Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1809-09-11 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE AND PUBLIC LEDGER. SENT HIC ETIAM SUA PREMIA JUD.
VOL. VI.
MONDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 11, 1809.
NO. 24.]
FOR CHARTER. The fine new Ship NEW GOOD INTENT, John Dennis, master, burthen 400 hogsheads. Apply to Moses Myers & Son. Who offer for Sale, A few thousand bushels fine SALT, 60 hogsheads 1st quality Muscovado SUGAR.
The new copper fastened Brig HEROINE, Capt. John Maxwell, is offered for Freight or Charter, burthen 200 tons or 1600 barrels, and is complete ready for the reception of a cargo. For terms apply to the captain, or John Tabb. Who offers for Sale, 60 hogsheads TOBACCO, Richmond Inspection, particularly selected.
For New-Orleans, The regular Packet Brig SPANISH LADY, Richard Hunt, master, will sail on the first day of October next. For freight or passage, having excellent accommodations, apply to Jennings & Roddey.
For Charter, The Ship William & Mary, E. Tipling, master, burthen 230 tons, will carry 2000 barrels or 230 hogsheads Tobacco, is in complete order, and ready to receive a cargo. Apply to D. Sanford, or F. Smith.
60 hogsheads St. Kitt's MOLASSES, 60 do. Sugar; 50 do. Jamaica Coffee, 3 do. Guadalupe do. 32,500 wt. St. Domingo do. 200 Bales Sea-Island and Upland Cotton, 1000 hogsheads Richmond and Petersburg Tobacco, 5000 bushels coarse Salt; 15,000 do. Liverpool blown do. 6 pipes Old London particular Wine, 20 crates Queen's Ware, assorted, 150 barrels Superior and Fine Flour, Rosse and Raven's Duck, Country Gin, Rum, &c. For Sale on liberal terms by C. & F. Whittle. A Good Stanch VESSEL, Of 150 to 180 hogsheads wanted. Eighty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber on Monday the 28th inst. two likely Negro Men, one by the name of FRANK, the other SOLOMON. Frank is slim built, tolerable black, can handle almost any kind of tools, I expect he has got different suits of clothes. Solomon is also slim built, not quite so black as Frank, has one of his legs a little shorter, or bent with a bump, looks quite white, and he sometimes ties his hair. Frank is about 27 years of age, Solomon about 20, they are brothers, and I expect they have got free passes and will endeavour to get to Norfolk, or may stop in the Shingle Swamp. I will give the above reward for both, or Forty Dollars for either if lodged in any goal so that I get them again, and all reasonable expenses if brought home. SAMUEL McGUIRE. Chowan County, near Edenton, September 4, 1809.
NEW GOODS. WOOD & HASTINGS, HAVE JUST RECEIVED 30 packages Spring and Summer GOODS, Consisting of almost every description of Goods suitable for the present season. They will be sold at very low prices for cash, or acceptances in town. June 14.
LANDING At Newton's wharf, the CARGO of the Brig G. G. G. from Matanzas, Consisting of Fine Muscovado SUGAR. in Hhds. Slated Sugar White and Brown in boxes, Green Coffee; and a few tons Lignumvitae. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey.
FOR RENT, A HOUSE and LOT, On Catharine Street, adjoining Mr. Wm. Thompson's; possession may be had immediately by applying to the subscriber. Who will give Cash for 200 cords WHARF WOOD, on delivery. RICHARD TAYLOR.
150 Barrels New HERRINGS, For Sale by JENNINGS & RODDEY. I will Sell or Rent for a term of years, that desirable Little Retreat, called THE COTTAGE.
It contains twenty acres of rich and well enclosed Land, ditched and free from any stagnant water. The purchaser or renter may have, on per-ton time, enough for a crop. Terms will be accommodating; if not disposed of before I have named, application must be made to Mr. James Young, at Gosport. WILLIAM LEIGH.
Now landing from on board the Schooner Fair American, from St. Domingo, 24,000 feet MAHOGANY, of the first quality, which will be sold low for Cash, or approved Notes, at 60 and 90 days, by Bowden & Milhado. ALSO, 1,400 lbs. Spanish TOBACCO.
12 pipes Cogniac and Bourdeaux BRANDY, 3,000 bushels Turk's-Island SALT, Fresh Imperial and Hyson TEAS, 10 Hogsheads retailing MOLASSES. For Sale by Joseph Hayes.
Now landing from on board the Schooner Success, from Portsmouth, 16 kegs BUTTER; 18 boxes SOAP, 1 barrel SALTS; 10 do. N. E. RUM, 19 boxes HAY; 3000 feet PINE BOARDS, 1 box STRAW and HIP HATS. For Sale by JENNINGS & RODDEY.
NOTICE. I intend to leave this State about the first of October next, and request all persons having claims against me to bring in their accounts for settlement; all those indebted will please come and settle by note or otherwise. WILLIAM TONKIN, Town Point.
Just Published, Proofs of the Corruption of General JAMES WILKINSON, And of his connection with Aaron Burr, With a full refutation of his slanderous suggestions in relation to the character of the principal witnesses against him. BY DANIEL CLARK, of the City of New-Orleans. "Justice tho' slow, is sure, vengeance O'er takes the swiftest villain's guilt" Letters by M. De St. Evremont, and Waller—Vol. 4th American Review—Shakspeare's Plays, the first complete Edition in America, in 17 volumes. For Sale by Bonsal, Conrad, & Co. Manchester Academy.
In consequence of the intended removal of Mr. JOHN WOOD, to the City of Richmond, on the 25th September next, the Trustees of the above Academy are desirous of engaging a TEACHER of the Languages and Mathematics, to supply the station he now holds. On application to the Treasurer of the Academy, resting in Manchester, the terms will be made known to any gentleman of liberal education and moral conduct. Manchester, Aug. 22. 1809.
State of North-Carolina, Superior Court, April Chowan County. Term, 1809. JAMES R. BENT, vs. ADON CURTIS. In Equity. THE Defendant in this suit having failed to appear and file his answer agreeable to law, and it being represented to the Court that he is not an inhabitant of this State, it is therefore ordered that notice be given to the said ADON CURTIS in the Norfolk Gazette and Publick Ledger, for the space of six weeks: that unless he appears at or before the next term to be held in the town of Edenton, on the first Monday after the fourth Monday in September next, and file his answer, judgment pro confesso will be entered against him. By Order, J. B. BLOUNT, C. M. E. C. C.
Wig-Wam Garden. NINE PINS AND QUOITS, a cure for sedentary habits. July 26.
I wish to Sell on moderate terms, A Valuable Tract of LAND, Well timbered, containing 400 acres, more or less, surveyed by Mr. George Nicholson, County Surveyor. The Land lies within two miles of the head of the Western Branch, near Hall's Mill, where Mr. John Cornwell has erected a Saw-Mill, and made an excellent road near the land for carrying timber, &c. The Land is under a small encumbrance to Mr. Edward Brown, by a Deed in Trust. Terms of Sale, Three Hundred Dollars must be paid on giving the titles to the Land to discharge the Deed in Trust and other encumbrances; the balance of the purchase money to be paid in six and twelve months. Notes and approved endorsements will be required. Any person holding a Bond, Note, or Book Account against me will be taken as part payment for the above property. WILLIAM TONKIN, Town Point.
NOTICE. THE Partnership of T. & W. A. ARMISTEAD is this day dissolved by consent of parties. The settlement of its concerns devolve on W. A. ARMISTEAD, who is authorized to grant discharges, and on whom all persons having claims against the Firm, are requested to call. January 5. W. A. Armistead and George Kelly, have entered into Co-partnership. Their business will be conducted under the Firm of ARMISTEAD & KELLY. January 16.
BEST FRENCH HATS, Now opening and for Sale by WOOD & HASTINGS. Also, just received on consignment, 3 Trunks CALLICOES, 3 cases Shirtings Cotton; 2 do. Calicoes do. 1 do. Platillas; 1 do. Ginghams, French Sewing Silks. June 26.
DOCTOR BALFOUR, Will take a Young Gentleman into his Shop as a Student of Medicine. August 19.
For SALE or RENT, That large Dwelling-House, pleasantly situated on Town-Point, Main-street, at present occupied by the subscriber—That large Fire-Proof Warehouse on Wide Water-street, and a small Dwelling-House adjoining in Hotl's lane. Possession of all or any one of them may be had immediately if required; also one end of the House in Fayette-street, at present occupied by Robert B. Taylor, Esq. as his office. Daniel R. Waddey.
Who wishes to Sell, 250 ACRES OF LAND, Lying in the County of Princess Anne, on the Eastern Branch of Elizabeth River, distant from Norfolk about 5 or 6 miles by water, running across the main road from this to Kempville; part of which is heavily timbered with oak, pine, ash, &c. July 28.
Ginghams, Calicoes, and Shirtings. WOOD & HASTINGS, Have just received via Philadelphia, 4 Trunks CALICOES, 3 do. GINGHAMS, 2 do. COTTON SHIRTINGS, part very fine. July 2.
LANDING From the Schooner Virginia, Capt. Wheeler, from St. Vincent's, 50 puncheons RUM, 50 hogsheads retailing MOLASSES. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey. August 7.
LOST OR MISLAID. The following LAW BOOKS: 4th Volume of Robinson's Admiralty Reports, 5th do. Comyn's Digest; Powell on Contract. ALSO, The 2d, 4th, and 12th Volumes of CARY'S AMERICAN MUSEUM; and a folio edition of Pinn's Natural History, printed in the Old English Black Letter, and in the reign of Elizabeth or James I. I will sell very reasonable The following LAW BOOKS: VIZ. Bacon's Abridgment, Guillem's Edition, Pothier on Contingent Remainder and Executory Devices, Pothier on Annuity; Espinasse's Test Puts, Jones's Law of Annuity, Gilbert's Law of Evidence, Garrison's Chancery Practice; Selwyn's Practice in B. R. Milsom's Pleasings; Lillie's Entries, Pothier on Obligations; Powell on Contract. These are mostly London, and the latest editions. John Cowper. July 17.
ANTIGUA RUM. Landing from on board the sch't Catharine Shepherd, 25 puncheons Antigua RUM. And in Store, 15 punch. choice 6 years old RUM. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey, July 21.
NOTICE. All those having claims against the Estate of JOHN CALVERT, deceased, are hereby requested to bring them in properly attested; and all persons indebted to the same, to make immediate payment to Richard Taylor, Executor. June 19.
NOTICE. I intend to petition the next General Assembly, to pass a special act, authorising the Overseers of the Poor, or Commissioners for that purpose, to be appointed, to sell the GLEBE LANDS, in the County of Mathews, whereof I am the incumbent, and the interest arising from such sale to be annually applied to my use during my life, or my continuance as the incumbent minister; Also to sell the BRICK WALLS of the Church, commonly called the New Church, being now in a parishable situation, and the money to be applied as other monies directed by law arising from the sale of Glebe Lands. Armistead Smith. August 19.
FOR SALE, 2 Carriages and 6 excellent HORSES, 2 Shires in the Norfolk Theatre, 1 Pew in the Episcopal Church, 1 Pew in the Presbyterian Church, Household and Kitchen Furniture; 3 Milch Cows, 1 Tract of Land in Wake County, N. C. 540 acres, 1 Tract of Land in Granville County, N. C. 700 acres, A Negro Family, consisting of a valuable Gardener, his wife and three small children. Should the above mentioned articles not be disposed of in a short time at private sale, they will be sold at Publick Auction. Payment will be taken in Tobacco at the market price, or in Newbern and Cape Fear Bank Notes. For further particulars apply to William H. Thompson. July 3.
A GREAT BARGAIN. Wig-Wam Gardens for Sale. For air, water, and health, none superior. July 22. Green Coffee and Leaf Sugar, 20,000 lb. choice Green COFFEE, 200 do. 1st quality Philadelphia Leaf SUGAR. For Sale on reasonable terms by Donaldson, Thornton, & Co. March 29.
115 Barrels PRIME PORK, New York Inspection, 12 dozen WOOD CHAIRS. For Sale by J. Newcomb. September 8.
Ninety Dollars Reward. WILL be given for apprehending and sending to any goal out of this state, JAMES HAMPSHIRE, a stout, party, well made broad faced black Man, about 28 years of age, 6 feet high, indifferent dress, a distinct countenance. CODER LINDSEY, a small black fellow, 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, 38 years of age, large mouth, thick lips, free and easy speech, and countenance, brought up to drive a carriage and to take care of horses. ROBIN, a tall black fellow, 38 years old, about 6 feet high, thin visage, can read and a free spoken. These three fellows belong to the subscriber of Middlesex County, near Urbanna, state of Virginia. TEN DOLLARS reward will be given, for each if apprehended in the State of Virginia, and TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS for each if apprehended out of the state. "MOLLY FOX, a bushy headed mulatto woman, with her male child; she is the wife of Robin above advertised. Call and pretty money of a lively and pleasing address. This woman and child is the property of Wm. St. John, of the said state, county, &c. EIGHT DOLLARS reward will be given if apprehended in this and Fifteen if in any other state; the said Negro carried a variety of clothing. All masters of vessels are requested not only to conform to the law, but to secure them, if they should come in their way. Elizabeth Steptoe. Urbanna, August 26.
THE COMMISSIONERS For Paving the Streets in Norfolk, are desirous to contract for as much clean coarse Sand as shall be necessary for the paving of Market Street; and also for 50 to 100 tons of coarse Gravel. They would prefer the delivery to be on the spot as the paving progresses, but if this cannot be done, it may be laid upon the wharf nearest to the work. Ready cash will be paid for it as fast as it is delivered. June 26.
Bills on London, For Sale by J. & W. Southgate. May 6.
Just Received, A few bales very fine India Cottons, suitable for Sheetings, Nakems of superior quality; Bandana Handkerchiefs, Sewing Silks; Russia Sheetings, &c. For Sale by Wood & Hastings. May 3.
A BARGAIN OFFERED, In a fine and Valuable FARM, in the County of Princess Anne. THE Subscriber is disposed to sell his Plantation called LEVEL GREEN, situated in the county of Princess Anne. It contains about 500 acres; and, as it may be advantageously divided into two or three Farms, the subscriber will accommodate a purchaser, in selling either the whole or a part. He will also give a long credit. This tract of Land is certainly the most desirable in the county, lying on the Eastern branch of Elizabeth River, and distant from Norfolk Market only five or six miles by water, and 8 or 9 by land. The soil is excellent, about one half of the tract being cleared land, and fit for immediate culture; the other heavily timbered with Oak, Pine, Ash, and Hickory. He has also the advantage of several good landings on the river, and disposed to view the land, and to purchase, may apply, in the absence of the subscriber, to James Robertson, or John READ, who reside in the neighbourhood. Fully Robinson. Dec 7.
50,000 lbs. prime Green COFFEE, For Sale by J. & W. Southgate. July 11.
SPRING GOODS. WOOD AND HASTINGS, Have just received a small supply of SEASONABLE GOODS, among which are, 4-4 Irish LINENS, part extra fine, 4-4 and 6-4 Cotton Cambricks, 7-8 and 4-4 Cotton Shirtings, Superfine and common Calicoes, Ginghams; Madras Handkerchiefs, Fine Corded and Fancy Dronties, Meus and Womens' Cotton Hose; do. Silk do. Cotton Umbrellas; White Joans, part very fine, Royal Cord and other fashionable Vestings, Plain and Fancy Muslins, Elegant worked Muslin Short Dresses; Soot Suckers, Nankeens; Kid Gloves; Mens' Buckskin do.
BROAD CLOTHS. Best Superfine Black, Blue, Olive, Brown, Bottle, Drab, Mixed, &c. Broad Cloths; middling and common do. One case Gentlemens' Silk Plush Hats. The above with our Goods on hand, comprise a complete assortment, and will be sold at low prices for cash only. April 7.
NOTICE. The Subscriber desires all persons who have claims against him to present them for settlement, and those who are indebted to him are requested to make immediate payment. John Hamilton. July 3.
The Great Match Race! For Two Thousand Dollars. Will be run on WEDNESDAY the 18th of October next, over the Norfolk and Portsmouth Jockey Club Course, between WHEELER, owned by Col. G. G. G. and SOLOMON, by Mr. Southgate, four miles each, each to carry 100 wt. It is expected that from 15 to 20,000 dollars will be betted on this match race, which is the highest sum ever betted on a single race in this country. August 2.

The late news from Denmark.—We expressed our doubts of this intelligence in our last, and the more it is examined the stronger those doubts are. The intelligence is verbal, and the informant says that he read the French Bulletin at least a fortnight before he sailed, and also the armistice; the vessel sailed from Sylt on the 30th of July, so that as early as the 16th of last month, this gentleman must have read these papers, containing the information alluded to. A letter from a respectable mercantile house in Hamburg of the 21st of July, speaks of this intelligence as a report. Another letter of the 20th July, is silent upon the subject. We have examined the geographical situation of the island of Sylt. It is a small Danish island to the northward of the Euyder, and above 90 miles to the northward and eastward of Hamburg, which lies in the most direct route which can be taken from Vienna to Sylt. It is almost impossible then for the official intelligence to have reached Sylt on the 16th, and only to exist as a report in Hamburg on the 21st; for the official account could have gone from Sylt to Hamburg. The communication between Hamburg and Vienna is no doubt considerably interrupted by the Austrians, but then there is no route which an express would take, which would not first reach Hamburg before Sylt.
Accounts have been received at New-York, to the 22d of July from Ireland, which make no mention of this second battle, and by captain Gwyther, who arrived here on Saturday in 20 days from Antigua, we learn that accounts had been received at that Island to the 24th of July from Grenock, by a vessel in 26 days from that port; the only intelligence she brought was the sailing of the expedition.
LATEST FROM EUROPE.
We learn verbally from a gentleman passenger in a vessel arrived off Sandy Hook, from a port in Ireland, whence she sailed about the 22d of July, that the grand expedition sailed from England on the 17th of July; that there was a general embargo in England; the Russian and French armies had formed a junction; and negotiations for a peace were said to be in a train of forwardness between France and Austria.
N. Y. Mer. Ad.
Capt. Clement Biddle, jun. of the United States' Dragons, has resigned, notwithstanding his affinity to gen. Wilkinson, under whose patronage he entered the army about twelve months since!!!
Freeman's Journal.
FROM RELY'S (Philadelphia) GAZETTE.
The numerous outrages committed by the belligerents upon our unprotected commerce, have by the frequency of their occurrence produced a kind of apathy in the publick mind, inasmuch that now a days an uninteresting domestic event, or a common thunder storm, occupies more space in our papers than an account of violations of our neutral rights; even tho' the instance to be mentioned should have been so unvaryingly hostile that all will admit that bloody wars have been waged in Europe, commenced on infinitely slighter pretext.
Our domestic prints, however do not merit the charge of such indifference on this subject especially when "our great and magnanimous ally" is not implicated therein. In every such case, and God knows they are many and grievous, it is not the fault of these editors if it is not known with all its circumstances of aggravation in every town and village of the country. And so it ought to be, if truth is adhered to, and the facts well substantiated.
But I do not perceive the same zeal discovered by them in drawing the attention of the public to unqualified acts of warfare when committed by the ships of that great emperor, who it has been recently said by a prominent editor is "fighting our battles upon the Danube."
These observations are drawn from me, in consequence of observing that little or no notice has been taken (further than as a piece of mercantile information) of a most gross outrage committed by a ship of the line of his imperial and royal majesty, upon a vessel belonging to this port, laden with a valuable cargo, on a lawful voyage from hence to the Spanish main. The solemn instrument of protest sworn to by the captain, supercargo and part of the crew has been perused by me, and I have obtained a copy which I send you to be made publick, and shall only add that I understand a regular claim has been preferred to the French government for redress, but with what prospect of success I leave your readers to calculate.
THE PROTEST.
On this third day of June, in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and nine, and of the independence of the United States of America the thirty-third—before Isaac Cox Barnet, consul of the said United States for Havre de Grace and such other ports as are thereto than to the residence of another consul or vice consul of the United States: personally came John Devereaux, late master of the schooner Jefferson of Philadelphia, of the burthen of 105 tons or thereabout, and navigated with six men and a boy; who declared that he sailed from New Castle, Delaware, in said schooner on the twelfth day of April last past, the schooner having left the city of Philadelphia the night before, bound on a voyage to Maracaybo on the Spanish Main, said schooner in good order, strong and stanch, and crew complete, with Robert Titterbury, supercargo on board, the cargo perfectly secured under the batten and tarpaulins; that nothing material happened until the 24th day of April, when we made the island of Porto Rico and steering through the Mona passage at twelve o'clock mid day, saw two small sail near the island of St. Domingo standing towards us, and at 2 P. M. saw two large sail close in with the west end of Porto Rico, standing to the northward, at 2 P. M. calm and remained so until six P. M. when a light breeze sprang up from the eastward, made all sail and stood our course through the Mona passage towards Maracaybo, about 7 P. M. were brought to by the ships Courageux and Polonais, two French seventy fours, commanded by commodore Devereaux and captain Menquet, and boarded by a boat of armed men from the first mentioned ship, and as soon as they were on board, they commenced plundering, using the raging and sails, &c. and demanded all papers relative to the vessel and cargo, which we delivered up to them; one of the officers then wrote a note to the commodore, informing him that the schooner and cargo belonged to a merchant of Philadelphia and was bound from thence to Maracaybo; shortly after the boat returned with an order
for orders from the commodore to take the crew of the schooner out, and leave her, which orders were immediately executed, giving us scarcely time to get our effects out of her, they also bored holes through her bottom, and set fire to her, taking us on board the ship Courageux, commodore Troude, who informed us through his officers who spoke English, that we were bound to Port in a state of rebellion to his majesty the emperor Napoleon, that our invoice was endorsed by the Spanish consul in Philadelphia, acknowledging Ferdinand VII. king of Spain, and also that he would thus hinder us from giving information to the British, who were in chase of them. On board the ship Courageux we were plundered of our clothes, and in other respects illly treated.
About the 2d of May, in or near the latitude of 29 N. and longitude 63 W. fell in with an American brig that showed her colours; she had no head, and was steering to the southward. We passed within musket shot of her: both the ships Courageux and Polonais showed french colours, without bringing her to or speaking her, at which time we had a light breeze of wind, going about two knots through the water, when we requested of the commodore to put us on board said brig, that thereby we might the sooner arrive in our native country, who peremptorily refused, saying, he would not lose an inch of his way for us. We were the next day debarked the privilege of walking the poop-deck, and treated but very little better than prisoners of war; and after being on board said ship Courageux, from the 25th April to the 29th May, 1809, making 33 days, we arrived at Cherbourg in France, where we were permitted to land on the 30th of May, to communicate with the American deputy consul, and walk about, though not at liberty to walk out of the town, or leave the place, but were considered in a state of arrest; this privilege was only to the supercargo and myself, the mate and people still remaining on board the ship. The commodore remains in possession of the schooner's papers and the log-book, except the supercargo's private letter of instructions, and three other letters for merchants at Maracaybo, which after having been read were returned, and that the crew of the said schooner, to wit, Joshua Chambers, mate, Samuel Robinet, James M. Harrell, William Paine, and John Tindell, a boy, mariners, who are all citizens of the United States, are still detained on board said ship. The said declarant doth therefore, for the causes and matters above related, hereby solemnly protest against the said ship Courageux, her commander, officers, and crew, and against the government of his majesty the emperor of the French and king of Italy, for the loss of the said schooner Jefferson, and her cargo, and for all costs and damages which have arisen or may arise by reason thereof, reserving to make further declaration relative to the same in case of need. And I, said consul, do also by these presents, solemnly protest against his imperial and royal majesty's ship Courageux, her officers and men, and against the government of his said majesty, for the reasons and matters herein above related and set forth.
(Signed) JOHN DEVEREAUX. Witness my hand and seal official, the day and year above-written at Cherbourg. (Signed) J. COX BARNET, Consul United States, &c. &c.
HOUSE OF BOURBON.
The last accounts received from the Mediterranean informs us of the death of Alfonso Count de Beaujolais—youngest of the three sons of the late celebrated Philip Egalite, duke of Orleans. He was scarcely 29 years of age and had not distinguished himself by any actions of merit. It is said that his dissolution was accelerated by his irregularities. The duke de Montpensier, Anthony Philip, second of the sons of Egalite, died only about a year ago. He was a prince of some talents, in particular for painting; in which art he was such a proficient, that it was believed he might have required both reputation and subsistence by his performances in that art, if he had been driven to the necessity of practising it for support.
The duke de Montpensier, and his brother, the count de Beaujolais, were only of the age of 14 and 12, when the French revolution broke out in 1789. On the execution of their father, in 1793, they were shut up, by order of the national assembly, in the fort of Notre Dame de la Garde, near Marseilles. In an attempt to effect his escape from that fortress, the duke de Montpensier fell and fractured his leg. Their eldest brother, the duke de Chartres, now duke of Orleans, having quitted France, previous to his father's imprisonment and death, wandered over a large part of Europe. Born to the great succession of any subject in the world, he saw himself deprived of it as well as his high rank and collateral right to the crown of France in consequence of a revolution, in which his father acted a conspicuous part. To such distress was he even reduced, about 1796 or 1797 as to have actually kept a school in Zurich, in Switzerland, for some time. Like the younger Dionysius, who, after his expulsion and exile from Syracuse, was compelled, according to Cicero, to have recourse to a similar expedient at Corinth. The present duke of Orleans is said to be a man of talents, on whom adversity, that ragged horse, has not been lost. After quitting Switzerland, he crossed the Atlantic, to St. Domingo, and on his return from the West Indies, he travelled not only over the northern kingdoms of Europe, particularly Sweden, but he followed the track of Maupertius to Tornea, in Lapland. He even penetrated beyond Tornea almost to the north cape, and returned back by Drontheim, Christiania, the capital of Norway, from whence he reached Copenhagen. The present duke of Orleans is not 35 years old. His health is said to be in a precarious state. He is the last of that branch of the illustrious house of Bourbon; is descended from Louis XIII and Ann of Austria, by Philip, younger brother of Louis XIV, who was the father of the famous Regent Duke.
FOUNDATION OF THE MILITARY POWER OF FRANCE.
Extracted from the Edinburgh Review of January last.
Code de la Conscription, ou Recueil Chronologique des Lois et des Arrets du gouvernement, des Decrets Imperiaux relatives à la Levee des Conscrips, à leur remplacement aux dispenses de service, &c. depuis l'an VI, jusque compris l'an XVI. Avec Tables, &c. 8vo. pp. 270. Paris, 1806.
(Continued.)
Our readers may have observed in the details of this system, a semblance of tenderness towards persons whose situation is apt to rouse those indignant feelings; that insurgent consciousness of right, which undistinguished oppression never fails to excite, even among the most degraded of human beings. Hypocrisy is the defence of fear against just resentment; and may, therefore, be well entitled, not only to the homage which vice offers to virtue, but the tribute which despotism pays to liberty. The provisions on the subject of the reserve, to which we particularly allude, are altogether illusory. The ostensible purpose of its creation, is to supply possible deficiencies, and to assist the armies in cases of extreme emergency. The emergency, however, has always been found to exist—Tyrannorum necessitas—nor can it be avoided, unless compelled to submit.
are all the conscripts of the current year thus swept away, but those of the preceding years, who have obtained a charter of exemption under the conditions prescribed by law, are also dragged into the field, by a decree of the military chief of their department. We must not forget to mention another flagrant breach of law, if any enormity can be so called, which is committed, not only with impunity, but under the sanction of public authority. In the first tumults of the revolution, the parochial registers, at no period very accurately kept, were almost wholly neglected. As, therefore, no official document can be produced for youths between 17 and 20, the recruiting officers, within the two last years, have taken advantage of this circumstance to include in the conscription numbers whose appearance corroborated their assertion, that they were beyond the age, and whose remonstrances were rendered unavailing by their condition in life. The most formidable, however, of all the evils extraneous to the code we have analyzed, is a practice which has prevailed, for some years past, of anticipating by law the regular levies. The conscripts, as we know, of 1810, are already called out; and by this it must be understood, that those who would then attain the age of 20, are already made to serve in the armies. These and other causes connected with the abuse of unlimited power, bring into the field a numerous population of boys, in appearance scarcely able to endure the acclimatements of a soldier, and who, in their preparatory exercises, are objects both of pity and amazement. "Un des spectacles les plus extraordinaires de Paris," said a distinguished personage of that capital to a stranger, "c'est celui des jeunes conscripts, qui font leurs exercices dans les Champs Elises. Les vainqueurs du monde ne sont que des enfans."
For the great majority, even of the better classes of conscripts, it is almost impossible to obtain proxies. When the physical requisites are not wanting in the principal, the government, indeed, studiously discourages substitution. The acknowledged hardships and indeterminate duration of the military service, tend, moreover, to enhance so enormously the price of the few who are found to possess all the requisite qualifications, that they fall exclusively to the share of the rich. More than 260l. is frequently given for a substitute; a sum which according to the rates of living in France, is much more considerable than with us; and far beyond the means of multitudes, who in that country, with the habits of refined society, maintain an exterior of tolerable ease. Of this class are the aristocratic emigrants and old proprietaries, who enjoy under the new dynasty something of the abstract right, and but little of the benefits of postliminium ; and who in the bitterness of mortified pride, and the sadness of pining recollection, struggle to uphold a decent establishment with small fragments of their former estates. (6)—The revolution has, on the whole, had the effect of an Agrarian law; and the equalization of fortunes is, at this moment, among the most prominent vestiges which the tempest has left behind for the instruction of the world; a consequence over which, in obedience to the dictates of reason, we should perhaps exult. But it is not easy to contemplate without feelings of strong sympathy, the numbers of impoverished families and decayed gentlemen, who wrestling with memory and destiny, under a perpetual recurrence of painful comparisons and hopeless wishes, exhibit throughout France, striking monuments of the instability of human affairs, and salutary examples to the privileged orders and corrupt governments of other countries.
To persons of this description, who hate and despise their government; to the great body of professional men, and of drooping merchants and manufacturers, who educate their children with care and tenderness, and who find no compensation in the splendour of the imperial diadem, for the degradation of their own order, and the loss of domestick comfort, the conscription appears the maximum of human suffering; the most odious of all wrongs, and the most vexatious of all injustice. The Lycees, or publick schools, the seminaries of ecclesiastical novitiate, the universities of law and physic, are all subject to the visits of the recruiting officer, and forced to surrender up their pupils, without exception of genius or taste, at a period of life, when the morals are in a state of oscillation; when the character of the frame itself is scarcely determined, and the understanding but in the first stages of development. Parents are not only made to suffer the pains of a separation, under such circumstances, but are condemned to the inexpressible grief of seeing the principles and manners of their children exposed to total wreck, in the infectious communion of the common soldiery; the meanest and most profligate of mankind. The imprisonment of a British seaman, is doubtless a revolting spectacle, but falls far short of the scene of real distress exhibited at the balloting of a conscription, when the parents or friends of the conscript are indulged, as is often the case, in drawing his ticket from the fatal urn. The piercing shrieks and tumultuous acclamations alternately uttered on these occasions, by a people to whom nature has allotted such vivacity of character, wholly overpower the feelings of a spectator and conduct him irresistibly to the conclusions which we have adopted concerning the spirit with which the imperial dispensations are obeyed.
We by no means condemn, but indeed cordially approve, a scheme of levies which would summon, inexorably, all ranks to the defence of the state, and compel the opulent to make ample pecuniary retribution for the loss of their personal service in foreign operations. But the French conscription, as must be already apparent, rests upon quite another basis; and under the garb of equality, acts with a most partial and vexatious pressure. Men of large fortune, the least respectable of the community of France at this moment, either monopolize the substitutes, or corrupt the inspecting officers and thus disentangle themselves from the trammels of the law. The parasites of the court, by intrigue and favour, secure the same immunity to themselves and their friends. The great military and civil dignitaries of the empire are privileged ex officio ; and this exemption will be gradually extended to all whose zeal is useful to prop the greatness of the ruling power. The burden then, falls with accumulated weight upon the class of persons whom we have mentioned in a former page; and a still greater evil is inflicted by thus confounding the dregs and lees of the community. Feelings and habits should be consulted in every general act of legislation; and in this instance, the distress and inconvenience occasioned to the lower orders bear no proportion to the misery inflicted on the higher and middling ranks of the people. It is unnecessary too, to have recourse to so comprehensive a plan of compulsion, for the creation of a force adequate to all the purposes of ordinary warfare. Louis XIV. when at war with the whole of the north of Europe, maintained an army of 300,000 men, principally made up by voluntary levies; and under the last unfortunate monarch of that name, the forces of the kingdom, recruiting in the same manner, amounted to 200,000; of which Paris alone furnished annually 6000, although it now yields but 1400 for the conscription.
Notwithstanding the familiarizing experience of the past, and the certain expectation of the future, every new conscription spreads consternation thro' all the families of the empire. From the commencement of the war against Prussia until the termination of the campaign in Poland, three several levies were raised; the last of which, proposed in the spring of 1807, created a sensation that is not to be adequately described. Although all corruption
deaths relative to the position of the armies was rigorously interdicted, and no letters suffered to pass without scrutiny, it was impossible wholly to conceal at least from the publick of Paris, the dreadful mortality which afflicted the march, and the incredible hardships inseparable from the movements of the troops—labouring under a scarcity of provisions and the unaccustomed rigours, of a northern winter. A third conscription was generally viewed as an undertaking much too bold for the internal administration, situated as it then was; and particularly, at a moment when a belief was current, among all ranks, that the emperor would be unable to extricate himself from the embarrassments in which he was supposed to be involved. The government appeared sensible of the hazard; and in order to prepare the publick mind for the event, caused their intention to be announced in whispers through the circles and three thousand coffee houses of the capital. The effect was every where visible even to the eye of a cursory observer: an impression of terror upon the countenances of those, who either were themselves exposed to the danger, or shuddered at the prospect of new revolutionary alarms—of suspicion, and joy but half disguised, in the lowering brows of the turbulent and disaffected, constantly on the alert to improve the concurrence of opportunity, and who hailed this desperate expedient as a confirmation of their hopes relative to the perils of the army.—The orator of the government, Renaud St. Jean D'Angely, shed tears of real or affected sorrow, as he stated the necessity of the measure; and the senate received it contrary to their habit, in silent acquiescence and with every indication of reluctance and dismay. (9) In order to assuage the general feeling, it was found advisable to qualify the new call for 80,000 men, by a clause which enacted, that they were thence to be merely organized, and retained within the limits of the empire, as a national guard. Circumstances enabled them to adhere to this condition which, we need not add, would have been violated if the armies had sustained a defeat, or the campaign been protracted to a more distant term. It was the established practise of the Romans, in their foreign wars, to maintain an army in Italy, ready to march in case of disaster; and a recourse to the same policy was indispensable for the French commander, to recal victory, had she deserted his standard, and to drive his antagonist to the conclusion of an ignominious peace, by intimidating him with the show of new and inexhaustible assailants.
It is not easy to convey a just idea of the state of Paris during this period of uncertainty and alarm. We believe, that there never has existed, with a vast majority of its inhabitants, a serious reliance on the stability of the present government; and we are credibly informed, that no doubt was then entertained of its immediate dissolution, if the armies had been broken and dispersed. We are told, that the proportion of idle, profligate and desperate adventurers, whom the revolution has ingenerated, or accumulated in Paris, is truly astonishing; and that there is still to be found, among the literati of every class, and even in the deliberative assemblies, a numerous body, with a marked predilection for republican institutions. The first were, and are, ripe and eager for any change, and the latter, equally prepared to re-assert their favourite opinions, and co-operate in the subversion of a government, by which they are held in contempt, and reduced to a most abject and contemptuous servitude. (10) As Paris, together with the rest of the empire, was left almost destitute of troops, the danger was only to be counteracted, by quickening the vigilance, and multiplying the resources, of their domestick inquisition. Among the anomalies of the human character that confound all general reasoning, there is none more incomprehensible, than the empire which this tribunal exercises over the whole nation. A people, of all others, the most mercurial in their temper—the most thoughtful in their levity—the most ungovernable in their fury—under the influence of this power, lose the distinguishing features of their character; and on subjects connected with the publick weal, display the vigilance of habitual fear, and all the sobriety and reserve of consummate prudence. They know and observe, as it were instinctively, the precise limits assigned to the range of language; and conscious that a mysterious ubiquity is one of the attributes of this searching police, discipline accordingly the tongue and the countenance, even in their domestick seclusion. Whoever has had occasion to know the present state of Parisian society, will be struck with the prophetick accuracy of the following description, as applied to the aspect it wore at the period of which we are speaking. "Non alias magis anxia et pavens civitas gens adversum proximos, congressus, colloquia, nota ignotaque aures vitari, etiam multa atque inanima, tectum et parietes circumspectabatatur. Unde plena omnia suspicionem et secreta domum sine formidine. Sed plurimum trepidationis in publico. Ut quemque nuntium fama attulerat animum vultumque conversi, ne diffidere dubia, ne paucis gaudere prosperis viderentur, &c." "Quanto vero in curiam Senatu, arduus rerum omnium modus, ne contumax silentium, ne suspecta libertas." (Tacit. Hist. lib. i.)
In the midst of disquietude and fear, publick festivals were multiplied, in order to give an air of confidence to the administration at home; and an unusual degree of splendour brightened the court of the Empress, who remained at Paris, and took a principal share in these mummerys of despotism. Her majesty was constantly glittering before the publick eye, either at the brilliant circles of the Thuilleries, the numerous and magnificent fetes of the Luxembourg and the Garde Muble, or in the theatres, at the meanest of which she condescended to assist, and to inhale the incense of the multitude. The bullets announcing the most brilliant successes were regularly kept back for some days, and rumours of disasters intentionally circulated, that the grateful intelligence might produce the greatest sensation. These, and other contrivances, however, we are informed had but little effect in quickening the sluggish loyalty of the body of the people. That emulation of servitude, which is so siggily conspicuous in the publick bodies, great officers and 'mercenary Swiss' of state—and to which, under all absolute governments the higher ranks have evinced a disgraceful a propensity—is but little seen among the lower classes of France; who manifest, for the most part, a chilling indifference to the personal exhibitions of the imperial family, and appear to have lost, in this respect, all the characteristic fervency of their nation.
These trembling anxieties, and humble precautions, will probably appear strange to those who only view at a distance the gigantic fame of this tremendous government, and have not reflected on the various dangers which precipitate the fall of a power founded on force. History shows, with what rapidity of descent, old and deeply rooted establishments have sometimes fallen to the ground; and the circumstances of the French capital, in 1806, may warrant the presumption, that a system, resting only, as it were, on the surface, by its own oppressive weight—with no preceptive authority—with few artificial barriers—with no titles to veneration or love—which has been struck down by the first gust of adversity. The alarm which was even felt, while it gilds the future with a ray of hope, practically illustrates a most maxime, which cannot be too often inculcated upon the rulers of every country—that for power, there is no more perishable foundation than fear. "Qui vero," says Cicero, "in libera civitate ita se institunt, ut nihil esse possit demeriti: quamvis quique adversa