15 foreign merchandise, &c.) was next agreed to.-tions, taken together, and agreed to. Yeas 56, Teas 79, Nays 34. nays 34. The eighth resolution (for a tax of 4 cents per The resolutions were then referred to the compound on refined sugar,) was next agreed to. Yeas mittee of ways and means, with directions to re90, Nays 38 The ninth resolution (for laying a tax on carriages of pleasure &c.) came next on the tapis, and was agreed to-Yeas 72, Nays 48. The tenth resolution proposes a stamp tax on certain bank and other notes. port by bill. STATE OF ORLEANS, The following message was received from the pre sident of the United States: To the senate and house of representatives of the The question on the resolution was divided, on At the request of the convention assembled in the suggestion of Mr. Little, so as to take a ques-the territory of Orleans on the 22d day of Novemtion, distinctly, on the two clauses of the resolution ber last, I transmit to congress the proceedings of The question on that part which goes to tax bank that body in pursuance of the act entitled "an act Bo'es at the rate of one dollar for every hundred to enable the people of the territory of Orleans to dollars was carried, yeas 74. form a constitution and state government and for The other clause of the resolution proposes to the admission of the said state into the union on an lay a tax of five cents for every 100 dollars, on all equal footing with the original states and for other ndorsed notes of hand and bills of exchange. purposes."' JAMES MADISON. March 3, 1812. This clause was objected to by Mr. Little on the ground of its oppressive nature and the odium which former experience had attached to it in the minds of the people. The small product it would afford would not go far to the support of the war; and he thought it might be dispensed with. The message, &c. having been read, A proposition was made to refer it to a select committee; but, before it was decided, the house adjourned. [For Thursday's proceedings see page 16.] The Chronicle. Mr. Bacon replied that this tax was now so arranged as not to afford the same cause of complaint as former stamp taxes, because it would not operate on the poor, would subject the people in thinlyBALTIMORE, March 7, 1812. settled countries to no difficulty in obtaining them, Arrival of the Constitution. This frigate arrived at and would generally affect only large capitalists or Norfolk some days ago but we had not room to noextensive traders in the cities. tice it in our last. The accounts received by her Mr. M'Kim said that, however oppressive he merely confirm the generally favorable appearance might deem this and perhaps all the other taxes he of our affairs with France. The Hornet is looked felt in some degree pledged at present to vote for for, and something definitive is expected from Engthe whole report of the committee. land and France. But "hope deferred maketh The question was taken on this clause and car-sick"-by every one of the twenty despatch vessels ried Yeas 65, navs 53. sent to Europe within a few years, we have exThe next resolution embraces the direct tax ofpected something-when they arrived, we were three millions, to be apportioned as provided by quietly told “they brought nothing," and we are the constitution. inclined to pronounce him" Blessed who expects no On this question a discussion took place, foreign thing, that he may not be disappointed:" The New to the question immediately before the house, viz. York Gazette says that the Wasp, now lying in the an a doubt stated by Mr. Randolph, whether the port, is waiting for dispatches to be sent to England tax was to be laid according to the present repre-and France. sentation in congress, or according to the number Russia and Turkey have concluded an armistice, of people of the United States as ascertained by the for the avowed purpose of negociating a peace.—— latest enumeration. Messrs. Bacon, M'Kim. Lown-The war between these powers appears to have been des and Widgery declared their opinion in favor carried on without much energy on either side. of the latter mode; but Mr. Randolph declared it The orders in council continue in their fullest rito be a question of insuperable difficulty inasmuch gor, and numerous and valuable captures are very as, if the taxation was apportioned by the present frequently made--eight or ten are sometimes crowdcongress according to the last enumeration (whiched in a single paper. The Purse, belonging to has not yet affected the representation) it would be Baltimore, bound to Bordeaux, was captured-a a violation of the vital principle of the constitution, prize master and ten prime seamen were sent on that representation and taxation must go hand inboard of her-the American captain and four of his hand. crew were left in the vessel, all the arms in view beThe resolution was agreed to, on the question's ing first taken away. But the captain had concealed being taken. Yeas 77, nays 39. a pair of pistols--he shot the prize master dead, and The next resolution, that each state may pay the aided by his sailors, secured the "gallant fellows" whole direct tax apportioned to its share, with a (as they are called in the British papers) under deduction of 15 per cent. was agreed to. Yeas 73, hatches, and carried his vessel safely into France. mays 37. Earthquakes. Various parts of Europe have been Next came under consideration the resolution shaken by earthquakes during the month of Decem that the taxes thus laid shall not take effect until ber; but we have not heard of any material dathe commencement of the war, or until letters of mage. marque and reprisal shall have been issued. This Sweden. It is stated that the king is about to passed as follows: Yeas 80, nays 26. resume his functions and convene a diet, for the sole The next and last resolution reported by the com-purpose of absolutely abdicating the crown in favor mittee of finance provides that these taxes shall of Bernadotte; retaining, however, the title of king. connue no longer than one year after the conciu- Spain. A Spanish frigate has arrived at Cadiz sion of the war. Agreed to, yeas 72, nays 26. from Lima, laden with four millions of dollars-she The question was then taken on all the resolu-left a British shap of 74 guns also taking in specíe, with the same destination. The French have beenja smart frigate, while blockading a port of his rival gallantly repulsed in an attack on Tariffa. On the Petion, lately rose upon their officers, and delivered 26th of December marshal Suchet attacked the up the ship and themselves to the latter. She was Spanish line before Valentia, and carried every immediately fitted out and sent in pursuit of the rest thing before him, taking their artillery, baggage, of the royal squadron, consisting of a sloop or war &c. and killing and wounding a very great number. and a brig. The period of tranquility in this island -It is supposed that the city has fallen into his is far distant. hands. Valentia is one of the most important places Shipwrecks.-Dreadful gales prevailed on the in Spain. General Blake commanded the Spani-Dutch coast the latter end of December. Among ards after the defeat he shut himself up in the perhaps a hundred other vessels, several British city, and is supposed to be captured. ships of war were wrecked-2 of 74 guns. The England-We have nothing of much importance loss of the British in seamen has been estimated at from this country further than is or has been no-lupwards of 3,000 men. ticed. The debates on the answer to the address Capital punishments. The senate of Pennsylvania of the Prince Regent to Parliament, have been very have adopted a report of a committee of that body animated-extracts from them, so far as they re-(21 to 7) concluding with a resolution for leave to gard ourselves, are inserted in the preceding pages bring in a bill abolishing the punishment of death, and perhaps, we may be induced to give some of the substituting in lieu thereof, hard labor for lif.. speeches entire. MORE BANKS! the senate of Massachusetts in IRELAND. On the 9th of January Mr. Hutchin- committee of the whole, has reported, in favor of the son, (see WEEkly Register, vol. 1, page 97) gave establisment of sixteen new banks !-but have also notice in Parliament, that he should on the first recommended that the petitions in behalf of fifteen Tuesday in March, move for a repeal of the legisla-other banks now established, praying for an extentive union between Great Britain and Ireland-The son of their charters, should have leave to withlatter country is in a most unsettled state-exten-draw their petitions. sive and formidable conspiracies are spoken of; but whether hatched as an engine of state (and grand spokes are they in the wheel of royalty) or really Thursday, March 5. The constitution for the founded on fact we cannot determine. The com-new state of Orleans was, on motion of Mr. Poinmon people of the catholic persuasion, and with the dexter, referred to a select committee of seven best of reasons, seem ripe for any thing; though members to report thereon. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. their nobility and leading characters appear active The bill supplementary to the act for raising an in restraining them. Lords Fingall and Netterville additional military force, was ordered to be enwere arrested on the 23d of Dec. for attending agrossed and read a third time. meeting of the Catholic committee. It is treason in The bill for the relief of Arthur St. Clair, has Ireland, to petition for a redress of grievances. been gone through in committe of the whole. AMERICA. Speaking of the U. States, Bell's Lon- The senate was engaged to-day on the navy bill. don Messenger of the 16th Dec. has the following: Mr. Pope made a speech in reply to Messrs. Lloyd America is a continent. An inexhaustible store and Giles. Mr. Crawford and Mr German also spoke of all necessaries and conveniencies has been given on the question. The serate adjourned at 3 o'clock her by the bounty of Providence. She is sufficient for herself, has an inheritance of her own, of bound TO CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. less extent and fertility, and she even overflows for Several literary favours remain as yet unnoticed. others. She can have no natural dependence or Some of them will appear in due season. Long relation upon England, France, or any other coun-accustomed to the bustle and dispatch of the busitry; and the artificial ties, which hold her by the ness of a daily paper, its habits became "second chain of her own luxury, a wise government would nature," and may have led to the extremes of caufeel no regret in snapping asunder. tion and carelessness.- -Recollecting the many It is perfectly ridiculous to think that we can" scrapes" we got into from hurry and heedlessness, annoy America by not dealing with her; or to ima-in common with most others of the profession, we gine that, but for our supplies of manufactures, may have, generally, fallen into the opposite exthe poor wretches of one half of the habitable treme, which, if error must be committed, is preglobe must retnrn to the original wildness of their ferable; though, at others, the old hasty habit, perwoods, burrow with foxes in caves, and get under haps, prevailed, and rendered us careless of our own ground for warmth. compositions and the admission of articles by others: The editor of the (London) Independent Whig besides the attention of the editor has been frequentof January 5, in dilating upon the relative situation ly distracted by causes now about to have a termiof affairs between America and England, observes, nation. This volume is commenced under the the day that commences active hostilities between most pleasing auspices; and our correspondents "the two countries, will be the most fatal that Eng-and readers may be assured, that while we hope "land ever saw; for, in the present desperate and to decide with liberality, carelessness, at least, shall "almost irretrievable situation of our (English) not be imputed hereafter. Our long-looked-for affairs, we much fear that a war with America small type has arrived, the specimen inserted in page * abroad would be but the sure precursor of a civil 7, is honorable to the state of this manufacture in " commotion at home. America; and we are enabled to comprise in a very French couscription.-At an extraordinary sitting small space many important articles designed chiefof the conservative senate on the 20th December ly for reference. last, a decree was passed calling out 120,000 men of With regret we have been compelled to postpone the conscription for the year 1812. No special the title and index until next week. cause is assigned for this measure Some of the ** From the moral impossibility of making a British editors, always conjuring up war on the just discrimination, the few remaining copies of the continent, have given to France and Russia a hos-first volume will be disposed of at the original price, tile attitude. to new subscribers, under the regulation common Hayti. The crew of King Henry's admiral ship, to others-the payment of five dollars for the year. VOL. BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1812. Hac olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL [No. 28. Printed and published by H. NILES, Water-street, near the Merchants' Coffee-House, at $5 per annum. State of New-York. IN ASSEMBLY, February 5, 1812. The committee to whom was referred the memorial of Theodorus Baily and others, praying an act of incorporation for establishing a bank in the city of New-York-report: |fully authorised to say, they find both the ability and inclination in the good people of this common wealth to furnish at very short notice, any number of blankets, and any quantity of clothing, all of the manufacture of this commonwealth, that may be necessary to enable the general government to fulfil any engagements made, or such as may be for the That they have taken the subject into considera interest of the United States to make The comtion, have heard the parties, and received their pro-mittee with pleasure notice your excellency's corposals, which are herewith submitted, together rect description of the energies of the American with an affirmation of theirs to certain facts. people at the commencement of their struggle for independence, and the means by them employed to render that struggle successful, by applying to their own internal resources, and confidently believe, that while American patriotism has not abated, the resources of our country have increased, and our ability to live free, happy and independent of all other nations; has grown with our growth, and strengthened with our strength. Proposals have already been made to the committee by individuals adequate to the fulfilment of their engagements to furnish at least 50,000 blankets and a like number of suits of clothes, within a short period from the date of the contract. Your committee therefore report the following RESOLVE, which is submitted by John Heard, chairman of the committee. The committee deem it unnecessary to go into detail at present; but viewing the application as involving unportant considerations to the state at large, and after giving to it that attention which the magnitude of the object is calculated to excite, and finding a diversity of opinion in the committee, they have thought it their duty to report these facts, reserving their opinions for future expression.They have, therefore, directed their chairman to ask permission for the said applicants to present their bill to this house. Statement of the proposed gratuity to the state, from the proposed bank of America. 1st. 400,000 dollars in specie, to be paid in equal annual instalments, and to be appropriated as follows, to wit: three-fourths of which for the benefit of common schools, and the remaining one-fourth for the encouragement of literature within this state. 24. 100,000 dollars, specie, payable into the treasury of the state at the expiration of ten years should there not be any additional banking capital within the city of New-York, during that period. 3d. 100,000 dollars, in specie, payable as last aforesaid, at the expiration of twenty years, should there not be any additional banking capital within the city of New-York, during that period. a 4th. 1,000,000 dollars to be loaned to the state, at rate of interest not exceeding five per cent. per ann. for the purpose of opening a canal to connect the waters of lake Erie with those of the Hudson river. 5th. 1,000,000 dollars, to be loaned to the state, at a rate of interest not exceeding six per cent. per annum, for the purpose of being re-loaned to the farmers and other citizens of the state on landed security. Charter to be granted for thirty years. Indian Blankets. IN THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS. Report on Indian supplies and army clothing. The committee who have had under consideration the communication of his excellency upon the COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. Resolved, That his excellency the governor is requested to communicate to the general government, in such mode as he may judge most convenient and expeditious, the perfect ability and dispo sition of the government of this commonwealth to make the most prompt provisions for the immediate supply of such blankets and clothing as the general government may wish to contract with the citizens of this commonwealth for sufficient to meet any contingency which may occur, and to request information of any other articles which are or may be wanted for supplying the Indians, as there can be no doubt of the ability of this commonwealth to supply by contract any such articles, mostly, if not altogether from our own manufactories. In Senate, February 18, 1812. Read and passed. SAMUEL DANA, President. In the House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 1812, Read and concurred. EL. W. RIPLEY, Speaker. Council Chamber, Feb. 22, 1812. APPROVED.-E. GERRY, A true copy-Attest, BENJAMIN HOMANS. Secretary of the Commonwealth. subject of supplying this commonwealth's propor- Management of a Parliament, tion of blankets and clothing for the necessary supply of the Indians, and such number of troops as upon any exigency may be found necessary for defensive or offensive war :-Have attended to the duty assigned them, and as the result of their most careful and critical inquiry they feel themselves See vol. 1. p. 433. It is an accepted fact that ayes and noes are purchased in the British parliament-it is notorious that a majority of the attending members are placemen and pensioners and that seats in the house are bought and sold, without ceremony. This corruption appears of anc ent date, and has extended to Scotland and Ireland. The union between England and Scotland was brought about in the year 1707. In the year 1710 a "The following short statement will remind you great and entire change in the British ministry of the establishment of the different royal dock having taken place, the following list of expendi-yards now existing in the kingdom. They are six tures, made by the earl of Glasgow, under the direc-in number Deptford, Woolwich, Chatham, Sheertion of the English minister, shews how the Scottishness, Portsmouth and Plymouth. parliament was managed. If by any change in the ministry, the expenditure made to bring about the union with Ireland shail be laid before the public, the world will be surprised at its magnitude-the members of the parliament of the latter country held their perjuries of much higher value than the Scottish chiefs esteemed theirs-but money is far less valuable now than it was then. To the duke of Queensberry, and as lord commissioner for equipage and daily allowance To the duke of Athol "Deptfort was built in the reign of Henry the VIII. under whose sway, history tells us, this country possessed the first fleet composed of ships of war, belonging to the king: although I have heard that some archives, recently discovered in the tower, prove the existence of a fleet of that kind in the reign of the preceding monarch, Henry VIL. "Woolwich yard was formed under the auspices L. 8. d. of the same monarch. 12,325 0 0 500 0 0 "Chatham was founded by queen Elizabeth, where the gun-wharf now is, and where there was only one small dock; but that being too confined a spot, it was removed about the year 1622 to its present situation. "Sheerness was formed in the regin of Charles II. "Portsmouth by Henry VIII. being the third dock yard founded by him. "Plymouth by William III. about the year 1694, and in 1698 money was voted by the house of com0mons for compleating it. 0 0 300 0 0 "The progressive advance of our navy, will appear by attending to the following recital of its tonnage at different periods, from the reign of HenVIII. to the present time. ry Marquis of Tweedale Earl of Marchmont Lord Cesnock, afterwards Pol- 500 0 0 300 0 Sir William Sharp Duke of Montrose Earl of Dunmore Year. Tons about. Earl of Kintore 200 0 0 Lord Ormistoun (lord justice At the death of Henry VIII clerk) 200 0 0 11,000 Lord Elphinston 200 0 0 Mr. John Campbell 200 0 17,100 Earl of Glencarine 100 0 19,400 100 0 100 0 100 0 57,460 100 0 0 100 0 159,000 25 0 0 George II 1769 321,200 On the 31st December, 776,000 Patrick Coultrain (provost of Mr. Alexander Wedderburn "Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the vast increase of our navy not a single dock yard has On the 13th of April, 1778, lord George Gordon been added to it since the reign of William III. stated in parliament, that lord North, the minister, about a hundred and nineteen years ago, at which had promised to appoint his Brother, lord William time the tonnage of the naval force of this kingdom Gordon, vice-admiral of Scotland (a sinecure) pro-amounted to near 160,000 tons; it is now near vided lord William would obtain a seat in parlia- 800,900 tons, or about five times as large." ment, suggesting that he (lord George) should The following statement is the amonnt and disresign in favor of his brother, which he had refused position of the British navy up to January 1to do. The place was finally given to the earl of At sea, 115 of the line; 8 from 44 to 50; 126 friBreadalbane-he had a seat. Lord North vindicated gates; 97 sloops; 5 bombs; 121 brigs; 32 cutters ; himself by sayin; (but not in parliament) than an of-52 schooners-total 527. In port and fitting 32 of fice worth 1000l. per annum ought to beget a vote in parliament." Such things are common in these our days-and no longer excite surprise. British Navy. the line; 8 from 44 to 50; 28 frigates; 38 sloops; 1 bomb; 29 frigates; 6 cutters; 21 schoonerstotal 162. Guard ships, 4 of the line; 1 fifty; 4 frigates; 5 sloops-total 14. Hospital ships, &c. 31 of the line; 3 of 50; 3 frigates-total 37. Total in commission, 187 of the line; 20 from 44 to 50; 161 frigates; 140 sloops; 6 bombs; 150 brigs; 37 cutters; 73 schooners-total 740. Ordinary and The following extract of a letter, addressed to repairing for service, 70 of the line; 14 from 44 to Mr. Percival by lord Melville, on the subject of the 50; 59 frigates; 38 sloops; 6 bombs; 13 brigs; establishment of a naval arsenal at North fleet, pre-2 schooners-total 202. Building, 31 of the line; sents within a small compass a striking view of the progressive increase of the British navy. 2 of fifty; 14 frigates; 5 sloops-total 52, forming the grand total of 994 British vessels of war. Twelfth Congress. the capitol, under contracts made with the superintendant of public buildings; praying that some provision may be made for the payment of the same. Referred to the committee of claims. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, March 6.—Mr. Grundy, after a few remarks offered the following resolution : "Resolved that the committee on public lands be referred the bill from the senate for the encourageMr. Newton, from the committee to whom was directed to enquire, what further provisions are ment of science and the useful arts, &c. reported necessary to be made, for satisfying such claims to sundry amendments to the same; which were read lands within the state of Tennessee, as are recog-and referred to a committee of the whole nised by the act of cession, from the state of North UNCHARTERED BANKS.-Mr. Gholson said, he Carolina to the United States, and are not at this had been informed, through the news-papers and time located, and that they also enquire into the other channels entitled to his confidence, that an proper steps to be taken for perpetuating the testi-association was forming in the town of Alexandria mony and establishing the claims to lands hereto- to establish an additional bank in that place without fore located (agreeably to the laws of North Caro-a charter of incorporation, provided the pet.t.on lina) in that part of the state of Tennessee to which which had been presented to the other branch of the Indian title is not extinguished, and that they the legislature for one should fail. He said that no have leave to report by bill or otherwise." WEST FLORIDA.-Mr. Johnson submitted the following resolution: Resolved, that a committee be appointed to enquire into the situation of that part of West Florida west of the Perdido river, the possession of which was taken under the proclamation of the president of the United States on the 27th October 1810, and the committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise. Mr. Pitkin enquiring the particular object of this motion, member would more cheerfully than himself grant to that association a bank charter, if the propriety or utility of such a measure could be shewn. He however had always been decidedly opposed to the es tablishment of banks without legal authority.—Many parts of the Union had, he believed, suffered from the inundation of paper emitted by unauthorised institutions of this sort. He was unwilling that this district should participate of such an evil. He would therefore submit to the house the following resolution: Resolved, That the committee of the district of Mr. Johnson replied that by the proclamation of Columbia be instructed to enquire into the expethe president of the United States, the territory diency of prohibiting within said district the circuembraced by the resolution was attached to the lation of the notes of any bank not established by Orleans territory. It is well known that the con-law, and that they have leave to report by bill or stitution of that territory in conformity to the laws otherwise. of congress had arrived and was now before the Mr. Little moved that the resolution lie on the house. The territory in question, not being in-table; as he was informed that the association to cluded within the limits prescribed for the new which the gentleman had alluded, was about apstate, must either be attached to some other go-plying for a charter. vernment or included in a separate administration. The motion of Mr. Gholson was opposed by Mr. In addition to this circumstance, there were many Alston on the ground of the impropriety of congrievances of which the people of that territory gress legislating on this subject, unless indeed it complained, which required investigation. He had were to make every individual responsible for the a number of memorials in his possession, and re-notes of the bank, &c. It was supported by Mr. ference of which at a proper time he would move to that committee. The resolution was adopted. GENERAL ST. CLAIR.-The house took up the order of the day. The question pending when the house yesterday adjourned, was negatived, 50 to 44. The bill having been further amended, on motion of Mr. Roberts, by adding, "if the said sum shall be found due to him on a final settlement of his accounts with the United States"-was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. The bill supplementary to the act for raising an additional military force, was read a third time and passed. Basset, who deprecated the overwhelming torrent of bank paper, which flooded the country, and which might eventually much injure those planters of Virginia or Maryland who should place confi dence in the paper of unchartered banks, and by the insolvency of such institutions be left without redress. The resolution was ordered to lie on the table. BRITISH INTRIGUE.-The following message was received from the president of the U. States, by Mr. Coles. To the senate and house of representatives. I lay before congress copies of certain documents which remain in the department of state. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the U. States, FORTIFICATIONS.-The house took up the se-notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, nate's amendment to the bill for the defence of our ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neu maritime frontier. [The amendment reduces the trality towards Great Britain; and in the midst of appropriation from one million to half a million of amicable professions and negotiations on the part dollars.] of the British government, through her public miMessrs. Blackledge and Potter opposed the a-nister here, a secret agent of that government was mendment on the ground of the inexpediency of employed in certain states, more especially at the weakening the defence of our ports. seat of government (Boston) in Massachusetts, in fomenting disaffection to the constituted authorities of the nation, and intrigues with the d.saffected for the purpose of bringing about resistance to the laws; and eventually, in concert with a Brit sh force, of destroying the Union and forming the eastern part thereof into a political connection with Great Britain. The question on the concurrence was decided in the affirmative-60 to 50 So the appropriation now stands at $500,000. Monday, March 9.-Mr. Mitchill presented the petition of George Blagden and others, stating that they have claims against the United States to a considerable amount for work done on both wings of |