Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1808-05-30 00:00:00

From a London Paper.
PAPERS RELATIVE TO PORTUGAL.
[Among these papers, though not of a recent date, there is one that deserves particular attention; as it shews the principle by which the then government of this country was actuated at that time. We therefore give it a place.]
DISPATCH from Mr. Secretary Fox, to the Earls of Rosslyn and St. Vincent, and Lieut. Gen. Simcoe, dated Downing street, August 9, 1806.
My Lords, and Sir,
Intelligence has been received by his majesty's minister, of an intention on the part of France immediately to invade the kingdom of Portugal; and the French government has by its own declarations, left little or no room to doubt the truth of that intelligence.
It has even been formally announced by that government to his majesty's ambassador at Paris, that an army, said to be composed of 30,000 men, is actually assembled at Bayonne for this purpose, and that the object of his invasion is nothing less than that of dethroning the present royal family, and destroying the very existence of the Portuguese monarchy; the provinces of which are to be partitioned out, one part to Spain, and the other part, with the town and port of Lisbon, to be given as a separate dominion to the Prince of Peace or to the Queen of Etruria.
In that case, his majesty has thought it right to direct that the force now embarked, consisting of the numbers stated in the margin, should be sent forthwith to the river Tagus, thereto be met by a competent naval force which has been in like manner directed to repair to that station. And his majesty has thought fit to give directions, that the land force appropriated to this service should receive successive augmentations, as fast as the means of transport can be provided.
In addition to the command of the naval and military forces which he has intrusted respectively to the earl St. Vincent, and to Lieut. Gen. Simcoe, his majesty has been pleased to direct that full powers should be granted to them, conjointly with the earl of Rosslyn, to negotiate with the court of Lisbon on all matters that may concern the joint interests of the two courts in the present conjuncture of affairs. I am therefore, in this dispatch, to explain the principles on which such negotiation is to be conducted.
The object most desirable, if it should be possible to be obtained, would be, to arrange sufficient and effectual measures by concert between the two courts for the complete defence of Portugal against the threatened invasion of Portugal; an object which it ought not to be difficult for Portugal to provide for, if the invading force should not exceed the numbers stated by the French government.
This is therefore the first point which is to be proposed to the court of Lisbon, and if that court, either singly by its own resources, or by such co-operation as it may be able to obtain from Spain, where it is probable the plans of France will create much more alarm than pleasure, should be willing seriously to engage in vigorous and effective measures of defence; the king will approve your expressing his majesty's disposition to support them to the full extent of such means as his majesty may be able to apply to this object.
You will however understand distinctly, that this instruction applies only to the case not merely of assurances, but as I have already expressed it, of vigorous and effective measures, bona fide adopted by the Portuguese government for its own defence: a resolution which seems to be strongly called for by the urgency of the present crisis, that one might look with some confidence to its adoption if former experience did not give too much reason to doubt of it even under such circumstances.
Should it be found that either the means or energies of the court of Portugal are inadequate for such a purpose, the next endeavour must be to inspire that government with a resolution which they are understood formerly to have entertained, and which in the case supposed is the only one that could be adopted, either with dignity or prudence; namely, that of withdrawing at once from their European territories, and removing themselves with all that they can carry with them, to their possessions beyond the Atlantick.
Should such be the disposition of the court, every encouragement must be given to confirm them in that intention, and the strongest engagements may be entered into that in such case his majesty will not only by his naval forces protect and secure such retreat, but that he will respect and even guarantee to the court of Portugal the independence of its dominions in the Brazils, as well as the possession of all ships and other property
that may be carried there by virtue of any such arrangement.
A case however must be provided for, different from either of the two preceding, and unhappily not the least probable, in which the government of Portugal abandoning all idea either of resistance or escape, should wait in fearful acquiescence the approach of the danger, leaving the country with all that it contains to fall an easy and certain prey into the hands of the enemy.
In that case his majesty would feel himself impelled as well by every consideration of duty to himself, as of regard even for his ally, to take such steps as might be necessary to diminish the evil by preventing the enemy from acquiring that accession of force, particularly of naval force, which the possession of the port of Lisbon, in such circumstances, would give him, and which may have had a principal share in promoting him to the present intended outrage.
You must, therefore, from the beginning, so regulate all your conduct, as to keep in view this ultimate object, the only one possibly which may at last be left to you to accomplish.
This, of course, should it ultimately become necessary, must be done not by negotiation, but by demonstration, and possibly by actual measures of force.
But even in this case, it is very material, that you should endeavour to the utmost to impress both on the government and on the people of Portugal, that the steps resorted to are taken with no feelings or object of hostility towards them, but are the result only of that unhappy necessity which the injustice and violence of the enemy, and the weakness of Portugal, impose upon his majesty.
Conformably to these impressions, if at any period before the ships and troops of his majesty are withdrawn from the coast, and even after measures of force shall have been mutually resorted to, the court of Portugal shall be disposed on better consideration and further evidence of the danger, to accept the proposal of removing to their possessions on the other continent, you will offer them every assistance for that purpose, and make all such engagements as may best soften and conciliate their minds to so painful an extremity.
In all your proceedings you will carefully avoid any thing that may give to the enemy any handle for misrepresenting the just and upright intentions of his majesty on this occasion.
Nothing would be more acceptable to his majesty, than that the court of Lisbon should continue, if it were possible, in the enjoyment of a secure and undisturbed neutrality. It is matter of great regret to his majesty to look in any possible case to the necessity of employing force against the territory of a friendly power—and it is of great importance that his majesty's conduct on this occasion should be represented in its true lights, both to the court and to the people of Portugal. It will therefore be proper not only to deliver in official notes to this effect, but to print and circulate in the Portuguese language a manifesto, in which those circumstances should be openly and frankly explained, which justify by the evident necessity of the case, the securing beforehand those military resources which the enemy has openly evinced, and formerly declared, his intention of seizing for his own purposes.
His majesty has no desire to derive from this measure any other advantage than that of depriving his enemy of means of annoyance, which are intended to be used both against the interests of his country, and for the purpose of attack against the colonies of Portugal herself. In order to avert these evils, his majesty authorises you to agree to any plan by which the Portuguese ships of war, if placed in his custody by that government without resorting to measures of force, shall be either retained in trust for Portugal, or shall be purchased from that government by his majesty, according to their full estimated value. He cannot forego those measures, which are necessary to prevent the Portuguese navy from becoming an accession to that of France; but he is desirous of executing this purpose in such way as may be least offensive to the dignity or injurious to the interests of an ally in whom his first wish would be to find the disposition and the means of opposing an effectual resistance against the common enemy.
The general objects which are in view being thus explained to you, the particular course in which they are to be pursued, whether in measures of negotiation or of force, or by a mixture of both, is left with full confidence to the discretion of the persons in whom his majesty has vested such ample powers, and by whose entire and perfect co-operation in every step of whatever description that shall become necessary, the objects in view can alone be accomplished.
The precise period of the demand to be made for the debarkation of the troops, and for the placing them in a situation of security,
is perhaps the most important among these points—and next to that the mode and time of the requisition, that the Portuguese ships in the Tagus should be placed in such a state, as to be capable of being immediately removed on the approach of an enemy.
It will not escape your attention, that these are measures which must equally be adopted, in each of the three cases above stated. If Portugal intends, with the aid of this country, to defend herself, if the court should meditate a removal to the Brazils—or, lastly, if a necessity should exist for measures of force, with a view to the removal of the ships: In every one of these cases, the king's troops must be landed, and a position must be occupied, that will both place them in safety, as far as possible, and will facilitate the execution of such measures as it may be necessary for the king's naval forces to adopt for the removal of the ships.
As this step therefore must at all events be taken, it would seem desirable that as little time as is practicable should be allowed for the preparation of measures of resistance against this indispensable step.
In this state of indecision in which it is not improbable the Portuguese government may now be placed, you must naturally expect, that the existence, or at least the urgency of the danger will be denied to you; and it is indeed not absolutely impossible, that circumstances may in fact occur to delay the march of the French army, now fixed, as we are told by France, for the 15th of this month—Of this you will of course have the means of procuring without difficulty, authentic intelligence from Bayonne; but you will remark, that the measures now adopted are founded on no light surmises, but on the declaration of the French government itself—that it is the habit of that government thus previously to announce its acts of violence—that other measures of a like nature were in like manner announced, and have actually been since carried into execution; and that therefore any temporary forbearance that may occur in the execution of this particular design affords no motive for delaying measures of necessary precaution against it.
If it should be urged that the admission of the king's forces will be considered by the enemy as a violation of the neutrality of Portugal, and will therefore afford either a motive or at least a pretext for the invasion of that country, you will remark that the neutrality is at an end from the moment that a design of invading its territory and subverting its government is openly announced by one of the belligerent parties; and that neither justice nor prudence require that we should wait for the actual execution of such a menace, before we take measures for averting or lessening the evil. And experience has but too clearly shown, and in too many instances, with what facility the French government finds or makes pretences for such measures, when once announced.
If on your arrival at Lisbon you should find that, either from alarms excited by any accidental circumstances, or in consequence of requisitions and demands made by the French, the country should have been put in such a state of preparation and defence, as to make the execution of any enterprize of force more difficult than it is hoped it would be found: and particularly if you should judge from these or any other circumstances, that the safety of the army entrusted to your command would be compromised by a debarkation, or by the measures to be afterwards pursued; the king relies on your discretion not to adopt any step which might lead to the probable loss of the forces.
In that case the whole negotiation would of course assume merely a pacific shape.
It would be stated that the troops are sent to co-operate in the defence of Portugal, if desired by that government; but that such desire not being there entertained, they would proceed to their former destination.
In that case, however, as indeed in every case of discussion with that government, it must always be impressed upon them, that the certain consequence of submission to France must be, the loss of the Brazils, which, in such event, this country must occupy for its safety.
I am, &c.
C. J. FOX.
St. Petersburg, Feb. 7. —The following is a piece of news, which, on account of its uncommon wickedness, was at first much doubted; it is now, however given as certain:—
"In autumn last, a journeyman blacksmith thought it necessary, as an extraordinary circumstance, to denounce his master a German by birth, to the police of Moscow because he slept during the day and from his manner of living, it was easy to see, that he worked during the night and even obtained the means of living well. An officer of the police, with a proper escort, repaired the same evening to the master's dwelling, got a hole made in the
window shutter of the workshop with a small tool; but he could only see a dark room which a bright ray of light shot through; upon knocking at the door, this light immediately disappeared. The officer threatened to break open the door, and the smith at last unlocked it, but would allow nobody to enter his workshop. When the authority was shewn to him, by virtue of which this unexpected nocturnal visit was made, he earnestly begged that the officer of police would go in alone, and he led him by a trap door into a subterraneous room, where he shewed him a steel plate for the manufacturing of forged bank notes. He told him he was perfectly easy respecting the business, because he was employed by the bank of St. Petersburg itself, and in order to prove this, he shewed him the formal order which he had received, signed by the directors of the bank, which order had been given to him by a person of considerable distinction of Moscow, the counsellor of state***, who enjoys twenty thousand rubles a year. The officer of police recommended secrecy to the blacksmith, until the business should be enquired into.—The governor of Moscow was applied to for the purpose of getting the counsellor of state arrested; but the order could not be obtained, the latter, having, as it was said, lent some time before a considerable sum at two per cent. interest.—The following night, the blacksmith's house caught fire, and it was so sudden and violent, that he perished in the flames.
The business, however, could not be entirely smothered. A merchant who had come to receive from the counsellor of state*** a considerable payment for account of his correspondents, made a declaration at the police of one of twenty-five bank notes which he had received in that payment, not being signed. (The notes are always signed by three of the directors) He was desired to carry back the forged note to the person from whom he had received it, and to take particular notice of his countenance at the time he delivered it. The man who was with so much reason suspected, with the greatest coolness, gave another note in charge and only complained of the negligence of the directors, who had sent him upon three different occasions, unsigned bank notes. He invited the merchant, who was going away, to stop and keep him company, being under arrest in his own house on account of this foolish mistake, and he ordered breakfast. Towards dinner time, the merchant was obliged to go away; but he had scarcely got home when he was taken ill and died. This last incident put an end to the hesitation of the police, who arrested the counsellor of state***, and sent him under a strong guard to St. Petersburg. He is now waiting his trial for forgery, for arson, and for poisoning. It is believed, however, that the punishment will not go beyond the knout and working in the mines.— Publiciste.
Astonishing Female Artists!!
The Ladies and Gentlemen of Norfolk and its vicinity, are respectfully informed, that two more singular and surprising instances of the wonderful productions of nature was perhaps never so apparently demonstrated as in the cases of Miss Sarah Rojgers and Miss Martha A. Honeywell, two young Ladies who have just arrived in Norfolk, and by the solicitation of a number of respectable families, have been induced to stay a few days—They now reside at Mrs. Taylor's Boarding-House, No. 33, Catherine-Street, where they will perform during their stay in Norfolk.
MISS ROJGERS is a native of New-Hampshire; she was born without the use of either hands or feet, but the amends made in the exercise of her other faculties, surpasses all human belief. Without the use of her limbs, and with her mouth only, she will paint elegant Flowers and Landscapes, mix colours, write, thread a needle, cut paper or cloth with the scissors held in her mouth, &c. &c.
MISS HONEYWELL, is a native of New-York; she was born without hands, and with only three toes on one foot. She is not so much a subject of wonder and admiration for her great ingenuity and elegance in embroidering Flowers for framing, and in cutting with rich variety and taste Gentlemen's Watch Papers, as for the peculiar felicity of her disposition, diffusing gaiety all around her. Indeed their sportively engaging aspects at once dispel those painful sensations, which the deprivation of their limbs excites in the sympathizing breasts of their visitors, and give place to the most felicitous impressions, resulting in an admiration of the good sense and cheerful resignation of these young Ladies to their peculiar lot, which they have rendered by their persevering industry, spirit, and wisdom, a happiness to themselves, and a very instructive and consolatory example to the world in general, and to their own sex particularly.
Admission Fifty Cents—Children half price. Hours of admittance every day from 9 o'clock in the morning till 2, and from 3 till 7 in the afternoon. May 23.
LANDING From on board the Swedish Sloop African, captain Portell, from St. Bartholomews,  2800 HIDES, Spanish, 10 tierces fine Green Margayante COFFEE, 15 tierces Flotant INDIGO—For Sale by Wilson, Cunningham, & Co. IN STORE,  10,000 WT. good COFFEE, 15 hogsheads 2d quality SUGAR, 10 do. N. E. RUM. May 27.
NOTES OF HAND,
according to the new form established by the Directors of the Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of the United States, for sale at this office.

MONDAY EVENING, MAY 30, 1808.
The Country House of Mr. William Pennock, on Lambert's Point, together with the Furniture, was consumed last night by fire. We have not understood whether by design or accident.
No. I.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PUBLICK LEDGER.
Sir,
An attentive perusal of the letter from the Secretary of the Treasury to our Collector, with new instructions respecting the carrying into effect the restrictions of the embargo laws, together with that from the President therein alluded to, both dated 6th inst. of which last, by the bye, a correct copy has not yet found its way into any of our newspapers, induces me to make the following remarks.
A great deal has been said respecting evasions of the embargo laws, by vessels clearing out with flour for ports in the United States, and actually going with their cargoes to the West Indies: that no such instances have occurred it would be too bold to assert, but that they have very frequently happened cannot be believed, except by those who are tortured by the fear, that the embargo after all the evils it brings upon us, will not realize their wishes and predictions.
That the President, therefore, who has always manifested the strongest prejudices against the mercantile part of the community, should denounce any remnant of trade as criminal is not wonderful, but that he should boldly transcend all the powers which a very accommodating legislature thought proper to invest him with, is truly astonishing, yet it is no less true than strange. Age, which in the breasts of most men begets caution and timidity, has in him begotten the temerity instead to utter the most unfounded and injurious suspicions in a circular letter to the governors of several of the states, and to act in such a manner as certainly no part of the embargo laws will be found to sanction. To an unconcerned inquirer, it would afford amusement, to examine into our embargo laws and all their bearings.
The first act was passed after a deliberation in council upon a recommendation from the President, to inhibit the departure of our vessels from the United States, that we might thereby preserve in safety our seamen, shipping and merchandise. The deliberation was short and secret, lest the folly of some of our merchants should prefer a chance of gain to certain loss, and lest our seamen should prefer employment to beggary, for as yet no other object was held out but to keep in safety the resources above mentioned; but the sage authors of the law soon found that it would not answer the purposes for which they intended it, they therefore passed a supplement, requiring heavy bonds to be given by all vessels carrying property coastwise. No doubt some coasters which were cleared out previous to that supplementary act, may have gone to foreign places, and their owners may have thought it no crime, the letter of the law notwithstanding, as the declared spirit of it was to keep their property in safety, and they could foresee no dangers out of port, equal to those they saw within: But, alas! these deluded men knew not that the true object of the embargo was concealed, not declared, or their love of order and law, which however improperly enacted will meet with the submission of good patient citizens, would have induced them quietly to behold their property perish before their eyes. A second supplementary act after a considerable lapse of time was brought forth, which showed, though it did not declare the true object of the law: Then for the first time was made manifest that the true object of these laws was not the preservation of our seamen, shipping and merchandise, but to endeavour to do our neighbours the most harm we could: Hence was enacted the famous land embargo, with all the prohibitions against intercourse with our neighbours by means of boats on our rivers and lakes.
Even under both of the laws priorly enacted, no doubt it was thought by many to be quite innocent to hasten to the frontiers with their superfluous produce, to dispose of it in safety and with advantage to themselves, while as yet there was no law against it, and none expected: But mark the result.—The British West India islands by providing beforehand as well as they could for the contingency which has happened, and by the supplies which they receive from Canada and Nova Scotia, which doubtless have been augmented by the traffick on the frontiers, are understood to be in no danger of suffering soon from want.—The legislature in consequence, believing exaggerated reports, (which at the time of their rising they could not take time to examine) that many vessels after clearing out coastwise had proceeded to the West Indies, authorized (by another supplementary act passed 25th April) the collectors of the different districts to detain such vessels as they might have cause to suspect of intending to evade the embargo laws, till the pleasure of the President should be known respecting them. Under this inquisitorial scrutiny, unparalledled as it is believed heretofore in any free country, no particular hardships or injuries had been complained of, and it is believed there would have been little or no foundation for any, while the
exercise of this discretion was committed to men of probity and intelligence uninfluenced by prejudice and guided by the light of truth, of which they daily received the most convincing proofs, by incontestible documents.
To show in what manner the President has uttered unfounded and injurious suspicions, and transcended his powers, by laying restraints on commerce unauthorized by law, will be the subject of another letter, if you shall deem this worthy of notice.
I am, sir,
Yours respectfully,
A FRIEND OF JUSTICE.
Richmond, May 20, 1808.
SENTENCE
Of the General Court Martial in the case of CAPT. JOHN HALL.
At a General Court Martial assembled on board the United States Ship the Chesapeake, in the harbour of Norfolk, and state of Virginia on Monday the 4th day of January, in the year of our Lord 1808 and continued by adjournment from day to day, on till Monday the 22d day of February, in the same year.
PRESENT.
 Captain JOHN RODGERS, President.  Captains WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE, HUGH G. CAMPBELL, STEPHEN DECATUR, Jun. and JOHN SHAW.  Masters Commandant, JOHN SMITH, and DAVID PORTER.  Lieuts. JOSEPH TARBELL, JACOB JONES, JAMES LAWRENCE, and CHARLES LUDLOW. 
The court, pursuant to an order from the honorable Robert Smith, secretary of the navy of the United States, to captain John Rodgers directed, bearing date on the 7th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1807, proceeded (as therein they are directed) to try John Hall, Esq. a captain in the marine corps of the United States, upon the charge, "For negligently performing the duty assigned him," which is stated in the said warrant, and therein preferred against him, and having heard all the evidence, and very maturely and thoroughly considered the same, the prisoner declining to offer any defence, gave the following OPINION:
The charge stated in the warrant of the honorable the secretary of the navy, against the said John Hall, is in these words:
 "For negligently performing the duty assigned him."  "SPECIFICATION."  1st. "In that he did not take care to have the marines on board the said frigate supplied with enough cartridges."  2d. "In that he did not take care to have such cartridges, as the marines had, of the proper size."  3d. "In that notwithstanding certain indications of a hostile intention, exhibited towards the said frigate Chesapeake by the said ship Leopard, he did not report to his commanding officer the exact state and condition of the marines on board the said frigate Chesapeake, their arms and supplies of ammunition."  4th. "In that he never did make his commanding officer on board the said frigate, a true and faithful report of the exact state and condition of the marines on board the said frigate, their arms and supplies of ammunition." 
In deciding upon this charge the court will make the following statements:
1st. It appears to the court, that the said John Hall did not take care to have the marines on board the said frigate supplied with enough cartridges.—It is unnecessary for the court to decide which is the particular duty of the officer commanding a detachment of marines, on board of a vessel of the United States in this respect, as it appears to the court that there was a great deficiency of cartridges on board the said frigate: that this deficiency was reported to the said John Hall, by his sergeant; and it does not appear to the court that he took any measures whatsoever to procure a better supply.—Whatever may be the duties of an officer commanding marines on board a vessel of the United States in other respects, it certainly is the duty of every officer on board such vessel, when deficiencies are regularly reported to him, to report immediately the information he has so received to the commander, or some superior officer to himself on board such vessel. This does not appear to the court to have been done by the said John Hall. The court are therefore of opinion, that this specification is fully proved.
2d. It appears to the court, that the cartridges which the marines on board the said frigate had, although they did not exactly and tightly fit the calibre of their muskets, were nevertheless, of a good and proper size. The court are therefore of opinion, that this second specification is not proved.
3d and 4th. It appears to the court, that the said John Hall did make to his commanding officer on board the said frigate a true and faithful report, daily, of the state and condition of the marines on board the said frigate; but never did at any time, report the state of their arms or ammunition.—As to the arms of the said marines, it does not appear to the court that any defect in them existed, or was ever reported to the said John Hall; but as to the supply of ammunition, it appears to the court, there was a very great deficiency in that; that this was regularly reported to the said John Hall, and it does not appear by the evidence that this deficiency was ever reported by him either to the said Charles Gordon, his commanding officer on board the said frigate, or to any other officer thereof. The court are therefore of opinion, that these two specifications (the 3d and 4th) are proved in part.
The several specifications annexed to this charge, which are proved, either fully or in part, are abundantly sufficient in the opinion of the court, to establish the charge preferred against the accused.—They do therefore agree, that the said John Hall is guilty under this charge, "for negligently performing the duty assigned him," and do further agree that the said John Hall being so guilty of this charge, falls under part of the 20th article of the rules and regulations for the government of the navy of the United States, adopted by an act of the congress of the United States, passed on the 23d day of April, in the year of our Lord 1800, and entitled
"An act for the better government of the navy of the United States," the punishment directed by this law to be inflicted upon one guilty of the offence here described, is left discretionary with the court. And this court taking into consideration the unsettled practice and different usage on board of different ships in the service of the United States, relative to the duties expected to be performed by the officer commanding a detachment of marines on board of such ships, by which the accused may very probably have been deceived as to his duties on board the Chesapeake, the possibility that the accused may have reported verbally the deficiency in his supply of cartridges to the said Charles Gordon, who have forgotten that such a report was made to him, the state of things existing at the time of the Chesapeake's sailing, and above all, that no evil has resulted from any of the neglects of duty charged upon the accused, do adjudge and SENTENCE he said John Hall to be PRIVATELY REPRIMANDED by the honourable the secretary of the navy, or by such person as he may think proper to appoint for that purpose, and at such time and place, and in such manner as the said secretary shall choose or direct. In pronouncing this opinion the court will add, that believing the accused to be certainly guilty, they have not considered themselves as possessed of any authority to pardon, and have therefore been compelled to adjudge him some punishment. They have selected this as the least which they could select, among those which are customary; but if a lesser had ever been resorted to in any case whatsoever, that would have been preferred.
 JOHN RODGERS,  WM. BAINBRIDGE,  HUGH G. CAMPBELL,  STEPHEN DECATUR, Jun.  JOHN SHAW,  JOHN SMITH,  D. PORTER,  JOS. TABBELL,  J. JONES,  JAS. LAWRENCE,  CHARLES LUDLOW. 
LITTN. W. TAZEWELL, Judge advocate.
SENTENCE
Of the Court Martial in the case of WILLIAM HOOK, Gunner.
"Notwithstanding several of the specifications annexed to this charge are not proved, and several of those which are proved, are not of a nature under the existing circumstances of the time, to establish any neglect of duty on that account in the said William Hook, yet some of those specifications which are proved, are abundantly sufficient in the opinion of the court to support the charge here preferred against him. The court do therefore agree that the said William Hook is guilty under this charge "for negligently performing the duty assigned him," and do further agree that the said William Hook being so guilty of this charge, falls under part of the 20th article of the rules and regulations for the government of the navy of the United States, adopted by an act of the congress of the United States, passed on the 23d day of April, in the year of our Lord 1800, and entitled "An act for the better government of the navy of the United States," the punishment directed by this law to be inflicted upon one guilty of the offence here described, is left discretionary with the court. And this court considering the nature of the neglects of which the accused is guilty, the strong evidence they have heard proving that much of this neglect was willful, and the fatal consequences which have in a great degree resulted from it, do adjudge and SENTENCE the said William Hook to be DISMISSED from the service of the United States."
From St. Croix.—We are indebted to a friend for the following interesting proclamation, just received:— Commercial Adv.
By his excellency, brigadier general George William Richard Harcourt, lieutenant-governour and commander in chief in and over his majesty's islands of St. Croix and its dependencies, vice admiral of the same, &c.
Whereas it is highly expedient and necessary under the present scarcity of provisions and lumber within this island and its dependencies, not only to encourage by all possible means the importation and supply thereof but to the same end to prohibit the exportation of colonial produce in all foreign ships and vessels, excepting in such cases as shall be wholly or partly laden with provisions or lumber, for sale within the said Island or its dependencies, or for the use or supply of any of the inhabitants thereof—I do hereby direct and order that no sugar, rum, or colonial produce whatever be shipped or exported in any foreign ships and vessels whatever, save and except such as are before excepted, and then only to the amount of the value of the cargoes imported, and all officers and persons whom it may concern, are to take due notice accordingly.
Given under my hand and seal at the government house, Saint Croix, this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eight, and in the forty eighth year of his majesty's reign.
GEO. HARCOURT.
By his excellency's command, WM. BEATTY, acting Secretary.
To the Editor of the Federal Gazette.
SIR,
I send you some extracts from a pamphlet published about ten years ago, and written by a member of congress. It is entitled "An Address to the People of Maryland, on the origin, progress and present state of French aggressions, &c. &c."
My reason for sending you these extracts for publication at this time is to show that the conduct and principles of the French rulers remain the same notwithstanding the important changes in their form of government.
The principle for which Buonaparte has uniformly professed to contend, is, that free ships should make free goods . And yet he seizes without scruple an American vessel, and condemns her, merely for having English merchandise on board; nay declares a vessel good prize which may happen to have been visited by an English ship of war, or to have touched at an English port!
Without adverting to the numerous enormities committed by him on the continent of Europe, can it be supposed that such a man acting upon such principles, would be more tolerant upon the
ocean, if he had dominion over it, than he is upon the land?
But the American apologists for French tyranny will say, the French emperor contends for "the freedom of the seas." Such a state of things would certainly be flattering to commercial enterprise; but is it to be inferred that the French are disinterested in maintaining this principle? Certainly not: for when we consider that they are almost always involved in a war with Britain who possessed so great a naval superiority, it is evident they have never been able to import the produce of their own colonies, much less that of other countries, even allowing they had shipping enough to do it. And this is the cause of their being so strenuous in support of the doctrine, that "free ships should make free goods;" for if that were once established, the inconveniences they would suffer from a war would be comparatively trifling.
In making these remarks, Mr. Editor, on the system pursued by France I wish not to be understood as intending to excite improper prejudices against her, or in favour of any other country. I shall never attempt to palliate the outrages of one nation by holding up to view the atrocities of another—We should resent injuries and insults, from whatever quarter they may come: for surely if monarchs, disgraced as they are by almost every species of political turpitude, raise so great an outcry about their honour, a republick, whose national character is yet unstained by injustice, should risk the last drop of its blood to maintain its dignity.
But to proceed to the pamphlet. Alluding to the French decrees of 96—7, he observes:
"However these decrees exceed all bounds of decency, and however abominable in their pretensions, their execution far exceeded them in atrocity. Our vessels have not only been captured, but when tried at all, tried by judges who were to share in the plunder; oftentimes condemned without even the forms of trial, and when they have mortified us with a formal appearance of trial, they have not even admitted the captured to a defence. As if these decrees were not sufficiently extensive, they have attempted to bribe sailors to swear they were going to British ports, and if they have failed in bending their virtues into a compliance have used instruments of torture. They have taken property by force in their own ports, because they wanted it; they have imprisoned our seamen, nearly starved and exchanged them with the British for Frenchmen. They have fired upon, distressed and burnt our vessels."
"Extract from the letter of Mr. Skipwith to Mr. Munroe, dated October, 1794."
"At your request I now lay before you a statement of the innumerable embarrassments which our commerce has for a long time and still continues to suffer in the different ports of the French republick. It is evident if the government does not soon remedy the incessant abuses and vexations practised daily upon our merchants, vessels, captains and crews; the trade of the United States with France must cease. I cannot give you an ample detail of all the inconveniences and oppressions which have been thrown upon our commerce; many of the consuls and agents to whom you have written, to forward such documents to my office, not having yet done it; besides it would take volumes to expose them at full length. From the communications however already received from the different ports, and from the information I received from the captains present, I can assure you there are near three hundred sail of American vessels now in the ports of France, all of which have suffered or are suffering more or less difficulty and delay—the hardships of which I have chiefly to complain, and out of which there grows inculcable evils, may be developed under four general heads—1st, the capture, indiscriminately, of our vessels at sea, by the vessels of war of the republick—2d, the impossibility of Americans selling their cargoes, and receiving payment in the ports to which they are conducted, or of their own accord arrive—3d, the difficulties and procrastination which they find in their transactions with the boards of marine and commerce—4th, the non compliance, or heretofore delay, in fulfilling the contracts made by the agents of the French republick in America for provisions. The seizure of our vessels at sea often gives rise to the most serious and well founded complaints. The stripping them of their officers and crews, who are generally replaced by boys and inexperienced hands in order to be conducted to ports, expose them to much injury, and sometimes to total loss; the confinement of our sailors taken out of those vessels, the seals upon their cargoes, and above all, the sending the papers to commissioners of marine at Paris, involves the most unwarrantable hardships and delays; and indeed I am sorry to add, that all of our vessels experience some of these difficulties, and indeed such as arrive with cargoes on account of the republick, months elapsing before the captains can get their clearances and papers, many of which are often lost or misled."
"Many of these outrages took place before G. Britain issued her orders, a greater number before the nomination of Mr. Jay and the whole of those alluded to by Mr. Skipwith and the greater part of those mentioned in the merchants memorial previous to the signature of the British treaty. But the French government possesses the happy talent of giving a retrospect to their decrees, and her advocates in this country have discovered that injuries upon our commerce and violation of treaty committed, many of them more than two years before the final ratification, more than eighteen months before its signature by Mr. Jay, and nearly twelve months previous to Mr. Jay's nomination are all ascribable to the British treaty; speaking of the French decree of 98 he says, let us however attend to the probable operation of this decree. In the first place it subjects to confiscation the vessels and cargoes which shall have on board one article of the British manufacture."
"This at once strikes at all our trade to England, because she cannot purchase our produce unless we take her manufactures in return. In the next place the vessel and cargo is liable to condemnation for having on board any article, the production of the British dominions, but such productions, for instance, coffee, cotton, &c. cannot be distinguished from those of any other nation, and therefore all such productions will be liable to the same fate, and as our carrying trade was chiefly supported by these articles, I take it, it annihilates our carrying trade; our coasting vessels generally have on board some articles of British manufacture, and are frequently employed in carrying the produce of the country to the towns, to be exchanged for British goods to be re-conveyed to the country; it strikes then almost

at the root of the coasting trade; but it is said we may still export our produce, and that whilst we can do this, we can dispense with British or any other manufactures. Were this the fact, it might still be worth the toil of the farmer to make this produce. But to what place and how is it to be exported: will you carry it to France? The same arbitrary will, which has dictated so many illegal acts and which has already caused her to seize on property of neutrals in her own ports, and refuses to pay for it, will probably induce her to seize whatever you may carry there at present. Will you carry it to Spain, to Holland, or to any other country under her influence? The same arbitrary authority which has ordered these countries to seize all British manufactures, even such as belonged to their own citizens, may order them to seize upon your produce.
"Under this decree have we severely felt the rod of French chastisement, for daring to make a treaty with England, not because we infringed her treaty, for she has by this decree acknowledged otherwise, and through Mr. Adet, declared all her rights saved by the clause in that treaty which declares it shall not derogate from pre-existing treaties. Under this decree have three ships, the Asia, New-Jersey, and Pigou been captured, whose cargoes have been supposed worth fifteen hundred thousand dollars, the loss on which to the revenues of our country is estimated at between two and three hundred thousand dollars. Hundreds of others have been captured for the same cause."
"To weaken the affections of the people for their government in every country is the object of her constant hopes. These are the means by which Rome gave the law to nations, and these are the means by which France has already laid prostrate, not the monarchies against whom she declared vengeance, but the republics for which she has professed so much friendship, and these are the means by which she is still progressing to the empire of nations."
"Caesar raised an army to get money and employed his money to procure an army; France has found out the necessity of conquering the world, and the auxiliary necessity of plundering neutrals to gratify the necessity."
The following speech was delivered by the Governor of Connecticut to both houses.
Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the house of Representatives.
After a winter's recess, I rejoice to meet you again, under circumstances more favourable than many had apprehended.
Notwithstanding the threatening and although under the pressure of privations arising from a suspension of our commercial and navigating intercourse with foreign nations, the winter has passed away without our being actually involved, as we had too much reason to fear, in the calamities of war. How much longer we may be favoured by Heaven in this respect, is not for us to decide; this event is known only to that Supreme Being who superintends the affairs of nations, and governs the passions and pursuits of men. The world, almost, at the present period, is in a wonderful state of political and warlike agitation; a circumstance which greatly endangers the peace and security of our hitherto favoured and happy country. Under this consideration however, we may be consoled when we reflect, that although from our ingratitude as a people under numerous and signal interpositions of Divine Providence in our favour, and although from a general sense of our national sins and follies, we have but too much reason to apprehend the just correction of a holy God, if indeed, by our internal divisions, we are not already experiencing the effects of this awful displeasure; yet we are permitted to hope in the great mercy of our God, and, under the influence of a repentant and suppliant spirit of mind, not only to hope, but cheerfully to expect his continued blessing and protection.
No public requisitions from our national government require our present consideration. Our own internal concerns will employ our particular attention, and occupy our deliberations during our present session. If any thing can be done to render our militia more efficient in point of arms and equipments, it would be very desirable; in this respect, and under present circumstances, the militia partakes more of the name than the reality of an effective force. Our militia men are excellent; but without arms substantial and uniform are not soldiers; without effective arms, are but a solecism in military operations.
I have sometimes thought that our code of penal laws might be revised and amendments to it advantageously made. It has appeared to me, that subjects for Newgate prison have lately multiplied upon us in alarming numbers. May it alarming numbers. May it not be, that hitherto we have not sufficiently attended to the degree of crime, and the distinctions in similar offences, which ought to be made, with regard to those who are candidates for that prison of highest resort? In reflecting on this subject, it has occurred to me, whether, in making laws and regulations for the publick workhouse which has been ordered to be built for the use of the state, sufficient provision might not be made as well for some minor crimes (minor in degree as in kind) as for petty offences which are calculated to meet correction, by labor and confinement in that bettering work house. I take the liberty to mention those hints, and leave them to your wise and serious consideration.
Among the public communications which are now to be made, are letters from the governors of the state of Virginia and Vermont, presenting Resolutions of their respective Legislatures, proposing amendments to the constitution of the U. States, as respects the Senate and Judiciary of the Union. In making these communications to you, I cannot refrain from observing, that this desire of amendment, or rather alteration of the constitution of the U. States is growing so prevalent, that in my estimation, the venerable instrument, the production of our former enlightened and experienced sages, is in danger of becoming essentially different from its first construction, if not fatally impaired in its original design to promote the general interest and public welfare of the United States.
In making the annual civil appointments to office within the state, as well as in all other of your civil acts and deliberations during the present session, I beg the Legislature will calculate on my assiduous attention and cheerful co-operation in such measures as may be deemed conducive to the general interest and welfare of the state.
J. TRUMBULL.
PHILADELPHIA, May 24. Extract of a letter from St. Bartholomew, to a mercantile house in this city, dated May 5, 1808.
"I am this day informed from Antigua, that the governor has forbid the Americans collecting any old debts—or any shipments being made on their account. You may rely on the information being correct."
Captain Hendy, of the ship Raleigh, from Londonderry, sailed the 23d April, at which time every kind of provisions were extremely scarce and enormously high. Flaxseed was at 9 guineas. A large quantity which had been shipped to England and Scotland, for crushing, had been returned to Ireland, which kept down the price of that article.—The Raleigh has 96 passengers.
Yesterday we gave reason to expect news by the Raleigh from Derry, but we find that the only paper containing later London dates than those we had before received, fell into the hands of a person who we are told sent it to another office.—From an Irish paper of the 11th we extract the following.
MESSINA, (Sicily) January 23. "I arrived at this place on the 20th ult. having come hither from Malta in a fine transport, and found things here in the like unsettled state as when I left Messina in the latter end of October. If possible a greater degree of fear prevailed than at that time, as considerable bodies of French troops have been for some months past daily advancing towards the shores of Calabria—they are even advanced within four miles of Reggio, and occupy the town of Scylla, from which they frequently send out detachments, who are sometimes beaten by the mass, headed by an English officer. A few prisoners are now and then taken, and brought to Messina."
"The castle Scylla is still garrisoned by English troops, and the commander has received orders, in case he should be attacked, to hold out to the last, and fresh supplies have been sent over of ball and every thing necessary in case of a siege. The intercourse with Calabria is at an end, and boats are hourly arriving, crowded with whole families quitting their houses, alarmed at the approach of the French. Some families, however, finding the difficulty of supporting themselves, have had passports given them to return to their former homes, although actually in the possession of the French."
"The English troops in Sicily are very few, but are kept continually on the alert by the present commander general Sherbrooke, who is a very active officer."
"The citadel here and all the forts round Messina, are put in the best possible state of defence, and although the number of effective men scarcely amount to five thousand men, there cannot be a doubt but that it is the intention of the English to retain possession of the island. Nothing but the firm belief of this, and consequently the hopes of a speedy reinforcement from Britain, of an army sufficient to protect the island, could have quieted the minds of the people friendly to the English in Messina, and the English themselves resident here.—For certainly the French do not relax in their exertions of sending troops in Calabria, as bodies are daily advancing. A detachment of gun-boats from this place, manned by Neapolitans, and one or two English seamen, scour the coast and endeavour to annoy them as much as possible. They have lately brought in one or two small boats that the French were attempting to get round. The French have managed to get one or two gun-boats round to a small town near Scylla, which they have hauled up on the beach."
"The Callabrese who take shelter here are a dreadful set; they are all armed with sabres and pistols; and accustomed to plunder in their own mountains, they rob and commit murder here, almost every night. The inhabitants of Messina are endeavouring to get an order issued, that no more may be allowed to land."
"The whole island of Sicily is filled with emissaries of the French, and when there is no active police, nor in fact hardly any police at all, without the English take this duty upon themselves, it will be possible either to prevent improper persons coming hither, assassinations, or any other crimes daily perpetrated with impunity, from being committed. The vessels laid in this port for Trieste, have already began to tranship their cargoes for England, in consequence of the determination of England to take all vessels bound to ports in amity with France."
"No vessels have arrived direct from Trieste for some days; and the last accounts state, that Buonaparte was at Venice, and intended shortly to return to Milan. An American vessel from Smyrna was taken a few days ago by the Spartan frigate, and brought in here. She brings no news."
"A vessel in 50 days from Constantinople, now in quarantine, brings nothing new from that place. Sebastian is still in that city, and all the forts are manned, and cannon mounted. French officers are everywhere; and the navy is to be commanded entirely by Frenchmen.—A new trade has been lately opened by some merchants at Malta, to the Greek islands and Levant, under the Jerusalem flag."
"The rainy season has commenced in Sicily, and a vast deal of snow has lately fallen; the mountains within two miles of the town are covered, but it does not continue long."
"Articles of provisions since Calabria has been visited by the French, begin to be very extravagant here, as vast quantities of poultry and vegetables of all kinds were brought to Messina from that side."
   BOSTON, May 19. REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT CURRENT.   Federal Gain. Loss. Demo. Gain Loss.     Already published, 124 5 29 56   Eastport, 0 0 0 1   Wellfleet, 1 0 0 0   Otisfield, 1 0 0 0   Bristol, 0 0 1 0   Wiscasset, 1 0 0 1   Waterford, 1 0 0 0   Edgartown, 0 0 0 1   Tisbury, 0 0 0 1   128 5 30 60    Making a clear federal gain of one hundred and fifty three representatives.
May 20. Extract of a letter from a gentleman at New Orleans to his friend in Boston, dated 10th April. "Letters from Kentucky last evening mention that Col. A. B. was collecting his old friends, and would be in this city shortly. This much is a fact."
—about three days since all the flour here was purchased at about $7.75 per barrel. The quantity is very large.
"If the embargo cannot be enforced without infringing the constitution and our equal rights, the general exclamation must be, "Let the embargo be destroyed, but let our rights and the constitution be preserved."
"Fall tide of experiment." Yesterday a small Lynn coaster, laden with flour, was denied clearance at the custom-house. The master, we are told, made application to the governor, for permission to proceed, but was denied; the case not coming within the purview of the new appointment. The flour is now unloading, and must be transported to our democratic neighbours by land.
(Cont. May 18.)
COMMENTARY. The only section of the last embargo law that could be extended to the case, is the 11th section. This permits the collector to detain a vessel ostensibly bound from one port to another, where he suspects an intention to violate the law.—Is it possible that the starving of a town is to depend on the suspicion of an officer. The people of Lynn are not to eat flour bread, because an officer has a suspicion, on which suspicion he is bound to act; and this is the law of a republic? Buonaparte himself dare not make the selling of sallad in Paris depend on such a tyrannical decree. Had the federal administration adopted such a law, I would have abandoned my party before the night of the first day on which it was published. A people are to be starved according to law, because an officer suspects an intention to evade the embargo laws. The merchant is to be ruined and a nation starved—for what? the suspicions of a collector. Let us now see our constitution and bill of rights. They have been often altered by the spirit of party, and mutilated by the construction of party—but we can still guess their true meaning from their language.
According to the eighth section of the constitution, "congress has powers to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among or between the several states." It has no other power given to it and it can give no other or greater powers to its officers—for by the twelfth article in addition to, and amendment of the constitution, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution nor prohibited by it to the states are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people." The right therefore, of regulating or prohibiting commerce between ports of the same state, is altogether out of the control of congress, and belongs only to the individual states. Any attempt therefore of congress to regulate or prohibit such commerce, is an act of outrage and usurpation, and the officer who seconds it is a transgressor. The states trusted to congress all the power they thought it safe to trust to it. The exercise of any further power is not just or lawful.
The conclusion must be, that the attempt to stop a vessel demanding leave to sail from one port in a state to another port in the same state, is wholly unlawful. The act which directs an officer to do it, is wholly unconstitutional. The circular of Mr. Gallatin, sanctioned as it is by the orders of the President, which recommends this restraint in certain cases, is wholly without authority. The trade between port and port, of the same state, is wholly under the control of the state, and it is an outrage on the dignity and sovereignty of the state, to restrict and prohibit it by any other than a municipal regulation.
The western papers present us with many circumstances of collusion, if not open evasion of the embargo laws. We are sensible of the embarrassments, which these publick acts have brought on certain portions of the community, but must nevertheless regret every instance of opposition to them, excepting in the way of remonstrance. Open force against the laws of the land, is certainly rebellion, however plausible or urgent the reasons for such conduct. After the sanction of this measure, by the constituted authorities, we do contend, that the LAW ought to be supported.
The Election.—Accounts from different towns, so far as collected, give 259 federalists and 203 democrats. A few other towns are to be heard from. But it is evident there must be a federal majority, if all the members attend, and that they will attend, we cannot treat them so ill as to admit a doubt. If the towns which remain to be heard from send as they did last year, it is calculated there will be in the house a federal majority of 18.
We understand no difficulties have yet been experienced in procuring certificates for the importation of flour. For this we have to thank our governor, and not the president. The fee for a certificate we understand is one dollar.
The number of arrivals on Wednesday with flour, and the readiness with which the governor has granted certificates, have reduced the price to the same as on Saturday last. Considerable corn, we are told, has also arrived. At Passamaquoddy, we understand, the collector has taken the keys of the stores containing provisions, and refuses to suffer the proprietors to enter, except with an officer.
Great losses must be experienced by those who have provisions at Eastport, as by the law they cannot even be brought from there to a port in the United States.
NEWBURYPORT, May 17.
Latest from Europe.
Capt. Kenard, of the ship Liverpool Packet, has arrived at Portsmouth, in 30 days from Newry, (Ireland) with passengers; she brought a very English newspapers, but capt. K. gave them all away to an English vessel of war he spoke on the passage. The passengers report that at the time of the Packet's sailing, the termination of Mr. Rose's mission was not known in Newry—that it was confidently expected there, and in Great Britain generally, that Mr. R. would be able to adjust all differences between that country and America; and that the voice of the people was almost unanimous for peace with the United States.
AMERICAN SEAMEN.
PORTLAND, May 16.
A gentleman from St. Andrews, (New Brunswick) who left that place one week since, informs that in the course of the week before he left there, upwards of two hundred American seamen arrived at that place in quest of employment, and that they shipped for ten dollars per month. Thus it is the policy of Mr. Jefferson that drives
our selected seamen into a foreign land to procure a living. But the evil will not end here; it will spread a subject of alienation with other governments, and whenever the embargo is taken off if this is ever to be the case, our merchants will not be able to obtain sailors to man one half their vessels at any price.
FALSE ALARM.—Much curiosity was excited in this town the last week, in consequence of a ship's having anchored in Hovey's Sound. At first it was a British seventy-four, next a frigate, then a sloop of war, privateer, smuggler, &c. Reports would have it that large quantities of flour and provisions were sent down to her in the night:—Others would have it that she was the United States ship Wasp, in distress! However, on Friday the custom-house boat went down, and behold it was a ship with regular papers, bound to New Orleans in ballast, but being light and having experienced heavy gales, was in want of repairs.
MONTREAL, May 9, 1808.
It appears from what we learn, that the inhabitants of Vermont on the borders of Lake Champlain, are as unwilling to stop their trade with this Province, as the inhabitants of the Province are to have them—and that all the vigilance of the custom house officers with an armed gun-boat is required to enforce their embargo acts—and yet they are unable wholly to accomplish their purpose. It is also stated, that should the last supplementary embargo bill, which prohibits all coasting, be enforced, the people of Vermont will get mad, and lose every claim to the complements which a member of congress heaped upon them respecting their "honour, dignity, and magnanimity."
On the 1st inst. a sloop some were on the Lake Champlain, split her cables and drifted into the port of St. Johns, with a cargo of tea. Many raits have lately met with a similar fate, and are now probably drifting in the St. Lawrence. On this account, we hear, that some of the custom house officers of Vermont have applied to the custom house officer of St. Johns to inspect his books, but the latter deeming it highly improper, refused.
On Friday the 3d of June, at 10 o'Clock, will be Sold at my Office, for cash, to close concern,
12 Trunks DRY GOODS, Containing Remnants and Pieces, being the remainder of a Store.
And a quantity of Glass, Crockery, and Hardware. W.M. B. LAMB.
May 30
Fresh Family FLOUR.
This Day landing from the Alexandria Packet, 65 Barrels Fresh Family FLOUR,
(Carlisle Brand) AND, 100 bbls. Alexandria superfine Flour,
In Store, 5 hhds. and 10 bbls. N. E. Rum,
50 barrels Rye Whiskey. FISK & CATLETT.
May 30.
Landing from the Sloop African, from St. Bartholomew,
37 hogsheads } St. Martin's SUGARS, 8 barrels In Store.
60,000 wt. Jamaica COFFEE,
10,000 do. Leguire do.
30 Kegs Raisins; 150 barrels Rye Whiskey,
4 pipes Country Gin; 10 pipes old Madeira Wine,
6000 bushels Irea
5570 do. St. Ubes } SALT.
2500 do. Turk's Island
5000 do. coarse Liverpool
C. & F. WHITTLE.
May 30.
York County Court, April 18, 1808.
Ordered, That Thomas Griffin, Gawin L. Corbin, and Peyton Southall, gentlemen, be appointed Commissioners to let to the lowest bidder at the expiration of this County, the building of a CLERK'S OFFICE as soon as possible, for the use of the said County, on the publick square in the town of York, on the plan and of the dimensions following, viz.—The House to be of brick and covered with slate or tile, 20 by 22 feet in the clear, 10 feet pitch in the clear, a chimney, a brick floor, and a passage at the entry; two and an half bricks thick to the water table, and two bricks thick above—the wood work whereof to be neatly painted; bond with approved security for the due and faithful performance of this work or the under-taker is to be taken, and returned by the said commissioners to this Court. Copy, Attest, S. Shields, Jun: C. V. C.
The Commissioners above named are anxious to proceed in the execution of the above order, as early as possible, and will be glad to receive proposals for the erection of the building mentioned in the preceding order immediately.
Thomas Griffin, Gawin L. Corbin, Peyton Southall, Com'rs.
The above will positively be Let on the third Monday in June, it being Court Day. York Town, 9th May, 1808.
LABOURERS WANTING.
The President and Directors of the Dismal Swamp Canal Company want to hire for the ensuing season, a number of Hands to work on the Canal; they will be provided with good wholesome food, and the usual quantity of whiskey per diem—liberal wages will be given, and their wages paid at the end of every month. Apply to Richard Blow, William Cannmack, or Samuel Proctor, Overseer. May 6.
FOR RENT, The HOUSE at Cedar Grove, during the Race Week. Apply to William Cannmack. May 25.
FOR NEW-ORLEANS, The new Brig LOUISIANA PACKET, Richard Hunt, master, will sail directly for New Orleans for the first of June. For freight or passage, having excellent accommodations, as she is intended for a regular packet, apply to Jennings & Roddey. May 1.
WANTED,
A few Virginia BANK SHARES. Apply at the Office of the Publick Ledger. May 6.

104 County Court, April 18, 1808.  Ordered , That Thomas Griffin, Gaw- in L. Corbin, and Payton Southall, gentlemen, be appointed Commissioners to let to the lowest bidder at the expense of this County, the building of a CLERK'S OFFICE as soon as possible, in the town of the said County, on the publick square in the town of York, on the plan and of the dimensions following, viz—The House to be of brick and covered with slate or tile, 20 by 12 feet in the clear, 10 feet pitch in the clear, a chimney, a brick floor, and a passage at the entry; two and an half bricks thick to the water table, and two bricks thick above—the wood work whereof to be nearly painted; bond with approved security for the due and faithful performance of the work of the under-taker is to be taken, and returned by the said Commissioners to this Court. Copy, Attest. S. Shields, Jun. C. Y. C.
The Commissioners above named are anxious to proceed in the execution of the above order, as early as possible, and will be glad to receive proposals for the erection of the building mentioned in the preceding order immediately. Thomas Griffin, } Com'rs. Gawin L. Corbin, } Payton Southall, } York Town, 9th May, 1808. 3w
RICHARD & JOHN TAYLOR, Have received by the Ship Rolla, Captain Gary, from London, A few Packages of GOODS , suitable for the season. They have also on Hand,  Cambrick; common and furniture
Cambrick; common and furniture Calicoes; plain and striped Dimities, White and coloured Jeans; Irish Linens; Shoeting and Cotton Shirting; London superfine Cloths and Cassimeres, 4 & 6 & 8 Cambrick Muslins; Ginghams, Silk and Cotton Chambrays, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Gloves and Hosiery, of all kinds, Sacking, Oznaburgs, and Brown Rolls, Pipes by the box, and Copperas by the barrel, And an assortment of
HARDWARE, NAILS, &c. All of which they will sell low for Cash, or undoubted Paper at Sixty Days—Also for Sale,  150 barrels NEW PORK, 50 kegs Lard; Old Jamaica Rum and Sugar. May 6. 1m
A STRAY COW. Came to my place near Fort Norfolk, about 12 months ago, a large RED COW; she has lately had a Calf, and may now be of some use to the owner, who is required to prove his property, pay expenses, and take her away. Francis S. Taylor. May 6. 3w
TIMBER. The following Timber is wanted for the Navy Yard at Gosport—Persons disposed to furnish it will be pleased to make immediate application to Theo. Armistead, N. A.
  A 6 Gurdur Beams —47— 10 by 12   40 Joists —36— 3 12   C 40 do. —18— 3 12   D 7 Gurdurs —30— 12 12   E 7 do. —20— 12 12   F 7 do. —38— 12 12   G 7 do. —48— 12 12   H 20 do. —40— 12 14   I 20 do. —28— 12 14   K 30 do. —36— 3 12   L 35 do. —33— 4 12   M 76 Principal Rafters —30— 4 10 & 4 by 6   N 38 Collar Beams —28— 4 9   O 46 Pendants —33— 4 5   P 40 do. —24— 4 5   R 186 Jack Rafters —30— 3 5   S 186 do. —20— 3 5   T 186 do. —24— 3 6   W 16 do. KP —16— 4 10   Y 35 Plait —33— 4 12   The above Timber must be of Heart Pine or Poplar. April 29. tf
At the Old CUT-NAIL Manufactory, corner of Main and Church-streets, the subscriber keeps on hand constant supply, and can furnish at short notice, any quantity of  Nails, Flooring Brads and Sprigs, At the following reduced prices, by the Keg—for cash only, viz— 8, 10, 12, and 20d Nails and Brads at 7 1-2d lb. 6d. Nails, 9 1-2d 4d. do. 2s. 9d. m. or 11d 3d. do. 2s. 3d. or 18 3-4d Sheathing, 7 1-2d 6d. Sprigs, 4s. 6d per M. 4d. do. 3s. 9d 3d. and 3 3-4d. do. 2s. 3d He offers also for cash only—  HOOP IRON ASSORTED. Thos. Seaman.
At Private Sale,  By S. MARKS, Jun. Corner of Commerce and Water-street, 10 hhds. Antigua, 12 do. N. E. 50 barrels do. RUM, 30 hhds and 20 barrels Sugar; 10 pipes Country Gin, 8 pipes Cognac Brandy; 150 boxes Mould Candles, 6 boxes Spermaceti Candles; 4 bales striped Blankets, 3 bales Blue Duffils; 1 do. fine Cloths; 2 do. blue Plains, 3 do. Rugs; 1 do. Check Shirts, 4 do. Ticklenburgs and Oznaburgs; 3 do. Heffians, 1 trunk Madras Handkerchiefs. October 24. tf
BANK STOCK LOST. LOST, Certificates for Ten Shares of VIRGINIA BANK STOCK, standing in the name of Ann and Rebecca Begg.—Any person who has, or may find the said certificates, will please to deliver them to the subscriber. Wm. G. Camp. April 13. 1m
Phoenix Fire Office. The Subscriber, Agent to the PHOENIX ASSURANCE COMPANY, of London, for the State of Virginia, begs leave to inform the publick, that he is now fully empowered to subscribe Policies of Insurance for property against Fire throughout the United States of America, in conformity to the Proposals herewith submitted. N. B. FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS can be insured in one risk on Buildings and their contents, and also on Ships and their Cargoes on board, in the First Class, but in all cases where Ten Thousand Dollars are exceeded, a special agreement must be made with the Agent, and an increase of premium added to those mentioned in the proposals, of not less than one eighth per cent. on the whole sum insured. Richard Taylor. September 8. 1m
A NEGRO WOMAN for Sale. She is an excellent Cook and House Servant—Price 300 dollars, Cash. Apply at the Ledger Office. May 13. tf
Just landed from on board the schooner Ploughboy, Capt. Hall, from Charleston, 50 tierces fresh RICE, 15 Bales Upland COTTON—For Sale by GEORGE RAINCOCK. May 11 1m
WOOD & HASTINGS, Have just received from Baltimore and Philadelphia, a hand- some assortment of  SPRING GOODS, which with their goods on hand, comprise a large and general assortment, and they will be sold at very reduced prices for Cash only. May 9. tf
WHITE JEANS, &c. Just Received A few pieces very fine White JEANS, Real Patent NANKEENS, Best NAVY CLOTHS, and fashionable BUTTONS. For sale by WOOD & HASTINGS. May 9. tf
NORFOLK RACES, Over the New Bridge Course, will commence on MONDAY the 6th of June, free for any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, (except those owned by Burwell Wilkes, of Brunswick County, Virginia, or in which he may be interested in the running of, agreeable to the weights of the New-Market Course, and the rules of the course. FIRST DAY. A Post Sweepstakes for 3 and 4 year Colts—weight for age—one mile heats—50 Dollars entrance. SECOND DAY. A Purse of 400 Dollars—four mile heats—30 Dollars entrance—weight for age. THIRD DAY. A Purse of 100 Dollars—one mile heats—the best three in five, with catch weights—10 dollars entrance. FOURTH DAY. A Purse of 200 Dollars—two mile heats—20 Dollars entrance—weight for age. A SADDLE and BRIDLE will be run for every afternoon during the Races. Proof of the Horses ages will be required—Entrance made with Col. Kemp, at the Exchange, by 8 o'Clock, P. M. each day. The Course is well enclosed with a high fence, and so ditched as to secure its being in good order. R. H. COCKE, & CO. tdr
FOR RENT, The STORE-HOUSE on Main-Street, lately occupied by Hunter & Gatewood, immediate possession may be had. Apply to John Nivison. May 6. 6
NOTICE. The partnership of Ellis & Sprigg, of Hampton, is this day by mutual consent dissolved—all persons indebted to the said firm are requested most earnestly to come forward and pay their respective balances to Mr. C. Sprigg; and all those who have claims against said firm, to produce them to said C. Sprigg for settlement. Samuel Ellis, Per his attorney in fact, Robert Gibson, Corbin Sprigg. Hampton, February 17. tf
NOTICE. The Copartnership of RICHARD BOWDEN, & Co. having expired, Richard Drummond is authorised to receive and pay the debts of said concern. Moses Myers, Richard Bowden, Richard Drummond. February 2. tf
FOR SALE, 73 punch. choice Antigua RUM, 30 do. Grenada do. 600 bushels CORN, 80,000 drawn White and Red Oak STAVES, 60 barrels Pork. George Wilson. November 4. tf
NOTICE. The Subscribers have removed to the Ware-House, No 6, on Newton's wharf, formerly occupied by Messrs. John D. Haldane, & Co. JENNINGS & RODDEY. January 8.
FOR RENT, That convenient Dwelling-House, on Brewer Street, the property of Mr. John Davidson, at present occupied by Mr. Stephen Harris. Also, That convenient House, where Mr. Cornelius Calvert formerly lived; they have very fine gardens and all convenient out-houses—possession may be had on the first day of May next, on application to James Tucker. April 13. tf
STOLEN from a House in this Borough, about the 15th or 16th instant, TWO TABLE SPOONS, both marked T. M. G. in a cypher. Any person that will inform the Editor of this paper where the Spoons can be obtained, shall be well rewarded. N. B. Silversmiths and others are requested to stop them if offered for sale. April 25. tf
On Hand, A few qr. casks of choice Teneriffe WINE, And a few kegs fresh Dutch HERRINGS.—For sale by the Subscriber. Moses Myers. April 25. tf
STOLEN, A SILVER CANDLESTICK, Stamped on the base J. Lownes. The negro woman who it suspected took it about a fortnight since, may have offered it for sale or pawn for rum, of which she is very fond—FIVE DOLLARS will be given to the person who may bring it to the Office of the Ledger. April 22. tf
Military LANDS for Sale. 1100 acres of LAND lying in the State of Ohio, on the waters of the Little Miami, in two different surveys—The subscriber having seen the Land, can affirm that there is no Land in that State superior to it in point of fertility, situation or climate. Any person wishing to purchase the above Land will know the terms by applying to CHARLES SNEAD, living in Northampton, Eastern-Shore, Virginia. May 2. 8*
1100 acres of LAND lying in the State of Ohio, on the waters of the Little Miami, in two different surveys—The subscriber having seen the Land, can affirm that there is no Land in that State superior to it in point of fertility, situation or climate. Any person wishing to purchase the above Land will know the terms by applying to CHARLES SNEAD, living in Northampton, Eastern-Shore, Virginia. May 2. 8*
ENGLISH GOODS. Appleton & Co. By the John Adams, St. Johns, from Liverpool, No. 16, Calvert-Street, Baltimore, have received their regular supply of GOODS, calculated for the present and approaching season,  Cambrick and Common Callicoes, Plain and striped Dimities; Printed Marseilles Vesting, White Jeans; Furniture Chintz; do. Dimities, London Superfine Broad Cloths; do. Cassimeres, Yorkshire fine Cloths and Cassimeres; patent Nankeens, Cords; Grandurells; Cotton Cassimeres, 5-4 and 4-4 Cambrick Muslins, Japan, Haricord, and Check do. plain and figured Mull do. Leno, Victory, and Riddle Muslin; coloured do. do. do. 4 & 4 plain Book do.; Ginghams; Silk do. Satins, Persians, and Sarsnets; Bonnet Silks; Silk Gloves, Silk Handkerchiefs; Fancy Shawls, Cotton Umbrellas, do. Braces, do. Laces and Footings, do. Quiltings, English Kid Gloves Cotton Hosiery, Hardkerchiefs, Fringe and Bed Lace, Cotton and Linen Checks; Buttons; Birmingham Ware In Store, a few dozen gentlemen's best Beaver Hats, from Marseilles. These goods will be sold low for cash, or undoubted paper at 60 days. April 15. 10
FOR SALE, 4000 bushels Ground Allum SALT, And a few well assorted crates of EARTHENWARE. George Murray, & Co. December 7. tf
For CASH or approved Discountable Paper, 20 bales best Russia CANVAS, 1 do. Ravens Duck; 1 do. Mattress Ticking, 65 packages German Linen—For Sale by Niemeyer & Von Kapff. February 26. tf
Just got to Hand. 22 chests Hyson TEA, will be sold low for cash. George Wilson. Nov. 18. tf
SAMUEL COLEMAN, Market-Street, westward of the Market, has established A Boot and Shoe MANUFACTORY For this purpose he has employed the journeyman who were lately in the service of Mr. Walker—as those are said to be the best workmen in the place, and as he is determined to spare no expense in getting the best materials, it is probable that those will be well served who choose to promote an institution so favourable to the interests of Norfolk, inasmuch as that it will give employment to a considerable number of people, and it will be made extensive in proportion to their encouragement given to it. April 23. tf
New SHOES from New-York, as usual for Sale—such as have been generally sold in retail at 9s. and 8s. 3d. for 7s. 6d.; those at 12s. 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 no doubt the most elegant made in the United States. Having on hand nearly 200 pair of Boots, he believes there are very gentlemen who cannot be fitted. A few hundred bushels of ground Allum Salt; India Cottons; Brown Sugar, &c. &c. as low as they can be sold for a profit, for Cash. April 23. tf
Richard Jeffrey & Co. No. 66, Main-Street, corner of Bank-Street, have just received from London, per the ship Planter, An assortment of MEDICINES, of the first quality. Also, a few hundred weight refined Salt Petre, Hardham's Snuff, No. 9, and 37, in 1-2 and 1-4 pound canisters, Violet, Benzoin, Windsor and Shaving Soap, Evan's best Crown Lantens, Tooth Brushes of superior kind, Refined Liquorice, &c. They have on hand, and are in daily expectation of receiving from Amsterdam, all kinds of GLASS WARE, suitable to Apothecaries. MEDICINE CHESTS for ships and family use, with printed directions, put up as usual. October 5. tf
COW-POCK. The Subscriber informs those who wish to be vaccinated, that a parcel of fresh matter lately received from Philadelphia, has succeeded, and is now fit to inoculate late from. George Balfour. April 20. 1m
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. 13. tf
Mackinder & White, Have just received from on board the schooner Liberty, Capt. Lewis, from Philadelphia, 150 boxes fresh Imperial and Hyson TEAS, of superior quality. ALSO, A fresh supply of Holland's GIN, Ticklenburgs, superfine Cloths, Gentlemen's Silk Hats, Parasols, &c.—Which they offer for Sale on the lowest terms, for cash or a proved notes. N. B. A few barrels of prime Smithfield MESS PORK. April 15. tf
FOR SALE, An elegant and fine toned HARP, made in Paris, and lately imported, with spare strings, and a large collection of MUSIC; the price 250 dollars. Apply at the Ledger Office. May 6. tf
ADVERTISEMENT. A good Price will be given for the First Vol. of the History of France, BY GIFFORD. This Book was sent to the late Mr. Merrick to be bound, and sold at Auction with the rest. Apply at the Ledger Office. April 29. tf
1500 sacks SALT, Liverpool filled, 6000 bushels do. loose, and 30 crates Earthenware—For Sale on board the Ship Sachem, by A. Maclure. May 6. tf
VIRGINIA, to wit: At a Chancery District Court held in the City of Williamsburg, the 20th day of April 1808. Robert, John, and Frances Howard, infants under the age of twenty-one years, by Henry Howard their father and next friend, Plaintiffs. Against Mary Selater, widow and devisee for life of John Selater, deceased, Richard and William S. Selater, sons and devisees of the said John Selater, deceased, Edmund Tabb, an infant under the age of twenty-one years, Frances Powell, Elizabeth Smith, and Miles Cary, executor of John Selater, deceased, and as executor of the said John, who was executor of Richard Selater, deceased, Defendants. On the motion of the plaintiffs by their counsel, Sarah Tabb is assigned guardian to the infant defendant, Frances Tabb, to defend her in this suit, and the defendant Edmund Tabb not having entered his appearance and given security according to the Act of Assembly, and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the Court that he is not an inhabitant of this country: It is ordered, that the said defendant do appear here on the first day of the next term, and answer the bill of the plaintiffs, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in one of the Newspapers published in the Borough of Norfolk, for two months successively, and posted at the front door of the former capitol in this city. A Copy, Anthony Robinson, C. C.
For SALE, On board the ship Dammascotta, Robert Duckenfield, master, at Commerce-Street Wharf, Coarse Liverpool SALT, St Vincent's RUM and MOLASSES. Moses Myers. April 15. tf
FOR RENT. The STORE in Market-Square, now occupied by the subscriber. For terms apply at his office. Thomas Blanchard. April 7. tf
The Subscriber having resumed his former Business of Commissioner and Broker, will buy or sell Goods on Commission, post Books, adjust Accounts, and procure Money on good paper or merchandise, at the shortest notice. James Maurice, No. 44, Church-Street. M 30. tf
CASH for Warwick STAVES. Moses Myers. April 20. tf
6000 bushels Stoved SALT, 50 crates well assorted Earthenware—For Sale on board the ship Sally, by A. Maclure. March 2. tf
AT PRIVATE SALE, BY S. MARKS, JUN. 60 hogsheads St. Kitt's RUM. March 2. tf
Leather, Cordage, and Loaf Sugar. The subscriber will hereafter expose for Sale at his Ware house 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 Marsden's and Rothery's wharves. Feb. 20. tf
Fresh Imperial TEA. Just received 17 boxes fresh Imperial TEA, of the present year's im-rotation. Also on Hand, 25 tons assorted BAR IRON, 80 barrels and a few hogsheads Muscovado Sugar, 40 barrels and bags Green Coffee; 25 hds. old Antigua Rum, 20 hds. Molasses; 8 pipes French Brandy, 10 crates assorted Queen's Ware; A few quarter casks of Sherry and Teneriffe Wine, Whiskey in barrels; Loaf Sugar, New York prime Pork and Beef; 30 casks Cheese, A few barrels Mackarel; Soap; Candles; Demijohns, &c. For Sale by Jennings & Roddey. February 26. tf
A Cargo of Liverpool Stoved SALT, For Sale on board the ship Mars. Moses Myers. April 18. tf
NORFOLK, April 25, 1808. MR. GEORGE REID, Sir—Take notice that I shall take the deposition of Matthew Hubbard, senior, at the office of Robert B. Taylor, attorney at law, in Norfolk, between the hours of ten in the morning and four in the afternoon of Friday the 27th day of May next, to be used in a suit to be commenced in the Borough Court of Norfolk, wherein I am plaintiff and you are defendant. This notice is given in this mode, as you do not reside within the State of Virginia, and have no known agent or attorney within the state to whom notice can be given. I am, your obedient servant, TILD-LEY GRAHAM. 1m
For RENT, The Store, Compting-Room & Cellar, at present occupied by Mess. Wood & Hastings, no. 50, Main-street. Apply to Thomas Willock. August 24. tf
For SALE, 2 elegant Bay Horses, a complete match, 2 do. grey do. 1 remarkable fine bay, and one very excellent grey Horse—For which, Notes of the Bank of Newbern and Cape-Fear, or Pr. Money will be taken in payment—Apply at the Office of the Publick Ledger Sent 25. tf
The following prices will be given in Cash for 500 or 600 cords of BARK, deliverable at my Tan Yard, Spanish Oak, $ 6 per cord, Willow or Water do. 5 Red do. 4 Young White do. 3 50 Beach Bark, 3 50 With a view to prevent disappointment to those who purchase this article, as it is from the uncertainty of the quantity which may be brought to market, I will receive all which may be delivered at my Tan Yard before the first day of June, provided it be well cured and in good order. Theodrick Armistead. April 4. 2m
NORFOLK: PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A-WEEK, BY WILLIAM DAVIS, FOR THE PROPRIETOR, Opposite the Exchange Coffee-House. Price Six Dollars yearly, in advance.