Of odes, and rhymes, and rants, from Niddesdale, Was brought before the nine, on strong suspicion Of being fetch'd from obsolete edition Of bards deceas'd, or strolling minstrel's wallet, And sent to mart as bran-new song and ballad, Tho' well 'tis known, transgressors of this sort Are outlaws deemed by ancient rule of court. No thievish dare, the sacred sisterhood, Have sworn and said, will ever be allow'd In classic chimney-nook to hatch and breed, Nor on the fields of Fame to scrape and feed. Like Nithsdale's thrifty dames, serenely gay, The ladies all were busy in their way. Glanc'd on historie page with critic eye, And fair Erato with seraphic grace, Terphsicore, the lovely laughing muse, Had made her curtsey to begin shantrews; When, lo-the beadle bold of Attick-Hall Threw down the bale of rhyme before them all, But scarcely had the astonished beadle hands Untied the knots and loos'd the swathing bands, When, ghastly pale, before the judgment seat, Prior arose, wrapt in his winding sheet; And stretching his right hand towards the nine, "That Innocent," exclaim'd the 'bard," is mine. "When on the green, with youngling sprouts at play, "These Gaberlunzie stole my child away. "Lug-mark'd him as their own, and sent him forth "To beg with mendicants of meanest birth. "One only boon on earth have I to claim, "Restore the little wanderer to my fame." He said, and, with a stern indignant stare, The phantom form dissolv'd itself in air. Next from his car of cloud, a stately shade, Like nature's self, in minstrel weeds array'd, His temples bound with wild-rose chaplet fair, Cull'd on the fairy banks of “hermit Ayr,” He mov'd the Holly rustling on his brows, "Theh bawl, (my soul the low deception spurns,) "Braw Troggin, warranted all wove by Burns. "So Sheffield cutler of inferior skill, "Where craftless hands can't feed his bannock mill, "Assumes the mark, and stamps his blades to-boot, "With whittle-maker's name of more repute. Such are the wounds your poet's name receives, And such the foul affronts his spirit grieves. These fame-defilers, from my 'native skies," "Have called me down their folly to chastise." He ceased, and soul-awaking music wild, Recall'd fair Scotia's bard and Nature's child. Roll'd in his cloud, the warning to obey, He" fled, like passing thought, in light away.” Then forward stept a wight of moorland mien, Whose manners ne'er at boarding-school had been; He doff'd his bonnet, trimm'd with heatherbells, And wild-thyme, cull'd upon his native fells; Then to his bosom strain'd a hapless sonnet, 'His very soul and bowels yearning on it; And thus he spoke: "I'll lay a good grey groat, "This bantling, ladies,, was by me begot; "Each family feature clearly can I trace; "Tho' gypsie-like, they've walnut-shell'd "By Helicon!" in transport wild, cried she, And all the holy gods! what's yon I see? "Rapid, on sounding wing, high pois'd in air, "Comes Shakespear, Milton, Pope, and Gulliver; "Cowley and Collins, Cowper, Dryden, Gray, "And, hither bound, they seem to shape their way." Quoth. Thalia, "All our bards of choicest mould, "And hither do they wend to see what's what, "In this tough sodden mess of lean and fat, "Where rapt ideas and rich sense sublime, "Are stew'd for sauce to season silly rhyme, " Where tempting hints, to odes and songs have swoln, "And nappy mother wit, these blades have stoll'n, "Is through their tasteless possets stirr'd so cruel, "Like true blue Fairntosh in water-gruel"By Jove! young men," quoth she, and shook her head, "Your case looks ill and very black indeed.” But now the village bells began to chime, And plainly told the Court 'twas puddingtime. Sage Melpomene, being president, quoth she, "That all men may have chance, their own From toils of wealth, I trusted to retain Dear to my humble bliss-the hallowing strain Divine, and beamings of the open heart! Ah! while thou turn'st thee anxious to the deep, Shall thousand Hopes, expectant of the gale, In laughing dalliance wanton in thy sail, And only Loves, and gentle Friendships, weep! Go, then !-But, on thy hours tho' fortune cast A brighter sunshine, lose not in its smile These years of simple joy!-Oh! when, the while, True to the Poet of the tender past, Some far-flown bliss thy softening gaze shall see, Had marrow stoll'n of late-so I've been May the sweet sigh that owns it-think of told, me! 65 Historical Affairs. AMERICA. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Washington City, Dec. 5. 1815. THIS day, at 12 o'clock, the President of the United States transmitted to both Houses of Congress the following message, by Mr Todd, his Secretary: [The following extracts contain every thing material.] "Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. "I have the satisfaction, on our present meeting, of being able to communicate to you the successful termination of the war which had been commenced against the United States by the Regency of Algiers.. The squadron in advance on that service, under Commodore Decatur, lost not a moment, after its arrival in the Mediterranean, in seeking the naval force of the enemy, then cruizing in that sea, and succeeded in capturing two of his ships, one of them the principal ship commanded by the Algerine Admiral. The high character of the American commander was brilliantly sustained on the occasion, which brought his own ship into close action with that of his adversary, as was the accustomed gallantry of all the officers and men actually engaged. Having prepared the way, by this demonstration of American skill and prowess, he hastened to the port of Algiers, where peace was promptly yielded to his victorious force. In the terms stipulated, the rights and honour of the United States were particularly consulted, by a perpetual relinquishment, on the part of the Dey, of all pretensions to tribute from them. The impressions which have thus been made, strengthened as they will have been by subsequent transactions with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli, by the appearance of the larger force which followed under Commodore Bainbridge, the chief in command of the expedition, and by the judicious precautionary arrangements left by him in that quarter, afford a reasonable prospect of future security, for the valuable portion of commerce which passes within reach of the Barbary cruizers. "It is another source of satisfaction, that the treaty of peace with Great Britain has been succeeded by a convention on the sub. ject of commerce, concluded by the Plenipotentiaries of the two countries. In this January 1816. result a disposition is manifested, on the part of that nation, corresponding with the disposition of the United States, which, it may be hoped, will be improved into liberal arrangements on other subjects, on which the parties have mutual interests, or which might endanger their future harmony. Congress will decide on the expediency of promoting such a sequel, by giving effect to the measure of contining the American navigation to American seamen ; a measure which, at the same time that it might have that conciliatory tendency, would have the further advantage of increasing the independence of our navigation, and the resour ces for our maritime defence. Treaty of Ghent, relating to the Indians, as "In conformity with the Articles of the well as with a view to the tranquillity of our Western and North Western Frontiers, measures were taken to establish an immediate Peace with the several Tribes who had engaged in hostilities against the United States. Such of them as were invited to Detroit acceded readily to a renewal of the former Treaties of friendship. Of the other tribes who were invited to a station on the accepted the peace offered to them. The Mississipi, the greater number have also residue, consisting of the more distant tribes or parts of tribes, remain to be brought over by further explanations, or by such positions they may finally disclose. other means as may be adapted to the dis ing on our southern frontier, when a cruel "The Indian tribes within, and borderwar on their part had compelled us to chastise into peace, have lately shewn a restlessness, which has called for preparatory measures for repressing it, and for protecting the Commissioners engaged in carrying the terms of the peace into execution. 66 Although the embarrassments arising from the want of an uniform National Curadjournment of Congress, great satisfaction rency have not been diminished since the has been derived, in contemplating the revival of the public credit, and the efficiency of the public resources. The receipts into the Treasury, from the various branches of revenue, during the nine months ending on the 30th of September last, have been estimated at 12,500,000 dollars; the issues of Treasury Notes of every denomina ́tion, during the same period, amounted to the sum of 14,000,000 dollars; and there was also obtained upon loan, during the same period, a sum of 9,000,000 dollars; of which the sum of 6,000,000 dollars was subscribed in cash, and the sum of 3,000,000 dollars in Treasury Notes. With these means, added to the sum of 1,500,000 dollars, being the balance of money in the Treasury on the 1st of January, there has been paid, between the 1st of January and the 1st of October, on account of the appropriations of the preceding and the present year (exclusive of the amount of the Treasury Notes subscribed to the loan, and the amount redeemed in the payment of duties and taxes) the aggregate sum of 33,500,000 dollars, leaving a balance then in the Treasury, estimated at the sum of 3,000,000 dollars. Independent, however, of the arrearages due for military services and supplies, it is presumed, that a further sum of 5,000,000 dollars, including the interests on the public debt payable on the 1st of January next, will be demanded at the Treasury, to complete the expenditure of the present year, and for which the existing Ways and Means wil sufficiently provide. "The national debt, as it was ascertained on the 1st of October last, amounted in the whole to the sum of 120,000,000 dollars, consisting of the unredeemed balance of the debt contracted before the late war, (thirty-nine millions dollars,) the amount of the funded debt contracted in consequence of the war (64,000,000 dollars,) and the amount of the unfunded and floating debt (including the various issues of Treasury Notes) seventeen millions dollars, which is in a gradual course of payment. "Notwithstanding the security for future repose, which the United States ought to find in their love of Peace, and their constant respect for the rights of other nations, the character of the times particularly inculcates the lesson, that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought not to be unprepared for it. This consideration will suffi ciently recommend to Congress, a liberal provision for the immediate extension, and gradual completion, of the works of defence, both fixed and floating, on our maritime frontier; and an adequate provision for guarding our inland frontier, against dangers to which certain portions of it may continue to be exposed. "The signal services which have been rendered by our Navy, and the capacities it has developed for successful co-operation in the national defence, will give to that portion of the public force its full value in the eyes of Congress, at an epoch which calls for the constant vigilance of all Governments "To preserve the ships now in a sound state; to complete those already contemplated; to provide amply the unperishable materials for prompt augmentations, and to improve the existing arrangements into more advantageous establishments, for the construction, the repairs, and the security of vessels of war, is dictated by the soundest policy. "In closing this communication, I ought not to repress a sensibility, in which you will unite, to the happy lot of our country, and to the goodness of a superintending Providence, to which we are indebted for it. Whilst other portions of mankind are labouring under the distresses of war, or struggling with adversity in other forms, the United States are in the tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honourable Peace. In reviewing the scenes through which it has been attained, we can rejoice in the proofs given, that our Political Institutions, founded on human rights, and framed for their preservation, are equal to the severest trials of war, as well as adapted to the ordinary periods of repose. As fruits of this experience, and of the reputation acquired by the American arms, on the land and on the water, the nation finds itself possessed of a growing respect abroad, and of a just confidence in itself, which are forming the best pledges for its peaceful career. Under other aspects of our country, the strongest features of its flourishing condition are seen, in a population rapidly increasing, on a territory as productive as it is extensive; in general industry, and fertile ingenuity, which find their ample rewards; and in an affluent revenue, which admits a reduction of the public burdens, without withdrawing the means of sustaining the public credit; of gradually discharging the public debt, of providing for the necessary defensive and precautionary establishments, and of patronizing, in every authorised mode, undertakings conducive to the aggregate wealth and individual comfort of our citizens. "It remains for the guardians of the public welfare, to persevere in that justice and good will towards other Nations, which invite a return of these sentiments towards the United States; to cherish institutions which guarantee their safety; and their liberties, civil and religious; and to combine with a liberal system of foreign commerce, an improvement of the natural advantages, and a protection and extension of the independent resources of our highlyfavoured and happy country. "In all measures having such objects my faithful co-operation will be afforded. "JAMES MADISON.” "Washington, Dec. 5. 1815." A Convention, to regulate the Commerce between the territories of the United States and those of his Britannic Majesty. Art. 1. There shall be, between the territories of the United States of America, and all the territories of his Britannic Majesty in Europe, a reciprocal liberty of commerce. The inhabitants of the two countries respectively shall have liberty freely and securely to come with their ships and cargoes to all such places, ports, and rivers in the territories aforesaid to which other foreigners are permitted to come, to enter into the same, and to remain and reside in any parts of the said territories respectively; also to hire and occupy houses and warehouses for the purposes of their commerce: and generally, the merchants and traders of each nation respectively shall enjoy the most complete protection and security for their commerce, but subject always to the laws and statutes of the two countries respectively. 2. No higher or other duties shall be imposed on the importation to the United States of any articles, the growth, produce, or manufacture of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe; and no higher or other duties shall be imposed on the importation into the territories of his Britannic Majesty in Europe of any articles, the growth, produce, or manufacture of the United States, than are or shall be payable on the like articles, being the growth, produce, or manufacture of any other foreign countries; nor shall any higher or other duties or charges be imposed in either of the two countries on the exporta. tion of any articles to the United States, or to his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe respectively, than such as are payable on the exportation of the like articles to any other foreign country; nor shall any prohibition be imposed on the exportation or importation of any articles, the growth, pro duce, or manufacture of the United States, or of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, to or from the said territories of his Britannic Majesty in Europe, to or from the said United States, which shall not be equally extended to all other nations. No higher or other duties or charges shall be imposed in any of the ports of the United States on British vessels, than those payable in the same ports by vessels of the United States, nor in the ports of any of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, on the vessels of the United States, than shall be payable in the same ports on British vessels. The same duties shall be paid on the importation into the United States of any articles, the growth, produce, or ma nufacture, of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, whether such importation shall be in vessels of the United States, or in British vessels, and the same duties shall be paid on the importation into the ports of any of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, of any article the growth, produce, or manufacture of the United States, whether such importation shall be in British vessels, or in the vessels of the United States. The same duties shall be paid, and the same bounties allowed, on the exportation of any articles, the growth, produce, or manufactures of his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, to the United States, whether such exportation shall be in British vessels, or vessels of the United States; and the same duties shall be paid, and the same bounties allowed, on the exportation of any article, the growth, produce, or manufacture of the United States, to his Britannic Majesty's territories in Europe, whether such exportation shall be in British vessels, or in vessels of the United States. It is further agreed, that in all places where draw-backs are or may be allowed upon the re-exportation of any goods, the growth, produce, or manufacture of either country respectively, the amount of the said drawbacks shall be the same, whether the said goods shall have been originally imported in a British or American vessel; but when such re-exportation shall take place from the United States in a British vessel, or from territories of his Britannic Majesty in Europe in an American vessel, to any other foreign nation; the two Contracting Parties reserve to themselves respectively the right of regulating or diminishing in such case the amount of the said drawback. The intercourse between the United States and his Britannic Majesty's possessions in the West Indies, and on the Continent of North America, shall not be affected by any of the provisions of this article, but each party shall remain in the complete possession of its rights, with respect to such an intercourse. 3. His Britannic Majesty agrees that the vessels of the United States of America shall be admitted, and hospitably received, at the principal settlements of the British dominions in the East Indies, viz. Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, and the Prince of Wales's Island; and that the citizens of the United States may freely carry on trade between the said principal settlements and the said United States in all articles of which the importation and exportation respectively to and from the said territories shall not be entirely |