t
JEFFERSONXAN REPUBLICAN.
your separation. These were promptly con
sidered; such as were deemed correct in prin
ciple, and consistent with a due regard to the
ji st rights of the U. States and of the State of
Maine, concurred in and the reasons for dis
icnting from the residue, with an additional
suggestion on our part, communicated by the
Secretary of State to Mr. Fox. That minister,
not feeling himself sufficiently introduced upon
sonic of the points raised in the discussion, felt
it to be his duty to refer the matter to his own
Government for its further decision. Having
now been for some time under its advisement,
a speedy answer may be confidently expected.
From the character of the points still in differ
ence, and the undoubted disposition of both
parties to bring the matter to an early conclu
sion, I look with entire confidence to a prompt
and satisfactory termination of the negotiation.
Three commissioners were appointed shortly
after the adjournment of Congress, under the
act of the last session providing for the explor
ation and survey of the line which separates
the States of Maine and New Hampshire from
the British Provinces they have been actively
employed until their progress was interrupted
by the inclemency of the season, and will re
sume their labors as soon as practicable in the
ensuing year.
It is understood that their respective exam
inations will throw new light upon the subject
in controversy, and serve to remove any erro
neous impressions which may have been made
elsewhere prejudicial to the rights of the Uni
ted States. It was, among other reasons, with
a view of preventingthe embarrassments which,
in our peculiar system of government, impede
and complicate negotiations involving the terri
torial rights of a State, that I thought it my du
ty, as you have been informed on a previous
occasion, to propose to the British Government,
through its minister at Washington, that early
steps should be taken to adjust the points of
difference on the lino of boundary from the en
trance of Lake Superior to the most northwes
tern point of the Lake of the Woods, by the
arbitration of a friendly Power, in conformity
with the seventh article of the treaty of Ghent.
No answer has yet been returned by the Bri
tish Government to this proposition.
With Austria, France, Prussia, Russia, and
the remaining Powers of Europe, 1 am happy
to inform you that our relations continue to be
of the most friendly character. With Belgium,
a treaty of commerce and navigation, based
upon liberal principles of reciprocity and equal
ity, was concluded in March last, andr having
been ratified by the Belgian Government will
be duly laid befure the Senate. It is a subject
of congratulation that it provides for the satis
factory adjustment of a long standing question
of controversy; thus removing the only obsta
cle which could obstruct the friendly and mu
tually advantageous intercourse between the
two nations. A messenger has been despatched
with the Hanoverian treaty to Berlin, where,
according to stipulation, the ratifications are to
he exchanged. I am happy to announce to
you that, after many delays and difficulties, a
treaty of commerce and navigation between
the United States and Portugal, was concluded
and signed at Lisbon, on the 26th of August
last, by the plenipotentiaries of the two Gov
ernments. Its stipulations are founded upon
those principles of mutual liberality and advan
tage which the United States have always
sought to make the basis ol their intercourse
with foreign Powers and it is hoped they will
lend to foster and strengthen the commercial
intercourse of the two countries.
Under the appropriation- of the last session
of Congress, an agent has been sent to Germa
ny, for the purpose of promoting the interests
of our tobacco trade.
The commissioners appointed under the con
vention for the adjustment of claims of citizens
of the United States upon Mexico having met
and organized at Washington, in August last,
the papers in the possession of the Government,
relating to those claims, were communicated to
the board. The claims not embraced by that
convention are now the subject of negotiation
between the two Governments, through the
medium of our minister at Mexico.
Nothing lias occurred to disturb the harmo
ny of our relations with different Governments
of S. America. I regret, however to be obliged
to inform yos that the claims of our citizens
upon the late Republic of Columbia have not
vet been satisfied by the separate Governments
into which it has been resoh'ed.
The charge dT affaires of Brazil having ex
pressed the intention- ol Ins Government notto
prolong the treaty of 1828, it will cease" to be
obligatory upon either party on the 12th day
of December, 1841, when the extensive com
mercial intercourse between the United States
and lhal vast empire will no longer be reguh-
led by express stipulations-
lt affords me pleasure to coinnranicate to you
that the Government of Chili hss entered into
an agreement to indemnify fhc claimants in- the
"case of the Macedonian, for American property
seized m 1819; and Jo add. that information
has also been received which justifies the hope
of an early adjustment of the remaining claims
i.jion that Government.
I he commissioners appointed in pursuance
of the convention between the United States
and Texas for making the boundary between
them, have, according to the last report re
ceived from our commissioner, surveyed and
A established the whole extent of the boundary
north along the western bai.k of the Sabine
river, from its entrance into the Gulf of Mexico
to the thirty-second degree of north latitude
The commission adjourned on the sixteenth o
lune last to reassemble on the 1st of Novem
ber for the purpose of establishing accurately
the mtersoction ol the imriy-seconu degree o
lnnitulrt with the western bank of the Sabine
?ih1 the meridian line thence to Red river. 1
is presumed that the work will be concluded in
the present season. -
"
A report from the Secretary of War, pre
senting a detailed view of the affairs of lhal de
partment, accompanies this communication.
The desultory duties connected with the re
moval of the Indians, in which the army has
been constantly engaged on the northern and
western frontiers, and in Florida, have render
ed it impracticable to carry into full effect the
plan recommended by the Secretary for im
proving its discipline. In every instance where
the regiments have been concentrated, they
have made great progress and the best results
may be anticipated from a continuance of this
system. During the last season, a part of the
troops have been employed in removing Indians
from the interior to the territory assigned them
in the West a duty which they have per
formed efficiently and with praiseworthy hu
manity; and that portion of them which has
been stationed in Florida continued active
operations throughout the heat of summer.
The policy of the' United Slates in regard to
the Indians, of which a sufficient account is
given in my message of 1838, and of the wis
dom and expediency of which I am fully sat
isfied, has been continued in active operation
throughout the whole period of my administra
tion. Since the spring of 1837 more than for
ty thousand Indians have been removed to their
new homes west of the Mississippi and I am
happy to add that all accounts concur in rep
resenting the result of this measure as emi
nently beneficial to that people.
The emigration of tho Seminoles alone has
been attended with serious difficulty, and oc
casioned bloodshed ; hostilities having been
commenced by the Indians in Florida,- under
the apprehension that they would be compel
led, by force, to comply with their treaty stipu
lations. The execution of the treaty of Payne's
Landiug, signed in 1832, but not ratified until
1834, was postponed, at the solicitation of the
Indians, until 1836, when they again renewed
their agreement to remove peaceably to their
new homes in the West. In the face of this
solemn and renewed compact, they broke their
faith, and commenced hostiliiies by the massa
cre of Major Dade's command, the murder of
their agent, General Thompson, and other acts
of cruel treachery. When this alarming
and unexpected intelligence reached the seat
of Government, every effort appears to have
been made to reinforce General Clinch, who
commanded the troops then in Florida. Gen.
Eustrs was despatched with reinforcements
from Charleston; troops were called out from
Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia; and Gen.
Scott was sent to take the command, with am
ple powers and ample means. At the first
alarm, Gen. Gaines organized a force at New
Orleans, and without wailing for orders, land
ed in Florida; where he delivered over the
troops he had brought with him to General
Scott.
Gen. Call was subsequently appointed to
conduct a summer campaign, and at the close
of it, was replaced by Gen. Jesup. These
events and changes took place under the ad-
ministration of my predecessor. Notwithstand-
nir tne exertions oi tne experienced omcers
who had command there for eighteen months,
on entering upon the administration of the Gov-
eminent I found the Territory of Florida a prey
to Indian atrocities. A strenuous eflort was
immediately made to bring these hostilities to
a close; and the army under Gen. Jesup, was
reinforced until ii amounted to ten thousand
men, and turnisheu with- abundant supplies ol
every description, in mis campaign a great
number of the enemy were captured and de-
stroyed; but the character of the contest only
was changed. The Indians, having been de-
eated in every engagement, dispersed in small
bands throughout the country, and became an
enterprising, formidable and ruthless banditti.
Gen. PaylcT, who succeeded Gen. Jesup, used
his best exertions to subdue them, and was se-
conded in his efforts by the officers under his
command; he too lailed to protect the 1 ernto-
ry from their depredations. By act of signal
and cruel treachery, they broke the truce made
with ihem by Gen. Macomb, who was sent
rom Washington for the purpose of carrying
into ellcct the expressed wishes of Comrress.
anu nave continued ineir devastations ever
i , .
since, uen. Armistead, who was in rlonda
when Gen. Taylor left the Army, by permis
sion assumed the command, and. alter active
summer operations, was met by propositions
"or peace; and from the fortunate coincidence
oi me arrival in norma, at me same period, ot
a delegation from the Seminoles who arc hap-
pny K3uicu west oi me Mississippi, and are
now anxious to persuade their countrymen to
join thein there, hopes were for some time en-
lenaincd uiat t tie Indians might be induced to
leave the territory without further difficulty,
l hese hopes have proved fallacious, and hos-
tiliues have been renewed throughout the whole
oi me territory, i hat this contest has emtur-
ed so long, is to bo attributed to-causes beyond
the control of the Government. Exnerienced
generdis nave nau live command ot the troops;
1 1 11.1 , .
officers and soldiers have aHke distinprmshed
.1 i r... . .
memseives lor meir activity, patience, and en-
during courage; me army has been constantly
furnished with supplies of every description;
anu we musi iook lor iae causes which hare so
long procrastimated the issue of the contest, in yhatever portion of this trafic may have been
the vast extent of the theeatre of hostilities, the carried on under the American flag, and lo-pro-almost
insurmountable obstacles presented by vent its use in a trade which, while it violates
the nature of the country, the climate, and the
way character oi me savages.
The scites for marine hospitals on the rivers
and lakes, which I was authorized to select
and caused to be purchased, have all been des-
1
ignated; but, the appropriation not proving suf-
fkuent, conditional arrangements only have been
made for their acquisition. It is for Congress
to decide whether thoe conditional purchase-
shall be sanctioned, and the humane intentions
of the law carried into full effect.
The Navy, as will appear from the accom
panying report of the Secretary, has been use
fully and honorably employed in the protection
of our commerce and citizens in the Mediter
ranean, the Pacific, on the coast. of Brazil, and
in the Gulf of Mexico. A small squadron,
consisting of the frigate Constellation and the
sloop-of-war Boston, under Commodore Kear
ney, is now on its way to the China and Indian
seas, for the purpose of attending to our inter
ests in that quarter; and Commander Aulick, in
the sloop-of-war Yorktown, has been instructed
to visit the Sandwich and Society lslandsj the
coasts of New Zealand and Japan, together
with other ports and islands frequented by our
whale ships, for the purpose of giving them
countenance and protection, should they be re
quired. Other smaller vessels have beenr and
still are, employed in prosecuting the surveys
of the coast of the United States, directed by
various acts of Congress; and those which have
been completed will shortly be laid before you.
The exploring expedition, at tho latest date,
was preparing to leave the Bay of Islands, New
Zealand, in further prosecution of objects which
have thus far been successfully accomplished.
The discovery of a new continent, which was
first seen in latitude 66 deg. 2 min. south, lon
gitude 154 deg. 27 min. east, and afterwards in
latitude 66 deg. 31 min. south, longitude 153
deg. 40 min. east, by Lieutenants Wilkes and
Hudson, for an extent of eighteen hundred miles,
but on which they were prevented from land
ing by vast bodies of ice which encompassed
it, is one of the honorable results of the enter
prise. Lieutenant Wilkes bears testimony to
the zeal and good conduct of his officers and
men; and it is but justice to that officer to state
that he appears to have performed the duties
assigned him with an ardor, ability, and perse
verance which give every assurance of an hon
orable issue to the undertaking.
The report of the Postmaster General, here
with transmuted,- will exhibit the service of the
department the past year, and its present con
dition. The transportation has been maintained
during the year to the full extent authorized by
the existing laws, soma improvements have
been effected, which the public interest seemed
urgently to demand but not involving any mate
rial additional expenditure; the contractors have
generally performed their engagements with
fidelity; the postmasters with few exceptions,
have rendered their accounts and paid their
quarterly balances with promptitude; and the
whole service of tho department has maintained
the efficiency for which it has for several years
been distinguished.
The act of congress
establishing new mail
routes and requiring more expensive services
on others and the increasing wants of the coun
try, have, for three years past, carried the ex
penditures something beyond the revenues; ex
cesses having been met, until the past year, by
the surplus which had previously accumulated.
That surplus having been exhausted, and the
anticipated increase in the revenue not having
been realized, owing to the depression in the
commercial business of the country.the finances
of the department exhibited a small deficiency
at tho close ot the last hscal year, its resour-
ces however, are ample; and the reduced rates
of compensation for the transportation service,
which may be expected on the future lettmgs,
from the general reduction of prices, with tfie
increase of revenue that may reasonably be an-
ucipated from the revival of commercial activi
ty, must soon place the finances of the depart-
ment in a prosperous condition.
Uonsidenng the unfavourable circumstances
that existed durint? the nastvear.it is a sratify-
ing result that the revenue has not declined, as
compared with the preceding year, but on the
contrary, exhibits a small increase; the circum
stances referred to having no other effects than
to check the expected income
It will be seen that the Postmaster General
suggests certain improvements in the establish
ment. desirxned to reduce the weight of the
mails, cheapen the transportation, ensure grea
ter regularity in the service, and secure a con-
siderable reduction in the rates of letter post
an-e an ohiect hiVhlv desirable. The subiect
i3 one of general interest to the community, and
is rp.Knnntfullv recommended to vour consider-
- r j '
ntmi.
The suppression of the African- slave trade
has received the continued attention oi Uov
ernment. The brig Dolphin and schooner
Grampus have been employed during the last
season on the coast of Africa for tho purpose
o nrRventinor such nortions ol that traite as
was said to be prosecuted under the American
Hag. Alter cruising oil those parts ol the coast
m0st usually resorted to bv slavers, until tho
commencement of the rainy season, these ves-
selves returned to the United States lor sup
plies, and have since been dispatched on
sJmilnr srvi
From the reports of the commanding officer
n appears that the trade is now principally car
rie(i 0n under Portuguese colors; and they ei
nri tho nnininn tlint th .'innrehonsion of their
II 'I.
nrcsence on the slave coast has, in a orcat de
rpfn nrrnlnil l lira rrn!lltilt?nri flf tllfi Amtrin,in
6 ' . I ..
flag to this inhuman purpose. It is hoped that
M)V com hum" to ma ntam this force in that
quarter, and by the exertions of the officers in
command, muo h will bo done to put a stop to
the laws is equally an outrage on the rights of
olners and lhe feelings of humanity. The ef-
forts of the several Governments who arc iinx
iously seekinff to suppress-this trafic, must
however.- be directed atrainst the facilities af-
I
forded by what are now recegnized as legiti
mate commercial pursuits, belore that object
can be fully accomplished. Supplies of pro
visions, wator-casks, merchandize, and articles
connected with the prosecution of the slave
trade, are, it is understood, freely carried by
vessels of different nations to the slave factoi
ies, and the effects of the factors are transport
ed from one slave station to another, without
interruption or punishment by either of the na
tions to which they belong, engaged in the com
merce of that region. 1 submit to your judg
ments whether this government, having been
the first to prohibit, by adequate penaliies the
ave trade the first to declare us piracy
hould not be first, also to forbid to its citizens
all trade with the slave factories on thtf coast
of Africa, giving an example to all nations in
this respect which, if fairly followed, cannot
ail to produce the most ellective results in
breaking up those dens of iniquity.
11. VxViN UUrtUlN.
Washington, December, 5, 1840.
A SEASON AIL E AHTICXE.
JLovc ami Sleighing.
Perhaps Monday night last afforded us as
beautiful an opportunity for sleighing as wo have
i i .i ni .V
eer had in this country. 1 he weainer was
mild, and the sky studded with twice ten thou
sand stars, and lit up by the moon in all her pale
glory, never looked more beautiful. Ihe snow
glittered in the softened radiance, while the shi
ning flakes appeared like diamonds. The sleigh
bells never jingled more merrily m our streets,
while the various places of resort in the neigh
borhood were thronged. The following is frdm
a late number of the Columbia Spy:
Love axd Sleigm.vg. "Egad! and whatot
it? I wouldn't give a sous for a
sleigh-ride un
Give me a fros-
ess I went like a whirlwind.
ty sky, blood horses, and plenty of new laid
snow, and, 1 II whistle oil my hlteen miles an
hour, making the old woods spin by me as if
they wero running off a reel. Sleighing! by
the soul of my meerschaum, sir, it's a blessing
rarely vouchsafed us in these degenerate times,
and when it does come, I've enough of the old
chip in me to make the most of it, kick care to
the kennel, and go wizzing helter-skelter over
lill and dale, like the wizard horseman, or a
will-o'-the-whisp gone wild!
Wasn't those jolly times, when you and I
were young, when with winters line winters,
and pretty girls, such as in these days would
set a continent on fire? Ah! the world's grow
ing worse and worse daily; the horses don't trot
as they used to; we havn't snow enough now for
a fairy's frolic; and as for getting up your tear
ing sleigh rides by moonlight, with a dozen or
more vehicles in company, all the pretty girls
ol Iwo counties, and jokes, songs, soft words
and merry laughter by the bushel; why 1 verily
believe, sir, you could as well raise the dead, or
go to bed at night without smoking your meer
schaum. Then too, the young fellows! they re
not now worth a maravedi. Instead of the bold,
manly, open air exercise of their fathers, whirl
ing along with their sweet hearts in the frosty
moonlight, making the dear creaturesr eyes dance
and their cheeks tingle with the delicious sport,
they mope, and flirt, and play the fop in some
hot, crowded ball room, dressed out like dancing
masters, ecod, skipping about more daintily than
butterflies, and shivering at a breath of cold air.
as if they bad an ague fit. Pshaw on such pu
ny atomies! I'd cut ofmy heir with a shilling
if he dared to ape the scoundrels.
iaith, sir, there's nothing like your sleighing
to ret up a love scrape, and i d line to know
how anv one can resist it, when he sits so close
by the side of his partner that he can feel
her breath upon his cheek, and hear the lowest
whisper of her trembling voice. 1 hen, too,
you imist both be under one butlalo, and your
feet will get together, and your hands stray nat
urally into each other s;-and bye and bye, even
your lips get somewhat closer to hers,, and you
catch yourself kissing before ye re aware ol it
Ah! my boy, there s many a sweet beauty loses
her little heart at such times, and finds hetself
engaged she scarcely knows how at the end
of some moonlight sleigh-ride. If you don't
wish your daughters to get married yet, and any
gay gallant asks thein to a sleighing parly, take
the impudent scoundrel by the collar, and, bat
tery or no battery, cane him within an fnfch o
his life. Jersey Short.
An Elopement.
The New York Herald says:
"On Tuesday afternoon, in the very prime o
tho fine sleighing, a beautiful sleigh, attached
to two blood horses, driven by a lino looking
young fellow, by whose side sat a beautifu
young woman, covered with lace and blushes
was seen driving across the Fulton Ferry from
Brooklyn.
The lady was the rich and accomplished
daughter of a distinguished United States ofh
cor, recently deceased the gentleman a young
and wealthy manufacturer of compounds, deep
ly and violently in love with the fair one. The
friends of the lady had forbid tho match, be
cause the gentleman could not show a pedigreo
so long or so noble as that of the lady. I h
lady, however, cared less for pedigree than per
sonal presence so she preferred a handsome
young fellow, with a good business and fine tal
ents, who could not trace back his lineage to
any noble house, to any of the dandies of tho
day, who wear more hair on their lips than
I brains in their head. According to every ge-
ometrical probability, this "happy happy pair"
became man and wife immediately on reaching
tho city and as soon after as possible they
started for the railroad, took the afternoon train,
and reached Philadelphia that night."
The Spy in Washington says: "A few days
before tho New York election, a Rev. gentle
man of this city, was dining at the President's.
In the course of conversation he asked Mr. Van
Buren what ho heard on the subject of the elec
tion. 'Sir,' said he, taking up a wine glass,
have no more doubt of my Election than that I
hold this glass in my hand,' "
' Senator Preston.
Ttjr'Tho dinner to Senator Presto at
Charleston was well attended. On being toast-
d, the distinguished guest rose and delivered
a powerful address, which is thus noticed in
the Charleston Courier: "It is vain for us to
pretend to sketch even an outline of the picture
le furnished, of our national and political posi
tion, the unhappy influence of the present ad
ministration, and the beneficial results that miist
naturally ensue from that of Gen. Harrison.
With a master s hand he pencilled the abuses
and corrections of the 'powers that bo,' pointing
out how popular sentiment had been controlled
by the influence ol lxecuitve oictauon; anil al
though the people 'had the wills to do, and tho
souls to dare ' they still bowed to the nod of
patronage, and quietly submitted lo the contin
ued impositions of Government. But, in the si-
ent calmness of endurance, a storm was brew-
mff wtiich was to wait destruction belore it at
ength the spirit of indignant iustice, shook off
its stupefying and dangerous lethargy; public
opinion was unfettered of its shackles; the peo
ple m their majesty were awakened to a sense
of justice and their 'inalienable rights,' and those
rights, in a voice of thunder, were proclaimed
upon the banks of the St. Lawrence and re
echoed from the valley ol the Mississippi. At
ength the mighty convulsion took place; the
Hood gates of public opinion were opened, and
the waters lrt loose to carry destruction upon
their onward course, and we now behold the ad
ministration 'without an Ararat to stand upon.'
Lie then proceeded to shew the questions which
lad created schisms and sectional prejudices
between the North and South, and adverted to
the 'Compromise,' as the holy and connecting
bond of union. Mr Clay received, at his hand,
well deserved and beautiful eulogium which
w.fs'Jgratefully responded to by the whole as
sembly. It is admitted by alf, that uolonel
reston seldom, if ever, delivered a more pow
erful appeal it aroused the dormant energies
of those who had been inactive, and inspired a
general sentiment which augers well for politi
cal revolution and redemption in South Caroli-
. He enchained his audience, for an hour
and three quarters, with the most impassioned
bursts of eloquence and pathos we have ever
istened to; and so completely were they taken
by storm, that Irequently the wnoie assemoiy
J .., : :
rose, as it wnn one voice, iourgeun ; 1.1.1-
d speaker. He made an impression never to
be eradicated or forgotten."
Another Melancholy Suicide.
The New York Courier announces the sui
cide of Mr. William H. Jefferd, a promising and
highly respectable young merchant, member ot
the firm of Bums, Hays & Co., of that c.ty.
Mr. Jefferd was a native of Maine, about 3i
years 01 age. lie nau lor some mumns past
resided at the Mansion House, where his death
occurred. He had been for several days con
fined lo his room by illness, and was occasion
ally delirious. About three o'clock on Sunday
morning he rose from his bed, and unobserved
by the nurse, who was at the time in the room
took from a drawer a razor, with which he inflict
ed a gash across his throat. The nurse seized
his hand and took from him the razor, and
screamed for help. Mr. J. promised her that if
she would not make a noise he would be quiet.
The nurse then ran to the door and alarmed the
occupants of the house, and taking advantage
of her momentary absence, he seized another
razor, and completed the work of death by se
vering with one blow, the main arteries and
windpipe. He fell on the floor and almost in
stantly expired.
The Remains offapoleoai.
A New York correspondent of the Boston
Alias says: "A gentleman from St. Helena re
ports, that the remains of Napoleon were clan
destinely removed from that place more than
five years since, lie says a conviction 01 mis
fact is strong among nearly an the mnaonanis
of the island. The story is improbable, inas
much as it would have required more than two
days digging to reach the spot, where the great
Conqueror's ashes, were deposited."'
The Maysville (Ky.) Eagle says: "Gen.
Harrison, we understandr is expected to leave
home for Virginia, the latter part of this month.
He will spend the month of January with his
friends in the Old Dominion,, and repair to
Washington in February, to be ready on tho 4th
of March to enter upon the duties of the impor
tant office to which the people have elevated
hint."
Blarney before Election. Dear People
nobody but us can imagine how pure, patriotic,
shrewed and sagacious-you are! You can't be
humbugged! You can't be misled! You al
ways see right straight through a millstone,
whether there's a whole in it or not. You ar
always as right as a book, and nobody can gum
you. In short, you are O. K.
Raving after Election. You miserable, des
picable, know-nothing, good-for-nothing rascals
13ought up dy British Gold! Led away by Lop
I Cabin fooleries! Gummed bycoon-skius! Bhu
1 ded by skunk-skins! Dead drunk on Hard Ci
der! Senseless, beastly, contemptible wretch-'
es. Go to the devil. Log Cabin.
A Remarkable Like-s tCol
W. is a fine looking jvtfm ain't lieT
said a friend of ovirsx the other dav.
"Yes," replied another "I was takefl
for him once." "You! why )rou arc
as ugly as sin!" "I don't care for
that! I was taken for him I endorsed
his note, and was taken for him, In
the sheriff!"
V