Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1804-11-23 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE AND PUBLICK LEDGER.
VOL. I.]
FRIDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 23, 1804.
[NO. 57.
WHOLESALE PRICE-CURRENT.
NORFOLK, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1804.
Table with 5 columns: ARTICLES, per, From, To, Remarks. Lists prices for various goods like Bacon, Beef, Brandy, Bread, Butter, etc.
Premiums of Insurance on American Property. To Great-Britain, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain, without the Straights of Gibraltar.
FOR SALE, A very superior PILOT BOAT,
Just launched, of the following dimensions, 38 Feet 6 inches Straight Ribb.
FOR SALE or CHARTER, The good Ship PATSEY,
DAVID G. BOWLES, Master, Burthen 370 tons, will carry 600 hogheads Tobacco.
FOR BOURDEAUX, The fast sailing ship SHEFFIELD,
Josiah Cowfer, Master: Will sail in three weeks, three-fourths of her cargo being engaged.
FOR FREIGHT OR CHARTER, THE AMERICAN SHIP YORKSHIRE,
WILLIAM LEE, Master: About twelve months old—burthen 290 tons, and will be ready for the reception of a cargo in ten days.
I HAVE FOR CHARTER, THE BRIG ANN & FRANCES,
CARPENTER—Burthen 1500 Barrels.
AND FOR SALE, THE BRIG TRYALL,
Lying at Marsden's Wharf. 320 Boxes HAVANNAH SUGAR. 80 Hogsheads HAVANNAH MOLASSES.
FOR FREIGHT OR CHARTER, THE SHIP OLD TOM,
Samuel Davis, master. Burthen 240 hlds. Tobacco or 2000 barrels.—For terms apply to the master on board, or to
FOR LIVERPOOL, The well armed Ship DUNROBIN CASTLE,
Expected to sail in all November. Tobacco or Naval Stores will be received on freight, on low terms, say 60s. per hhd. and 9s. per barrel.
LANDING, From the Brig ANN MARIA, from MADEIRA, AND FOR SALE,
5 Pipes, 6 Hhds. and 8 Qr. Casks, Fine old London P. M. Wine.
FOR CHARTER, The Ship BRUTUS,
JOHN BUNCE, Master:—236 tons burthen—a stout well built vessel; three years old, and completely found in every respect.
FOR CHARTER, The excellent new ship ARCTURUS,
Samuel Winsor, master: Burthen 500 tons.—She will be ready in three days to receive a cargo.
FOR SALE, A quantity of WATER CASKS.
A good CAMBOUSE. 1 Chest of MEDICINES. Apply to Captain Browning on board, or to
FOR SALE, 50 Puncheons ANTIGUA RUM.
150 Barrels prime NEW YORK, } PORK. 300 do. CAROLINA, } 150 Half Barrels CRACKERS.
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
CASH FOR Red and White Oak Hoghead Staves,
with a proportion of heading. November 6. tf 218
FOR LONDON, THE AMERICAN SHIP DUMFRIES,
Richard Beard, Master:—To sail about the 20th November, having three-fourths of the cargo engaged.
FOR CHERBOURG, THE BRIG FRANKLIN,
S. Hill, Master. Burthen about 220 tons—she is a staunch, strong built vessel, and will receive a few hogheads tobacco at a moderate freight.
FOR CHARTER, The good American Ship SARAH,
Abel Rawson, master: Burthen 315 tons; will carry about 450 hlds. tobacco—now in complete order for the reception of a cargo.
WHO HAS FOR SALE, 39 Hhds. Richmond TOBACCO.
18 do. Peterburg do. 200 Bds. excellent PORK.
FOR SALE—A BARGAIN. THE SUBSCRIBER,
WISHING TO DECLINE THE RETAIL BUSINESS, OFFERS FOR SALE, HIS WHOLE STOCK IN TRADE, AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $20,000.
FOR SALE, 1400 BUILDING STONES, hard and of a superior quality.
Apply to Josiah Cowper. Sept. 22. tf 151
FOR SALE, SUPERFINE AND FINE FLOUR, and CROSS-MIDLINGS, by Thomas Ritson.
Church-Street, October 27. tf 194
NOW LANDING ON NEWTON'S WHARF, From on board the Ship DART,
Captain Peck, from CADIZ, 300 Qr. Casks SHERRY WINE, of superior quality, and 2000 Buhels SALT.
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
FOR SALE, 50 Hogsheads Peterburg TOBACCO.
45 do. CLARET. 5 Barrels COCOA. 12 Cases NOYEAU.—For sale on liberal terms by
NOTICE.
THE CO-PARTNERSHIP OF FISK & STEARNS,
Ceases this day, in consequence of the death of Mr. STEARNS. All those that have claims against the said firm, are requested to present them to the subscriber, the surviving partner, and receive their money.
FOR SALE,
50 Barrels new Beef, Boston Inspection. 20 Hogsheads First Quality Sugar. 20 do. Second do. do. Loaf Sugar, in hlds. and bbls. 12 Pipes Bourdeaux Brandy.
COW-POX.
THOSE persons who wish to avoid catching the Small-Pox which now exists in this Borough, are informed that the subscriber has again succeeded in introducing the Vaccine Infection, and that he now has several arms fit to inoculate from.
LIFE OF WASHINGTON.
The Subscribers to the above work, may be furnished with the SECOND VOLUME, on application to JAMES TUCKER, Who has a few numbers of the FIRST AND SECOND VOLUMES, For Sale.
LANDING THIS DAY,
On Newton's Wharf, from the Brig Orpheus, from Valentia, her Cargo—Consisting of 60 Pipes WINE, 48 do. BRANDY, 34 Frails FIGS, SALT—and A quantity of CORKS.
NORFOLK HOTEL.
THE Subscriber informs his friends and the publick, that he has opened an HOTEL in that convenient house formerly the NAVY TAVERN No. 128 Main-Street, where he hopes by his attention, to give satisfaction to those who may favour him with their company.
A BOAT FOUND.
TAKEN up near Waters's Creek, Warwick county, in October 1803, A BOAT of the following description—Her length on the gunwale is 17 feet, her width 5 feet 6 inches, red bottom with white boot-top, inside, below her seats, red, above them, a lead colour; on the inside of her stern she has large diamonds painted black, and ovals on her stern—seats of the same colour—Her bow and stern-seats have iron knees, her transom and gunwale-knees are iron; she has a ring-bolt in her bow, and an eye-bolt in her stern below the locker. The owner, by proving his property and paying charges, may have her on application to Peter Ridley.

BRANCH BANK. In the Richmond Enquirer of the 12th instant, it is stated that the Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit at Norfolk, formed a combination "to divide the greatest part of the capital among themselves and adherents". A more shameless and profligate falsehood, we are persuaded, never stained the pages even of a democratic newspaper. The author of that article is called upon to prove this allegation, or to submit to be branded as a base calumniator.
It is no more than doing justice to say that there never has been a similar institution more distinguished for impartiality in the distribution of its funds; or where the invidious distinctions of party are less attended to. In the direction of that office there are gentlemen of different politics, but however fashionable it may be to make political opinions the criterion of respectability, we are convinced such motives have at that board no weight. We have thought it our duty to expose this malignant attack upon the gentlemen who manage the affairs of the Branch Bank in this place; which, however unworthy of attention on its own account, derives an additional consequence from being promulgated through a channel so respectable.
"The Grand Jury for the county of Jackson, Georgia, in October term, 1804, presented as a publick and very great grievance, Buckner Harris, James Pitman, and Etheldred Wood, Esqrs., justices of the Inferior Court, in and for said county, for admitting to bail Josiah Lindsey, who stands charged with the murder of Reuben Hord, a citizen of Clarkeborough, by which means the said Josiah Lindsey, had evaded deserved punishment and justice."
Charleston Courier.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
The Legislature of the State of New-York met according to adjournment on the 6th instant: at 11 o'clock his excellency the Governor repaired to the Assembly Chamber, and addressed the two houses in a speech, many parts of which may be found interesting to our readers in Virginia.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly,
YOU were adjourned to this early day to enable you to execute a trust important and interesting as any that can be reposed in the representatives of a free people. The period for which the President and Vice-President of the United States were respectively chosen, expires with the third of March next. It becomes your duty, therefore, in obedience to the constitution of the general government, the act of Congress, and that of the Legislature of this State relative thereto, to appoint, during the present meeting of the session, now about to be opened, the legal number of persons duly qualified to elect to them successors to those dignified stations. The selection lies exclusively with you; and in making it, that you will seek for characters of approved integrity, void of prejudice, firmly attached to the principles of our government, and the true interest of our common country, is not to be questioned.
On examination of the laws above alluded to, it will be found that no provision has been made for the contingency of an elector's absence from the meeting enjoined. This is a defect, the propriety and manner of remedying which, I submit to your direction.
It is with pleasure, gentlemen, I announce to you officially the ratification, by the competent number of states, of the amendment proposed during the last session of Congress, to the first section of the second article of the Constitution of the United States, so modelling the mode of voting for President and Vice-President as effectually to prevent a repetition of the unpleasant scenes exhibited at the last election of those officers.
During the recess certain concurrent Resolutions of the two houses of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having for their object an alteration of the third clause of the second section of the first Article of the Constitution of the United States, have been transmitted to me by the Executive of that State. Ate. A proposition from such high authority merits the most respectful consideration, and (should the clause alluded to, be found on examination incorrect in principle or inconvenient in practice) will I trust receive, gentlemen, your cordial support, provide the insurmountable barrier presents itself. How far this is the case at present, and will continue till the year 1808, you will be enabled to determine by examining the clause in connection with the fourth of the ninth section of the same article, and fifth article. The Resolutions will be laid before you.
The mission of General Armstrong, to the Court of France has occasioned a vacancy in our representation in the Senate of the United States. Congress is now in Session, and as there is a reason to believe that interesting discussions will early take place in the National Councils, I presume, gentlemen, you will consider the filling such vacancy as meriting a place among the first objects of your attention.
A circumstance much to be regretted has taken place since the last adjournment. Some convicts in the State-Prison set fire to the building, and though the utmost exertions were employed to extinguish the flames, they were not successful until one of its wings was nearly consumed. On a consultation of the Inspectors with the Judges of the Supreme Court, and the Mayor and Recorder of the city of New-York, it was an unanimous opinion that the publick interest demanded an immediate repair of the damage sustained; and as there was no fund from which the sums necessary to defray the expense could be drawn, it was recommended to the Inspectors to raise them on their individual credit: This they have done, and the building has been repaired in the most economical and effectually manner, and rendered much securer against future similar disasters than it was in its original state. In addition to the repairs, they have found it necessary to erect, at a small expense, an addition 1 work-shop. The amount of disbursements for these objects is fourteen thousand four hundred and for-two dollars fifty-one cents; for the reimbursement of which they now apply to the justice of the Legislature. They further state, that the Institution is embarrassed by debts, contracted by their Predecessors in office amounting to $600 dollars and 30 cents. Of this sum 4000 dollars has been paid from their private purses, which they request may be refunded to them, and provision made for the discharge of the balance. An Institution so honourable to the justice and humanity of the government, will, it is confidently hoped, continue to enjoy the patronage of the Legislature.
A bill drawn at the instance of the Inspectors proposing additional penalties for the greater security of
the prison, and of its internal government, will be presented to the Legislature. The infliction of capital punishment in certain cases will be found among its provisions. How far such an alteration in the criminal code may be deemed a departure from the principles on which the Institution is founded, and how far it will be consonant to justice and legal policy, will require, gentlemen, your serious and deliberate consideration. If it be an element of the political theory on which our government is erected, that it is vested with no rights but such as are derived from the individuals composing the community, and it be admitted that individuals have not the right to dispose of their own lives, it may be reasonably doubted whether the government can justify the infliction of capital punishment in any case not sanctioned by the Divine Mandate. Its policy also may be doubted. The principal object of punishment is the prevention of crime. To him who is deprived of liberty for life, death can have but few terrors, and the effects of despair are seldom enfeebled by the apprehension of consequences. While on this subject, gentlemen, permit me to suggest to you the propriety of a revision of your system of criminal jurisprudence. Certainly great improvements have been made in it; it is, however, far from being perfect, and is susceptible of further amendment. It is of the essence of every good system that there be a due apportionment of punishment to crime, estimating the latter by its degree of moral turpitude, and its consequences to society. Commencing with the lower order of felonies, we shall find an unwarrantable difference in the degrees of punishment annexed to grand and petit larcenies, and yet a cent more or less constitutes the essential difference between these offences. The administration of justice being committed to more than thirty judicatories, offences of the same grade are punished more or less severely according to the different ideas of different magistrates; arising from the too great latitude of discretion vested in the courts of justice. If the calendars of convictions and judgments are examined, the same offences, probably accompanied with the same circumstances of atrocity, will be found punished by confinement at hard labour in the State Prison for periods varying from one to ten years. While so vast a disproportion exists between the punishments annexed to these different species of larceny, where in the degrees of criminality not a shade of difference is to be perceived, simple and compound larcenies are subjected to the same punishment, though the latter generally evince greater depravity, and ever produce greater injury to society than the former. Thus no distinction is made between forcibly entering a dwelling and committing a larceny therein, where not done burglariously, and feloniously taking the property of another when exposed on the highway.
Ascending from the lowest to one of the highest species of felony, a similar defect presents itself. In the crime of murder, there are various degrees of turpitude, but no discrimination of punishment. A deliberate and premeditated killing, with express malice, is certainly more criminal in the eye of religion and morality, than where malice arises from legal implication alone. So murder committed in the perpetration, or attempt to perpetrate, any the high offences, is certainly more criminal than where it is the consequence of an unintended trespass, or a mere want of due caution. These distinctions I am persuaded, accord with publick sentiment, as much as evident to all those who have witnessed the embarrassment of jurors, when directed that the law imposes upon them to find one guilty or murder, whom they very likely never intended to commit it. This is placing them in a delicate situation, and offering violence to tender consciences.
The crimes of forgery and counterfeiting are also susceptible of a classification of their various species. A detailed plan of such improvement would far exceed the proper limits of this address. I shall therefore reserve it for a future occasion.
In the event of an interruption of the harmony which has subsisted between the United States, and the maritime powers of Europe, we cannot but look with anxiety towards the defenceless state of our principal seaports: To afford it complete protection against an invading force, would require an expense beyond the ordinary resources of the State, and is an object emphatically appertaining to the general government. As far as it may be effected by Militia arrangements, it is certainly our duty to attempt it. I shall for this purpose, in the course of the session, submit to your consideration a plan for organizing a Brigade of Artillerists, and corps of Engineers, to be provided with competent part of heavy field artillery, howitz, mortars, and the necessary apparatus for the use of hot shot, which may afford protection against single ships, and even small squadrons. An estimate of the expense will also be submitted.
To conclude, gentlemen, without calling your attention to a subject which my worthy and highly respected predecessor in office, had much at heart, and frequently I believe presented to your view, the encouragement of Literature. In a government resting on publick opinion, and deriving its chief support from the affections of a people, religion and morality cannot be too sedulously inculcated. To them science is an handmaid; ignorance the worse of enemies. Literary information should then be placed within the reach of every description of Citizens, and poverty should not be permitted to obstruct the path to the fane of Knowledge. Common Schools under the guidance of respectable teachers should be established in every village, and the indigent be educated at the publick expense. The higher Seminaries also should receive every patronage and support within the means of enlightened Legislators. Learning would thus flourish, and vice be more effectually restrained than by Volumes of penal Statutes.
With grateful acknowledgements to a beneficent God for the large portion of national prosperity he continues to bless us with, permit me, gentlemen, to assure you of my ready co-operation in every exertion you shall make to add to the mass of general happiness.
MORGAN LEWIS.
Albany, Nov. 6th 1804.
INFORMATION.—The lead mine discovered on Perkomen creek, the property of Francis Dacosta, has been lately of cued, and attended with great success. The vein proves to be a regular one, and of a long continuance. Its course is NNE. its direction nearly perpendicular, and its thickness from one foot to fifteen inches. Two tons of that beautiful ore was raised in a few hours, and one ton more at least, was left in the bottom of the pit, which is yet but 9 feet deep. From the situation of this mine, its nearness to navigation and market, its very commanding height, its richness in metal, and the large scale it forms on—it is thought by judges to be one of the first discoveries yet made in the United States.
From the analysis made of 100 parts, it contains,
—100
The lead being coupled, has proved to contain 2 1-2 oz. fine silver to 100, which is nearly 3 dolls. worth of that metal.
NEW-YORK Sep. 16.
The honourable captain Beresford arrived last evening at the Tontine Coffee House, from Norfolk, on his way to Halifax, to take the command of the frigate Cambrian, in the room of captain Bradley, recalled.
Congressional Register.
SECOND SESSION OF THE EIGHTH CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Commenced at Washington, November 5, 1804.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, November 14.
The speaker laid before the house a letter from Duncan McFarland, relating to the contested election of Mr. Purvance from N. Carolina, referred to a committee of claims.
The speaker also laid before the house a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, enclosing a report on the navy pension fund, which was ordered to be printed.
Dr. Mitchell presented a memorial from W. Dunbar of the Mississippi territory on the subject of his claim to a certain tract of land at Natchez—referred to the committee appointed on the same subject during the present session.
Mr. Crowninshield presented the petition of Simon Noyes, an old revolutionary soldier and non-commissioned officer, who was disabled in the service by wounds and sickness, who although admitted on the pension list by the judges in 1792, has never received any assistance from the United States, and praying that a pension may be allowed him to enable him to support himself, his wife and eight children—on motion this petition was referred to a select committee of three, but on the suggestion of
Mr. J. C. Smith, the motion was reconsidered, and it was referred to the committee of claims.
Gen. Varnum moved that the committee be instructed to consider at large the subject relative to invalid pensions, and the situation of all persons who were wounded or disabled in the service of the United States, during our revolutionary war with Great Britain, and who further measures are necessary to render them such ample remuneration as justice may require—Ordered, that the committee be instructed accordingly.
Gen. Varnum presented a petition from Paul Noyes, praying for the payment of a balance due to him, for military equipments furnished the army during the years 1778, 79, 80, and 81—referred to the committee of claims.
Mr. Eppes presented a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Alexandria in the territory of Columbia, praying for an alteration in their charter—Referred to a committee of three.
Dr. Leib mentioned to the House the condition in which the publick buildings (the arsenal at Philadelphia) the property of the United States were: one of the sections was raised to the first floor, and some other parts were left unfinished, indeed all the uncovered parts of the buildings were more or less suffering delapidation or going to decay; he thought it would be found prudent to finish them in order to preserve them. He therefore moved that a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of making provision by law for the completion of the publick buildings belonging to the United States, near Philadelphia. Referred to a select committee of three members.
Mr. Lucas presented the petition of Susanna Taylor, on the behalf of the children of her late husband Mr. Fultor, a lieutenant in the 11th Pennsylvania regiment, praying that a warrant for 200 acres of land, the donation of the old Congress to officers of his rank, might issue. An enquiry had been made at the War Office into this subject; but it was rendered incomplete by the burning of the papers, however it did appear that a warrant had already issued on this account, but inasmuch as it had never reached those whose property it was; upon the issue of a second. Mrs. Taylor offers to indemnify the United States against the same, if it should ever appear. Referred to the committee of claims.
Mr. Rodney presented a petition from John Crawford, an old soldier of 1776 in the Delaware regiment, and afterwards engaged in the sea service, who was twice wounded, and three times taken prisoner, twice he was confined on board the prison ships at New-York, and once at Halifax. Mr. R. wished some general regulation could be speedily made for the small remnant of this brave and meritorious, though neglected and suffering class of our fellow citizens. The petition was referred to the Committee of Claims.
Mr. G. W. Campbell moved to instruct the committee appointed on that part of the President's message which relates to an enlargement of the capital employed in commerce with the Indian tribes, to enquire into what alterations and amendments are necessary to the laws regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and preserving peace on the frontiers, with leave to report by bill or otherwise. Agreed to. Adjourned.
Thursday, November 15, 1804.
Mr. M. Clay presented the petition of the stockholders of the Alexandria Marine Insurance Company, praying to be authorised to make insurance on houses, &c. from loss by fire; referred to a select committee of three.
Mr. J. Randolph presented a petition from Joseph Jackson and Charles Spencer, executors of Doctor William Carter, stating that he was entitled by his services, during our revolutionary war in the hospital department to certain lands; but legislative aid being necessary to enable them to obtain the same, they pray Congress to consider the case, and do what justice requires. Referred to the Committee of Claims.
Mr. J. Randolph moved the order of the day on the bill making further appropriation for carrying into execution the treaty between the United States and Great Britain.
Mr. J. C. Smith in the chair.
The blank was filled with 70,000 dollars, the committee then rose and reported the bill.
The House agreed to the same as reported, and ordered it to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
A message from the President of the United States was received, accompanied by the report of the Secretary of the Navy communicating the documents requested by the House relative to the affair of the Intrepid Ketch, under the command of captain Decatur, who it was announced had been promoted to the rank of captain in the navy of the United States. Ordered to be printed.
Mr. Sloan presented a petition from a number of the inhabitants of the township of Weymouth, Galloway and Egg-harbour in New-Jersey, praying the establishment of a post road through the same. Referred to the committee on post offices and roads.
Mr. Alston moved to refer the act of N. Carolina authorising the state of Tennessee to perfect titles to lands reserved to that state by the cession act, to a select committee of five, with leave to report by bill or otherwise. Agreed.
Dr. Mitchell made a report from the committee of Commerce and Manufactures on the petition of the State Companies of New-York and Dutchess counties, concluding that any additional duty on imported slate at this time will be inexpedient. The general principle upon which this report was bottomed, being of considerable importance, and likely to excite discussion, he moved to refer it to a committee of the whole, and that it be made the order for Tuesday next: agreed, and in the mean time ordered to be printed.
Mr. Newton stated a fact relative to a citizen of Georgia, who had been sued in that state; but the creditor finding the citizen was coming to Washington, dismissed his suit there, and procured his arrest here; the debtor as a stranger for want of bail must have gone to prison, but through the humanity of the marshal who accompanied him to several places in the territory in search of a friend, the debtor was fortunate enough to procure the requisite security, and thereby avoided the harshness of imprisonment. To prevent in future this species of oppression to which strangers are liable, he moved that a select committee of five be appointed to enquire whether any, and what alterations are necessary to be made in the laws of the district of Columbia relative to holding persons to bail, and that they be authorised to report by bill or otherwise.
A committee of five was appointed accordingly.
On motion of General Stanton, the petition of a number of inhabitants of Westerly in the county of Washington, Rhode-Island, praying that a light-house be erected on Watch-hill point, and another from Stonington in connection, for a similar purpose, was referred to the committee of Commerce and Manufactures with leave to report by bill or otherwise. Adjourned.
Owing to the heavy gale of wind from the north-east on Wednesday night, the tide rose to-day morning nearly a foot higher than on any former occasion. A considerable quantity of goods have in consequence been damaged in cellars into which the water had never before flowed. N. York Paper.
ON THE COMPARATIVE MILITARY STRENGTH OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE.
BY ROBERT FORSYTH, ESQUIRE, ADVOCATE.
As the present war has been represented by our most conspicuous statesmen of a very dangerous nature, and as having brought into hazard our existence as an independent state, it becomes of importance to consider attentively a subject which seems to be very defectively understood both in France and Britain, that is, the relative strength of the two countries.
The French nation consists of 25,000,000 of people, and their newly acquired territories of four or five millions additional. They held in a sort of vassalage or dependence all Europe to the south of the Rhine and of the Adige. On the other hand, the population of Great Britain and Ireland, amounts only to about 14,000,000, and of these a great part of the population of Ireland may, in the present times, in consequence of their disaffection, be considered as a deduction from the strength of the Empire, so that the effective population of Great Britain may perhaps be accounted equal only to one half of France. The French are also considered as possessing this advantage in a military conquest, that, being chiefly an agricultural people, not depending for their support on trade or manufactures, the sources of their strength and riches are less injured by war than those of Great Britain. But the chief source of confidence on the part of France in a quarrel with Britain, results from the strength of their numerous armies composed of veteran soldiers, conducted by the most experienced and celebrated generals of the present age.
The French government has assumed a proud and menacing tone as the stronger and more warlike party, and considering themselves as in no danger from our hostility, they threaten to subjugate the island of Great Britain, by invading it with their numerous forces. By their threats they hope to accomplish two objects—1st, to embarrass the British government, and to reduce the nation to great difficulties in supporting the ruinous expense attending great military and marine establishments intended solely for defence; and 2dly, the French in this way expect to acquire unlimited ascendancy upon the continent of Europe, by representing themselves as incomparably more powerful than Britain, which they are only prevented from reducing into slavery by the ocean that surrounds it. The same considerations produce a considerable effect in Britain; much despondency is occasioned by reflecting on the expenses necessary to our safety against the present power of France, and much unhappiness from an apprehension that the vigilance of our navy may be eluded by their armies, which we are apt to regard almost irresistable, in consequence of the success they ultimately enjoyed during the late war.
It is apprehended that a more mature consideration of the subject would dispel the apprehensions of the British nation, and convince them that at this moment they are very far from being inferior in strength to France, or have any reason to dread the result of a military contest with that power in any form in which it can possibly occur. It may be true that France possesses a population of 25 millions, and oversees several dependent states. Her conquests, however, are to France what the discontested part of the Irish nation is to Britain, a source of weakness, and not of strength. Of the population of the ancient French territory only a very small proportion can be employed in war. A sufficient number must remain at home to provide bread for the whole, and by their industry to defray the enormous expense attending modern military operations, especially in offensive war. The British Islands no doubt contain a population less numerous than that of France, but the people of this country are not like them, under the necessity of drawing their subsistence from the soil of their country. The British islands form the metropolis of a vast empire, scattered over different regions. In the east, an industrious and civilized race of men, five times more numerous than the inhabitants of Britain, upon one of the most fertile portions of the globe, are subject to our dominion; and whatever can be spared from the fruits of their industry is annually transported in the form of private fortunes to Europe, and expended upon the subsistence, the defence, and the luxuries of the British nation. In the west also, the industry of a different race of men is employed in producing the most valuable objects of necessity and luxury, and the profits of their labour centre in Great Britain. Hence it is that the soil of our European territory is not employed in producing bread for the people, but in a great measure in supporting the animals that form the manificent equipage of the rich, or in supplying the butcher meat for a luxurious nation. Our country is in some degree converted, like Italy in the time of the Romans into gardens and pleasure grounds—while we procure grain from foreign countries.
It is in vain, therefore that France possesses a superior European population. In the state of things now described, it is impossible for her to support the same number of European soldiers that Britain may do. Every soldier France sends out, must be maintained and clothed by the industry of Frenchmen, exerted upon an European soil, or so far inferior fertility to that which is cherished by the tropical rains, or the periodical floods of the Ganges. Whereas, the British soldier is not supported merely by British industry, but by the industry of the natives of Hindostan, or of the labourers of Jamaica. In this view, by curtailing in a moderate degree her luxury, Britain might permanently convert an immense proportion of her population to military service, so as far to exceed any numbers that France could maintain in arms against her; for this simple reason, that almost every British subject may be said to be supported by the labour of six or eight persons in countries four times more fertile than France. In this respect Britain resembles ancient Sparta; the citizens of that state were free, yet each of them was enabled to act at all times as a soldier, because he was supported

by the industry of a subjugated race called Helots; what these last were to the Spartans, the Hindoos in the East, and the Africans transported to the West India Islands, are to the British nation.
It is also to be remarked, that the industry exerted in Britain is of a more profitable nature than that of France, inasmuch as manufacturing and commercial states always acquire greater riches than those employed in agriculture alone. We are, therefore, better able to support the expense of a protracted war than the French, can possibly be. Nor is any injury which they can do to our commerce an object of serious alarm. By refusing to trade with us, they only prevent themselves from acquiring wealth. All Asia and America are open to us, and no exertion of political powers have hitherto been found able to exclude the British manufactures from the continent of Europe.
Given the engines of war we possess in a superior degree to France. In consequence of the expertness of our artists, all kinds of instruments of destruction are here produced in greater abundance and with more facility; and our wealth has given us the means of bringing into the field an innumerable cavalry, which could not fail instantly to embarrass an invading enemy, and by cutting off every means of communication or supply, ultimately to reduce him to ruin with little loss or difficulty to ourselves. We are indeed accustomed greatly to over-rate the evils attending invasion. It ought to be recollected, that our wealth by no means consists merely of what appears upon the surface of the British soil. It consists in a considerable degree of our distant possessions, which are protected by our navy; and all the damage that an invading enemy could commit, hemmed in, as he would be, by our cavalry, could not exceed a few millions sterling, which would prove no cause of embarrassment to the finances of Britain, and which government would pay with abundance of liberality to the individual sufferers, as was done to the American royalists, and the sufferers by the Irish rebellion.
With regard to the military reputation of the present French armies, it may be remarked, that it is only of a recent date. In the year 1789, the French army was only the fourth in Europe. It is now the first, this circumstance proves that military skill is no less essential than arms.
We educated men are far more numerous in Britain than they ever were in France; and as their natural courage is not inferior, there seems no reason to doubt that they might speedily be enabled to excel their antagonists in the art of war as much as they do in all other arts.
It seems, therefore, a false idea, that, in a contest with France, Britain owes her safety merely to the ocean. Were Britain situated where Spain now is, without any other alteration of circumstances, there seems every reason to believe that the British armies would speedily appear superior to the French. By riches drawn from distant countries, more numerous armies could at all times be maintained in the field; and as these armies would contain a far superior number of well educated and accomplished men than would appear against them, they could not fail speedily to acquire superior skill, reputation, and success in war.
As matters actually stand with a restless military government at the head of France, it is undoubtedly necessary for the British nation to be upon its guard, and to maintain itself in a state of constant preparation against that power. For this purpose, neither the regular army, nor bodies of men arming themselves ought to be relied on. The whole youth of the British islands ought, at a certain age, to be regularly trained in the military art. We should thus be in some measure converted into a military people, qualified at all times to protect, not merely our European islands, but the remotest possessions of which we are the masters. Nor is this all: it ought to be accounted the duty of government to persevere in the present war, till the French shall consent to acquire no territory out of Europe. Thus they will be prevented from obtaining a navy, and thus our foreign possessions will enable Britain permanently to retain her relative strength notwithstanding the French conquests of France. It has appeared from experience, that peace with France is not necessary to the prosperity of Britain. The expense of the war will gradually diminish; because, for 14 years, the French have trained no seamen; in five years more, by the course of nature, their regular mariners will become extinct, and a very few British vessels will be sufficient to blockade their whole ports. At all events, it is a duty which we owe to our posterity, to persevere in this contest till the safety of the British Empire is fully established by the formal exclusion, by treaty, of the French from every distant settlement.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
NEW-YORK, NOVEMBER 15, 1804.
By the ship Oliver Elsworth, Capt Bennett, we have received London papers and Lloyd's lists to the 26th, and Liverpool papers to the 24th of September. They are two weeks later than our former advices from England; but they contain but little news. We find nothing of a war with Spain. The long threatened invasion was still the theme—and, we are informed by the passenger in the Oliver Elsworth, that the British government expected that an attempt would be immediately made by the French to invade that country.
Mr. Cooper, the celebrated Comedian, came passenger in the Oliver Elsworth.
LONDON, SEPT. 21.
By the Hamburg mail we have received a letter from Paris, dated the 5th inst. which states, that the purport of the orders sent by the king of Sweden to his Ambassador there is, that he shall leave that city in six days, and the Swedes residing there in his majesty's service, in the course of fourteen. M. Sigoual, the agent-general for trade, will remain alone there to superintend the commercial affairs of Sweden.
Letters from Amsterdam state, that the Russian Legation is expected soon to leave that place. This is a matter of course.
Sept. 22. The brother to the king of France sailed on Wednesday last, with a fair wind, for Gottemburgh, under convoy of a gun brig. Previous to his departure he received a letter from his Most Christian Majesty, which is understood to contain an assurance that the Emperor of Russia and King of Sweden are willing to acknowledge Louis XVIII and his hereditary claims to the throne of France and Navarre, provided England will set them the example.
The Hamburg mail due on Wednesday last, arrived yesterday. It is fraught with proofs, if further proofs were necessary, that a war between France and Russia, and Sweden, is advancing, and by rapid approaches. All the French have been ordered to quit Sweden, and the Swedish subjects have been recalled from the French territory at a short notice. The French Charge d'Affaires at Petersburg has also been recalled, and the Russian Legation at the Hague is about to leave that place. What still further shews the asperities prevailing between Russia and France, is, that the Russian Charge d'Affaires, M. D'Oubri, has been stopped at Mentz until it is known that the French minister has passed the Russian frontier. In this order there is couched a double offence. Does the usurper mean to insinuate that the Russians are such savages as to violate the sacred rights of an am-
bassador, or does he mean to recall to the memory of his new brother the assassination of Robert-Joy and Bonner by the Szekler hussars, on their return from the German Diet, when invested with the character of deputies—a guilt which we must say, in passing, lies certainly at the door of the French convention. In either way, whether the usurper means to soothe or to irritate, it is evident that his grand object is to degrade all high characters to a level with his own. He was in the neighbourhood of Wesel on the 7th, and was expected to remain in that vicinity until the 17th. He has issued a sort of a Conscription, by which the minor potentates of Germany are compelled to cross the Rhine, and to bow before his foot-stool; and few of them, we apprehend, will refuse obedience to the decree.—On the side of Italy the only material intelligence is, that the French commanders in the Neapolitan territory have ordered, that every vessel suspected of conveying provisions to the island of Malta, or the British shipping shall be immediately detained.
Sept. 24. The two important questions respecting the new title of Emperor of Austria, and the violation of the German Empire, have been taken into consideration by the Diet at Ratisbon, and have received such a decision as might be expected from the present degraded state of Europe.
Letters from Spain with the last Lisbon mail, mention, that after the arrival of a courier from Admiral Gravina, the Ambassador of his Catholic Majesty in France, the Cabinet of Madrid ordered the equipment of some ships of the line and frigates; Bonaparte insisting that the blockade of one of its ports by a British squadron is an infringement upon the neutrality of Spain. It is believed that those Spanish ships now arming, are destined to serve as convoy to the French and Dutch ships at Ferrol, or rather to augment their number; and, in case they are attacked, such an act will be regarded as a declaration of war on the part of Spain. It was even said at Lisbon, that these proceedings, and this determination of the Court of Spain, had already been announced to the Court of St. James.
A Gentleman, who left Paris on the 11th, and Rotterdam on the 12th, announces, as a rumour in France and Holland, that the Emperor of Russia has intimated to the Court of Copenhagen, that, in the event of a rupture with France, his Imperial Majesty could not suffer any French agents to reside in the Danish dominions, or endure, upon the part of Denmark, a neutrality that must be injurious to Europe. A declaration nearly to the same effect is said to have been made to the Ottoman Porte, by the Russian Ambassador at Constantinople. Private letters state, that Count Rassomouski, the Russian Ambassador at Vienna, has been recalled, and is succeeded at that Court by only a Charge d'Affairs.
A gentleman, who on Friday arrived in town from the Continent, relates, that an alliance has been actually concluded between Austria, Prussia, and France, which comprises, among other extraordinary matters, the concurrence of the former power to the proposed election of Frederick William to be King of the Romans, and to the House of Brandenburg being the future head of the Germanick Body. For this concession (to which, it is stated, the Emperor Francis was in some degree incited by the increased influence of Prussia among the Electors, with a conviction of its further increase through the ascendancy of France) his Imperial Majesty, in addition to the hereditary title of Emperor of Austria is to receive a large accession of territory, which Turkey is to be compelled to alienate. The confines of France and Prussia are also to be considerably augmented; but the particulars are not mentioned, nor perhaps as yet thoroughly defined.
Sept. 25. The two Gottemburgh mails have arrived, which have brought the following very important intelligence.
GOTTENBURGH, Sept. 14.
A war between Sweden and France seems unavoidable, for in consequence of the severe observations contained in the Monitor of the 14th ult. upon the King of Sweden's Notes delivered at the Diet of Ratisbon, the latter has prohibited all French papers from being circulated in Sweden; and by the post from Stockholm of the 10th inst. we learn, that a courier from the King arrived there on Saturday last, the 8th inst. when a council was immediately summoned, at which it was determined to prohibit all the French papers, and to forbid, upon pain of dismissal, all the civil and military officers from holding any communication with the French Charge d'Affairs, who in consequence, left Stockholm on the 10th inst.
The reason of the above mentioned proceedings seems to be sufficiently explained by a fact stated in private letters, received by the last Hamburg mail. These letters state, that Bonaparte's emissaries in Sweden are busily employed in distributing translations in the Swedish language of his late official libel in the Monitor against the King of Sweden.
A Glasgow gentleman on his arrival at Frankfort 1st September, 1804, writes home to his correspondents—"On my journey through Hanover, I met with several regiments marching towards the Elbe. As far as I could learn, it is supposed that their intention is to block up the passage of the British goods from Hamburg and Lubeck, into the interior of Germany, and some even go so far as to say, that they are to take possession of Mecklenburg, by which, if they succeed, a final stop will be put to the exporting of goods from these quarters."
The strong westerly winds which have prevailed of late compelled our blockading squadron off Calais, Boulogne, and Dunkirk, to quit their stations, and to put into Dover and the Downs. Lord Keith and Sir Home Popham are at the former place where it is said that they are concerting some plan of arrangement for our winter squadron.
Extract from a letter dated off Brest, Sept. 15.
"If ships only were necessary, the enemy might probably venture out: they have certainly 20 sail of the line (three of which are three-deckers) five frigates and one corvette, apparently ready for sea; these are full of soldiery; but all our accounts from deserters, and fishing vessels, corroborating our own observations, convince us that they have very few seamen on board; scarcely a day passes but some of our frigates stretch through Berthune and Carmarel bays, nearly to the mouth of the middle harbour, and frequently without receiving a shot from their batteries; their yards we learn, are almost destitute of naval stores: the troops have been long without pay, and a general spirit of disaffection runs through the army in this department. From all these circumstances, our hopes of getting along side them, diminish daily. We have just learnt from an American vessel, that French signal officers have been received on board all the Spanish ships of war at Ferrol, so that we do not despair of a brush with the Dons."
The hostile disposition between our court and that of Spain, appears to be in a certain degree, compromised. The Spanish minister M. D'Anduga, has returned to town, after escorting his family to the coast. The hon. Mr. Wellesley, report says, is to replace Mr. Frere at the court of Madrid.
It is supposed from the frequent observations which have been made by Lord Keith and Sir Home Popham, on the state of the enemy's fortifications on the opposite coast, that some attempt is to be made to destroy the flotillas collected in the harbours of Calais and Boulogne. The latter is so perfectly protected by the commanding heights which form the harbour as to render any enterprise of the kind on the sea side absolutely impracticable. The same advan-
tages secure it against bombardment, for there are very few positions in which a bombketch could be placed so as to enable her to throw her shells with the certainty of their reaching the harbour. The attempt made during the last war by Lord Nelson to bombard was afterwards discovered to have completely miscarried. Of the vast number of shells which were thrown during a cannonade of many hours, it was subsequently ascertained that not above two of them fell into the harbour, and very few reached the lower town.
The harbour of Calais is protected by no such advantages. There are no heights in the vicinity of that town which give a great command and range of fire, and the single experiment which has been already made this war, has proved that there is no part of that town or harbour which may not be effectually assailed by bomb vessels. We are persuaded every Englishman would deprecate any unnecessary infliction of hostile calamity upon the inhabitants of a town who suffer materially by the war, and who exonerate the author of it; but if the force assembled in that port amount to half what it is stated to be, we should be justified, upon the principle of self-defence and the legitimate rules of war, in endeavouring to destroy it. We trust that the fact will be fully ascertained before resort shall be had to a measure of such extreme necessity. No beneficial purpose, nothing that can either contribute to the success or termination of the war, can be accomplished by showering the vengeance of the British navy upon the persons and property of the half starved inhabitants of a patry fishing town.
A most formidable fleet is now collected for the protection of the coast against any attempt from the flotilla at Boulogne.—There are no less than between 40 and 60 sail of ships of war assembled in the Downs, independent of the force at Dungeness and on the French coast.
Mr. Foster, youngest son of Lady Elizabeth Foster, will immediately set off for Washington, where he is appointed Secretary of Legation to Mr. Merry.
By a Proclamation in the Gazette of Saturday, Parliament is farther prorogued to the 27th of November, on which day it will positively meet for the dispatch of business.
Baron de Relie has arrived in town, with the intelligence that his Royal Highness Monsieur, brother to the King of France, sailed on Wednesday last, with a fair wind, for Gottemburgh, under convoy of a gun-brig.
The famous traveller, Baron Humboldt, after a visit to his brother, at Rome, intends to travel for twelve months in Turkey.—He does not intend to publish his discoveries in South-America, until he has finished all his travels, which, his friends say, will extend to Abyssinia.
Price of Stock, this day at one o'clock—Consols 57 1/2—Reduced stock—Omnium 7 per cent.
The average prices of Grain, by the quarter of eight Winchester bushels, in England and Wales, from the returns received in the week ending the 14th September, were—Wheat 4s. 2d.—Rye 3s. 11d.—Barley 3s.
The average price of Sugar, computed from the returns made for the weeks ending 19th of September, is 2s. 9s. 11 1/2d. per cwt.
Sept. 26. Dispatches were received on Saturday from our fleet off Brest, which left all well last Wednesday. The enemy remained at single anchor, but their whole division has been lately painted, and the ships have had all their yards, tops, and bends new-varnished. Several small parties of soldiers have deserted lately in open boats from Brest, Camaret Point battery, to the frigates of our in-shore squadron. They say, that the troops are discontented with their inactivity; but that the fleets in the outer road have troops on board, and have positive orders to endeavour to push out the first opportunity that offers.
Dispatches were received yesterday from Admiral Cornwallis, off Brest, dated the 16th inst.
The intelligence communicated in the Star of Friday last, of the whole of the French flotilla having left Ostend, is mentioned, with other circumstances, in a letter from an officer of one of our in-shore cruisers off Flushing, which states that on Tuesday last, at 11 A.M. turning up towards Flushing, they saw seventeen sail of schooners and luggers running down under Dutch colours; at 9 A.M. they anchored in Ostend Roads; from whence they were joined by ten other schooners and forty sail of schuyts with troops on board. Seven sail of schooners remained in Ostend Roads, the rest ran for Dunkirk. On Thursday, they all went into Dunkirk harbour, where they judged there might be about one hundred sail of the same sort of vessels which came out of Ostend; they informed him, that there had been an embargo there for two months, but that it was taken off when the first flotilla had sailed, and that only one frigate was left behind at Flushing to serve as a guard ship, &c. all the rest of the flotilla had sailed of every description. The troops are represented to be discontented with their state of inactivity; they had hoped before this to have shared the wealth of the this "proud isle of Shop-keepers."
Extract of a letter from the Mediterranean, brought by the Agincourt.—"There are 11 sail of the line off Toulon, with Lord Nelson; and the French have eight sail of the line in perfect readiness for sea; which occasionally come out, when our ships are at a distance off the shore. The inferior state of his Lordship's health, it is confidently believed in the fleet, will cause him to return to England immediately, in the Medusa frigate, captain Gore. The Russians, it is suspected, intend to send a force into Naples. Genoa is so closely blockaded by the English, that no vessel can come out without being captured. We keep a ship of the line in Naples bay to watch the movements of the French, who are not far distant from that neighbourhood. The straits of Messina and that coast, are guarded by five frigates, under the command of captain Cracraft, of the Anson, to prevent the French taking possession of Sicily."
According to letters which are stated to have been received from our blockading squadron off the Texel, the Batavian squadron in that port lately have indicated something of a disposition to put to sea. For nearly ten days all the officers were strictly commanded to sleep on board their respective ships, and expected to sail as soon as an opportunity presented itself. The Dutch ships were represented by the captain of a Prussian ship, who was spoken by our cruisers, as being victualled for six months; and hence an idea was entertained that they were to proceed on some distant expedition.—The number of ships ready for sea, the same captain stated, to be six ships of the line, four frigates, and a few smaller vessels. The land troops on board were not more than 5000 men. These stories have, however, been so often repeated, that little credit can be attached to them.
We become more and more convinced that the invasion will shortly be attempted. Our last advices from Brest left the fleet of 21 sail of the line in the outer harbour, with orders to sail the first favourable wind.
LEGHORN, August 20.
Yesterday arrived here from Paris, a courier to the French General, who immediately gave orders to take an account of all the ships belonging to Russia, Sweden, and another Power, that were in this harbour. There were several Russian ships but only two Swedish. This morning the Etrurian General La Villette, at the request of the French General, issued orders that no ship belonging to the above
powers should be suffered to sail. The French General has likewise placed a French privateer at the entrance of the harbour, and French soldiers in the guard boat which lies in the middle harbour. Etrurian soldiers are ordered on board the ships, which, however, may unload without interruption. There are no Prussian ships here at present.
ROME, August 12.
Young Le Clerc, son to late General of that name, and to her Imperial Highness the present Princess of Borghese, died at Fiescati, in his 6th year.
When the Courier from Paris arrived here on the 2d, the Pope was called up from his sleep and all the Cardinals in the villas about Rome were summoned by dragoons sent express.
VENICE, Aug. 24.
We have just learned the contents of the dispatches which the French Ambassador at Rome lately received. Ancona and Civita Vecchia will again be occupied by French troops. Similar demands appear to have been made in Naples. The reinforcements of foreign troops, which have arrived in the Republic of the Seven Islands, appear to have given rise to these measures.
Gazette Marine Memoranda.
Text"> ARRIVED.
Ship Moses Myers, Breck, 20 days from the Isle of May, Saldt, Moses Myers, Left at that place Oct. 21. Ships Fortitude, Dudley, New-York, to sail in 2 or 3 days—Lara, Seward, Cape Ann, immediately—William, Hall, Newburyport, just arrived. Brig Ezetta, Hopkins, Portsmouth, N. H. and a brig belonging to Newburyport, name unknown, just arrived. Two ships from Nantucket bound to the South-Sea had touched in, and were to sail again in 3 or 4 days—Captains' names Padlock and Chase.—Nov. 12, lat. 31° 38' N. long. 69° W. spoke brig Jane, of and from Baltimore, in company with several armed vessels, bound to Havana. 21st, lat. 36° N. long. 75° W. fell in with a vessel of about 80 tons burthen, bottom up—dark bottom with white boot-top. Parted from the brig Elizabeth, Barclay, 19 days from Antigua for Norfolk, on the 20th instant.
In Hampton Roads, brig Enterprise, M'Cobb, of and bound to Alexandria 30 days from Jamaica.
Also schooner Lucy-Ann, Butler, from Baltimore for Currago.
Ship Bald-Eagle, Langdon, 125 days from Amsterdam, anchored in Lynnhaven-Bay yesterday morning. The Captain not having come up to town, we are not possessed of any of the particulars of her tedious passage, further than those reported by vessels that spoke her at sea.
The Mary of Greenock from Liverpool to Virginia, was retaken on the 8th Sept. and had arrived at Plymouth.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16.
Extract of a letter from Bourdeaux, dated August 29. "Yesterday the schooner Mary, of Norfolk, captain Coran, sailing under an old sea-letter and notarial certificate, was condemned as English property—she having been seized some weeks ago by our Consul as such."
CUSTOM-HOUSE—ENTERED.
Ship Moses Myers, Beck, Isle of May. Rochdale, Bloor, Tobago. Gallot Ann & Eliza, St. Lucia.
CLEARED.
Brig Comet, Fryer, Jamaica. Sch'r Iris, Pearson, Dominiqua. Dwyer, Brown, Antigua. Victory, Gould, Baltimore. Sloop Alexander, Moody, Petersburg.
LANDING
On Tran-Point, out of the Gallot Ann & Eliza, from St. Lucia, her Cargo consisting of
MUSCOVADO SUGARS, in hogheads, tierses, and barrels.—And a parcel of COCOA.
Also—from Ship Rochdale, from Tobago, RUM AND SUGAR, of good quality. For sale on liberal terms by Robertson & Brown.
November 23. 5w 343
FOR SALE.
100 Hhds. Petersburg TOBACCO. Part of which is afloat.
A. Maclure.
Nov. 21. tf 242
NOW LANDING
On Maxwell's Wharf, from on board the Schooner SEAMAN, Capt Seaman, from New-York, A CHOICE PARCEL OF
OLD COGNAC BRANDY, and a few casks of DUTCH LINSEED OIL.
Which will be sold low, by applying to John Brown, Rothery's Wharf.
November 19. tf 237
CHEAP GOODS.
JUST ARRIVED FROM NEW-YORK, AND FOR SALE AT MRS. HUNT'S, TALBOT ROW. AN ASSORTMENT OF
SUPERFINE and Fine Cloths, Casimeres, Brown Linen, Calicoes, Shirting Muffin, Callimancoes, Worsted Hose, Fur-Silk Gloves, Blue and White Pulicat and Madras Handkerchiefs, Silk, Satin, and Black Modes, 6-4 Fancy Silk Shawls, Barcelona ditto, Camel's Hair ditto, Black Sewing-Silk, Edgings, Silk Waistcoat-Patens, Whitechapel Needles and Pins, Ferreroes, Red Morocco Pocket-Books, Fine Razors, Children's Caps, Silk Suspenders.
AND AN ASSORTMENT OF Jewellery, Razor Strops, Matrices, Syringes, &c. November 19. tf 238
TO LET
For one or more years, SEVERAL Tenements in the Town of Portsmouth, advantageously situated.—ALSO, A Store House, near the Market.
A GARDNER
Who can come well recommended, will find immediate employment by applying to
William Leigh.
November 19. tf 240
CASH WILL BE GIVEN FOR
WHEAT, PEASE, AND FLAX-SEED, By the Subscriber, at his warehouse on Marsden's wharf.
THEO. ARMISTEAD.
November 19. 5w 241
ALEXANDER CLARK,
Boot and Shoe-maker,
At the head of Maxwell's Wharf, Wide Water Street, Has, in addition to those of his own manufactory, received from Philadelphia and New-York, an assortment of the best
BOOTS AND SHOES,
And intends in future to keep a constant supply. Three boys of respectable connexions, from 12 to 15 years of age, will be taken as apprentices to the above business. Nov. 3. tf 210
Brown's Packet will sail for Baltimore ON MONDAY, weather permitting. Nov. 23.

DEPARTMENT OF MISCELLANY.
THE IRISH PATRIOT'S LAMENTATION AFTER NAPPER TANDY.
Amice admodum amande! Where are thou fled to NAPPER TANDY? Aut Scotia te, aut Gallia habet? Fearless declare, your friend won't blab it. Tu vitas nobile certamen, Nor how affairs go here examine. Libertas tabet, te absente; We've not one patriot now in twenty. Nunc vetat Lex nos associare; Our projects therefore must miscarry. Et nunc MILITIAM habemus, From disaffection to reclaim us; Sed donec Ethiope mutat cutim, We ne'er shall be the men to suit 'em: Dum tenent nivos leopardi, They'll find us still perverse and tardy. Sed lugeo te, mi consors bone! As Talcot wail'd the bear his crony; De canibus cum reconditus, For we've no patriot now to right us. Cur Vocem Populi derides? Thou antitype of Aristides! Non ista vox notatur, Dei? Then who shall dare t'oppose it?—say I, Nec non Symposii Crumena, Protect thee from the damn'd Subjoena! Vel si Symposium deficitur, And cannot cope with the solicitor; Ne timeas tu, sed redeas mox, Hang out out your patriot-begging box: Sic quoque tuam rem sapias, Like JONAS, GRATTAN, and AMYAS. Cur istis sit commodum solis, To reap the fruit of patriot follies? Festina tunc, ne ignaviores Should strip you of your well-earn'd glories. Heu! quantum tui me miseret, That you should miss the meed you merit!
* Alluding to the recent establishment of the militia in Ireland. † Amyas Griffith.
FROM THE BALANCE.
THE LIMNER.
PORTRAIT III.
My prospects brighten daily—My shop has attracted the attention of some great men, and I have already had a customer of high standing. But I find that I must proceed with great caution, for like other men I am extremely liable to be deceived by appearances. I find, too, that I have not gained a single friend or advocate by advertising my skill in transparent painting: Indeed I have heard it roundly asserted that the pair of portraits which I have exhibited, are nothing short of transparenties, although they were executed as mere oil-colour painting. To tell you the plain fact, Mr. Editor, my pencil of Truth, is so far preferable to any other in my shop, that I cannot readily consent to lay it aside. It delineates with so much ease and accuracy, the visible lines, and marks all the shades and changes, that it almost exhibits the quality of the head and heart, in the simplest outside sketches.
But you are undoubtedly impatient to know something of my illustrious customer. He entered my shop and addressed me so familiarly, that I confess he made a favourable impression. His countenance was disguised in a smile, and as he shook me by the hand, I thought the grasp bespoke friendship. "I am told, Mr. Pallett", said he, "That you hold the pencil of Truth, and as I venerate the truth above all things, I have come to be your customer". This declaration taken in connection with smiles and complaisance, left me no room to doubt that he was a fit subject for my Reflector. So much goodness, thought I, ought to be fully exhibited for the benefit of mankind. "I am extremely happy to find, Sir", said I, "that, in these degenerate times, there is at least one man, who is not afraid to appear in transparenty". It was meant as a compliment, Mr. Editor; but what was my astonishment when I observed its effects upon my customer. At first all colour fled from his face—he turned as pale as death. Then a blush flew over his countenance, and he exhibited every mark of shame and confusion. I felt little less confused myself, and immediately made some frivolous excuse and stepped out of the shop. I would have given the earnings of a week, that my well-meant, though unlucky compliment, had never escaped my lips. Had I at this moment, viewed myself in my Reflector, I should have discovered that a little insincerity of heart, and a little indiscretion of the head, had brought me into this disagreeable predicament. And if I could have seen my customer through the same medium, what a heart would have been presented to view! How hollow! how false! how corrupt! when he first entered my shop, he pretended that his veneration of Truth had brought him there. We were unacquainted, and he introduced himself by flattering me, and by professing the greatest regard for the first of virtues. But on the first intimation that his frail mask was to be removed, and his real qualities exposed, how did he tremble! Oh, hypocrisy! dissimulation! Would to God it were not dangerous for the pencil of Truth to paint these in their proper colours.
On returning to my shop, my customer told me, that he merely wanted his profile drawn; and he took his position on the floor for the purpose. I requested him to turn the other side of his face towards me, as the light would then strike more favourably. "No Mr. Pallett", said he, "I have an ugly scar, a kind of mark, on that side of my face, which will not appear well; indeed, it would look like a blemish on the picture". This reason was satisfactory, and I proceeded to sketch the out-lines of his face as he stood. But how different was this face from that which first entered my shop. That was all smiles. This was all frowns. Indeed, I do not think there was ever more settled malignity expressed in a man's countenance. The profile being completed, he cast his eye upon it, and remarked with a sneer, that it was more like a caricature than a true likeness. I replied that I had seldom been more successful, particularly in a profile. He insisted, that it was no likeness, and begged that it might be altered, so that the countenance might express more mildness and honesty. I declined making any alteration. He endeavoured to enforce compliance by the offer of extra pay; but all to no purpose. Finding that I was immovably fixed, he left the shop, observing surly, that he would neither take the picture nor pay for the painting.
Thus, having the picture left upon my hands, I have hung it up in my shop, where the curious may be gratified with a view of it. And being a little acquainted with engravings as well as painting, I have
Mr. Editor, taken off a copy, which you may, if you please, place at the head of this essay. And to decide on the merit of the work, let spectators and readers, point out the original, if they can. PETER PALLETT.
STORAGE.
THE Subscriber will receive Goods on Storage, at his convenient Fire Proof Store, on Marsden's Wharf. William Hartshorne, Jun. Oct. 18. LIVERPOOL SALT. QUEEN'S WARE, in Crates well afforded. DUFFEL BLANKETS, in small Bales. 10 and 20d. Flat Pointed NAILS, in Casks—and LIVERPOOL COAL. If taken from along side the ship Jane, Capt. Colley, will be sold low. Apply to William Pennock.
WHO OFFERS FOR SALE,
114 Puncheons Jamaica RUM. Imported in the Sarah, Capt. Herbert. October 23. 187
LANDING THIS DAY ON WARREN'S WHARF,
113 Tierces RICE. 10 Hogheads SUGAR. 10 do. MOLASSES. For Sale by Warren Ashley. August 2. 53
Will be landed this day on Newton's Wharf, from on board the Schooner Ass Eliza, Capt. Small, from due-Coyes, 75,000 wt. GREEN COFFEE. For sale by Wilson, Cunningham & Co. August 21. 86
NOW LANDING
From on board the Brig Maria, Robert Hutton, master, from Born-doues, 30 Pipes OLD COGNAC BRANDY, fit for immediate use. 211 Hhds. CLARET, fit for the West India Market. 100 Casks, do. do. 50 do. Vin de Grave. 500 DEMIJOHNS. 2 Trunks OSB Stockings, Silk and Kid Gloves and Fans For sale by William Pennock. Sept. 1. 115
FOR SALE,
New-York BEEF and PORK. ALSO, 200 barrels Smithfield PORK. Robert Gibson. July 17, 1804. 17
RANAWAY from the Subscriber, living in Raleigh, on the night of the 23d of October last, a Negro Boy named Sam, about 18 years old, 5 feet 7, well built, of a good countenance, flutters very much when speaking. He has with him a blue cloth coat, without pocket flaps. It is expected he is now in Peterburg, as he was taken on the 29th of October, at Mr. Parham's, 30 miles this side of Peterburg on the road from Hicks's Ford, and made his escape. He will likely aim for Norfolk, and endeavour to get on board some vessel. Masters of vessels, as well as other persons, are forewarned from harbouring or taking him away. I will give a generous reward, and pay all reasonable expenses to any person who will bring him to me, or secure him in any jail so that I may get him again. Henry H. Cooke. Raleigh, North Carolina, Nov. 6, 1804. 3 226
FOR SALE,
30 Barrels Fine FLOUR a-float. John Cox. Gosport, Nov. 12. tf 229
Received by the Ship Gosport, from Amsterdam, and for sale by the Subscriber, 12 Bales TICKLENBURG. 5 Casks PLATILLAS. 2 Casks BRITTANNIAS. 2 Casks BYLAWELD LINEN. He has also for Sale, 12 Puncheons choice Demerara SPIRIT. 100 do. Gosport RUM. 5,000 lb. PIMENTO. James Young. November 10. 2w 224
LANDING THIS DAY
On Newton's Wharf, from on board the Ship Gosport, M. St. Dorkheim, from Amsterdam, GIN, superior quality. EMPTY CASES. LINSEED OIL. HOLLAND DUCK. RAVENS do. OLD HOCK—and IV SMALL CASES. BURGUNDY. For sale by Moses Myers. November 10. tf 225
THIS DAY
Will commence landing, on Newton's Wharf, the Cargo of the Swedish Brig Nicanson, E. LINBERG, Master, from Gottenburg, CONSISTING OF A CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF SWEDISH IRON. NAIL RODS. RUSSIA & RAVENS DUCK. LINENS afforded, and A few Hogheads CLARET. For sale by Moses Myers. Sept. 15. tf 138
NOW LANDING
From on board the Schooner Lydia, Capt. Livington, from Antigua 116 Puncheons RUM. For sale by William Pennock, WHO WANTS TO PURCHASE, RED AND WHITE OAK STAVES—and 2 INCH SHINGLES. November 5. tf 221
WANTED IMMEDIATELY,
A QUANTITY OF Red and White Oak Drawn Staves, for which cash will be given. ALSO, White and Pitch Pine Merchantable Boards. ROBERT MAITLAND & Co. Sept. 27. tf 157
WE HAVE FOR SALE, 1,000 Barrels TURPENTINE. 1,000 do. TAR. 100,000 Red and White Oak Hld. STAVES—and 8 Pipes of BRANDY. Gilliat & Mackinder. November 8. tf 222 FALL AND WINTER GOODS. THE SUBSCRIBER Has received by the Brig COMMERCE, from London, and Ship BRUTUS, from Liverpool, A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF FALL AND WINTER GOODS, which he offers for sale, by Wholesale or Retail, on moderate terms. Richard Taylor. ALSO—A FEW BALS BEST TWILLED SACKING. Sept. 22. tf 159
FOR SALE, 12 Puncheons ANTIGUA RUM. 15 do. GRENADA do. 5 Pipes HOLLAND GIN 20 do. COUNTRY do. 12 do. FRENCH BRANDY. 8 do. ALICANT do. 22 Qs. Casks SHERRY WINE. 10 do. do. MALAGA do. PORT and CLARET WINE, in casks & bottles. 6 Barrels PORK—and about 1000 Dozen PORTER, of my last winters flock, equal to any imported. Joseph Hayes. August 24. tf 96
Mathematical Instruments, &c. LEVIN DORSEY;
At the corner of Fayette and Wide Water-Streets, Town-Point A DAMS's Patent Globes, 12 inches diameter, with compasses in the bottom, very complete. Quadrants, black and red ebony, with single and double observation. Ditto—with tangent screws, 12 inches. Aeronautical Telescopes, for night and day, on the latest and most improved construction, in a portable size, with finding sun-shade. Telescopes, of the common kind, for night and day observations, or for day only, of every description. Circumferenters, of the best qualities. Mariner's Compasses, in brass and wood. Pocket Compasses, in brass, of different sizes. Time Glasses—hour, half hour, 23, and 14 seconds. Gunter's Scales; Brass Dividers; &c. &c. Likewise the following Articles, FOR THE USE OF NAVIGATORS. Hamilton Moore's Epitome and Almanac. General Charts of the Coast of America, from Boston to Philadelphia. Ditto—Continued, with directions. Ditto—West-Indies, and Demerara, with directions. Ditto—Windward Islands, with do. Ditto—Gulph of Florida, with do. Ditto—Windward Passage, with do. West-India Pilot, with directions. ALSO, A few tons of Baltimore Bar-Iron, affected, by the ton or less quantity—Composition Bolts and Spikes—Bouches—Carrage-wheel boxes, of all sizes—all which he will warrant good. N. B. All kinds of MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENTS repaired, at the shortest notice. Orders for every species of Brass-Castings received and immediately executed at his foundery, and the work delivered as above. August 7. tf 58
LANDING THIS DAY, On Newton's Wharf, from on board Schooner Eliza, Capt. Johnson, 60 Puncheons ANTIGUA RUM, FOR SALE BY Wilson, Cunningham & Co. Oct. 22. tf 197
FALL GOODS. WE are now landing from the brig Commerce, from London, an extensive assortment of FALL GOODS, among which are afforded packages, calculated for the West India market, entitled to drawbacks, which will be sold at low advance, by Gilliat & Mackinder. August 21. tf 92
OILS, PAINTS & WINDOW GLASS, Of all kinds, colours, and sizes. For sale by N. Gregory, opposite the Market. An ASSISTANT wanted—also, an active YOUTH to be employed in the store.—Liberal wages will be given to Two ABLE HANDS, to turn a Pain-Mill. July 8. tf 3
3000 bushels coarse SALT a-float, FOR SALE, BY A. Maclure. Nov. 3. tf 209
COLOGNE MILL-STONES. THE SUBSCRIBERS HAVE COLOGNE MILL-STONES, of all dimensions, from Hand-Mill-Stones of 22 inches, to those of 4 feet 8 inches, of the best quality.—Also, BAR and ROD IRON, and STEEL, of all kinds. Jesse Hollingsworth & Son. Baltimore, Aug. 15. tf 77
ANTIGUA RUM. THIS DAY, Will be landed, on our Wharf, from on board the Schooner Genera Pinckney, Captain Barry, 86 Puncheons Antigua RUM. Which will be sold on moderate terms, for Cash or approved Notes. C. & F. Whittle. October 52. tf 189
WILLIAM HARTSHORNE, JUN. HAS FOR SALE, AN INVOICE OF PINS, NAILS, HOES, SPADES, TEA KETTLES, ENGLISH BEND-LEATHER and BOOT LEGS. 3 Trunks COTTON HOSIERY. A few firkins good BUTTER. ANTIGUA RUM. 4 Patent CORN-SHELLING MACHINES. Alexandria CRACKERS, in kegs. Philadelphia LOAF SUGAR, in hhds. and bbls. MAHOGANY BEDSTEADS. November 6. tf 217
SUBSCRIPTIONS Will be received at the Office of the Ledger, FOR THE MONTHLY REGISTER AND REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, to be published at Charleston, S. C. BY S. CULLEN CARPENTER. Price Six Dollars per annum, payable half yearly in advance. August 14.
INSURANCE AGAINST FIRE. Phenix Fire Office, London, May 1, 1804.
THE numerous and destructive Fires which have happened within the period of the two last years, in different parts of Europe and America, (more particularly in the towns of Liverpool in England, Gothenburg in Sweden, and Norfolk in Virginia,) render it proper to remind all persons who possess property in the United States of America, of the utility of insurance. The Phenix Office of London, is an institution sufficiently known by the very large and important losses it has paid, in consequence of the extensive conflagrations in the cities and towns of America to such sufferers as have had the prudence to protect their property, by insurance.—The Phenix Company deeply regret that, owing to the experience of serious and continued losses, upon the buildings and stores in the timber towns, no alteration nor remission on such risks can be made at present—but the Directors hope, from the increase of brick and stone buildings, and other improvements of security, that the period is not far distant, when they will be able generally, to mitigate the rates of insurance in North America; and they confidently presume that the promptitude and honour with which they have uniformly fulfilled their extensive engagements, have unequivocally established the solidity, credit and good faith, of the Company. The Phenix Company grant insurances upon buildings, goods, and ships, whilst in dock or in harbour, from loss or damage by fire, upon the most moderate and equitable terms; and persons desirous of securing their property by policies from this company, are requested to transmit their orders to their correspondents in Great Britain. July 31. 48
PROPOSALS, BY RITCHIE & WORSLEY and AUGUSTINE DAVIS, FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, THE DEBATES AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS OF THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION, ON THE ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
On the advantages of a work, whose character is so well established, as that of the Debates of the Virginia Convention, it would be useless to expatiate. A work which gives the most comprehensive account extant, of the proceedings and arguments on the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States, certainly needs not the passing tribute of the mere Editor. If the reputation of a book which is so frequently mentioned, has not already anticipated these eulogiums, such a character, often meritorious, and a way postal, can scarcely be expected to bring it into notice. If the merits of the work have been already appreciated, the eulogiums of the Editor will be surely unnecessary. The Debates of the Virginia Convention are completely out of print. No more than 1500 copies of the first edition were ever published; and not more than one edition has ever appeared. Hence it is that the demand for this work has scarcely ever been supplied; and it is hence that the present publishers have been induced to print a second edition. Several mistakes, which had crept into the former edition, will be corrected: the speeches will sometimes be disposed for a more satisfactory perusal, by distributing them into appropriate paragraphs: and the entire execution of the work will be in every respect more perfect.
CONDITIONS. 1. This work, which was divided into three volumes in the former edition, will now be comprised into one. 2. It will be printed with a new type, on very good paper, in the octavo form. 3. It will be bound in boards. An additional expense of 50 cents will be required for binding it in leather. 4. The price to subscribers will be three dollars, to be paid on the delivery of the copy. Non-subscribers will have to pay four dollars. 5. It is now in the press. The labour of two compositors and two pressmen is constantly employed upon it; and it may be expected to appear in February or March, 1804. SUBSCRIPTIONS received by the Editors of the Publick Ledger, Richmond, October 20, 1804.
PROPOSALS FOR PUBLISHING, IN THE CITY OF BALTIMORE, A PERIODICAL PAPER, TO BE CALLED THE COMPANION, AND WEEKLY MISCELLANY. BY EDWARD FASY, Esq.
CONDITIONS. The first number will be published on the first Saturday in November, and if a sufficient number of Subscribers are obtained, be continued every succeeding Saturday. It will be printed on a good demy paper, and new type.—Each number to contain eight quarto pages—And at the end of every year, a handsome title page and table of contents for the volume. City Subscribers will be served regularly on the days of publication—those at a distance will have their papers forwarded by post, or otherwise, as directed. The charge THREE DOLLARS per annum, to be paid half-yearly in advance. Communications (post paid) addressed to the Editor, at the Printing-Office of Cole & Hewes, publishers, 192 Market-Street will be duly attended to. ** SUBSCRIPTION received by Geo. L. Gray, at the Office of the PUBLICk LEDGER.
Received by the Ship Old Tom, Captain S. Davis, and for sale by the Subscriber, 22 Pipes HOLLAND GIN, of superior quality. R. Gibson.
WHO HAS ALSO FOR SALE, London particular MADEIRA WINE, in pipes, hhds. and quarter casks. 12 Hhds. GRENADA RUM. 2 do. JAMAICA do. SUGAR, in hhds. tierces and barrels. COFFEE, in tierces, barrels, and bags. 5000 bathels St. Ubes SALT. Richmond and Frederickburg TOBACCO. MANUFACTURED TOBACCO, in kegs, of excellent quality. PORK and BEEF, NAILS and SPIKES. AXES and HOES, assorted in casks, &c. &c. November 6. 1awdw 215
NORFOLK: PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A-WEEK, BY J. COWPER AND G. L. GRAY. OPPOSITE THE EXCHANGE COFFEE-HOUSE; Price Five Dollars and Fifty Cents yearly, in advance.