The Wabash Courier, Volume 11, Number 27, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 11 March 1843 — Page 2

.-•

27th CONGRESS.

SENATE

FEB. 25tb, 1843.

A N I

This subject was called up nt about one o'clock. The motion to include Banking Corporations, if the Bill should be continued in force, was considered.

Mr. Crittenden asked the Seriate to take a -vote upon the Bill at once, reminding Senators at the same time that the Bill must be ^disposed of at once, if acted upoo at all. #'Mr. Smith, of Conn, followed in strong opposition to the Bankrupt Law, and particularly its retrospective character.

Mr. Choate then made a strong and bend* tifully eloquent speech which sxn filled the galleries. The speech enlarged somewhat upon the arguments made yesterday, and took broad ground in favor of the establish meat of a permanent Bankrupt system. The Bankrupt Law now in force, it was argued, was no Bankrupt Law within the spirit of the Constitution unless it was continued in I operation. It was no more than a. sponging taw to wipe out debts.

Mr. Choate said be could hardly hope to add any thing to the remarks of the Senator from Georgia. But there were occasions when a man was called upon to make an effort even though the labor were hopeless.— He felt called upon to appeal to Senators, particularly Whig in power, to pau" from the statute

The vascillati of action, Mr. gerousjo every thi tion«»3g a st roust

a tors, who were still they wipe LJC Act

ted by this course ubmitted, was danpermanent legisla-

consequences would be most disnow repealed. It could hardly be

hoped that the present generation would see another law io force, and when there was one passed, it might be sg.iin under the external pressure of a state of lyings which existed in 1940.

Mr. Choate entreat|^enators to vote for saving this Bill.

Mr. Choate spoke for an hour, and Mr. iSmith of Conn, followed in reply to him. Mr. Huntington said he should vote for the repeal of the law, though during its passage he had been uniformly the friend of (he measure. But since then there had been a Change of sentiment in his State. large majority of the poople of Connecticut, and he believed a large majority of the people of the United States were against tho law. His duty was to follow public sentiment, and therefore, he should vote for the repeal.

Mr. Walker followed in behalf of his ftfnondment to include corporations in the bill if it should continue in force.

Mr. Allen said he should vote against all amendments, fearing that if any wore made fho bill would not bo regaled-'

Mr. Cgthbert made the saine remarks Wh«o thOsvbt^was taken upon Mr. Walker's ahendin which was modified so as to include all corporatidns except those in which the States hMfeta proprietorship.

The afhoKcnt of Mr. W. was then rejected nd*"folwfc*-! YEAS—Messrs Allen, Bagby. Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Choate, Crafts, Evans, King, Linn, McRebcrts, Sturgeon, 'Tallmsdge, Tappan, Walker, Williams, Woodbary, Wright--18.

NAYS—Messrs. Archer, Barrow, Calhoun, Conrad, Clayton, Crittenden, Cuthbert, Dayton, Fulton. Gra* ham, Henderson, Huntington, Kerr, McDuffie, Mangum, Merrick, Miller, Pholps, Rives, Sevier, Smith, of la. Sprague, White, Wilcox —24.

Tho next question of importance was tho amendments of the Judiciary Committee, which after debate, were rejected, yeas 10, «nt,» 9ft

naysdu. Mr. Bonton said he was against the bill before the Senate as proposed to be amended, and against tho House bill becuuse it was not an unconditional repeal because it allowed tho continuance of the law to cases where petitions woro on file nnd application had been made. He would allow no mnn tho bonofit of the law who has not got his discharge. Ho then moved to strike out the proviso allowing tho pending cases to be concludod—rejected, yeas 14, nays 35.

Mr. Berrion moved as an amendment that creditors bo allowed to choose assignees—rejected, yeas 14, nnys 35.

Mr. Conrad offered an amendment that the repeal of the law should take place after tho 4th of April next—lost, 13 yoas, 32 .„ .... ...

The hill, which is tho same, identically* as it camo from the House—repealing tho Bankrupt law forthwith, and excepting from its operations oases already entered and pending—was passed—yeas 32, nays 13, as follnw«

r'-* *1

all

YEAS—Mcwrs. Allen, Archer, Bagby. Bayard, Buchanan. Cathoun, Crafts. Crittenden. Cuthhert, Dayton. Fulton. Graham, Huntington, King, Linn, McDuflio, McRooerts, Mangum, Merrick, Morehead, Phelpe, Rives, Spragtte, Sturgeon, Tappan, Walker, Wiloox, Williams, Woodbury, Wright, and Young— 3S»

NAYS—Messrs. Barrow, Bates, Berrien. Choate, Clayton, Rvans, Kerr, Milter, Porter, Smith, of Indiana, TaMmadge, White, and WoodUndge—13^

The Senate then adjourned.

Bo*kt in the State qf New York—The aggregate circulation of all the Banks in the State, 131 in number, 13,031,87t

Deduct notes held by banks 4,888.967

tsS Specie bald by banks

'j Excess ot specie over aetaal circulation Of which the W banks in the city «f New York have specie

Circulation of SI banks

'^|iJII»ave it. 4. Never buy what you do not arant be"c^ficsuso it is cheap. 5, Pride coats us more than hunger, thirst «od cold. *t" 6* We never repent eating too little. 7* Nothing ia troublesome that wo do /jwilliogly. 8. How much pain those evils cost us

7,142,884 8,477.076

1.334,193

T.fT^KQ

ft.631,353

Low notes held by Si banks 3,MS,681

Exocss of specie on* actual circa &tion f6,196,888

JEFFERSON*S TKN RULES OF LIFE. 1. Nover put off till to-morrow what can lie done to day. 3. Never trouble others to do what yoo «an do yourself.

Never spend your money before you

Which never happened. 0. Take things always by tho smooth handfe.

7 7

10. When angry alway^fcouat too before you speak.

wbo

*s8uroes sirs of importance, exof igoorsooe.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OTfftE Afe~ DUCTIO N CASE "... Tbe Murder of Bebert©a£

We have made extraordinary exertions Wcollect all the paracolon of Ibis cas6,and are now enabled to offer the bi*t and most complete account vei published.

In orderto account in some mea»uce fpr the conduct ot Sarah G. Mercer, the young lady" whose misfortunes led UMhi&faarful tragedy, it is n«*»at^tp «auS that shaisiwrttittty a mere child in fige, bur that sbe is even weaker temind than girls of tor years usually are. She waa edit going to school apto the time the abandoned her lidme for the-arms of the seducer. •.

The nanieof the aedbcex whose lite bas expiated Ws crime, was Maltlon Hutchison Heberton he was a Son of the late Dr. Heberton. He was about 23 years of age, tail and well made in person, and waa accustomed to dress in the first style of fashion in fact, he was a perfect exquisite, wore a mustache, carried a goldheaded cane, and affected the airs of a foreign nun of quality. On the death of bis father, he had inherited considerable property, -which by his pecnltar course of conduct, was much dissipated at the time of his death. He was engaged in no kind of business acd experienced all the mischielaoi idleness. For want of employment, he became a spendthrift and a libertine, intrigue with women was hi* chief occupation and encaged all his time, study snd talents. He# became celebrated as a "»iciim-maker," an many eoeed girts, perhaps, have suffered by his_artificcs-

Among the female unfortanales who vwt our theatres many are pointed out as Heberton's victims. With this person it Was Miss Mercer's fate or misfortune to become acquainted, last Christmas day when be insinuated himself into her company and taking advantage, of her natural imbecility, continued, from time to time, to meet her at specified places, until, as it is supposed, he triumphed over her innocence. ..

Information of this improper mtiraaev with jt man so notorious of Heberton, at length

Vo,c for tl)0

mcndiMQt of the $MMhm Mississippi if it were modified soluMo institute a commission to discover whether a Bank was insolvent or not. If it was so, or should be proved so, he would desire to have such an institution carricd into Bankruptcy.

ITS

coed the Sirs of

Miss Mercer's parents, and we are told that the father put immediate constraint on her liberty, forbidding her to leave the house except in company with some other member of the family. She found means, how. ever, on Monday morning to absent herself without leave, and proceeded io the dwelling of a married sister, where she received information that her lather was incensed at the absence, and perhaps, threatened punishment. She left her sister's, as if to return home, but nothing more was heard of her by her friends, until the following evening when the family received information that she was at a house in Pine street near Twelfth. This intelligence

was

communicated by the

beeper of the house. Miss M'Neal, whose reputation ana that of her establishment has undergone some question. She was then conveyed home by some of her relatives, but refused to mako any explanation of her conduct. ..

proper to say lhat the whole affair of ncr illicit intercourse with Heberton is involved in much mystery. She was eeen walking in the street with H. by a physician, a friend ot the family. Her own statements to her acquaintances amounted to this, that she had first met. II. in Chesnut street and addressed him, in mistake, for another person. He joined company with her and walked for some distance, and thus tho_ acquaintance began: he saw her afterwards, at various umes, made repeauMiijgM-oteBtationB of love, promised marriage, &c., attdpHretTected her ruin.

As a circumstaOR corroboration, it appears that a servant girl who went after Sarah to her married sister's with a message from her father for her return, suids—"He's heard all about you and Heberton: I

don't know what he'll do."—To which Sarah answered. "He'll do nothing Heberton is going to marry me and take me New Orleans.

During her absence at the house in Pine street, an active search was made by Miss M.'s relatives, and warrant was laken out for Heberton, charging him with enticing her away. He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon, and carried before Alderman Mitchell, where he met Mr. Mercer Sen., his son SingUton Mercer, and James Hanna, Esq. their counsel- Heberton then denied all knowledge of Sarah's place ot concealment, and no evidence to the contrnry being produced, the case was adjourned till Wednesday morning.

The parties met at the time appointed, and no evidence being adduced, the elder Mercer asked Heberton to marry his daughter, saying "she is good enough tor you," and promising to give her a dower of fifty thousand dollars. Heberton refused insultingly, with a conscious smile. The unhappy father solicited him to wed her, to snvo the reputation ol the family, saying that he should have the $50,000, and that a divorce might be procured the next day. Heberton answered "1 am not a marrying man I do not want you? moa

As there was no evidence to sustain the chttrge, the prosecution was obliged to abandon the cose, and H. was discharged.

But, although legal proof was warning, the friends of Sarah Meroer could have no doubt as to the true state of the case. Her brother Singleton resolved on revenge, and most bloody ton Mercer and generalship, with a firm determination to accom plish his object. ,.

We shall here give some account of this young man, who appears to have general sympathy in Irs favor, and indeed had received provocation almost beyond endurance. He has been called Hall Mercer, to distinguish, him from a cousin who bears the name of Singleton. He isabout 20 years of age, of strong passions and devotedly attached to his family. It might be expected, therefore, that the disgrace of his sister's elopement would excite him to some deed of_ vengeance. The night after Sarah's abduction, while the rest of the family were seeking her, he was in search of Heberton. He met him at last in Chesnut street, near the United States Hotel, and presenting a pistol to H.'s breast, demanded where ho had concealed his sister. He tried to laugh it off, but finding Mercer resolute, be became alarmed, and offered to accompany him to the Alderman's office, declaring, himself innocent of all participation in Sarah's flight.

When Heberton was discharged tor want of evidence, as previously staled, he attempted to keep him self concealed. Young Mercer found out his whereabouts, snd sent him a challenge, which Heberton re-

^The next step of Singleton Mercer was to assassinate the seducer —but for thi

ae means—

"Oh mischief thon art quick

To enter in the minds of desperate men: On Thursday, he ascertained that H. was making preparations to leave the citv, and that he was concealed in the office of James Vandyke, Esq., in Walnut street below Sixth. From that time he Watched his motions with the most vigilant attention On the evening of Thursday, Mr- Vandyke sent his colored servant to engage a cab to convey Heberton to the Ferry, and to go first with tho cab, for his trunk, which was at his mother's in Ninth street below Cherry. When the servant stepped from the cab at this place, he discovered that he was watched by two persons on the opposite pavement. Soon after one of those pereons, (Mercer.) jumped on top of the vehicle, from which the driver ejected him with some difficulty. The cab then took a circuitous route to avoid Mercer, drove io a barber's shop where some of Heberton's travelling apparatus was and from thence proceeding to the back of Vandyke's office, took in Heberton. Notwithstanding all the precautions used, these movements were observed by Mercer, who was standing at the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, near whidi place there is stand" for cabs- To the driver of one of which be addressed himself, engaged the vehicle, and telling the driver to follow that cab, (the one which contained

Mt. Vandyke and Heberton,) adding "put on all your •need if you kill your horse, I'll pay for it." Both the

aba reached the wharf about the same time. Mercer sot oui, paid tlie driver, and went on ox boat John Fitch, en. which tl»e carrta

river, and went on board the steam on which tbe carriage containing

Hcberton'now was. The boat soon after left^the wharf, and Mr. Vandyke got out of the carriage,—but lieberton remained in the coach perfectly quiet. A charcoal waoon stood alongside ol the carnage, and the two to-

waoon stooa aion««uc v. «. v-.. -is-. aether filled up nearly the whole broad-side of the steamboat bat the back of the wagon extending yond the beck of the eamage, formed a kind of ret

»f concealment, where Meroer had stationed himsel f. As the boat neared the wharf, the people on board beard several pistol shots fired in quick succession, each report accompanied by the exclamation, "There!"— At the first report, a piercing shriek proceeded from is nearly dark, the flash of tbe discba

the carriage. As it was

1,063,673

and ruaning around to the ether side of the wagon, he ulwiiiiTad M. standing with his hands in his packet s— As*o« as he«aw Vandyke, he exclaimed "Here I am _I (}K) ii—I'm the man," Ac., aad presently broke oat with "give us a fiddle—let's have a dance, now it is all over. After which b« became silent. Vanayke ordered Mereer to defivw ep the pisud. "Wl»t pistol f" asked M«ow. V. was apmchenstve of bung shot himself, and seawd Mercer wuh one band whde be attemtaed to disarm bim with the other. The pestol was taken from Mercer* *N*et wwoae of Colt* patent wxbairels two «pa Me^«U w,th^

cer, however raadeao

iliii

Jr.

%Sinw^ile. tho carriage «h was

I„

bi-Are the dying man fiuatty aaswsreo jpea, wi

*Wlasatfc«earriagearrivedatCake Mwc^lisbertoe ml fawnd to be dead. As eyxi »a Mercer the tavern, he hegan to danceand make jyjrgdamatiom, expressive af fmuM imp* licc soon arrived awl task alwis af Sas.^.. «, »,r

be-

aleb Roberts, Esq^ corener of *lou^^^ le and empannelled a jury. Mr. Vandfle objected W a poet mortem examination, until his brother. Dr. Rash Vandyke, was sent for, so the investigation was postponed till Saturday morning, when Dis. Mullord and Fisher ol Camden, and Dr. Vandyke of Philadelphia, were present.

The first ball caused Hebeetw's death ^t enter** beneath the SCAFPLJL (shoulder blaite.) anl Jhe sixifc rib. paraed ihruugh the left lung and the pericardium and lodged in ihe«rthy part of the right vgSrtricle ihe hearti The Coronals jury rendered Verdict of "wilful mortier" ag*ins*. Mercer. I

During the post mortem wtamiMtiest, examined before JuMweHamsou ofCa«t»n, who, site?hearing several *fttne«es. enrn'mmw* him to «loa cester county for trial. F. W. Hubbell, Esq., of Phil adelphia, acted as Mercer's counsel. Re was heaw« ironed and taken to jail in a private vefcicK aecoropn nied bv an officer, a friend, and bis counsel.

On Friday night, about 18 o'clock, while Mercer was in the custody of the officers, Mr. Vandyke,asked htm If he was not hungry, and if be did not war* something to eat. To which replied "I ha^e jioi eaten anything for thirty-six hours.except ado^sh raw oysters." A supper was ordered mercer eat heartily, and then lay down and slept soundly for tour hoars.

Tire first ball as we have said cause.! death A four of the balls passed through the leather curtains the carriage three of them went through and out on the opposite side. Each of the two barrels that misae fire contained a ball. Heberton, the deceased, baslel a widowed mother, who resides in Ninth stgwt near Cherry. His lather, Dr. Heberton, former! in Arch street. In person, he was ret»ari»l some, with dark hair and eyes, regular Mf|j good figure, aad every wav qualified t? nMmpa sa» ceplible young female. His funeral took pisce toil afternoon from his mother's residence in Ninth ^trest at 2* o'clock. Curiosity attracted a great crowd t« witness the obsequies, at which the First City' Troo^ to which he belonged, was in atj^pdancot At taStime of tlte assassination. H. was well armed he hut about bis person, a dirk knife and pocket pistol, and ia the carriage a rifle and a fowling piece. No doubt IM anticipated an attack from the enraged brother of Mas

**The trial of Mcicer will take place at W«6dbury jf a Heberton mustacbe ^id iroperral which oe won during life had been sluM^Jn^P^before his decease, a a id

Sarah Mercer has-been insane ever since tbe death of Heberton, and it is doubtful whether she 'fill ever recover her senses. h.

sbter,

The behavior of He' erton io the Messrs. M^oer. Si ther and son. at Alderman Mitchell's office, was quite offensive and insulting. Singleton Mercer addressed him politely, and told him that if he would restore M*

the aflair would be hushed up. To which H. rudely answered, "I do not know where your sister* some girl came to our bouse last night, and on some one's going out to see who it was, die run away :ft looked enough like you, (meaning Mr. M.) to be yoor sistrr.

The fate of Heberton wi'i be a warning to the rej»less libertines who infest our city, and who, of NM years, have become more and more numerous, they will find that, although they may succeed in evading the retribution of law, other vengeance may possibly overtake them.

A splendid array of Counsel, we understand hinre been engaged to defend young Mercer—Mr. Matlock, and the distinguished Garrett D. Wall, of New Jersey, with F. W. Hubbell. G- M. Dallas and D. P. Brown, of this city.—Philda. Forum, y-

JOINT RESOLUTIONS, AC.

Passed at the twenty seventh teuton of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, and approved ly Ris Excellency Skxvu. BIGGER.

A memorial and joint resolution of the Legislature of Indiana praying lor the passage of a law to extend the benefits of the actaof Congress of June, ?th, 1832, to the voluateers and militia who were in service against the Western Indians, from the nominal close of our Revolutionary war, by treaty with finglandwia 1783 to the final close thereof by treaty with «befndiaiis at Greenville in 1795.

A joint resolution of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana respecting U. S. Pensioners. A joint memorial to Congress praying for a donation of lands on behalf of the rangers and^ militia in the service of the United States during the war.

A joint resolution asking aid of Congress to improve the navigation of the Wabash river. A joint resolution in relatioa to postage an newspapers, pamphlets, &c. L.

A joint resolution relative to the completion orfne Wabash and Ohio canal A joint resolution' relating to the constractiowira harbor at Michigan City.

A joint resolution to provide for ascertainirtg"*The amount due contractors and laborers-on the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad.

A joint resolution in relation to the territory of«tM United States west of the Rocky Mountains, ihrOregon Terrheryvv jj

A memorial nnd joint resolution to the QtHi{ the United States praying appropriations to improve the navigation of the Mississippi, Ohio, Wabash and other important rivers, which are reserved national highways and tributaries of those mentioned.

A joint resolution for the iclief of Joseph H- Ifon (1 ricks* A joint resolution in relation to tbe Grand Rapids of the Wabash river.

A joint resolution for the relief of Joshua HoQan, Treasurer of Henry county. Joint resolution authorizing the Agent of Statf to settle with J. J. Cohen, jr., and brothers.

Joint resolution for the benefit of the Wabash jP«nnual Labor College and Teacher's Seminary. Joint resolution to providea home market for w^tcrrotted hemp. __ i.

Joint resolution in relatioa to the effect ol a joint resolution therein named. Joint resolution authorizing the immediatetnrt«i(ation of so much of the revised code as reguiatss? the summoning and empannelling grand and petit jurors.

Joint resolution on the subjectjof counting andeancelling State Bonds that have toon recorded by* the Treasurer of State.

Joint rosolution supplemental tSp joint resolution providing for ascertaining the amount uue the cuttnc* tors on the Madison and Indianapolisrailroad, ap^rSved January 88, 1843.

A preamble and joint resolutions in reference t| the Mississippi trade. Joint resolution relative to the delinquent laopa in Kosciuako, Whitley, Elkhart, Porter, and Lake

/tfson.

tlOfl* Joint resolution for the relief of Andrew^ W Commissioner on the French Lick Reserve in Opnge county.

Joint resolution for the benefit of James McLean in »rke county, Indiana, a deaf and dumb person.^ Joint resolution in relation to mil's and manultctoes propelled by water power. Joint resolution in reference to the reduction-Sf the 111

rates of letter postage. .... Joint resolution relative to the Wabash and,Erie Canal tow-path bridge.

Joint resi^ution to suspend a certain act therein named in taporte, Tippecanoe, Randolph and Dal ware counties.

Joint resolution for the preservation of books and papers belonging to the system of Internal Improvements snd for other purpoees.

Joint resolution relative to American State papers. Joint resolution on tbe subject of tbe LaaatjaAsylum. 5,

Joint resolution for tbe relief af the estate of el a as 1 Joint resolution ascertaining the strength ff the militia of Indiana.

Joint resolution ia regard to pre»emptions. Joint resolution declaring a certain provisiouaf Um revised ststutee to be ia force.

Joint resolution in relation to the establish mint of a Marine Hospital on the Mississippi and its mbatavies, and the great northern lakes, for the beapfit of sick and disabled boatmen.

Joint resolution relative lo tbe distribution of certain public documents. i:

GREAT GROANS!—The wfrst amusing thing in the amy of humbug, that we have, met with for a long time, is the following |tory, which lias just appeared in a Millerite f&per called the Philadelphia Alarm"Bro LilcA,—Having heard something of a very aingular noise, aj^xtrenily like groaning, that waa heard oft the morning ef the 10th instM I deemed it of no importance when 1 first heard it, but since, have taken the pains to inquire more about it, aodlearn from an authentic source* that on Friday morning, Feb. 17th, five minutes past ^three o'clock, there were three

rsred

the

caefml lomi

groans

heard, apparently tbe groans of a dying man. It cannot be accounted for the conjectures of the Watch are many. Some thought oae thing, and some another. It waa heard about the same distance front e»ch walchmao and nearly all of them in tbe Northern Liberties beard it, and say ap-

to be about a half sqaare fromlhem. also understaod that tbe groaning waa heard by some of the watch of Spring Gar* den, and of the city and Southtvark, besides ma^ others. "By givmg this a place in Iwi Ahtrin you Would conlcr a fitvor upon tbe writer. ,• •.

PENNSYLVANIA.

the#»n is the

tUAt"^o'clock

which

the S. GtutUe, ABRISBCRG, Feb. 22,1843.

GRAND CLAY CONVENTIONData SIB The tremendous outpouring of the peoewhich we .^witnessed here this day, in honor of of WL West," an the enthusiasm and harmo-, ili nillVailed asnongst them, is enough tirgladheart of every patrio^- Jt ww an exibttiM hSlir oponiWhich ^fcoccurred. The An^ rersaty XbirlhTtha "Father o^H.. Caantr^ coS^iot tacbetter aipJoye|v «han in doing hnnor to wfaa is thefatheraf .the American System anaia derwag means secure, by hielectH^ to the hijriteSt post'in the nation, the restoration of tfiat country* prMperity, and the perpetuity of her dearest msu-

in the morning the CourtHouse was

crowded with Delegates, and not more than one hall could get inside, the balance

being

Cer

A State 1

obliged to pay fly

ing visits, and content themselves by knowing that the work was

going bravely on without them. It is estiflefcoates were in

mited that at least fifteen hundred sttendmee, embracing nu.n af all clsaees in the com•nanity, aad especially the Farmers and Mechanics who are at lengtn coavioced tlmt upon- ihe micoess of Whig measures, with which tlie protective system is identified, their prosperity in a me**1™

The committee on officers reported Mr. Mcllvaine, of Chester.as Preeideni of the Convention, together with a largeiftimber of Vice Presidents, and a goodly number of Secretaries, all af which was unanimously concurred in by the Convention, and the officers took their seats, the President resuming his thanks for the honor in appropriate style.

A committee was appointed to prepare resolutions and an address expressive of the views of the Convention, on the subject of national policy, and the man whom they were about to nominate (or the highest office ia the world. This Committee ia tbe afternoon, through Mr. Chandler of the city, their chairman, reported an address and series of resolutions, which were enthusiastically received by the vast assembly, and unanimously adopted by acclamation

ntral Committee was appointed, and some

toiler business transacted, after which theConvention

adjourned sraa DIE, at abont hall past 6 clock P. M. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout the deliberations. aai an enthusiasm only equalled by that

characterised the campaign of 1810, pervaded the entire assemblage. No man can doubt from the exhibitions of this day that the State is secure for Henry Clay in 1844. so surely as any future event can be. The discussions were manly, aoen, and dignified. Men were spoken of with respect. andt^pecialFy James Buchanan, whilst their principles W«»e exhibited and their tendency expired. But the notices of John Tyler were severe and withering. Not a single voice in all that vast crowd, whwh is the same men that elected him, could be found to defend his name not even the Locofocos, for whom ho has been "working by the day," as was remarked by one of the Delegates, are willing to say a word in his behalf. It is clear that his party consists of office holders and office seekers, who are ready to leave him as Soon as tbe close of his term of "accidency shall have

In the evening a town meeting was held in the Court House, and enthusiastic speeches were delivered by Messrs. McMichael and Smith of the city. Brady of Chambersburg, Senator Cochran and

hers, which

made one feel as he was wont to do in 1840, at an old fashioned meeting of the friends of "Tippecanoe."— The same men were here, and the same spirit seems to actuate their bosoms, and inspire their hearts with the hope of viciory.

VIRGINIA WHIG COPTVENTIOLF. We hove time and space to take a very brief notice of this body, which assembled on the 22d, aad, having performed the business, for which it convened, adjourned Thursday night, at 9 o'clock. The attendance was much greater than we had any expectation of, exceeding, as it did, 200 delegates from the country, exclusive of the members of the Legislature.! The spirit, which animated the Convention, was nearly akin to that of 1840, and revived with great force the incidents of that glorious era. Whiggery may be dead, as the Locofocos say it is but no unprejudiced man would be of that opinion if he had witnessed and heard all that passed in that Convention, within the last two days. If the Whigs are less boisterous than they have been, the close observer of character may nevertheless read upon their countenances a resoluteness, which yarely foreruns defeat.

MR. LSIGH, on taking the Chair,jdeltvertd a* address—chaste, calm, edgenl—worthy

his ancient renown. We hope to be able to lay it before our readers. Thursday evening, the Committee reported an able address to the People of Virginia-— w-hich in a spirit of candour and truth, discusses all the great topics of public interest. It will not fail to make a lodgement in the minds of the people. The Address was unani mously adopted.

Resolutions approving the recommendation of the Whigs of Congress, for a National Convention—declaring tlw preference of the Whigs of Virginia, for HENRY CLAY, and referring the selection of a Vice President to the'National Convention, were adopted.

Several eloquent and animated speeches were made at intervals, by gentlemen from various quarters of the State among others, by Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Taylor, of Norfolk, Mr. Hubard, Mr. Langhorne, Mr. Irving of Amherst, and Mr. Lyons. But one sentiment animated the whole—a settled conviction that the Whig party is as powerful as ever, and a firm determination to make its power felt.

The Convention adjourned in the finest spirit—under the influence of the charming eloquence of Watkins Leigh—which touched and animated every bosom.—Rich, Whig.

From the Virginia Free PftU-

THE EXPIRING

The Whig Congress have done much however to bring tlie country out of the strait into which it was thrown by the mal-admin-istration of the powers who have guided tbe helm of State and been invested with the "staff of office," for tbe last twelve years. A tariff has been passed by them, which though not. sntirely perfect, will do much in the way of relieving our manufacturers, and our country in general, by placing it in an independent position, sot being compelled to rety on foreign monopolists wholly, for oar articles of wear and not only the manufcc* Hirers are benefitted thereby, but our mechanics, or.r own working men: ironmongers, batters, shoemakers, tailors, dee. They passed a bill fix* Um establishment of a National Bank, over and again, which was one of tbe measures promised, bat which availed naught, in consequence of tbe veto power, which was exercised with a malicious pleasure. A bill for the retrssHdMnent of the expenses of Government bas been passed, thus proving eonclustveiy, that tlie Whig cry of retrenchment and reform," was not gotten up for tbe

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CONGRESSi*

The third and closing session of the pre sent Congress will close its labors on lo-mor row night, and with it will go the Whig balance or power for at least two years to come —as the infamous Loco gerrymanders will take effect. The Whigs of this Congress have labored assiduously to bring about mea sures for the public relief, which have to a certain extent, proved abortive, through tbe use of the one-man power, the veto—they have-again laid to their strength to push forward the car of prosperity, under tiie most discouraging circumstances, when fortune frowned with a threatening brow, yet uoth ing daunted they pushed on, and were again repulsed by the use of the same weapon, the veto. The consciousness however that they have done their duty, and their whole duty, has stayed them up, and supported them, amidst all the scowls and jeers of the Locos, leagued together with the traitorous Corporal's Guard, who have, in common, made sad havoc with the best interests of the country.

purpose of electioneering upon, but wai remembered and practised \^hen power was in, their hands.

The knowledge of the Whigs that the good which they might propose-would pr0babl3f.be defe&ted by the Presjdent, lns had tfcs CTW1 ,of: inducing them to wHhhold tfc®*' scwle important subjects which wOOfcl have bHp broached, had the Executive ^corded in sentiment with the majority of the\present

hnvtt showQ the^ iavinci

btlity of the Whig party—that they can nei ther be cajoled by flattery^ or turned from "the even tenor of their Ways** by menaces--they have pursued the same straight line of duty without wavering, regardless ot Jhe threatening* of the Locos, and disdaining, as a body, the measures which a traitorous Executive propagated. The WKig« of^this Con^ress have, Jby thoir .high minded and noble faring, won the esteem and the confidence of their friends, and they will be greeted with the welcome plaudits of the great Whig [iarty of the Union.

A large meeting of citizens of Washington and Alleghany countics, Pennsylvania, without distinction of party, was held in Jefferson Township, on the 13th instant, to take into consideration tlie plan of Relief to the States proposed by the Hon. Ww. Covr JOHNSON. A number of high-toned and spirited resolutions were adopted by acclamation—among them the following:

Resolved, That we believe il to be the duty of Congress to adopt Mr. Johnson's measure, we having full confidence in its practicability, justice, and ultimate success in restoring to its wonted vigor our down trodden credit.

Resolved, That we can conceive of no reasonable objections to the plan of applying the proceeds arising from the sale of the public lands, to the liquidation of the State debts,— a portion of these Innds having been ceded by individual States to the General Government for the use of the States, and the rest being purchased by tlie blood and treasure of the whole country.

Resolved, That the Stutes, having, by tlte adoption of the federal constitution, surrendered the power of levying impost duties, a surrender which many of them long: refused to make, and did so at last, only on receiving what was then thought an equivalent, viz.* a promise from the general government to provide for the general welfare,—they have now in the hour of their necessity, an undoubted right to call on Congress fortfn equivalent to that right which they so reluctantly yielded to it.

Resolved, That the adoption of this measure would relieve us from the mortification of hearing the plighted fnith of States, and that deepest degradation of public honor—repu~ diation—a doctrine which can find no advocates among men possessing the lent»t spark of moral or political honesty and for which there is no necessity while we possess the rich domain of public lands which a bountiful Providence has bestowed on us.

STATE DEBTS.—We observe many indications that Mr. W. Cost Johnson's project for issuing to the States a 3 or 4 per'ccftit. stock, based on the public lands, to enable thorn to pay thetr debts, is attracting more and more the public attention* These States and the Union are in this predicament The States owe a vast amount of motfey. If they do not pay their debts, they and the nation are disgraced—overwhelmed with shame and the scorn of Christendom. If they do resolve to pay them, at all hazards, it will cause a perpetual drain of the resources of the country, and lie for years with a deadly weight on its prosperity. Tbe latter branch of this alternative is infinitely preferable to the first but have the people the heroic honesty and patriotism to submit to the necessary taxationl The debts must be paid, or there will not be left a vestige of pubHc or private honor. In this dilemma, the people are offered a mea. sure, which, at least, they ought to look into. Some time ago. Mr. Johnson published his scheme at length in the National Intelligencer, and recently he has been advocating it in numbers in the Baltimore American.—Louisvi a

FroiI Ihe Arkansas Telegraph Feb. 4. RED RIVER FLOOD-GREAT LOFTS OR LIFE.

Jt becomes our painful and melancholy duty to record one of the most fearful and calamitous disasters that ever befel our Red river country.

In consequence of tbe fulling weather or the melting of the snow in the mountains, the sources of Red river have boon supplied so abundautly with water that our hitherto gentle stream has been so flooded that ail of its bottoms lie burned beneath the heavy mass of moving water, whose appearanoo was so sudden and rapid that it has borne resistless down every vestige of human industry—cot ton bales, cotton presses, corn, cattle, horses, boas, dec., in one wide and general ruin..

In common with every stream on the glebe, Red river has been subject to occasional partial inundations but during the

rnownbut

sriod of half a century, there was never such' an overwhelming flood as that with which we are qpw visited*

At Fort Towsoo, 00 the 25th ult, tbe river rose fifteen feet higher than ever before known, spreading over the whole bottom, destroying the warehouse at tbe public landing, and sweeping in one common grave all species of animation.

Jonesboro', Rowland ami Berlin, in Texas, have been wholly inundated, some of the houses washed away, and many of the inhabitants drowned. Some few negroes escaped from Jonesboro' on a raft, and when passing the residonce of Colonel James H. Johnston, they saw him, with his family,

the house top, but could render them no assistance and soon after passing they heard a crash and one wild scream, and all was silent again except the roar of the rushing tor rent.

Amid t!»e general distress, Capt Crooks of tile steamboat Hunter proceeded to Mill creek, and rendered the sufferers every possible succor in his power, going from place to place picking up tbe survivors from the tcqps of booses ana trees thus rescuing from a watery grave seventy-five or a hundred persons.— Some were necessarily left to perish in the cane and timber—their cries often being heard above the noise of the element. Six families of Indians, 14 mites this side of Jonesboro* are reported lost, and Col. Milao of Kentucky, with a lady, bis niece, and Mr. McKinoey, perished.

It is thought tbatover a hundred lives have Joockboro

v-tito ^omrmwmma wtmrn* On Snturday afWrnooe*, about 5 o'clock, a fire broke oK in thft smoke bbtfsft af M«ton. Pligh & Ahroitf, at the eototr of Walnbi stroet, aftd tbe canal, which, in its cense-^ quencesthas beeaone-of the most distressing that ever occurred in this cityr

The smoke house was in the rear and somen what detached froor the main building, being connected with it oi»ly by a wooden door and! narrow passage way, through which the meat was Usually wheeled. It was thought that thefire could be confined to tlie former, And for that purpose the jtark House, was closed tight as possible, by shutting all the doors and windows, to exclude a rush of air to feed the -, flames. In fhd course of half an. hour the main building was filled with smoke, rarlfied air, and inflammable gas, from the smoker house, and when the flumes burst through the wooden door connecting the two buildings, an instantaneous roar of flame was perceived,^ and, in the twiftkfitog of an eye, the whole of this spacious, substantial building was a mass of ruins. The whole roof was lifted up in the. air and thrown into the streets in targe frag*, ments—the Second story walls on the north' and south sides were thrown down, and the whole eastern.end of both stories fronting on Walnut, blown into the streets, from its foundation up.

The appearance of th€ explosion was awfully terrific, and its consequences fata) to several of our most estimable citizens.

The ruins bad not been entirely overhauled last night, and hence It ia not possible to ascertain certainly the number killed and wounded.

In view of the melancholy cfrcumstanee* of the case, the loss of property is hardly worth mentioning. There were about 200,000 lbs. Bacoo in the Smoke House,,totally dostrayed* fully insured however* -We understand there was also #8000 insurance On the Pork House, which wilt rebuild it, as the lower floor a Ml foundations are uninjured. The surrounding sheds and yards were filled with barrels of Pork, Bacon and Lard, wliich wasw generally got out without mtich injury. fgr

The lute Land Slide in tbe city of T«oy,| N. Y., which resulted in the death of eighteen persons, was attended with

incidents, which are thus noticed in

Mrs. Purdy, whose escape has been noticed, heard the roaring of ibe avalanche, and -fancied that it was to be the fuIfibnent of Miller's prophecy! She nevertheless caught up one of the children and pressed firom the rear room towards the front door* When sbo reached the front room she returned for tbe other child, but before sbe could escape, the walls fell, and the chimney came tottering down just behind her. By a miraculous interposition, both herself and the children were preserved comparatively uninjured and Jhe falling of tho chimney leaving a hole th which day-light made its appearance, clambered through with her charge, and happy enough for tho time being in finding herself alive in a world as wicidl aa this Millerism to the contrary notwithstanding.

Mr. Underbill, who has charge of the garden and orchard on tbe bill adjacent to the land-slide. He was startled by tbe snorting of tho borsss—found the earth was yielding beneath their feet, and immediately checked back his team, nnd in an instant the rood over I which he was riding wss rushing hundreds of feet down the chasm below!

SURVIVORS OF WASHINGTON* "The following interesting notice of tbe distinguished survivors of the Administration of the Father of his Country is from tbe Pbibtdelphia U. S. Gazette: "Although none of the early associates of Washington survive, a very few venerablen men, his cotemporaries in tbe legieiative and diplomatic departments during the hitter period of his administration, stfll linger ameoj| us. Of the Senators of that time tbe survivors are Albert Gallatin, elected in 170S James Ross, his immediate successor, in 1794, and in the same year Kensey Johns, the j»resont venerable Chancellor of the State of Delaware, father of tbe Assistant Bishop of the Protestant Bpiseopal Church in Virginia, yet live enjoying tbe respect and veneratkw of their follow citizens tbe first of whoao, it is hoped, to regret his opoesitiou to tbe men*' sures of Wssbington, which so peculiarly marked Mr* Gallatin's career. Of the Representatives poe only survivor. bssidss Mr. Gallatin# whose seat in tbe Senate having been Vacated for want of the constitutional qualification of nine years citizenship, was» elected in 1796. The surviving Repreoevtatives are Albert Gallatin and Gen. Andrew Jackson, the bitter of whom was is 1)96-7 tbe sole Representative of the State of Ten-

'•Of the two surf swing ministers and mstic sgents at foreign courts, during Washington's administration, oar venerable follow citizlh, William Short, Esq. is tbe oldeet, having been with Mr. Carmichael appointed on a special embaanr to Spain, in 1792, and on the 28th of May, 1794, minister resident at that court. But John Quiocy Adams, although appointed 90th May, 1794, two days after Mr. Short, as a minister of the same

in 1790, rawed by Washington to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of

tugal. Mr* Adame is believed to be the only public man now living wbojsan justly boast of having enjoyed the confidence of Washington. ,k

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some

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papers: "«.. ^, Mrs. Susan 3ar3ner arid Iwsitor, Maria

Deniker, were buried by the avalnnche in the same room and within a few feet of each other but, wonderful to tell, by some fortunate falling of the timbers of the crushed dwellings, they were neither of them killed. After they had been dug out, they described their situation and feelings. One boa ring the oilier groan, asked he?^sister's condition, and was assured that she was only hurt in Her limbs. The other stated that she waging very well, only that a flank or sikk0wmb& was pressing upon her head

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Tbe/ heard the digging

over their heads, and consoled themselves that they would be found in time to save their lives. Miss Wilber, (sister-in-law to Mr* Birdsall,) who was killed together with two of that gentleman's children, had once escaped, but rushing to the rescue of the ehikiren, was overwhelmed and killed. A youth was sent by a spectator who first discovered the moving of the avalanche, to apprise her of ber danger. She immediately rushed km tbe yard, but recfMfeting (ti*^!!Jldr0B,aifemturned for their resouoi—alas! too late tho next instant they wore crushed beneath the rushing mountain.

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