網頁圖片
PDF
ePub 版
[ocr errors]

Spanish citizens are to enjoy, on the principle of guard would possess a complete power over the the Louisiana treaty, the same privileges as American, mail carrier, and the mail; and, if unfaithful might citizens in the ports of St. Augustine and Pensaco. la, for the term of twelve years.

effect the most extensive depredations on its contents; and in proportion to the numbers employed, These are the essential provisions of the treaty, would be the hazard of their unfaithful conspiration which is to take effect on the exchange of the ratifi- against the safety of the mails. If the system of employing armed guards be once adopted, it could cations, within six months of the present date. It is probable that Mr. FORSYTH, our newly ap-never with safety be abandoned; such abandonment pointed minister to Spain, will be the bearer of this would operate as an inducement to attempt, so far as tr aty, and that the ratifications will be exchanged the opinion of the efficacy of guards might prevail, long before the commencement of the next session with those who might be disposed to seize the mails. of congress: in contemplation of which event, it is. If one portion of roads only should be guarded, probable that congress will before they adjourn, it would seem that, while such were protected, the pass an act authorizing the executive to receive the guardless portions were devoted to the chance of surrender of the provinces of Florida from the Spa-enterprize.

vernment therein.

nish authorities, and to establish an independent go- It is obvious, that if there should be a guard of two, it would require four; as two must sleep at We felicitate the country on this amicable and sa-quarters while the others were on duty; and a guard of tisfactory termination of the tedious, and hitherto two might be surprised and overcome by three, unpleasant negociations with Spain. The attain-which would be numerically a fourth less than the ment of either of the three objects, the cession of whole guard actually employed. In fine it may be Florida, the settlement of the western boundary, or asked, who is to guard the guards? the recognition and provision for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens on Spain, would have been considered as an epoch in the history of our foreign relations. The union of the three will make this treaty trebly acceptable to the American people.

The cessasion of wars in Europe, and other causes, have produced a migration to our shores of numbers of desperate characters, and others necessitous and urged by poverty: which, added to profligates of our own nation,are dispersed in the community; and It terminates the only existing controversy with being indisposed to self-support by honest means, any of the European powers. It rounds off our with a dexterous audacity depredate on the propersouthern possessions, and forever precludes foreignty of others, public and private. There have been emissaries from stirring up Indians to war and ne-(since the establishment of the post office departgroes to rebellion, whilst it gives to the Southernment) not more than three different occasions when It adjusts guards have been employed for a short time; during country important outlets to the sea. the vast western boundary, acknowledging the Uni-which the expenses have been very great. Almost ted States to be sovereign, under the hitherto con- every citizen has an interest in the safe transportatested Louisiana treaty, over all the territory we ever tion of the public mails; is indignant at its robbery; seriously contended for. In a word, it is a treaty and much more so when committed by violence.than which the most sanguine have not anticipated Hence, the efforts always made by the citizens to one much more favorable; it is one that fully comes apprehend such as rob the mails; to which they are up to the expectations of the great body of the A- also stimulated by suitable rewards. merican people."

Mail Guards.

AN OFFICIAL LETTER.

General post Office, Feb. 10. Sin-I had the bonor to receive yours enclosing a resolution of the senate, instructing the committee on post offices and post roads "to enquire into the expediency of authorising the postmaster general to employ an armed guard for the protection of the mails of the United States, on such mail routes as he may deem necessary."

I have in reply, to state. the following facts and considerations, which naturally produce two separate views of the subject; one, of augmentation of expense; and the other, an uncertainty of securing the mails by the employment of armed guards. The resolution proposes to leave it discretionary with the post master general on what mail routes to employ such guards.

It may not be easy to decide at what point to commence or to terminate the employment of guards; and it will be impossible for the pecuniary receipts of the department to defray the expenses of any considerable portion of the stage routes alone, on which stages run more than 10,000 miles per day; even the stage fare of the guards would be very extensive. The qualifications of such guards should be fidelity, vigilance, and courage, for the use of which they have always demanded and received high compensation.

On the complete exercise of those qualifications would depend the whole security of the mail, as the

Since I have been at the head of this department, not one instance of a violent robbery of the mail has occurred, where the perpetrators have escaped apprehension, conviction and punishment.

It may not be desirable in this nation to see the employment of an armed physical force to protect the operations of civil government, to the distrust of the civic virtues anul moral energies of the people unless in cases of emergency, and unless the efforts of those virtues and energies should fail of their proper consequences, and demonstrate that a reliance on them would be fruitless and deceptive, Respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. J. MEIGS, Jr.'

[blocks in formation]

Letters from Madrid state that large bodies of banditti, who are assembled in the mountains, make descents upon the towns and villages and lay them under contribution.

fer no petition in their behalf, but that they should be put away.

GERMANY,

The Algemeine Zeitung states that Abraham UfInquisition. The following document we copy fenheimen, the Jew banker, who lately failed at from a Paris paper of Dec. 16. The editor introduces Vienna, had lent several million francs to the crown it with a column of remarks, closing with the fol- of Spain, and that his loss from the extraordinary lowing sentence:-"It is a melancholy thing, while fall of Spanish paper was immense. This failure every other government in Europe is setting its was immediately felt on the change at Vienna. people an example of enlightened liberality, to see Hamburg, Dec. 9.-The young men destined for the jurisprudence of Spain relapsing into worse than South America, who were recently arrested here at primeval barbarism-to behold a fine people, yield-the request of the Spanish minister, were afterwards ing to none in qualities, both personal and mental, set at liberty. They then assembled to the number crushed both in mind and body, beneath the racks, of 800 and proceeded to the Danish territory, where and wheels, and scourges of a grand Inquisitor!-they effected their embarkation without experiencAlas! poor human nature!" ing the slightest obstacle.

The following decree has been issued under the authority of the grand Inquisitor, who is also private confessor to Ferdinand VII:

ROYAL DECREE.

"In the name of the Holy Trinity, etc.

"Whereas it has been made known to us that va

rious publications of a heretical, irreligious, and seditious tendency are in circulation amongst the subjects of this kingdom; and whereas it is of the last importance that their progress should be arrested, and the authors, publishers and circulators duly punished, it has been determined that such measures shall be taken instantly as will most effectually accomplish this purpose.

TURKEY.

The accounts from Constantinople state, that the greatest activity prevailed in the naval arsenal there; a ship of 80 guns and another of 74 guns, were launched in the course of November last.

By a letter from Cairo, dated the 16th of October, published at Florence by Osman Aga, a general in the service of the viceroy of Egpyt, it appears that the Wachabites, had been again totally defeated, and their caliph or prince Abdalla, with all his family, had been taken prisoners by Ibrahim Pacha, the son of the viceroy.

CANADA,

Population of Quebec.-By a late census, it appears that the city of Quebec contains 15,257 inhabitants. Of whom, 11,991 are catholics, and 3246 protestants.

CONGRESS.

"All persons having in their possession works bearing the following titles, shall be brought before the holy office, and such punishment inflicted as the case shall seem to require, provided it be not less than solitary imprisonment under the authority of the holy office for three months, and the payment In deferring the regular journal of the proof a fine of not less than 25 doubloons. The works ceedings of congress for several weeks past, to make prohibited are, "the history of the inquisition.'- room for the documents accompanying the report Reasons why the Inquisition should be abolished.' of the committee about the bank, it is by no means A few remarks upon the re-establishment of the our intention to monopolize the weekly portion of brotherhood of the order of Jesus.'-The theory new matter which our subscribers are entitled to reof the Cortes.'-The necessity of national represen-ceive; but to bring up the deferred journal in a tation. Observations on the conduct of several of gratuitous supplement which shall be published next the courts of Europe.'-Patriotic songs.'-"The week, for the sake of reference to the facts it condifficulties at present to be encountered." tains. In the interim, however, we notice as usual, the chief things that occurred during the week.

The greater number of these heretical and seditious productions have been printed in foreign countries, in the Spanish language, and secretly introduced into this kingdom,

The report of a joint committee, on the business that it will be necessary to do in the present session, has been presented-the detail is before us; it A proportionate punishment will be inflicted is very formidable for its length-yet, possibly, may upon such individuals as have in their custody any be nearly got through with, if the Florida treaty foreign journals, newspapers, &c. containing mat-does not provoke a debate in the house, as much of ter against the government and institutions of it has been partially acted upon.

Spain.

Given from Madrid, this 19th November, 1818. (Signed)

The debate about the bank of the United States, on the resolution offered by Mr. Johnson, of Va. to repeal the charter, was continued on Saturday. Mr. Lowndes delivered a long speech against the resolution, &c. generally in support of the bank. Mr. Tyler spoke in favor of the resolution, Mr. M'Lane followed on the opposite side, and Mr. Sergeant addressed the committee on the same side

the debate was resumed on subsequent daysMessrs. Pindall and Barbour in favor of a repeal of the charter, and Mr. Storrs against it.

Francisco Xavier Meir Y Campillo, Grand Inquisitor of the Kingdom. Andres Florez Pereira, secretary. Such is the fate of Spain, for suffering her sons to be made fighting-machines of by England-this the reward for the torrents of blood they shed under an idea that they were suffering for their countryher "patriots," who bore the burthen and heat of the day, were not only abandoned by their "magnanimous allies," but given up to the dungeon and to death, by the miserable thing in whose behalf they The house having again resolved itself into a com. contended-and all this "in the name of the Holy Tri-mittee of the whole, on the subject of the bank of nity." Oh! foul and rank blasphemy-villainous asso- the United States

The following proceedings took place on Wednesday, the 24th inst.

ciation of heaven'y attributes for demoniac pur- Mr. Spencer rose and spoke more than four hours poses! But we trust in God, that the time will come in defence of the report of the bank committee. when the ungrateful Ferdinand and his infamous Mr. Walker, of Kentucky, made a short speech in priests, will suffer on the racks and wheels which support of the motion to repeal the charter of the they have provided for others. Humanity can pre-bank.

The question was then taken on the resolution, offered by Mr. Johnson, of Virginia, as follows:

"Resolved, That the committee on the judiciary be instructed to report a bill to repeal the act, entitled "an act to incorporate the subscribers to the bank of the United States," passed April 10th, 1816."

And decided in the negative-ayes 23.

The question was next put on the resolution offered by Mr. Trimble,to issue a scire facias, and also decided in the negative-ayes 28.

The resolutions offered by Mr. Spencer, and also refered to this committee, were withdrawn by him;

and

Seminole war, not yet ended. The committee of the senate, to whom was referred so much of the message of the president as relates to the Seminole war, have made a report in decided reprehension of the acts of the commanding general.

Nothing else of immediate importance, has been transacted in congress since our last.

CHRONICLE.

General Jackson. We shall record a particular account of the honors showered upon this illustrious chief in his late tour-their history belongs to the nation. The general has been every where received with the highest respect that could be paid to him; and at New York, especially so. He is expected in Baltimore this day, and the two brigades are very handsomely ordered to be in readiness to receive Washington's birth day-The 22nd inst. was honorMr. Spencer proposed various amendments,intended to render the provisions of the bill more effec-ed in all our principal cities by military parades, salutes of artillery, displays of the national flag; and by tual; all of which were agreed to. balls, parties and suppers, &c.

The committee took up the bill reported by the bank committee, to enforce the act of incorporation, by prohibiting the pretended distribution of shares for the purpose of undue influence in the election of directors.

Mr. Bassett moved then two amendments, the first, substantially, to compel the bank to redeem all its notes with specie, at whatever branch they might be presented for payment. The object of the second amendment was to prohibit any director of the bank, while acting as such, from dealing in the stock of the bank. Both propositions were negatived by very large majorities; and

The committee of the whole then rose, ported their proceedings to the house, and The house adjourned.

and re

On Thursday the house agreed to the vote of the committee of the whole, for disagreeing to Mr. Jolinson's resolution to repeal the charter of the bank, by yeas and nays-as follows.

For concurring in the disagreement-Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Anderson, Ky. Bateman, Bayley, Beecher, Bennett, Bloomfield, Bass, Bryan, Butler, Lou. Campbell Clagett, Cobb, Colston, Com stock, Crafts, Cruger, Cuchoan, Darlington, Davidson, Earle, Ervin, S. C. Fisher, Folger. Fuller Gage, Gilbert, Hale, Herkimer, Hitchcock, Holines Hopkinson, Hubbard, Hunter Huntingdon, Jones. Kinsey, Kirtland, Lawyer, Lewis, Linn, Little, Livermore, Lowndes, M'Lase, Del. W. Maclay, W. P. Maclay, M'Coy, Ma So, Mass. Mason, R. I. Mercer, Middleton, Mills. Sam. Moore, Morton, Moseley, Murray. Jer. Nelson, H. Nelson, New, Newton, Orr, Owen, Parrott, Pawling, Peter, Pitkin, Pleasants, Poindexter, Porter, Quarles, Reed, Md. Reid, Geo. Rhea, Rice, Rich, Ringgold, Robertson, Rogers. Ruggles, Sampson, Savage. Sawyer, Scudder, Sergeant, Settle, Shaw, Sherwood, Silsbee, Simkins, Slocumb, S. Smith, Bal. Smith, Alexander Smyth, J. S. Smith, South. ard, Speed, Spencer,Storrs, Strother, Stuart, Md. Tallmadge, Tarr, Taylor, Terrell, Terry, Tompkins. Townsend, Tucker, S. C. Tyler, Upha Walker, N. C. Wallace, Wendover, Whiteside,

Whitman, Wilkin, Williams, Con. Williams, N. C. Wilson, Pen.

-121.

Against concurrence.-Messrs. Allen. Ms. Austin, Baldwin, Ball, Barbour, Va Barber, Ohio, Bassett, Blount, Boden, Burwell, De. sha, Garnett. Hall, of N. C. Harrison, Hendricks, Herrick, Hogg, Hostetter, Johnson, Va. M'Leau, Ill. Merchaud, Robert Moore, T. M. Nelson, Patterson, Pegram, Pindall, Seybert, Trimble, Walker, Ken. Williams, N. Y.-30.

Mr. Trimble's resolution to order a scire facias, next came up. The nays on concurring with the committee of the whole, in its disagreement to this resolution, were as follows:

Messrs. Austin, Ball, Barhour, Vir. Barber, Ohio, Basset, Blount, Boden, Burwell, Butler, Lou. Campbell, Desha. Ervin, S. C. Floyd, Hall, N. C. Harrison, Hendricks, Herrick, Hitchcock, Hogg, Hostetter, Johnson, Va. M'Lean, Ill. Marchand, Marr, Robert Moore, T. M. NIson, Patterson, Pegram, Pindall, Rhea, Rogers, Stred. Spencer. Tarr, Trimble, Tyler, Walker, Ken. Williams, N. Y. Williams, N. C.-39.

So the resolution was rejected, all the rest of the members present (116) voting in the affirmative.

Some time was spent in amending the bill to regulate voting, &c. It was made much stronger than originally reported, and finally ordered to a third reading, by yeas and nays-98 to 38.

A bill making appropriations for the public build ings, was next considered, and ordered for a third reading.

him.

Maryland. The legislature adjourned on Saturday last, after passing about two hundred laws.

The pirates. Williams, Rog, Peterson and Frederick, convicted at Boston of piracy and murder on board the schooner Plattsburg, of Baltimore, were executed on Boston neck on Thursday, the 18th inst. The first was a native of the state of New York, the second of Minorca, in Spain, the third of Denmark, and the fourth of Sweden. Their conduct in prison is said to have been exemplary, and they met their fate with firmness.

Public lands. A bill that is considered very important, has passed the senate, to refuse future credit on sales of public lands. Government appears to have been driven to this necessity by the frequent, and sometimes very unreasonable, demands for deferment of payment.

Mr. John Jacob Astor claims 51,162 acres of very valuable land, in Putnam county, one of the thickly settled districts in the state of New York. It appears that this property was sold as forfeited to the state by the attainder against a certain Roger Morris and his wife, and disposed of to various persons, from 1782 to 1785-but the records shew the sale of only 38,486 acres, 24 perches, and for the sum of $59,784 37. Morris and wife, it is said, had only a life estate in the property; the former is dead, and his r-lict is 86 years of age; the claim of the heirs has been relinquished to Mr. Astor. The commissioners appointed by the state have made a report on the subject--they contended that if the claim was substantiated, Mr. A. would be bound to pay for all im provements; but his counsel dissented from this opinion-Mr. Astor agreed to take three hundred thou sand dollars for his claim. The committee conclude with saying that Mr. Astor "manifested a liberal disposition to aid and facilitate their inquiries.”

Some very fine cod-fish were lately caught at a spot bearing W. by S. per compass, 10 leagues from cape Henry.

Memorial of George Williams.

RECEIVED AND READ, FER. 15, 1819.
To the honorable the house of representatives of the
United States.

The memorial of George Williams respectfully sets forth; that having this day obtained a copy of the documents reported by the committee of your house appointed to examine into the proceedings of the bank of the United States, he deems it pro

Nor

per to submit to the house of representatives some as a director of its concerns. He did not understand explanation relative to his conduct as a government that his appointment implied any restraint on his acdirector, which has been the subject of animadver- customed commercial dealing, or that, in clothing sion in the report of the committee. The imputa- himself with the office of a director, he thereby tions charged against your memorialist are three-abandoned his profession, or lost the character of a fold-First: that he subscribed eleven hundred and merchant. His purchases were made openly in the seventy two shares of stock in as many names, as market, and his engagements relative to them fairly their attorney, for the purpose of unduly influenc-entered into and honorably fulfilled. ing the election of directors. Second-That he Your committee have appeared to suppose that was concerned in the purchase of one thousand sundry measures were adopted by the board of dishares for the account of Mr. Jones, on which a con- rectors, which, having had the effect to raise the siderable profit was realized by that gentleman, in price of the stock, were entered into for the purwhich the committee seem to suppose there was pose of giving an artificial and temporary enhancesome unfairness. And third-that your memorial- ment to those prices. The measures alluded to are 1st, while a government director, had been deeply principally the resolutions to pay dividends in Engconcerned in the purchase of stock, and in the mak-land; to loan to subscribers to enable them to pay ing and purchase of contracts for the delivery of the second instalinent; to loan on stock at par: and stock. With regard to the first allegation, he ob- subsequently, to loan on stock at one hundred and tained names and subscribed one share each on them, for the sole object of securing a considerable amount of this stock, entertaining a very favorable opinion of the institution--but in so doing he had not the remotest view to influence the election, not being even a candidate for the office of director himself. He procured also, eight hundred shares to be subscribed for him in different names, in ten and twenty shares each, in Lexington and Cincinnati, with the same object. The whole of the eleven hundred and seventy two shares were voted singly at the first election, the transfer books not being at that time opened, and every share taken in single names as then voted, whether held by the real proprietor or by proxy. The shares above referred to, were subsequently consolidated, and were never, after the first election, voted as if held in single names. They were not voted on by the memorialist, but by the agents of the Baltimore stockholders, in common with other shares held there; and although In conclusion, your memorialists begs leave briefthese stockholders held one fourth of the votes, ly to notice the remarks made by the committee while those of New York held only one-twelfth upon his examination before them. He stated to thereof, it is decisive evidence that no undue influ- the committee his perfect readiness to answer all ence was attempted to be exercised, in behalf of the enquiries which regarded his conduct as a public Baltimore interest, since only two directors were director, and even to disclose to them the particuelected into the first board from Baltimore, and a lars of all his contracts and concerns of every nature, like number from New York. In noticing the se- relative to his purchase of stock, for their satisfaccond charge, your memorialist avers that there is tion-but, understanding that the statements furnot the slightest foundation for imputing, either to nished, and the result contained would be printed himself or to Mr. Jones, the late president, any un-and published, he declined exhibiting for public infair or improper motives in that transaction. But be forbears to go into a statement of its particular circumstances, inasmuch as that gentleman has presented documents in his justification to your house, establishing, as he trusts exclusively, its innocent and honorable character.

twenty five dollars per share, with requiring an ad-
ditional name. Your memorialist was not a director
at the time the two first of these resolutions were
passed, and not residing at Philadelphia, and conse-
quently seldom being present at the sittings of the
board, he was absent when the two last of those
measures were adopted, so that he had no individual
participation in any of those proceedings.
does he recollect ever to have advised or assented
to the payment of the dividends on delinquent
stock. He will, however, take this occasion to ob-
serve, that he entertains a thorough conviction that
all those measures were entered into in perfect
good faith, and with no sinister or interested views
on the part of the board of directors; and he does not
doubt, that, if he had had a vote at all on any of those
resolutions, they would have received his full ap
probation, whatever may now be thought of their
wisdom or policy.

spection his private transactions, they having not the least connexion with his proceedings or character as a director of the bank. And, your memorialist acknowledges that he made no explanations before the committee in extenuation or vindication of his conduct, as it appears by the report he had the op. In reference to the third allegation, your memoria-portunity given him to do, both because he did not list acknowledges that, having believed that the then understand, to the best of his present recollec bank of the United States, being chartered by con- tion, that he was expected or invited to make exgress, would receive the countenance and be invi-planations for such an object; and, moreover, because gorated by the fostering protection of the govern- he did not conceive, nor does he now conceive, that ment; that it possessed great advantages, which in his conduct required either apology, extenuation or its progress would be continually developing, and vindication. During the two years he served his becoming daily more evident-and that it would be prosperous and productive, beyond any other monied institution in the country, he early made large investments in its stock, both by original subscription and by purchase: that almost all he ever obtained he continues now to hold; that in so doing he had not the most distant idea he was acting inconsistent ly with his duty as a public director, or that he transgressed the bounds, which his obligations in that situation imposed upon his conduct. Nor did be imagine that, in proportion as he increased his interest in the institution, he thereby diminished is fidelity to it, or became the less qualified to act

government as a director, he endeavored to fulfil the duties of his honorable appointment to the best of his judgment and abilities. He arrogates in his behalf no praise for manifesting either-but he claims confident the merit of having, at all times and on all occasions, discharged those duties with perfect integrity and uprightness.

Your memorialist, forbearing to invoke in his favor that share of reputation which his fellow-citizens have heretofore accorded to him, and which has been hitherto unimpeached, relies with entire confidence on the justice and impartiality of your honorable house to acquit him in his character of a pub

[blocks in formation]

Bank Documents.

CONCLUDED FROM VOL. XV, PAGE 473.

Mr. Cadwallader Evans, jr.

6th question. He does not know of any, excepting that which has been transferred to the eashier in security of discounted notes. 8th. He paid the whole of it in specie upon one hundred shares; originally subscribed, and thinks he gave about 8 or 10 per cent.; he paid it upon 200 shares afterwards purchased, from money de posited in the bank of the United States.

11th and 12th. In November or December, 1816, he purchased 200 shares, at 14 dollars advance; in the latter part of August, 1817, he purchased 10 or 12 shares more, at 48 dolars per share, and sold the 10 or 12 shares in a week or two after they were purchased, at 152 dollars, he thinks; he thinks he does not know of any other director having bought or sold, except from general report. 13th. About the middle of August, 1817, he made a contract through Biddle, Wharton and Brothers, with J. C. Smith, for the sale of 200 shares, payable and deliverable in six months, at 145 dollars per share, with interest, the purchaser to receive the die vidend; a note was taken, and at the time agreed upon the stock was paid for and transferred. He does not know of any other director having made any contract for the purchase or sale of

stock.

15th. He knows nothing but from general rumor.

Mr. Robert Ralston-his examination.

6th question. He does not know of any being so held, except. ing that he has 50 shares in his own name, in trust for Josiah Roberts, of London, and 167 shares in trust for his children. 8th. He paid the whole sum, 10,000 dollars on 1000 shares, in coin; specie was at five per cent.

11th and 12th. He does not know of any; he has himself purchased, in April, 1817, one hundred shares, at 81 3-4, subject to the last instalment being then paid.

| Subscriptions were also made by other persons for bis use, chiefly in Baltimore and in Philadelphia, for upwards of six thousand shares. The stock so subscribed, both by himself and his agents, was divided from 2 to 20 shares to a name. The motives for using so many nanies was to secure the stock, and to obtain an influ ence at the election of directors. He was anxious to bave the institution well managed in which he held so large an interest. He also procured, through Mr. Girard's subseription, 2000 shares. He purchased immediately thereafter, 8000 shares, at an advanco of 4 dollars, and about 9000 at subsequent periods, from 10 to 17 dollars advance. Those cases where the shares were so divided, he subscribed as attorney for the individuals whose names had been used, and those shares really belonged to him, and were principally voted upon by him at the first election, or to others who were interested with him; soon after the first election was over, they were transferred by the individuals whose names were used, to him and to his order. He thinks the commissioners at Philadelphia must have known that the shares upon which he voted as attorney, belonged to him.

sold to his knowledge. He has known Mr. John Savage to bur 11th and 12th. A number of the directors have purchased and occasionally, and sell a few shares. Mr. S. bought 1000 shares at 152 dollars, in the last of August, 1817, which he yet owns. Na Prime's having sold on his account, he believes he has. John thaniel Prime has purchased; he has no actual knowledge of N. Goddard has bought and sold. He understood Mr. Jones to say he had purchased a quantity of stock at 150 dollars, which he lieves Mr. John Donnel has neither bought or sold stocks, but now holds, but Mr. Smith does not recollect the amount; be beholds what he originally subscribed for, about 4000 shares; he has of stock, but has never known him to sell any; Mr. John Bol on known Mr. George Williams to purchase a considerable amount was concerned with him in a purchase of shares at from 150 to 155 dollars per share; he does not recollect the amount, but thinks at least 1000 shares; he has himself made many purchases and sales of stock, but cannot state the amount.

13th and 14th. He knows several directors to have contracted to receive stock, but none to deliver it, except himself, who has

contracted to do both.

13th and 14th. He does not know of any director having inademercial Bank in Philadelphia, for the benefit of Mr. William any such contract.

15th. He does not know of any.

Mr. Thomas Leiper-his examination. 6th question. He knows of none. At the time of the subscription, he took 100 shares, ten shares in bis own name and the residue in other names. It was generally divided in small parcels by the subscribers. They divided in this way to affect the election. They are now all consolidated in his own name. He was one of :he commissioners for taking subscriptions.

8th. He cannot give an answer to this question.

11th and 12th. He has heard Mr. Savage say he had bought and sold, and that if he sold now he would be a loser. Mr. God dard told him he had sold; he knows of no other director, except from general rumor; he has himself never bought or sold.

13th and 14th. He has no personal knowledge on the subject. 15th. He knows nothing respecting such purchasers, if any; but has no doubt there has been a great deal of that business done.

Mr. Coulter-his examinaicon.

6th question. He answers in the negative; the stock subscribed by him was divided, as was generally the case, to affect the first election; but he has since consolidated. He paid the two first instalments in coin and funded debt. He does not know at what rate specie was then sold, as he in ported his coin. About July, 1817, he sold coin for the India trade at 20 per cent advance. He paid the coin part of the third instal ment also in coin.

Do purchases

11th and 12th. About ten days ago, he sold 140 shares, at 112 dollars, and this is the only sale he has ever made; he has made He knows nothing of any other purchases or sales, except from common report. 13th and 14th. He answers in the negative. 15th. He answers in the negative.

The deposition of D. A. Smith.

Baltimore, Dec. 30th, 1813. Dennis A. Smith's examination. 6th. He knows of a great variety of stock having been held in fetist; a number of shares have been hypothecated in England and to individuals, for the purpose of obtaining loans; he knows of no other.

About the 2d August, 1817, Mr. Jones was interested in a pur chase of a contract for stock, which was made by a broker, Mr. Neven, in Philadelphia, on account of D. A. Smith; the whole contract was 3000 shares, of which, Mr. Jones bad 1000 shares, Mr. Savage had 1000 shares, and Mr. Jonathan Smith had 1000 shares, at 135 dollars per share; they were delivered in about 10 days, and the contract was fullied by the payment of the differ ence, to the amount of 40,000 dols. or thereabouts. There was a contract made by Mr. George Williams and himself, with the ComJones, he thinks, for 1000 shares; the contract was fulfilled by the delivery of the stock, which was sold, and the profit given to Mr. Jones at the making of the contract, of his being interested, but previous to its maturity, such an intimation was given. The profit on those 1000 shares, was paid Mr. Jones in money; he thinks the profit was about 15,000 dollars. If the concern had been a losing one, it was the determination of Mr. Williams and himself, not to apprise Mr. Jones of it. He has made distinct contracts on his own account, with the Commercial Bank in Philadelphia, for the purchase of stock, one for 1000 shares, and one for 1700. Mr. Williams made a number of contracts, for the purchase of shares, but made nowe for the sale of shares, to his knowledge.

Testimony of Clerks in the bank.-Jonathan Patterson, first

Teller.

from the baut; he has generally paid out the paper of this bank, He was first teller on the 28th August, 1818, but was absent and never paid out the branch notes when supplied with their own, and when they were paid out, they were in notes of small mounted to any considerable sum. Soon after his return to the denominations, tens and fives principally: but they never a bank, which was two or three weeks after the 28th, the notes of the sums with persons who stated they had received the branch notes branches were received from travellers; he has exchanged smali from the bank, before the resolution was passed.

Caleb P. Idding-third general head, third question. ler.) he knew of the resolution immediately on its being passed, Twenty-eighth August last, he was second teller, (receiving tel (about 1 o'clock) but understood it was not to take effect on that day; he never paid out any other than the notes of the bank, except in cases of necessity; he on that day received all branch notes that were offered; since the 29th, he has received the notes of branches only in payment of duties to the government, except in very few instances, a small note would be received to save a pro test, but never as a favor to individuals, and generally on his own responsibility; he acted as first teller on the 28th August, and for about two weeks after, and no notes of the branches were re ceived from travellers, during the time when he so acted as first teller; the only notes of branches which were paid out immediately before the 28th Angus, were those of small denominations, aud never amounted to any considerable sum.

Jacob Clarksun.

8th. I paid the second instalment on 39,000 shares, and paid the specie proportion of 10 dollars per share in coin, and in draughts Boston, which were equal to coin. The funded debt propor- He was discount clerk from the organization of the bank till tion I also pavias directed by the charter. I obtained no discount Mr. Burtis succeeded him; he kept the offering book from Mto from the bank of the United States, or its branches, to enable me Z, and the account of notes discounted on pledged stock; and be to meet the payment of my second instalment; but I was an ad- kept the offering of notes on pledged stock; there never was any Vocate for the measure adopted by the board to ait the stockhold note discounted on pledged stock, without their being payable to es in making that payment, by discounting notes at short peri- the cashier, unless in the case of discounts above the par value, ods, payable in specie. The specie and draughts on Boston, cost when an endorser was required for the excess; Joseph T. Ue ne from 4 to 6 per cent in Philadelphia. The exchange between ments was associated with him in the discount department. In Baltimore and Phila! Iphia, at that period, was about 4 per cent. the case of notes offered for renewal of those which had been dis9th. He subscribed in his own name, and as attorney for sun counted on pledged stock, and which fell due on intermediste y persons, but for his sole account, for 3100 shares at Baltimore. I days between discount days, the discount has been made by the

« 上一頁繼續 »