No. 15 OF VOL. IX.]

BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1815.

[WHOLE NO. 223.

Hac olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NILES, NO. 29, SOUTH CALVERT-STREET, AT $5 PER ANNUM.

The documents and papers to be laid before congress, from the different departments, relative to the particular concerns of each, respectively, will, doubtless, be, as well for the past as the future, of the most interesting character, and no labor or expense shall be spared to insert every thing in detail that may appear useful. We have made excellent arrangements for receiving all such.

We have matter enough on hand, that ought to be inserted, to fill four or five numbers of the REGISTER. Among the articles are three letters on naval affairs, lately published in the Columbian, having reference to those which recently appeared in this paper, revised and communicated by their author. All which shall be disposed of as fast as is possible, compatible with a due regard to variety and passing events. Also, the patriotic communications of the governors of Georgia, North-Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina to their respective legislatures.

The present number is rich in statistics. We are promised a similar exposition of the facts, resulting from the late assessment of Maryland, and will be very thankful to receive them from other states. These tables are among the most interesting and important things we shall have to record.

Biographical Memoir

fin T. the Governor's father was the sixth. He was born on the 8th of June, 1736, and at the age o four years was adopted by, and entered the family of Jonathan Griffin, a respectable farmer and mer chant residing at Fox Meadows on the river Bronx, who was his uncle by marriage, and from whom he received his name. At a proper age Jonathan was put to the study of physic; but not being pleas. ed with the profession, he returned, after a short time, to his uncle and continued to superintend his farming and mercantile concerns. In 1758 he married Sarah, the daughter of Caleb Hyatt, Esqr. of White Plains. She bore him twelve children, and died in April, 1810, at the age of 70, universally respected for the many virtues which distinguished her life. In 1772 Jonathan being cut off from all hopes of inheritance from his uncle, by the marriage of that gentleman with a widow of large family, purchased the farm at Fox Meadows where he still continues to reside. At the commencement of the revolution, he was found ready to take an active part with his country; and at the battle of White Plains was driven from his house and farm by the enemy, to which he did not return until the close of the war. Elijah Crawford, James Varian, and himself were the only inhabitants of the town of Scarsdale (or Fox Meadows) who advocated the cause of their country against oppression. CrawOf Governor Tompkins, of New York. ford was killed in the early part of the war. VaThe lives of men who have risen to distinction, inrian was wounded and retired to Danbury in Conany country, become an interesting and laudable necticut; after the peace he returned to his farm object of curiosity to the public. In a free country, and died a few years ago at an advanced age.such as our own, where the same road to honours Mr. Tompkins was a member of the state convention and preferment, is open to every man, it affords an which adopted the declaration of independence, useful lesson to trace the early career of genius to and the constitution of the state. Immediately afthat maturity of vigour, that places a citizen above ter the convention, he was. appointed Judge of the his fellows. During the many severe and arduous Court of Common Pleas for West Chester county. struggles which the United States have had, as well He was a member of the legislature during the in their internal as in their external relations, since whole period of the revolution, and for several years their memorable declaration of independence, to after its termination; and was named upon almost maintain it unimpaired, no man has given more im- all the important committees during that time.portant proofs of patriotism than the subject of this On the institution of the University of the state memoir; and from the commencement to the ter- he was appointed one of the Regents, and continued mination of our last contest with Great Britain, his to hold that situation until his resignation of it in services have been unremittingly devoted to his 1808. He was appointed the first judge of the country. To the life of such a man we look with county, which honorable station he held until he peculiar interest, for the early developement of arrived at the age of constitutional exclusion. In those vigorous powers whose constant exertion for 1801 he was chosen a member of the state conventhe public good, has placed him in the first ranktion, after which he chose to retire from public of public benefactors. life, and has since devoted himself exclusively to John Tompkins, the great grand father of our domestic concerns, and to the superintendance of present subject, together with his brother Nathaniel his farm. Although now on the eve of four-score emigrated with their families, from the north of years, he continues to enjoy the most perfect health, England, during the religious persecutions which and the possession of all his faculties in unimpaired distracted that country, to Plymouth in the then vigour-the consequence of an industrious, tempe province of Massachusetts. There they remained rate and well spent life. but a short time, having become joint patentees of DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, the subject of this memoir, a tract of land in East Chester in the state of New-is the seventh son of the venerable patriot Jonathan York, to which they removed. JOHN supported G. and was born on the 21st June, 1774, at Scarsdale through life the character of an honest man, and (Fox meadows) in Westchester county. In early died at an advanced age, leaving two sons and a youth his constitution was extremely delicate, to daughter. His eldest son Joshua from whom the go- which circumstance he is indebted for the classical vernor is descended, lived also to a very advanced education which his father determined to bestow age, and nobly sustained the reputation of the fami- upon him. To this end, he was placed, in Septemly by the incorruptible probity of his conduct.- ber 1787 at the grammar school of Malcom CampHe had twelve children; of whom Jonathan Grif-bell in New York, from whence, at the end of a VOL. FX

year, he was removed to the academy at North exclusive nomination to office; he was the only reSalen, in his native county, then under the superin-publican member at first who declared and voted Here he con-against it. tenance of the Rev'd Auzi Lewis. tincedentil May 1792, when he was entered of the Sophon.ore class in Columbia college. At his first examination, he discovered such uncommon profici ency, that he was placed at the head of one of the most respectable classes that ever graduated at that college.

The federalists were but feebly represented in this convention; and it was in the power of the majority to have reduced the number of the senate by vacating the seats of eight federal senators. The liberality of Mr. Tompkins could not brook the idea of turning out his political opponents, except Ile therefore planned and During the whole period of his collegiate course, in fair election combat. his conduct was highly exemplary and honorable to submitted to chief justice Thompson, then also a Lhaself, and for the last year he imposed upon him-member of the convention, a project for vacating self a double share of labour and study, having en-ty ballot the seat of eight senators from such classes to ed the office of Peter Jay Munroe, Esq. as stu-as that the inevitable result would be the vacation dest of law. Compiled as he was to perform the of the seats of four federal and four republican senaardcous duties of clerk in an office of so much bu- ters. Chief justice Thompson reduced the proposed siness, it required all his industry and all the ex- plan to resolutions, which were the next day introertion of his vigorous intellect, to preserve at the duced and adopte! by the committee. This liberalisame time the pre-eminent stand which his classi- ty was highly appreciated at the time by the fedecal attainments had gained for him in the college. ral members of the convention.

This be accomplished, however, with undiminished In 1802 he was elected a member of the state reputation, and at the commencement in 1795, he legislature; but would have declined accepting, received his diploma, and was appointed to deliver had it not been for the unanimous solicitation of the valedictory-a mark of distinction which is always conferred upon the best scholar. In this case the honor was in no small degree enhanced by the consideration of the many excellent scholars of which his class was composed.

the nominating committee, who hoped by his means to heal the breach which then first began to manifest itself between the friends of Clinton and Burr. Upon the election of chief justice Lewis to the gubernatorial chair, Mr. Tompkins was unaniAt the August term in 1707, Mr. Tompkins we mously appointed to succeed him as judge of the admitted an attorney of the supreme court, and afsuperior court of New-York. This appointment ter the usual period, a counsellor, As a practiti-received the decided approbation of all the gentleoner at the bar, few young men ranked higher, omen of the bar, of both political parties, and parreceived a more liberal share of business. The talents, ability, and stern integrity which he disticularly of the late general Hamilton. In 1804 be was elected to represent the city of New-York in played on all occasions soon made him a favorite! the congress of the United States, as a colleague of with the people, from whom he has since received the ghost political bonors which they could be the learned Dr. Mitchell. In 1806, upon the death of John S. Hobart, district judge of the United stow upon him. Born in the times of persecution States for the district of NewYork, the appointment and oppression, nursed in the lap of revolutionary was conferred upon judge Tompkins, without his war, and inbibing from his earliest intney, a spirit solicitation or knowledge; bu he declined acceptof dependence from the example of his patriot.c father, young Tompkins could not be otherwising it, and continued to discharge the duties of chief justice of the state until the spring of 1807, thon a lepuoican. In the party struggles of 1799, when his fellow citizens turned their eyes upon 1200, and 1851, he bore a prominent and conspicum, then only 32 years of age, as the rival candious part; and to his individual exertions in the lat ter years, may, in a great measure be attributedate of Lewis for the chief magistracy of the state. The immense majority by which he was elected, the success of the republicans in the election of the illustrious Jefferson to the presidency. In the 7th was at once the best evidence of the correctness of his judicial co: duct, and the most satisfactory proof w.rd of the city of New York in which he had of the undiminished confidence of the public. The married the daughter of Alderman Menthorne, and accuracy of his decisions, and the eloquence of his where he reared, he was personally known to alcharges and addresses as chief justice, have receiv. most every citizen. The confidence which theyed the united approbation of his brethren of the reposed in his prudence, talents and integrity was bar, and of the community.

unbounded. This ward which had been federal Upon the day of his induction into the office gave an unexpected majority to the republican inof governor, the intelligence was received of the terest which decided the election of the city, the base and wanton attack of the British upon the state, and ultimacy of the union,

In 1601 Mr. Ton pkins was elected a representa-te Chesapeake, in the waters of the United Statcs; and with it the orders of the president, tive of the city, in the convention then called for the pupose of revising the constitution of the state. calling upon the governors to organize their re In the debate on that construction of the constitu- spective quotas of militia. The electric spark of

Topp ved slo governor of the right

patriotism flashed through the soul of Tompkins, of and in an instant the peaceful judge was transformed into the armed soldier. The adjutant general of the state was sick, and unable to attend to his duties; but this did not delay the execution of the president's orders. In a few weeks governor Tompkins' quota was organized, and disciplined in a manner which evinced the most consummate military knowledge.

Le Rev. Dr. John B. Romeyn, of New York.
James Inglis, of Baltimore.
Philip Durych, of Saratoga.
The Lion. John Ferguson, late Mayor of N. York.
Pierre Van Wyck, late Recorder.
William Ross, Senator.
Silvanus Miller, Esq. Surrogate of New

York.

In the year 1808 the command of all the regular and militia force, on the frontiers of New-York, was given by the president to governor Tompkins, with a view to their beag employed in aid of the reve nue and civil officers; but no specific instructions

were given to define the extent of their powers and recollect, that though governor Tompkins was re duties on that service. In this state of the affair, elected by an overwhelming majority, yet one branchy the governor, with that energy and promptitude of of the legislature, the council of appointment, and character which had marked every action of his of course the principal military officers of the state useful life, took upon himself the responsibility of were violent in their opposition to the national ad issuing the necessary orders, the result of which ministration, and to the prosecution of the war. prove that the president's reliance upon him was The local situation of New-York exposed it in a not misplaced. His instructions to the military on peculiar manner to hostile attack; the citizens were this occasion received also the marked approbation disaffected in the east-the enemy harrassed the of general Wilkinson, then commander in chief of northern frontier from Champlain to Presqu'isle, the army. and threatened the capital of the state in the south'

In 1812 he gave a proof of energy and upright Unaided by the constituted authorities appointed to independence of principle which excited the asto- share with him in the government of the state, the nishment and admiration of the whole United States. governor had alone to sustain e arduous, embar It will be recollected that the legislature of New-rassing and responsible duty of defence. This was York had lent a favorable ear to the petitions of va- a situation, weil calculated to dismay the stoutest rious banking companies for incorporation; and a heart. But Tompkins rose superior to circumsystem had been projected, and fostered by bribery stances-undaunted and undismayed, Le leaned upand corruption, which threatened irreparable evils on his own strength; and by the fim, unshaken to the community. In his communication to the legis- energy of his conduct, astonished and confounded Iature, in February of this year, the governor dwelt the rebellious spirits of the east, and silenced, or upon this subject with peculiar force, and clearly rendered ineffectual the opposition of his own state. and ably pointed out the inexpediency and danger In the winter of 1813-14, having recommended of multiplying the banking institutions, but such to the legislature to raise volunteer regiments for had been the gigantic strides of corruption that the the defence of the frontier, and to organize a militia pernicious law would have been enacted, had not force for the protection of the city of New York, with the governor exerted his constitutional privilege of out effect; he was compelled again to call into action proroguing the legislature. This was the first time the resources of his own vigorous mind; and, accordthat such a measure had been resorted to, under ingly, upon his own responsibility, while the legisla the present form of government; and, as might ture was still in session, issued orders for organizing have been expected, it excited unusual warmth of a brigade of volunteers, to the command of which he animadversion. appointed general PETER B. PORTER. In defiance Every thing conspired to render the succeeding of all opposition, and with officers commissioned gubernatorial election in New-York an object of uni- only by the brevet assignments of the governor, this versal interest to the people of the United States. noble band of patriots were soon leady for the War had been declared against Great Britain. A field. The gallant conduct of Porter's brigade in numerous and powerful party of disaffected citizens every action of the Niagara campaign, aud their had shewn itself in the Eastern states. A "northern example to the militia at the memorable sortie confederacy" had been formed, with a view to pa- from Fort Erie, which have crowned them with imralize the energies and cripple the resources of the perishable laurels, is alone sufficient to prove the United States; and it became the avowed object of wisdom and prudence of the governor in their or many persons of high consideration in that section ganization and appointments measure which was of the union to make a separate peace with the ene.most probably, under Providence, the means of my of the republic. But to make this horrible pro- saving the remnant of the gallant army of Nias jeet effectual, it was necessary to gain New-York; gara. and upon that state, first in population and wealth, In the eventful campaign of 1814 we find the rested the hopes and the fears of all, as they de- talents and energy of the governor again called insired to preserve or to destroy the constitution. The to action. Not only was the Niagara frontier in bold and unprecedented stand which gov. Tompkins danger, but apprehensions were excited for the fate had taken in the prorogation of the legislature, had of Sackett's Harbor, Plattsburg and New Yorkraised up an host of enemies among the banking Equal to every emergency, and unappailed by the interest; and disaffection had reared its gorgon head disapprobation or censure of the legislature, the even in the ranks of republicans; many of whom governor called into the field a large body of miliunited with their political opponents in denouncing tia and organized a corps of sea fencibles without him as a tyrant and despot A majority of federal waiting the slow sanction of an unwilling legisla members had been elected to the state legislature, ture, and by every other means of prudent preand to congress; the disastrous issue of our first caution, placed the exposed and valuable harbor of campaign had spread dismay among the friends af New York in a state of defence. In this important the general government; and the most influential measure, he received the cordial support and coand popular Icader of the opposite party was set up operation of the galant Decatur, who commanded as the rival candidate. In this perilous crisis the the naval force of the United States on that station. hopes of the union rested upon Tompkins; for, in About this time intelligence was received of his re-election was involved, in a great degree, the the strange, unexpected, and disgraceful cupt ro capacity of the government to prosecute the war of Washington; and of the intended movement with effect. Those anxious hopes were not disap-of the enemy towards Baltimore. The feelings expointed. Firm as the rocky mountains of his native cited on this occasion, may be easily imagined.state, the rude storm of opposition howled against Decatur-in the splendor of whose name all epithe s him in vain-the shafts of malevolence aimed at his are lost-Decatur resolved at once to push for. character, but served to mark him as the people's ward with his sailors and marines to the ssistance shield-they knew Lim-they loved him-they trusted of Baltimore; and invited general Lewis, who then him again, and saved the union. commanded the regulars at New York, to include That this last assertion may not be received within the expedition 500 of his infantry. These offe incredulity, it will only be necessary to take a view cers waited upon governor Tompkins to ask his ap of the geographical situation of New-Yorky and to probation of the plan: It was obtained fristaty.

be the governor thought it not enough to grant a mies have been erected and endowed, than in any cold assent to the measure; he offered to accompany former period of the same extent of time, in the them himself as far as New Brunswick, that his ex-history of the state. The facilities of intercourse ample might add spirit to the enterprize. General throughout the state, by land and water, have been Lewis afterwards withdrew his co-operation at the greatly encouraged and advanced; and the reputasolicitation of the corporation; but the governor tion of New York, at home and abroad, has never continued firm: and but for the glorious news of stood upon so commanding an eminence, as under the enemy's retreat from Baltimore, which arrived the guardianship of governor Tompkins. just in time to prevent it, Decatur, with his gallant At the close of the late war, the governor purassociates, would have been on the march in a few chased a farm in Richmond county, commanding an hours. elegant view of the city, where he constantly re

In October, 1814, the president appointed gover-sides, when not called away by the duties of his nor Tompkins to the coinmand of the Sd military public station, enjoying the sweetest solace of district, which comprehended one of the most va-which the mind of man is susceptible-the veneraJuable portions of the United States, and included tion and esteem of all his neighbors.

British Corn Law.

From the Boston Daily Advertiser.

the largest and most heterogenous military force that ever before fell to the command of an Ameriean general. The complete organization, the correct discipline, and the efficient services of the troops of this district, afforded the best evidence of his fitness for that high and important station; while the cheerful acquiescence in his orders, the The following is the substance of the corn law warm expressions of gratitude, of confidence, and which has recently occasioned such a ferment in of respect for his character, which flowed in ad- England. It has already gone into operation, nodresses from all quarters, on the disbandment of tice having been given that the prices are below these troops, must have brought a recompense to the limit prescribed for prohibiting importation for his mind which none but the patriot can appreciate home consumption.

it was the only recompense which he asked, or It is enacted that after the passing of the corn received for all his arduous toils. law, corn, meal or flour, the produce of any foDuring the most embarrassing time of the fall of reign country which may now be imported, shall this year, at a moment when the pervicacity of the be allowed at all times to be brought into the uniteastern states, was throwing every obstacle in his ed kingdom, to be warehoused there under the way, to add to his labors and perplexities, the gene-existing regulations, without paying any duty ral government were desirous of fitting out an ex-whatever; and the same may at any time be taken pedition to dislodge the enemy from Castine. They out of the warehouses and exported without payhad applied to the governor of Massachusetts, as more ing any duty, under the regulations already in force. immediately concerned, for his aid in raising the ne- And the same may be also taken out of the warecessary funds-this aid was refused. In this dilem- houses and entered for home consumption, whenma, the situation of the general government was ever the like articles shall be admissible into the hinted to governor Tompkins. A bint to him was kingdom for home consumption.

enough. Nobly forgetting the perverse opposition Whenever the average prices of British corn, of Massachusetts to all his own labors, and regard-made up and published in the manner already reing her only as a sister of the union, for whose safe- quired by law, shall be at or above the following ty the whole were interested, he magnanimously rates, viz: wheat at or above 80s. quarter-ve, peas came forward with his individual credit, and upon and beans, 539-barley beer or bigg, 40s-and oats, his own responsibility, raised the sum of three hun-27s; foreign corn meal and flour shall be permitted dred thousand dollars, which he forthwith subjected to be imported for home consumption, free of duty. to the orders of general Dearborn, then command- But when the average prices of British corn shall ng in Massachusetts. Comment upon such an in-be below the above rates, foreign corn shall neither stance of noble generosity and disinterested patri- be imported for home consumption, nor taken out otism, would only sully its lustre. He will find his of the warehouses for that purpose-The average d in the love of a grateful people. prices are to be fixed quarterly, on the 15th of Feb. It only remains to speak of Mr. Tompkins in his May, August, and November. But if within six less conspicuous, though not less useful character, weeks after permitting importation for home conof governor of New York. When he entered up-sumption on any quarterday, the average prices on the dutics of that office, there was but one arse-shall be below the above mentioned rates, notice nal, and not a single magazine in the state. There is to be given and importation prohibited from all are now eleven of the former, and three of the lat-ports between the river Eyder and Bidaston, until ter, abundantly supplied. The arsenal at New-a new average shall be made. York, in its arrangements and equipments, is, per- From the British colonies in North America, imhaps, equal to any thing of its kind in the world; portations may be made for home consumption, free and is an object of universal admiration to those who of duty, whenever the price of wheat be at, or visit that city. The arms belonging to the state ex-above 67s the quarter; rye, peas and beans 44s; barhibited a strange mediey of various manufactures, ley, beer and bigg 338. Corn, meal or flour, from calibres and lengths, which rendered them not on-the colonies, whenever not admissible for home conly inclegant in appearance, but nearly useless in sumption, may be warehoused free of duty, and takservice. New York now possesses the best collec-en out of warehouse for exportation, or for home tion of rauskets in the United States--of uniform consumption, when the average prices will permit, in manufacture, and of a model which has been since the same manner as the same articles from foreign very generally adopted. countries.

The interests of literature have also received the] Notice was given, May 15, that the ports would fostering attention of the governor; and, notwith-be shut in a few days against the importation of fostanding the many unpropitious circumstances of reign grain for home consumption, and would conthe times, a greater number of colleges and acade- tinue shut until the 15th of August.

Pennsylvania Statistics.

Abstract of lands, lots, dwelling houses and slaves, owned or possessed on the 1st day of April, 1815, within the We are indebted to the Democratic Press for the following table; but have left out several columns given in that paper, believing every useful purpose might be gained by briefly noticing them at the bottom: state of Pennsylvania. returned by the United States' assessors, revised and corrected by the board of Principal Assessors.

The return of slaves, in all 160-viz. 16 under 12-92 between 12 and 50Additional Notes-The colans omitted, alluded to above, are-1. A retura for 9 counties only, of the "ats and buildings not Allegheny are generally 60 by 180. The lots in 22 districts may be computed 3 to the acce. The lots in 11 districts contain 1-1 acp-cach. subject to tax-vi. 8,558 acres and 15 perches, and 2,614,242 square feet of land-the latter in Philadelphia city and county; and Er the, and 52 upwards of 50 years ol1, with their value, 13,330 doils. 3. The valuation of the several distelets as xel hy the prineini asses sors thereof, viz. 305,895,637 dolls. 11 1-2 cents-to which the board of principal assessors added, so as to give une result stated. me counties 418 churches, meeting and school-hours.