Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1809-11-01 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE AND PUBLICK LEDGER.  SINT HIC ETIAM SUA PREMIA LAUDIS
VOL. VI.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 1, 1809.
40.]
For Sale or Charter, The new copper fastened Brig ERIN, Burthen 1000 barrels, will be ready for the reception of a cargo in about 8 days. For terms apply to E. Higgins, or J. Moran. 3w
For Charter, The Ship MAGNET, Captain Swift, burthen 208 tons, will carry about 230 bds. Tobacco—Freight to Spain or Portugal will be preferred. Noble & Arbuthnott, & Co. tf
For Charter, The Brig SUMNER, Capt. Malcomb, Burthen 1600 barrels. Apply to Moses Myers & Son. For Sale on board at Commerce-Street wharf, on low terms, 100,000 feet Northern BOARDS. October 18
For Charter, The Brig MARY, Capt. Woodbury, burthen 1100 barrels. Moses Myers & Son. October 16
For Charter, The Ship United States, Capt. Porter, burthen 400 hogheads. Moses Myers & Son. For Sale. PORT WINE in pipes. In Store, Liverpool SALT loose and in sacks. October 9
For Charter, The Brig CONCORD, J. Nason, master, burthen 300 bds. is in good order and ready for a cargo. Moses Myers and Son. Who offer for Sale, A few firkins fresh BUTTER, 10 pipes Gin; 30 barrels prime Pork, Soap, Candles, and Cheese in boxes, 60 barrels No 1 and 2 Beef. October 9
For Charter, The Ship UNION, Capt. Shaw, Burthen 215 tons, will carry about 250 hogheads tobacco. Also, The Brig SAMPSON, Capt. Mason, 161 tons, will carry about 180 bds. both in good order, and ready to take on board. Freight to Spain or Portugal will be preferred. Richard Blow. October 6
For Charter, The Ship FAME, Captain Leamon, burthen 380 hogheads Tobacco, in complete order for the reception of a Cargo. ALSO, For Sale or Charter, The new Ship Amphitrite, Captain Calhoun, burthen 250 tons, completely fitted with the best materials. Warren Ashley. September 27.
For Charter, The fine Brig VENUS, W. Trafetham, master, burthen 180 Tons. Moses Myers & Son. Who offer for Sale, 400 boxes Brown Havana Sugar, sup. qual. 50 barrels Muscovado do. do. 100,000 wt. prime Green Coffee. Sept 18. tf
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. Armsstead Smith. August 19
THE SUBSCRIBER Is authorised to treat with any person disposed to purchase the whole or any part of the Following LANDS, Situated chiefly on Cumberland River, and derived from Military Titles, to wit, Four Tracts of 640 acres each, on Obe's river, a branch of Cumberland, navigable at this place, and where the usual price of Land of late has not been less than four dollars per acre. Two other Tracts, one of 1950 and another of 1500 acres, these are also on Cumberland river, laying in a neck between it and Obe's river. These tracts are nearly all river bottom of uncommon fertility, and such as have commanded there no less a price than eight dollars per acre. One other Tract of 640 acres in Powell's Valley, which is said to be also rich and well watered. One other Tract of 1000 acres in Grassy Valley, represented to be of inferior soil, but excellent Grazing Land. For further particulars apply to Luke Wheeler. October 23.
FALL GOODS. Richard and John Taylor, Have received by the Ships Caledonia and Desdemona, from London, and United States from Liverpool, their FALL SUPPLY, which with their Stock on hand comprises a very extensive and general assortment, consisting of almost every kind of Woollen, Silk, Linen, and Cotton GOODS, Cutlery and Hardware. ALSO, Fine and coarse Hats, Sine Twine, Stationary, Pipes, Coppers, and Patent Shot—All of which they will sell on very moderate terms for Cash or approved paper. October 11.
Fall and Winter Goods. The Subscriber having this summer visited the principal Manufacturing Towns in England and Scotland, where he collected an extensive assortment of DRY GOODS, (Part of which he is now landing, the balance are daily expected) his assortment consists of Gentlemen's Superfine and Ladies' fashionable Pelisse Cloths; Cassimeres and coarse Woollens; Linens, Diapers and Sheetings; Cotton Goods in great variety; Hats, Hosiery, and Glass-ware; Hardware, Nails and Cutlery of every description. From his experience and mode of purchasing, he flatters himself in being able to supply his friends and the publick, on as good terms as can be found in any part of this country. George M'Intosh. October 11.
Fall and Winter Goods. WOOD & HASTINGS, HAVE JUST RECEIVED 53 packages of Staple & Fancy Goods. Comprising an extensive assortment, which will be sold at low prices for Cash, or approved paper. October 11.
It is a bad Wind that favors no Voyage. A large part of the community will gain what a small part will lose, by an attempt to undersell me—I will enter into the system of underselling. My prices therefore, shall be as low, or lower for BOOTS and SHOES than any person's in Norfolk, provided they do not take less than two dollars for good Boots. Samuel Coleman. October 11.
FOR SALE. 1000 SPANISH HIDES, Of superior quality. Apply to J. MORAN. October 11.
Hibbert's Brown Stout. 50 casks Hibbert's best bottled Brown STOUT, Received by the Ship Caledonia, from London, and for Sale by Robert Maitland. October 11.
LANDING This day from the Schooner Saratoga, Capt. Taylor, 101 hogheads } SUGAR, 89 barrels } Which will be sold low for Cash, or approved paper, at 60 and 90 day. Geo. Murray & Co. October 6.
State of North-Carolina, Superior Court, April 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 up against him. By Order, J. B. BLOUNT, C. M. E. C. C. August 23.
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.
FOR SALE, A very desirable HOUSE and LOT, in Freemason-Street, No. 27, at present occupied by the Subscriber. For terms apply to F. Whittle, Esq. or Hannah Dodsworth. September 27.
FOR SALE, That Valuable PROPERTY known by the name of The Gosport Distillery, With all the Utensils thereto belonging. The Still, four in number, are in good order, and from one charge upwards of 300 gallons Spirits may be produced. The term will be made very accommodating, and as the house is now in operation, the purchaser will be furnished with a sufficient quantity of Returns to go to work with immediately. James Young. September 22.
40 quarter casks Sherry WINE, 5 pipes fourth proof Cogniac BRANDY. For Sale by Moses Myers & Son. October 18.
A small, but Valuable FARM for Sale. THE SUBSCRIBER owns a Farm of about 200 acres, in the County of York, which he is disposed to sell—it lies nearly half way between the towns of York and Hampton, and is bounded on its southern side by the main road leading from Hampton, through York and Williamsburg to Richmond. It would therefore be a good stand for a Tavern or Store, or a Shop of a Mechanick; the soil is every where fertile, and in some parts highly so; and perhaps no land premises, from the nature of soil and other advantages, will more certainly reward its cultivator. It lies near a Water-Crest and Saw Mill, and within about two miles of a good publick landing. The river on which this landing is established, is remarkable for the fine quality as well as the abundance of its Fish and Oysters. Upon the upper part of the land, there is a small Dwelling-House, in which there is a tenant for the present year; but the house is of little value; there are no other buildings on the land. Mr. Gerard Robinson, who resides near it will show it to any one disposed to view it, and either he or Capt. Mallory Todd, of Smithfield, or Mr. Richard Young, of Warwick Town will treat for the sale of it, or application may be made to Merit M. Robinson. Smithfield, October 18.
Thirty Dollars Reward. Deserted on the night of the 13th instant, from on board the frigate United States, THOMAS GARAGANO, Drummer; ALEXANDER DEMOLIN, and RAYMOND GOTIER, privates, belong to the Marine Corps. GARAGANO, by birth, is an Italian; about 5 feet 7 inches high, grey eyes, black hair, and dark complexion. ALEXANDER DEMOLIN is by birth a Frenchman, about 19 years of age, 5 feet 9 and an half inches high, dark eyes, brown hair, sallow complexion. RAYMOND GOTIER, is also by birth a Frenchman, 26 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, grey eyes, black hair, light complexion, by trade a potter, speaks very little English. Whoever will apprehend the said deserters, and deliver them to any officer in the service of the United States, or on board the frigate United States, shall receive the above reward, or Ten Dollars for either. J. B. Crane, Lieutenant Commanding Marines. October 16.
CASH For Rough Hhd. and Bbl. STAVES, Of good quality, will be given by C. & F. Whittle. October 2.
NOTICE. A Petition will be presented to the next General Assembly of this Commonwealth, praying that an Act may be passed to allow the Dismal Swamp Canal Company to increase the rates of Toll on the Canal when finished. September 27.
Columbian Mills FLOUR. THE SUBSCRIBERS Are, and will be regularly supplied with FLOUR From the above Mills, which will be found equal to any manufactured in the United States C. & F. Whittle. September 22.
FOR SALE, 60 MASTS, of different sizes, 10,000 feet OARS, 100 dozen HANDSPIKES. Proby, Harmanson, & Co. August 30.
NOTICE is hereby Given, That a PETITION will be presented to the next General Assembly, praying that a law may pass to incorporate the MECHANICAL SOCIETY of the Borough of Norfolk. September 15.
BOAT LOST. LOST on Thursday Night, the 12th instant, abreast of Crump's Hill, A Four Oared BOAT, With a lead coloured bottom and yellow streak, yellow stem sheets, with two new row locks, and the top of her stern broke off. Whoever will deliver her to Messrs Moses Myers & Son, or the Subscriber, shall be handsomely rewarded Simcon Smith. October 28.
In consequence of the death of ROBERT DONALDSON, the partnership in trade at Norfolk, under the firm of Donaldson, Thorburn, & Co. and at Fayetteville and Wilmington, in North-Carolina, under the firm of Donaldson, MacMillan, & Co. will terminate on the first day of November next. The business at Norfolk will be closed by James Thorburn, and at Fayetteville and Wilmington by John Mac Millan. Those who may have claims on either house, will please to present them; and their debtors are earnestly requested to make payment. James Thorburn, John Mac Millan, Surviving Partners.
The Subscriber will continue the business at Norfolk, for his own account, and solicits the favour of the late company's friends and correspondents. James Thorburn. October 28.
NOTES OF HAND. According to the new form established by an Act of the Assembly, and Office of Discount and Deposit of the Commonwealth of the United States, for sale at this office.
[Postponed by desire of the Jockey Club.] Norfolk and Portsmouth Jockey Club RACES, Over the New Ditched-in Course, will commence on WEDNESDAY, the 5th November, free for any Horse, &c.—Rules of the Course. FIRST DAY. A Purse of 400 Dollars—Four Mile Heats. SECOND DAY. A Sweepstakes for 3 years old Cols—50 dollars entrance—1 mile heats—3 entries or no race—to be closed in ten days before the race. THIRD DAY. The Proprietor's Purse of 200 dollars—8 miles heats—10 entries or no race. Good Stables and every kind of forage at the town of Portsmouth. Racers and their Horses free of Toll on the Roads. Entrance to be made with the Treasurer in the Treasury at the Exchange. The Treasurer. October 27.
John & Wright Southgate, Have received by the Schooner Norfolk, from London, The following ARTICLES, Which will be sold low for Cash or short credit. 41 cases HATS, fine and coarse, 11 bales Superfine Cloths; 6 do. Ozanburg. 2 do. Sacking. 1 do. Sail Cloth, English and East Gouet. 3 do. of Slops, Sattin Jackets and Trowsers. 34 casks Coppers; 20 boxes Pipes. 7 do. of Spikes, from 4 to 7 inches. 59 do. Nails, 44, 60, 84, 100, 120, and 200. 5 tons Best London White Lead. 100 casks London Brown Stout Porter. And in Store, A general assortment of Dry Goods, 50,000 weight best Green Coffee, 10,000 do. St Domingo do. 2,400 barrels Liverpool Stoved Salt, 100 sacks do. And a few Well Toned Grand and Square PIANO FORTES, With additional Keys. October 25.
JUST LANDING From on board the Schooner Dispatch, Capt. Smith, from New York, 5 Pipes Cogniac BRANDY, 0 hogheads Loaf Sugar, 12 pipes London Particular Teneriffe Wine, 7 chests Gunpowder. TEAS, 8 do. Hyson 10 do. Hyson Skin } Imported the 20th August, 1809. 9 do. Young Hyson 15 bags Pepper; 30 trais Almonds; 90 kegs ground Ginger. 3 tons Iron, assorted; 2 tons Pot Ashes. 3 trunks fancy Calicoes; 3 bales Bed Ticking. 6 bales Kendal Cottons. 10 boxes China, containing Cups and Saucers, 10 do. do. do. Tea Table Sets complete, 100 Reams Writing Paper. For Sale by Wm. Hull, Jun. October 25.
Office of the Marine Insurance Company, Norfolk, October 16, 1809. The President and Directors of the MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORFOLK, have this day declared a dividend of ONE DOLLAR AND TWENTY-FIVE CENTS on each Share of Stock, which will be paid to the Stockholders, their Attorneys, or legal Representatives, on the 26th day of this present month, or at any time after. Applications for payment to be made at this office, between the hours of ten and two o'clock. John Cowper, Sec'y.
FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE, Price 37 1-2 Cents, A few Copies of LETTERS, Under the signatures of SENEC and of a FARMER. Comprehending an examination of the conduct of our Executive, towards France and Great-Britain, out of which the present crisis has arisen, originally published in the North American. From the Editor's Preface. Great publick exigencies, in free governments, have always called forth great virtue and talents. Thus the publick occurrences of the day prove, that the lapse of twenty years has not turned our nation aside from that salutary vigilance of their rulers and jealousy of their rulers, which when our government could not have been established had not continued. Should we survive the fraud, prejudice and error, which have conspired for our ruin, we shall not only have timely illustrations of the sage, and the heroic actions of the patriot, than to native good sense and unadulterated attachment to liberty in the body of the people. We have here another proof, that the American nation is so peculiarly for its intelligence, as for its citizenship, and for its unalterable adherence to national freedom. The late attempts upon both, have electrified the whole country. The deluded, the retired, the timid, the wavering, and the delinquent, have all been brought into the ranks of the patriots, which is determined to save the country. By such a nation, it must be saved! Among the pens which have powerfully contributed to this conservative alarm, is the able and judicious author of the subjoined letters. His fascinating candour and vigorous argument, have chased away the sophistry and pernicious delusions, which the hand of power has contrived for our purposes and our danger. These explanations of our national affairs, in a conjecture which has involved the fate of our country, are most interesting. The crisis which called them forth, is now more interesting, than the dignity of the writer, or the merit of his capacity excels.
A Gentleman of the purpose setting of a few and Kentucky, would ment of office in either him as he can give sir or proprietor, will Office.

THE PUBLIC LEDGER WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOV. 1, 1809. The Northern Mail in future arrives at 6, and leaves at 7 P. M. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Southern Mail, on the Windsor establishment, will arrive at 5, and close at 7 P. M. on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
In our last we noticed the arrival of the ship Pan-Batan, since which we were politely favoured with London papers from the 10th of September, and some provincial papers from the 7th to the 12th. From these copious extracts have been made, they give us a plainer view of the state of affairs in Spain than we have had, and the position of the armies. Ney's division was returning rapidly into the North of Spain, where the army (lately Romana's) had overrun all Biscay, and presented itself on the frontiers of France. The other armies had separated for want of provisions on both sides. The London papers (opposition) are of opinion that the Spaniards want energy in their own cause, and recent events have given some foundation for such an opinion. We do not, however, perceive anything official or authentic which indicates a disposition to abandon the Spanish cause. The reports of the arrival of the ship Pan-Batan from the 10th of September, but its destination was conjectured. The rumours of peace between France and Austria, were still circulated with confidence, and it appears to be the prevailing opinion, that although the Emperor Francis finds it difficult to digest the terms which Buonaparte is willing to grant, he must, in the end, and that soon except them.
Extract of a letter from the lieutenant of the Rev. Cutter J. Jerson, off Cape Henry, to his brother in this place. "Monday, 1 o'clock P. M. spoke and boarded the schooner Experiment, of and for Baltimore, (from St. Sabatians with wines) last from Falmouth (England) in 26 days. Captain Hill of the Experiment informed that a change of ministry had taken place in England, and that lord Castlereagh and Mr. Canning had fought a duel, in which the latter was killed."
This information comes very direct, and we have confidence in its correctness. The late papers received by the Powhatan, speak confidently of a change in the British administration; lord Castlereagh was expected to be removed, and the duke of Portland to resign. The late expedition has caused discontent in the cabinet, as well as in the nation. Mr. Canning it is also said would resign if lord Castlereagh was not removed. But these are only reported, and do not appear in any official or authentick shape.
The Africaine went to Sea on Monday morning. Price of Flour in London, Sept. 8.—Fine English 80 to 85s. per sack.—American barrel, 52 to 54s. st. 11 3/4 a 11 9/8 per barrel. The quarter loaf was 14 3/4.
We give the following from the New York Gazette of Thursday last, and hope it is to be relied on.
At a late hour last night, the following fact came to our knowledge. The new Spanish Minister, Don Onis, has not been received by our government. He has, however, been treated with the utmost attention by the president of the United States, who assured him that it gave him infinite pain not to be able to receive him as minister, which could not be done while Spain remained in its present unsettled state; and assured him at the same time, that no minister from king Joseph would be received.
The Spanish frigate sails for Cadiz on Sunday, but don Onis intends to remain in this country. Yesterday orders were received by our collector, to grant clearances to the ports of Gijon, St. Andero and St. Sebastian—ports in possession of king Joseph.
NEW YORK, October 27. IMPORTANT. The ship Thomas, capt. Law, arrived at the mouth of the Eyer in 32 days from N. York. A letter from the supercargo, dated the 4th ult. to his friends in this city says. "Of the Texel, was boarded by the United States schooner Enterprize (sent there some time since by government) and was informed that the ports of Amsterdam were shut against American vessels; that all vessels that had entered the Texel had their papers returned to the command of the several ships (except those that had been spoken by the British cruizers) were ordered to proceed to sea; but were ultimately prevented from sailing by an embargo which has lately been laid on all American vessels."
The British Packet Lady Pellet, so long detained for Mr. Jackson's despatches, sailed yesterday at one o'clock.
AMUSEMENT. Just Received Fifteen Groce Eagle, Harry 8th, Merry Andrew, and Highland PLAYING CARDS, Also, Winter Strained Sermaceti OIL, Warranted for Lamps, at One Dollar per gallon. Morocco Ties and Shirts. E. Surtevant, No. 11, Market-Square.
Latest From England. From papers received at the office of the Ledger, by the ship Powhatan, capt. Poythress, 44 days from Plymouth, (England.)
LONDON, September 7. It is said that the duke of Brunswick this day received an account that the Prussian army is encamped, but for what purpose we know not. The Paris Argus contains accounts from Antwerp to the 21st last. Fifteen generals had arrived at that date in that city, and troops were daily pouring into it and its vicinity. Among other means of defence, preparations had been made to lay the whole country under water, on the approach of the British army at Antwerp. Our Dover letter mentions the arrival of a vessel which left Flushing on Sunday. According to her report, the French army on the Scheldt, amounted to 60,000 men. The Journal de l'Empire contains a narrative of the late operations of the French army in Spain, which contains, in effect, that they were defeated at Talavera, and could have left no doubt as to that point, even if it had been received previous to the arrival of lord Wellington's despatches.
This morning we received Portuguese papers to the 22d ult. An article from Lisbon of the 21st, quoting a Corunna letter of the 6th, states, that the army of the Marquis de la Romana, amounting to 30,000 men, began its march from Corunna for Lugo, on the 1st, 2d, and 3d ult. Later accounts mention the advance of the marquis to Leon. General Hope, it is believed, and not the earl of Chatham, will command the British troops, who may be employed against another part of the Dutch coast, previously to their return from Walcheren. Several ships of the line will accompany them. Helvoetsluys, where the enemy have a squadron worth bringing away or destroying, will be attempted, it is thought by a coup de main.
Seventeen thousand of Congreve's rockets are just ordered to be sent off, without a moment's delay, to be put on board the ships that compose the new expedition. A letter from Flushing says—"I am informed, it is now determined to destroy the navigation of the Scheldt altogether. For this purpose a chain of transports, laden with stones, are to be immediately sunk, with iron cheveau de frize affixed. It is supposed that by such means, and from the consequent accumulation of sand, the current of the Scheldt will be changed, and thrown in upon the whole of the country between Bergen op Zoom and Antwerp. The flotilla of the enemy will be thus rendered useless."
Dispatches have been received this day from lord Collingwood, containing an account of the proceedings of the fleet under his lordship's command in the Gulf of Venice. The Toulon fleet, it is said, is in readiness to put to sea, in consequence of which lord Collingwood has been reinforced with two sail of the line. About 150 sail of vessels laden with bristles, tallow, hemp, and flax, are at Gottenburg, bound to England.
September 10. Various intelligence has been received in the course of the week from lord Wellington and the expedition in Walcheren, and it is very difficult to say, which is in the most unpleasant circumstances. We have repeatedly had occasion to remark, that lord Wellington may thank himself and his friends for the extent of the publick disappointment. Every petty skirmish, and every repulse, has been raised into a victory, and the publick were thus led to expect him in Madrid, when his despatches have proved him to be in the full march upon Lisbon. Lord Wellington really mars all his good qualities, and he has many of them, by his insufferable vanity—he is at the head of all the puffs in the kingdom, and with the single exception of his brother, the marquis, is the vainest man. It may not, perhaps, be known, that his lordship is proprietor of one of the daily papers in fashionable circulation, and that he takes out his share of the profits by an undue share of puffing. The paper in question, we believe, was actually purchased for the purpose of the eulogy and defence of the Wellesleys—we should have had no objection to this, if it had stood forth as the avowed advocate and defender—but when it affects impartiality, protests that it is free from all party or individual bias, and lays it on half a foot thick in the character of giving vent to its patriotic feelings, and doing justice to a brave man, we conceive it necessary to say something on the other side. The true character of lord Wellington may be given in a very few words—he is one of the bravest men we possess, but by no means eminent for his judgment. He attempted Spain when every man in England was persuaded that nothing could be done, and after having lost some thousands of lives and some millions of pounds, he is on his way to Lisbon. When he arrives in London, we shall have a look entitled the History of the Campaign, in which the Black Prince shall be made to give way to lord Wellington, and it will be proved to demonstration, that Buonaparte only triumphs because his lordship is not sent against him. It will be found by an article in our paper, that marquis Wellesley has been received in great style at Cadiz: that he has trampled on the glories of Buonaparte, and trodden the Gallic flag under his feet. Whatever want of provisions there may be in the armies, there has been none at Cadiz. Whilst lord Wellington has been fighting against the French emperor, the marquis has been drinking against him. This is another act; a Spanish translation of the festivities of the London Tavern Dinner. We really feel ashamed that an Englishman, and an Englishman of a civil character like that of the marquis, could have the mixed folly and vanity to act a part in this pantomime. What had he to do with walking over the French flag? In what manner had he so brought Buonaparte to the ground, as thus to trample over him in emblem and effigy. The marquis Wellesley, we believe, never smelt gunpowder in his life, except on the first of September.
The toasts on this occasion were worthy of the feast, a mixture of piety and drunkenness, of nonsense and patriotism. The Spaniards, moreover, seem to have had their bard, and Mr. Fitzgerald would not have sung in more poetical strains than the ballad which concluded this feast. Such is the manner which the marquis has received on his entry into Spain. In less than one month we fear he will be in England, and in such a hurry, that he will not wait for his return dinner.
If Buonaparte had been compelled, like Cæsar, by the battle, the citizens of London, with the aid of the cabinet ministers, would have sobbed him loud-ago. There has been no want of thankfulness in toasting him to perdition; he has mangled the liquor in every glass that has been remembered at port and porter; but he still lives and triumphs, and if our cannon cannot reach him, our execrations certainly never will. The city and the cabinet, London and Cadiz, marquis Wellesley, and the Junta, may drink till they burst, Buonaparte will still conquer Austria, and their toasts will not drive Joseph from his throne. This kind of triumph; this war of gluttony; this toasting, and this eating; this bullying over the bottle, and menacing over the table cloth, is equally wanting in dignity and effect. The enemy with all their levity, have never retorted it upon us. It is a want of taste—a want of due consideration and estimation of the nature and character of the cause in which we are engaged.
Bells Weekly Messenger. Our expedition is daily returning. We regret to add, that the failure of it has awakened a very unworthy and ferocious spirit, that of calling the commanders to a court-martial. The opposition, we believe, are at the head of this cry, and employ it as an instrument of attack against the ministry.—We have only to express our hope, that they will not succeed. Ibed.
We have received Hamburg papers to the 31st ultimo. They contain several reports respecting the negotiations at Altenburgh; but it appears by a letter from Bayreuth, that Buonaparte himself looks forward to the possibility of a renewal of the war, and is taking precautions accordingly. An armed corps, to be called the 8th, and to consist of 35,000 men, is forming under the command of Junot, at Bayreuth. This corps, it is stated, is destined, in case hostilities should be resumed, to cover Saxony and Franconia against an invasion from Bohemia, general Kienmayer having assembled an army of 25,000 men near Egra.
A Gottenburgh mail arrived on Friday. The war still continues between the Swedes and the Russians; but there is little interest in the details of the operations which are inserted in the Swedish papers. A private letter received by the mail states, that the Turks have obtained some important advantages over the Russians at Ismael. It is said that the latter lost in one action 3,400 in killed, and seventeen pieces of cannon. Seven Russian generals are stated to have fallen. It is also reported that the Servians have been severely defeated, and that the Turkish commander has sent from the field of battle 500 heads, to be exhibited at Constantinople.
Sir Robert Wilson, whose retreat to Portugal from his advanced position at Escalona, had been intercepted by Soult's army, in the vicinity of Placentia, had an engagement of nine hours with that general, in which the Portuguese legion acquitted itself very gallantly. Marshal Beresford's army was at Castel Branco, within the Portuguese frontier. It is supposed that the British corps under maj. gen. Lightburne, and brig. gen. Catão Crawford, would return from Ciudad Rodrigo to Lisbon. The reinforcements that marched more recently, proceeded by the route of Elvas, and were therefore certain of forming the junction without interruption. The enemy's army had separated, in order to counteract the movements of the different Spanish and Portuguese corps. Ney has gone to Salamanca, it is supposed, with the intention of proceeding northward, to check Ballesteros and Romana, who were overrunning Biscay, and all the country towards the Pyrenees, without interruption. A strong corps, commanded we believe, by Sebastiani, had gone into La Mancha, in the pursuit of Venegas. Soult was still at Placentia; and it is considered not improbable that he and Victor and Mortier who though separated, were not far asunder, would enter Portugal, and make a push for Lisbon, to which their line of march would be shorter than that of our army.
The dispatches received from lord Collingwood, on Thursday, stated that the Toulon fleet was ready to put to sea. We understand that the enemy's force consisted of seventeen sail of the line; lord Collingwood had thirteen ships of the line, and 3 more were on their way from Cadiz, to join him at the date of the last accounts. We sincerely hope the enemy may be induced to venture out. Accounts received by the late conveyance state, that sir John Stuart, on being informed of the ill-fated armistice on the Danube, conceived that his retaining possession of the islands of Ischia and Procida, on the Neapolitan coast, could no longer answer any good purpose, and accordingly withdrew his troops from both of those posts, and returned to Sicily.
By a vessel, which arrived on Monday from Corunna, in eleven days, intelligence has been received that the marquis de Romana and gen. Ballesteros, had formed the design of proceeding to Madrid, and taking that capital by a coup-de-main. This was thought perfectly practicable, as king Joseph had taken the greater part of the garrison with him against the British army. The correspondence which sir Robert Wilson kept up from Escalona proves, besides, that there is a loyal interest among the inhabitants. The enterprize is a grand one, and we hope it will prove successful. At all events the movement must operate as a most favourable diversion, and we are not without hopes, that it will have enabled lord Wellington to resume offensive operations.
Letters from Holland state, that the basis of the peace, which has been agreed upon between Napoleon and the emperor Francis, consists in the resignation of the imperial title by the house of Lorraine, and the cession of the whole, or nearly the whole, of the territory on the right bank of the Danube. Francis the second will henceforth be known by the designation of the king of Bohemia and Hungary. How the ceded territory will be partitioned by the conqueror, is not yet known. The letters we allude to state, that he has created himself archduke of Austria. With the possession of that province, and that of Galicia, he will at times have it in his power to crush any effort the fallen empire may make, if indeed it is possible it can again be tempted to make any effort to recover its former greatness. The disgrace of the archduke Charles, as it is called in the French papers, was no doubt a measure forced on the Austrian cabinet, and designed to operate as a pledge of unqualified submission. Buonaparte knew well the character of this truly royal prince; he knew him to be possessed of a firmness not to be subdued, and more dangerous as he was not easily provoked to anger. He was, therefore, still formidable even in his Lorraine, and therefore Buonaparte insisted on his being dismissed from office, proves, that though power may be taken from him, it cannot dishonour a great and virtuous prince, whose talents and influence have always been guided by moderation; and who will be more illustrious in his humbled state than in the pride of the highest exaltation. It shall be our care to preserve his reputation, the only great possession now left him unhurt by the rancour of his enemies, and by those base calumniators in this country, who ought to have been most forward in his vindication.
Portuguese papers to the 22d of August have been received. A paragraph in these papers states, that the army of the marquis de Romana, consisting of 30,000 men, had marched from Corunna for Lugo on the 1st, 2d, and 3d of that month. If this were true, little or no effect could be expected from any diversion created by this army in favour of lord Wellington and Cuesta. But there is every reason to be assured, that the marquis Romana was advanced towards the interior of Spain. The direct accounts received on Monday from Corunna mentioned, that his army was divided between Leon and Ciudad Rodrigo; and though the great distance between these places renders that distribution not easily intelligible, we at least collect from the statement that the troops were forward. If all the Spanish commanders do not exert themselves in the present crisis, their country is inevitably lost.
Some of the London papers of Thursday morning assert positively, that government has determined to institute an inquiry into the causes of the failure of the principal objects of the expedition; but that it is not yet determined whether the proceeding by a court martial, or by a board of inquiry, will be adopted. It was added, that partial changes in the administration was also determined upon; that lord Castlereagh was to be removed; that the duke of Portland had actually intimated a resolution to resign; and that Mr. Canning was so much dissatisfied, that it was to be feared the country would be deprived of his services also. We know not whether any reliance should be placed on any part of this statement. But it is certain that it has been confidently stated in the high political circles that Mr. Canning was, from the beginning, of opinion that the expedition should be sent, not to the Scheldt, but to the North of Germany; and as things stand at present, it will perhaps be generally regretted that this destination was not adopted.— Pilot.
Extract of a letter from South Beveland, dated Aug. 26.—"I understand you are all perfectly satisfied in England with our success. I am glad of it, for it is more than we are here. In fact I do not believe there ever was an army more dissatisfied than this; we are absolutely ashamed of ourselves, and half of us are thinking of ways and means to get back unperceived, and to pass ourselves off as quite unconcerned in the expedition. Forty thousand men to take a place of about ten miles in circumference, in a fortnight, or about that! Alas! alas! Besides, when we arrived on the coast, the places were defenceless; but we were too generous to attack an unprepared enemy, and therefore we laid formal siege to Flushing, with one half of our army, while the other was kept on board ship, or landed here in South Beveland, and sent into cantonments. Far different was the conduct of the French. After recovering from their first cantonments. Every day fresh generals and troops and guns arrive upon the coast. When at last it was thought fit to begin to think of proceeding, it was, I believe, found, after an immense fuss, that the thing was impossible. The opportunity had been suffered to slip through our fingers; and the enemy with whom we have to deal is too active to allow us to regain it. The best thing we can do, is, therefore, to go back again."
Advices were received on Sunday from Sweden, relative to the progress of the war between the Swedes and Russians. The former have renewed the campaign under such happy auspices, as to encourage us to hope that the emperor Alexander will be reduced to the necessity of abandoning his intentions of annexing Finland to his already unwieldy dominions. The substance of two official bulletins, informing the government of the success of the expedition to West Bothnia, is contained in a letter dated Umeå, Aug. 24, which says, "Three very severe battles were fought on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of August, between the Swedes and Russians, at Djuknebo, Cafivar, and Ratan, which places were successively occupied by the former, and that there was reason to think that the retreat of the Russian army would be cut off by the Swedish galley fleet, and troops who have possession of an island in the river at Piteå, which commands the passage, and the only practicable road." The loss of the Swedes in these engagements is stated at 800 killed and wounded, and that of the Russians at 3000 in killed wounded and prisoners.
The Thames, hon. capt. Waldegrave, arrived at Portsmouth on Wednesday, from Cadiz, in 16 days. She had previously been at Gibraltar, off Toulon, Ischia, Palermo, Malta, and in the Adriatic. Trieste had been lately fortified again by the French with cannon brought from Palma Nova. The Russian squadron there, consisting of four sail of the line, a frigate, and a store-ship, were moored close to the shore, almost aground; a boom was laid across the mole, from their fear of being destroyed by our fire ships. There are two French frigates in Corfu; one French and two Italians in Ancona; one Italian in Venice; besides about ten brigs in these ports. Very few troops had been left in Dalmatia on gen. Marmont's marching to join the grand armies. A great commotion had been excited at Ragusa, and several French troops had fallen victims. Advices at Malta, from Turkey, were favourable; besides the account published by Mr. Adair in a bulletin, late communications inform us, that twenty-three bags of Russian ears had been sent in to the capital as trophies of the success of the Ottoman arms. The Algerines have been disposed to be troublesome, and molest English property in neutrals, but every prospect existed of all differences being amicably settled. Lord Collingwood was left on the 5th of August off Toulon, watching the enemy very closely, as they were expected to put to