ascertained, with accuracy, the geography of that interesting communication across our continent, learnt the character of the country, of its commerce and inhabitants, and, it is but justice to say, that Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their brave companion, have, by this arduous service, deserved well of their country. The attempt to explore the Red River, under the direction of Mr. Freeman, though conducted with a zeal and prudence meriting entire approbation, has not been equally successful. After proceeding up it about six hundred miles, nearly as far as the French settlements had extended, while the country was in their possession, our geographers were obliged to return, without completing their work. Very useful additions have also been made to our knowledge of the Mississippi, by Lieutenant Pike, who has ascended it to its source, and whose journal and map, giving the details of his journey, will shortly be ready for communication to both Houses of Congress. Those of Messrs, Lewis, Clarke, and Freeman, will require further time to be digested and prepared. These important surveys, in addition to those before possessed, furnish materials for commencing an accurate map of the Mississippi and its western waters. Some principal rivers, however, remain still to be explored, towards which the authorisation of Congress, by moderate appropria. tions, will be requisite. I congratulate you, Fellow Citizens, on the approach of the period at which you may interpose your authority constitutionally, to withdraw the Citizens of the United States from all further participation in those violations of human rights, which have been so long continued on the unoffending inhabitants of Africa, and which the morality, the reputation, and the best interests of our country, have long been eager to proscribe. Although no law you may pass can take prohibitory effect till the first day of the year 1808, yet the intervening period is not too long to prevent, by timely notice, expeditions which cannot be completed before that day. The receipts of the Treasury, during the year ending on the 30th day of September last, have amounted to near fifteen millions of dollars; which have enabled us, after meeting the current demands, to pay two millions seven hundred thousand dollars of the American claims, in part of the price of Louisiana; to pay, of the funded debt, upwards of three millions of principal, and nearly four of interest; and, in addition, to reimburse, in the course of the present mooth, near two millions of five and an half per cent. stock. These payments and reimbursements of the funded debt, with those which had been made in the four years and a half preceding, will, at the close of the present year, have extinguished upwards of twenty three millions of prin cipal. The duties composing the Mediterranean fund will cease, by law, at the end of the present Session. Considering, however, that they are levied chiefly on luxuries, and that we have an impost on salt, a necessary of life, the free use of which otherwise is so important, I recommend to your consideration the suppression of the duties on salt, and the continuation of the Mediterranean fund, instead thereof, for a short time; after which, that also will become unnecessary for any purpose now within contemplation. When both of these branches of revenue shall, in this way, be relinquished, there will still, ere long, be an accumulation of monies in the treasury, beyond the instal ment of public debt, which we are per mitted by contract to pay. They cannot, then, without a modification assented to by the public creditors, be applied to the extinguishment of this debt, and the complete liberation of our revenues, the most desirable of all objects. Nor, if our peace continues, will they be wanting for any other existing purpose. The question, therefore, now comes forward, to what other object shall these surplusses be ap propriated, and the whole surplus of im post, after the entire discharge of the pub lic debt, and during those intervals when the purposes of war shall not call for them? Shall we suppress the impost, and give that advantage to foreign over domestic manufactures? On a few articles of more general and necessary use, the suppression, in due season, will doubtless be right; but the great mass of the articles on which impost is paid, are foreign luxuries purchased by those only who are rich enough to afford themselves the use of them. Their patriotism would certainly prefer its continuance, and application to the great purposes of the public education, roads, rivers, canals, and such other objects of public improvement, as it may be thought proper to add to the constitutional enumeration of federal powers. By these operations new channels of communication will be opened between the States; the lines of separation will disappear, their interests will be iden tified, and their union cemented by new and indissoluble ties. Education is here placed among the articles of public care, not that it would be proposed to take its ordinary branches out of the hands of private enterprise, which manages so much better all the concerns to which it is equal: but a public institution can alone supply those sciences which, though rarely called for, are yet necessary to complete the circle, paration. But much will depend on the all the parts of which contribute to the im- promptitude with which these means can provement of the country, and some of them to its preservation. The subject is now proposed for the consideration of Congress, because, if approved, by the time the State Legislatures shall have deliberated on this extension of the federal trusts, and the laws shall have passed, and other arrangements made for their execution, the necessary funds will be on hand, and without employment. I suppose an amendment of the Constitution, by consent of the States, necessary; because the objects now recommended are not among those enumerated in the Constitution, and to which it permits the public monies to be applied. The present consideration of a national establishment for education, particularly, is rendered proper by this circumstance also, that if Congress, approving the proposition, shall yet think it more eligible to found it on a donation of lands, they have it now in their power to endow it with those which will be among the earliest to produce the necessary income. This foundation would have the advantage of being independent on war, which may suspend other improvements, by requiring for its own purposes, the resources destined for them. be brought into activity. If war be forced upon us, in spite of our long and vain appeals to the justice of nations, rapid and vigorous movements, in its outset, will go far towards securing us in its course and issue, and towards throwing its burdens on those who render necessary the resort from reason to force. The result of our negociations, or such incidents in their course, as may enable us to infer their probable issue; such further movements al o on our western frontier as may shew whether war is to be pressed there, while negociation is protracted elsewhere, shall be communicated to you from time to time, as they become known to me; with whatever other information I possess, or may receive, which may aid your deliberations on the great national interests committed to your charge. Dec. 2, 1806. TH. JEFFERSON. HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES, Dec.3. of the United States of America. This, Fellow Citizens, is the state of the public interests, at the present moment, and according to the information now possessed. But such is the situation of the nations of Europe, and such, too, the predicament in which we stand with some of them, that we cannot rely, with certainty, on the present aspect of our affairs, that may change from moment to moment, during the course of your Session, or after you shall have separated. Our duty is, therefore, to act upon the things as they are, and to make a reasonable provision for whatever they may be. Were armies to be raised whenever a speck of war is visible in our horizon, we never should have been without them. Our resources would have been exhausted on dangers which have never happened, instead of being reserved for what is really to take place.- A step so friendly will afford further eviA steady, perhaps a quickened pace in dence, that all our proceedings have flowed preparations for the defence of our seaport from views of justice and conciliation, and towns and waters, an early settlement of that we give them willingly that form the most exposed and vulnerable parts of which may best meet corresponding disthe country, a militia so organized, that positions. its effective portions can be called to any Add to this, that the same motives which point in the Union, or volunteers instead produced the postponement of the Act till of them, to serve a sufficient time, are the 15th of November last, are in favour means which may always be ready, yet of its further suspension: and as we have never preying upon our resources, until reason to hope that it may soon yield to ar actually called into use. They will main- rangements of mutual consent and convetain the public interests, while a more per- nience, justice seems to require that the manent force shall be in a course of pre- same measure may be dealt out to the few cases which may fall within its short course, as to all others preceding and following it. I cannot, therefore, but recommend the suspension of this act for a reasonable time, on considerations of justice, amity, and the public interests. Dec. 3, 1806. TH. JEFFERSON. DEC. 4. Mr. J. Randolph, Chairman of the Committee, to whom was referred the President's Message, of yesterday, reported a Bill for suspending the Non-importation Act. It was twice read, and referred to the Committee of the whole to-morrow. Dec. 6.-The Report of the Bill for sus pending the Non-importation Act, was taken into consideration. Mr. Sloan opposed the filling up the blank, with the words Dec. 81, 1807, and proposed July 1, which was agreed to. The Bill was then read a third time and passed, upon a division--Ayes, 101Noes, 5. line of battle consisted of the Arethusa, Latona, Anson, and Fisgard, and, soon after the break of day, I made all possible sail, in close order of battle, passing the whole extensive line of sea batteries, and anchored the squadron in a stile far surpassing my expectations. Being desi ous of having the effusion of human blood spared, I wrote the inclosed (No. 1.) on the capstan of the Arethusa, during the action, which was not regarded, as they did their utmost to destroy us. Words cannot express the ability of the squadron. The harbour was defended by regular fortifications of two tier of guns; Fort Amsterdam alone consisting of 66 pieces of cannon; the entrance only fifty yards wide, athwart which was the Dutch frigates Hatslar of 36 guns, and Surinam of 22, with two large schooners of war, one commanded by a Dutch commander; a chain of forts was on Miselburg commanding height; and that almost impregnable fortress Fort Republique, within the distance of grape shot, enfilading the The Gazette of Feb. 17, contains a whole harbour. At a quarter past six letter from Lord Cochrane, of His o'clock we entered the port; a severe and Majesty's ship Imperieuse, to Com- destructive cannonade ensued; the frigate, modore Keats, informing that the sloop, and schooners were carried by boardboats of that ship under Lieutenant ing, the lower forts, the citadel, and town Mapleton had entered the Bason of of Amsterdam, by storm; all of which by seven o'clock were in our possession. For Arcasson, on the French coast, and humanity sake I granted the annexed capidestroyed Fort Roquette, which was tulation (No. 2.); and, at ten o'clock, the intended for the defence of the en- British flag was hoisted in Fort Republique. trance. A large quantity of military It is now become a pleasing part of my stores was destroyed, four 36-pounders, duty, although impossible, to do justice to two field pieces, and a thirteen-inch the merits, gallantry, and determination mortar spiked, and the platoons and of Captains Wood, Lydiard, and Bolton, carriages burned. Lord Cochrane who so nobly headed their respective ships' also mentions capturing eight and destroying seven of the enemy's coasting vessels. GAZETTE LETTERS. companies to the storm; and the same gallantry and determination are due to the of ficers, seamen, and marines for following A letter, dated Feb. 19, from Cap- up so glorious an example. The Dutch commodore was killed early in the action, tain Farquhar, of His Majesty's frigate and the captain of the Surinam severely Ariadne, gives an account of his cap- wounded. I have appointed, by proclamature of Le Chasseur French privateer, tion, Wednesday next, the 7th inst. for of 2 guns and 36 men; and another the inhabitants, (which amount to 30,000) from Captain Ramsey, of H. M. cutter to take the oath of allegiance to our most Carrier, dated Feb. 20, of the capture gracious Sovereign; those that do not, will of Le Ragotin French privateer of 8 be instantly embarked as prisoners of war. guns and 29 men. For any further particulars I must refer you to that gallant officer Captain Lydiard. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) CHARLES BRISBANE. To J. R. Dacres, Esq. Vice-admiral of the White, commander-in-chief, &c. (No.1.) Arethusa, Curacoa Harbour, Jan. 1. The Gazette Extraordinary of Sunday, Feb. 22, contains a letter from Captain Brisbane to Admiral Dacres. The substance of which is as follows: His Majesty's ship Arethusa, Jan. 1, 1806. SIR proceeded in the execution of your orders, the 29th of November, with every possible avidity; but the adverse wind and current prevented me from reaching this island before the 1st instant. In my way up I met Captain Bolton, of the Fisgard, going to Jamaica; took him under my orders, according to your direction. My SIR-The British squadron are here to protect, and not to conquer you; to preserve to you your lives, liberty, and property. If a shot is fired at any of my squadron after this summons, I shall immedi, ately storm your batteries. You have five minutes to accede to this determination. I have the honour to be, &c. have surrendered to the arms of his Britannic Majesty, as appears by the capitulation which has been s gued by his Excellency Pierre Jean & hanguion and me, on the 1st instant, I therefore hereby require, that all the burghers and inhabitants of this island, shall meet on Wednesday next, the 7th inst. at ten o'clock in the morning, at the Gɔvernment ilouse, in order to take the oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty afore. said. (Signed) C. BRISBANE To his Excellency the Governor of Curacoa. (No 2) Curacoa, Jun. 1. Preliminary Articles of Capitulation: Art. I. The fort Republique shall immediately be surrendered to the British force; the garrison shall march out with the honours of war, lay down their arms, and become prisoners of war-Answer, G.antel. H. The Dutch garrison of Curacoa shall Those who belong to the militia combe prisoners of war, and by his Brita mic, panies will receive further orders from their Majesty sent to Holland, not to serve this Major, and are to conduct themselves acwar before they shall be regularly ex- cordingly. changed; and for the due performance of this article the officers pledge their word of honour-Granted. III. The same terms as in the above article are granted to the officers and people of the Dutch men of war.-Granted. IV. All the Civil Officers may remain at their respective appointments, if they think proper; and those who choose shall be sent by his Britannic Majesty to Holland.— Granted. V. The Burghers, Merchants, Planters, and other inhabitants, without difference of colour or opinion, shall be respected in their persons and property, provided they take the oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty --Granted, neutral property being respected. VI. All the merchant vessels, with their cargoes, in the harbour, of whatsoever nation they belong to, shall be in the possession of their proper owners.—Not granted. VII. A denitive capitulation shall be signed upon this basis in Fort Amster dum.-Granted. Signed on the other part by his Excellency P. J. CHANGUION. His Excellency Lieut-Gen. Changuion, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the All those who fill public offices, of whatsoever nature they may be, and all such as do not belong to the militia companies, are also required to meet at the Government House, at the hour, and for the purpose aforesaid. I expect that the burghe s and inhabitants of this island will conduct themselves in such a manner as to deserve my protec tion and favour; and, on my part, I shall not fail, as far as in my power lies, to promote the happiness and welfare of this island and its inhabitants; and I flatter myself that my endeavours in this case will be crowned with the gracious approbation of my sovereign; and, I hope, to the satisfaction of the inhabitants of this island and its dependencies. A Letter from Captain Maling, of his Majesty's ship Diana, dated Feb. 25, to Lord Keith, gives an account of the capture of La Charlotte, French privateer, of 14 guns and 118 men. TheLondonGazette Extraordinary, published on Sunday, March 8, contains a letter from General the Baron de Benningsen, to his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, of which the following is a copy: SIRE, On the Field of Battle, Preussich Fylau, Feb. 8, 1807. I am truly happy to have it in my power Island of Curacoa and its dependencies, to inform your Imperial Majesty, that the having refused to take the oath of allegi- army, the command of which your Maance to his Britannic Majesty, and surren- jesty has deigned to confide to me, has deed himself prisoner of war, I have thought proper to appoint myself Governor of the said island and its dependencies, until the pleasure of the Commander-in-chief is made known; and I do hereby appoint myself accordingly. (Signed) CHARLES BRISBANE. January 4, 1807. Whereas this island and its dependencies been again victorious. The battle which has just taken place has been bloody and destructive. It began on the 7th of February, at three o'clock in the afternoon, and lasted until six o'clock in the evening of the 8th of February. The enemy was completely defeated; one thousand prisoners, and twelve stand of colours, which I have the honour herewith to transmit to your Majesty, fell into the hands of the conquerors. This day Bonaparte attacked me with his best troops, on my centre, and on both wings, but he was repulsed and beaten on all sides. His guards The Twenty-first is dated Berlin, repeatedly attacked my centre without the Oct. 28, and contains an account of smallest success After a very brisk fire, the entrance of Bonaparte into Berlin. they were repulsed at all points by the and his reception of the Constituted bayonet, and by charges of the cavalry Authorities, the Foreign AmbassaSeveral columns of infantry, and picked dors, &c. In speaking to Count Von regiments of Cuirassiers, were destroyed I think our loss may perhaps exceed six thousand men, and I certainly do not exag gerate, when I state the loss of the enemy at considerably more than twelve thousand I shall not fail to transmit to your Ma- Neale, Bonaparte made use of these jesty, as soon as possible, a detailed account words, "I shall reduce those noble of the memorable battle of Preussich- Courtiers to such extremities, that Eylau. they shall be compelled to beg their bread." The bulletin then mentions the relative rositions of the French and Prussian troops; and concludes with an account of a victory obtained over the Russiaus, in Albania. also mentions Count Zastrow being presented to Bonaparte, and delivering a letter to him from the King of Prussia. men. BULLETINS OF THE FRENCH ARMY. [Continued from p. 188.] It The Nineteenth is dated CharlottenThe Twenty-second is dated Berlin, burg, Oct. 27, and states that the for- Oc. 29, and gives an account of the tress of Spandau was capable of sus- battle of Prentzlow, fought between taining a siege of two months, after the Prince of Hohenlohe and Murat, the opening of the trenches. The the issue of which was the surrender reason the Prussian commandant did of the Prussian army, consisting of not defend it, was, that he had not 16,000 infantry, six regiments of careceived any orders; and the French valry, forty-five stand of colours, and arriving before he had received any sixty-four pieces of harnessed artilaccount of the battle of Jena, the bat- lery. The bulletin goes on at great teries were not in readiness, and the length to relate the details of this displace was in a manner disarmed. In astrous affair; but our room does not the palaces there was not the least permit us to give more than the suborder; the sword of the Great Frestance. The Prince of Hohenlohe, derick was easily found at Potzdam, the Prince of Mecklenburgh Schwewith the scarf which he wore during rin, the seven years war, and the insignia and several generals, are among the Prince Augustus Ferdinand, of the black eagle. Bonaparte took prisoners made by the French. these trophies with transport, saying "I would rather have these than Nov. 2, repeats the leading features The Twenty-third is dated Berlin, twenty millions." A great part of the of the preceding, and relates new effects, sent away from Berlin to Mag- successes over the remnant of the deburgh, was intercepted by the light Prussian army. It speaks of taking cavalry. Upwards of 60 Schuyts have been brought back loaded with cloathing, meal, and artillery. possession of the duchy of Brunswick, and disarming all the duke's troops. gallant and veteran general the Dake In this bulletin Bonaparte abuses that of Brunswick, in the most gross man ner. The Twentieth, also dated Charlottenburgh, Oct. 27, states, that the Duke of Berg, arrived at Zendenick on the 26th, and that the whole of the Prussian cavalry, under the Prince of date, and informs us that the French The Twenty-fourth bears the same Hohenlohe, amounted only to 6000 had taken Stettin, one of the first commen.They were attacked by the French mercial towns in Prussia. They found generals Lasalle and Grouchy, and in it 160 pieces of cannon, consideradefeated with the loss of 1300 killed ble magazines, 6000 troops, and seveand 700 prisoners. Marshal Lasnes, ral generals. Of the whole of the however, was proceeding to support the Prussian army, which was 180,000 troops that were engaged. Bona- strong, not one man has crossed the parte, on his entrance into Berlin, is river Oder. The bulletin then abuses said by the bulletin, to have been re- the Russian soldiers, and says, that ceived with the most general accla- the French long to see 100,000 of them, mations. |