other nurses were appointed; messengers were rub bing down their horses in preparation of their office to carry the "glad tidings" in all directions; the servants of the family were drilled to their respective duties one to hold the brandy, another the molasses, another a square piece of linen, &c. &c. Such, courteous reader, is the serious substance of a detailed account of what is published in the newrpapers about the expected lying-in of Mrs. Cobourg! Gracious and mysterious Providence! that a "think ing people" should tolerate such fooleries! Might we not laugh if the woman was to make a "mis go?" But we do not wish her any harm, except that she may not become a breeder of princes. Official Compatibility. has not been contested on that account---the constitution seems entirely satified if when congress is required to be in session, its members are prepared to take their seats. In Ohio a memorial has been presented to the legislature, setting forth that no person, acting as a director of a chartered bank of that state, or of the bank of the United States, can constitutionally hold a seat in either branch of the legislature or act as governor of the state. "On this memorial a committee of five members of the house of representatives was appointed, by ballot, which committee made a report, giving it as their opinion, that any person holding an office of director of a state bank, is disqualified Among the things that should be carefully from executing the office of governor; that no guarded against, is the heaping of several pub-person who is a director in a branch of the U. lic offices upon one individual; as thereby an States bank is eligible to a seat in the house of influence may be created that must always be representatives; and further presented a resoconsidered as dangerous, until we shall have lution, recommending that a committee be ap "angels in the form of men to govern us"---a pointed to enquire whether his excellency the circumstance that is not immediately expected! governor is a director of any bank, and whether One question has been started in the house of any member of the house of representatives representatives of the United States, and ano-exercises the office of a director of a branch of The report of this ther in the legislature of Ohio, whose decision the United States bank. must have a tendency to define some interest-committee was referred to a committee of the ing points as to what is compatible and what whole house." offices. is incompatible, in respect to the holding of The adoption of such a principle would extend the doctrine of incompatibility to a great. It appears that present sitting members of length, and ought to be cautionsly considered. congress, at the time of their election several But it will probably receive a strong support months ago, and, until a few days before they from the seuse of the people and their repretook their seats, held and continued to hold sentatives of the danger to be apprehended offices under the United States. The following from the continually increasing power and inis the clause of the constitution that touches fluence of the banks; which, indeed, are calculated to have a most serious effect the upon upon the subject: "No senator or representative shall, during the political rights and private interests of the time for which he is elected, be appointed to any people at large, by raising up an aristocracy to civil office, under the authority of the United States stand in the places of the dukes, earls and lords which shall have been created, or the emoluments of the old world; to dispense or withhold their of which shall have been increased, during such time; and no person holding any office under the PATRONAGE as may suit their private views. United States, shall be a member of either house, "Riches grow into luxury, luxury into despotism," or, to express the idea in a better aphorism of domestic product, "men feel power and forget right." during his continuance in office." Now-did these gentlemen hold two offices at the same time? True, they were to serve two years from the 4th of March last---but can they We have examined the constitution of Ohio serve until they are qualified, and can they be to ascertain on which of its provisions the requalified until a session of congress is held? port alluded to is founded, and only see that Can they be members before they take their no person holding an "office" under the United seats--is their election valid until it is tested by States or of that state can execute the duties of the house, which is sole judge of the election of a legislator, governor, &c. and it would seem its own members? And if not qualified to act in to us that the clause must be much strained, one capacity, may they not act in another until indeed, to extend it to the directors of compathey can be so qualified? We think that they nies incorporated by that state or the United can, though it would be better if it were other-States. Yet there is some plausibility in it; wise---and that every one, befo e he should be and, in the present instance, perhaps it may be considered as eligible to be elected, should also rightful. But a thing that is abstractedly right be eligible to act. The period for which he is in itself" may be so far urged as to make it a elected, "two years," is of no importance; or wrong-and the subject is exceedingly deliFor, are, the representatives from several of the states cate, view it any way that we can. are not legally chosen. Those from Virginia, not the stockholders in all incorporated comfor instance, though considered as serving from panies as well interested persons as the directhe 4th of March last, were not elected until tors of them; and should a man who lays out a the following May. But their right to a seat part of his money to make a road, dig a canal &c. under the authority of a state, lose any straw: then came on the howling sto m-the his rights or privileges for his public spirit? snow was driven impetuously through the hut, Local, partial considerations ought not to in- the little fire of faggots was extinguished; and fluence a general principle. t is in the cer- the poor soldier, huddled in his bed-placetainty of the law that there is safety. excruciated with old wounds, and perishing with cold and hunger, groaned aloud: solitude added her horrors, for he was alone-there A Speech in a Dream! was no one to administer to his necessities, no Many extraordinary things happen to us in one to cheer the agony of his spirit, no friendly our dreams. I am not about to philosophise hand to relieve the pains of his person!--I on the subject-but it is very strange, that thought that Mr. Clay was himself overcome the whole force of our imagination, supported by the picture that he had painted; the tears rolby the united powers of every faculty that we led down his manly cheeks,and all the members possess when awake, should sometimes be so of congress, with the auditors in the gallery, beggarly incompetent as they are to fashion the seemed to be dissolved with grief. The speaker like of things which we have seemingly seen paused-and the silence of the grave prevailed and heard in our sleep. Many curious ques- for about five minutes, except when interrupt. tions present themselves on making this remarked by the half-stifled sighs of sympathetic bo -but I have not time to discuss them; and, if soms. Recovering himself, he went on to draw they were discussed, they would amount to another picture: he painted a rank old tory or nothing. ཟླ་ refugee, ugly as sin and hateful as perdition, A combination of circumstances occasioned purchasing the soldier's certificates at "twomy employment at a late hour of Friday night, and-six-pence in the pound, funding them at the 26th ult. in reading the proofs of the last twenty shillings;" built up a palace for him number of the REGISTER. At about 13 o'clock with the profits; decorated it with the most I went to bed, at peace with all the world and costly furniture; served his table with all the with myself, aud soon fell into a sweet sleep. delicacies of earth, air and sea; and filled his A part of the proof that I had been reading glasses with the choicest wines-"the sparkling related to the bill for the relief of the yet sur-Champaign, the rich Burgundy and the geneviving officers and soldiers of the revolution: rous Madeira"--then put him to rest upon a bed I was pleased with its passage through the of down, and told of the curses that he heaped house of representatives, and this, probably, upon the united states for their "rebellion." caused the dream about which I am going to When this portrait was finished, and the peogive a very imperfect account. ple saw it living before them, I thought that I thought that I was in the hall of the house every eye glistened with rage, that every fist of representatives when in committee of the was clenched and every arm extended to inflict whole, and that the bill alluded to was under instant punishment upon a wretch so vile! But consideration. It seemed to me that its leading I am truly humbled in his attempt to describe principle had been opposed by somebody, and a part of that which I seemed to see and hear; Mr. Clay rose to speak to the subject; which and excessively mortified that I cannot embody he did with such a flood of eloquence, so much the spirited ideas that yet flit through my imamajesty of manner, power of expression, and gination---continually presenting themselves, elegance of language, that I seemed to be fixed but continually eluding my grasp. It appeare like a statue to the spot, and afraid to breathe to me as if I could cheerfully give fifty thoulest I might lose a word that he uttered. On sand dollars, if I had them, to be able to proIrising in the morning 1 recollected several en-nounce such a speech as I thought I heard. tire sentences of this speech, and might, per- But I neve, shall hear a speech like that, or haps. have committed them to paper; but the witness such an effect as it seemed to produce; bustle of business drove them from my mind for I cannot believe that the man has lived or is before I had an idea of doing so, and I now living who could pronounce it. My opportu have only a general remembrance of their sub-nity, however, for forming a correct judgment limity and strength. My "nind's eye," how-on this matter has been very limitted--and my ever, can yet see a pair of portraits that he opinion is to be relied upon only for myself. drew, though my pen cannot describe them. A circumstance once happened to me that He drew a full length picture of a crippled, has some analogy to the preceding, as shewing worn-out veteran of the revolutionary war, sel- the power of the mind abstracted from personal ling his certificates for "two-and-six-pence in sensibilities. Fifteen or sixteen years ago, then the pound,"-and, the pittance that they pro- residing at Wilmington, elaware, as I passed duced being expended on his immediate wants, the house of the late venerable John Dickinson he placed him in the corner of a wretched at 12 o'clock in the day, he was standing in cabin, in a dreary season, miserably fed, miser- the door and invited me in. After reproving ably clad, with nothing but an old rent blanket me for not having called to see him, for he had to cover him whilst he slept upon his tuft of been a little unwell, he said that he would have Army of the United States. Message of the president of the United States communicating, pursuant to a resolution of the house of representatives of the 11th Dec. ult. a reput of the present strength of the army of the United States; its distribution among the several mititury posts; and its competency to defend the several fortifications, &c. &c General staff [ABSTRACTED FOR THE REGISTER.] 115 Where on duty The letter of the secretary of war was laid before our readers last week. The following are the aggregates of the general return of the airay: Corps of engineers Ordnance depart. Reg. of Lt. artillery Corps of artillery First reg. infantry do. Third Fourth do. Seventh do. Eight do. Rifle regiment 124 West Point. 337 At arsenals and laboratories. 668 Mass. R. I. and Commecticut." 2 63 In permanent fortifications. 524 Louisiana and Mississippi. 618 New York h. quarters Sacketts Harbor. 491 H. Q. Miebilingekinac. 35 Alabama territory. 409 Michigan territory. 428 New York, h. q. Pisttsburg. 528 Alabama territory. 588 Lon. & Miss, and Hinois & Missouri T. 578 Illinois and Missouri territoris. a glass of old wine with me, the first that hej Local Banks. Since the above returns, the 4th and 7th regi ments, with several companies of artillery, have been temporarily assigned to the frontiers of Geetgia: do. Assistant mates 5 Prin. musicians 14 We have a copy of a “letter from the secreta- Apothecary general 1 Sergeants Galvezton and Amelia. DOCUMENTS CONTINUED. SOF AMELIA. Mr. McIntosh to Mr. Crawford. The Refuge, near Jefferson, Camden co (Georgia) Oct. 30, 1817. "DEAR SIR-The last letter I had the hondr be credited as specie, by the bank of the United address to you, was on the ninth of August; sho States, its offices and the state banks employed ly after which the public papers announced that as places of deposite---and government, it you had left Washington on a visit to Georgia. seems, will soon be wholly relieved of the diffew weeks after, I thought it not prudent to v ficulties encountered by the want of uniformi-ure out of my swamp plantation on the Stilly, an 1 ty in the currency. The secretary appears to have performed his duty, in respect to this matter, rightfully and reasonably. ( since have been very little at St. Mary's. Since ge Mary's to Mr. Crawford. Collector's office, St Mary's, Georgia, 1st November, 1817. has not been so much ingenuity made use of in Extract of a letter from Mr. Clark, collector of St. misrepresenting the conduct and intentions of the invaders of East Florida; and the accounts which are published ofthem, are for the most part gene rally correct. The present chief, commodore Au Honorable William H. Crawford, ry, got the command very much against the incli SIR-I hasten to communicate the following in. nations of sheriff Hubbard and colonel Irwin.-formation by letter, received from a gentleman reWhen he arrived at Fernandina, with his squadron siding on St. John's river, East Florida. The subof privateers and prizes, they were entirely without ject in its bearings, presents considerations of the money. He declared, "that if he gave them any first importance, as to our political relations with aid, it must be on the condition of being made com Spain. mander in chief; and that as general M'Gregor never The following is extracted, from the same: had any commission whatever, the flag of the re- "Pablo river, St John's, October 24, 1817. public must be struck, and that of the Mexican About sunset a yawl boat arrived at the landing, hoisted and that Fernandina should be considered when seven persons came from her, who requestas a conquest of the Mexican republic, (undered shelter for the night, and some refreshment, stat which he was commissioned) without its being neing that they were half pay British officers of the cessary that any other part of the province of East army and navy, from the island of St. Thomas, on Florida should be conquered." Hubbard and Irwin their way to England, via the United States: that reluctantly agreed to the mortifying condition of re- they had mistaken the bar for St. Mary's, that they signing the command. They were never friendly left the schooner in the offing under that impres with the commodore, and endeavored, but in vain, o sion, and intended to send her a pilot by the return gain over by intrigue a part of his men. Their of the boat. After staying all night, they embarkown party considerably increasing shortly after, ed at daylight, having procured a negro pilot to they were several times on the point of coming to conduct them inland, to Fernandina. open war with Aury, and his followers; and under Col. M'Donald, in thanking me for the hospitality the pretence that Aury's force were composed chief he had received, said he felt bound as a gentleman ly of brigand negroes. A few days before Mr. Hubbard's death, (who was called governor without having any power) Aury marched to his quarters with a body of armed men, and obliged him to make such concessions as drove him to an act of intemperance, which soon after terminated his existence. The parties are designated as the American and French, and, I have been assured by individuals be. longing to them both, that each are anxiously look ing for reinforcements. Aury has a number of Frenchmen, who were, it is said, officers under Bonaparte. They find it their interest as well as inclination to support their countryman. His great dependence, however, is on about one hundred and thirty brigand negroes-a set of des. perate bloody dogs. to be candid, and accordingly informed me, that they had lately arrived from London at St. Thomas, in the ship Two Friends, with a great number of officers and munitions of war in abundance; that he had with him 30 officers on board the schooner; that he would command in this quarter; that they would have men sufficient, and a profusion of every thing necessary for active operations. They wanted a war with Spain, and that he had power to draw on England for 100,000 pounds sterling that they would have a fine train of artillery; and that all these supplies were actually on their way or shipping; that a number of gun brigs and sloops would leave England, reported for the East Indies; but were bound directly here, and to South America.That they were much disappointed at St. Thomas, on hearing M'Gregor had left Amelia istand; and that the capture of Amelia was known prior to their leaving England.”* These officers have a soldier-like and genteel ap pearance and all have their commissions; they said their object in leaving the schooner was to recon They have all since arrived at Fernandina. ARCHD. CLARK Extract of a letter from captain John H. Elton, is the hon. B. W. Crowninshield, secretary of the na y, dated The American party, which are rather more numerous than the other, consist generally of Ameri-noitre." can, English and Irish sailors; but now have no de. clared leader. Irwin wants either spirit or popu larity to assume that character. For my own part, I believe that in point of morals, patriotism and intentions they are exactly on a par. Aury's blacks, however, make their neighborhood extremely dangerous, to a population like ours; and I fear that if they be not expelled from that place, some unhappy conséquences may fall on our country. It is said. that they have declared that if they are in danger of being overpowered, they will call to their aid every negro within their reach. Indeed I am told that the language of the slaves in Florida is already such as is extremely alarming. The patriots at Fernandina had about ten days ago an unexpected and strange reinforcement.Twenty half pay British officers, by the way of Turk's island, arrived at St. John's river, and mistaking it for Amelia, a colonel and a couple of others were made prisoners by the Spaniards. The others got safe to Fernandina; but finding that general sir Gregor M'Gregor had abandoned it they determined immediately on doing so too." U. S. brig Saranac, Cumberland Sound, September 26th, 1817. "The patriotism of Amelia island appears to be confined to privateering and plundering. General Aury has the command," &c. Extract from a letter from captain John H. Elton to the hon. B. W. Crowninshield, secretary of the navy, dated. U. S. brig Saranac, Cumberland Sound, October 10, 1817. "I have detained a felucha, or small schooner that *Captain Thomas was at St. Mary's with Cockburn, and lieutenant of the ship that fired on gun boat 168, after the peace. sailed from Fernandina, under a commission grant. | getting into Fernandina. Although irritated at the ed by general M'Gregor to one John Morrison, for insult, I did not conceive it correct to attempt two reasons; first, as a pirate for having captured force, to have her driven from neutral waters, but an English, schooner with regular papers, bound proceeded as from Nassau to Barracoa, called the Brothers; the commission was granted to John Morrison a citizen of the United States, and who, during the cruise, resided at St Mary's, in Georgia, and the commis sion was made use of by one Edward Fenner, who likewise captured a Spanish schooner; both are detained for investiga ion. They have been out some time, and have received provisions from some En glish and American vessels they say, gratis. The crew consisted of 18, and I suppose they could not carry provisions for ten days. On the 6th instant I detained the schooner Hornet; she was commi-sion ed by general M'Gregor 22d July last, John Smith commander. She cleared out from Philadelphia in August as the Traveller; she received her arms and men in the Delaware bay, near Lewistown. On the 6th or 7th September she, for the first time, asssum ed the name of the Hornet, went off Cuba, made two prizes, the crew mutinied, and in that state was coming in." "Until I get directions how to consider the island of Amelia, and the people bound to that place, it will be impossible to prevent either slaves or goods being smuggled." "As most of the patriots there are one day, an American citizen, and the next at Fernandina, 'tis easy for them and their agents to evade all the vigilance we are possessed of. One small Spanish vessel, a prize to a privateer, got into the port before we could board, with seventeen slaves. I would have taken her out immediately, but I considered it neu. tral ground, and that it was the wish of government not to infringe-fearful of that error, our boats are generally sent out to board at sea." Extract of a letter from captain John H. Elton, to the secretary of the navy, dated United States' brig Saranac, Cumberland Sound, Oct. 19, 1817. "Day before yesterday I sent out to detain a Spanish slave vessel prize to a Mexican privateer: the captain and owner came in to converse with me, and the officer, neglecting to leave any persons in charge, the people from Fernandina went secretly off, and landed all the blacks on the outer part of the island." thought most correct; and the enclosed correspondence has passed between general Aury and myself. 'Tis true, shot was fired at her when close to Amelia, but the officer assures me she was on the northern part of the channel when he attempted to board. If half the depth of water is allowed us, she was on our side. I have informed you that the channel over the bar was on their side, I never have been instructor to the southard of a direct line drawn between the islands to the sea. ed on that head, but I really think they hold the island by too precarious a tenure, to be yet so very tenacious of their rights. A verbal answer was returned, at first, to my application, that they would protect her. Not knowing how the United States wished to view these people, I did not think proper to attempt to destroy the establishment, but sent out lieutenant commandant E. R. M'Call, to bring back the privateer Jupiter, to remain as a pledge until I heard from government. It has excited considerable feeling, and no other privateers attempted to sail. The slave vessel was brought over last sight, but every thing but slaves, and a small quanThe prize master was not tity of rice, was taken from her, and she appeared in a very filthy state. sent, neither any of the prize crew. I have written for the former-whether he will be sent I cannot vouch. Yet, as retribution could so soon be had, if force was authorized, and wishing not to interrupt harmony, if it is wished by the United States, I have released the privateer Jupiter; and the High Flyer sailed immediately on a cruise. A prior correspondence took place, as regarded captain Farnham. It was represented to me that he was a citizen, and only went there to trade, It for some time. The application was, of course, appears he has been in the service of the patriots dropped. I shall send the slave vessel to Savannah for ad judication, and if the prize master is found, shall send him also. He is an old offender, by the name of Austin... The situation of Amelia is, by no means, a quiet Those at present there act very strangely. one. There has been a French party and an English party -they have been in constant alarm of each. The French party is now trying as many of the English Extract of a letter from captain John H. Elton, to the party as possible, and strangely are making a Botany secretary of the navy, dated United States' brig Bay of the United States, as you will perceive by Sarunac, Cumberland Island, November 15, 1817. the proclamation enclosed. So much discontent SIR-On the 9th instant I sent a boat out to board prevails, that I should not be surprised to see them a vessel from sea. The officer had not been informed engaged in civil war. The slave vessels that have to take charge of her, until I had thoroughly over hitherto entered Fernandina, I have no doubt have hauled her, if she was a slave vessel. He was at smuggled all their slaves to the United States. Savannah when the instructions were issued. He Small boats are permitted to pass and repass; as returned, and reported it was a slave vessel, prize they are rowed by slaves, they can smuggle one or to the Brutus privateer. I despatched a boat to two at a time without detection. Another mode of The officer, acting smuggling is, that the law makes no provision how bring her in for examination. sailing master M'Cluny, met her coming in, and, as to consider boats of less than five tons. I sent one it was dangerous to heave her to, remained on his of that description to the collector. She was filled oars, and dropt alongside. They pretended to give with provisions and naval stores from Savannah to him a rope; they did not, but passed him;he caught by Amelia-she had no clearance-the law requires a boat astera. The prize master threatened to fire none; but from a passenger on board, I had no doubt, on him, if he attempted to board; and, when mus in my own mind, it was to fit out a former slave ketry was fired under his stern, it was returned. vessel as a privateer. She was released by the col The alarm was given by the boat. I unfortunately lector. Am I to stop arms, ammunition, &c. bound was on Cumberland Point, where only one gun was from the United States to Fernandina, if not cleared mounted, from which we fired two shot to bring her as such? They term them boxes of merchandize very to. The first lieutenant fired three from the brig fr quently, and sometimes have more than they Two of the five st uck her, but she succeeded in clear out. |