The New York Herald Newspaper, December 20, 1842, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. New York, Tuesday, December 20, 1843, important Presidentia! Movement— John Tyler in the Field, Last evening a very important political move- ment, relative to the nex a the Administration Republican General Cot which inee Military Hall no | fging forth of John Tyler, as one next Presidene: ratic National C \timore, some ti It wes ced before which will nvention, next summer or fall, selecting the candidate of that sition to Mr. Clay, the whig candi- ° purpose of party, in oppe date. It is known that this committee consists of eighty- five members, being five from each ward of this It was organized last spring, and after a good deal of consultation and opposition, M. M. Noah was appointed Chairr Redwood Fisher is also and has be the private correspondent of the Postmaster General, for the purpose of as- o himself all the influence and merit of the ment. A few weeks ago, a movement was nade by a member to bring out John Tyler as one of the names tor the selection of the demoers the candidate for the Presidenc of Messrs. Noah Fisher and a vlreme gaue an. 2 membe nove! + as By the influenees others, forming the of the committee, this movement out for what particular or private t yet known. It now appears that several of the more indepen- dent members, who thought honesty and openness of purpose always the best and wisest policy, have was laid asi reason is n brought up the question, and are now deter- nined to bring out the name of Joha Tyler can- didate at once, Why not? The friends of Martin n Buren have brought out their man, by a_ public neeting in Philadelphia, an] in several of the news- The friends of ‘John C. Calhoun are also ld, with their flag before the wind. Jass has been nominated by a large meeting at and is making rapid headway. Why nds of John Tyler hesitate longer ple? Let to the democratic convention, and let ‘an be the candidate. What particular proceedings were transacted last vening in Military Hall, we could not learn in time thisday’s paper. Ifthey have agreed to i ne democracy of the United Sta Gene- ith weit candidate before the ped ue an ‘3, In cting by the committee, John Tyler as Idress to rof e Presidential candidate, we shall Jearn to day, ublish an account of it to-morrow nent for John T ead. fair chance. and shal It is 1in that the move ler is now Let every 1 man the field 1s n—the »s are filling up—the cup is splendid—the race the course in fine order. Assistant ALDERMEN, must go a sublime. : Meat Stops anp Tr ‘This Eventne.—The meat shop question is again 1p tor discussion and legislative action this evening inthe Board of Assistants. The question will be upon ‘* Document No. as recently amended and vassed by the other Board. That amendment, by he way, was a stupendous, and highly original of- fortat legislation. We recommend the Board ot Aldermen to appoint a special committe, composed Aldermen Leonard, Lee, and Purdy—to draft an ordinance re-enacting all former acts ever passed by the Common Council. It would be a highly origi- nal {valuable document, and almost equal to the : endment” which the Board of Assistants will have to act upon this evening. On this amendment (now Document No. 50) there will be three classes of voters. First, those who vote under the meat-axe influence, as wielded by the old market butchers, who will stand behind their chairs, asthey did the ether evening in the Board of Aldermen. As it is rather difficult, how- ever, to meet this kind of influence with any appro- priate argument, we pass on to the second class of vot who willvote under the influence of doubts power of the Common Council to license hops. For these we have a word to say. let us seg what the law really is. The s subject are to be found both in the old city charter, and in the State statutes. In relation to the charter, it should be clearly understood—we speak but the facts on that point—that it is fast be- coming obsolete. Eminent legal counsel have ex- pressed the opinion that there are not ten lines in the whole charter that are now in force, or which ave not been susperceded and over-rode by the laws of the State. Of this there is a multitude of A correct knowledge on this point would be of great service, especially to newly elected mem- bers of the Common Council, who are usually in the habit of sticking tothe charter, as if every word of it were ia full foree—whereas, it has been com- riddled to pieces by legislative shot from Al- bany. We therefore pass by the charter, and come to the State statutes. What do they say? As follows:—By the act passed April 9, 1813, (2 R. S., 446.) it is provided that— “The Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city York, in Common Council convened, shall have rand authority te make and pass such by-laws and ordinances as they shall (rom time to time deem neces- sary and proper, to regulate or to prohibit the purchase, sale, and exposure to sale, of meats, &c. on Sunday, ex: vept fresh fish, which may be sold prior to nine 0’ k in the forenoon ; and also to regulate the butchers in the said city, and to prohibit and restrain them from carry. on their business at any other times or places than chas may be designated for that purpose by the said Common Council; and to prohibit and in all and every persons, other than Hcensed butchers, from carry- ing on the business or calling of a butcher, ot any branch or part thereof, in the said city. There are now in this city thirteen public mar- kets—eight of which have been built under the bove authority from the New York statutes. The power “to regulate the sale of meats, &c.,” is the vathority by which the Common Council proceed to erect and establish public markets in such parts ef city as the public convenience may require. And, by the same authority, we doubt whether‘any wnd legal counsel can be found which will not decide that “ the Common Council have the power to permit and regulate the sale of meats at places other than the public markets; to lice persons {outchers, tf you please] tor that purpose ; and to re- ceive fees therefor.’” We now come to the third class of voters, who will vote under the influence of public opinion, eighty per cent of which, we believe, demands im. peratively that the meat shops be licensed and regu- ted on the same principles as the other public mar- Why is it that you so seldom find a New York jury who will convict a meat-shop butcher ? The fine for selling meat in thee ops is $50 on evnviction, and the party to be imprisoned till: it is vaid. But as to the matter of fact in the premises, we know of no fine that has ever yet been paid ; for no sooner isa butcher thus convicted imprison- ed, thin he immediately applies to the Committee on Police, Watch and Prisons, who, with com- mendable promptness torthwith let him out. ‘Thus, uny judgment which may by possibility be obtained a the Marine or Ward Courts, isat once rendered a complete nullity. Accordingly, the plan now adopt- ed by the Superintendent of Markets, is to get, say three indictments against the same individual, mak- 4 fine $150, and bring the action j r Court proof. kets. he Supe- No case even here, however, has yet been brought to trial, for the reason that the counsel for the Corporation has advised that the expenses will be very heavy; and if the corpora tion gets defeated, they may, they will have to and even if they get their case, olleet the fine by civil process ; 80 hat on the whole, it is thought doubtless whether it will pay We therefore call upon the Board of Assistants nis evening to come upto the work independently, voters, doubters, and all, and amend the tion of document No 50, so that it shall “ lie cense persons Cor butchers] to sell meats, &c., in places other than the public markets.” We know ef tleast one Assistant Alderman who is determined pay their own they still have to first ve to move and urge this amendment, or rather resto ation to whrat it was before; and the public will re toremember all who vole with fim on this gist of the whole question uk Murixy ox Boagp Tur Somens.—We annex the following account which appears in the “Courier and Enquirer,” and seems tobe published on authori ty of the officers, or of some person in connexion with them. It purports, then, to be a semi-official account of the wholetrarnsaction. By the facts now for the first time developed in this statement, this would seem to have been one of the most extraor- ctions that ever took place in any mili- or navy There was no overt act, ac- ng to this account, committed by any one, nor, alleged to have been commited by any of the The plot was merely This was a conspiracy, but nothing had been done in pursuance of it, and in such cireum- stances, a great difference of opinion exists relative to the necessity or legality of MeKenzie’s conduet in taking such a summary course. It also appears that there was no court martial held. Commander McKenzie merely sent circulars to the officers, and, their opinion was that Spencer i his two associates should be executed, and Me- Kenzie acreeing in this decision, the summary pun- ishment was immediately inflicted. The officers would seem to have acted under a panic. The whole affair is certainly most extraordinary, and it is to be hoped that the public will be immediately put in possession of the whole facts by the proper autho- rities. ‘We have also heard that a legal investigation is to be commenced into the whole of this extraor- dinary and horrible affair. George W. Warner is to be brought before Judge Kent to-day under a writ of habeas corpus, when it will be necessary for Lieut. MeKenzie to appear and show by what authority he is kept in confinement. This will lead to an expose of the whole affair or an immediate discharge of the prisoners. The following are the names of the persons con- fined as prisoners belonging to the brig Somers, now on board the North Carolina:— ervice 1 parties who were executed. in embryo. How long Where in ser- Names. born. vice. Rate Daniel MeKin 20° Boston Landsman jamin F. Green, Portland 5 yrs. Apprentice Charles A. Wilson, N York 6m. Sail m. mate Alexander McRea, 17 Ireland 6m. — Apprentice The above four were brought home in irons, Af- ter the brig was moored off the Navy Yard, Brook- lyn, all hands were called on deck and from amongst them the following persons were also putin irons :— Chas. J.Goldenham, 18 Boston dy. 3m. Apprentice er, 21 N. York dyrs. do do 4y.9m, do Philadeip’a. yr. do N.Haven 3y.8m. do Malta 6m. Old Seaman Engene Sullivan, Providence 15m. — Apprentice Henry Waltham, N. York oyrs. oll Seaman ‘The following are the names of those who were hung at the yard arm of the Somers :— Philip Spencer, midshipman ,aged 19 years, born in New York. Samuel Cromwell, boatswain’s mate, aged 35 years, of New York. jah H. Small, seaman, aged 24, native of Boston. ‘The following are the names of the men left on board after the execution had taken place and the four named above put in irons :— B. P. Browning, 24 boatsman’s mate. William Collins, 3d do do Henry King, gunner’s mate. Andrew Anderson, 24 do do Charles Rogers, quarter master Charles Stewart, captain of the forecastle. [From the Conrier and Enquirer. Tur Mutiny on . Bric Somens.—The oircumstances connected with this proceeding and the prompt and severe, but just and absolutely necessary pun- isiment, inflicted upon the “ Ring Leaders,” have very naturally absorbed public conversation siuce the rumors connected with that tragical event obtained circulation. Now that the matter is before the public, we feel tully authorised to give the facts of this extraordinary, yet en- tirely justifiable proceeding, in the full conviction that the truth and the whole truth, is what the public are entitled to know, and upon which ‘alone can a correc! the premises be formed. We would merely pre although our account 18 not official, and although it may not comport with Mr. McKenzie’s notions of naval etti- quette to approve of such a detailed statement as we are prepared to give, yet it may be relied upon as actually em- pracin, of the particulars of that gentleman’s report to the Sei y 'y ; and as we do not hold our- selves responsible to the distinguished Naval officers now on this station for what we may deem proper to make pub lic under existing circumstances, we hope that they will egree with us, that the sooner the truth reaches the public the better it will be for all parties as well as for the cha- racter of the Navy ; and in consequence, not give them- selves any unnecessary trouble to ascertain our source ot information The Somers sailed from this port about three months since, with a crew of eizhty apprentices, teighteen ordi nary seamen, and an orderly Sergeant of Marines, who acted as master at arms. She was |¢ommanded by Master Commandant Slidell Mackenzie, well known to the Navy as one of our mot exemplary officers, and to the literary world, as the authorof a“ Year in Spain.” Her officers Jof Lieut. Gansevoort of Albany, and five or six pmen, among whom was Philip Spencer, son of the ary of War, and-two sons of Commodore Perry. Having delivered the despatches with which he was charged, to the Commanding officer on the Coast of Africa, Capt. McKenzie sailed for this port with the publicly avowed intention of touching at St. Thomas for provisions previous to coming on our Coast at this season of the year. A day or two previousto December Ist, and when the vessel was witnin about five or six hundred miles from St. Thomas, Midshipman Spencer hiuted a part of his | oe to Mr. Wales, the Purser’s steward, who affected a warty co-operation, took an oath of secrecy, &c. which Spencer administered to him, when he was made more fully acquamted with the plan of the mutineers, They had arranged to raise a scuffle on the forecastle some night after les while the deck was in charge of Midshipman Rogers, anephew of the late Com. John Rogers ; and when the men engaged in it would of course be ordered aft to account for the cause of the dis- turbance, and while Mr. Rogers was thus en, gag and throw him overboard, w pos Capt. McKenzie; and othe tioned at the main hatch, throu, past to get on deck, and at the rage hatch, through which all the officers except the Captain, must pass. All the officers, except the Surgeon, were to be murdered and thrown overboard ; and the crew, who were below, were to be mustered on deck. The two after guns wereto be pointed forward, to secure the mutineers from an attack, and such of the cre ho had not yet joined, but who then elected to come in with them, were to be admitted, the others were to be thrown overb: were then to get out all of the bo: ind lighten el; alter which they were to make for the Isle of where they were to meet with a confederate. They were then to cruise in search of merchant vessels, tradin| between this port and Europe; which after being plun dered, and the males on board killed, were to be indiscri- minately sunk ; and if there chanced to be any females, they were to be taken on board the Somers, violated, and retained so long as the pirates might desire, when they also were to be committed tothe deep! The arrange. ments for the division of the spoils, the allotment of the fsmales, the various offices on board, ke, were all com- pleted, and trawn up in detail in Spencer's handwriting ; and he assured Mr. Wales thathe had twenty of the crew with him sure. From the moment Spencer made the above cireumstan- ces known to Mr. Wales, he was watched with argus eyes by Samuel Cromwell, boatswain’s mate, and Elisha Small, seaman, who were the principal ringleaders with Spen. cer, and who threatened to throw him overboard, the mo. ment they saw the least signsof defection in him, or had the t cause to suspect that he had made or intended to make any disclosures to any person. Mr. Wales not dar gto communicate with Captain MeKenzie, made all the circumstances as detailed by Midshipman Spencer, known to the Purser, who prompt- ly conveyed the intelligence to Capt. McKenzie, when measures wore immediately taken to ascertain the truth ofthe case. Spencer's papers were thereupon examined, and all the details of their plans as narrated by Wales, were fully confirmed. Spencer, Cromwell and Small, were then secured, and all hands being mustered ondeck Captain McKenzie addressed them on the subject of the proposed mutiny, apprising them that all the plans of the mutineers had been discovered and frustrated, and warning them of the consequences of any similar at- tempt. Captain McKenzie then addressed a cirenlar letter to each of the officers on board the vessel, except the acting Midshipmen, requesting their opinion as to the course of conduct whichishould be pursued towards Spencer and the two men who had been arrested with him. Each one returned for answer that they deserved immediate death, and Captain McKenzie’s opinion coinciding with that of his officers, it was determined to carry the punishment into immediate exeeution, All hands.were accordingly called'to witness the panishme Whips were then rove into each end ofthe fore yard-orm, and one on the inner partofthe yard. The prisoners were then brought on deck and informe dof the punishment about to be execated upon them, Small at once tully confessed his fault, and asked most penitently the forgiveness of his commander and the officers, w was at once accorded tohim. He then obtained permission to address the erew, which he did, warning them against permitting themselves ever to be seduced, ,as he iy been, into the committal of the crime for which he w bout to suffer death. Spencer asked a respite of wo minutes ea ate Spr in ,in order that they might pre) lo a brenved, ‘and he wan aaked if he wished to to his father or mother ; but he replied that he did Hethen acknowledged his guilt and the justice of his punishment, and remarked that he would rather meet such a death there (at sea) than to be sulyected to the in- famy of exposure onshore, The ten minutes asked for by Spencer, was extended to npwards of one hour, nearly the whole of which time was employed by him in. endea. voring to obtain forgiveness of Small, for having seduced him into the committal of a crime for which he was so soon to expiate with his life, Small withheld his for- giveness for a length of time: t at last in fag to Spen- cor's oft reiterat uest of “Do forgive me Small,” he soil that he full: c ed him. Every thing belng in readiness, the noose was placed around the neck of each of the culprits, and the officers were stationed about the decks to see that every,man had Voth hands on the ropes. About one o'clock, (sea time) on the Ist of December, the signal for execution was given by firing @ gua to leeward, and the guilty men were run up. Alter hanging’ about an hour the bodies were lowered down and delivered to their several messmatesto be !oil out and sewed up; and in the eveniugthey were com- mitted to the di Captain Mackenzie, reading the service usual on the occasion of burials at sea. Small’s last words were toinveke a blessing on the American fisg, ani to ask forgiveness for having so dishonored it; but the others diet without any marks of penitence. Fmmedi te ly after the execution a'l hands were called to cheer sip “and three hearty cheers were given for the Am flag, which was then waving at the gaff; after which «!! hands were piped down and the usual duties of the vessel were resumed. Four of the men who appeared to be most deeply imp!i- cated, were placed in irona immediately upon the disco ve ry of the projected mutiny; but the others suspected to be concerned, were permitted to goto dut; ‘until they re this port, when they were also ironed and sent on bo the North Carolina. The following are the names of the men and boys now confined on board the receiving ship, and awaiting the ac- tion of the Navy Department:— « Charles A. Wilson, sail-maker’s mate. Daniel McKinley, landsman. Benjamin F. Green, ordinary seaman (apprentice.) ( Alexander McKee, 2d class apprentice. George W. Warner, ordinary seaman (apprentice.) Chas. G, Golderman, landsman (apprentice.) . Eugene Sullivan, Ist class apprentice. George Kneavah, landsman (apprentice.) Richard Hamilton, 1st class apprentice. ; Charles Van Velsor, ordinary ceaman (apprentice.) Henry Waltham, (mulatto) wardroom steward. Edward Gallia, (raulatto) steerage cook. ‘These are unquestionably the material facts attending this attempt to seize upon wnationai ship and convert her into a pirate, «1 the consequent Borne and just punish ment of the ringleaders. hat adds greatly to the dis graceful character of this dangerous and daring attemjt to obtain pos ion of a jonal vessel, is the fact that one of the officers of the ship devised and was at the head o! the projected mutiny; and when we bear in mind that Spen- cer informed Wales that he had a conferate at the Isles of Pines where the Somers had not been, afd that his chief confederates, Cromwell and Small, shipped on board alter Spencer had joined, there can be no reasonable doulit but the mutiny Was arranged in this port. What confirms this Supposition is the fact now ascertained, that Spencer ‘e- clared belore his departure, that he would never return (0 | this city, and on the passage out assumed to be able to te!l men’s fortunes and assured his fellow-midshipmen in the hat they ‘:ad not long to live! words which at je wore treated as badinage, but which were doubt- less Lased upon a knowledge of his desperate sche All the petty officers who remained true to thei have behaved in the most exemplary manner; and th Jeant of Marines, whose name has escaped wi sick report on the day the munity was discovere formed his duty daily until i was conveyed to the hospital seriously and dange Of the conduct of Captain McKenzie and officers, there can be but one opinion. Like all who enter ice, they are well aware that their profes rily subjects them to be placed in positions far more trying than the hurra and excitement of battle; and have we known an instance when prompt and ‘e- cisive action was so impe:iously called for as in this case. he faithful discharge of their duty te the country and to the men ae under their care; and above all, their duty to the whole maritime world, required that the object of the mutineers should be frustrated. They could not pos- sibly discover how far the infection had extended; the men most implicated would have been the first to assert their in nocence and the most patriotic in their professions; and it it had been attempted to bring home Spencer and his two principal associates, who could determine that the men selected to guard them were notalready ef their party or ready to join it? Of their guilt there was no question, ®s it nd the punishment for their crime is in the act of 1801, which makes it a al offence even to be cognizant ofan intended mutiny without ing information of it. How then coulk! Capt. McLenzie and his brother otticers have been justified in attempting to bring home these cu’prits merely for the purpose of going through the form of atrial, when the spirit of the law called for their execution, and the good of the service, the safety of commerce, and the lives of thousands of innocent men, women, and children, demand. ed that these men should be cut off, and thus the possibili- ty of their succeeding in their horrid purposes, forever frustrated? ‘Theirs was a position the most trying to high minded, gallant and merciful men. They were called upon to assume the most awful responsibility that can devolve upon man ; andthank God, they proved themselves equal to the great emergency in which they were placed.— ‘There were but two commissioned officers on board, and the law requires five to constitute a court martial. It be- came the duty therefore, of the commander to decide up- on the fate of the guilty wretches ; and although he had a right to call upon his brother officers for their opinions, yet itdevolyes aie him to act. His was the responsibil- ity ; and in the full view of his duties as an officer, a man and’a Christian, Captain Mackenzie fearlessly and faith. fully discharged what he deemed his duty to his govern- bes those under his command, and to the maritime world. That there will be some individuals found, desirous of questioning the correctness of these executions, we do not loubt ; but the good and intelligent in every condition in life—those who reflect upon the position in which Cay Mackenzie was placed, and what would have been consequences of a rescue had the horrible purpose of Spen- cerand his comrades being consummated—cannot for @ moment hesitate to award to him the highest praise. Let the mind for a single moment picture to itself the conse- quences to the crews and passengers of our packet PS ifthe Somers—the fastest vessel in our service—fully manued and equipped, were now a piratical brig under the command of sucha man as Spencer, laying in wait for, and intercepting vessels between this port and Europe ! Let them imagine the horrors which would have resulted from the consummation of his hellish purpose—and then if they can, let them condemn those whe have so fearless- ly di ed a most painfal duty, and assumed the pow. ér to carry into effect the spirie of our laws When in & po- sition where its forms could not be complied with ? But we have no apprehension with regard to public opinion being just what it should be, but we look out with anxiety to the action of our Government. ‘This is a case which loudly calls for the deliberate action of Congress, to render it a wholesome exampleto our Navy in all times tocome. First, as doubtlessly will be the case, let a Court of Inquiry immediately be orderedto investigate the cir cumstances of the intended 1autiny; and on their report, if such as we cannot doubt it will be, let every officer an seaman of the Somers who remained true to bis flag, re- ceive the thanks of Congress accompanied with promo tion or a sword to the officers, and an appropriate medal to each of the petty officers and seamen. to Mr. Wales in particular, the Purser’s Steward, let a substan: tial evidence of the approbation of his conduct be presen- ted in a way which shall prompt others in all future time, to emulate his patriotism and devotion to the stars and stripes. Wecan feel for, and sympathise with Captain McKen- zie on the peculiar position he occupies for the rightful exercise of a feariul responsibility; but he and his friends should find their consolation in the conviction, that he has nobly discharged his duty under the most trying circum- stances, and in the deliberate opinion of his fellow citizens who have heard the facts of the case, and perceive in his conduct nothing but the development of qualities which will render his name and fame as dear to every American as is the reputation of the Navy itself. We would, for various reasons, say as little as possible of the youth who has so justly met his fate; but it is well known that he was a bad fellow, and that when he joined the Som ¢ had been sent home from the Brazil Squad- ron by Commodore Morris, under a solemn promise that he would resign and leave the Navy to avoid bein brought before a Court Martial. Itis apparent that he had the head to plan and the hand to execute any crime; and is Consequently, no cause to regret his fate. McKenzie, accompanied by all his officers and crew, attended Divine service on Sunday at Brooklyn, to return thanks to an all-wise Providence for their es- cape from the dangers to which they have been exposed. he mutiny, We delieve, was discovered to Captain Mackenzie on the 29th of November, and the culprits ex- ecuted on the Ist Dec. This sad alternative, we have reu- son to suppose, was expedited by a movement among the disaffected, which looked like an attempt at rescue. ‘The following is a list of the officers of the Somers when she sailed from this port :— Commander—McKenzie. Lieutenant—Gansevoort. Sailing Master—M. C. Perry. Assistant Surgeon—R. W. Lincock. Midshipmen—Henry Rogers, Egbert Thompson, Chas W. Hayes. Acting Midshipmen—A. Delonde, Ph. Spencer, John Tillotson. Clerk—0. H. Perry. Purser’s Stewart—J. W. Wales. New Enetanp Sociery.—A very important con- troversy is atpresent agitating, with uaexampled violence, this highly respectable society. The subject of discussiou is the propriety of permitting the use of wine on their approaching annual festi- val. By the cold water party the admission of the jolly God to these festivities is denounced most em- phatically; but on the other hand a strong body of the members insist that this is ungenerous and ab surd. Last year the temperance party carried their views, and the celebration was as frigid as the most ascetic could desire. Bat it is now contended by the opposite party that the use of cold water on that oe- on, and in the inclement winter, was quite un- justifiable and positively injurious to the health.— The ladies, too, it is said, were not well pleased with the arrangement of last year. Altogether the sub- jectisa very serious one, We trust, however, that it may all be amicably settled. Granp Vocar, Concert at Nrato’s.—The Grand Vocal Concert, by Mrs. Sutton and the Brahams,will be given this evening at Niblo’s, It will be the most brilliant musical entertainment as yet given this season Mrs. Sutton will perform the grand scena from Norma, Casta Diva, in which she elicited such applause at the Park when the opera was pro- duced. She also sings with Mr. Braham in Bishop’s celebrated Duett “I love thee ;” and with Mr. C. Braham, “When thy bosom.” Mr, Braham will sing several of his best songs, and Mr. Charles Bra- ham, in addition to ‘My Boyhood’s Home,” so well received on former occasions, gives “The Lads of the Village; ‘he Seasons,” and that brilliant song from the Nymph of the Grotto, entitled “Time, Time.” Miss Augusta Browne, one of the most scientific and tasteful pianists in this city will execute two of her most admired compositions. The Saloon at Niblo’s has been fitted up in the most magnificent manner, and will be filled to-night witha brilliant and fashionable audience News rrom Evrorr.—' news by yesterday’s Eastera land mail: The Britannia is now fully due, and we may confidently expect our papers by her early this morning. She was out fifteen days yesterday. Generat Cass.—The movements of this distin- vuished man contiaue to excite strong sensations amongst the democratic masses. The “ Plebeian” is out stronger than ever against Gen. Cass. This, ot course, indicates that the friends of Mr. Van Buren are still in a state of great alarm. They af- fected at first to treat with great contempt the merits and popularity of the General; but the very manner in which they have assailed him, lets the cat out of the bag, and affords the most intelligible demenstration of their real feelings. They cannot disguise the fact that they are more afraid of Gene- ral Cass than any rival candidate who has yet ap- peared in the field. ‘These systematic and persevering assaults on the high character and distinguished popularity of Gen. Cass, must benefit him very considerably, and make him still more formidable than ever. It wasin pre- cisely the same way that Jackson and Harrison were raised to the presidential chair, by the attacks and abuse of the friends of the minor candidates. The more the merits of General Cass are agitated, the more will they attract popular good-will. All over this country his name and claims are eliciting attention. General Cass was last in Philadelphia on his way to Washington. He was received with ‘great en- thusiasm in the city of brotherly love. Hi lady ard his daughter are at present in Savannah, Ga., and itis probable that the General may journey in that direction on his homeward route to Michigan. Mr. Bancrort’s Lecture at THE TABERNACLE.— Mr. Bancroft, the historian, delivered his lecture on the Political Condition of the Continent prior to the Revolutior, toa crowded auditory at the Tab- ernacle last evening. Mr. Bancroft doesnot appear tobe a practised public speaker. His delivery is slow, labored, and monotonous. His ‘style is neat and polished, often florid, and occasionally some- what obscure. He is, however, much superior to the ordinary run of popular lecturers. He is at least instructive, and he does send his hearers away furnished with some additions to their information, and with minds awakened to the pursuit of histori- cal truth. He commenced his lecture with a rather elo- quent apostrophe to the memo.y of Washington, and some feeling allusions to the mighty influence which the cause of American independence was destined to exert on hnman liberty all over the world and throughout all time. The war of freedom on the continent of America, commenced he said on the banks of the Ohio. He then went on to speak of the seven years war. That was a battle of parties—the reform against the unreform—preg- nant with results to so great a degree, that all the ef- forts of politicians could not prevent the alliances, connexions, and results necessary to make it so. In Europe there was then a striving for reform. The dark middle age,with all its superstition,and idleness, and death—its fear of hell and purgatory to the neg- lect of the present life—all needed reform—beggars, idlers, monks. It was the war of Protestantism against the despotism of Christian Catholicity. In this primal struggle Protestantism won the victory. Then came the spirit of doubtand enquiry. Human institutions were subjected to rigid analysis. A gi- gantic ecepticism entered the field, but it was no, left without antagonists. Mr Bancroft went on at somelergth to describe the character of the Prus- siam Protestant government of that time, and con- tended that it was essentially democratic. Frede- tick of Prussia he represented as the great Colossos of scepticism, doubting philosophy, doubting reli- gion, distrusting the multitude, scoffing at nobility, and questioning the past which he could not reform. Mr. Bancroft went on to describe the gradual growth of the cause of liberty amongst the conti- nental nations. He referred, with emphasis, as il- lustrative of this progress of freedom, to the fact that in 1764 the ancient empire of Germany—the crea- ture of the middle age, destined soon to fall, elec- ted as successor to the imperial crown a young man, whose mind, revolting from the examples of his ancestors, derided distinction of birth and as serted freedom of mind with such integrity that when afterwards it came to be exercised against himself, he refused to impair it. The lecturer went on to show how the foundations of ecclesiastical despetism had been shaken through- out all Europe; and with much eloquence depicted the early progress of that philosophic spirit of free- dom which is now overthrowing all the remnants of tyranny and oppression in the father-land, and which has in the virgin soil of this western world obtained aresistlees superiority. In the course of the lecture we thought that we oceasionally recognized sentences which fell fa- miliarly on our ear, and which we believe havea “local habitation” in come of Macaulay’s splendid articles in the Edinburgh Review. This suspicion may have been a little strengthed by the recollection © the fact that an eloquent passage on the character of the Puritans, which occurs near the close of one of Mr. Bancroft’s volumes on the History of Ameri- ca, may be found, almost word for word, in an arti- cle onthe character and writings of Milton, which was published in the Edinburgh Review some fifteen years ago, and came from the pen of Babingten Ma- caulay —By an arrival at Boston, ad- vices from Rio to the Ist ult. have been received. No political news of consequence. The Empire ap- pears to be in a flourishing condition. Part of the American squadron had gone to Buenos Ayres and Mentevideo. The remainder were to follow ina few days. Our trifling difficulties with the latter are then to be settled. Tn addition to the above, we have received a slip from the New Boston Merchants’ Exchange News Room, started by Harnden & Co., containing the following commercial intelligence :— Rio Janeiro, Nov. Ist—Cori rim a See qualities scarce, and kept back for higher rates. Superfine, 8,600 ; Firsts, 3,200 ; Ordinary, 2,700.8 2,900 ; Second do, 2,400 a Bly 272; Spanish Doubloon: xXcHANGk—Little doin, \panis] 8, 20.100 ; Patriot, 29,000 ; ‘Patriot Dollars, 1816. Fueun —Dealers holding back stifly in anticipations of ‘applies, inluced by the large crop in the United ichmond, 18,500 a 19,500; Baltimore, 17,000 a 17,500. Stock in all hands, 13,000 bbls. Domestics, very dull of sale, the African trade being at an end for the present at least. Yacnttna.—An English yacht, commanded by Capt. Hewster, an English gentleman of rank and fortune, arrived at New Orleans on the 5th inst. Capt. H., who is the owner of the yacht, left Eng- Jand some two months previous, and touched at Ja- maica to visit his brother, the present Governor of the Island. His vessel iapierced for eight guna, and will visit the Texan Republic betore her return to England. Cap. H. is accompanied by his family. ‘This is something like a yacht. Theatrical. Tur Parx.—The performances last night were for the benefit of Mrs, Brougham, and that charming actress had, as sie deserved, a bumper. The house was crowded. The “ Love Chase” was presented, and went off tolerably well. Mrs. Brougham sus- tained the character of “Constance,” with charac- teristic joyousness and spirit. Mr. Brougham, as “Master Willrake,” was not so happy. There was too much of Sount Pave about his personation of this character. Mr. Placide as Sir William Fond- love was, as usual, excellent. Mr. Burton makee his first apprarance.at this house to-night. Cnatnax Tueatre.—The new play of “ Wing and Wing” having been received last evening with much approbation by a large and fashionable audi ence, we perceive is announced for repetition this evening. The interesting drama of ‘Mary, the Maid of the Inn,” together with the highly success. ful piece of the “ King’s Word,” are also offered, forming an unusually splendid and entertaining bill, and one which will, doubtless, secure an overflowing bouse Auburn, [Correspondence of the Herald.} Avsven, Dee. 16, 1842. Blocking of the Roads—Fuilures of the Maits—Office secking—Crowd of applicants—Trade—Fashion. Gey. Bexnerr:— Oursufferingsare intolerable. Monday's “Herald,” up to this time is not received—what the devil is to pay 7 no one can tell. ButT am of the opinion that the difficulty lies with the Unea and Schenectady Railroad ; it must be that that road is blocked up with snow, of some considerable depth. Two or three weeks ago, the mails were behind from this cause, and I rather suspect they are now detained in the like way. I must say this does not speak well of the enterprise and promptness of that road. I think they need a little more of that go a-head principle, so prominent in the character and trait of ‘Davy Crockett,” the’hero of the Alamo. Our usual news channel being blocked up, every thing isdull and monotonous here, as you can well imagine. We kno- not what Co are about, or what you folks in the city of Gotham, and on the Island of Manhattan are about. It the North River had taken fire and burnt up, as far as Poughkeepsie, we should be none of the wiser for it, for if we re- ceived the news at all, it would be through Mr. Wells, or some of the other enterprising agents be- longing to Pomeroy & Co.’s express. 'e are going to have rare {un here by and by, all wing out of appointments, &c., connected with the management of our prison. The old keeper, agent, and sub-officers, numbering about forty, are expecting to take their walking papers by the middle of January,and an entire new set walk in. The num- ber of applicants, are said to be, up to this day, 870, all hungry expectants, and eager for a share of the ““spoils ;” and most, if not all, were promised before election, that something should be done for them, by the leaders of the party. But when itis to be re- membered that only 40, out of so large a number, and swelling every day toa flood, can receive an appointment, you can well imagine the chagrin and disappointment that will certainly follow. Many falta eeeriad, whose claims upon public favor are large, if pot great in point of pay reasoning, but eannot and will not submit with fortitude and pa- tience,the fate that awaits them. I knowa very great many of this class—others will be sacrificed, be- cause they smell too strong of “*Patriot”-ism, not be- ing considered wool-dyed; and last, but by no means the least class that I shall mention, the residents of our town, nine-tenths of which will be cast aside, as Tam confidently informed by one who knows. In this particular, the whigs erred greatly by appointing altogether too great a number of those liying here, and many good, hale and hearty mechanics’, were appointed, and have been pampered and fed for two years, to the exclusion and sorrow of many, more needful and deserving ; but the locofecos are deter- mined that this sin shall not be laid to their charge. So you perceive that lots of rich fun will grow out of all this scrabblinz, coaxing, shivering and sorrow- ing; already can I imagine the middle of January upon us, and our streets thronged with living wit- nesses of the truth “That disappointment is seen on every face, But those who chance to win the race.” It is now pretty much decided nd the ‘* junto,” that ex-sheriff Rathbun, brother of the Congressman elect, is to fill the office of agent and D, W. Simp- son, Esq., to be deputy keeper, but ocean 8 over the rest. ‘The inspector will oe, s Miller, editor, “Cayuga Tocsin,” Mr Pettebone, farmer, Mr. Wheeler, do., Mr. Gallup, do. and Stephen A. Goodwin, Esq., lawyer ; a judicious se- lection and one that will be popular. The snow is about one foot deep, and I never saw better sleighing; but,notwithstandng, business is quite dull, aad money very scarce. The farmers are now laying by for the tax gatherer; I don’t think the mill tax goes down quite so well since election, the far- mers complain a good deal about high taxes. Our merchants all remain solvent, and I am quite posi- tive no failures will take place here this winter. The temperance cause flourisheshere yet, and but few of the pledged reformers have gone back to their ruby cups. The fashionable season is just commencing. Mr. P—, a young and wealthy gentleman, wedded some eight weeks ago, led off by giving the most splended soireé, in every particular, that has rarely been equalled, and never excelled in our ‘lovely village.” The refreshments were furnished b: Dwight Lee, inimitable as a public caterer ; but I have no time for particulars—look out in ie ATO. Rochester. (Correspondence of the Herald.) Rocnester, Dec. 16, 1842. Doings in Rochester—Sale of Bank Stock—Low Pri- ces— Dittle Work—Office Seekers. Dear Bennetr:— - _ Moore, your enterprising and very good natured agent in the Arcade Hall, of this young go-aliead city, sells daily some half.a hundred of your interest- ing Herald, and yet you have no correspondent here, and take no rote of the stupendous eventsin finance, magnetism, morals, religion, bankruptcy and iniqui- ty, that are constantly taking place. Rochester is a great place—its bankers and finan- ciers are great and virtuous men—its magnetizers are unequalled—in morals and religion itis pre-eminent —its priests and parsons are magnates of the highest order—and its bankrupts go as much ahead of ordi- nary bankrupts as its flouring mills, propelled by the Genesee ina frezhet, go ahead of your steam engine. Now, is it not passing st that such a wide and fertile field is left by you to become a barren waste ? Why may not the great men of Rochester be immor- talized in the columns of the Herald? Why may not events of magnitude, that are constantly occur- ring, be rescued {rom oblivion by being recorded in the pages of a paper that will transmit the history of the present age to remote posterity? General Ben- nett, it mustbe done. You must no longer neglect Rochester. Because our banks are crippled, and our millers are ground up into “ shorts,” you need not despise us. We shall come up all nght yet, and no mistake. Yesterday were sold at auction seventy shares of the capital stock of the ‘“‘ Bank of Rochester,” be- longing to a bankrupt estate. The shares are $50 each, and were sold at from 20 to 22 dollars a share. The history of this Bank would be an interesting and highly instructive chapter in Rochester finance. It is the oldest bank here, and its stock was once worth fifty per centabove par; now it sells at sixty ver cent below par. 1s this mighty fall in the stock the result of misfortune or pure piety? Much of the stock is owned in your city, and in New England; and some of it by widows and orohans. Who shall reveal the secrets of the “‘ prison house?” We have had good sleighing here for the last three weeks, with every pi t of a severe winter. The prices of all the necessaries of life are remarka- bly low; but the poor suffer sadly for want of em- ployment. The office seekers are epee to make a desperate lunge at the “‘old white horse” of Sco- harrie. Pray, who grooms the horse ?—who trots him out?—who saddles and bridles him ?—who gives him his oats? A full list of the office seekers in my next. Sure. Og-Sim Cuartes Bacor continued very ill on the 13th inst. According to the Kingston British Whig, it was very difficult, even in Kingston, to obtain correct tidings of his state of health. No bulletin was issued. Curtosrry Snor or Cancer, Lamrs.—Mr. Saxton's recent importation from Paris of these superb lamps, which he is now exhibiting at 20 John street, isa treat to look at. Our fashionable people will find some entirely new styles of these well known lamps, which are now considered the standard in Paris, and have become so in fact in this city. Nothing better to illuminate the holidays. See his adver- tisement. QG If the public really knew, that General Tom Thumb was all that he is represented, viz: a perfectly formed, lively, talkative, and intelligent young gen'le- man, eleven years of age, only the size of an infant, mea- suring but one foot and ten incees high, and weighing only fifteen pounds, we say ifthe public knew this fact, the American Museum would not be large enough to hold the visitors. Such, however, is truly the fact, and the General is by far the most interesting and wonderfal living curiosity inthe world. The Museum is thronged day and night, with the first families in the city. The General remains five days longer. ‘The entertainments this week in the Lecture Room, are of the very first order. Next Monday, Barnum opens the ball for the holidays, with anew and magnificent exhibition, that will eclipse all his former efforts. So look out, for when Barnum at- tempts a great thing, he spares no expense in ensuring success. (G- The New York Museum was well attended last night. Nellis, the greatest curiosity of the present day, “born without arms,” attracts much attention ; he exe- cutesa variety of feats, that those possessing the use of their hands, are unable to accomplish ; he performs on half a dozen different musical instrumeats, and winds up by shaving oneof the audience, holding the rezor with his feet. Jenkins, the comic delinestor, singer, and banjo player, also appears, anying Diamond on the aboveinstrament, in his dancing. Wright, the falsetto vocalist, Queen Victoria’s dresses, Mermaid, Picture Gallery, &c. all for one shilling, BY THE SOUTHERN MATE, === Washington, {Correspondence of the Herald.) Wasuinerton, Suxpay Nianrt, Dee. 18, 1842. The late Mutinyand Execution—Religion— Temperance—Mr, Proflit, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Levins—r. Hassier—The Coast Survey— ‘The Weather, &c. tical The news of the mutiny end execution of Mid- shipman Spencer reached this city yesterday, but was not publiely known until the arrival of the cars from New York. The account created a great sen- sation, and although on a firm belief of the facts as stated in the Herald relative to the mutiny, every one commended the conduct of Commodore McKenzie as being energetic, just, courageous, and humane to the many, get a very deep and®aniversal sympathy is felt for the Hon. Mr. Spencer. This gentleman, of course, is very deeply depressed about it, and bis la- dy is almost broken hearted. She had issued cards fora large party next Wednesday, just before the news arrived. The Presidentsympathizes sincerely and deeply with Mr. Spencer in his terrible afflic- tion ; indeed it would be contrary to his nature not to do so, with any friend or even foe under such a shocking calamity. How much of the crime of this young man may be attributed to the miserable trash that the country is daily de- luged with in the shape ot romantic adventures of pirates, banditti, exploits of celebrated high- waymen, freebooters, &c ? How many young men have Ainsworth’s romances of Jack Sheppard and Dick Turpin brought to the gallows? And how many disgraceful and earlyideath? ‘Red Rover” and “Water Witch,” have done an incalculable amount of mis- chief in this way, and above all that miserable crea- ture Marryatt’s ae 4 nevel of the “Pirate,” has done more evil than the author could rectify if he could live a thousand years—and 1 do not think that “La Feu Follet,” Cooper's last work, is free from the same powerful objection. Magnifying a thief and a murderer into a hero, and throwing a_halo of romance around him, is not the best way to improve the morals of the rising generation. From all the enquiries that I have been able to make, I cannot learn that Commander McKenzie hasarrived in the city. Perfect secresy is observed atthe Navy Department in relation to this painful matter. It is supposed here that young Spencer must have been crazy. ~ ‘The Hall of Representatives was crowded to-day to hear the Rev. Mr, Tiffiany preach for the first time. Not many ladies were present, but a large majority of those wao were there were very beauti- ful. 'r. Tiffany is not so exciting a preacher as Mr. Maffit, but he preaches more sound sense in five minutes than Mr. Maffit did in an hour. His ser- mon was very short to-day, only occupying about 25 or 30 minutes, but it seemed to give general satis- faction, perhaps partly on account of its brevity. Some of the members of Congress tell a curious story here about Maffit, which, of course, is all slan der. They say that after some of his revival ser- mons he would get down from the pulpit, take some sister by the hand, and say (calling her by name) “Sister Sarah, (&c.), do you love the Lord?” To which, of course, the sister would answer “ Yes.” He would immediately add, “Then kiss Brother Maffit for the Lerd’s sake”! Of course this is all a fabrication—of course. RR It is astonishing to see the rapid strides that Tem- perance is making in this city. The House of Re- presentatives have ordered all the drinking shops to be cleared out on their side of the capitol, and it 1s thought that the Senate will follow suit. "The Hon. Mr. Briggs of!Mass., and Lewis C. Levins, Esq., (a Catholic and I believe a brother of the Rev Mr. Le- vins of N. Y.,) are the great champio: The for- mer in the House, and the latter out of it. I atten- ded a lecture given bv the latter the other eveni atone of the churches, and was surprised to fin nearly half the members of Caner ete etme with some Of the most beautiful women in the city there. He isof the Hon. Tom Marshall style of lecturing, but I like hig style of eloquence even better than that distinguished gentleman; he has as much fire, and originality, with more genius, and a higher or- der of eloquence ; and it was owing to him that the drinking shops were cleared out of the capitol. I it is all right, though some of the members took notes of his lecture, but es he will be in New York soon, you can report him, as your gi corps now 1n the city ia more than equal to the task. Imuch regret to say, that the Hon. George Proffit of Indiana, ts lying very ili indeed at his residence here, Todd's Rooms. It appenra that when he left Washington for home at the close of the long ses- sion he was very sick with bilious fever; ou reach- ing home he was confined to his room; the vio- lent and many unprincipied Cay waa a port that he wesnot sick; but that he was iiineas, begause he was atraid to meet his constita- ents. This, toa man of Proffit’s spirit avd indepen- deat kisposition could not be submitted to; and al- though told by his physician that the step might cost his life, he left his sick bed, and went through his District, making many very powerful and excel- lentepeeches. The result is that he is now here so very sick that it is doubtful if he recovers this ses- sion. It is currently reported here, and believed, that no Van Buren men are to be appeinted in the Custom House in New York. . Old Mr. Hassler, the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, has arrived in this city, and wh eaty be in the House to-morrow. If 30, we 1 pro- bably have hot work. Mr, Burnell, of Mass. has the floor. A part_or all of the a pag ion will pass the House. Gen. M‘Neil, of tbe S. army, or Commodore Wilkes, of the navy, could accom- plish more in one year thanthe old man could in ten, in this coast survey. Com. Wilkes completed many more surveys in his three “years cruise than Hassler has in ten years ; surveyed and sounded im- portant harbors and rivers in all parts of the world, and when he came home he was reprimanded. The weather is tolerably fine here to-day, but very few persons have promenaded the avenue Mr. Catnoun.—In the Senate of Georgia. on Sa- turday 10th inst, Mr. Lawson offered a preamble and resolutions relative to Mr. Calhoun, and nominating him for the Presidency of the United States.— Charleston Mercury, Dec. 16 Sreampoat Cotnision, ano. Sivxinc.—On Thur day evening about nine o’clock, the steamboats Missouri, bound hence for Vicksburg, and the Sam. Dale, bound down from Louisville, came in contact while rounding Bonet Carre Point,when the former ran completely upen the Dale amidships, and sunk her at ence toher hurricane deck. Most, if not all on board the D. escaped to the Missouri, and the last accounts rendered it doubtful whether some few persons on the lower deck had _ perished er not. The Dale was a new boat, built at New Albany for the Alabama river, and had an assorted cargo taken in at Louisville and below, comprising one item of 500 bales of cotton, The crew and passengers were brought down by the Boque Houma. The Misseuri started some of ete aoe ase leaked some on getting afloat, but after slight repair, pro- sealed on her upward trip.—New Orleans Bulletin, Distress 1x Oxto.—In Ohio, it is known, the cir- culation of the sound Banks 1s reduced to a very trifling amount, and as the currency is almost exclu- sively of hard money, the value of property of every description is correspondingly depressed. The dis- tress which is thus brought upon debtors may be ua. derstood from the facts, which are stated in a Dayton ot “that well saved hay has been sold for a dol- lar a ton, at constable’s sale, and excellent cows for three dollurs a piece. At another constable’s sale five hundred bushels of corn ia the ear were sold for three dollars!—and eighty acres of wheat, well put in, for the samesum! , Aletterfrom Coshocton county, Ohio, says It is impossible for re to give you an idea of the dis- tressin this part of the country. Oats will bring only 10cents per bushel. Corn 124 cems. Wheat ° 40 cents and no demand. Hogs # per 100 Ibs. Beet cattle $1 per 100 Ibs. alive. Four years old steers $10, and other cattle in proportion. —Balti- more American. Navat.—The Norfolk Beacon eg that Lieut. Richard Jones hasbeen ordered to the command of the United States Receiving vessel in this harbor, vice Lieutenant T. F. Johnson, who takes com- bar of the U. 8. brig Bainbridge, destination un- nown. NoTHER OuTRaGE BY Finemen.—The newghbor- hon of Tenth and Spruce streets, was thrown into commotion yesterday noon, by the rence of one of those outrages, of late so common in our city, a fight between the of two fire Go oe The parties ¢1 dwere the Bd gay ed ingine at eer the latter in Rferamencice. ‘The be pe Sven sone fifteen of twenty minutes, di mmotion hich time the scene was most nul, anda ring display for a drunken indian eillsge - ther than fora retin community, and on the Sab- bath day.—Phil. Gaz., Dec. 19. Stock Sales at Philadelphia Yesterday. 10 shores Western Bank, 29; 19 do. Southwark Fire Ins., 14; 10 do. Kentucky Bank, 3. Len) Pe Sarg a Breyoor, Tnrks Is! . mI eo aa Wandin’ fc Johustons St ohh, Be a Weetectt, ‘ance, Jersey Crty. . Caspian, Azey, Frankfort; Planet, Taher, Po oes eter: Aeerp Es Tat i inner, pt ‘ork; leet, Roe ag ry a Sapcim cheb No Nidan, Novia!