Tampico that general Santa Anna had been placed
in command of the Mexican troops, and was making
preparations to resist the attack of the French.
The blockade at Tampico was continued by one
brig, and by one at Matamoras; at Vera Cruz there
were two French frigates and several brigs. The
United States sloops of war Boston and Vandalia
were at Vera Cruz, and the Ontario at Tampico.
[New Orleans Transcript.

FAMOUS WINES. The late sale by Mr. Thomas and Son, of wines belonging to the late Mr. T. Butler, was very numerously attended, and the prices paid were enormous. Among other transactions, were the following. Fifteen demijohns sold at $155 each; one at $150; seven at $137; five at $117 50; ten at $110; seventeen at $105; thirteen at $102 50; four at $101;-and various other wines for lesser sums. One hundred and seventy demijohns were sold, the whole amount of which is upwards of fifteen thousand dollars.

We have made a hurried estimate of the value of some of these wines,-and find that the price, as paid at auction, is at least half a dollar per wine glass of the usual size,-something as it were, like molten silver, and affording a plausible image of the aurum nostabile. These wines, above specified, were chiefly purchased, we learn by the Butlers, of whon, it may be said, that it is marvellous if they have improved thereby upon their previous and ancient stock-which we feel bound to decide is not an easy matter, howsoever strong the bouquet of the last bought wines may be, of gold and silver.

[Philadelphia Gazelle.

tendered. I had no fears as to consequences." wrong and inflict injury in the article I have re-
Again: I said too, "that our resources and popula-marked upon.
tion would be drawn off to Texas at an rate, &c., I do not believe that the defamation of the Globe
and that unless our government should take such can excite the prejudice of many honest men at
position as to control the matter hereafter, Great this time of day. I trust indignant contempt of
Britain would do, and that in this view it was deep- such malignant perversions will alone be called
ly interesting to the whole union, and not to one forth. Thus it is that a free and virtuous people
section only," &c. There are other points, not ma- will manifest respect for correct principles, and pro-
terial for correction or notice.
tect their faithful public servants from the influence
of corrupt partisans. I thank God my constituents
know me, and my public character can never rest
upon the reports of the Giobe newspaper; indeed,
its praise would be mortifying; for my energies, my
actions, and my opinions instinctively desire to avoid
the contamination of such.

I have never asked a correction before, I believe,
of reports, but be so kind as to notice the above.
Yours, very respectfully,
F. W. PICKENS.

From the National Intelligencer of the 16th inst.
LETTER FROM MR. EWING, OF INDIANA.

House of Representatives, June 15, 1838.
Gentlemen: Notorious as the "Globe" newspa-
per now is for misrepresenting the conduct, the
language, and the motives of many pure and en-
lightened statesmen, I do not view the unfounded
calumnies and partial reports of such a reckless
vehicle worthy of notice or correction in my place.
Indeed, it would, on my part, be a useless waste of
tine, as I am aware, by experience, that no expo-
sure will prevent a repetition of its malignant per-
versions; and having resolved that it shall not, at
my expense, hereafter, torture truth, or make das-
tardly thrusts with impunity, I am content to adopt
this mode, for the present, to rid myself of its base
drivelling, and to illustrate its well-known propen-

sities.

On the 7th instant, as I have already explained HON. WILLIAM B. ROCHESTER. We lament to in your columns, I offered an amendment to the learn that our worst apprehensions with regard to pre-emption bill, to secure to my state the excluthe loss of our respected and valuable citizen judge sive right to enter all the land recently purchased Rochester, who was a passenger on board the Pu- of the Miami Indians, except a few quarter seclaski, are now confirmed. The judge was on his tions occupied and improved by bona fide citizens return home from Pensacola, where he had spent of the state at the date of the treaty purchase; and the winter, to his residence at Buffalo, and probably with this substance of my amendment, set forth in took the Baltimore route, with a view to visit his the remarks which I made upon the occasion of family connexions in Maryland. The melancholy presenting it, duly sent in, two hours after presen event, which has plunged so many families into a grief too profound for consolation, has not inflicted a heavier blow on any of them, than that which will be felt by the surviving relations and friends of judge Rochester. No man, in all the public and private relations of life, could be more esteemed, respected and beloved. As amiable and unpretending as he was able and upright, his death is a real calamity to the large circle of connections and friends to which he was endeared by so many ties. [Courier and Enquirer.

I

"What Mr. Ewing-a witness not present-pronounced false,' is established by the written notes taken down during the debate by governor Clay, of Alabama; Judge Young, of Illinois; Mr. Lyon, of Michigan; Mr. Norvell, of Michigan; all corro borating the reports of the Globe."

I will only add that, in correcting a false imputation against an enlightened patriot, I neither feel nor manifest any "zeal." I am no less the "zealous" friend of general Harrison, another enlightened patriot, but, in truth, my zeal for either is reserv ed for a different field of action. My whole zeal at present is to serve my constituents; and I trust neither duty nor honor will hereafter require of me to divert that zeal for a moment to counteract any new libels or defamation in the Globe, or resting upon its authority. Very respectfully,

LETTER FROM THE HON. WADDY
THOMPSON, JR.

Washington, May 25, 1838.
Sir: A writer in a late number of your paper
propounds certain question to me which I have
neither the right nor the inclination to refuse to
answer. The respectful character of the article, as
well as the obviously respectable source from which
it comes, forbid me to do so. I therefore send you
a speech which I delivered in congress before I
saw the article in your paper. I believe all the
questions are answered in the speech. Lest they
may not be with sufficient distinctness, I now add
that I am opposed to entrusting the keeping of the
public money to agents appointed by the president,
and removed at his pleasure. I am opposed to Mr.
Rives' substitute, as being but a revival of the ex-
ploded pet bank system. I am also opposed to the
charter of a United States Bank. I am in favor of
special deposites with banks properly selected, pre-
ferring, in all cases where they exist, banks owned
in whole or in part by states; in such manner that
the money is not to be used by the banks in which
it is deposited. I believe this plan, in every parti
cular, the best. The money will be kept at less
expense, will be more safe, more easily transferred,
and it will cut down, if not entirely destroy, this
great source of government patronage.

I

tation, to the office of that vehicle, and promised insertion by its accredited reporter, my remarks were suppressed, after being marked for publication, and the substance of the amendment was changed to grant pre-emption to all who have already settled upon the tract in question. This one instance of the truth and fairness of the Official, with evidence indisputable of its perversion in possession, may satisfy. The amendment alluded to was cut off in the house last evening, by the arbitrary action of the speaker of the house, and will not appear upon the journal; but I corrected the RETORT UPON MISS MARTINEAU. In her last false statement of the Globe before it was so cut off, work upon this country, Miss Martineau abuses, in and therefore that circumstance will afford no shield, rather a petulant and acidulated style, a certain vil- even were it so intended. I do not take the Globe. lage doctor in Vermont, who was called upon to at- I could never read that paper without a feeling of I am unalterably opposed to the rejection of bank tend her travelling companion, but from whom she abhorrence and disgust. But a friend has placed in notes, and the demand of gold and silver for all could derive no satisfactory information as to the my hands that issued on the 13th instant, in which public dues. No possible combination of circumnature of her friend's complaint. "I fancy," says see, under the caption "Mr. Ewing's zeal for Mr. stances can induce me to vote for a measure which the female politician, "I hear now the sharp, con- Clay," the garbled tenor it thought proper to give believe will cause so much ruin and misery. ceited tones of the doctor, doggedly using his powerment is republished, and an arraignment preferred, question of the right of the constituent to instruct its dupes of my remarks on presenting my amend- Whatever may be any opinion on the general of exasperating my anxiety." The doctor in question, who is a highly respectable physician at Battle- declaring that his representative, I do not hesitate to say that such boro, has published a reply to this unfeminine atis my peculiar relation to my constituents, that I tack, in the papers, in which he fairly turns the tables would not throw myself in the way of their delibupon his traducer. He says that he equivocated erately formed opinions on any subject. That and evaded, in relation to the complaint of Miss "kindness and liberality" on their part to which Martineau's friend, "from motives of delicacy, and your correspondent alludes, I am fully conscious of, to spare the feelings of the lady. If she has been and have endeavored to repay it in a manner more very much concerned to know, and is yet in the Now be it known, that not one of the whole array substantial than professions-by a stern and condark, I will enlighten her darkness. Her friend was of honorable senators whose names are thus thrust stant devotion to their interest of such poor powin the first stages of delerium tremens!" And this forward by the Globe has, or can establish, the ers as God has given me. I am ready in their seris the tourist who, in commenting on the foibles of truth of what I know to be false, and so declared vice to sacrifice that which I value far, very far American ladies, regretted that they were so much upon the occasion alluded to. Nor can the Globe's beyond all other honors-their confidence and supaddicted to intemperance! Miss Martineau should report of their speeches, as given, be tortured into port. I have calmly and deliberately re-examined be more cautious in the choice of her travelling asa contradiction of any thing I said. I said that it my opinion ons on the great questions now agitated, sociates. [New York Mirror. was utterly false that the distinguished senator and I am only the more confirmed in their correct(whose glorious fame and honest name are worm-ness. Until convinced that I am in error, no human From the National Intelligencer of the 16th inst. wood to the Globe man) had, as was reported, de- power can force me to change my course. If such LETTER FROM MR. PICKENS. signated settlers on the public lands as land pirates;' that it was a calumny, sent abroad for party purWashington, House of Representatives, poses-worthy of its fabricators-unworthy of beJune 14, IS38. lief. The settlers know that they settled down Messrs. Gales & Seaton: Gentlemen: In your contrary to law; they do not deny or disguise this brief report of what I said in the house yesterday fact; and this was the sense and true meaning and on the Texss question, your reporter has this sen- intent of all that was charged against them. In tence: "A distinguished member (Mr. Adams) of substance and in fact, the president, (whose deluthe Massachusetts delegation had said, on a former sive echo the Globe is,) in his deliberate message section. If these opinions, honestly entertained occasion, it was a question of union or disunion." to this congress, said as much, and made as many and fearlessly expressed, shall forfeit me the confiThis is incorrect. I said "that, as the most deli-allegations to operate against the wishes and inter- dence of valued friends, it will not be the first time cate domestic questions had been dragged into this ests of those seeking pre-emption, as the much- that I have sacrificed popularity and office to a measure day after day, for the last six months, and traduced senator alluded to in the heat of debate. sense of public duty. I am aware of the powerful as the gentleman from Massachusetts, (Mr. Adams) Have not the people read that message, and could influences which have operated in my district to at the extra session, had declared, in his place, that they not mark the double aspect of its bearing upon produce different opinions, of the small hope there a large portion of the northern people would prefer the present state of things? But it suits the Globe is of my being able successfully to resist these ina dissolution of the union to the annexation of man to overlook this; and in his despicable manner, fluences. This in no wise diminishes the obligaTexas, I was for meeting the issue he had thus and with his usual malign spirit, to labor to do tion to attempt it. I shall most assuredly, by all

shall not be (as I do not doubt that in time they will be) the opinions of my constituents, it will give me much pain-nothing so much, however, as would the consciousness that any combination of circumstances should have forced me to sacrifice my own settled convictions of duty. I believe the system proposed will be injurious to the whole country, and more so to the south than any other

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER-JUNE 30, 1838-OFFICIAL PAPERS.

277

means in my power, vindicate my course as your York to Buffalo, upon my return home, after the to hold a great family consultation in December, representative, relying on the intelligence, firmness, termination of the present session of congress. and justice of those who sent me here. I therefore ask the favor of you to publish the speech which I with the liveliest feelings of gratitude; and I re- otism, are justly and properly and prominently in send you, and I rely upon the "liberality and kind-quest you, gentlemen, to convey to those who com- their view, and under their consideration. Whilst I have perused the proceedings of the meeting distinguished services, and of acknowledged patri1839. Other gentlemen, of eminent abilities, of ness of each and all my constituents to read it dis- posed it my cordial thanks, and respectful acknow- this preliminary question is in progress of an amipassionately, and form their own conclusions; and ledgments, for their friendly consideration of me. cable adjustment, I feel that it would not be right I leave it to them to decide whether the systematic Whilst I feel highly gratified by the sentiments of for me to make any personal exertions, or even to and fierce denunciation of which I have been the attachment, confidence, and preference, with an be voluntarily placed in situations in which it subject results more from a regard to the public expression of which the meeting has honored me, might be supposed that I was making personal exgood than from feelings of private and personal I think that it has wisely referred the designation ertions, to withdraw from them the confidence, so hostility. Respectfully, your obedient servant, of a suitable candidate for the office of president of justly due to them, of our common friends, and fix To the Editor of the Pendleton Messenger. W. THOMPSON, jr. the United States to the consideration and impartial it exclusively upon myself. In announcing this decision of a national convention. Such an assem- rule of conduct for myself, it is foreign from my blage, representing all parts of the United States, intention to mark out any course for others, or to INVITATION TO MR. CLAY. and fairly constituted, will embody the opinions intimate any dissatisfaction with whatever line they Invitation of the late meeting at Masonic Hall, New to the present administration of the general governand best express the sense of the whole opposition may consider it proper to pursue. York, to Mr. Clay, and his answer. ment. It will reconcile differences, promote har-assurances of the high personal regard and esteem mony, and secure hearty co-operation among those with which I am, faithfully, I pray you, gentlemen, individually, to accept who are engaged in the patriotic cause of strugto restore the prosperity of the country. gling to bring back the government to its former purity to heal the wounds in the constitution, and

LETTER OF THE COMMITTEE.

To the hon. Henry Clay: New York, May 31, 1838. Sir: A meeting of our citizens was held at Masonic Hall on the evening of the 29th instant, when the address and resolutions, of which copies are enclosed, were unanimously adopted. By one of those resolutions that vast and animated assemblage committed to us the duty of inviting you to pass through the state of New York, by way of this city, Albany, and Buffalo, on your return to Lexington, after your labors at the present session of congress,

shall have terminated.

Your friend and obedient servant,
H. CLAY.

OFFICIAL PAPERS.

cumstances which would admit of my acceptance United States, was communicaied to the house of of the friendly invitation to visit your state. I am representatives on Wednesday, the 27th inst. I should be most happy to find myself under cirsure that every where, on a tour so agreeable, I To the house of representatives of the United States: should meet with the greatest kindness and hospiThe following message from the president of the tality, and behold in the virtue, intelligence, and house of representatives of the 11th inst., reports enterprise of the people of New York, in the noble from the secretaries of state, treasury, and war, with works of internal improvement which adorn its ter- the documents referred to by them respectively. It I transmit in compliance with a resolution of the The meeting lamented that the gratifying spec- dence has blessed it, abundant elements for repair-steamboat Sir Robert Peel, under the British flag, tacle is not now presented by this state, which, but ing the temporary injuries inflicted by the errors within the waters of the United States, and on the ritory, and in the fruitful soil with which Provi- will be seen that the outrages committed on the for recent events, it would have exhibited on your and experiments of the federal executive. But I steamboat Telegraph, under the American flag at first journey through its widest extent. The dess feel constrained to deny myself the satisfaction of Brockville, in Upper Canada, have not been followlation brought upon our beloved country, by a bad contemplating these pleasing scenes. After an ab- ed by any demand, by either government on the administration of government, although not con- sence from my home, which has already extended other, for redress. These acts have been, so far, fined to any particular interest, nor limited by state to nigh eight months, I am naturally most anxious treated on each side as criminal offences committed boundaries, has, in its fullest force, been visited to rejoin my family without any unavoidable delay. within the jurisdiction of tribunals competent to upon us; and the infliction was, perhaps, the more I might content myself with the assignment of this enquire into the facts, and to punish the persons dejecting, because it was dealt by those from whom simple reason, but I have other and higher motives, concerned in them. Investigations have been made, a inajority of our citizens had looked for benefits which candor requires I should communicate, for some of the individuals inculpated have been arrestand gratitude. The indignation of a great people declining to accept your obliging invitation. Al- ed, and prosecutions are in progress, the result of has at length checked the audacity, and foresha- though I am not, in fact, a candidate for any office, which cannot be doubled. The excited state of dowed the doom of the destroyers. Buoyant, there- I am aware that my name is freely used in connex- public feeling on the borders of Canada, on both fore, with expectation, we can at least have the ion with the highest in the gift of the American sides of the line, has occasioned the most painful pleasure of showing you the monuments of former people. Whilst it is thus a subject of considera- anxiety to this government. Every effort has been, success and wiser counsels, and of pointing out to tion, I have thought that it best becomes me to re- and will be, made to prevent the success of the deyou the sources of our future hopes: our common main in an attitude perfectly passive, doing nothing sign apparently formed, and in the course of exeschools, our canals and railroads, our spacious bar- with the intention of attracting the current of pub- execution, by Canadians who have found a refuge bors, our noble rivers, our fertile fields, our ship-lic feeling to me, nothing to disturb or affect the within our territory, aided by a few reckless persons ping, workshops and warehouses, and our nuine- exercise of the free and unbiassed judgment of the of our own country, to involve the nation in a war rous and intelligent population, gifted with ingenui- people. I have accordingly acted in strict confor- with a neighboring and friendly power. Such dety, industry and enterprise, and not yet deprived of sign cannot succeed while the two governments apall their energies by the incubus that sits incumbent preciate and confidently rely upon the good faith of upon them. Amid the ruins which surround us, each other in the performance of their respective it is consolatory to see that something has been duties. With a fixed determination to use all the snatched from destruction by the intripidity of means in my power to put a speedy and satisfactory yourself and your compatriots; that there is much termination to these border troubles, I have the most that was indestructible; and that materials remain, confident assurances of the cordial co-operation of with which, under the guidance of patriotic skill, the British authorities, at home and in the North we may hereafter be able to repair the fabric of our American possessions, in the accomplishment of a prosperity. governments and people both of the United States and Great Britain. purpose so sincerely and earnestly desired by the M. VAN BUREN.

Governed by these feelings, the meeting directed us to urge your acceptance of the invitation which we have above communicated. It will afford us the highest satisfaction to be enabled to state to them that their request will be complied with.And you will, we trust, permit us to add, that the pleasure of our citizens in seeing you will be heightened by the opportunity of thanking you in person for the many and eminent services of the past; of rejoicing with you in the promises of the present; and of confirming their hopes of the future by a communion with one, who, undismayed by the perils that have from time to time threatened our country, still pursued the onward path, and taught us, by his precept and example, never to despair of the republic. We are, sir, with the highest esteem and consideration, your faithful friends and obedient ser

vants,

GULIAN C. VERPLANCK,
WILLIS HALL,
JOHN L. LAWRENCE,
THOMAS L. WELLS,
DUDLEY SELDEN,
ROBERT SWARTWOUT.

MR. CLAY'S REPLY.

mity with this conviction of my duty. I bave visited no place, and shall visit no place, with the view of promoting my own personal advancement. Considerations both of principle and convenience have induced me to adopt this resolution. I know that sentiments of personal esteem and regard for me, and for which I am very thankful, apart from political motives, have prompted the invitation with which you have favored me; but if I were to accept sions, it would be believed, whether justly or not, that it had other objects besides social intercourse, it, no matter under what protestations or profesand an examination of the inexhaustible resources of your great state. The same or similar reasons with which I might be induced to visit New York, would be urged to prevail on me to go to other por- sage, the contents of which may be generally infertions of the union. How could I discriminate? red from the message itself. The following report What limit should I prescribe? There would be a from the secretary of war, however, is of sufficient A number of documents accompanied this mesphysical impracticability to go to every important consequence to be separated from the rest for pubpoint of the union, which I might be pressed, or lication. prompted by the impulse of my own feelings, to visit.

Washington, June 20, 1838.

a nature so exalted, and its functions so momen- has, by your direction, been referred to this depart-
tous, that it ought not to be, and, happily, never ment, I have the honor to state that, on the receipt
The office of president of the United States is of the house of representatives of the 11th instant, as
Department of War, June 19, 1838.
Sir: In relation to so much of the resolution of
It should only be bestowed by the free, spontane-steamer Sir Robert Peel, orders were_immediately
ous, and deliberate judgment of the people. When
can be, reached by individual efforts to acquire it. of intelligence of the destruction of the British
so conferred, it is more honorable to them and to
the distinguished object of their choice. Thus re-
ceiving it, he will enter upon the career of its ardu-
ous duties, conscious that he has attained the ele-
vated station by no low or unworthy arts, and over-
flowing with gratitude, will dedicate all his abilities,
and his undivided energies, to the honor and the
prosperity and the glory of his country.

issued to the commanding officer at Fort Niagara, to detach a portion of his force to Sackett's Harbor; and shortly after, the disposable recruits at New York and Fort Monroe were ordered, part to strengthen that post, part to Plattsburg, and part to Swanton, on the Vermont frontier, at the same time, measures were taken to employ a steamer, to be manned with a competent military force, for police order had taken refuge on a portion of the Thousand formation, communicated by the governor of the purposes, on each of the lakes, Erie and Ontario. The department, having subsequently received inStates, where they were collecting arms and muniIslands, situated within the jurisdiction of the Unitstate of New York, that the disturbers of public

Washington, June 8, 1838. Such, gentlemen, are the views which I should Gentlemen: I have to acknowledge the receipt of Far from being weakened, they appear to me to entertain if I were a formal candidate, and the sole a letter which, as a committee appointed at a meet candidate of the cause to which I am attached.ing of my political friends, recently convened in tual state of the question to which they relate. the city of New York, you addressed to me, trans- The whigs have not yet determined on their candi- tions of war, and engaged in fitting out hostile expossess additional strength when we survey the acmitting a copy of their proceedings, and, in pursu-date. They are now deliberating about it, consult-peditions against Canada, major gen. Macomb was ance of one of their resolutions, inviting me to vi- ing among themselves in their primary and other despatched to Sackett's Harbor, to take the com sit that city, and to pass through the state of New assemblies, as they have a right to do, and resolved mand of the forces on the northern fronuer, with

instructions to take prompt and vigorous measures
to maintain our treaty stipulations, and to execute
the laws of the United States, and especially to lose
no time in directing operations against the lawless
men who, for the avowed purpose of committing
depredations upon the territory of a friendly power,
have stationed themselves on the islands in the river
St. Lawrence. The general has been since advis.
ed to station a guard of regulars at each of the fer-
ries on the river, and at each port of entry on the
lakes, in order to protect the persons and property
of subjects of her Britannic Majesty from any for-
ther outrage; and there is reason to believe, from
the character and well-earned reputation of that
officer, that he will carry these instructions into
effect to the extent the limited force under his com-
mand will permit, with promptness and energy.
With regard to the "concentration and movements
of foreign troops on the northern and northeastern
frontiers of the United States," the department is
not informed that the regular troops of her Britan-
nic Majesty have, as yet, been stationed along the
frontier, as it is believed to be the intention; that
service appearing still to be performed by the vo-
lunteers and militia of Upper and Lower Canada-
a force estimated, by competent judges, at about
twenty-five thousand men. The regulars now in
the Canadas are ten regiments of the line of six
hundred and fifty men each, to be carried up to fif-
teen regiments; two battalions of guards, eight hun-
dred and fifty men each; two regiments of cavalry,
each of three hundred men. In New Brunswick
and Nova Scotia, the regular force consists of five
regiments of the line of six hundred and fifty men
each. It is presumed that the usual proportion of
artillery will be attached to the regular forces it.
these colonies, and in the Canadas, making an ag-
gregate regular force of between fifteen and sixteen
thousand men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. POINSETT.

To the President of the U. S.
P. S. The accompanying extracts of letters re-
ceived from his excellency the governor of New
York contain such information as has been receiv.
ed by this department on the subject of the recent
disturbances on the northern frontier.

From the Army and Navy Chronicle. RAFT OF RED RIVER-OFFICIAL. Louisville, June 4, 1838.

Gen. C. GRATIOT,

had broken a wheel shaft on the passage down the [ject to the prevailing diseases of the country, and
river, some fifty miles above the head of the raft, the annoyance from the immense swarms of mus-
and was stove by running on shore, in consequence quitoes that abound in the valley of that river.
of her unmanageable condition, having but ore Four years will, in my opinion, be as long as it will
wheel at work. However, there is now no ob- be necessary to keep up the improvement.
struction of a dangerous character in the raft, that In that time the channel of the river will proba-
is known. I consider the navigation as safe through bly have returned to its former width, by the ope-
that part of the river, where the raft was formerly ration of the current on its bottom and shores,
located, as at any other part of it, from forty-five which are both wearing away continually; and by
miles above its mouth to the head of the steainboat the assistance of the snag-boat to remove the logs
navigation, a distance estimated at 1150 miles.- and trees that accumulate in its bed, and clearing
The former location of the raft occupied 165 miles away the narrowest points, the navigation will be
of that distance. Its removal has extended the kept open without interruption. There is also some
navigation by steamboats, about 750 miles on the work necessary to be done on several of the bayous
Red river proper. Its tributaries, from the best in the upper section of the raft, to secure the water
information I am in possession of, will afford about in its original channel and prevent the enlargement
six hundred miles, with but partial improvements to such an extent as to endanger the navigation of
in their channels, and may be extended by im- the river, by drawing more water from it, than
provements on the main river and its tributaries could be spared from its volume in a low stage. I
some nine hundred miles further, extending the beg leave respectfully to recommend that provision
whole line of navigation by the improvements be also made for removing the snags from the bed
3,250 miles, passing through as fertile a soil of the river above the raft, as high up as Fort Tow-
as any on this continent, with a less proportion son. That work is of great importance to the navi-
of land which is unfit for cultivation than any gation of the river, and can be done at a small ex-
tract of the same extent in our country. The cli-pense by the snag-boat "Eradicator." The mas
mate is well adapted for the cultivation of cotton; ter of that boat can run up from the raft, when the
the lat. raging from 32° to 35° N., between the water is at the most favorable stages, and execute
original foot of the raft and the head of navigation. the necessary work, with a small additional ex-
The lands on the river bottom, from the foot of the pense, to the operations in the raft region. There
raft to one hundred miles above its head, have been are, however, some parts of that river that flow
nearly all redeemed from inundation by the removal through banks that cave in to some extent, and
of the timber from its bed, all of which is now set- keep up the supply of snags in that river, and large
tling with unprecedented rapidity. In that part of drifting trees in its current. The latter are liable
the river where the raft was located, there was not to lodge at the narrow points in the raft, and give
the trace of a man to be seen from its foot up to much inore labor to remove them than would be
Rush island, near the Caddo agency, when the required for felling the timber on the banks, and
work was commenced in 1833, and which is now a cutting it into pieces that would float down without
continued line of cotton plantations, extending to interrupting the navigation, at the same time pre-
the town of Shreveport, a distance of 115 miles. vent the accumulation of snags at those points.
From that place to the head of the raft, there are For the execution of that work, it will require the
many large improvements, and preparations now in labor of 50 men six months, at an expense of $10,-
progress to put in cultivation a large portion of the 000. For both of these objects I would recom-
land on that part of the river. The land lying be- mend an appropriation of $15,000, in addition to
tween the Red and the Sabine rivers, has also been the sum necessary to work the snag boat in the
thickly settled. There is, perhaps, a settler on raft.
every section of land in that whole district of coun-
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser-
try, covering a tract of ninety miles north and vant,
scuth, and forty east and west, lying within the
HENRY M. SHREEVE, Superintendent.
state of Louisiana, which includes the Caddo pur-
chase of the 1st July, 1835. The land lying be-
THE STEAMBOAT PULASKI.
tween the Red river and Washita, also of about From the Wilmington (N. C.) Advertiser-extra.
equal extent, and equal in quality, is settling with
Wednesday, June 30-1 o'clock P. M.
almost as great rapidity.
Further particulars of the loss of the steamboat Pu.
laski, on the night of the 14th June.
We think it highly important to state, in the first
place that a gentleman of unquestionable character
and judgment concur in saying the fatal explosion
was caused by gross negligence on the part of those
who had the direction of the machinery. Solomon,
a black waiter on board, who had once been a fire-
man, states, that a little after 11 o'clock, as he
turned from the fire-room, he heard the second en-
gineer (who was on duty) turn the water-cock,
and, from the loud shrill whistle which ensued, he
knew that the water had gotten too low, and that
there was imminent danger. Mr. Couper, Mr.
Lovejoy, and others, give it as their opinion that
the blow-cock had been negligently left open-that
the boilers had been emptied, which alarmed the
engineer, and caused him in his fright, to fill them
suddenly with fresh water. The boiler being heat-
ed to redness, this body of water was instantly con-
verted into steam with an expansive force which
the sides of the boilers were too feeble to resist. It
is further positively stated that during the whole pas-
sage, within twenty minutes of the catastrophe, the
steam gauge-cock indicated from 27 to 29 inches of
steam. The facts which immediately followed are
given correctly by Mr. Hibberd, as published in our
extra of the 18th, until it reaches the statement of
the sinking. This was not the case, but she parted
into three pieces.

Chief engineer, Washington:
The state of Arkansas has its southern boundary
SIR: I have the honor to state to the department, at 33 degrees north latitude, which crosses the Red
that on the 9th of December last, the steam snag river about 15 miles due north, above the head of
boat "Eradicator," with a keel boat in tow, left the great raft, and by the meanders of the river
this place for the great raft in Red river, for the about 45 miles; and has a boundary on the river, on
purpose of completing its removal. The steamer the southwest bank, of about 200 miles, on the
"Pearl," with a keel boat in tow, left on the 27th northeast bank to its northern boundary some 600
of January last, destined to the same service. The miles; all of which is settling with a population
"Eradicator" arrived at the raft on the 23d of De- that must in a few years produce some two hun-
cember, the "Pearl" on the 1st of January, and the dred thousand bales of cotton per annum, and an
"Laurel" on the 8th of February. The work of immense amount of surplus provisions, being a
removing the raft was resumed by the respective good grain growing country, and equal to any in
boats on their arrival, and was continued by the the United States for raising stock of any kind.
"Laurel to the 21st of April, by the "Eradicator" Texas has a boundary on the southeast bank of the
and "Pearl" to the first of May, the period for river of about 400 miles, which is also as valuable
which the laborers were engaged. On the 7th of a tract of country as any within the limits of that
March last the first steamboat was enabled to force government, a great portion of which is settled by
her way through the upper section of the raft, and an industrious and enterprising population.
up to the 29th five merchant boats had passed up, The advantages to be derived from the removal
quite through the raft. On that day the entire re of the great raft, cannot now be calculated. The
mainder of the raft was cut, so as to leave a clear governinent land on that river has been enhanced
passage for boats. Still there remained in the chan-in value to an immense amount, not less, I should
nel a great number of snags, logs, &c., which have judge, than 15,000,000 of dollars. The settlers
since been taken out by the "Eradicator." On the will reap inestimable advantages from the same
the 1st of May the navigation through the whole work. The expenditure for its removal under my
extent of the raft was considered safe, and was superintendence, including the building of the
navigated by the largest class of boats, trading in steam snag boat "Eradicator," designed to keep
that river, with full cargoes, at the rate of seven clear new accumulations of obstructions in that
miles an hour up stream, and twelve down, without part of the river, called the raft, has been $311,-
damage to the boats. There were two boats lost 129 50. It will be necessary to expend some
near the head of the raft by striking snags: The $15,000 a year in that river, to work the snag boat
"Black Hawk" on the 2d, and the "Revenue" on "Eradicator" a part of each year, for which ser-
the 7th April. These accidents happened before vice she is constructed and is admirably well adapt-
the "Eradicator" had worked her way through that ed, to remove such snags and logs as will from time
part of the river, and earlier than it was safe to to time rise from the bed of the river, and cave in
risk a heavy laden steamer down the stream, by from its banks; and to widen the stream at those
navigators that could not by any means know the points where it has been contracted to so narrow a
river in so short a time after its channel had been channel as not to afford sufficient room for the
opened, consequently were exposed to great dan-drifting trees that float down during the high fresh-
ger.

The snag on which the "Black Hawk" struck was removed two days after the loss of that boat; it was found to be firmly fixed in a perpendicular position, with its roots twenty-three feet below the bottom of the river. The tree was about tour feet in diameter, broken off about three feet below the surface of the water, and situated in a current of about five miles an hour. The steamer "Revenue"

In the breaking up, the whole boat went under water; but, upon the separation of the keel from the upper part of the boat, the bow and stern emerged again. Very shortly after, the forward portion of the stern was depressed beneath the water, and the hinder portion elevated into the air, upon the high. est portion of which were from 50 to 60 persons, more than two-thirds of whom were ladies and children. This continued within view of those passengers upon the bow of the boat (from whom this statement is made) about one hour, when it entirely disappeared. The keel, after its separation, came to the surface bottom upwards, when it floated in immediate contact with the bow for a half hour, when it was seen no more. There was no one upon this fragment.

ets in that river. For that service I hope congress
will make provision from time to time, and in time
to admit of the work being prosecuted at the most
advantageous season of the year, which is from the
1st of December to the 31st of May. During the
summer and fall months the water is frequently too
low to operate a boat to advantage, and the work of We will now proceed to speak of the bow, and
too unhealthy a character to labor in that climate the fate of those whom it contained.
during that part of the year, when men will be sub-portion of the wreck there was originally 18. Al
Upon this

immediately proceeded to lighten their fragment, by throwing into the sea every thing not necessary to secure salvation, which gave it greater buoyancy. On Friday, about 12 o'clock, while floating upon the ocean, two sails were seen, one in a northeasterly direction, and the other in a southwesterly direction, about five or six miles distant. On Saturday morning, early, a portion of the wreck was discovered, about five miles distant, with a small sail and a flig flying. This remnant made a successful -attempt to reach those upon the bow, whom they joined about noon. They were 5 males. They attached themselves immediately to their fellow sufferers upon the box, whose number they swelled to 23, and abandoned their raft.

The twenty-three then proceeded to erect a jury mast, upon which a square sail was hoisted; the wind continuing to blow from the S. E. (in which quarter it had been ever since the wreck,) they were blown towards land, which became visible about 4 o'clock P. M. At sunset quite a strip of land was seen, and trees discovered. The night was passed without any material change, and on Sunday morning, upon the occasional lifting of fog, land was quite apparent about three or four miles off, which they continued to approach until they got within half a mile. The wind, which had been gra inally coming round, settled down to N. E. about 11 o'clock, which blew the wreck along the coast, about the same distance from land during the day. The wind gradually increased in violence, and the rain poured down during the whole of Sunday, until 5 o'clock, when it became calm, and the rain cased. On that night the wind came out from the N. W. On Monday it was clear and calin. At 12 o'clock that day the wind blew a light breeze from the S. W. About 4 o'clock four vessels passed within three miles, stearing east.

On Tuesday morning about sunrise the schooner Henry Camerdon, captain Davis, was seen about five miles of in an easterly direction. She continued to near until within three miles, when the exhausted suderers were discovered; she then immediately squared sails and bore down to the wreck, which she spoke about half past eight o'clock A. M. She then passed by, and anchored within a short distance. Captain Davis lowered his boats iminediately, and succeeded in transferring the whole of the sufferers to his vessel, where every proper coinfort, at his cominand, was humanely furnished these unfortunate beings. Intelligence was given by these that they had seen another portion of the wreck during the whole of the preceding day, and early that morning. The captain immediately bore down in the direction designated, (easterly,) and in about an hour came up to it; from this he had the gratification of rescuing Mrs. Noah Sinith, and Miss Rebecca Lamar, Charles Lamar, two gentlemen, and two negro women, in an exhausted and worn out condition. This work of humanity being fiished, captain Davis bore away immediately for Wilmington, where he arrived about 7 o'clock on Tuesday P. M.

rived from information which we procured, in per-ed. The other boat continued to keep off until
son, from J. H. Couper, esq., of Glynn county, about sunset, when, finding the night approaching
Georgia, and Major James P. Heath, of this city, and there being no appearance of aid or change in the
two of the survivors. The arrival of the latter wind, which was blowing freshly in to the land, and
amongst us, at the moment when the whole city had the persons in the boat having previously refused
given him up as lost, excited the most pleasurable to attempt to row any further, Mr. Couper reluctant-
sensation, and was the occasion of universal joy. ly consented to attempt the landing.
The steam packet Pulaski, Captain Dubois, sailed Before making the attempt, it was thought neces-
from Savannah, on Wednesday the 13th of June, sary, to prevent the infant of Mrs. Nightingale,
having on board about 90 passengers. She arrived which was only seven months old, from being lost,
at Charleston the same afternoon, and sailed the next to lash it to her person, which was done. Just as
inorning with 65 additional passengers. In the after- the sun was setting, the bow of the boat was turn-
noon the wind was fresh from the east and produced ed to the shore, and, Mr. Couper sculling, and two
a heavy sea, which retarded her progress, and re- men at the oars, she was pulled into the breakers-
quired a full pressure of steam. At half past 10, she rose without difficulty upon the first breaker,
the wind continued fresh with a clear star-light, and but the second, coming out with great violence,
there was every promise of a fine night. At 11 struck the oar from the hand of one of the rowers.
o'clock, the starboard boiler exploded with tremen- The boat was thus thrown into the trough of the
dous violence, blowing off the promenade deck sea, and the succeeding breaker struck her broad-
above, and shattering the starboard side about mid- side, and turned her bottom upwards. Upon re-
ships-at the same time the bulk-head between the gaining the surface, Mr. Couper laid hold of the
boilers and forward cabin was stove in, the stairway boat, and soon discovered that the rest of the party,
to it blocked up, and the bar room swept away. The with the exception of Mrs. Nightingale, were mak-
head of the boiler was blown out and the top rent ing for the shore;-of her, for a few moments, he
fore and aft. In consequence of the larboard boiler saw nothing, but, presently, feeling something like
and works being comparatively uninjured, the boat the dress of a female touching his foot, he again
heeled to that side, and the starboard side was kept dived down and was fortunate enough to grasp her
out of the water, except when she rolled, when the by the hair. The surf continued to break over them,
sea rushed in at the breach. The boat continued to with great violence, but, after a struggle, in which
settle rapidly, and in about 40 minutes the water their strength spent its last efforts, they reached the
had reached the promenade deck above the ladies' shore, utterly worn out with fatigue, watching, hun-
cabin. Previously to this period, the ladies, chil-ger, thirst, and the most intense and overwhelming
dren, and the gentlemen who were in the after part excitement. Besides this, the ladies and children
of the boat were placed on the promenade deck. were suffering severely from the cold. The party
About the time that the water reached that point. proceeded a short distance from the shore, where
the boat parted in two with a tremendous crash, and the ladies laid down upon the side of a sand hill,
the bow and stern rose somewhat out of the water; and their protectors covered them and their children
but the latter again continued to sink until the water with sand, to prevent them from perishing. Mean-
reached the promenade deck, when it separated in time some of the party went in quest of aid, and
three parts, upset, and precipitated all on it into the about 10 o'clock, the whole of them found a kind
water. Many then regained the detached portions. and hospitable reception, shelter, food, and cloth-
The gentlemen who occupied the forward cabin, ing, under the roof of Mr. Singlee Redd, of Onslow
took refuge on the extreme point of the bow, when county.
the boat broke in two, and clung to it and the fore-
mast; others had placed themselves on settees, and
the fragments of the wreck.

On Monday they reached Wilmington, where they found a deep spmpathy for their misfortune pervading the whole city, and generous emulation among its inhabitants to render them every possible assistance.

Mrs. Nightengale is the daughter of John A. King, esq. of New York, and a grand daughter of the late distinguished Rufus King. During the There were four boats belonging to the boat; two whole of the perils through which they passed, she being swung to the sides, and two placed on the top and Mrs. Frazer displayed the highest qualities of of the promenade deck. The side boats were both fortitude and heroism. They owe the preservation lowered down, within five minutes of the explosion. of their own and their children's lives, under ProviIn that on the starboard side the first mate, Mr. Hib-dence, to the coolness, intrepidity and firmness of bert, Mr. Swift and one other person had placed Mr. Couper and his assistants, and to the steadiness themselves:-in that on the larboard side were Mr. which they seconded the wise and humane efforts J. H. Couper with Mrs. Nightingale and child, and of that gentleman in their behalf. Mrs. Fraser and her son, who were under his charge, Captain R. W. Pooler and son, and Mr. Wm. Robertson, all of Georgia, Barney and Solomon belonging to the crew, and two colored women. By direction of the nate two of the crew launched one of the deck boats and got into her; but as, froin her long exposure to the sun, her seams were all open, she immediately filled, and Mr. Hibbert removed the men to his boat. The boats met, when To attempt to describe the feelings of these thirty those in the second proposed to Mr. Hibbert to strike persons towards their preserver, captain Davis- for the land, as it had on board as many as it could the sympathy of the crowd assembled at the land- with any safety carry; this he declined to do, as he ing-or the mingled emotions of those companions said he was determined to stay by the wreck until in misery who had been separated, and here met daylight, and had yet room for more persons. Both again in safety, though in suffering, time does not boats then continued to row about the wreck until allow, nor is human language adequate. We can the mate's boat had picked up as many as she could only add that fifty-nine souls in all have escaped a carry, when Mr. Hibbert yielded to the propriety of watery grave, of whom 48 have already arrived in consulting the safety of those in the boats, by going this community, all of whom, it is hoped and be-to the land, as their further stay would endanger lieved, will be again restored to their anxious

friends.

P. S. Since writing the above, we received the following additional intelligence:

Thirteen persons saved, among them Mr. Lamar. They reached shore near New River Inlet. Mr. Lamar and several others came ashore in a boat; the others on fragments of the wreck. Five are said to be near town, 12 miles. All are said to be likely to live. Two of whom have just arrived. Sauel Bryley, Talbot co. Md, and Owen Gallagher.

them, without affording any aid to their suffering
friends, and they left the wreck at 3 P. M. The
boats took a N. W. course, being favoured by a heavy
sea and strong breeze from S. E.

At 12 o'clock they made the land, and at 3 P. M. were near the beach. Mr. Hibbert then waited until the second boat got up; and informed them that those who were in the boat refused to row any far ther and insisted on landing;-Mr. Couper united with him in protesting against this measure, as, from the heavy breakers which were dashing on the beach, as far as the eye could reach, it was obviously one of great peril. Being overruled, they From the Fayetteville Observer. submitted to make the attempt. The mate, who Seven persons died on one of the pieces of the had previously taken the two colored women from wreck the day before they were fallen in with; the second boat, then proposed to lead the way, and among them, the Rev. Mr. Woart, of the episcopal requested Mr. Couper to lie off, until he had effect church, and lady. To such extremities had the ed a landing and was prepared to aid the ladies and sufferers been reduced, that the day of their deliver-children. The first boat then entered the surf, and ance had been fixed on as the fatal day to select by disappeared for several minutes from those in the lot a victim to appease the cravings of hunger.

From the Baltimore Chonicle.

The intens interest taken by the public in the recital of the details of this most heart-rending dis. aster has induced us to seek, from all the sources within our reach, all particulars that we can rely upon as authentic. The annexed narrative is de

The forward part of the boat, after her separation, continued to float. On it were maj. Heath and twenty-one others. We have had a long conversation with major Heath, in which he related with great minuteness every thing attending the preservation of the persons who were on the wreck with him. It is impossible to convey in words any thing more than a faint idea of the suffering they underwent, or of the many harrowing and distressing circumstances which occurred during the four days they were on the wreck.

But a short time previous to the explosion it was remarked by one of the passengers to major Heath that the guage showed thirty inches of steam. On the attention of the engineer being called to this fact, he replied that it would bear with safety forty inches. Major Heath had just retired to the after cabin. A number of passengers were lying on the settees, and when the boiler burst, the steam rushed into the cabin, and, it is thought, instantly killed them, as they turned over, fell on the floor, and never were seen by the major to move afterwards. He had, on hearing the noise of the explosion, got out of his birth and ran to the steps, the steam meeting him in the cabin. He got under the steps, as did also Mr. Lovejoy of Geo., and they were thus shielded from its effects.

In a few moments he went on deck, and found all dark. He called for the captain, and, receiving no answer, made for the mast, as he felt that the boat was sinking. Before he could secure himself the sea burst over him, and carried him away. Fortunately, however, a rope had caught round his leg, and with this he pulled himself back. The mast, other boat, having been instantly filled with water. as soon as he had been washed from it, fell, and Six of the persons in her, viz: Mr. Hibbert, Mr. crushed one of the passengers, Mr. Auze, a French Swift, Mr. Tappan, Mr. Leuchtenberg, and West gentleman, of Augusta. The boat now broke in and Brown of the crew landed in safety. An old two, and the deck, forward of the mast, was carried gentleman, supposed to be Judge Rochester, for-away from the rest of the vessel, seemingly, very therly of Buffalo, N. Y, but recently of Pensacola, swiftly. Nothing more was seen after this. by maMr. Bird of Georgia, the two colored women and a jor Heath of the yawl or the after part of the boat, boat hand, whose name is unknown, were drown-but, in about half an hour, he heard a wild shrijl

from others, that his cheerful spirit and encour-moments before the explosion, examined the steam aging conversation kept alive the hope of safety in gauge and found it fluctuating rapidly from 26 to the breast of others, and banished despair from their 29 inches. Another had just left the engine room minds. when he heard the shrill whistling sound of high pressure steam as the engineer tried the water cock; in a few seconds the explosion took place. Capt. Dubois was seen asleep in the wheel house ten minutes before the explosion. Capt. Pearson, the second captain, was blown out of his birth into the sea, and was also Chicken the first engineer. They both regained the bow of the boat.

The passengers were every where received with the most unbounded sympathy and kindness; and the Wilmington and Raleigh rail road company, the in all. Portsmouth and Roanake rail road company, and The senate, on recommendation of the commitBaltimore and Norfolk steam packet company, ten-tee, disagreed to this amendment of the house, and dered to them in a most liberal manner a convey the bill was sent back to the house as it orginally ance in their cars and boats to the various points of passed the senate. their destination. The senate took up and agreed to the resolution The cause of the disaster was obviously the neg-fixing, after this week, the daily assembling of the lect of the second engineer in permitting the water senate at 11 o'clock A. M. instead of 12 M. to boil off, or to blow off in the starboard boiler, The senate took under consideration the amendand then letting in a full supply of water in the ments of the house to the bill making appropriaheated copper. One of the hands saved had, a few tions for certain roads in Wisconsin.