having fallen into a state of infancy, and of Monsieur being about to be appointed Lieutenant-General of the kingdom. Speculation is busily employed here upon the object and result of the Duke of Wellington's sudden journey and speedy return. Its object is pretty plainly understood to relate to the financial embarrassments of France, and to the relieving her of a part of the burthen of a foreign army of occupation. Its result is conjectured to be favourable, from the very gracious reception met by the Duke from the King, as well as the Count d'Artois.-The late circumstance, so honourable to the Duke of Orleans, that of his recalling to mind his humble employment at one period of the French Revolution, on the occasion of the dinner given by the Society of Schoolmasters in London, was not suffered to appear in the French papers."

Extract of a letter from Paris, Jan. 6."The French, at present, flatter themselves that a war is inevitable between Russia and England. The Emperor of Russia has, it is believed, proposed not only to abandon his pecuniary claims, but to withdraw his troops from France, and to co-operate with a force of 600,000 men, which he has actually on foot, in checking the influence of Great Britain upon the Continent! France too is about to assume a military attitude!! and Marshal Macdonald has arrived in Paris, to assume the command in chief of the French armies!!!-Such are the illusions with which the French indulge their animosity against England at the present moment."

*****"The Duke of Wellington has been joined here by the most numerous and brilliant staff with which he has hitherto known to be attended. It amounts to near three hundred persons, and is composed, in a great proportion, of foreign officers. The appearance of so many foreign uniforms gave rise to a report, that the commanders of all the foreign corps of the army of occupation had arrived, which was instantly laid hold of by the French, as an additional proof of the want of concord between the Allied Powers."

Extract of another letter, dated Jan. 7. "The arrival of the Duke of Wellington, with a numerous Etat-Major, at Paris, is viewed with some jealousy. His Grace did not meet, yesterday night, at the Opera, with all the respect his illustrious name entitles him to. Arriving a little late, a laugh was heard to proceed from his box, which was re-echoed by the pit in chorus; and on the same incident oceurring a second time, instead of the usual cry of silence, it was met with a similar rebuff."

NETHERLANDS.

Intelligence has been received at Amsterdam, that the Dutch Commissioners

received the Island of Java from the English on the 19th of August.

The Flemish papers are continually arguing for a general prohibition of the export of grain; but it does not appear that the Government coincide in this opinion, nor has the proposition to this ef fect been renewed in the Second Chamber. ITALY.

Intelligence from Parma announces the intended departure of the Archduchess Maria Louisa, for Vienna, to which, it is said, she has been invited by her father.

On the 15th of December, a Catholic priest proceeded on foot to the Cathedral of Adria, in Lombardy, and returned thanks for having attained his 110th year, without infirmities or sickness! He was accompanied by an immense concourse of people, and chaunted the Cathedral service in a firm, manly, and dignified voice.

The German papers have brought us a document of greater importance than usual, in the shape of a new Constitution for Sicily. That interesting portion of Europe has lost nothing by the restoration of the legitimate Sovereign to the Throne of his ancestors.-The King of Naples, unlike his namesake and cousin, the Sovereign of Spain, has signalized his restoration by confirming the blessings of a free Constitution already enjoyed by Sicily, and conferring others equally solid. By it none but Sicilians are to be permitted to hold offices in the Sicilian church. One-fourth of the Neapolitan Council of State is to be composed of Sicilians the abolition of feudal rights, a boon which was granted several years since, is fully confirmed. A sinking fand is established, to place the finances of Sicily on the same respectable footing with those of other European States; and, in short, the civil and religious liberties of every individual in the island are protected by the usual bulwarks of a free Constitution. We need scarcely observe, that when measures thus calculated to ensure the happiness of the people emanate spontaneously from the Throne, they promise a double harvest of blessings, both to Sovereign and people.

GERMANY.

The King of Wurtemberg has agreed to a new Constitution, which was to be laid before the Assembly of the States on the 17th of this month. He has also resolved on making great retrenchments in every part of the public expenditure.

The King and Queen of Wurtemburg were at Frankfort on the 27th ult. under the tities of the Count and Countess d'Urach.

The King of Bavaria has arrived at Vienna under the travelling title of Count de Haag.

By

By the German Papers we learn, that, by the new regulations in the Prussian dominious, heavy taxes are to be imposed upon English goods, while the manufacturers of other countries are to be subject to smaller duties. The Continental system still continues to operate against us. Germany is overstocked with manufacturers whom that system created; and this invidious conduct towards England is, because she is the only nation with the manufacturers of which they as yet dread a competition.

From the Hamburgh Papers we extract the following melancholy article; by which it will be seen how great the distress is upon the Continent:

In

"Vienna, Dec. 18.—Alarming accounts are received from various parts of the Austrian monarchy, respecting the daily increasing dearness of provisions. some parts of the Tyrol, the Salzburg Mountains, Upper Carinthia, and the greatest part of Illyria, there is such a scarcity, that people have resorted to bread made of bran, and powdered bark of trees. In the environs of Agram the country people farmed the woods, in order that they might catch the rats in them, which are smoaked, and considered a delicacy. The accounts from Bohemia are also far from consolatory; and it is feared, that the mountainous parts may be distressed by famine in the spring, which would have the most fatal consequences for the numerous manufactories in those parts."

A new Dutch Consul lately arrived at Algiers. The Dey, at first, declined recognizing him, on account of the hostilities committed by Admiral Von Capellan, in conjunction with Lord Exmouth; but when the Consul produced the usual present, he was received without further objection.

At Algiers, not three weeks since, the fortifications had all been repaired, and the guns remounted.

The Congo Expedition. The detailed accounts of the expedition to explore the river Congo, or Zaire, have reached the Admiralty. Melancholy as the result has been, from the great mortality of the ⚫fficers and men, owing to excessive

fatigue, rather than to the effects of climate, the journals of Captain Tuckey and the gentlemen in the scientific departments are, it is said, highly interesting and satisfactory, as far as they go; and we believe they extend considerably beyond the first Rapid or Cataract. It would seem, indeed, that the mortality was entirely owing to the land-journey beyond these Rapids; and that Captain Tuckey died of complete exhaustion, after leaving the river, and not from fever. The climate, we understand, was remarkably fine; scarcely a shower of rain, or any humidity in the atmosphere, and the sun seldom shiving out but for a few hours in the middle of the day; Fahrenheit's thermometer seldom exceeding 76 degrees by day, and never descending below 60 degrees at night-such a climate, in fact, as one would wish to live in; but an anxious zeal and over-eagerness to accomplish the objects of the expedition, and to acquire all the information that could possibly be obtained, seem to have actuated every one, from the lamented Commander to the common seaman and private marine, and led them to attempt more than the human constitution was able to bear. The total number of deaths amount to 18; of which 14 were on the land expedition. They consist of Captain Tuckey, Cominander of the expedition; Lieutenant Hawkey, Lieutenant of the Congo; Mr. Professor Smith, botanist; Mr. Tudor, comparative anatomist; Mr. Cranch, collector of objects of natural history; Mr. Galwey, a friend of Captain Tuckey, who volunteered from pure love of science; Mr. Eyre, the purser. The names of the remainder have not been returned. The Dorothy transport, that accompanied the Congo into the river, lost but one man, and he fell overboard and was drowned.-The following extract of a letter from Mr. Mackerrow, the surgeon of the Congo, details some of the melancholy particulars of the symptoms which the sufferers exhibited previous to their death:-" Of the eighteen who died in the river, fourteen had been on shore, marching for some time, and were far advanced before reaching the ship. Professor Smith, who saw many of them when taken ill, gave to some a dose of calomel, but to others nothing had been administered. The fever appeared in some degree contagious, as all the attendants upon the sick were attacked; and before we left the river, it pervaded nearly the whole crew; also some of the transports; but as for myself, although constantly among them, I did not feel the slightest indisposition until we left the coast, when I was attacked; however, I considered mental anxiety, and disturbed rest, as the sole causes. Captain Tuckey had been afflicted many years

with a chronic hepatitis; and on returning from travelling five weeks on shore, he was so excessively reduced, that all attempts to restore the energy of his system proved ineffectual. Mr. Tudor was in the last stage of fever before I saw him; as were Messrs. Cranch and Galwey. Professor Smith died in two days after he came under my cure; during which time he refused every thing, whether as nutriment or medicine. Lieutenant Hawkey was taken ill after leaving the river, and died on the fourth day: his case was rather singular-the symptoms were, irritability of stomach, with extreme langour and debility; but he had neither pain nor fever. Mr. Eyre had a violent fever, and on the third day breathed his last: before death, a yellow suffusion had taken place, with vomiting of matter resembling coffeegrounds."

Extract of a Letter from Bahia, Oct. 30. "We are enabled to give you a piece of intelligence, which will to many be of great interest-we mean the failure of the Expedition sent out by your Government early this year, under the command of Captain Tuckey, whose object was to explore the river Congo. Like all former enterprises of a similar kind, and notwithstanding the presumed discernment and skill of those concerned in the planning and executing of it, there appears to have been a want of foresight, both as to the time and means. However, as, no doubt, publicity will in due time be given to all their proceedings, it will suffice for us to acquaint you, that yesterday arrived in this port, his Majesty's ship Congo, and the Dorothy transport, from Cabenda, in twenty-eight-days, under the command of Mr. Fitzmaurice, formerly master, but who succeeded in consequence of the death of Captain Tuckey and the Lieutenant, both of whom died at sea, the former on the 3d, the latter on the 5th instant. It appears, that they arrived at the mouth of the Congo about the 3d of July; and, leaving the transport, which only accompanied them at an inconsiderable distance, they proceeded in the sloop, which was built purposely to draw little water, up the river, to the extent of 120 miles; when her progress, and even that of their boats, was stopped by insuperable difficulties; principally, we believe, by the rapids, which they express as beyond all description. Determining still on the further prosecution of their undertaking, the men were landed; and it was not until they had marched 150 miles (and 120 more than any white person had been before) over a barren and exceedingly mountainous country, after experiencing the greatest privations from the want of water, and being entirely exhausted by fatigue, that they gave up the attempt.-Hope

enabled the most of them to traverse their route, and regain the vessel; but, alas! nature had been completely worn out; for most of them, say 25 out of 55, died 24 hours after their return, comprehending all the scientific part of the Europeans; and, we believe, only eight on board are now in a state to work the vessel; but as their chief want seems to be nourishment, it is to be hoped the others will soon be brought round. Suspicions are entertained, that many died by poison, administered by the natives; and Mr. Fitzmaurice says, that he is persuaded that he could penetrate an immense way into the country without apprehending danger from any other cause, as the people are very pusillanimous, and easily intimidated. As a matter of courtesy and expediency, they asked permission of the Kings to pass through their respective territories, which was generally readily granted; at the same time, they were furnished with plenty of natives as guides, at a moderate charge; but latterly advantage was taken of their difficulties. Mr. Fitzmaurice and the surgeon are determined on a new attempt, if the Admiralty will fit out another expedition; and as he thinks he can provide against all casualties, he has great hopes of attaining the desired end."

We lament to learn, that when the Dorothy was at Cabindo, there were ten Portuguese ships in the port waiting for slaves, and two from Spain.

AMERICA.

The New York Papers have brought us President Madison's Message to the Congress of the United States, assembled at Washington on the 4th ult. It is an interesting document, is very long, and draws a flattering picture of American prospects. The following are extracts.-The Message commences thus :-" In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons, which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth, and threatened scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates, and of products, within our extensive limits, that the aggregate resources for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate wants. And, as far as economy of consumption, more than usual, may be necessary, our thankfulness is due to Providence for what is far more than a compensation, in the remarkable health which has distinguished the present year. Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that of the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of industry among us, and in the extension of our commerce, the value of which is more and more disclosing

itself to commercial nations, it is to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures, and by a portion of our navigation. As the first proceeds, in an essential degree, from an excess of imported merchandize, which carries a check in its own tendency, the cause, in its present extent, cannot be of very long duration. The evil will not, however, be viewed by Congress without a recollection, that manufacturing establishments, if suffered to sink too low, or languish too long, may not revive after the causes shall have ceased; and that in the vicissitudes of buman affairs, situations may recur, in which a dependence on foreign sources, for indispensable supplies, may be among the most serious embarrassmenis.

"The depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed, in a material degree, to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most extensively connected with us in commerce, and from the indirect operation of that exclusion.-Previous to the late convention at London, between the United States and Great Britain, the relative state of the Navigation Laws of the two countries, growing out of the treaty of 1794, had given to the British navigation a material advantage over the American, in the intercourse between the American ports and British ports in Europe. The Convention of London equalized the laws of the two countries, relating to those ports; leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the British Colonies, subject as before to the respective regulations of the parties.

The British Government enforcing new regulations which prohibit a trade between its colonies and the United States in American vessels, whilst they permit a trade in British vessels, the American navigation loses accordingly; and the loss is augmented by the advantage which is given to British competition over the American, in the navigation between our ports and British ports in Europe, by the cir cuitous voyages enjoyed by one, and not enjoyed by the other. The reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity, applied to one branch of the commercial intercourse, has been pressed on our part, as equally applicable to both branches: but it is ascertained, that the British Cabinet declines all negociation on the subject, with a disavowal, however, of any disposition to view, in an unfriendly light, whatever Countervailing regulations the United States may oppose to the regulations of which they complain. The wisdom of the Legislature will decide on the course which, under these circumstances, is prescribed by a joint regard to the amicable relations between the two Nations, and to the just interests of the United States.

I have the satisfaction to state gene-
GENT. MAC. January, 1817.

rally, that we remain in amity with foreign Powers. An occurrence has indeed taken place in the Gulph of Mexico, which, if sanctioned by the Spanish Government, may make an exception as to that Power. -According to the report of our naval commander on that station, one of our public armed vessels was attacked by an over-powering force, under a Spanish commander, and the American flag, with the officers and crew, insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation.-This has been demanded. In the mean time, a frigate and smaller vessel of war have been ordered into that Gulph, for the protection of our commerce. It would be improper to omit, that the Representative of his Catholic Majesty in the United States, lost no time in giving the strongest assurances, that no hostile order could have emanated from his Government, and that it will be as ready to do, as to expect, whatever the nature of the case, and the friendly relations of the two countries, shall be found to require."

The Message here proceeds to charge the Dey of Algiers with a violation of good faith, in attempting to revive the annual tribute and slavery which he had given up by the treaty. With the other Barbary States, affairs have undergone no change. The Indian tribes within the American limits appear disposed to remain at peace.-The Message then recommends a new and more effective organization of the militia-the establishment of uniformity in weights and measures-the formation of an University at Washington-a revisal and re-modification of the Civil and Criminal Codes-more effective measures for the prevention of the illicit importation of slaves--and several alterations in executive and public bodies.-It then gives the following flattering picture of the finances :

"In directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances, it is a subject of great gratification to find, that even within the short period which has elapsed since the return of peace, the revenue has far exceeded all the current demands upon the treasury, and that, under any probable diminution of its future annual product, which the vissicitudes of commerce may occasion, it will afford an ample fund for the effectual and early extinguishment of the public debt. It has been estimated, that during the year 1816, the actual receipts of revenue at the treasury, including the balance at the commencement of the year, and excluding the proceeds of loans and treasury notes, will amount to about the sum of 47 millions of dollars; that during the same year the actual payments at the treasury, including the payment of the arrearages of the war department, as well as the payment of a considerable excess beyond the usual appropriation, will

amount

amount to about the sum of 38 millions of dollars, and that consequently, at the close of the year, there will be a surplus in the Treasury of about the sum of nine millions of dollars."

[In conclusion, the President alludes to the approaching close of his political labours; expresses his gratitude for the continued confidence of his fellow citizens; and felicitates himself on the hopes of being enabled, on his retirement, to leave his country in prosperity and peace.]

From the report of the late Secretary to the Treasury it appears, that the revenue of the United States for the year 1816 amounted to 59,403,978, and the expenditure to 38,745,799 dollars, leaving an excess of receipts amounting to 20,658,179, exclusive of the sum in the Treasury on the 1st of January 1816.

The Commander of the Firebrand has been tried by a Court-Martial, for his conduct in an affair with two Spanish ships of war, and honourably acquitted. The sentence of the Court Martial severely censures the conduct of the Spaniards, as a wanton outrage, and an insult to the American flag.

In the Senate, the former territory of Indiana had been declared a component state, conformably to the constitution. A motion had also been made for altering the flag of the United States, by adding more stripes, to correspond with the new States annexed to the Union.

It is pleasing to observe the facility with which useful institutions are adopted, under the harmony at present subsisting 'among mankind. We have intelligence, that the Provident or Saving Banks, which have been established so beneficially bere, are about to be resorted to in the United States. At Boston the plan is in progress, and is not left to individual benevolence, but is countenanced by a large body of the Members of the State Legislature; and the measure is very soon to receive its high sanction.

On the 3d December, a dreadful fire broke out in New York, which consumed 30 houses, and did damage to the amount of 300,000 dollars.

The New York Gazette of the 22d ult. says "The ship Augusta, Ray, arrived at Salem this morning-passenger, the French General Savary."

We have received Jamaica papers to a late date. The House of Assembly opened on the 29th Nov. The Governor sent a message to the House, representing the cause of the Slave Registry Bill having been introduced into the British Parliament; that it was entirely a misconception; but that his Majesty's Government expected some legislative measures to be enacted to prevent the exist

ence of such an evil in time of peace; not that it was supposed such trading or smuggling in slaves had already occurred; but that such measures, if complied with, would calm the fears of those persons who had been most instrumental in bringing forward the Slave Registry Bill in the British Parliament.-Both Houses state in their addresses, that it is their intention to attend to the recommendation of his Grace.

Private letters of the 23d ult. from New York state, that Christophe had fallen under the displeasure of the American Government; and it was said, that preparations were making in America to send out a frigate to demand of him the payment of about 500,000 dollars, the estimated amount of his spoliations upon American commerce.

A fever prevails at Cape Henry, St. Domingo; and several Englishmen have fallen victims to it.

For some months past it had been generally known, that a Portuguese army was assembled on the borders of the Brazilian territory; whose object was, to take possession of Monte Video and the Spanish colonies on the left bank of the Plate; but whether with the consent of King Ferdinand or not, was uncertain. It now appears that the Portuguese have made the attempt; two very singular Proclamations having reached this country, issued by the chief Military Authorities of the Portuguese King; in which they announce entering the Spanish territory with a well-disciplined army; call upon the invaded to keep quiet in their houses; speak of reiterated insults from A tigas, the Spanish Independent Chief; declare that they do not come to conquer or destroy, and speak of the formation of a Provisional Government. Wherever they appeared, the Portuguese flag was hoisted. From the Portuguese Commanders saying nothing of any consent or connivance with Ferdinand the Seventh in this transaction, it was at first imagined that the proceeding was contrary to the wishes of the latter Sovereign; but that idea is completely removed by the subsequent arrival of two other Proclamations of the Portuguese Commanders (which are subjoined), in which it is distinctly stated to be a measure adopted between the two Cabinets of Spain and the Brazils. There can be no doubt that the movement of the Portuguese troops is an operation concerted with Ferdinand to reconquer the colonies which have succeeded in throwing off his yoke.

Cadiz, Dec. 24.-Letters received yesterday from Lisbon, dated the 14th inst. confirm the news of the successful entrance of the Portuguese troops into the fortress of Monte Video; and authenticate the

following