National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 47, No. 6861, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 12, 1846 Page: 3 of 4
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what purpose, and with what ulterior objects, this
war is to be further prosecuted.
'“The war has not been waged in the spirit of
conquest.” So says the Message; and, if the de-
claration of the Message were not contradicted by
notorious facts, we should most sincerely rejoice in
it. But, have we not before us the rescripts of our
Military and Naval Commanders, openly and offi-
cially proclaiming the contrary ? Did not General
Kearney, on taking possession of Santa Fe, pub-
licly announce his “ intention to hold the Depart-
ment of New Mexico as a part of the United
States, and under the name of the Territory of
J\ew Mexico? Did he not also issue another
ukase, in which, “ by authority of the President of
the United States,” he announced the establishment
of a Civil Government for « the -Territory” thus
annexed by proclamation, including an entire judi.
cial system, as well as a Governor, Secretary, &c.—
dating the same “ at Santa Fe, the capital of the
Territory of New Mexico, in the seventy-first year
of the Independence of the United States?”’ If
this be not acquisition, political and territorial an-
nexation, as well as conquest, what can constitute it ?
And so, in the case of California and Commodore
Stockton, from whose first proclamation, signed by
him as “ Commander-in-chief and Governor of the
Territory of California,” and dated “ City of the
Angels, California, August 17, 1846,” we extract
the following entire paragraphs :
“ The flag of the United States is now flying
4 from every commanding position in the Territory,
‘ and California is entirely free from Mexican do-
‘ minion.
“ The Territory of California now belongs to
‘ the United States, and will be governed, as
‘ soon as circumstances may permit, by officers
‘ and laws similar to those by which the other ter-
‘ ritories of the United States are regulated and
‘ protected.”
It may not be amiss, in the same connection, to
remind the reader of the letter of authority and in-
structions given by the Secretary of War to Colonel
J. D. Stevenson, of the city of New York, when
authorizing him to raise a regiment of Volunteers
to be employed in Upper California, showing that
they were intended to be of the character of colo-
nists and settlers of a conquered territory, rather
than soldiers to take part in the strife of war. By
this letter the volunteers were required, as far as
practicable, to be men “ of various pursuits, and
such as would be likely to remain at the end of the
war either in Oregon or any territory that may be
then a part of the United States ;” exhibiting a
remarkable coincidence of views between the dis-
tinguished Naval Commander and the Chief of the
War Department. Though the gallant Commodore
sailed for the Northwest Coast about the 1st of
November, 1845, it is evident enough that he knew>
before he embarked, what was in the wind. In-
deed, in his address to his crew, on the deck of his
ship, before leaving the port of Norfolk, he seems
to have hinted at his ultimate destination when he
said: “ We now sail for California and Oregon,
and, then, what Heaven pleases.”
These are acts of sovereignty, such as no one
would suspect either General Kearney or Captain
Stockton of undertaking to exercise without other
authority than their own, though they had not ex-
pressly declared that in what they have done they
have acted by authority of the President of the
United States. Do not these acts of theirs, so sanc-
tioned, constitute sufficient proof that “ the spirit of
conquest has had something to do with this war?
When we look, too, at contemporaneous indica-
tions of the disposition of the Executive and his
official advisors, as is supplied by the columns of the
government paper—the most ultra and most odious
doctrine oi which against public liberty the Pjfesi-
dent has just endorsed in his Message-—we cannot
doubt but “ the spirit of conquest” entered into the !
motives of this war. We find in that paper of the
18th of May last, immediately after the receipt of
the first news of the conflict of arms on the Rio
Grande, exhortations to “ throw volunteers at once
‘ across the Rio Grande, march into Mexico, and
‘teiminate the war with Mexico, if necessary, in
‘ the Halls oj Montezuma J” Nor was this hanker-
ing after the halls of Montezuma a new idea with
the Administration, thrown out in the heat of pur-
suit ol a retreating army. The same idea was
bioached by the organ of the present Administration
in cold blood within the first three months after its
establishment in office, and within one week after
the Editor.of the new government paper took his
post. In the “ Union” of the 8th of May, 1845,
referring to some speculations of a London news-
paper upon the supposed designs of the United
States upon Mexico, our government Editor took
occasion to say that not 25,000 men nor 20,000
would be necessary, but that 10,000 men would be
enough, to march upon Mexico, adding as follows :
“ Sound the bugle through the West and South-
‘ west—let the United States raise the standard to-
‘ morrow, ancl jn this proclaimed crusade to the
‘ Halls of Montezuma and the Mines of Mexico,
‘ Uventy thousand volunteers would appear,” &c.
And, on the 22d of the same month, replying to
the Cincinnati Gazette’s exception to the spirit and
temper of the above intimation, the “ Union” said_
“ Was h wrong in us to tell the London Times
‘ that, though we might not have regular troops
‘ en0L1fh> yet volunteers would start up at the first
‘ ®°und of the bugle by the Government of the
‘ United States sufficient to overrun Mexico, occupy
lf ffalls of Montezuma, and conquer the valleys
1 of California?" J
* The President, in justification of the order of the 13th
January for the march of our army to the Rio Grande, states,
as circumstances existing when it was deemed proper to issue
that order, the following :
“ Before these orders were issued, the despatch of our Min-
ister in Mexico, transmitting the decision of the Council of
Government of Mexico, advising that he should not be receiv-
ed, and also the despatch of our Consul residing in the city of
Mexico—the former bearing date on the 17th, and the latter
on the ISth of December, 1845—were received at the Depart-
ment of State. These communications rendered it highly pro-
bable, if not absolutely certain, that our Minister would not be
received by the Government,” &c.
’This may be true, and, whether true or not, is not mate-
rial to the issue; it being sufficiently obvious that the refusal
of Mexico to receive our Minister was no reason for war with
Mexico, or for marching the army to the Rio Grande. But
it i» curious to see how differently things were represented
here by the government paper on the day of the date of the
marching order to Gen. Taylor. On that very day (the 13th
January, 1846) the “ Union” contained an extract of a letter
received at the Navy Department from Vera Cruz, stating
that Mr. Slidell had been flatteringly received there,
&c. —and on the 10th of the following month (February) the
Union published the following quasi official information :
From Mexico.—Letters were received last night in this
city by special conveyance from Mexico and Vera Cruz. The
letters from the city of Mexico are to the 14th January, at
which time Mr. Slidell was in the city, but was expected to
arrive at Jalapa on the 17th. He had obtained an escort to
tha place. Not the slightest insult had been offered to him,
as as been reported ; hut he had been received with much
couitesy, and he had been welcomed in the society of the me-
tropolis as an elegant and accomplished gentleman. He had
not yet been received by the Government in his official capa-
city— neither had they declined his reception ; and, in fact,
judging by appearances, there was no reason to believe that
he would not be as acceptable to the Government of Paredes
as to that of Herrera.”
What thoughts were running in the head of this
Administration on its very first accession to power, is
sufficiently shown by these indications. Nor, by
the way, was the thought of bringing on a war by
the advance of Gen. Taylor’s forces to the Rio
Grande entirely out of the mind of the Administra-
tion long before that march was actually ordered ;
fot, on the 11th of September, 1845, many of our
readers must well remember, the “Union” held
the following language:
“ II Arista dares to carry out his braggart
threats—if he ventures to cross the Rio Grande
with reinforcements to any little armed post which
‘ Mexico may occupy on the east side of that
‘ river, Gen. Taylor will attempt to prevent him—-
‘ blood must flow—War must ensue.”
Arista did not cross the Rio Grande; and so,
after waiting four months in vain for such a god-
send, the Administration ordered Gen. Taylor to
march his force to the Rio Grande. With what
object? For what purpose? These are questions
which the reader will answer for himself, if he be
not satisfied with the view which, in the preceding
columns, lias been already taken of that matter.
As early as the 6th of June last, the “Union”
inadveitently disclosed the fact that our squadron
was instructed, long before the breaking out of this
war, to be in the way to take possession of Cali-
fornia, in the shape of a supposition that “ an Ame-x
lican force may possibly at this moment be in pos-
session of the principal harbors of California.”
And before the news of our occupation of those
harbors or of the capital of New Mexico reached
this country (that is to say, on the 26th September)
the “ Union” discoursed as follows :
“ There is every reason to believe that General
4 Kearney is already in possession of Santa Fe ;
4 that Gen. Taylor is now or will be in a few days
4 at Monterey, and perhaps at Saltillo; and that
4 Gen. Wool will be at Chihuahua by the 10th or
loth of October. Shall we then fold out arms
and relinquish one of the advantages which we
4 may have obtained ? On the contrary, shall toe
4 not prosecute our victories and make additional
4 conquests—towards California and towards the
4 capital of Mexico itself?"
And a few days afterwards, the news of the oc-
cupation of Santa Fe having arrived, the “ Union”
expressed the views of the Administration thus :
44 The discretion which marked his [Gen. Kear-
4 ney’s] proceedings after he had reached Santa Fe,
4 and the subsequent steps which he is about to
4 take, ivill m,ake this acquisition one of the most
remarkable and important events of the war.
He lias located our victorious eagles at this point,
and Mexico has to a§k herself if ive have thus
4 acquired one of her finest provinces, what is to
4 stop us in our career, or why will she persevere
4 in the war amid so many difficulties?”
We have neither time nor space to multiply
proofs, which might be adduced, of the intention of
the Administration to consider New Mexico and
California at least, when overrun, as having been
acquired by conquest for the United States. The
President himself almost avows the design in his
recommendation to provide for the security of these
important conquests, by making appropriations for
fortifications—permanent, of course ; field fortifica-
tions or other operations proper to a state of war
not requiring such specific appropriations—-and for
defraying the expenses of the civil government
which our officers have, by order of the President,
established in these “ Territories of the United
States.” This recommendation by the Executive
is a full recognition of what his officers have, said
and done.
The President refers to the Law of Nations as
authorizing what he has done, and proposes to do,
in California and New Mexico. Leaving him to
settle with Congress the question how far a state
of war erects an Executive authority supreme
over both Congress and the Constitution, we will
content ourselves with saying that, in what the
President asserts to be «the right and duty of the
conqueror,” he and his advisers have evidently suf-
fered themselves to be misled by the antiquated
maxims of writers upon national law who flourished
at a time when such a thing as a written Constitu-
tion was as unknown as the Magnetic Telegraph ;
at a time ivhen all power was deemed the preroga-
tive ot the luler, and all rights of the people re-
garded as gracious or coerced concessions by him in
their favor. These maxims, therefore, so far as
they concern the relations between our Executive
and his constituents or their Representatives in
Congress, have in many cases no application at
all; and certainly have none when they are resort-
ed to for the purpose of deriving from them for
the President powers which are denied to him bju
the Constitution. The President has of himself no
lawful authority to annex or acquire Territory, or
to establish civil governments over Territories either
within or without the United States. All such acts
are foreign to his office, and, in the absence of any
authority derived from Congress, cannot but be re-
garded as usurpations of power.
The whole idea of acquisition of foreign territo-
ry by casual conquest, or temporary possession
obtained by force, is a delusion. Not only has not
the President no power to go forth with arms in
his hands and wrest territories from a foreign Power,
but Congress cannot lawfully authorize him to do
it. The law on that point is not only well under-
stood by civilians of the present day all over the
world, but in our own country it has been long ago
adjudicated and settled by its highest Judicial tribu-
nal. In Peters’s Digest of the Decisions of the
Supreme Court, which we have taken occasion to
consult, we find, at page 535 of volume I, the law
on this subject very clearly laid down as follows :
44 By a conquest, the conqueror acquires nothing
4 but a temporary right of possession and govern-
4 ment over the territory conquered, until a pacifi-
4 cation, and cannot, in the mean time, impair, by
4 any transfer, the rights of the former sovereign.”
[Clark vs. The U. States, 3 Wash. C. C. R. 101.
44 A territory, conquered by an enemy, is not to
4 be considered as incorporated into the dominions
4 of that enemy, without a renunciation in a treaty
of peace, or a long and permanent possession."
[U. States vs. Haywood, 2 Gallis. C. C. R. 501 .
To the same effect we find the following passage
in Judge Story’s Commentaries :
“ In cases of conquest, the usage of the world is,
4 if a nation is not wholly subdued, to consider the
4 conquered territory as merely held by military oc-
4 cupation, until its fate shall be determined by a
4 treaty of peace.”
But, further, the President says, in his Mes-
sage, “ By the laws of nations a conquered territo-
4 ry is subject to be governed by the conqueror,”
4 &c., “the old civil government being necessarily
4 superseded," &c.
The Supreme Court has decided otherwise:
44 By the law of nations the rights of property
are protected, even in the case of a conquered
4 country, and held sacred and inviolable when it is
4 ceded by treaty, with or without any stipulation
to such effect; and the laws, whether in writing
4 or evidenced by the usage and customs of the
4 conquered or ^ ceded country, continue in force
4 until cdtered by the new sovereign."
[Strother vs. Lucas, 12 Peters, 410.
It is very clear, therefore, that the United States
acquires, by the conquest of the chief ports of Cali
fornia and of the capital of Santa Fe, no rights but
those which pertain to it as the military tenant of
the territory during the continuance of the war, and
that the claim of title set up under that occupation
will count for nothing when the two Governments
come to a reckoning at the end of the war.
Upon the explanation which the President has
made of his purpose in allowing, and indeed encou-
raging, the return of Santa Anna to Mexico, we
have but a single remark to make. We are perfectly
willing to give credit to the President for good in-
tentions in pursuing this course, but we cannot shut
our eyes to the fact that the Military Chieftain thus
permitted to return to his country is the very indi-
vidual under whose Presidency were perpetrated
those delays and denials of justice for alleged out-
rages against our citizens, out of which our Presi-
dent has in his Message compiled so formidable a
list of grievances as to constitute in his opinion just
cause of wrar. There is an apparent incongruity in
these facts which it is for those to reconcile who
can.*
We had intended to follow the view which we
have taken of the Mexican Avar with some observa-
tions of the danger to the Republic of indulging in
a spirit of conquest and lust of dominion, the pro-
pensity to which has been abundantly revealed
within the last few years, not in the acts and de
signs of the Executive merely, but in the debates
which have within that period taken place in Con-
gress. We find, however, that what we have to
say on that head would cover too much space for
to-day; and we reserve it for another paper.
In the same manner, and for the same reason, we
defer also our consideration of the remaining topics
of the Message.
* It would be a refinement of cruelty to hold the President
responsible for all the discrepancies between the statements of
his Message and those which have from time to time appeared
on the same subjects in the government paper. But some of
them are too glaring not to have attracted our involuntary no-
tice. On the subject of Santa Anna’s return, for example,
the Message informs us that, under a distinct understanding
of professions by him of “an entire change of policy,” and
with the belief that “ the intestine divisions,” of which his return
to Mexico would be certainly the fruit, would lead to a favor-
able peace with this country, instructions were given to the
Commander of our na val forces in the Gulf, on the thirteenth
day of May, “not to obstruct the passage of Santa Anna to
Mexico, should he attempt to return.” Notwithstanding all
which, now avowed by the President himself, the “ Union”
oi the sixth day of July put forth the following contradiction
of a statement which turns out to have been substantially
true :
“ We deem it our duty to state, in the most positive terms,
that our Government has no sort of connexion with any scheme
of Santa Anna for the revolution of Mexico, or for any sort
of purpose. Some three months ago some adventurer was in
Washington who wished to obtain their countenance and aid
in some scheme or other connected with Santa Anna. They
declined all sort of connexion, co-operation, or participation in
any effort for the purpose. The Government of this country
declines all such intrigues or bargains. They have r&ade
war openly in the face of the world. They mean to prose-
cute it with all their vigor. They mean to force Mexico to
do us justice at the point of the sword. This, then, is their
design—-this is their plan ; and it is ivorthy of a bold, high-
minded, and energetic people.”
Congress.-—Neither House of Congress sat yes-
terday, both having on Thursday adjourned over to
Monday.
|C?* The residue of our report of Thursday’s
Debate in the House of Representatives will appear
in Monday’s paper.
The Gag Principle,—-The President, in his
message, chooses to think that an examination into
the causes of the Mexican Avar, and the expression
of a conviction that the Avar was unnecessary in its
inception, is giving “ aid and comfort to the
enemy.” This is like the cry of power in all ages
and all countries. Mr. Payne, of Alabama, in the
House of Representatives, in moving to print a large
number of the message, said, “ the conduct of cer-
4 tain presses in opposition to the war policy he re-
‘ garded as little less than treasonable, and that it
4 would be so esteemed in other countries.” This
is the echo of the President’s language, and power
has always its adherents to back and defend its
edicts. Fortunately, neither the President nor Mr.
Payne can enforce the gag which they seem anxious
to impose uponra free press and a free people.
Men Avill think, and talk, and write, and print; nor
can denunciation, or a threatened gag, stop them.
And, what is more, too, those Avho thus think and
talic are generally the very men who, after all, will
be found readiest to fight for the country. They do
not rest content in their snug seats at home, and far
removed from danger, but are ready to take arms
when it becomes necessary.—Alexandria Gazette.
FROM MEXICO.
Major Graham, of the Corps of Topographical
Engineers, returned to this city on Tuesday after-
noon from the headquarters of our army in Mexico.
Major Graham left Washington on the 14th of
October, Avith despatches to General Taylor from
the War Department, ordering the termination of
the armistice which Avas agreed upon at the sur-
render of Monterey to our arms. He reached
Gen. Taylor’s headquarters at Monterey on the
2d of November, after sixteen and a half days travel,
having been detained two and a half days at New
Orleans for a vessel to convey him to Brasos San-
tiago, and half a day aground in a steamboat in the Rio
Grande, below Reynosa.
Major Graham was sent to Saltillo, sixty-five miles in ad-
vance of the army in the direction of San Luis Potosi, and
made a reconnoisance of the strong mountain passes of the
Rinconada and Los Muertos. The latter pass had been de-
fended by the Mexicans with five separate batteries, manned
by artillery and infantry, which commanded the road at the
narrowest part ot the pass, but these works were evacuated
after the retreat of the Mexican army trom Monterey to San
Luis de Potosi.
San Luis is situated one hundred leagues (276 English
miles) beyond Saltillo. Here Santa Anna had concentra-
ted all the forces he could collect, including the army which
had retreated from Monterey. His force, as ascertained by
Major Graham while at Saltillo, was 16,000 men, and a re-
inforcement of 6,000 more was expected by the middle of
November, from the surrounding country.
The Mexican General had been very busy in fortifying San
Luis evei since the capture of Monterey. No intermediate
point, it is believed, was fortified upon that route.
Maj. G. returned from Saltillo to Monterey on the 10th of
November, and, on the 13th, Gen. Tatlok sent Gen. Worth,
with a portion of his division, including Duncan’s battery of
horse artillery, Lieut. Col. Child’s battalion of foot ar-
tillery, and the fifth and eighth regiments of regular in-
fantry, to take possession of Saltillo, which was entirely un-
defended. General Tatlor accompanied the expedition, but
would return to Monterey in a few days. Our troops at Mon-
terey were generally healthy when Maj. G. left that place on
the 15th of November.
While at Monterey Major Graham observed for the lati-
tude, and made the Cathedral in 25° 39' 36" North.
We understand he now resumes his station as head of the
scientific corps of our Northeastern boundary commission,
whose duties are not yet quite terminated.
LATE FROM TAMPICO—LOSS OF THE U S
TRANSPORT STEAMER NEPTUNE.
The General Assembly of the State of Ohio con-
vened at Columbus on Monday last, and Avas or
ganized by the election of Mr. E. B. Olds as
Speaker ot the Senate, and of Wm. P. Cutler, as
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Alexandria Volunteers for the Mexican war were
organized on Wednesday by the election of the following offi-
cers of the company, viz :
Montgomery D. Corse, Captain.
Turner W. Ashby, First Lieutenant.
Benjamin G. Waters, Second Lieutenant.
James S. Douglass, Third do.
I he Common Council of the city has made a liberal ap-
propriation in aid of the equipment of the volunteers.
The Decline in Breadstuffs.—The New York Ex-
press says : “The decline in the price of breadstuffs in Eng.
land has put quite a damper on the feelings of holders here.
Such a falling off in prices was not anticipated. The news
has reached here when our own market is in quite a sensitive
state. There are at present large receipts. The navigation
being about to close, an unusual quantity is in the market,
and some portion of it is forced to a sale. Even without any
decline in Europe, prices have been of late falling off here in
consequence of sales being forced. Many of our holders
have withdrawn their lots from the market, while others will
be compelled to sell at the highest prices offered. If freights
should come down materially, of which there are some indi-
cations, it will tend to strengthen the market; but, without a
fall in freights, breadstuffs must decline.”
The Nevv Orleans Bulletin has accounts from
Tampico to the 28th ultimo, received by the sloop-
of-Avar St. Mary's.
The steamer Neptune arrived at Tampico on Sunday, 22d
November, with 450 regular troops, under the command of
Colonel Gates, and the steamer Sea, with 200 more troops,
on the 23d, when the town was formally handed over to the
army. Fort Andonega was immediately garrisoned, under
filename of Fort Conner, and armed with twolong 18-pound-
ers. A battery of two 42-pounder carronades, called Fort
Ann, in honor of Mrs. Chase, lady of the late American
Consul at Tampico, commands the Altamira road. Besides
these, some field pieces are mounted on the house-tops. The
Neptune sailed from Tampico on* the 24th ultimo, and, en-
countering a heavy norther, was driven back and wrecked on
the bar ; all hands saved ; the vessel a total loss.
The town of Tampico is already in a good state of defence,
and reinforcements are arriving daily. Saltillo had been aban-
doned, and there is no doubt that it is now in possession of
the advance guard of the army under Gen. Worth.
The state of Mexico is represented to be even worse than
ever. Santa Anna lately made an address to his troops,
apparently to extract from them an invitation to instal himself
at the head of the Government. He was disappointed, how-
ever, at finding that his oration was received in profound
silence, and he immediately afterwards started with all his
cavalry on a secret expedition, some think to cut off one of
the divisions of our army—which he will not be likely to find.
The most probable conjecture is, that he is gone to Mexico to
control the action of the new Congress.
We also learn that the steamer Spitfire, Capt. Tatnall,
had gone up the Panuco river, and taken possession of two
towns, in one of which, about sixty miles from Tampico, he
took ten large cannon and a portion of the ammunition re-
moved by the Mexican troops on evacuating Tampico.
In consequence of the two regiments which had marched
from Tampico having revolted on the march, they were dis-
banded on arriving at San Luis Potosi. The army at San
Luis numbers about sixteen thousand, and are reported to be
badly supplied with provisions, and the country continues to
be distracted by factions.
THE CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL TRADE.
Messrs. Editors : In returning to this city yesterday from
Harper’s 1 erry, by the railroad, I noticed a large number of
boats lying in the canal near that place, chiefly laden with
flour. Upon inquiry I learned that the number then there
was forty-nine, and that they contained upwards of twenty
thousand barrels of flour. These boats had been arrested in
their passage by a breach in one of the culverts, which the
superintendent informed me would be repaired so as to restore
the navigation by Tuesday next. The merchants of the Dis-
trict may therefore anticipate the arrival of a good supply of
produce next week. Besides the flour now on the canal a
large quantity yet remains in the upper country awaiting
transportation, and which will immediately be brought to mar-
ket if the navigation continues unobstructed by ice.
Very near to the breach in the canal I noticed the tender
of a locomotive engine, a baggage car, and two passenger
cars, which had been thrown off the track of the railroad on
Wednesday, as the passenger train was passing from Cum-
berland to Baltimore. Fortunately none of the passengers
were hurt, as I was informed, by this accident, although some
of the cars were greatly damaged. A.
FROM SANTA FE.
The St. Jjouis Republican of the 5th instant fur-
nishes the following extract of a letter from Col.
Doniphan, commanding the first regiment of Mis-
souri volunteers, dated
Santa Fe, October 21, 1846.
We have established a Civil Government here, and all
things wear the appearance of profound peace and entire satis
faction on the part of the people ; but, to a close observer, it
is evident that it is all hypocrisy ; indeed it could be nothing
else. A people conquered but yesterday could have no
friendly feeling for their conquerors, who have taken posses-
sion of their country, changed its laws, and appointed new
officers, principally foreigners. Yet, such is their cunning
and hypocrisy that they partially imposed on Gen. Kearney
up to the very day of his departure ; but there are so many
troops here now that their good or bad feeling is a matter of
perfect indifference.
On yesterday we obtained what we deemed pretty correct
information from El Passo del Norte, that Magoffin, Dr. Con-
nelly, Colonels Owen and Glasgow were retained there as
prisoners by the troops, but were treated very respectfully,
yet not permitted to go to Chihuahua or return. They had
gone in advance of their wagons, and will lose nothing, and
will only be detained until orders can be obtained for their
release.
Our regiment is under marching orders for Chihuahua, and
would have been off before to-day, if Gen. Kearney had not
sent back orders, after he had got ten days from here, requir-
ing us to go into the Eutaw and Navijo countries, and bring
both these wars to a close beforepwe left here. We have
made a permanent treaty with the Eutaws—Major Gilpin
having penetrated far into their country. Our whole regiment
will march into the Navijo country immediately ; this lies be-
tween the Del Norte and the waters running into the Pacific.
Major Gilpin goes up the Chanas; Lieut. Col. Jackson up
the Puerco of the West, (there being two of them ;) and
Gen. Doniphan (our command) up the Junes. As soon as
we return we will start with the traders to Chihuahua. Col.
Price and all his regiment and separate battalion will remain
here this winter.
To-day, John P. Campbell, of Springfield, arrived here,
and “brings our first positive information that our provision
trains are all breaking down and giving out, and that few of
them could reach here this winter. If this is the case, star-
vation will be the inevitable consequence. No provisions can
be had here. We have not ten days’ provisions at present.
MARRIAGE.
On Tuesday, tne 8th inst., in St. John’s Church, George-
town, by the Rev. A. Shiras, THOMAS S. MURRAY,
of New Hope, Pennsylvania, to GERTRUDE RUSSEL,
daughter of Steuben Butler, Esq., of Wilkesbarre, Wyoming
Valley, Pennsylvania.
fdf The Hon. H. W. Hilliard, of Alabama, is expect-
ed to preach at the Wesley Chapel, corner of F and 5th street,
on Sabbath next, at 11 o’clock.
£5“ Church of the Epiphany,] G street, near 13th —
The regular hours ol service 11 A. M., & 34 P. M. When there
is to be an additional service at night, special notice will be
&lven- dec 12
$5” The Lev. John D. Matthews, of Kentucky, will
pieach in the Second Presbyterian Church, New York avenue
and 13th st, on Sabbath, at 11 o’clock A. M., and 3 o’clock
U. M. ] 2
55] The Rev. Mr. L. McCalla will preach, God wil-
ling', in the forenoon and afternoon of to-morrow, in the Cen-
tral Presbyterian Church, north of the National Institute, in
8th street. The members and pew holders will assemble in
congregational meeting on Tuesday next, 15th instant, at 34
o’clock P. M., at the Church. dec 12
55” FESTIVAL. —A Festival will he held at Con-
cert Hall, near Brown’s Hotel, on Pennsylvania avenue, on
luesday evening next, for the benefit of the Ascension
Church. The Festival will continue for two or three days,
and the ladies under whose management it will be conducted
indulge the hope that they will be able to render it a pleasant
retreat to citizens and strangers who may favor them with
their presence.
Refreshments will be prepared and fancy articles presented
for sale upon the occasion. ,jeu ig_3t
Col. Balie Peyton, being recently on a visit to Tennes-
see, his former residence, several gentlemen of Nashville
(among whom were Hon. John Bell, Ephraim H. Foster,
Washington Barrow, Allen A. Hall. &c.) invited him to ac-
cept of a public dinner, in compliment to his gallant services
while with the army in Mexico. Col. Peyton, however,
was prevented from accepting the invitation by a pressure of
professional business.
Gun-Cotton.—A writer in the London Times cautions
experimenters to be nervously alive to the explosive force of
gun-cotton, and states that a son of Mr. Lankaster, of Bond
street, was practising on one of his father’s best guns, in the
presence of an eminent chemist, with less than half the weight
of an ordinary charge of gunpowder, when the piece was
burst in pieces, and Mr. Lankaster seriously wounded.
Microscopical examination of the residuum of the best gun
cotton has shown that it consists of minute globules of a spe-
cie* of glass, connected by a filament of the same kind, and
which, from the action of nitric acid upon it, is presumed to
be silicate of potash, the oxidized acid and base, being effects
produced upon the component elements of the cotton by com-
bustion.
44 Gun sawdust may be thus prepared : Take of nitric acid
and oil of vitriol, each, two measures ; pour the two acids
into a basin, gradually sprinkle the sawdust into the acids,
taking care not to add the sawdust too rapidly ; continue to
add it until all the acid is absorbed ; cover the basin with a
plate to keep in the fumes ; allow the sawdust to remain in
the acid eight or ten minutes ; fill the basin with water ; the
sawdust will subside to the bottom ; pour off the water and
continue to wash until no acid taste remains; dry in a cur-
rent of warm air, being careful not to allow the temperature
to be too high.”—[G. Turner, Leeds.]
* * 7
We have received from Mr. Winter, Tobacconist, on the
avenue, some samples of Havana Cigars of his own importing,
which are so fragrant as almost, to reconcile us to the use of
the weed.
55* ST. CHARLES HOTEL.—Parlors and cham-
bers are now ready for the accommodation of boarders and
families A large dining-room has been added, (dinner at tour
o clock,) where detached tables ol any size can be had for
Messes ” without extra charge. Parties that take rooms in
the neighborhood can take one of these tables, or have their
meals sent to their rooms. The best cooks and waiters in the
country have been secured ; and, with a determination on the
?o%tieasteieaJirXo1 shaHhhnoi^im mitten- |atfon^e!^Prmes
twenty-five per cent, less than last season. dec 10—dl wif
FROM BALTIMORE AND THE NORTH.
Baltimore, December 11—5 p. M
We are without news to-day worthy of note. I am glad
to learn that Judge Chambers, of Kent county, Maryland,
who was injured some days ago, while out hunting, by the
accidental explosion of his powder-flask, is recovering from the
wounds which were not so dangerous as at first apprehended.
1 he flour market remains dull and unchanged. Holders
are asking $4 624, and buyers offering $4 50, to which price
I think it must fall. Nothing done in City Mills and Sus-
quehanna. Corn meal $3 60. The inspections of flour for
the week are 20,736 barrels, and 468 half do., besides 73
barrels rye flour, and 848 barrels and 10 hogsheads com meal.
Good to prime red wheat dull at 84 a 92 cents; white
corn (new) 46, and yellow do. 47 a 48—a decline ; oats 33
a 34 ; rye 62 ; cloverseed $4 50 ; whiskey 22 a 23 cents.
Beef cattle $3 75 a $5 75 per 100 pounds nett; hogs $4 50
a $4 624. Timothy hay $11 per ton.
The tobacco market is still dull, and common qualities not
much wanted. The following prices are given as embracing
a 1 the sales, and the nominal quotations of the common and
m erior grades for the past week, viz : Maryland $1 50 to $2,
for inferior and common ; $2 a $4 for good common ; $4 a
£ or good ; $6 a $12 for fine and better qualities ; Ohio
common to middling $1 50 a $2 50, good $4 a $6 ; fine
reds $5 a *>9 ; fine yellow $5 a $10 ; extra kinds $10 a $12.
The inspections are 894 hhds., including 629 Maryland, 264
Ohio, and 1 Kentucky.
Nothing done in stqcks. The money market is rather
tight. The hanks are preparing for their annual statements.
The Telegraph reports from New York and Philadelphia
up to the close of business hours, as follows :
FROM NEW YORK.
There were sales to-day of 7,000 bbls. Genesee flour at
$o. 06i at the opening of the market. Sales also to a moder-
ate extent of Western flour at $5 per bbl. The flour market
generally is without much activity, but holders are firm at the
prices here quoted. Sales of prime Genesee white wheat at
115 cents. Prime new white corn sold at 63 cents per bush-
el, and yellow do. at 61 cents.
FROM PHILADELPHIA.
The stock market is more active. Sales to a considerable
amount of Wilmington Railroad bonds at 8()i; Pennsylva-
nia 5 s remain steady at Saturday’s prices, 6Sf; U. S. 6’s
sold to a fair extent at 101.
The flour market is still unsettled and dull. Holders are
asking $4.62| for fresh ground brands, but find no buyers,
offers of 4.50 and small transactions said to have taken place.
Corn meal is still dull at 3.56} to $3.60. No change in
rye flour. Sales of white wheat at 102 cents. Red is worth
89 to 96 cents. Yellow corn is selling at 64 cents 5 oats 33.
APOLLO HALL. ~ ~~
T7HRST appearance in Washington of that incomprehensible
X being, the great
WIZARD OF THE WEST,
(Prom the Strand and Adelphi Theatres, London.)
Mr. J. W. STURME begs to inform the inhabitants of this
city that lie has transformed the Apollo Hall into a gorgeous
palace ol enchantment for the performance of his almost super-
human illusions in 1
NECROMANCY AND MAGIC.
He will display his most extraordinary powers of
Ambidextrousprestidigitatlon
For three nights only, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
evenings, December 15th, 16th, and 17th, on which occasions
he will introduce his unsurpassed Illusions in Chemistry Pneu
matics, Optics, and Magic. ’
A splendid Band of Music will be in attendance each evening.
Tickets 25 cents. Doors open at half-past 6 o’clock : cur-
tain to rise at a quarter past 7.
55“ For particulars see small bills. dec 12—3t
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
Wednesbay, December 9, 1846.
O. G. Cates, Esq. of Kentucky, and H. W. Dunlap,
Esq. of Louisiana, were admitted attorneys and counsellors of
this Court.
No. 9. James Wood, plaintiff in error, vs. Wm. A. Under-
hill et al. This cause was argued by Mr. Silliman for the
plaintiff in error, and by Mr. Campbell for the defendants
in error.
No. 16. N. & J. Dick & Co., plaintiffs, vs. Hardin D. Run-
nels. This cause was argued by Mr. Bib b for tha defendant.
No. 17. Christopher Ford, appellant, vs. Archibald Doug-
lass et al. The argument of this cause was commenced by
Mr. Meredith for the appellees.
No. 4. Isaac Cooper, plaintiff in error, vs. John Matheys.
On the motion of Mr. Ingehsoll, who suggested the death of
the plaintiff in error, this writ of error to the Circuit Court of
the United States for Pennsylvania, was abated.
Adjourned till to morrow at 11 o’clock.
Thursday, December 10, 1846.
No. 25. Wm. A. Bradley, appellant, vs. Pierre Chouteau
et al. On appeal from the Circuit Court of the United States
for the District of Columbia. By order of the appellant this
appeal was dismissed at his cost.
No. 22. Geo. M. Phillips, plaintiff in error, vs. John S.
Preston. This cause was argued by Mr. Barton for the
plaintiff in error.
Adjourned till to-morrow at 11 o’clock.
Friday, December 11, 1846.
No. 93. James Pepper et ah, plaintiffs in error, vs. Hugh.
W. Dunlap et al. Mr. Crittenden moved to dismiss this
writ of error for the want of jurisdiction.
No. 26. John G. Nelson et al., appellants, vs. John J.
Hill et al. This cause was argued by Mr. Crittenden fo*
the appellees.
Adjourned till Monday morning at 11 o’clock.
THE ODEON.
THIS (SATURDAY EVENING,) DECEMBER 12,
Will be repeated, by particular desire,
PERFECTION ; or the Maid of Munster.
Charles Paragon....................Mr. G. F. Brown.
Sir Lawrence.......................Mr. J. Littell.
Sam, (Valet to Charles)..............Mr. Jordan.
Kate O’Brien, (with song)...........Mrs. Mossop.
®usan........................... • • .Miss H. Albertine.
The whole to conclude with the laughable farce of the
\ ANKEE IN TROUBLE ; or the Masquerade Hall.
Just received, and will be immediately produced, The Grist
to Mill; Did you ever send your Wife to Georgetown ? Lend
me Five Shillings.
On Monday Mrs. Mossop’s Benefit and last appearance.
A number ol Season 4 ickets can be obtained on immediate
application.
Doors open at 7 ; performance half-past 7 precisely.
TEFFEKSON’S WRITINGS, complete in 4 vols-Ycta-
V vo, in full leather binding, for $4.50, published at $10 in
boards. For sale (a few copies only) by
decl2 ' F. TAYLOR.
'jVTOTXCE.—Mrs. YOORHEES can accommodate two__
-L i three persons, in addition to those she now has, with
comfortable quarters in an agreeable neighborhood, on 17th
street, 4 doors from H street. dec 12_
mWO NEATLY FURNISHED PARLORS AND
J- BED-ROOM, with closets, will be rented upon reason-
able terms in a private family, with or without board. Apply
corner of 12th street and Penn. av. dec 12—3t
"JAOUR GENTLEMEN, with or without families, can
X1 be accommodated with board at Mr. FROST’S, Green’s
Row, Capitol Hill.
dec 12—-3t
TYANK OF WASHINGTON STOCK at Auction.
JD On Monday evening next, the 14th instant, at 4 o’clock
I shall sell at my Auction Store 120 shares of the stock of the
Bank of Washington. Terms cash.
dec 12— 3t R. W. DYER, Auct’r.
The New York Mirror takes the only ground which a de-
fender of the lawless and unconstitutional acts in New Mexico
and California can properly occupy. That paper asserts the
bold proposition that the only constitution in the Uni-
ted States is the will of the majority ! Perhaps it
ought to be varied, so as to read the will of the Executive—
though, after all, the terms may be synonymous. The pro-
position, thus broadly asserted, may startle the “strict con-
structionists”—the champions of the Report and Resolutions of
’98-’99—the men who shudder at a bank and a protective
tariff, and at the improvement of rivers and harbors as danger-
ous infractions of the constitution. But it is only uttering in
words what President Polk has already proclaimed by his acts.
And why should we shrink, like a sick man, from learning
the true character of a disease which is already preying upon
the vitals of the system ?—Richmond Whig.
TLTAMMOTH BROTHER JONATHAN.—The Pic-
JLTjL torial Brother Jonathan tor the Holydays is now ready,
beautifully illustrated with upwards of sixty fine engravings.
Price only 124 cents.
Also just received a fresh supply of—
Lover’s Irish Stories and Rory O’More, cheap editions
Lover’s Works, complete
Dickens’s Works, complete
Smollett’s Works, complete
Fielding’s Works, complete
Charcoal sketches, by J . C. Neal.
Mrs. Rundell’s Domestic cookery, price 25 cents
Bowl of Punch, with seventy illustrations
Ten Thousand a Year
Life of Beau Brummel
Sol Smith, My Shooting Box, Major Jones’s Courtship, &c.
Also, a new Novel by James—Beauchamp, or, the Error.
For sale by G. BROOKE & Co.
deb 12—3t Corner Penn, avenue and 15th street.
QTALLS in the NORTHERN MARKET.—There
jO wifl he rented to the highest bidder on Monday, the 14th
instant, at 10 o’clock A. M., (for the periods respectively un-
til the annual time of renting the same,) sundry Butcher’s
Stalls and Vegetable Stands, in the Northern Market-house,
for which stalls and stands the persons bidding them off on the
2d of November have not complied with the terms of sale.
They will now be resold at the risk of the former purchasers.
Terms cash. By order of the Mayor:
dec 11—dtd W. B. WILSON, Clerk Market.
The Van Ness Case.—Yesterday Messrs. J. S. Harris,
B. Anthony, and - Parmenter, of Providence, Rhode
Island, were examined for the defence. Mr. F. Naylor and
H. Y. Hill were also introduced by the defendant’s counsel;
but, during the examination of the latter, a legal question was
mooted, which occupied the Court until a late hour in the
evening in hearing the argument of the respective counsel.
Sales TMs ©ay.
fdTV PROPERTY—COLLECTOR’S SALE—A
Y_7 large number of city lots, improved and unimproved, as
advertised in the National Intelligencer, will be sold for taxes,
m the Aldermen’s room, at the City Hall, on Saturday the
12th instant, commencing at 11 o’clock. Money may, by this
means, be safely invested, at a high interest, and favorable pur-
chases made. a ROTHWELL,
dec 11 Collector.
M
By IS. MOM.IJYS, Auctioneer.
ARES AT AUCTION—TO-MORROW MORN-
ING, (Saturday,) 12th instant, at half-past 9 o’clock,
in front of the Centre Market, will be sold for cash a pair of
beautiful sorrel Mares, five and six years old, well matched,
perfectly sound and gentle,, and thoroughly broken ; will work
well in harness, separately or together, and one of them is an
excellant saddle nag. Sold for no fault, but in consequence of
the owner having no further use for them. Persons in want
of such horses may expect a bargain if they attend the sale, as
it will be peremptory. B. HOMANS,
dec 11—2t Auctioneer.
By WM. MARSHALL, Auctioneer.
VAN SATURDAY, 12th instant, at 12 o’clock M., I will
V/ sell, at the residence of Mr. S. M. Jarboe, near the lum-
ber yard of Mr. Blagden, Navy Yard, the whole of his House-
hold and Kitchen Furniture, viz :
Mahogany Sideboard and Sofa, Looking-Glasses
Cane and wood-seat Chairs
Mahogany and pine Tables
Mahogany Lounge
Ingrain and other Carpets, hearth Rugs
Brass Andirons and Fenders
Shovels and Tongs, Iron Dogs
Silver-plated and brass Candlesticks
Silver tea and salt Spoons
Silver Sugar Tongs, silver Plated Castors
High and low-post curled maple Bedsteads
Feather Beds, moss and straw Mattresses
Blankets, Sheets, Spreads, Quilts, and Comlorts
1 mahogany Bureau, 1 mahogany Claw Table
Mahogany and pine Washstands
1 tin Safe, 1 large Ironing Table
Glass and Crockery Ware, Window Curtains
47 volumes Family Library
Niles’s Register, American Farmer, and sundry other ar-
ticles.
After the sale of Furniture, I will offer an excellent Iron
Axle Cart, nearly new, a superior set of Cart Harness, and a
valuable Draught and Saddle Horse.
Terms cash for all sums of $20 and under ; over $20, a credi t
of thirty days, for approved endorsed notes, bearing interest
from sale. WM. MARSHALL,
dec 9—ts Auctioneer.
O TATIONERY.—The most extensive assortment to behad
of W. Fischer, next to the corner of 12th street and
Pennsylvania avenue. - ug 26
TTOUSE AND LOT AT AUCTION—On Thursday
XX next, the 10th instant, I will sell to the highest bidder,
on the premises, Lot No. 15, in square 480, with a small
Frame House upon it, nearly new. This house is situated in
a thickly-settled neighborhood, and is at present occupied by
the subscriber, on 5th street, in rear of the old Poor House.
Sale at 4 o’clock P. M. Terms easy, made known at sale.
JOS. BALLINGER,
dec 8—TW&Th R. W. DYER, Auctioneer.
55-The above sale is postponed, on account of the
weather, till Saturday evening next, the 12th instant, same
hour and place. R- W. D\ER,
(jee j i_2t Auctioneer.
By B. HOMANS.
T)OOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS !—This evening, at 7 o’clock,
X> I shall sell at the Sales Rooms of W. M. Morrison, 2d
door from 4\ street and Pennsylvania avenue, a large lot ol
Miscellaneous Books, principally second-hand. Sale to be
continued on Monday evening at 7 o’clock.
jec 12—S&M B. HOMANS, Auctioneer.
mWO CARTONS of those cheap Cashmere Long Shawls,
r.t $12.50, just received from the importer, and will be
sold at the above limit. D. CLAGE I T & CO,
dec 11—3tif [Uuion&cAlexGaz]
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National Intelligencer. (Washington [D.C.]), Vol. 47, No. 6861, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 12, 1846, newspaper, December 12, 1846; Washington, District of Columbia. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1025035/m1/3/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .