Virginian! American! friend or enemy of the ad-, We expected to add to the preceding the official ministration or of the war! go as I have done to this enquiry and report made to the governor of Virginia, woman's house and hear and see her. See too her we learn it confirms all we have heard—but a copy young daughter on the bed of sickness in conse has not yet reached us. quence of the abuses of that night! and your heart, if it be made of "penetrable stuff," will throb with indignation and a thirst for revenge, and your hand instinctively grasp the weapon for inflicting it. Events of the War. MISCELLANEOUS. A Mrs. Briggs related to us, that a woman who It is positively stated, that the senate has refused had come to Hampton to visit her husband who was in the militia, was taken forcibly from her side by to ratify the nomination of Mr. Gallatin as one of four soldiers in green, and with her young child, the ambassadors of the United States to negotiate which one of them snatched from her arms, borne to with Great Britain; but they have confirmed the the hospital in spite of her screams.-They had pre-appointment of Messrs. Adams and Bayard. The viously robbed them of their rings and attempted to ground of objection is said to be, that no man ought tear open their bosoms. A Mrs. Hopkins, who was to hold two such offices as Mr. Gallatin possesses.— not in town when I was there, obtained the assist- The principle is a good one; but on a former imance of an officer and rescued the woman from her portant and similar occasion, Mr. Jay, while chief ravishers; but not until one of them had gratified justice of the United States, was, in like manner, his abominable desires. I was told by the gentleman who accompanied me that Mrs. Hopkins confirmed this statement, and would swear to at least two other cases of a similar kind, without however giving up the names of the young and respectable women who suffered. appointed an envoy to Great Britain, by President Washington. The acts of Mr. Gallatin will be valid until he is notified of the rejection of the senate. Defence of New York. A line of torpedoes are prepared to be stretched across the Narrows, at a very short notice, so as "to blow up the most if not all the vessels passing by forts Richmond and Hudson.” Doctor Colton and captain Wills, assisted by an The forts on the Narrows are also much strengthenofficer, rescued another lady from the greatest oiled-they will shortly mount upwards of 100 of the heaviest cannon. all calamities. The Packet communication between New-Haven Old Mr. Hope, aged as he told major Crutchfield and New-York has not been interrupted. New-Ha(in my presence) 64 or 5 years, was seized by those wretches and stripped of all his clothing, even of ven is not included in the British blockade. The Connecticut militia, lately at New London, his shoes and his shirt. A bayonet was run a little way into his arm behind, as if in cruel sport; while were discharged, because, though they were expect several were held to his breast. In this situation he that they should be considered as drafted under the ed to be paid by the United States, it was refused was kept for a considerable time, and would proba-authority of the United States. The council of state bly have been another victim of their rage, if their] attention had not been diverted to a woman, who was to have met at Hartford on the 20th inst. with a had sought refuge in his house. They followed her supposed object of considering a new requisition made by gen. Burbeck. into the kitchen, whither she had run for safety. Mr. Hope made off amidst her agonizing screams, and when he returned to his house he was told by his domestics that their horrid purposes were accomplished.-This I had from him. After the cartel ship Robert Burns had cleared New York, a number of letters were smuggled on out for Liverpool, under charge of the marshal of board, which were seized by that officer, and sent on to Washington city. How far this violation extended, will never be It is undoubted that an active communication ex known. Women will not publish what they consi-ists between the British on the sea coast and their der their own shame; and the men in town were friends on the shore. carefully watched and guarded. But enough is known to induce the belief of the existence of many other cases, and enough to fire every manly bosom with the irrepressible desire of revenge. The brig lately arrived at Portland, direct from Liverpool, had 800 packages of British goods; all which were permitted to be bonded! Invention-Some folks-at Boston--lately made a I am not disposed to tire the public patience or 1 very straight story about an insurrection of the could tell of enormities little inferior to the above.blacks in South Carolina, who had killed 3 or 400 of But the enemy are convicted of robbery, rape and the whites; but the latter collected and defeated murder-and it is unnecessary to add to the cata-them in a great battle, not far from Charleston,where logue of their crimes. 1200 negroes were killed and taken !" An enemy has done this." Men of Virginia! will you permit all this?-Fa- "We would respectfully solicit the pious men to thers and brothers, and husbands, will you fold your explain to us the difference between waging war with arms in apathy and only curse your despoilers? No sub-marine machines, and with arial destructive weayou will fly with generous emulation to the unfurled pons-fighting under water or fighting in the air? standard of your country.-You will imitate the ex-The British, too cowardly to meet us on shore (ex. ample of those generous spirits, who are even now cept where they are certain of finding little or no oparoused tendering their services to the commander position) like men and soldiers, send us Congreve in chief: who are pouring from their native moun-rockets to burn our towns and habitations-we, in tains and soliciting to be led against the enemy return, dispatch some of our Torpedoes-to rub the wherever he dares to show his face-You will prove copper off their bottoms."-[Aurora. yourselves worthy of the impartial honor, that the enemy has conferred upon you, in selecting you as the object of his vengeance. You will practice for a time yourselves to the art, a knowledge of which the enemy has made necessary.-You will learn to command; to obey; and with "Hampton" as your watch word-te conquer. P.. 39 Portsmouth, July 18-The surgeon of the privateer Sword Fish, (which was captured and carried into England) who arrived at Boston, in a cartel from England informs us, that while he was at Portsmouth, the Cornwall, 74, arrived there from a foreign station-that at the time of her arrival she had lon board 30 impressed American scamen-that a part of them requested to be considered as prisoners of party depends. It is stated that the British have war, and refused to do duty; that in consequence, lately launched three vessels at Kingston; and we they were put in irons, and ordered to be fed on bread are not without our fears that they are considerably and water. The British officer suspecting that they the strongest--but their precise force is not known had been advised to this step by the surgeon of the to us. Sword Fish, ordered him between decks, nor was "Col. DUANE has not been nominated a brigadierhe again permitted his usual liberty till he embark- general; and his appointment of adjutant-general ed in the cartel. We are also furnished with the for the Pennsylvania district is confirmed by the se names of one hundred and thirteen Americans, who nate. MILITARY. had been impressed, who have been sent on board "JACOB BROWN, of New-York, and ROBERT L'AVthe St. Antonio, prison ship;-two of them had been LOR, of (Norfolk) Virginia, are appointed and conenslaved eighteen years in the British service, and firmed by the senate, brigadier-generals in the serthe others from a half to fifteen years. There was vice of the United States." NY. paper. about 800 prisoners on board the ship. It had been The following extract of a letter from an officer at considerably sickly; about thirty had died; provi-| Sackett's Harbor to his friend in this town, relasions were bad in quality, and scant-half pound tive to the attack on that place, will be read with of beef and 14 pound bread per day; two days in pleasure, at least by those acquainted with the the week they had one pound pickled herring or persons alluded to. Plattsburg Rep. other fish, and one pound potatoes, was their allow- "Major Aspinwall had arrived the preceding ance. From 5 o'clock P. M. to 6 o'clock A. M. the night with a handful of Yankees he met the enemy prisoners were confined under hatches. Mr. Beas-advancing from Horse-Island. (the dismounted dra ley the American agent for prisoners, paid little or goons under major Leval assisting,), and fought a no attention to the situation or wants of the prison- gallant battle; but retired gradually from an im ers; was but once on board the St. Antonio during mense superiority of numbers. Two of the gun7 months, and then made no enquires respecting boats ranged up the shore and covered the field with them. showers of grape. Maj. Aspinwall forced back and directed his men to occupy the intervals between Attack on Black Rock. On the morning of the the barracks. Gen. Gray advanced to the barracks, 11th inst," a British force of about 250 regulars, calling to his men, come on my boys-remember crossed the Niagara river, and landed below Black York-cut the damn'd rascals' throats," &c. A Rock, and moved up towards that place, when they drummer of Aspinwall's, 16 years old, advanced up were discovered by our men (about 200 militia) who to him and shot him dead. At that moment the at once fled in different directions. The enemy set brave lieut. Fanning, [of the artillery, who was sefire to the barracks, block-house, &c. spiked several verely wounded at York] crawling along and teanpicces of cannon, and took a quantity of flour, salt ing on his piece, came up and discharged 3 rounds &c. (said to be 400 barrels) and four field pieces, 6 of grape into their faces, coolly telling his men that pounders. While engaged in getting off the proper-as he could not run it would be as well to fight. At ty, they were attacked by a force consisting of re- this time Aspinwall, (the hero of the day) got three glars, militia and Indians, who had come down cheers from his men, and the enemy's bugles soundfrom Buffaloe, and who poured in a successful fire ed a retreat. They were not pursued, gen. Brown upon the foe, killing a considerable number-nine thinking they were manuvouring to flank him. Al were left dead on the shore, besides a captain mor- were astonished to find they had re-embarked.” tally wounded. Our loss, one killed, and three: Gen. Wilkinson arrived at Milledgeville, (G.) on wounded, two of whom are since dead Although the evening of the 6th, on his way to the head-quar the retreat of the enemy was precipitate, they suc-ters of the N. army. He passed through the Creek ceeded in taking away the above property, which was nation without interruption. doubtless their object in crossing over." From the Ogdensburg Palladium of July 7. 66 Our force that drove off the enemy, appears to A flag from Ogdensburg crossed to Prescott on have been about 100 regulars, 130 drafted militia Saturday last. The commanding officer (col. Pierand volunteers and 20 or 30 Indians. We took 15 son) politely gave the following general order to one prisoners. Captain Saunders, of the 49th reg. (who of the gentlemen of the flag, who handed it to us was mortally wounded, but conveyed with great for publication. tenderness to gen. Porter's house) says that colone! Head-Quarters, Kingston, June 28. Bishop was badly wounded, and that several killed GENERAL ORDERS.-The commander of the forces and wounded were carried into the boats. The In-has great satisfaction in announcing to the army, dians behaved exceedingly well; were quite tracta- that a report has just been received from brig. gen. ble, and committed none of their usual barbarities Vincent, of a most judicious and spirited exploit -they did not scalp the dead. Maj. King was at achieved by a small detachment of the 49th regt. Black Rock, and assisted in the affair. Our regu-amounting to 46 rank and file under lieut. Fitz Giblars were raw recruits, and few of those engaged bon and a band of Indian warriors, which terminathad ever seen an action before. ed in the defeat and entire capture of a considerable The day after the affair at Black Rock, 200 regu-detachment of the American regular army, under lars arrived there from Erie. the command of lieut. col. Borstler of the 14th Gen. Dearborn has nearly regained his health and United States regt. after sustaining considerable the troops at Fort George are well reported of.- loss. The Baltimore volunteers are stationed as a guard at Fort Schlosser. Lieut. Fitz Gibbon on reconnoitering the enemy's position, and finding him too numerous to oppose The army at Fort George remained inactive, a war with his small force, with great presence of mind on the outposts excepted, of various success, but kept him in check, while he sent and summoned him of great use to our raw troops in accustoming them to surrender in the name of major Le Baren, and to the business of battle. It appears that the British which he was fortunately enabled to enforce by re-occupy the Niagara frontier-It is probable no the prompt and timely advance of the light division attempt will be made against them until after the of that officer, by whose vigorous co-operation, the Jong-looked for contest on the lake, between Chaun- capture of the enemy's force consisting of 1 lieut, ey and Yeo, on which the present success of either col. 1 maj. 6 capts. 15 inferior officers, 25 serjeants, Guns. BRITISH. Guns 32 Frigate Gen. Wolf 36 24 Ship Royal George 2 drummers, 462 rank and file, one 12 pounder, one fleets on lake Ontario, a statement of the forces on 6 pounder, field piece, and a stand of colors, was each may not be unacceptable. effected on the field. AMERICAN. Not a single British soldier is reported to have fal- Frigate Gen. Pike len on this occasion. The Indian warriors behaved Ship Madison with great steadiness and courage, and his excellen- Brig Oneida cy has great satisfaction in learning that they con ducted themselves with the greatest humanity and forbearance towards the prisoners after the action. By his excellency's command, E. BAYNES, Adjt. Gen. Capt. Capel, of La Hogue, has destroyed several licensed vessels-we wish him every success in catching them. Congress have a bill before them to outlaw such ships, and Capt. C. may do US great service in carrying it into effect. 10 sch'rs. carrying 18 Prince Regent 22 16 12 long Brig Earl Moira "The forces being so nearly balanced, we can look for victory only to the superiority of our seamen, and the talents of their highly distinguished commander." BLOCKADE OF NEW-LONDON. The British, with five barges, made an attack up. on Sag Harbor, near the east end of Long Island, on Sunday morning the 11th inst. but were gallantly beaten off by the inhabitants. Two vessels have arrived-one at Boston and the other at New Bedford, by which we have a concur- Things at New-London remain nearly as they were. ring account of a severe cannonade being heard at The militia of the neighborhood have frequent skirsea, on the 28th of June, in lat. 41, 52, long. 53, 50, mishes with the enemy's barges, and generally dewestern edge of the Grand Bank. One of these ves-feat their purposes. sels was boarded from the Beilerophon, of 74 guns, New York, July 18. Yesterday afternoon the smack on the 27th of June, in company with a frigate. It Resolution arrived at this port from Stonington. The is positively stated that it was the 74 that was en-captain of the smack informs, that on Thursday last gaged, (for the frigate was seen standing towards he saw several ships of war going out towards Monher after the action,) but the distance was so great taug Point, and heard they were bound to Halifax. that nothing further could be known. The firing They had taken several horses from the Islands on commenced at 40 minutes past 10 o'clock and lasted board their ships. A ship of the line and frigate off till nearly 1 o'clock, with an interval of about 20 Faulkner's Island at anchor on Thursday evening, minutes only. [The Bellerophon has since boarded and no other enemy's ships in the Sound. another vessel that has arrived; but the officer said | Extract of a letter from a gentleman on board the Ramnothing of the supposed engagement.] lies 74, dated July 9th, enclosed to a gentleman in this city. Naval notice.-By the capture of the United States frigate Chesapeake and the sudden prostration of "You will come down Long-Island about 80 miles, captain Lawrence and all his officers, the PRIVATE and then get on board a fishing smack, which will SIGNALS of the navy of the United States have fallen put you on board the Ramilies. Our barges go on into the hands of the enemy, and, in order to mul-shore at Providence almost every night unmolested." tiply the chances of intelligence to the absent ships [The letter contains other matter, which it would at of the navy, through the circulation of the public present be improper to publish.] prints, this notice is given. The public agents of the United States in foreign countries, and citizens traversing the ocean, are respectfully requested to communicate this information. Navy Department, July 14. BLOCKADE OF THE CHESAPEAKE. See" Monsters at Hampton" page 332. The enemy had been in the practice for some time past of coming on shore frequently, near the light house, on Cape Henry, where they had sunk wells Norfolk, July 17. and obtained a partial supply of water, and also "The enemy in North Carolina.—Several letters from plundered the inhabitants. About 50 of the Princess Elizabeth City and verbal information, assure us Ann county militia, commanded by captain Robert that on Monday last 2 brigs and 2 schooners, with Lawson determined to "correct the procedure," 30 barges of the enemy came into Ocracock, (seve- and fixed themselves in ambuscade behind some ral ships which could not pass the bar lay out side) sand hills, within about forty yards of the wells. A when they captured the brig Anaconda privateer of barge with 26 men came on shore early in the morn. New York, and schr. Atlas, of Philad.; from the ing of the 14th, and all hands proceeded to the walatter there had been landed about 100 pipes of bran-tering-place. When they arrived, capt. Lawson perdy and all the silks. The enemy are said to have ceiving the disparity of their force, called out to Landed troops at Shell-Castle, and at Portsmouth them to surrender; for which one of the lieutenants opposite, to the amount of 2000, which must be levelled a carbine at his head, and fired; it missed. much exaggerated. The militia then gave them a full round-three ma"The inhabitants of Elizabeth City were making rines were killed, one lieutenant, two seamen and preparations for resisting an attack." two marines wounded. They were panic struck and The Erie Flotilla. The [Philadelphia] Democratic fled to the boat without further resistance; were Press, of Wednesday last, says-"We understand pursued and made prisoners, sustaining no other that the anchors of the two 20 gun brigs which were hurt. The boat was destroyed; a brass cannon and launched about a month ago at Erie, left this city every thing on board that could be removed, were on Monday."- -[Is this possible?] taken away. The prisoners, 2 lieutenants, 16 sea A letter to the editor, dated the 14th inst. says, men and 5 marines, have arrived at Norfolk. The "A privateer of 2 guns and 50 men sailed from Sack-wounded have been taken care of. None of our ett's Harbor last night on a cruise." people were injured. The following statement of the naval forces on A small vessel has been seized and sent to Baltilake Ontario, is from the Aurora-for other particu-more under the suspicion of having traded with the lars, see the present vol. of the REGISTER, pages 133 enemy; and a man has been put into our jail charg and 220dd with having been a pilot on board the St. Domin"As the public appear to look forward with much go, Warren's ship. FIAT JUSTITIA. solicitude to the issue of the contest which, it is be- The enemy in the Potomac.-The whole force of lieved, is about to take place, between the adverse the enemy that entered the Potomac, appears to 84 have been 6 ships of 74 guns, 1 of 64, 7 frigates, 3, to lay a duty on imported salt. Which after some brigs, and 8 smaller vessels; in all twenty-five sail. amendments was ordered to be engrossed for a third A part of the force was within 70 miles of Washing-reading. It lays a duty of 20 cents per bushel on ton; they ascended very carefully, taking soundings salt imported, but grants the usual bounties and aland fixing buoys to mark the channel. They made lowances in favor of the fisheries, &c. very few landings, but were repulsed by the mi- The engrossed bill laying duties on licenses to relitia on all occasions. The whole shores of the tailers of wines, spirituous liquors and foreign merriver were lined with brave spirits, and such pre-chandize, was read a third time, and passed by the parations made at Washington as would, in all following vote: human probability, have secured the destruction of the foe, if fairly in contact. The patriotism of the people was equal to the emergency. We have the The engrossed bill laying duties on notes of banks. rumor of several skirmishes on shore, and one with bankers and certain companies; on notes, bonds the gun-boat squadron, of which we are not suffici-and obligations discounted by banks, bankers and ently informed at present to give the detail; but certain companies; on bills of exchange of certain they are of no general importance except to exhibit descriptions; was read a third time; and the spirit of all classes of citizens. On Wednesday last, the enemy were retiring down the river; for lie on the table. what cause or with what views cannot be conjectured. For the bill 46 On motion of Mr. Bibb, the bill was ordered to The house then went into secret session, and so remained until they adjourned. SECRET PROCEEDINGS.-The house having yester day, previous to adjournment, removed the injunc tion of secrecy as to their proceedings the two past days, it appears they were as follows: The works of Fort Washington, late called Fort Warburton, a few miles below Washington City, on the Potomac, are in the best possible situation; it has about 20 guns, 18 and 32 pounders, that bear immediately upon the channel the whole range of Thursday, July 15.-Mr. Stuart submitted the folthe shot; there is also a water battery of eight 32 lowing preamble and resolution for consideration: pounders, advantageously placed, and other works "Whereas the seat of the general government, constructed or constructing. The British will not from the unprepared and defenceless state of the burn the Capitol, at present. district of Columbia, is in imminent danger, if an An official report of the killed and wounded in Hamp-attack should be made thereon; and whereas the ton has just been received and are as follows:- fleet of the enemy is understood to be within a few James Madison, John Adams, James Brunham, hours sail of the capitol; and whereas the immense Armager Parsons, Carter Longeat, Tyler Crocket value of public property exposed to destruction, the and John Power, killed. Fountain Dickerson, Tho- great value of the public records and other deeply mas Garten, John D. Barr (slightly,) Nathan Camp-interesting considerations render it peculiarly im bell, Joseph Biggens, Robert Halbert, John Parrot, portant that any invasion of the metropolis should Landa Lindsey (since dead,) Aaron Tennis (since be met with vigor and successfully repelled; wheredead,) Karter Hunt (slightly,) Thomas Parsons upon (slightly,) John Charles (slightly,) Thomas Watkins (slightly) Richard Waugh and James Holloway, wounded. Henry Robinson, prisoner, 490. Ship Aurora, from Belfast for London, sent into Roscoff (France) by the same. 491. Ship of 20 guns, chased on shore on the coast of Africa, by the Rambler, of Bristol. 492. Ship Integrity, from Waterford to Lisbon, captured between Waterford and Cork, by the True Blooded Yankee, and carried into Norway. 493. Brig Avery, from Mogadore, 12 guns, laden with gums, almonds, beeswax, skins, &c. sent into New Bedford, by the York Town; valued at 200,000 dollars. 491. Ship Susan, from Liverpool for Gibraltar, captured by an American privateer, and sent into Marcones, France. Proceedings of Congress. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this house, a distribution of such arms as are in the possession of the government within the district should be immediately made,to be placed in the hands of all able bodied men within the district willing to be embodied, liable to perform military duty, and also in the hands of such members of this house as may be willing to receive them, to act against the enemy in any manner not incompatible with their public duties.” And a question being taken whether the subject matter of the said proposition requires secrecy, it was determined in the affirmative. A motion was made by Mr. Rhea that the said proposition do lie on the table. And the doors were then opened. Friday, July 16.—Mr. Troup, from the military committee, made the following report: The committee on military affairs, to whom was referred a resolution of yesterday, having relation to the present movements of the enemy, report, That they have examined into the state of preparation, naval and military, made to receive the enemy, and are satisfied that the preparation is in every Friday, July 16.—Mr. Nelson reported a bill, "sup-respect adequate to the emergency, and that no plementary to the act to encourage the destruction of the armed vessels of war of the enemy" [appropriating $3000 to carry it into effect]-which was twice read and committed. The house resumed the consideration of the bill measures are necessary on the part of the House to make it more complete. On motion of Mr. Grosvenor, the report was or dered to lie on the table On motion of Mr. Bibb, the injunction of secrecy was removed from the proceedings of yesterday and vessels; and the greater part of those they have tato day. ken are new rigged as brigs, or laid aside like useMonday, July 19.-Mr. Nelson offered certain re-less lumber. A late London paper says, that governsolutions having for their object the encouragement ment has ordered a survey of those lying at Plyof private armed vessels in cruising against the ene-mouth, "with a view to ascertain their capabilities." my, which were refered to the naval committee. But they are a kind of edge-tools that none but old The following tax bills were received from the se-workmen may handle; and will become the coffins nate with amendments to each, to wit: carriages. The bill laying a duty on imported salt, was read a third time, and being on its passage, an indefinite postponement was moved for-lost, ayes 65, nays 87-the bill was then passed, ayes 90, nays 55. Monday, July 19.-The amendments of the senate to the tax bills were concurred in. The engrossed bill laying duties on notes of banks, companies, bankers, &c. was read the third time and passed by ayes and noes. For the passage of the bill 81 46 of many British seamen, if they put them into commission, and attempt to do with them the same feats that our seamen perform; as experience has wofully proved. It is an universally accepted principle of national law, that a belligerent may do all possible things to injure the commerce of its enemy. Great Britain has always acted on this principle, even to the destruction of the oyster boats and wood flats in our bays and rivers. However meanly we may think of the "noble Briton" that descends to such exploits, when we compare his conduct with that of our privateersmen, we do not complain of them; for they are acts of legalized war. And, as the commerce of Great Britain is the life-blood of her resources, let us assail it in every way that may lead to its diminution; and at Lloyd's Coffee-House attack her most vulnerable point. Tuesday, July 20.-After a variety of other busiRess, the house went into a committee of the whole on the invalid pension bill, and made some Many things have conspired to check the spirit progress therein. It was finally ordering to a third of privateering. It is sufficient merely to state the reading. fact. But the effect may be easily continued and A bill fixing the next meeting of congress to the widely extended. Let 50 or 60 of the fastest sailfirst Monday of December, was ordered to the third ing vessels we have, or that can be built, be in the reading-which was read a third time and passed. employ of the government; armed with 10 or 12 hea Mr. Calhoun moved for the consideration of the vy guns, and from 100 to 120 men. Give them "rovreport of the committee of Foreign Relations on ing commissions," with orders to remain 12 months the President's message, transmitting a report from at sea, unless driven into port by stress of weather, the secretary of state on Mr. Webster's resolutions. to "sink, burn and destroy" all that they can. NeThis motion was lost. Aves 62 74 ver to attempt the sending in of prizes, but under some peculiarly favorable circumstances, but to "down" with every enemy vessel they meet, with all Wednesday, July 21.-The house of representa- possible dispatch; taking out only the gold and silver, tives were engaged nearly the whole of the day on if any they have, with the men, and provisions and business of a confidential nature. Before the doors water as they have room for them. Let the prisonwere shut, Mr. Nelson from the naval committee, ers be landed, or otherwise got rid of, the first op reported a bill allowing a bounty to privateers, which portunity, that they may not encumber the vessel, was twice read and committed.-The galleries were taking the proper receipts and vouchers for them. then cleared, on motion of Mr. Calhoun, and the To compensate for the loss of prize money, the offdoors remained closed until a late hour, when the house adjourned. [For Thursday's proceedings see last page.] Annoyance of the Enemy. [Omitted last week.] cers and crews might be allowed a bounty proportioned to the property destroyed, to be regulated on some established principle, by law; and being liberally supplied with spare canvass, spars and rigging, they might, by "quartering on the enemy," generally remain at sea 10 or 12 months, and so avoid the risk of coming on a coast where the enemy is expect ed. The cost and maintainance of five or six of It is established, that we have the ablest seamen, these vessels would not exceed that of one frigate; and the fastest sailing vessels in the world. There and, as we have no idea of beating the British navy, is nothing equal to the pilot-boat-built schooners of or driving it from the sea, either of them would be the Chesapeake. Their plan approaches so nearly nearly as efficient to harrass the foe. If one of them perfection, that many of the best experienced de- were taken, the national honor would not be woundclare it attained. Fitted out as privateers, they ed; but they would be more apt to escape than a have "bearded" the most excellent ships of the ene- frigate, not only on account of the celerity of their my, without loss. Not one of them has been taken movement, but because they would attract less atin a fair chase, though frequently chased. Some of tention. By not manning prizes they would retain them have been at sea for four months, during their physical force, the ordinary chances of war and which they ascertained the character of every ves- the voyage excepted; and one of them might amuse a sel they saw; overhauling or escaping from them at gun brig, with a convoy, while another sent the ships pleasure. Yet those schooners, converted into mer-"down cellar." Such a force would do more harm to chantmen, and lumbered with goods, have been England than 10 sail of the line-it could not be captured; as well because the best trim of the ves-guarded against-it could not be blockaded-it sel was lost by the "dead weight" of the cargo, as could not be checked. It would also be the nursery because they were destined to certain points known of heroes; and afford a body of men capable of any to the enemy, and watched. This wonderful per- thing that men can do ; and the vessels might be sent fection has been obtained by many years progressive to sea in a few weeks. improvement and experience, and should be exerted Such are the opinions of many of our ablest seato the utmost for "free trade and sailors' rights." The men-and we hope that congress may take the matBritish do not know how to manage our sharp built ter into consideration and adopt the general plan, |