The Madisonian. [volume], December 19, 1837, Image 1

About The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845

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TIIB MADISONIAN.
THOMAS ALLEN.
EDITOR AUD FlOPIIlTOI.
Thk Madisonia* i? published Tri weekly during the
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Longer advertisements at proportionate rate*.
A liberal diaeouut made to thoae who advertiae by
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A liberal discount will be made to companies of Jive
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Postmasters, and othera authorized, acting aa our
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paid.
PROSPECTUS.
The Mamsoniaw will be devoted to the aopport ol
the principlea and doctnnea of the democratic party, aa
delineated by Mr. Madi.on, and will aim to consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice of the
national government, which has been repeatedly indi
cated by tho general aufferage, aa ssseitlial to the peacc
and prosperity of the qpuntry, and to the perfection and
perpetuity of its free inatitutione. At thia time ? lingu
lar state of atlairs ia j|feaented. The commercial in
tereats of the country are overwhelmed with embarrass
mcnt; its monetary concerna are unusually disordered ;
every ramification of society is invaded by distress, and
the social edifice seems threatened with diaorganiaation;
every ear is filled with predictions of evil and the mur
niurings of despondency ; tho general government is
boldlv assailod by a large and respectable portion of the
people as the direct cause of their difficulties ; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and ?
spirit of insubordination is fostered, aa a necessary
defence to the pretended usurpations of the party in
power; some, from whom better thmga were hoped, are
malting tho " confusion worse confounded," by a head
long pursuit of extreme notiona and indefinite phantoms,
totally incompatible with a wholesome state of the
country. In the midst of all these difficulties and em
barrassments, it is feared that many of the less firm of
the friends of the administration and supporters of
democratic principles are wavering in their confidence,
and beginning, without just cause, to view with distrust
those men to whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exulting in the anticipa
tion of dismay and confusion amongst the aupportera of
the administration as the consequence of these things,
the opposition are consoling themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Duren's friends, as a national party, ate
verging to dissolution ; and they allow no opportunity to
pass unimproved to give eclat to their own doctrinea.
They arc, indeed, maturing plans for their own future
government of the country^ with seeming confidence of
certain success. '
This confidence is increased by the fact, that visionary
theories, and an unwise adherence to the plan for an
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy of the govern
ment ; and, by impairing public confidence in the credit
system, which ought to be preserved and regulated, but
not destroyed, have tended to increase the difficultiea
under which, the country ia now labouring. All these
seem to indicate the neceaaity of a new organ at the
seat of government, to l>e established upon sound prin
ciples, and to represent faithfully, and not to dictate, the
real policy of the administration, and the true sentiments,
mca. ires, and interests, of the great body of ita sup
porters. The necessity also appears of the adoption of
more conservative principles than the conduct of those
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de
stroying the institutions with which they are found con
nected. Indeed some measure of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement of our own self-respect at
hom?, and to the promotion of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted, and it is hoped thst it will produce the effect
of inspiring tho timid with courage, the desponding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration of its government. In this view, this
journsl will not seek to lead, or to follow any faction, or
to advocate the viewa of any particular detachment of
men. It will aspire to accord a just measure of sup
port to each of the co-ordinate branches of the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogatives. It will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudices
or evil passions. It will rely invariably upon the prin
ciple, that the strength and security of American insti
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The Madisonian will not, in any event, be made the
instrument of arraying the north and the south, the east
and the west, in hostile attitudes towards each other,
upon any subject of cither general or local interest. It
will reflect only that spirit and those principles of mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal good-will, which
so eminently characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption, by the several States, of tho con
stitution of the United States. Moreover, in the same
hallowed t>pirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized its defence
by the people, our press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter,
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
If, in this responsible undcrtsking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity of the country, or in conciliating
jealousies, and allaying the asperities of party warfare,
by demeaning ourself amicably towards all; by indulg
ing personal animosities towards none; by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters of principle and of expc
iency, without a mixture of personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respect; and by "asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong," then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for its guidanco be sufficiently observed and satisl led.
This enterprizc has not been undertaken without tho
approbation, advisement, and pledged support of many
of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks of the
democractic republican party, in the extreme north and
in the extreme south, in the east and in the west. An
association of both political experience and talent of the
highest order will render it competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
useful as a political organ, and interesting as a journal
of news. Arrangements also have been made to fix tho
establishment upon a substantial and permanent basis.
Tho subscriber, therefore, relies upon the public for so
much of their confidence and encouragement only as the
fidelity of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
Washington City, D. C. July, 1837.
HOUSF. FURNISHING GOODS?We have for
side?
50 pieces ingrain carpeting, which we will sell low.
50 do Brussels.
02 do 5-t, 6-4, 10-1, and 12-4 Linen Sheetings.
100 do 7-4, 8-4 Barnsly Dinners.
8-4, 10-4 and 20 4 line Table Cloths.
Napkins to match.
1 bale Russia Diaper.
1 bnlc wide Crash.
Also, 50 Marseilles Quilts.
BRADLEY ft CATLETT.
Se.p 9?3tw2w
Gi LOVES, SUSPENDERS, STOCKS. WOOLLEN
T SHIRTS, AND DRAWERS.?We have to-day
opened?
30 doz. Suspender*. best kind.
50 do. superior Gloves.
50 do. Stocks, best mnke.
50 pieces Silk Pocket Handkerchiefs.
50 dozen Gentlemen's Ribbed Woollen Drawers.
50 do. do. do. do. Shirta.
C do. Raw Silk Shirts.
Also,
50 pieces Irish Linen*.
200 do. Sea Island Cotton Shirting*.
BRADLEY & CATLETT.
Sept. 8. 3taw2w8
WASHINGTON GUIDE.
J I ST PUBLISHED in one volume with several en
Braving* plans etc. etc., and Map of the city nnd Dis
wfunning a complete " Picture of the Ten
Mil's Square," is for sale by
38 F.TAYLOR.
THE MADISONIAN.
# '"?* ' *
VOL.1. WASHINGTON CITY, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1837. NO. 44.
From the /Saratoga Sentinel.
TUB WEST.
We have recently read with considerable
interest several letters from a lady travelling
in the west to her foetid in Buffalo : but as
their publication ent; would occuy too much
space in our columns we have prepared the
following abstract, which may not prove un
acceptable to our readers.
Every thing connected with the west ex
cites a peculiar interest, aud all information in
regard to the extensive territory, yet to be
settled, cannot but be acceptable.
Chicago is the first spoken of. The ad
vantages which it possesses in a commercial
point of view, are very great, and but the
draining of the marshy prairies which sur
round it, is needed, to render her a sister
w Queen of the West." Going westward the
Sfairies are no longer marshy but gently un
ulating, and tall, luxuriant grass waving in
the wind, has the appearance of a vast ocean.
On either side of Dixon's ferry or Rock river,
were seen tho numerous covered wagons of
the emigrants, accompanied by women, sturdy
urchins, cattle, sheep, &c. As the travaller
approaches Galena, the hills, thinly covered
with verdure, and rocks piled upon one an
other, give indication that he is approaching
the far famed mineral region. The village is
situated on the side of a steep hill, and is
composed of semicircular streets. The Fevre
river, on which Galena is situated, is here
about one hundred yards wide, with sufficient
water at its lowest season, for the largest
boats navigating the upper Mississippi. Gale
na has several churches, two presses, a bank,
and a smelting furnace, and when better
known, will vie with any of the young towns
of the west. At Galena a steamboat can be
taken up the Mississippi to Ft. Snelling, with
in eight miles of the falls of St. Anthony.
Cassville, a small new village in Wiscon
sin territory, is the first place reached in going
up the river. It is situated on the east side
of tho Fevre river, about forty miles from its
mouth. The mineral in its vicinity must
make it a place of importance. About eight
miles further on the west side of the river is
" Prairio la Porte." The village has been
lately laid out, and possesses many advan
tages. Prairie du Chien, is about thirty miles
above. Ft. Crawford is situated here with a
garrison of about 250 troops. Forty miles
further is the place where the battle of " Bad
Axe" was fought. Lake Pepin, about one
hundred miles below St. Peters, is a sudden
expansion of the river, twenty-two miles in
length and from two to four in width. Near
St. Peters many Indian villages are seen ; one
of which, " Prairie la Crosse," is the place
where the Sioux assemble for recreation in
their favorite games. The approach to Ft.
Snelling, about eight miles below the falls of
St. Anthony, is highly imposing. It stands
on a high point of land, sloping down the
water, has a rocky foundation with a substra
tum of pure white sand stone. Tho Missis
sippi passes on one side, and the river St.
Peters on the other. The number of troops
stationed here is about 225 ; they are under
the command of Col. Davenport. The falls
are eight miles above. Here the Mississippi
moves quietly onward, until it arrives at thfe
rocky projection, extending entirely over ; un
even and broken off in various shapes, appa
rently suited to the rocks lyin# piled beneath,
in every possible form, nnd some of immense
magnitude. Over these tho water leaps,
throwing up spray of snowy whiteness. In
tervening slips, covered with light vegetation,
separate the flood into three divisions. From
a bank about half a mile below, the fall on the
eastern side, is seen to peculiar advantage.
Its descent is about twenty-two feet, and be
ing unimpeded in its course, forms a full, un
broken tide.
For twenty miles from Galena, nothing is
present to diversify the general aspect of the
country, except three isolated hills called
" Platte Mounds." They are about half a
mile distant from each other?and the two
largest a mile in circumference. Near these,
stands the new town of Belmont. The first
legislative council in the territory assembled
here, attracted by the commodious and plea
sant houses, erectcd by tho principal proprie
tor. From this, onward, lead mines, or dig
gings, as they are technically called, fre
quently meet the view. " Mineral Point,"
thirty-five miles N. W. from Galena, is a
small village, and nothing pleasing is con
nected with it except what arises from the
prospective view of its probable destiny at
some future period. The flourishing village
of Dubuque, is not far distant on the western
shore of the Mississippi; the lofty hills in its
rear teem with mineral; it is a rival with
Cassville and other places, for tho ultimate
seat of the legislature. The place derives its
name from a Frenchman, who died here about
half a century 3ince. Ilis grave is on the
summit of a stupendous mountain cliff, sur
mounted by a wooden cross, bearing a simple
inscription, in accordance with his own re
quest.
Seven miles below Galena, the Fevre river
enters the Mississippi. Rock Island first
attracts the attention. On its southern ex
tremity, is situated Ft. Armstrong. Rock
Island city, a littlf below, stands on an ele
vated prairie, the northern point of which is
washed by the Rock river, which here enters
into the Mississippi; this place was the home
of Bltftk Hawk and his forefathers. A monu
ment is to be erected in the centre of the town,
to the memory of the brave warriors, whose
bones arc to be collected and there entombed.
From Wabisipimia, nine miles above the
rapids, to Mascountine Island, (a distance of
about forty miles,) the western shore presents
scenery unrivalled in loveliness ; eminences,
sloping gently down to the margin of the
water, and vales, rich in their original ele
ments, lie most seducing to the settler's view.
Sheltered in the lap of these hills is the infant
town of Davenport. Four miles below is
Rockingham, and a littlo further down, Co
lumbia, is soon to be built. Oyuaka, on the
" Yellow Banks," has a beautiful location.?
The upper rapids are eighteen miles in length,
and the lower are twelve. At the comnicnc
ment of these rapids, the lead, and about sixty
passengers, are transferred to a small keel
boat ; at their termination is tho village of
Keokuk, belonging to the Sac Indians. Mas
coutine Island is about twenty miles long; for
moat of this distance it has the appearance of
! a luxuriant meadow ; on it are many remains
of Indian encampments ; not far below stands
Fort des Moines, in Missouri. It is composed
of slight building* thrown up fur defence,
during the war with the Sac Indians; a few
miles further, stands Fort Edwards, in Illinois,
and a short distance below Des Moines river
empties into the Mississippi A few miles
up this stream is the residence of Black
Hawk.
Grafton is eligibly situated, at the junction
of the Illinois and Mississippi, about fifty
miles above St. Louis.. The next place is a
French settlement bearing the name of Port
age des Sioux. Alton, * flourishing town in
Illinois, is about twenty mile* above St. Louis,
and not far below the Missouri empties into
the Mississippi.
St. Louis lies beautifully along the river,
about two miles ; and extending back about
three quarters of a mile. The northern sec
tion has many elegant buildings, possessing
immense resources, happily developing them
selves in the fertile regions of Missouri, Illi
nois, Wisconsin and Michigan. No prophe
tic vision is required to foresee that this place
is destined to a lofty station. Its population
is about 12,000.
Carondelet and other French villages, lie
in the neighborhood of St. Louis. In describ
ing the river from St. Louis, the shore* grow
less beautiful. The confluence of the Ohio
with the Mississippi, forms an ocean expanse
of water. For a considerable distance, .these
two majesties roll along, side by side, retain
ing their distinct line and character, and seein j
proudly reluctant to the union, until at length |
the clear stream is lost in Mississippi's dark j
wave.
A LONO YARN, UNRAVELLED..
Oil Thursday morning last, soon after three ma
sons had gained the top of a chimney, (upwards of
sixty yards high,) now Wing finished at the new saw
mill, by some misfortune, the rope connected with
the blocks, by which the materials were raised to the
workmen, broke; and as it was only by the help of
the same rope that the workmen could be enabled to
descend from their perilous eminence, it will easily
be conceived that their situation was by no means an
enviable one. Various means were tried to get a
line within their reach, by the help of a kite, and by
other plans. At length three o'clock in the afternoon
had arrived, and the three poor fellows were still
roosting at their awful elevation, when a distressed
woman, wife of one of the unfortunates, had the joy
ful felicity to remember that her husband had on a
new pair of knit stockings. " Well," the reader will
prabably say, " and what was the advantage to be
expected from the stockings being knit rather than
woven 1" Oh! a woman's wit united with a woman's
love has often overcome much greater difficulties
than that of communicating with the object of their
affection seventy yards apart, whether the separation
might be by heignt or width; and so it was that the
knit stocking was to be made the happy medium.
"Use," your knife," she cried out, "and cut the toe
of your stocking*continue tke ravellinguniil you gfet
a length sufficient to reach the earth, then attach a
small stone to it to sink it here." The man obeyed
the oracle, as many (perhaps too many) before him
have done, and in a short time he hacl a length of
worsted long enough to reach the ground, which he
let down. Well, the next business was to lie the
worsted to a thin cord, which the men drew up, and
then the original rope for the block having been fast
ened to the cord, it was also drawn up, and by the
men so adjusted as to enable them with safety to de
scend on terra firma. We are sure that great credit
was due to the woman for the way in which she im
proved a lucky thought; and those persons who may
perchance be subjected to a similar disaster to the
one which befel these three men, should take care
above all things never to forget the value of knit
stockings in such an emergency.?Preston {Eng.)
Patriot.
" If we pay a proper regard to truth," says Poly
bus, " we shall find it necessary not only to condemn
our friends upon some occasions, and commend our j
enemies, but also to commend ana condemn the same
persons, as different circumstances may require; for
as it is not to be imagined, that those who are en
gaged in great affairs, should always be pursuing i
false or mistaken measures; so neither is it proba
ble that their conduct can at all times, be exempt
from error."
Prison Statistics.?Tlio average number of con
victs in the Massachusetts State Prison, for 17 years
past, has been 282. The list year 278. The earnings
over all the expenses have this year increased to $13,
428. Before the year 1832, the average loss in five
years was $6,706.
In his philosophical experiments, Dr. Rothcrham
says, that in making puddings, every two table spoon
fuls of clear snow is equal to one egg, in rendering it
light.
CANADIAN GRIEVANCES.
ADDRESS of tkc "SONS OF LIBERTY," of
Montreal, to the Young Men, of the North Ameri
can Colonies.
Brothers?When urgent circumstances in the af
fairs of a country make it necessary for men to form
themselves into parties, or associations, a proper respect
for the opinions of society demands from them an ex
plicit declaration of the causes which havo induced
them to combine, and of the principles which they in
tend to advance, by the power of their organization.
We consider that next to the privilege of acting for
himself, man possesses, from the very foundation of so
ciety, that of uniting his energies with those of his fel
low-citizens for all purposes of mutual interest or de
fence ; and that therefore the right of association is as
sacted and inalienable as the right of personal liberty.
YVe hold that governments are instituted for the benefit,
and can only exist justly by the consent of the govern
ed, and whatever may be the artificial changes in human
affairs, that a government of choice is an inherent right
of the people. It cannot be alienated, and consequent
ly will always bo asserted and exercised. All govern
ments being instituted for the benefit of the people,
and not for the honor or profit of any individual, all pre
tensions of Divine or absolute authority to rule, claimed
by, or for, any man or set of men, are blasphemous and
absurd, alike monstrous when incolcatcd, and degrading
when admitted. The authority of ? parent state over a
colony can exist only during the pleasure of the colo
nists; for the country being established and settled by
them, belongs to them of right, and may be separated
from all foreign connection, whenever the inconveniencca
resulting from an executive power residing abroad, ceas
ing to harmonize with a local legislature, makes such a
step necessary to the inhabitants for the protection of
life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness.
The young men's, association of Montreal adopting
the title of " the Sons of Libertyis not intended to
be a private cabal, or secret junto, but an active demo
cratic body, comprising all young men in the city pa
triotically alive to the interests of their country, what
ever may be their creed, country, or the nation of their
ancestors.
The causes which demand, at the present juncture,
from all, but more especially from young men, coming
forward into active life, a heroic devotion to their coun
try's cause, arc njanifold and imposing.
At the cession of this province in 1763, with a view
to consolidate British jiowcr on the banks of the St.
I^wrence, certain rights of property, religion and go
vernment, were guarantied to the Canadians, and after
wards more fully confirmed in 1774, when the approach
ing noble revolt of the American statea rendered con
cessions to the new subjects of the empire extremely
politic. The brilliant auccesa of those slates, and tho
overwhelming movement of revolution in France, hav
ing made England tremble for the safety of her remain
ing American possessions, she passed, in 1791, the act
called tho "Constitutional Act," which divided Upper
and Lower Canada, and established a representative as
sembly in each. In 1812, conciliation was sgain ren
dered necessary, by the declaration of war with the
Uuilcd States. These times of danger have been the
seasons of seeming justicc to Canada, while the inter
vening and succeeding periods furnished but one long
history of repeated injuries, atrocities, usurpations and
wrongs. Thus we have aeen Butiah rulers, with a
cowardice, and a perfidy unworthy of the representatives
of a powerful nation, continuing to allure the people of
Canada, by deceptive promisee, in timee of pressing ne
cessity, and, when the emergency bad paaaed, resorting
to every unwarrantable expedient to defer, or avoid the
fulfilment of ibeir solemn engagements.
Alter seventy-seven years of British rnle, we be
hold our country miserable, compared with the pros
perous republics who wisely threw oil the yoke of
uionaichy. We fee) thai our population is equal
in capacity to theirs. We see emigrants from be
yond seas, of the same class, wretched tf (hey remain
here, happy if they join the great democratic family,
and we have daily evidence that our ill fortunes are
attributable to the desolating action of a colonial
government. A pretended protection has withered
our energies. It has preserved all that was bad in
our ancient institutions, or unfilled to the present
state of society, thwarted the free operation of all
that was good, and trammelled by restraints every
means of reform or amelioration.
Whilst every township throughout the immense
territory of our neighbors is happily governed by
its own democracy, which Is thereby trained from
its youth upwards, to political knowledge, self reli
ance and energetic action, we are cramped and con
trolled by a government in which the people have
no voice, whose influence lends to the corruption of
public virtue, the depression of enterprise, and the
annihilation of every generous impulse ur inspira
tion for the country s greatness.
Hosts of officers, appointed without consent of the
people, to whom they are too frequently obnoxious
and never responsible, and holding commissions
during the pleasure of an irresponsible Executive,
are placed in authority over us, with salaries enor
mously disproporlioncd both to our means and to
their services, whereby office is made a means of
family or personal aggrandizement, instead of being
suited to the resources and wants ol the people.
The trial by jury, which we have been taught to
look upon as the palladium of our liberties, is made
a vain illusion, or instrument of depotism, inasmuch
as sheriffs, creatures of the Executive, upon which
they depend daily for a continuance in an office to
which vast emoluments are attached, can select and
summon such jurors as they please, tind thereby be
come themselves the arbiters in state prosecutions
instituted against the people by their oppressors.
Immense funds, bestowed bv a provident govern
ment, or by generous individuals, or the late order
of the Jesuits, for purposes of education, have been
diverted from this commendable object.and made an
instrument of corruption for the reward of useless or
reprehensible officials, while the children of the.
Province, deprived of the funds provided for their
instruction, have grown up without the benefit of
school education, to be now taunted with the want
of learning.
Our public lands, defended during two wars by
the bravery of the inhabitants of the country, and
rendered valuable by the toil that has opened roads,
and extended settlements back to the wilderness,
have been sold or bestowed, in contempt of our re
monstrances, to a company of speculators living be
yond the seas, or partitioned out among official para
sites, who have, from motives of interest, combined
as a faction, to support a corrupt Government, in
imical to the rights and opposed to the wishes of the
people, whilst our fathers, our relations and our
brother colonists are refused, or unable to procure,
wild land on which to settle.
Law*, atfccting the tenure of lands, inapplicable to
the condition of the country, and injurious to their
operations, have been forced upon us by a foreign Parlia
ment, which in order to favor private and sinister inte
rests, has usurped a power of internal legislation that
appertains alone to the legislature of this Province.
Regulations for the trade of the country, adopted by
? foreign Parliament, are enforced without our consent.
We are thua confined to a certain market, and are de
prived of the power of extending our commerce to all
parta of the world when the markets of Britain ure un
favorable to our produce, whereby our commercial enter
prise ia crippled and paralysed.
The representation of the country has been made
a solem mockery. A corrupt Executive has con
stantly sought to render our bouse of assembly an
instrument to decide unalterably the slavery of its
constituents, and failing in this wicked design, has
rendered its action nugatory by frequent proroga
tions and dissolutions, and by refusing an assent to
laws useful to the people, and passed unanimously
by their representatives.
A legislative council, the numbers of which are
nominated by authorities ignorant of the country,
residing 3000 miles off, composed mostly of persons
who do not sympathize wilh the country, still exists
as an impotent screen lietween the goveror and the
governed;and nullifies all attempts at useful legisla
tion. An executive council nominated in the same
manner, whose influence has poisoned the mind of
each succeeding governor, remains unchanged, to
protect the cumulation of office and abases that are
connected wilh every public department.
A governor, alike ignorant wilh his predecessors,
and who has become, like each of them, an official
partizan, conducts the government for the benefit of
the few, either unmindful of, or determinedly op
posed to, the prosperity of the many.
Our grievances have been faithfully and repeat
edly urged upon the King and Parliament of the
united kingdom, by the resolutions of primary as
semblies, by our representatives in Parliament as
sembled, arid by the humble petitions of the whole
people. We have remonstrated, with all the power
of argument, and all the moral force of truth. No
remedies have been extended, and at last when the
tyranny of those intrusted with power in the province
has increased insufferably from continued impunity,
advantage is taken by an ungenerous European
State, of a general peace, to coerce us into a con
nivance or approval of our own debasement, by a
threat to seize upon our public revenues with a hand
of force, in defiance of natural right, and of every
principle of law, policy or justice.
The present degraded position of our country,
being the result of three quarters of a ccntury ol
warm devotion to British connexion, of a mistaken
reliance upon British honor, it would be slavish and
criminal to confine our resistance hereafter to sim
ple remonstrances. The wicked designs of British
authorities have severed all ties of sympathy for an
unfeeling mother country. A separation has com
menced between parties, which will never be ce
mented, but which will go on increasing, until one
of those sudden, unforeseen events, that attend the
march of time, affords us a fit opportunity of assum
ing our rank among the independent Sovereignties
of America. Two splendid opportunities have been
lost. L'jt us not be unprepared for the third.
A glorious destiny awaits the young men of
these colonies. Our fathers have passed a long
life of vexation, in daily struggle against every
degree of despotism. As they pass from the world,
they leave an inheritance improved by their patriot
ic sacrificcs. To us they commit the noble duty
of carrying onward their poud designs, which in
our day must disfranchise our beloved country from
all human authority except that of the bold demo
cracy residing within its bosom.
With such an invigorating prospect spreading
before usj with such a high responsibility resting
upon us, it becomes our imperative duty, laying
aside the gay frivolities of youth, to betake ourselves
to the serious consideration of our country's poli
tics, her wants and her resources: to increase her
wealth by encouraging her manufactures and her
produce; and to preserve her strength by discon
tinuing the consumption of articles brought from
beyond the sea?but, above all, to accustom ourselves
to constant sacrifices, and so to curtail our personal
expenses, by avoiding excess or superfluity, that we
may treasure means for supporting each other in the
struggle for life and liberty in which we must soon
er or later be engaged when the day of glory arrives |
that will see us emerge from a long dark bondage to
the splendor of light and freedom.
Wherefore, we, the officers and managing com
mittee of the "Sons op Liberty" in Montreal, in
our own names, and on behalf of those whom We
represent, pledge ourselves to our abused country,
and to each other, that we will devote all our en
ergies, and be prepared to act as circumstances may
demand, in order to procure for this Province a re
formed system of government based upon the elect
ive principle; a responsible execuiive; the control
by tne representative branch of the legislature, of
all public revenues, from whatever source derived ;
! the repeal of all laws and charters pas.?ed by foreign
authority encroaching upon the rights of the people
and their representatives, especially those relating
to the propriety and tenures of land, whether belong
ing to the public or to individuals; an improved sys
tem of selling public lands, whereby those wishing
to become actual settlers thereon may be able to do
s? at a small expense; the abolition of pluralities
and irresponsibility of office; and an equality before
tfie law, lor all classes, without distinction of origin. '
language, or religion; and depending on God, and 1
| strong in our right, we hereby invite the men of
j these Provinces to form associations in their seve
I ral localities, for the attainment of good, cheap, re
.sponsible government, and fur the aecurity, defence
and extension of our common liberties.
ANDRE OU1MKT, President.
J L. Biuldry ) yice presiden,g
Joseph Mabtei,, I
J. <3. Bealdmau, Treasurer.
a. H. E. Thburn, Rec. Bee.
G. Boocherville, Corresponding Sec
Fm. Tt'txocn, Assistant do. do.
J. 8. Neysmith, Thomas Barbe.
Toussaint Demers, F. Tavernier,
N. Lafreniere, Joseph Dufaut,
Casimlr Arcouet, Joseph Leduc,
Pierre Grenier, Paul Martin,
Louis Dumais, P. G. Damon r,
L. P. Boivin, Henry Lacaille,
Amable Simard, Pierre Larceneur,
J. B. Label, N. Barthiaume,
Joseph Gaudry, Joseph Lettore,
James Finey, Narcisse Valois,
Louis Lebeau, H. Carron,
A. Guavin, Louis Barre,
Andre Lacroir, Simon Crevier,
C. Perrault, Andre Lapierre,
C. de Lorimier, 8. B. BHen,
N. Larochelle, A. B. Papineau,
Andre Giguiere, R. Desrivieres.
Remi Courselles.
Montreal, Octobcr 4, 1837.
DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANY I NO THE MESSAGE.
REPORT
OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL.
Post Office Department,
ice Department, )
December 4, 1837. J
Sm:?On the 1st of July last the post routes of the
United States in operation were, as nearly as can be
ascertained, 141,242 miles in extent, and the annual
transportation of the mails upon them 32,597,000
miles, viz:
Oft horses and in sulkeys - 11,999,282
In stages and coaohes, - - 18,80-1,700
In steamboats and rail road cars, 1,793,024
The increase of routes in operation during the
preceding year was 22.978 miles, and of the annual
transportation 5,018,620.
From the 1st of January next, the post routes co
vered by contracts will be at least 142,H77 miles in
length, and the rate of annual transportation upon
them 36,228,962 miles.
The number of post offices in the United States on
Ihe 1st of July last, was 11,767, showing an increase
of 676 within the preceding year.
The number of post offices established within the
year was 956, the number discontinued 280, and the
changes of postmasters 2,235.
The nuniDer of post offices on the 1st instant was
12,099.
The postmasters generally perform their duties
with admirable fidelity and precision.
The number of contractors in the mail service
during the last year was 1682. Of these, 430 have
been fined more or less for various delinquencies,
and the aggregate fines imposed, and deductions
made, during the year, is 841,705 95.
Most of the contractors have always been energe
tic and faithful, and, among the rest, there has been,
within the last year, a very sensible improvement.
The revenue of the Department for the last year,
including an estimate for deficient re
turns was - - - $4,137,056 59
The expenditures, including an esti
mate of demands not adjusted,
was - - - - 3,380,847 75
Excess of revenue over expenditure 8756,208 84
The increase of the whole year was 201 per cent,
over the revenue of the preceding year, producing
8228,634 59 more than was estimated.
Detailed statements with estimates for the coming
year will be laid before Congress in obedience to
the act of 1836.
On the first instant the Department had bank
funds .... 8130,655 57
Specie in post offices reported subject
to draft - - - 410,662 81
Total funds on hand, - - 8811,318 38
In consequence of the failure of Congress to re
duce the pokages at the last annual session, arrange
ments have been made to improve the mail service
beyond the extent of the accruing revenue so as to
absorb the surplus. The career of improvement has
been arrested Dy apprehensions of a reduction of re
venue, growing out of the general commercial em
barrassment; but no reduction ol the service con
tracted for is at present contemplated.
The following improvements have been made in
the lime of transmitting intelligence within the last
two years, viz:
FROM NEW YORK.
1835. 1837.
To Washington, D. C. 1 day 8 hrs. 1 day 0 hrs.
Richmond, Va. 2 134 " 1 " 13? "
Raleigh, N. C. 3 224 " 2 " 7 "
Columbia, S. C. 6 3 " 3 " 5 "
Charleston, S. C. 6 19 " 3 " 16J "
MUlcdgeville, Ga. 7 15 " 3 " 214 "
Montgomery, Ala. 10 3 " 4 " 19 "
Mobile, Ala. 12 12 " 5 " 17 "
New Orleans, La. 13 19 " 6 " 19 "
Wheeling, Va. 3 11 " .2 8 "
Columbus, O. 4 16 " 2 " 224 "
Indianapolis, la. 7 14 " 3 " 194 "
Vandalia, III. 11 15 " 4 " 154"
St. Louis, Mo. 13 10 " 4 " 234 "
Cincinnati, O. 5 17 " 3 " 14 "
Louisville, Ky. 7 18 " 4 " 8 "
Nashville, Tenn. 9 20 " 5 " 6 "
Uuntsville, Ala. 11 32 " 5 " 204 "
FROM NEW ORLEANS.
To Montgomery, Ala. 3 ds. 21 hrs. 2 day:
Huntsvillc, Ala. 8 5 " 3 "
0 hrs.
2 "
Nashville, Tenn. 10 0 " 3 " 18 "
Louisville, Ky. 13 0 ?' 4 " 17 "
Cincinnati, O. 11 11 " 5 " 17 "
Columbus, O. 16 9 " 6 " 74 "
Pittsburg, Pa. 18 5 " 7 " 8 "
These are the results of the Express mails. The
ordinary mails haVe also been expedited.
FROM NEW YORK.
To Wheeling, Va. 3 ds. 11 hrs. 2 days 19 hrs.
Columbus, O. 4 16 " 3 " 5 "
Cincinnati, O. 5 17 " 4 " 6 "
Louisville, Ky. 7 8 " 5 " 4 "
Memphis, Tenn. 13 20 " 7 " 20 "
Natchez, Miss. 16 19 " 11 " 13 "
New Orleans, La.
by the Western
route - 17 18 " 13 " 4 "
Utica, N. Y. 1 10 " 0 " 23 "
Buffalo, N. Y. 2 20 " 2 " II
Burlingion, Vt. 2 2 " 1 " 19 "
Haverhill, N. H. 2 16 " 1 " 22 "
Concord, N. H. 1 22 " 1 " 14 "
Augusta, Me. 3 9 " 3 " 5 "
Of course, the whole intermediate, adjacent, and
more remote regions of the Union, are benefitted by
this increase of expedition.
The advancement of the Department in other res
pects is equally satisfactory.
In 1835. In 1837.
Post offices - 10,770 12,099
Miles of routes under
contract - 112,774 142,877
Miles of annual mail
transportation, 25,869,487 36,228,962
Revenue 82,993 576 84,137,056
In 1H35, the Department was laboring under an ex
traordinary debt of 8600,000: in 1837 it has a surplus
of8800,000.
Efforts have been made to organize a great mail
line from New York, through Philadelphia, Balti-1
more, Wheeling, Columbus and Cincinnati, by land
and down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, bv Louis
ville, Memphis, Helena, Vicksburgh, Natchez, Ac
to New Orleans. Between Cincinnatti and Louis-1
ville a steamboat mail now runs daily; from Louis
ville to New Orleans it now runs thrice a week under
rcCcnt contract, and will run daily after the first
year; from Baltimore to Cincinnati the tnail has
been greatly expedited; and nothing is wanting to
complete the plan but a contract with the railroad
companies between Philadelphia and Baltimore, of
which there is a fair prospect. It is anticipated, thai
when this line shall De in full operation, it will be
expedient to discontinue the Express mails between
Philadelphia and Cincinnati, at least, as little can be
gained by them: and the great mail will go from
New York to New Orleans by this route in about
eleven days.
It is hoped the bill relative to the transportation of I
the mail upon railroads, which passed the Senate at
the last annual session, may become a law. It is
liberal to the railroad companies, and would proba
bly remove all obuacles to making contracts with
them.
For some time to come the mail transportation will
be nearly stationary. The post offices will greatly
increase. The revenue will rapidly advance a*
soon as the general embarrassments are at as end.
That of the last quarter *i? at least nine per cent,
over the corresponding quarter of last year; but the
same relative proportions are not to be expected i?
the coming quarter*.
The number of dead letter* returned to the De
partment for the last two quarters has been ascer
tained as accurately as practicable. For the quarter
ending 30th June last they were over 282,000, and for
the quarter ending 30th September last over 226,000.
The average may be put oown at 900,000annually.
At 184 cents each, their estimate average postage,
the loss to the Department oa these letters is? 112,500
a year.
Estimating the letters delivered out at the same
average rate, it will appear that the whole number
of letters delivered lrom the post offices of the United
States during the last year was 29,360,992. For free
letters and dead leuers may be added at least 3.000,
000 more. The number of newspapers, pamphlets,
Sic. paying postage, conveyed bymail annually, ia
estimated at about 25,000,000. The dead and free
newspapers may be about 4,000,000.
The convenience of the public business, and
the security of the books and papers, require
that a fire-proof building be provided for this De
partment.
It is necessary that the clerks provided for in the
appropriations of the last annual tession be made
permanent.
The great increase of the number of post offices,
and in the magnitude of accounts from the old offices,
together with the multiplication of contractors, ren
der it absolutely necessary to augment the force of
the Auditor's office.
I take great pleasure in saying, that more faithful,
devoted and efficient public officers than my three as
sistants cannot be found, and that the clerks general
ly partake of their spirit.
Some idea may be formed of. the amount of busi
ness done in this Department from the fact, that the
communications of all sorts received in the different
offices, excluding the Auditor's office, amount to a
daily average of about 800 for the working days,
equal to 209,180 a year ; the communications sent to
about 470 daily, equal to 147,110 a year; and the
cases actually decided by the Postmaster General to
48 daily, equal to 15,024 a year.
The magnitude of the work done by the Auditor
and his clerks may be estimated from the lact, that
they examine and adjust the four quarterly accounts
of each postmaster, making near 48,000 accounts a
year, anil the accounts of each contractor quarterly
or oftener, making about 7,000 a year ; keeping the
mass of b^oks required in this service ; closing each
year the accounts of about 2,000 ex-postmasters; and
carrying on the heavy correspondence growing out
of these extensive duties.
Herewith is an interesting statement of the First
Assistant, relative to mail trans|>ortation.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
AMOS KENDALL.
To the President or the United States.
Post Office Department,
October 13,1837.
Sir : In compliance with a resolution of the House
of Representatives,^adopted on the 1st instant, and
received by me on the 5th, 1 have the honor to sub
mit the following report:
1st. The resolution asks for " the balances now on
hand, so far as ascertained, lo the credit of the De
partment."
The Department has in bank, exclusive of outstand
ing warrants, .... $444,629 41
In the hands of postmasters, reported 334,580 39
$779,209 80
2. " An estimate of the receipts and disbursements
during the residue of the current year."
The nett receipts of post offices for the quarter end
ing 31st December next, are esti
mated at $760,000 00
The expenditures for the same quar- ^
ter are estimated at 170,000 00
3d. "The aggregate amount received and dis
bursed by the Department since the 1st of May last,
distinguishing the amount in specie from that in
other funds."
The amount deposited in bank since
the 1st day oi May last, is - *- $124,3*0 62
The amount reported as received by
draft offices ... - 544,812 87
The amount received by contractors
from collection offices during the
auarter ending 30th September
last, was - 237,970 38
The amount received in the same
manner during the months of May
and June, being a fraction of a
quarter, cannot be ascertained with
out taking more time than the pre
sent session of Congress will allow,
but it is estimated at 50,000 00
Total receipts, - - $1,057,153 87
The disbursements have been:
By warrants on banks - 8452,524 35
By drafts on postmasters - _ - 178,832 89
By collections from postmasters with
out drafts, in part estimated - 387,9/0 38
Total disbursements - $1,019,327 62
It is not possible to distinguish the amount re
ceived and disbursed in specie from that in other
funds. Of the depositee in bank, it is presumed that
the greater part was in bank notes, having been
made before the suspension of specie payments.?
The Department has no report of the funds in which
warrants on brinks have been paid. It is understood
that five banks have continued to pay its warrants
in specie since the suspension, and-have so paid
$28279 62. There has also been paid by the Bank
of the Metropolis the sum of $35,426 71 in specic,
which was specially deposited. ,
It is probable that most of the balance, as well since
as before the suspension, has been paid in bank
notes. If so, they have been received by the credi
tors of the Department of their own choice ; for all
warrants on banks returned with proof of refusal to
pay in the legal currency of the United Slates, have
been promply paid in gold and silver. No drafts on
postmasters, drawn lor the purpose of paying ba
lances due contractors, have been returned for refu
sal to pav in gold and silver, and it is not doubled
that nearly the whole amount has been paid in that
currency. In that currency, also, the collections by
contractors have generally been made. That there
are many exceptions in the ten thousand post offices
from which the contractors collect, is very probable;
but only nine postmasters have been reported to the
Department for rcfusingto pay in gold or silver, and
their aggregate quarterly balances do not exceed
<$1 525 Eight other cases are reported, involving
about $1,(500, in which b ink notes had been received
by district attorneys and others for old debts due the
Department. In some of these cases, the notes or
certificates of deposite have been returned, mothers
retained, because there was a bad prospect of getting
aDf.l!'The regulations touching the funds to be re
ceived and disbursed, if any, other than those al
ready communicated."
No regulations not already communicated have
Pf>n ''The instances in which those regulations
have been disobeyed or dispensed with."
In no instance have the regulations relative to re
ceipts and disbursements in the le^al currency of the
United Statesb?cn "dispensedwith."
There is no law or regulation expressly requiring
postmasters to collect postages in specie or ?<\equi
valent. Gold and silver constitute by law the cur
rency of the United 8tates, and the standing regula
tions inform postmasters that they will be!
ble for that currency or its equivalent, and that n
credit will be given them for f Prec'"t;?n 0^ b'")k
no'cs or fur counterfeits. Before the lAte iuspen
sion of specie payments, the postmasters took bank
n?es on their own risk, being required to account
for the legal currency, ^heten thousand col ect'?n
offices remain on the same 1!Jla?g,7 ,0 S
bi'nta. Totnmre Br?t*r cerl.lnly in moling lh?
drifts of the Department, they were required to rt
tolttlhe amount due in sprcie. The former regula
tions in reference to collections were not changed.
The cases " here postmasters have been reported"for
refusal to pay specie on demand, are rather viola
tions of law than of the regulations of the Depart
mfint"n^rratcsUtcmit.s of theaggre^teamount,
left in thehands of collecting officers, paid into the
Treasury, and deposited n bank, the mlnt and iU
branches, or other depositories, since the date first
mTheamo'int left in the hands of postmasters since
the first of May, most of which would havebcrnde
posited in banks under the former system, is $M4,
'^The amount deposited in bank, as exhibited abo\ e,
'* No^deposites have been made by
in the mint or its branches, or in
nor has any thing been paid into,b*? Y0{ this
In further explanation of the operations