PIRATES. A letter from Porto Rico says-You, no doubt, ere this, will have heard that the crew of the United States schooner Grampus, lieut. Sloat, fitted out a decoy sloop, which fell in with a piratical sloop, (captain of the robbers and murderers named Roberto Confresi), who were driven ashore at Boca de Inferno, east end of Porto Rico, with a loss of two or three killed: Eleven of them, with the leaders, were taken by the inhabitants, and, on the 13th March, were brought to St. John's, and they there made a full disclosure of their piracies and murders: the latter were about 400, of different nations. The governor of Porto Rico promised lieut. Sloat that he would speedily have them all executed; a little delay he thought necessary, to see if he could not learn who were concerned with them, as the leader, Roberto, petitioned the governor for a pardon, and intimated that, if granted, he would disclose the names of fifty or sixty persons concerned with him. they would leave the United States-as was stated in the papers at the time. The condition would. probably, have been more safe, if they had been enjoined to remain in the United States. I am opposed to capital punishments in almost every case. I would not pass or act under any law that takes life, unless in cases of deliberate murder, if I could help it-but, while the law is, it should be observed. It is the opinion of many that the late president pursued a very injurious policy in this respect. He seemed to have lost his usual discretion in exercising the blessed privilege to pardon, and that exercise, many of us in Baltimore thought, led him into a grievous error. At the time Fergusson and Denny were condemned in this city, a great out-cry was raised against the president because that he had pardoned so many pirates. Whether that had effect or not, so it was, that they were executed, notwithstanding a very numerously signed and uncommonly re[It appears that six other persons had been taken spectable petition was presented in their behalf. But up on suspicion of being pirates, and 25 more in it was said an example was necessary and they perishdifferent parts of the island. The captain above al-ed; for doing that which, if the facts were as geneluded to, is reported to have said that much consola- rally understood at the time, few persons would have tion was afforded him, by the reflection that, among refused to do, and most would have thought themthe four hundred persons murdered, there were no in-selves perfectly justified in doing. Admitting all that habitants of Porto Rico! Lieut. Sloat is a most vigilant was charged against them, they were innocent, comand active officer, and is rendering the most impor-pared with the wretches who haunt the coasts of Cuba tant services to his countrymen and others.J and Porto Rico. I have believed that they would have been saved, if others, who ought to have been executed, had not been released to commit new de predations. LATEST OF GEN. LAFAYETTE. For some days, the good Lafayette being on his passage through the Indian country, we have heard nothing of him. At length we have the following account of his first meeting with the Indians, who are, in that part of the country, in a state of comparative civilization, and of his introduction to the Alabamians: Another letter, from Thompson's Island, dated April 2, says By the arrival of the Sea Gull, at this place, I am pleased to have it in my power to communicate the capture, on the 25th March, about 14 degrees to the N. and E. of Matanzas, of a piratical schooner, mounting four guns, supposed to have a complement of 30 men, by the boats of the Sea Gull, lieut. McKeever, and of the British frigate Dartmouth, after an action of about ten minutes. The schooner was discovered close on shore at anchor, and the boats were immediately manned from both vessels. Upon nearing the pirates they were fired upon; the crew of the boats cheering, immediately returned the fre. The pirates then endeavored to make the shore in their boats, and by swimming; but several were shot in the water, and the remainder pursued on shore, by which means 5 were killed and 19 made prisoners, and the schooner burnt, after taking the wine out of her with which she was loaded. The Sea Gull has just landed her prisoners, five of them dreadfully wounded with sabre cuts; among them is the captain, who fought resolutely; he has five wounds. On the 26th, the day after the above affair, the boats fell in with, captured and burnt another small schooner, the crew of which were the identical men who murdered the crew of the American brig Betsey, (of Wiscasset), the account of which excited so much just indignation throughout the country. The villains unhappily escaped to the Mangrove bushes. The chief officer of the port, (Villa Clara), where the piratical schooner was fitted out, is among those taken. They state that they had a privateer's commission, and deposited $600 in the hands of the governor or commander of the above place, as security. One of the pirates taken is one of those who were reprieved at Jamacia not long since, on account of saving the life of lieutenant Hob-entertained with it. son. The Sea Gull has on board the figure bead of a vessel, which was found in the piratical schooner. Report says it belonged to the ship Balize, a trader between New York and New Orleans. I understand, from the officers of the Sea Gull, that the bodies of 13 unfortunate creatures were found tied to trees on shore: what vessel they belonged to has not yet been ascertained from the pirates. The preceding letter concludes with a prayer, that John Q. Adams may show less favor to the pirates than James Monroe.' One of the last acts of the former president was to pardon seven who had been convicted of piracy, at Savannah, on condition that "Fort Mitchell, 31st March, 1825. about 11 o'clock. We reached the agency the day "We arrived here to day, with general Lafayette, we left Milledgeville, about 9 o'clock, P. M. and should have arrived here last evening, had it not been for a very heavy rain that fell yesterday. This prevented our getting further than Moss's, 40 miles from the agency, where we were well entertained. The reception the Indians gave the general was quite odd and interesting. We found them in waiting on the western bank of the Chatahoochie, commanded by Chilly McIntosh. While we were crossing, they gave several yells in concert. When we touched the bank, they took the horse from one of the sulkies, seated the general in it, and pulled him up the hill. We here found the Alabama escort, under the command of major general Taylor, formed ready for his reception. They saluted him as he passed. He was then introduced to M: Bibb, who made a very feeling and appropriate address--to which he replied. The Indians then formed, and, after going through some ceremonies, gave a ball play, which, to them who never witnessed one before, was very amusing. It lasted an hour, and the general appeared to be well about two o'clock for Montgomery." [Geo Journal. He then dined, and set out LAW CASE. In the supreme court for the Eastern district of Pennsylvania. Thompson vs. Honqua. This was an action brought by Edw. Thompson, esq. against Honqua, the principal of the Hong merchants in Canton, China, for the non-delivery of goods stipulated for, by the plaintiff, in August, 1818. The contract with the defendant for crapes was, that they should be "first quality merchantable articles of eighteen tale weight;" and, for the sewing silks that they should likewise be "first quality, merchant | the preventive water guard, the riding officers, the able articles." Upon the arrival of the goods in this country, they were, upon investigation, found to be indifferent, and of base material, not equal to the goods contracted for in Canton. These goods were surveyed by competent judges, and an allowance of 16,168 dollars 83 cents, was made by the plaintiff to the purchaser of the goods in New York, being the difference, in value, between these articles and those stipulated for in Canton. Judge Duncan charged the jury in favor of the plaintiff; after which the jury retired and brought in a verdict for the plaintiff for the original amount, together with interest up to this date, which amounted to twenty-one thousand four hundred and seventyfour dollars and forty-eight cents. TEAS. We have already mentioned that seven large ships had arrived at Philadelphia, within the last three or four weeks, from Canton, fully laden with China goods. The following sales of teas, which took place on the 24th inst. is curious, and may be useful, as shewing the estimation in which the parcels furnished by the different Canton merchants were held. "Manhop" appears to be in the greatest repute, yet "Honqua's" goods seem to have had the most uniformly good quality. Young Hyson, in chests, Manhop, Syqua, 954 a 120 revenue cruisers, and the ships of war in the United Kingdom, for the last three years. The account comprehends from 602,6843 lbs. of tobacco, down to a single musical snuff-box, seized, and exhibits a total of-129 vessels, 746 boats, 312 horses and cattle, 135,000 gallons of brandy, 253 galls. of rum, 227,000 gallons of gin, 596 gallons of wine, 10,500 gallons of whiskey, 3,000 lbs. of snuff, 19,000 lbs. of tea, 42,000 yards of silk, 2,100 pieces of India handkerchiefs, 23 Leghorn hats, 3,600 packs of cards, 10,000 pieces of timber, 75 stills, with sundry minor articles. The law expenses incurred by the condemnation of these articles amount to 29,8161. 16s. 43d.; the storehouse rent, freightage and distillation, 81,8751. 14s. 1012.; the expenses of salaries, wages, equipment, repairs, casks, cooperage, &c. 1,533,7081. 4s. 10d.; amount of rewards to seizing officers, 488,1371. 2s. 114d. The king's share is set down at 25,723. Is. 5gil.; the produce of all these seizures at 282,5411. Ss. 5fd. independent of 5,000l. worth transferred to the victualling office. The result of the statement is, that the produce of the seizures does not amount to more than one-eighth part of the expenses incurred by making them LANGUAGES. M. Aldelung, in a learned and scientific work, declares that there are 3,064 different languages in use in the different parts of the world. He arranges them as follows: Asiatic 937, European 587, African 276 and American 1,264! In contemplating 101 a 102 the last proportion, the Chinese philosopher would have additional cause to exclaim "truly, every thing is on a grand scale in this new country." 85 Squire Tinqua, 99 Honqua; 106 Do. do. Ponkeiqua 914 The city of Santa Maura, (Ionian Islands), has been rendered "uninhabitable" by an earthquake. Thou sands of persons were reduced to beggary by the dcstruction of property: but, as the earthquake happenPORT OF LONDON. An account of the number of ed in the day time, it does not appear that more than vessels which have entered the port of London,in each about fifty lives were lost. The city is a heap of ruins! of the three years ended Jan. 5, 1825, distinguishing The Turks are reported to be making prodigious the vessels which have entered from foreign ports, efforts to overwhelm the Greeks. The casuing camthe number of colliers, coasters, and fishing vessels:-paign will probably be fatal to one of the parties. Year 1822. Year 1823. Year 1824. The holy allies are exceedingly bothered by the conBrith For'a Brith For'n. Brith For'n. duct of Great Britain, in acknowledging the indeEnte'd from for'n ports, 3230 597 3,031 865 3,132 1,643pendence of the new American republics. exclusive of Ireland, French troops, however, in Spain, and the Austrian, Fishing vessels SMUGGLING IN ENGLAND. An account has been printed, by order of the house of commons, giving a detail of all the customable commodities seized by the various establishments formed for the prevention of smuggling-namely, the coast guard service, This distinction is made in vessels trading with Ireland in the year 1823, owing to 617 having entered as foreign, and 157 as coasters, in consequence of all vessels trading with that country having been directed to be considered as coasters, from the 10th October, 1823. Russia, France and Great Britain, are increasing their armies. Suspicion is wide awake-but nothing has happened to lead us to suppose what precise rea son there is for military preparation. The chancellor of the British exchequer, in his estimate of the expenditures of the present year, includes the sum of 1.250,000 to be paid to the United States, as compensation for the slaves, taken under "British protection" during the late war, which have been claimed as American property. The exports of Liverpool were greater, in the enormous sum of 1.4,500,000, in 1824, than in 1823. Paris, Feb. 27. The Journal du Commerce announces to-day, that a fleet of three ships of the line, and fourteen other ships of war, is ready to sail from Toulon. This flect will sail the 20th March, and The Clinton Vases." Description of the vases presented to gov. Clinton by the merchants of Fearl street, in the city of New York, in testimony of their gratitude and respect for his public services. The form of the vases, (says the "Statesman"), is copied from the celebrated antique vase, found, among the ruins of the Villa of Adrian, and now in possession of the earl of Warwick. The handles and some of the ornaments are also similar to those upon that beautiful specimen of ancient art; but all the tablets and figures, in bas relief, are different, and exhibit scenes upon the grand canal, or allegorical illustrations of the progress of the arts and sciences. The vases are twenty-four inches in height, twentyone inches between the extremeties of the handles, and the diameter of the body, in the largest part, is fourteen and a half inches; the weight of silver, in each, is about four hundred ounces. Their form is circular, except that the lower part is slightly elliptical, as are also the covers, each of which is surmounted by an eagle, standing upon a section of the globe, upon which is traced part of the outline of the state of New York; he bears in one talon the arms of the state, and in the other a laurel wreath. The pedestal is square, and supported by four claws; two sides of the pedestal of the first vase are ornamented with foliage and scroll work, with an oval medallion, bearing a river deity, leaning on an inverted vase. The third contains the inscription, "TO THE HONORABLE DE WITT CLINTON, WHO HAS DEVELOPED THE RESOURCES OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND ENNOBLED HER CHARACTER, THE MERCHANTS OF PEARL STREET OFFER THIS TESTIMONY OF THEIR GRATITUDE AND RESPECT." The fourth exhibits a number of figures, which, in connection with those on the corresponding section of the other vase, are intended to represent the progress of the arts and sciences from their rude origin to their present improvement. On the right of the spectator appears a pastoral group, listening to the pipe of Mercury; next to these is a husbandman, leaning upon his spade, and gazing upon a hive, while a female figure points to the labors of the industrious bee; then appears Minerva, without her helmet and shield, directing the attention of the spectators to a bust, which Sculpture is chiselling. The concave belt around the middle of this vase, bears six tablets in bas relief; the two centre tablets exhibit views of the Cohoos Falls, and of the Little Falls of the Mohawk, with the stone aqueduct and bridge, and parts of the canal. The figures on each side of the former are Fame and History; on one side of the latter is an Indian, contemplating the stump of a tree, recently felled, and the axe lying at its root; and on the other, Plenty, with her cornucopia a head of Neptune, with his trident, dolphins and shells, is placed at each extremity of this belt, under the grape vine handles. On the second vase two sides of the pedestal arc ornamented with foliage, &c. as on the first. The third contains the inscription "ro THE HONORABLE DE WITT CLINTON, WHOSE CLAIM TO THE PROUD TITLE OF PUBLIC BENEFACTOR IS FOUNDED ON THOSE MAGNIFICENT WORKS, THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN CANALS." On the fourth side is Architecture leaning upon a column, with a level at its base. Then a youth, holding a drawing board, with a diagram of one of the first problems in mathematics, and an old man directing his attention to the figures beyond, which denote the sciences still unexplored, and encouraging him to persevere. The next group is composed of two aged persons, contemplating a globe, held by a female, who points to some lines upon its surface; next is a figure, with a torch in the right hand, and a star on the head, and holding in the left hand a tablet with a diagram; by his side is a sun-dial; an athletic figure beyond, holds a pair of dividers, and gazes attentively upon the female with the globe. This group is intended to indicate the study of the sciences. The concave belt around this vase is also embellished with six tablets. The front view is the guard lock and part of the basin at Albany, where the canal is connected with the Hudson, together with the mansion of Mr. Van Rensselaer, and the adjacent scenery, and canal boats passing. The plate on the right of this tablet exhibits Ceres, with the emblems of agriculture; that on the left, Mercury, with the emblems of commerce. The reverse centre tablet contains a view of the aqueduct at Rochester, and a boat passing, drawn by horses, below are seen the falls of the Genessee, and a number of unfinished buildings. This view is supported on the right and left by Minerva and Hercules, indicating wisdom and strength. The lower compartment of the body of each vase is ornamented with Acanthus leaves, intermingled, at proper distances, with small shrubs; among which are seen the wild animals which haunted our western region, before the industry and enterprise of our brethren made "the wilderness to rejoice and blossom as the rose." These vases were made by Messrs. Fletcher and Gardiner, of Philadelphia, and designed by Mr. Fletcher, and cost 3,500 dollars. PRESENTATION OF THE CLINTON VASES. After The governor's mansion, (says the Albany paper), was crowded with citizens and strangers, to witness the presentation of those superb vases, which were exhibited, a few days since, in New Yo. We have the pleasure to present to our readers the address of the New York committee, which was delivered by Isaac S. Hone, esq. and the governor's reply the ceremony was over, his excellency complied with a request from the citizens of Albany, to permit the vases to be exhibited for the gratification of the citizens of that place, and they were removed to Knickerbocker's hall for that purpose. The gentlemen who were deputed by the committee to wait on governor Clinton, were Messrs. Richards, Sheldon and Hone. Governor Clinton-In behalf of the merchants of Pearl-street, in the city of New York, who are deeply impressed with a sense of the benefits which you have conferred upon this state, we have the honor to present to you these vases, as a testimony of their gratitude and respect. At an early period, your sagacity appreciated the importance of uniting the waters of Lake Erie with those of the Hudson, and your devotion to the public interest induced you to urge it upon our legislature, with all the weight of your influence: What was then theory, has now become a splendid reality, and at every new development of our resources, and every new display of the power and grandeur of our state, its citizens feel additional inducements to admire and honor your character. Among the interesting considerations which your name involves, it is not the least important, that your fellow-citizens have recently recalled you to the office which gives such ample scope to your talents, and that you have preferred the discharge of its du Gentlemen: I receive these splendid fabrics with the highest gratification. In the design and in the execution, they reflect honor on the taste, skill and ingenuity of our artists, and in that light they are acceptable: but they come to me with superior recommendations, as the offering of regard from the hands of gentlemen whose good opinion I greatly value, and whose friendship I sincerely reciprocate. Law of the United States. An act more effectually to provide for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America, in congress assembled, That if any person or persons, within any fort, dockyard, navy yard, arsenal, armory or magazine, the site whereof is ceded to, and under the jurisdiction of the United States, or on the site of any light-house or other needful building belonging to the United States, the site whereof is ceded to them, and under their jurisdiction as aforesaid, shall, wilfully and maliciously, burn any dwelling house, or mansion house, or any store, barn, stable, or other building, parcel of any dwelling or mansion house, every person so offending, his or her counsellors, aiders and abettors, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conviction thereof, suffer death. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons, in any of the places aforesaid, shall, wilfully and maliciously, set fire to, or burn, any On this occasion, I cannot but felicitate you, (as the arsenal, armory, magazine, rope walk, ship house, representatives of a most important section of the ware house, block house or barrack, or any store most commercial city in the western world), not only house, barn or stable, not parcel of a dwelling house, on the flourishing condition of our great emporium, or any other building, not mentioned in the first secbut on the still more exalted destinies that await it. tion of this act, or any ship or vessel, built or buildIts unrivalled position near the ocean, and its facili-ing, or begun to be built, or repairing, or any light ties of interior communication with the most exten- house, or beacon, or any timber, cables, rigging, or sive and fertile regions, give it pre-eminent advan- other materials for building, repairing, or fitting out, tages. Making full allowances for the occurrence of ships or vessels, or any pile of wood, boards, or other those great moral and physical evils, which have lumber, or any military, naval, or victualling stores, scourged the human race, we may confidently predict arms, or other munitions of war, every person, so ofthat your progress will be accelerated and that every fending, his or her counsellors, aiders and abettors, accession of population and opulence, will be the shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conparent of new acquisitions. In one year, more viction thereof, be punished by fine, not exceeding houses have been added to New York, than at pre-five thousand dollars, and by imprisonment and consent compose the ancient and prosperous city in which finement to hard labor, not exceeding ten years, acI now address you. At this very moment, the inhabi-cording to the aggravation of the offence. tants of the countries connected with the Ohio, the Delaware, the Susquehannah, the Connecticut, the St. Lawrence, and the Mississippi rivers, and with our vast inland seas, are seeking, with solicitude, navigable communications with your city: and without yielding to the dreams of visionary hypothesis, or the chimeras of delusive anticipation, we may expect, before the lapse of many years, the consummation of these designs, and a consequent state of unexampled prosperity. And we may certainly cherish these expectations without the just imputation of arrogance or ostentation. We ought to know our power with a view to its judicious application; and we should form a just estimate of our faculties and capabilities, in order to promote, in the most effectual manner, the welfare of our country and the happiness of mankind. The favorable views which my fellow citizens, generally, have taken of my agency in developing the resources and advancing the prosperity of the commonwealth, are the greatest reward, next to the approbation of my own conscience, which I can enjoy in this world. If I have been hitherto an humble instrument in the hands of Providence of dispensing some benefits to my fellow citizens, I have every inducement from their kindness, so often, so striking, and, I may say, so uniformly manifested, for devot ing my best and my future exertions in the same ca reer. Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That, if any offence shall be committed, in any of the places aforesaid, the punishment of which offence is not specially provided for by any law of the United States, such offence shall, upon a conviction in any court of the United States, having cognizance thereof, be liable to and receive the same punishment as the laws of the state, in which such fort, dock yard, navy yard, arsenal, armory or magazine, or other place, ceded as aforesaid, is situated, provide for the like offence, when committed within the body of any county of such state. Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That, if any person or persons, upon the high seas, or in any arm of the sea, or in any river, haven, creek, basin or bay, within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, and out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, shall commit the crime of wilful murder, or rape, or shall, wilfully and maliciously, strike, stab, wound, poison, or shoot at, any other person, of which striking, stabbing, wounding, poisoning, or shooting, such person shall afterwards die, upon land, within or without the United States, every person so offending, his or her counsellors, aiders or abettors, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, upon conviction thereof, suffer death. Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That, if any offence shall be committed on board of any ship or vessel, belonging to any citizen or citizens of the United States, I pray you, gentlemen, to present my grateful and while lying in a port or place within the jurisdiction respectful acknowledgments to your constituents for of any foreign state or sovereign, by any person bethese flattering testimonials of their esteem: And per-longing to the company of said ship, or any passenger, mit me to express to you, the high sense which I entertain of the honor you have conferred on me by your personal attendance on this occasion. Albany, March, 1825, DE WITT CLINTON. or any other person belonging to the company of said ship, or any other passenger, the same offence shall be cognizable and punishable by the proper circuit court of the United States, in the same way and manner, and under the same circumstances, as if said offence had been committed on board of such ship or vessel | bring any ship or vessel, boat, or raft, being or sailing on the high seas, and without the jurisdiction of such upon the sea, into danger or distress, or shipwreck, foreign sovereign or state: Provided, always, That if every person so offending, his or her counsellors, such offender shall be tried for such offence, and ac-aiders and abettors, shall be deemed guilty of felony, quitted or convicted thereof, in any competent court and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine, of such foreign state or sovereign, he shall not be not exceeding five thousand dollars, and imprisonsubject to another trial in any court of the United ment and confinement to hard labor, not exceeding States. ten years, according to the aggravation of the offence. Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That if any master or commander of any ship or vessel, belonging, in whole or in part, to any citizen or citizens of the United States, shall, during his being abroad, maliciously, and without justifiable cause, force any officer, or mariner, of such ship or vessel, on shore, or leave him behind, in any foreign port or place, or refuse to bring home again all such of the officers and mariners of such ship or vessel, whom he carried out with him, as are in a condition to return, and willing to return, when he shall be ready to proceed on his homeward voyage, every master or commander, so offending, shall, on conviction thereof, be punished b fine, not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by im prisonment, not exceeding six months, according ta the aggravation of the offence. Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons, upon the high seas, or in any arm of the sea, or in any river, haven, creek, basin or bay, within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States, and out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, shall, by surprise, or by open force or violence, maliciously attack or set upon, any ship or vessel belonging, in whole or in part, to the United States, or to any citizen or citizens thereof, or to any other person whatsoever, with an intent unlawfully to plunder the same ship or vessel, or to despoil any owner or owners thereof of any moneys, goods or merchandise, laden on board thereof; or shall, by force or violence, or by putting in fear, unlawfully plunder any such ship or vessel, or steal and carry away any money, goods or merchandise, laden on board thereof; every person, so offending, his or her counsellors, aiders or abettors, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine, not exceeding five thousand dollars, and by imprisonment and confinement to hard labor, not exceeding ten years, according to the aggravation of the offerce. Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons, upon the high seas, or in any other of the places aforesaid, with intent to kill, rob, steal, commit a rape, or to do or perpetrate any other felony, shall break or enter any ship or vessel, boat or raft; or if any person or persons shall wilfully and maliciously cut, spoil or destroy, any cordage, cable, buoys, buoyrope, headfast, or other fast, fixed to any anchor or moorings, belonging to any ship, vessel, boat, or raft; every person, so offending, his or her counsellors, aiders and abettors, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine, not exceeding one thousand dollars, and by imprisonment and confinement to hard labor, not exseeding five years, according to the aggravation of the odence. Sec. 11. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons shall wilfully and maliciously set on fire, or burn, or otherwise destroy, or cause to be set on fire, or burnt, or otherwise destroyed, or aid, procure, abet or assist in setting on fire, or burning or otherwise destroying, any ship or vessel of war of the United States afloat on the high seas, or in any arm of the sea, or in any river, haven, creek, basin or bay, within the admiralty jurisdiction of the United States, and out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, every person, so offending, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall, on conviction thereof, suffer death: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to take away or impair the right of any court martial to punish any offence, which, by the law of the United States, may be punishable by such court. Sec. 12. And be it further enacted, That if any offi cer of the United States shall be guilty of extortion, under or by color of his office, every person so offending shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine, not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment, not exceeding one year, according to the aggravation of the offence. Sec. 8. And be it further enacted, That if any person Sec. 13. And be it further enacted, That if any peror persons, upon the high seas, or in any other of the son, in any case, matter, hearing, or other proceedplaces aforesaid, shall buy, receive or conceal, or ing, when an oath or affirmation shall be required to aid in concealing, any money, goods, bank notes, or be taken or administered under or by any law or laws other effects or things which may be the subject of of the United States, shall, upon the taking of such oath larceny, which have been feloniously taken or stolen, or affirmation, knowingly and willingly swear or affirm from any other person, knowing the same to have been falsely, every person, so offending, shall be deemed so taken or stolen, every person so offending shall be guilty of perjury, and shall, on conviction thereof, deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be pro-be punished by fine, not exceeding two thousand dolsecuted therefor, although the principal offender, lars, and by imprisonment and confinement to hard chargeable or charged with the larceny, shall not labor, not exceeding five years, according to the aghave been prosecuted or convicted thereof; and shall, gravation of the offence. And if any person or peron conviction thereof, be punished by fine, not ex-sons shall, knowingly or willingly, procure any such ceeding one thousand dollars, and imprisonment and confinement to hard labor, not exceeding three years, according to the aggravation of the offence. Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons shall plunder, steal or destroy, any money, goods, merchandise or other effects, from, or belonging to, any ship or vessel, or boat, or raft, which shall be in distress, or which shall be wrecked, lost, stranded, or cast away, upon the sea, or upon any reef, shoal, bank, or rocks of the sea, or in any other place within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States; or if any person or persons shall wilfully obstruct the escape of any person endeavoring to save his or her life from such ship or vessel, boat, or raft, or the wreck thereof; or, if any person or persons shall hold out or shew any false light or ights, or extinguish any true light, with intention to perjury to be committed, every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of surbornation of perjury, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by fine, not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment and confinement to hard labor, not exceeding five years, according to the aggravation of the offence. Sec. 14. And be it further enacted, That if any person, upon his or her arraignment upon any indictment before any court of the United States, for any offence, not capital, shall stand mute, or will not answer or plead to such indictment, the court shall, notwithstanding, proceed to the trial of the person so standing mute, or refusing to answer or plead, as if he or she had pleaded not guilty, and, upon a verdict being returned by the jury, may proceed to render judgment accordingly. And the trial of all offences, which shall be committed upon the high seas, |