Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-06-16

port, and anticipate great advance on
their lots al the change OF government here
in the fall. But whether the new proprle-
tors will realize the objects Of their fond
hopes is very questionable at all events,
il must be granted that the prosperity OF
this lows will not be promoted by such mo-
nopoly of lots by MEN. who will not improve
them. TIE engrossment of the most eli
gible situations for commercial establish
ments by people who buy merely to sell
again, will, inevitably retard the growth
of Pensacola, even had il an extensive
back country to support its trade. But as
the good lands on the small rivers empty
ing into this bay are very limited, and
scarcely any settlements as yet made on
them, the exports from this place are at pre-
sent not worth notice; and cannot he much
until agriculture subdues the forests of the
interior. Therefore consider the present
price of lots here not warranted by any ra-
tionaI calculation.
However, if the main argument which
the advocates of the high commercial des-
tiny of Pensacola advance in support OF
their lots here, is sound one, then the prI-
ces are reasonable enough.
The reason urged by those, who contend
that this town is soon to become the prin-
cipal commercial depot west of Cape Flo
rida is predicated, not on the expectation
of much support from the back country
embraced by its own waters, but upon
belief that the grand rivers OF Alabama and
Tombigbee are, on change OF flags at this
place, TO betray the high trust which ma
ture hath con6ded to them by deserving the
spacious bay of Mobile, and pouring their
treasures lcto the bosom of Pensacola thro'
artificial channels thai exist only IN the
iervid imaginations OF those, whose interest
that event might possibly promote.
Though consider such logic entirely
fallacIous, and the calculation founded
thereon, pregnant with disappointment. II
not with the ruin oi many yeta reference
in argument to the experience OF all ages,
anu 10 the commercial history OF all coun-
tres, appeals to have no influence on the
settled opinions OF this class oil sansulne al
vsnturers. And some OF these people are
So aruenl in their iond hopes and eXpecia-
tons OF Immediate wealth, that they even
contend thai Pensacola viii ere long out
strip New Orleans in commerce, anu draw
from The Mississippi the trade OF thai vast
emporium
All these wonderful changes in the course
of nature are to be wrought BY the magic
of canal and steam navigation. 10 Ue sure
a canal may he open WITH competent capt.
tai 50 as 10 connect lne bay Ut Mobile with
that OF Pensacola but II by no means toll
lows, even should that event ever happen,
that the proouCe OF The state oil Alabama
will in that case, he directed 10 this place
for expectation.
The saluhrity of the climate of Pensaco-
la is undoubtedly well established. The
dryness of the sCite Of the town, and the
nudity and stcriity of the sand hills and
waste plains in lis rear, together with tue
sea -breezes which prevail il hot weather.
render the atmosphere pure and saluorious.
The portable water here is wholesome
and abundant; two small brooks arising
from cold moras> in the rear OF the town,
along the foot of the first rising ground,
flow in opposite directions, enclosing the
compact part of the city, into the lay and
will always supply the place with plen-
ty of good water; though it does not pos
sess that cool quality, that characterizes
the best springs in the pine woods of Flo
rida. Yours, &c.
s. RAINES.
P. S. In few days shall proceed up
st. Rosa Sound, and cross the bay of that
name, to explore the waters of the Choc-
taw rivera description of which will
give you on my return to Biak eley.
S. H.
Tire following is an extract OF a letter
from Cadiz, dated March 90
Sc The naval force which is to be sent
to the South Seas is to lie doubled, and it
is therefore 10 consist OF two line OF bat
tie ships and two frigates, which are to
carry as many troops as possible, and to
sail as soon as they can be got ready =
Twenty thousand men are to he embarked