treaty with Spain, or to the Natchez, where every vessel which may go to New Orleans may be received.-Large vessels, from France, have already arrived there, and unloaded their cargoes without difficulty, and as the soil is so much the more advantageous as we penetrate further, there is very little doubt this establishment will rival that of New Crleans, when the American ca. pitals shall have been taken out of it. When the United States shall have declared the Natchez a free port, New Orleans will be very little as a place of commerce, and only an object of useless expence for France, and an inexhaustible source of jealousy be. tween France and the United States.

the public treasure, and divert capitals from their true object.

But if, on the one side, France keeps New Orleans, by attempting to colonize Louisiana, she will become an object of jealousy to Spain, the United States, and England, which powers will not only dis courage her commerce, but will compel her to make expensive establishments to secure the possession of it.

1

An Agreement between the Seneca Indians

and a company of Dutch Merchants, for the sale of lands in Ontario County, in the State of New-York.

In the foregoing observations I have con fined myself to observations which presented themselves, without having recourse to sub tilties, which only serve to mislead the judgment. I have exposed simple facts with candour and all the simplicity of language. The cession of Louisiana is nevertheless If a reply is made, it will be by pursuing a very important to France, if she applies it contrary course. With eloquence and so to the only use which sound policy seems to phistry they may be combatted and ob dictate. I speak of Louisiana alone, and,scured; time and experience will demon by this, I do not comprehend the Floridas, strate their solidity. because I think they are no part of the cession. As it can, by this cession, acquire the right of carrying on the Mississppi a free trade, if she knows how to profit of this circumstance, by a perfect understanding with the United States, she will find markets for a very great variety of articles, when she' has accustomed the inhabitants of the western THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the countries to prefer them to the English, United States of America, to all whom these which she can only obtain by selling them presents shall come, greeting.-Whereas a cheaper, and she can only sell them cheaper, treaty was held on the 30th day of June last, by interesting the American merchants to under the authority of the United States, sell them, to have the use of their capitals, with the Seneca Nation of Indians, at Bufand by engaging the government of the false Creek, in the county of Ontario and United States to give them the preference. State of New York, and at the said treaty, All this can take place only by the cession of in the presence of and with the approbation New Orleans to the United States, with of John Taylor, Esq. a commissioner of the the reserve of the right of entry, at all United States, appointed to hold the same, times, free from all other duties than those an indenture or agreement was entered into paid by American vessels, together with the between the said nation of Indians and Wil. right of navigation on the Mississippi. hem Willink and others hereinafter menThis would give her vessels an advantage tioned, which indenture or agreement is in over the vessels of all other nations, will the words following:-This indenture made retain and even increase the capitals of New the 30th day of June, in the year of our Orleans, where the provisions for the islands Lord one thousand eight hundred and two, will be bought at the cheapest rate possible, between the Sachems, chiefs and warriors of and where the articles of her manufactures the Seneca Nation, of Indians of the first will be introduced in the western coun. part, and Wilhem Willink, Peter Van Eegtries:-The United States will have no in-hem, Hendrick Vollenhoven, W. Willink terest in preventing it, for every reason of rivalry will be removed. Then France will command respect, without inspiring fear to the two nations whose friendship is the most important for her commerce, and the preservation of her islands; and all these advantages will be obtained without the expence of establishments, which ruin

the younger, I. Willink the younger, (son of Jan) Jan Gabriel Van Staphorst, Roelof Van Staphorst the younger, Cornelius Vol. lenhoven and Hendrick Seve, all of the city of Amsterdam and republic of Batavia, by Joseph Ellicott, Esq. their agent and attor ney of the second part. Whereas, at a treaty held under the authority of the United

States

all and singular the rights, privileges, here. ditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining. And all the estate, right, title and interest whatsoever of them, the said parties of the first part, and their nation, of, in and to the said tracts of land above described, to have and to hold all and singular the said granted premises, with the appurtenances, to the said parties of the second part, their only proper use, benefit and behoof for ever.

States with the said Seneca Nation of In. dians, at Buffaloe Creek, in the county of Ontario and state of New York, on the day of the date of these presents, by the hon. John Taylor, Esq. a commissioner appointed by the President of the United States to hold the same in pursuance of the constitution, and of the act of the Congress of the United States in such case made and provided, a convention was entered into in the presence and with the approbation of the said commissioner, between the said Seneca And in consideration of the said lands deNasion of Indians and the said Wilhem scribed and ceded as aforesaid, the said par Willink, Peter Van Eeghen, Hendrick Vol- ties of the second part, by Joseph Ellicot, Tenhoven, W. Willink the younger, I. Wil- their agent and attorney as aforesaid, do link the younger, (son of Jan) Jan Gabriel hereby exchange, cede, release and quit claim Van Staphorst, Roelof Van Staphorst the to the said parties of the first part and their younger, Comelius Vollenhoven, and Hen- nation, (the said parties of the second part drick Seve, by the said Joseph Ellicot their reserving to themselves the right of preagent and attorney, lawfully constituted and emption,) all that certain tract or parcel of appointed for that purpose. Now this in- land situate as aforesaid. Beginning at a denture witnesseth,That the said parties post marked No. O, standing on the bank of of the first part, for and in consideration of lake Erie, at the mouth of Cataraugos creek, the Lands hereinafter described, do hereby and on the north bank thereof, thence along exchange, cede, and for ever quit claim to the shore of said lake N. 11 degrees, E. 21 the said parties of the second part, their chains, E. 13 degrees E. 45 chains, N. 19 heirs and assigns, all those lands situate, ly- degrees E. 14 chains 65 links to a post ing and being in the county of Ontario and thence east 119 chains to a post, thence state of New-York, being part of the lands south 14 chains 27 links to a post, thence described and reserved by the said parties of east 640 chains to a post standing in the the first part in a treaty or convention held meridian between the 8th and the gth ranges, by the hon. Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq. un- thence along said meridian south 617 chains der the authority of the United States, on 75 links to a post standing on the south the Genesse river the 15th day of Sept. bank of Cataraugos creek, thence west 160 1797, in the words following, viz. Be- chains to a post, thence north 290 chains 25 ginning at the mouth of the eighteen mile links to a post, thence west 482 chains 31 or Koghquawqa creek, thence a line or lines links to a post, thence north 219 chains 50. to be drawn parallel to lake Erie, at the dis- links to a post standing on the north bank of tance of one mile from the lake, to the Cataraugos creek, thence down the same and mouth of Cataraugos creek, thence a line or along the several meanders thereof to the lines extending twelve miles up the north place of beginning. To hold to the said side of said creek, at the distance of one parties of the first part in the same manner mile therefrom, thence a direct line to the and by the same tenure as the lands reserved 'said creek, thence down the said creek to by the said parties of the first part, in and lake Erie, thence along the lake to the first by the said treaty or convention entered into mentioned creek, and thence to the place of on Genesse river the 15th day of September, beginning. Also one other piece at Cata- 1797, as aforesaid were intended to be held. rangus, beginning at the shore of lake Erie In testimony whereof the parties to these on the south side of Catarangus creek, at the presents have hereunto, and to other inden. distance of one mile from the mouth thereof,tures of the same tenor and date, one to rethence on a line parallel thereto 'to a point main with the United States, one to remain within one mile from the Con-non dan we-with the said parties of the first part, and the gea creek, thence up the said creek one mile on a line parallel thereto, thence on a direct line to the said creek, thence down the same to lake Erie, thence along the take to the place of beginning; reference being there. Con:nea tia-Koezen twah ha, or Cornento had will fully appear. Together with planter Wou-tou-goohikaTe-kon-1100

other to remain with the said parties of the second part, interchangeably set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written.

du-

du-Te-ki-am-dau-Sa-goo-yes-Jaw-yo- ter or private interest, which could have cau-na, or Blue Sky-Koving-quan-rah, or prompted you to such a manifestation of Young King-Ka-on-doo-wand,or Pollard. your friendly sentiments, I am fully assured Con-na-wan-de-au-Soo-no-you-Au-wen-that this visit is the result of feeling, and nau-sa-Soo-goo-ya-wou-law, or Red Jacket Cosh-kau-tough -Te-yo-kai-hossa Oua-ya-wos, or Farmer's Brother-So-naugoi-es-Gish-ka-ka, or Little Billy-Sus

sa-oo-wau.

Wilhem Willink-Pieter Van EeghenHendrick Vollenhoven-W. Willink, the younger-I. Willink the younger, (son of Jan) Jan Gabriel Van Staphorst, the younger -Cornelius Vollenhoven and Hendrick Seye by their attorney, JOSEPH ELLICOT. Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Thomson, Israel Chapin, James W. Stephens,and Horatio Jones, and Jasper Parrish, Interpreters. Done at a full and general treaty of the Seneca Nation of Indians, held at Buffaloe creek, in the county of Ontario, and state of New-York, on the thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two, under the authority of the United States. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid, JOHN TAYLOR. Now be it known, that I, THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States of America, having seen and considered the said indenture or agreement, do, by and with the consent of the senate thereof, accept, ratify, and confirm the same in every clause and article thereof. In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Washington, the twelfth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three, and in the twenty-seventh year of the Independence of the said United States, THOMAS JEFFERSON.

not of ceremony. The performance of the parts which were cast to me, in the course of the revolution, though the scenes were in the secret conclave of a congress, without gal+ leries, and with closed doors, or at a thous and leagues distance beyond seas, and the few spectators or witnesses are almost all dead, I shall leave to the candour of the public, and the judgment of posterity, with such traditionary lights as they may possess. After as careful a review as I am capable of taking of the civil administration, during the period when I was President of the United States, I see nothing of any conse quence to repent or regret. Some measures were the effect of imperious necessity, much against my inclinations.-Others were the measures of the legislature, which, although approved of when passed, were never previ ously proposed or recommended by me.--Some of them, left to my discretion, were never executed, because no necessity for them, in my judgment, ever occurred. I shall say no more upon this subject at present, but this, we were emancipated from two bure thensome yokes, the French Treaty and Consular Convention, which were grievous to us, and would have been intolerable to our children. The nation in future, unshackled with positive stipulations, will have only to consider her duties to foreign powers by the law of nations, and to estimate her interest by an honest and impartial policy. Let me add one observation more. Under the con tinual provocations, breaking and pouring in upon me from unexpected as well as expected quarters, during the two last years of my administration, he must have been more of a modern epicurean philosopher than I ever was, or ever will be, to have borne them all without some incautious expressions, at times, of an unutterable indignation. I have no other apology to make to individuals or to the public. The prospect of national greatness is as sure and certain as that of national existence. The Union is our rock of safety, as well as our pledge of grandeur. And for this reason I hesitate not to recommend to you as a sentiment-.-" a union of honest men." I wish you, gentlemen, for the day, Gentlemen,-As every gentleman here is and for your lives, all the honest joys and at least as independent of me, as I can pre-felicities which you can possibly wish for tend to be of him; as there is no imaginable, yourselves.--JOHN ADAMS. motive of hope, apprehension, or any sinis- Quincy, Oct. 30, 1802.

By the President, JAMES MADISON, Secretary of State.

The following reply of Mr. Adams, late President of the United States, to some gentlemen who congratulated him on the anniversary of his birth day, throws great light on some parts of his administration which have hitherto been considered, in ; some measure; inexplicable.

Extra&s

Extras from the American Papers, relative to the NAVIGATION and COMMERCE of the Countries bordering on the MISSISSIPPI, and also relative to the EXPORTS from the British province of CANADA.

Louisville, Dec. 1, 1802.-During the last month, a brig of 200 tons burthen was built at this place for Messrs. Meeker and Co.; she sailed down the Ohio, to the mouth of Cumberland river, where she took in a cargo of cotton, and then descended the Mississippi, bound for Liverpool.

two countries, appeared in the New York Evening Post, under the title of " An Examination of the Report of a Committee of the American Congress," recommending a repeal of the discriminating duties. The report will be found at length in page 417 of vol. I. and various other papers on the subject, will be found by referring to the indexes of the three volumes of the Register.

The Committee have saved us the trouble

of proving it, by expressly admitting in the outset, that the "discriminating duies have tended greatly to increase the nav gation of the United States, have given the shipowners an advantage over foreigners in Natchez, Jan. 17.-On Wednesday last the carriage to the United States of salt, arrived at this port the ship Mary, Captain wines, &c. &c. and enabled them to be al Darling, from Boston; she came up with a most exclusively the carriers of all the fine fair wind, and afforded a most pleasing spec- articles of importation necessary to the contacle to a great number of our citizens, who sumption of the country. This policy, assembled on the bluff to witness the arrival (they add) combined with the advantages of the first American ship that has attempted resulting from the late war in Europe, had to ascend the Mississippi thus far. Also ar- increased the American tonnage to an amount rived on the same day the schooner Bee, Cap- (it is believed) not inferior to that of any tain Brag, from the same port. We are in-nation in Europe, except Great Britain." formed that the schooner Nancy, Captain Morris, from Philadelphia for this port, passed Fort Adams a few days since.

Pittsburgh, Feb. 11.The ship Pittsburgh, of 270 tons burthen, was launched on Tuesday last from the ship-yard of Messrs. Tarascon Brothers, James Berthoud, and Co; she is owned by those gentlemen, and was built under the direction and superintendance of Captain Beebee. Judges pronounce her a very handsome vessel, and her materials are of the best and most substantial kind.

New-York, March S...Exports from the British province of Canada, during the year 1802: 144,189 beaver skins; 23,808 martins; 18,855 otters; 11,148 minks; 7,377 foxes; 16,899 bears; 184,256 deers; 148,882 racoons; 17,377 open and casted hats; 1,483 elks; 4,562 wolves; 26,289 musquash; 5,719 kitts; 3,356 squirrels and hares; 892 seals; 180 castorum; 6,407 fisher; 988,413 bushels wheat; 28,297 barrels flour; 22,042 cwt. biscuit; 4,680 bushels barley; 16,121 cwt. pot ash, (last year ten times this quantity); 2,300 tons of new shipping, independent of vast quantities of lumber, beef, &c.

AMERICAN DISCRIMINATING DUTIES.

The following able examination of the operation of the American discriminating, and of the British countervailing duties on the commerce of the

After this broad and important admission, we think we are justified in demanding from those who now propose to give up those duties, very satisfactory reasons for the measure. And what reasons have they given? They shall be candidly examined.

We did expect to have found among the first, the late peace. This was solely, relied upon last winter, when the subject was first introduced by General Smith. It was then said by this Gentleman, and echoed by his friend Mr. Giles, that although our discriminating acts operated like a charm in time of war, yet were they calculated to injure us in time of peace, and they were both, therefore, very urgent to have them repealed at once. The house, however, were not quite able to discover the force of their observations, refuted by the bare inspection of the annual return of tonnage for the last ten years, and the subject was suffered to sleep for that last session. It is now revived with equal ardour, indeed, but its advo cates, instead of relying on the change in circumstances, produced by peace, abandon that, and confine themselves to another and distinct ground, then also taken, though rather as a subordinate one. It was then said by them, in the house, that the English had "overdone" the treaty, and carried the right reserved to them, further than they were warranted to carry it; and now the Committee say," it is believed that the Parliament

Parliament of Great Britain, by a statute passed the 4th of July 1797, (in exercise of that reserved right) have exceeded the fair intent and meaning of the treaty of amity, &c. &c. and that to obviate the disadvantages thence resulting to the carrying trade of the United States, it is expedient to relinquish our discriminating duties in favour of such foreign nation, as will agree to abolish such of their discriminating or countervailing duties, as are in their operation injurious to the interests of the United States."

That such a reason should be advanced by certain speakers in the heat of debate, is not very surprising, but that it should be gravely incorporated into a formal report of a Committee of Congress, as the leading motive of a Resolution, is matter of unfeigned astonishment. What is the amount of it?

pardon an injury;" « suffering an injury without requiring complete satisfaction is always imputed to weakness, and is the means of soon receiving others that are the most atrocious." Can we then refuse to say as to the case before us, that if we allow the accusation of the Committee against Great-Britain to be well founded, the course they recommend is no less despicable for its pusillanimity than it is remarkable for its folly. But before we give way any for. ther to our indignant feelings against the English, it may not be amiss to bestow a few moments in examining how far the Committee are warranted in advancing this charge.

By our countervailing act passed in 1790, importations in foreign vessels were made liable to pay 10 per cent. on the several rates of duties payable on importations in American bottoms; and in the second section of the 15th article of the treaty of amity, commerce and navigation between Great Britain and the United States, the right was reserved to the former to impose a duty adequate to countervail the difference of duty then payable to the latter on im portations in British bottoms here, that is to say, 10 per cent. on the several rates of duties payable in their own country by their own importers. The treaty was made in 1794, but the British Government did: not proceed to avail themselves of the sti pulation in her favour till July 1797, and the act was to go into operation in January 1798. To prevent all dispute and cavil as to the exact import of this act, we repub

Great Britain, under pretence of making provision to carry into effect a particular stipulation in her favour, as reserved to her by treaty, passes an act which on the face of it palpably violates an important atticle of that very treaty. To put the case We oblige importations in British bottoms to pay, say 10 per cent. more than importations in our own; by treaty they have a right to countervail by doing the same thing, instead of which they pass an act obliging our importations to pay 20 per cent. more than their own. What is in this case to be done? What course shall the United States pursue? Shall we remonstrate against the injury, and in terms becoming a great nation, demand immediate and adequate re-lished it at length in the Evening Post on dress, or shall we give up our 10 per cent. the 27th of January last, when we had this which had produced important advantages subject first under consideration. And now to individuals, and a great accession to the let General Smith, or any of the Committee, revenue, in hopes that Great Britain will turn to the act, and tell us in what part of in turn give up her 20 per cent. Oh! the it they find the obnoxious clause which au latter by all means, says an American poli- thorises them to charge Great Britain with tician; let us have no difficulties if they can having "exceeded the fair intent and mean any way be avoided; let us by all meansing of the treaty of amity, &c." On this forego our rights though they are indisputable, for in this quiet and economical manner all the disturbance may be hushed up at once. But we shall observe to this Committee, that however advisable and even laudable it may be in one individual to overlook offences, or to submit to compromise, yet he must be little acquainted with what belongs to the character of a Statesman who supposes this is the course to be pursued by a nation. "Seldom is it

safe for it (says Vattel) to dissemble or to

subject we take a direct issue with the Gentlemen, and deny, explicitly, that the act does in any one instance swerve from the "fair intent and meaning of the treaty;" nay, if we were disposed to be the advo cates of a foreign nation, we could go fur ther, and say, that this statute is in the highest degree liberal, allowing in one very important instance a favourable construc tion for us, where to say the least it was doubtful. It is for those who take the affirmative to make good their allegation;

at