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Roads and Canals.

INTERESTING OFFICIAL DOCUMENT.

Report of the secretary of war to congress.

the part of wisdom to profit by experience, so it is
of the utmost importance to prevent a recurrence
of a similar state of things, by the application of a
portion of our means to the construction of such
roads and canals as are required "with a view to mi-
operations in time of war, the transportation
of the United States."
of the munitions of war, and more complete defence

DEPARTMENT OF WAR, JAN. 7TH, 1819. Srn-In compliance with a resolution of the house of representatives of the 4th of April, 1818, instruct-litary ing the secretary of war to report to that house, at their next session, "a plan for the application of such means as are within the power of congress for the In all questions of military preparations, three of purpose of opening and constructing such roads and our frontiers require special attention, the eastern or Atlantic frontier; the northern, or the Canadian canals as may deserve and require the aid of go- frontier; and the southern, or the frontier of the vernment, with a view to military operations in time Gulf of Mexico. On the west and north-west we of war; the transportation of munitions of war; and also a statement of the works of the nature above the only military preparations required in that quarare secure, except against Indian hostilities; and mentioned which have been commenced, the pro-ter, are such as are necessary to keep the Indian gress which has been made, and the means and pros-tribes in awe, and to protect the frontier from their pect of their completion; together with such infor- ravages. All of our great military efforts, growing mation as, in the opinion of the secretary, shall be out of a war with an European power, must, for the material in relation to the objects of the resolu- present, be directed towards our eastern, northern, tion," I have the honor to make the following report:

or southern frontier; and the roads and canals which A judicious system of roads and canals, construct- for defence, promptly and cheaply, on the vulnerawill enable the government to concentrate its means ed for the convenience of commerce and the trans-ble points of either of those frontiers, are those portation of the mail only, without any reference to which, in a military point of view, require the aid of military operations, is itself among the most effici-government. I propose to consider each of those ent means for "the more complete defence of the frontiers separately, beginning with the Atlantic, United States." Without adverting to the fact, that which, in many respects, is the weakest and most the roads and canals which such a system would reexposed. quire are, with few exceptions, precisely those From the mouth of St. Croix to that of St. Marys, which would be required for the operations of war, the two extremes of this frontier, is a distance, such a system, by consolidating our union, increas-along the line of the coast and principal bays, withing our wealth and fiscal capacity, would add great-out following their sinuosities, of about two thouly to our resources in war. It is in a state of war sand one hundred miles, On this line, including when a nation is compelled to put all of its resour-its navigable rivers and bays, are situated our most ces, in men, money, skill, and devotion to country, populous cities, the great depots of the wealth and into requisition, that its government realizes, in its commerce of the country. That portion of it which security, the beneficial effects from a people made extends to the south of the Chesapeake, has, with prosperous and happy by a wise direction of its re-the exceptions of the cities and their immediate sources in peace. But I forbear to pursue this sub-neighborhood, a sparse population, with a low ject, though so interesting, and which, the farther marshy country, extending back from 100 to 150 it is pursued, will the more clearly establish the in-miles. To the north of the Chesapeake, inclusive, timate connection between the defence and safety it affords, every where, deep and bold navigable of the country and its improvement and prosperity, bays and rivers, which readily admit vessels of any as I do not conceive that it constitutes the immedi-size. Against a line so long, so weak, so exposed, ate object of this report.

There is no country to which a good system of military roads and canals is more indispensable than to the United States. As great as our military capacity is, when compared with the number of our people, yet, when considered in relation to the vast extent of our country, it is very small; and, if so great an extent of territory renders it very difficult to conquer us, as has frequently been observed, it ought not to be forgotten that it renders it no less difficult for the government to afford protection to every portion of the community. In the very nature of things, the difficulty of protecting every part, so long as our population bears so small a proportion to the extent of the country, cannot be entire-means for defence. ly overcome; but it may be very greatly diminished by a good system of military roads and canals. The [ject the destruction of our towns and the exhausTo resist ordinary hostilities, having for their obnecessity of such a system is still more apparent if tion of our means, the force ought to be drawn from we take into consideration the character of our po- the country lying between the coasts and the sourlitical maxims and institutions. Opposed in princi-ces of the principal rivers which discharge through ple to a large standing army, our main reliance for it into the ocean; but, to resist greater efforts, aimdefence must be on the militia, to be called out fre-ing at conquest, should it ever be attempted, the quently from a great distance, and under the pres-force and resources of the whole community must sure of an actual invasion. The experience of the be brought into resistance. To concentrate, then, late war amply proves, in the present state of our a sufficient force, on any point of this frontier which internal improvements, the delay, the uncertainty, may be invaded, troops must be marched, and muthe anxiety, and exhausting effects of such calls.nitions of war transported, either along the line of The facts are too recent to require details, and the the coast or from the interior of the Atlantic states, impression too deep to be soon forgotten. As it is to the coast, or, should the invading force be of such

tions, hostilities the most harassing and exhaustand presenting such strong motives for depredaing may be carried on by a naval power; and should the subjugation of the country ever be attempted, it is probable that against this frontier, facing Europe, the seat of the great powers of the world, the principal efforts would be turned. Thus circumstanced, it is the duty of the government to render it as secure as possible. For much of this security we ought to look to a navy, and a judicious and strong system of fortifications: but not to the neglect of such roads and canals as will enable the government to concentrate, promptly and cheaply, at any point which may be menaced, the necessary force and

magnitude as to require it, from the western states; and the roads and canals necessary for the defence of this frontier are those which will render these operations prompt, certain, and economical.

measure lost to him. In fact, the capacity for rapid and prompt movements and concentration, would be, to the full, as much in our power. We would have, in most of the points of attack, a shorter line to move over, in order to concentrate our means; and, aided by steam boats, would have the capacity to pass it in a shorter time, and with greater certainty, that what an enemy, even with a naval superiority, would have to attack us. Suppose the fleet of such an enemy should appear off the Capes of Delaware; before it could possibly approach and attack Philadelphia, information, by telegraphic communication, might be given to Baltimore and New York, and the forces stationed there thrown in for its relief. The same might take place if Baltimore or New York should be invaded; and, should an attack be forces, at a great distance along the coast, could, in a Much undoubtedly remains to be done to perfect short time, be thrown in for its relief. By this specthe roads and improve the navigation of the rivers: dy communication, the regular forces, with the mibut this, for the most part, may be safely left to the litia of the cities and their neighborhood, would be states and the commercial cities particularly inte- sufficient to repel ordinary invasions, and would rested, as the appropriate objects of their care and either prevent, or greatly diminish, the harassing exertions. The attention of both have recently calls upon the militia of the interior. If to these been much turned towards these objects, and a few considerations we add the character of the climate years will probably add much to facilitate the inter-of the southern position of the Atlantic frontier, so course between the coast and the interior of the At-fatal to those whose constitutions are not inured to lantic states. Very different is the case with the it, the value of this system of defence, by the regular great and important line of communication, extending along the coast, through the Atlantic states. No object of the kind is more important; and there is none to which state or individual capacity is more inadequate. It must be perfected by the general government, or not perfected at all, at least for many years. No one or two states have a sufficient interest. It is immediately beneficial to more than half of the states of the union, and without the aid of the general government, would require their cooperation. It is, at all times, a most important object to the nation; and, in a war with a naval power, is almost indispensable to our military, commercial and financial operations. It may, in a single view, be considered the great artery of the country; and, when the coasting trade is suspended by war, the vast intercourse between the north and south, which It remains, in relation to the defence of the Atannually requires five hundred thousand tons of lantic frontier, to consider the means of communicashipping, and which is necessary to the commerce, tion between it and the western states, which rethe agriculture and manufacture of more than half quire the aid of the government. Most of the obof the union, seeks this channel of communication. servations made relative to the increased strength If it were thoroughly opened by land and water; if and capacity of the country to bear up under the Louisiana were connected, by a durable and well pressure of war, from the coastwise communication, finished road, with Maine; and Boston with Savan-are applicable in a high degree at present, and are nah, by a well established line of inland navigation, daily becoming more so, to those with the western for which so many facilities are presented, more states; and should a war for conquest over be wathan half of the pressure of war would be removed.ged against us, an event not probable, but not to be A country so vast in its means, and abounding, inlaid entirely out of view, the roads and canals necesits various latitudes, with almost all the products of sary to complete the communication with that porthe globe, is a world of itself; and, with that facility tion of our country, would be of the utmost imporof intercourse, to perfect which the disposable tance.

From he coast to the Alleghany mountains, and the high land separating the streams which enter into the St. Lawrence from those of the Atlantic, in which the principal Atlantic rivers take their rise, the distance may be averaged at about 250 miles, and the whole extent, from the St Mary's to the St. Croix, is intersected, at short intervals, by large navigable rivers and the principal roads of this portion of our country, through which its great commercial operations are carried on. These, aided by the steam boats, now introduced on almost all our great rivers, present great facilities to collect the militia from the interior, and to transport the ne-made on any of our cities, the militia and regular cessary supplies and munitions of war.

troops and the militia accustomed to the climate," will be greatly enhanced. Should this line of inland navigation be constructed, to enjoy its benefits fully, it will be necessary to cover it against the naval operations of an enemy. It it thought that this may be easily effected, to the south of the Chesapeake, by land and steam batteries. The bay is itself one of the most important links in this line of communication; and its defence againt a naval force ought, if practicable, to be rendered complete. It was carefully surveyed, the last summer, by skilful officers, for this purpose in part, and it is expected that their report will throw much light upon this important subject. Long Island Sound, another part of the line which is exposed, can be fully defended by a naval force only.

means of the country is adequate, would flourish The interest of commerce, and the spirit of rivaland prosper under the pressure of a war with any ry between the great Atlantic cities, will do much power. But, dropping this more elevated view, to perfect the means of intercourse with the west. and considering the subject only as it regards "mi-The most important lines of communication appear litary operations in time of war, and the transporta- to be from Albany to the lakes; from Philadelphia, tion of the munitions of war," what could contri- Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond, to the Ohio bute so much as this communication to the effec-river; and from Charleston and Augusta, to the Tentual and cheap defence of our Atlantic frontier? nessce; all of which are now commanding the attenTake the line of inland navigation along the coast, tion, in a greater or less degree, of the sections of the whole of which, it is estimated, could be com- the country immediately interested. But in such pleted, for sea vessels, by digging one hundred great undertakings, so interesting in every point of miles, and at the expense of $3,000,000, the advan- view to the whole union, and which may ultimately tage which an enemy with a naval force now has, by rapidly moving along the coast, and harassing and exhausting the country, would be in a great

become necessary to its defence, the expense ought not to fall wholly on the portions of the country more immediately interested. As the government

has a deep stake in them, and as the system of de- | completion of the road which has already been com fence will not be perfect without their completion, it ought at least to bear a proportional share of the expense of their construction.

menced from Tennessee river to the same place, with the inland navigation through the canal of Ca rondelet, Lake Ponchartrain, and the islands along I proceed next to consider the roads and canals the coast of Mobile, covered against the operations connected with the defence of our northern frontier. of a naval force, every facility required for the transThat portion of it which extends to the east of Lake portation of munitions of war, and movements and Champlain has not heretofore been the scene of ex-concentration of troops, to protect this distant and tensive military operations; and I am not sufficient-important frontier, would be afforded.

Such are the roads and canals which military ope. rations in time of war, the transportations of the munitions of war, and the more complete defence of the U. States, require.

ly acquainted with the nature of the country, to venture an opinion whether we may hereafter be called on to make considerable military efforts in that quarter. Without, then, designating any military improvements, as connected with this portion Many of the roads and canals which have been of our northern frontier, I would suggest the pro-suggested, are no doubt of the first importance to priety, should congress approve of the plan for a mi- the commerce, the manufactures, the agriculture, litary survey of the country to be hereafter propos- and political prosperity of the country; but are not, ed, to make a survey of it the duty of the engineers who may be designated for that purpose.

for that reason, less useful or necessary for military purposes. It is, in fact, one of the great advantages of For the defence of the other part of this line of our country, enjoying so many others, that, whether frontier, the most important objects are, a canal of we regard its internal improvements in relation to water communication between Albany and Lake military, civil, or political purposes, very nearly the George, and Lake Ontario, and between Pittsburg same system, in all its parts, is required. The road and Lake Erie. The two former have been com- or canal can scarcely be designated, which is highly menced by the state of New York, and will, when useful for military operations, which is not equally completed, connected with the great inland naviga-required for the industry or political prosperity of tion along the coast, enable the government, at a the community. If those roads or canals had been moderate expense, and in a short time, to transport pointed out, which are necessary for military purmunitions of war, and to concentrate its troops from poses only, the list would have been small indeed. any portion of the Atlantic states, fresh and unex-I have, therefore, presented all, without regarding hausted by the fatigue of marching on the inland the fact, that they might be employed for other uses, frontier of the state of New York. The road com- which, in the event of war, would be necessary to menced, by order of the executive, from Plattsburg give economy, certainty, and success to our military to Sackett's Harbor, is essentially connected with operations; and which, if they had been completed military operations on this portion of the northern before the late war, would, by their saving in that frontier. A water communication from Pittsburg single contest, in men, money, and reputation, more to Lake Erie would greatly increase our power than indemnified the country for the expense of their on the upper lakes. The Alleghany river, by its construction, I have not prepared an estimate of main branch, is said to be navigable within seven expenses, nor pointed out the particular routes for miles of Lake Erie, and by French creek, within the roads or canals recommended, as I conceive that sixteen miles. Pittsburg is the great military de-this can be ascertained with satisfaction only by able pot of the country to the west of the Alleghany, and skilful engineers, after a careful survey and exand, if it were connected by a canal with Lake amination,

Erie, would furnish military supplies with facility I would, therefore, respectfully suggest, as the to the upper lakes, as well as to the country water-basis of the system, and the first measure in the "plan ed by the Mississippi. If to these communications for the application of such means as are in the pow we add a road from Detroit to Ohio, which has al-er of congress," that congress should direct such a ready been commenced, and a canal from the Illi-survey and estimate to be made, and the result to be noise river to Lake Michigan, which the growing laid before them as soon as practicable. The xpopulation of the state of Illinois renders very important, all the facilities which would be essential to carry on military operations in the time of war, and the transportation of the munitions of war" for the defence of the western portion of our northern frontier, would be afforded.

pense would be inconsiderable; for as the army can furnish able military and topographical engineers, it would principally be confined to the employment of one or more skilful civil engineers, to be associated with them. By their combined skill, an efficient system of military roads and canals would be presented in detail, accompanied with such estimates of expenses as may be relied on. Thus, full and satisfactory information would be had; and though some time might be lost in the commencement of the system, it would be more than compensated by its assured efficiency when completed.

It only remains to consider the system of roads and canals connected with the defence of our south ern frontier, or that on the Gulf of Mexico. For the defence of this portion of our country, though at present weak of itself, nature has done much. The bay of Mobile, and the entrance into the Mississippi through all of its channels, are highly capable of For the construction of the roads and canals, defence. A military survey has been made, and the which congress may choose to direct, the army, to a necessary fortifications have been commenced, and certain extent, may be brought in aid of the monied will be in a few years completed. But the real resources of the country. The propriety of employ strength of this frontier is the Mississ ppi, which is ing the army on works of public utility, cannot be no less the cause of its security, than that of its com-doubted. Labor adds to its usefulness and health. merce and wealth. Its rapid stream, aided by the A mere garrison life is equally hostile toits vigor and force of steam, can, in the hour of danger, concen-discipline. Both officers and men become the subtrate at once an irresistible force. Made strong by this noble river, little remains to be done by roads and canals, for the defence of our southern frontier. The continuation of the road along the Atlantic coast, from Milledgville to New Orleans, and the

jects of deleterious effects. But when the vast extent of our country is compared with the extent of our military establishments, and taking into consideration the necessity of employing the soldiers on fortifications, barracks, and roads, connected with

mals.

bined with a careful inspection and superintendance by skilful engineers, will enable the government to complete them with economy, durability, and despatch.

the arguments which are used, and the measures proposed, must be considered as depending on the decision of that question.

The only military roads which have been commenced, are from Plattsburg to Sackett's Harbor, through the Chateaugay country; from the southern boundary of the state of Tennessee, and crossing the Tennessee river near the Muscle Shoals, to Madisonville, Louisiana; and from Detroit to Fort Meigs, at the foot of the Rapids of the Miami of the Lakes.

remote frontier posts, we ought not to be sanguine the United States, on such terms and conditions as in the expectation of aid to be derived from the ar- might be thought proper. In other cases, and where my in the construction of permanent military roads the army cannot be made to execute it, the work and canals, at a distance from the frontiers. When ought to be done by contract, under the superinour military posts come to be extended up the Mis-tendance and inspection of officers of the engineer sissippi and Missouri, as far as is contemplated, the corps, to be detailed for that purpose. It is thus military frontier of the United States, not including the government will be able, it is thought, to consinuosities, and the coasts of navigable bays and struct on terms at least as favorable as corporate lakes opening into our country, as was stated in a companies. The system of constructing all public former report, will present a line of more than 9000 works, which admit of it, by contract, would be atmiles, and, including them, of more than 11,000. tended with important advantages. It has recently Thinly scattered along so extensive a frontier it will been adopted in the contruction of fortifications, be impossible, I fear, without leaving some points and it is expected will be attended with beneficial exposed, to collect any considerable bodies in the effects. The principal works at Mobile and New interior of the country, to construct roads and ca- Orleans have been contracted for on terms considerably under the estimates of the engineers. Such a As connected with this subject, I would respect-system, extended to military roads and canals, comfully suggest the propriety of making an adequate provision for the soldiers, while regularly and continually employed in constructing works of public utility. The present allowance is fifteen cents a day, which is considered sufficient in occasional fa- In the view which has been taken, I have thought tigue duty, such as is now done at most of the posts; it improper, under the resolution of the house, to but if systematic employ, on permanent works, discuss the constitutional question, or how far the should be made the regular duty of the soldiers, who system of internal improvements which has been can be spared for that purpose, a compensation, presented may be carried into effect on the princitaking into the estimate the obligation of the govern-ple of our government; and, therefore, the whole of ment to provide medical attendance and pensions to the deceased and disabled soldiers, not much short of the wages of daily labor, ought to be granted to them. Without such provision, which is dictated by justice, an increase of desertion, and difficulty in obtaining recruits, ought to be expected. Among the leading inducements to enlist, is the exemption from labor; and, if the life of a soldier should be equally subjected to it as that of other citizens in the same grade, he will prefer, if the wages are much inferior, ta labor for himself, to laboring for the public. The Documents marked A. B. C. show the progress pay of a soldier is sixty dollars per annum, and, if he which have been made. These roads have been were allowed, when employed permanently on fa- commenced, and thus far completed by the labor of figue, twenty-five cents a day; and suppose him to the soldiers, who, while they are so employed, rebe employed 200 days in the year, his compensation, ceive fifteen cents per day, with an extra allowance including his pay, would be 150 dollars per annum-a of a gill of whiskey. The labor of the troops is sum, it is thought, considerably short of the average the only means within the reach of the department, wages of labor. If this sum should be allowed, the of completing these roads; and, as the troops are so greater portion of it ought to be paid at the expira-employed, only when they are not engaged in active tion of the term of enlistment. If fifteen cents a service, it is impossible to state, with accuracy, day were so reserved, and the soldier should be em- when the roads will be completed. ployed one thousand days in the five years for which he is enlisted, it would constitute a sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, to be paid at the expiration of his term, which ought, in the same manner as the bounty land, be made to depend on an honorable discharge. This would furnish an important hold on the fidelity of the soldier, and would be a power- SIR-Your letter, covering a copy of one of the fal check on the great and growing crime of deser-11th of August, calling for a report of the labor tion. An honorable discharge is now worth but lit-performed on the road leading from Sackett's Hartle to the soldier, and the consequence is, that deser- bor, through the Chateaugay country, is before me.. tions are more frequent with those enlisted since My letter of the 29th November, will inform you the war, than those who were then enlisted, and are what has been done, but I fear will not exhibit the entitled to the bounty in land on their honorable progress of this work to the extent you have expectdischarge. The latter patiently waits the expira-ed. It may, therefore, be proper to state, in this tion of his term of service, while the former fre- place, that when the president, in the autumn of quently seizes the first favorable opportunity for de- 1817, directed the road in question to be opened and improved, I did not understand, that the second Should congress think proper to commence a sys-regiment were to be ordered from the duty they tem of roads and canals for the "more complete de- were then upon. This regiment, at the time referfence of the United States," the disbursements of ed to, were employed, enclosing with pickets the the sums appropriated for the purpose might be public ground at Sackett's Harbor, and that duty made by the department of war, under direction of occupied them the remainder of the season. the president. Where incorporate companies are pecting the troops at the Harbor would have been already formed, or the road or canal commenced un-employed in completing the barracks at that place der the superintendance of a state, it perhaps would this year, they were not put upon the road, but be advisable to direct a subscription on the part of allowed to be engaged in improving the public

sertion.

The Hon. Henry Clay,

J. C. CALHOUN. Speaker of the house of representatives. (A.) Head-quarters, Brownsville, 6th December, 1818.

Ex

grounds for gardens; and, as these grounds were new, it required much labor to put them in good condition. These causes, and the reasons assigned in my let-in this service deserve much credit for the zeal and ters from this place and Plattsburg, produced the delay that has occurred in putting col. Brady's conmand upon the road, and, if your letter of the 11th of August had not been received upon my return to this place, I fear that this work would not yet have been commenced.

I pray you to believe, that I regret the delay, and I beg you to see good cause for it in the reasons I have endeavored to assign.

this season, to the Rapids, as the road would be use less without the means of crossing the large streams The officers and soldiers who have been employed perseverance they have displayed on this occasion. The work they have performed has proved highly beneficial, both to the people of the country and of the government. Besides greatly adding to the defence and strength of this frontier, the road has been the means of developing the richness of the public lands in this territory, and greatly augmenting their value.

As soon as major Anderson, topographical engiIt is due to the command of col. Brady and col.neer, can complete the survey of the road, a more miAtkinson to say, that they have discovered not only nute and particular description of the work will be a becoming cheerfulness in obeying the orders re- forwarded. ceived for perfecting the Plattsburgh and Sackett's Harbor road, but much zeal in the performance of this duty, and, if these regiments are continued upon this important work the next season, more than double the length of way will be completed, that has been passed the last and the present year.

With respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAC. BROWN.

Hon. J. C. Calhoun, secretary of war.

(B.)

HEAD-QUARTERS, DIVISION OF THE SOUTH.
Adjutant general's office,

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your obedient and very humble servant.

ALEX. MACOMB. &c. &c.

The Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of war,

Foreign Articles.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.

Partial supplies of silver is furnished to the London bankers by the bank of England; and as the value of gold over bank notes had fallen, it was believed that some issues of it might soon be made with "safety."

Nashville, September 19, 1819. SIR-On the eve of setting out for the Chickasaw The Catholics in England are said to amount to treaty, I deem it necessary to inform you, that no re- 300,000 persons-among whom, are 9 peers, and 17 ports have been received as yet, of a particular cha- baronets. Their spiritual government is vested racter, in relation to the military road now opening in four superiors, called Vicars Apostolic, deputfrom Columbia, Tennessee, to Madisonville; but I ed by the pope. Each has his peculiar district. amabled to inform you officially, that fifty miles They have about 900 chapels in all, mostly erected have been completed by the troops on the lower within the last twenty-five years, 100 of which are part of the road, making many cause ways and bridg-in Lancashire; besides the private chapels of counes of the most durable materials; and the detach-try gentlemen. ment on this end have progressed about forty miles The British duke of Devonshire, has given $10,000 south of Tennessee river, making in like manner, for the marble statue of Bonaparte's mother. many bridges and causeways.

It is considered, that the most laborious part of the road has been completed; and, from every information, it has been done in the best manner. An increase of men has been recently afforded to the detachment south of Tennessee river, which will enable it to progress with much greater facility.

Should I receive minute reports shortly, I shall communicate their contents without delay.

And have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

ROBERT BUTLER, Adjutant general. Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of war.

(C.)

In Stockport, a poor woman was lately sold, under an execution for the satisfying of one of those extra church levies, so common now-a-days; and her Holy Bible was sold for three shillings, and purchased by a gentleman of that town, as a curiosity connected with the civilization of the 19th century.

Mr. Sheriff Roberts, at the bar of the house, presented a petition from the corporation of London, complaining of the crowded state of the goal of Newgate, by the influx of Middlesex prisoners.-Mr. alderman Wood stated that the crowded state of the gaol was such, that 47 prisoners who were under the sentence of death, were confined in 15 cells. It was a fact that sixteen persons convicted of an infamous crime, were all confined in one room.

Brighton, March 13.-We are assured, that, a few nights ago, the regent, in a merry mood, determined to sup in the kitchen of the pavilion. A scarlet cloth was thrown over the pavement, a splendid repast was provided, and the good-humored prince sat down, with a select party of his friends, and spent a joyous hour. The whole of the servants and particularly the female part, were, of course, delighted with this mark of royal condescension!

HEAD-QUARTERS, DETROIT, November 2, 1819. SIR-I have the honor to report, that the military way, directed to be opened from this place to the Rapids of the Miami, has progressed as far as the Eight Mile Creek, that is within eight miles of the Rapids, making in all a distance of seventy miles. The road is truly a magnificent one, being eighty feet wide, cleared of all the logs, and underbush, every low place causewayed, and all creeks and rivers requiring it, bridged in a substantial manner. The number of causeways exceeds sixty, and the The inquisitor-general of Spain, has fulminated bridges are of considerable length. The one on his anathema against a work recently introduced in which the troops are now employed, is four hundred that country, entitled The coming of the Messiah in and fifty feet in length, constructed of strong oak his Majesty and Glory, by John Josaphal Ben Erza. framed work. It was found impossible to complete He orders all the copies of this work to be delivered the road to the Rapids this season, on account of the up, and prohibits its being in future, sold, kept, read, time and labor required in throwing bridges over or printed, under pain of the grand excommunicathe larger streams: it was also deemed more es-tion, and a fine of 200 ducats, to defray the expenses sential to complete the bridges, than cut the road of the holy office. He says, the book has occa

SPAIN.

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