Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1807-01-07 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE
VOL. III.]
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 7, 1807.
NO. 75
This Paper is published three times a week; PRIOR TO SUBSCRIPTIONS FIVE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS PER ANNUM...
Salt Sacks and double twilled Sacking, of an excellent quality, for Sale by William Knox.
Richmond superfine FLOUR, chisely from the Mayo Mill—2000 barrels for sale by Moses Myers.
Ten Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the subscriber about two months ago, a Negro Man by the name of DANIEL...
CLOAKS LOST. EXCHANGED by some gentleman through mistake, the night of the Ball on the 1st instant, at the Union Tavern...
NOTICE. THIS DAY by mutual consent, the copartnership of REDMON and FRITH is dissolved—All those indebted to said concern are requested to make immediate payment...
The Subscribers in addition to their general assortment of SHIP CHANDLERY and GROCERIES, have received by the John and Alice, from London, 100 casks Kemp and Hoyt's Brown STOUT...
100,000 lbs. prime Green COFFEE, Entitled to dubenture, for sale—Apply to Fisk & Catlett, or S. Marks, jun.
PORT WINE. Just received and for Sale by the Subscriber, 10 pipes, 10 hogsheads, and 20 quarter casks Of choice PORT WINE...
Cargo of SALT, Loose and in sacks, received by the brig Nancy, capt. Murray, from Liverpool, will be sold low if taken from along side of said vessel.
FOR RENT. A STORE on Main-Street, near the old market place, calculated either for Dry Goods or Groceries, with 2 rooms above stairs, a garet, a large dry cellar, and a kitchen if required—Also, a Dwelling House on Baul-Street.
TWO PLANTATIONS, one in Princess Anne county, near New-Town, on the main road to Kempsville, containing about 35 acres, adjoining the land of Edward H. Mosely, Esq.—The other near Deep-Creek, containing about 50 acres, adjoining the lands of Mr. Joseph Kiender and others, covered with wood, and in the neighbourhood of a good range for Cattle—Also, Two Canal Shares; several Negro Men and Women to hire for the present year, among which are some good Sailors, acquainted with all the different rivers.
Office of Discount and Deposit, U. S. Bank, Norfolk, Dec. 29, 1806. WANTED TO PURCHASE, A few Thousand Pounds sterling in approved endorsed Bills on, or payable in London, at any days sight.
FOR SALE, 850 Barrels whole HERRINGS, in excellent order for Shipping, do. cut, do. SHAD; 750 bbls. TAR, 450 do. TURPENTINE.
TEN Thousand bushels Liverpool stowed SALT, on board the ship Francis, capt. Curtis. For Sale by William Pennock.
NOTICE. ALL persons indebted to me (Note due) or open Accounts, are requested to come forward immediately and make arrangements for the settlement thereof, as up further indulgence will be given after the last day of January next.
For Sale or Charter, The brig PEACE, Captain Swain, burthen a thousand barrels. Apply to the master, or Christopher Fry.
Who has for Sale, 80 bbls. Boston Beef; 30 do. Cider; a few hds. Jamaica Rum; and 20 casks London Brown Stout, all of good quality—and wants to purchase, Drawn Staves and Shingles.
For CHARTER, The Brig ANN, Wm. Forsyth, master, burthen 1200 barrels, now in complete order for the reception of a cargo. Apply to EDWARD ROBERTS.
For CHARTER, The Schooner INDEPENDENCE, Joseph Stover, master, about 700 to 1000 barrels; she is well calculated for carrying lumber, and can be ready for the reception of a cargo in two days. For terms apply to the master on board, or Richard Bowden, & Co.
Wanted to CHARTER, A good VESSEL, of from 1500 to 2000 barrels burthen. Who wishes to Purchase, A few thousand bushels good WHEAT.
For Freight, The new and fast sailing Schooner RISING SUN, 86 tons or 700 barrels, Burgess, master, will take a freight either to the West-Indies or any port in the United States on moderate terms—For which apply to the master on board, or Fisk & Catlett.
Who has for Sale, A few hds. N. E. Rum; and 4 pipes country Gin.
Ground Alum SALT. TWO thousand bushels Ground Alum Salt, for Sale on board the Schooner Lydia, capt. Livingston, at my wharf. Who offers The said Schooner for Charter, burthen 1100 barrels Flour.
For CHARTER, The brig Fair Manhattan, Wm. Wolfendale, master, burthen 1000 barrels, now ready to receive a cargo—Apply to Wm. PENNOCK.
Who is receiving from different vessels, 50 hds. St. Croix Sugars, 1st quality; 130 pieces Russia, 80 do. Raven Duck; 200 bbls. prime Pork, New-York inspection.
For Freight or Charter, The fine Ship India Packet, William Rindge, master, burthen 400 bds. tobacco, can be ready to receive a cargo in two days—Apply on board, or to PHINEHAS DANA.
Antigua Rum and Prime Sugars. THIS DAY landing on our wharf from on board the Schooner Henry Morris, her CARGO, which will be disposed of on liberal terms, by C. & F. Whittle.
IN STORE, Jamaica Sugars in hds. and bbls.; Martinique do. in hds. and tiers; Jamaica Coffee in bds. bbls. and b.ags; do. Rum; Antigua do.; do. Molasses; do. Shrub; Baltimore Navy and Pilot Bread; Isle of May Salt.
WANTED, A good staunch VESSEL, burthen 100 to 180 hogsheads tobacco, to load for Europe.
The American Ship AMIABLE ANTONIETTE, Captain Williams, burthen 400 hogsheads tobacco, is offered for Charter by C. & F. Whittle.
For FREIGHT or CHARTER, The Phila-built Ship William Penn, coppered, burthen 360 tons, now ready to receive a cargo. Apply to Edward Watson.
Who has for Sale, 3 Trunks excellent Linen; 7 doz. Chairs; 1 case Umbrellas, well assorted; 12 casks White Wine Vinegar.
For SALE, The Schooner MARY, burthen 100 hogsheads Tobacco, draws an easy draft of water, and is well calculated for a craft, for which purpose she was built—she will be sold low and on long credit.
Warren Ashley. For a Port in France, The fast sailing Ship Highland Mary, Part of her cargo is engaged for the Bay of Biscay.
George Murray, & Co. For LONDON, (To sail with all possible dispatch,) The American Ship JULIA, 330 hogsheads burthen a considerable portion of her cargo is already engaged; for the balance, apply immediately to the owners.
C. & F. Whittle. For CHARTER, The good Ship LIVE OAK, Gerard Terrell master, burthen 275 Tons or 300 bds. tobacco, now in complete order to receive a cargo. For terms apply to the master on board, or William Pennock.
50 firkins BUTTER, for family use, Just received, and for SALE by Phinehas Dana.
Pro Bono Publico. We present the inhabitants of New-York with the following precious Mercurial. There is not one of them but will see the drift of every line of it. Though printed in the Aurora, the style shows who it was written by, and that it was written in this city. We repeat what we once before said "Napoleon we feel thee!!"—America! if when your honorable Sons were fighting for independence, they had been told that your press would be hectored and bullied and menaced with the chastisement of a foreign usurper, the very wretch who menaces you, would have been the first to cry vengeance upon who should propound it.—Read it Americans! New-York-men, Merchants and all, read your destiny as anticipated by the agents of France.
People's Friend. FROM THE AURORA. The federalists state in their memorials the delicate condition of the port of New-York. 2dly. The great importance of New-York. 3dly. The great quantity of the revenue collected at New-York. 4thly. The great danger New-York is in from foreign foes. We will examine each of these heads.
First. The defenceless condition of New-York. This naturally arises from its situation, and this cannot be redressed otherwise than by giving up the commerce of the place and turning the wharves into batteries and making it a garrison town. But this would not prevent ships of war coming down the sound between Long Island and the Main, and landing eight or ten miles above the city. New-York is situated on the point of an Island, called by the Indians Manhattan Island, baying the North River on the one side, the East river which communicates with the sound on the other side; and the bay in front, which makes an opening to the sea. Its situation for commerce, is so advantageous as to obtain by that circumstance a greater portion of commerce than the other states. But with all these advantages, tories and feds and British agents in New-York want the other states to be at the expense of fortifying their city, that they may abuse and black-guard with security.
A city cannot be a garrison, fortified for defence & a place of commerce at the same time. The defence for a place of commerce must be out of the place, and this the situation of New-York does not admit of; for it is of itself an out post. There is no station between that and the sea, that can be fortified to defend New-York with effect. The place called the Narrows, about nine or ten miles below New-York, is more than three miles wide, and were it fortified on both sides it would be money thrown away. A ship with a brisk wind and tide would be out of the reach of shot from the shore in a quarter of an hour, and being a moving object all the time, the probability is, that none of the balls would strike her.
We have talked with some of the old inhabitants of the old Dutch settlers of New-York, (originally called New-Amsterdam.) They tell us that the first plan for building the city was at Harlem, eight miles above New-York, and that the waters of the North river and the East river unite there. A commercial establishment at Harlem would intercept the commerce of the country coming to New-York, and soon make the tories and feds repent their folly. Harlem is a situation where commerce might be defended if it required it. Men of enterprise and capital would do well to begin a commercial establishment at Harlem, and apply to the United States to make it a port of entry. It would benefit the country.
The great quantity of revenue collected at New-York. This shows that New-York has more than an equal share of commerce, and that it would be a public benefit that commerce should be better distributed. Were New-York to cease being a port of entry, the same quantity of revenue would come into the treasury of the United States as comes in now—since the importation would be equal to the demand for consumption.
The great danger New-York is exposed to. This danger, if there is any, arises from her own conduct. The federal faction of New-York makes itself a partizan of the British government, and the publick papers of that faction are crowded with abuse against France. They say in their memorial, that "should the storm subside by which Europe is at present agitated, it might be the pleasure of a conqueror (the conqueror here meant is Bonaparte) to extend his dominions across the Atlantic, and to reduce this country to absolute vassalage." This is the raving of English partizans, who are already the vassals of the English government. And in another part of their memorial they say—"It is in vain to attempt to conceal that a single ship of the line, and two or three frigates, are sufficient to lay the city under contribution, perhaps to destroy it." It is true, how stupid is the conduct of this faction, who are continually provoking the French government by the most outrageous abuse and blackguarding, to come and attack the city.
Judging by their own arguments, it is probable the French government will not always let the conduct of the federal faction pass unresisted, but it will not be by sending a ship of the line and two or three frigates to lay the city under contribution. France has easier means of punishment in her own hands against British agents and British partizans.
We have said in the Aurora of December 11, in speaking of the tactics of France—"The part of Europe will be shot against the commerce of France, and the vessels of any nation which countenance hostility to France will be met with the same treatment as if they had been captured by the French." We have seen that France will not be the aggressor in this contest, but will only defend herself against the aggression of her enemies.
city to be as it were a British colony. The vessels of New-York might be disarmed, and the commerce from the parts of all Europe, and from the other parts of the United States, without a gun being fired at it. This exclusion of vessels from New-York would be a severe affliction on the peaceable and industrious part of its population, but it would not destroy the commerce of Europe nor the revenue of the United States; because the commerce to and from Europe, will go into the hands of the republican merchants of other states. The total of commerce will be the same; the place of deposit only will be changed; and the monopoly of which this British faction now insinuatingly boasts, would fall. The British faction in foreign countries have been the overthrow of every place where they had influence; Holland, Naples, Sardinia, Venice, Hamburg, Austria, Prussia, Saxony, Hanover, and other places of less note, are monuments of their power, and if the peaceable citizens, if the Americans, whose inclination and duty it is to maintain peace and respect between all nations, and especially with nations which do us no wrong—if they do not secure themselves in time, if they do not set bounds by the expressions of their indignation, to the outrages of the British adherents, they will have to deplore it when too late—they will be the ruin of New-York.
FROM THE ROYAL GAZETTE. COURT OF VICE ADMIRALTY. Before his honour Henry Morton Dyer Esq. Esq. Judge and Commissary.
SASSAU, October 31, 1806. Nancy, O'Leott, master—Mr. Armstrong, Solicitor General, prayed the claim by him given, (in behalf of citizens of the United States of America) to be admitted, and the ship, cargo and private adventures to be restored as claimed. Mr. Kerr, on behalf of the capture prayed the said claim to be rejected, and the said ship, cargo, and private adventure to be condemned. When his honour the judge directed the said claimant to exhibit attestation, to explain the circumstance of the shipment of Hartshorne and Watson being consigned to him, without any letter of instruction appearing and to negative his having any concern in the said transaction; whereupon the solicitor general forthwith exhibited attestation of his said party, stating &c.
His honour the judge having heard proofs, together with the said affidavit read and the arguments of advocates and proctors on both sides thereon, by interlocutory decree, pronounced the said shipment of Hartshorne and Watson to belong to Bartholomew Siberia, or other subjects of Spain, and as such or otherwise, liable to confiscation, and condemned the same as good and lawful prize to the captors—admitted the claim of the master, and by interlocutory decree pronounced the said ship and the goods therein claimed, on behalf of the said master, of Peter Cray and son, Daniel Lord, John Bricker, John and William Tabele, John Geib and Son, William Green, Charles Seton Daniel Ludlow and Co. Francis Huguet, J. P. Longchamp, James Thompson, P. Mark and Sterlitz, John Thompson, and Peter Cairon, to belong as claimed, and decreed the same, together with the private adventures of the master and crew, to be restored to the claimant, for the use of the owners and proprietors thereof, subject to the whole of the capture costs in the cause; but with respect to the shipments of Jumel and Desaubry, and Francis Varet and Son, directed further proof to be produced within two months.
The ship was in the prosecution of her voyage from New-York to Havana, captured by the private ship of war Favourite, R. Barnett, master, and brought to New-Prvidence. Amongst the ship's papers were a bill of lading and invoice for the goods shipped by Hartshorne and Watson, and in supply of proof respecting the same, an attestation upon oath, made on the 21st day of August last, by Robert G. Watson, one of the firm, before J. W. Patterson, notary public, at New-York, declaring the goods to be the property of his said firm; but a commission of inspection of ship and cargo having been issued from the court, the marshal accidentally discovered a quantity of papers concealed in a box, forming part of the shipment, from which papers it clearly appeared that a considerable part, if not the whole, was the property of Bartholomew Siberia, a Spanish merchant, and other Spaniards, residing at Havana.
When men so far forget all their moral and natural duties, and thus violate that sacred law of nations, faith, as has appeared in the present instance, is to be hoped, that as well the judicial powers of the ship, as the shippers of property are found to be her, may recover the full amount of damages they have sustained or yet may sustain in consequence of the capture and detention at their expense, against the persons by whose highly criminal conduct they have suffered. It cannot be doubted that an honest jury, in a proper court of law, of New-York, upon proof of the facts, would find in their favour, and by their verdict, restore them with which good men have been the victims of this nature.
When men so far forget all their moral and natural duties, and thus violate that sacred law of nations, faith, as has appeared in the present instance, is to be hoped, that as well the judicial powers of the ship, as the shippers of property are found to be her, may recover the full amount of damages they have sustained or yet may sustain in consequence of the capture and detention at their expense, against the persons by whose highly criminal conduct they have suffered. It cannot be doubted that an honest jury, in a proper court of law, of New-York, upon proof of the facts, would find in their favour, and by their verdict, restore them with which good men have been the victims of this nature.
When men so far forget all their moral and natural duties, and thus violate that sacred law of nations, faith, as has appeared in the present instance, is to be hoped, that as well the judicial powers of the ship, as the shippers of property are found to be her, may recover the full amount of damages they have sustained or yet may sustain in consequence of the capture and detention at their expense, against the persons by whose highly criminal conduct they have suffered. It cannot be doubted that an honest jury, in a proper court of law, of New-York, upon proof of the facts, would find in their favour, and by their verdict, restore them with which good men have been the victims of this nature.

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, AND ALL OF THE TIMES, AND ROYAL PATENT.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JAN. 7, 1807.
The articles which we publish this day relative to Col. Burr, are copied from the National Intelligencer, and as we presume published under the authority of the government. How far they go to elucidate this complicated and mysterious business we do not undertake to determine.
The London intelligence, under date of 3d November, which we publish in this day's paper, is copied from a St. Kitts paper which we were favoured with by Captain Marshall of the schooner Diana Talbot. The intelligence was brought out by the November packet, which arrived at Barbados about the middle of last month. We are sorry to perceive a further confirmation of the disasters of Prussia, whose fate now depends on the moderation of Bonaparte; what that will be, cannot be now said; but we reasonably conclude, from the savage manner in which the war is conducted, that the conditions of peace will bear a proportionate severity. Those hordes of ill-gotten wealth which Prussia has been for years amassing, at the expense of her own honour, and while the surrounding nations were bleeding at every pore, for the good and safety of mankind, are now to fill the coffers of Napoleon, and to satisfy the rapacity of military ruffians. Nearly a year ago, we predicted that this would be the fate of Prussia, not that we lay claim to any superior discernment, it only required the slightest reflection on what had happened, to shew what would under similar circumstances again happen.
In the first page of this paper will be found a communication from the Aurora, with a few remarks from the Peoples Friend, meriting consideration.
Extract of a letter received by the Packet, from a commercial house in London, dated 1st Nov. 1806.
The Prussians have been terribly beaten by the French, and we fear will never be able to make head against them again; if the Prussians make peace, we see no object sufficiently strong to induce England to continue the contest, and we think Buonaparte will be desirous of peace to strengthen himself and secure his conquests. It is therefore our opinion, that the merchants on your side should not calculate on a continuance of the war in their calculations. By the spring it will be easier to form a judgment.
Flour is 45s. for S. P. at present, and if the war lasts, we think 40s. per barrel may be calculated on, but if there should be peace on the Continent, it will probably go low, for grain is now understood to be very plenty in the North of Europe.
Tobacco is about 54d. per Lib. for Petersburg parcels.
Extract of a letter from the Consul of the United States at Trieste, dated 10th September, 1806.
The order prohibiting English and Russian vessels to enter this port, as well as the other ports of his Austrian majesty, is not recalled, but the English and Russians have not taken any hostile steps in consequence, and this port continues to be respected by the belligerent powers.
Many of our citizens conceiving it to be in a state of blockade, have changed the destination of their vessels, it may therefore be proper to inform you that this has never been the case, and from present appearances there is no probability of becoming so.
Nat. Intelligencer.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE. 27th December.
Mr. Coleman (of Caroline) from the committee of propositions and grievances, made the following report:
1. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of Francis L. Taylor and Moses Myers, of the borough of Norfolk, praying that the street in the said borough called Boush-street, be extended to the channel of Elizabeth river, be reasonable.
2. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the borough of Norfolk, praying the passage of a law authorizing the court of the said borough to let out the market-places, is reasonable.
3. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Norfolk, to repeal a tax therefor, be rejected.
The 1st resolution being read a second time, was on the question put thereon, agreed to by the house.
The 2nd and 3rd resolutions being read a second time, were, on motion, ordered to be committed to the committee of propositions and grievances.
The 4th resolution agreeable to the report of the committee, on the subject of the sale of the public buildings and parts of the public domain, was on the question put thereon, agreed to by the house.
could not be effected without an expense exceeding the value of the object.]
Tuesday the House of Delegates resumed their session into a committee of the whole on the petition from the counties of Pittsylvania, Patrick and Henry, praying the legislature to take the proper steps for consulting the people as to a call of a convention. Mr. Gholson (from Brunswick) and laid before the following preamble and proposition.
Whereas great discontent exists in many parts of the state respecting the constitution or form of government of this commonwealth; and it having been doubted whether the legislature have power to call a convention to revise and amend the same. And whereas, it is expedient that the sense of a majority of the freeholders of the state should be had in this regard:
Resolved, Therefore by the General Assembly, That at the next election of Delegates in this state, it shall be the duty of the sheriff of each county and the sergeant of each corporation in this commonwealth, and they are hereby required, to open polls for their respective counties and corporations, upon which they shall take the votes of the freeholders thereof on the question, whether there shall be a convention for the purpose aforesaid or not. On the said polls there shall be two columns, and on the top of the one, the word "convention" shall be written, on the top of the other, the words "No convention" shall be written, and the votes entered accordingly. And each sheriff and sergeant, shall deliver the poll aforesaid, thus taken for his county or corporation to the Auditor of publick accounts, on or before the 6th day of October next; and he shall moreover by the same day certify to the governor of the Commonwealth, the true states of the aforesaid poll for his county or corporation.
Dec. 30, 1806. This proposition having been agreed to by the committee of the whole was afterwards adopted by the House. Ayes 96—Nones 63.—This resolution is now before the Senate.
On the same day, William Mosely Esq. was elected Treasurer.
Samuel Sheppard, Esq. Auditor of Publick Accounts.
And W. Price, Esq. Register of Land Office.
Enquirer. From the Philadelphia Gazette.
COMMUNICATION. Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Aleppo to his friend—Translated from the Gazette of Marseilles, of 20th Oct. 1806.
A very extraordinary discovery, such as will confound a thousand systems of prophetic writers, has lately been made.—The Apocalypse or Revelation of St. John, one of the Apostles, has long been the subject of doubt and endless disputation. For several centuries it was not considered by many Christian Fathers and Churchmen as canonical, or the work of the inspired Apostle John; even Luther rejected it.—Those who doubted its title to the canon, alleged it to be the fabrication of one Cerinthus, who was cotemporary with the Apostles, and a Christian heretic, who denied the divinity of Christ, alleging he was but a teacher, and his doctrine or morals only divine.
The point in dispute seems now to be brought to a termination.—Some green labourers belonging to a little town called Gios, in Asia-Minor, lately removing some rubbish from an ancient edifice and digging up its ruins, took up a small marble globe. They could perceive no aperture, and at first conceived it was solid. On taking it however to the village it was found to be hollow, but with a shell of immense thickness and weight, and was finally broken.
There was found in it a number of scrolls or writing in the Greek language, bearing dates between 58 and 98. A. D. They were most curiously done up, and continued in a perfect state of preservation.
They were found to be wholly the writings of Cerinthus, containing his epistles to the Christian churches, and various dissertations on the points of controversy, then subsisting among the Christians.
These works appear written with great sectarian zeal, somewhat indicating an impaired brain, but the most singular of the writings, is a full draft of the Apocalypse in the same hand writing as the rest, with erasures, alterations and interlineations.—In every essential particular, it agrees with the book now called the revelation of St. John; and from the erasures, alterations and appearance, carries full evidence, it was merely fabricated by Cerinthus, and published as John's after his death, by way of upholding some of the peculiar tenets of Cerinthus.
This scroll as well as the rest, are now in the possession of a great bishop, and authenticated copies and proofs have been sent to the Pope and other great church dignitaries, of this most extraordinary detection.
From the National Intelligencer. Col. Burr.
The Palladium of Frankfort says that Col. Burr was present in the Circuit Court on the 2d instant.
A crowd of reflections, arising out of the recent intelligence from the westward, press themselves upon us. Whether we consider this intelligence, as it respects the virtue and patriotism of our western brethren, the energy of the administration of the general government, or as developing the powers of our federal republican system, we have abundant reason for admiration and exultation. Events, as important as numerous, have long since convinced every reflecting man that the ultimate establishment of liberty in the world depends upon the experiment, as it has been termed, which we are now trying. Men, either enslaved by the prejudices of the old world, or incapable of correctly appreciating the effects of new principles, or a new application of them, have invariably told us that our system, however perfect in theory, will not stand the test of practice. Ignoring the frailty of man and all his works, they have predicted that violence from within or without, will, sooner or later, subvert it. In vain have they been told that the American people are more virtuous and enlightened on the subject of government than any nation that has preceded them; and that to them would belong the rare felicity of understanding, pursuing and guarding their own happiness. Drawing their unprofitable analogies from Europe, they have predicted the final overthrow of our system at the same time of its birth.
and violence which have prostrated the fairest fabric raised in that region of the earth. Numerous have been the victims of this species of reasoning; which, it cannot be denied, has produced a considerable degree of diffidence in the durability of a republican system of government.
The advocates of this system have, however, only asked its opponents to give the experiment a fair trial; to suffer it to develop its tendencies; and not to pronounce its doom, until time should unfold its operation. Contemplating in it, as they thought, the seeds of eternal renovation, and constant improvement, they have honourably to themselves, and no less honourably to human nature, declared their confidence in its stability, and its perfect competency to secure the happiness of communities. They have most truly observed that time alone would furnish a conclusive answer to the calumnies of its open enemies, and the forebodings of its timid friends.
The events, of which we speak, afford in part this answer. They demonstrate the energy, the irresistible energy of our system under the superintendence of men possessed of the national confidence. They prove that in a great exigency of state their will becomes the law, and that this law will be enforced with a celerity that even despotisms cannot outdo. They prove that the salus populi, in such a posture of affairs, subdues every minor feeling, and directs on its irresistible tide, the publick indignation to its proper objects. They demonstrate that, beautiful and well adjusted as the republican theory is, its practice is no less perfect.
The conduct of our western brethren is their best eulogium: the highest terms of panegyric cannot embellish it. In the comprehensive language of ancient days, when liberty still glowed in the breasts of men, "they have deserved well of their country." They have demonstrated that the state governments are the best organs which could have been devised, for carrying into full and complete effect the will of the general government on objects in which the common welfare is deeply involved; that, in truth, the one is the head, and the other the arm of authority, and that what one wills, the other will execute. Nor can we fail to be forcibly impressed with the efficiency of the militia on this occasion, who have discharged the duties devolved upon them with the precision of regular troops. For ourselves we have invariably confided in the patriotism of the western country; and this event shews their supreme devotion to liberty and order, and to those whom the nation has constituted its depositaries. Let calumny hereafter cease its traduction; or, rather, let its malignant reproaches continue to be the monument at once of its folly and depravity.
Equally important is the view which this subject presents of the power of an administration possessed of the national confidence. It puts beyond all question its competency to carry its measures into effect with a promptitude and decision, which may be expected hereafter to have the happiest effect, not merely on the treasonable schemes which may have been formed, but likewise on their formation. Ambition, however ardent or profligate, will shrink from such an unequal contest. The hope of impunity will no longer be dreamt of, but a certain and irrevocable fate be expected, and thus afford us all the superior advantages of prevention over cure.
Party or personal hostility has flattered itself with the idea, or attempted to impress it upon others, that the present administration is feeble; that it wants energy to meet a trying exigency. Let this delusion or falsehood be no longer cherished. We venture to predict that no dispassionate or sensible man will, after this recent demonstration of decision and prudence, continue its dupe.
But we confess that our highest gratification flows from the development, furnished by these events, of the traits of our federal republican system. They present a splendid triumph of the republican principle. They are the germ of still greater and more important developments. They lead to our cherishing correct and dignified expectations of the future destiny of our country, and of the influence of our example on the whole world. If we mistake not, while they inspire us with confidence in our own power, they will impress others with a sense of its extent. They will be a salutary admonition as well to violence without, as to treason within our limits. To both they will prove that our resources, on our own terra firma, are inexhaustible, and that he who promises himself with a successful invasion of our rights, must be backed by a much greater physical force than is concentrated in six millions of freemen.
Not to rejoice at such events would betray the apathy of a slave, and manifest an insensibility unworthy of an American.
A letter has been received from gen. Wilkinson, dated November 30th, at New-Orleans. At that time the larger part of our forces were descending the Red river, under col. Cushing. The latest information previously received from New-Orleans was only to the 7th of November, and the intermediate intelligence is consequently wanting. But it is to be inferred from the return of our troops to the Mississippi, that amicable arrangements have been made with the Spanish commanders, who have probably agreed to their forces remaining at Nacogdoches.
Gen. Wilkinson writes that, in connection with governor Claiborne, and capt. Shaw of the navy, he was taking decisive measures to protect the mouth of the Mississippi, as well as several stations above, effectually to guard against any hostile attempts that might be made from without or within our limits.
Extract of a letter from governor Tiffin, dated December 14, 1806, to the secretary of war.
"I have this night received yours of the 26th of November, directing that 150 or 200 volunteer militia may be immediately raised under the authority of the United States, to take post at Marietta, for the express purpose of preventing the flotilla from moving from the Muskingum river, which is believed to have been built with hostile views, and observing that the troops so raised shall while in actual service receive the pay and rations allowed by law."
"The same mail that brought your's brought me also a communication from judge Meigs of Marietta, informing me that in obedience to my instructions sent to him by virtue of a law of our state, passed about a week ago (an account of which I enclosed to the president) a detachment of our militia on the night of the 10th instant, seized ten of the boats as they were descending the Muskingum
river, and that four more remain on the stocks unfinished, which will be also arrested. These bateaux were 40 feet long, very wide, covered and constructed to carry one company of men each. One hundred barrels of provisions were on board those seized, and 100 more not got on board. It appears notice had been sent on of my orders being issued by some spy or other, and they were hurrying off; but they are happily secured. Comfort Tyler (styled by his men col. Tyler) was lying with a number of fast rowing boats at Blennerhasset's island, and my informant adds with a number of men (50 were counted) armed indiscriminately with muskets, pistols, cutlasses, &c. waiting for the Muskingum flotilla to join them, in order to descend the river—that they were alarmed upon hearing of the militia being in motion, and had sentinels placed, and lanterns burning at different parts of the island—that Blennerhasset and Tyler have pushed down the river, and left the boats to follow them, upon hearing of those on the Muskingum being seized.
"In this state of things I have thought it best, which I hope will meet with your approbation, to send off an express this night to Marietta, and another to Cincinnati. At Marietta I have appointed, by virtue of your letter, one major, one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, and directed to be raised a company of sixty non commissioned officers, privates, and musicians, to guard the flotilla arrested, and guard the river Ohio; and arrest any boats or armaments which may come down. At Cincinnati I have directed to be raised two companies, each consisting of one major, one capt. one lieut. one ensign, & 60 non-commissioned officers, privates & musicians. These troops will be under arms in one day after my expresses arrives. I have at Cincinnati ordered two pieces of artillery to be planted on the bank of the river, to keep spies every ten miles up the river to give notice of the approach of the boats—to throw a bridge of boats across the river, and not to suffer a boat to pass unexamined, or sink every one which shall attempt forcibly to pass.
"I believe the Muskingum flotilla and Comfort Tyler's flotilla, were the whole of the boats prepared for this secret expedition, and that they were to take troops on board below our state, and depended on these boats and provisions, &c. to enable them to prosecute the enterprise. We have therefore completely frustrated their intentions. The Muskingum flotilla is seized, and I have no doubt but that I shall soon give you a good account of Tyler's."
Extract of a letter from Return J. Meigs, Esq. dated Marietta, Dec. 17.
"The governor of Ohio having commissioned me to carry into effect a law of the state, passed the 6th inst. entitled "An act to prevent certain acts hostile to the peace and tranquillity of the United States, within the jurisdiction of this state," I have on the 9th, by a detachment of the militia, seized 15 bateaux and about 200 barrels of provisions prepared on the Muskingum river (by Harmer Blennerhasset, a colleague of col. Burr) for a military expedition against the dominions of Spain, and for other purposes. I issued a warrant for the apprehension of Blennerhasset, who resided 13 miles below this, and without the jurisdiction of this state. He fled immediately upon hearing of the seizure of the boats, in the night, with Comfort Tyler, and about 50 men, in fast rowing boats. He is pursued by land in order to head him, at some point on the Ohio. Tyler's flotilla passed this in the night. Had not the mail failed us from Washington for a whole trip, we should have received the President's proclamation in time to have seized Blennerhasset, Tyler and his whole party.
"The bateaux preparing and prepared on the Ohio, at different places, for a length of 600 miles, are all of the same model, and will carry from 40 to 60 men, and are calculated to ascend shallow rivers.
"Captain Stoddert, with the United States' troops, have just left this place; the ice retards his progress.
A letter of the date of 17th Dec. from Marietta says, "I have no doubt but that col. Burr will push his projects, and that a considerable number of men will collect near the mouth of the Ohio, ready to execute them. Unless disappointed by checks I expect they may seize arms at the arsenal at New-Port, Kentucky, if not opposed by the militia at Cincinnati, which would doubtless be the case."
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Erie, Penn. to a member of congress, dated Dec. 10, 1806.
"I have this day seen John Reed"—since his return here he has been recruiting for a secret expedition, to God knows where, but declares that it is countenanced by the government. A great number is going from this and the adjoining counties. I am pressed very much to join them, but will not till I am satisfied that it is authorised by the government, for that I hold sacred and will support and defend it with my life when necessity requires it. As you are at the fountain of information a word from you will be sufficient.
* His name in full is Charles John Reed.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Frankfort (Ken.) dated Dec. 6, 1806.
"Sebastian resigned, but not before the pension he had been charged with receiving from Spain had been mentioned in the house of representatives, and the committee to which the subject was referred prosecuted the enquiry without attending to the resignation. C. Wilkins and James Martin, of Lexington, and Thomas Bullitt of Louisville fully established the fact—the latter and Mr. Innes stated what they conceived to be the consideration. A letter was received from Baron Carondelet by Sebastian in 1795 mentioning a wish on the part of the crown of Spain to make some commercial concessions to this country, and requesting that some agent might be sent down to treat of the subject. Sebastian consulted one or two friends, I think Innes and Nicholas, and went down himself with their concurrence, a treaty was formed reducing to little or nothing the duties we had been subject to at New-Orleans. This treaty was read by Mr. F. Nothing was stipulated on our part. Our good will was expected in exchange for the favour, and Sebastian was promised a pension for the trouble he had taken in the business of 2000 dollars per annum: The treaty took place with Gayoso. This the witnesses had from Sebastian himself very lately after the conversation on the subject of the pension had become general. But Mr. F. on his second appearance before the committee stated another transaction, that in '96 or '97 a letter was received from Dr. Powers