National Gazette

From the New-York JOURNAL.

RUMINATING last evening upon the present posture of public affairs, and their probable situation at the opening of the next century, I fell into a sleep, during which, methought your journal, containing the following paragraphs, and dated the 2d April, 1801, was put in my hands:

On Monday last arrived in this city, in perfect health, his Most Serene Highness the Protector of the United States, and on Wednesday next will review the regular troops which compose this garrison.

Yesterday came on before the circuit court of the Protector, the trial of James Barefoot, labourer, for carelessly treading on the great toe of my Lord Ohio. The defendant was found guilty, but as the offence appeared quite accidental, and his Lordship had already inflicted on him fifty lashes, the court fined him only 10l. and ordered him to be imprisoned six months. Considering the blood and rank of the prosecutor, the humanity of the sentence cannot be too much extolled. His Lordship's toe is in a fair way of recovery, although one of the physicians thinks the nail in danger.

Yesterday was capitally convicted, by majority of the jury, John Misprision, for high treason, for lying with the mistress of the Protector's second son, the Duke of Erie. Great efforts will be made to obtain a pardon, but it is feared, that the enormity of his offence, with a suspicion of its being the third or fourth time he has taken this liberty with his Grace, will prevent their desired effect.

The first quarter's interest on the deferred debt became due yesterday, but altho the land, poll window, house, and other direct taxes lately imposed, have proved wonderfully productive, it has been thought best to postpone its payment for a few quarters, until a suitable augmentation of the civil list has taken place.

On Sunday was delivered of a fine boy her Grace the Duchess of Ulster. The mother is better than might have been expected after an operation so dangerous to one of her quality.

Several merchants last week joined in a run on the Protector's bank (lately the bank of the United States.) The first Lord of the treasury was in much consternation, but by the instrumentality of cents and demi-cents, the run had not occasioned a total stoppage when our informant came away.

Sunday last, being the birth day of the Protector's lady, was celebrated in this city with becoming attention—No divine service was performed.—The levee of her Highness was remarkably crowded—She looked uncommonly cheerful, considering it is the ninth month of her pregnancy. In the evening the theatre was unusually brilliant, in expectation of her Highness's company, who, for the reason just mentioned, was obliged to forego that pleasure.

It is said Lady Champlaire, a maid of honour to her Highness the Protectoress, had an intrigue about six months since with the Duchess of Rye's footman. The appearance of her Ladyship's waist, with the intimacy between her and the Duchess, give an air of authenticity to the report.

To remedy the inconveniences attending an election on the death of every protector, a bill will be brought in, at the next session of congress, to make the office hereditary, and to increase his annual revenue from five hundred thousand to one million of dollars. It is certainly impossible for his highness to support the dignity of his high station upon his present small allowance.

It is now certain, that the Mayor and
Common Council of the state corporation of Georgia (the office of governor being abolished) with the principal citizens of Savannah, are imprisoned for a debt due from that corporation upon an execution issued out of the supreme court of the Protector. Our information adds, that suits multiply so fast against the states that new gaols are building in every ward for the better accommodation of the prisoners.

We have not room to insert the whole of the new treason act: The principal new treasons created by the statute are—Speaking disrespectfully of the Protector, his lady and son, whether legitimate or illegitimate—Attempting the life of either of the lords of the hereditary council—of any senator—of the lord chief-justice, or of any other federal judge—To violate the chastity of the lady, daughters, aunts, or mistresses of either of the great officers of state, or to propose any alteration in the government, unless with the consent of a majority of the officers abovementioned.

The 80th and 90th regiments of infantry, commanded by the Marquis of Ontario, are on their march against the malcontents of Virginia. These rebellious and turbulent people have had the temerity to petition for a redress of grievances. From the gallantry of the Marquis, and the determined bravery of his troops, lately displayed on a similar occasion in N. Carolina, we cannot but flatter ourselves that their arms will be crowned with complete success.

The hereditary council will meet in future at the new palace in Philadelphia.—This superb edifice cost the moderate sum of six hundred thousand dollars, ten cents, and five mills, which exceeded the calculation of the first lord of the treasury only by two dollars, three cents, and one mill.

The principal alteration in the jury act is, making the verdict of a majority as conclusive in criminal cases, as if the jurors had been unanimous.

A few copies of the act to 'restrain the freedom of the press,' may be had at this office.—!!!