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Letter to the editor.

A case is now before us that seems likely to conducted than the present, because fewer of brge to action: certain persons, claiming citi-the publishers of newspapers entered so furizenship with us, have been captured under the ously into the contest. If one could believe the patriot flag, and are dungeoned at Havana, in ten thousandth part of what is said of either of the most cruel and uufeeling manner. Some of the candidates, we should put them both down their companions have been demanded as Bri-as among the greatest villains that ever lived.tish subjects and were given up---These men The press, in truth, has been so licentious as to claim the protection of their country, and, if disgust every sober-minded man that could they have offended, demand a trial under its view its conduct dispassionately. laws. What ought to be done in this case, is We repeat it, we are glad that the "long a question that may well interest the best heads agony is over"-that we may have something of the nation. else to do with newspapers received from that It seems understood that some very import-state than to consign them, almost unopened, ant matters, in regard to Spain and her colo-to the trunk maker, less noisy than themnies, will occupy the attention of the next con- selves. gress. In our own right and in that of oppressed humanity, we might lawfully declare war against pain, and no doubt should have de-I clared it long since, if we had not been apprehensive of embroiling ourselves with the kings of other countries, united to defend one another against the people. But we trust that this unholy alliance may soon be broken; not because we wish war, but that every nation may freely regulate its own affairs---and, as sovereigns, declare war and make peace, as to them shall seem just. And this event is certain,--that if England would only balance the great European powers the United States could easily throw in such a weight of strength, and influence as immediately to destroy every vestige of Spanish supremacy on the American continent. The world, in truth, is interested in the opening of so vast and rich a country to commerce; and if ought of a liberal and enlightened policy prevailed, would command it. As to ourselves, we owe no favors to Spain-she has treated us very much as enemies for many years, and has suffered her territories to be used for carrying on an actual and savage war upon us, without ever once remonstrating against it.

Freedom of the Press.

bave inserted the following [private] letter on ac-
count ofthe warm feelings and just views of its
writer; and may also afford room for a few of the
speeches and sets of proceedings he speaks of, as
samples of the rest; but cannot comply with hs
wish so extensively as he seems to desire.
The writer's disappointment, on arriving at Phila
delphia, by no means surprizes me. The rude and
savage Cossack that was exhibited in London and
there caressed by lords and ladies, BECAUSE, as it
was said, he had "transfixed fifteen Frenchman
with his spear," in some certain affair, would be
better received and more attended to, in many
parts of the United States, than Hampden, him
self, if he were restored to life to struggle again
for the liberties of Englishmen; for the fact is,
that the body of the men of influence in our sea-
port towns, especially, regard no sort of "patri-
ots" but those that are branded "G. R." on their
foreheads, by Castlereagh, Patriotism is to de-
fend the throne-rebellion, insurrection, or usur-
pation, is to defend the people. Their sympa
thies are always on the side of such patriotism,
unless, indeed, it is called upon to act against
Great Britain, and then they reject it-and yet
we boast of our rebellion, which success has soft-
ened into REVOLUTION, and look with suspicion
on all that would even reform the now a thousand-
fold more oppressive "system" than that which
we ourselves shook off altogether, and by force
of arms. This is lamentably true. Every body
sees and feels it. Such is the influence of the
books used in our schools, or read for amuse-
ment, aided by a servile press that is continually
telling us of the great things that belong to roy

We are glad that the "long agony" of the The press, in Pennsylvania, is almost over. The election for governor will take place on Tuesday next. The candidates are Messrs. Find-alty in which the sneezing of a king, on his lay and Heister-both professed "republicans" -the latter having the support of the "federalist."

The electioneering campaign has been carried on with greater heat, if we are to judge of it by the newspapers, than any that we remember. That in the same state, when Mr. M Kean was elected, was "hot enough' -and it was of much higher importance than the present election, as on it hinged the power of parties in the United States at large. But though all sorts of scurrility and abuse were diffused on that occasion through the most profigate British press that ever existed, still it was more reasonably and more decorously

taking a pinch of snuff, is detailed with as much gravity as an account is given of the suspension of the habeas corpus. These false principies were spoken of in a late number under the head of "Retrograde Politics." So deep, so subtile is. "British influence" in the United States.

To the English people I sincerely wish the same degree of liberty and happiness that is enjoyed in the United States; and, if their petitions for a redress of grievances and reform in their government, continue to be rejected by government as our's were, I hope they will take the course that we did, and bring about a change of measures, by a revolution. A change can hardly be too dearly purchased.

a

SIR-To whatever cause it may be imputed, it is fact, that nothing is so gratifying to the wounded mind, as a knowledge that its griefs obtain the

Cure of the Hydrophobia.

[COMMUNICATED FOR THE WEEKLY REGISTER.] IN THE SENATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH 5, 1802. The speaker laid before the senate a letter signed Valentine Kettering, and the same was read as follows, viz.

attention, and draw forth the sympathy of others.ing, a warmth of fancy, and a flow of eloquence, When our misfortunes are unknown and unpitied, which far surpassed the affected harangues of their our unalleviated sorrow is cherished in the inmost lordly oppressors, and rivalled the energies of anfoiding of our bursting heart; the face of man seems cient Rome. Permit me to say, sir, that the speechclothed in frowns:-and nature, universal nature, es to which I allude, are the effusions of "Village presents one wide extent of cheerless, woe-inspir- Hampdens," whose dauntless minds, fired with ing gloom. But if the sigh of sympathy and the live-coals from the altar of native genius, suraccents of friendship, burst upon the silence of mounted the barrier which oppression and unmeour solitude, immediately the depths of our sad- rited poverty had placed in their way, and soared ness are broken up, and the fountain of our grief at once into the regions of majesty and truth. It is dispersed in as many streams as we have friends gives me pain to think that their vigorous and in. to pity us. Such has been the progress of my dependent sentiments should not find a passport to feeling since I have occasionally had access to your posterity. It now remains with you, sir, to give useful Register. Driven, a hapless exile, from Bri- them a permanency and modification, which may af tain, my native soil-driven by the unfeeling hand ford them a chance of floating down the stream of of oppression, and forced from all, my liberty ex- time to the unknown limits of far distant years.cepted, that rendered life acceptable, I less la. If you think proper to give them a place in your li. mented my own hard fate than that of my unfortu-beral and patriotic pages, I shall forward to you nate much injured country. When I landed in copies of such as I have already in my possession, Philadelphia, I expected to find every free born bo- and of as many more as I can procure. Hoping you som burning with kindred indignation at the base will accede to my request, and wishing you much faction which has forged the shackles that now success, I am, sir, with sincere respect, your obecrush the reluctant slaves of Europe;-wretches, dient servant. who, to aggrandize and enrich themselves and their mercenary minions, have sacrificed the glory, the liberty, the prosperity and the happiness of a brave and generous people. But what was my disappointment, when, upon conversing with several most respectable citizens, I found them all possessed of the opinion that the British government was immaculate, and only appeared to act unjustly in the jaundiced eyes of the vicious-the violent-the de signing-and the disaffected. I will not attempt to describe the feelings that overwhelmed me up. on this unexpected result. To me it sounded like blasphemy to bestow the epithets of violent and diaaffected upon patriots who were struggling to revive their expiring liberties; and to recommend the conduct of traitors, for whom language has not The herb, and manner of preparation, has been yet furnished a name sufficiently hideous to express clandestinely obtained from me, and prostituted to their villainies. After meeting with this, you may the purpose of accumulating wealth, contrary to judge of the sincerity of my joy and gratitude, my wishes or practice, and of those from whom it when, upon having your REGISTER put into my was derived—and being far advanced in years, am hands by a worthy gentleman to whose sentiments desirous to communicate it in such manner as may I was then a stranger, I found the editor of one of give the most general information to my fellowmen, the most popular and meritorious of the United without the most distant view to emolument, havé, States' papers, pointing the finger of disapproba- therefore, thought proper to address these lines to tion at the tyrants of Britain, and detailing in the you, in the full confidence that you will take a more language of compassion, the severe distresses of effectual way to diffuse the information, than, from a betrayed people. Permit me, sir, poor and un- my age and other circumstances, is in my power. distinguished as I am, to thank you in the name of At your request, communicated by my friend, my unhappy country, for thus endeavoring to interest mankind in her fate; and also to compliment you on your penetration, in distinguishing between facts and the specious manufactures of ministerial hirelings. Your name, sir, shall not be unknown in Britain, and the gratitude of the oppressed will add to the number of your enjoyments, and the ex. tent of your fame.

If it would not interfere with the arrangement you have made for conducting your Register, I would be most happy to obtain a corner in your widely circulated pages, for the insertion of the proceedings and speeches of a number of the friends of parliamentary reform, in the northern part of Great Britain.-I consider these as being more worthy of preservation on account that they are the warm, manly, and unsophisticated sentiments of men of genuine merit and ability-men, who though confined by the pressure of the times to hard and unremitted labor for the subsistence of themselves and families-and though unassisted by the advantages of a classical education, displayed a soundness of judgment, an acuteness of reason

SIR-A medicine of the utmost importance to mankind, prepared from an herb, which has been found, unquestionably, efficacious as a cure for the bite of a mad dog, either in man or beast, has been known and used as such by the subscriber, and his ancestors, for the space of two hundred and fifty years, in Germany and Pennsylvania.

Henry Orth, (health permitting) I will attend at
Lancaster and explain the subject fully.

I am your friend, VALENTINE KETTERING.
The speaker of the senate of Pennsylvanin.
Londonderry township, Feb. 18, 1802.

DAUPHIN COUNTY,

On motion, of Mr. Pearson and Mr. Barton, said letter was read a second time, and referred to a committee, consisting of Mr. Pearson, Mr. Porter and Mr. Lawer, to consider and report thereon.

March 6, 1802-Mr. Pearson, from the commit. tee to whom was referred the letter of Valentine Kettering, made report, and the same was read as follows, viz.

The committee appointed to hear the communication of Valentine Kettering, relative to the cure of the bite of a mad animal, report

That they conferred with the said Kettering on that subject, who informed them that he uses the herb called Red Chick-weed; which, when ripe or in full bloom, he gathers and dries in the shade; reduces it to a powder, and gives a small table spoonful, at one time, to a grown person, in beer or

water, in weight one drachm and one scruple. For London paper, may shew the manner and spirit of a child an equal dose, but given at three different these puffings. Sergeant Wier hardly acted so times; or it may be eaten on bread with butter, ho.much like a fool in his last moments, as to suppose ney or molasses, as the person chooses. For a beast, that the initials of his name, most awkwardly and a large spoonful; if by weight, two drachms and one indistinctly marked on his forehead with blood (as scruple. When used green, for a beast, cut the they must have been, if marked at all) would better herb fine and mix it with bran, &c. When given to assure any of his fate than the inspection of his swine, mix the powdered herb with meal of any person. kind (dose as above) in little balls.

He assures us he has given it to persons many weeks after they were bitten, and never knew it fail-and never gives more than a single dose, unless to children as above. He further says, it is an excellent cure for cuts or wounds on the human body: when green, mash it, drop off the juice into the wound, and bind the herb so mashed on:-and that the proper time to sow the seed is about the beginning of April, and should be sown thin.

FROM A LATE LONDON PAPER.

Interesting anecdote.-Serjeant Weir of the Scotts Grays, was pay serjeant of his troop at the battle of Waterloo, and as such might have been excused serving in action, and perhaps he should not have been forward; but on such a day as the battle of Waterloo, he requested to be allowed to charge with the regiment. In one of the charges he fell mortally wounded, and was left on the field. Cor. poral Scott, of the same regiment, who lost a leg, He also informs us, that he is now seventy-five asserts, that when the field was searched for the years old; was born in Germany, and came from wounded and slain, the body of serjeant Weir was thence with his parents to Pennsylvania when eleven found with his name written on his forehead by his own years of age. That his mother brought the seed of finger dipped in his own blood. This, his comrade the herb amongst her garden seeds; that he has said he was supposed to have done that his body presented to your committee, for the use of the might be found and known, and that it might not members, a quantity of the herb and seed, and says be imagined he had disappeared with the money he will give of the seed to others, who will please of the troop! to call on him for that purpose.

Governor Early.

FROM A GEORGIA PAPER.

They also learn, from the rev. Henry Muhlenburg, of Lancaster, that it is an annual plant; known in Switzerland and Germany by the names of Gaucheil, Rother-Meyer, or Rother-Heinerdarm; in England, It becomes our melancholy duty to announce the red-pimpernel; by botanists (as he is informed) Ana- death of PETER EARLY, esq. who departed this life, gallis Phanicea-and that it should be gathered in at his seat in Greene, on the 15th Aug. The state June, when in full blossom. In Germany, he under is bereaved of one of its most useful ornaments and stands, the usual dose was thirty grains of the pow- firm supporters, and society of a member that was der, taken four times a day, and continued one wont to give a zest to all the refinements of social week, in smaller doses; the wound washed with a intercouse. Mr. Early was educated for the bar, and decotion of the herb, and some of the powder strew-soon became conspicuous as an able advocate. His ed in it. That the plant is cultivated in many gar-superior talents attracted the attention of his fellow dens, and grows near Baltimore and Havre-de-Grace citizens, and in 1802, he was called to represent spontaneously, in great plenty.

Your committee, therefore, offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the speaker be requested to present the thanks of the senate to Valentine Kettering, for his benevolent and valuable communication.

On motion, said report was again read, and the resolution, thereto attached, considered and adopt

ed.

I certify that the above is a true extract from the journal of the senate.

JOSEPH A. M'JIMSEY,
Clerk of the senate.

Harrisburg, Sept. 18, 1817.

them in the national legislature. In this dignified body, his scientific knowledge of government, com. bined with a manly eloquence, that spurned the meretricious ornaments of false elocution, soon secured him an enviable reputation, and gained him, among his congressional brethren, the honorary appellation of the "Orator of the west." Afterwards he presided as judge in the Oakmulgee district for many years. Step by step he had traced all the devious windings in the ample field of jurisprudence, and so arranged and tempered conflicting authorities, that his decisions were never equivocal, but always clear and conclusive.

In 1813, he was elected governor of Georgia.The crisis was one that required talents and firm. ness-and no man possessed these necessary quali ties, in a more eminent degree, than Peter Early. It was at this period, (of the late war) that a sucA touch of the marvellous. cession of disasters had spread the most gloomy Whoever has read a "North Briton's" account of aspect over the face of national affairs; and that an the battle of Waterloo, must have been astounded unfortunate collision between the different branch. with the exploits of a certain corps called the es of our state government, had produced such Scotch Grays, an individual of whom, if I recol. dissentions among the people as to threaten the lect rightly an account that I read, killed about most serious and alarming consequences. "forty nine or ninety nine" Frenchmen, with his was the most boisterous administration that the own hand, in personal combat, in about two mi-executive of Georgia ever experienced; and such a nutes and a half by the watch, with his sword!-one, we hope it will never again experience. Dif. That this was a brave corps and behaved most gal- ficult and perilous, however, as were the times, the lantly on that memorable day, we are not by any bark of state was safely guided to a haven of se means disposed to doubt; but really, they have curity.-Thus, in all his public duties, we find the been puffed in such an extraordinary manner as to conduct of Peter Early, marked with that decisive depreciate their real merits in the opinion of dis- and consistent character, which should always dis passionate men. The following tale from a late tinguish the statesman and the patriot.

This

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Total,

1,331,398

In estimating the value, reference was had to the valuation at the custom-house, and to the New-York prices current of the proper date-The statement is * rather under than over-rated.

“Masters of vessels, licensed for the coasting trade, bound from one district to another district, in the same or an adjoining state, having on board domestic produce only, or foreign goods not exceeding a certain [small amount, are not required by law to deliver any manifests of their cargoes at the port from whence they depart."

Thus a considerable amount of goods and produce shipped to other parts of this state, and to the adjoining states, is not included in this estimate.

Navigation of the United States. The important act passed at the last session of congress, entitled “an act concerning the navigation of the United States," [see WEEKLY REGISTER, Vol. XII. page 52] went into operation on the first inst, and has been called to the attention of the collectors by the following circular

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 29th Sept. 1817. Sin:-Inclosed you will receive a copy of the act of congress "concerning the navigation of the United States," passed the 1st day of March last, which is to take effect on the 1st day of October next. The first section of the act makes an important change in the commerce of such foreign nations with the United States, as have in force regulations of a similar nature.

To secure uniformity in the execution of this ¡measure, and to render the change imposed by it as convenient to those whose interests are to be affected, as the provisions of the act will admit, the term country, in the first section, is considered as embracing all the possessions of a foreign state however widely separated, which are subject to the same supreme executive and legislative authority, The production and manufactures of a foreign state, and of its colonies, may be imported into the United States in vessels owned by the citizens or subjects of such state, without regard to their place of residence within its possessions.Gold and silver coin, and bullion, are not considered goods, wares or merchandize, within the meaning of the act, and may, therefore, be imported into United States in foreign vessels, without regard to the place of production or coinage.

A list of foreign states known to have in force regulations which subject them to the operation of This act, is subjoined.

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The preceding table was politely communicated for the WEEKLY REGISTER. It is copied from a statement furnished for the treasury department. It would have added to its interest if it had shewn the value of articles shipped coastwise. The Fayetteville Observer gives us $744,765 as the value of the articles so shipped from Wilmington for the year ending on the 30th September last, making a total export of $1,805,877; with the following respecting Fayetteville

Statement of domestic produce shipped from Fayetteville, during the same period― viz.

2,337 bogsheads of tobacco,

8,292 bales of cotton,

11,813 bushels of wheat,

10,341 bushels of corn,

5,164 casks of flax seed,

29,761 gallons of spirits,.

$400,550

621,900

17,719

10,341

77,460

23,808

129,620

North

Carolina.

Statement of Goods, Wares and Merchandize, of the growth, produce and manufacture of the United States, exported to foreign ports, from the state

WOOD.

Heading
Staves
and Shingles and
Hoops

Total 6,124:34,420

Poles. Seam'g

of North-Carolina, during the year ending on the 30th of September, 1816.

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4 4,979 1,114 9,919 38,409 1031 335 20,225 15,283 15,573 1,984 32,604 :

160
35

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226

124

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59 2,248 200

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30

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BARRELS. TIERCE POUND. HRS POUND. GALLS

DOLLARS

2486 403 3,221 975408 863 24,400 2,882 1,061,112

69

22

5

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485

84,291

45

33,933

27

2,800

62

71,484

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7,461:
1,500 10,935:
114 28,367 2710
8,432 3538:
10:

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The above articles were exported principally to Great Britain, and the British, French and Spanish West-Indies. 24 7,246 1,238 9,919 41,7311691 585 21,08042,236 16,443 19,540 113,85463482627435 3.221975408 868 28,700 3,699 1,328,271

To ensure uniformity in the execution of the 3d, that paramount moral obligation, that all are under 5th, and 6th sections of the act, it is expedient to defend their country in times of public danger, that, in all cases where proof is exhibited, on oath, Is it not of the essence of republican political equa according to their provisions, the witnesses should be cross-examined by the collector, whose duty it is to decide, for the purpose of avoiding imposition and detecting evasion.

I have the honor to be your most obedient, and very humble servant, WVM. H. CRAWFORD, Secretary of the treasury.

~, esq. collector of [Great Britain and Sweden, we learn, (says the National Intelligencer) are the only states known to have in force regulations of the nature embraced in the first section of the above act, and referred to in the Circular.]

On Manning the Navy.

lity that all, whom the law deems capable of mili tary service, shall take the field against the public enemy, when called upon by the legitimate autho rities? Does not this law bear upon the whole body of the enrolled militia? Upon what principles. what ground, can an exception from this rule be claimed in favor of our seafaring brethren? What is there in our civil and political institutions that forbids the application of the same principle to them? Are not they too citizens? Do not they also participate in the choice of legislators and all the advantages of civil government? Why should they be exempt from bearing a full share of its disad vantages? Are they not ransomed from captivity by exchange when made prisoners, even in merchant vessels pursuing their own interests? And is there The following, from the National Intelligencer, is any thing unjust that they in their turn should coninserted because it seems to have been intended tribute to the ransom of their fellow-citizens by proas a reply to an editorial article inserted in the curing the pledges for it? finally, have not hey Weekly Register, on the manning of a great navy. too a country and its honor to defend? Would it The editor thanks the writer for his courtesy, be a republican political enquality for one descrip. but cannot subscribe to his sentiments. We are, tion of citizens to be left at liberty to stand idle, by no means, prepared to say that militia drafts, or to pursue their ordinary occupations in quest of for home defence, are inconsistent with the natu- fortune, whilst all other descriptions are obligated ral rights of man and society; but decidedly of by the laws to contribute their time and their la opinion that the power to make such drafts is bors and dangers to its defence? Ought not all alike wisely limited to certain specific objects, and to be bound to obey the call of their country, ex. that when we march beyond these we may reach pressed through the constituted authorities, and the borders of despotism. In a qualified sense, a render their personal service in the way their ha navy for the United States, who have no colonies, bits of life have best fitted them to? The whole bomust be regarded as defensive-sometimes to act dy of the militia may be called out under the laws, offensively to defend: but the involuntary ser- or only a draught of a part, to perform a tour of vices of men in ships is, we think, a very different military duty for a longer or shorter term, accordaffair from such services on land-where, except in extraordinary cases, indeed, the laws command, instead of individuals, and any man may imme diately appeal to them.

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ing to the exigencies of the case; and compulsory means may be resorted to in respect to those who shrink from their duty; and there will be often found some. What solid reason can be advanced In a late discussion in some public prints upon why the same rule shall not apply to our sea-faring the necessary extent of an American navy, originat- brethren? All alike owe to their country the sa ing from a writer in the National Intelligencer, un-crifice of their time, their fortunes and their lives. der the signature of Cato, it was boldly advanced This doctrine, this patriotic devotion to the welfare by him, that it ought to be the fundamental policy of our country, ought to be inculcated, loudly reof the United States to progress in a navy until she iterated by all stations of men; and more particu had the most powerful one in the world. It cannot larly by all those to whom a kind Providence has of well be denied but that he has presented some fered the means and opportunities of acquiring a strong views and weighty considerations in favor of little superior intelligence. It is hoped the people his proposed course of policy. It is not, however, have selected men with abilities and energies commy intention to enter into the merits or demerits of petent to legislate properly for the good of the rehis proposition, but to throw out ideas of my own public; men who will not be beat out of a statesupon the subject of manning a navy. His oppo- man-like course by factious clamor; men who will nents, and particularly the Baltimore Weekly Re-not be frightened by vain words,-such as "imgister, among other objections to his proposed sys- pressment, conscription," &c. (no application is tem, found a great one, upon the difficulty that must, here intended to the Baltimore Weekly Register.) in his opinion, always exist in manning a great navy. The period is arrived when all patriotic men of The Register says "he believes it is the pratice in imposing character throughout the United States all other countries where there is a navy, to impress should speak out: when they should combine to seamen for it in time of war-but a man might as scout half-way measures, crawling system, that inwell attempt to empty Lake Superior with a horn evitably lead to national discomfiture and disgrace; spoon as to introduce it here, in the present dispo- that present a semblance of strength, and there is no sition and state of the people." Assuredly it might strength. This very subject of prospectively manni be unpopular and impossible in our country to car- the navy ought profoundly to occupy the delibera ry into effect a system of impressment in the odious tions of congress, at their approaching sessio, sense in which the term is usually understood, or, or they must and will be stigmatized for fla as arbitrarily practiced in other countries; and long grant supineness, for a dereliction, and shrinking may it continue to be so. But I will not believe from their bounden duties. Now, in a period of that our country is so destitute of talents, that it profound peace, is the proper season for it, It cannot produce statesmen capable to devise a sys is announced that we have, and in progress, L tem for manning a navy, that is perfectly congenial ships of the line, besides additional frigates build to our national and social compacts; combining the ing How are even this number to be manned, in greatest possible regard for the rights, liberty and case of a war, say a few years hence? and no ma convenience of the citizen, that is compatible with can tell how soon. Will our national rulers be

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