Return of killed, wounded, prisoners and mis shall endeavor what their march as much as post sing in the action on the 18th January, near Point sible, at every advantageous post. able to ascertain their numbers. There is still a Petre, (Geo.) 431 fantry-killed none, wounded. 1 captain, large force on Cumberland, at Point Petre, and in severely; do. 1 private do.; missing, 4 privates.- the town of St. Mary's. I have the honor to be, your's sincerely, Total 6. R.de corps-ki, 1 private; wounded, 1 serjean, prisone o. one private, severely; missing, 5 grand total 14. private "Jefferson, 14th Jan. 1815. WILLIAM SCOTT, lieut. col. com. detachment." FROM THE SAME. A. A. MASSIAS, captain, Georgians!-Your state is invaded-the capital of com 1st rifle corps U. S. troops. it (Savannah) is threatened-your sires were galCopy of a letter from lieut. col. Scott to brig general lani-you will do everything in your power to repel Floyd, dated the merciless enemy who carries the sword in one hand and the torch in the other-an enemy who lave "DEAR SIR-Yesterday, the enemy advanced in on the widow and distressed-whose def woods, two divisions against Point Petre, which they car- been as bad as the savage of the Ame Remember, ried by storming it. One division landed at major or the plundering Arab of the-Georgia expects Johnston's, and marched on the rear of the fort the eyes of the world are ur To arms, then, Geornumber of barges made the attack in front. As every man to do his dri this time, I was in the town of St. Mary's; the mogians, to arms! general commanding the troops at ment I received inforination of the enemy landing, The bf earnestly recommends to the citizens of I assembled the militia (which amounted to ninety hannah the necessity of exertion to complete the men) and marched for King's bay. When I hadavy fortifications around the city. It is hoped that privanced two miles from St. Mary's, I from King's vate interest will on so important an occasion yield firing commence in the roadnvince me that the to public duty, and that every man possessed of bay to Point Petre, WePoint in the rear. I march-American feelings will repair to the lines, and by enemy had attach to make an attack on their rear. united efforts render themselves secure against an ed out quick the firing ceased, which gave me to attack from the enemy, who will avail himself of I soon the party of reserve had surrendered-my neglect. Citizens of Savannah! let your stores and Pope then was to meet a party of reserve to guard shops be shut until the defences of the city are comtheir barges. I ordered a few horsemen to recon-pleted. watch his motions." noitre their landing. They reported, that their Extract of a letter from capt. Massias to brigadierbarges were all gone except two, which were adrift. general Floyd, dated I immediately fell back on St. Mary's; when I got Fort Barrington, 12 o'clock, Wednesday evening, within a mile of the town, I was informed that the 18th January, 1815. SIR-The enemy is now near Darien-his fleet enemy were advancing against the town of St. Mary's. I halted my men about a mile from St. Ma-has anchored in Doboy Sound-he keeps close to me; ry's-as I was informed some of the barges were in yet it is my belief Savannah is his object-I shall the North river. I proceeded to town myself. When Extract of a letter from lieutenant-colonel Scott to I arrived, I discovered their barges had got as far brigadier-general Floyd, dated as maj. Moor's causeway, and that maj. Clark and Brown's Ferry, January 18, 1815. Mr. Sadler had been appointed by the inhabitants to "SIn-I had the honor to receive your's of the carry a flag to the enemy to capitulate. The in- 13th inst. by the express, in which you request me habitants appeared much alarmed lest I should make to send in my report, which is annexed to this letsome defence. After getting some refreshments ter. This morning a gentleman arrived here from for my detachment, I returned to them. A few St. Mary's, who informed me that admiral Cockburn minutes after I arrived, a messenger was sent from had landed in town with an additional force, number town, to inform me that a British officer had just unknown. I have since been told that a number of landed with a flag, offering the town honorable ***** troops had been landed since the arrival of the terms, if they surrendered; and, in case a single admiral from on board of a bomb brig. The enemy gun was fired, the town should be laid in ashes. are taking possession of all provisions they can find, Knowing my force not sufficient to defend the town, and putting them on board their vessels, and are I thought it proper to retire. I had not retired far taking in water-they are likewise mounting guns before I fell in with captain Massias, with the on carriages and training horses, for what purpose greater part of his command. They retreated by I leave you to judge-they have not as yet attemptthe way of capt. Miller's-we are now encamped ailed any fortifications in the town; on the contrary, they have reduced fort Physic; and, it is my opi Jefferson. I never experienced so much alarm: The inhabitants nion, that they will not marchi by land. I should are flying in all directions. If we do not get rein- have wished very much to have made a stand at forced, there will be scarce a family left in the coun- Cooked River bridge; but captain Massias would ty: The inhabitants dread colonel Woodbine and not co-operate with me, which was the cause of my his indians, more than the British. Provisions are falling back to this place yesterday. I have been in, hard to be got. I shall do every thing in my power formed by one of the patriots of Florida that their to protect the frontier of this part of the county. spies had discovered two indians on the south side I have but eighty five men with me. The men, wo-of St. Mary's, near Underwood's mills; the indians men, and children are all running away. I hope you seeing them, retreated, and were followed until an will contrive some way to reinforce us. I shall never encampment was discovered with a considerable desert this part of the county, while I can raise a man. While writing, a Mr. Brown made his escape from St. Mary's-he informs me, that the enemy are collecting all the horses and saddles about that place. From the best information we could obtain, it appears they intend marching by land to Savannah. smoke at different places, when they thought prudent to retire. I have 4 trusty spies out to give me immediate notice of any approaching danger. The distress of the families of this country is beyond de scription." Our further advices from the south to the 224 ult. at Savannah, at eight o'clock in the evening 404 A report for the protection of our fleet, and the whole seems give us the following facts and reparte. vaned that colonel Wood-in such good train, that if general Brisbane makes bine was coming on in the rear, at the head of 600 the incursion, it is likely he may go further into the indians, and that the settlements on the St. Mary's interior than he expects. The Plattsburg Republiand Satilla rivers were breaking up in consequence. can of the 21st January, says, "The British came On the 21st it appeared ascertained that the enemy's into Champlain last week, four miles west of the force was about 2000 men, part blacks-and it was village, and carri d off about doons of hay. als stated that the ruffian Cockburn had arrived | NATIONAL BANK. It will be seen our congres stedt with a reinforcement-and that at St. Mary's they sional proceedings, that the president had plundered every body of every thing. [This his assent to the bill for establishing a national Bised we should have presumed from the presence of as it lately passed both houses of congress-and Cockburn Major-general Pinkney was expected at we thank him for it: convinced in our own minds Savannah about the 23rd. The following articles that such a bank, on such principles, would do imfrom the Savannah paper of the 22d is the latest mense injury to the United States, and essentially vices we have-and cause us to hope, that, by said the operations of the enemies of the republic, Savcepted, no great damage may be done: at home and abroad. The editors of the National martial law; anuary 22.-"Here we are, under Intelligencer give an opinion that no bill to establish tish forces may pay wing the hour when the Bri- a bank, will be passed this session. The term of accounts from the southwisit. We have no positive the present congress is nearly out-and we are much a positive conclusion, that the however, to warrant mistaken if the people at large are not very glad of We believe the forces at Cumberlaffoming this way. it. Never, we think, has time, very precious time, St. Mary's been so shamefully wasted. to be about 6000 men." Another extract-same date. MILITARY. "Martial law was declared to-day. Governor Early ville, ears by despatches received at Milledgehas arrived at the lines with 2,000 men. Strong re-scend the Alabangais are about to be built to deinforcements are on their way. Our fortifications forces to Mobile, upon whsport general M'Intosh's progress rapidly, and are able at present to sustain hended. It is probable he will attack was appreand repel the attack of all the British forces said to time to defend it, if the enemy at Ne the place in have arrived." Another extract-same date. "I have only time to say, we are under martial law-the enemy daily expected. Should they have the temerity to approach, I trust we shall give a good account of them-at least, they will not get the place, without a struggle; and that a pretty hard one." not get "enough" of the notion of "restons does country and makes the attack. Colonel Hawkins he the head of 700 friendly indians to restrain the "Red Sticks" and avenge their murders. He was to leave fort Mitchel on an expedition, on the 10th ult. Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, on the requisition of brigadier-general M'Arthur, has called out 1000 men to relieve the militia of that state now stationed at Detroit. a NAVAL. LOSS OF THE PRESIDENT FRIGATE. Latest Extract-8 P. M. "We are in hourly expectation of the arrival of major-general Pinkney, who, we are informed, has ordered on 1500 of the South-Carolina militia: New-London, January 25.-On Monday afternoon among whom are your country sharp-shooters, who flag came up from the enemy's squadron off this can pick out a squirrel's eye at the distance of one port, was brought to off fort Trumbull, and delivered hundred yards. They will match and beat Wood- letter, of which the following is a copy: bine's motley crew, even if they have half of the number. A number of your disciplined officers are expected to start from Charleston for this place on the 24th instant." MISCELLANEOUS. PEACE RUMORS, we have in a great variety, but none of them, perhaps, worthy of credit. Our latest regular intelligence from Europe is of Nov. 5—and in the absence of it, we are supplied by many reports, possibly, mere speculations. Our present accounts come chiefly from Castine, one of which goes so far as to say that peace was signed on the first of December. British accounts to the 9th of that month are said to have been received at Halifax, and that the merchants there had received advices that peace was expected immediately. The traders at Castine are said to be selling off their goods by auction on account of this news. a "Rear-admiral Hotham has the honor to request general Cushing will please to convey the enclosed letter to the lady of commodore Decatur; who the rear-admiral begs leave to acquaint general Cushing, is gone to the Bermudas, in good health, on board the Endymion, having been captured in the United States' frigate President, on the 15th instant, by a detachment of his majesty's ships." His majesty's ship Superb, "Rear-admiral Hotham also begs leave to commit the accompanying letters to the care of general Cushing; which were received from persons late of the President." The letters were from commodore Decatur to his lady, and other officers to their friends; and none official. The officer who came with the flag declined making any verbal communication. A letter from an officer to his friend was read in town and forwarded. It was written on board the Pomone. CHAMPLAIN FRONTIER. Whether the enemy does or does not intend an excursion into our territory during the winter, we shall be well prepared for it.- It briefly stated that the President was captured in Major general Strong, of Vermont, by a very spirited the afternoon of the 15th instant, after an action of "general order" holds his "green mountain boys" in four hours and a half, by four British ships. That perfect readiness; who, as Burgoyne said they did in the first, fourth and fifth lieutenants were killed, his day, will "hang like dark clouds" on the foe.and the sailing-master and two midshipmen woundGen. Macomb is deservedly popular with them, and, has supplied those who wanted them with arms, &c. The militia of the New York side is also in readiness. Two new forts (forts Tompkins and Gaines) have been erected near Plattsburg, and other works were going on. Strong batteries are also erected ed, with a great loss of men. It appears that the enemy prohibited any particulars of the action from being communicated; from which we must infer that although they gained a frigate they have reaped no laurels from the capture. The President sailed from New York on Saturday evening, and on Sunday morning before sunrise, the ders on her gun deck, was the leading ship of the Majestic razee, which lay near Plumb Island, got enemy. She got close under my quarters, and was under way in great haste, and proceeded to sea, leav- cutting my rigging without my being able to bring ing her water casks principally on shore. A remarka- a gun to bear upon her. To suffer this, was making ble circumstance, which leads to the suspicion that in- my capture certain and that too, without injury to formation of the sailing of the President was received the enemy. I therefore bore up for the Endymion by traitorous information in twelve hours after her sail and engaged her for two hours, when we si enced and beat her off. At this time the rest of the ships had ing; which, not improbably, led to her capture. We made all the sail The action must have been principally a running got within two miles of us. one, and nearly parallel to the coast of Long Island, we could from them, but it was in vain. In three as the firing was distinctly heard at Stonington and hours the Pomone and Tenedos were alongside, and the Majestic and Endymion close to us. All that Newport. was now left for me to do, was to receive the fire of the nearest ship, and surrender; for it was in vain to contend with the whole squadron. My loss has been severe; the precise number I do not know, but believe it to be between eighty and ninety; of this number, twenty-five are killed;-Babbitt, Ilamilton, and Howell, are among the slain. Mr. Dale is wounded, but is doing well. If appears before the brave commodore struck his flag, he was assailed by the frigates Pomone, Forth, and Endymion, and the razee Majestic; and we have no doubt, that in this bloody and lamented action, new glory perched on the American standard. Connecticut Gaz. From the United States Gazette. "Various statements have been given of the circumstances attending the loss of the frigate President. The following may be relied on as the substance of a brief letter from commodore Decatur to his lady, who is at present at Frankford. I am in great haste-we sail to-day for Bermuda.” Many other letters confirm the general facts stated Our loss in killed and in the preceding accounts. wounded appears to have been from 80 to 90; about On passing Sandy Hook the frigate struck on the 25 of the former, among whom were lieutenants bar, where she remained thumping for two hours, Babbit, Hamilton, and acting lieutenant Howelluntil the tide rose. Early in the morning she fell in several other officers wounded. Decatur, the galwith a British squadron consisting of the Majestic lant Decatur, escaped without a hurt to revenge the razee, the Endymion, Pomone and Tenedos frigates, unmanly attack. He was taken on board the Endyand the Despatch brig. Every effort was made to mion, and many of the rest of the officers and of escape, but in vain, the frigate having lost her sailing the crew transferred to the Pomone, where it appears trim in consequence of the injury sustained at the they have been treated-as they would have treated Hook. The Endymion being the leading ship, come the British in reverse circumstances. The President up with her, and getting close under the quarter, and Endymion were lost sight of in a gale-when kept up a destructive fire, cutting up and crippling last seen, the former had a signal of distress flying, the rigging of the President. To suffer this was to having lost her fore and mizen-top-masts. She was make capture certain, without inflicting any injury ordered for Bermuda, whither also the Pomone was on the enemy. The commodore, therefore, bore up bound Our frigate was captured the day after she and engaged the Endymion, and after a severe fight left New York, no doubt by the information of some of two hours silenced and beat her off. [It is proper blue light wretch that yet defrauds the gallows of to mention that the Endymion is the same frigate its due. Arrangements appear to be making in the that challenged the United States at New London. city of New York to build immediately, a new friShe is cae of the largest frigates in the British na-gate, or a 74, for Decatur. The President must vy, of superior force to the President, mounting 56 have been greatly injured, as it is stated that seveguns, (24 pounders on the gun deck) and was sent out expressly to fight our frigates.] The President now made all sail and endeavored to escape. The sternmost ships were two miles distant. In three hours, however, the Pomone and Tenedos were along side, the others close astern, when, seeing all hopes of escape at an end, the President only waited to receive the fire of the nearest ships and surrendered. ral of her guns were dismounted; and we are not without our fears for the sake of our brave fellows that yet remained on board of her, that she may have been lost in the gale. However we may lament the loss of the brave men who fell in this contest, the services of those wounded or carried into captivity, or of the vessel herself (which, however, we can easily replace,) we rejoice that our naval glory remains untarnished, and Such are the principal circumstances of an affair that this capture of Decatur, like Porter's, will add which though it gives us cause to lament over the to his own fame and the renown of his country.loss of valuable lives and a noble ship, affords us Europe, astonished at the charm that has encompassfresh proof, if such are necessary, of the gallantry ed the British navy, will exult that it is so fairly broand skill of our navy. It was a fortunate circum- ken; and hail our tars as masters of the sea, ship Under so great disadvan stance for Decatur that the situation of the enemy to ship and man to man. gave him an opportunity of fighting a distinct bat- tages, acting on the defensive and crippled before tle with the Endymion, and accomplishing a positive she turned upon the Endymion, the President reand splendid victory over her, before the other force duced that ship, her superior in force to the condition "of a log on the water," and would most assuredcould come up and everwhelm him with mumbers." The following is an extract of a letter from com-ly, have made a prize of her, if her consorts had A little while longer, and this vesmodore Decatur-politely communicated to the Co- not been so near. lumbian for publication: sel, sent out expressly to capture one of our frigates, would have mounted in the air, as the Guerriere and Java had done before her. Admiral Hotham has admitted our vessel was captured by a "detachment of his majesty's ships," and if the tower guns are fired, the world will laugh at the occasion. "The night we left the Hook, owing to some blunders of our pilots, we struck on the bar, and there remained thumping for two hours, until the tide rose. At day-light we fell in with the British squadron, consisting of the Majestic, Endymion, PoWe have rather doubted the policy of, at present, mone, Tenedos and Despatch brig. My ship, owing to her getting aground, lost her sailing. I lighten- sending out our frigates. By small vessels, from 10 ed her as much as possible, but the enemy gained to 20 guns, we can make the best impression on the on us. The Endymion, mounting twenty-four poun- enemy. Our naval glory is established, and we should contend on the ocean only as may most affect› To the senate of the United States. the interests of the enemy, and induce him to peace. Having bestowed on the bill, entitled "An act to The Yankee privateer, of Bristol, R. 1. owned by incorpor te the subscribers to the bank of the United J. D'Wolf, esq. is about 168 tons, carries one long States of America," that fuli consideration which is 12, and 14 carronades, 12, 9 and 6 pounders. It has due to the great importance of the subject, and dicbeen estimated that this vessel, (to say nothing of tated by the respect which I feel for the two houses her present cruise, in which among others she cap-of congress, I am constrained, by a deep and solemn tured the late India ship General Wellesley) has conviction, that the bill ought not to become a law, captured and destroyed British property to the to return it to the senate, in which it originated, with amount of three millions of dollars, of which about my objections to the same. one half has arrived in the United States, paying duties to the amount of $260,000. Waving the ques ion of the constitutional authority of the legislature to establish an incorporated bank, New privateers are daily pushing out from our as being precluded, in my judgment, by repeated several ports. There will be a precious tale told at recognitions, under varied circumstances, of the va Lloyd's before three months. Many valuable mer-lidity of such an institution, in acts of the legisla chant vessels with rich cargoes arrive from the West tive, executive, and judicial branches of the govern Indies, with colonial produce, dry goods, &c. &c. ment, accompanied by indications, in different Among the privateers that have recently sailed we modes, of a concurrence of the general will of the notice the Avon, the Champlain, the Ludlow and the nation; the proposed bank does not appear to be Tomahawk, strong and powerful vessels, full manned. calculated to answer the purposes of reviving the The late U. S. frigate Chesapeake has been put in public credit, of providing a national medium of commission by the British-rated as a 38, George circulation, and of aiding the treasury by facilitating Burdett, captain. the indispensable anticipations of the revenue, and The Sylph-We have the dreadful particulars of by affording to the public more durable loans. the shipwreck of this vessel off Long Island. Only 1. The capital of the bank is to be compounded the purser and 5 seamen were saved, and they by of specie, of public stock, and of trea-ury notes the great humanity and exertions of the people of convertible into stock, with a certain proportion of Southampton. They have since arrived at New York, each of which every subscriber is to furnish himself. The rest of her officers and crew, 111 in number, The mount of the stock to be subscribed will not, perished in the sea! Many of their bodies have been it is believed, be sufficient to produce, in favor of cast on the shore, and decently interred. The kind the public credit, any considerable or lasting elevaness of the people of Southampton has been very tion of the market price, whilst this may be occasionhandsomely acknowledged by admiral Hotham, who ally depressed by the bank itself, if it should carry has promised to make the best return for it in his power; and has commenced his shew of gratitude by releasing the crew of a vessel that belonged there. There is something pleasing in this. Though, one after another, we have no manner of objection to every British vessel coming ashore like the Sylph; yet we have no wish for such destruction of their crews, and would have those (even if each were a Cockburn) who reached us in this manner, treated with all tenderness and charity. The Sylph was a ship of 390 tons, carrying 20 guns, viz. 16 24 lb. corronades, 2 12 lb. ditto, and 2 long 12's. Proceedings of Congress. IN SENATE. into the market the allowed proportion of its capital consis' ing of public stock, in order to procure specie, which it may find its account in procuring, with some sacrifice on that part of its capital. Nor will any adequate advantage arise to the public credit from the subscription of treasury notes. The actual issue of these notes nearly equals, at present, and will soon excced the amount to be subscribed to the bank. The direct effect of this operation is simply to convert fifteen millions of treasury rotes, into fifteen millions of six per cent. stock, with the collateral effect of promoting an additional demand for treasury notes, beyond what might otherwise be negociable. But the Public credit might indeed be expected to derive advantage from the establishment of a national bank, without regard to the formation of its capital, if the Saturday, January 28.-A bill was passed requir- full aid and co-operation of the institution were seing a colonel to every regiment of militia in the cured to the government during the war, and during United States. The bill to prohibit intercourse with the period of its fiscal embarrassments. the enemy was ordered to a third reading. bank proposed will be free from all obligations to Monday, Janaary 30.-The bill in addition to the co-operate with the public measures; and whatever act for laying out and making a road from Cumber-might be the patriotic disposition of its directors to land in Md. to the state of Ohio, being on its third contribute to the removal of those embarrassments, reading Mr. Smith of Md. moved to fill the blank for the amount of additional appropriation to be made, with the words "one hundred thousand dollars." This motion was decided as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Barbour, Bibb, Brown, Chace, Condit, Wells--6. The bill was then passed and sent to the house. The bill from the house to prohibit intercourse with the enemy, was read a third time, and passed, with amendments, which were sent to the house for their concurrence therein. Monday, January 30. Mr. Coles, the president's secretary, returned the bill "to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States of America," with the following message: and to invigorate the prosecution of the war, fidelity to the pecuniary and general interests of the institution, according to their estimate of it, might oblige them to decline a connection of their operations with those of the national treasury, during the continuance of the war and the difficulties incident to it Temporary sacrifices of interest, though overbalanced by the future and permanent profits of the charter, not being requirable of right in behalf of the public, might not be gratuitously made; and the bank would reap the full benefit of the grant, whilst the public would lose the equivalent expected from it. For it must be kept in view, that the sole inducement to such a grant, on the part of the public, would be the prospect of substantial aids to its pecuniary means at the present crisis, and during the sequel of the war. It is evident that the stock of the bank will, on the return of peace, if not sooner, rise in the market to a value which, if the bank were establish Tuesday, January 31.-On proceeding to recon. ed in a period of peace, would authorise and obtain sider the bill, returned by the president "to incorpofor the public a bonus to a very large amount. In rate the subscribers to the bank of the United States lieu of such a bonus the government is fairly enti- of America," the said bill and the objections of the tled to, and ought not to relinquish or risk, the need-president thereto were read; when, after some de. ful services of the bank, under the pressing circum-bate, the further consideration thereof was, on motion of Mr. Barbour, postponed to Thursday next, stances of war. 2. The bank, as proposed to be constituted, can-[by the following vote: not be relied on during the war, to provide a circu- For the postponement lating medium, nor to furnish loans, or anticipations Against it of the public revenue. 16 13 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, Jan. 26.-Mr. Pleasants from the com mittee of naval affairs, to whom was referred the bill from the senate to authorize the president of the United States to cause to be built, equipped and employed, one or more floating batteries for the defence of the waters of the United States, reported the same without amendment, and the bill was twice read and committed. The bill giving further time to the purchasers of Without a medium, the taxes cannnot be collect-public lands to complete the payments therefor, was ed; and in the absence of specie, the medium un-read a third time and passed. derstood to be the best substitute, is that of notes issued by a national bank. The proposed bank will commence and conduct its operations, under an obligation to pay its notes in specie, or be subject to the loss of its charter. Without such an obligation, the notes of the bank, though not exchangeable for specie, yet resting on good pledges, and performing the uses of specie, in the payment of taxes, and in other public transactions, would, as experience has ascertained, qualify the bank to supply at once a circulating medium, and pecuniary aids to the go- On motion of Mr. Taylor, the committee of milivernment. Under the fetters imposed by the bill,tary affairs was instructed to enquire into the expeit is manifest, that during the actual state of things diency of repealing or amending so much of the and probably during the war, the period particular-act for establishing rules and articles for the governly requiring such a medium and such a resource for ment of the armies of the United States, as relates loans and advances to the government, notes for to the infliction of corporal punishment. which the bank would be compellable to give specie On motion of the same gentleman, the committee in exchange could not be kept in circulation. The of ways and means were instructed to enquire into most the bank could effect, and the most it could be the expediency of imposing a duty on silver plate expected to aim at, would be to keep the institution and jewelry manufactured for sale, in the hands of alive by limited and local transactions, which, with the manufacturer. the interest on the public stock in the bank, might yield a dividend sufficient for the purpose, until a change from war to peace should enable it, by a flow of specie into its vaults, and a removal of the exter A motion was made to postpone the bill indefinitenal demand for it, to derive its contemplated emol-ly-lost: ayes 66, nays 73. A motion was then made uments from a safe and full extension of its opera-to postpone it until the 4th of March-lost: ayes 68, nays 74. The bill being then stated on its pas tions. The house proceeded to the consideration of the bill from the senate authorizing the purchase of the library of Thomas Jefferson. On the whole, when it is considered that the pro-sage, Mr. King made a proposition for a new secposed establishment will enjoy a monopoly of the tion providing for a selection of the books-lost : profits of a national bank, for a period of twenty ayes 56. Many motions and speeches were made, years; that the monopolized profits will be continu- not worth the room it would take to record them, ally growing with the progress of the national popu- and the bill finally passed-ayes 81, nays 71. lation and wealth; that the nation will during the Friday, Jan. 27-Many private petitions were presame period, be dependent on the notes of the bank sented and disposed of, and some minor business for that species of circulating medium, whenever was done; but the house was chiefly employed on the precious metals may be wanted, and at all times the bill to authorise payment for property lost, capfor so much thereof as may be an eligible substitute tured or destroyed by the enemy whilst in the milita for a specic medium, and that the extensive employ-ry service of the United States, which passed through ment of the notes in the collection of the augment-a committee of the whole and was reported to the ed taxes, will, moreover, enable the bank greatly to house. extend its profitable issues of them, without the ex- Saturday, Jan. 28.-This day was principally spent pense of specic capital to support their circulation; in discussing the bill for paying for property lost or it is reasonable as it is requisite, that the govern-destroyed in the service of the United States. The ment, in return for these extraordinary concessions clerk of the house, Patrick Magruder, in a letter to to the bank, should have a greater security for at the speaker, assigned his reasons therefor, and retaining the public objects of the institution, than is signed his office. presented in the bill, and particularly for every practicable accommodation both in the temporary advances necessary to anticipate the taxes, and in those more durable loans which are equally neces sary to diminish the resort to taxes. Monday, January 30.-A variety of business of little general interest was done this day. Thomas Dougherty was elected clerk of the house. The house then took up the bill for the support of government for the year 1815-(civil list) and considerable time was spent thereon. Tuesday, Jan. 31. The amendments of the senate to the bill for preventing intercourse with the ene In discharging this painful duty of stating objec- my were concurred in-so that it wants only the sig tions to a measure which has undergone the deliber-nature of the president to become a law. ations and received the sanction of the two houses of the national legislature, I console myself with the reflection, that if they have not the weight which I attach to them, they can be constitutionally over- Wednesday, Feb. 1. Mr. Moore of Md. presented ruled; and with a confidence that, in a contrary e- a memorial of the committee of vigilance and safevent, the wisdom of congress will hasten to substity of the city and precincts of Baltimore, representtute a more commensurate and certain provision foring the defenceless situation of that city, and praythe public exigencies. JAMES MADISON.ing that a force may be provided adequate to their |