Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1809-07-06 00:00:00

THE PUBLICK LEDGER.
THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 6, 1809.
Tax Forfeitures of July, was noticed in this Borough on Tuesday, with sentiments correspondent with the glorious occasion. The morning was saluted by the artillery of Captains West and Pollard. At 10 o'clock, federal salutes were fired from Forts Norfolk and Nelson, and at one by the frigates United States, and Essex, and Hornet Sloop of War. The 54th Regiment was paraded, and after going through various evolutions and firings, they were dismissed. An Oration was delivered upon the occasion by Mr. Thomas J. Parker.
The companies then separated to spend the remainder of the day according to previous arrangements. The Junior Volunteers, Cavalry, and Blues at Burt's Gardens; the Artillery companies, Grenadiers, and Light Infantry, with a number of other citizens, at Briggs-Point. The day was spent with the greatest harmony, party distinctions were forgotten, and as far as we have learned, not a circumstance occurred, that could interrupt the pleasing sensations, which the return of this auspicious day, must awaken in the bosom of every American, and friend of liberty.
In our sister Town of Portsmouth the day was observed, with similar demonstrations of patriotism, but the particulars we were not informed of when this paper went to press.
In this day's paper, we have re-published from The American Daily Advertiser, a document respecting the exports of Great-Britain. We shall not notice those topics, to which it refers, but confine ourselves to a point, which excites our surprise, and upon which we think there must be some mistake.
The report states that the exports from Britain to the United States, amounted in the year 1807, to 11,774,000 pounds sterling, or 52,125,600 dollars. We have no report from the Treasury Department of the United States of the imports for the year 1807, specifying the amount imported from each nation, nor are such reports, as far as we have remarked, customary. However we have documents before us, to satisfy our mind that there never could have been exported from Britain to the United States, goods to the amount of 52,125,600 dollars. When the non-importation bill was under discussion, a report was made to congress, by the secretary of the treasury, which report took a very copious view of our commercial relations with all nations, more particularly with Great-Britain, and which is dated February 28, 1806.
The amount of goods imported from Great-Britain for the year ending the 30th September 1805, is stated to be
Upon goods paying ad valorem duties, 26,060,000 Upon goods paying specific duties, such as salt, steel, lead, nails, porter, &c. 1,340,000
Dollars. 27,400,000
From other documents, we find the average imports from Great-Britain to the United States, for the years 1802, 1803 and 1804, to be 26,650,333 dollars, differing but little from the year 1805.
The report to which we have referred, states the amount of imports from all the British dominions as follows:
From Great-Britain as above stated 27,400,000 British East Indies, 3,550,000 British West Indies, 4,570,000 Dominions in North America, 540,000
Dollars. 36,040,000
From these statements, it is obvious that the estimate laid before the British parliament, must be incorrect, unless we are to suppose, that the difference in amount between 27 millions of dollars, as stated by the Treasury reports, and 32 millions, as stated in the British report, is smuggled into the United States. The difference is so great that we know not how to account for it, and we shall greatly thank any of our correspondents for some information upon the subject. We understand that a custom prevails in Britain, that they in some measure account for the difference. When a ship is put up for freight, as a general ship, the persons who propose to ship goods, take out corks or permits to land on board such a ship; these corks generally specify double the amount afterwards shipped.
If the reports made to the House of Commons, are taken from the corks, they must be greatly erroneous. We however think, in a country where commerce is so much attended to as in England, such palpable an important error would be corrected. It is certain that the secretary of the Treasury's reports, are more to be relied on, unless, as we before remarked, false entries are made at the Custom-House, and that instead of collecting duties on 32 millions, duties are paid on 27 millions only.
List of Acts passed at the First (or extra) Session of the Eleventh Congress.
1. An act respecting ships or vessels owned by citizens or subjects of foreign nations with which commercial intercourse is permitted. 2. An act making further appropriations to complete the fortifications commenced for the security of the ports and harbours of the United States, and to erect such fortifications as may be necessary for the protection of the northern and western frontiers of the United States. 3. An act supplementary to an act, entitled "An act making appropriations for carrying into effect a treaty between the United States and the Chickasaw Indians," and to establish a land office in the Mississippi territory. 4. An act authorizing the appointment of an agent for the land office at Kaskaskia, and allowing compensation to the commissioners and clerks. 5. An act to continue in force an act declaring the assent of congress to an act, entitled "An act to repeal the South Carolina Non-Intercourse Act, passed Dec. 1806." 6. An act authorizing the discharge of John Hearn from his imprisonment.
7. An act to fix the time of the next meeting of congress. 8. An act concerning the naval establishment. 9. An act to amend and continue in force, an act, entitled "An act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and G. Britain and France and their dependencies, and for other purposes." 10. An act making appropriations for defraying the expense of stationary, printing and all other contingent expenses of the senate and house of representatives, during the present session of congress. 11. An act freeing from postage all letters from Thomas Jefferson. 12. An act for the remission of certain penalties and forfeitures, and for other purposes. 13. An act supplementary to the act, entitled "An act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of the public debt." 14. An act to suspend for a limited time the recruiting service.
From Poulson's American Daily Advertiser. Mr. POULSON, While I rejoice, exceedingly, in the adjustment of differences which has lately been made with Great Britain, I think it right to submit the annexed statement to the publick view. It was laid before parliament a short time ago, and it will answer a double purpose in convincing those politicians who encourage discord with England, that there is more danger of diverting our valuable trade, out of secure and established channels, than of coercing Great Britain into an adoption of terms, by ruinous restraints upon American commerce.
AMICUS.
June 24th, 1809. In a statement made on the 6th of March, it appeared that, on a comparison of the exports from Great Britain in the year ending October 10th, 1808, with the average of the two preceding years, it stood thus: From England only, as the accounts from Scotland could not be made up for the broken period,
Exports to the American states, in the average of 1806 and 1807, £11,774,000 Do. in 1808, 5,790,000 Decrease to the U. States, in 1808, 5,784,000 Increase to the other parts of America, in 1808, beyond the average of 1806 and 1807, 4,230,000 Loss in 1808, as compared with the two preceding years, 1,760,000 To set against which loss of 1,770,000L was to be taken the mercantile profit on 4,250,000L in the capital employed in shipping and the avoidance of bad debts.
The whole diminution of the export trade of the country confined to England as above was.
Br. goods. Foreign. Total. To all parts of America as above 1,613,000 147,000 1,760,000 All other parts of the world, 2,337,000 2,057,000 4,414,000
L. 6,174,000 That appeared to be no discouraging state of the trade of the country, considering the non-importation law in America; and the very rigorous measures adopted by Buonaparte for excluding the British trade from all the ports on the continent, under his power or influence; but it is to be observed that though the commercial accounts could not then be made up to a later period than the 10th October, it was believed that on the conclusion of the year at Christmas, the result would be much more favourable, and so it proved.
EXPORTS:
Official value; British manufactures from Great Britain:
This was the greatest export except one, and very nearly equal to that.
The last year to Jan. 5th, 1809, greater than the one preceding, ending 5th Jan. 1808, by 1,521,000
And greater than the average of 1807 and 1808, by 416,000
This last statement shows not only the extraordinary flourishing state of the country, but the rapid increase of it under the most rigorous inflictions of France, and the restrictive measures adopted in the American states, from the comparison of the accounts made up for the year to Michaelmas last, and the one to the 5th of Jan. last.
In the year to Michaelmas there was a falling off the exports from England of British manufactures, as compared with the average of the two former years to all parts of the world, of L. 6,175,000
In the year of January last, the value of the same exports was greater than the average of the two former years, by 1,521,000
Which immense increase must have been the Christmas quarter.
In the export of our Cotton Manufactures the account is still more remarkable.
Year ending Jan. 5th 1807 9,895,000
1808 9,846,000
1809 12,835,000
This excess rising principally from new sources of trade having been opened.
And the raw material (cotton wool) coming in such abundance, that the price which six months ago was from 3s. 3d. to 3s. 5d. per lb. is now at 1s. 10d. and the market dull. It may be had in any quantities from India, and a very large supply from Brazil.
Farther great benefits have been derived in the last year, from the employment of British shipping to the Spanish and Portuguese settlements, to our free ports in the West Indies, and to the British colonies on the continent of America—and at present the demand is so great, that ships can hardly be had at any price. A ton is now paying for freight to America, which last year was 16 to 17. The West India islands have suffered little except from the want of slaves, which may be had in the greatest abundance from Canada. The legislature of Jamaica are so sensible of this that they are imposing protecting duties in favour of the continental colonies. Convoys are appointed, and British ships from the colonies will be employed in a great extent. There are great importations of flax seed from the Mediterranean of a superior quality, and in future large supplies may be had from thence.
FROM A LONDON PAPER.
State of the Woollen Manufacture, from 25th of March, 1805, to 25th March, 1809.
Table with 3 columns: Description, Pieces, Yards. Rows include: Milled this year, Last year, Decreased, BROAD CLOTHS, Milled this year, Last year, Increase, Total increase in yards.
The increase of 628,827 yards in broad cloths ought to be particularly remarked to those who are not acquainted with the minutiae of the manufacture, as being at least in a double proportion to the decrease in the narrow. And it thus appears, notwithstanding all the prohibitory decrees of the enemy from without, and the anxious efforts of the enemy at home to represent us as a "sinking country" that our manufactures have, during the last year, increased in the aggregate 6,581 yards!!
But there is another consideration worth the notice of our readers:—In March 1808, the stock of cloth on hand was very great. The very reverse is now the case; and instead of lamentations we find cause for exultation, that under the forced and untenable restrictions against our export trade, during the last twelve months, more woollens have been manufactured, and considerably more sold, than in the last or the preceding year.
MEUX'S BREWERY.
A concern, which for magnitude, is scarcely equalled in the world, is soon to be sold by auction, under a decree of the court of Chancery.—The following particulars will afford some idea of the extent of this establishment. The first lot comprises the whole of the plant that is the brewhouses, warehouses, mills, coppers, vats, with the dwelling houses, counting houses, stables, and every other building upon the premises. But the buyer of this lot will not purchase the buildings alone; he will also secure an establishment which has brewed 190,000 barrels of porter in the year, the sale of the greatest part of which will in all probability, remain with the house, while it continues to supply good beer. One third of this quantity is sent into the country; and this part consists of high priced porter, which yields a much better profit to the brewer than the inferior kinds.
The present owners have actually bought and pulled down three breweries, the whole trade of which is now accumulated in this, in addition to their original customers, and the good will of the concern goes with this lot.—10L per cent, is required as a deposit at the time of the purchase; 40L per cent. additional on the 13th Feb. 1810, and two years more are given for completing the payment. The stock of beer, hops, malt, &c. on hand; the horses, drays and butts to be taken at a valuation, and 12 months credit to be given on the amount of these if required.—The present proprietors possessing a great number of freehold, and leasehold publick houses, have had a valuation put upon them: the purchasers of the first lot may either buy a part or the whole of them. The amount of the freehold houses is 14,260L. The patronage of this concern is an object. The proprietors appoint broad-coppers, appraisers, surveyors, &c. who are paid by the customers, without any charge to the house, and get nett incomes of 500L or 1000L and one of them, it is said, 2,000L. The house has for these ten years paid annually into their bankers hands from half a million to eight hundred thousand pounds.
WASHINGTON CITY, June 30.
The extra session of congress, as our readers will perceive by the journal of proceedings, was on Wednesday brought to a close. We have neither room nor time in this paper to dilate on most of the measures discussed or adopted. But we cannot refrain from congratulating the publick, thus early, on the harmonious issue of the deliberations connected with our foreign relations. It was to be expected that the preliminary measures taken by the executive having so unequivocally obtained the approbation of the nation, would be received by the legislative body with a correspondent disposition.—This expectation has not been disappointed. The leading features of accommodation with the British government have been affirmed without a dissenting voice; and what is, perhaps, still more gratifying, the details for carrying these measures into effect have been adopted by almost unprecedented majorities in both houses. In the senate the bill to amend and continue in force the act to interdict commercial intercourse between the United States and Great-Britain and France, and their dependencies, was passed by an unanimous vote, in which every federal member in the senate participated. And in the house by the strong vote of seventy-two to fifteen.—Of the seventy-two affirmative votes fourteen being federal, and of the fifteen negative votes, ten being federal.
It is not to be inferred, that there was no diversity of opinion with regard to the most advisable means of carrying the general arrangements of the government into operation. The fact is that there was considerable difference of opinion. But this difference was happily accompanied generally by a spirit of conciliation and accommodation. With respect to the admission or exclusion of the armed ships of foreign powers much variance existed. Some were for a total and permanent exclusion, unless admitted under treaty stipulation. Others were for the exclusion of English and French armed vessels until the next session of congress. Some were for the admission of English and the exclusion of French vessels; and others for the admission of both. This last course has been pursued. It was probably principally recommended by a becoming solicitude, while the door of amity was about to be opened with Great-Britain, to convince France that that circumstance, provided she ceased to violate our rights, would be no obstacle to an accommodation with her, and by the uncontested fact, that, although the affair of the Chesapeake be put aside as completely atoned for, (which by the way, though promised, remains yet to be done) still the other indignities and violences committed by English ships of war at least equalled those committed by the ships of war of France.
We trust, that the period has at length arrived, when the impartial measures of a just government with respect to foreign powers will be upheld by honest men of all parties; or, in other words, that with respect to our foreign affairs, there will be no party. This demonstration of publick opinion will probably be more instrumental in commanding the respect of those powers, and in securing our rights, than every thing else which it is in our power to do. The unwarrantable lengths to which party has been extended has unquestionably produced a general impression abroad that our government cherished hostile feelings towards the belligerents, and that in resisting such a disposition there was a large body of our citizens ready to support the one or the other belligerent in the most unjust pretensions. The harmony, thus happily displayed, between the respective departments of the government must go far to remove this impression; and with it, the unfounded hopes it has inspired.
PHILADELPHIA, June 28.
Thomas Paine's Last Moments. A short time before Paine's dissolution, which was on the 8th inst. in the presence of Mrs. Hadden and Dr. Manly, he called upon the Lord Jesus Christ, exclaiming, "O Lord! O Lord! O Christ! help me!" Mrs. Hadden then asked him, if he believed in Christ, and whether he understood the expression of believing in Christ? Paine replied, "Yes, perfectly; but I do not believe in Christ, and no one ought to do." Dr. Manly then said, "It is all over—he dies, confirmed in his own opinions." Mrs. Hadden lives at No. 60, Chamber-street, New York. The above was communicated to the editors of the Freeman's Journal for publication, by a respectable gentleman of this city.
Mr. Addison's Last Moments. At the close of his life, and with the near views of his dissolution, he sent for his step-son, the young earl of Warwick. Of his interview with the young earl, Dr. Young has given the following account. After a long and manly, but vain struggle with his disempower, he dismissed his Physicians, and with them all hopes of life. But with his hopes of life he dismissed not his concern for the living, but sent for a youth, nearly related, and finely accomplished, but not above being the better for good impressions, from a dying friend. He came; but life now glimmering in the socket, the dying friend was silent; after a decent and proper pause, the youth said, "Dear Sir! you sent for me; I believe, and hope, that you have some commands; I shall hold them most sacred. May distant ages not only hear, but feel, the reply! Forcibly grasping the youth's hand, he softly said, "See in what peace a Christian can die." He spoke with difficulty, and soon expired.
BOSTON, June 27.
From Halifax. We were yesterday favoured with a Halifax paper of the 10th inst. mentioning the arrival of the packet Mary, from Falmouth, for New York. Her London papers were to May 6. The latest by one day. The following are the only new articles which we find extracted.
LONDON, May 6.
Letters, received from Holland, mention a report of the King of Saxony having been arrested by order of Buonaparte, on suspicion of having carried on a secret correspondence with the emperor of Austria, but this is not confirmed.
On the 28th March, Lord Collingwood sailed from Minorca for the Bay of Toulon, with thirteen sail of the line. We have not learned, on this occasion, anything by way of Gibraltar, respecting the south of Spain.
Yesterday the Admiralty had advices from Gijon, where the utmost activity prevailed to augment the army in that quarter, and to improve its discipline; to which the marquis de la Romana had particularly directed his attention. A letter was also received from Santander, by a mercantile house. The garrisons which we have before stated to have been much reduced, had not been reinforced, and some expectation was indulged that the French would abandon, as untenable, under their present circumstances, the entire province of Biscay.
Extract of a letter from Halifax, June 15.
"The London papers of May 6, by the Packet, says "Dutch papers are just received. They contain a telegraphic communication that the Austrians and French had met—and that the former had experienced a defeat, attended with the loss of 25,000 men." I fear there is some truth in it."
[The accounts received at New-York are also from Holland.]
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Wednesday, June 28.
Mr. Stanford observed that the Post-office Department had gone on too long without any revision or amendment that it needed a review not only of its expenses, but of the whole system; to attain which object, he moved a resolution to this effect:
Resolved, That the post-master general be and he is hereby directed to prepare and report to the house, at the next session of congress such a system as will enable the house to comprise the several laws on the subject into one; and to report such additional regulations as will tend to obviate any difficulty in the transportation of the mail, and promote economy and dispatch in the same.
The house agreed to consider the motion, 50 to 26; and it was then carried without opposition.
CONTESTED ELECTION.
The house resumed the consideration of the report of the committee of the whole on the contested election of Wm. Baillies.
When the house last night (or rather, this morning) adjourned for want of a quorum, the following resolution was under consideration:
Resolved, That Wm. Baillies is not entitled to a seat in this house.
Messrs. Pickman and Livermore opposed the resolution, and Mr. Mason supported it; when it was CARRIED, by yeas and nays, 60 to 40.
The third and last resolution reported by the committee of elections is as follows:
"Resolved, That Charles Turner, jun. is entitled to his seat."
Messrs. Randolph and Baisdell opposed the resolution.
And on the question it was carried 63 to 41.
And Charles Turner jun. a representative from Massachusetts, appeared and took his seat.
EMIGRANTS FROM CUBA.
On motion of Mr. Marion, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Desha in the chair, on the bill for the remission of certain fines and penalties.
[This bill provides for the remission of penalties incurred by the captains and of vessels which have been compelled to take on board emigrants from Cuba with their slaves, the landing of the latter in the United States, having under present laws, forfeited the vessels and cargoes and fined the persons concerned.]
Mr. Marion observed that he had a day or two ago presented petitions from persons bringing in slaves, amongst which were some documents, one of which was the opinion of the district court of South Carolina, by which it appeared that, if the bill passed in its present shape, no relief would be afforded by it; for it had not appeared on the trial that the slaves were forcibly expelled from the island, though the owners were. He therefore moved an amendment to include slaves owned by persons who were expelled from the island. Motion agreed to without opposition.
Mr. Marion then moved to add a proviso: "and provided also, that such slaves shall have been brought in at the same time as their owners respectively."—Agreed to.
Mr. Ross observed that a former act on the subject of the importation of slaves said that it should not be lawful to bring into the United States any negro, mulatto, or person of colour, with intention to sell the same or hold them as slaves. The present case appeared to him to be one in direct violation of that law. Under the act of 1807, it had become the duty of the court to examine whether it was the intention of the parties to infringe or violate the laws. After a fair examination by a court under a desire to relieve those interested, and a failure of every attempt to show that they were compelled to take on board these slaves, was the house about to sit in judgment and reverse the decision? Mr. R. said that provision was also made in the bill as to slaves that may hereafter arrive in the United States at his discretion to set aside the law. What reason could there be for enacting this law, if the principles of the law of 1807 were correct? If it was intended by a side blow to repeal that law, he had rather see it done at once; and not whilst in appearance we had such a law, to give the president a dispensing power over it. It was said that the persons concerned in bringing them in were distressed. How distressed? Only because they could not prove they were compelled to bring them into the country. Mr. R. said he did not wish to irritate the feelings of gun-

lemen from any portion of the union, but he was sorry to see a bill introduced to unsettle what he conceived to be a valuable provision enacted some sessions ago.
Mr. Newton said he felt as much repugnance as the gentleman from Pennsylvania to touch that law; but if the gentleman would consider that this was a case of a peculiar nature, attended with singular circumstances, he would withdraw his objection; and he verily believed that had the legislature foreseen what had taken place, they would certainly have inserted a provision to meet the case which had occurred. Let it be recollected (said he) that the unfortunate Frenchmen driven on our coast some time ago from St. Domingo, and were obliged to take shelter at Cuba. Since the commencement of the war in Spain, Cuba has almost witnessed the same scenes as St. Domingo. These people were forced to leave the island in distress and to take what portion of property they could collect. They could not go to France, because no vessels of that country were permitted to touch at the island of Cuba, neither could they go to the French islands in the West Indies. There was no country open to them but America. The American captains then were forced to take the French on board, and with them a few body servants; and under the former law these vessels are seized and liable to forfeiture, our merchants to suffer the loss of vessel and cargo, and the poor emigrants to lose all their little property. Let it be recollected that the law of 1807 does not interfere with the state rights on the subject. This bill only goes so far as to remit all fines and penalties incurred by the captains of vessels, and release the property which would otherwise be condemned, and relieve the perfectly innocent merchants, who would otherwise suffer. Let us say to those unfortunates as Dido to Aeneas when he was exiled from Troy— "I have suffered misfortune myself, and therefore know how to extend the hand of relief to others."
Mr. Mason said, that if the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Ross) thought that he had a wish or intention to increase the number of slaves, he was much mistaken. The laws of South Carolina prohibited the bringing these slaves or any other into the state; yet they had been brought there, and the persons bringing them there must give security that they would have carried them out of the state. Now by the non-intercourse law the state was prevented from sending them away; they would of course remain here till the law permitted them to be sent off, for they could go no where but to France and her dependencies, France being at war with all the rest of the world. Mr. M. said that there were several captains now in jail under sentence of court for having brought those people into the country; he submitted to the house whether, under the circumstances of the case, the captains had not good reason to suppose that they would not be subject to the penalty of the law. The law prohibiting the importation of slaves was of a highly penal nature, and different from all other laws of that nature, having no clause in it giving a power of remission of penalties; and this bill was guarded in such a manner that no evil could arise.
Mr. Mason said it was certainly true that the southern country wanted no more slaves. The sole object of the bill was to get them away. However desirous the people might be to hold that property, there could be no fear of their wanting them from the West-Indies.
Mr. Montgomery said it was peculiarly necessary to pass this bill to get rid of the immense number of slaves brought into New Orleans; for every one must know that they were not wanted there. They were too numerous to continue there, and this bill was intended to make provision for their exportation.
Mr. Newton produced a letter from the collector of New Orleans on this subject.
Mr. Taylor said it never could have been the intention or spirit of the law of 1807, to increase our population in free blacks. It was not to set free the people of this description that the law had been passed, but to prevent them from being brought here at all. For even in Pennsylvania he had no doubt the gentleman would be content to have no further population of this sort. Mr. T. said he knew that in the southern states there was an extreme aversion to receiving an additional free black population. The intent of this bill, so far from being in hostility to the law quoted by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, was in furtherance of it. It was to remove them out of the country.
Mr. Ross said that it was strange that the house should have a bill before it contemplating the removal of a certain description of persons out of the country, when nothing of the kind appeared on the face of it. If that was its intention, there should be a condition that the persons bringing in these slaves should carry them out again.
Mr. Newton observed that unless this law passed, the inevitable consequence must be that the negroes must remain here. He did not want them; they brought principles which it was known would not promote our interest or happiness.
The committee then rose and reported the bill. Mr. Newton moved a new section for the relief of Foster and Girard of New York, whose ship had been forfeited under the law prohibiting the importation of slaves.—Agreed to.
And the bill was ordered to a third reading; and subsequently passed without opposition.
The house concurred in a verbal amendment of the senate to the bill to amend the "act for the support of public credit and the redemption of the publick debt."
Mr. J. G. Jackson observed that no one was more anxious to adjourn at the time fixed than himself, but that he was certain that the house could not discuss and decide all the business before them, for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of the house on the subject, moved that the speakers of the two houses be authorised to adjourn on Friday next instead of this day.
This motion was out of order, other motions for the orders of the day having preference, and was therefore not received.
The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Mason in the chair, on the bill to suspend, for a limited time the recruiting service.
Mr. J. G. Jackson moved to strike out the clause, authorising the President of the United States to renew it if the publick service in his opinion shall require it.—Carried 48 to 29.
The committee rose and reported the bill as amended; which was ordered to a third reading, and was subsequently read and passed.
On motion of Mr. Cotte, the bill from the senate authorising the accounting officers of the treasury to give credit to the collectors of the customs for certain allowances made by them to the owners of fishing vessels, passed through a committee of the whole, Mr. Bassett in the chair, and was ordered to a third reading; and was then read a third time and passed without opposition.
OHIO ROAD.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Mason in the chair, on the bill (from the Senate) in addition to the act entitled "An act for laying out and making a turnpike road from Cumberland, Md. to the state of Ohio."
The bill proposed to appropriate 60,000 dollars towards that object.
Mr. J. G. Jackson observed that it would be impossible to complete the turnpike road originally and now contemplated by the act to which this is a supplement, under an expense of a million of dollars,
which would never accrue probably from the funds set aside for this object. He therefore moved the following section as an amendment: "And be it further enacted, that the president be authorised to apply the monies to the improvement of the road as may be most expedient, without contemplating a turnpike road."
This motion was opposed by Messrs. Lyon, Smith and Eppes, and supported by Messrs. J. G. Jackson and Ross.
In favour of the motion it was contended that the money applicable to this object would never be competent to the making a turnpike road, which must cost from 6 to 10,000 dollars per mile; that turnpikes made for less were no better than common country roads, and would not bear a heavy team; that the sum proposed by the bill would not suffice for turningpike more than 8 or 10 miles, whilst it would open a passable road of the common description the whole distance; that the turnpike roads which were made at a less expense than 5000 dollars a mile were good for nothing, and broken up by each successive winter; that the house would pledge themselves by the passage of the present bill to complete the turnpike road, whatever might be the expense; that it was to be hoped they would not act like the celebrated projector who undertook to build a bridge across a river, and his funds failing him, built it only half way across, and when asked how the passengers were to get over the remainder of the distance, replied that they might swim it.
To this it was replied by the opponents of the amendment that congress were already pledged by their law to the state of Ohio, to make a turnpike road; that it would be improper in this incidental way to repeal a solemn law; that 60,000 dollars would complete a turnpike across the mountains, and the people of Ohio were ready and willing to complete the remainder by companies or otherwise; that turnpikes had been made in Pennsylvania and New York for 1000 dollars a mile, and could certainly be made as cheap in this direction, where materials were cheaper, and in plenty; that congress were bound to make a turnpike road, and such a one as should be passable in winter as well as in summer, which would not be the case if the amendment were adopted.
The amendment was negatived in committee without a division.
The committee rose and Mr. Jackson renewed his motion.
Before a decision could be had, the bill was ordered to lie on the table to receive a motion for adjournment till 6 o'clock.
A message was received from the Senate, informing the house that they were ready to adjourn, and had appointed Messrs. Pope and Brent a committee on their part to wait on the President and inform him that they are ready to adjourn. The house concurred in appointing a committee, and Messrs. Root and Crawford were named for that purpose.
Mr. Root reported that the committee had waited on the President according to order, who was pleased to say that he had no further communications to make.
Above 9 o'clock.
All the bills having been enrolled and signed, a motion was made to adjourn and carried; and
The Speaker after wishing the members of the house a pleasant journey home, and a happy meeting with their friends, adjourned the house to the 4th Monday in November next.
BY THIS DAY'S MAIL.
AN ACT
For the remission of certain penalties and forfeitures, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the president of the United States be and he is hereby authorised to remit any penalty or forfeiture which may have been incurred in consequence of any violation of any of the provisions of the act, entitled "An act to prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, from and after the first day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eight," by any person who may have been concerned in bringing into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States, any slave or slaves, owned by any person or persons, who shall have been forcibly expelled from the island of Cuba, by order of the government thereof; and the president of the United States is hereby further authorised to release all vessels and other effects, which may have been or may hereafter be seized therefor: Provided, That he shall be first satisfied in every case, that the person thus concerned in bringing in such slave or slaves as aforesaid, was impeached thereto, by circumstances which, in the judgment of the president of the United States, would justify the act; and without any intention on the part of such person voluntarily to evade any of the provisions of the act aforesaid: And provided also, That such slave or slaves shall have been brought into the United States in the same vessel and at the same time as their owner or owners respectively.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorised to make any arrangement with the minister plenipotentiary of France, which he may deem necessary and proper, for transporting such of the unfortunate exiles from the said island of Cuba, with their effects, as shall desire to depart from the United States to any port or place within the territories of France, her colonies or dependencies, any law to the contrary notwithstanding: Provided, That the vessels transporting the same shall depart only in ballast, and without taking on board any other cargo than such as sea stores as may be deemed necessary for the voyage in every case. And to enable the President to carry into effect any such arrangement, as well as for supplying, temporarily, such of the unfortunate exiles with the necessaries of subsistence, as may be in actual want thereof, there be appropriated the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary for these objects, to be paid out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated: Provided however that all monies which may be drawn out of the treasury, in virtue of this act, shall be charged to the French government, under such stipulations for reimbursing the same, on the part of the minister plenipotentiary of France, as, in the judgment of the president, may be deemed proper for that object.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That all claim and demand of the United States to any monies arising from the sale of the ship Clara, sold in pursuance of a decree of the district court for Orleans district, holden in March, one thousand eight hundred and nine, be and the same is hereby relinquished and remitted to Andrew Foster and Jacob P. Girard, late owners of the said ship Clara, any thing in any former law to the contrary notwithstanding.
J. B. VARNUM, Speaker of the House of Representatives. ANDREW GREGG, President of the Senate, pro tempore. June 28, 1809.
APPROVED. JAMES MADISON.
PHILADELPHIA, June 28.
Per brig Expectation, capt. Turner, 11 days from
Laguna, we are indebted to a passenger on board for the following intelligence.
Two days previous to their departure from Lagunera, accounts were received of the arrival of a schooner in Porto Cabello, which left Cadiz on the 10th May: at that date all Catalonia was evacuated by the French, and the patriots were in possession of Barcelona and Port Monju. The French troops, that were only 30 leagues distant from Seville, had retreated to Madrid. The ministerial gazette likewise contained the pleasing intelligence of a severe engagement having taken place between the French and Austrians, in which the latter were completely victorious, the former having lost 30,000 killed, wounded and prisoners. Rumours were in circulation that Joseph Buonaparte had left Madrid for Paris.
July 1.
Extract of a letter from St. Domingo City. "We still remain besieged by the Spaniards, and blockaded by the British, though not very strictly by the latter. At this moment there is scarcely an ounce of bread, beef, pork, butter, &c. to be had, excepting on some days a piece of horse meat, and other a little fish and a few vegetables. Government has a small quantity of provisions in store, but it is exclusively appropriated for the army. Since Ferrand's affair, the French have been victorious in every engagement with the Spaniards; have taken several of their works and cannon, and extended their lines to a considerable distance in the country. We are in good spirits at present, believing the embargo was raised the 4th March, and looking out for American vessels daily. A small parcel of provisions which arrived since the siege, has sold at enormous prices, viz. butter, lard, and cheese, at 2 dollars per pound; beef 75 cents, pork 150 cents, potatoes and corn 25 cents per pound. Flour would sell for 50 dollars."—Bos. Centinel.
NEW YORK, June 28.
The Legislature of Massachusetts, previous to their adjournment last week, passed a resolution instructing their representatives in Congress, to use their endeavours to cause the following amendment to be made to the constitution of the United States:
"That no law for laying an embargo or general prohibition or restraint of commerce shall have force longer than until the expiration of 30 days after the commencement of the session of congress next succeeding that session in which said law shall have been enacted."
Bank Bills.—Our state bills of and under Five dollars will be out-lawed in the state of Massachusetts after the 30th inst. by an act of the Legislature of that state.
Capt. Folger's Letter.—It is not indeed very surprising, but nevertheless not unworthy remark, that a democratic paper in the United States, has re-published capt. Folger's letter, exposing the infamous treatment American citizens meet with in France. Had it been the account of an imprisonment of a British sailor, from one of our merchant vessels, not one of them but would have seized upon it with eagerness, and displayed it in the most striking colours. But when the French capture and burn our vessels, plunder our cargoes and imprison our crews in their infernal dungeons at Arras or Verdun; not one of these good patriots will permit the fact to even appear in their papers. Those federal editors who have re-published capt. Folger's letter, are requested to add the following:—E. Post.
From the Hudson Whig.
Let every democrat as well as federal give the letter of capt. Folger a candid and attentive perusal; for it contains facts which none will dare to dispute. Capt. Folger, since his escape from France, has made this city, partially, his place of residence; and he is now on a visit to the Springs, in the northern parts of this state, for the recovery of his health, destroyed by the hardships and cruelties inflicted upon him by the magnanimous government of France! As our democrats sometimes delight to express themselves, —As a citizen, capt. F. is universally esteemed; as a man of industry and enterprise, previous to the loss of his health, he was perhaps surpassed by none; and now, deprived both of property and of health, the prospect before him must be gloomy; he has, however, a proud and a virtuous consolation left, in witnessing the indignation of his fellow-citizens at the injuries which he has sustained.
In the office of the Evening Post, where the letter first made its appearance, an error was made in the signature by mistaking the initial of captain F's first name, "S." for L. I have corrected it by affixing the whole name, LEBAN FOLGER. If Mr. Coleman has not already discovered and corrected this error, it will be no more than justice, perhaps, that it be corrected.
Gazette Marine Memoranda.
ARRIVED.
Brig Androscoggin, Corran, 36 days from Tene- riffe, Wine, T. Armistead, and Noble and Arbuthnot & Co. Sch'r Two Brothers, Nichols, 33 days from Tene- riffe, Wine, Moses Myers & Son. Sch'r Rising States, Gilbert, 48 hours from New- York. Ship Julia, Doggett, 30 days from Madeira, Bal- last, C. & F. Whittle.—Left the brig Experiment, Dickson, of and for this port to sail in a few days.— The ships Planter, Beard; Susan, Hatton; and Desdemona, Shepherd, from this port, sailed from Madeira, the former the 30th, and the two latter the 20th May for England.—The brig Martha Bland, Nash, of Petersburg, arrived the 30th May and sail- ed next day for Ireland.—Schooner, June 19, in lat. 26, 15, long. 65, sch'r Industry, Belt, from Ports- mouth, N. H. bound to Demarara; 19 days out.—33d, in lat. 28, 40, long. 72, sch'r Sally, Wright, of and from New-York bound to St. Croix, out 19 days.— July 2, in lat. 36, long. 75, sch'r Republican, New- ell, from New-York bound to Havanna, 3 days out. The sch'r Dispatch, capt. Smith, from New-York, (whose arrival was noticed in our last) was run foul of off Cape Henry last Thursday night in a heavy squall, by an outward bound brig; she struck the Dis- patch forward of the main chains which very much injured her upperworks; the brig carried away the head of her bowsprit and sprung her foremast.—Af- ter getting clear, informed that they could not free the pumps—she was not to be seen next morning. The brig Wealthy Ann, Fryer, of this port, arri- ved in Clyde the 30th April. The ship Maria Chamberlain, from this port ar- rived at Liverpool the 2d May.
PORT OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.
CUSTOM HOUSE—External.
Ship Great, Allen, Kennebec. Ship Julia, Doggett, Madeira. Brig Androscoggin, Corran, Tene- riffe. Sch'r Two Brothers, Nichols, do. Rising States, Gilbert, New-York. Liberty, Lewis, Philadelphia. Abigail, Rider, Newbedford. CLAREN. Ship Highlanders, Cooper, Green- dock. Justina, Howe, Liver- pool. Rodney, Hovey, do. Jessamine, M'Kean, Green- dock. Brig Minerva, Malton, Glasgow.
SALES BY AUCTION.
Tomorrow, July 3, at 11 o'Clock, On Newton's Wharf, 120 bbls. New-York prime PORK, 3 half barrels do. Sixty Days sums over 100 dollars. July 3.
On Saturday, 8th inst. at 10 o'Clock, WILL BE SOLD, At the Store of James Dukes & Co.
Book Muslin Handkerchiefs & Shawls, Plain, Coloured, Striped, Lamprey, Tamboured, Lace, Co- loured, and Jacquet Muslin, Leno Shawls, coloured and plain; coloured worsted Robes, Fine Farcy and Farciture Prints, with bordering, Black twill Cambricks and Muslin, Cambricks and Cambrick Handkerchiefs; Counterpanes, A few ends of Broad and other Cloths, Cassimere and other Cloths.—To be sold in lots to suit the purchasers.—Terms Cash. James Taylor, Jun.
July 6. The Schooner RISING STATES, James Gilbert, master, will sail for New-York on Sunday next. For freight or passage, apply on board at Newton's wharf. July 6.
Passage for London, The Ship Patriot Graining, M. Probst, master, Will sail for London on or about the 15th of next month, and can accommodate 8 or 10 passengers; she is a remark- ably strong and well built ship, of about 300 tons, a most new and has a roomy and elegant cabin.—Her cargo being engaged, apply for passage only to the captain on board, or to
Niemeyer & Von Kapff. July 6.
FOR SALE—Afloat, 300 barrels Superfine FLOUR, 100 do. fine do. by J. & W. M. July 6.
LANDING, This day on Commerce-Street, from the Schooner Two Brothers, Capt. Nichols, 9 pipes, 50 hogsheads particular Te- neriffe WINE, 25 quarter casks superior quality Teneriffe WINE, For sale by Moses Myers & Son. ALSO, 100,000 feet Northern BOARDS, on board the Ship Orestes. July 6.
CAROLINA PORK, The Subscribers offer for Sale, 300 barrels of NEW PORK, 300 do. old do. And a few barrels of Turpentine and Pitch. Richard and John Taylor. June 14.
FOR RENT, A HOUSE and LOT, On Catharine Street, adjoining Mr. Wm. Thornton's; poss- session may be had immediately by applying to the subscri- ber. Who will give Cash for 200 cords WHARF WOOD, on deli- very. RICHARD TAYLOR. July 6.
20 barrels prime New-York PORK, For Sale by JESSE NEWCOMB. July 6.
Thirty Dollars Reward.
Absconded on Saturday last from the Exchange-Cafe, Joe House, Norfolk, a bright Mulatto Woman, named SALLY DRUMMOND, About 35 years of age, long bushy hair. I expect she will endeavour to get to Tappahannock, or the neighbourhood of Dunkirk, where she has a number of acquaintances. The above reward will be given to any person who will secure her in jail so that I get her again, or reasonable expenses if brought home. Peter Kemp. July 6.
Ten Dollars Reward.
RANAWAY from the Subscriber on the 19th of last month a Negro Lad named ARGYLE, he is light com- plexion, about 20 years of age, shaved to the wall and was made, wears his hair plaited before; he has several scars on his forehead, one is recollectable to be on the upper part of his forehead, when his hair is long he wears it nearly cov- er the scar. The Subscriber purchased this lad from Mr. Wilson J. Cary of this place; I am informed that Col. Wil- son M. Cary bound this lad to a Mr. Mott, of Norfolk, to learn the Barber's business, and lived with Mr. Mott three or four years. I will give the above reward to any person who will deliver him to me, or secure him in any jail, so that I get him, besides paying reasonable expenses. Owners and masters of vessels are forbidden to employ the above negro, or carrying him out of this state, as the law will be rigidly enforced against those who may offend. John Coker. Williamsburg, July 6.
THE COMMISSIONERS
For Paving the Streets in Norfolk, are desirous to contract for as much else as may be necessary for the paving of Market-Street, and from 20 to 100 tons of coarse Gravel. They would prefer the deli- very to be upon the spot as the pavers progress, but if this cannot be done, it may be left upon the wharf nearest to the work. Ready cash will be paid for everything as it is deliv- ered. June 28.
WILL BE SOLD.
To the Highest Bidder, on Saturday the 15th inst. On the premises for twenty Years, A HOUSE, With appurtenances, situate at the Corner of Market-Street and King-Street, and is convenient for a Druggist and Family, being just on a principal part of Market-Street, obtain a good rent. At the same time will be Sold, Household, Kitchen, Furniture and Books.
Ferguson's Packet ship President will sail for Boston TO-MORROW. July 3.