Newspaper Page Text
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Chronicle awn Sentinel.
avgusta. ~
TUESDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 14.-
Judge Berrien's Report.
We have received a copy of the very able
report made by our distinguished Senator, as
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, on the
subject of the Bankrupt Law, which we will
endeavor to present entire or in part to our read
ers, at our earliest convenience.
• Counterfeits.
Within a short time we have been shewn se
veral counterfeit bills purporting to be on the
“Commercial Bank oj Columbia, S. Carolina,"
payable to T. Sam or Lane, signed J. Ewart,
Cashier, and A- Blanding, President. The
Bills are struck by a genuine plate for the “Com
mercial Bank or Enterprise," one of the
mushroon concerns of and wherev
er the words “Enterprise" and “Mississippi" oc
cur in the face ot the bill, they are extracted
and “Columbia." and “South Carolina" inserted
with a pen so neatly as to have the appearance
to the casual obsei ver ot being engraved, but on
a closer inspection the effect of the process of
erasure is very apparent. The signatures are
very bad both of the Cashier and President.—
The same process has also been resorted to in
counterfeiting the bills of the Commercial Bank
of Macon, both of which w« have on two or
three occasions noticed before. Buj what boots
it, if we were to notice it every day. Those
who are made the dupes of these swindlers and
robbed of their property and money, consider
“the times too hard to bike a newspaper," which
would keep them advised ami therefore protect
hem from such vallainy. It was but a few
days since that we saw a notice in the Athens
these swindlers bad passed
* ' 1 and passed a fifty dollar
bill to one, and a twenty dollar bill, both of this
class, to another of the citizens of that village.
Here wa« a loss at once sufficient to pay tor a
newspaper for a quarter of a century, which
they might have saved had they been constant
readers of the Chronicle & Sentinel.
O’ The Hon. Silas Wright has been re
elected, by the unanimous vote of his party in
the State Legislature of New York, to be a Sen
ator of the United States for six years from the
4th of March next, when his present term of
service ends.
from the N. O Picayune.
Latest from Mexico.
The schooner Victorine arrived at Mobile on
Saturday morning last from Vera Cruz, with
810,000 in specie, and Capt. F. C. Swain and
Messrs. J. M. Barney, and J. Stanley Millbrd
as passengers.
The Victorine left Vera Cruz onMie 26th ult.
and by her we have received dates from the city
of Mexico up to the 22d.
One of our correspondents states that Van
Ness was at work in the streets of Mexico, and
in chains. No mention is made of Fitzgerald
or Hancock, taken al the same time with Van
Ness, and who were also on the Santa Fe Ex
pedition, but they are probably also in Mexico,
unless the former has been liberated through the
interference ot the British Minister.
The following is a list ot the Texan prison
ms now confined at the Castle of Perote:
H. A. Alsbury, J. Allen, A. Booker, Ewd.
Brown, Wm. Bugg, James H. Brown, Richaid
A. Barclay, Truman B. Beck, John Bradley, L.
Colquhoun, J. A. Crews, Wm. Coltren, D. J.
Davis, John Dalrymple, Augustus Elley, John
Forrester, N. W. Faison, F. S. Gray, A. Hut
chison, George C. Hatch, Nathaniel Herbert,
Wrn. E. Jones, Chauncy Johnson, (of Albany,
N. Y.,) R. Jackson, D. S. Karnegay, John Lee,
John Lehman, A. J. Leslie, David Morgan,
Francis Mackay, Edward Marion, A. H. Mor
ral, R. S. Neighbours, S. L. Nobles, D. C. Og
den, Wm. H. O. Phelan, C. W. Peterson, John
Perry, James W. Robinson, M. L. B. Rossier,
John Riddle, AV. J. Riddle, .1. C. Robinson,
Samuel Stone, John Smith, George Schaffter,
Joseph Shaw, Wm. Trimble, John Twohig,
James L. Swineheart, John Trapnail, J. G.
Andus Voss.
Another correspondent, writing under date of
Mexico, Jan. 21, says; “ Among the names of
the prisoners taken at Mier, I notice a I)r.
Brenham. 1 suppose this is the same who was
with the Santa Fe prisoners liberated last June.
Cook and Ward were to be shot without doubt.”
We give this extract precisely as written. So
far as regards Cook, we have al) along supposed
he returned with Somervell. Ward we do not
know, an ! we are uncertain as to whether Dr.
Brenham -.as with Col. Fisher at Mier. His
name, tm it now, has not been mentioned as
being with that brave but unfortunate party.
[Since writing the above we have conversed
with a gentleman who thinks Dr. Brenham was
at Washington, Texas, five weeks since, but is
not positive.]
'The steamer Regenerador had arrived at Vera
Cruz from Campeachy, with much later dates,
but no news which was made public. This lat
ter circumstance may be looked upon us good
news for the Campeachanos, as the Mexican
government is wonderfully silent when t he news
is against it
The rumor most current among the better in
formed at Vera Cruz was, that the Campeach
anos had driven the Mexicans from th • heights
recently captured by them in the vicinity of the
city, and had driven them a distance of several
miles. Great distress was also said t.o prevail
among the Mexican troops for waiu of provi
sions. For ourselves we cannot but. think the
Mexicans have sustained severe reverses in the
neighborhood of Campeachy, and that the Re
generador brought despatches to th at effect.
The Montezuma steam frigate, under com
mand of an English officer, together with kwo
transports, left Vera Cruz on on the 23d ult. for
Campeachy, having eight hundred troops to
reinforce the Mexican army there, with a large
supply of provisions.
The cutter Woodbury had arrived at Vera
Cruz, and Col. Southall had proceeded imme
diately lor the capitol with his despat ches.—
The U. 8. brig Dolphin had also art hred at
Vera Cruz from Campeachy, and rumor has it
that she was not allowed to communicate with
our Consul at the latter place. Here w ill be
more business for Gen. Thompson, if stjch be
the case.
The Spanish brig of war Patriot, and French
corvette Brilliante, were al Vera Cruz when the
Victorine left. Capt. Charlewood and his-first
lieutenant came passengers in the Patriot, and
were to leave on the 26th of Janina ry in the
Medway, for Havana, which was. raising steam
when the V. sailed.
The Junta de Notables were in session at
Mexico, but their proceedings were generally
kept secret. Nothing can h.e done by this body
other than to further Sar.ta Anna’s ambitious
schemes, the members ’neing creatures of his
own selection. We cat mot believe that the re
cent revolution, which nas been so tar bloodless,
is to end without civ'J strife, and the eventual
call for foreign inter mention to settle the inter
nal affairs ot the c juntry. The publication of
El Siglo Diez y N.ueve, a liberal journal, has
been suspended, number ot the 16th of Jan
uary containing, a bando or edict from the gov
ernment to tb .at effect, and other acts equally
arbitrary and despotic are ot daily commission.
The mass o'/the people will not, cannot brook
these agr .cssfons long, although we doubt
whether t' gey can better themselves under any
other rul ,r than that ol Santa Anna at present. ’
The present inhabitants of Mexico are entire-
Iv inc apable of self-government, whatever the
mast of them may think to the contrary. They
lack education, and that general knowledge
which is indispensable before a people can act
for themselves with that intelligence which,
overlooking mere selfish ends, looks to the
greatest good of the greatest number. They
lUive tried a form of government modelled upon
that of the United States without understanding
It, and without the intelligence, feelings, or mo
ral requisites to carry it out successfully, and
an entire alteration in the syste m of education
and the administration of the laws must lake
place before a liberal go vernmer.t can be st cure
iv established. When education is thoroughly
disseminated, when the proceed Ings of the courts
are known and understood, and when the peo
ple are called oh to witness a/jd take part in the
proceedings, then the value of a good govern
ment becomes understood The purposes of a
virtuous republican form <jf laws are fulfilled
by the daily suggestion of more efficient means
to carry them out success .fully, and when pri
vate rights are respected and protected, public
injuries will be prevented. As yet the mass ot
the Mexican population h as been utterly igno
rant of the true value of co urts of law. All the
the leaders, if we except Slants Anna—some of
whom have been sincerely > desirous to establish
a liberal republic—have been ignorant of the
manner of effecting their ends—and finally, the
irritations of party cont rations and jealousies
has contributed to place t fie people under a mil
itary despotism. In tlris situation they will
continue until a revolution rids them ol one
evil, perhaps only to tall, upon agreater. Better
had it been for Mexico 'ttadshe continued under
the rule ot Iturbide, tor since his death the peo
ple have only had the -how of liberty without
the substance.
t£
* Correspondence of the N. O. Bee
Vera Cru'z, 25th January, 1843.
1 had this pleasure 041 the J9th inst. per brig
Nuevitas, ami no w inf orm you that anew decree
from government on t oe subject of tire liberty of
the press has obliged several of the liberal pa
pers to cease their publication, and many must
follow their example «.
Extensive preparations ate making for the
campaign of Texas. Orders- have been given
or the enlistment of*M,ooo men in the various
' departments, to be in readiueiisby the Ist March;
the greater portion of whom tit is said are to be
employed m Texan Campeq chv still holds out.
Yours, ,
g3"S. A. Holmes, ot the Literary Depo
has laid mi our table an extra New World, con
taining the Life am! Exploits of Wellington,
embracing at one view the whole military ca
reer ol tftis illustrious warrior, including a com
pieie;history ol the Peninsular War, with all the
spirit stiiring incidents and anecdotes of that
memorable contest. The work is embellished
with forty engravings.
State of the Treasury.—From a letter
from the Secretary of the Treasury’, yesterday
presented to the House of Representatives by
the Chairman of the Committee ol' Ways and
Means, it appears that, with an authority to is
sue new Treasury notes to any amount of thase
outanding that may be presented for redemption
(so as that no important amount of the outstan
ding Treasury notes be unexpectedly added to
the charges upon the Treasury,) and estimating
the appropriations by Congress to correspond
with the estimates from the Executive Depart
ments, there will be no deficiency in the reve
nue for the current year, but, on the contrary, a
balance in the Treasury on the Ist of January,
1814, of nearly four hundred thousand dollars.
But, as the appropriations tor the navy expend
iture alone (in the bill which has passed the
House of Representatives and is now before the
Senate,) fall short by between two and three
millions of dollars of the estimates, that amount
of reduction may be added to the estimated bal
ance in the Treasuiy on the Ist day of January
next, swelling it to nearly three millions ot dol
lars.
A bill was reported in the House of Repre
sentatives yesterday, by the Committee of Ways
and Means, for granting the necessary authori
ty, should it become necessary, to cause new
Treasuiy notes to be issued to the amount ot
any old ones which may be presented for pay
iment. — Nat. Jntdligeneer of theifth.
State Debts.
“A large meeting, without distinction of party,
was held in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on the
4th instant. Among other resolutions adopted
on the occasion by acclamation, was one ‘re
spectfully requesting Congress to authorize the
issue of two hundred millions of three per cent,
stock, to be divided among the States, for the
payment of which the public lands and their
proceeds be specifically and forever pledged." ’
We copy the above for the particular edifica
tion of our venerable contemporary at Richmond.
He may shout “Whig! Whig!” and “Wolf!
wolf!” till he is hoarse again, but he cannot
scare people out of their senses. Thty sviZZ be
lieve what they see. If he has yet any doubt
that his political friends are seriously taking up
this matter, let him write to Mr. Keim and Mr.
Newhard, Representatives in. Congress from
Pennsylvania, for information of the political
character of those citizens in their districts from
•whom they have lately presented petitions on
the subject. We have before us at this moment
the “Aurora,” a paper published at Sidney, in
Shelby county, Ohio, which says that petitions
in favor of the plan above, referred to are rapidly
filling up, and that amon;» the signatures are a
number of individuals of the Locofoco party .
Nakiomil In'cUigcncer.
V KRY DESTRUCTIVE EIRE IN PLYMOUTH, Mass.
—The Boston Daily Advertiser of the sth says:
“We learn from a gentleman who arrived in the
city last evening frotn Plymouth, that on Satur
day afternoon the Robbins Cordage Factory in
that town took fire in the tarring room, and that
all the buildings of the Factory were destroyed,
together with the stock and machinery contained
in them. A large two story building adjacent
to the Factory was also burnt. The loss is sup
posed to be between 75,000 and $100,000.”
Bridge Burnt.—We learn from the Selma
Free Press, that some days since, the tine’ and
substantial bridge erected between Selma and
Marian over the Catiawba river, was set on fire
and burned Completely up. Suspicions rest on
a negro fellow, who has since been arrested and
committed for trial at the next Circuit Court.
Liabilities or the State or Alabama. —It
appears from a statement in the Tuscaloosa Flag
of the Union, that the liabilities ot the State of
Alabama are a‘. follows:
Unliquidated 'bonds for capital
stock of her bankssll,o73,lll3B
School fund deposites746,4oß 76
Surplus revenue United States669,oß7 22
Bank deposit/: acc0unt1,099,847 83
Bank circulations,4oß,2oooo
T0ta1518,996,655 19
Amount necessary to be raised the present
year, by taxation or otherwise, to pay interest on
debt and defray State expenses, $730,572 77.
For 1844, including $1,000,000 bonds due, $!,-
700,577 27.
The Flag remarks; “We offer no comment
upon th.is gloomy picture. With five'and a half
millions ofunredeemed circulation, the State has
near two and and a half millions ot current ex
penses: and debts to pay in less than two years.
Where are the means'! In taxation, wetrust,
and not in repudiation. God forbid
Prom the Baltimore American.
A. Remarkable Phenomenon. —The follow
ing account of a phenomenon, or optical illu
sion, of rare occurrence, which was seen near
Baltimore on Monday the 6th instant, will no
do übt be interesting to many of our readers:
Pleasant Hill, February 6, 1843.
Tit the Editors nf ihe American:
Gentlemen—A curious and beautiful phe
nomenon ol the heavens was witnessed to
day, which for its remarkable and uncommon
appearance, should be publicly' noted. At or
about half past eleven o’clockthis morning, one
of my brothers coming up the avenue from the
city, observed that the situ gave a very peculiar
light. Looking up to ascertain the occasion ol
it, he saw the wonderful appearance of three
suns in the sky at the sametime, surrounded by
a halo. He immediately came into the house
and acquainted the rest ot the family and myself
with the fact.
The wind had been northwest all night, and
is still —at the time I write, one o’clock—blow
ing heavily from the same quarter.
The true sun was near the meridian, and the
two parhelia, or mock suns, were very bright
and distinct, one on the east and the other on
the west of the true sun, and intersected by a
halo surrounding the sun, with an imaginary
circle parallel to the horison and passing thro’
the true sun.
The mock suns were, as well as the halo,
colored like a rainbow, and whitish towards the
sun. Each mock sun had a streak or tail of light
diverging from it in opposition to the true sun.
This strange appearance continued for about
half an hour after we first saw it.
The sky was of a dark blue, approaching to
lead color, with passing clouds occasionally
veiling the phenomenon from the view.
This extraordinary' phenomenon was witness
ed by some of our neighbors also, and was the
most remarkable spectacle 1 have ever witness
ed H. H.
A German named Freyshute, in the employ
of Mr. Martin Weaver, of Pottsville, Pennsyl
vania, was drowned on the 19th ult. in attempt
ing to cross a milldam whilst the ice was weak.
It is noticed in the Pottsville Journal as a singu
lar and strange circumstance, that the drowning
man, as he was about sinking for the last time,
took his employer’s keys out of his pocket, and
threw them safely upon the ice. The deceased,
it appears was remarkable for his fidelity, and
his last act must be regarded as the instinctive
etlect of the ruling passion which governed him
through life.
Communication with the Pacific.
The Official paper, after noticing the difficul
ties and delays attendingthecommunication with
the Pacific, makes the following announcement,
by authority of course:
“We are much pleased to understand that this
subject has, for some time past, engaged the at
tention of the Secretary of the Navy, and that he
has determined to apply a remedy to the evil as
ar as his power and authority extend. We are
ust informed that lie is pieparing certain ot the
small vessels of the Navy, such as are unfit lor
distant cruising, for service in the Gulf of Mexi
co. He proposes that one of these vessels shall
leave Pensacola on or about a particular day in
each month, and sail direct to Chagres; a.nd, in
like manner, one of them shall leave Chagres
on or about a particular day in each month, a.nd
sail direct to Pensacola. The intermediate time
will be employed in cruising in the Gulf ifitd ,
Caribbean sea in the usual course of their duty.
Thus the ordinary service of these vessels will
not be materially interrupted, while an oppor
tunitv will be afforded for the transmission of
public despatches and private letters with • er
tainty, and in one-fourth the time now usuallv
required. It is ascertained, as we are informed,
that arrangements will be made for the sjteedy
transmission of all letters, &c. between Chagres
and Panama, as soon as it shall be known that a
proper communication is established be ween
the former place and the United States.
“It is probable that a similar arrangement
will be made for a more certain and direct in
tercourse between Pensacola and Vera Cruz.”
Statistics of Crime. —It appears from the
Annual Report of the Attorney General of Mas
sachusetts that the whole number of cases ex
amined in 1842, by the prosecuting officersof
the commonwealth, is 1764—convictions, 777.
There have been 217 trials tor offences against
the person, 512 avainst property, and 938 for
misdemeanors. The excess of 1842 over 1841,
s 272. There have been 82 convictions to the
Stats Prison, thoughout the State, the past year.
I Mementoes of Washington and Franklin.
I Although we presented loom readers, in yes
■ te.rday’s paper, a brief sketch of the proceed
ings in the House and Senate on this very in
teresting occasion, we doubt not they will be
pleased to have a more extended notice of the
ceremonies, and we therefore lay before them a
full report of the speeches of Messrs. Summers,
and Adams, of the House, and Archer, of the
Senate.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Washington, February 7.
Mr. Summers', of Virginia, rose and address
ed the House as follows:
Mr. Speaker: I rise for the purpose of dis
charging an office not connected with the ordi
nary business ot a legislative assembly. Yet,
in asking permission to interrupt, for a moment,
the regular order of parliamentary proceedings,
I cannot doubt that the proposition which I have
to submit will prove as gratilying as it may be
unusual.
Mr. Samuel T. Washington, a citizen of Ke
nawha county, in the Commonwealth of Vir
ginia, and one of my constituents, has honored
me with the commission of presenting in his
name and on his behalf to the Congress of the
United States, and through that body to the peo
ple of the United States, two most interesting
and valuable relicts connected with the pasthis
tory of our country, and with men whose a
chievements, both in the field and in the cabinet
best illustrate and adorn our annals.
One is the Sword worn by George Wash
ington, first as a Colonel in the Colonial ser
vice of Virginia, in Forbes’ campaign against
the French and Indians, and afterwards during
the whole period of the war of Independence as
Commander-in-Chief of the American army.
It is a plain couteau or hanger, with a green
hilt and silver guard. On the upper ward of
the. scabbard is engraved, “J. Bailey, Fish Kill.”
It is accompanied by a buckskin belt, which is
secured by a silver"buckle and clasp, whereon
are engraved the letters “G. W.” and the figures
“1757. These are allof the plainest workman
ship, but substantial, and in keeping with the
man and with the limes to which they belonged.
TheJtistory ol this sword is perfectly authen- 1
tib, atlrl leaves no Sn߮w of doubt as to its
identity. The last will and testament of Gene
ral Washington, bearing date on the 9th day of
February, 1799, contains, among a great varie
ty of bequests, the fallowing clause:
“To each of my nephews, William Augus
tine Washington, George Lewis, George St ip
toe Washington, Bushrod Washington, and
Samuel Washington, I give one of the swords
or couteau x of which I may die possessed; and
they are to chose in the order they are named.
These swords are accompanied with the injunc
tion not to unshea’h them tor the purpose of shed
ding blood, except it be for selfolefence, or in
defence of tjteir caunlty and its rights; and, in
the latter case, to keep them unsheathed, and
prefer falling with them in their hands to the re -
linquishment thereof!”
In the distribution of the swords hereby de
vised among the five nephews therein enumera
ted, the one now presented fell to the share of
Samuel Washington, the devisee last uamed in
the clause of the will which I have just read.
This gentleman, who died a few years since
in the county of Kanawha, and who was the
father of Samuel Washington, the donor, I
knew well. I have often seen this sword in his
possession, and received from himself the fol
lowing account of the manner in which it be
came his property in the division made among
the devisees:
He said that he knew it to have Iteen the side
arm of General Washington during the Revo
lutionary war; not that used on occasions of pa
rade and review', but the constant service sword
c>t the great chief; that he hail himself sren
General Washington w ear this identical sword,
be presumed, for the last time, when, in 1794, he
reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces then
concentrated at Cumberland under the command
of General Lee, aud destined to co-opetate with
the Pennsylvania and New Jersey troops, tlten
assembled at Bedford, in suppressing what has
been called the “Whiskey Insurrection.”
General Washington was then President of
the United States, and as such was commander
in-chief of the army. It is known that it was
his intention to lead the army in person upon
that occasion had he found it necessary, and he
went to Bedford and Cumberland prepared for
that evqgt. The condition of things did not re
quire it and he returned to his civil duties at
Philadelphia.
Mr. Samuel Washington held the commis
sion of a captain at that time himself and serv
ed in that campaign, many of the incidents of
which he has related to me.
He was anxious to obtain this particular
sword, and preferred it to all others, among
which was the ornamented ar :l costly present
from the great Frederick.
At the time of the division among the neph
ews, without intimating what his preference
was, he jocosely remarked, “that inasmuch as
he was the only one of them who had participa
ted in military service, they ought to permit him
to take choice.” This suggestion was met in
the same spirit in which it was made, and the
selection awnmett -ntn«, nt ww, mm,
plainest, and, intrinsically, the least valuable of
any, simply because it was the “Battle Sword.”
I am also in possession of the most satisfac
tory evidence, furnished by Col. George G.
Washington, of Georgetown, the nearest male
relative now living of Gen. Washington, as to
the identity of this sword. His information, as
to its history, was derived from his father, Wil
liam Augustine Washington, the devisee first
named in the clause of the will which I have
read; from his uncle, the late Judge Bushrod
Washington, of the Supreme Court; and Major
Lawrence Lewis, the acting executor of Gen.
Washington’s will; all of w hom concur in the
statement that the trite servir/: sword was that
selected by Capt. Samuel Washington.
It remained in this gentleman’s possession
until’ his death, esteemed by him the most pre
cious memento ot his illustrious kinsman. It
then became the property of his son, who, ani
mated by that patriotism which socharacterized
the “Father ot his Country,” has consented that
such a relic ought not to be appropriated by an
individual citizen, and has instructed me, his re
presentative, to otter it to the nation, to be pre
served in its public depositories as the common
property of all, since its office has been to a
chieve and secure the common liberty of all.
He lias, in like ntauner, requested me to pie
sent this Cane to tha Congress of the United
States, deeming it not unworthy the public ac
ceptance.
This was once the property of the philoso
pher and patriot, Benjamin
By a codicil to his last will and’ testament, we
find it thus disposed of:
“My fine crab-tree walking stick, with a gold
head, curiously wrought in the form of the cap
ot liberty, I give to my friend, and the friend of
mankind, Gen. Washington. If it were a scep
tre, he has meritedit and would become it.”
Gen. Washington, in his will, devises this
cane as follows:
“Item. To my brother, Charles Washington,
I give and bequeath the gold-headed cane left
me by Dr. Franklin in his will.
Capt. Samuel Washington was the only son
of Charles Washington, the devisee from whom
he derived, by inheritance, this interesting me
morial: and, having transmitted it to his soon,
Samuel T. Washington, the latter thus seeks to
bestow it worthily, by associating il with the
battle sword iu a gill to his counttymen.
I cordially concur with Mr. Washington in
the opinion that they each merit public preser
vation; and I obey, with pleasure, his wishes in
here presenting them, in his name, to the nation.
Let the sword of the Hero and the start of the
Philosopher go together. Let them have pla'e
among the proudest trophies and most honored
memorials of our national achievements.
Upon that start'once leaned the sage, of whom
it has been said, “He snatched the lightning
from heaven, and the sceptre from tyrants.”
A mighty arm once wielded this sword in a
righteous cause, even unto the dismemberment
of Empire. In the hand of Washington this
was “the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”
It was never drawn except in the defence of
public liberty; it was never .sheathed until a
glorious and triumphant success returned it to
the scabbard, without a slain of cruelty or dis
honor upon its blade; it was never surrendered
except to that country which bestowed it.
[At the conclusion of thisjaddress the galle
ries, which were crowded, sent forth emphatic
manifestations of approbation ]
Mr. John Quincy Adams then rose and ad
dressed the House as follows:
In presenting this resolution to the House, it
may perhaps be expected that I should accotn
pßiiv it with some suitable remarks; and yet,
sir, I never rose to address this House under a
deeper conviction of the want ol words to ex
press the emotions that 1 feel. It is precisely
because occasions like this are adapted to pro
duce universal sympathy, that little can be said
by anyone, but what, in the language of the
heart, in tones not loud but deep, every one pre
sent has silently said to himself My respected
friend from Virginia, by whom this offering of
patriotic sentiment has been presented to the
representative assembly ol the nation, has, it
seems to me, already said all that can be said
suitable to this occasion. In parting from him,
as, after a lew short days, we must all do, it
will, on ray part, be sorrowing that in all proba
bility 1 shall see his face and hear his voice no
ntore. But his words of this day are planted in
my memory, and will there remain until the
last pulsation of my heart.
Th>e sword of Washington' and the start of
Franklin! Oh, sir, what associations are linked
in adamant with Uwse names! Washington,
the warrior of human freedom —Washington,
whose sword, as my friend has said, was never
drawn but iu the cause of his country, and nev
er sheathed witen wielded in his country’s.eause!
Franklin, the philosopher of the thunderbolt,
the printing-press. and the ploughshare! What'
names are these in the scanty catalogue of the
benefactors of human kind! Washington and
Franklin! What outer two men, wbote lives
belong to the eighteenth century of Christen
dom have left a deeper impression ol them
selves upon the age in which they lived; and
upon all after time! Washington, the warrior
and legislator! In War, contending by the wa
ger of battle for the independence of his coun
try, and for the freedom of the human race ; ev
er manifesting, amidst its horrors, by precept
and example, his reverence for the laws of
lp*acc, and for the tenderest sympathies of hu
manitv: in Ponce, soothing the ferocious spirit I
yf discoid, atnotty his own coiinlrvmcii. int n
harmony und »»!<>.■• ;‘*t '.liG’c? >!gu i. n |
sword now pft-ented to his < oiititry a rhaim
more potent thnii Ihaialtribtiled m ancient limes
to the lyre ol'Oi'plicns. Franklin! the mechaii
ic of hisown orltme, leaching, in early youth,
under the shackles of indigence, the. wav to
wealth, and in the shade <>t obscurity the path
to greatness; in the iiuttm ity ol manhoorl, <(!>.
arming the thunder of its teirots, the lightning
of its fatal blast, and wresting f rom the tyrant’s
handthe still more afflictive sceptre of oppres
sion while descending into the vale of years,
traversing the Atlantic ocean, braving in the
dead of wintet the battle and the breeze, Ixiarittg
in his hand the charter of Independence, which
he had contributed to form, and tendering from
the self-created nation to the mightiest monarchs
of Europe, the olive-branch of peace, the mer
curial wand of commerce, and the amulet of
protection and safety to the man of peace, on
the pathless ocean, from the inexorable ciuelty
andthe merciless rapacity of war. And, final
ly in the last stage of file, with fourscore win
ters upon his head, under the torture of an in
curable disease, returning to his native land,
closing his days as the chief magistrate of his
adopted Commonwealth, after contributing by
his counsels, under the Presidency of Wash
ington and recording his name, under the sanc
tion of devout prayer invoked by him to God,
to that Constitution under the authority ol
which we are here assembled, as the Represent
atives of the North American People, to re
ceive, in their name and tor them, these venera
ble relics of the wise, the valiant, and the good
founders of our great confederated Republic—
these sacred symbols of our golden age.
May they l>e deposited among the archives ol
our Government; and may every American who
shall hereafter behold them, ejaculate a mingled
orteringot p.aise to that Supreme Ruler ot the
Universe by whose tender mercies our Union
lias been hitherto preserved through all the vi
cissitudes and revolutions of this turbulent
world, and of prayer lor the continuance of
these blessings, by the dispensations ol Ins Pro
vidence, to our beloved country Irom age to age,
till Time shall lie no more!
[The same tokens of approtation which had
greeted the address of. Mro. Sjltjpineys V
hibifed at the ci.7
Mt Ad;u is ,11 ?lWSs4od'ecug Uie folfosf
ing resolutions, which
ly:
“fiesolce.l t.y the Sciuit: on! Honwof Repre
sentatives of the railed Siatesiy Ain -mu in, ( on
gress assembled. That the thanks- ot this Con
gress be presented to Samuel T. Washington,
of Kanawha county, Virginia, for the present
of the swonl used by his illustrious relative
George Washington, in the military career of
his early youth iu the seven years’ war and
throughout the war of lite National Independ
ence, and ot the stall bequeathed by’ the patriot,
statesman, and sage, Benjamin Franklin, to tin
same leader ot the armies of Freedom in the
Revolutionary war, George Washington. That
these precious relies are hereby accepted in lite
name of the Nation; that they-be deposited for
the safe keeping in the Department of State of
the United stales, and that a copy of this reso
lution, signed by the Presidento! the Senate and
the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
be transmitted to the said .Samuel T. Washing
ton.”
On motion of Mr. Taliaferro, the addresses
of Mr. Summers and Mr. Adams- were onlered
to be entered on the Journal, and copies of both
transmitted to Mr. Samuel T. Washington.
Mr. McKentian said that, after the deep feel
ing which lias been elicited by the exciting
scenejust witnessed, it seemed to him that the
House was not prepared immediately to enter
again on the ordinary business of the session.
He moved, therefore, that the House adjourn.
No voi -<’ dissenting, the House adjourned.
SENATE.
Wasuinoton, February 8.
WASniNCTON AND FKANIJLLN.
A message was received from the House, an
nouncing lite passage ol a joint resolution in re
lation to the presentation of the sword of Gene
ral Washington and the cane of Benjamin
Frankliu; which resolution having been read,
Mr. Archer rose and said that, as Ihe grounds
of a proceeding sent from the other House of
Congress to this for concurrence could not be
assumed to be known necessarily, and the reso
lution before the Senate imparted a distinguish
ed compliment to a native of his own State, he
had been advised, and had yielded to the admo
nition, that a lew words from one of the Sena
tors of Virginia might be regarded as not inap
propriate, and perhap- be expected in explana
tion of the resolution. It was known to even
member of the Senate that Gen. Washington, by
his will, had bequeathed swords to four ot his
nephews. One of these swords, plain and the
least valuable according to ordinary estimates
of value, the gentleman to whom the first choice
had been permitted had had the just taste topic
ter, as that w’hich his glorious ancestor ha.l in
variably worn, in rent scrricc, from the period ol
early life, when lie had, in the cause of his
country, then in a colonial condition, first com
mended himself to honor, and through the cn
tfegrp|?Tss of thatgreat c mflist.y kwjhljatl Jfe.
of his immortal renown. There was not room
for a question that the weapon which had just
been laid on the table of the President, was the
identical one to which these interesting associa
tions attached. It might have been proper for
him to have stated the evidences ot this tact, but
the task had already been discharged by his col
league and friend tn the other House, who had
yesterday in fulfilling the office of presenting
these relics to t e nation, added another wreath
to the honor of being selected for the function,
by the chaste, appropriate, an:l beautiful address
—in entire keeping with the simplicity of the
memorial and ol the character ol its illustrious
proprie or—with which he had gratified the
House of Representatives.
There might be persons, Mr. Archer said, dis
posed to regard the reception of memorials so
slight as a sword and a cane a- not in keeping
with the dignity of a Senatorial body. If such
there were, he (Mr. A.) was not to be included
in the number of them. The disposition he in
dulged was widely different. Nor was such the
thought of our great precursors in the love and
maintenance ot liberty in the ancient Republics.
They had the practice, and regarded it as ines
timable, ot erecting statues io great departed
worth. And why 1 Could the reason be any
other but the effort Io keep alive the principle of
generous virtue, by presenting and keeping per
petual)}’ before the eyes the symbols of its au
thors !
Mr. Archet said that, fi>r his own part, he
thought that slghte memorials than statues an 1
mausoleums were fin more conducive to this
etlect, where, they bad appertained to the com
mon use—been connected with the offences ot
service—shed a light on the peculiarities oftein
per or habitude or acliieveiuet,i ol the persons to
which they relate-!. Il this remark were just,
bow applicable, above all others, to Washing
ton, and this symbol, his sword, the type in its
symplieity of his character in its office of his
achievements! Washington! the only name
requiring no eulogy, lor the name itself compre
hended all eulogy Ii had been said by one ol
the most eminent public tueu ol the age. himselt
the subject of a monarchy, (Lord Brougham,)
that “ot uiiiuspire.i men, W ashington was to
be esteemed incomparably the greatest. Nor
was this to be regarded a- exaggerated praise,
when it was lecidlected that greatness was to be
measured, not by virtue only, but a combined
consideration .4 is etlect-; and this same con
sideration proved that xio man great as Wash
ington could pethajt- ii hv live. Men, not the
interiors of Wa. hiugtou in virtue and in wis
dom, might come into existence, but to the lull
est developemera <4 grandeur ol chaideter, eit
cumstances must conspire and Ibrtn no unim
portant part: and no man could again tie placed
ill circumstance: such as mat ketl the situation
of Washington. Many men, it was to be hop
ed, were destined ju that progress ot free insti
tutions which t.mrked llu- character ot the age.
to be die tbuudei- oflibcrty to; tiieir <>u ti com,
tries and times: Im: wn.tt v.as ;i.e jecnliaiity
of the positiot, t-.u-.i otiic-e ol St asnington .* Ik
was, probably, appointed by the ordination of
Providence, toprove the founder of liberty for
the human race in all times. From the germ
which he had planted promised to spread the in
fluence which was destined, it might be hoped,
to gather nation after nation under its shadow,
and to yield the life-sustaining fruit to all pe
riods in succession.
And Franklin, whose name was associated
with Washington's in the presentation of these
relics! How curious the coincidence that they
should have been associated by such symbols!
Franklin, second only to Washington as one of
the founders ot our Republic, in science a foun
der greater still! Recent developments made it
not improbable that the power of which Frank
lin had been the first to bring us acquainted with
its laws, was the one the most efficient and dif
fused through the entire processes of physical
nature; the thorough knowledge of wnied was
to produce results the most imposing and most
important which had ever been tmlocked to hu
man vision! These were the men associated
with the relies now presented to us, and which,
as emblems, these relics were appropriate to re
call to memory whenever they were viewed; to
inspire admiration of the wisdom they had dis
played, gratitude for the benefits they hail ren
dered, veneration tor the virtue which had adorn
ed them! We had been accustomed to call
these illustrious men ours But the time would
come when they would equally be exalted as
oenefactors of human kind, as they had been
jurs, and their fame the property of their whole
race.
Doctor Ftauklin, in the bequest of the cane
to General Washington which was now exhibit
ed to us, had said that “he gave it to his friend,
and the friend of mankind, who, had it been a
sceptre, who would have deserved it.” And the
sceptre tltat friend has attained which he de
serveci. jt t>}vd been an expression, in the cere
monial offices Wjhicjh qpeurredon the death of
Washington, that he was tbiQij£tl in the hearts
of his countrymen. The expiys.sio]j fell far
short of the full extent of his destiny. ‘ Jt was to
be throned in the homage—in the admiration—
no! these did not convey the j ust phrase—in the
boundless veneration of mankind !
Mr A. said he would no longer be the im
pediment to the expression of the acclaiming
sentiment which he knew beat in the bosom of
every Senator to respond, even by ihe tribute of
this humble resolution, to the great titles 1
W«)liiiißl<>u and Franl.-lil'' 1 <’" l »'l'"I V
• '“lc. mi 4 rrtrren».o. I
, Hi ,'' •-' ’•ltlli.4l iJoitum-1.. «'i'p'e-l'l
ll( 1 ’5 '‘■'‘t ale (hen .idiotul' 1 -
1 Ix'lbli~
an mteiesiiug )IW |j ( ,u (h jeremoities were al- J
orderc I m placed tl if the Journals : d
< opy ~f /, ( , w s lM |i, T. Washington, '-
f} imr( i J’ Cour prrs, :i itr.d to
(v
• -oAt.’s KanJi* 1 Cocn i v (Va.) '
January 9, 1843. c
th '*' With I’". will receive i
he war-sword ul mv grail iu| clc, Gen. George r
'»ashington i ftnd the »d headed cane be
queathed to him by Docl Benjamin Franklin.
t hese interesting relid* wish to be pre.sent
™’ “If 0 , u gh you, m v de;J>r, to the Congress of
the United States, on bej* fi le nation. c
Longress can disposj* them in such man 1
tier as shall seem most .’fropt iate, and best cal r
ciliated to keep in rnemly »• the character and
services ol those two illjtrious founders of our
'republic. 1 am, with feeiu, yours, v
SAMUEL 1 WASHINGTON. t
l Q Hon. Geo. <VV. Su Jbef,
Htuse of Repfentatives. •*
Cwzy of r, Lrltlr fromf'"l- Gno. C. Washing- 1
Geoiget<|n, January 31, 1842.
•tot - All^ IR: I have bpt® me your letter of the 1
•“'th inst., requesting if to give you any infor
tnatiou in my pessessiJ in relation to the sword
placed in your hands I Mr. Samuel T. Wash
ington, (alleged :o havibeen the service sword
ot General WaffiingtJ during the Revolution- 1
ary War,) and vhichp has instructed you, in
his name, to present tithe Congress of the U
nited Mates. J
General WadiingtJ, by his will, made dis- '
of hisiSwordJin the following words :
"To each oftrty nepllws, William Augustine i
Washington, deotgeLewis, George Steptoe
Washington, BfislirofWashington, and Samu
el Washington 1 gif one of the swords, or
couteaux, ofygich [may die possessed ; and
order they are named.
vyith an injunc-
blootlkcept itmeror self-defence, or
in defence ot llf country and its rights; and in
the latter caPA keep them unsheathed, and
prefer falling th them in their hands to the
relinquishment] ereof.”
Two ol Ibes4iwou|.sare in my possession, be
ing devised to », the one by my father, Wm.
A rot stini: >Mi, i.\uk>n, and the other by my
uncle, the larejtdg* Bushrod Washinoton.
The deseeuilai: oi Gkohue Lewis and George
Steptoe Wasngton have two other ol these
swords, and thin yoltrcharge is without doubt
the one which ms selected by Col. Sami’ei.
W ASHINOTON.
My lather w.- entitled to the first choice un
der the will.'buyas prevented by indisposition
from attending Mount Vernon when the dis
tribution took pbe, and J ttdge "Washington se
lected lor him tlirost finished and costly sword,
with which assertions wore connected high
ly i-oinj'limenlaiko General Washington; but
I have <>iien heauuy father say that he would
have preferred thewordselected by Col. Samuel
Washington, iny the fact that il was used by
the General durir Ihe Revolutionary war. I
haveat different ties heard similar statements
as to this tact madbyCol. Samuel Washington,
and Major Lawhm j; Lewis, andamnotaware
that it has been qestioned by any member of
the family. Theword was represented to me
as- a couteau, with plain green ivory handle.
I entertain nodubt whatever as to the identi
ty ofthis sword, ail hope that the information 1
have given may p>vc satisfactory.
I am, very, respctfully your obedient servant,
G. C. Washinoton.
Hon. Gr.oiioE W Summers,
House of Rejesentatives
Twelve Square Burnt—Loss S«4,000,0001
The city of Pnt-au-Prince was threatened
with destruction ly a fire on lhe'Jlh ult., which
originated in the uaking of varnish by a care
less French chemist on Courbe St. 1n24 hours
twelve squares cunprising 600 houses! were
reduced to ashes. The fire swept the whole
space on the right of a line extending, says a
correspondent of th’ Journal of Commerce, front
the bottom of the totter to the tipjter market, and
along the Grand Rm. to Dr. Pincombo’s brick
house, thence diverging to the square next the
Northern portal, taking the whole of the Belfair
quite up tothe.-tieclot thcCross. Passing the
street of the Cross, it swept the whole left side
of the upper market so that all the Dry Goods
Merchants have been burnt out, as well as the
greater part of the retailers of provisions.
During three hours, the sun was obscured by
clouds of black smoke : lite whole population
was out-doors; there was no water in the foun
tains! o» ing to public neglect, and but for a
change iu the wind al sunset, and the isolated
situation ol’lhe houses on the liorders of the ra
ging eunllagration, the town would have been
utterly consumed. Notwithstanding the tire did
not extend to the the loss to consignees
newly arrived. The Euro; ear: houses have been
the heaviest losers. 1h .- scene must have been
indiscribablv frightful. The loss is estimated
at $4,000,000.
Kentucky.—The theme of conversation at
Frankfort, is the removal of the seat of Govern
ment to Louisville. Fears arc entertained and
hopes are thought to be near realization. The
vote will be a close one, within the chance of
some 3 or 4 votes at the outside, and the difficul
ty seems to rest in the Senate.
in the House of Representatives, on
Thursday, a communication was received from
the President, in answer to a resolution of that
body, veportiugtliat 110 information is in posses
sion of the Government of the United States ot
any negotiation of a treaty, or of any overtures
to treat, for the cession of California by Mexico
to England.
The St. Louis Gazette of the 21th till., says:
“It is said that since th-hlerartlupiuke, the bot
tom ot the liver has fallen out in some places—
fin instance where the Gen. Praties hull was
sunk, she lay very near the top of the water—
and since the earthquake the bottom cannot be
found with a line ol 150 feet in length.”
Correspondence of the North American.
New York, Feb. 10, 1813.
The long looked sot budget of appojniinents
has made its appearance, and has caused great
terror at St, Tammany, not one ol its votaries
having been remembered ip dividing the spoils.
All the old clique of the Albany Regency
have come again to favor, and instead of tlje
Mike Walshes and others of the same grade,
who live ou “sixpence a day and earn it,” we
have the Saul Alleys, Stephen Allens, and all
that class of men, who sport their carriages anil
oat.sidets, and live like princes in their palace
at the West End.
Hi- Honor Judge Kent refused to release
Brown on bail, who is charged with as.-i-ting
Miller in the abduction ofhis wile. Public opin
ion is in advance of the law in these ease', and
Brown must wait and see n hether bis crime is
ac< essaty to murder or abduction, as no one
knows where Mrs. Miller i<.
' The f.illow ing statistics of the Methodist E
pis.-i.pal Church, for 1842, have been taken
li.-tm ihe mir.iue- ol the several conferences jn-i
pttblisheil:
.--c. ti ■ ■ ”4
1 i;>” lliujj-; ri-..r..ei- 4,241
Local Preachers7,62l
Church Members, (communi-
cants)l,ooß,9ol
Net increase in 1842 of Church
Members, after deducting the
dead, the withdrawn, and the
expelledl2o.l23
If the various other Methodist connexions,
such as the Protestant, the German, the African,
the Primitive, &e,, were taken into the account
it would swell the whole number qf members or
communicants to between 11 and 1,300,0(10,
Correspondence of the Baltimore American.
Washington, February 10.
state or the finances.
Several erroneous rejiorts having gone forth
from troth Houses of Congress as to tiie state of
the finances of the Government, and the condi
tion of the Treasury, present and prospective,
you may be interested in the following state
ment, which is officially’ received from the Sec
retary of the Treasury, and which bears the date
of the 9th ol February.
Estimated receipts for 1813:-
Customssl3,ooo,lXlo
Land 5.2,500,000
Miscellaneous receiptsloo,ooo
Loans amt Treasury n0te54,883,358 36
$20,483,358 36
Balance Jan. Ist, 18432,840,041
23,323,399
The expenditures |'qr tl;e year 1843 are esti
mated at $22,932,773, Durjijg {he year, how
ever, the Treasury Notes issued upder the apt of
August last, and redeemable in the course of the
year are $1,402,390 —should these notes be re
deemed there will be a deficiency of $2,011,763,
provided the estimates are appropriated, which
so far is not the fact, and there is no expectation
that the expenditures will be much over $30,-
000,000, or nearly 1 three millions under the esti
mates. If the estimates shall all be appropria
ted, the surplus in the Treasury in January
1841, the Secretary says will be nearly’ $400,000.
The Treasury, therefore, though not in a ve
ry enviable condition, js much better off'than
has been represented.
The Secretary, in a communication to the
Chairman of the Committee of Ways and
Means, recommend': a duty of 20 per cent on
tea apd coffee.
WEDNESDAY aWRNING, FEBRUARY 15.
luotltyf Patriot Cnnc.
Our citizens will b- called on to-day, loy.i v
the last it Untie ot respect to the remains of Mr.
John Alaktin, a Revolutionary Patriot, who
diediii this’ ity i i—ieDtay, at tltc advanced age
ijt 105 years.
Having I -aint, that another more familiar
with his history than ourself, will prepare a
brief sketch of his long career, we forbear any
comment, and add our sincere wish that the cit
izens will unite with tlui military in paying to
his remains merited honors.
1 Brand's Kticyclopedia.
Having previously spoken ot the high value
of this work, which is issued by the Messrs.
Harper, in numbers, we deem it unnecessary to
repeat oureommendations on the receipt of each
successive number, we therefore content ourself
with remarking, that Part HI. has been receiv
ed and is for sale by Thomas Richards. Price
25 cents.
Mr. Richards has also laid on our table No
1 of the “Lifeand Adventurer, of Martin Chuz
zlewit" by Boz, a cheap edition m numbers,
from the press of the Messrs Harper.
The Magnet.
Mr. L. N. Fowler has laid onour table two
numbersofa periodical with the above title, de
voted to ihe investigation of Phrenology,
Magnetism, Physiology, &c. &c., which is
edited by La Roy Sunderland, ot New York.
From the attention out leisure has allowed us
to bestow ou the numbers before us, the work
will be found highly interesting to all those who
teel any interest in the investigation of the stilv
jects to which it is devoted.
“Augusta Papers.—We have reason (ocom
*plain that the Augusta papers are not received
in this city the day’ they' are published, although
the Railroad communication is daily between
the two places. Our papers goon the day ot
publication, and surely Aur Augusta triends
should return the favor.”
The above paragraph i> from the Charleston
Courier of yesterday, to which we reply, that
heretofore, unless our paper was put to press at
a very early hour in the night, we were unable
to get our |.apers in the northern mail of the
next morning; we will, however, endeavor to
make such arrangements with the Post Office in
this citv, as will secure their transportation the
uioming on which they are published.
fam the New Orleans Picayune of thefith.
Late from Texas.
The steam packet Neptune, Capt. Rollins,
arrived yesierday morning from Galveston,
bringing dates to the sth inst. Among the pas
sengers were Gen. M. B. Lamar, Messrs. J. D.
Morris and Dangerfield, Gen. Hugh McLeod,
Col. Wm. G. Cook and Major Geo. T. How
ard—the three latter belonging to the Santa Fe
expedition.
We regret to learn that the news in relation to
the capture of Dr. Brenham, at Mier, is con
firmed. iViativ ol the officers were anxious to
rema in with Fisher, but were overruled by So
mervell. One of the prisoners taken at Mier
writes as follows in relation to Somervell: —
“1 think the Texan government ought to give
Gen. Somervell an office in Bexar to take, care
of the women iu that place, so as to prevent the
Mexicans violating them. 1 really think he de
serves il tor his hasty retreat irom the R-io
Grande.”
News from Matamoras to the 30u> January,
had been received at Galveston by the Sloop Si
nus, Capt. Delcsdcrniei. ■ The Texas Times ol
the 4th instant contains all the additional partic
ulars in relation to the capture ol Col. Fisher
with a full list of the prisoners taken. I’rom
that paper we gather our news.
The prisoners taken at Mier have all been
matched to the city ol Mexico, with the excep
tion of tin- l.ul retained by Ampudia and the
sick and wounded. Col. Fisher and Gen.
Green, with probably sonic other officets, were
sent forward on horseback, some two or three
days in advance of the main body, who followed
on loot.
A letter front one ol the prisoners al Mata
moras, states that when the terms of capitulation
i 1,,-mf i-.t Ihs Tevi.ns,
shed teats, and Gen. T. J. Green broke his gun
into pieces, and was neatly frantic with rage.
Another of the prisoners at Matamoras, who
had an opportunity of writing without the knowl
edge of the Mexicans, gives additional particu
lars in relation to the desperate battle at Mier,
which ate extremely interesting. After stating
that a night attack had been determined upon
by the Texan officers, he then writes as fol
lows :
“On arriving at the Elcantro, a river running
by the town, Col. Fisher ordered Gen. Green to
take twenty-five men and cross above us, so as
to induce the enemy to believe that we intended
to cross the river above the lower ford. We
then crossed the river and marched into town,
notwithstanding the heavy lite of cannon and
musketry which, the enemy poured upon us.
By this iime, it was 7 o’clock in the evening,
and we took possession of a range of houses
next to the public square. The Mexicans kept
up a heavy fire upon us during the whole night,
but it did not do us any serious injury. Early
the next morning, we began to return' the com
pliment, and the way our riflemen picked them
off'was a sin to Davy Crockett. Such was Hie
deadly aim of our rifles that we cleared the can
non four times, and not a Mexican could show
his head without getting a title ball to feel his
different bumps—the examination was general
ly very hasty, and the patient was sure to lose
liis life Up to this time, we were confident of
victory; but alas! for the uncertainty of human
affairs, what a change ! —About 2 o’clock, the
Mexicans made a charge, but were repulsed
with great loss. By this time, our ammunition
was getting short, and as soon as this fact was
ascertained, Col. Fisher onlered the men to pre
pare to charge on the cannon, and also to charge
into the public square. Before this order was
executed the enemy sounded a parley, and sent
in a flag demanding our surrender, and also sta
ting the number oftiieir forces to be fifteen htm
dred regular soldiers and one thousand raucher
qs and cjtizens. Had not this flag been sent in,
In twenty minutes we should have had posses
sion of the public square, aud the victory would
have been ours. Immediately on hearing the
bearer of the flag mention surrender,’ Co). Fish
er told him that he would not for a moment lis
ten to the proposition, and ordered hint to take
back the nag. At this moment a captain rush
ed out and inquired the terms of surrender. The
men bv this time littd ascertained the number of
their foes, an! were panic stricken: about one
halt were for surrendering, aud the other halt
were tin fighting it out. Col. Fisher then asked
an hour to consider on the terms of surrender:
at the expiration of the hour, we sutiendered as
prisoners of «tii ."
The capliit.’ oi'Fi-hei has made some of the
Mexican gete-ral- exceedingly fierce. One ot
them ha~ wi i:-en to Santa Anna from Matamo
ras tm 1.. 1...n.t I I,(KX> men, with which to
overrun and subdue al! Texas. It costs him
but little to soy he will do this, but it would put
him to some little trouble and inconvenience to
effect it.
By many it is thought that another invasion of
Mexico will take place this spring, headed by-
Gen. Rusk. The inhabitants of the Eastern
pountics who have heretofore had comparative
ly liftje to do with the forays on the Western bor,
ders ape said to be extreirtely anxious to visit
Mexico, “armed and equipped as the law directs.’
A body of some 500 men al all events is te b<
stationed along the frontier tor its protection.
According Io the Mexican accounts of the bat
tle of-Viter, “foursmi’U brass gnus" were captured
in that action. Col. Fisher had no cannon, and
it is therefore likely lite Mexican account is cor
rect—they were ptobably about the size of /«>-
All foreigners and disinterested persons al
Alatauioras represent the slaughter at Mier, to
have been immense, and moreover than if Som
ervell had marched with 800 or even 500 men he
would certainly have defeated Ampudia and
taken Mier and Matamoras —the latter place
having contributed all her forces to accomplish
the capture of Fisher and his party.
lust oft:-:xan rntsoNEßs.
Offices. — WmW Fisher, Thoinas J Greep,
T W Mqrpay, Ilichapi F Brenham, Wil)iam
M Shepherd, John feiiinickson, William JMc-
Moth, Claudius Buster, Charles H fteese, J G
W Pierson, John R Baker, William M East
land, William Ryon, Esven Cameron, F M
Gibson, Chas A Clarke, John M Shipman,
Israel Canfula, Thos W Cox, A A Lee, FW
Douglass, G B Crittenden, William A Clopton,
T S Smith.
Non-Com missioned Officers, — John P Wyatt, J
R Johnson, J N M Thompson, W H Van
Horne, RG Waters, J D Cocke, J J Bionton,
Ferge Anderson, A S Boark, Henry Whaling
Zacheous AVilson. R W Tomer, Wm HFrens
ley, T H Nelson.
Privates.— Thos Brannon, Thos J Dellon, G
Lewis, James M McMichen. Peter A Acker-
man, James H Ncelv Jcrcniiali lychan, John I
Mill I'HT.iirk II Willoughbv. JamesTrunt
r.ull, il I'.-.ieo. h, S 11 A'...l!rer, M.-itilie» W
A Icxandci. Etiwaid D\\ i i::in 1.. v.: on I \f <l-,
Thoinas Uenaboiigh, lleniv Jotircay, D HE
Busby, T It Alexander, Thus Owen. John B
Benny, W P Stapp, Wilson N Vandyke, H 1
Bridyn, )-aae Zuniatt, John Havy, Daniel 1
Davis, W Miller, J IVatts, John .loop , R H t
King, J Young, George W Bush, W E Millen, I
D R Hallowell, David Overton, C Davis, A B
Hanna, Asa Hill, R H Oatsileuoni Middleton,
W B Middleton, M C Wing, TW T Harrison, 1
Alien S Holderman, J L Shepherd, James N '
Jonny, John Fitzgerald, Francis Rily, S Good- ;
man, R S Beard, Willis Coplan, William ,
Mom.-, William J Martin, S McDade, Ezechiel j
Smith, Ceptwin Isom, AVV B C Bryon, Owen 1
R Willis, T A Thompson, O C Phelps, James 1
Philips, C M Roberts, Wm Oldham, S McFall, 1
W H Moore, J J Humphreys, John Day, C K
Gleason, George Lord, W 8 Beard,GN Downs,
A S Hammond, F Brey, Thomas Davis, S G 1
Bennett, S McClelland, W B Cixidy, John Rea,
Pat Maher. H Muiller, W A A Wallace, G W
Urahem, P Roekeyfellow, John Ewen, Wm
Mitchell, J C Wilson, J H Livergood, J J Si
mons, J Calvert, AV Clark, Wm Moore, W
Kaigler, B Z Boone, Sullivan, J Holffer, Fran
cis While, J F Smith, Leonidas Sanders, John
Hawk, C M McMahan, Alex Mahews, Adam
Moser, J C Groycean, W H Roan, J A Sant
burg, U Hill, D D Henric, W Jones, A J De
wis, P F Bowman, J S Cash, .1 Wilson, Wm
Wism, Win Thompson, Wm Parker, .1 S Ja
tem, A B Laforge, D McDonaldo, J Arthur,
Patrick Usher, J J Moorhead, J McMullin, T
Colville, D H Van Vitchen, R H M C Smith,
R Brown, D Smith, H D Heddenbttrg, J Glut’s,
John McGurly, William Dunbar, William
Gibson, R B King, J B Neely, R 11 Dun
hum, William Davis, E B Jackson, Levi
Williams, MM Rogers, John Jonny, Thom
as AV Bell, P D Randolph, E G Coffman,
J S White, T L James, H Woodland, W R,
Davis, W J AVilson, E H Pitis, EEEsk, Sand
ford Rice, M R Pilley, C S Kelly, A F Baras,
II V Novel, H I f, Rofierts, F Whitehurst, P It
Dougherty, Alexander Armstrong, John Lacy,
J E Dusenburg, James Burke, Joseph D Mc-
Cutchen, Leonidas D F Edwards, j C Arm
strong, J M Ogden, B Blttse, C Hensly, D F
Barny, P Al.Aiaxiwell, It W Harris, AV J Riut
ynn. R P Boswell,' E It Pinter, W M AUwo.xl,
C McLaughlin, S A Barney. J LD Blackburn.
Lorenzo 1) Rice. Carter Sargent. Samuel Lyon:;
Ja s Barber, J H Ewry, G B Pillart, A McKin
nel, David Allen, M McCouly, Win Bailey,
Stanly I.oekerman, D H Gcttis, Lyn Bobo,
Henry D Weeks, Wm Ripley, W Y Scott, R
Beal, Nathaniel 11 Mallon, W 11 Kirkendal, .1
D Malby, J O Riee, Lewis Haynes,.l Jeancy,
Edward Y Keene, Jeffrey Hill, Win Reese, j
Hill, Win H Sellers, Galber It Brush, —2U.
The New-Orleans Tropic says :—The coun
try is in a deplorable condition, and weeonfess
we see little chance for its extrication from its
present difficulties. They are without money,
without provisions, and what is not less impor
tant, they ate without harmony. The President
and Congress are at loggerheads, and all con
fidence seems at an end. We would gladly see
Texas rise irom het present position..but before
she does so, she must have a new jpfusion of
energy in het officers, and more hartltony in her
councils. In her present embarassed and ui--
racled conditiijt, we see no hope for het
Prom the. N. York Herald of February 6, 2 r. M.
We have just received from our special cor
respondent at Washington a correct copy of the
written Opinion of the late 1 'ourt of Inquiry in
, the case of Commander Mackenzie, and we
hasten to give it to our leaders with as little de
lay as possible:
' United States Ship North C.iroi.in i,
January 20, 1843.
Present, Commodore Charles Wtewart, Com
modore Jacob Jones, Commodore Alexander
J. Dallas, and Ogden Hoffman. Judge Advo
■ cate.
• The Court, alter due deliberation, resolve to
; report the tacts and circumstances of the case
. submitted to them, and to deliver their opinion
> upon the facts as follows:
In the execution ot the order of the Hon. Se
cretary of the Navy, the Court, with the excep
tion of ten of the crew, who are in confinement,
' examined every officer, seaman, aud apprentice
f belonging to the United States brig Somers in
her late cruise, and unanimously report the fol
lowing facts, as proved to the satisfaction of
r the Court by the testimony, the record of which
1 they have the honor herewith to submit.
That on the 27th November, 1842, in latitude
13 2116, and longitude 41 21 45, Commander
1 Mackenzie discovered that a mutiny had been
- organized on board the brig Somers.
e I’he Court further finds that such mutiny did
exist, and that Midshipman Philip Spencer,
boatswain's mate Samuel Cromwell, and sea
e man Elisha Small were ringleaders iuit.and
e that others of the crew had knowledge of its ex-
I istence and participated in its guilt.
1 That on the 27th November Midshipman
Spencer was arrested and confined in irons; that
.- on the subsequent day’ boatswain’s rnite Crom
n well and seaman Small were also confined in
irons; and, al the timethey were so_confined, il
' 'Bilhg tltern tr/Htc netried by
the laws of their country, and that to effect this
desired object Commander Mackenzie adopted
every measure that a bra ve, prudent, and skil
ful officer could adopt. That during the con
finement of the prisoners, sullenness, discontent,
inattention to duty, disobedience to orders, often,
as seamen know, and naval records prove, the
sole precursors to open acts ot violence and
blood, were manifested by the crew, and justly
excited the belief in the Commander and the of
ficers that an attempt would be made to rescue
the prisoners and take the brig from those to
whom she had been entrusted by the Govern
ment.
The Court further find that there was no place
on board the brig which would have given great
er assurance of protecting the prisoners irom a
rescue than the quarter deck, on which they
were confined.
That Commander Mackenzie, in the respon
sible situation in which he was placed, sought,
as it was his duty to do, the advice and counsel
of his officers, and that the unanimous advice
and opinion ol those officers, alter an examina
tion of some <>f the crew, and careful delibera
tion, was that the safely of the brig Somers de
pended upon the immediate execution ot Mid
shipman Spencer, Boatswain’s male Cromwell,
and Seaman Small.
That Commander Mackenzie, in pursuance
of the advice of his oflieers, and in obedience
to the dictates ol hisown judgment, did execute,
by hanging, Midshipman Spencer, Boatswain’s
mate Cromwell, and seaman Small.
That such execution took place on the Ist of
December, 1842, in latitude. 17 degrees 31 min
utes 28 seconds, and longitude 41 degrees 24
minutes 45 seconds; and that ihebrig, al thetime
of ihe execution, was, by the log, distant from
St. Thomas five hundred and twenty-five and a
ball utiles, at which place she arrived on lhefilh
December, 1212,
The Court further find that the conduct of
Commander Mackenzie had been Lind to his
crew, attentive to their wants and their coin
forts; that he was studious to promou- their
knowledge of tiieir prolessioit, and that no pun
ishments were inflicted greater than were ren
dered necessary by the discordant Mature of the
crew and the proper discipline ot a man of war.
The Court further find that the conduct of
Commander Mackenzie, Lieut. Gatisevourl,
and the Ofliceis of ihe biig, was during the try
ing scenes through which they passed, collected,
calm, and brave, and justified the confidence re
jH -e<i in them by their country
OPINION.
Tha Court are, therefore, of opinion --
That a mutiny l.ad been organized 011 board
the United State's brig Somersto murder the/jf
fieersand take jxisse-.-ioli ot' the brig.
That Midshipman Philip Spencer, Boat
swain’s mate Samuel Cromwell, and seaman
Elisha Small were concerned in and guilty of
such mutiny.
That, had nol the execution taken place, tn
al.cutjii wo'ii.l have been made t > release the
prisoners, inttrder tiie officers, and take com
mand of the brig.
That such attempt, had it lieen made in the
night, or during a squall, would, in the judgment
of the Court, from the number and character of
the crew, the small size of the brig, and thedaily
decreasing physical strength ol the officers, oc
casioned by almost constant watching and bro
ken slumbers, have beep successful.
That Commander -Mackenzie, under these
circumstances, was not hound to risk the safety
of hjs vessel, and jeopard tiie lives of the young
officers and the loyalty of his crew, in order to
secure to the guilty the forms of trial, and that
the immediate execution of the prisoners was
demanded by duty and justified by necessity.
The Court arc further of opinion, that thro’-
out ali these painful occurrences, so well calcu
lated to disturb the judgment and try the energy
of the bravest and most exj.etienced officer, the
conduct ol Commander Mackenzieand his offi
cers was piudent, calm and firm, and that he
aud they honorably performed their duty to the
service and their country.
CHARLES STEWART,
President of the Court.
OGDEN HOFFMAN,
Judge Advocate.
Singular Occcrh>:-.c>:. —-On Wednesday
week two ladies belonging to the family of Mr.
Creighton, who reside near the Clinton House
at Niagara Falls, had a narrow escape from an
awful death. They were in a sleigh, driving a
horse belonging to M r - Creighton, and when
near the well known Table Rock, by some mis
management on the part ot the ladies, the horse
backed toward the precipice, and fell over into
the dreadful gulf below. Providentially the la
dies sprang out, before the horse made the leap.
Os course the horse and sleigh were dashed to
pieces, the height from which they tell being
more than 160 feet.
Throw Distemper and Erysipelas.—This
disease is at present raging with fearful violence
in Vermont. The Boston Times is informed
that within the last few days the following num
ber of deaths were occasioned by it; Derby, Vt.
30out of a population of about 2500; Charles
town, Vt. 25ont of a population of about 900:
Holland, 10out of a population of about 800;
and Morgan. 15 out of a population about 500.
Deaths caused by othet diseases ate not includ
ed in this, account.
T«F,JiTV-*BVl’. 11 iAGRESS.
t ,nrri epondi tur pf the, tiaacuurrr American
Washington, Feb. 9.
UNITED STATES SENATE.
The Citair laid before the Senate a commu
nication from the Treasuiy Department, cover
ing a cotn munication from the Collectors upon
the subjet lof the Warehousing System. Re
ferred to the Committee, on Commerce.
in-Ternai. improvements.
A Bill Io provide for the improvement of the
Mississippi and its tributaries was reported.
This bill is accompanied by a report which is
prepared by Mr. Barrow, and which is under
stood to enter into the merits of the whole sub
ject. During the day' Resolutions adopted by
the Legislatures of Michigan and Arkansas,
upon the subject of Roads, Canals and improve
ments, were presented.
STATE OP TftE UNION.
Mr. McDuffie called up the Resolutions in
troduced by him on Monday. He promised not
to consume any time if they were taken up now,
as he only wished to submit a mqtion.
The n-.-olutions were taken up, and Mr. Mc-
Duffie saht that “as the resolutions involveil
questions ol paramount importance—nothing
less thantthe State of the Union; he moved that
they be postponed until Monday next and made
the specia I ordei of the day. There wore no ob
jections to the motion.
WATER-ROTTED HEMP.
Mr. Crittenden moved to take up the Resolu
tions front the House for the establishment of
Agencies for the purchase of domestic Hemp
for the use of the Navy, one in Kentucky and
one in M issouri. The motion prevailed. This
Resolution gave rise to an extended debate.
Mr. Bay ard stated that the Resolution was in
tended as an encouragement to the growth of
Hemp. It made no appropriation, however, and
was only the basis of an appropriation. The Sec
retary of the Navy could trot establish the agen
cies without an appropriation. Mr. B. spoke of
the prices of Hemp, and referred to the recom
inendations of the Departiuenl,
Mr. McDuffie was opposed to the Resolution,
and diditoi like this nttrsins of the Government.
He coupled the object u ith protection, and
thought il to lie a great evil done to the Govern
ment tin the benefit of the producer.
Mr. King enlarged upon these objections, and
opposed Ihe Resolution. He was of opinion
that it Would lead to great abuse, and a great ex
penditure of money.
Mr. Bagby was also among the objectors to
the Bill, and feared evil consequences.
The friends ot the Bill were Messis. Buchan
an, Morehead. Crittenden, Linn, lieiuoit, and
Bayard.
Mr. Bagby moved a proviso to the- resolution,
to theefleet that Domestic Hemp should not be
purchased unless ofasgooil quality, and at the
same price as the foreign article. The arueiid
tnent was agreed to without objection.
Mr. McDuffie, who had twice opposed the
resolution, called for the yeas and nays ujxm the
question of adoption. And they wen yeas 27,
nays 17.
pension mix.
Mr. E> uns asked the Senate to act upon the
Pension Bill lor the calendar and fiscal year
which had Iteeit reported during the morning.
The bill was taken up and passed finally with
out amendment.
ARMY BILL.
Mr. Evans gave notice that to-morrow he
should ask the Senate to consider ihe Army Ap
propriation Bill from the House ot' Representa
tives.
On motion ot Mr. Bayard, the Senate agreed
to devoie Saturday next to the consideration of
private bills.
The remainder of the tlay was devoted tit pri
vate business.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Fill unite, from the committee of Ways
and Means, reported a bill to bring into the trea
sury moneys received from certain public offi
cers before they can be disbursed, and tor other
purposes; which was referred tothe committee
of the whole.
Air. Reynolds, from a select committee, re
ported a lull to authorize the adoption of meas
ures for the occupation and settlement of Ore
gon Terriiory, and for extending the laws ot'lhe
United States over the saute; which was read
twice and referred to the committee efthe whole.
Mr. Crawford asked the indulgence of the
House for a lew moments whilst he desired to
address a lew inquiries to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania, Mr. C. Brown. In the remarks
of the gentleman yesterday, on the bill for naval
appropriations, lie had spoken of the succession
to the late and lamented Habersham as a thing
“eontiived.” He, Mr. U., would inquire of the
gentleman if he intended to impute, in the ac
complishment of this result, that means had been
resorted toother than those which were proper,
legal and honorable? And it; in allusion to
himself, Mr. C.—who was not an acquaintance
of the gentleman; possibly this was his misfor
tune —lie designed any jtersonal disrespect?
Mr. Charles Brown replied that he had not,
either bv expression or implication, intimated
that any contrivance had brought about the va
cancy of Mr. Habersham, or the succession of
the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. C. He had only
incitlcntaljvtilliiilnil to the subject, and meant to
-say nrtrhiug disrespectful ot the gentleman elect
ed or ofthose who elected him. He had mentioned
that gentlemen called it a glorious victory, when
it was of small account; nothing more than the
election ot a gentleman to fill out the tail of the
session. He knew nothing of the gentleman or
ofhis character that would justify an imputa
tion ofany thing wrong to him; on the contrary,
he had always understood him to be an eminent
and honorable titan.
Mr. Crawford remarked that as the gentleman
from Pennsylvania had disclaimed all offensive
remarks, he hud nothing more to say.
The Oregon Bill from the Senate was referr
ed to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The House, as in Committee of the Whole,
proceeded to the consideration of business relat
ing to the district of Columbia. In the course
ofi.ebatc,
Mr. Roosevelt stated that, ou inquiry at th
Treasury Department, he had been informed
that the revenue for the fourth quarter of 1842
would be but about $2,150,000; and that it was
probable the whole annual income would be but
9,000,(ICO. He st ales this that gentlemen might
he cautious how they made appropriations.
Friday, February 10.
In the Senate.after the morning business, the
bill making appropriations for the Arnty was
taken up, and after considerable discussion on
amendments introduced, most of which were
rejected, was passed, and the Senate adjourned,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
In the House, after the presentation of peti
■ lions, memorials, &c., the committees were
called ou fiir reports, when
Mr. Fi Itnore, troin the Committee ot Ways
and Means, reported a Bill to authorize the is
sue of other Treasury notes in place of those
that may be redeemed prior to their maturity, in
accordance with the suggestions ot the Secreta
ry ot Hu- Treasury, if the necessities ol the go
vernment should require such issue.
STATE DEBTS.
Mr. J. R. Ingersoll called up his motion to
print lil.tJOtt extra numbers ot the -report made
by the Committee of Ways and Means, on the
subject of a $206,009,000 loan, ’rhielt elicited
an anititotel debate between Messrs. Adams
and the representativesof Mississippi, that was
cut shoii by the expiration of the nioruiiig
hour, when the house passed to the regular ol -
der of ihe day, being the bill to provide for the
Insane Hospital in the District ot Columbia, on
whieh, 1 nd other District bills, the House was
engaged till the hour ot adjournment.
The proceedings ot .Saturday were of little
interest. -The Senate did nol sh.
in the llon-.e, after the presentation ol meuio
rialsand petitions, the bill to tedueeihe number
and pay -f officers iu the port of New York, was
passed.
The 11. ius,.‘ then reiuiue I the consideration of
the inoti >11.4 Mr. .1 R. Ini t-rsoll, to print 10,000
extra e.., t.- ot the Kejiur: fiu.ll the C.i.muiltee
of Ways and Means, on the subject of Stale
debts,—upon which, the morning hour was coft
sumediu a discussion; in which, Messrs. Gwin,
Granger, and Adams, participated, Mr. W.
Cost Julitisoq has the floor when the subject is
resumed.
The morning hour havingexpired, the House
passed to the order of the dav, being private
bills.
Destructive Fire.—Cotton Factory Hiirnt.
We learn from the Baltimore Sun, that on
Tuesday morning, the 7th, about 2 o’clock, the
Cotton Factory, known as the Triadelphia
Mills, in Montgomery county, about 20 miles
from Baltimore, was discovered to be on fire’
and was totally destroyed. A great proportion
of this factory is owned in Baltimore. The loss
is estimated at $25,000; the insurance amotmf
ed to $15.000 —$9,000 in the Merchants’ Insu
rance company of this city, and $6,000 divided
between two companies in Wilmington, Dela
ware.
A lady of Lancaster Pennsylvania, has made
a proposition to the ladies throughout the State,
through the columns ol the Lancaster Examiner,
that they turn their whole stock of jewelry into
coin, buy up tl;e State stock, and make a present
of jt to the State. She estimates the value of all
the trinkets in the possession of the ladies of
Pennsylvania eighteen and a half millions of
dollars—just enough, by buying the stock at 50
pet cent, discount, to pay off the whole State
debt. “Our lords,” she. wisely observes, “will
never pay the debt in the world—and it will cer
tainly be no very great hardship for us to dispense
with out jewelry for a short time. And when
we pay off this great debt for them, our chival
rous beaux will be both able and willing to buy
its a new supply."
Days or Wornhip.—The following days of
the week are set apart for public worship indif
ferent nations:—Sunday, or the Lord's Day. by
Christians: Monday, by the Grecians; Tues- ,
day. by the Persians: Wednesday , by the As- ,
Syrians: Thursday, by the Egyptians- Friday,
by the Turks: Saturday, by the Jews. ' ’ >
rite Heiujt'f'l CiHtirovcrsy.
ll’-lou will be found the r-ply the Editor
"I the I'ham- ton Uotnici'. Io the Card ot
Messi.-. Bachtnim, Hoibrook and others, pub
lished ”.iw days •.incc, which we insert at the
request ul our li ii-tsl of the Courier. With
this, Imwcv 1, we lim it, insist ujiou closing the
discussion in O | )r colutuus, lor altho’ we were
unable io Select the linger of the artist in the
making up ol (so. brantyf wc are never-
theless unbelievers that it ever was a Sea
Nymph.
Wc by 110 means maintain the reality or gen-
Hinenes- ol the Fejee nymph—we only say
that the analogical argument is strong-or plan
s’ble for the existence of such a link in the chain
1 A"? 1 !® — ant * l hat we l:un to the opinion that
the 1 ejee lady may be real and not counterfeit.
. ta' " f an “ by no means bold it improb
jV’b’ mt't appearances may be deceptive, and
that what is so like a natural object, may be on
ly the pet lection of art—and we cordially ap
prove of a resort to all proper means of deteirt
tng the cheat; and, it it be detected, we will
readily lead er follow in its denunciation, and
the denunciation of all parties to the imposi
tion. Again, we have never prolessed to have
examined, 01 even the ability toexamine the fact
of genuineness, scientifically or authoritatively,
and have therefore never nictated to nor perse
cuted those dtflenn-; with us in opinion, altho’
we have repelled attack with what we deem
justifiable vigor and asperity. The only point
on which wc have authoritatively joined issue
with other opponents, is as tothe. existence of
“a scam” or “ scatns," perceptible to sight or
touch, establishing the [mint of junction between
the supposed Monkey and the supposed Fish.
On this question of fact wc believe the evidence
of two of our senses, in preference to the evi
dence ol one of the senses of our scientific op
ponents. They saw it through a glass darkly,
and neither touched nor handled the uncleau
thing; we saw it laid bate to our vision, without
<lass case or other intervening obstruction, and
landled it too, with the express view of looking
for and detecting seams, and could find none—
nor could either of the two gentlemen who uni
ted with us in the examination; and surely eve
• ry one w ill admit that the testimony of two sen
ses is belter than that of one, and that the sense
of touch w ill aid the sense of sight, whether in
teelinz elevations, or in tracing mere lines, ou
any surface, liuteed the sense of touch is the
great corrective of the errors of sight—distance
is measured by rertain touch, not by wnrrrfaia
sight; and there is no sense which gives such
Ibod to imagination as sight, anil touch is often
absolutely necessary to solier it, and its fanciful
ereatiotis, down to reality and plain matter of
fact. It is evident then that there is no science
in this great inquiry of “seams'’ or “no seams."
and, without tieing deeply versed, and even con
tessiug our short comings, in natural history,
we yet cannot yield the evidence of our senses,
to tiiedictation of the bevy of learned natural
ists, who have set themselves in array azainsi
us, and through their chief, challenged us to une
qual combat. But although they' be a host in
uumhei and reputation, and their name be le
gion, we do not decline the tilt; and, knowing
that the race to not always to the swift, nor the
battle to the strong, and that even the pebble ot
truth may bring the Goliath of error to the
ground, wc are not without hojtes of discomfit
ting the Philistines that ate upon ns.
We lake the position that neither “NoHum
bug,” nor his certifiers, Dr. J. Edwards Hol
brook, Dr. E. Geddings, and Dr. Lewis R.
Gibbes, withall their learned and scientific ap
pendages and paraphernalia—no. not even ii;
like Dr. Peter Pangloss in the play, they could
add to their names and professional titles those
of “L. L. D. and “A. S. 8.,” are entitled to au
thority in this matter, because they have all de
nounced as an imposture that which neither has
submitted to the test of a scientific examination,
nor even seen with the naked eye. We agree
with “No Humbug,” that if the Fejee beauty,
or what he styles the “smoked dried affair," be
taken out of the glass case and examined scien
tifically tty the naturalists of Charleston, and “it
should jwurc a contemptible hoax,” then indeed
the impostor who exhibits il should gladly “al
low them to throw he creature into the fire,”
for the pi ivilege of being suffered to “dear him
self from the city as last as his heels can carry
’ him;” but until this scientific examination, thus
proposed, shall have been instituted, it is neith
er just not scientific, to doom “the creature” to
a funeral pile, nor its exhibiter to a forced exhi
bition of pedestrian s,teed —to a display of his
’ powers in a foot race against time, ora pursuing
mob.
But, as we design, bdbre we quit, to give lh<-
1 Doctors theirdoae, let us look somewhat closely
at their learned certificate, ’lit the first place,
1 they dirt' r essentially from their leader “No
Humbug”—lie said it was “a fish’s tail—the
tail of a Codfish, attached to Ihe shoulders of a
Babomi" — they say
“This prete’ndeil wonder is lot med by the ar
tificial union of two very distinct and widely
. separated species—an Aja- and a Fish,
i The form us the head—lhe presence of hands
with flat nails, and the long canine teeth, jmn e
lion U»e upper part of thisc-ompouild belongs to
lheorderquadrutnana, or four hundred animals,
which are composed ufmany genera and species,
that are usually called by the general name 01
Monkeys. The presi-nee ot cheek pouches, which
in thisdried specimen are thrust upwards on the
cheek bones, announces it to have been an in
habitant of the old world and not of the new, as
no Atnei ican Monkey has a< yet been discov
ered with these appendages. The specimen
has been much distorted and disguised in the
preparation. It appears, however, to he that of
an African species, frequently- seen in the Me
nageries in the United States.'
The lower part is the tai), together with the
skin of the body of a Fish of the order Mala
copterygii Abdominalis of Cuvier, which in
cludes a large family of fishes whose rays are
all soft, followed by a second one, small and
adipose."
Now, it is evident that cither “No Humbug,"
or his certifiers, has committed an egregious
blunder—both cannot be right.
“Yet “No Humbug” is a scientific man.—
So are they all, all scientific men!” But il is
certain that tiiese boastedta-’/i’m/is/sditleramoiig
themselves—and “who shall decide when doc
tors disagree ?” Wny even humble editors, al-,
though at the hazard ot being civilly ’entinded
ol “intrusion into a subject with which they
have nothing iodo.” We believe the “certifi
ers” are less in error, however, than “the great
certified. ' The latter was [teculiarly unfortu
nate in selecting the Baboon for the head of his
Doll-baby—as that is a species of the genus Si
mla or Ape, which departs largely, in face and
form, from its resemblance to man, and is mere
nearly assimilated to quadrupeds or four-fiioted
beastst—and he is perhaps equally unlucky in
•his selection of the Cod-fish tor the tail of his
artificial compound. He may truly be said to
have made “a pretty kettle of fish" of it. The
doctors have done a little better in saying more
generally that the compound is that ot Ape and
Fish—and they bale been equally prudent iu
their very particularly general specifications of
the kinds or species of Monkey and Fish, used
in the fabrication of the compound. They cau
liously, knowing that they were “treading upon
eggs,” designated the Monkey as an African
species, and that with an il seuMe, it apfiears,
and without venturing to name or otherwise de
signate the species. They evidently shrunk
from committing theuiselies—and take the
whole Continent ol Africa as their City of Re
fuge, from the baud of the avenger. So with
Ibeii sish — it is one of Cuvier’s orders of fishes,
with a jaw-breaking name, including a large
family—but they venture not to name the fami
ly. Thi- may be taking the monkey by the
head and tiie fish by the tail, but it certainly is
ttol taking the Imlt by the horns—nor meeting
the question boldly, like men of science, sure ot
tbeii footing, and confident in truth. Il is clear
that both ceitifiers and certified have assumed
imjioslure witliout due proof; in other wool
have begged the question nt issue. And (rain
this dilemm •. not even the i.tlbscquent proof iu
impostu ’• .11 tii.s panic, ultii instance can relieve
them—lor we have not made that the issue with
tltem-s-but our issue is whether they have de
nounced on sufficient grounds of fact or science.
But there is one of our certifying doctors who
shares largely with his associates our high re
spect and esteem, both for character and talent,
of whom we have an especial word to say.
We think it but due to Ihe occasion and to jus
tice, to mention, that we met him looking at the
Mermaid, and offered to procure him the sight
and handling of the creature, with the naked eye
and hand, before he left the room, but he declin
ed the proposal, and, as we maintain, thus shrank
from the only test which could give weight ana
authority to his opinion and certificate in this
matter, high as he deservedly stands in
of science generally. We allude here to PraJ
lessor Lew is It. Gibbes, who, we may
that i-atidor that always marks his cutttw; j "
subsequently admitted to us that he nJfT’ * as
the creature except through its u
A similar admission has been madefe- ~ . *?!"•
Geddings; aud Dr. Gibbes says llu, ( p., !'
brook is in the same predicxinwfo l'.’.J? 0 '
“No Humbug" sneers at the Mi<
clumsy affair -but Dr.Gibfo..,
♦These certifying naturalists IbHV,.l bHV ,.
luiltcd Hsci’-utjticblunder,orlna< :. llr „ rv
th. y may be popularly eoirei t, it; XS,?? 1
ape and a tisli,” as “tuo very dL,
HeparaU'd racNr.e’ A| w and «eh are
distinguished as Genera, lira Species -< a< h
including seven.l “very diZincaaud
iated specie.:. \\ lien .scientific men undertake to
instruct the vulgar, the’ should be more cautioun
and exact m their phry •. “t» R sce-n. in natu
ral hwtoiy, an asym/’lage of speeics, possessing
cr rtujii characters tiiJumnion, by which they are
distinguished trom/n oth ers. Srzctx e _„. 1,.
Zotiogy a i-olleeuou of organized kings, der vid
by one common parentage from nature?iX,’"
tion, chHracteilaed by one peculiar fonn?’
tiUr's Dictionary.
tThe Monkey tribe belong, scientifically, tothe
Obder, remarkable for a nearer ap
proach to the human form than is exhibited In
the other quadrupeds; and the Genus. Simin
Ape, of which the several pieces are: 1. Apen
or Fitch ns are destitute of a tail. 2. Baboons, <n'
such as have very muscular bodies, and
tails are commonly short. 3. Monk| s,
tails are generally long, and aapieof ihcinp-f/uyj,
ffile, or capable of bring twisted nround any object
H.) a« to serve as additional hands, or supporters
r-the second nod third specie- departing more
and more from the human model.