NAVY DEPARTMENT, JUNE 23, 1838. The of North America, I have only, sir, to repeat the board of captains in the navy, convened in Balti- assurance of my distinguished consideration. more, on the 28th ultimo, for the examination of midshipinen, adjourned on the 22d instant. The following is the list of the midshipmen who passed in the order of rank assigned them by the board, after a careful consideration of their several qualifications, and all other circumstances which it became the duty of the board to weigh: 1 Geo. W. Chapman, 2 W. P. McArthur, 3 Hunn Gansevoort, 4 William Drayton, 5 George Wickham, 6 Simon F. Blunt, 7 Frederick A. Bacon, 8 William T. Sanith, 24 Win. Ronckendorff, 27 Francis Lowry, 31 Strong B. Thompson, 9 Thos. W. Cumming, 32 Lafayette Maynard, 10 William May, 11 Henry H. Lewis, 17 Henry Eld, 19 Joseph H. Adams, 20 William A. Parker, 21 James D Johnston, 22 John N. Maffit, 23 Wash'n Gwathmey, 33 Roger N. Siembel, 34 Geo. Colvocoressis, 35 Washington Reid, 36 William Craney, 37 Edward S. Hutter, 38 Francis S. Haggerty, 39 Theodore B. Barrett, 40 J. R. M. Mullany, 41 James A. Doyle, 42 James J. Forbes, 43 Matthias Marine, 44 Chas. Robinson, 45 Wm. M. E. Adams. NAVAL GENERAL ORDER. The armament of the exploring expedition being adapted merely for its necessary defence while engaged in the examination and survey of the islands of the Southern ocean, against any attempts to disturb its operations by the savage and warlike inhabitants of those islands; and that the objects which it is destined to promote being altogether scientific and useful, intended for the benefit, equally, of the United States and of all the commercial nations of the world, it is considered to be entirely divested of all military character, that, even in the event of the country being involved in a war before the return of the squadron, its path upon the ocean will be peaceful and its pursuits respected by all belligerents. The president has, therefore, thought proper, in assigning officers to the command of this squadron, to depart from the usual custom of selecting them from the senior ranks of the navy, and according to their respective grades in the service, and has appointed lientenant Charles Wilkes first officer to command the exploring squadron, and lieutenant Win. L. Hudson to command the ship Peacock, and the second officer of said squadron; and to take command thereof in the event of the death of the first officer, or his disability from accident or sickness to conduct the operations of the expedition, MAHLON DICKERSON. Navy department, June 22, 1838. OFFICIAL. The following paper has been officially communicated to the department of state. Vienna, May 30, 1838. SIR: In my official note of the 8th of April last, I reserved to myself the power of communicating to you, at a proper time, the result of the steps which I had hastened to take in the proper departments of the interior, for the purpose of modifying essentially, if not of abolishing entirely, the ineasures with regard to health, and the precautions hitherto employed in the ports of his imperial and royal catholic majesty, with regard to vessels coming from the United States of North America. My efforts have not been fruitless; and I have this day the pleasure to announce to you, sir, that the said departinents have just inade, the following dispositions: Vessels coming from the United States of Ameica provided with clean bills of health, shall be immediately adınitted to free entry, (pratique libre.) On the other hand, those which do not bring a clean bill of health shall be subjected to a quarantine of ten or five days respectively, according as the merchandise with which they are laden may be found to belong to the class of objects susceptible of being tainted by the contagious miasma or not. As to vessels arriving in summer with clean bills of health, they shall be freed from all precautionary quarantine. I should add that the orders necessary for carrying these measures into execution, have already been despatched to the imperial government of Trieste. In the hope that I have thus satisfied, so far as depended upon myself, the desire expressed by you on the part of the government of the United States (Signed) To Mr. Nathaniel Niles, METTERNICH. Diplomatic agent of the United States. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS. A detachment of between 60 and 70 U. S. troops, under command of lieutenant W. G. Freeman, 4th artillery, destined for the northern frontier, left Fort Monroe on Saturday last, in the packet-schooner Thaddeus, for New York, All remaining disposable recruits in New York (190) left that station on Thursday last, for Sackett's Harbor, under command of captain T. P. Gwynne, of the 1st, and capt. G. A. McCall, of the 4th infantry. A company of 60 recruits, under command of capt. J. Dimick, Jst artillery, arrived at Troy, N. Y., on Tuesday morning, 12th inst. and took passage on one of the canal packets for Whitehall, on their way to Plattsburg. Lieuts. Carpender and Lynch have returned in the steam ship Great Western, arrived at New York, and the former reached this city or Monday evening. We understand that col. Sylvanus Thayer will resume his former station as superintendent of the military academy, at the close of the present exami nation. Capt. Charles W. Skinner has been appointed to the command of the steam ship Fulton, now at the navy yard in this city, during the absence of capt. M. C. Perry. [Army and Navy Chron. [OFFICIAL-GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 18.] Adjutant General's Office, Washington, June 27, 1838. 1. Promotions and appointments in the army since the 1st January, 1838. First regiment of dragoons. Second lieutenant William N. Grier, to be first lieutenant, 14th April, 1838, vice Ury, deceased. 36. Cadet A. J. Smith, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 44. Cadet C. F. Ruff, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Second regiment of dragoons. First lieutenant Erasmus D. Bullock, to be captain, 29th January, 1838, vice Graham, resigned. Second lieutenant N. W. Hunter, to he first lieu tenant, 31st December, 1337, vice Forsyth, resigned. Second lieutenant Robert B. Lawton, to be first lieutenant, 29th January, 1838, vice Bullock, promoted. Second lieutenant Nathan Darling, to be first lieutenant, 1st March, 1838, vice Maury, resigned. 25. Cadet William A. Brown, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 26. Cadet William J. Hardee, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 27. Cadet Hamilton W. Merrill, to be second lientenant, 1st July, 1838. 29. Cadet Owen L. Ransom, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 31. Cadet Henry H. Sibley, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 19. Cadet Wm. A. Nichols, to be bvt. second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 21. Cadet Leslie Chase, to be brevet second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Third regiment of artillery. Second lieutenant Thonias W. Sherman, to be 1st lieutenant, 14th March, 1838, vice Church resigned. 7. Cadet John T. Metcalf, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 8. Cadet Thomas Casey, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 10. Cadet Buckner Board, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 13. Cadet James M. Ketchum, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 16. Cadet William H. Shover, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 18. Cadet Milton A. Haynes, to be brevet second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 24. Rowley S. Jennings; to be brevet second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Fourth regiment of artille 12. Cadet Thomas S. Ringgold, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 14. Cadet Henry C. Wayne, to be second lieutenant, Ist July. 1838. 17. Cadet William F. Barry, to be brevet second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. First regiment of infantry. Second lieutenant George H. Pegrain, (adjutant,) to be 1st lieutenant, 1st July, 1337, vice Beach, resigned. 28. Cadet Robert S. Granger, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 30. Cadet John H. Mathews, to be second lieutenant, Ist July, 1838. 35. Cadet Alexander W. Reynolds, to be second lieutenant, 1st Juty, 1838. 41. Cadet Ferninand S. Mumford, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Second regiment of infantry. First lieutenant Joseph R. Smith, to be captain, 26th April, 1838, vice Cobbs, promoted. Second lieutenant John M. Clendenin, to be first lieutenant, 26th April, 1838, vice Sinith, promoted. 40. Cadet Justus McKinstry, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838.. Fourth regiment of infantry. Second lieutenant Henry L. Scott, to be first lieutenant, 1st March, 1838, vice Howe, resigned. 34. Cadet Constant Freeman, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 39. Cadet Robert M. Cochran, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1839. Fifth regiment of infantry. Brevet major W. V. Cobbs, captain of the second regiment of infantry, to be major, 26th April, 1838, vice Green, promoted. 42. Cadet Carter L. Stevenson, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Sixth regiment of infantry. Major John Green, of the 5th regiment of infantry, to be lieutenant colonel, 26th April, 1838, vice Fowle, deceased. First lieutenant William Hoffinan, to be captain, 1st February, 1838, vice Nute, resigned. Second lieutenant W. H. T. Walker, to be first lieutenant, 1st February, 1838, vice Hoffman, pro 33. Cadet Ripley A. Arnold, to be second lieu-moted. tenant, 1st July, 1838. 5. Cadet Jeremiah M. Scarritt, to be second lieu 43. Cadet Richard H. Graham, to be second lieu-tenant, 1st July, 1838. tenant, 1st July, 1838. 20. Cadet John C. Fletcher, to be second lieute. 45. Cadet Zebulon M. P. Inge, to be second lieu-nant, Ist July, 1838. tenant, 1st July, 1838. First regiment of artillery. Second lieutenant George G. Waggaman, to be first lieutenant, 15th February, 1838, vice Chalmers, dropped. 1. Cadet William H. Wright, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 2. Cadet P. G. T. Beauregard, to be second lientenant, 1st July, 1838. Cadet James H. Tapier, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 9. Cadet Isaac S. K. Reeves, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 23. Cadet Irvin McDowell, to be brevet second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Second regiment of artillery. First lieutenant W. C. DeHart, to be captain, 3d April, 1838, vice Mountfort, resigned. Second lieutenant Roland A. Luther, to be first lientenant, 3d April, 1938, vice DeHart, promoted. 4. Cadet Stephen H. Campbell, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 6. Cadet Alexander H. Dearborn, to be second lieutenant, Ist July, 1838. 11. Cadet William P. Blair, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 15. Cadet Lucius Pitkin, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 22. Callet Langdon C. Easton, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 32. Cadet Edward Johnson, to be second lieute. nant, Ist July. 1838. 37. Cadet Charles J. Hughes, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. 38. Cadet William Hulbert, to be second lieutenant, 1st July, 1838. Seventh regiment of infantry. James S. Sanderson, late sergeant major, to be second lieutenant, Ist March, 1838. Promotions by brevet. Colonel Zachariah Taylor, of the first regiment of infantry, to be brigadier general by brevet, to rank from 25th December, 1837, for distinguished services in the battle of the Kissimmee, in Florida, with the Seminole Indians. Lieutenaut colonel William S. Foster, of the 4th regiment of infantry, to be colonel by brevet, to rank from 25th December, 1837, for distinguished services in Florida, and particularly in the battle of the Kissimmee. III-CASUALTIES, (23.) John Graham, second dragroons, 28th January, 1838. FROM THE NORTHERN FRONTIER. We have been favored with the following extract from a letter, dated Niagara frontier, Chippewa, U. C., June 21. I arrived here to-day, and find this place in a great excitement owing to a battle which took place last night at "Short Hills," about twelve miles hence, between a mounted troop of 100 British lancers and about 2,000 patriots. It resulted in the loss of four lancers, and the capture of nearly all the rest. The patriots are armed men. A body of United States troops are [New York Jour. of Com. ment, near the Delaware, on the boat, the object of which is to ascend the rivers against the current. The inventor was Mr. Fitch, who had found a company to support the expense. One of the most zealous associates is Mr. Thornton, of whom I have spoken. This invention was disputed between THE MURDER AT BALTIMORE-SUPPOSED PARRICIDE. It has been stated that a most diabolical Mr. Fitch, and Mr. Rumsey, of Virginia. Howmurder was committed on Thursday night, near ever, it be, the machine which I saw, appears well Fairmount, on the person of Benjamin Stewart, of executed, and well adapted to the design. The Cambridge, Dorchester county, and that the deceas- steam engine gives motion to three large oars of ed, besides being shot and stabbed, was so savagely considerable force, which were to give sixty strokes hacked by repeated blows inflicted with a large hatchet, that his face was destroyed. It has been also stated that two men and a women were arrested early on Friday morning, on suspicion of being concerned in the murder. We have now to add the revolting information that, in consequence of suspicions circumstancesthe grounds of which we have not heard-police officers Dimmitt and Lambert were despatched to the wharf on Saturday afternoon to await the arrival of the steamboat Maryland from Cambridge and that, on her arrival, they arrested William Stewart, the son of the deceased, on suspicion of being con cerned in the murder of his farther! It appears that Benjamin Stewart, the father, William Stewart, the son, and his wife, had been in the city for some days, boarding at the house of per minute. "I doubt not but, physically speaking, this machine may produce part of the effects which are expected from it; but I doubt its utility in commerce; for, notwithstanding the assurances of the undertakers, it must require many men to manage it, and much expense in repairing the damages occasioned by the violence and multiplicity of the friction. Yet I will allow, that if the movements can be simplified, and the expense lessened, the invention may be useful in a country where labor is dear, and where the borders of rivers are not accessible, like those in France, by borses to draw the boats. This idea was consoling to Dr. Thornton, whom I saw assailed by railleries on account of the steam boat. These railleries appear to be very ill-placed. The obstacles to be conquered by genius are every Thomas Stewart, the brother of the deceased. It where so considered, the encouragement so feeble, was understood that the farther and son were to and the necessity of supplying the want of handlabor, in America so evident, that I cannot without indignation, see the Americans discouraging, by their sarcasms, the generous efforts of one of their fellow-citizens." "Since writing this letter, I have seen Mr. Rumsey in England. He is a man of great ingenuity; and, by the explanation which he has given me, it appears that his discovery, though founded on a similar principle with that of Mr. Fitch, is very different from it and far more simple in its execution. Mr. Rumsey proposed then (Feb. 1789) to build a vessel which should go to America by the help only of the steam engine, and without sails. It was to make the passage in fifteen days. I perceive with pain that he has not yet executed his project, which, when executed, will introduce into commerce as great a change as the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope." AUTHOR. William Stewart,* the son, was arrested as stated above, on the return of the steamboat on Saturday afternoon from Cambridge, and was carried before police magistrate, W. A. Schaeffer, esq. On examining his person, spots were found on his pantaloons, to which spirits of turpentine had been applied. A vial half full of the same was found in his pocket, and he alleged that, having spotted his pantaloons on the steamboat, he had obtained the turpentine to cleanse them. Several bullets were As the hour approached which was fixed upon also found in his pocket, and in his pocket-book DEPARTURE OF THE GREAT WESTERN. The Courier and Enquirer says, that the departure of this vessel on Monday seemed to excite public curiosity almost as much as on her first departure. for her to leave the wharf, the Battery, Cas was a paper containing an ounce and a half of tle Garden, the docks, the rigging of vessels in A pair of pistols was produced by the uncle, which William, the son, had left in his room, one of which was loaded to the muzzle, and the other as if discharged, with pan open and hammer down. Mr. Drake, hardware dealer, testified that Wil liam Stewart was the man who purchased of him, on the afternoon of Thursday, the hatchet which had been found near the murdered body. William Stewart admitted that he had bought a The examination was closed by sending William We hear that the woman under arrest has made Travels in the United States of America, performed "I breakfasted with Samuel Ameland, [Emlen] fast gaining ground, and will not recede until they stitution, and rejoices in the occasion of doing succeed or are exterminated. This place is garri- good; he loves the French nation, and speaks their soned with 500 infantry, the 24th regiment, and language. He treats me with the greatest friendthe lancers, besides volunteers. Every person is ship; offers me his house, his horses, and his carthoroughly searched before he can leave the place. riage. On leaving him, I went to see an experiThe steamboat which lands the passengers from Buffalo is searched. They fear very much an *A true bill was found against William Stewart, eruption in this place, and for that reason every on Tuesday last, by the grand jury now in session hotel is under guard, and every passage secured by in Baltimore. the harbor were crowded with people. Shortly after 4 o'clock, she was loosed from her moorings, and proceeded majestically down the East river, made a slight curve up the North river and then proceeded to sea. A few minutes more and she had passed the narrows, and then, nothing was visible of her from the city but the dense cloud of smoke which proceeded from her chimney, passing over the distant highlands. Several steamboats accompanied her to the Narrows, amongst them the Passaic frow Newark, loaded with passengers almost down to the water's edge, the New Haven, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Fairfield and Belle, and several small craft. She takes cut no less than ninety-one passengers, and has, we are informed, about one hundred tons of merchandize on freight. BUENOS AYRES. We have received papers from Buenos Ayres to the 14th April, eight days later than our last dates. The blockade of the port by the French squadron still continued, but the officer in command prolonged the period fixed for the departure thence of foreign vessels to the 15th June, and an official notice of this extension of time had been published by the United States and British consuls. The correspondence between the government and French authorities on the subject of the existing differences, is published, and evinces on the part of the former, a strong determination to adhere to the ground it has taken. [N. Y. Cour. & Enq. SPECIE-MEXICO. United States frigate Constellation, commodore Dallas, from Tampico, sailed on the 9th instant, touched s. w. bar on the 19th, and put on board the Lion $151,546 in specie, for merchants in this city, under the charge of lieutenant Radford, and proceeded to Pensacola. We have learned verbally, and from letters, that the French fleet was about to concentrate at Vera Cruz, with the intention of bombarding the city, and attacking the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, as the Mexicans would not come to any terms; it was also rumoured at Tampico that general Santa Anna had been placed in coinmand of the Mexican troops, and was making preparations to resist the attack of the French. The blockade at Tampico was continued by one brig, and by one at Matamoras; at Vera Cruz there were two French frigates and several brigs. The United States sloops of war Boston and Vandalia were at Vera Cruz, and the Ontario at Tampico. [New Orleans Transcript. FAMOUS WINES. The late sale by Mr. Thomas and Son, of wines belonging to the late Mr. T. Butler, was very numerously attended, and the prices paid were enormous. Among other transactions, were the following. Fifteen demijohns sold at $155 each; one at $150; seven at $137; five at $117 50; ten at $110; seventeen at $105; thirteen at $102 50; four at $101;-and various other wines for lesser sums. One hundred and seventy demijohns were sold, the whole amount of which is upwards of fifteen thousand dollars We have made a hurried estimate of the value of some of these wines, and find that the price, as paid at auction, is at least half a dollar per wine glass of the usual size, something as it were, like molten silver, and affording a plausible image of the aurum nostabile. These wines, above specified, were ctiefly purchased, we learn by the Butlers, of whon it may be said, that it is marvellous if they have improved thereby upon their previous and ancient stock. which we feel bound to decide is not an easy matter, howsoever strong the bouquet of the last bought wines may be, of gold and silver. tendered. I had no fears as to consequences." | wrong and inflict injury in the article I have re- tion would be drawn off to Texas at an rate, &c., I do not believe that the defamation of the Globe I have never asked a correction before, I believe, of reports, but be so kind as to notice the above. Yours, very respectfully, F. W. PICKENS. From the National Intelligencer of the 16th inst. House of Representatives, June 15, 1838. forth. Thus it is that a free and virtuous people will manifest respect for correct principles, and protect their faithful public servants from the influence of corrupt partisans. I thank God my constituents know me, and my public character can never rest upon the reports of the Giobe newspaper; indeed, its praise would be mortifying; for my energies, my actions, and my opinions instinctively desire to avoid the contamination of such. I will only add that, in correcting a false imputation against an enlightened patriot, I neither feel nor manifest any "zeal." I am no less the "zeal. ous" friend of general Harrison, another enlightened patriot, but, in truth, my zeal for either is reserved for a different field of action. My whole zeal language, and the motives of many pure and en- at present is to serve my constituents; and I trust lightened statesmen, I do not view the unfounded neither duty nor honor will hereafter require of me calumnies and partial reports of such a reckless to divert that zeal for a moment to counteract any vehicle worthy of notice or correction in my place. new libels or defamation in the Globe, or resting Very respectfully, Indeed, it would, on my part, be a useless waste of upon its authority. sities. [Philadelphia Gazette. HON. WILLIAM B. ROCHESTER. We lament to learn that our worst apprehensions with regard to the loss of our respected and valuable citizen judge Rochester, who was a passenger on board the Pulaski, are now confirmed. The judge was on his Your friend, &c. Messrs. Gales & Seaton. JNO. EWING. LETTER FROM THE HON. WADDY Washington, May 25, 1838. Sir: A writer in a late number of your paper propounds certain question to me which I have neither the right nor the inclination to refuse to On the 7th instant, as I have already explained in your columns, I offered an amendment to the pre-emption bill, to secure to my state the exclusive right to enter all the land recently purchased answer. The respectful character of the article, as of the Miami Indians, except a few quarter sec- well as the obviously respectable source from which tions occupied and improved by bona fide citizens it comes, forbid me to do so. I therefore send you return home from Pensacola, where he had spent of the state at the date of the treaty purchase; and a speech which I delivered in congress before I the winter, to his residence at Buffalo, and probably with this substance of my amendment, set forth in saw the article in your paper. I believe all the took the Baltimore route, with a view to visit his the remarks which I made upon the occasion of questions are answered in the speech. Lest they family connexions in Maryland. The melancholy presenting it, duly sent in, two hours after presen. may not be with sufficient distinctness, I now add event, which has plunged so many families into tation, to the office of that vehicle, and promised that I am opposed to entrusting the keeping of the a grief too profound for consolation, has not inflict insertion by its accredited reporter, my remarks public money to agents appointed by the president, ed a heavier blow on any of them, than that which were suppressed, after being marked for publica- and removed at his pleasure. I am opposed to Mr. will be felt by the surviving relations and friends of tion, and the substance of the amendment was judge Rochester. No man, in all the public and private relations of life, could be more esteemed, respected and beloved. As amiable and unpretending as he was able and upright, his death is a real calamity to the large circle of connections and friends to which he was endeared by so many ties. [Courier and Enquirer. RETORT UPON MISS MARTINEAU. In her last From the National Intelligencer of the 16th inst. June 14, IS38. changed to grant pre-emption to all who have al- its declaring that Rives' substitute, as being but a revival of the exploded pet bank system. I am also opposed to the charter of a United States Bank. Iain in favor of special deposites with banks properly selected, preferring, in all cases where they exist, banks owned in whole or in part by states; in such manner that the money is not to be used by the banks in which it is deposited. I believe this plan, in every particular, the best. The money will be kept at less expense, will be more safe, more easily transferred, and it will cut down, if not entirely destroy, this great source of government patronage. I am unalterably opposed to the rejection of bank notes, and the demand of gold and silver for all public dues. No possible combination of circumstances can induce me to vote for a measure which I believe will cause so much ruin and misery. That Whatever may be iny opinion on the general question of the right of the constituent to instruct his representative, I do not hesitate to say that such is my peculiar relation to my constituents, that I would not throw myself in the way of their deliberately formed opinions on any subject. "kindness and liberality" on their part to which your correspondent alludes, I am fully conscious of, and have endeavored to repay it in a manner more substantial than professions-by a stern and constant devotion to their interest of such poor powers as God has given me. I am ready in their ser Now be it known, that not one of the whole array of honorable senators whose names are thus thrust forward by the Globe has, or can establish, the truth of what I know to be false, and so declared vice to sacrifice that which I value far, very far upon the occasion alluded to. Nor can the Globe's beyond all other honors-their confidence and supreport of their speeches, as given, be tortured into port. I have calmly and deliberately re-examined a contradiction of any thing I said. I said that it my opinion ons on the great questions now agitated, was utterly false that the distinguished senator and I am only the more confirmed in their correct(whose glorious fame and honest name are worm- ness. Until convinced that I am in error, no human wood to the Globe man) had, as was reported, de- power can force me to change my course. If such signated settlers on the public lands as land pirates; shall not be (as I do not doubt that in time they that it was a calumny, sent abroad for party pur- will be) the opinions of my constituents, it will poses-worthy of its fabricators-unworthy of be- give me much pain-nothing so much, however, lief. The settlers know that they settled down as would the consciousness that any combination Messrs. Gales & Seaton: Gentlemen: In your contrary to law; they do not deny or disguise this of circumstances should have forced me to sacribrief report of what I said in the house yesterday fact; and this was the sense and true meaning and fice my own settled convictions of duty. I believe on the Texss question, your reporter has this sen- intent of all that was charged against them. In the system proposed will be injurious to the whole tence: "A distinguished member (Mr. Adams) of substance and in fact, the president, (whose delu- country, and more so to the south than any other the Massachusetts delegation had said, on a former sive echo the Globe is,) in his deliberate message section. If these opinions, honestly entertained occasion, it was a question of union or disunion." to this congress, said as much, and made as many and fearlessly expressed, shall forfeit me the confiThis is incorrect. I said "that, as the most deli- allegations to operate against the wishes and inter- dence of valued friends, it will not be the first time cate domestie questions had been dragged into this ests of those seeking pre-emption, as the much- that I have sacrificed popularity and office to a measure day after day, for the last six months, and traduced senator alluded to in the heat of debate. sense of public duty. I am aware of the powerful as the gentleman from Massachusetts, (Mr. Adams) Have not the people read that message, and could influences which have operated in my district to at the extra session, had declared, in his place, that they not mark the double aspect of its bearing upon produce different opinions, of the small hope there a large portion of the northern people would prefer the present state of things? But it suits the Globe is of my being able successfully to resist these ina dissolution of the union to the annexation of man to overlook this; and in his despicable manner, fluences. This in no wise diminishes the obligaTexas, I was for meeting the issue he had thus and with his usual malign spirit, to labor to do tion to attempt it. I shall most assuredly, by all means in my power, vindicate my course as your York to Buffalo, upon my return home, after the to hold a great family consultation in December, representative, relying on the intelligence, firmness, termination of the present session of congress. 1839. Other gentlemen, of eminent abilities, of and justice of those who sent me here. I therefore I have perused the proceedings of the meeting distinguished services, and of acknowledged patriask the favor of you to publish the speech which I with the liveliest feelings of gratitude; and 1 re- otism, are justly and properly and prominently in send you, and I rely upon the "liberality and kind- quest you, gentlemen, to convey to those who com- their view, and under their consideration. Whilst ness" of each and all my constituents to read it dis- posed it any cordial thanks, and respectful acknow- this preliminary question is in progress of an amipassionately, and form their own conclusions; and ledgments, for their friendly consideration of me. cable adjustment, I feel that it would not be right I leave it to them to decide whether the systematic and fierce denunciation of which I have been the subject results more from a regard to the public good than from feelings of private and personal hostility. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. THOMPSON, jr. To the Editor of the Pendleton Messenger. INVITATION TO MR. CLAY. Whilst I feel highly gratified by the sentiments of for me to make any personal exertions, or even to attachment, confidence, and preference, with an be voluntarily placed in situations in which it expression of which the meeting has honored me, might be supposed that I was making personal exI think that it has wisely referred the designation ertions, to withdraw from them the confidence, so of a suitable candidate for the office of president of justly due to them, of our common friends, and fix the United States to the consideration and impartial it exclusively upon myself. In announcing this decision of a national convention. Such an assem- rule of conduct for myself, it is foreign from my blage, representing all parts of the United States, intention to mark out any course for others, or to and fairly constituted, will embody the opinions intimate any dissatisfaction with whatever line they and best express the sense of the whole opposition may consider it proper to pursue. Invitation of the late meeting at Masonic Hall, New to the present administration of the general govern York, to Mr. Clay, and his answer. LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE. New York, May 31, 1838. To the hon. Henry Clay: Sir: A meeting of our citizens was held at Masonic Hall on the evening of the 29th instant, when the address and resolutions, of which copies are enclosed, were unanimously adopted. By one of those resolutions that vast and animated assemblage committed to us the duty of inviting you to pass through the state of New York, by way of this city, Albany, and Buffalo, on your return to Lexington, after your labors at the present session of congress, shall have terminated. The meeting lamented that the gratifying spectacle is not now presented by this state, which, but for recent events, it would have exhibited on your first journey through its widest extent. The deso with which I am, faithfully, I pray you, gentlemen, individually, to accept ment. It will reconcile differences, promote har- assurances of the high personal regard and esteem mony, and secure hearty co-operation among those who are engaged in the patriotic cause of struggling to bring back the government to its former purity to heal the wounds in the constitution, and to restore the prosperity of the country. Your friend and obedient servant, OFFICIAL PAPERS. The following message from the president of the United States, was communicaied to the house of representatives on Wednesday, the 27th inst. To the house of representatives of the United States: I transmit in compliance witha resolution of the house of representatives of the 11th inst., reports from the secretaries of state, treasury, and war, with the documents referred to by them respectively. It will be seen that the outrages committed on the I should be most happy to find myself under circumstances which would admit of my acceptance of the friendly invitation to visit your state. I am sure that every where, on a tour so agreeable, I should meet with the greatest kindness and hospitality, and behold in the virtue, intelligence, and enterprise of the people of New York, in the noble works of internal improvement which adorn its territory, and in the fruitful soil with which Providence has blessed it, abundant elements for repair- steamboat Sir Robert Peel, under the British flag, ing the temporary injuries inflicted by the errors within the waters of the United States, and on the and experiments of the federal executive. But I steamboat Telegraph, under the American flag at feel constrained to deny myself the satisfaction of Brockville, in Upper Canada, have not been follow lation brought upon our beloved country, by a bad contemplating these pleasing scenes. After an ab- ed by any demand, by either government on the administration of government, although not con-sence from my home, which has already extended other, for redress. These acts have been, so far, fined to any particular interest, nor limited by state to nigh eight months, I am naturally most anxious treated on each side as criminal offences committed boundaries, has, in its fullest force, been visited to rejoin my family without any unavoidable delay. within the jurisdiction of tribunals competent to upon us; and the infliction was, perhaps, the more I might content myself with the assignment of this enquire into the facts, and to punish the persons dejecting, because it was dealt by those from whom simple reason, but I have other and higher motives, concerned in them. Investigations have been made, a inajority of our citizens had looked for benefits which candor requires I should communicate, for some of the individuals inculpated have been arrestand gratitude. The indignation of a great people declining to accept your obliging invitation. Al- ed, and prosecutions are in progress, the result of has at length checked the audacity, and foresha- though I am not, in fact, a candidate for any office, which cannot be doubled. The excited state of dowed the doom of the destroyers. Buoyant, there. I am aware that my name is freely used in connex- public feeling on the borders of Canada, on both fore, with expectation, we can at least have the ion with the highest in the gift of the American pleasure of showing you the monuments of former people. Whilst it is thus a subject of considerasuccess and wiser counsels, and of pointing out to tion, I have thought that it best becomes me to reyou the sources of our future hopes: our common main in an attitude perfectly passive, doing nothing schools, our canals and railroads, our spacious har- with the intention of attracting the current of pubbors, our noble rivers, our fertile fields, our ship- lic feeling to me, nothing to disturb or affect the ping, workshops and warehouses, and our nume- exercise of the free and unbiassed judgment of the rous and intelligent population, gifted with ingenui- people. I have accordingly acted in strict confor ty, industry and enterprise, and not yet deprived of all their energies by the incubus that sits incumbent upon them. Amid the ruins which surround us, it is consolatory to see that something has been snatched from destruction by the intripidity of yourself and your compatriots; that there is much that was indestructible; and that materials remain, with which, under the guidance of patriotic skill, we may hereafter be able to repair the fabric of our prosperity. Governed by these feelings, the meeting directed us to urge your acceptance of the invitation which we have above communicated. It will afford us the highest satisfaction to be enabled to state to mity with this conviction of my duty. I have vi- sides of the line, has occasioned the most painful American possessions, in the accomplishment of a political motives, have prompted the invitation with the British authorities, at home and in the North them that their request will be complied with.- with which I might be induced to visit New York, Washington, June 20, 1838. A number of documents accompanied this meswould be urged to prevail on me to go to other por- sage, the contents of which may be generally infertions of the union. How could I discriminate? red from the message itself. The following report What limit should I prescribe? There would be a from the secretary of war, however, is of sufficient consequence to be separated from the rest for publication. point of the union, which I might be pressed, or And you will, we trust, permit us to add, that the We are, sir, with the highest esteem and consideration, your faithful friends and obedient ser Gentlemen: I have to acknowledge the receipt of a letter which, as a committee appointed at a meet ing of my political friends, recently convened in the city of New York, you addressed to me, transmitting a copy of their proceedings, and, in pursu ance of one of their resolutions, inviting me to visit that city, and to pass through the state of New visit. The office of president of the United States is of a nature so exalted, and its functions so momen tous, that it ought not to be, and, happily, never can be, reached by individual efforts to acquire it. Department of War, June 19, 1838. Sir: In relation to so much of the resolution of the house of representatives of the 11th instant, as has, by your direction, been referred to this department, I have the honor to state that, on the receipt of intelligence of the destruction of the British It should only be bestowed by the free, spontane- steamer Sir Robert Peel, orders were immediately mediately ous, and deliberate judgment of the people. When issued to the commanding officer at Fort Niagara, so conferred, it is more honorable to them and to to detach a portion of his force to Sackett's Harbor; the distinguished object of their choice. Thus re- and shortly after, the disposable recruits at New ceiving it, he will enter upon the career of its ardu-York and Fort Monroe were ordered, part to ous duties, conscious that he has attained the ele- strengthen that post, part to Plattsburg, and part to Swanton, on the Vermont frontier, at the same time, measures were taken to employ a steamer, to be manned with a competent military force, for police purposes, on each of the lakes, Erie and Ontario. The department, having subsequently received information, communicated by the governor of the state of New York, that the disturbers of public order had taken refuge on a portion of the Thousand Islands, situated within the jurisdiction of the UnitStates, where they were collecting arins and muni Such, gentlemen, are the views which I should entertain if I were a formal candidate, and the sole candidate of the cause to which I am attached.Far from being weakened, they appear to me to possess additional strength when we survey the actual state of the question to which they relate. The whigs have not yet determined on their candi- tions of war, and engaged in fitting out hostile exdate. They are now deliberating about it, consult- peditions against Canada, major gen. Macomb was ing among themselves in their primary and other despatched to Sackett's Harbor, to take the comassemblies, as they have a right to do, and resolved mand of the forces on the northern fronuer, with instructions to take prompt and vigorous measures had broken a wheel shaft on the passage down the ject to the prevailing diseases of the country, and river, some fifty miles above the head of the raft, the annoyance from the immense swarms of mus to maintain our treaty stipulations, and to execute quitoes that abound in the valley of that river. Four years will, in my opinion, be as long as it will be necessary to keep up the improvement. In that time the channel of the river will proba and was stove by running on shore, in consequence to such an extent as to endanger the navigation of the river, by drawing more water from it, than could be spared from its volume in a low stage. I beg leave respectfully to recommend that provision not informed that the regular troops of her Britan- whole line of navigation by the improvements be also made for removing the snags from the bed nic Majesty have, as yet, been stationed along the 3,250 miles, passing through as fertile a soil of the river above the raft, as high up as Fort Towfrontier, as it is believed to be the intention; that as any on this continent, with a less proportion son. That work is of great importance to the naviservice appearing still to be performed by the voof land which is unfit for cultivation than any gation of the river, and can be done at a small exlunteers and militia of Upper and Lower Canada- tract of the same extent in our country. The cli pense by the snag-boat "Eradicator." The masa force estimated, by competent judges, at about inate is well adapted for the cultivation of cotton; ter of that boat can run up from the raft, when the twenty-five thousand men. The regulars now in the Canadas are ten regiments of the line of six hundred and fifty men each, to be carried up to fifteen regiments; two battalions of guards, eight hundred and fifty men each; two regiments of cavalry, each of three hundred men. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the regular force consists of five regiments of the line of six hundred and fifty men each. It is presumed that the usual proportion of artillery will be attached to the regular forces in. these colonies, and in the Canadas, inaking an aggregate regular force of between fifteen and sixteen thousand men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, To the President ident of th the U. S. J. R. POINSETT. P. S. The accompanying extracts of letters received from his excellency the governor of New York contain such information as has been receiv. ed by this department on the subject of the recent disturbances on the northern frontier. From the Army and Navy Chronicle. RAFT OF RED RIVER-OFFICIAL. Louisville, June 4, 1838. Gen. C. GRATIOT, Chief engineer, Washington: the lat. raging from 32° to 35° N., between the water is at the most favorable stages, and execute the necessary work, with a small additional expense, to the operations in the raft region. There are, however, some parts of that river that flow through banks that cave in to some extent, and keep up the supply of snags in that river, and large drifting trees in its current. The latter are liable to lodge at the narrow points in the raft, and give much inore labor to remove them than would be required for felling the timber on the banks, and cutting it into pieces that would float down without interrupting the navigation, at the same time prevent the accumulation of snags at those points. For the execution of that work, it will require the labor of 50 men six months, at an expense of $10,000. For both of these objects I would recom original foot of the raft and the head of navigation. The state of Arkansas has its southern boundary at 33 degrees north latitude, which crosses the Red river about 15 miles due north, above the head of the great raft, and by the meanders of the river about 45 miles; and has a boundary on the river, on the southwest bank, of about 200 miles, on the northeast bank to its northern boundary some 600 miles; all of which is settling with a population that must in a few years produce some two hundred thousand bales of cotton per annum, and an immense amount of surplus provisions, being a good grain growing country, and equal to any in the United States for raising stock of any kind. Texas has a boundary on the southeast bank of the river of about 400 miles, which is also as valuable a tract of country as any within the limits of that government, a great portion of which is settled by an industrious and enterprising population. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- THE STEAMBOAT PULASKI. From the Wilmington (N. C.) Advertiser-extra. We think it highly important to state, in the first place that a gentleman of unquestionable character and judgment concur in saying the fatal explosion was caused by gross negligence on the part of those who had the direction of the machinery. Solomon, a black waiter on board, who had once been a fireman, states, that a little after 11 o'clock, as he turned from the fire-room, he heard the second engineer (who was on duty) turn the water-cock, and, from the loud shrill whistle which ensued, he knew that the water had gotten too low, and that there was imminent danger. Mr. Couper, Mr. Lovejoy, and others, give it as their opinion that the blow-cock had been negligently left open-that the boilers had been emptied, which alarmed the engineer, and caused hun in his fright, to fill them suddenly with fresh water. The boiler being heated to redness, this body of water was instantly con. SIR: I have the honor to state to the department, The advantages to be derived from the removal part of the river, called the raft, has been $311, miles an hour up stream, and twelve down, without ets in that river. For that service I hope congress The snag on which the "Black Hawk" struck was removed two days after the loss of that boat; to admit of the work being prosecuted at the most it was found to be firmly fixed in a perpendicular position, with its roots twenty-three feet below the bottom of the river. The tree was about tour feet in diameter, broken off about three feet below the sur face of the water, and situated in a current of about five miles an hour. The steamer "Revenue" advantageous season of the year, which is from the given correctly by Mr. Hibberd, as published in our extra of the 18th, until it reaches the statement of the sinking. This was not the case, but she parted into three pieces. In the breaking up, the whole boat went under water; but, upon the separation of the keel from the upper part of the boat, the bow and stern emerged again. Very shortly after, the forward portion of the stern was depressed beneath the water, and the hinder portion elevated into the air, upon the highest portion of which were from 50 to 60 persons, more than two-thirds of whom were ladies and children. This continued within view of those passengers upon the bow of the boat (from whom this statement is made) about one hour, when it entirely disappeared. The keel, after its separation, came to the surface bottom upwards, when it floated in immediate contact with the bow for a half hour, when it was seen no more. There was no one upon this fragment. We will now proceed to speak of the bow, and the fate of those whom it contained. Upon this during that part of the year, when men will be sub-portion of the wreck there was originally 18. Al |