Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1809-02-02 00:00:00

NORFOLK GAZETTE AND PUBLICK LEDGER.  SINT HIC ETIAM SUA PRÆMIA LAUD.
[VOL. V.
THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 2, 1809.
NO. 84.]
From the Augusta Herald.
We are not requested by the grand jury of the Federal Circuit Court, to publish their presentment, but we feel bound to give it place, although for the honour of the state, we regret exceedingly, that such a proceeding should ever have been made publick.—What inducement the grand jury could have had to travel out of their province, and to depart from their duty, for the sake of intermeddling with a subject, with which they had no concern, and the nature and merits of which they evidently did not understand, is what we pretend not to explain. We have heard it suggested, indeed, that the presentment was prepared at the city of Washington, and sent out ready cut and dried, to be served up by the grand jury at Milledgeville; but we hope this was not the fact, if it were, the proceeding would be seriously alarming and doubly disgraceful. Some of the grand jury we are told too, were strenuously opposed to the presentment, but did not feel warranted in withholding their names, from what a majority of the body agreed upon—how far a grand juror is bound to permit his name to appear in support of a presentment, which he does not approve, it is not necessary now to enquire, we shall probably bestow a few remarks on this subject hereafter.
In the case under consideration, the grand jury have not only glaringly departed from their duty, but it is evident from their own expressions, that they did not understand the subject matter of their presentment. "We cannot say they pass unnoticed the attempt of the judiciary to defeat the intentions, and salutary measures of our government, by issuing a mandamus and compelling an officer of the revenue to violate those measures"—Now in the case to which the grand jury allude, there was no attempt, nor the most distant intention, to defeat the measures of government, nor was any revenue officer compelled by a mandamus issued by the judiciary, to violate those measures. The whole position, on which, with so much art and labor the presentment has been framed, is utterly groundless and unfounded. As one evidence of this, if any thing more than the decision of the court were necessary, we might refer the grand jury to the report of the secretary of the treasury himself, to a committee of congress, in which, when speaking of this very mandamus case, he says, "the court could not have decided otherwise than they did"—That is, in other words, such was the law, that the decision of the court was a necessary result therefrom. If then the decision was in conformity to the law, how could the grand jury undertake to say that it was intended to defeat it? Surely men who attempt to make presentments upon oath, ought to be acquainted with the subject on which they animadvert, although it is not, perhaps always to be expected, that persons who do not understand their own duty, will very accurately comprehend the reasons of a judicial decision.
The embargo the grand jury say "was not an act of choice, but of necessity"—but surely the grand jury ought to have known, that the object of the embargo was, to interdict the commerce of our citizens with foreign nations, and not to prevent their traffic with one another. In the case in Charleston, no attempt was made to infringe or evade a single regulation of the embargo laws. A vessel loaded in Charleston was ready to sail for Baltimore—no law forbid her going there, the commerce between Baltimore and Charleston was not interdicted, and no one pretended, that the vessel could be detained in Charleston but by an arbitrary exercise of unlawful and unwarrantable power. The collector was bound by law to grant the vessel a clearance, but having received instructions from the secretary of the treasury, which he conceived obliged upon him, though at variance with the law, he refused a clearance. A mandamus was applied for and obtained, and the only question in fact, before the court was, whether the law of the land, or the instructions of the secretary of the treasury not warranted by law, was to be the rule of conduct for a public officer. The judge decided, in the only way that an honest judge could decide, that the law of the land, must in all cases prevail, that to this all public officers owed their obedience, and that no restrictions could be imposed upon our citizens beyond what the law warranted. And yet a grand jury calling themselves freemen, boasting of republicanism, and affecting a great regard for the rights of their fellow citizens, undertake to censure this upright and correct decision as a violation of the measures of government. Gracious Heaven! to what a pitch of infatuation and delusion are our citizens hurrying. Is it not enough that we have been compelled to abandon our rights, that under the magical influence of an incomprehensible policy, we have been forced to relinquish those privileges and advantages which our fathers enjoyed, and for the preservation of which they fought and
bled, but, that we must also wish to destroy the only remaining bulwark between the rights of the people and absolute despotism. Is it, can it be possible, that any portion of the American people think so lightly of an upright and impartial administration of justice, that they would willingly see their courts made subservient to the executive mandates, to see the circular letters of a secretary of the treasury, substituted for law—if this is fact, in the name of all that is rational and just, let them make short work of it. Let the constitution be abolished, let legislative bodies be dispensed with, and let it at once be announced to the world, that the will of the president, is the supreme law, of free and independent America.
But our limits compel us for the present to drop the subject, though it is too important, to take a final leave of it.
We the grand jury of the Circuit Court of the United States for the district of Georgia cannot, in justice to ourselves, forbear expressing our sentiments on the present portentous crisis of affairs, arising from the arbitrary and unjust orders of council issued from the British cabinet, and the equally unwarrantable decrees of France. Viewing the relation in which we stood connected with those nations by existing treaties, and the anxious solicitude manifested, in every instance by our government, of cultivating peace and harmony with all nations, on the principles of reciprocal and impartial justice; we can but lament that the same conciliatory disposition on their part has been wanting. To protect the property of our merchants, the lives and liberties of our seamen, we have been compelled to abandon foreign commerce. Embargo or war was, and is the only alternative. We do not hesitate to give our most cheerful acquiescence to the choice made by the federal government, and while the unjust demands of the belligerents have driven us to those privations, we look forward with pleasure to the day when all classes of our citizens will be convinced that their best interest is only in the bosom of their country. While we freely express our own sentiments, we believe they accord with those of the great body of citizens of the United States.
We cannot pass unnoticed the attempt of the judiciary to defeat the intention and salutary measures of our government, by issuing a mandamus, and compelling an officer of the revenue to violate those measures. Sophistical or logical deductions made in justification of such conduct are not satisfactory. We hope and trust, such daring precipitancy will never, in future, be exercised by any of the judges of the courts of the United States. The embargo was not an act of choice, but of necessity—the only alternative between peace or war; and whatever injuries we may sustain, we cheerfully offer them a sacrifice on the altar of our country's good. We would rather submit to any privations that can possibly result from an embargo forever, than to surrender our natural and inherent rights to any nation upon earth. And we would recommend to the general government to adopt more efficient and energetic measures to prevent any violations of the several acts of congress laying an embargo.
We request that the foregoing expression of our sentiments, be published in the Georgia Argus, Augusta Chronicle, and Republican Intelligencer of Savannah.
Charles Abercrombie, Foreman, James Barrow, Francis Boykin, John Howard, John Scott, William Jones, Tullman Dixon, Robert Roanes, Leroy Pope, Jett Thomas, Thaddeus Holt, Joel M'Clendon, John M'Kenzie, Bolling Hall, William Rabun, Zachariah Lamar, R. A. Biount, Hugh M. Comer, Philip L. Sims, John W. Devereaux.
BY JUDGE JOHNSON.
GENTLEMEN, I cannot omit making a few observations on that part of your presentments which relates to the proceedings of your judiciary. I was apprised that you had some such thing in agitation, but I entertained a hope that you could not be so far deceived as to what belonged to your province, or imposed upon in point of fact. It is impossible for me not to perceive, that I am myself the immediate object of that part of your presentments; but instead of exciting in me either mortification or resentment, it is only productive of regret at seeing so many respectable citizens precipitated into this act by a delusion, which a very little enquiry would have effectually removed. It is very far from being correct in fact, that the circuit court of South Carolina had the least wish or idea of embarrassing the execution of the embargo laws, in the case which you allude to. A citizen presented to the court a petition to obtain redress in a case in which he thought himself aggrieved by the collector of the port of Charleston. Upon enquiry it appeared that the secretary of the treasury had given instructions
to the collector which the embargo law did not authorize; and the single question before the court was, whether the law, or the instructions of the executive department was to govern. If you are prepared gentlemen to wave the government of the laws, and submit without repining to every error or encroachment of the several departments of government, avow it to your fellow citizens, and prevail on them to abolish the constitution, or get into office a feeble and submissive judiciary. For what cause are we now reproached? For interposing the authority of the laws in protection of individual rights, and the rights of succeeding generations. If such is to be the rewards of this discharge of a painful and invidious duty so important to the security of those who censure us, small will be the inducement to discharge it with fidelity.
You observe that "sophistical or logical deductions made in justification of such conduct are not satisfactory." Sophistical deductions, we hope gentlemen, your courts will always be above resorting to; but in the rejection of logical deductions, perhaps you are not aware that you would dispense with the agency of reason altogether.
Permit me, gentlemen, to request that you will attentively and dispassionately peruse all that has been written upon this subject, and I hope you will be convinced that you have been imposed upon, either by designing men, who would blush at publicly avowing their want of candour, or ignorant men who could not understand, or had not considered the principles which governed the court.
Milledgeville, 15th Dec. 1808.
[INCLOSED IN THE BOSTON GAZETTE.]
THE CONSTITUTION GONE!!
The late act to enforce the embargo, recommended by the American Toleration , "Mr. Gallatin," has given the last blow to our civil liberties. Instead of being entitled "An act in furtherance of an act, entitled an act to explain an act, entitled an act to enforce an act, supplementary to an act, entitled an act laying an embargo"—its true title, according to its nature and provisions, should have been "An Act to suspend the Rights of the People, and to create an absolute Dictator for an indefinite period."
If such an act had been passed by the king and parliament of Great Britain, at any period since the delivery of the Magna Charta, the last article of which "secures every Englishman in the free enjoyment of his life, liberty and property," within twenty-four hours after such a violation of their rights, not a single stone would be left upon another in the Chapel of St. Stephens, and the limbs of the Advisers of such a measure would be scattered to the four winds of Heaven.
Happily for our country our people are more phlegmatick, and are disposed to proceed by as certain, but less violent steps.
If such an act as this (far transcending the Boston Port Bill, or any of the arbitrary acts of the British parliament affecting this country) had been received in New England prior to 1775, the newspapers in which it should be inserted, would have been clad in mourning—the bells of every town would have been tolled—the ships would have had their colours half-mast high. Meetings of every body of men in the community would have been called, and resolutions unanimously passed, declaring that the authors and advisers of such a measure were enemies to their country, and to its peace, and that all persons who should countenance, support, or assist in the execution of such a tyrannical law should be considered hostile to the good people of these States, and treated as such.
Such I repeat would have been the conduct of our citizens in 1776, but so long have the Tory doctrines of passive obedience and non-resistance been not only preached, but practised upon, that it is to be feared, the People, like well trained cattle, will bend their necks passively to the yoke—Fearful to I say? No, the suggestion is a Libel —The people of Massachusetts never will submit to a law, whose features I am now about to enumerate from the late speech of the Hon. Mr. Fillhouse, of Connecticut, a man of distinguished moderation, coolness, and long tried patriotism—a full blooded Yankee, who drew the sword in the revolutionary war, and who has been for twenty years successively elected by a free people to represent them in congress—he is the oldest member in standing in the senate.
Violations of "Unalienable Rights" by Mr. Gallatin's and Mr. Giles's Bill.
 1. It deprives us of the unalienable right of "acquiring property."  1. It deprives us of the unalienable right of "enjoying it as we wish."  4. It deprives us of the unalienable right of "alienating it."  5. 7. It deprives us of the unalienable right 
of "possessing it," by subjecting it to military seizure without trial.
5. It deprives us of the sanctuary of our habitations, which was unalienable, except when we forfeited it for crimes.
5. 6. It deprives us of the right of trial by a jury of the vicinage.
5. 6. It deprives us in many cases of the trial by jury, wholly.
5. 6. It deprives us of the right of resort to our state jurisdiction, secured to us by the constitutions.
5. 6. It deprives us of the security arising from any judiciary courts, by inflicting severe punishment without any trial.
Such are the privations!!! The positive acts of oppression are no less numerous:
5. 7. It subjects us to domiciliary and nocturnal visits, by spies, informers, and military hirelings.
5. It subjects us to have our property taken from us without legal process, upon suspicion only, without complaint under oath.
3. 4. It subjects us to the most serious losses and punishment, without the imputation of the smallest crime, and when we have most precisely performed our duty to society.
5. It subjects us to the malevolence of personal enemies, or of party opponents, by authorizing any officer to seize on suspicion, retain without trial, and to be exempt from damages if supported by secret instructions.
6. It subjects the whole people to the will of the executive, authorizing him to make a secret code of laws, to require obedience to a law never promulgated; to inflict punishment for disobedience to such secret laws, and this without remedy, because the judiciary are obliged to receive these secret laws as justification to the officer who seized, or injures in any manner a citizen.
7. It subjects every man's most secret and confidential papers to seizure and examination, by military officers, and renders the citizen liable to be deprived of his arms and his money, under the pretext of suspicion by a host of mercenary spies and hirelings, who are bribed by an offer of plunder, to exercise their licentious cupidity.
7. It subjects the citizens to have soldiers quartered upon them in time of peace—The officers have a right to seize and hold by military hirelings, and they may either remove the articles seized, or guard them where found, and this without limitation of time.
3. 4. It subjects the coasting trade to needless vexations, amounting nearly to a prohibition, and thus impoverishes and reduces to despair, a hardy, industrious, and deserving class of men.
2. 3. 4. It subjects those states which import food from others, to great and unequal taxes, and to taxes on bread too, by the increased cost, expense, and danger to which the coasting trade is exposed.
The following are some, among many other miscellaneous violations and evil effects of this law.
7. It places the military above the civil power.
6. It places the executive above the judiciary, and thus renders the latter useless.
6. It unites in one man, legislative, judicial and executive powers.
1. 2. It defeats the provision in the constitution, which prohibits different regulations of trade in different states, because as congress have not pointed out any rules, but have given an arbitrary discretion to the officers in each state, it will follow that different rules will be adopted, not only according to the capacity and the temper, but the political and personal character and feelings of these several officers.
5. It establishes a ruinous and corrupting system of espionage, and encourages pimps, spies, and informers, who are always the basest of mankind.
7. It tends to embitter personal animosities and party prejudices, too much exasperated before, and it arms one party with weapons to depress their political opponents, or ruin their personal foes.
1. 2. 3. 5. 7. It subjects to punishment without crime—to a judgment without trial; to execution without judgment; to laws without legislation. It reverses or overthrows the whole fabric of civil government; annihilates all principles; subverts all established rules, and involves a free people in the horrors of an unlimited military despotism.
In short, it leaves but one dreadful, horrible alternative, Civil War, or Slavery.
Yes! There is one more hope; the cowards who have had the baseness to forge these chains for us, may be afraid to put them on.
If New England declares firmly, but temperately, as one man, that she will not submit to hold out her hands to be manacled, and if she shall firmly and steadily act in pursuance of that declaration, she may be yet safe; she may escape the horrors of civil war, and the still worse horrors of slavery.

Our legislature have a high, responsible part to act. They have no less a task than to preserve their country once more from the grasp of arbitrary power.
They will succeed in it, we fear not—they will with firmness pursue the path which their solemn duty to their country, to themselves, to posterity, demands, and may God, the God of our Fathers, prosper their endeavours, and crown them with success.
A Descendant of the Pilgrims.
The figures prefixed to each article refer to an abstract of the law below, fully proving the truth of every proposition.
Abstract of the New Embargo Law.
That the good people of these oppressed and abused states may not consider the remarks above as the effusions of party zeal, or the unfounded suggestions of an anonymous writer, but the sober words of truth and justice, we here subjoin an abstract of the bill just passed, and upon which the comments are made.
The references are annexed to each charge, and correspond with the different sections in which these arbitrary and despotic provisions are made.
We have adopted numerical figures as references, and in referring to the sections which have the same mark, it will be perceived that we are fully supported.
"We have nothing extenuated—nor set down aught in malice."
1. Section 2d provides, "That it shall not be lawful to put on board any ship, vessel, or boat, of any description whatever, any specie, goods, wares or merchandise of domestic or foreign growth, without permit, nor until a bond to six times the value of both vessel and cargo shall be given to render the same in the United States; and it is made lawful for the collectors to refuse such permit whenever in their opinion there is an intent to violate the embargo—or whenever they shall have received instructions to that effect from the President."
It will be perceived, that this provision alone subjects every thing to the arbitrary will of the collector, and vests the President with the uncontrolled power to make any laws on this subject which he may deem proper.
2. Section 4th places bay and river craft under the same arbitrary discretion of collectors, who are authorised to grant under general instructions of the President, general permissions "when it can be done without danger of the embargo being violated."
Thus again the trade from town to town, from one side of a river to the other, is subjected to the same unrestrained and undefined discretion, controuled by the will of the President.
3. Section 5th subjects the innocent owner of a ship or boat to penalties, occasioned by the fault of the shippers, without his knowledge—not to the loss of his ship or boat only, but to heavy pecuniary penalties, even though he opposed the illegal shipment.
4. Section 6th subjects the reputed owner to the same penalties as the real owner, though he has bona fide sold his property to pay his debts, or to keep his family from starving, or himself from prison—and though wholly unconscious and ignorant of the crime.
This same section forbids the sale of vessels, unless the owner shall first give bond in the arbitrary discretion of the collector, as to the sufficiency of the bondsmen, to the amount of three hundred dollars per ton, or thirty thousand dollars for a small vessel of one hundred tons which is not worth more than five thousand dollars—This amounts to a total prohibition to a poor man, while it is only an inconvenient but arbitrary restriction on the rights of the rich. Every man has a right to sell his property, but now the poor man who is in debt must starve or go to prison for want of funds, when he has property sufficient to pay his debts.
5. Section 9th authorises the collectors to seize or take into custody without warrant, without evidence, spectu or any article of domestic growth, when there is reason to believe they are intended for exportation, or when in vessels, carts, waggons, sleighs, or other carriages, or in any manner apparently on their way towards the territory of any foreign nation, or towards any place whence such articles are intended for exportation. This seizure may be made on land as well as on the water. A waggon bound to a seaport is liable to be seized on the suspicion of a hired officer, who is rewarded for his zeal—Money may be seized in any place wherever it may be, if the collector suspects an intent to evade the embargo by land or water.
6. Section 10th gives to the President's Instructions the force of law; it provides, "that the collector shall exercise his powers in conformity with such instructions as the president may give, and such rules as he may prescribe in pursuance of the aforesaid powers, which instructions the collectors are bound to obey, and if any suit or action is brought against any collector or other person acting under the direction of this act, he may plead the general issue, and give in evidence this act, and the instructions and regulations of the president, for his justification and defence."
7. Section 11th, the most abominable and arbitrary of all, provides "That it shall be lawful for the president, or such other persons as he shall have empowered, to employ such part of the land or naval forces of the United States or militia, for the purpose of preventing the illegal departure of any vessel, or of detaining and taking possession of, and keeping in custody any ship or vessel, or of detaining and keeping in custody, any specie, or articles of domestic growth or manufacture, and also of preventing any armed or riotous assemblage of persons resisting the officers of the United States, or in any manner opposing the execution of the laws laying an embargo, or otherwise aiding, abetting or assisting violations of the same."
Thus without pretence of insurrection, or opposition, the military are to be called in to seize and guard not only goods found in vessels, carts, waggons, &c. where the collector thinks they are on the way to a foreign country, but wherever he thinks they are intended for exportation."
Not simply to quell positive opposition to the execution of arbitrary and unjust laws, but to subdue and suppress any persons "in any manner opposing the embargo acts, or assisting, aiding or abetting the violation thereof."
As there is no civil trial provided, what is there to prevent their suppressing the free press, or free
writers, who may, by a collector, be deemed to be aiders, abettors and violators of the law?
Well might Mr. Hillhouse conclude by saying, that "the people are not bound to submit, and in his opinion, they would not submit to such laws."
The above is a correct abstract of the act as it passed.
New-York, January 25.
Important and very late from England.
Yesterday arrived at this port, the ship Philipsburg, Leffingwell, from Liverpool and the British Packet Princess Amelia, from Falmouth, the former left Liverpool on the 27th of November and Cork on the 12th of December—and the latter sailed from Falmouth on the 8th December, and from Bermuda the 14th inst.
By these arrivals the editors of the New York Gazette have received regular files of London and Cork papers, to the 6th and 8th ult. a month later than our former newspaper advices.
It will be seen by the extracts that follow, that from the 4th to the 13th November, there had been several most bloody and sanguinary battles between the patriotick troops of Spain and the French troops under marshal Ney, who it seems ultimately obliged gen. Blake's troops to retreat. But we find that on the 24th, Blake attacked Ney's army, passed the Ebro, took Caparrosso, obliging the French troops to retreat.
Upon the whole the last news received in England from Spain, give fresh hopes that the patriots would ultimately succeed in their glorious struggle. On the 7th ultimo, the day before the British Packet sailed, two fine regiments of British cavalry left Falmouth for Spain.—This looks very much like despairing!
Buonaparte again threatens to invade England, while her troops are in Spain!
Mr. Purviance, passenger in the Philipsburg, is the bearer of dispatches from Mr. Pinkney.
The fate of Sir Hew Dalrymple was not decided. His trial was still progressing.
Yesterday 7000 Letters were received at our post office—2000 by the Philipsburgh, and 5000 by the Packet.
London, December 2.
Mr. Munro, one of the king's messengers, who arrived yesterday with the Corrunna mail, and brought dispatches from Lord Wm. Bentick, and Mr. Frere, brought also dispatches from generals Broderick and Leith, having passed along the line of march of Sir David Baird's army. The accounts received by government were given in substance in a Bulletin.
BULLETIN.
"It appears by dispatches received from Corrunna, dated the 23d, and from San Vicente de la Barquera dated the 10th ultimo, that the account of general Blake being defeated is confirmed. He was engaged in continual actions from the 4th till the 13. On the 11th the Asturians having been worsted on the left, the French got possession of a height which covered the road on which they retreated, and they were thrown into great confusion, and general Blake retired to Reynoso; but a French column appearing upon this road from Burgos, he retreated by Solo to San Vicente de la Barquera.—There upon the 12th, he had collected near 20,000 of his troops, and the marquis de la Romana had taken the command, and they would soon be in a state to advance again."
"The French had occupied St. Andero and Santona—the former on the 16th, and the latter on the 20th. But by the exertions of gen. Leith all the provisions, ammunitions and stores sent by this country, had been removed."
"It appears that a part of the army at Estremadura had been defeated near Burgos by the French; but there are no accounts of their having advanced beyond it. Gen. Moore arrived on the 10th at Salamanca—general Baird was at Astorga."
To this we add, on the credit however of private letters, that the French corps that advanced to Valladolid had afterwards retreated to Burgos.
LATER ACCOUNTS.
Portsmouth, Dec. 1.
"This afternoon arrived here the Bonne Citoyenne, captain Thompson, with dispatches from Corrunna, from whence the Bonne Citoyenne sailed on Saturday last the 26th November. Captain Thompson brings dispatches from gen. Blake's army, which, continued retreating, but bravely defending every inch of ground, till the 24th, when general Blake made a firm stand and repelled his enemies, numerous as they were. After this action gen. Blake's forces remained 25,000 strong. This we must think very good news; but, we regret to hear that Romana's force having made some mistake in the route, fell in with the enemy, and after a brave resistance, and having slaughtered an immense number of the enemy, he was at length overpowered and cut in pieces. We regret still more to learn, that Buonaparte's emissaries had too well succeeded in stirring up faction, and that the Prince of Peace's party was formidable in Spain. We trust however, that the patriots will ultimately succeed over Buonaparte and the Prince of Peace."
"The news from Oporto is unfavourable. The party there in opposition to the Regency is very strong, and gen. Beresford had mediated in vain.—The French are at Valladolid."
Another Letter, same date.
"This afternoon, at three o'clock, the Bonne Citoyenne sloop of war, capt. Thompson, arrived from Corrunna, from whence she sailed on Saturday last, bringing accounts from Gen. Blake's army up to the 24th ult."
"The despatches she has brought will be found to relate to several most dreadful battles between the armies of Marshal Ney and gen. Blake. The Marquis Romana's troops (from the Baltick) by advancing too far a-head of Gen. Blake's army, were severely defeated; one of the regiments of Cataloua has been cut to pieces."
"The fighting on both sides was most obstinate and desperate. The Marquis of Romana's cavalry was preserved. In the last attack, Blake repulsed the French with considerable loss. He is now at Cinto, about 40 miles north of St. Andero, with 25,000 men. The communication between him and the centre army, under Castanos, is cut off, the French army being between them, whose head quarters are at Valladolid. There are many fears for the safety of the centre army. The Prince of Peace's party in Spain is very strong, more so than was expected or thought of; and the patriotick cause looks desponding. Sir David Baird was at Astorga with
his army, and Sir John Moore at Salamanca.—They have not been engaged. It is thought to be Buonaparte's intention to prevent, if possible, the joining of the different forces into one body."
"The cause of the Spaniards is not considered as hopeless one; but the spirit of patriotism has drooped very much."
"In the Bonne Citoyenne came passenger captain Gage, of the royal artillery, with dispatches from Sir Robert Wilson, at Oporto. His dispatches are not so favourable as could be wished. The party against the provisional government is very strong and turbulent. Sir Robert had clothed, armed and trained 2000 Portuguese, and formed them into a battalion. There were three British regiments there."
In addition to the above, we have to state, that this day an officer from Oporto arrived in Downing Street with dispatches. He came over in the Bonne Citoyenne. He touched at Corrunna on his passage home, and sailed again from that place on the morning of the 26th ult. At that time no news of importance had been received there of a subsequent date to that which we yesterday communicated. After quitting Corrunna, the Bonne Citoyenne fell in with the Minerva frigate, which had been cruising to the eastward, the captain of which stated, that he had received intelligence that the French had attacked the Marquis de la Romana and general Blake in the strong position which had been taken at Vicente de la Barquera, that the battle was most obstinately contested, but at length the French were defeated with very considerable loss, and the Spanish army were in consequence of this success, about to advance.
The above is the substance of the intelligence communicated by captain Hawkins, of the Minerva. It certainly is not to be considered as official, but it appears to be highly probable. The position at St. Vicente de la Barquera, is an extremely strong one, and the French army must have been very much weakened by the numerous sanguinary conflicts in which it has been engaged.
The following interesting private communication has been transmitted to us:—
Corrunna, Nov. 26.
All the intelligence which has lately reached us is contradictory and inconsistent—hopes and fears alternately have their dominion.
This letter is sent off with great despatch, and is consequently brief in observation.—Yesterday arrived here two Spanish frigates from St. Andero, and previously some English vessels from the same port. The accounts they bring are not distinct. These vessels left St. Andero on the 14th, from the news of general Blake's defeat. The arrival of the French was then hourly expected; and the Spanish frigates were therefore filled with wounded, who had been brought from Reynoso, and preparations were made to blow up the powder magazines, spike the cannon, &c. Some accounts even state, that the report of an explosion at St. Andero was heard while the vessels were under weigh.
Letters from Castile mention, that Castanos had defeated a body of the French; but this report still rests on light authority, and is too long unconfirmed to claim much credit. Yet another circumstance adds to our confidence here:—Letters from Madrid conveyed by the last mail, mention the arrival of good news as the post was departing.—The intelligence from these different sources require to be connected, in order to form a good opinion of what is probably occurring. One thing is certain, that the publick apprehension has decreased. The enemy, it is ascertained, is in Old Castile, and the transmission of intelligence is unsafe, from the possibility of being intercepted by detached parties of the enemy; but the regular post continues to proceed. Blake's army has sustained some defeats, but they are not of a very alarming, though of a distressing nature. There has been no surrender of any large body—a great superiority of force has won battles—but the vanquished have invariably fallen bravely, and their resistance has been such, that it is not too much to say, that the enemy's victories, if they are all bought as dearly, will secure the independence of Spain. Still there is much reason for sorrow and regret. The fate of none is more deplored than of a strong division of the brave army of the north—these suffered heavily. The regiment of Catalonia was offered a quarter by the enemy, but refused it, and every man of 1700 died voluntarily and gloriously, and in his death, heaped destruction upon his enemies. The dismounted cavalry of the same troops were prevented from engaging by the want of horses; but the marquis of Romana has placed all the horses of the province in a state of requisition. The fresh troops of Gallacia fought furiously, and like veterans. Their general having been severely wounded in the foot, rode along the lines, exhorting and animating the troops to vengeance, and refused to permit the dressing of his wound until they had sworn, as he had done, to die for their liberties and their country.—This exhortation had an irresistible effect upon his soldiers. This brave officer died afterwards on board one of the Spanish frigates.
It was understood at St. Andero, that general Blake was in superior force to the enemy, and would defend the town; for the marquis of Romana, though the command had devolved upon him by seniority, had refused to supercede gen. Blake.
Of the strength of that army now, we are without precise information. Some represent it to be 28,000 strong; this, it is suspected, is an exaggeration of its actual strength. It is certain that the army has moved towards Leon; which, though a retreat, with respect to the Spanish frontier, is an advantageous measure in reference to the safety of Gallacia, as well as its advantage in co-operating with the British armies. No apprehension is entertained for the safety of the British troops.
The last letters from Madrid are not in the expression of alarm. The Spanish troops have been successful almost every where but in Biscay and Gallacia; and a great part of the army of Estremadura, which it was considered had been destroyed at Burgos, has escaped, though in a destitute state, to Segovia.
The enemy's excursions in Castile have been rapid, but of a short duration. At Palencia, however, and Valladolid, they accomplished the release of a number of French prisoners and some suspected persons.
The publick feeling is, on the whole, in a better state than it was ten days back. Human nature must lament the sufferings and endurance of the brave patriots—but the recollection is unaccompanied by any dismay, as to the result of their exertions.
The Supreme Junta of government has published an edict, by which leave has been given to all Jesuits to return to Spain.
CORK, December 7.
Of the Bilbao army, the last accounts are contradictory. By one statement, gen. Moore and Baird were hastening from Astorga and Salamanca, to their point of junction at Zamora—and another but less credible, describes them as falling back, one upon Villa Viuesa in Asturias, and the other upon Tralos Muntes in Portugal.
The brother of the Marquis de Romana, and gen. Quiroz, were killed in the battle of the 11th.
A French force had reached Valladolid, but it was not supposed to be strong.
The French occupied Santander on the 15th ult. There is several rumours about, stating the French had been repulsed from St. Vicente de Barquera, with great loss—that they have retreated from Burgos—that Austria and the Porte have declared war against France, and several others equally flattering, and desirable, which we cannot permit ourselves to credit at present.
Of the French positions in Spain little is known, and of the forces under Palafox, and Castanos as little, owing to the difficulty of transmitting intelligence with safety from Madrid to Corrunna.
Official accounts from Stockholm confirm the defeat of the Russians in Finland.
An Austrian messenger it is stated, came in the Minerva, which arrived at Plymouth on Wednesday last from Malta. A treaty, it is reported, is nearly concluded between England and Austria.
LONDON, December 4.
MOST IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE FROM SPAIN.
Defeat of the French passage of the Ebro, and taking of Caparrosso, by the Spanish Centre Army. Retreat of the French Division opposed to General Blake's Army.
Our information as to General Blake's force (now commanded by the Marquis de la Romana) may be deemed official, as far as it goes, being derived from a statement which captain Thompson of the Bonne Citoyenne, received from captain Hawkins, of the Minerva. That relative to the central army rests upon the authority of private communications from Madrid, which is furnished by a Spanish gentleman of great respectability, now resident in that capital.—In this correspondence, which will be read with much interest, will be found the first accounts of operations of the Spanish army of the centre.—These it appears have been attended with complete success; the passage of the Ebro has been forced at three points, and the strong French position of Caparrosso, with the heights around it, taken.—The final result of this general action is not yet known. The postscript of the last letter from Madrid informs us, that the fighting continued on the 13th, when a courier, who brought the intelligence, the substance of which we have stated, left the army. But circumstances have occurred which render it highly probable that the army of the centre has obtained a decisive victory. One of these is a fact stated in the following Bulletin, which was circulated on Friday from the government offices, as an account of the intelligence received by the Bonne Citoyenne sloop of war, which left Corrunna on Saturday last, and arrived at Portsmouth.
"The Bonne Citoyenne spoke the Minerva, which had been cruising off St. Andero. By her she was informed, that on the 19th the French had entered St. Vincent de la Barquera, and that the Spaniards had retreated, after a sharp contest. On the 25th a fresh battle is said to have taken place, and the accounts were, that at the close of it, the Marquis de Romana was driving the French before him. "On the 22d ult. Sir David Baird was at Astorga. It was not believed that the French were at Valladolid in great force."
Though the information given in this Bulletin is very scanty; yet, if after several days fighting, the Spanish army of the centre, should have routed the French in Navarre, M. Ney would then be obliged to abandon all the advantages he had gained over the army of Gallacia, and the French at Burgos would probably be cut off, as they are reported to have been by some of our letters. As the marquis of Romana's artillery is, however, stated in the Spanish papers to have been removed to Leon, we do not consider the advantages he has obtained to be important, otherwise than showing the diminution of that part of the enemy's force which had been opposed to him, the constancy of his troops, and his opportunity for moving towards the point, at which Sir John Moore and Sir David Baird would add 30,000 men to his force; of which junction having been effected we have not a doubt.
PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE.
General Action between the Spanish Army of the Centre and the French; Attack upon Barcelona, &c.
MADRID, Nov. 16.
Our government has ordered to advance to the scene of action, by forced marches, all the troops which were on their march in the environs of Madrid. This day has passed through, the regiment of the line of Jaen, in two divisions, the strength of which exceeded 2000 men; and they expect considerable reinforcements from the kingdoms of Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia.
An officer of the Wallloon Guards has arrived from the army of Catalonia; and at the same time Couriers have arrived from the armies of Arragon, Castile, and Navarre; they all passed on to Aranjuez, and nothing has transpired to the public.
MADRID, Nov. 19.
The following are the latest accounts which have been received from the armies:
TUDELA, Nov. 19.
"The first division yesterday marched from hence to the environs of Calahorra, so that yesterday there were assembled 27,000 men at the point. The day before yesterday, the two brothers, Cea, set out for Madrid with peremptory orders for all the troops they should meet to advance by forced marches. A courier was sent to Don Francisco Palafox, who had proceeded to Egea, and he returned hither yesterday. The enemy have been reinforced in great numbers on the side of Llodosa, and we expect to be attacked on our left flank, but we shall be ready to receive them; for should they attack us, we shall have 34,000 men in our position, good troops, and anxious to try their strength with the enemy. We have, besides, 2,500 cavalry. To-day Castanos set out from hence to Cintruengu. We have placed 2000 men of our division to defend the bridge, in order to be prepared, in case they should attack us by Tudela. Yesterday Cas-

tanos stated, that Napoleon was at Vittoria; but this is doubtful. He has determined that eight days shall not escape before the enemy cease to make movements in that direction. It is also mentioned, that the said Napoleon, on the 4th, went to Yrnn, but this is uncertain. Provisions have begun to arrive in abundance, which we place in our rear. Should the enemy delay their attack, we shall in less than eight days have collected our troops and provisions, march to Caparoso, and unite with the troops of our right, which exceed 20,000 men, we shall attack them on their left flank; such is the plan of the day, if circumstances do not change it."
TUDELA, November 13. "On the night of the 10th, the division of Valencia marched under the command of Senor Roca, by the bridge and high road of Pamplona, with all the train of artillery. At the same time the army which was at Alfarro (having left this place some days) passed the river Arga, under the command of Senor Caro, as did also the other division of Sodava, and directed their march so as to attack the enemy on the right, front, and left of his positions at Milagro and Caparoso. All the divisions were expected to arrive at these points by day break on the 11th. It is said that the attack has commenced, and on our part we have no doubt of its success. All is in motion here. Troops continue to arrive in large parties. Of the result of our operations I shall inform you in my next."
Head-quarters, at Martorell, Nov. 9. "On the 7th in the evening, our general set out from hence, and arrived at the Linea. He held himself in readiness to attack the French by three points on the other side of the Llobregat. All the morning of the 8th, in spite of the copious rain which lasted the whole of the day, we heard here the thunder of the artillery, and the fire of the musketry. Our troops had advanced as far as the range of the cannon of the fortress of Barcelona, which fired upon them. Another could not advance on the side of the plain of the river Bassos, which was flooded, so that our troops were obliged to return at night, fatigued and soaked with the rain, to occupy the same positions at the river Llobregat."
"The enterprise of yesterday would have been decisive if the weather had been favourable, for the French were on all points abandoning their positions, and retiring within the protection of Barcelona: and also if the column of general Laguna had been able to pass the river on the side of St. Andre.—Upon the whole, it is some glory to have advanced within the reach of the gate of St. Antonio, the battery of which fired several times upon our troops, who, in spite of the fatigue of their march, and passing the whole day without refreshment, displayed their indelible valour in the face of the enemy."
"The above letter from Tudela, dated the 13th, is sent to me by a friend who is in the army. I cannot equally guarantee the following, which I have received from Aranjuez. The facts stated were generally believed yesterday, but though nothing has arrived to contradict them, they have this day considerably diminished in credit."
ARANJUEZ, Nov. 17. A Spanish cabinet courier has just arrived here with the important news that D. Francisco Palafox, having learned that Castanos had prevented the army under his command from molesting the enemy, while they withdrew their troops to engage Blake, which they accordingly effected with success, has taken the command of the troops from Castanos, and passing the Ebro at three points, has forced the enemy's line, compelling them to several actions, that were disputed with much bloodshed, but in which the enemy were routed. The army of the centre will now form a junction with that of Blake, by which means the enemy's division that advanced to Burgos must be entirely cut off, besides a considerable number who had not reached that city. It appears that the son of Castanos is in Segovia, and that Blake is in V. de Duero.—It is understood that this information is official, and that the President has ordered all intelligence, whether of a favourable or adverse nature, to be communicated to the public. Casta gave orders this afternoon, that his travelling carriage should be in readiness, which I have already seen pass this way; I have observed also that he had a conversation for a quarter of an hour with a foreigner, whose name I do not know. His nephew and the governor of St. Andrew retired during this conversation. It is also stated that he has been honourably acquitted respecting the dispute he had with Valdes and his nephews in the council of war, and that he is soon to set out for the army, to take the command of that of Estramadura. They say that Castanos is in bad health;—he will, no doubt, come here to recruit himself.—Three of our couriers have arrived here this afternoon. We hope they bring favourable intelligence."
"P. S. MADRID, Nov. 19." —By letters from Navarre, written by some officers, we learn, that our troops attacked the enemy on the 13th, took possession of Caparoso and its heights, passed the Ebro at three points, on all of which the enemy has been defeated with considerable loss. When the courier who has brought this intelligence left the army, the action continued on every point with the greatest vigour."
CORUNNA, Nov. 20. We have little intelligence here that can be relied upon relative to the details of the various actions gen. Blake has fought. It is certain, however, that he has displayed great skill in conducting the retreat of his army, though the loss he has suffered is very great. It was reported yesterday that the army of Castanos had succeeded in an attack on the French, in consequence of which the right of the enemy would be cut off. Nothing official has, however, arrived on this subject. It is likewise reported that a junction has been formed between the armies under sir John Moore and sir David Baird, at least by their advanced guards; but this requires confirmation.
From the Royal Cornwall Gazette. The greatest exertions are making to increase the British force in Spain. All the line of battle ships at Plymouth and Portsmouth, are victualling for five months, avowedly for the Spanish coast.—Should the worst happen, that can happen, these ships will facilitate the escape of the British troops, and such of the Spaniards as wish to escape, while it will also rescue from the gripe of France, the whole of the Spanish navy. It is at all times sound policy to provide against the worst. But the cause is not therefore to be considered as hopeless. Nothing like it. Another army is to accompany this fleet,
from which it is inferred that the plan often recommended, of a floating army is to be adopted, which without the fatigues and privations of a long march may be conveyed from one side of the peninsula to another, at pleasure; thus constantly threatening and alarming the enemy on his most vulnerable points. This army it is said will amount to 12000 infantry. In the mean time, the 2d and 4th regiments of heavy dragoons are to embark immediately at Portsmouth, where more than 300 transports are assembled.
THE PUBLICK LEDGER.
THURSDAY MORNING, FEB. 2, 1809.
Having but a small supply of paper on hand, and the uncertainty of the opening of the navigation of Baltimore from whence we are supplied, obliges us to publish only twice a week. The moment we receive our expected supply, we shall resume our usual course of publication.
The foreign intelligence received via New-York, is given in this day's paper, or as much of it as appeared to us interesting. It appears that work of carnage has commenced with great activity in Spain. Nothing decisive appears to have been effected, and from the sample of fighting which the Spaniards under General Blake, have exhibited, our readers will discover the difference between a people contending for their liberty, and an army of mercenaries. These are no battles like those of Austerlitz, and Jena, to decide at one blow the fate of a nation. The Spaniards, as we always asserted, must in the commencement, experience defeats, and disasters, but in the end they will succeed. The further the French advance, the greater will be their difficulties, so long as the Spaniards avoid a general action.
In England, it was believed that our embargo, would not be speedily raised, in consequence of which American produce, has risen in price.—The American merchants, who were mostly large speculators in American produce, have realized immense fortunes. It will be remembered by our readers, that the American merchants in England, during the last year, were constantly writing letters to this country, urging the continuation of the embargo; these letters were given by the administration papers as important documents; for our own part, we never considered them, than as strongly instigated by pounds, shillings and pence, and so we said at the time.
Buonaparte had returned to Paris, the cause of which is not stated. Rumours again prevailed of a rupture between France and Austria, but they appear to be founded on no certain solid authority.—There have been some trifling actions in Finland, that are not worth detailing, in which the Swedes claim the advantage.
We look with anxiety towards New England.—The Legislature of Massachusetts met on the 25th of last month, to which body a great number of memorials and petitions, were to be presented respecting the embargo laws, these will be noticed hereafter. We have seen some of the proceedings of meetings, which go beyond, what true patriotism would authorise. The embargo becomes daily more unpopular in that section of the union; this has been proved by the proceedings of many of their town meetings, but particularly in the election of a member of Congress for the Plymouth district (Mass.). There was no election in November, for this district, tho' the democratic candidate had a plurality of votes, but the law requires a majority. The election came on the 19th ultimo, when the federal candidate had a majority of between two and three hundred. The following view of the present and the next congress, as relates to the five New England states, will exhibit the change of sentiment. The present congress consists of 20 democrats, and 15 federalists; the next congress will consist of 27 federalists, and 8 democrats; this is as relates to the House of Representatives. In the Senate, two federalists have been gained.
Colonel Olney (an old revolutionary officer) the collector of Providence in Rhode-Island, has resigned his office, in consequence of the last embargo law.
It is stated in the Alexandria Daily Advertiser , that it has been determined in a cabinet council, to raise the Embargo—to allow merchant ships to arm for defence—equip the navy—and raise a regular army of 20,000 men. Such measures, under existing circumstances would, we believe, be productive of the happiest effects.
In the first page of this day's paper we have inserted the presentment of the Grand Jury of Georgia, with the answer of Judge Johnston. To the very excellent remarks which are from the Augusta Herald , we have but little to add, except to express a hope that they may be read, together with the presentment, and answer, with that attention, which they merit.
It is suggested by the Augusta Herald , that this presentment had been prepared at, and sent on from Washington, and the Judge himself expresses a belief that it did not originate with the Grand Jury. When a review is taken of the attacks, which have been made on the judiciary, since the party who now govern, came into power, it is difficult to resist a belief that a deliberate design is formed to destroy the independence of this department of the government. Impeachments, executive and legislative denunciations have been tried, and now pre-
sentments by grand juries are added. It will no doubt occur, that the opinion given by the judge, upon which this presentment has been founded, was an opinion upon points of law, of which professional men alone, are competent to decide with accuracy, and yet a grand jury, collected from the body of the citizens at large, undertake to decide upon the law. If the judges are not to pronounce what is law, to whom shall we appeal? To what purpose is it, that men distinguished for their learning in the law, and whose experience and age, add weight and consideration to their opinions, are selected for judges? It would really appear that the institutions of our country are tumbling about our heads, and that the fair fabric reared by Washington and his compatriots, will be shortly demolished, and that a proof will be given to the world that a written constitution forms no security against the intrigues of ambitious men.
COMMUNICATION.
The Schooner Wolf , Captain Jones, sails this day for Charleston. In her goes passenger, on his way to New-Orleans, Major John Saunders, for some years past commandant of Fort Nelson, and commanding at this post. While every citizen of this place, rejoices in the promotion of this worthy officer, all must and will regret his absence.
Major Saunders has commanded at this place, with great honour to himself, and with advantage to his country. Placed at a post, where he was unavoidably drawn into frequent discussions, with the commanders of the different belligerent nations, upon subjects at once difficult and delicate, his negotiations were always conducted with a happy mixture of prudence, politeness and firmness, so that in no instance had the belligerent officer a just cause of complaint, nor was the interest or honour of his country once committed.
By his soldiers, he was loved to enthusiasm, and the condition in which he has left this post, as well as respects the troops, as the works, and the general condition of the garrison, are imperishable records of attention to his profession. In his intercourse with the citizens, his social and convivial qualities, his frank and amiable manners, rendered him an unrivalled favourite. If the kindest wishes of his numerous friends afford him any pleasure, he has them in abundance, and by none more than the writer of this communication.
A letter has been received by a gentleman in this place, from the captain of the British frigate Gue-mier , in which it is stated, that Martinique, had surrendered to the British, and that Guadalupe was invested.
The Ship Ann , Captain Russel, of and bound to Baltimore, 107 days from Madras, anchored within Cape Henry on Tuesday evening.
COMMUNICATED.
A True Anecdote. —Which exhibits the cause of the President's unrelenting hate of the chief justice, in executing which he is so obsequiously imitated by his cringing fautors.
Mr. Marshall was, as will be recollected, one of the federal members from the state of Virginia in '99, when Mr. Jefferson was vice-president. As was and is the etiquette, Mr. Marshall waited on the vice-president soon after he reached Philadelphia. The canvass was then commencing, which terminated in the vice-president's elevation to his present station, and was the common topic of conversation. In a mixed company, where every gentleman present was expressing freely his opinion on the subject, Mr. Marshall seemed to regard lightly many objections started in opposition to Mr. Jefferson's election; adding that for his part, he should be comparatively at ease, in case of his success, was there no better ground to apprehend national injury from such an event; but he believed the vice-president had unfortunately imbibed an overweening partiality for France, which he dreaded as the fruitful source of woe to our country, should he be advanced to the helm of state, in the then convulsed situation of Europe.
The incautious declaration, so completely justified by our experience, was quickly conveyed by one of the gentlemen present to the vice-president;—and while it evinces the sagacious penetration of the chief justice, fully accounts for the subsequent virulent hatred with which he has been persecuted. The vice-president took care to announce to Mr. Marshall his knowledge of the conversation which had passed, by omitting him only in his return of the ceremonial visits he had received.
Truth invariably and lastingly offends the man on whom it fastens, unless shielded from such imbecility by greatness of mind. [North Amer.]
MACKINDER & WHITE,
OFFER FOR SALE, FOR CASH or APPROVED NOTES, 2000 barrels NAVAL STORES, 100 bales Georgia Upland COTTON, 28 bales New Orleans do. 62 barrels APPLE BRANDY, 8 hds. Richmond TOBACCO, 20 hogsheads York-River, do. 24 hds. Petersburg, do. 100 barrels Smithfield and Carolina PORK, 22 pipes HOLLAND GIN, 9 pipes COUNTRY GIN, 100 boxes FRESH IMPERIAL } TEAS. 40 boxes YOUNG HYSON } And 500 bbls. Fresh Alexandria Superfine FLOUR ALSO, A General Assortment of DRY GOODS, suitable to the Season. Nov 14. eM
FOR RENT.
That convenient BRICK HOUSE in Market Square, at present occupied in part by Mr. Fabre—it is well calculated for two Grocery Stores below, and will be neatly fitted above for the residence of families—possession given the first of January. Apply to William A. Armistead.
Valuable Property, for Sale.
On Friday the 3d day of February, Will be Sold to the highest bidder at the Exchange in Norfolk, at 12 o'clock, the following PROPERTY, belonging to the estate of Phoebe Dama, deceased.
That elegant three story fire-proof DWELLING HOUSE, at the lower end of Main-Street, commanding a beautiful view of the river (calculated for the accommodation of two families) and the adjoining LOTS on which are Two Stables and Two Carriage Houses.
A well finished two-story dwelling-house on Berrada Street.
A fire-proof three story Warehouse on Commerce Street.
Two small Tenements on Broad-water Street. And one half of the WHARE, lately occupied by Allen Gorham. One fourth of the purchase money must be paid on the day of sale, and for the balance approved negotiable indorsed notes will be required, payable at three, six, nine and twelve months, and a deed in trust on the property to secure the payment.
And at the same time will be sold for ready money, the following property, belonging to said estate:
60 SHARES of NORFOLK MARINE STOCK, 25 do. Bridge Stock. A PEW in the Presbyterian Church. A CANAL SHARE and a SHARE in the Norfolk Theatre.
James Young, Adm'r to the estate of P. Dama, d-c'd. Jan. 4.
At a Meeting of the Proprietors of the Dismal Swamp Company held at Williamsburg on the 19th ultimo, a Dividend of TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS on each quarter share was declared; which sum will be paid by a draught from the Managers upon their agent at Suffolk, after the first of March next; proper vouchers of the right of the claimants being produced, and subject to any discount the company may have against the claimants.
A Meeting of the Company is to be held annually at Suffolk on the first Tuesday in May, and it is requested the proprietors will be punctual in their attendance, either personally or by their attorneys.
William Nelson, } Managers. John Bracken, } Corbin Griffin, } Jas. Henderson, } Feburary 2d. Law3m
Attention—Cavalry!
YOU are hereby notified to attend a meeting of the company on Saturday evening the 4th inst at 6 o'clock, at the Exchange Coffee House. As there will be business of importance before them for their consideration, they are requested to be pointed in attendance. T. McCandlish, Lt. Com. Feburary 2.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The GLEBE LAND in the Parish of Portsmouth being without an incumbent, the same will be Sold on Monday the 6th day of February next, on the premises, at 12 o'clock. This Tract of Land contains about 175 acres, and is pleasantly situated at the mouth of Elizabeth River, a portion of which is cleared, and the balance abounds with good Timber. It is situated about two miles from the Towns of Norfolk and Portsmouth, by land, or water, which renders it a desirable situation.
A credit of 12 months will be allowed the purchaser, agreeable to the Act of Assembly, upon giving bond and approved security to The Overseers of the Poor Norfolk County. Jan 4. 1m
TURKS ISLAND SALT.
3000 bushels Turks Island Salt now on board the brig Alert, captain Hutchard, from Turks Island, for sale by William Pennock. Dec 21.
To Masters, Mates, and Mariners.
INFORMATION WANTED.
THE SCHOONER EXPERIMENT, ROBERT LAWRENCE, Master, Sailed from Norfolk, in Virginia, some time in the month of February, 1806, bound on a voyage to Rio Janario, and River of Plate, in South-America. Information has been lately received that the said schooner was at the Island of Goree on the Coast of Africa, some time in April of the same year, from which she departed the day after her arrival there, and has not been heard of since, by information that can be relied on. Various reports have been received, that the said schooner did arrive at the River of Plate, and was there trading.—It is presumed that if the vessel went from Goree to Rio Janario, and from thence to River of Plate, that there are many persons in the United States, who have seen the said schooner, or master, at one or both of those places.
The Schooner was on her first voyage, Virginia built, of about 95 tons, coppered to light water mark, and had the appearance of a remarkable fast sailing vessel. Robert Lawrence is an Englishman by birth, born in the Isle of Thanet in the County of Kent, about 47 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high, a stout man, inclined to be fat, of a ruddy complexion, and talks much.
Any person who can give information respecting the above vessel and master, or either, will do a singular service in communicating it to THOMAS FITZSIMMONS, Esq. President of the Delaware Insurance Company, of Philadelphia; JOHN COFFIN JONES, Esq. of Boston, or to the Subscriber. JOHN GRANBERY, President of the Marine Insurance Company of Norfolk. Norfolk, November 28, 1808. Gw
VIRGINIA BANK STOCK.
WANTED TO PURCHASE.
VIRGINIA BANK STOCK, For which Cash will be given. Application to be made to the SECRETARY of the MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY. JOHN GRANBERY, President Office of the Marine Insurance Company of Norfolk, Dec. 14. ff
Palmer's Packet will sail for Alexandria in a few days. Feb. 2.
DEAGLE'S PACKET, will sail for Baltimore in a few days. For passage apply on board at Newton's wharf. January 23.