occasions.

THE persons confined in the Debtors Prison, who were presented by Thomas Lowndes Esq. the keeper, with two loads of wood, beg leave to request him to accept their grateful thanks for his timely donation of this necessary article, when they were without the means of supply.

THE Legislature of New Jersey at their late session, have passed a law extending the limits of debtors to the whole of the County in which they may be confined. Under this new regulation it will be seen that Debtors have now an opportunity by their labor and industry to procure a maintenance for themselves and families.What an example for our State to imitate, what an obligation of duty would our Legislature discharge by the enactment of a similar law.

Pennsylvania.-This great State has abolished Imprisonment for Debt, and has also enacted a law in relation to property real or personal taken in execution, which provides that all property levied upon in this manner shall be first appraised by citizens chosen for that purpose, and if at the public sale the same does not bring within two thirds of its appraised value, it shall not be sold.

five dollars must be paid down, and then the Debtor is at large. It is our intention to expose this iniquitous business, and to exhibit them as creatures whom Debtors should avoid, for their work is mercenary, and their embrace is death. For this purpose we solicit information from gentlemen without the prison walls. In these developements the Legislative authority will perceive haw, utterly nugatory is Imprisonment for Debt, when the debtor is willing to become morally, though not civilly, guilty of something like Subornation of Pergury.

PERSECUTION.

Benjamin Loring, a respectable citizen of this city, and for r many years a subaltern officer in the war of the Revolution, attached to the well known regiment of Artillery commanded by the late Col. Lamb, and of which the present Gen. Stevens was then Lieut. Col. is at last an inmate of the Debtors Prison, for a paltry sum due by him for costs in a recent attempt by a suit at law for the recovery of a patrimony to which he is entitled by every obligation of law, and every principle of justice. This unfortunate man embarked in the Revolution at an early period and early age, and his patriotic bosom was filled with the most ardent wishes for his country's liberation. I was him who at the battle of Yorktown, when Cornwallis surrendered at dis

We have on hand several communications and affidavits relating to a description of beings called "Walk in the water Men," whose livelihood is obtained by bailing prisoners out of Goal for a stipulated fee-say to pro

patriotic and animating air of Yankee Doodle; officiating as drum major on the right of the American army, and placed by the side of the illustrious Washington.

Temperate in his habits, industrious in his pursuits, and afflicted by com stant disease, he is obliged to linger out an existence, in which his abode might better be fixed in the Hospital than in the Debtors Prison.

Those

who feel an interest for the distress, calamity and misery of an old soldier, can find him here within these prison walls; and those gentlemen of the bar who would assist in doing justice to the war worn veteran, will find in this humble citizen an object worthy their kind and favorable regard. It was in absence from home during that trying period when desolation threatened our beloved country that he lost his father; that he also nearly lost the title to his parental estate. It was in those days that wills were not deemed necessary, but a deposit of the deeds of property in the hands of a friend, and the expressed wish of the person bequeathing were sufficient, without the formalities of a will.

This evidence of parental affection was placed in the hands of the late much respected S. Riker, Esq. with a verbal request that the same should be carried into effect. But alas! an unimely death prevented this excellent man from fulfilling the injunctions of the bequest. The evidences, how ever, are not lost, and time and justice will afford at last what has been delayed by imperious circumstances.

The lamp of the Revolution, which was lighted by integrity, cheered by ustice, and consumated by valor, is fast extinguishing. Suffer not the aged limbs of one who on every occasion gave effect to circumstances, by the ear piercing fife, and the heart thrilling drum, to groan under poverty and disress, as well as oppression.

REPORT of prisoners committed to, and discharged from the Debtors Prion of this city, from the third to the ixth inst.

April 3-committed 8-discharged 5

Aggregate number of Prisoners, ending April 6.-45-Of these 21 are supplied with soup &c. by the Humane Society, having no other means of sub-, sistance.

An instructive lesson is afforded in the above exhibit of prisoners confined, of the value of imprisoning an unfortunate debtor. Most of the persons now applicants, under the various laws for the relief of insolvent debtors, are among those who receive this inestimable charity.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The polite offer of that philanthropist and christian, John Vanderbilt, jr. esq. the Coroner, to furnish the conductors of this journal with memorandas of interesting incidents that may occur at his inquests, is acknowledged with every sentiment of gratitude and respect.

An interesting article on the subject of "The Middle-Hall Society" came too late for this day's paper; It shall have a conspicuous place iu our next number.

MARRIED,

By the Rev. Mr. Bork, Mr. Morris Gassner,

to Miss Maria Laure Wood, daughter of Mr. Israel Wood, all of this city.

DIED,

At Glenn's Falls, Hon. William Robards, first Judge of the county of Warren.

At the city of Washington, Commodore STE. PHEN DECATUR. He fell in a Duel with Com. Barron. He was interred with civil and Military honours. Among the mourners on this occasion was the President of the U. States, and the Members of both Houses of Congress, the Heads of Departments, Foreign Ministers, and the Civil authorities of the District of Co

lumbia.

"How sleep the Brave who sink to rest, "With all their countries honors blest."

The Genius of Columbia weeps! the American Eagle is stationary, and refuses the expansion of her wings; for our country laments the early death of one who braved the dangers of the seas and the thunder of battle to give glory to his native land! He has indeed done a deed at which valour itself must weep!

Old Time with his scythe, soon brought round the Day,

When the maiden enthrall'd was, by Tyranny's power,

Her chains were most galling, in vain did she pray,

From her Tyrant a boon, her birth right's bright dower.

My Birth right, she cried,

Of all mankind the pride,

Is Liberty, which all the gods deified; And though by enrapture elated you be, The sure march of reason, will soon set me free; Her words were prophetic, he shrank from the fight,

And by Reason compell'd, soon restored her Birth right.

At Lexington first, the dread struggle began, Precursor of light, like the star of the morning,

With beams most refulgent announcing the sun, Whose rays show'd the world young Liberty dawning.

The Sun rising high, Caused the Tyrant to fly, While Liberty rear'd her blest standard on high,

Then Tyranny fled o'er the far distant wave, Leaving Freedom to guard still the home of the brave,

Fell Tyranny forced from the blest shore to

The foe quick rush'd on, in confident pride, And vow'd Freedom's symbols from the ear should be hurl'd,

But the armour of Mars each attack could ride,

And show'd, when united we're a mal for the world.

The battle grew bright, Gibbs led on the fight, Whilst Packenham cried, we'll have Bo to-night.

But the gods in full couucil his fate had creed,

And declared that their daughter from each should be freed.

The Canton of Freedom every foe pu flight.

And the pride of the world still exist in might.

put it out of his power to render that

IS ISSUED FROM THE PRESS OF

left to pursue his usual avocations ? Laws, subjecting the body, originally,

AND PUBLISHED BY

JOHN B. JANSEN,

No. 15 Chatham-street,
NEW-YORK,

At two dollars per annum, payable quarterly in advance.

Persons at a distance may have the paper regularly forwarded to them by mail, provided they forward the requisite advance, post paid.

From the Bridgetown Whig.

IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.

This subject has, for a considerable time, excited the public attention. It is an evil which can hardly be supported either on the ground of good policy or justice. The principal, and in fact, the only good argument that can be supposed in support of this measure is, that the terrors of a prison frequently operates as an incitement to persons in declining circumstances, to industry and greater exertion, to pay their debts, and relieve themselves from pecuniary embarrassments. That it may partially have this effeet we do not doubt. But is it in the power of all to surmount these difficulties, even by excessive industry and exertion? We apprehend not. Why, then, should we imprison the body of an honest man, when we are aware, by that means, we completely

questionably framed as a punishment for the guilty, or those who, having sufficient property, refuse to account for it, or to pay their just debts. Have our insolvent laws had in general this effect? We presume no one will answer in the affirmative.

Is there any argument, then, for continuing in a course which we perceive has a contrary effect from what was originally intended. That it distresses the honest debtor instead of punishing the guilty, and to all which we are daily witnesses? Certainly not. It may be asked what security has the creditor, when deprived of the power of imprisoning his debtor? We reply, that he stands on as safe, if not on better ground, than when he possessed that power. In nine cases out of ten, a creditor never realizes any thing by the imprisonment of his debtor. It is evidently, then, of no advantage to him; and the mere gratification of imprisoning a man will hardly be contended for. If all the laws on this subject were abolished, we think it would operate very materially in favour of the merchant, mechanic and farmer; they would be cautious to whom they gave credit, and it would tend, in a very great de gree, to relieve the country from that system of crediting, which at present embarrasses it. The following observations are copied from the West

Jersey Gazette, with a view of throwing a little more light on the subject.

"That all men are born free and have an equal right by birth to liberty, and all the enjoyments this life can afford, is an opinion that with me remains unalterable; but that such is not the case through life, is an undoubted fact. And perhaps it would not be salutary at the present day; society requires a restriction of rank. Misfortunes befal the worthiest and best of men. Others, by vicious behaviour, forfeit their privilege; and our laws authorize a creditor, after taking the greatest part of the debtor's property, to deprive him of his liberty by locking him in a goal; and although he may have done a number of good acts, and have been a useful and worthy citizen, although he may have ventured his life and fortune to establish our freedom and independence, and now advancing with rapid strides to the grave, yet for a trifling debt must be dragged to prison; there to perish, or live on the charity of his friends and all this to gratify a merciless creditor. Monstrous injustice! His family left to weep at home, deprived of that sustenance which is necessary to support nature, must apply for public support; and after all this, the creditor is destitute of his money. But he may have gratified his merciless disposition. It is unnecessary to say much on the subject; It is sufficiently evident without. But I would

recommend to the consideration of

those whose province it is, to make such regulation as they in their wisdom may think proper, believing that, in this enlightened day, there are few men of candour that will suppose, that a creditor is entitled to the body, or has a right in justice to deprive a debtor of his personal liberty, is a species of tyranny; and I trust that the state of New-Jersey will not be

the last to do it away.

Extract of a letter to the Editor of the Albany Register.

Such is the oppression and injustice of the present system, that the meritorious, intelligent and enterprising citizen suffers the mortification of seeing his name enrolled upon the goaler's register, with the black-hearted destroyer of private virtue and public peace, and the unprincipled swindler, who by deceit and covin has enriched himself or his friends with

the property of honest and industrious men. Such, indeed, is the want of equity in the law now in force, that our goal liberties are literally lined with men, who, but for the interference of cruel fate, might adorn the circles of men of business; but who are, from the incorrigible weakness, or unpar donable wickedness, of some barbarous creditor, forced to cast their families at the feet of our

charitable institutions, and throw themselves upon the bounty of the poor laws. If it would not be disgraceful in the extreme to the civi lization, to the political standing, and philanthropic character of our state, and if the picture would not disgust every man whose bosom throbs with the moral energy of christian feeling, I would turn to the records of ancient cruelty, and show in this respect, that with us, civilization has lost its influence, and prove that we might justly claim, in this particnlar, "kin to barbarism." It is diametrically opposite to the genius of our con stitution, that a single individual of the human race, who claims protection under, and owes alle giance to it, should be immured