Harpers-Ferry free press. [volume], November 05, 1823, Image 3

About Harpers-Ferry free press. [volume] (Harper's Ferry, Va. [i.e. Harpers Ferry, W. Va.]) 1821-1824

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5, 1823.
POTOMAC CANAL.
It may be thought by some, judging
fiom tlie number oi delegates appointed
in this county, that the people are over
zealous on the subject. To those it may
be answered, too much zeal cannot be dis
played in a good cause. The reasons for
three distinct meetings in this county need
not here be stated. The people of this
place feei a sufficient justification in the
measure,arising from their pec uliar situa
tion. It is well known to ait who have re
flected on the subject, that this will be
come one of the largest depositories of
produce on the route westward of tide
water. The quantity conveyed down the
Shenandoah, (which, even under its pre
sent imperfect state of navigation, is tra
versed more than 100 miles,) would, alone,
render this spot important as a place of
deposite,without calculating' the immense
amount which would be concentrated here
from other sources.
It was thought advisable, too, to dele
gate some one connected with the pub
lic business here. By a fair estimate, it
is calculated that the national govern
ment would save annually, at this Armory,
the sum of 8,000 dollars, by the comple
tion of the canal. This is by no means an
unimportant item. It would be realised
in the purchase ot iron, coal, lumber,
plank, Sec. and in the transportion of arms.
It is not now our purpose to enlarge up
on the subject. It will undergo an exami
nation in the proper place, which cannot
lail to exhibit its importance in a manner
too clear to leave the least ground for
doubt or delay.
POTOMAC CANAL MEETING.
A meeting of a number of the citizens
of Harpers-Ferry and its vicinity, was
held on the 3d day of November, 1823,
for the purpose of deliberating on the
subject of the contemplated Potomac Ca
nal : Capt. John H. Hall was called to
the chair, and John S. Gallaher appoint
ed secretary.
The object of the meeting having been
stated, the following preamble and'reso
lutions were proposed and adopted :
The citizens of Harpers-Ferry, and its
immediate vicinity, from the deep inter
est which their local situation gives them,
(pd a feeling of national pride in what
ever is likely to benefit the Union, have
viewed with unaffected pleasure the mea
sures taken, in regard to the Potomac
Canal; and believing it to be the most
important project ever presented to their
consideration, whether viewed in its na
tional or local effects, have determined to
raise their united voice in its behalf—
Therefore
Resolved, That they will send dele
gates to the general meeting at Wash
ington City, for the purpose of represent
ing their interests, and of pledging their
earnest and hearty co-operation in what
ever means may be adopted to consum
mate an object of such transcendant im
portance.
Resolved, That James Stubblefield,
John Strider, Fontaine Beckham, Francis
Moore, John H. Hall, Henry Strider, and
John S. Gallaher, be delegated to repre
sent this meeting in the General Conven
tion of Delegates at Washington City, to
be held on the 6th of the present month.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this
meeting be signed by the Chairman and
Secretary, and published in the Harpers
Ferry Free Press and in the National In
telligencer.
JOHN H. HALL, Chairman.
John S. Gallaher, Secretary.
At a meeting held in Hampshire coun
ty, on the 21st ult. the following gentle
men were appointed delegates to the ge
neral meeting in Washington, to he held
on the 6th inst. on the subject of the Po
tomac Canal, viz :
William Donaldson, Wm. Armstrong,
Warner Throckmorton, Robt. Sherrard,
Sam’l Kercheval, jr. and William Naylor,
Esquires.
In Morgan county a meeting was held
on the same subject, and the following
gentlemen chosen, viz :
Joseph H. Sherrard, James H. Mackey,
Gassaway Cross, Stephen Ogden, Crom
well Orrick, and John Sherrard, Esqrs.
Albert Gallatin and James Shriver,
Esquires, have been appointed Delegates,
from Fayette county, Pa. They will be
found very valuable members; the for
mer having, some years ago, made a most
interesting and luminous report on the
subject, and the latter having lately ex
amined the western part of the route, for
the purpose of publishing a map, which,
perhaps, is already completed.
A meeting was to have been held at the
Court House, in Jefferson county, in the
State of Ohio, on the 20th ult. for the
purpose of appointing Delegates, or tak
ing such other measures as may be deem
ed most advisable for the furtherance of
this great and important national im
provement.—\_jVat. Int.
liestern Canal.—At the meeting held
at the lontine Coffee House, on the 6th
of Oct. Mr. Colden, in the course of his
speech mentioned, that 360 miles of the
canal were opened and rendered naviga
ble, though it was but six years on the
4th of last July since the first sod was re
moved at its commencement, so that one
mile has been finished per week, at an
.average calculation, including all the la
bour and expense of digging, boring,
raising culverts, bridges, locks and dams,
i his, he remarked, was an example of
despatch unprecedented in the history of
canals, and does great honor to the fore
sight and policy, as well as to the perse
verance and the resources of the state of
New York.
Mr. Golden related the following; occur
rence which is highly illustrative of the
wonderful expedition and success with
which this gigantic work has been carried
on. About a year after the canal was
commenced, he was travelling along a
part of it which had then been made, and
as the boat stopped a few moments on the
way, he stepped on shore. Passing near
the house of an honest old Dutch settler,
who was sedately smoking his pipe at the
door, he inquired of him how he liked
the canal. 1 he answer was of a dubious
character, and on being urged, he con
fessed that he was not altogether gratified
at the success of the commissioners. He
could not deny that it furnished a conve
nient mode of transportation, and enhanc
ed the value of his land; yet there was
something melancholy to him in the sight;
for when the surveys were making only a
few months before, he was an inveterate
unbeliever in the accomplishment of the
proposed design, and had expressed his
willingness to die as soon as he should
see vessels sailing through his wood lot.
[jJV*. F. Daily Advertiser.
JVew Jersey Canal.—-Mr Clinton and
General Bernard returned to this city on
Wednesday evening from a tour through
New Jersey, lor the purpose of survey
ing the route of the contemplated canal
from the Delaware to the waters of the
Hudson, through the counties of Essex,
Morris, and Sussex. We understand
that they traversed the whole line to its
termination at Easton, Pennsylvania, and
are fully satisfied of the practicability
and advantages of such a navigable com
munication. It is estimated that the
whole expense of the canal would amount
to §800,000, and that the annual amount
of tolls, when the work is completed,
would not be less than §150,000. This
high estimate of the amount of tolls is
justified by the consideration that the
canal will not only pass through a weal
thy, agricultural, and manufacturing dis
trict; but also through a section of the
state abounding in rich mines of vari
ous descriptions. Immense quantities
of the Lehigh coal would also come to
this city through the same channel. The
profits would therefore be immense, and
greatly to the wealth and population of
New Jersey. It is said the resources of
that state are fully adequate to the un
dertaking, if the government and the
people will but enlist in the enterprise
with becoming spirit, which it is sup
posed will be the case. Interesting re
ports may shortly be expected from the
distinguished gentlemen who have been
engaged in this tour of observation. We
understand they express themselves high
ly gratified with the facilities afforded
them in the execution of their duties, and
with the characteristic hospitality and
attention evinced by the citizens of New
| Jersey.—[W. Y: Statesman.
Information from Barboursville, of the
date of the 27th inst. states that Mr.
Crawford is improving rapidly in health,
and, it was expected, would set out for
Washington on that day week.—\_jYat.In.
—««■ cccvoce «*»—
CHARLESTON, OCT. 18.
The last case on the criminal docket,
was one of intense and melancholy inter
est. It was an indictment against two
boys (neither of them nine years old) for
murder. When they were placed in the
dock, and about to be arraigned, his hon
or Judge Bay, then presiding, expressed
some doubt whether children of such ten
der years, could be what in law is called
doli cafiax : that is, whether they had suf
ficient discretion, or maturity of intellect,
to know the consequence of such an act of
criminality, and at the same time, an evil
and malicious disposition to perpetrate
it. His honor remarked, that he had ne
ver known a trial of prosecution, where
the parties were under nine years of age ;
and so much was he impressed with the
novelty and importance of this case, that
he ordered it to be adjourned over, until
he could see and consult with his brother
Judges;
arrival or com. porter.
WASHINGTON CITY, OCT. 25.
The Sea Gull, Cora. Porter, came up
to the Navy Yard this morning, in com
pany with the steam boat Washington.
We are happy to hear that the gallant
Commodore is as well as could be expect
ed after so severe an attack, and that his
brave officers and crew are all in health.
Our readers are already apprized of
the arrival of Commodore Porter at
home, and that he took us unawares. The
same thing happened at Alexandria,
which place the Sea-Gull passed about
sun-rise on Saturday morning. The good
people had been on the look out, from
their vvharves, for a week before, to wel
come the return of the Commodore, but
missed the opportunity at last.
When the Sea-Gull arrived at Norfolk
on Friday afternoon, from Beaufort N. C.
the shrouds of the John Adams Frigate
and Peacock Sloop of War were manned
as she passed, and “ three hearty cheers
proclaimed the gratification of the offi
cers and men at the safe arrival of the
gallant Commodore.” The citizens from
t>. wharves'also loudly cheered the ar
rival of the anxiously expected vessel,
which was promptly returned from the
Sea-Gull; and it is mentioned as worthy
of remark, that by none was the arrival
more cordially greeted, than by the Bri
tish Brig Commerce, lying at Town Point.
All the principal officers of the station,
and of the vessels lying there, waited on
the Commodore in the barges, and offer
ed their congratulations on his safe re
turn. He declined going to shore, because
of his desire to proceed immediately to
Washington, and thus escaped the honors
which the civil and military authorities
of the place wished to pay him.—\_JVat.In.
WASHINGTON, OCT. 30.
We understand that Commodore Por
ter has ordered his broad pendant to be
hoisted on board the John Adams, and
that the vessels of war now in the United
States, and composing part of his squad
ron, will sail about the 1st of December
next—by which time every cause of dis
ease will, no doubt, have disappeared.
We take occasion, to observe, from
the best authority, that, with the excep
tion of the cases of fever at Thompson’s
Island, the vessels of the squadron have,
during,the whole term of their service
on the late expedition, been remarkably
healthy—the utmost attention having
been paid to keep them in a state of per
fect cleanliness.-^— \_Nat. Int.
Fxaviples worthy of imitation.—-We
End that several of our naval heroes, very
much to their credit, have lately declined
accepting invitations to public dinners;
and we are also pleased to observe, that
one of our most distinguished individu
als, now in the private walks of society,
has thought proper to lend his influence
in checking a practice, which, in the esti
mation of all thinking men, is productive
of more evil than good.—[JV. Y. Gaz.
PHILADELPHIA, OCT. 17.
We are happy to state, that Maj. Ste
phen II. Long, of the United States army,
this morning returned, in good health, by
the way of the Lakes, from his expedition
up the St. Peter. He has been absent
six or seven months. The major is ac
companied home by Professor Keating.
The other gentlemen Professor Say, Mr.
J. E. Calhoun, and Mr. Seymour, remain
ed for a few days at New York. They
have travelled since the 30th of April
last, 4,600 miles; and on their return
they navigated the whole length of Lake
Superior, in an open boat, amidst a suc
cesssion of severe gales and storms.
PENSACOLA, OCT. 4.
We are informed that Capt. Burch, of
the Quarter-Master’s Department, has re
ceived instructions from the War Depart
ment, to survey and mark the route of a
road from this city to St. Augustine, and
another to Fort Bainbridge, in Georgia,
and that he will enter on this duty iu the
course of a few weeks.—\Floridian.
NAVAL.
The U. S. squadron consisting of the
Constitution com. Jones, and Ontario,
captain Chauncey, sailed from Gibraltar
on the 8th, and Nonsuch on the 14th, for
Mahon. The American Minister to
Spain, remained on board the squadron.
It is said he had made several ineffectual
attempts to reach Cadiz ; and he had now
sailed with the intention of passing a few
weeks at Mahon.—\_Morn. Chron.
FOR RENT,
A HOUSE & LOT in Charlestown, be
longing to the heirs of Edw’d M’Cor
mick, dec’d, situate on the road to Smith
field, and not far from Worthington’s
mills, formerly in the occupancy of Benja
min Pendleton, now partly occupied by
Joel Downer. The house is large and
convenient. Persons wishing to rent will
do well to enquire of the subscriber at
Harpers-Ferry, as possession can be had
immediately.
EMANUEL ENGLES.
Nov. 5, 1823.
married,
On Wednesday evening the 29th ult.
by the Rev. Mr. Matthews, Doct. Joshua
Morton, of Wheeling, to Miss Mary
Brent Breedin, daughter of the late Ro
bert H. Breedin, Esq. of this place.
_ <*>
'E are ~justar ra n g i n g, in ra room
contiguous toour^store, a most
splendid assortment of
Crockery and Glass-Ware^
Viz: Lustred China Tea Sets, of all
patterns, and containing 30 pieces, at g5
50 cents,
Second quality do. containing 30 pieces,
at §3 75 to 4 25,
Gilt-edged blue Coffee and Tea Cups
and Saucers,
Blue India China Coffee Cups aud Sau
cers,
50 dozen enamelled Cups and Saucers,
of beautiful patterns, at 25 ceuts per set,
Tea-Pot, Sugar and Cream, of Wedge
wood China, (1 each) at 62§ cts. per set,
Blue print Coffee-Pots, Pitchers,Bowls,
Tureens, Vegetable Dishes, Plates, Wash
Baisins, &c„ &c.
Glass Decanters, Celleries, Deserts,
Pitchers, Salts, Cut and Plain Tumblers
and Wine Glasses,
Also, as a sample, one superb Liquor
Case. D. A. WEED & Co.
Nov. 5, 1823.
COTTON YARNS.
4 COMPLETE assortment of COT
/» TON YARN from No. 5 to No. 12,
Just received.
Also—Medford &. Butter Crackers, to
gether with Cheese of fine flavour, choice
Spirits, Brandy, Whiskey, Port and Lis
bon Wine, Cut Nails, Coffee, Tea, Sugar,
&c. &C.
For sale at the NEW CASH STORE*
by S. K. WHITE.
Harpers-Ferry, Nov. 5.
~FO R SALE OR RENT,
4 N excellent LOT OF GROUND,
./% containing 4% acres, belonging to
the heirs of Edward McCormick, dec’d,
lying near the Academy in Charlestown,
and situated on the road leading to the
Shannondale Springs. Persons wishing
to rent or purchase, will call on the sub
scriber at Harpers-Ferry, and tha terms
will be made known.
EMANUEL ENGLES.
Nov. 5, 1823.
LOTTERIES.
ELEVENTH report of the drawing of
the Grand State Lottery of Mary
land.
Nos. 1815, 11,920, 12,377, prizes ©f glOO
13,624, 16030, 18,461 50
194 prizes of 12
By the above it will be perceived that
the great prizes in the State Lottery all
still continue undrawn, consequently the
chance for them highly improved. As
the lottery will rapidly draw to a close,
adventurers would do well to provide
themselves with chances before too late.
Tickets, warranted undrawn, yet re
main at the low rate of SI5, shares in
proportion, but must soon be greatly en
hanced in price.
After the next drawing, which takes
place on Thursday, another capital prize
of S 10>000 will be deposited in the wheel.
Eighth drawing of the Monument Lottery.
No. 10660 a prize of , S100
316,1141,4829, 9180,10886 50
With 7 of S20, and 187 of 10.
Holders of tickets should call and have
them examined, and if small prizes, re
newed.
THIS large amount of money all yet
remains to be distributed from the wheels
of the GRAND STATE LOTTERY in
various prizes, such as
One Hundred Thousand Dollars,
20.000 DOLLARS,
10.000 DOLLARS,
10,000 DOLLARS,
5,000 DOLLARS,
5,000 DOLLARS,
besides many lOQOSj
and that in only rune drawings more.
THE INVESTMENT, at this time,
of only $15, may produce $100,000
of only 7 50, may produce 50,000
of only 3 75, may produce 25,000
of only 1 87, may produce 12,500
All have now an opportunity of making
their fortunes—The drawing continues
next Thursday. The hitherto unsuccess
ful, and all who desire to share in the
wealth now offered, are earnestly recom
mended to bear in mind
PROPITIOUS OFFICE,
J¥o. 32, Market-st. near the Marsh Market-.
And here obtain the lucky tickets.
iCT^Adventurers in the country can
furnish themselves with chances the same
as if they wrere in town, by enclosing the
necessary amounts, and addressing their
orders to W. C. CO NINE,
Baltimore.
Who will acquaint those who desire it
of the success of their tickets at any time
requested : and as a general rule, inform
all of the fate of their tickets at the com
pletion of the drawing. Oct. 31.