Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-22
From the National Intelligencer]
EDITORS CORRESPONDENTS.
~ M. 4 M, A

EDITORS CORRESPONDENTS.
Union, Penn. Dec. 4.
DEAR Slas: A few evenings ago, Mr.
Reynolds, the ingenious promulgator
Of Captain Symmes' new theory OF the
Earth, delivered in this place short
exposition Of its principles, supported
by many interesting facts and argu,,
ments, and advocated with much zeal
and ability. attended the lecture, and
like most others who were present,
went more for the sake OF amusement,
than with an expectation ofhearing any
thing which would afford the least sa-
tisfaclion, or in the smallest degree re-
move the firmly established OPINION,
which had always existed in my mind,
as we'll as in the minds OF most per-
sons, as to the futility OF the system
| was, however, very agreeably disap'
pointed, and take much pleasure In &C
knowledging that my prejudices are
much weakened, and that | am not only
"almost persuaded" but am in fact
pretty 'Iuii I'LL ttIC iaiu'
The new theory is so ingenious, so
plausible, so reconcileable to the ma
ture of matters and things generally,
and above all, so in accordance with
the wise economy Of nature, that 1t is
really only necessary to have clear un-
Outstanding Of its principles, to become
in great degree reconciled, to that
which has so generally been regarded
as a wild fantasy Of its projectors
brain.
Mr.. Reynolds has for some time been
lecturing on this subject in the west,
and has so far been very successful, In
gaining friends 10 the new theory
His audience here consisted Of num-
Der of intelligent gentlemen, some OF
whom were men Of first rate SCIENCE
They have generally become at least
partially proselytes, and, with common
consent, favor the idea Of explorations
being made on the subject.
From this place Mr.. Reynolds pro-
ceeds to Philadelphia, where he intends
procuring the construction Of some APP
paratus TO illustrate his lectures. From
thence he will, understand, visit your
city He expects to be there early in
January, and intends delivering course
of lectures in that place.
The object which he wishes to effect,
you will perhaps already have under
stood to be the procuration OF small
appropriation by Congress for furnish
ing to Captain Symncs and his follow
crs an outfit Will it be subjecting my
self to suspicion of insanity, to in
quire, Shall it not be granted? The
project so warmly prosecuted by the
British nation, of affecting North
vest passage, if not as wild, may, l
think, be regarded as one in its nature
less productive Of useful and interesting
discoveries. / remain yours, sc.
Extract off letter dated Port au Plat, Nou. 16
The carpenter Of the brig Richmond,
Harrison master, from Philadelphia
for this port; was lost overheard on
the passage Every exertion was made
10 save him, by lowering the boat in
a very hard sea-we were running a.
bout eight knots before the wind, and
were Obliged to heave the vessel to the
wind, before the boat could be lowered
in; had the brig been on wind he
would have been saved with ease, as
he was an cxcellen. swimmer. think
he was in the water an hour and hall
before he disappeared, and the boat APP
peared to be only short distance from
him when he wen, down. The boats
crew took the direction given them
from those on board the brig, for they
never saw the man from the boat.
From the Circumstance you may sup
,ose the sea must have been high-the
BOAT was absent about 2 hours. and ii
required great care and prudence to
get the men and boa, in again. Since
leaving Philadelphia the weather has
been nothing but gale after gale, ac-
comnsnied by immense rains-a great
deal of mahogany has been swept to
sea and much must be lost. We have
nothing new here-this government
have not yet published either the ordi-
nance Of Charles the 10th. or the trea-
ty."