The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Chillicothe, Feb. 12.

The following is the deposition of John Smith, esq. relative to Burr—and the questions to, answers of, Mr. Ambrose Smith, on the subject of his carrying letter to Blennerhassett; both of which were reluctantly postponed last week, from the want of room.

(COPY.)

I do certify, that on the 4th day of September, 1806, col. A. Burr sent to me, at my house in Cincinnati a penciled note in the following words, to wit:

Dear Sir;

Being in a few miles of you. I send forward a young man to know if you have a room and bed for me, if not, tell me what tavern is best,

Your affectionate:

A. BURR.

4th September.

I told the young man in reply, that col. Burr should be welcome to such accommodations as my house afforded. for a few days.—In a short time after col. Burr rode to the door and I conducted him into my house where he remained some days—during which time I did not hear him utter a word about the separation of the union or the invasion of Mexico.—Nor did I hear him say any thing about his project, other than to settle a large tract of his Washita lands. Some time after his departure from Cincinnati I wrote him that it was currently reported, and by many believed, he did meditate a dismemberment of the United States: and I frankly represented my fears, that whatever his project might be, the tranquility of the western country would be interrupted, and that he moved in such mystery, suspicion would be attached to him: and I earnestly solicited a disclosure of his object—his answer is contained in a letter herewith, under the date of the 26th of October last.

The candor discovered in the above recited letter inspired my confidence— And when he made his second visit to Cincinnati, in November last, he disclosed his plan fully to my view, as I thought, which added strength to my confidence. He being about to take his leave of me, observed, Mr. Smith my object in a few months will be disclosed: you will not find it dishonorable or inimical to this government; I feel superior to the mean artifices which are ascribed to me—Calumniators I do not notice. so as fast as you put one down another will rise up. This much I will venture to tell you: If there should be war between the United States and Spain, I shall head a corps of volunteers, and be the first to march into the Mexican provinces—If peace should be preserved, which I do not expect, I shall settle my Washita lands and make society as pleasant about me as possible. In this government I have been persecuted, shamefully persecuted, and I am sorry to say, that in it all private confidence between man and man seem to be nearly destroyed. He shewed me a deed for a large tract of land on Red river. and said if I would consent to let my sons go thither, he would provide well for them; to which I gave consent though I never communicated it to my eldest son, till last Saturday, this day on which he returned from Marietta, and not till he expressed disinclination to co-operate with col. Burr's object till he knew whether it was hostile to the government of the United States or not.

Col. Burr told me further, that very many of his friends in different parts of the United States, would remove and settle with him and that he would be the best neighbor this country ever had, and repeated that his object was not hostile to, the (here the word government appears to have been originally inserted but dashed out by the pen) people of the United States, or dishonorable to himself and further, that in a few months many of his enemies would be proud to call him their friends

I solemnly declare, that I never purchased, directly or indirectly, any provisions for the use of col. Burr and his party, though application was made to me for that purpose which I declined,

(Signed)

JOHN SMITH.

Sworn and subscribed before me, this 6th day of January, 1807.

(Signed)

MATTHEW NIMMO.

One of the associate judges within and for the county of Hamilton and state of Ohio.

(COPY.)

The State of Ohio, ss.

Hamilton county, ss.

Be it remembered, that on the 6th
January, in the year of our Lord 1807 personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the associate judges, within and for the county, aforesaid, and agent for governor Tiffin for carrying into effect the provisions of an act, entitled "An act to prevent acts hostile to the United States, &c." Ambrose Smith. who being solemnly sworn true answers to make to the following interrogatories, deposeth, as will appear in, the answers following, the queries hereunto, written in his own hand, viz.

1. Are you acquainted with the views of col. Burr from any conversation with your father?

Ans. I have never been informed of the views of col. Burr. but from report & never had any conversation with my father on that subject until the 3d of January 1807, after my return from Marietta.

2. When did you leave Cincinnati?

Ans. On the 3d Dec. 1806.

3. Was your father at that time in Kentucky, and how long had he been absent.

Ans. Yes he was, and I had not seen him for several weeks previous to my journey to Marietta, owing to an excursion on Mad river settlement, from whence I did not return until the 28th November. 1806, and my father having started the day before for Kentucky ; nor did I ever hear from him, until I came to Limestone, on my return.

4. Did any correspondence take place between your father and yourself during your absence from Cincinnati?

Ans. In no way whatever.

5. Were you engaged in any business for your father while you were absent?

Ans. No. neither going to, nor returning from Marietta.

6. Will you state, minutely, the business which took you to Belle Pre and Marietta?

Ans. I was employed by a gentleman to carry a sealed letter to a Mr. Blennerhassett, the contents of which he did not communicate, or the author of it, to me.

7. Do you know whether your father was directly or indirectly acquainted with your business to Belle Pre and Marietta?

Ans, He was not.

Signed,

A.D. SMITH.

Sworn and subscribed before me,

Signed,

MATTHEW NIMMO.

One of the associate judges within and for the county of Hamilton, and state of Ohio.