Norfolk gazette and publick ledger (Norfolk [Va.]), 1807-11-27 00:00:00

CONGRESS.
SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MONDAY, November 16.
Mr. Mitchell rose to call the attention of the Senate to a motion he had made at the commencement of the session, relative to additional means of defence...
Recent and alarming information which had reached the seat of government since the rising of the Senate on Friday last, though tinged with rumour...
Year after year had rolled away in fruitless negotiation. He doubted whether in the present posture of affairs, there would be any satisfactory adjustment...
It was not his intention to recommend the construction of a navy carrying metal enough to dispute the empire of the high seas. His only object was to provide a force sufficient to protect our acknowledged territory...
During the last meeting of the national legislature, indeed, a decent appropriation was made for the repairs and erection of defensive works...
Yet even after all this expenditure, the Atlantick coast was certainly not protected as became a nation professing the feelings of bravery and honour...
Mr. M. then took a survey of the coast from North to South, and asked whether it was not expedient to do something more for the security of the capital...
of the executive anticipation. Of this he thought it becoming in him to make a publick acknowledgment. But much more remained still to be accomplished...
Tracing the shore along to the mouths of the Mississippi, he beheld a weak and vulnerable point at Orleans...
Although his proposition had a peculiar reference to the Atlantic boundary where our territory lay contiguous to the pretended dominion of the British...
To some persons the posture of our affairs might appear less serious than they did to him. He was no alarmist—but the prostration of our commerce...
To spend our breath in enquiries whether a king in Europe is mad or in his senses, is as idle as the prating of the Athenians whether Philip of Macedon...
Mr. Robinson advocated the motion in warm and decided terms; when the question was put and carried, nem. con.
That the part of the president's message which relates to the defence of our seaport towns and harbours, and the further provisions to be made for their security...
From the National Intelligencer of Nov. 18.
Remarks arising out of the President's Message.
Thirdly. The President is censured for making contracts without a previous appropriation by law. There are some who consider this step as in itself reprehensible...
ens an adjoining row of houses, it is the right of the bye-standers to check the extension of the flames, to pull down the intermediate building without consulting its owner.
If then such a right to invade one of the most sacred institutions of society exists, to guard against the extension of an evil of such a nature...
In a case then of great necessity it is indisputably the duty of the executive to defend the country by exerting all the means in his power...
In this case, however, it does not appear that any illegal step has been taken. All that has been done is the authorization of "engagements for such supplements to our existing [military] stock...
But we are told that the president has betrayed a flagrant inconsistency, by a dereliction of his old republican principles, and by adopting the very measure for which a federal administration is said to have been reproached.
Let it be recollected, that the insurrection took place in 1794, while Gen. Washington was president, and before the decided formation of parties.
But recourse is had to the opinions of Mr. Gallatin. "The monies," says he, "drawn from the treasury on that occasion, were paid out of a fund appropriated for other and distinct purposes...
The first consideration that offers on these remarks is the want of analogy between the two cases. In that referred to by Mr. Gallatin, not only money appropriated to one object appears to have been applied to another...
Mr. Gallatin says the congress should have been convened and that the measure ought not to have been drawn into a precedent.
Why should congress have been convened? Because their assemblage might have limited, though it could not entirely have prevented, the departure of the executive from the line pointed out by law...
although a part of the expenses would probably have been incurred before congress could have been convened, the greater part would have been incurred after their meeting...
But the late consideration we have alluded to, is the most conclusive. The immediate call of congress might have exposed us to great injury. Had that call been considered as evincive of a determination on our part to resort without delay to strong measures...
Such a message as that adopted in 1794 "should by no means hereafter be drawn as a precedent." Who doubts it? a precedent for what? To deviate from law without a clear and manifest necessity.
The Subscriber offers for Sale at his Store in Market-Square,
20 hogsheads W. I. RUM, 10 pipes Cogniac Brandy & 5 do. Country Gin, Sugar—Brown and Loaf, by the barrel or hogshead, Teas—Imperial, Hyson, and Young Hyson—Also,
A parcel of DRY GOODS, Consisting of Woollens, Calicoes, Hats, and Hardware. In addition to the above, he intends keeping a constant supply of PORK and BEEF.
Bread—Pilot, Navy, and Ship, of the first quality—Families may be supplied with small quantities of Pilot Bread, of a superior quality. Cordage of any size or description for negotiable notes or West-India produce. Any orders for the above articles, will be complied with at the shortest notice.
Cary Selden. Nov. 23.
Wanted to Purchase,
A NEGRO BOY, about 15 or 16 years of age; one that has been brought up to wait in a private family, and can be recommended for his honesty, would be preferred, for which, a generous price will be given in cash. Apply at this office. Nov. 23.
THE SUBSCRIBER Respectfully informs the citizens of
Norfolk and its vicinity, that he intends pursuing the professional instruction of youth the ensuing year, to commence about the middle of January, at or near a house he has rented on Free Mason-street, belonging to Richard E. Lee, Esq. The subscriber teaches the Latin and French Languages; the English Language grammatically, Geography, History, Writing, and Arithmetick. His price for tuition will be 32 dollars, to be paid quarterly, and is solicitous to pay due attention to the morals as well as education of the youths who may be entrusted to his care. The Subscriber, prior to his opening school, will exhibit satisfactory testimonials of his abilities as a teacher, also his assiduity and moral rectitude. Beverly Crump. Nov. 20.
Baltimore Baker's FLOUR, of superior quality, for family use, for sale by T. & W. A. Armistead, Nov. 18. Campbell's wharf.
Just got to Hand.
22 chests Hyson TEA, will be sold low for cash. George Wilson. Nov. 18.
Deserted from this garrison, on the 10th instant. WILLIAM FITZGERALD, a private in my company of artillery; he is twenty-three years old, five feet eight inches high; dark complexion, grey eyes, short black hair, by birth an Irishman. Ten Dollars will be paid as a reward for his delivery at this post, or information given so that he may be apprehended and brought back to his duty. John Saunders, Capt. U. S. Artillery, Commanding. Fort Nelson, Nov. 18.
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 Cogniac Brandy; 150 boxes Moule Candles, 9 boxes Spermaceti Candles; 4 bales Striped Blankets, 3 bales Blue Duffs; 1 do. fine Cloths; 2 do. blue Plains, 2 do. Rugs; 1 do. Check Shirts, 54 do. Ticklenburgs and Oznaburgs; 2 do. Heffians, 1 trunk Madras Handkerchiefs. October 24.
Will be Rented for the ensuing Year, My Houses and Lot in the town of Suffolk, Nansemond county. Apply to Mr. Owen Flynn, of said town, or James Buxton, Nov. 18.

There were no Washington papers by the mail last night, which in the present state of publick expectation, is a great disappointment.
We are pleased to perceive that the maxims of Washington, have at last been adopted by our democratic rulers. The speech of Mr. Mitchell in the senate proves that "specks of war" in the distant horizon demand attention. In spite of themselves the administration must become federal, or they must act upon federal principles, which is the same thing. Moonshine theories are yielding fast to sound experience.
We strongly recommend the perusal of the article from The Repertory , to every candid reader.
At a time when the publick mind is occupied by subjects of the first consideration, it is with no small degree of regret, that the Editor has permitted himself to trespass on his readers by occupying a portion of his paper upon a subject relating to himself. But he hopes the occasion will justify him to his friends, and that they will recollect that a defence of his character has produced this intrusion.
A pamphlet has lately made its appearance in New York, entitled the "Yankee Farmer," which we have not seen. It is, we learn (from remarks which we have seen) written upon the subject of our dispute with Great Britain.
The Citizen (a New York paper) of the 13th Nov. in noticing this work gives the following remarks:
'The second position of the "Yankee Farmer" is very principally founded on the assumption of a false fact. He says that France has claimed and exercised the right, and that our government, in the case of France, has neither resisted the claim nor the practice.'
'Without stopping to notice the paltry and party expedient of charging our executive with partialities for France to the prejudice of England, which he does not entertain, which, as the executive of a neutral nation, he has no right to entertain, and for which there can be no political or official motive, I proceed to assert that the "Yankee Farmer" when he wrote his pamphlet was not in all probability unacquainted with the fact that the documents on which he grounds his crimination of the president and justification of the attack on the Chesapeake, are forgeries—shall I say federal forgeries!'
'These documents, if I may so term them, are certain letters said to have been written at Havanna in 1806 by admiral Willaumez to gen. Turreau; from one of which the "Yankee Farmer," as the basis of his justification of the outrage done on the Chesapeake, makes the following extract.'
"[admiral Willaumez] have just apprehended four seamen, deserters from the Valereuse frigate, which I found on board an American brig, where they had engaged at seventeen dollars per month. Now, sir, [to gen. Turreau] if you can succeed in making the American government pay down a compensation for this misconduct, in securing thus our seamen, you will punish it by making it smart in that point which it feels most, viz. its avarice in money, and with so much the more justice, as those people (meaning the American merchants) have for three years past been continually injuring our marine, by seducing our best seamen from us."
'The series of letters thus attributed to Willaumez, were originally published in the Norfolk Ledger, with an introduction, in which the editor confesses his ignorance of the source of them. They were handed to him, he says, but he knows not how or whence they were obtained. I write this from memory, not having the Ledger by me, but I believe that I am correct.'
The Editor of the Citizen having qualified this assertion, by stating that he wrote from memory only, enables us only to say that his memory has been very treacherous upon this occasion, as appears from the following remarks from the Ledger of the 14th Jan. last, introducing these letters of Willaumez:
"FRENCH CORRESPONDENCE."
"The article under this head, occupies a very considerable portion of our paper of this day, consisting of five letters of Admiral Willaumez, viz. one to the minister of marine in France, three to General Turreau, the French minister at Washington, and one to Commodore Barney. It cannot be supposed that we should offer such documents to the publick without observation. With respect to the authenticity of these letters, we have no doubt; and our readers may be assured that we have not consented to their publication, but under a firm conviction that they are genuine; the translations in some instances are too literal to be elegant, and the proper names in the originals are very difficult to make out, truth has been more aimed at than elegance.—These letters derive their interest from the circumstance of their being written without being intended for publick inspection, and of course the sentiments of the writer are freely expressed."
Relying no longer on his memory, the Editor of the Citizen then proceeds to facts, and observes,
'Among the letters ascribed to Willaumez, there was a correspondence between Commodore Barney, of Baltimore, and Willaumez.'
'On the appearance of the letters, Commodore B. published in a Baltimore paper, a letter in which he declared the correspondence, in relation to himself, a forgery.'
'Sometime after the publication of Commodore Barney's letter, the editor of the Norfolk Ledger apologised for publishing the letters ascribed to Willaumez, and confessed that the source of them was mysterious and suspicious.'
'It is on this foundation—this forgery—this, in all human probability, federal fabrication, that the "Yankee Farmer" justified one of the greatest national outrages ever committed.'
It is very true that Commodore Barney and General Turreau did endeavour to show that these letters were spurious, but how far "the Editor of the Norfolk Ledger apologized for publishing the letters ascribed to Willaumez, and confessed that the source of them was mysterious and suspicious," will appear from our notice of Barney's letter and Turreau's denial of the authenticity of these letters, as published in our paper of the 6th Feb. 1807, in the following words:—
"General Turreau and Commodore Barney, particularly the latter, having endeavoured to invalidate the authenticity of these letters, if these Gentlemen will agree to confine their defence to the authenticity only, and agree, (if authentick) that the contents are infamous, and deserve the odium we have endeavoured to fix on them, we will then endeavour to prove them to be genuine, as indeed a perusal of them is sufficient to prove; particularly the letter addressed to Commodore Barney, in which there is nothing offensive, and what one friend might be very well supposed to write to another."
"To suppose these letters forgeries, the person who forged them must have known the daily operations of the fleet for months, he must have known that Admiral Willaumez and Commodore Barney were acquainted, and after all must have contrived to have these letters intercepted. It is too ridiculous to suppose so, and we trust that our readers and the publick in general, will not be duped by such feeble efforts."
Having placed the subject upon this footing, we heard no more of Barney, &c.—nor yet from any of the partizans of France, until a publication appeared in the Richmond Enquirer, about the last of February, which admitted that the letters were genuine, but that we can come dishonestly by them. It would be trifling with our readers to republish all that was written upon this occasion, but having amused ourselves for some time with the ingenious conjectures of sundry small wits, we did in the Ledger of the 16th of March last state the manner in which these letters came into our possession in these words:—
"These letters were intercepted on the 25th of November, by one of the British cruizers on this station, on board the schooner Merchant, John Bigby, master, from Havanna bound to Baltimore, Cape Henry bearing west about 5 leagues, directed under cover to a Mr. Williams of Baltimore. They must of consequence have been duplicates, as no French officer was on board the Merchant; Captain Bigby denied any knowledge of the dispatches being on board, until they were shewn to him. As captain Bigby proceeded on his voyage, and arrived safe, we presume he can if called upon prove these facts."
"The American publick, we considered was entitled to know the sentiments of a principal French officer towards our government, and people, and for that and other reasons we performed our duty in laying them before the publick."
In a very few days after a Baltimore paper reached us, containing the following address from Captain Bigby, the person alluded to in our paper of the 16th of March:—
"FROM THE BALTIMORE AMERICAN. "TO THE PUBLICK."
"As various opinions seem to prevail, respecting several letters published several weeks since in a Norfolk paper, signed Willaumez, I deem it my duty to state to the publick, that I took the command of the schooner Merchant, at the Havanna, for Baltimore, at the request of capt. Hamilton; and that when ready to sail capt. H. brought all my ship's papers and a number of letters on board, which, without examining or looking over, I tied up all together in a handkerchief: captain H. observed to me, that if I should be boarded by a British Cruiser, I should show all my papers.—When within about a league of Cape Henry, I was boarded by an officer from the Melampus frigate and taken on board; and all my papers were looked over, letters opened, and four of them retained; some of which, if not all, signed Willaumez; which were all in one packet directed to Mr. Williams, Baltimore. I demanded those letters of the officer, but he replied that they were of such consequence to them, that they must retain them."
"The foregoing is a correct statement of facts, which should have been published immediately after my arrival, had not circumstances intervened which prevented me."
"I am the publick's humble servant, "JOHN BIGBY. "Baltimore, 25th March, 1807."
We have been thus minute in our statement to prevent the possibility of mistake. We do not wish an editorial controversy, but we shall not permit our veracity and integrity to be impeached and remain silent. We shall only add that the letters of Willaumez were published in England about the time they were published here.
The fate of our country is rapidly approaching to a crisis. With a wise, administration, desirous to fulfil the strictest obligations of neutrality, and shun any wanton collision with belligerent powers, it would not be a task, at this moment extremely arduous, to ensure the honour & peace of this nation. But with an administration devoted to the views of one belligerent, tamely submitting to atrocious injuries until they seem to be forgotten by being years neglected and unredressed, and insidiously drawing a veil over new aggressions and oppressive measures, while on the other hand treacherous professions of friendship, at the same time that injuries of the most distressing kind are tolerated and even encouraged, provoke the hatred and vengeance of a power disposed and interested to preserve peace with us—with an administration of this character we cannot long expect to enjoy our peace or our prosperity.
It will be perceived by our readers from the Spanish decree communicated by the president to congress, that the outrageous views of Buonaparte are adopted and about to be executed by his ally, the king of Spain. It appears from the intelligence just received from France, that notwithstanding the whining and deceptive explanations made without formality or responsibility to our minister Armstrong, the original decree of Buonaparte against our commerce, which at first struck such terror,
but which was suffered for a time to lie dormant to delude our unwary merchants, is now ordered to be rigidly enforced. Thus is a host of French and Spanish picaroons let loose upon our commerce, both in Europe and the West Indies, and the consequences have already commenced. All this forsooth under a pretence of blockading Great Britain and her dependencies, when in fact not a ship of war of either of these decree-blockaders is to be found on the ocean. They have nothing to give colour to their swaggering pretensions, but swarms of skulking marauders who only dare, and whose only object will be, to capture and plunder the unarmed commerce of neutral America.
But distressing as will be this blow upon the commerce of the United States, the evil will but commence with the ravages of France and Spain. The government of Great Britain took the earliest opportunity after the publication of Buonaparte's decree, at a time indeed when it did not expect the decree would be enforced, to inform our government that as a submission to such a daring infringement of our neutrality would in fact be a relinquishment of our neutral ground, and virtually involve us as accessories in the French system of warfare, they would be under the necessity of meeting such assumption on one part and endurance on the other, by measures calculated to secure themselves against the effects—Presuming, however, but alas! without reason, that he would not suffer our trade to be cut up by French privateers, under the pretence of a mock blockade.
If therefore the French and Spanish decrees are carried into effect as instances already prove they will be:—if our government tolerates their operation, as from its character we have every reason to expect, Great Britain will regard us as having abandoned our independence and neutrality, and will take countervailing steps. In the spirit of amity she has given us timely notice, and there is no doubt but an actual blockade of the principal commercial ports in Europe will follow.
The prospect is therefore dark and menacing in the extreme. The policy of France now shews clearly why the innumerable papers devoted to the French interest, in this country, have been so inventively opposed to such a naval force, as we might easily equip and support. With such a force, we might declare we would not submit to Buonaparte's decree—thus honourably maintain our neutrality and avert a war with England, either of which militates with the views those papers are pledged to support.
All this results from the curse to which this nation is doomed—a party long attached to France, more than to the welfare of the United States.—See the Fifth Volume of the life Washington.
(Repertory.)
FROM THE REPERTORY.
DESERTERS ONCE MORE!!
The Right to demand the delivery of deserters established by the practice of America, France, Spain and Great Britain.
When the affair of the Chesapeake first happened, the nation, excited by the avowed and eternal enemies of Great Britain, were too angry to listen to reason or to examine principles. Every man was afraid that his patriotism would be questioned if he dared to express a doubt as to the correctness of the conduct of our own administration.
Hence it was that error triumphed, and false principles were quoted as established authority.—Not content with denying the right of Great Britain to retaliate our injustice, (if it were such,) it was absolutely denied that she had any right whatever to demand deserters from her service. The declaration of admiral Berkeley that it was the usage of all civilized nations to deliver up deserters was ridiculed, and it was contended that Great Britain herself would be the last to admit this principle.—If the events of the last summer should hereafter be a subject of interest to our descendants, they will hardly believe that throughout this vast continent, there were only a few writers who ventured to examine and discuss the correctness of the principles for which we contended, and we believe that it will not be discreditable to Boston, that it was in her bosom, this bold and independent spirit first made its appearance. We call the spirit a bold one, because we find by experience that men fear popular clamour when menacing as much as the bolts and bars of despotism, and because in the instance before us, these writers were actually denounced to the rage of an infatuated people.
The "Reign of terror" however is now past, and we may venture securely to examine both facts and principles. The principles laid down by our writers were briefly these.—"That deserters from publick ships or publick service are by the laws and usages of nations to be restored upon demand.—That the search of publick armed ships is not admissible on the principle, that they are part of the territorial sovereignty, but that this presupposed a perfect readiness in the officers of such ships to render justice when demanded. That if such justice be refused by the inferior officer, resort should be had to the superior or to the government itself—that if satisfaction should be denied in the last resort, retaliation and reprisals would be justifiable, and that although this retaliation in ordinary cases can only be ordered by the government of the nation injured, yet there could be supposed cases in which the inferior officer would be bound to make retaliation himself."
It is said by many persons, Why put arguments in the mouths of our enemies? Why contend for principles which G. Britain concedes? Do you mean, (said Mr. Alston to Mr. Quincy because he wished to enquire into facts) to justify G. Britain?
Before we give the publick the all important facts which settle forever the principles disputed in this case, let us answer briefly the foregoing questions in order that men may be disposed to hear us with more coolness and impartiality.
When men differ in a free country upon the justice or expediency of a war, it is the right and duty of those opposed to it to show its injustice or inexpediency. To stop them by saying you will give weight to your enemies, is to preclude all discussion whatever. A nation might be hurried into a war against its own judgment if it were not permitted to hear the facts and arguments but on one side. Such a mean doctrine would be rejected with indignation in Great Britain. Out of the thousand cases which might be adduced of the freedom of discussion in that country, we will cite only the recent one of the attack upon the Danes.—It is well known that many writers in England attack the Administration
with great bitterness on that topic—they deny that its either just, necessary or honourable. And can any man find a line in which such freedom of discussion is condemned?
Again, we defy any man to produce a sentiment from the Morning Chronicle, Bell's Weekly Messenger or any other paper in which the principle of the right to demand deserters is conceded as not existing in G. Britain. The only point conceded is one in which all parties are agreed, that the right to search publick ships does not exist—but they all agree on the supposition that the obligation to deliver deserters when demanded is unquestionable.
It is possible that Great Britain under the pressure of so many enemies standing in the breach to defend our Citadel from the spoil and rapine of the conqueror of the world, may yet concede what by the laws and usage of nations she is not bound to do; but as it is also possible that she may not, it is important to us to understand what are really our rights so that we may be prepared to say whether War will be preferable to Peace in the event of a refusal of reparation. If we are wrong in refusing to deliver Englishmen, deserters from the service of their sovereign; let the mischief fall on the heads of the authors of that wrong, and not on the innocent people of the United States.
It will not be denied, that what is law for us, is law for Great Britain. The rights of Nations are reciprocal, and usage is evidence of the law, especially when supported by sound reason.
FACTS to support the Law of Nations on the question of Desertion.
Commodore Preble in the United States ship Constitution, was lying in Gibraltar bay, when he was informed by a lieutenant, whom he had previously sent into that port with a prize, that five of his men had deserted while on shore, had been protected by the guard, and had finally entered on board the Medusa frigate, capt. Gore, claiming protection as British subjects—Commodore Preble sent an officer on board the Medusa, to demand these men, but capt. Gore not only refused to deliver them but treated the officer with great insolence and permitted one of the sailors to insult the officer on board his ship; he then carried his insolence so far as to demand the clothes and wages of these seamen of commodore Preble—the latter then applied to the commodore of the port, who returned for answer that he had no authority to interfere, but that he must apply to Lord Nelson. Lord Nelson was then written to by commodore Preble, and sometime after commodore Preble, while at Malta, received a letter from Lord Nelson, written in the most gentlemanlike and officerlike terms, expressing his regret at the affair, and assuring commodore Preble that he would issue orders to capt. Gore to deliver those men (though some of them were British subjects) to the first ship of war of the United States which he should meet, and if he should not meet any to deliver them to the American Consul in the first port he should enter." Whether the men were ever restored or not is not known—but the above facts may be relied on, and the publick documents will shew it. The case is a leading one and proves the following points:—1st. That that excellent officer commodore Preble believed that he had a right to demand deserters from his ships in a foreign country even after they had entered into the publick service of the country of which they were natives. 2d.—That although inferior officers are sometimes insolent and oppressive yet the highest officers in the British service, the most experienced, admitted the claim of commodore Preble to be just even after discussion and against British subjects.
The next case we shall cite, is that of the Constitution, capt. Rogers. In July 1805, two British sailors who had entered and were serving on board the U. S. ship Constitution, capt. Rogers, deserted from said ship, while laying at Malta, a British garrison, and entered on board the Phebe British frigate, capt. Capell, and claimed their protections as British subjects. Capt. Rogers demanded these men of the capt. of the Phebe, who at first hesitated about delivering them, but upon further discussion he delivered these British subjects up to capt. Rogers who caused them to be punished.
This case is very important. It proves that in a garrison where the pride of military power would be expected to be predominant, the rights of a publick armed ship which had entered seamen in a foreign country were considered paramount to the rights of British subjects claiming protection in their own country—and this too when Great Britain was at war. We conceive that the courtesy of the British officers and their respect for our flag, carried them too far, because we esteem it clear that though a citizen of a nation at peace, may sometimes lawfully enter into foreign service, yet it is perfectly settled that no such right exists in time of war, or rather—while the country of which such seaman is a subject is at war.
But the British officers considered, that the delicacy and respect due to a publick flag forbade them to inquire into the national character of the deserters, especially in a foreign country, where it could not be supposed that the American officers could be prepared to furnish the proofs of the citizenship of the persons claimed. So in the case of the four Englishmen claimed as deserters from the Halifax, it could not be expected that the officers of the British ship could be prepared to prove that they were native Englishmen, though the fact has since been perfectly established. Every man of sense will perceive that to admit that the officers of a publick armed ship, at 3000 miles from their own country, should be compelled to furnish evidence of the citizenship of their crews, would not only be inconvenient but directly opposed to the settled usage and principles that the roll or muster of a publick ship's company is conclusive evidence of their national character.
This latter principle is set up in our own favour in the case of the deserters received in the Chesapeake, but it is forgotten that where there are conflicting rights of the same nature, of the same sacred obligation, the prior ones must attach. It is not denied that the British were the first possessors in their publick ships of the men demanded as well as the men taken, and as such all the principles admitted by lord Nelson, and capt. Capell applied, and still more strongly because they were at war and we at peace, in the case of the Chesapeake.
Another case.—The Valereuse, French frigate, lost four seamen. They entered, for aught appears to the contrary, into the service of one of our merchant vessels without the knowledge of the master, that they were deserters.

They were met at sea* on board the merchant vessel in which they had entered, by the French admiral Willaumez—he not only took them out, but desired Mons. Turreau to demand compensation of our government for the improper act of one of its citizens in enlisting ignorantly a French deserter .
This case proves that the French officers consider that by the law of nations, a foreign nation cannot even employ the deserters from the publick service of another friendly nation—that to do so, or to permit it to be done is an offence requiring reparation.
Still another case—In December 1802, the Adams frigate was lying at Gibraltar—one of the officers, the boatswain's yeoman deserted and entered the fort, and claimed protection as a British subject. The commander of the Adams made application to gen. Barnet, the second in command, to have him restored; he was arrested, restored, and though an Englishman, brought away to America.
The above case supports all the principles above stated.—The following one fully supports the opinion, that officers at a distance from their country feel justified in supporting the rights of their flag even by an appeal to force.
While four smaller vessels of war were lying at Palermo in the year 1804 a seaman deserted from one of them and entered on board a privateer under the commission of the emperor of France. Some time after the Enterprize, Capt. Decatur came into Syracuse, and found the same privateer lying there. Capt. Decatur ascertained satisfactorily, that the seaman who had deserted was on board of her.—That gallant officer instantly sent and demanded the seaman. The French captain refused to deliver him up. Decatur, with his characteristic spirit replied that unless delivered up he would retake him by force . The French captain answered that he would repel force by force . Decatur not dismayed by this threat, nor deterred from the prosecution of his purpose caused his boat to be duly manned, went on board, and seized the deserter.† It must be remembered that the French captain like commodore Barron did not make the resistance he had threatened.—It ought to be known too that Syracuse where this fact took place is in the territory of a power in amity with France and the United States.
The above case is a most strong one against ourselves on this question of the Chesapeake: it goes fully to establish the following points against us.
1st. That our officers have always believed, that they had a right to demand their deserters who deserted in a foreign jurisdiction, even after they had entered into commissioned vessels of other nations.
2dly. That they considered that the ships of war of other nations are bound in honour to deliver up such deserters, and that to refuse it, is a wrong .
3dly. That they entertained the opinion that if restoration be refused, an avowed insult and injury is committed, which would justify an appeal to arms. This case is broader than that of the Chesapeake; because here there had been no appeal to the government of France as there had been to our government; this act was done in a neutral country, and not on the high seas, and we were not in so great need of men at that moment as admiral Berkeley's squadron was, who was watching a French fleet.—But capt. Decatur was not the only officer who entertained those ideas at that time—Commodore Preble came into Syracuse, in the Constitution that night, his officers went on shore, the governor of Syracuse detained them and sent word to Preble that he had so done and that the Constitution should not quit the harbour till the deserter forcibly retaken should be restored to the French officers.
That noble spirited and ever to be lamented naval commander, who infused such an inestimable spirit into our navy, declared instantly that he approved the conduct of capt. Decatur, and sent word to the governor of Syracuse that unless his officers should be set at liberty in five minutes he would batter the castle about his ears. The threat produced its utmost object, submission and the liberty of his officers. If it be said that this case proves too much —that certainly the officers ought to have respected the territory of Naples, if not the flag of the offending nation, I answer that at least it ought, to make us moderate in our condemnations and censures of the military men of other nations.
In fact, while a soldier is bound to respect the authority of every nation where he is hospitably received, his sword ought to be wrested from him if he suffers a wilful, wanton, unprovoked violation of the right of his nation, and the honour of his flag, in cases where he has the power to do himself justice.
STILL ANOTHER AND ANOTHER CASE. During the last four years, our ships have been repeatedly in the Spanish ports. Spain has a navy to man as well as we. Our seamen have repeatedly deserted in Spain, as repeatedly have they been demanded, and as constantly delivered up.
In France, even the deserters from our merchant ships though the consular convention has been long since repealed and annulled, are daily restored.—They are imprisoned on the request of the consul and delivered when demanded. A Fortiori, can it be doubted, whether they would deliver up deserters from publick ships?
The above facts the writer has obtained from the most undoubted authority. He challenges refutation of them. And what must we think of the conduct of some among us when in the most shameless manner, setting aside every principle of reciprocity, they have not only sheltered, enlisted, detained, but have invited the desertion of the crews of publick ships of foreign nations at war, by calling them "much injured and spirited men?"—When we have seen our publick papers undertake to prove that because the British sailors were impressed, they had a right to desert and we had a right to protect them? When it is known that both France and Spain equally impress their seamen, and when Mr. Jefferson himself proposes the impressment of ours under the flattering name of enrolling them for the publick defence?
IMPARTIALIS. * It was at Havanna that admiral W. took the men out. † In substance we warrant this statement to be correct. ADDITIONAL CASE.—The United States' brig Argus, captain Hull, being at Malta, one of the crew, a British subject, deserted, and claimed protection from the guard under a serjeant, who referred the case to his captain, and the last submitted
the matter to the officer of the day, who demanded of the seaman if he had entered voluntarily, and being answered in the affirmative, the deserter was ordered under guard, and sent to the boat of the Argus, was taken on board, and punished in sight of the garrison and the shipping in port. Ledger.
Documents relative to the attack on the Chesapeake. British Consul's Office, Norfolk, Virginia, 6th March, 1807.
Sir—The men named in the margin* deserted some time since from his majesty's ship Melampus, in Hampton Roads, by running away with her gig, and the three first are stated to have entered at the rendezvous now open here, for the enlistment of seamen in the service of the United States. As the Melampus is at present in Hampton Roads, I submit to you, sir, the propriety of directing these men, (should they have entered for your service) to be returned to their duty on board his majesty's ship before mentioned.
I have the honour to remain, with perfect truth and respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, JOHN HAMILTON. William Ware, Danl. Martin, John Strachan, John Little, Capt. Decatur.
British Consul's Office, Norfolk, Virginia, 7th March, 1807.
Sir—Mr. John Murphy, master of the British merchant ship Herald, in this harbour, has represented to me that John Wilson, a seaman under articles to that ship, and John Murphy (his son) an apprentice, both subjects of his majesty, have deserted and enlisted at the rendezvous, for the naval service of the United States, in this Borough, requesting me to use my official interposition with you to obtain from him the recovery of the persons before mentioned. It has therefore become my duty to solicit that the seamen (if they should be entered for the navy of the United States) may be returned to the master of the Herald, and to the performance of their respective engagements, on board of that ship.
I have the honour to remain, with perfect truth and respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, JOHN HAMILTON. Captain Decatur.
Norfolk, March 8th, 1807.
Sir—Your communications with captain Decatur, have been transmitted to me by that officer. I must observe in answer, that John Murphy appearing to be an apprentice to his commander, has been delivered to the civil authority.
I do not feel myself justified in delivering any men who are not apprentices, and who have voluntarily entered the service of the United States, unless claimed by the magistracy.
I have the honour to be, with high respect, sir, your obedient humble servant. A. SINCLAIR.
British Consul's Office, Norfolk, Virg. 9th March, 1807.
Sir—I have had the honour to receive your letter dated yesterday, acquainting me in reply to my communications addressed (through mis-information) to captain Decatur, which he had done me the kindness to transmit to you, that John Murphy, being an apprentice to his commander, had been delivered up to the civil authority; but that you do not feel yourself justified in delivering up any men who are not thus bound, and who have voluntarily entered the service of the United States, unless claimed by the magistracy.
I can only regret that you do not consider yourself authorised to comply with my request; and I have the honour to remain, with perfect truth and respect, sir, your most obedient humble servant, JNO. HAMILTON. Lieutenant Sinclair.
Navy Yard Washington, April 7, 1807.
Sir—I have the honour to enclose you the result of my enquiries relating to the men mentioned in your letter of yesterday—and have the honour to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, JAMES BARRON.
The honorable Robert Smith, Secretary of the Navy.
William Ware, pressed from on board the brig Neptune, capt. Crafts, by the British frigate Melampus, in the Bay of Biscay, and has served on board the said frigate 15 months.
William Ware is a native American, born on Pipe Creek, Frederick county, state of Maryland, at Bruce's mills, and served his time at said mills. He also lived at Ellicott's mills, near Baltimore, and drove a waggon, several years between Hager's Town and Baltimore. He also served 18 months on board the U. S. frigate Chesapeake, under the command of commodore Morris and capt. James Barron.—He is an Indian looking man.
Daniel Martin was pressed at the same time and place. He is a native of West-Port, in Massachusetts, about 30 miles to the eastward of New-Port, Rhode-Island, served his time out of New-York, with capt. Marrowby, in the Caledonia—refers to Mr. Benjamin Davis, merchant, and Mr. Benjamin Coree, of West-Port. He is a coloured man.
John Strachan, born on the Eastern shore of Maryland, Queen Anne's county, between Centerville and Queen's Town—refers to Mr. John Price and Pratt, Esq. on Kent Island, who knows his relations. Strachan sailed in the brig Martha Bland, capt. Wyvill, from Norfolk to Dublin and from thence to Liverpool. He there left the brig and shipped on board an English Guineaman. He was pressed on board the Melampus off Cape Finistere; to better his situation he consented to enter, being determined to make his escape when opportunity offered. He served on board the frigate two years. He is a white man, about 5 feet 7 inches high.
Wm. Ware and John Strachan have protections. Daniel Martin says he lost his after leaving the frigate.
John Little, alias Francis, and Ambrose Watts, escaped from the Melampus at the same time, known to the above persons to be Americans, but has not been entered by my recruiting officer.
William Ware, Daniel Martin, and John Strachan state, that some time in February last, there was an entertainment on board the Melampus, laying then in Hampton Roads, that while the officers, &c. were engaged, and all the ship's boats,
except the captain's gig, being hoisted in—themselves and the two other men mentioned, availed themselves of a moment to seize the gig and row off. That as soon as they got into the boat they were hailed to know what they were going to do. They replied, they were going ashore. A brisk fire of musketry instantly commenced from the ship—that in defiance of balls and the hazard of their lives they continued to pull, and finally effected their escape to land, namely, Sewell's point—that they then carefully hauled up the boat on the beach, rolled up the coat, and placed that and the oars in the boat, gave three cheers, and moved up the country.
United States Frigate Chesapeake, Chesapeake Bay, June 22d 1807.
Sir—Yesterday at 6 A. M. the wind became favourable, and knowing your anxiety that the ship should sail with all possible despatch, we weighed from our station in Hampton Roads and stood to sea, in Lynnhaven Bay we passed two British men of war, one of them the Bellona, the other the Malampus, their colours flying and their appearance friendly. Some time afterwards, we observed one of the two line of battle ships that lay off Cape Henry to get under way and stand to sea, at this time the wind became light, and it was not until near four in the afternoon, that the ship under way came within hail, Cape Henry then bearing N. W. by W. distance three leagues. The communication which appeared to be her commander's object for speaking the Chesapeake, he said he would send on board, on which I ordered the Chesapeake to be hove to for his convenience. On the arrival of the officer he presented me with the enclosed paper No. 1, from the captain of the Leopard, and a copy of an order from Admiral Berkeley, which another officer afterwards took back, to which I gave the enclosed answer No. 2, and was waiting for his reply: about this time I observed some appearance of an hostile nature, and said to captain Gordon that it was possible they were serious, and requested him to have his men sent to their quarters with as little noise as possible, not using those ceremonies which we should have done with an avowed enemy, as I fully expected their arrangements were more menaced than any thing serious. Captain Gordon immediately gave orders to the officers and men to go to quarters and have all things in readiness, but before a match could be lighted, or the quarter bill of any division examined, or the lumber on the gun-deck, such as sails, cables, &c. could be cleared, the commander of the Leopard hailed, I could not hear what he said and was talking to him as I supposed, when she commenced a heavy fire, which did great execution. It is distressing to me to acknowledge, that I found from the advantage they had gained over our unprepared and unsuspicious state did not warrant a longer opposition, nor should I have exposed this ship and crew to so galling a fire, had it not been with a hope of getting the gun-deck clear so as to have made a more formidable defence: Consequently our resistance was but feeble. —In about 20 minutes after I ordered the colours to be struck, and sent lieut. Smith on board the Leopard to inform her commander that I considered the Chesapeake her prize. To this message I received no answer. The Leopard's boat soon after came on board, and the officer who came in her demanded the muster book. I replied the ship and books were theirs, and if he expected to see the men, he must find them. They called on the purser who delivered his book, and the men were examined, and the three men demanded at Washington, and one man more, were taken away. On their departure from the ship, I wrote the commander of the enclosed No. 3, to which I received the answer No. 4. On finding that the men were his only object, and that he refused to consider the ship his prize, and the officers and crew his prisoners, I called a council of our officers, and requested their opinion relative to the conduct it was now our duty to pursue. The result was that the ship should return to Hampton Roads, and there wait your further orders.
Enclosed you have a list of the unfortunate killed and wounded, as also a statement of the damage sustained in the hull, spars, and rigging of the ship.
I have sent this letter to you by captain Gordon, in order that you may have an opportunity of getting such information as you may wish.
With great respect, I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES BARRON.
Hon. Robert Smith, Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
[Here follows the correspondence between Commodore Barron and Captain Humphreys, with Berkeley's orders, return of killed and wounded, &c. all before published.]
BOSTON, November 13. FROM PETERSBURG.
Yesterday arrived in this port the ship Governor Strong, Captain Cleveland, who left Cronstadt on the 15th and Elsmeur on the 28th of Sept. Capt. Cleveland informs us that Russia is at present in a considerable degree of agitation. The people were generally very much dissatisfied with the treaty which the emperor had made with France, or more probably that he had made a treaty without consulting. Besides the murmurs which this produced, a great number of governors of interior provinces and fortresses, were constantly sending in their resignations, until the Chancellor put a stop to these expressions of disgust, declaring that he durst not present them to his majesty.
In the mean time gen. Savary, who had resided some time at Petersburg, had succeeded in producing a change in the cabinet, favourable to the views of France. This was said to increase the popular indignation, and the consequences were uncertain.
Capt. Cleveland heard some disapprobation of the British expedition against Denmark, but nothing was said or anticipated of a war with England. Savary was, however, frequently at Cronstadt, viewing and examining the fortifications.
As capt. C. passed Copenhagen, all appeared to be tranquil, and he understood that the inhabitants had quietly resumed their business. The shipping was getting out of the harbour, and bending sails.
For NEW-YORK, The Schooner LAUREL, Capt. Hopkins, will sail on Sunday next. For freight or passage, apply on board at Marsden's wharf. Nov. 23.
Gazette Marine Memoranda.
ARRIVED. Sch'r Richard & Mary, S. Highlie, from Edenton bound to Philadelphia, in distress.—On the 16th instant, in lat. 37, 30, long. 74, 20, in a gale carried away the foremast, put in to refit. Sch'r Mary, Griffin, 5 days from Philadelphia. The brig Fair American, Hoar, of this port, arrived at Leghorn from Messina, the 1st of October. Ship Felix, Ross, of this port, was at Bourdeaux the 1st of October.
LAND FOR SALE. On THURSDAY the 7th January, 1808, agreeable to the last will of Gen. Lawrence Baker, deceased, on the premises,
Two Tracts of LAND, the property of said deceased, lying on the East side of Bennett's Creek; one known by the name of the Gibson Tract, containing 238 acres, well timbered fertile land, supposed to be equal to any in the county of Gates for the production of corn, &c. The other known by the name of the Webb Tract, containing by estimation 500 acres; on this there are no improvements. No further description can be necessary, as no person would purchase without viewing the premises. One, two, and three years credit will be given; the second and third payments bearing interest from January 7th, 1809.—Bond with two securities, with mortgage on the land will be required, by John B. Baker, Executor, or William Goodman, Jun. Agent. Nov. 27.
SAMUEL COLEMAN, Opposite the Market, (westward) offers for Sale, Warranted New-York SHOES, and
will return the money when Shoes are bought upon his particular recommendation, if they should not wear well. He thinks he has exerted himself as much to get the best and handsomest Shoes and Boots of the manufacture of the United States as any man in them, and has the assurance of the manufacturers in New-York, Philadelphia, Newark, and Baltimore, where the Shoes and Boots are made purposely for this market , that they shall be in all cases customers' work; and the report of a great number of those who have purchased Shoes, confirms their being so. He has now on hand,
A general assortment of fresh New-York SHOES. For Ladies there are a variety of new Kid Patterns; Velvet Slippers, different colours, neat workmanship, of Silk & Tabby Velvet; M. rocco Boots, Bootees, and Walking Shoes, to tie and not to tie, with cork soles and without, &c. For gentlemen, Bollen's well known stout and light fine seal leather Shoes and Morocco Pumps, with several other kinds; For Misses, a variety of Morocco and Leather. For Boys, very fine for dancing, common, strong, lined and bound, and coarse. For Children, Morocco Bootees, different colours, sized from 3 to 11, leather Pumps, Shoes and Bootees; and for Servants, such as appear to be of very superior quality. There is attached to the Store a very comfortable back room, where Ladies may retire for the purpose of trying on Shoes or Boots.
He has a great variety of English Kid Shoes, some of which having been long on hand, will be sold at 7. 6d.; and a quantity of the most fashionable Embellishments, quite fresh at reduced prices.
He has on hand, SHOES made by a very faithful workman in this vicinity, of the best wax-leather, in a shape to suit old gentlemen, with which he will be regularly supplied.
Vernon's legant Baltimore BOOTS, kept in such quantity as to give a probability of fitting any person; sold at the prices in Baltimore.
New-York Pilot's BOOTS, an improvement upon the plan of Fishermens' Boots.
A considerable quantity of Boston SHOES and BOOTS, kept for the purpose of supplying those who must have what they think cheap, not appearing to know, that the best things, are generally, cheapest; these will be sold low. He is in expectation of a quantity of the most elegant Philadelphia KID SLIPPERS, by the first vessel.
With due encouragement, he is perfectly confident he can supply handsomer and better Shoes and Boots, than has been furnished by any person in this place heretofore; and if better, ultimately cheaper—but without it, it is impossible to keep a good assortment.
He has also, A quantity of India COTTONS; a few tons of BAR IRON; and Pennsylvania BUTTER in small kegs, nicely pickled, at 20 cents. November 27.
Books, Stationary, &c. Just received a valuable collection of BOOKS and STATIONARY, among which are
Ramsey's Life of Washington, 1 vol. Carr's tour through Holland, 1 vol. Carr's Ireland, 1 vol. vol. 8th Laws of the United States; Life of Beattie, 1 vol. London Medical and Physical Journal, 15 vol. Vanburgh's Plays, 2 vol. Johnson's Works, 15 vol. Ferguson's Lectures, 2 vol. Opie's Simple Tales, 2 vol. Wild Flowers by Bloomfield, 1 vol. Triumphs of Temper, 1 vol. Thomson's Family Physician; Modern Spies of Fools, a poem; Guide to Domestic Happiness; Beauties of History; Newton's Works, 6 vol. Bell's British Poets, 61 vol. calf gilt; Viner's Abridgement, 30 vol. Watson's Law of Partnership; Bacon's Abridgement, 7 vol. Hale's Pleas of the Crown, 2 vol. Coke upon Littleton, 3 vol. Burrow's Reports, 5 vol. Modern Reports, 12 vol. Durnford and East's Reports, 8 vol. Wentworth's Pleadings, 10 vol. Tuck's Blackstone, 5 vol.; vol. 1; Pleasures of Imagination; Newton on the Popes, 3 vol. Shakespeare, 12 vol. Hugh Trevor, 4 vol. Cagle Williams, 3 vol. Cavallo's Philosophy, 4 vol. Rowning's Philosophy, 2 vol. Nicholson's Philosophy, 2 vol. Brown's Dictionary of the Bible, 2 vol. Campbell on Miracles, 2 vol. Elements of Philosophy of the Mind; Burk's History, 4 vol. do. on the sublime; Memoirs of Cumberland; American Revolution by Mrs. Mercy Warren, 3 vol.; Schrevelier's Greek Lexicon; Oddy on European Commerce, 2 vol.; Select Speeches, Forensic and Parliamentary, 4 vol. Aldini on Galvanism; Motherby's Medical Dictionary, folio; Junius's Letters, 2 vol. plates; Darwin's Poetical Works, 3 vol. coloured plates; Miseries of Life; Gillies's Greece, 4 vol. Map of Europe; Belsham's History of Great-Britain, from 1688 to 1802, 12 vol.; History of England by Hume and others, 12 vol.; Diversions of Purley, 2 vol. quarto; Works of James Harris, Esq. 2 vol. quarto; History of Mexico, 2 vol. quarto; Select British Classics, 39 vol. Paradise Lost, not pressed, plates, quarto; German Theatre, 6 vol. Malthus on population, 2 vol. Lavater, 3 vol. octavo, with 360 plates; Anquetil's Universal History, 9 vol. Mayor's Universal History, 25 vol. King of Prussia's Works, 13 vol. Pope's Homer by Wakefield, 11 vol. Hooke's Ariosto, 5 vol. Francis's Horace, 4 vol. Glover's Leonidas, 2 vol. do. Anthoniad, 5 vol. Southey's Poems, 2 vol.; Rural Philosophy, a Poem; Suicide, a Poem; Tales of Superstition; Pleader's Guide, a Poem; The Chase; Nicholson's Dictionary of Chemistry, 2 vol. quarto; Rosseau's Emilius, 2 vol. Rollin's Antient History, 10 vol. Langhorne's Plutarch, 6 vol. British Plutarch, 6 vol. Mayor's collection of Voyages and Travels, 24 vol. New-York Medical Repository, 8 vol. Mickie's Luciad, 2 vol. Domestic Encyclopedia, 5 vol. &c. Also, a variety of
Blank Books and Stationary; a few groce of Playing Cards; Blank Notes and Checks of the United States and Virginia Banks.
N. B. Subscribers to Rees's Cyclopaedia, are informed that the eleventh half volume is published; those who have not received their books to the eleventh half volume, are requested to call for them.
Bonsal, Conrad, & Co. Nov. 18.
FLOUR A-sift. 500 bbls. choice superfine FLOUR, from Alexandria. For sale by
Fisk & Catlett. Who have just received, 300 pieces Bandanna Handkerchiefs, of a superior quality, 20 small chests fresh Imperial Teas, 10 casks best double refined Salt Potre. November 28.

For LONDON. The Ship LIVE OAK , Gerrard Yarell, master, will sail in 15 days. For passage only, apply to the master on board at my wharf at Georgetown, or the subscriber  William Pennock. Who wants to Charter. A fast sailing Schooner, of about 150 tons, to load for a southern port in Europe Nov. 20.
For Sale, Freight, or Charter. The fast-sailing brig ANN ELIZABETH , burthen 173 tons, in complete order for the reception of a cargo. For terms apply to  John Brown, Marsden's wharf November 13.
For Sale, Freight, or Charter. The Ship WILLIAM & MARY , burthen 230 tons, or 2100 barrels, now ready for the reception of a cargo. Apply to  Solomon Bedinger. October 28.
Scotch Coals and Empty Bottles. 100 tons of the former and 200 crates of the latter, imported in the ship Industry from Glasgow—For Sale by  William Pennock. Who offers The said SHIP, burthen 260 tons, for Charter. October 7.
Liverpool SALT and COAL. For sale on board the ship Jane, William Colley, master.—Apply to the subscriber,  William Pennock. Who offers said SHIP, burthen 420 tons, and the ship COURTNEY , burthen 200 tons, for charter. October 5.
For Freight or Charter. The Ship THOMAS , captain Boush, will be ready immediately.  GEO MURRAY, & CO. Who have for Sale,  Old Antigua, Jamaica, & W. I. Rum, Madeira, Port, and Cape Wine, Sugar in hogsheads and barrels, 50 crates well assorted Earthenware. September 23.
For SALE, or will be bartered for Staves, Corn, or Flour. 5000 bushels Liverpool SALT, loose and in sacks, 1 ton Shot, assorted; 2 ton German Steel.  James Young. November 13.
For SALE, by the Subscriber, 34 hogsheads WHISKEY, 50 crates Earthenware; 10 casks Glass do. 65 boxes 8 by 10, 37 do. 10 by 12 Window Glass, 16 grove Wine Bottles; 18 boxes Castle Soap, 1 hogshead and 3 barrels Philadelphia Leaf Sugar, 10 hds Petersburg, 2 do Richmond, and 4 do York River Tobacco; 15 bales Cotton, 38 whole and 9 half tiers Rice.  A. Maclure. November 13.
For SALE, 30 hds. choice retailing Molasses, 34 tiers Currants; 20 kegs Capers, in very fine order.  James Young. November 11.
Wanted on Hire,  A NEGRO MAN, accustomed to wait in a house; and a NEGRO WOMAN, who can cook, wash, and iron. Apply at the Office of the Publick Ledger. Nov. 9.
Thomas H. Parker, Offers for Sale,  His Great-Bridge MILL, newly fitted up to run two pair of stones.—The advantages of this mill are very great, only ten miles from Norfolk, and situated on a never failing stream; although she works at present only two pair of stones, yet the stream affords an abundant supply for ten pair.—Also, a MILL (known by the name of Bell's Mills) about two miles farther, now in complete order, running one pair of stones and two saws—This Mill is supplied with water from very extensive swamps, and in wet season very plentifully; at this place there is a store, the situation of which, for a lumber store, is equal if not superior to any in that part of the country—This Mill can be supplied with excellent timber from a tract of land only one mile distant from it, which the subscriber also offers for sale. This tract contains between 5 and 600 acres, almost entirely covered with timber; the soil, the subscriber confidently believes, is not inferior to any in the lower part of Virginia—Any person purchasing this Plantation would have the benefit of a reed swamp within three miles of it, in which any number of cattle may be kept fat during the whole winter. October 5.
Received per schooner Traveller, from Boston, and for Sale, By EDWARD CLARK, 10 tons small, flat, and square Bar Iron, 100 bundles assorted Nail Rods. Nov. 18.
THE SUBSCRIBER Has removed to the brick store at the head of Campbell's wharf, fronting said wharf and Wide Water-street, where he offers at wholesale or retail his assortment of  Groceries and Ship Chandlery, Among which are 14 hogsheads Muscovado SUGAR, 1 do. and 6 barrels loaf do. 1 do. Antigua, Jamaica, and Grenada Rum, 3 pipes French Brandy, 2 hds. and 6 bbls Rye Whiskey, 4 barrels Apple Brandy, 1 do. Peach do. 10 bags Coffee, Imperial, Hyson, Young Hyson, and Souchong Teas, Pepper, Pimento, and Nutmegs, Madeira, Sherry, and Port Wines, London and Philadelphia Porter, English Cheese, Bar Iron and Castings, Nail and Spike Rods, German Steel, Powder and Shot, Tar, Pitch & Turpentine, Paints and Oil, black and bright Varnish, Canvas and Cordage, Nails and Spikes. Also just received, 20 boxes Lemons, 12 half bbls. Beef Tongues, 20 kegs Tongues and Sounds, 40 kegs and 3 bbls. Salmon, 5 bbls. Mackerel, 13 cases Sallad Oil, 1 cask Currants, 10 boxes Olives, Capers and Anchovies, 6 dozen bottles Cayenne Pepper, 3 do. do. Pickled Peppers, 30 boxes Soap, 20 boxes Candles, 50 barrels Alexandria superfine and fine Flour.  John D. Haldane. July 31.
Landing from the ship Planter, and for sale at the subscriber's, at a low advance, A PARCEL OF  Woollens, Bed Ticks, Hosiery, and other GOODS.  Thomas Blanchard. September 28.
Wood and Hastings, No. 76, Main Street, Have received from London and Liverpool, via Baltimore, 60 packages composing a complete assortment of  Fall and Winter GOODS; Among which are Best blue, black, bottle green, and olive broad Cloths; fashionable Cassimeres; coarse Cloths; coarse and fine Coatings; Flannels and Baizes; Kendal Cottons; blue and white Kerseys and Halfthicks; blue and drab Plains; Plushings; Rose and striped Blankets; Carpets; Swansdown; Bennett's Cord and Toilette; Vesting; Durants; Cambricose; Ruffles and Bumbazets; Manchester Cords and Velvets; silver Cords and tabby Velvets; Irish Linens; Sheetings; Diapers and bed Ticks; Calicoes; Dimities; Cambric Mullins; Ginghams; fancy Mullins; Hosiery; Pins; Thread, &c. &c.
Also, an assortment of  French Lutestrings; silk Velvets; black and white silk Hose; silk Gloves, assorted colours; fancy silk Handkerchiefs; white kid Gloves; leather do.; Crapes; silk Cords and Taffels; Gauze and Cotton Trimmings, &c. &c.
10 bales India Cottons, 2 do. Coarse Linens; 1 chest white Rolls. October 5.
J. & W. SOUTHGATE, Have now received the whole of their Fall Assortment from London and Liverpool, amongst which are the following:  Best superfine Navy Blue, London Brown and Bottle Green Cloths, fashionable Cassimeres, Coarse Cloths of every description, Superfine white and scarlet Flannels, Hosiery of every description, 3-4, 7-8, and 4-4 Irish Linens, Superfine Hollands for Shirting, Oznaburgs, Tow and Flaxen, Kendal Cottons in small assorted bales, Manchester Goods of every description, Best London Seine Twine, Nails 4d, 6d, 8d, 10d, 12d, & 20d, Diamond head Spikes, all sizes, Glazed Gun Powder and Shot.
ALSO,  10 packages of German LINENS, Consisting of Ticklenburgs, Oznaburgs, Hessens, Heedens, Flaxen Rolls, Plaitillas, &c. entitled to debenture, all of which will be sold for cash, or on liberal credit for good paper. September 28.
Fall and Winter GOODS. The Subscribers have received by the ship Nabby, from Liverpool, and Planter, from London, an extensive and general assortment of  Seasonable and Fancy GOODS, Among which are 20 bales Negro Cottons and Kerseys, 10 do. Rose and Dutch Blankets, 6 do. Plains and Halfthicks, 15 do. Cloths, Coatings, Fearnoughts, &c 6 do. Flannels and Baizes, 2 do. superfine Cloths and Cassimeres, 10 do. Twilled Sacking, 5 do. British Oznaburgs, 10 cases Hats, 5 do. Irish Linens and Sheetings, 20 trunks fashionable Goods, 4 casks Seine Twine, 6 tons Shot, 50 kegs F and F Gun Powder, also an assortment of Hardware, Cutlery, Nails, &c.—All of which they offer for sale by the piece or package, on the lowest terms for approved paper.  Richard & John Taylor. September 25.
MACKINDER & WHITE, Have received from London in the ship Planter, and Nabby, from Liverpool, their  Fall and Winter GOODS. The best superfine Black, Navy Blue, and fashionable mixed Cloths, Cassimeres, Patent Cords, Swansdown, black silk Florentine, Gentlemen's patent silk and beaver Hats; Ladies' Trafalgar, Calabria, Buenos Ayres, and Cottage beaver Bonnets; Childrens' beaver Caps and Bonnets; Ladies' plain and fancy Kid and Morocco Shoes; red and black Morocco Nelson's comforts; Gentlemen's Hessian and Spanish Boots, and dress Shoes and Pumps; superior rich gold Epaulets; lace and silver Fringe; plain, tamboured, and Leno Muslin for dresses; Calicoes, Chambrays, and Ginghams; rose and striped Blankets; Kendal Cottons; strong white Plains; mixed Fearnoughts; Flannels; Manchester Cords; blue and drab Plains; Dimities and Marseilles; 4-4 Irish Linens; 5-4 and 6-4 Sheetings; Hosiery; Cutlery in boxes assorted; coarse Hats do.; Nails, Window Glass, &c. The above are offered for sale by wholesale or retail, at the lowest terms for Cash or approved paper. September 25.
German Winter GOODS. 65 dozen Men's Thick Filled Stockings, 80 do. Children's do. do. 50 do. Men's half do. do. 130 do. Mens' and Boys' Gloves, 25 do. do. Caps and Mitts, 25 do. Travelling Socks 10 do. Ladies' House Socks—Just received and for sale by  Niemeyer & Von Kapff. November 20.
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.
200 barrels FLOUR, of superior quality for family use, 10 hogsheads Tobacco, suitable for the West-India Markets. 100 barrels New-York Pork, city inspection, 50 do. Carolina do. 50 hds 25 barrels Antigua Sugars, 40,000 wt Green Coffee, Madeira Wine, London Brown Stout, Philadelphia Porter, Claret, Hermitage, Burgundy, &c. &c.—For sale on liberal terms by  C. & F. Whittle. November 11.
For SALE, 50,000 white oak hogshead draw Staves 50,000 red do. 30,000 rough do. 20,000 Cypress Pales 2,000 Cedar and Chinquapin Posts 50,000 building Shingles.  Proby, Harmanson & Co. March 2.
For SALE, Imported in the Galliot Fortune, captain Norton, from Tenerife, 100 pipes and 90 hds. L. P. Tene-riffe WINE, of superior quality. Apply to  Phinehas Dana. September 28.
Coarse Liverpool SALT, For Sale on board the Ship Courtney, capt. Bryant, lying at my wharf. Apply to  William Pennock. Who has on hand,  Liverpool Blown and Cadiz SALT. September 16.
St. Mary's College.  GRAND LOTTERY, BALTIMORE. Authorised by the General Assembly of the State of Maryland; the Scheme of which Lottery is the most brilliant ever offered to the citizens of the United States, containing besides a large number of other good prizes, 1 prize of - - 30,000 Dollars, 1 do. of - - 15,000 3 do. of - - 10,000 2 do. of - - 5,000 8 do. of - - 1,500 7 do. of - - 1,000 Not two blanks to a prize, and the lowest prize twelve dollars. The Scheme contains only 21,500 Tickets; 10,000 of which are actually sold to a company of gentlemen in New-York, to whom the managers have obligated themselves to commence the drawing in the City of Baltimore, on THURSDAY, the 31st day of December next, and to draw 500 tickets per day. Tickets and Shares are now selling in a variety of numbers, and very rapidly at Ten Dollars and an half each, for a very short time, at G. & R. WAITE'S truly fortunate Lottery Office, corner of Market-street and Charles-street, Baltimore. The grandeur of the Scheme of the above Lottery, together with an assurance from the managers that it will positively commence drawing on the 31st day of December next, have been a sufficient inducement for the subscribers to come to the city of Baltimore, for the express purpose of facilitating the sale of the Tickets.  G. & R. Waite.
One of the above firm will personally attend the drawing daily to take down the numbers correctly, as will also one of their clerks. The next New-York Lottery will not commence drawing till April next. Tickets of which Lottery may be had at Waite's Offices, in Maiden Lane, New-York. N. B. Distant adventurers accompanying their orders with Bank Notes of any description, to either of Waite's Offices in Baltimore or New-York, may have Tickets and Shares forwarded to any amount with the utmost punctuality, and the earliest advice sent them of their success. All prizes sold by G. & R. Waite will be paid by them. A list of all prizes drawn will be sent to the Printer of this Paper, for the inspection of adventurers. October 14.
We want to Purchase, A few Shares of STOCK in the Virginia Bank.  Campbell & Wheeler. May 22.
St. Mary's College Lottery of Baltimore.  TICKETS for Sale by  Rowland & Triplett. October 16.
For RENT, A commodious small DWELLING, with all suitable out-houses and a good garden, pleasantly situated on Smith's Point. Possession may be had on the first of November.  P. Barraud. October 5.
For RENT, The STORE, No. 86, Main-Street, with or without the house.  Thomas Blanchard. September 28.
For RENT, The Store, Compting-Room & Cellar, at present occupied by Messrs. Wood & Hastings, no. 90, Main-street. Apply to  Thomas Willock. August 24.
REMOVAL.  WOOD & HASTINGS, Have removed to No. 76, Main-street, opposite Market-square, (lately occupied by CATON & VEALE) They have on hand a general assortment of  English, India and French Goods. September 11.
For RENT, That commodious Dwelling-House, adjoining the Subscriber's, at present occupied by Mr. James Dykes;—also a convenient Dwelling-House near the Bridge, adjoining Mrs. Archer's, at present occupied by Mr. Nicholson;—also that pleasant retired House on Brewer-street, occupied by Stephen Harris; and some Ware-Houses on my wharf, with or without the wharf. For further particulars apply to  James Tucker. October 12.
Forty Dollars Reward, Will be given to any person who will apprehend and deliver to Warren Ashley, Esq. of Norfolk, or the subscriber, two runaway Negro Men, named JEMMY and JEFFERY, purchased a short time since as part of the Glebe property in Hampton. Jemmy is about 22 years of age, very strong and well built, and about 5 feet 9 inches high—Jeffery is at least 6 feet high, about 21 years of age, very black and likely. These Negroes absconded from the subscriber with a wish to be sold in Norfolk or Hampton, where they have been seen frequently since their having quitted my plantation. All captains and masters of vessels are hereby cautioned against receiving them on board, or employing them in any way.  Henry Heffernan. Glebe, Middlesex, July 4.
NOTICE. Those who have claims against the estate of PHILIP COLLINS, deceased, are requested to bring them in to the subscriber properly authenticated: and those indebted, are requested to make immediate payment, otherwise suits will be commenced against them, as the situation of the estate will not admit of any indulgence.  Jane Collins, Admr'x. October 28.
400 barrels Tar, 20,000 pipe Staves, 30,000 White Oak Hogshead do. 50,000 Red do. do. 100 Barrels Flour.—For Sale by  L. Mansfield. Portsmouth, May 8.
Now landing from on board the schooner Mohawk, Roger Quarles, master, from Leghorn, 120 hogsheads Bordolese CLARET, 96 casks Roll Brimstone, 100 boxes Castile Marbled Soap, 50 tin boxes Saffron, 5 cases Florence Silks of all colours, a great many black, 2 hds. shelled Almonds, 100 half chests Lucca Oil, of 30 flasks, 100 boxes Lucca Oil, 12 bottles each, 3 cases Chip Hats. For Sale by  William Pennock. October 12.
For SALE, 2 elegant Bay Horses, a complete match, 2 do. grey do. do. 1 remarkable fine bay, and one very excellent grey Horse—For which, Notes of the Bank of Newbern and Cape-Fear, or Proc Money will be taken in payment—Apply at the Office of the Publick Ledger. Sept. 25.
To RENT, That commodious TAVERN opposite the Borough Court-House, at present occupied by Mr. Thomas Holliday, and possession given the 10th of next month. Also for Lease, That vacant LOT on Commerce and Little Water-Street. For terms apply to  James Tucker. July 22.
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.
Leather, Cordage, and Loaf Sugar. The subscriber will hereafter expose for Sale at his Warehouse on Campbell's wharf the above Articles, of the manufacture of Norfolk, at reduced prices for Cash, or on short credits only.  Theo. Armistead. He will sell or lease for a term of years, the STORES at the end of Marsden's and Rothery's wharves. Feb. 20.
200 boxes Mould CANDLES, 30 half boxes brown Soap, 10 boxes white do. 60 bags Coffee, 5 tiers do. prime green, 4 hogsheads and 10 barrels loaf Sugar, 12 do. Muscovado do. 10 quarter casks old Sherry Wine, 2 hds old L. P. Madeira do. 3 hds. Red Port, 50 do. retailing Molasses, 15 crates well assorted Queen's Ware, Country Rum and Gin in hds and pipes—For Sale by  Phinehas Dana. June 8.
NOTICE. A petition will be presented to the next General Assembly, to counteract the operations of that of George Whitfield, as relates to a divorce from his wife Elizabeth, on account of a division of the property  Elizabeth Whitfield. November 13.
New landing from the schooner Prudence Mary, from New-York, 17 hds. first quality SUGARS, 54 barrels prime Pork, city inspection, 70 boxes Mould Candles; 5 hds. double refined Sugar, 5 pipes Brandy; 25 reams Writing Paper, 2 trunks fine and coarse French Lace, which will be sold at a low rate for Cash. Apply at No. 1, Commerce-street to  William Hull, Jun. October 16.
GERMAN LINENS, &c. 16 bales coarse Linen, 450 pieces Paper Hangings, 4 do. Ruffia Sheetings, 80 boxes Window Glass, 3 boxes German Rolls, 100 do. Short Pipes, 2 do. Rouans Sheeting, 120 do. Spanish Segars, 1 do. fine Flanders do. from 8 to 20 dollars per box, 3 do. Plaitillas, 300 doz. empty Bottles, 1 do. fine Dowlas, 200 wt. nealed bottling Wire, 2 do. Table Cloth, 800 do. Glue, 1 do. common Shirt Linen, 11,400 best Coffee bags, 1 do. extra fine do. 4,500 cheap Gunny Bags, 1 do. Bed Tick 2 yards wide, 5 boxes Tumblers, Decanters, &c. Also, 6 elegant Terrestrial Globes, A large invoice of Lace, 3 pair large Looking Glasses, Jewellery and Dice, in gilt frames, of the first Elegance Chessmen, Elegant marble Statues, Flageolets and Clarinets, Urns and Vases, Violins, Bows, and Flutes, Liquor Casks, Oil Cloth, Flutes with four and six keys, Wafer and Waffle Irons, do. patent lined, Coffee Mills and Toasters, Ladies' Dressing Boxes, Velvet Ribbons, Toilet Looking Glasses, Fine Thread Stockings, Shaving Cuffs, Elegant Cutlery, Elegant Writing Desks, An invoice of Watches, Scarlet Plush for Saddles, Watch Chrystals and Beads, Seine and Sewing Twine. For Sale by  Niemeyer & Von Kapff. September 11.
For SALE, A Valuable PLANTATION, lying on Fleet's Creek, Lancaster county, and on the borders of the Chesapeake Bay, mouth of the Rappahannock, containing about 200 acres of rich well timbered Land; 50 of which is in cultivation—attached to it is an island of 34 1-2 acres, with a comfortable settlement now tenanted out; the improvements on the manor is a Dwelling-House, Kitchen, Barn, Dairy, &c. The distance from Norfolk is but an easy day's sail; this Plantation possesses the best range for cattle in the county, with an excellent shad and herring fishery, good oysters, two good orchards one peach and the other apple. Any person inclined to purchase, will apply to William Danson, or to the subscriber in Norfolk, who will at any time take a run to this valuable place to view the premises. It will be further observed, that the above place will be sold a great bargain.  H. Prescott. I do likewise offer for Sale, my right and title to a valuable part of
Willoughby Point ESTATE, containing 217 acres, and a probability of 400 acres, low for cash, or any article of produce which will command a trade, as I am determined to get clear of it as quick as possible; the land lays dry, is rich, well timbered, and is within 300 yards of the Chesapeake shore—I have likewise constantly on hand, a quantity of Manufactured TOBACCO, of an excellent quality.  H. P. September 18.
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 1-2 lb. 6d. Nails, 9 1-2d 4d. do. 2s. 9d. m. or 11d 3d. do. 2s. 3d. or 12d Sheathing, do. 7 1-2d 6d. Sprigs, 4s 6d per M. 4d. do. 2s. 9d 2d. and 3d. do. 2s. 3d He offers also for cash only—  HOOP IRON ASSORTED.  Thos. Seaman. May 25.
NORFOLK: PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A-WEEK,  BY WILLIAM DAVIS, FOR THE PROPRIETOR, OPPOSITE THE EXCHANGE COFFEE HOUSE Price Six Dollars yearly, in advance.