Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1808-03-07 00:00:00

AN ORATION,
Delivered in the Court House of Northampton County, on the 22d of February, 1808, by MR. ABEL P. UPSHUR, a gentleman not yet 18 years of age, and offered to the press at the request of a great portion of his audience.
To record the actions of illustrious merit, and to transmit to posterity the unfading honours of patriotism, have been the laudable practices of mankind, from the remotest periods of antiquity. The annals of rude nations, even before science had extensively spread her light over the minds of men, afford us examples of splendid monuments, erected to perpetuate the glory of the hero, the statesman and the legislator. Even the unlettered savage of the forest, to form whose simple character nature has not borrowed the assistance of art, instigated by the strong feelings of affectionate remembrance, forms with unskilful hand, the rude monument, and sprinkles it with the tears of sympathy. This duty, plainly pointed out by every tender virtue, and which the refinements of civilized society so strongly recommend, Americans have not been backward to perform. Each year a tribe of great geniuses call forth their utmost energies to rescue from oblivion the memorable labours of illustrious patriots, and to pour into the sympathising bosoms of a friendly and peaceful publick, the effusions of gratitude and love. Faithful memory, united with affectionate regard, has allotted this day to the commendations of a departed hero—when the genius of Columbia, with the placid smile of peace and independence, weaves wreaths of unfading laurel for the brow of illustrious merit. And still, while the generous spark of liberty continues to warm the heart of patriotism, oblivion shall not be suffered to draw the dark and gloomy veil over the moment which gave a deliverer to the western world. Freed from the shackles of foreign authority, and secure in the enjoyment of liberty and prosperity, we now view with great satisfaction, the olive branch which peace has planted at our doors, and which the blasts of revolving years have not been able to wither. Yet while it flourishes unhurt by that bigotry whose disastrous influence sheds pestilence on liberty, let us not forget the generous exertions to which we are indebted for its fruits. Torn from its native vales by the iron hand of avaricious power, already had it begun to droop under the withering influence of monarchick Britain. Again transplanted to its genial soil, behold it flourish with renovated vigour, whilst surrounded by its blessings, we peaceful recline beneath its protecting shade. What tribute of gratitude is not due for this invaluable gift? What powers of eulogy shall do justice to that character who secured it for America? What language shall convey the animated feeling of a people, called from the unhappy state of tributary dependence to a life of liberty and peace; who are presented with that rod of equitable power which broke the chains of despotism riveted by prescriptive authority? A faithful portrait of his mind and heart is the only eulogy worthy of Washington; his illustrious actions, which will endure when the weak monuments of human ingenuity shall have yielded to the force of time, can alone do justice to his unrivalled character. The unsullied purity of his intentions silences the censures of calumny and the splendour of his success bewilders the conception of the liveliest imagination. The scenes of his triumphs have ever been marked by difficulty and danger, and the achievements of his heroism stand without parallel in the annals of mankind. Your feeble organ presumes on your kind indulgence, while he endeavours briefly to trace those important events.
The simple and careless savage had yet traversed unmolested, the wide expanse of the desert, and not suspecting injury, rested securely in his humble wigwam—Clothed in the beauty of native innocence, and circumscribed within the narrow limits of nature's demands, his tranquil bosom was alike a stranger to the pangs of want and the sigh of regret. But the reign of peace which had been so long secure from the intrusions of ambition, was now at an end. The dawn of monarchic vengeance, insatiate on the continent of Europe, bent her terrific flight to the shores of America. Justice trembled as she spread her wings, and freedom shrieked at the terror of her name. The dove of peace soon winged her flight, and the gloomy tempest of war, broke on the people of the west. The yellow inhabitant of the desert fled from his haunts of peace, and dug up the tomahawk of war. The thirst of power and the desire of gain, hurried on the veteran conquerors of Europe, whilst the proud feelings of unmerited injury, animated the simple natives of America, and urged them on to victory or to death. But what avail the strongest efforts of the naked savage, against the terrible instruments of destruction which refinement in cruelty has invented? Honour blushed for the conduct of the white man, and virtue mourned o'er the tombs of her sons. Insidious cunning and perfidious treachery added their assistance to the operations of force, and quickly completed the plan of subjugation. The uncultivated forests of America soon yielded to the axe and the ploughshare, and in the short compass of a few years, the artist and the husbandman plied their useful labours in those places, once the theatres of the gambols of the stag and the prowlings of the wolf.—Such was the rapid progress of that ambition, destined at a future day to rouse the energies of an indignant people, and to afford a nation an opportunity of exulting in the triumph of virtue.—Such is a sample of that conduct which was soon to excite the dreadful indignation of avenging patriots, and to cast on the character of despotism, the disgraceful stigma of defeat.
But the worn out veteran found no respite here. Avarice had not yet glutted her insatiable appetite, and the syren voice of honour still lured to its pursuit. There were still enemies to conquer, still dominion to gain. The sword was not suffered to sleep in its sheath, and the cruel instruments of sanguinary power, again invoked the god of battles. The deamon of persecution had long stalked unrestrained on the miserable shores of America, and heaven now hastened to assist it in its course. The naked and simple Indian could no longer approve the unprovoked encroachments of power, and smothering the wounded feelings of dignified pride, he retired from the haunts of treachery and cruelty, to weep in solitude the melancholy fates of his unhappy brothers. A new object now presented itself to the victorious Briton, and urged on by the impetuous ardour of uninterrupted success, like the proud conqueror of Macedon, he resolved that the extremities of earth alone, should limit his domain. But Fortune, ever capricious in her determinations, at length grew weary of the oppressions of humanity, and checked the progress of its scourge. As defeat was but a prelude to victory, so victory itself was only a splendid precursor of humiliating depression, whose palpable chains were soon broken by the resistless energy of patriotism.
These facts, little interesting to the assembly I have the honour to address, should have been buried in merited oblivion, but for the important and interesting occurrences to which they gave birth. The gloomy recital of the black and bloody wars of ambitious despots, should not have been suffered to stain the unsullied sheet dedicated to the celebration of the deeds of virtue, did we not here find the first theatre of those exploits, which while they dignified the youthful hero, afforded a sure presage of the glorious achievements of his manhood. It was here that the military genius of the immortal Washington made its first essay, trusting to its own native strength, without the temperament of prudence or the assistance of experience. But here let us pause—the memory of the brave, the heroic, but too imprudent Braddock, demands its debt of praise and calls for the tear of sympathy to bedew his tomb. Borne down by the toils of battles, he expired in the anguish of defeat, but benignant fortune still preserved the brave and sympathising Washington, to win a crown of unrivalled glory on the troubled theatre of human action. The terrors of defeat had no influence over his vast and comprehensive mind, but superior to danger, he rose with an energy, redoubled by the force of his depression. Ardor, intelligent, and enterprising, the discriminating eye of veteran experience soon discovered in him a combination of the most heroic valour with the most consummate skill, yielded to his superior judgment the active duties of command. The modesty of the youthful hero would have retired from the merited dignity, but the loud trumpet of fame spoke the glory of his actions to the world, and called him unheared to reap the laurel of success. He who forsook the loud calls of ambition to obey the milder dictates of filial love, now viewed with placid satisfaction the actions of his past life, and enjoyed the conscious dignity of merited elevation. Happy the people who could claim such a commander, happy the mother who could boast such a son. To paint him in the colours of truth, exceeds my feeble powers of description, and demands the genius of an abler organ. The rarest qualities which add lustre to the hero and dignify the man, united in his person to form a constellation of excellence which called for the admiration of world. In this illustrious character, art had not added her colouring to nature, but supreme in the essential excellencies of creation, he towered above comparison. Calm, yet heroic in the field of battle, and wise and penetrating in council, the laurel and the olive contributed equally their honours, to form the chaplet of his renown.
On this inimitable character, the American people depended for protection and support
through the dangers of impending war. Representation and remonstrance had been ineffectually exhausted, and the insolence of power still swelled to cruelty and oppression. A patriotick indignation was roused in the breasts of our forefathers, and with one voice they resolved to meet either a glorious liberty or a glorious death. Avarice, deputed from the throne of majesty, gripped with one hand the hard earnings of their daily toil, whilst with the other she expelled justice from her seat. All the horrors of unconditional slavery appeared at once on the unhappy colonies, and blasted at once the clear prospect of tranquility and peace. In this distressing situation, borne down by foreign oppression and subject to the caprices of domestick tyrants, resistance was the only alternative.—The awakened passions of our forefathers hurried them eagerly to this new prospect of happiness, whilst the wounds of feeling which even time could not cicatrise, united with recent injuries violative of every duty of humanity, nerfed the strong arm of war. A new scene was opened to the world. Mankind was called to contemplate the glorious spectacle of an infant nation, struggling to break the rivitted chains of despotism, and to shake off the bondage of usurped authority. The sails of commerce were furled, and the busy theatre of publick traffick was converted into that of military preparation. The spirit of resistance filled every breast, and threatenings of vengeance fell from every tongue. The endeavours of domestick peace, were cheerfully relinquished for the rough terrors of the martial field, and the infant, just taught to lisp the praises of the immortal Washington, with a smile dismissed his sire to the war.
To trace the progress of devastation during this unhappy period of civil contention, would be no less unpleasant to the speaker than to the audience he has the honour to address. To minds, as yet unaccustomed to the rude tone of command, who have not witnessed the alarming evils which so constantly attend in the train of ambition, it were unacceptable to paint the distresses of the widow and the orphan, the progress of bloodshed and desolation. Animated by recent successes, incensed at opposition and fearful of loss, our proud masters were spurred on by the three powerful passions of ambition, resentment, and avarice. The untutored militia of our infant country retired at their approach, and left to the merciless hand of more than savage barbarity, the spoils of their hard earned subsistence. Where once the circles of convivial pleasure were accustomed to meet the greetings of undismembered hospitality, the solitary bat now flickered through the darkened hall, and nought but the dismal hootings of the owl disturbed the deadly silence. The deserted walls of the colleges of science, were left the melancholy remnants of sanguinary war, and venerable fathers of learning, whose memories have been consecrated by the gratitude of ages, were offered up a degraded sacrifice at the altar of ambition. "The fire had resounded in the hall, and the voice of the people was heard no more. The thistle shook there its lonely head, the moss whistled to the wind. The fox looked out from the window; the rank grass of the wall waved round his head."
These scenes, the inseparable concomitants of war, your imaginations can better conceive than your orator depict. Such scenes, when they have developed the characters of men, should be hid by the curtain of oblivion, nor be suffered to obtrude on the province of eulogy. Yet it is to these, that we are principally indebted for the full display of that incomparable character we are now convened to celebrate. At that dreadful period of incalculable calamity, when
"The brother blindly shed the brother's blood; The father rashly slaughtered his own son; The son compelled, turned butcher to the sire."
When the feelings of sympathy were smothered in the uncurbed impetuosity of passion, and the thirst of blood stulted the admonitions of reason and humanity, the godlike Washington stood unawed by danger, unmoved by adversity. Hundreds of his fellow-citizens he daily saw, perishing by the sword or lingering torments of disease. For these his manly bosom beat with the tenderest emotions of sympathy, whilst he still paused in the difficult conflict between duty and humanity. On the one hand he beheld a desponding people, driven by persecution to the distressing extremity of opposition, with the wild entreaties of despair, calling on him to save them from misery and chains; on the other, he was called to contemplate a victorious army, hungry for prey, ready to lall with the blind ferocity of misguided passion, on the devoted remnant of his half-starved troops, whilst the illiberality of bigoted opinion precluded the possibility of pardon. Only a moment was left for a decision pregnant with the fates of thousands. But duty triumphed over feeling, and the effusion of patriotism drowned the remonstrances of pity. The sword of opposition again flamed in his hand, and the genius of victory sat upon his brow. Awed into reverence by the majesty of his virtues, the destroyer of nations stood abashed before him, and trembling at the splendid fame of his military prowess shrunk at the Gorgon terror of his name. The gloomy and portentous cloud which had so long hung over the affairs of America, every moment threatening to burst with terrible desolation, now hid its lowering aspect, and dissipated and scattered, fled before the resistless rays of his genius.
In whatever point of view we contemplate this il-
lustrious character, we behold him alike pre-eminent. If we trace him to the deliberations of the cabinet, our admiration is fixed on an unexampled union of deep and scrutinizing policy with mild and lenient humanity; if we follow him to the field of battle, we behold him calm and collected, but like the lion in his wrath, dealing destruction around. The fields of Princeton attest the prowess of the hero, and the Brandywine has been crimsoned with the gore of his enemies. The banks of the Delaware, stained with the blood of defeated Britain, are still remembered as the theatre of unrivalled enterprize, when danger shrunk from his approach, and the destruction of his arm was terrible as the tempest which convulsed its waters.—These were the glories of the military hero, these are recollections which still revive the ebbing pulse of the worn soldier, which infuse in the bosom of the emulous youth a laudable desire to imitate the actions of Washington, and which embalm his memory in the everlasting essence of his country's love.
The eagle had flapped his wings in triumph and feasted on the blood of tyrants; but Washington had not yet reached the pinnacle of his glory. That imperfect instrument which had been hastily contrived to confederate a number of states independent of each other, into one common bond of union at a time of danger, was found insufficient to govern a people, freed from a yoke under which they had so long groaned, and resigned to the influence of their passions, ready to embrace the opposite extreme of a monarchy. The wisdom and prudence of Washington, ever ready in the service of his country, were again called into action. His energetic measures have issued in the establishment of a constitution which has acquired the admiration of the world, and which, in its excellence and stability, affords the truest representation of the immortal mind which formed it.
"Grim visaged war had smooth'd his wrinkled front," peace had resumed her dominion over the western world, the sword was converted into the ploughshare. The duties of civil administration were to be performed by a people, without experience in the arts of government, and who had but recently emerged from a state of subjection and dependence. He who had presented his country with the invaluable gifts of political existence and actual freedom, was now called from his beloved retreat of philosophy and peace, to guide the bark of government thro' the boisterous tempests of party.—His wisdom and equity commanded the confidence of every rank, and the brilliancy of his government repaid the gratitude of his country with a double remuneration. "Pierced by the glance of his administration, party, like the recreant eye of the felon, shrunk abashed from his scrutiny, and unnerved by the sanctity of his person, degeneracy, like the viper at Melita, fell harmless from his hand. Appalled by the oppressive contemplation of his greatness, the cloudcap't crest of ambition was overawed by the majesty of virtue; and maddened to desperation by the invulnerable purity of his life; the snakes of envy recoiled upon the head of their mistress and burrowed to the brain which supplied their venom." Tremblingly alive to the interest of his country, his wisdom and prudence preserved inviolate, the blessings his valour had gained. Sincere of peace, he was prepared for war; unrivalled in glory, the terror of his name has curbed the ardour of the Gallick cock, and tamed the ferocity of the British lion. Secure under the auspices of his government, the sails of our commerce waved in the most distant seas, and warmed by the genial rays of his benevolence and protection, the incipient buds of science soon put forth in all the beauty of perfection. As he was the father of his country, he enjoyed its reduplicated honours, and elevated to a point of glory from which he could not ascend, he retired, crowned with the gratitude of his country, and the admiration of the world, to the happy seclusion of learning and peace.
Were I to desert the hero at this splendid consummation of his political glory, I should do an injury to the cause of virtue, and violate the feelings of a grateful publick. The glitter of conquest which ever lighted his footsteps in the path of glory, obscuring the splendour of preceding ages, and shaming the blood stained boasts of monarchick victories, dwindled and sunk in the enclosed magnificence of his domestick virtues. "In war he was the mountain storm, in peace the evening gales. Renown clothed him like a robe," and bearing the honourable scars of many a well fought battle, when age had ornamented his venerable temples with her silvery decorations, he seemed the legate of Heaven sent to convince an admiring world of what is possible in nature. Blessed with every social virtue, he needed not the decorations of artificial honour, and crowned with every excellence, he reaped the pathetic consolation of an enemies praise. Deeply sympathising in the miseries of human nature, his liberal hand was ever open to relieve the complaints of the indigent, and alive to the tenderest emotions of pity, the commands of prejudice or interest put no constraint on the generous hospitality of his board. Standing on a point of excellence to which the loftiest wing of eulogy could not soar, he looked with merited contempt on that transitory fame, which is but a splendid madness, a flame kindled by pride and formed by folly. The voice of his country called him to the field of war—he gathered laurels in her cause; humanity pointed to the children of distress—he took the cypress from their brows.
Viewing this inimitable character through the unclouded medium of impartial truth, & contemplating this assemblage of virtues which even the malignant blasts of envy could not tarnish, what shall assuage the disconsolate sensibilities excited by the mournful reflection that he is now no more! The angels of mercy which ever protected and guarded the hero,

through the various activities of human life, have wasted his soul to the regions of eternal bliss. Clothed in the impenetrable shield of virtue, he has braved the sting of death, and armed with a sanctity which marked him for Heaven, he has robbed the grave of its victory. Called to the mansions of the blessed, he has forsaken the dull region of human felicity, and crowned with the wreaths of never-dying honour, he has relinquished his earthly honours. From Heaven's high chancery he came, commissioned with the tidings of joy; his object accomplished, his spirit has taken its flight to its native mansions. Yet the splendour of his virtues shall penetrate the darkness of the grave, and the lustre of his fame, dispel the shadow of oblivion. The laurels that now droop as they shadow his tomb with monumental glory, will be watered by the tears of ages, and embalmed in the hearts of his countrymen; the temple erected to his memory will be more lasting than the pyramids, and as eternal as his own imperishable virtues.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
A Supplemental Journal of such proceedings as during the time they were depending, were ordered to be kept secret, and respecting which the injunction of secrecy was afterwards removed.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26.
A confidential message in writing was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Coles, his secretary, as follows: To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
I enclose for the information of congress, letters recently received from our ministers at Paris and London, communicating their representations against the late decrees and orders of France and Great Britain, heretofore transmitted to congress. These documents will contribute to the information of congress, as to the dispositions of these powers, and the probable course of their proceedings towards neutrals: and will doubtless have their due influence in adapting the measures of the Legislature to the actual crisis.
Although nothing forbids the general matter of these letters from being spoken of without reserve; yet as the publication of papers of this description would restrain injuriously the freedom of our foreign correspondence, they are communicated, so far confidentially, and with a request that after being read to the satisfaction of both houses, they may be returned.
TH: JEFFERSON.
February 26, 1808.
The said message and papers accompanying the same being read.
A motion was made by Mr. Quincy and seconded that the house do come to the following resolution:
Resolved, That previous to a return of the papers accompanying the message of the president of the United States, this day communicated, the clerk of this house take and retain copies thereof.
And on the question that the house do now proceed to take the said proposed resolution into consideration,
It passed in the negative.
Another motion was made by Mr. Quincy and seconded, that the house do come to the following resolution.
Resolved, That the president of the United States be requested to lay before this house such letters recently received from the American minister at Paris as accompanied the said minister's representations against the late decrees and orders of France, communicated to congress in his message of this day, under such restrictions as in his opinion the publick interest may require.
And on the question that the house do now proceed to take the said motion into consideration,
It passed in the negative, yeas 60, nays 62.
The yeas and nays being demanded by one fifth of the members present,
Those who voted in the affirmative are,
Yeas—Messrs. Bacon, Boyle, Burwell, J. Campbell, Champion, Chittenden, J. Clay, Clinton, Cook, Culpeper, Dana, Devenport, Desha, Durrell, Elliot, Ely, Fisk, Gardenier, Gardner, Goldsborough, Gray, Harris, Helms, Hoge, Howard, Humphreys, Jenkins, Johnson, Kelly, Kenan, Key, Kirkpatrick, Lewis, Livermore, Lyon, Maron, Marion, Masters, D. Montgomery, T. Moore, Mosely, Mumford, Newbold, Pitken, Quincy, Rea of Pen. Rowan, Russell, S. Smith, Stedman, Storer, Sturges, Swart, Taggart, Tallmadge, Upham, Van Dyke, Van Horne, Van Rensselaer, D. R. Williams.—60.
Those who voted in the negative are,
Nays—Messrs. Alexander, L. J. Alston, W. Alston, Bard, Barker, Bassett, Bibb, Blackledge, Blake, Blount, Brown, Butler, Calhoun, G. W. Campbell, M. Clay, Clopton, Cobb, Cutts, Dawson, Deane, Eppes, Findley, Franklin, Goodwyn, Green, Heister, Holland, Holmes, Isley, Jackson, Jones, Lambert, McCree, J. Montgomery, N. R. Moore, Jno. Morrow, Nelson, Newton, Nicholas, Pugh, Rhea of Ten. J. Richards, M. Richards, Riker, Seaver, Sloan, Smelt, Smilie, J. K. Smith, Southard, Stanfield, Taylor, Troup, Van Allen, Verplank, Wharton, Whitehill, M. Williams, Wilson, Winn, Withersall.—62.
Another motion was made by Mr. Quincy and seconded, that the injunction of secret, so far as relates to the proceedings of the house upon the foregoing message of the president of the United States be removed, and that the same be published.
And debate arising thereon.
An adjournment was called for: on which several orders of the day were farther postponed until to-morrow.
And then the house adjourned until to-morrow eleven o'clock.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27.
The house proceeded to take into consideration the motion depending on yesterday at the time of adjournment. Whereupon the question being put, it passed in the affirmative.
NOTICE.
The Subscriber and ANNE CORSON, his wife, having parted by mutual consent, this is to forewarn all persons from trusting her on his account, as he will not pay any debts of her contracting.
William Corson.
March 4.
THE PUBLICK LEDGER.
MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 7, 1808.
POLITICAL REFLECTIONS.
No. II.
ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.
The restless and insatiable nature of ambition has been long and well known: if the whole world were subjugated to its will, it would again sigh for another world, over which it might extend its ravages and desolation. The bounds of continental Europe are obviously too narrow to satisfy the ambition of the present scourge of the human race; and had there been afforded to the people of these United States no particular grounds of apprehension, we ought nevertheless to have been long since on our guard against the dangers, that might too probably await us in succession. But in truth we have had ample admonition from the conduct of France, under every form of government that has prevailed in that country from the period of our political birth to the present time, of the incompatibility of her views with the peace and welfare, with the independence and self-government of our country.
It was a maxim with the Romans, says Montesquieu, "When a state composed too formidable a body from its situation or union, never to fail to divide it." With an ambition equal to that of Rome, and with a perfect disposition to practise upon her political maxims, France was supposed to have omitted, through an oversight, to avail herself of the advantage suggested by the above maxim, at the period of the abdication of James the second of England. Had a great monarch, who "reigned in our time (says Montesquieu) followed these maxims, when he saw a neighbouring Prince dethroned, he would have employed a stronger force in his support, and confined him to the Island (Ireland) which continued faithful to him. By dividing the "only power, that could have opposed his designs, "he would have drawn infinite advantages even from "the misfortunes of his ally."
With an unabated zeal to imitate the conduct of Rome, and with perfect recollection of the oversight above mentioned, France without doubt was on her guard not to be guilty of a like omission in future. No sooner therefore had symptoms appeared of a quarrel arising between Britain and her colonies, now these United States, than France occupied herself in considering "the manner in which "France and Spain" (the latter being even at that day under the care and protection of the former "ought to regard the consequences of that quarrel."
For our knowledge upon this subject we are indebted to the national convention of France themselves, who, upon the overthrow of the regal power, having gained possession of the royal cabinet, and of various important state papers contained therein, were pleased from thence to give to the world a sight of the memoir of Mons'r. Turgot, dated as early as April, 1776. Of this memoir notice is taken by the respectable historian of the life of Washington: The following sentiments however, to be found in that memoir, are not contained in the extracts there made.
The first wishes of France are there stated to be, "That England should overcome the resistance of "her colonies, and force them to submit to her "yoke:—Because if the colonies were subjugated "only by the ruin of all their resources, England "would lose all the advantages hitherto derived "from them, in peace, by the increase of her commerce,—in war by the use she was enabled to "make of their forces. If on the contrary, the vanquished colonies preserved their wealth and their "population, they would retain the courage and the "desire of independence, and would compel England to employ part of her forces to prevent them "from revolting anew."
Whilst such were represented as the foremost wishes of France, "an absolute separation of the "mother-country from her colonies," was contemplated as an event "infinitely probable." But as there was not an absolute certainty of the establishment of the independence of the colonies, and as it was possible moreover, unless due means of prevention were used, that a connexion between England and her colonies might be re-established upon terms, short of the absolute subjugation of the latter, by the ruin of all their resources, and even on such grounds as not to render it necessary for England to employ part of her forces to prevent them from revolting anew, it was laid down as an object of decided policy on the part of France, that "a reconciliation, above all things, between England and "America" was to be prevented, as being "the only event, that could threaten the two crowns" (of France and Spain) "with any sudden danger."
To guard against the possibility of that reconciliation, one of the first precautions proposed to be adopted by France was,— "To endeavour to know "every thing, that passed in the English colonies, "avoiding however every thing, that might lead to "a suspicion that they had there any direct and "characterised agent."—And secondly—"To facilitate to the colonies the means of procuring, by "the way of commerce, ammunition, and also the "money, which they wanted; but on the part of "France, without departing from neutrality, and "without giving them direct succour."
Such were the speculations, views and designs of France, and such was the course of conduct, she had determined to prescribe to herself, in relation to a contest, in which our country was to bear a principal part, at a period when as yet we had not decided upon the course ultimately to be pursued by ourselves! This memoir, as before stated, bears date in April, 1776: The declaration of our independence was not made until the 4th day of July following.—The authenticity of this singular document being rendered incontrovertible by the authority under which it was published, it seems to deserve the attention of the American people equally with any disclosure which has hitherto come to light. It serves to unveil in a most satisfactory manner the real motives and views, which actuated France in the conduct observed by her during our struggle for independence. Instead of magnanimously aiding an oppressed people, as has been publicly professed, we find her first wish was for our subjugation by the ruin of all our resources, in order that through our sides she might wound a power, which she viewed as an enemy, because that power presented the principal obstacle in the way of her ambition. A contest was to be promoted and prolonged for the purpose of diminishing or destroying the strength of others, whilst France was recruiting her finances, her land and sea forces, and was gaining "time to regenerate "all the branches of her power," to enable her to "pursue more successfully her plans of universal "domination."
Yesterday accounts were received from Alexandria and Fredericksburgh, which stated confidently, that Burr at the head of 5000 men, had seized upon New-Orleans, that the French and Spaniards in Louisiana were in arms, with other rumours of a like nature. It appears that the only foundation for these extravagant reports, is an account that there had been a riot in New-Orleans, in consequence of the execution of the judgment of the supreme court, respecting an alluvion formed near the island of New-Orleans, claimed and recovered by Edward Livingston.
A duel was fought on Wednesday at Washington, between the honourable Mr. Gardenier, of New-York, and the honourable Mr. Campbell, of Tennessee, in which the former was dangerously wounded. The ball had been extracted, and there were hopes of his recovery on Friday last. The speech of Mr. G. which produced the violent attacks upon that gentleman by Messrs. Campbell, Johnson, and others, and finally led to this duel, is published in this day's paper.
The embargo that was laid at Barbados about the first of last month is raised. Sir Samuel Hood with three ships of the line, and part of the troops that were at Madeira, have arrived at Barbados.—Of 30 sail of American vessels detained at Tortola, 29 had been released, and sailed on their original destination.
The British packet Lady Hobert, arrived at New-York the 29th of last month; left Falmouth the 15th January, and Bermuda the 16th February.
Extract of a letter from Madeira, dated the 10th January, received per brig Dove, arrived at Baltimore.
"You will ere this reaches you, have heard of the British flag being hoisted here on the 28th ult. and general Beresford proclaimed governor—every thing was done in the most quiet manner, not a gun was fired in anger, or even a salute on the occasion—about 2000 troops were landed to garrison the place, and the Portuguese inhabitants appear perfectly satisfied with the change; no alteration has taken place in their religion or laws, and every thing goes on as under the Portuguese flag—not even a change in the custom-house has taken place—the remainder of the expedition is gone on to the West-Indies, consisting of three sail of the line and 2000 troops, merely with a view to strengthen the garrisons, which would be reduced on a supposition that the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas are before this in the possession of the British. The ships of the line are going to relieve others that have been out near three years—it is generally supposed Sir Samuel Hood will relieve adm. Cochrane in the course of the summer, and that the latter will get the Jamaica station."
Captain Webb, from Martinique, informs us that two French frigates with 500 troops, arrived at that island from France on the 11th February, and sailed on the 14th. An embargo was laid on their arrival, and raised on their departure. The island was not blockaded by any British ships.
ROBERT TAYLOR, Esq. was this day unanimously re-elected President of the Office of Discount and Deposit of the United States' Bank in this Borough.
DIED—On Wednesday last at his seat near Petersburg, JOHN HOWELL BRIGGS, Esq.
THOMAS PAINE.—This patriot having lately presented a memorial to congress, having for its object some gratification for his revolutionary services, has produced an investigation into his affairs as stated by himself. The following article has been published by the Editor of the New York Evening Post.
From my drawer.—A long time ago, I came across an English newspaper, printed in the year
1803, entitled, if my memory serves me, The Sunday Review, and there I found an article which, it somehow struck me, I might have occasion, some time or other, to make use of. See, here it is:—
Extract of a letter from Thomas Paine, to a friend in England. "My property in this country (America) has been taken care of by my friends, and is worth 6000l. sterling; which put in the funds will bring me 400l. sterling a year.
"I have yet, I believe some years in store, for I have a good state of health, and a happy mind; and I take care of both, by nourishing the first with temperance, and the latter with abundance."
Who would have thought it; that a republican patriot who boasts of his abundance, (and well he may) should now be applying to congress for money, backed too with a threat, that if it is not given him, the nation will be disgraced in history?
The Editor of the Boston Reperory has furnished the following:—
In his (Paine's) "Fourth letter to the people of the United States" published only five years ago, we find him giving the following account of his finances—property too, which he had received for the very services that are now submitted for further compensation.
"Even in my worldly concerns, I have been blessed. The little property I left in America, and which I cared nothing about, not even to receive the rent of it, has been increasing in the value of its capital MORE THAN EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS for the FOURTEEN YEARS and more that I have been absent from it. I am now, in my circumstances independent and economy makes me rich."
Thus by Paine's statement his property had risen above 12,000 dollars, besides the original value, in the beginning of 1803. Was not every sixpence of this estate publick bounty? Has he drank out 3000 dollars a year for the last five years? But enough of Tom Paine's claims on the United States, unless we hear more of them from congress.
[The following is the letter of the secretary of war, referred to in the message of the president, inserted in our last.]
War Department, February 24th, 1808. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
SIR, I take the liberty of suggesting, whether under existing circumstances, it would not be advisable, to propose to congress an augmentation of our regular troops, as soon as practicable; and also the engaging and organizing of twenty-four thousand volunteers, on the principles I have had the honour of proposing for your consideration, the general outlines of which are contained in paper marked No. 1.
The number of regular troops I would propose being raised immediately, is six thousand, to be composed of suitable proportions of infantry, artillery, cavalry and organized as stated in the enclosed paper marked No. 2.
It may be presumed that previous to the close of the present session, congress will be possessed of such farther information in regard to our foreign relations as will be necessary for forming an ultimate opinion on the expediency or inexpediency of a greater augmentation of our army than is now proposed; and in the mean time measures may be taken for the recruiting service in different parts of the United States.
In the event of war, it will I presume be considered necessary to arrange our military force into separate departments, and to have a commander to each department, and of course, to have no such officer as a commander in chief; and until a larger army shall be raised than is now proposed, it may not be advisable to have any officers above the rank of brigadier-generals;—of that grade it may be proper to have four or five, as soon as a suitable proportion of the troops is raised.
With sentiments of the highest respect, I am, Sir, your humble servant, H. DEARBORN.
No. 1.
It is proposed to have engaged in the several states and territories, 24,000 volunteers, to be enlisted to serve 12 months, in any 24 months, within the term of 5 years, at such times and places as the president of the United States shall direct, to be armed and equipped by the United States, and to be regularly encamped in their respective states and territories from 2 to 3 months in each year; and be exercised under the direction of inspectors to be appointed by the president of the United States to receive pay and rations and be furnished with camp equipage and one suit of uniform clothing once in three or four years, the officers except the inspectors and paymasters to be appointed by the respective states, the pay annually to commence the day they march for the respective encampments, and to continue until they return home, allowing one day for each 20 miles march to and from the encampments; no corporal punishments to be inflicted, but all offences to be punished by close confinement and short allowance or fines, or both, the commissioned officers to be governed by the rules and articles of war established for the regular army: the 24,000 to be apportioned on the states and territories, in such proportion as circumstances may require, and in such proportions of infantry, artillery, cavalry and riflemen as the president of the United States shall direct, and organized into companies, battalions, regiments and brigades, or other corps, as shall be found expedient according to the numbers in each state respectively, and to be encamped in the respective states and territories at such times and place or places as the president of the U. States, shall from time to time direct.
No. 2.
The six thousand regular troops may consist of five regiments of infantry, one regiment of riflemen, one regiment of light artillery, and one regiment of light cavalry. The regiments of infantry, riflemen, and artillery, to consist of ten companies each, and the regiment of cavalry of eight companies. The field and staff of each regiment to consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, one adjutant, one quarter master, one paymaster, one surgeon, one surgeon's mate, one sergeant major, one quarter master sergeant, and two principal musicians, and the regiment of cavalry one riding master.
Each company of infantry, and riflemen to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, four musicians, and sixty-eight privates.

Each company of artillery to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, two cadets, four sergeants, four corporals, four musicians, eight artificers, and fifty-eight privates.
Each company of cavalry to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, one cornet, four sergeants, four corporals, two musicians, one saddler, one farrier, and thirty-eight privates.
Extract from the answer of the Assembly of Canada, to the address of the governor-general of that province, relative to the differences with the United States.
With deference we trust, that your excellency will rest assured, we deeply lament the discussions which have arisen between his majesty's government and that of America, and it would have afforded us heartfelt satisfaction, if your excellency could have conveyed to us, any favourable information upon a subject, in which this colony must feel itself so materially interested; and we, in unison with your excellency, shall cherish the pleasing hope, that the moderation and wisdom of the government of the United States, will lead them to meet that of his majesty, in its endeavours to avert the calamities of war, by an equitable adjustment of differences; and that neither the blessings of peace, nor the reciprocal advantages of an extensive commercial intercourse, will be interrupted; but that the two nations will long consider each other, as objects of mutual connexion of amity and confidence—But whilst we thus entertain an anxious desire for the attainment of these most desirable objects, permit us, Sir, to offer to your excellency, our most solemn assurances that we will not suffer ourselves to be thereby deluded, nor will we, until there shall be well founded reason to rely on a continuance of peace, neglect any of the means within our power, but will by steady and persevering exertions, readily and cordially co-operate with your excellency, in the adoption of every measure which can contribute to our defence and safety; and with this important view, you may sir, safely rely, that nothing shall be wanting on our part, to convince your excellency and the world at large, that to add to the energies of his majesty's government, will in all times, be considered by us as a sacred duty of indissoluble obligation which we owe to the best of sovereigns; and we humbly but confidently trust, that all our future deliberations and measures will evince to your excellency, that we are actuated to the discharge of that high and momentous duty, by an affectionate attachment to our beloved sovereign, commensurate with your excellency's most ardent wishes.
The following is the celebrated Speech, delivered on Saturday last, by MR. GARDENIER, of the state of New-York, in the house of representatives of the United States.
Reported for the United States' Gazette. Saturday, February 20.
MR. GARDENIER'S Speech on the bill "In addition to the act, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled an act laying an embargo, &c."
I shall vote in favour of the motion to commit; but not for precisely the same reasons, which have been urged; but, as I apprehend, for reasons more powerful. It has struck me, sir, that the more we legislate on this subject, the worse we legislate—the more we legislate, the more we legislate to the destruction of the country.
Why we passed the embargo law itself, I have been always unable to tell. Why we have passed subsequent laws for the purpose of rendering the original evil more perfect and more universal, God only knows. It does appear to me, sir, that we are led on, step by step, by an unseen hand. We are urged forward by a sort of spell, to the ruin of our country. Under the name of an embargo we are in truth and in fact passing non intercourse laws. Under the beguiling form of a bill, supplemental to the embargo law, a law which prohibited the departure of vessels from your ports and harbours you are about to prohibit all intercourse by land with any of the circumjacent territories of foreign nations.—Between the original measure and this, there is no connexion: the principal of the one is totally different from the other.—Nay, sir, this bill is totally at variance with the president's embargo message. (Mr. Gardenier here read the president's message of Dec. 21, 1807.)
"The communications now made, showing the great and increasing dangers with which our vessels, our seamen and merchandise are threatened on the high seas, and elsewhere, from the belligerent powers of Europe; and it being of the greatest importance to keep in safety these essential resources, I deem it my duty to recommend the subject to the consideration of congress, who will doubtless perceive all the advantage which may be expected from an inhibition of the departure of our vessels from the ports of the United States."
To prevent our ships and vessels from leaving their ports, for the purpose of preserving them as resources to meet a state of war, if that should ultimately come, was all that the president professed to have in view, all that he wished us to do, at least, at that time. And I state it to the everlasting honour of the minority on that occasion, and as long as I live I shall be proud of the share I had in that honour, that to resist even that law, we sat day after day, and night after night. I cannot, therefore, possessing now the same opinions which governed me then, opposed as I still am to the existence of the embargo act, I cannot consent to go on, for the purpose of extending the operation of the evil more widely—for the purpose of making that worse which is already too bad. But this is different from our embargo law. It is a non intercourse bill. The more the original measure develops itself, the more I am satisfied that my first view of it was correct; that it was a sly, cunning measure. That its real object was not merely to prevent our vessels from going out—but to effect a non intercourse. Are the nation prepared for this? If you wish to try whether they are, tell them at once what is your object—tell them what you mean—tell them you mean to take part with the grand pacificator. Or else stop your present course. Do not go on forging chains to fasten us to the car of the imperial conqueror.
[Here Mr. Smith, Mr. G. W. Campbell and Mr. Montgomery, and several others rose together some calling to order and others very gratefully hoping the gentleman might proceed.]
The Speaker hoped the gentleman would keep within the rules of propriety.
Mr. Gardenier hoped the speaker would keep order in the house [three gentlemen were still standing] or (said Mr. G.) it is impossible for me to speak and keep order in the house at the same time. [The confusion having ceased Mr. Gardenier proceeded.]—If the gentlemen have composed themselves, and are in a condition to hear, I will proceed. I wish first, however, to put them at ease on one point. They are not of sufficient importance to have been the objects at whom I would level any thing. I assure the gentlemen I did not mean them.
This sir, whatever name or complexion it may bear is in fact, a non-intercourse bill. The measure it proposes can be of no possible benefit to us; it has nothing in it to render palatable the distress it must bring on a very considerable portion of our citizens. I object particularly against the fourth section. It forbids the exportation of our produce by land, in which mode there is no danger of capture. When we passed the embargo act, it was professed to be done with a view to keep safe our resources.—The stopping of trade by water was not the object, however it may have been the inevitable consequence of the embargo. It was an evil necessarily resulting from it. The majority were willing to endure this evil, in consideration of the eventual good which would result from keeping (as the president expresses it) in safety our national resources. But as one mad measure usually begets more, so, in the present instance, it has happened, that the original object of the embargo, ruinous as it was, is abandoned, and gentlemen seemed to vie with each other in their endeavours to render our situation in every respect intolerable. I ask the intelligent and candid men of this house, whether to prevent the farmers of Vermont from selling their pigs in Canada is calculated to increase or diminish their essential resources.—Whether the object which the president professed to have in view is counteracted by a traffic of this kind. No sir. It is not only in direct hostility to the interests of the country, but what some gentlemen will probably regard quite as much, in the wishes of the president. I repeat it; the objects of the bill, particularly of the fourth section, and of the embargo, are totally distinct.
Instead of measures of this description; instead of lettering commerce; instead of putting their ingenuity to the rack, in devising means to paralyze completely all the commercial activity of the country, I should have been happy to have perceived in the gentlemen who manage matters in this house; I should have been glad to have perceived in the administration, a disposition to encourage as much commercial activity as could be possibly consistent with the professed object of the president; the safe keeping of our resources. I should have been happy to have found them content with the ruin and distress their darling project had already produced without aiming at the utter, total stagnation of all the commercial powers of the political body.—But, unhappily, instead of ameliorating, we go on to make worse and worse the condition of our devoted country. Suppose Vermont should send some of her produce to Canada; or Georgia to the Floridas; in what are the interests of the rest of the union to suffer by it? Or are we to go on passing these laws, zealous in our exertions to make bad worse, upon the principle, which some gentlemen in this house have very gravely advanced, that we ought to make the publick suffering as equal (in other words) as universal as possible—to extend it to every nook and corner of the union; that no portion, no section however remote, however secluded, should escape from taking its due proportion of the bitter draught; none, which the fatal gangrene should not reach? If we are running mad, Sir, we, have at least this consolation; we have a "method in our madness."
It is strange, it astonishes me that by an embargo, we should be led to the measures contemplated in this bill. Because, you wish to preserve your vessels and seamen, those essential resources, in your seaports, you are therefore to prohibit all trafficking across your territorial lines; though it is evident that by permitting it, your citizens, of course your country, will be benefitted. Sir, I cannot express my amazement at the dreadful intumescence which pervades the publick councils. I conjure the members of this assembly to cease for a moment your exertions—I conjure them to sheathe the destroying sword; in the name of our suffering country I entreat them to save it from these new and accumulating evils. The great object of your president is secured. Leave a little to your distressed people. Do not, I implore you, permit yourselves to be persuaded, that the publick interest cannot be subserved, unless every body is destroyed.
I doubt whether experience has proved that the original law was for the publick interest. Hitherto our ships might have navigated the ocean in safety. But at any rate is it wise to hazard every thing upon the experiment? for at best it is but an experiment. If it shall be proved ultimately to have been a good measure, it will also prove to have been strong enough to produce good enough to satisfy every rational theorist. If a bad one, it will have produced calamity enough, full as much as our poor country can stagger under.
I have in view no object but my country's good—and when I see it threatened on every side, it is my duty to speak out, boldly and earnestly to this house and to this nation. And I will again entreat gentlemen to reflect whether the continual extension of the non-intercourse system, is calculated to make us better prepared to engage in a war with either France or Great Britain. For upon that ground was the original measure of the embargo demanded by the president; upon that ground only could it be even plausibly defended.
Sir, it is high time to stop. We have done enough.
It is wise to contrive that every part of the country should suffer; if this strange notion be indeed good policy, I could wish gentlemen would, instead of bolting at me in the fullness of their rage, endeavour to satisfy my poor understanding by cool reasoning that they are right. That they would show me how this measure would prepare us for war—how the weakening, by distressing every part of the country, is to increase its strength and vigour. No. I cannot be deceived in the view I have taken of this measure—and I will not cease to protest against it with all the energies of which I am possessed.
I am grieved to see that we are perpetually engaged in making additions and supplements to the embargo law. Whenever we can spy a hole, if it be no bigger than a wheat straw, at which the industry & enterprize of our country can find vent, all our powers are called in requisition to stop it up. The people of this country shall sell nothing but what they sell to each other. All our surplus produce shall
rot on our hands. God knows what all this means! I sir, cannot understand it. I am astonished indeed I am astonished and dismayed. I see effects; but I can trace them to no cause. Yes sir, I do fear that there is an unseen hand, which is guiding us to the most dreadful of destinies.—Unseen, because it cannot endure the light—Darkness and mystery overshadow this house and this whole nation. We know nothing—we are permitted to know nothing. We sit here as mere anatomy; we legislate without knowing, nay, sir, without wishing to know, why or wherefore. We are told what we are to do and the council of 500 do it. We move, but why or wherefore, no man knows; we are put in motion, but how, I for one cannot tell.
Sir! the gentlemen of this house with whom I have the honour to act, and a distinguished honour, I consider it, are disposed to do all that men can do for their country. But we wish to know what we are doing—the tendency of the measures we are called upon to adopt. If the motives and the principles of the administration are honest & patriotic, we would support them with a fervour which none could surpass. But sir, we are kept in total darkness. We are treated as the enemies of our country. We are permitted to know nothing, and execrated because we do not approve of measures, the origin and tendency of which are purposely concealed from us! We are denounced because we have no confidence in the executive, at the moment the executive refuses to disclose to us—even this house—nay sir, this nation, its actual situation. Like the Israelites in Egypt we are to make brick and find our own straw. We are to have faith and find out our own reasons for it. This course will do in this country no longer. [The Speaker called Mr. G. to order.—Mr. W. Alston wished the gentleman might be permitted to proceed.]—Mr. Gardenier. I do not desire permission of that, gentleman. I shall permit myself to proceed. I have wandered, sir, through a wide field of discussion. I return to this bill. I wish to soften its asperities—to make its operation more mild. Particularly to have the fourth section expunged. I will therefore vote for its commitment.
TRANSLATION. Our late file of Lisbon papers (says the Boston Gazette) contains, among other Proclamations, of the French commander in chief of Portugal, the following:
"The governor of Paris, first Aide-de-Camp to his majesty, the emperor and king, general in chief, knight of the Great Cross of the order of Christ, of Portugal."
"INHABITANTS OF LISBON." "My army is about to enter your walls. We have come to save your harbour and your prince from the influence of England."
"This prince so respectable for his virtues, has allowed himself to be biased by the advice of evil men, that encompass him, and has gone to throw himself into the arms of his enemies."
"They have made him fear for his personal safety, to his subjects he has paid no regard, and your interests have been sacrificed to the cowardice of a few courtiers."
"Men of Lisbon, be at rest in your houses, stand in no fear, either of my army or of me, we are terrible only to our enemies and the enemies of virtue."
"The great Napoleon, my master, sends me to protect you."
"JUNOT."
WASHINGTON CITY, Feb. 29. We understand that the papers communicated by the president in his message consist of a correspondence between Mr. Armstrong and the secretary of state, and Mr. Pinckney and the secretary of state.
The letters of Mr. Armstrong are not very recent, and altogether relate to the condemnation of the ship Horizon, whose case was lately given at length in this paper. They are consequently anterior to the date of the Milan decree. The ground, taken by the grand judge, in justification of the condemnation, is, that the vessel being, under the French decrees, a good prize at sea, was not less so when driven on land.
The letters from Mr. Pinckney to Mr. Madison are dated November 23d, December 14th, December 29th, and January 2d.
The first letter is of considerable length, and details several conversations with Mr. Canning relative to the late British orders; to which the subsequent letters are merely appendages. In these communications Mr. Pinckney takes a wide and forcible view of the injustice of these orders; states an opinion that though popular, they will not be of long continuance, and intimates that from his conversation with Mr. Canning, there is no hope of their relaxation. Mr. Rose is said not to have been acquainted with them on his departure; having been sent on a special mission, and it being intended that Mr. Erskine should be continued as minister resident. The merchants had desired an explanation whether American produce might not pass unmolested, the answer given to which was in the negative. Mr. P. in his discussions with Mr. Canning contends that the French decree of November 21st is no justification of the British orders, the former involving only the exercise of municipal powers.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
From London papers to the 9th of January, received by the British Packet, arrived at New-York from Falmouth.
LONDON, January 9.
The report of approaching negotiation for peace continues to gain ground, and some of our cotemporaries go farther on this subject than we think they are at present warranted, though, as we first of all stated, there is certainly something on the carpet that may lead to ultimate negotiation. It was reported last night, but we do not vouch for its authenticity, that the proffered mediation of Austria had been rejected, but that ministers had offered to treat directly with France for a peace on equitable terms. To this proposal, Buonaparte, it is said, had acceded, and a blank passport had been transmitted to our government, to be filled up with the name of an envoy, who is to proceed to Paris. Should this prove true, it will not be difficult to account for the return of Buonaparte to Paris.
The orders respecting American vessels, which we mentioned yesterday to have been forwarded to the different ports, were not of that peremptory nature we mentioned.—They apply to vessels under particular circumstances. "Clearances" are granted as usual to such neutrals as choose to proceed to
their original destination; but licenses have been refused to vessels wishing to change their port of destination, and security be offered for the payment of any duties which might be due, if they were to pass upon the cargoes of such vessels.
Several more of the transports belonging to the expedition under Sir Charles Cotton have put into Falmouth.
Private letters from Holland still represent that unfortunate country to be in a state of very great distress. Talleyrand is said to have arrived, and king Louis was expected to set out for Paris in a few days. From the late rigid enforcement of the commercial decree, the merchants are in a state of the utmost consternation and despondency.
On Thursday morning several merchants and brokers waited on the chancellor of the exchequer to request that he would prevail on the admiralty to direct our citizens, after having examined neutrals, not to write the word searched upon their papers, as, according to the French decrees, that act was sufficient evidence for their condemnation on arriving at any port under the control of France. The chancellor of the exchequer, we understand, observed that no such direction should be given by the admiralty, as government had determined not to relax in any of the measures adopted in retaliation of Buonaparte's decrees.
The statement that all the ports of Spain and Portugal were to be strictly blockaded, and that all applications made by the merchants for licenses to trade to any port in those countries, have been refused is not correct. An order, we believe, will appear in the gazette of to day, for placing certain parts of Spain and Portugal in a state of blockade; and it has been thought right to withhold licenses until the publication of the order, because otherwise a merchant might obtain a license, to trade to any port, and that port being afterwards placed in a state of blockade, the license would be useless.
The arrival of Buonaparte at Paris, is confirmed by statement of a gentleman who left Rotterdam on the 31st. This gentleman says, that Talleyrand was still in Holland. The motive of his visit, and the period of his departure, was a matter of conjecture. But he was known to have several interviews with the mounted men of the country; and also with those who had the principal management of the customs.
The master of a vessel, which arrived yesterday from the coast of France, states that in all the small ports, particularly in Normandy, the French are most actively engaged in building and fitting out such boats as the flotilla at Bologne was composed of. May we hope that ministers have an eye to these preparations, and these boats shall not be allowed to collect at any particular depot for the purpose of annoying us with the same ease and security with which a horde of petty French privateers are now permitted to come out and capture our merchant vessels within gun shot of our coast.
Government have authorised the governors of Guernsey and Jersey to issue licenses to trade between those islands and French ports, even in French vessels if under 100 tons.
Gazette Marine Memoranda.
ARRIVED.
Sch'r Harmony, Owens, from Alexandria to Charleston, put back in distress, very leaky, cargo Flour and Bread, will have to land the cargo.
Brig Ann Elizabeth, Webb, 15 days from St. Pierres (Martinique) Sugar, Coffee, and Molasses, John Brown—Left about 10 sail of American vessels, names not recollected.—Feb. 18, was boarded by an officer from an English armed brig and treated politely—Spoke, March 4, off Hatteras an English armed ship from Kingston (Jam.) bound to New-York—same day sch'r Aurora, Warren, from Martinique bound to Plymouth, (Mas.)—5th, saw a brig under jury masts steering for Cape Henry, which was then in sight.
Sch'r Ann Ballard, Kaesser, 18 days from Trinity, (Martinique) Coffee & Molasses, James Young.—Sailed in company with sch'r Rover, Clark, of Plymouth.—Left there brigs Norfolk, Marsden, of Charleston; Nancy, Adams, Boston; Arrow, Emery, Biddelford; John, Bradley, Amesbury; Herman, Cheese, Newburyport.—Schooners Regulus, Hunt, Newburyport; Daniel, Fowler, Salisbury.
Ship Susan, Hatton, 80 days from Liverpool, Salt and Crates, C. & F. Whittle. In Hampton Roads bound to Baltimore, ship Minerva, Burnes, 60 days from Amsterdam.
Brig Adeline, Woodward, from Barbados bound to Alexandria.
DEAGLE'S Packet will sail for Baltimore on Thursday, wind and weather permitting. March 7.
NEWCOMB'S Packet will sail for New York in a few days—For freight or passage apply on board at Dickson's Wharf. March 7.
On Friday the 11th instant, at twelve o'Clock, will be Sold on Commerce-Street wharf,
60 hogsheds choice St. Kitts RUM.
For all sums under 200 dollars each; above 200 dollars 60 days; above 500 dollars 60 and 90 days—approved endorsed notes.
S. MARKS, Jun. March 7.
By virtue of a Deed in Trust from Thomas H. Parker to Lattimore Halstead, will be Sold on the premises at Publick Auction, for ready money, on Saturday the 2d day of April next,
All that Tract of LAND and appurtenances, in the County of Norfolk, near the Borough, which David Pierce sold and conveyed to the said Thomas H. Parker, containing seventy-five acres more or less, and which is now in the occupancy of Thomas Williamson and L. Simon. THE TRUSTEE. March 7.
FOR SALE,
10 hhds. and 185 barrels Martinico GREEN COFFEE, of very superior quality.
JAMES YOUNG. March 7.
PIANO FORTE.
The Ladies of Norfolk are respectfully informed, that MR SOTHEREN has arrived here from Baltimore, and will be happy to visit on those who wish to take lessons on that instrument—Any commands left at the Eagle Tavern, Market Square, will be attended to. March 7.

FOR BOSTON. The Schooner SATURN , Capt. Collin , will take a few hundred barrels on freight if application is made to the master at Menden's wharf, or C. FRY.  Who offers for Sale at reduced prices, A quantity of Chase , N. E. Rum , in hogsheads and barrels; Country Gin ; Hollands do. ; and a few bun- dles good Hay. March 2.
6000 bushels Stowed SALT, 50 crates well assorted Earthenware—For Sale on board the ship Sally , by A. Maclure. March 2.  The Subscriber offers for Sale,  78 puncheons well flavoured RUM, A few pipes Old Bordeaux Brandy, and 22 hogsheads choice retailing Molasses. Phinehas Dana. March 2.  THE COTTAGE, A small Farm handsomely improved in the neigh- bourhood of Portsmouth, commanding a beautiful view of Norfolk harbour for Rent—and the HOUSE lately occupied by Doctor Leigh, pleasantly situated near the Fer- ry Wharf, in Portsmouth. Apply to Mr. William Pritchard, or JAMES YOUNG. March 2.  AT PRIVATE SALE, BY S. MARKS, JUN.  60 hogsheads St. Kitt's RUM. March 2.
NOTICE. All those who are indebted to the estate of WILLIAM THOMPSON , deceased, of Little Eng- land, are required to make immediate payment, and those who may have claims against said estate are desired to render them, legally attested to. William H. Thompson Feb. 29.
NOTICE. All persons having claims against the Estate of DANIEL COOK , deceased, of Nansemond Coun- ty, are requested to bring them in on or before the first day of May next; those indebted to the estate, are requested to make immediate payment, wishing to settle the estate as soon as possible. Mary Cook, Admr'x. Western Branch, Nansemond County, February 17, 1808.
The sum mentioned in the above should be as follows:—two Bonds dated 11th day of July, 1804, the one payable the 11th day of January, and the other on the 11th day of July, 1805—each in the penal sum of two thou- sand dollars, conditioned for the payment of one thousand dollars each, both given jointly as above specified; which bonds or either of them, I again caution all persons from re- ceiving in any way whatever, as this notice will be plead in bar against the payment thereof. Mary Cook. March 2.
Council Chamber, February 25, 1808. THE EXECUTIVE will receive on the 28th of March next, Proposals for constructing sufficient and proper Carriages for mounting all the pieces of Artillery belonging to this Commonwealth, at which time drafts of the most ap- proved models, in conformity to which, the said carriages are to be constructed, will be submitted to the inspection of all persons disposed to contract for the same. The Executive will probably furnish all the necessary timber, and will have the iron work done at the Penitentiary—Subjoined is a list of the pieces intended to be mounted. Daniel L. Hylton, Clerk of the Council.   6 Brass Cannon 32 pounders,  9 Iron do. 24 do.  1 do. do. 18 do.  1 do. do. 12 do.  1 do. do. 6 do.  4 do. do. 4 do.  2 do. do. 3 do.   10 or 15 others of different sizes.
Received per schooner Traveller , from Bos- ton, and for Sale, By EDWARD CLARK ,  10 tons small, flat, and square Bar Iron, 100 bundles assorted Nail Rods. Nov. 18.  200 boxes Mould CANDLES, 30 half boxes brown Soap, 10 boxes white do. 60 bags Coffee, 5 tiers do. prime green, 4 hogsheads and 10 barrels loaf Sugar, 12 do. Muscovado do. 10 quarter casks old Sherry Wine, 2 hhd. old I. P. Madeira do. 3 hhd. Red Port, 50 do. retailing Molasses, 15 crates well assorted Queen's Ware, Country Rum and Gin in hhd. and pipes—For Sale by Phinehas Dana. June 8.
FOR RENT, A commodious small DWELLING, with all suitable out-houses and a good garden, pleasantly si- tuated on Smith's Point. Possession may be had on the first of November. P. Barraud. October 5.  FOR RENT, The Store, Compting-Room & Cellar, at present occupied by Messrs. Wood & Hastings, no. 90, Main-street. Apply to Thomas Willock. August 24.
FOR RENT, (And immediate possession given,) The Brick-House, Store, and Cellars, at the corner of Gilbert's Lane, on Main-street, near the market, an excellent stand for a Dry Good or Grocery Store. Apply to Niemeyer & Von Kapff. December 28.  Just received for Sale,  25 qr. casks Gordon's old Sherry Wine, 30 boxes Hyson Tea, 30 do. superior quality Young Hyson, 12 pipes Holland Gin, 20 do Country do. Mackinder & White.
WOOD & HASTINGS, No. 76, Main-Street, Have just received an additional supply of  Staple and Fancy GOODS, Among which are Black Silk Velvet; Tabby, do.; Black Silk Floren- tine; Silk Handkerchiefs; do. Fancy Shawls; Convex Na- vy Buttons; fashionable Coat do.; a variety of French Goods; 2 trunks Cambric Muslins; 2 cases Linens; 2 bales Cotton Checks; 1 do. Gilla Handkerchiefs; 5 do. India Cottons, assorted, some very fine for Shirtings; a variety of Woollens. They have also on hand a general and extensive assort- ment of  WOOLLEN GOODS. Every description of fancy Muslins and Dresses; Velvets; Constitution and President's Cards; Dimities; Carpets; Hosiery, &c. &c. On consignment, just received,  Hussar and Backstrap BOOTS; La- dies' Kid and Morocco Shoes; Men's coarse do.; coarse and fine Hats. The above GOODS will be sold at very reduced prices for Cash, or undoubted credit, by wholesale and retail. December 11.
Now landing from on board the Schooner Mohawk, Roger Quarles, master, from Leghorn,  120 hogsheads Bordolese CLARET, 96 casks Roll Brimstone, 100 boxes Castle Mashed Soap, 50 tin boxes Saffron, 5 cases Florence Silks of all colours, a great many black, 2 hhd. shelled Almonds, 100 half chests Lucca Oil, 30 flasks, 100 boxes Lucca Oil, 12 bottles each, 3 cases Chip Hats. For Sale by William Pennock. October 12.
For SALE, 2 elegant Bay Horses, a complete match, 2 do. grey do. do. 1 remarkable fine bay, and one very excellent grey Horse— For which, Notes of the Bank of Newbern and Cape-Fear, or Proc. Money will be taken in payment. Apply at the Of- fice of the Publick Ledger. Sept. 25.  THE SUBSCRIBER Has removed to the brick store at the head of Camp- bell's wharf, fronting said wharf and Wide Water- street, where he offers at wholesale or retail his as- sortment of  Groceries and Ship Chandlery, Among which are  14 hogsheads Muscovado SUGAR, 1 do. 8 barrels loaf do. 6 do. Antigua, Jamaica, and Grenada Rum, 3 pipes French Brandy, 2 hhd. and 6 bbls. Rye Whiskey, 8 barrels Apple Brandy, 1 do. Peach do. 10 bags Coffee, Imperial, Hyson, Young Hyson, and Souchong Teas, Pepper, Pimento, and Nutmegs, Madeira, Sherry, and Port Wines, London and Philadelphia Porter, English Cheese, Bar Iron and Castings, Nail and Spike Rods, German Steel, Powder and Shot, Tar, Pitch & Turpentine, Paints and Oil, black and bright Varnish, Canvas and Cordage, Nails and Spikes. Also just received,  20 boxes Lemons, 12 half bbls. Beef Tongues, 20 kegs Tongues and Sounds, 40 kegs and 2 bbls. Salmon, 5 bbls. Mackerel, 15 cases Sallad Oil, 1 cask Currants, 10 boxes Olives, Capers and Anchovies, 6 dozen bottles Cayenne Pepper, 3 do. do. Pickled Peppers, 30 boxes Soap, 20 boxes Candles, 50 barrels Alexandria superfine and fine Flour. John D. Haldane. July 31.
For SALE,  73 punch. choice Antigua RUM, 30 do. Grenada do. 600 bushels CORN, 80,000 drawn White and Red Oak STAVES, 60 barrels Pork. November 4. George Wilson.
For SALE, Imported in the Galiot Fortune , captain Norton, from Te- neriffe,  100 pipes and 90 hhd. L. P. Tene- riffe WINE, of superior quality. Apply to Phinehas Dana. September 28.
Coarse Liverpool SALT, For Sale on board the Ship Courtney , capt. Bryant, lying at my wharf. Apply to William Pennock. Who has on hand,  Liverpool Blown and Cadiz SALT. September 16.  Landing from the ship Planter , and for sale at the subscriber's, at a low advance, A parcel of  Woollens, Bed Ticks, Hosiery, and other GOODS. Thomas Blanchard. September 28.
NOTICE. I am again compelled to solicit all those indebted to the estate of PHILIP COLLINS , deceased, to make immediate payment, as no longer indulgence can be given. Jane Collins, Admr'x. December 9.  WANTED for the Ship Sheffield , A CARPENTER ; also, two young LADS, from 14 to 15 years of age, as apprentices, not to go in the cabin or to cook. Apply to Josiah Cowper. December 9.
For SALE,  4000 bushels Ground Allum SALT, And a few well assorted crates of EARTHENWARE. George Murray, & Co. December 7.  Leather, Cordage, and Loaf Sugar. The subscriber will hereafter expose for Sale at his Warehouse on Campbell's wharf the above Articles, of the manufacture of Norfolk, at reduced prices for Cash, or on short credits only. Theo. Armistead. He will sell or lease for a term of years, the STORES at the end of Menden's and Rothery's wharves. Feb. 20.
For SALE at my Brew-House,  Strong, Table, and Ship BEER, by the hogshead, barrel, and half barrel—and a constant supply of bottled PORTER in packages and by the dozen. And in Store,  Wines, Liquors, and Groceries, wholesale and retail. Joseph Hayes. Feb. 18.
Alexandria Mountain FLOUR. A few barrels Superfine, do. for family use (Carlisle brand) in barrels and half bbls for Sale—Apply to Caton & Veale. February 26.
NOTICE. I shall attend at the Court-House on Friday morning the 11th of March, for the purpose of pay- ing the Artillery and Infantry Companies of this Borough, late in the service of the United States, under the command of Brigadier General Thomas Mathews—and on the follow- ing Monday I shall attend at the Court-House in Portsmouth, for the purpose of paying the Companies of that place. Robert C. Jennings, Acting as Pay-Master. February 29.  For CASH or approved Discountable Paper,  20 bales best Russia CANVAS, 1 do. Ravens Duck; 1 do. Matras Ticking, 65 packages German Linen—For Sale by Niemeyer & Von Kapff. February 26.
Fresh Imperial TEA. Just received 17 boxes fresh Imperial TEA, of the present year's importation.—Also on Hand,  25 tons assorted BAR IRON, 80 barrels and a few hogsheads Muscovado Sugar, 40 barrels and bags Green Coffee; 25 hhd. old Antigua Rum, 20 hhd. Molasses; 8 pipes French Brandy, 10 crates assorted Queen's Ware, A few quarter casks of Sherry and Tenerife Wine, Whiskey in barrels; Loaf Sugar, New-York prime Pork and Beef; 30 casks Cheese, A few barrels Mackerel; Soap; Candles; Demijohns, &c. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey. February 26.
COCKE & SANFORD, Have received eighteen hogsheads and eighteen barrels  Loaf and Lump SUGAR, which they offer for Sale on very moderate terms. On hand of their last importation,  2 bales flaxen OZNABURGS, 1000 wt. Seine Twine; 1 bale assorted Blue Cloths, 1 bale superfine Navy Blue Cloth, 8 boxes well assorted Irish Linens, Irish and Dutch Sheetings and Dowlas, 2 Trunks Cotton Hosiery; 1 case D. mitts, 2 do. assorted Nankeenets and Granddills, 3 do. Callicoes; 2 do. Cotton Cambricks, 1 box French Cambricks and Handkerchiefs, 2 cases Men's and 1 do. Children's fashionable Beaver Hats. Feb. 24. 2m
FRESH SHOES. E. STURTEVANT, No. 77, Main-Street, Has now landing from the Schooner Mary Ann , capt. Luce, 22 trunks, barrels, and casks of  Ladies', Gentlemens', and Childrens'  SHOES. February 19.
NOTICE. The partnership of Ellis & Sprigg , of Hampton, is this day by mutual consent dissolved—all per- sons indebted to the said firm are requested most earnestly to come forward and pay their respective balances to Mr. C. Sprigg; and all those who have claims against said firm, to produce them to said C. Sprigg for settlement. Samuel Ellis, Per his Attorney in fact, Robert Gibson, Corbin Sprigg. Hampton, February 17.
For SALE,  5 cases only of superior PIGEON-  EYE CHAMPAIGN. Apply to the Editor of this Paper. Dec. 16.  New SHOES from New-York. SAMUEL COLEMAN, Offers for Sale such as have been generally sold in retail at 9s. and 8s. 3d. for 7s. 6d.; those at 15s. for 13s. 6d. except of Morocco leather; Ladies' Morocco Slippers at 8s. 3d. for 7s. 6d. and in nearly the same ratio for every other kind of Shoes, where the former prices will bear reduction. VERNON'S BOOTS, which are well known to command higher prices in Balti- more than Boots made by any other person there—reduced to 11 dollars for fair tops, and 9 dollars for Hessian Boots, such as he himself sells in retail for 12 and 10 dollars. BUTTER at 17 cents in nice order; a few tons of Iron; a few hundred bushels of ground Allum Salt; India Cottons; Brown Sugar, &c. &c. as low as they can be sold for a profit, for Cash. Feb. 17.
NOTICE. The Copartnership of RICHARD  BOWDEN, & Co. having expired, Richard Drummond is authorised to receive and pay the debts of said concern. Moses Myers, Richard Bowden, Richard Drummond. February 2.
Cognac Brandy, Hollands Gin, Coun- try do. in pipes, Rice in tiers and half tiers—For Sale by C. & F. Whittle. February 24.  For SALE, Just received by Deugles's Pocket from Baltimore,  150 bags of good Green COFFEE. Wilson, Cunningham, & Co. February 6.
One Hundred Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber on the 26th Decem- ber last, a Mulatto Man named TONEY , a Black- smith by trade; he is about 24 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high—had on when he went away a dark cloth suit out- coat and pantaloons—his right foot has been broken, which causes him to limp, and is much larger than the other—He travelled in the stage from Edenton to Suffolk, the 28th ult. I have understood he went by the name of Benjamin James while in Suffolk—I expect he will endeavour to pass as a free man. The above reward will be given to any person who will secure him in any jail so that I get him again, and all reasonable charges paid if delivered to me in Plymouth, North-Carolina. JOHN WALKER. 12*
For SALE,  45,000 wt. good COFFEE in bags, 94 puncheons old St. Kitts RUM. MOSES MYERS. January 8.  NOTICE. The Subscribers have removed to the Ware House, No. 6, on Newton's wharf, formerly occupied by Messrs. John D. Haldane, & Co. JENNINGS & RODDEY. January 8.
MACKINDER & WHITE, Have received from London in the ship Planter , and Nabby, from Liverpool, their  Fall and Winter GOODS. The best superfine Black, Navy Blue, and fashionable mix- ed Cloths, Calimeres, Patent Coats, Swansdown, black silk Florentine, Gentlemen's patent silk and beaver Hats; La- dies' Trafalgar, Calabria, Buenos Ayres, and Cottage beaver Bonnets; Children's beaver Caps and Bonnets; Ladies' plain and fancy Kid and Morocco Shoes; red and black Morocco Nelson's comforts; Gentlemen's Hellan and Spanish Boots, and dress Shoes and Pumps; superior rich gold Epaulets; lace and silver Fringe; plain, tamboured, and Leno Muslin for drosses; Callicoes, Chambrays, and Ginghams; rose and striped Blankets; Kendal Cottons; strong white Plains; mix- ed Feamaughs; Flannels; Manchester Coats; blue and drab Plains; Dimities and Marseilles; 4-4 Luth Linens; 5-4 and 6-4 Sheetings; Hosiery; Cutlery in boxes assorted; coarse Hats do.; Nails, Window Glass, &c. The above are offered for sale by wholesale or retail, at the lowest terms in Cash or approved paper. The Subscribers have removed to the Brick Ware- House on Merchant's Wharf, and have on hand for Sale,  100,000 W. O. hhd. drawn STAVES, 100,000 red do. do. 40,000 rough do. do. 50,000 do. barrel do. 10,000 pipe do. 500,000 sale Shingles; 100,000 building do. 10,000 three feet do.; 5,000 Garden Pales, 5,000 Chinquapin and Cedar Posts. And also for Rent, A commodious WAREHOUSE. Proby, Harman, & Co. January 11.
Now landing from the Schooner Prudence Mary , from New-York,  17 hhd. first quality SUGARS, 54 barrels prime Pork, city inspection, 70 boxes Mould Candles; 5 hhd. double refined Sugar, 5 pipes Brandy; 25 reams Writing Paper, 2 trunks fine and coarse French Lace, which will be sold at a low rate for Cash. Apply at No. 1, Commerce-street to William Hull, Jun. October 16.
Just got to Hand.  22 chests Hyson TEA, will be sold low for cash. George Wilson. Nov. 18.
For SALE, by the Subscriber,  34 hogsheads WHISKEY, 50 crates Earthenware; 10 casks Glass do. 65 boxes 8 by 10, 37 do. 10 by 12 Window Glass, 16 gross Wine Bottles; 18 boxes Castle Soap, 1 hogshead and 3 barrels Philadelphia Loaf Sugar, 10 hhd. Petersburg, 2 do. Richmond, and 4 do. York Ri- ver Tobacco; 15 bales Cotton, 38 whole and 9 half tiers Rice. A. Maclure. November 13.
One Hundred Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY last October from the Subscribers, living in Monroe County, two Mulatto Men, ISAAC CON-  NER and WILLIAM CONNER , (brothers) both very bright mulattoes. Isaac is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, stout and well made, is marked on the under lip with a small red- dish spot, and a scar on his forehead occasioned by the stroke of a whip; on one of his feet there is also a scar made by an axe; he is 22 years of age. Bill is 20 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, also stout and active, and wore his hair in a cue of 6 or 8 inches in length. It is supposed they will attempt to get to Norfolk, as they have some acquaintances there, and were heard of in the neighbourhood of Williamsburg in company with some free mulattoes, who lives on Queen's Creek. Who- ever confines them in jail so that we get them again, shall be entitled to the above reward. John Handley, Martin Franklin. N B Being very fair, they will no doubt attempt to pass for free men. Feb. 10.
At Private Sale, By S. MARKS, Jun. Corner of Commerce and Water-street,  10 hhd. Antigua, 12 do. N. E. 50 barrels do. RUM, 30 hhd. and 20 barrels Sugar; 10 pipes Country Gin, 8 pipes Cognac Brandy; 150 boxes Mould Candles, 0 boxes Spermaceti Candles; 4 bales striped Blankets, 3 bales Blue Duffels; 1 do. fine Cloths; 2 do. blue Plains, 2 do. Rugs; 1 do. Check Shirts, 54 do. Ticklenburgs and Oznaburgs; 2 do. Heffians, 1 trunk Madras Handkerchiefs. October 24.
FOR RENT, The DWELLING-HOUSE on Gran- by-street, belonging to captain Vickery, next door to Robert Boush, Esq.—possession will be given on the first day of Ja- nuary next. For terms apply to Alexander Wilson. December 18.  First quality Jamaica COFFEE. Just received and for Sale, 77 tiers and 24 barrels prime Green COFFEE. James & Thomas Tucker. December 28.
NOTICE. All persons to whom the Subscriber is indebted, are requested to make known the amount of their claims immediately. Wm. Hartshorne, Jun. January 13.
NORFOLK: PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A-WEEK, BY WILLIAM DAVIS, FOR THE PROPRIETOR, Opposite the Exchange Coffee-House. Price Six Dollars yearly, in advance.