any alternative; it must create impression and serious reflection abroad.
The resolutions justify the President in speaking in a manly tone to the British government, in holding a language worthy of a great and free people, and I therefore give them my cordial support.
(To be continued.)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Friday, February 21.
The bill for increasing the salaries of the judges of the territory of Orleans was read the third time and rejected.
Yees 45—Nays 68.
The bill for the relief of Philip Nicklin and R. E. Griffith was read the third time and passed—Yees 69—Nays 40.

Mr. Jackson observed that the House having decided against augmenting the salaries of the Judges of the territory of Orleans, in consequence, probably, of the idea that a general review of the salaries of the Judges of the several territories of the United States should be previously made, he would in correspondence with that impression, offer the following resolution:
Resolved, That the committee of Ways and Means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of increasing the salaries of the officers of the territories of the United States, and of the district of Columbia, or any of them, and that they be authorised to report by bill or otherwise.
On the question to take this motion into consideration, the House divided—Ayes 28. The bill authorising the sale of a lot of land in the town of Cincinnati, and state of Ohio, was read a third time and passed.
The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, enclosing an annual statement of the district tonnage of the U. S.
A bill was received from the Senate to suspend the commercial intercourse between the U. S. and certain parts of the island of St. Domingo.
This bill prohibits all commercial intercourse between citizens or inhabitants of the U. S. and any part of the island of St. Domingo not in the possession and under the acknowledged government of France; in violation of this provision, the vessel and cargo are to be forfeited. It is limited to one year, and the President is authorised at any intermediate time to take off the restraints and prohibitions.
Referred to a committee of the whole on Monday.
Mr. Gregg, agreeably to notice given yesterday, called for the order of the day, on a resolution, offered by him on the 6th day of December, for the repeal of so much of an act of Congress, regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the U. S. south of the state of Tennessee, as appropriates any portion thereof to the satisfaction of claims under certain acts of Georgia.
Mr. Meriwether moved a postponement till Monday.
Mr. Eppes moved a postponement till the second Monday of March. He said every member knew his sentiments on this subject. He was in favor of the proposition of the gentleman from Pennsylvania. But, while so many interesting subjects, in which the national welfare was directly involved, remained unacted upon, he did think that every thing calculated to disturb the harmony of the House ought to be withheld from consideration; that no unpleasant circumstances, or division of opinion on subordinate points, should prevent the concurrence of men of all parties in the adoption of measures called for by the interesting crisis of our affairs.
Mr. Gregg did not know on what ground the gentleman inferred that this proposition was calculated to cause more division among the members of the House, than any other proposition which might be offered. It was a plain and simple question, whether it was not best, under all the circumstances of the case, to repeal the law making an appropriation for satisfying the claims under the act proposed to be repealed; that Congress might thus forever be done with the subject. Mr. G. said he had forborne calling up this resolution for the reasons assigned by the gentleman from Virginia. Though he considered the subject important, and that it behoved the legislature to decide upon it at an early day, he had thought it most advisable not to call it up till the great national business before the House were attended to. This last business had been unexpectedly delayed from time to time; and he thought it probable that the resolution, under consideration, could be acted upon, before the House were prepared to act on the national business. He regretted that the subject of our differences with one of the belligerent nations had not before this time been acted on. He had laid a resolution on the table on this subject four weeks ago. But it had been delayed by a call for various treasury statements; which he regretted having consented to ask, as, in his opinion, they had no bearing on the subject.
Mr. Jackson rose to move a postponement indefinitely.
Mr. Leib said as this motion involved a decision of the main question he would call for the taking of the Yeas and Nays.
Mr. Thomas hoped the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Jackson) would withdraw his motion, as, from its going to reject the resolution, it would produce all the remarks which would arise from a direct discussion of it. For the reasons which had been urged by the gentleman from Virginia, (Mr. Eppes) who had first spoke, which he considered very cogent; and as the subject of compromise was progressing, and might be settled before the second Monday of March, he hoped the motion for an indefinite postponement would be withdrawn, and that for a postponement to the second Monday of March prevail.
Mr. Jackson said, if he viewed the subject in the same light with the gentleman who had just spoken, he would agree to withdraw his motion. He could, however, never make principle bend to expediency. Principle had heretofore governed his vote, and should still continue to govern it. Even on the ground of expediency, he doubted the propriety of adopting the resolution. It was known there was another subject connected with it, before the legislature. If that should be decided in the negative, it might be proper to agree to this resolution. As there was a probability that that subject would come before the House, he did not wish to bring the subject twice before them in one session. Its discussion had heretofore excited all the malignant passions of the human heart, and it was well calculated to disturb that harmony which ought assiduously to be cherished when they were on the eve of entering on business of the deepest national interest.
Mr. J. said he wished the subject could be avoided altogether. He was heartily sick of it, and wished to get rid of it for ever. But he thought it most proper that the question of compromise should first be decided. If that were negatived, the course pointed out by the resolution of the gentleman from Pennsylvania might be necessary.
Mr. Allison hoped the motion for an indefinite postponement would not prevail. He said that though his sentiments were not changed on this subject, and though they were the same now they ever had been, he did believe the tranquility of the nation depended much on the decision of this question, and the meeting it fairly and fully. He hoped this would take place this session; but with his friend from Virginia, he hoped the subject would not be taken up. He thought that the other question, relative to a compromise of claims, should be previously discussed. If the question of compromise should not be agreed to, he would agree to that course which would prevent the subject from ever being agitated within these walls, by transferring it entirely to the judicial tribunals of the country. He would ra-
ther make a voluntary return of the whole territory to Georgia than suffer the subject to remain in its present state. Should the compromise be not agreed to, he would in proper time lay a proposition to this effect before the House. He thought the interest of the nation required the getting rid of the subject in this way.
Mr. Jackson withdrew his motion. He said his object could be effected by postponing the resolution from time to time, till the question of compromise should be first decided. He was indeed willing that both questions should be decided at the same time.
Mr. Clark was really concerned his colleague had made this motion. The resolution of the gentleman from Pennsylvania had been before them two months, and not a single step taken respecting it, and now we are told we are not to act upon it till a proposition, not even before us, shall be decided upon. Whatever be before the other branch of the legislature, we are not at liberty to argue upon it. What prospect then is there to get at this subject, when gentlemen say their object is to postpone it from time to time, till a proposition in its embryo shall be decided upon? If the subject were really considered as composed of such inflammatory materials as some gentlemen think, the sooner it is decided the better. Mr. C. said he was ready to go at once into the discussion, and he thought the hotter the battle, the earlier would be the peace that followed it. He was ready to repeal the law, which in the opinion of some gentlemen, gave a sanction to claims founded in fraud and corruption.
Mr. Gregg said he had no objection to the postponement moved by the gentleman from Virginia, provided they could get at the business contemplated by him. But if this could not be done, he was rather for going into a consideration of the resolution. As to the proposition of compromise, he knew nothing of it. No proposition of this kind had been received by the House from the claimants. To postpone therefore this resolution for a business they knew nothing about, was very extraordinary. If he were satisfied they could get at this business within the time mentioned, he would be content to let it rest for the present. But as that was uncertain, he hoped the resolution would not prevail.
Mr. G. W. Campbell hoped the motion to postpone would prevail. Business of much more importance claimed a prior attention. He conceived that the resolution, when investigated, would be found to contain a very curious principle, which the House would not be likely to adopt. It went not merely to decide on the rights of others, but to strip them of the right of deciding upon those rights. He should be against deciding on the resolution until they had previously decided the question of compromise. As he did not think it necessary, before this decision was made, to deprive themselves of the power of allowing claims which might be brought before them. The postponement would leave an opening to Congress to act on their claims as they may see fit. For this reason, and in order that business of greater moment might be taken up in the first instance, he should be in favor of the postponement.
The question was then taken on the postponement, until the 2d Monday of March, and carried—Ayes 73—Nays 39.
Mr. Nicholson, from the committee of ways and means, in the absence of the chairman, reported a bill making appropriation for the support of government for the year 1806, which was referred to a committee of the whole on Monday.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole—Mr. Gregg in the chair—on the bill from the Senate providing for the payment of the witnesses on the trial of Samuel Chase.
Mr. John C. Smith gave a history of the fate of a similar bill at the close of the last session, & advocated its adoption.
Mr. Macon moved to amend the bill by limiting the payment of witnesses to those summoned on the part of the U. S.
On this motion a debate arose, which occupied the remaining part of the sitting; in which Messrs. Macon and Nicholson supported; and Messrs. Allison, Jackson, and Early opposed the amendment.
When, on motion of Mr. Smilie, the committee rose and obtained leave to sit again.
Monday, February 24. Mr. Gregg from the committee on public lands reported on the petitions of Roger Enos and Robert H. Stone.—The report in both cases is unfavourable to the petitioners.
The House took into consideration the bill, received from the Senate, to prohibit commercial intercourse with the island of St. Domingo.
A motion was made by Mr. Nicholson to amend the bill as to require bonds to be given with sureties , [The bill from the Senate only required a bond to be given by the masters and owners,] to prevent all trade to the ports of that island which are not in the possession of the French.
Mr. Nicholson supported this amendment. Mr. J. Clay opposed it. Mr. Jackson spoke in favour of it. Mr. Nicholson, for the purpose of allowing further time to examine the provisions of the bill, moved its postponement till to-morrow.
Messrs. Eppes, Bidwell, Bedinger and Allison opposed; and Messrs. Nicholson, Leib, J. Clay, and Crowninshield supported the motion, which prevailed—Ayes 57—Nays 55.
Mr. Leib, from the committee appointed to enquire into the expediency of altering the mode of keeping the Journal of the House, made a report, which was referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow.
Mr. Crowninshield, from the committee of Commerce and Manufactures reported a new bill, to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, which was referred to a committee of the whole House on Thursday.
Mr. J. Randolph moved that the House should resolve itself into a committee of the whole on the state of the union upon the resolution amendatory of the Constitution of the United States as to the tenure of the judicial office.
Mr. Masters moved to postpone the consideration of it.
Mr. Speaker said this motion was not in order.
The question was taken on going into a committee, and carried—Ayes 65.
Mr. Gregg took the chair.
The resolution having been read, Mr. Randolph moved that the committee should concur in it, which motion was disagreed to—Ayes 51—Nays 55.
The committee rose and reported their disagreement to the resolution.
The House having agreed to consider the report, Mr. Clark moved a postponement till the 3rd Monday of March.
M. J. Randolph opposed this motion, and expressed a hope that a postponement for a shorter time would be agreed to.
Messrs. Gregg and Smilie opposed the postponement.
Mr. Masters moved an indefinite postponement.
Mr. Bradbury and Mr. J. Randolph opposed; and Mr. Conrad supported this motion, which was lost. The Yeas and Nays being called were Yeas 43—Nays 81.
Mr. Clark withdrew his motion of postponement till the 3rd Monday of March, and moved that the resolution should be made the order for next Monday in which the House concurred—Ayes 67.
Mr. J. Randolph, after some preliminary remarks, offered the following resolutions, which were referred to a committee of the whole House on Tuesday week.
Whereas it is provided by the sixth section of the 1st art. of the constitution of the United States, that no person holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either house of Congress during his continuance in office:
THEREFORE, 1st. Resolved, That a contractor under the government of the United States, is an officer within the purview and meaning of the constitution, and, as such, is incapable of holding a seat in this House:
2d. Resolved, That the union of a plurality of offices in the person of a single individual, but
more especially in the military with the civil authority, is repugnant to the spirit of the constitution of the United States, and tends to the introduction of an arbitrary government:
3d. Resolved, That provision ought to be made, by law, to render any officer, in the army or navy of the United States, incapable of holding any civil office under the United States.
The House, having considered the bill to amend the Library act, ordered it to a third reading to-morrow.
Tuesday, February 25. The House refused the consideration of the bill to prohibit commercial intercourse with certain parts of the island of St. Domingo.
Mr. Nicholson's motion to require sureties , after considerable debate, was disagreed to.
A debate then ensued on the passage of the bill. Messrs. Nicholson, J. Clay, Eppes, Early, and Smilie supported, and Messrs. J. C. Smith, Quincy, Dana, Ely and Crowninshield opposed it.
When the question was taken by Yeas and Nays, and the bill passed—Yeas 95—Nays 26.
LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
Enclosing an estimate of the annual expense of supporting in actual service, the whole of the frigates and smaller vessels now belonging to the navy of the United States; in pursuance of a resolution of the house of the 24th inst.
January 28th, 1806—Read, and committed to a committee of the whole house on the state of the union.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, 27th January, 1806.
Sir, IN obedience to the resolution of the house of representatives of the 24th inst. I have the honor to enclose, for their information, paper A. which is an estimate of the annual expense of supporting, in actual service, the whole of the frigates, and smaller vessels, now belonging to the United States.
I have the honor to be, Respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient servant,
ROBERT SMITH.
N. Macon, Esq. Speaker of the house of representatives.     NAMES OF VESSELS. For pay and subsistence of officers and pay of the seamen. For provisions. For medicine, hospital stores, &c. Repairs & contingent expenses. TOTAL AMOUNT.     Frigate President 52,561 31,653 25 1,000 30,000 115,214 25   U. States 50,955 31,653 25 1,000 30,000 113,618 25   Constitution 50,965 31,653 25 1,000 30,000 113,618 25   Chesapeake 50,965 31,653 25 1,000 30,000 113,618 25   Confederation 44,293 25,959 75 1,000 30,000 101,252 75   Congress 44,293 25,959 75 1,000 30,000 101,252 75   New York 44,293 25,959 75 1,000 30,000 101,252 75   Effex 35,173 20,633 84 800 25,000 81,606 85   Adams 35,173 20,633 84 800 25,000 81,606 85   J. Adams 35,173 20,633 84 800 25,000 81,606 85   Boston 35,173 20,633 84 800 25,000 81,606 85   Brig Syren 19,746 9,534 20 600 12,000 41,880 20   Hornet 19,746 9,534 20 600 12,000 41,880 20   Argus 19,746 9,534 20 600 12,000 41,880 20   Vixen 15,939 7,171 13 500 8,000 31,610 13   Schr. Nautilus 15,939 7,171 13 500 8,000 31,610 13   Enterprize 15,939 7,171 13 500 8,000 31,610 13   Gun boat, no. 1 6,441 3,648 46 200 750 11,039 45   No. 2 to 10 inc. 57,969 32,896 14 1,800 6,759 99,424 29   Two bombs. 12,882 7,296 95 400 1,500 22,078 92   Dollars, 665,574 383,925 23 15,900 379,000 1,442,129 2  
N. B. The expense of marines not included, excepting in the item of provisions.
West Indies.
NEW-YORK, Feb. 22. We are informed by a gentleman, who came passenger in the brig Archilles, from St. John's Porto-Rico, that a Danish vessel arrived there on the 22d January, from the city of St. Domingo, where she was detained in coming out of the harbour 34 hours by a French fleet of 10 sail of the line and 4 frigates, which had arrived there from Brest, and had landed 1500 troops.
Our informant adds, on the authority of the secretary of the government, that the Danish Captain had informed the Governor of Porto-Rico of the above intelligence.
Captain Hooper, arrived at Boston on Saturday from Martinique, informs, that on the 17th January, in lat. 19, 40, N. long. 63, 13, W. he was boarded by a French 84 gun ship, then in company with 5 other ships of the line, and 2 frigates. He was told by the officers, that the fleet was direct from Brest; that they had been out 31 days, and were bound to St. Domingo.
Captain Hooper, left St. Pierre's (Mar.) on the 13th January and says, there was not a single prize lying there when he failed.
From Jamaica papers received at New-York.
JAMAICA, Jan. 25.
On Friday last week the German Jews assembled in their Synagogue for the purpose of offering a tribute of gratitude to the Almighty for the late glorious victory achieved by the immortal Nelson. The ark was opened, and the ceremonies used on the most solemn occasions were observed with great devotion. The service was performed in Hebrew, by the Rev. Simon Magnus.
By a Portuguese vessel arrived at Barbados from Rio-de-la-Plata, information was received that Buenos Ayres had been taken by sir Home Popham and sir D. Baird, without any loss on our part.
Extracted from a Postscript to the Kingston Royal Gazette of the 25th ult.
Under the regulations adopted for the two Cork fleets, each vessel had her number painted in large white figures under her main chains; they were directed to proceed in three columns, agreeably to the numbers they bore at the distance of two cables length from each other, & the space of a mile and a half to be preferred between the respective columns.
In consequence of the intelligence brought by the Sea Horse, the Veteran and Malabar men of war have been anchored at the entrance of Port-Royal harbour, and the following circular letter was yesterday issued by his honor the lieutenant governor to the custodes of the different parishes:
[CIRCULAR.]
King's House, Jan. 24.
Sir, The lieutenant governor having received intelligence by his majesty's ship Sea Horse, captain Corbett, that 18 sail of French line of battle ships had been on the 16th of December, in lat. 46, long 10, steering a course supposed for the West-Indies, his honor thinks it necessary, as a measure of precaution, to acquaint you therewith, for the information of the parish of which you are chief magistrate. The commander in chief directs me to add, that he has caused circular letters to be written to the colonels and commanding officers of the militia regiments and troops of horse throughout the island, to have a general muster of their respective corps immediately, and to report for his excellency's satisfaction the state of their several commands, as it may be necessary to call
them into action suddenly, at no distant period. I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, S. TYRRELL, Sec.
Custode or Chief Magistrate of—
Capt. Peile, of the Resolution, of Liverpool, which vessel arrived on Wednesday at Port Morant, has favoured us with the following extract from his log-book, from which we have every reason to hope that a British squadron of equal force, is closely treading on the heels of the enemy:
"On the 10th December, in lat. 35, 20, long. 11, at day light, perceived a French fleet, in two divisions, one in the S. E. quarter, the other in the N. W. About 8, A. M. the commodore (the Arethusa) made a signal for the fleet to heave to, which was immediately obeyed. At half past 8, the commodore hoisted in for the fleet with the signal to disperse, and for an enemy in sight. He then hoisted to the N. N. W. with about 10 sail, accompanied by the Boadicea frigate and the Wasp sloop. At 10, the whole of the enemy's squadron, consisting of 14 line of battle ships, a frigate, a sloop of war, and a brig, pursued the commodore. At 11, flood to the S. E. crossing the hause of the enemy's leading ship, almost within gun shot to the leeward, when the admirals making a signal, two of the enemy's two deckers stood after us, and chased us till 3, P. M. only the sternmost ships of their fleet being in sight to the N. W. The two ships then tacked, and joined their fleet; we steered a S. S. E. course till dark, & saw 14 or 15 sail of large ships a-tern, some lying to, and others steering different ways, apparently as if they had lost sight of their pursuer, which we conjectured to be the English fleet."
The Ellen is 45 days from Angola, and 18 from Dominica. She has 269 slaves on board and was bound to New-Providence, but has put in here in distress. At Dominica she learnt, that in consequence of information of 14 sail of the line having escaped from Brest, martial law had been proclaimed, but on the day of the Ellen's departure it was taken off, two frigates having arrived at Prince Rupert's, with an account of the arrival of Sir John T. Duckworth, at Barbados with five sail of the line and several frigates.
Vice admiral lord Collingwood, on the 11th ult. was off Carthagena, blockading the Spanish squadron in that port, with the following ships, viz.
Britannia, 100 guns, rear admiral W. Earl of Northesk, capt. C. Bullen; Queen, 98, vice admiral lord Collingwood, captain F. Pender; Dreadnaught 98, capt. J. Conn; Prince 98, R. Grindall; Minotaur 74, C. J. M. Mansfield; Thunderer 74, Lieut. J. Stockham, (acting); another 74, name unknown; 2 frigates, and 2 sloops of war.
It is supposed that the ships that were off Cadiz would proceed to join lord Collingwood off Carthagena.
In consequence of information received from captain Langford, of the Lark sloop of war, of the capture by the Rochefort squadron of the vessels for Africa, under his convoy, for John T. Duckworth had failed in quest of them, with the following ships of the line, viz.
Canopus, 80 guns, rear admiral T. Louis, captain F. W. Austen; Donegal, 80, P. Malcolm; Tigre, 80, B. Hallowell; Powerful, 74, R. Plampin; Spencer, 74, hon. R. Stopford; Agamemnon, 64, fir E. Berry, Knt. and another 74, supposed to be the Ajax, lieut. J. Pilford, (acting).
This is the same squadron which called at Madeira for information prior to the failing of the Defence, which arrived here last week.
The Zealous, 74, capt. John Oakes Hardy, was at Gibraltar on the 9th ultimo. Captain Hardy, we are happy to state, was in good
health at the time, and his papers to have been dead.
The Fliguard frigate, of 38 guns, captain Bolton, arrived the same day, with the vessels from Cork under her convoy. Lieut. general fir Eyre Coote, K. B. his lady and 2 daughters; brigadier general Drummond, lieut. col. Welsh and captains Folter, Waffey and Windham, came passengers in her. Sir Eyre Coote, immediately after his arrival, landed at Port Henderson, & proceeded to Spanish town. The usual salute was fired.
Montego Bay, (J.) Jan. 25.—Arrived, the ship Anne, one of a fleet from Cork, which, with 23 other merchantmen, failed on the 18th December, under convoy of the Arethusa, Boadicea, and Wasp. The following is Capt. Thompson's information:—
"On the 16th, in lat. 45, long. 11, at day-break, saw the Boadicea chasing a frigate sail to the NW. seven more immediately appeared in the same direction, and eight more in the SW. after signals had been made between them and the Boadicea, which was very near them, the Arethusa made the signal for the convoy to disperse for their own security. The men of war and a number of the convoy stood to the NNW. and the rest to the Southward; at sun down saw, from our mast head 16 sail of the convoy steering to the SSW. and could only see a few of the sternmost of the enemy's ships, still going to the northward. On the 17th, joined the Jamaica, Gleg; Hannah, Lightly; Lightfoot; Anne and Grand Duke, for Jamaica; Venerable, for Honduras, and Flora, for Antigua; which we kept company with, till off St. Kitts, when we joined the Fliguard's convoy, all but the Flora, which went into Antigua."
Off Cape Tiburon, the Cork fleet was joined by his majesty's ship La Pique, capt. Ross, who conveyed the north side ships

According to the official statement made on the 1st of Jan. 1806—there was due from the commonwealth 1,042,367 dollars—and there was due to it, or in possession of the commonwealth, 2,031,566 dollars. The state has besides, a large quantity of valuable lands.
Boston paper.
Letters from Washington mention that the French minister has demanded of our government that they immediately dispatch two frigates after the Leander to bring her back or prevent her from committing hostilities against Spain; otherwise that he shall withdraw from the United States. Phil. pap.
ALEXANDRIA, February 27.
It is said, that government has ordered suits to be commenced against the individuals concerned in the expedition of the ship Leander from New-York.
AUGUSTA, February 8.
The Hon. COWLES MEAD, Esq. is appointed Secretary of the Mississippi Territory.
EVAN ALEXANDER, Esq. is elected a member of Congress, for Rowan district North-Carolina, vice Dr. ALEXANDER, elected governor of that state.
FROM THE AURORA.
TO JOHN INSKEEP, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.
I saw in the Aurora of January the 20th, a piece addressed to you signed Isaac Hall. It contains a statement of your malevolent conduct in refusing to let him have Vine Street wharfar after he had bid fifty dollars more rent for it than another person had offered, and had been unanimously approved of by the commissioners appointed by law for that purpose. Among the reasons given by you for this refusal one was that Mr. Hall was one of "Paine's disciples." If these whom you may choose to call my disciples follow my examples in doing good to mankind, they will pass the confines of this world with a happy mind, while the hope of the hypocrite shall perish and delusion sink into despair.
I know not who Mr. InskEEP is, for I do not remember the name of InskEEP at Philadelphia in "the times that tried men's souls." He must be some mushroom of modern growth that has started up on the soil which the generous services of Thomas Paine contributed to the cause of freedom; neither do I know what profession of religion he is of, nor do I care, if he is a man malevolent and unjust, it signifies not to what class or sect he may hypocritically belong.
As I set too much value on my time to waste it on a man of so little consequence as yourself. I will close this short address with a declaration that puts hypocrisy and malevolence to defiance. Here it is.
My motive and object in all my political works, beginning with Common Sense, the first work I ever published, have been to rescue man from tyranny and false systems and false principles of government, and enable him to be free, and establish government for himself, and I have borne my share of danger in Europe & America in every attempt I have made for this purpose. And my motive & object in all my publications on religious subjects, beginning with the first part of the age of reason, have been to bring man to a right reason that God has given him; to improve on him the great principles of divine morality, justice, mercy and a benevolent disposition to all men & all creatures; and to excite in him a spirit of truth, conscience, and consolation in his creator, unshackled by the false and fiction of books, by whatever invented name they may be called.
I am happy in the continual contemplation of what I have done, and I thank God that he gave me talents for the purpose and fortitude to do it. It will make the continual consolation of my departing hours, whenever they finally arrive.
THOMAS PAINE.
"These are the times that try men's souls." Crisp, No. 1. written while on the retreat with the army in New-Jersey, and published at Philadelphia in the dark times of '76 Dec. 19th, six days before the taking the Hessians at Trenton.
CINCINNATI, January 8.
Mr. Kennedy, who keeps a ferry opposite this place, has furnished the number of persons who have emigrated to this state since last April, and who crossed at his ferry. If so many have crossed at one ferry, and an equal, or even half that number at every other ferry on the Ohio, what an immense increase have we had in less than a year.
 From North Carolina 563  South Carolina 669  Kentucky 568  Tennessee 200  Illinois 10  Virginia 495  Georgia 265  Total 2740 
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD,
RAN AWAY from the subscriber in December last, two negro men by the names of HARRY and DICK; Harry is about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a ruddy complexion, 22 years of age; Dick 6 feet high, slim and very black, with large white teeth, wide apart, projecting out of his mouth, 18 years of age. When they went away, they had on home manufactured breeches and old grey jackets. I have been informed they are now dressed in blue jackets with failor's trousers, and are making their way to Maryland with a free pass. They have relations at Resuben Beale's, Esq. of Richmond county, and Mr. John Turnbull's quarter in Westmoreland, where it is probably they may lurk until they can procure a passage across the Potomac. Whoever will deliver them to me, or secure them so that I get them again, shall receive the above reward, or the proportion for either.
ELLIOTT MUSE, Buckingham lodge, Middlesex county.
March 4. ep3u.
NOTICE,
THAT the first Wednesday in April next the Polls will be opened in the different wards for the election of Common Council Men for the City of Richmond; in Jefferson ward the Poll will be held at the Court House in the City of Richmond, and in Madison ward at the Eagle-Tavern, and in Monroe ward at the house of Mr. Samuel Pointer.
JAMES WHITEWALL Sargh.
March 4. tf
A FEW BUSHELS OF FRESH
CLOVER SEED, For Sale by
EDWARD HALLAM.
March 4. tf
FOR SALE,
FIVE hundred acres of LAND in Powhatan county, lying on the Buckingham road above the Court House; four fifths of which is in woods and well timbered. Also, four or five hundred acres lying on Appomattox river, bounded on the upper side by Maj. Peterfield Archer, and on the lower by Mr. John Powell. The above is part of the land generally known by the name of the fighting creek estate. Terms will be made known by applying to Wm. Burkley living thereon, or to the subscriber.
WM. RANDOLPH.
Milton, March 4. 6t
The Enquirer.
RICHMOND, 4th MARCH.
COMMUNICATION.
To the Editor of the Enquirer.
SIR—I am not in the habit of making communications, either to the public or in private company, which are not supported on facts. The short narrative, as to Miranda's past conduct, I know to be perfectly true. I ought to have added, that he was acquitted by a court-martial with honor—Mr. Barlow, who now resides in Washington, can bear testimony of it. I have been a witness to some very important things, both in France and England, in which he showed talents, integrity and perseverance. I am sorry to see him represented as an adventurer in any papers of our country. The time however is approaching, when his character will be better known.
Your triducers, therefore, may rest uncontradicted; but that you may credit what I have advanced on this subject, I have left a letter with Mr. Hylton, the clerk of the council, addressed to you, and to be delivered when it can do no injury to the cause in question; in which you will find the outlines of the design; the place of rendezvous, &c. &c. You must not blame my caution in keeping the port or place of destination from the public—for the minister of Spain would gladly know it, and by express, might possibly prevent the design. Yours, &c.
On the foregoing communication it is unnecessary to make a single comment. It will be sufficient for us to state a single FACT.
It is then a FACT that a subscription paper is now in secret circulation among some of the inhabitants of this city, for the purpose of encouraging a trading voyage to South America. The capital to be subscribed for, is principally to be collected from the purses of the merchants; the purposes for which it is to be subscribed, are stated on the very face of the paper. The whole capital is to be divided into 30 shares; each subscriber to contribute 1,000 dollars. Of course the whole capital will amount to 30,000 dollars. If a subscriber should find it inconvenient to advance his share in specie, he may throw in his goods to that amount. The whole of this fund, the entire management of it, the port of destination, and every arrangement connected with the voyage, is to be under the direction of a certain gentleman in this city. It is stated on the face of the subscription-paper, that this project is to be no more than a legal trade to South America, the particular port of destination not being mentioned: and it is added, by way of encouragement, that the subscribers may expect to receive not less than 400 per cent. profit, from the adventure.
Such is the general outline of the project itself; it is incumbent upon us to subject a few reports, which are ultimately connected with it. We have no inclination to deceive the reader, in a single iota; and it is on this account that we call them merely reports. They are such reports, however, as are entitled to respect, on account of the respectable authority from which they are derived.—It is then reported, that by way of additional incitement to an immediate co-operation in the design, it has been represented that similar adventures are now rapidly progressing in some of the richest northern towns, and that the certain profit of the speculation will quickly tempt other merchants to embark their capital in the adventure. It is reported, that three or four of our merchants have already consented to subscribe for shares. It is reported, that one of the friends of Mr. Jefferson has been requested to inform him of the plan, and advise him to take a share under a fictitious name.
Our merchants should pause, before they determine to venture upon schemes, the profit and propriety of which are so extremely doubtful. They say that this is to be a "legal trade" to South America. But we ask what is this trade which is so profitable, and at the same time favoured by the law? Is it the customary trade which is carried on with the Spanish ports of South America? What then has made this usual trade so unusually profitable? Or whence comes it that a trade of such extraordinary advantage should so long have escaped the lynx-eyed vigilance of our merchants; that capital which always seeks its most profitable destination should so long have shunned this particular branch of commerce; and that the inland capital of Virginia should all at once have become the asylum of a commercial project, which has avoided the towns on the seaboard? If it be said that these towns have already embarked their capital in the project, we would ask our merchants whether there is no danger that the multitude of adventurers should reduce the profits of the adventure.
The legal trade here spoken of, may not, however, be the customary and limited trade carried on with the Spanish colonies; but a new and more extensive trade to be created out of Gen: Miranda's projects. This is in fact the trade which is generally understood to be the one alluded to in the project. It is said that when Miranda succeeds in revolutionizing some of the provinces of S. America, he will throw open their ports to our vessels; tonnage will be wanting; an indefinable mass of the produce of that country will be ready for exportation; our merchandise will produce an immense profit. Fortunate then will be the vessel, whose cargo is first wasted into their ports: Happy the merchant, who reaps the first harvest of Miranda's genius! This picture is certainly a very glowing one, but let sober reason for one moment ponder upon its correlative. If Miranda succeeds; is this event probable? Have our merchants examined his resources, those which he has carried with him and those which he will next meet with in his own country; the prejudices of the people whom he is to emancipate or the power of the government which he is to overthrow? Have all these details been satisfactorily explained to them? But suppose Miranda fails, what then is to become of their profits or their capital? Why! this 400 per cent. adventure like the Mississippi or the South Sea bubble, may for a time captivate the observer by its dazzling colours, and like them, evaporate into "thin air."
GENERAL MIRANDA.
Should it be the serious design of Miranda, to emancipate the Spanish Provinces of South America, and establish among them an independent government, there is no liberal man in this country who will not with him success. The Spanish colonies of South America, are inferior to none in the value of their soil, or their adaptation to commerce, & they are inferior to none in the dependence which they sustain and the tyranny under which they suffer. Nature scarce ever did more for any country; Man scarcely ever did less.
The general population of South America being estimated at about 13,000,000, it is probable from the accounts of some geographers, that the Spanish possessions contain about
the latest and most correct traveller in that country, the province of Mexico contains 5 or 6 millions. The city of Mexico itself has 150,000 inhabitants. According to this estimate Spain has under her sceptre in Mexico and South America not less than 14 or 15 millions of people.
Mexico or New-Spain, is divided into Old Mexico, which contains the audiences of Galicia, Mexico and Guatemala, which are subdivided into 22 provinces; New-Mexico divided into two audiences, Apacheria and Sonora; and California on the west, a peninsula. The civil government of Mexico is administered by tribunals, called audiences. In these courts, the viceroy of the king of Spain presides, who continues in office three years. The priests, monks and nuns, are said to constitute a fifth of the white inhabitants. The capital of this country is the celebrated city of Mexico, the trade of which consists of three great branches, extending over the whole world. It carries on a traffic with Europe, by La Vera Cruz situated on the Gulf of Mexico; with the East Indies by Acapulco on the South Sea 110 miles S. W. of Mexico; and with S. America by the same port.
The Spanish territories are parcelled into various departments. The grand divisions are, the vice-royalty of Buenos Ayres; that of Peru, which includes Chili; and that of New Granada in the north; the capital of the first being Buenos Ayres, of the second Lima, and of the third Bogota, or Santa Fé de Bogota, N. lat. 49.
Lima was founded by Pizarro, and is supposed to contain 54,000 inhabitants, scarcely more than a third part of the population of Mexico.
Buenos Ayres was founded in 1535, receiving its name from the salubrity of the air. The population is supposed to be about 23,000. It is the great resort of passengers from Spain, who thence cross the country to Potosi, there being an uninterrupted post-road, with post-houses, and relays of horses and carriages, across the country to Peru. Bogota is rarely visited by travellers, and is little known.
Of the other chief towns, Carthagena contains 25,000 souls; and Potosi about the same number; Popayan above 20,000; Quito 50,000. The manufactures of Spanish South America are inconsiderable. Among the exports are sugar, cotton, cocoa, Peruvian bark and Vicuna wool. But the chief exports are from the mines. From the official registers it appears that the coinage in Spanish America, from the first day of January to the last day of December 1790, was as follows: In gold 2,470,812, and in silver 25,906,023 piasters.
We have no documents before us, by which we might ascertain the extent of the commerce of Mexico, New Grenada or Peru. The following statement of the trade of Buenos Ayres may suffice to explain not only the actual condition of that province but the comparative commerce of the rest:
We shall be best enabled to form a correct idea of the prosperity and commerce of this country, by taking a view of the imports and exports. In the year 1796, there arrived thirty-five loaded ships from Cadiz, twenty-two from Barcelona, Malaga, and Algez; nine from Coruna; five from Santander; one from Vigo; and one from Gijon. The value of that part of the cargoes which consisted of Spanish productions, amounted to 1,705,856 American piasters. The value of the foreign manufactures, &c. which were imported in the above ships, amounted to 1,148,078; and sum total of both, to 2,853,944 piasters. On the other hand, there failed from Buenos Ayres, twenty-five ships for Cadiz; ten for Barcelona; Malaga, and Algez; eleven for Coruna; and four for Santander. These carried coined and uncoined gold of the value of 1,425,701 piasters. The value of silver exported amounted to nearly 2,556,304, and that of the other productions of the province, to 10,768,877 piasters. The value of all the exports consequently amounted to 5,058,882. The goods exported, consisted of 874,593 raw ox-hides; 43,752 horse-hides; 24,436 skins of a finer sort; 46,800 arrobas of melted tallow; 771 arrobas of Vicuna wool; 2264 arrobas of common wool; and 291 arrobas of the wool of the Guana-co, or camel-sheep; 11,990 goose wings; 451,000 ox-horns; 3223 cwt. of copper; 4 cwt. of tin; 2541 tanned hides; 222 dozen of manufactured sheep-skins; 2123 cwt. of salted beef; and 185 cwt. of salted pork. Literary Magazine Jan. 1804.
Besides these vessels and cargoes employed in the European trade, there arrived two ships from the Havanna, with brandy, sugar, &c. to the amount of 123,562 piasters; and in the same year 14 ships failed from Buenos Ayres to the Havanna, with cargoes amounting to 160,110 piasters.—Two ships from Lima and Guayaquil imported to the amount of 50,154 piasters. The value of the exports to the same places amounted to 67,150 piasters.—In the same year, 1250 negro slaves were imported in four Spanish, and five foreign ships.
From this concise sketch of the trade of Buenos Ayres in the year 1796, which is the only authentic account that we possess of the commerce of any of the Spanish possessions in South America, the reader will at once perceive the wide scope which they lay open to commerce, and the artificial shackles which are imposed upon its exertions. He will see that nine years ago the amount of exports from Buenos Ayres alone amounted to 5,285,142 piasters; the piaster being a coin of about 5/ in value. He will see also, that the whole exportation was confined to Spanish bottoms alone; all other vessels being excluded at that time from Buenos Ayres, unless they went freighted with negro slaves and hardware. We leave it to our readers therefore, to calculate what is the whole amount of the exports from all the Spanish colonies of America, and what that amount would naturally be, if the agriculturists instead of being ruled by a privileged clergy and a temporary Viceroy, was placed under the benign auspices of a free and independent government; if commerce instead of being controuled by the monopoly of the Spanish merchants, was as free as the winds of heaven.
Our imagination is ready to take fire at the contemplation of a scene of things, which time is destined to realise, and which every friend of freedom must wish to see accomplished. We compare the situation, that we were placed in when we were British colonies, with that which we now enjoy as free and independent states. We cast our eyes upon the oppressed and populous provinces of Spain, and we demand why they also should not become equally free and independent? The rights of man are not to be defined by geographical boundaries. Whence does Spain derive its privilege of ruling the soil of S. America? or how is this privilege more sacred than the privilege of S. America to rule her? We do not believe that the inhabitants of S. America are as well qualified for the enjoyment of a free form of government as were the people of the British colonies; because we do not consider them to be generally enlightened. Still we cannot presume to doubt that they are fitted for the establishment of an independent government, and that the experience of a few years will qualify them for a government of freedom. It is under the influence of these convictions that we with every success to the enterprise of general Miranda, if it be such a one as our correspondent has suggested. May he become the Washington of S. America! May he shake off the Spanish Yoke from the necks
of their countrymen; and contribute to establish among them a government that is independent of Europe, and as free as the habits of the people may permit! At no distant day may S. America exhibit a confederated republic as free, as prosperous, as instructive to the despotisms of Europe, as the United States of North America!
But whilst we put up these prayers for his success, we merely express the feelings of an individual. We neither believe it to be the interest of our government to have co-operated in the expedition, nor are we convinced that the powers and resources of gen. Miranda are equal to the labour which he has undertaken.
The establishment of an independent government in America would not only promote the prosperity of the people, on whom it is to operate, but of the whole civilized world. From the data which we have already stated relative to the commerce of Buenos Ayres, the vast extent of the South American trade may be easily conjectured. This trade would seek a new channel. Instead of being dragged through the forehouses and magazines of the Havanna and Spain, the exports would pursue that course, which would be productive of the greatest advantage. The flags of every carrying nation would be seen flying in their harbours. The vessels of the United States instead of plying a smuggling and a contraband trade, would lade and unlade their cargo in the face of day and under the very eye of the government. The most profitable commerce which we have carried on with those colonies, was pursued during the year 1800, but observe the miserable shifts and expedients into which some of our merchants were driven, at that day, to put to sleep the jealousy of the Spanish dragon. An American vessel visited the South Sea, under the pretence of hunting the whale or the seal. When it arrived off the coast of Lima, nothing was more easy than to damage a few boxes of goods or scuttle the Hull of the vessel. In this situation she put into the port of Lima under all the appearances of distress; The viceroy granted her the privilege of repairing her damages, and of selling as much of her cargo as would be sufficient to defray the expenses of reparation. In the mean time, the whole cargo was smuggled on shore. The catastrophe of this commerce however, was rather unfortunate. The complainant viceroy was changed. Our vessels were detained by his successor, their cargoes were confiscated, & our merchants were defrauded of the profits of this lucrative commerce. But let an independent government be established among them, and this contest between plunder and subterfuge will no longer exist. The dragon will be for ever put to sleep, and the golden fruit of the Hesperides will be within the reach of every visitor.
A SECOND CHASE!
Our readers have not yet forgotten the four speculators of this incorruptible judge, whilst a member of congress. If the fact has escaped their memory, they may turn for it to the history of the American war. It is there placed upon record. As it is possible that another such transaction should be found in the annals of American legislation? Is it to be believed that a senator from the South, who has always borne an un tarnished reputation, should have degraded himself by an action so infamous as the one alluded to in the following extract from a Petersburg paper? We have heard the name of the house, who was employed in this extensive speculation. We have heard the name of the senator, who advised it. It is incumbent upon us to withhold that name, until we have received the most incontrovertible proofs of the justness of the charge. But when that is done, we pledge ourselves, unless we are anticipated by some other paper, to make his name as public as his crime, and to use every effort to expose his reprehensible conduct in its genuine colours. What is it to us whether that man be a republican or a federalist; whether it be a Chase or a —? Virtue is the basis of a republican government, and it is the basis of the republican party. Whoever is without it, is unworthy of the title which he bears. Let such a man conceal himself and his vices in the obscurity of a private station: but if he once dare to aspire to a public and dignified office, let the press hold up a mirror to him "to turn him into stone!"
CLOSED DOORS.
Something rotten in the state of Denmark. Believing, as we do, that the character of a public officer is ever liable to the scrutiny and investigation of the people, and that his good or bad deeds, should be praised or censured, according to their good or evil tendency: yet, notwithstanding this belief, a sacred regard for the purity and inviolability of the representatives of the American nation, and a sanguine hope, that rumour may have exaggerated the facts and surmises which follow, induce us to suppress the name of the individual, who has been charged with the commission of a crime, during the proceedings with closed doors, too enormous to be overlooked, & too wicked to go unpunished. Without further preface or introduction, we shall proceed to state briefly the facts with which we are acquainted, and the surmises which are predicated on these facts. It is a fact, that a certain senator, from one of the states to the south of Virginia, has been, and will be, in the almost daily habit of franking letters to a certain anglo-federal house in this town noted for its hostility to republican form.
It is an incontrovertible fact, that this house, when scarcely another merchant ventured to risk his capital in projects of speculation, were buying every leaf of tobacco and every bag of cotton which they could lay their hands upon.
And rumor, which must have some ground to build on, has asserted as fact, that these franked letters embraced the proceedings during closed doors, and detailed their probable issue—asserting, that the members from the northern and more commercial sections of the union, were adverse to measures of hostility against Great-Britain, and were determined to frustrate every proposition, calculated to suspend the commercial intercourse of the two countries. What are the surmises arising from these establishments and rumored facts? Are we not led to suppose, that an American senator has prostrated the dignity of his station, by holding criminal intercourse with individuals inimical to the government of the United States, and hostile to our republican institutions, and unwarrantably disclosed the secret proceedings of the national legislature? If these letters did not contain information, which other members deemed sacred, whence originated the deep sequestration which this house were carrying on, whilst their trading brethren had almost suspended business, anxiously waiting the final determination of the guardians of the country? Will they pretend to superior knowledge and foresight in unfolding the mysteries of government, when the lynx-eyed politicians on the spot, cannot penetrate the veil? They cannot. We with it to be distinctly understood, that we attach not the smallest particle of blame to the commercial house in question. They were undoubtedly right to avail themselves of every information in their possession. But of the senator, we hold a different opinion. If he has been guilty of the surmises alleged, (and we trust in God he has not) he should suffer that punishment, which the enormity of his crime demands. His name is in the mouth of every man, and every man has passed sentence of condemnation.
Republican.
The Nat. Intelligencer makes the following comments upon the queries addressed to Mr. Madison.
Washington, Feb. 26.
To enter into a serious refutation of such charges, preferred under the mask of an anonymous
signature, were worse than useless. It were to imagine it possible that a part of the American people were made of such materials as to be the dupes of such calumny. If they were composed of such materials, it would be of little consequence what opinions they entertained. For their esteem could confer no honour, and their censure be no disgrace.
It may not, however, be amiss to notice one source of reprehension, which goes on the ground that the government must have been apprised of the expedition of Miranda, before it took place. It is alleged that every body knew it, and, of consequence, that the administration could not have been ignorant of it. If this is a fact how comes it that the Spanish minister knew nothing of it? If he had been apprised of it, he surely would not have been silent. How comes it that the Spanish consul was ignorant of it? How comes it that the agents of France were ignorant of it?
And how comes it that it was unknown to the merchants of New-York, that so many men whose interests are said to be so compromised by it, and who, if they had known it, would not have been backward in using decisive means to defeat it? How comes it that it remained unnoticed in all the newspapers?
The facts, as we have had them represented to us, are these:
The Leander was stationed at a considerable distance from the city of New-York.
The supplies with which she was furnished were sent from time to time, by lighters, in detail.
And Miranda, all this time, was absent from the city.
That he had his confidants is almost certain; but it is equally certain that they did not betray the trust reposed in them.
Under these circumstances, it may well comport with a foreigner, the subject of a government, whose jealous eye is fixed upon the actions of all its subjects, to infer that our government manifests a like vigilance, and exercises a like restraint over the actions of its citizens; but we know better; we know that the government moves in that sphere, and in that only, which the constitution prescribes; and that even in this limited sphere its predominant motive is confidence and not distrust.
CHARLESTON, February 22.
The following is the number of Africans imported since the opening of the port, according to the reports made at Fort Johnson:—
 In the year 1804, 5764  1805, 1696  Total, 7460 
Several vessels with Negroes came up to the city in distress, without being reported, which are not included in the above.
According to the last census, the number of inhabitants in South-Carolina was 345,591; of whom 146,151 were slaves. The number of slaves therefore regularly imported into Charleston, since the opening of the port, is nearly one tenth of the whole number at that time in the state, and one twenty-fourth of the whole number of inhabitants. If we take the difference between the importations of 1804 and of 1805, as the average increase for the present and the following years, it is obvious that 13,697 will be imported between the 16th of February, 1806, and the 31st of December 1807, at which time Congress may prohibit the trade agreeably to the constitution. The whole number therefore, regularly imported from the time of opening the port to the time of shutting it up, will be 27,882 which is between one half and one third of the whole population of Delaware; nearly 1-5th of the whole number of slaves; and 1-12th of the whole number of inhabitants in S. Carolina at the last census.—An increase of population so considerable & so fatal to the security of the whites, is surely incompatible with found policy; not to speak of the inhumanity of dooming 27,882 fellow-beings to endless slavery, and of confining the relations of most of them in their own country, to the bitterness of an eternal separation.
Tip-toe expectation is once more disappointed. There was not a particle of European intelligence by the last night's mail.
The northern papers are full of eager enquiry into the affair of gen. Miranda. The Republican Watch-Tower of New-York declares that "the Leander was fitted out without the knowledge and therefore without the consent of the general government. Time will show that this is the fact." On the same subject, the National Intelligencer has the following paragraph:
WASHINGTON, February 28.
In our animadversions on the queries addressed to Mr. Madison, in our last paper, we omitted to state a fact, which as it does not appear to be known at a distance, it may be proper to mention, viz. that the executive of the U. States as soon as information was received of the expedition under Miranda, ordered, before any complaint was preferred, immediate enquiry to be made into the nature and extent of the armament, with a view to the institution of the necessary prosecutions.
The only interesting articles of news contained in the preceding columns, are to be found under the West-India head. They are as follows:—The arrival of a French fleet with troops at St. Domingo. Does not this promise a new attack upon the empire of Hayti? And 2dly by the rumoured occupation of Buenos Ayres by the British. Is this affair connected with the expedition of Miranda?
JUST RECEIVED,
And for sale at the Enquirer Book-Store:
THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH COLONIES in the West-Ind

SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
The following report has been made to the Senate by the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 2d March last, directing him to lay before the Senate at their present meeting, "such laws of Great-Britain, as impose any higher or greater duties on the exportation of goods, wares and merchandise to the United States, than are imposed on similar goods, wares and merchandise, when exported to the nations of Europe, and also to report the amount in sterling money, of the exports to the United States from Great-Britain and Ireland, for the years 1802, 1803, and 1804, on which such duties are charged," has the honor to transmit herewith a copy of an act of the British parliament, passed on the 7th of May, 1802, entitled "An act for granting to his majesty, certain duties on goods imported into and exported from Great-Britain, and on the tonnage of ships and vessels, entering outwards or inwards in any port of Great-Britain, or from foreign ports;" whereby on every hundred pounds of the value of goods, wares, and merchandise, (except in special cases) when exported to any part of Europe, or to any port or place within the Straits of Gibraltar, a duty of ten shillings is imposed; but on the same goods, when exported elsewhere (except to countries within the limits of the charters of the East-India company) the duty is doubled.
"Another act of parliament, dated on the 4th July, 1805, a copy of which is also herewith transmitted, entitled "An act for granting to his majesty, during the present war, and until the ratification of a definitive treaty of peace, additional duties on the importation and exportation of certain goods, wares, and merchandise, and on the tonnage of ships and vessels in Great-Britain," imposes 1 per cent. duty on goods, wares, and merchandise, the growth, produce, or manufacture of Great-Britain, (with certain exceptions) exported to Europe or the Mediterranean and 3 per cent. upon such goods, wares & merchandise, when exported elsewhere, except to countries within the charters of the East-India company.
"A table exhibiting the amount in sterling money, of the exports from Great-Britain to the United States, in the respective years 1802, 1803, and 1804, on which duties under the above mentioned acts of parliament were payable, and the amount of duties so paid, is annexed hereto.
"It must be observed, that as from the mode of collecting ad valorem duties in Great-Britain, the merchants generally deem themselves secure in undervaluing their exports, to the amount of about one fifth, the real value of these exports to the U. States, exceeds that given in the table by an equal proportion.
"It may also be remarked, that the table does not give the full annual amount of the respective duties of 1 and 3 per cent. in any year except that of 1804; the first mentioned duty not having commenced until the month of May, 1802, nor the other until the month of July, 1803.
"The measures taken for complying with the resolution of the Senate, as far as respects the exports to the United States from Ireland, not having been successful, the Secretary of State takes the liberty of annexing a table, showing the value of goods exported in the years 1802, 1803, and 1804, respectively, from that country, and distinguishing the amount subject to duty; which amount being inconsiderable, a statement of the unfavorable discriminations, if any, against the United States, becomes of less importance.
All which is respectfully submitted. JAMES MADISON. Department of State. Jan. 27, 1806.
Annexed to this report are the two acts of the British Parliament referred to.
A table of the new and additional duties payable on goods imported into Great-Britain, not imported by the East-India company.
A table of like goods imported into G. Britain by the East-India company.
A table of new and additional duties payable on the exportation of goods from G. Britain.
A table of tonnage duties payable on ships entering outwards or inwards in any port of Great-Britain to or from any foreign ports, by which one shilling a ton is imposed on vessels entering outwards or inwards to or from any port in the U. States.
A table of new and additional duties payable on importations into and exportations from Great-Britain, and on goods carried coastwise from port to port within G. Britain.
By this table the following duties are imposed on articles imported:
Table with 4 columns: Article, Quantity, Rate, Total. Rows include: Copper unwrought per cwt., Cotton wool of growth of United States or British colonies per 100 lbs., Sugar for every 100 L. of duties, All other goods, except tea, wine, and particular descriptions of wood for every 100 L. of duties.
On articles exported the following duties:
Goods, wares, and merchandise, not being of the growth, produce, or manufacture of Great-Britain, (except as hereinafter mentioned) exported to any part of Europe, or to any port or place within the Straits of Gibraltar, for every 100 L. of the true and real value thereof, an additional duty of
Goods, wares, and merchandise, of the growth, produce, or manufacture of Great-Britain (except as hereinafter mentioned,) exported to any port or place whatever, not being in Europe or within the Straits of Gibraltar, or within the limits of the charters granted to the united company of merchants of England trading to the East-Indies, for every 100 L. of the true and real value thereof, an additional duty of
Goods, wares, and merchandise, of the growth, produce, or manufacture of Great-Britain (except as hereinafter mentioned,) exported to any port or place whatever, being within the limits of the charters granted to the united company of merchants of England trading to the East-Indies, for every 100 L. of the true and real value thereof
Except, Bullion, Cotton, yarn, or other cotton manufactures, being of the manufacture of G. Britain, Sugar refined, in loaf complete & whole, or lump duly refined, and all refined sugar called bastard, & ground or powdered sugar, and refined loaf sugar broke in pieces, and all sugar called candy and molasses, Any sort of craft, food, victuals, clothing or implements, or materials fit and necessary for the British fisheries, established in the island of Newfoundland, or in any of his majesty's colonies, islands, or plantations in N. America, exported from G. Britain to the said colonies, islands, or plantations.
Goods, wares, and merchandise exported from Great-Britain to the island of Man, by virtue and under the authority of any licence which the commissioners of his majesty's customs in England or Scotland, or any three or more of them respectively, are or may be by law authorised and empowered to grant. Military stores exported by the united company of merchants of England trading to the East-Indies.
A table of new and additional duties on goods imported by the East-India company. A table of new and additional tonnage duties, payable on ships entering inwards or outwards in any port of Great-Britain from or to foreign ports; by which it appears that one shilling per ton is imposed upon every ton of ships from the U. States. An account of the value, estimated at the current market price, of goods, wares, and merchandise, of Ireland, exported to the United States of America, in the last three years in Irish currency. By this account it appears that the amount of goods thus exported was for the year
Table with 3 columns: Year, Value of Goods, Duties. Rows: 1802, 1803, 1804. Values: 1,247,713; 2,026,000; 3,950,800. Duties: 124,771; 20,166; 73,504.
Report of the committee appointed on the 18th of December last, to whom were referred the report of a select committee, on the letter of Wm. H. Harrison, made the 17th February, 1804; a memorial of the legislative council and House of Representatives of the Indiana territory; and several petitions of sundry inhabitants of the said territory.
REPORT. The committee to whom were referred the report of a select committee, made on 17th February, 1804, on a letter of Wm. H. Harrison, President of a convention held at Vincennes, in the Indiana territory, declaring the consent of the people of the said territory to a suspension of the 6th art. of compact between the U. States, and the said people; also on a memorial and petition of the inhabitants of the said territory; also on the petition of the legislative council and House of Representatives of the said territory; together with the petition of certain purchasers of land, settled and intending to settle on that part of the Indiana territory well of Ohio, and east of the boundary line running from the mouth of Kentucky river; and on two memorials from the inhabitants of Randolph and St. Clair.
REPORT. THAT having attentively considered the facts stated in the said petitions and memorials, they are of opinion that a qualified suspension, for a limited time, of the 6th article of compact between the original states and the people and states west of the river Ohio, would be beneficial to the people of the Indiana territory. The suspension of this article is an object almost universally desired in that territory. It appears to your committee to be a question entirely different from that between slavery and freedom, inasmuch as it would merely occasion the removal of persons, already slaves, from one part of the country to another. The good effects of this suspension, in the present instance, would be to accelerate the population of that territory, hitherto retarded by the operation of that article of compact; as slave holders, emigrating into the western country, might then invest their property which they might feel for in settlement in the Indiana territory, instead of seeking, as they are now compelled to do, settlements in other of the slaves. The condition of the slaves themselves would be much ameliorated by it; as it is evident, from experience, that the more they are separate and diffused, the more care and attention are bestowed on them by their masters; each proprietor having it in his power to increase their comforts and conveniences in proportion to the smallness of their numbers. The dangers too (if any are to be apprehended) from too large a black population existing in any one section or country, would certainly be very much diminished, if not entirely removed. But whether dangers are to be feared from this source or not, it is certainly an obvious dictate of sound policy to guard against them, as far as possible. If this danger does exist or there is any cause to apprehend it, and our western brethren are not only willing but desirous to aid us in taking precautions against it, it would not be wise to accept their assistance? We should benefit ourselves without injuring them, without injuring them, as their population must always so far exceed any black population which can ever exist in that country, as to render the idea of danger, from that source, chimerical. Your committee consider the regulation contained in the ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States which requires a freehold of fifty acres of land, as a qualification for an elector of the general assembly, as limiting too much the elective franchise. Some restriction, however, being unnecessary, your committee conceive that a residence continued long enough to evince a determination to become a permanent inhabitant, should entitle a person to the rights of suffrage. This probationary period need not extend beyond twelve months. The petition of certain settlers in the Indiana territory, praying to be annexed to the state of Ohio, ought not, in the opinion of your committee, to be granted. It appears to your committee that the division of the Indiana territory, in the manner directed by the order of 1787, and for which the people of Randolph and St. Clair have petitioned your honorable body, would be inexpedient at this time. The people of the two sections have lately entered into the second grade of government, the whole expense of which would fall on the people of one section, if a division was now to be made. This, in the opinion of your committee, would be neither politic nor just. But although a division of the territory appears improper at this time, we think it should be made as soon as the population of either section has increased so far as to entitle them to form a state government. The petition which prays that such a government may be formed, by uniting the two sections, as soon as their inhabitants shall have augmented so far as to authorize it, your committee conceive ought not to be granted. A territory, when once erected into a state, cannot be divided or dismembered, without its own consent. The formation, therefore, of two states out of this territory, originally intended by the ordinance of 1787, could not constitutionally be effected, if the two sections were once permitted to form one state, without the consent of that state, however necessary the extent and population of that territory might render such division. After attentively considering the various objects desired in the memorial and petitions, the committee respectfully submit to the house the following resolutions:
10. Resolved, That the 6th article of the ordinance of 1787, which prohibit slavery within the Indiana territory be suspended for ten years, so as to permit the introduction of slaves, born within the U. S. from any of the individual states. 2d. Resolved, That every white freeman of the age of 21 years who has resided within the territory twelve months, and within the county in which he claims a vote, six months immediately preceding the election, shall enjoy the rights of an elector of the general assembly. 3d. Resolved, That the petition of certain settlers in the Indiana territory praying to be annexed to the state of Ohio, ought not to be granted.
4th. Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time to grant that part of the petition of the people of Randolph and St. Clair, which prays for a division of the Indiana territory. 5th. Resolved, That so much of the petition of the legislative council and house of representatives of the Indiana territory, as prays that the two sections may be united into one state government, ought not to be granted.
By Authority.
LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES. AN ACT
Making a further appropriation for the support of a library. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That in addition to the unexpended balance of the former appropriation made to purchase books for the use of Congress, which is hereby revived and continued, there shall be appropriated the sum of one thousand dollars yearly, for the term of five years; to be paid out of any monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and expended, under the direction of a joint committee, to consist of three members of the Senate and three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed every session of Congress, during the continuance of this appropriation.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEORGE CLINTON, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. Feb. 21, 1806. APPROVED TH: JEFFERSON.
AN ACT
To repeal in part the fourth section of an act, entitled "An act to authorise a grant of lands to the French inhabitants of Gallipolis: and for other purposes therein mentioned." BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That so much of the fourth section of an act, entitled "An act to authorise a grant of lands to the French inhabitants of Gallipolis: and for other purposes therein mentioned," as imposes the condition of an actual settlement on the said inhabitants, or any of them, their heirs or assigns, be, and the same is hereby repealed. And in every case where a patent has issued, in conformity with the said fourth section, to any of the inhabitants aforesaid, their heirs or assigns, the conditions aforesaid, inserted in any such patent, shall be considered null and void; and the fee simple be vested to all intents and purposes, in the person to whom such patent has been issued, his or her heirs or assigns.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO: CLINTON, Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate. Feb. 21, 1806. APPROVED TH: JEFFERSON.
AN ACT
For the relief of the governor, secretary and judges of the late territory of the United States, north west of the river Ohio. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the proper accounting officers of the treasury be, and they hereby are authorised and directed to settle, at the rate of compensation heretofore established, the accounts of the governor, secretary and judges of the late territory of the United States, north west of the river Ohio, for their services while acting in those capacities, respectively, at any time between the twenty-ninth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and two, and the first Tuesday of March, one thousand eight hundred and three.
NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. GEO: CLINTON, Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate. Feb. 21, 1806. APPROVED TH: JEFFERSON.
ROBERT GORDON & Co.
HAVE just received, and offer for sale, an additional supply of the best Madeira WINE in pipes, hds. and qr. casks. The two last vintages in Madeira, having yielded wine of a better quality than for several preceding years, they are enabled to say the quality is excellent—it is imported from two houses, from which very different flavored wine is sent. They have heard of the arrival, and will have at hand in a few days, a parcel of London Particular Dry Lisbon Wine, directed to be put up in the same way as some they had two years since, which gave great satisfaction to all who had of it; also, a parcel of Corks, Almonds and a quantity of Oranges in boxes. ON HAND: Port Wine, in pipes, hds. and quarter casks; A few Demijohns Old Malmsay, at 8 dollars per gall. A quantity of fleet Copper and Tin Plates. A general and extensive assortment of Dry Goods, consisting of Woolens of all kinds; printed goods, Manchester stuffs, Irish and Scotch Linens, Gloves and Hosiery, Hardware, Cutlery and Ironmongery. Plain Cambric, Laced Cambric, Book, Chambray and Colonade Muffs, &c. January 25. 2aw2w & 1aw3w.
BURR MILL STONES, OF ALL SIZES; and PLAISTER OF PARIS, of an excellent quality, FOR SALE, AS USUAL, BY WILLIAM DAVIDSON, near the Market. Dec. 4. [eptf.]
TO BE RENTED, A BRICK HOUSE, near that of Mr. Robert Gordon, on the Hill, calculated to accommodate a small family comfortably; attached to it is a half acre of ground well inclosed. JAS. GREENHOW. December 7. tf.
LAND FOR SALE.
BY virtue of a Deed of Trust executed to the subscribers by Shandy Anderson, will be sold on Friday the 28th day of March next, at Edmund Anderson's Tavern (formerly James Georges) to the highest bidder for ready money, a tract of LAND lying in the County of Goochland on the three chock roads, about one mile above the aforementioned place, containing by a late survey one hundred and fifty five and a half acres, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to satisfy the sum of twenty-three pounds twelve shillings and nine pence with interest thereon from the first day of January last. CHARLES ATKINSON, JOHN SHELTON, Jr. Trustees. Goochland, February 25. (ep 4w p.)
MILITARY LAND FOR SALE.
FOUR THOUSAND acres on the North Fork of Trade Water, in the State of Kentucky—and 1000 acres on the waters of the Miami in the State of Ohio. The proprietor of the above land has in his possession flattering evidences of its value, but as he does not wish to hold property in the western Country, he will sell it low for cash, or barter it for property in this place. Enquire of THOMAS NORVELL. February 21. (tf.)
PRINTING
Is executed with Neatness and Accuracy, in all its branches, at the MINERVA OFFICE, opposite the Bell Tavern. CIRCULAR LETTERS, CARDS, and all kinds of job work, performed at a short notice. BOOKS and PAMPHLETS can be printed as expediently at this office as any where in the state: three Composuors and two good Pressmen being in constant readiness. Any gentleman in the country, who purposes publishing a Book or Pamphlet, may be informed of the cost by writing to S. Grantland through the mail (postage paid), mentioning the size of the work and the number of copies required. BLANK BONDS, Indentures of Apprenticeship, Constables' Warrants, &c. are kept for sale. A general assortment of Blanks will be shortly printed. THE VIRGINIA ALMANAC for 1806, is just re-published. The readers of Almanacs are informed, that particular attention will be paid to the Almanac for 1807, which will be published at the Minerva Office in August next.—Country merchants & others who purchase by the gross or dozen, will be furnished at the lowest prices. February 28th, 1806. N. B. An Apprentice will be taken on favorable terms.
THE subscriber offers for sale, the square of LOTS near that of Mr. Robert Gordon and Robert Johnson. It is under a good enclosure and the situation for building not surpassed by any Lots in that part of the city. GEORGE GREENHOW. (ep 3w.) February 28.
MARSHAL'S SALE.
BY virtue of a decree of the Court of the U. States, for the fifth circuit in the Virginia district, pronounced at May term, 1805, in behalf of John Tate and Thomas Atton, assignees of Henry Martin, against James Vaughan, administrator of Matthew Vaughan, dec'd and others; will be sold, to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the Crofts Roads, in the county of Goochland, at the dwelling house of Mr. James Vaughan, on Friday the 22nd day of March next, the following SLAVES, viz. Gibb, Joe, Ned, Trip, Cyrus, Peter, Parrot, Billy, Lewis, Lewy, Carter, Phil and Portius, (males)—Nell, Franky, Lucy, Fanny, Judy, Amy, Dolly, Sylvia, and Betty, (females); or so many of them as may be sufficient to raise the sum of one thousand seven hundred and twenty-six dollars and thirty-four cents, with interest on one thousand four hundred and seventy-nine dollars, part thereof, at the rate of six per centum per annum, from the 23rd day of May, 1805, and the expenses of sale. WILLIAM MANN, D. M. for JOSEPH SCOTT, M. V. D. (tdf.) February 25.
PAINTING & GILDING.
HOUSE, SIGN, and ORNAMENTAL PAINTING, & GLAZING: GILDING, in all its variety, executed on the most equitable terms, by J. G. BROWN, Ten houses below the Court-house. February 25. 3tf
JOHN ALCOCK,
INFORMS the public that he has lately established a CABINET SHOP in the city of Richmond, on the Crofts-Street leading up from Proffer & Moncure's Vendue-store, and near the Fire Insurance Office; where he intends manufacturing all kinds of Cabinet Ware in the most modern style; he flatters himself that those who may favour him with their commands, will find his work equal to any made in the state, as he has provided himself with the best of materials. He will sell his furniture low for prompt payment only, as his situation will not admit of giving a credit. A few window chairs on hand, well made, which will be sold uncommonly low for cash. January 30. tf.
WILL BE SOLD,
AT Public Auction, in Charlottesville, on the 8th March next, 50 NEGROES. JAMES LINDSAY, HUGH NELSON. February 4. dff.
TO BE RENTED,
Till the 1st of January next, either with or without the office. THE HOUSE on Shockoe Hill in which the subscriber lately resided. MERTWETHER JONES. February 4. tf.
ALL persons having claims against the estate of John Hoomes, dec'd. of the Bowling Green, are requested to make them known, that provision may be made for a final settlement. And those indebted must make immediate payment to JOHN HOOMES, and JOHN G. WOOLFOLK, Executors of John Hoomes, dec'd. Jan. 28. tf.
Will be Landed in a few days, TEN Crates well assorted Queens Ware, and 1 do. containing a very elegant service of blue printed Table Wares direct from the manufacturers, by the Ship Alexander, Capt. King, from Liverpool, just arrived at Norfolk, and will be sold low for cash, country produce, or negotiable notes at 60 days, by WILLIAM HART, opposite the scale house.
IRISH POTATOES for the table or planting, New-Eng. CHEESE, SALT, COD-FISH, MACKREL, SHAD, and a general assortment of GROCERIES and LIQUORS, at the lowest retailing prices. February 25. (ep2w & awtf.)
TO BE RENTED,
THE large THREE STORY HOUSE on the Main-Street east of the Market, formerly occupied by Colv-a and Isaac, and lately by Capt. John S. Pleasants; it is a good place for business and suitable for the accommodation of a large family. Also, the HOUSE (formerly known by the sign of the bird in hand) at the corner of the street leading to church hill: to both of these tenements gardens are attached. The terms will be moderate, and made known on application to James Whitelaw, serjeant of the City, or to JACOB I. COHEN. (2aw tf.) February 25.
MANCHESTER TURNPIKE COMPANY.
NOTICE is hereby given, that all shares upon which the ninth requisition shall remain unpaid, or upon which there shall appear to be due delinquencies of any former requisitions, will be offered for sale at Mr. Brooks's tavern, in Manchester, on the 15th day of March next. The sale to commence at 12 o'Clock in the forenoon. By order of the Directors, JAMES BRANDER, Clerk. February 13. (tdf.)
FOR SALE,
An elegant COACH with Harness for four horses, lately imported, and not used since the importation. Any person inclined to purchase may see the same and the terms will be made known by applying to Mr. Leroy Anderson in Williamsburg. February 25. (tf.)
VALUABLE PROPERTY FOR SALE.
On Tuesday the eleventh day of March next will be offered for sale, by public auction, at the Eagle Tavern in the city of Richmond; the following valuable property. Four half acre LOTS, adjoining each other, forming what is usually called a square in the city of Richmond, and described in the plan of said city by the numbers 151, 152, 159 and 160. These Lots command beautiful prospects of the river, and in every respect are well worthy the attention of persons disposed to build.
The BRICK STORE or LUMBER HOUSE situated on the street which leads from the main street in Richmond to Shockoe Hill, about 30 feet in breadth and about 82 feet in length, more or less—being part of the property formerly owned by Mr. Wm. Fenwick, and lying between the building now occupied by Mr. George Watt and that owned by Mr. Marcus Elean.
The MESSAGE or TENEMENT and parcel of ground containing one and an half acres more or less where Mr. Wm. Fenwick formerly resided, near Rocketts.
A more particular description is deemed unnecessary, the property intended for sale being well known to most persons residing in Richmond or the neighbourhood—and it is presumed any person inclined to purchase, will examine it—for which purpose the keys of both Tenements may be had by applying to Galloway, Richard, & Co. who will give any further information that may be wished.
Terms of sale, approved endorsed notes negotiable at the bank of Virginia, at 9, 15, and 20 months. The legal title to be retained till the purchase money is paid, or Deeds of Trust to be executed by the purchasers as may be agreed on. GALLOWAY, RICHARD & Co. Feb. 6. tdf.
FOR SALE,
THIRTY Bushels of IRISH POTATOES, excellent, either for Table use or Seed—Also, LONDON BROWN STOUT by the bottle, and Philadelphia BEER on draft. Gentlemen may be furnished at any hour with VENISON, OYSTERS, &c. GEO. WATSON. February 15. (tf.)
A TUTOR wanted, who can teach Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, in a small family. Apply to the Editor of the Enquirer.
WILLIAM & MARY COLLEGE.
TABLE is established in college, to receive boarders at the low rate of thirty dollars per quarter; it is intended that the table shall be plentifully furnished in a plain but decent style. Those who with it, may be accommodated with Beds, Fuel and Candles at a moderate charge. January 25. s & tu 12t.
IMPORTANT TO SPORTSMEN.
On the 29th day of April next, will be offered for sale, at the Bowling Green in Caroline county, THE STUD, of the late col. John Hoomes, consisting of imported and country bred Stallions, Brood Mares, and their produce, for several years past—total about one hundred head. This is certainly the most numerous, and probably the best selected Stud, ever before offered at public auction in this country; as it is well known, that the late owner, spared neither money or exertion, in procuring both at home and abroad such stock as appeared most certain to insure him success, as a breeder. To gentlemen who may feel a disposition to engage immediately in the sports of the turf, several fine three and four year olds could be highly recommended, for size, blood and figure. Should any of the Stud horses be farmed out for the approaching spring, the sale of such, will be postponed, until the expiration of the season. The other stock will be held without reserve. The terms of sale will be one half of the purchase money payable in six and the other at 12 months, to be secured by bond, with approved securities, to carry interest from the date if not punctually paid. A considerable discount will be made for cash. Gentlemen in the neighboring states are hereby assured, that the sale will positively take place on the day above stated. A catalog will be exhibited, stating age, blood, &c.
JOHN G. WOODFOLK, JOHN HOOMES, Executors of John Hoomes, dec'd. Bowling Green, January 28. (tdf.)
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,
At the front door of the Eagle Tavern, in the city of Richmond, on the eighteenth day of March next, ensuing.
THAT most valuable estate, situated in the county of Wythe, and commonwealth of Virginia, and heretofore well known by the name of Chiswell's Lead Mines; but which, for sometime past hath been considered, as the property of Stephen Austin and company, of the city of Philadelphia, by virtue of a purchase thereof by them, made under a decree of the high court of chancery of the said commonwealth, with the terms whereof they have not complied.
That purchase was made on the 20th day of February 1793, for the sum of £ 6,505, and since that period, they have made sundry great and valuable improvements on the said estate. The well known value of the property, and the certainty which the subscribers feel, that those who mean to become purchasers will satisfy themselves thereof, on view, render any further description of the property to be sold unnecessary. The sale will be made in conformity to two several decrees of the superior court of chancery, which is directed by law to be held at the Capitol in the city of Richmond aforesaid, the one pronounced on the 8th day of June, and the other on the 7th day of October, in the year 1802. Credit will be given to the purchaser or purchasers, for a term of nine months for one, and eighteen months for the other moiety of the purchase money, each moiety being secured not only by a bond with good security made payable to the subscribers, or the survivors of them, their executors, administrators or assigns, for the uses in the said decree specified, and bearing interest from the date; but also, by the retention of the legal estate, until the whole purchase money, with such interest, shall be fully paid; on which payment a conveyance or conveyances will be executed to the purchaser or purchasers in virtue of the said decree by
JOHN WICKHAM, JOHN WARDEN, WILLIAM HAY, Commissioners of the court. Jan. 21. 8w.
NEAL NELSON,
BOOT & SHOE MANUFACTURER, MAIN-STREET, RICHMOND.
MAKES Boots & Shoes to any pattern or fashion, equal in point of MATERIALS and WORKMANSHIP to any in general use. Imported Boots and Shoes, of the first quality and newest fashion, for sale. Gentlemen at a distance, who are disposed to forward me their measure, by paying attention to the annexed cut, can be fitted with Boots or Shoes as well as if they were on the spot. A—the length of the Boot. B—round the Calf. C—the pitch of the Heel. D—round the heel and instep. E—round the instep. G—across the ball of the foot. F—the heel against a perpendicular, and H—a knife at the end of the great toe—for down in figures the number of inches and quarters, in the different measures. January 1. eptf.