Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1808-04-20 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE And PUBLICK LEDGER  INT REGIAM SUA PRÆMIA LAM
[VOL. IV.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 20, 1808.
NO. 118.]
By virtue of a Decree of the Worshipful Court of Princess-Ann County, setting as a Court of Chancery, for the County aforesaid, in the suit of
JOHN READE, Complainant, vs. WM L. KEELING, and MARY his wife, and ELIZABETH HAYNES, Defendants.
WILL BE SOLD at Publick Sale, to the highest bidder, on THURSDAY the 28th day of April next, on the premises, in the Town of Kempville, in the county aforesaid,
The Lot or Lots of LAND, with the Houses and appurtenances belonging thereto, having been the former residence of Mr. Wm. White, deceased. This Property is eligible situated, and the Dwelling-House is large, excellent and commodious, with good out houses, a fine garden and pasture. The terms of Sale will be Cash, to be paid on the ratification thereof by the Court.
William Bishop, William Dale Woodhouse, Thomas Carmick, Arthur S. Woodhouse, Charles Sawyer. Com'rs.
March 23. im A Cargo of Liverpool Stoved SALT, For Sale on board the ship Mars. April 18. Moses Myers. ff
THE STOCKHOLDERS In the Marine Insurance Company, of Norfolk, are hereby notified that an Election will be held at the Office of the said Company, on the first day of the next month (May), according to law, for the choice of fifteen Directors, for one year, from the said first day of May. John Cooper, Sec'y. Office of the Marine Insurance Company, the 11th of April, 1808 tdm
FOR CASH ONLY.
GERMAN LINENS, &c. 16 bales coarse Linen, 450 pieces Paper Hangings 4 do. Ruffa Sheetings, 80 boxes Window Glass, 3 boxes German Rolls, 100 do. Shot Pipes, 2 do. Roman Sheeting, 120 do. Spanish Segars, 1 do. fine Flanders do. from 8 to 20 dollars per box. 5 do. Patillas, 300 doz. empty Bottles, 1 do. fine Dowlas, 200 wt. netted bottling Wire, 2 do. Table Cloth, 800 do. Gin, 1 do. common Shirt Linen, 11,000 Best Coffee bags, 1 do. extra fine do. 4,500 cheap Gunny Bags, 1 do. Bird Tick 2 yards wide, 5 Boxes Tumblers, Decanters, &c. Also, 6 elegant Terrestrial Globes, 3 large invoice of Lace, 3 parlour large Looking Glasses, Jewellery and Dice, in gilt frames, of the first elegance, Elegant Chessmen, Elegant marble Statues, Flacclets and Clarinets, Urns and Vases, Violins, Bows, and Flutes, Liquor Glasses, Oil Cloth, Flutes with four and six keys, Water and Waffle Irons, Ladies' Dressing Boxes, Coffee Mills and Toasters, Toilet Looking Glasses, Velvet Ribbons, Shaving Cups, Fine Thread Stockings, Elegant Writing Desks, Elegant Cutlery, Scarf Plush for Saddles, An invoice of Watches, Seine and Sewing Twine. Watch Crystals and Beads, For Sale by Niemeyer & Von Kapff. February 4. ff
6000 bushels St. Ubes SALT—afloat.
IN STORE, 35 puncheons 3d and 4th proof Antigua Rum, 100 hogsheads Sugar, principally Antigua, 40,000 wt. Green Coffee; 850 Demerara, 7,500 bushels coarse Salt; 100 barrels Rye Whiskey, 3 tierces London Brown Stout, 20 hogsheads Philadelphia Ale and Porter, 150 barrels superfine and fine Flour; 40 kegs fresh Raisins, 10 pipes London particular Madeira Wine, fit for use, 600 ready made Check Shirts; 20 hds. Petersburg Tobacco, 50 barrels Pork; 100 bars Sugar; a few cases Hemitage For Sale on liberal terms by C. & F. Whittle. February 5. ff
THE STOCKHOLDERS In the Dismal Swamp Canal Company, are requested to meet at the Eagle Tavern, opposite the Maker-House, on Monday, the 24th day of May next, at 12 o'Clock, to elect a President and Directors, and other business of importance to the said company. RICHARD BLOW, President. April 13. tdm
FOR SALE,
A Tract of LAND lying on Pagan Creek, in the County of Isle of Wight, two miles above Smithfield by water, the whole about 600 acres—it is situated that it may conveniently be sold in different parcels; about 450 acres of it is bounded by near two miles by Pagan Creek, with a valuable marsh, and three convenient landings accessible to any vessel that can go to Smithfield; this piece lying between Pagan Creek and a large branch thereof, may be inclosed to itself by a fence of about half a mile; separated from this tract by the branch above mentioned is about 100 acres, part of which is well timbered, with a good landing for vessels. It is unnecessary to describe all the advantages and conveniences of this Land, as it is presumed no person will purchase without viewing it. It may be seen by applying to Mr. George Braswell, living on the premises, and the terms made known by Thomas Pierce, Esq. of Smithfield.
Another Tract containing 711 acres, in Isle of Wight County; this Land lays very level and the soil well adapted to corn; but as it is entirely Wood Land, and within 10 or 12 miles of market, the advantages must be obvious—the Land may be seen by applying to Mr. John Eley, adjoining it, and the terms made known by application to the subscriber at South Quay.
Also, a Tract containing 537 acres, within two miles of South Quay, in Nansemond County; this Tract is good Corn Land, and well adapted for raising stock; with it may be had one half of a Saw and Grist Mill now in operation, about a mile from it, which will render the timber valuable, as there is a ready market for all that can be sawed. For terms, &c. apply to the Subscriber—For the greater part of the above property young Negroes will be taken at a generous price. John Dorlon. South Quay, February 24, 1808. lawfw
Letter from Mr. Madison to Mr. Monroe. (CONCLUDED)
On article VI. The fictitious blockades proclaimed by Great Britain, and made the pretext for violating the commerce of neutral nations, has been one of the greatest abuses ever committed on the high seas. During the late war they were carried to an extravagance which would have been ridiculous, if in their effects they had not inflicted such serious and extensive injuries on neutral nations. Ports were proclaimed in a state of blockade, previously to the arrival of any force at them, were considered in that state without regard to intermissions in the presence of the blockading force, and the proclamations left in operation after its final departure, the British cruisers during the whole time seizing every vessel bound to such ports, at whatever distance from them, and the British prize courts pronouncing condemnations whenever a knowledge of the proclamation at the time of sailing could be presumed, although it might afterwards be known that no real blockade existed. The whole scene was a perfect mockery, in which fact was sacrificed to form, and right to power and plunder. The United States were among the greatest sufferers; and would have been still more so, if redress for some of the spoliations proceeding from this source, had not fallen within the provisions of an article in the treaty of 1794.
From the effect of this and other arbitrary practices of Great Britain, on the temper and policy of neutral nations towards her; from the spirit of her treaty made near the close of the late war with Russia, from the general disposition manifested at the beginning of the present towards the United States and the comparative moderation observed in Europe, with respect to blockades; (if indeed the two cases of the Weser and Elbe are not to be excepted) it was hoped that the mockeries and mischiefs practised under the name of blockades would no where be repeated. It is found, however, that the West Indies are again the theatre of them. The three entire and extensive islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe and St. Domingo have been published as in a state of blockade, although the whole naval force applied to the purpose is inconsiderable; although it appears that a part of this inconsiderable force is occasionally seen at the distance of many leagues at sea; although it does not appear that more than one or two ports at most have at any time been actually blockaded; and although complaints are heard, that the British ships of war do not protect their own trade, against the numerous cruisers from the islands under this pretended blockade.
Inclosed herewith are three letters on this subject; two from me, the first to Mr. Thornton, the second to Mr. Merry, and the third from Mr. Merry to me. You will observe that he does not pretend to justify the measures pursued in the West Indies; but on the contrary wishes them to be regarded as proceeding from an officer who does not pursue the intentions of his government. Still such measures prove that no general regulations or orders have been yet issued by that government against them, as might reasonably have been expected, and that a stipulated security against it, is an object as important as it is just.
In the two letters to Mr. Thornton and Mr. Merry, the ground is marked out on which you will be able to combat the false blockades and to maintain the definition of a real one, contained in the proposed article of the Russian treaty above cited. In addition to these letters, you will find inclosed a letter of the of to Mr. Pinckney, in which some views are taken of the subject, which may also be of use in your discussions with the British government.
On article VII. This article is due, if not to all neutrals, at least to the United States, who are distinguished by the distance of their situation. Decisions of the British courts of admiralty, have so far respected this peculiarity as to admit a want of information as a plea for going to a blockaded port, where such a plea would be refused to less remote countries. But more than this may fairly be claimed. A vessel, knowing that a particular blockade existed two months before, may well conjecture that before her arrival at the port, which will require two months more, the blockade will have ceased; and may accordingly clear and steer for such a port with an honest intention, in case of finding on her approach, the fact otherwise, not to attempt an unlawful entrance. To condemn vessels under such circumstances would be manifestly unjust; and to restrain them from a distant voyage to a port once in a state of blockade, until information of a change shall have travelled a like distance, must produce a delay and uncertainty little short of an absolute prohibition of the commerce. To require them even to go out of their course, to seek at other ports, information on the subject, would
be an unreasonable imposition. The British government can have little objection to this article, after defining blockades as is agreed with Russia, and as is here proposed; since our distance is of itself a security against any concert with the blockaded, for surreptitious entries, which might be attempted by nearer adventurers; and since in the case of blockades by a force actually present, a preliminary notice may be required without impairing their efficacy, as might be the case with blockades, such as the preceding article guards against.
The only difference between the articles as standing in the different columns, consists in the preamble to that which is to be admitted, if the proposition of the other should not succeed. The article is preferable without the recital of any reason particular to the United States, because as a naked stipulation, it strengthens instead of weakening a general principle friendly to neutral and pacific nations.
On articles VIII, IX and X. These are articles which are known to have been long wished and contemplated on the part of Great Britain, and together with the justice, and in many views the expediency to Great Britain herself of the articles desired on her part, may induce her to accede to the whole. The articles are in substance the same with a project offered to the American administration in the year 1800, by Mr. Liston, who appears to have borrowed it from corresponding stipulations in the convention between the United States and France in the year 1795. The project was at that time dropped, owing perhaps in part to the change of the head of the department in state, between whom and Mr. Liston it had been discussed, and principally, to the difficulty of combining with it, proper stipulations against British impressments on the high seas. Without such an equivalent, the project had little to recommend it to the United States. Considered by itself, it was too the less admissible, as one of its articles, under some obscurity of expression, was thought to favour the British pretensions to impress British seamen from American vessels on the high seas.
A copy of this document is inclosed, as it may be not without use, in shewing the ideas of the British government at that time, so far at least as its minister here was an organ of them.
The terms in which these articles are to be proposed, differ but slightly from those in which they may be admitted. In the former, the delivery of deserters is confined to soldiers and seamen, without requiring a delivery of officers, whose desertion will not be from the service of their country, but on account of offences for which it might sometimes be more agreeable to the United States to be unbound to give them up for trial and punishment. At the same time this consideration ought not to be a bar to an arrangement, which, in its general character, will be so important to the interests of the United States.
On article XI. This is a stipulation which is not to be yielded in the event of its being made an indispensable condition. It cannot be essential for the object of it, whilst the British government is left free to take the precautions allowable in its own jurisdiction for preventing the clandestine departure of its seamen or its soldiers in neutral vessels. And it is very ineligible to the United States, inasmuch as it will be difficult to enforce the prohibition, whether we regard the embarkation of such persons in British ports, or their landing on the American shores; and inasmuch as the inefficacy of regulations for such purposes, though made with due sincerity and care, may become a source of secret jealousy and dissatisfaction, if not of controversy and reproach.
The article is copied from that in the arrangement (of which you have a copy) discussed and brought near to a conclusion between Mr. King and the British ministry, and you are authorized to accede to it, on the supposition that it may again be insisted on. It is to be recollected, however, that the article was then understood to be the only price given for relinquishing the impressment of American seamen. The other offer now substituted will justify you in pressing the omission of the original one.
On article XII. The law of nations does not exact of neutral powers the prohibition specified in this article. On the other hand it does not restrain them from prohibiting trade which appears on the face of the official papers proceeding from the custom house to be intended to violate the law of nations, and from which legitimate considerations of prudence may also dissuade a government. All that can be reasonably expected by belligerent from neutral powers, is that their regulations on this subject be impartial, and that their stipulations relative to it, when made in time of war at least, should not preclude an impartiality. It is not certain what degree of value Great
Britain may put on this article, connected, as it essentially is, with the article which limits the list of contraband. It will at least mitigate her objection to such a limitation. With the range given to contraband by her construction of the law of nations, even as acquiesced in by the United States, a stipulation of this sort would be utterly inadmissible.
The last article, in making this city the place for exchanging the ratifications, consultation in putting the treaty into operation, since the British ratification can be forwarded at the same time with the instrument itself. And it is otherwise reasonable, that as the negotiation and formation of the treaty will have taken place at the seat of the British government, the concluding formality should be at that of the government of the United States.
In addition to these articles which, with the observations thereon, I am charged by the president to communicate to you as his instruction, he leaves you at liberty to insert any others which may do no more than place British armed vessels, with their prizes, on an equality within our ports and jurisdiction with those of France. This would only stipulate what would probably be done by gratuitous regulations here, and as it would no doubt be acceptable to Great Britain, it may not only aid in reconciling her to the principal objects desired by the United States, but may induce her to concur in the further insertion of articles, corresponding with those in the convention of 1800 with France, which regulate more precisely and more effectually, the treatment of vessels of the neutral party on the high seas.
The occasion will be proper also, for calling the attention of the British government to the reasonableness of permitting American consuls to reside in every part of her dominions, where, and so long as she permits our citizens to trade. It is not denied that she has a natural right to refuse such a residence, and that she is free by her treaty with us, to refuse it in other than her European dominions. But the exception authorised with respect to the residence of consuls elsewhere, having reference to the refusal of our trade elsewhere, the refusal of the one ought manifestly to cease with the refusal of the other. When our vessels and citizens are allowed to trade to ports in the West Indies, there is the same reason for a temporary admission of consuls to take care of it, as there is for their admission in ports where the trade is permanently allowed. There is the juster expectation of your success on this point, as some official patronage is due to the rights of our citizens in the prize courts established in the West India islands. Should the British government be unwilling to enter into a stipulated provision, you may, perhaps, obtain an order to the governors for the purpose. Or if consuls be objected to altogether, it is desirable that agents may be admitted, if no where else, at least in the islands where the vice-admiralty courts are established.
It has been intimated that the articles as standing in the different columns, are to be considered, the one as the offer to be made, the other as the ultimatum to be required. This is however, not to be taken too strictly; it being impossible to foresee the turns and the combinations which may present themselves in the course of the negotiation. The essential objects for the United States are the suppression of impressments, and the definition of blockades. Next to these in importance, are the reduction of the list of contraband, and the enlargement of our neutral trade with hostile colonies. Whilst you keep in view therefore, those objects, the two last as highly important, and the two first as absolutely indispensable, your discretion, in which the president places great confidence, must guide you in all that relates to the inferior ones.
With sentiments of great respect and esteem, I remain, sir, your most obedient servant, (Signed) JAMES MADISON.
RAGS.
The EDITOR of this paper in a few publications back, announced that he shortly expected to be furnished with prices and samples of LINEN and COTTON RAGS, by the proprietor of a considerable Paper-Mill, to the northward. He has now received those samples and prices, and will give CASH for
Clean Linen and Cotton RAGS, In quantities not less than twenty-five pounds. Apply at the LEDGER OFFICE. April 21.
NOTES OF HAND,
according to the new form established by the Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of the United States, for sale at this office.
NOTES for the Virginia Bank:
Checks; Bills of Lading, and of Exchange, printed on paper of superior quality; and Shipping Articles on large paper, and approved form. Leger Office.

WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 20, 1808.
THE CARRIER of this paper being sick, it is probable that the person employed for the present, may omit some of our subscribers, if so, they are requested to call at the office for their papers.
State of the Poll for Delegates for Norfolk County.
Table with 2 columns: Name, Votes. William C. Holt, 256; James W. Murdaugh, 210; John Shields, 84; Thomas Lee, 82; John Brooks, 71.
By Captain Deagle's Packet arrived this morning from Baltimore, we have received the papers of Saturday evening, their contents are not interesting.
The following statement of the Massachusetts Election is copied from the Federal Gazette of Saturday.
Table with 3 columns: GORE, SULLIVAN, 313 Towns, 35094, 34020.
Federal majority, 1074. The Boston Centinel says, that Massachusetts will have a federal senate.
The Penelope, British frigate, was spoke on the 4th of April, in lat. 41, 22, long. 65, having 22 sail of transports under convoy, out 7 weeks from England, bound to Halifax.
The ship Calpe, Moore, of this port, sailed from Gibraltar on the 23d February, for Cape de Verds.
MARRIED—Last evening, Mr. THOMAS MCCANDLISH to Miss MARY PETERS, both of this Borough.
TO THE POOR.
The Thespian Society have established a Victualling House in Granby-Street, in the house formerly in the occupancy of Mr. Edward S. Waddey, where they will commence the distribution of provisions to the poor of the Borough on Saturday next the 24th inst. from 10 to 1 o'clock.
Committee: JOHN MYERS, JACOB KLEIN, J. C. MAIGNE, G. W. CAMP, JOHN HODGES.
April 18, 1808.
Dispatches from Mr. Armstrong were received on Thursday via Marblehead. A cabinet council has been since held for two days successively. Hence it is inferred that the dispatches contain something of moment.
How a report should obtain circulation that Mr. Gallatin is about to resign, is to us unaccountable. We never heard of it till we saw it in the Philadelphia papers. The resignation of Mr. Gallatin is not expected; much less the appointment of Mr. Duval.
We have made the following translation of the dispositions of the French government at Guadalupe, tending to invite infraction of the embargo law, by supplying with those privations which the unjustifiable conduct of Great Britain and France have subjected them to. It is to be hoped the temptations held forth to invite mercantile cupidity will be resisted by the magnanimity of Americans. The view taken of the dispositions of the embargo is somewhat laughable.
In the name of the Emperor of the French.
LIBERTY OF THE SEAS.
A RESOLVE—To open all the ports of the colony to the entry of French and neutral vessels laden with provisions, free of all duty whatever.
March 21, 1808.
Augustus Ernouf, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, Captain General of Guadalupe and its dependencies, and General in Chief.
Francis Maria-Perichou-Kerversau, General of Brigade, Member of the Legion of Honour, Colonial Prefect, and
A. R. Constance Bertolio, Member of the Legion of Honour, Commissary of Justice.
Considering that the embargo existing in the United States, and the absolute prohibition of exportation of any thing whatsoever from their ports, under the flag of any nation, renders abortive every precaution hitherto taken for the provisioning of the colony.
As well that the rigour of these measures is a new proof of the faithfulness of this power to its former friendship with the French empire; of its attachment to the general interests of Europe which are likewise its own, as one of the great means of accelerating a maritime peace, by the impossibility which it presents to the common enemy of acquiring the means to continue the war; the rebounding stroke falls not less severely on the colonies, by insulating them from their natural granary, and suddenly depriving them of the resources they were accustomed to receive thence for their subsistence.
That the great attachment to the mother country, and the affection to the sacred person of H. I. and R. Majesty which the inhabitants of this colony presents, give no doubt of their constancy and courage in supporting all the privations of momentary distress for so noble a cause, but, after the present state of things, the embargo being prolonged
for several months, it becomes the duty of the magistracy, in order to alleviate the burdens, to excite the generous desire for colonial commerce, by giving it all possible encouragement, and in directing with the means of which its possessed, its exertions to procure a constant supply of articles of the first necessity.
That to acquire this desirable end, notwithstanding the enormous extraordinary expenditures from the publick treasury by the advanced price of articles of consumption they hesitate not to make new sacrifices, by the exemption of all kinds of produce from any duties or restrictions whatever, which can tend to restrict its sales in the colony.
But as the extreme rigour of the blockade, by the English fleet, of the towns of Bassetterre and Point Petre, renders all these measures useless, and the attempts dangerous, if they profit not of the advantages presented them of the numerous ports of the island to paralyze the efforts of the enemy, by opening all the ports throughout, to national and foreign vessels, who, as well after as during the existence of the embargo shall carry thither their provisions for sale.
Considering also, that this two-fold favour, encircled only by the just bounds prescribed by the general interests of culture and commerce, ensures them a mutual advantage without giving a dangerous shock to business, and will afford a new pledge to the colony of the constant anxiety and paternal regard manifested by the general administration unceasingly, in promoting whatever may contribute to the advancement of the general good.
RESOLVE:
Article I. From the first of April, salt provisions, such as beef, pork, codfish, salted fish of all kinds, land and sea turtles, likewise large and small cattle, wheat flour, Indian meal, rye flour, yucca flour, rice, Indian corn, and all provisions which shall either be imported into the island by regular commerce, or by prizes taken from the enemy, are declared free of all custom-house duties.
Art. II. From the same period, all the ports of the colony are open to all French allied or neutral vessels, laden with provisions enumerated in the foregoing article. Their sales shall be absolutely free throughout the island. Foreign vessels, with other than those articles, must be delivered over to the consignees.
Art. III. In return, these vessels shall load with sugar, coffee, cotton, syrup, rum and cocoa, in all the ports of the island, upon proof that this last article is the produce of the island, and paying the established export duties.
Art. IV. The price of flour after the first of April, shall be subjected to no tax whatever, but left free to the current of commerce. From this date, the bakers are charged with procuring their own supplies, until which they may raise the price of bread, to the price fixed by the decree of the 20th January until they shall have consumed the flour provided them by the administration.
Art. V. Vessels, the cargoes of which shall consist of less than two-thirds provisions, shall only be admitted to sell in the ports heretofore open and in all cases they shall conform for their dry goods, to the laws and regulations relative to consignees.
Art. VI. There shall be a visitor, residing at the Moule, who shall inspect the ports of St. Francis and St. Anne; one at Port Louis, to inspect the ports of Morne-a-l'Eau, and Petit Canal, and one at la Baye Mahaut, who shall have under his care the inspection of the ports of Lamentin and St. Rose. [The remainder of this article is of no importance to foreigners.]
Art. VII. The premium for the introduction of fat cattle, intended for the slaughter house, shall be continued to be paid to the captains importing them, to which there shall be an addition of 2 sols 6 deniers per lb. of flesh sold by the butchers, who shall render an account thereof to the receiver-general and his deputies.
Art. VIII. & IX. (local.)
Art. X. Upon the arrival of a vessel, the commissary commandant shall place a guard on board to prevent any fraudulent loading or unloading, and shall instantly inform the visitor charged with the inspection of the port.
Art. XI. Before the arrival and visit of the custom-house officer, the captain and supercargo shall be allowed alone the liberty of communicating with the shore. No other person from the vessel shall be permitted to go ashore, nor none other from the land to go on board.
Art. XII. The relative resolves, as to the formalities observed at the entry or clearance, for the loading or unloading, or as to the quota of duties established in the colonies, shall continue to have their full and entire execution.
Art. XIII. (local.)
Art. XIV. The captains and supercargoes, are bound to pay into the publick chest, either at Point Petre or Bassetterre, the amount of the duties fixed by the scale of liquidation, and the necessary papers for the departure of the vessel shall only be delivered on the presentation of the receipt of the receiver-general.
Art. XV. The directors, &c. are charged with the execution of the present resolve, which is declared to be revoked in those ports, where infractions have been suffered and not forbidden and repressed.
The present resolve shall be printed, &c. Done at Bassetterre, Guadalupe, March 21, 1808, and in the 5th year of the empire of Napoleon.
ERNOUF, KERVERSAU, BERTOLIO.
New York, April 11.
We learn by a gentleman who left Albany on Sunday, that the Legislature of this state was to adjourn this day; and that a bill had passed the senate (and would pass the house) granting a loan from the state of 400,000 dollars for the use of farmers and others on mortgage, to make good their engagements during the EMBARGO.
The following is the answer of the president of the United States to an address of the Tammany Society of this city.
I have received your address, fellow citizens, and thankful for the expressions so personally gratifying to myself. I contemplate with high satisfaction, the ardent spirit it breathes of love to our country and of devotion to its liberty and independence. The crisis in which it is placed cannot but be unwelcome to those who love peace, yet spurn at a tame submission to wrong. So fortunately remote from the theatre of European contests, and careful
by avoiding to implicate ourselves in them, we had a right to hope for an exemption from the calamities which have afflicted the contending nations, and to be permitted unoffendingly to pursue the paths of industry and peace. But the ocean, which, like the air, is the common birth-right of mankind, is arbitrarily wrested from us, and maxims consecrated by time, by usage, and by an universal sense of right, are trampled on by superior force. To give time for this demoralizing tempest to pass over, one measure only remained which might cover our beloved country from its overwhelming fury—an appeal to the deliberate understanding of our fellow citizens in a cessation of all intercourse with the belligerent nations, until it can be resumed under the protection of a returning sense of the moral obligations which constitute a law for nations as well as individuals—there can be no question, in a mind truly American, whether it be best to send our citizens and property into certain captivity and then wage war for their recovery, or to keep them at home, and to turn seriously to that policy which plants the manufacturer and the husbandman side by side, and establishes at the door of every one that exchange of mutual labours and comforts which we have hitherto sought in distant regions and under perpetual risk of broils with them. Between these alternatives your address has soundly decided; and I doubt not your aid, and that of every real and faithful citizen towards carrying into effect the measures of your country, and enforcing the second principle, that in opposing foreign wrong there must be but one mind.
I receive with sensibility your kind prayers for my future happiness, and I supplicate protecting providence to watch over your own and our country's freedom and welfare. (Signed) TH: JEFFERSON. February 29, 1808.
April 13. We learn by the schooner Experiment, in 17 days from St. Croix, that the island of Martinique, being in a state of starvation, had revolted, and that the inhabitants had solicited the English to take possession of the place; and that the latter had given them a partial supply of provisions.
We further learn that the island of Marigalante, had surrendered to two British frigates, where they found five millions of coffee which was going on board English vessels ordered there for the purpose of taking it away.
Our informant further adds, that the British islands were well supplied with flour, and that this article was daily arriving at St. Croix from Barbados, where it was stated not less than 10,000 barrels remained.
The sloop of war, Wasp, Capt. Smith, got under way yesterday afternoon, and sailed up the North River, we understand she is going as far as West Point.
BALTIMORE, April 15.
Publick Documents.—Sensible that our readers are anxious to see the whole of the papers published by order of congress, we procured, through a friend at the seat of government, a book containing both series complete. The National Intelligencer publishes the parts deemed most important; by occupying the columns of the Gazette a few days longer, we hope to lay the correspondence before the publick. This is due, if on no other, yet on this account—it will show to a deluded people that every thing relative to England is made publick, whilst they are permitted to see but two or three short letters from France. And the PEOPLE may possibly say to their servants at Washington—"If our ministers and agents in France have only told thus much, they are unworthy the trust: If they have been active and zealous, and furnished government with an account of passing and important events, and government conceals the impending danger, we will employ better "Servants." Fed. Gaz.
[RUMOUR.]
We understand that letters from Washington, state, that both the English and French Ministers have given to our government strong assurances that they will each make representations to their courts in favour of a repeal or relaxation of the respective maritime decrees, which have operated so injuriously on the American commerce. We cannot state upon what authority this interesting information is founded. Ref.
From Washington, April 12.
This morning Mr. Hillhouse (Con.) offered the following radical amendments to the constitution of the United States.
1st. To reduce the term of service of members of the house of representatives from two years to one. 2d. A correspondent reduction of the senate from six years to three, one third to be chosen each year. 3d. To choose the president annually by lot out of those senators, whose term of service expires at that time. 4th. To limit his salary to fifteen thousand dollars. 5th. To abolish the office of vice president. 6th. To require the approbation of the senate and house of representatives to all appointments to office. 7th. To require the consent of the same branches to removals from office.
Mr. H. delivered a speech of about two hours, explanatory of the amendments, and dwelt particularly upon the executive branch of the government, whose powers he thought exorbitant, and highly dangerous to the virtue, peace and happiness of the nation. To this source he attributed all the evils of that party spirit which agitates and divides the community. As his speech will probably be published, I forbear offering any comments upon these amendments. They were seconded by Mr. Crawford of Georgia, and ordered to be printed.
April 16.
Extract from the Gibraltar Chronicle, of the 13th of February, 1808.
"It is with the deepest regret we lay before our readers the following statement of damage sustained by the shipping in this bay during the late gale from the eastward, on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, which, from the testimony of the oldest inhabitants, was much more violent and lasted longer than any storm they ever witnessed.
The American ship Two Brothers, from Leghorn, in ballast, sunk in Rosia bay; passengers and crew saved by the boats of his majesty's ship Rumoece with considerable difficulty. The American brig Minerva, from Barcelona to this place, with wine,
went to pieces at the back of the Mole—crew saved. English brig Commerciante stranded near Jumper's Battery, and totally lost. A French Polacre ship, prize, overset, and the crew (if any on board) perished. An English Xebec overset; two women and one man drowned; the remainder of the crew saved. The English ship Euphrates parted both cables and drove on shore on the Spanish coast near the Palmones. The English ship Eliza lost all her cables and anchors, drove off the bank, and after sustaining a heavy fire from the Cabrita batteries, effected her escape through the Gut; since returned. The American brig Mary, from New York, with sugar, stranded under Loea battery; crew and cargo saved; the vessel got off with the loss of her masts, and being otherwise so much damaged as to render her not worth repairing. The American ship Shepherdess, of N. York, with West India produce, drove out to sea and ran through the Gut; is since returned with the loss of all her cables and anchors. Several small craft, whose names have not reached us, likewise went to pieces.
We learn from Algeciras, that 36 vessels of different descriptions, have been driven on shore in that port and totally lost."
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
[Taken for the Federal Gazette.]
Tuesday, April 12.
The resolution some days ago laid on the table by Mr. Smilie, declaring that for the remainder of the session the house will meet at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, was taken up and agreed to.
The house also took up and agreed to the resolution some days ago offered by Mr. Gardner, as follows: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider the expediency of providing by law for adjourning this congress to an earlier period than the first Monday in December next; and that the committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
The house went into committee of the whole on the resolution some days ago offered by Mr. G. W. Campbell, authorising the president to take off the embargo, under certain restrictions.
Mr. Campbell spoke at length in favour of the resolution. He justified the measure on the ground of good policy, and of former proceedings.
Mr. Randolph opposed the bill. He was unwilling to bind the commerce, the agriculture and manufactures of the country, on the altar of executive discretion. If such a daring proposition had been made in 1798, it would have excited universal odium throughout this country. What, he asked, would have been the sensations of the republicans of the United States at that time on a proposition to surrender the whole commerce of the United States to the power of John Adams? To make it the breath of his nostrils? It would not have been submitted to, and he hoped would not now. Let a proposition be brought forward to continue the embargo until the 30th June next, and he would willingly consent to empower the president to keep it on until the 30th December. He denied the power of congress to lay an unlimited embargo—they had the power to regulate commerce—so had a parent the right to regulate the conduct of a child, but he had no right to lay a duty on exports, deny the power to prohibit their exportation altogether? Every power not delegated by the constitution to congress was reserved to the states; and many of them had expressly reserved to themselves the right of laying an embargo. Mr. R. dwelt particularly on the danger of granting too much power to the executive. He highly applauded the noble resolution of Mr. Jefferson to retire from office; but while he admired that resolution, which he trusted and believed as more sincere than the refusal of Caesar to accept the crown offered by Mark Anthony, what was he to think of those who requested him to continue in office, was there any thing but the president's own will to prevent him from continuing in office for life? Nay, considering his hale constitution, was there any thing else to prevent him from making the office hereditary in his own family? He again reverted to the embargo, which he contended was highly oppressive and impolitic. He called the attention of the house to the concluding words of Mr. Champagny's letter to Mr. Armstrong—when he says that the vessels detained will be held in requisition till it shall be known what proceeding shall have been adopted by the government of the United States—not what should be adopted, but what had been. And would it not, he asked, be better, instead of adjourning, to wait until it should be known whether the measures we had pursued were such as to satisfy the French government? Mr. R. entered into a defence of the treaty negotiated by Mr. Monroe, which was rejected by our government.
Mr. Johnson replied to Mr. Randolph, confining himself almost entirely to a defence of the administration in rejecting the proposed treaty.
The committee rose reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again. And then the house adjourned.
Thursday, April 14.
On motion of Mr. Dana, the resolutions some time ago submitted by him for the encouragement and protection of American seamen, and to authorise the arming and association of merchant vessels for their mutual defence, were referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill.
Mr. Van Cortlandt presented a joint resolution from the legislature of New York, instructing their senators and requesting their representatives to urge in the strongest manner the exposed situation of the city of New-York, and the destitute condition of the SEAMEN. Referred to a committee on the state of the union.
The house again went into committee of the whole on the resolution lately offered by Mr. Campbell (to authorise the President to take off the EMBARGO.)
Messrs. Randolph, and D. R. Williams opposed the resolution; and Mr. G. W. Campbell in a speech of about three hours, supported it; when the committee rose, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
Mr. Randolph offered a modification to the resolution, but afterwards withdrew it—and then the house adjourned.
The senate have passed the bill concerning courts martial and courts of inquiry, after an animated debate, with sundry amendments.

Some severe remarks passed to day between Messrs. G. W. Campbell and Randolph.
FRIDAY, April 15.
As soon as the journal was read,
Mr. Bacon said he rose with feelings of the deepest sensibility to perform a solemn and painful duty, by announcing the death of his friend and colleague, Mr. Jacob Crowninshield, who expired this morning at 5 o'clock.
The following resolutions were adopted unanimously:
On motion of Mr. Fisk,
Resolved, That a committee of seven members be appointed to take order for superintending the funeral of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq. late a representative in congress from the state of Massachusetts.
On motion of Mr. D. R. Williams,
Resolved, That the members of this house will testify their respect for the memory of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq. late one of their body, by wearing crape on the left arm for one month.
On motion of Mr. Newton,
Resolved, That the members of this house will attend the funeral of the late Jacob Crowninshield, Esq. to-morrow morning at ten o'clock.
On motion of Mr. Smith,
Resolved, That a message be sent to the senate to notify them of the death of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq. late a member of this house; and that his funeral will take place to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
Mr. Findley moved that when the house adjourn, they adjourn to meet at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning, in order to prepare for attending the funeral. Carried.
And then, on motion of Mr. Newton, the house adjourned.
DOCUMENTS
Communicated by the President to Congress.
[SECOND SERIES.]
Mr. Madison to Mr. Monroe.
Department of State, Feb. 14, 1804.
SIR, You will herewith receive the ratification by the president and senate, of the convention with the British government signed on the 12th of May, 1803, with an exception of the 5th article. Should the British government accede to this change in the instrument, you will proceed to an exchange of ratifications and transmit the one received without delay, in order that the proper steps may be taken for carrying the convention into effect. As the same considerations which led to the arrangements settled by it, urge a prompt execution of them, it may be expected that the steps depending on that government will be hastened. As far as your exhortations may be requisite, you will of course apply them.
The objection to the Vth article appears to have arisen from the posteriority of the signature and ratification of this convention to those of the last convention with France, ceding Louisiana to the United States, and from a presumption that the line to be run in pursuance of the Vth article might thence be found or alleged to abridge the northern extent of that acquisition.
It may reasonably be expected that the British government will make no difficulty in concurring in this alteration, because,
First. It would be unreasonable that any advantage against the United States should be constructively authorised by the posteriority of the dates in question: the instructions given to enter into the convention, and the understanding of the parties at the time of signing it, having no reference whatever to any territorial rights as understood at the date of the instructions for, and signature of the British convention. The copy of a letter from Mr. King, hereto annexed, is precise and conclusive on this subject.
Secondly. If the Vth article be exchanged, the north boundary of Louisiana will, as is reasonable, remain the same in the hands of the United States as it was in the hands of France, and may be adjusted and established according to the principles and authorities which would in that case have been applicable.
Thirdly. There is reason to believe that the boundary between Louisiana and the British territories north of it, were actually fixed by commissioners appointed under the treaty of Utrecht, and that this boundary was to run from the Lake of the Woods, westwardly in lat. 59, in which case the Vth article would be nugatory, as the line from the Lake of the Woods to the nearest source of the Mississippi, would run through territory which on both sides of the line would belong to the United States. Annexed is a paper stating the authority on which the decision of the commissioners under the treaty of Utrecht rests: and the reasoning opposed to the construction making the 49th deg. of latitude the northern boundary of Louisiana, with marginal notes in support of that construction. This paper will put you more readily into possession of the subject as it may enter into your discussions with the British government. But you will perceive the necessity of recurring to the proceedings of the commissioners, as the source of authentic information. These are not within our reach here, and it must consequently be left to your own researches and judgment to determine the proper use to be made of them.
Fourthly. Laying aside, however, all the objections to the Vth article, the proper extension of a dividing line in that quarter will be equally open for friendly negotiation after, as without, agreeing to the other parts of the convention; and considering the remoteness of the time at which such a line will become actually necessary, the postponement of it is of little or no consequence. The truth is, that the British government seemed at one time to favour this delay, and the instructions given by the United States readily acquiesced in it. The annexed extracts from Mr. King's and Mr. Gore's letters, will, with that from the department of state, explain this observation.
The fourth article of the convention provides, that the commissioners shall be respectively paid in such manner as shall be agreed, between the two parties, such agreement to be settled at the time of the exchange of ratifications. It has been supposed that the compensation allowed to the commissioners under the treaty of unity, commerce and navigation, who settled the St. Croix boundary, would be satisfactory to the British government; and upon this idea the estimate, of which a copy is inclosed, was framed as the basis of an appropriation to be asked from the congress. The president
authorises you, therefore, to agree to the sum mentioned therein, viz. $4,444 44 cts. to be paid by each government to the commissioners appointed by itself, the same sum being allowed the third commissioner, to be paid to him in equal portions by the two governments. Should, however, the British government insist upon a variation of the compensation from the sum above mentioned, you may consent to it, provided it does not exceed $6,666 66 cts. each party contributing equally to the payment, and each commissioner receiving the same sum as his colleagues.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES MADISON.
(EXTRACT.)
Mr. Madison, Secretary of State, to Mr. Monroe. Dated, Department of State, March 5, 1804.
The treaty of 1794, so far as it relates to commerce, having expired on the first day of October last, (that being the date of the preliminary articles) the commercial intercourse between the two countries is left to the regulations which the parties separately may think fit to establish. It may be expected, however, that the friendship and mutual interest between them, will produce a continuance on both sides of such regulations as are just and equal, and an accommodation to those principles of such as, on either side, are otherwise than just and equal. On the side of the United States, their commercial regulations place Great-Britain in every respect on the footing of the most favoured nation. Great-Britain cannot say as much with respect to hers. One instance at least is explained in a letter from this department to Mr. King, of which a copy is inclosed, in which you will see that although the act of parliament to which it refers be no longer a breach of stipulation, it is not less a violation of equality than it is of sound policy. With respect to the British West-Indies, it is not known that the United States are on a worse footing than other nations, whatever want of reciprocity there may be to the liberal regulations of the United States. With respect to the East-India trade, it is understood that the treaty of 1794, by denying to American vessels both the coasting branch of it and a direct intercourse between India and foreign countries, other than America, the United States were in both instances placed on a worse footing than other nations, and even on a worse footing than they themselves enjoyed prior to the treaty. The expiration of the treaty, and the friendly and favourable equality allowed by the United States to Great-Britain in every branch of their trade, ought certainly to restore what the treaty suspended.
These observations are made not with a view to any negotiation whatever leading at the present moment to a treaty on those or any other commercial points, or to discussion which might be misconstrued into a wish to take unreasonable advantage of a critical moment, but to enable you to present the ideas of your government with more precision, to vindicate our commercial policy against misconceptions, and to avail yourself the better of fit occasions for obtaining from the British government such relaxations as may be due to our example, and calculated to cherish amity and useful intercourse between the two nations.
In my letter of I stated the reasonableness of admitting American consuls in the dependencies of Great-Britain, whenever and wherever the American commerce should be admitted. The principle urged in this case is applicable to the East as well as to the West-Indies. During the last war an American agent was informally at least allowed to reside at Calcutta and take care of the trade of his countrymen. Mr. Jacob Lewis, who was appointed to succeed him, proceeded to London on his way thither, but peace having intervened, his application for an exequatur was refused. It is of real importance to our trade with that country, that such a functionary should be permitted to reside in it; the more so if it be true that the rule forbidding foreign factors to do so be enforced there. Be so good as to sound the British government on this subject, and communicate its sentiments for the information of the president."
Extract of a letter from Mr. Madison to Mr. Monroe. Department of State, March 6, 1805.
SIR, The experience of every day shews more and more the obligation on both sides to enter seriously on the means of guarding the harmony of the two countries against the dangers with which it is threatened by a perseverance of Great-Britain in her irregularities on the high seas, and particularly in the impressments from American vessels. The extent in which these have taken place since the commencement of the war will be seen by the inclosed report required from this department by a vote of the house of representatives, and the call for it whilst negotiations on the subject were understood to be in train, is itself a proof of the publick sensibility to those aggressions on the security of our citizens and the rights of our flag. A further proof will be seen in the motion, also inclosed, which was made by Mr. Crowninshield, and which will probably be revived at the next session. This motion, with his remarks on it, appear very generally in the newspapers, with comments proceeding from a coincidence of the sensibility out of doors with that within. A still stronger proof of impatience under this evil will be found in the proceedings authorised by an act of congress just passed, and which is likewise inclosed, against British officers committing on the high seas trespasses or torts on board American vessels, offences manifestly including cases of impressment.
In communicating these circumstances, it will occur to you that whilst they may be allowed to proclaim the growing sensibility of the United States on the subject of impressments, they ought, by proper explanations and assurances, to be guarded against a misconstruction into marks of illiberal or hostile sentiments towards Great-Britain. The truth is, and it may be stated by you that this practice of impressments, aggravated by so many provoking incidents, has been so long continued, and so in vain remonstrated against that, without more encouragement than yet appears to expect speedy redress from the British government, the United States are in a manner driven to the necessity of seeking for some remedy dependent on themselves alone. But it is no less true that they are warmly disposed to cherish all the friendly relations subsisting with Great-Britain; and they wish to see that necessity banished by just and prudent ar-
rangements between the two governments: and that with this view you are instructed to open the negotiations which are now depending. It is impossible for the British government to doubt the sincerity of these sentiments, the forbearance of the United States year after year, and war after war, to avail themselves of those obvious means, which, without violating their national obligations of any sort, would appeal in the strongest manner to the interest of Great-Britain, is of itself a sufficient demonstration of the amicable spirit which has directed their publick councils. This spirit is sufficiently manifested also by the propositions which have been lately made through you, and by the patience and cordiality with which you have conducted the negotiation. I might add as a further proof to the same effect, that notwithstanding the refusal of which we have official information, from Glasgow and Liverpool particularly, to restore American seamen deserting their ships in British ports, the laws of many of the states have been left, without interruption, to restore British deserters. One of the states, Virginia, has even at the last session of its legislature passed an act for the express purpose of restoring such deserters, which deserves the more attention as it was done in the midst of irritations resulting from the multiplied irregularities committed by British ships in the American seas.
"Mr. Merry has expressed some inquietude with respect to the clause in the act above referred to, which animadverts on British trespasses on board American vessels—and his language on several late occasions has strongly opposed the expectation that Great-Britain will ever relinquish her practice of taking her own subjects out of neutral vessels. I did not conceal from him my opinion that the terms "trespass," &c. would be applicable to the impressment of British subjects as well as others, or that the United States would never accede to that practice. I observed to him that every preceding administration had maintained the same doctrine with the present on that point, and that such were the ideas and feelings of the nation on it, that no administration would dare so far to surrender the rights of the American flag. He expresses dissatisfaction also at the section which requires certain compliances on the part of British ships of war entering our harbours with arrangements to be prescribed by the collectors. He did not deny the right of the nation to make what rules it might please in such cases, but apprehended that some of them were such as the commanders might deem incompatible with their just pretensions, especially when subjecting them to the discretion of so subaltern an authority as that of the collectors, and consequently that the law would have the unfriendly effect of excluding British ships of war altogether from American ports. He was reminded in reply that the collectors were to be guided in the exercise of their power by the directions of the president; and it was not only to be presumed, but he might be particularly assured, that the directions given would be consistent with the usage due to publick ships, and with the respect entertained for nations at amity with the United States. He asked whether in transmitting the act to his government, as his duty would require, he might add the explanation and assurances he had heard from me. I answered, that without having received any particular authority for that purpose from the president, I could safely undertake that what I had stated was conformable to his sentiments.
Inclosed is another act of congress, restraining and regulating the arming of private vessels by American citizens. This act was occasioned by the abuse made of such armaments in forcing a trade, even in contraband of war, with the island of St. Domingo, and by the representations made on the subject of that trade by the French charge des affaires and minister here, and by the British minister, with respect to abuses which had resulted or might result from such armaments in cases injurious to Great-Britain. A report of these representations, as made to the president, is herewith inclosed. The act, in substituting a security against the unlawful use of the armaments in place of an absolute prohibition of them, is not only consistent with the obligations of a neutral nation, but conformable to the laws and ordinances of Great-Britain and France themselves, and is consequently free from objections by either. The interposition of the government, though claimed in behalf both of G. Britain and France, was most pressed in behalf of the latter. Yet the measure, particularly as relates to the shipment of contraband articles for the West-Indies, is likely to operate much more convenerently for Great-Britain than for France, who cannot, like Great-Britain, otherwise insure a supply of these articles for the defence of their colonies.
"In the project which you have offered to the British government, I observe you have subjoined a clause for securing respect to citizenship. The effect of this clause, taken as it ought to be, and as was doubtless intended, in context with the preceding clause, is limited to the cause provided for in that clause. Still it may be well, in order to guard against the possibility of its being turned into a text for requiring such certificates in other cases, that a proviso for the purpose be added, or that words of equivalent restriction be inserted.
Another subject requiring your attention is pointed at by the resolutions of the senate, moved by gen. Smith, on the subject of a British tax on exports, under the name of a convoy duty. A copy of the resolution is inclosed. A duty under that name was first laid in the year 1798. It then amounted to half of one per cent. on exports to Europe, and one per cent. on exports to other places, and consequently to the United States. The discrimination being evidently contrary to the treaty then in force, became a subject of discussion between Mr. King and the British ministry. His letters to the secretary of state and to lord Grenville, explain the objections urged by him, and the pretexts in support of the measure alleged by them. The subject was resumed in my letter of 5th March, 1804, to Mr. King, with a copy of which you have been already furnished. It was received by Mr. Gore, during the absence of Mr. King on the continent; and if any occasion was found proper by either for repeating the remonstrance against the duty, it appears to have been without effect. Whilst the treaty was in force, the discrimination was unquestionably a violation of its faith. When the war ceased, it lost the pretext that it was the
* See act of Parliament 35 G. 3. c. 92, s. 37—8. and Vattel's Commentaries Liv. 1, Tit. 10, art. 1.
price of the convoy, which giving a longer protection to the American than to the European trade, justified a higher price for the former than the latter. Even during war, the exports are generally made as American property and in American vessels, and therefore with a few exceptions only, a convoy which would subject them to condemnation, from which they would otherwise be free, would be not a benefit but an injury. Since the expiration of the treaty, the discrimination as well as the duty itself can be combated by no other arguments than those, which, in the document referred to are drawn from justice, friendship, and sound policy; including the tendency of the measure to produce a discontinuance of liberal but unavailing example given to Great-Britain by the regulations of commerce on our side, and a recurrence to such counteracting measures as are probably contemplated by the mover of the resolutions of the senate. All these arguments gain strength in proportion to the augmentations which the evil has latterly received; it being now stated that the duty amounts to four per cent. on the exports to the United States. These, according to Cocker's answer to Sheffield, amounted in the year 1801, to about seven and a half millions sterling, and therefore levy a tax on the United States, of about 1,300,000 dollars. From this is indeed to be deducted a sum proportioned to the amount of re-exports from the United States. But on the other hand is to be added the increase of the exports since the year 1801, which probably exceed the re-exports.
With the aid of these communications and remarks, you will be at no loss for the views of the subject most proper to be presented to the British government, in order to promote the object of the resolutions; and the resolutions themselves ought powerfully to second your efforts, if the British government feels the same desire as actuates the United States, to confirm the friendship and confidence on both sides by a greater conformity on that side to the spirit of the commercial regulations on this.
I have referred above to the inclosed copy of the motion made by Mr. Crowninshield in the house of representatives. The part of it which has relation to the trade with the West-Indies, was suggested, as appears in his introductory observations, by the late proclamations of the British West-India governors, excluding from that trade vessels of the United States, and certain articles of our exports, particularly fish, even in British vessels. These regulations are to be ascribed, partly to the attachment of the present administration of Great-Britain to the colonial and navigation system, partly to the interested representations of certain merchants and others residing in the British provinces on the continent. Without entering at large into the policy on which the colonial restrictions are founded, it may be observed that no crisis could be more inelegible for enforcing them, than the present, because at none more than the present, have the West-Indies been absolutely dependent on the United States for the supplies essential to their existence. It is evident in fact, that the U. States, by asserting the principle of a reasonable reciprocity, such as is admitted in the trade with the European ports of Great-Britain, and as is admitted in the colonial trade of other European nations, so far at least as respects the vessels employed in the trade, might reduce the British government at once to the dilemma of relaxing her regulations or of sacrificing her colonies; and with respect to the interdiction of supplies from the United States, of articles necessary to the subsistence and prosperity of the West-Indies, in order to force the growth and prosperity of the continental provinces of Nova-Scotia, &c. what can be more unjust than thus to impoverish one part of the foreign dominions, which is considered as a source of wealth and power to the parent country, not with a view to favour the parent country, but to favour another part of its foreign dominions which is rather expensive than profitable to it? What can be more preposterous than thus, at the expence of islands which not only contribute to the revenue, commerce and navigation of the present state, but can be secured in their dependence by that naval ascendancy which they aid, to foster unproductive establishments?
Considerations, such as these, ought to have weight with the British government, and may very properly enter into frank conversations with its ministry on favourable occasions. However repugnant that government may be to a departure from its system, in the extent contemplated by Mr. Crowninshield's motion, it may at least be expected, the trade as opened in former wars, will not be refused under circumstances which, in the present, particularly demand it. It may be hoped that the way will be prepared for some permanent arrangement on this subject between the two nations, which will be conformable to equity, to reciprocity and their mutual advantage.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed)
JAMES MADISON.
CASH for Warwick STAVES.
Moses Myers.
April 20.
COW-POCK.
The Subscriber informs those who wish to be vaccinated, that a parcel of fresh matter lately received from Philadelphia, has succeeded, and is now fit to inoculate from.
George Balfour.
April 20.
By JAMES TAYLOR, Jun.
On Friday the 22d instant, at eleven o'clock, at his Office, without reserve, 40 casks London PORTER, 28 barrels Green COFFEE.
April 18
2
NOTICE.
Lost, a CERTIFICATE, certifying my right to four Shares in the Virginia Bank Stock, in consequence of which I shall make application to the Bank for a new one. I request that any person who shall get possession of it, will return it to the subscriber.
Edward Watson.
April 15
30,000 acres valuable LAND,
situated upon the river Washita, in one of the most fertile parts of Louisiana—Particulars with regard to local advantages, situation, title, and the most favourable circumstances, will be made known by applying to THOMAS TUNNO, in Chastleton, or M RS MILLER, in Savanna. Feb. 8.

ENGLISH GOODS.
Appleton & Co.
By the John Adams, St. Johns, from Liverpool, No. 16, Calvert-Street, Baltimore, have received their regular supply of GOODS, calculated for the present and approaching season, Cambricks and Common Callicoes, Plain and striped Dimities; Printed Marseilles Vestings, White Jeans; Furniture Chintz; do. Dimities, London-Superfine Broad Cloths; do. do. Cassimeres, Yorkshire fine Cloths and Cassimeres; patent Nankeens, Cords; Grandurells; Cotton Cassimeres, 6-4 and 4-4 Cambricks Muslins, Japan, Haricord, and Check do. plain and figured Mull do. Leno, Victory, and Riddle Muslin; coloured do. do. do. 4-4 plain Book do.; Ginghams; Silk do. Sattins, Persians, and Sarmets; Bonnet Silks; Silk Gloves, Silk Handkerchiefs; Fancy Shawls, Cotton Umbrellas, do. Braces, do. Laces and Footings, do. Quiltings, English Kid Gloves, Cotton Hosiery, Handkerchiefs, Fringe and Bed Lace, Cotton and Linen Checks; Buttons; Birmingham Ware. In Store, a few dozen gentlemen's best Beaver Hats, from Marseilles. These goods will be sold low for cash, or undoubted paper at 60 days. April 15. 10
Mackinder & White,
Have just received from on board the schooner Liberty, Capt. Lewis, from Philadelphia, 150 boxes fresh Imperial and Hyson TEAS, of superior quality. ALSO,
A fresh supply of Hollands GIN,
Tickenburgs, superfine Cloths, Gentlemen's Silk Hats, Parasols, &c. Which they offer for Sale on the lowest terms, for cash or approved notes. N. B. A few barrels of prime Smithfield MESS PORK. April 15. tf
FOR SALE, On board the ship Damascotta, Robert Duckendorff, master, at Commerce-Street Wharf, Coarse Liverpool SALT, St. Vincent's RUM and MOLASSES. Moses Myers. April 15. tf
Thirty Dollars Reward.
RANAWAY from the Subscriber on the 22d of last month, a bright mulatto, named CALEB, about 24 years of age, bow legged; he has a red mark upon his neck just below his right ear, (as well as I can recollect.) I will give the above reward to any person or persons that will secure the said negro so that I get him again, and if delivered to me all reasonable charges shall be paid. H. PITTS. Northampton, Eastern-Shore, Virg. April 11, 1808 7*
Landing from the schooner Antelope, Capt. Putnam,
100 hhds. & 12 tierces MOLASSES, 24 bags Green Coffee. Also received from New-York, New Mess and Prime PORK, Mess and Prime BEEF. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey. April 13. tf
FOR RENT,
That convenient Dwelling-House, on Brewer Street, the property of Mr. John Davidson, at present occupied by Mr. Stephen Harris. Also,
That convenient House, where Mr. Cornelius Calvert formerly lived; they have very fine gardens and all convenient out-houses—possession may be had on the first day of May next, on application to James Tucker. April 13. tf
Intending shortly to leave this town, the Subscriber informs the publick, that from this day he will sell at the first cost, All his STOCK, Consisting of DRY GOODS, and every kind of ready made CLOTHES. B. Danfossy. No. 24, Market-Square. April 13. 3*
FOR RENT,
A convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, pleasantly situated in the Borough, with necessary out-houses, &c. Apply to the Printer. April 13. 3
The Subscriber grateful for past favours, takes the liberty of informing the publick, that in addition to his BEER and PORTER-HOUSE, he has rented the upper apartment of that commodious house situated at the corner of Wide Water and Commerce-Streets, formerly occupied by Mrs. Bryan, which he has opened as a Tavern, by the name of the GLOBE TAVERN, and will keep a constant supply of the best of Liquors; and for the accommodation of customers, he will keep a constant supply of prime New-York Ale, Philadelphia Beer and Porter. Solicitors for a share of publick patronage, he assures those who may favour him with their custom, that every attention will be paid to give satisfaction. Gentlemen Boarders can be accommodated by the week, month, or year, upon moderate terms. Good Stabling and forage for a few horses. WILLIAM TONKIN.
Two TENEMENTS situated on Town-Point, will be rented cheap, together or separate. For terms apply as above. April 7. 1m
FOR RENT.
The STORE in Market-Square, now occupied by the subscriber. For terms apply at his office. Thomas Blanchard. April 7. tf
The Subscriber having resumed his former Business of Commissioner and Broker, will buy or sell Goods on Commission, post Books, adjust Accounts, and procure Money on good paper or merchandise, at the shortest notice. James Maurice, No. 44, Church-Street. March 30. tf
FOR SALE,
2 elegant Bay Horses, a complete match, 2 do. grey do. do. do. Remarkable fine bay, and one very excellent grey Horse—For Sale at the rate of the Bank if Newbern and Cape-Fear, or Proc. Mill.—with a taken payment—Apply at the Office of the Publick Ledger. Sept. 25. tf
Intending to leave the country for a few months, I have appointed Mr. William Dickson my attorney. Bartholomew Redmon. April 7. 1m
COCKE & SANFORD,
Have received eighteen hogsheads and eighteen barrels Loaf and Lump SUGAR, which they offer for Sale on very moderate terms. Ca hand of their last importation, 2 bales flaxen OZNABURGS, 2000 wt. Scine Twice; 1 bale assorted Blue Cloths, 1 bale superfine Navy Blue Cloth, 2 boxes well assorted Irish Linens, Irish and Dutch Sheetings and Dowlas, 2 Trunks Cotton Hosiery; 1 case Dimities, 2 do. assorted Nankeens and Grandurells, 3 do. Callicoes; 2 do. Cotton Cambricks, 1 box French Cambricks and Handkerchiefs, 2 cases Mens' and 1 do. Childrens' fashionable Beaver Hats Feb 24. 2m
BOOTS.
Elegant Hussar & Backstrap BOOTS, Just received and for Sale by Wood & Hastings, Opposite Market-Square. Feb 8. tf
NOTICE.
The Copartnership of RICHARD BOWDEN, & Co. having expired, Richard Drummond is authorised to receive and pay the debts of said concern. Moses Myers, Richard Bowden, Richard Drummond. February 2. tf
Cognac Brandy, Hollands Gin, Country do. in pipes, Rice in tierces and half tierces—For Sale by C. & F. Whittle. February 24. tf
FOR SALE at my Brew-House, Strong, Table, and Ship BEER, by the hogshead, barrel, and half barrel—and a constant supply of bottled PORTER in packages and by the dozen. And in Store,
Wines, Liquors, and Groceries, wholesale and retail. Joseph Hayes. Feb 18. tf
FOR SALE.
45,000 wt. good COFFEE in bags, 94 puncheons old St. KITTS RUM. MOSES MYERS. January 8. tf
FOR SALE,
73 punch. choice Antigua RUM, 30 do. Grenada do. 600 bushels CORN, 80,000 drawn White and Red Oak STAVES, 60 barrels Pork. George Wilson. November 4. tf
NOTICE.
The Subscribers have removed to the Ware-House, No. 6, on Newton's wharf, formerly occupied by Messrs. John D. Haldane, & Co. JENNINGS & RODDEY. January 8. tf
FOR RENT,
The DWELLING-HOUSE on Granby-street, belonging to captain Vickery, next door to Robert Boush, Esq.—possession will be given on the first day of January next. For terms apply to Alexander Wilson. December 18. tf
First quality Jamaica COFFEE.
Just received and for Sale, 77 tierces and 24 barrels prime Green COFFEE. James & Thomas Tucker. December 28. tf
FOR RENT,
A commodious small DWELLING, with all suitable out-houses and a good garden, pleasantly situated on Smith's Point. Possession may be had on the first of November. P. Barraud. October 5. tf
FOR RENT,
The Store, Compting-Room & Cellar, at present occupied by Messrs. Wood & Hastings, no. 90, Main-street. Apply to Thomas Willock. August 24. tf
WOOD & HASTINGS,
No. 76, Main-Street, Have just received an additional supply of Staple and Fancy GOODS, Among which are Black Silk Velvet; Tabby, do.; Black Silk Florentine; Silk Handkerchiefs; do. Fancy Shawls; Convex Navy Buttons; fashionable Coat do.; a variety of French Goods; 2 trunks Cambricks Muslins; 2 cases Linens; 2 bales Cotton Checks; 1 do. Gilla Handkerchiefs; 5 do. India Cottons, assorted, some very fine for Shirts; a variety of Woollens. They have also on hand a general and extensive assortment of WOOLLEN GOODS. Every description of fancy Muslins and Dresses; Velvets; Constitution and President's Cords; Dimities; Carpets; Hosiery, &c. &c. On consignment, just received, Hussar and Backstrap BOOTS; Ladies' Kid and Morocco Shoes; Mens' coarse do.; coarse and fine Hats. The above GOODS will be sold at very reduced prices for CASH, or undoubted credit, by wholesale and retail. December 11. tf
Now landing from on board the schooner Mohawk, Roger Quarles, master, from Leghorn, 120 hogsheads Bordolease CLARET, 96 cases Roll Brimstone, 100 boxes Castile Marbled Soap, 50 tin boxes Saffron, 5 cases Florence Silks of all colours, a great many black, 2 hhds. shelled Almonds, 100 half chests Lucca Oil, of 30 flasks, 100 boxes Lucca Oil, 12 bottles each, 3 cases Chip Hats. For Sale by William Pennock. October 18. tf
The Subscriber offers for Sale,
78 puncheons well flavoured RUM, A few pipes Old Bordeaux Brandy, and 28 hogsheads choice retailing Molasses. Phinehas Dana. March 2. tf
For SALE, 4000 bushels Ground Allum SALT, And a few well assorted crates of EARTHENWARE. George Murray, & Co. December 7. tf
Fresh Imperial TEA.
Just received 17 boxes fresh Imperial TEA, of the present year's importation—Also on Hand, 25 tons assorted BAR IRON, 30 barrels and a few hogsheads Muscovado Sugar, 40 barrels bags Green Coffee; 25 hhds. old Antigua Rum, 20 hhds. Molasses; 8 pipes French Brandy, 10 crates assorted Queen's Ware, A few quarter casks of Sherry and Tenerife Wine, Whiskey in barrels; Loaf Sugar, New York prime Pork and Beef; 30 casks Cheese, A few barrels Mackerel; Soap; Candles; Demijohns, &c. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey. February 26. tf
NOTICE.
The partnership of Ellis & Sprigg, of Hampton, is this day by mutual consent dissolved—all persons indebted to the said firm are requested most earnestly to come forward and pay their respective balances to Mr. C. Sprigg; and all those who have claims against said firm, to produce them to said C. Sprigg for settlement. Samuel Ellis, Per his Attorney in fact, Robert Gibson, Corbin Sprigg. Hampton, February 17. tf
FOR CASH or approved Discountable Paper, 20 bales best Russia CANVAS, 1 do. Ravens Duck; 1 do. Mattress Ticking, 65 packages German Linen—For Sale by Niemeyer & Von Kapff. February 26. tf
Now landing from the schooner Prudence Mary, from New-York, 17 hhds. first quality SUGARS, 54 barrels prime Pork, city inspection, 70 boxes Mould Candles; 5 hhds. double refined Sugar, 5 pipes Brandy; 25 reams Writing Paper, 2 trunks fine and coarse French Lace, which will be sold at a low rate for Cash. Apply at No. 1, Commerce-street to William Hull, Jun. October 16. tf
Just got to Hand. 22 chests Hyson TEA, will be sold low for cash. George Wilson. Nov. 18. tf
The following prices will be given in Cash for 500 or 600 cords of BARK, deliverable at my Tan Yard,
 Spanish Oak, $ 6 per cord,  Willow or Water do. 5  Red do. 4  Young White do. 3 50  Beach Bark, do. 3 50   With a view to prevent disappointment to those who procure this article, arising from the uncertainty of the quantity which may be brought to market, I will receive all which may be delivered at my landing before the first day of June, provided it be well cured and in good order. Theoderick Armistead. April 4. 2m
New SHOES from New-York.
SAMUEL COLEMAN, Offers for Sale such as have been generally sold in retail at 9s. and 8s. 3d. for 7s. 6d.; those at 15s. for 15s. 6d. except of Morocco leather; Ladies' Morocco Slippers at 8s. 3d. for 7s. 6d. and in nearly the same ratio for every other kind of Shoes, where the former prices will bear reduction. VERNON'S BOOTS, at $8 50, which are no doubt the most elegant made in the United States. Having on hand nearly 200 pair of Boots, he believes there are very gentlemen who cannot be fitted. BUTTER at 17 cents in nice order; a few tons of Iron; a few hundred bushels of ground Allum Salt; India Cottons; Brown Sugar, &c. &c. as low as they can be sold for a profit, for Cash. April 1. tf
Thomas H. Parker,
Offers for Sale, His Great-Bridge MILL, newly fitted up to run two pair of stones.—The advantages of this mill are very great, only ten miles from Norfolk, and situated on a never failing stream; although she works at present only two pair of stones, yet the stream affords an abundant supply for ten pair—Also, a MILL (known by the name of Bell's-Mills) about two miles farther, now in complete order, running one pair of stones and two flails—This Mill is supplied with water from very extensive swamps, and in wet season very plentifully; at this place there is a store, the situation of which, for a lumber store, is equal if not superior to any in that part of the country—This Mill can be supplied with excellent timber from a tract of land only one mile distant from it, which the subscriber also offers for sale. This tract contains between 5 and 600 acres, almost entirely covered with timber; the soil, the subscriber confidently believes, is not inferior to any in the lower part of Virginia.—Any person purchasing this Plantation would have the benefit of a reed swamp within three miles of it, in which any number of cattle may be kept fat during the whole winter. October 5. tf
THE SUBSCRIBER
Has removed to the brick store at the head of Campbell's wharf, fronting said wharf and Wide Water-street, where he offers at wholesale or retail his assortment of Groceries and Ship Chandlery, Among which are 14 hogsheads Muscovado SUGAR, 1 do. and 6 barrels loaf do. 6 do. Antigua, Jamaica, and Grenada Rum, 3 pipes French Brandy, 2 hhds. and 6 bbls Rye Whiskey, 4 barrels Apple Brandy, 1 do. Peach do. 10 bags Coffee, Imperial, Hyson, Young Hyson, and Souchong Teas, Pepper, Pimento, and Nutmegs, Madeira, Sherry, and Port Wines, London and Philadelphia Porter, English Cheese, Bar Iron and Castings, Nail and Spike Rods, German Steel, Powder and Shot, Tar, Pitch & Turpentine, Paints and Oil, black and bright Varnish, Canvas and Cordage, Nails and Spikes. Also just received, 20 boxes Lemons, 12 half bbls. Beef Tongues, 20 kegs Tongues and Sounds, 40 kegs and 2 bbls. Salmon, 5 bbls. Mackerel, 15 cases Sallet Oil, 1 cask Currants, 10 boxes Olives, Capers and Anchovies, 6 dozen bottles Cayenne Pepper, 3 do. do. Pickled Peppers, 30 boxes Soap, 20 boxes Candles, 50 barrels Alexandria superfine and fine Flour. John D. Haldane. July 31. tf
WANTED,
A convenient Dwelling-House for a small family, situated in an agreeable part of the town. Apply to the Printer. March 18. tf
6000 bushels Stowed SALT, 50 crates well assorted Earthenware—For Sale on board the ship Sally, by A. Macfarre. March 2. tf
NOTICE.
I am again compelled to solicit all those indebted to the estate of PHILIP COLLINS, deceased, to make immediate payment, as no longer indulgence can be given. Jane Collins, Admr'x. December 9. tf
At the Old CUT-NAIL Manufactor, corner of Main and Church-streets,
the subscriber keeps on hand constant supply, and can furnish at short notice, any quantity of
Nails, Flooring Brads and Sprigs,
At the following reduced prices, by the Keg—for cash only, viz—   8, 10, 12, and 20d Nails and Brads at 7 1/2 d. lb.  6d. Nails, 9 1-2d  4d. do. 2s. 9d. m. or 11d  3d. do. 2s. 3d. or 12 1/2  Sheathing, do. 7 1-2d  6d. Sprigs, 4s. 6d. per M.  6d. do. 2s. 9d.  2d. and 3d. do. 2s. 3d.   He offers also for cash only—
HOOP IRON ASSORTED.
Thos. Seaman. THE CARGO
Of the Ship Laconia, Capt. John Walker, just arrived from Liverpool, is offered for Sale, consisting of 8000 bush. Liverpool coarse SALT, 30 crates well assorted Crocker Ware, and 30 tons Coals—Apply to Phinehas Dana. March 25. tf
The Subscribers have removed to the Brick Warehouse on Merchant's Wharf,
and have on hand for Sale, 100,000 W. O. hhd. drawn STAVES, 100,000 red do. do. do. 40,000 rough do. do. do. 50,000 do. barrel do. 10,000 pipe do. 500,000 sale Shingles; 100,000 building do. 1,000 three feet do.; 5,000 Garden Pales, 5,000 Chinquapin and Cedar Posts. And also for Rent, A commodious WAREHOUSE. Proby, Harranson, & Co. January 11. tf
Phoenix Fire Office.
The Subscriber, Agent to the PHOENIX ASSURANCE COMPANY, of London, for the State of Virginia, begs leave to inform the publick, that he is now fully empowered to subscribe Policies of Insurance for property against Fire throughout the United States of America, in conformity to the Proposals hereto-subjoined. N. B. FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS can be insured in one risk on Buildings and their contents, and also on Ships and their Cargoes on board, in the First Class, but in all cases where Ten Thousand Dollars are exceeded, a special agreement must be made with the Agent, and an increase of premium added to those mentioned in the proposals, of not less than one eighth per cent. on the whole sum insured. Richard Taylor. September 8. tf 157
THE COTTAGE,
A small Farm handsomely improved in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth, commanding a beautiful view of Norfolk harbour is offered for Rent—and the HOUSE lately occupied by Doctor Leigh, pleasantly situated near the Ferry Wharf, in Portsmouth. Apply to Mr. William Fritchard, or JAMES YOUNG. March 2. tf
AT PRIVATE SALE,
By S. MARKS, JUN. 60 hogsheads St. Kitt's RUM. March 2. tf
FOR RENT,
(And immediate possession given,) The Brick-House, Store, and Cellars, at the corner of Gilbert's Lane, on Main-street, near the market, an excellent Stand for a Dry Good or Grocery Store. Apply to Niemeyer & Von Kapff. December 28. tf
Richard Jeffrey & Co.
No. 66, Main-street, corner of Park-Street, have just received from London, per the ship Planter, An assortment of MEDICINES, of the first quality
Also, a few hundred weight refined Salt Petre, Hardham's Snuff, No 9, and 37, in 1-2 and 1-4 pound canisters, Violet, Benzoin, Windsor and Shaving Soap, Evan's best Crown Lancets, Tooth Brushes of superior kind, Refined Liquorice, &c. They have on hand, and are in daily expectation of receiving from Amsterdam, all kinds of GLASS WARE, suitable to Apothecaries. MEDICINE CHESTS for ships and family use, with printed directions, put up as usual. October 5. tf
Leather, Cordage, and Loaf Sugar.
The subscriber will hereafter expose for Sale at his Warehouse on Campbell's wharf the above Articles, of the manufacture of Norfolk, at reduced prices for Cash, or on short credits only. Theo. Armistead. Feb. 20. tf
At Private Sale,
By S. MARKS, JUN. 10 hhds. Antigua, 12 do. N. E. 50 barrels do. RUM, 30 hhds and 20 barrels Sugar; 10 pipes Country Gin, 8 pipes Cognac Brandy; 150 boxes Mould Candles, 8 boxes Spermaceti Candles; 4 bales striped Blankets, 3 bales Blue Duffels; 1 do. fine Cloths; 2 do. blue Plains, 3 do. Rugs; 1 do. Check Shirts, 54 do. Ticklenburgs and Oznaburghs; 2 do. Heffians, 1 trunk Matras Handkerchiefs. October 24. tf
NORFOLK:
PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A-WEEK, BY WILLIAM DAVIS, FOR THE PROPRIETOR, Opposite the Exchange Coffee-House. Price Six Dollars yearly, in advance.