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Engii.ijoment between Ili'i .Mnjosty's Ship "Leopard " and the United .States Frigate " Clicsiipoalio" S American account of of the same Anniils of the times rolatini? to tlio above American accounts , Court ^fartial for tim trial of .lolin Wilson altan .fcnkin (lately taken froui tiic American Krlgitto " ('liesapoalvc '") on chargi's of defcrtion, mutiny and cuntenipt ■^ Annal.s of the times Message of tlio I'rcsidont of the United State? relating to the attack on the ■'Chesapeake ' Annals uf the timc3 ~.'> to .to Provincial Parliament of Lower Canadii, speech of 8ir James Ifenry Craig ."lO Reply ef tli« Legislature 31 Annals of the times ;J3-;{r Arrival of General Provost at Halifax '.',H Sentence a;;ainst Captain James Barrow of the United Slates Frigate " Ohosa- peako ''.... , Annals of tac times Message of the Presiilent (.f the Initod States velating to the attack on the " Che?a}»eakc " llelating to the Embar^^o Annals of the times M Xon-intcrcourso act , Proclamation respecting tlio same Correspondence between lion. F. J. Jackson, envoy extraordinary and minister Plenipotcntionary of His Britannic Majesty, and Hon. R. Smitli, of the Department of State, Washington 40 to j-2 House of llepresentatives of the United States, in relation to Mr. Jackson (Governor General's speech alluding to the differences with tlie United States.. The Legislative Council thereon The House of Assembly thereon Resolves rei)orted in the Senate of Mnysacliusctts Annals of the times Regarding the recall of Mr. Jackson Sermon of the Catholic Bishop Plessi!" of Quebee ,,.,.. Annals of the times : Recall of Mr. .Tackson Repeal of decrees opening tlio Ports of the United States to France , Proclamation on the same subject Annals of the times , Sir James Craig's speech Successor to Mr. .Jackson .* ,, ..... , 2fon-intcrconrso » , , •• ;!9 W I -J (4 4r» •ICi J2 .'.2 .);•. 5j id .>a t'lO I'll «4 «3 ttti 07 67 as I 11 l»Aai:. Engngomcnt betwoon tho U. S. rrigiilc "President " ainl the liritish !fl(>oi> of wnr "Littlo Belt" 72 Tlio "Prosident" and the "Little IVjlt '| 75 Departure of (Jovcrnor Craig 8 4 Relating to the "Littli Belt " SC> Tho cloud of war Oi; Qonoral Brock's speech lOil Proceoling^ in Tpjicr Ciuiailii 10;; Daniel Tompkin's speech JDS Sir George Prcvost opens Parliament in 1812 Uii The Legislative Council ]\\ The Commons ] Ij Prince Regent's speech Ij;, United States House of Representatives— Preparations for war il.'( The story of John Henry 117 Tho Embargo 129 American war paragraphs ];?2 A conscription 138 United States Congress • i;',!) Hostile preparations , IJO Declaration of war 142 (jcneral orders J4;{ Proclamation by Sir Gerirge Prevost l^g l»Aci:. HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. 7.) u 80 or. 100 lo;; JOS no HI 11-' iij 11.". 117 12U 132 138 no 142 14.'. HS ENGACrEMENT BETWEEN IIIS MAJESTY'S SHIP "LEOPARD," CAPTAIN HUMPHREYS, AND THE UNITED STATES FRIGATE "CHESAPEAKE,' CAPTAIN GORDON, UNDER COMMODORE BARRON. BRITISH ACCOUNT. Halifax, Juiy 7, 1807. His Majesty's sloop of war " Columbine," Capt. Bradsliavv, arrived here on Saturday last from the Chesapeake, after a passage of six days, with dispatches to the Honorable Vicc- Admiral Berkeley. These dispatches relate to an unpleasant contest, which has taken place between His Majesty's ship "Leopard," Captain Humphreys, and the United States frigate " Chesapeake," Commodore Barjon. As this is an event of the utmost importance to two nations, whose best interest it is to be in amity with each other, we have en- deavoured to collect as far as possible the interesting- par- ticulars. The Order of Vice- Admiral Berkeley, with which we have been favored, will shew the ground of difference ; the i^ropriety of the order given ; and that part of the order which gave to Commodore Barron, the reciprocal right of search, must shew to every candid mind, a sincere dis- position to avoid wounding the feelings of the Commodore, or of bringing the question to this painful issue. The manner in which Capt. Humphreys carried into effect the Admiral's order, will fully appear in the subso- qaent interesting letter from an officer belonging to the "Leopard," and reflects the highest honour on Capt. Humphreys, who has shewn, on the one hand, the most patient forbearance ; and on the other, the most inflexible 4etermiiiation to do his duty. — 4 By the Honorable CrEORftE Cr.\nfield Berkeley, Vicp- Admiral of the White, and Commander in Chief to His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed in the River St. Lawrence, along" the Coast of Nova Scotia, the Island of St. John and Cape Breton, the Bay of Fundy, and at, and about, the Island of Bermuda, or Somers' Islands. Whereas many SeaUiOn, Subjects of His Britannic Majesty, and serving in His Majesty's Ships and Vessels, as per marg'in,=**= while at anchor in the Chesapeake, deserted and entered on board the United States frigate the " Chesa- peake," and openly paraded the streets of Norfolk, in sight of tlu'ir officers, under the American flag, pro- tected by the Magistrates of the town, and the recruit- ing Officer belonging to the above-mentioned Ameri- can frig-ate ; which Magistrates, and Naval Officer re- fused giving them up, although demanded by His Britannic Majesty's Consul, as well as the Captains of the Ships from which the said Men had deserted. The Captains and Com- manders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my Command, are therefore, here]>y required and directed, in case of meeting with the American frigate " Chesapeake," at Sea, and without the limits of the United States, to shew to the Captain of her, this Order, and to require to search his Ship for the Deserters from the before-mentioned Ships, and to i^roceed and search for the same ; and if a similar demand should be made by the American, he is to be per- mitted to search for any Deserters from their Service, ac- cording- to the customs and usuage of civilized Nations, on terms of peace and amity with each other. Given under my hand at Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 1st day of June, 1807. G. C. Berkeley. (Si >) To the respective Captains and Commanl^rs ) of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels on the/ Norih American Station. ) ♦Belleiele, Bellon^, Triumph, Chichester, Melampus, Halifax, Zepobili, (cutter.) — 5 — !W Lil ar per- ac- 011 1st Krfrart of a letter /mill a Gentlrman on board His Maj'estt/s Ship Leopard, data I Chesapeake Bay, .Tune 21, 1807. " Wo arrived lu're on the 21st iiist., and, agreeably to the orders of the Hon. Vice- Admiral Berkeley, (in the event of moisting the United States Frigate " Chesapeake," to search her for Deserters, of whom we had information,) the next morning, Ihe C>ignal was made from the " Bellona" to proceed to sea. which we did, at o'clock this morning : the " Che- sapeake" was then passing the "Bellona," about three miles within us. We stood to the j^. E. with the wind at S. W. uniil «'lven, when it shifted to E. which retarded the pro- gress of the Frigate, she being obliged to beat out — we kept on a wind, under easy sail, until she got within two miles of us, when she shoriened sail, and we bore down to her, we w^ere about twelve or fourteen miles from the land ; when sufficiently close, the Captain hailed, and said he had dispatches from the British Commander-in-Chief — the an- swer was, '^send them on board. I shall heave too," which he did accordingly. I was sent on board with the Ad- miral's Orders, and a letter from Captain Humphreys say- ing, he hoped to 1)0 able to execute the Admiral's Order in (he most amicable manner ; and, after the Commodore read the Order and Letter, he told me, his orders, from his Crovernment were most peremptory in not suffering any Foreigner to muster his ship's Comi)any, but that he would write an answer to Capt. Humphreys' letter, if I would be the bearer of it to him — after having answered in the affirmative he wrote, saying that he had no deserters^ mid thai his instructions prevented his allowing the " Chesapeake" to be searched. I returned, with this answer, after being on board forty minutes. As the Admiral's Order was positive, there was no alternative but force — so we edged dow^n to her, and Capitain Humphreys hailed, and said, that Commodore Barron must be aware that the order of the — — British Commander in Ciiiof must lio ohoycd, the only r«- ply made to this, (which was thrice roi)eatod) was '• 1 do not und«'rstand wliat you say" — now as wo, wore to wind- ward, and lioard distinclly his answers, it was evident he also must have heard whal Capt. Humphreys said — orders were then given to lire a shot across her l)0vvs from the Lower deck; after a minute anoiher; and, in two more, no .satisfactory answer being given, Capt. Ilumi^hreys ordered the fire to })e opened on her, beginning with the foremost gun, and in succession after, l)ut as the order was not per- fectly understood, a ]>roadside was poured into her ; Com- modore liaron then hailed, when orders were given to cease liring, ])ut as he only said he was going to send a boat on ])oard, and as they were preparing to return the lire, it was sui>posed an ai^ilice to gain time, and orders were again given to lire — two broadsides more were the result, when she struck. Two Lieutenants, with several Midshipmen, went then on board the " Chesapeake" to search for deserters, and after being there three hours, returned wiin four — three belonging to the " Melampus," and one to the %Halifax" ; the latter is the fellow who abused Lord James Towns- hend at Norfolk. Commodore Barron wrote to Capt. Humphreys, saying, that he considered the " Chesepeake" his prize, and that he was ready to deliver her up to any person authorised to receive her ; Cnpt. Humphreys re- l>lied, that as he had executed the orders of the Commander in Chief, he had nothing more to do with her ; that he must forthwith join the rest of the squadron, and that he not only lamented, most sincerely, the necessity that compelled him to violent measures, but that if he could render the " Che- sapeake" any service, he would cheerfully do it. In short, Capt. Humphreys has conducted himself throughout the whole of the unpleasant transaction, in the most praise- worthy manner, as an Officer and Gentleman, he has more humanity in Kis composition than most mankind ; you may then suppose that his feeling-i? was none of the most com- ( 7 ily r«- '♦Ido wind- out he orders m the ore, no rdercd roraost oi por- , Com- cease loat on , it was 1 given len she I, went . 3rs, and —three ilifax" ; Cowns- Capt. peakc" to any 3ys re- mander le must lot only cd him Che- 1 short, out the praise- is more oumay st com- fortable on this occasion. The " Chesapeake" rolurnd but ii few shot, they were scarcely pr«'pared wh(^n we })onun, and were thrown into sucli conriision, thai the jrivatrst part of the people deserted their quarters. " The num])er killed on l)oard the ChoLapeake," accord- ing to their own statement, was .x, and twenty-three wounded. '• Twenty-six shot went through the hull, seven ])etween wind and water ; the sails were completely .riddled, and I have not a doubt but that in ten minutes more she would have gone down, the sea being so smooth every shot told after the iirst broadside, which was chiefly at the rigging. " Commodore Barron was slightly wounded in the leg l)y a splinter, he behaved in the coolest way imaginable, and stood at the open gang-way the greater part of the time." If any thing can place this matter in a stronger light, we need only compare the assurances of Commodore Bar- ron, with the result. Of the deserters claimed, six were taken out of the frigate, upon searching her, two w^ere killed, and one jumped overboard. The gunner of His Majesty's ship " Chichester," w^ho basely deserted his Country's Flag, was found dead, acting in that station, on board the American frigate, and many others w^ere left })y ('aptain Humphreys, because they could not be identilied. AMERICAN ACCOUNT. tNTERESTINa PARTICULAIIS OP THE LATE DL*!(;RACEFUL OUTRAGE. Extracted from tho Norfolk Ledger of June 24th, 1807. We are now to present our readers the details of the most unexampled outrage, in the perpetration of which the blood of our countrymen has been shed by the hand of violence, and the honor and independence of our nation insulted beyond the possibility of further forbearance. — 8 iiii !■ At a very early hour yesterday morning a report reached this place which produced a degree of agitation beyond any thing we ever witnessed or can attempt to describe. It was reported that on the preceding evening the "Chesa- peake" Frigate which had gone to sea that morning, had been attacked by the British ship "Leopard," Capt. Hum- phries, of 50 guns, and that the "Chesapeake" had struck her colours. Although the source from whence this information was derived, was not such as to deserve the highest con- , sideration, yet it was stated in that way, and attended with such circumstances, which left little hope that it was not true. Accordingly every vessel and boat from the Capes was boarded with great anxiety and which was not reliev- ed until about 2 o'clock, wheu pointed information was received that the "Chesapeake" was returning to Hampton Roads without showing any colours. About 4 o'clock all doubt was relieA'ed by a spectacle which was culculated, and did not fail to rouse the indignation of every American present, and we trust that it will never subside until ample satisfaction has been made — eleven of our wounded fellow citizens arrived in a boat dispatched from the "Chesapeake," and now we learned the following particulars which we believe are correct : — The "Chesapeake" Frigate, Capt. Gordon, under Com- modore James Barron, got under way on Monday morning, and proceeded to sea, passing the Capes about 12 o'clock — at nine o'clock the "Leopard" by signal from the Commo- dore's ship had got under way and stood out to sea — about 8 o'clock the " Chesapeake" and " Leopard" approached, when the customary signal of firing a gun to leward, the signal for friends was made from both ships. Being about three leagues from the land the ships came within hail, when the Commander of the "Leopard" hailed and hoped Commodore Barron was well, and informed that ho had dispatches for the Commodore. The ships hove too, and a boat came on board the "Chesapeake" with a letter from Capt. — d ached 3yoiid icribe. Dhesa- [»•, had Hum- ckher tiation it con- 1 with as not Capes reliev- n was imptoii ock all ulated, nerican ample fellow )eake," ich we [• Com- orning, o'clock ommo- -about cached, rd, the about n hail, hoped he had and a n Capt. Humphries. In this letter was a copy of one from Admiral Berkeley, at Halifax, to all the British Commanders on this station, in which they were ordered to demand from the Commander olthe "Chesapeak(»'' four British seamen named in the letter, and that if thev were not delivered by lair means to use force ; Captain Humphries stated in his letter that as Commodore Barron would perceive that his orders were peremptory he hoped that he would not oblige him to execute them by force. Commodore Barron returned an answ^er to the letter in which he stated that the orders of liis Government for])id him to permit his vessel to be searched, or to deliver a man from her. The boat from the "Leopard"' had no sooner returned on board, than a gun was lired ahead and astern of the Commodore, and instant- ly followed by a l)roadside from the "Leopard" acf'ompanied by swivels and small arms. Six other ])roadsides followed, the two ships then within pistol shot, on board the '-Chesa poak<^" all was astonishment ; the ship was unprepared for action ; no man at his quarters ; and some of the olficerfs at dinner. In this situation Commodore Barron hailed the "Leopard" repeatedly w'ithout effect; he then ordered the colors to be struck ; as this was doing- a g'un from the "Chesapeake"' was lired, upon which the "Leopard" fired another broadside. The colors being now down, an officer was dispatched to the " Chesapeake" who on coming on board expressed some regret on behalf of his commander for what had happened. He w^as received with great in- dignation by the American Oflicers who tendo^red their swords, which he refused, saying that he wanted the four men and nothing more, and demanded tho muster roll, which was produced by the purser, and then was exhibited the degrading spectacle of nearly 400 Americans mustered on the deck of our American man of war by order of a British Lieutenant, and four of the crew taken away. The Lieutenant said he was desired to make Commodore Barron an offer of any services in the power of his Com* 2 — 10 — mander. It would be needless to sav in what manner such an offer was received, it was considered as an aggravation oi" the outrage which had been perpetrated. The British Officer refusing to consider the "Chesepeake" as a prize, departed, informing Commodore Barron that he was at liberty to proceed whither he pleased. The Commodore returned to Hampton roads as before stated. "We are sorry to add to this account that three of the crew were killed, and sixteen wounded, some of them dangerously. Com- modore Barron was slightly wounded in the leg, and one midshipman. The ship is greatly injured in her hull, masts and rigging, and must be repaired before she can go to sea. Such are the details of this affair, which we be- lieve are substantially correct, being mostly furnished by a gentleman who was on board the "Chesapeake" last even- iii"' It is impossible that on such occasion, there can be but one sentiment in the heart of every American. The in- dependence of our country has been attacked, and in de- fending it our fellow citizens have been killed. Submis- sion to the demand made on Commodore Barron, could not have been made without relinguishing our right as an in- dependent nation. Eveij national ship is considered as a part of the nation's territory ; as well might the Govern- ment of Great Britain instruct her Officers to land in our country and assume the right of punishing those who have ollended her laws as to enter our ships of war for the same purpose. This is not the Act of a rash imprudent com- mander, but acting in the execution of the deliberate orders of his superior officers, if not from the highest authority of the Briti.sh Government, and we shall state our reasons for so thinking. In the month of March, the "Halifax" Sloop of war, com- manded by Lord Townshendj was lying in Hampton roads, and one of her boats with four men and a petty officer was sent on some duty. Being out of the reach of the guns k — 11 — r such ivation British prize, was at nodoro •e sorry killed, Com- md one sr hull, can go we b«- ed by a st eveu- 1 be but The in- d in de- Submis- 3uld not IS an in- ured as a Govern- L in our ,'ho have he same ent com- te orders hority of asons for ,var, corn- on roads, ty officer the jjuns 5 of the "Halifax," or being unobserved, the men rose upon the officer, and once threatened to throw hiin overboard, this however, they did not do but pulled for the shore, which they reached and proceeded to this plnco, where they enter- ed with an officer then engaged in the enlistment of men for the "Chesapeake." A formal demand was made to have them delivered up. Thv civil authority refused to interfere, and the officer w ho had enlisted them did not think himself authorised to deliver them up without or- ders from his superiors. Tlie case was represented we believe at Washington. They were not delivered up, and were believed to ba on board the 'Chesapeake.'' We are confident that a representation of the case was made to the British Government, whoso orders we apx)rehend were to take the men wherever they were to be found. Our readers will be informed that the "Li^opard" arrived here only a few days since, and brought the orders of the Admiral at Halifax to take the men at all events and under any circumstances. It may be objected that there has not been time to hear from En£?land since the circnmstance resi>Qcting- the "Halifax" occurred, which we think was a])out the 9th or 10th of March, but we know that answers to letters written to London as late as the 20th of March have been received here. However this may be, the Captain of the "Leopard" has acted under the orders of his superiors, and as such, the act claims the serious attention and resent- ment of the people and government of this country. It is no justification to say, that the men ought to have been surrendered in the first instance. We shall not stop to examine that subject now, but whenever matters in dispute between nations is settled by force, then it is war ; unless from fear, or something worse, one of the nations is dis- posed to submit, which we trust and believe is not the case with the United States, It is the established usage for nations, who are not determined upon hostilities, to seek l*eclress bv negociation and certainly America has pursued 12 — that course with Britain on many occasions. If this act thf^n is to be nscribed lo the British Government, there is an end of all further negociaiion on the subject, and war must be the result. Greatly as we have always deprecated war with that country, conscious as we are that our country will experience infinite distress we look upon it as degrad- ing beneath contempt, if we are to submit to such insult — No — we trust, that there will be but one heart and one hand in supporting the just rights, and the honor of our country. —If the act has not proceeded from the Govern- ment of England, we pt'rsuade ourselves that our Govern- ment will not want the uKauimous support of its citizens in pursuing measures for the obtention of ample satisfaction. We cannot close ihose remarks without noticing tln' manly and digniiied conduct of the citizens of this place under this trying occasion. Exhibiting that cool but lirm countenance, which is ihe true indication of determined courage ; no act of violence was committed, or intemperate expression u.sed towards the British subjects, who happen to be here at this time ; and it would be an act of injustice to the latter, if we did not add that from every thing we could hear and see, they were penetrated with the deepest concern upon the occasion. On the same subject the Norfork //em/t/ remarks : —AV'e should blame no captain for executing the orders of his superior, if he executed them like a man ; but the cold- blooded, cowardly cruelty \vith which the business w^as efiected, reflects disgrace and dishonor on the whole British navy. He well knew that the -'Chesapeake" was little })etter than a lumbered store ship, carrying out sup- plies ibr the Mediterranean, as totally unprepared foi- action as conscious of danger ; and without waiting to see the efTect of one broad-side, or to observe if she had struck, he continued his fire, till, in the sea phrase, she was quite cut up. Some of the shot w^ent quite through the hull ; her rigging' and sails are torn to pieces ; and she arrived with five feet water in the hold. 18 ~ bis act liere is ul war ecated ouiitry Leg'rad- isult — id oiu' of our roverii- r over 11- :itizens iaciion. ing' the s place mt linn »rmined npcriito happen njustici' ling ^ve deepest rs -We oi' his 10 cold- ess was whole vc" was out sup- ired for is: to see struck, as quite He hull ; arrived A Norfolk paper of .Tune 27, slates, that the jiilots were discharged from the British squadron — that the commanders of the British vessels had threatened to man their launches and get sui)plies by force, that the inhabitants were pre- ]>aring ball and cartridges in order to repel them. BY THOMAS JEFFERSON, Piesideni af the Uidled States of Amerirn, A PilOCLAMATIOX. During the wars which, for some time, have unhappily pn'vailed among the powers of Europe, the United States of America, iirm in their principles of peace, have endeavored l)y justice, by a regular discharge of all their national and social duties, and by «wery frieiully office their situation has admitted, to maintain, with all the belligerents, their accustomed relation of friendship, hospitality, and com- mercial intercourse. Taking no part in the questions whicli animate tliese powers against each other, nor per- mittinu' themselves to entertain a wish but lor the restora- tiou of general peace, they have observed with good faith the neutrality they assumed, and they believe that no instance of a departure from its duties can be justly im- puted to them by any nation. A free use of their harbours and waters, the means of retitting- and of refreshment, of succour to their sick and suffering, have, at all times, and on (^qual principles, been extended to all, and this too amidst a constant recurrence of acts of insubordination to the laws, of violence to the persons, and of trespasses on the property of our citizens, committed by officers of one of the belligerent i^arties received among us. In truth these abuses of the laws of hospitality have, with few exceptions, become habitual to the commanders of the British armed vessels hovering on our coasts, and frequenting our har» 14 — bours. They have been the .subjects of repeated repvesenta- tious to their Governrainit. As.suraiiee.s liave been given that proper orders shoukl restrain them within the limits of the rights and of the respect due to a friendly nation, but those orders and assurances have been without effect ; no instance of punishment for past wrongs has taken place. At length, a deed transcending all we have hitherto seen or suffered, brings the public sensibility to a serious crisis and our forbearance to a necessary pause. A frigate of the United States, trusting to a state of peace, and leaving her harbour on a distant service, has been surprised and attacked by a Ijritisli vessel of superior force, one of a squadron then lying in our waters, and covering the transaction, and has been disabled from service, with the lo.ss of a number of men killed and wounded. This enormity was not only without provocation or justifiable cause but was committed with the avowed purpose of taking by force, from a ship of war of the United States, a part of her crew, and that no circumstance might be want- ing to mark its character, it had been jireviously ascertain- ed that the seamen demanded were native citizens of the United States. Having effected his purpose, he returned to anchor within our jurisdiction. Hospitality under such circumstances ceases to be a duly; and a continuance of it, with such uncontrolled abuses, would tend only, by multiplying injuries and irritations to bring on a rupture between the two nations. This extreme resort is equally opposed to the interests of both, as it is to assurances of the most friendly disj^ositions on the part of the British Grovern- raent, in the midst of w^hicli this outrage has been com- mitted. In this light the subject cannot but present itself | to that government, and strengthen the motive to an ho- norable reparation of the wrong which has been done, and to that effectual control of its naval commanders which alone can justify the Government of the United States in the exercise of those hospitalities it is now constrained to 4iscoutinv^e, -15 — In consideration of these circumstances and of the rights of every nation to regulate its own police, to provide for its peace, and safety of its citizens, and consequently to refuse the admission of armod vessels into its harbors or waters, either in such numbers or of such descriptions, as are in- consistent with these, or with the maintenance of the au- thority of the laws, I have tliought proper in pursuance of the authorities specially given by law, to issue thi.«i my i I rilOCLAMATlON, hereby requiring all armed vessels bearing commissions under the Government of Great Britain, now within the harbours or waters of the United States, immediately and without any delay to depart from the same, and interdict- ing the entrance of all the said harbors and waters to the armed vessels, and to all others bearing commissions under the authority of the British Government. And if the said vessels, or any of them, shall fail to depart as aforesaid, or if they or any others so interdicted, shall hereafter enter the harbors or waters aforesaid, I do in that case forbid all intercourse with them or any of them, their officers or crews, and do prohibit all supplies and aid from being furnished to them or any of them. And I do declare and make known, that if any person from, or w^ithin thejurisdictional limits of the United States shall atlbid any aid to any such vessel, contrary to the pro- hibition contained in this proclamation, either in repairing any such vessel, or in furnishing her, her officers or crew, with supplies of any kind, or in any manner whatsoever, or if any pilot shall assist in navigating any of the said armed vessels, unless it be forthepurposeof carrying them in the first instance, beyond the limits and jurisdiction of the United States, or unless it be the case of a vessel forced by distress, or charged with public dispatches as herein- after provided for, such person or persons shall, on convic* — 16 — tioh, siilfer all the pains and penalties by the la^vs provided for such offences. And I do hereby enjoin and require all persons beaiinn' oflfice civil or military within or under the authority of the United States, and all others, citizens or inhabitants there- of, or being- within the same, with a igilance and promp- titude to exert their respective authorities, and to be aiding and assisting to the carrying this proclamation, and every [)art thereof, into full ellect. Provided nevertheless that if any such vessel shall b" forced into the harbours or waters of the United States by distress, by the dangers of the sea, or by the pursuit of an enemy, or shall enter them charged with dispatches or business from their Government, or shall bi' a public packet for the conveyance of letters and dispatches, the commanding officer immediately reporting his vessel to the collector of the district, stating the object or causes of entering the said harbours or waters, and conforming him- self to the regulations in that case prescribed under tli(< authority of the laws, shall be allowed the benefit of such regulations respecting repairs, supplies, stay, intercourst; and departure as shall ])e permitted und«'r the same au- thority. Til. Ji:Fi<^KUSON. THE ANNALS OF THE TIMES. Quebec, Juli/ IT, 1807. We have expressed our unreserved and unequivocal a]> probation of the conduct of the "Leopard," in enforcing the restoration of the British seamen, from the "Chesapeake." We do not now resume the subject for the purpose of qua- lifying that approbation with anything like Jesuitical censure or blame. It may be very well for the Americans to avail themselves of the plea that the Right of Search is, -17- rovidecl beaiiivu,' y of tho ts ihcvi'- . proiiip- 13 aidinu," d »n'ovy shsill b" states ])y lit ol' an itches OT a public cbos, tb*' isel to th.> causes of iiiu;j^- hini- ncb'V tbt' oT such ercoursi; ame au- KUSCIN. 807. i vocal ap- n-cing" the sapeake." se of qua- jesuitical Lincrieaus search is. d,t present, in discussion between Great Britain and [tkci United States. "We very well know that the latter wish to discuss and dispute it ; but we cannot think it so well for that point to be conceded by any British writer. Wo think ourselves fully justified in maintaining that it is a point which never suffered any discussion ])y one of the parties, but that it has ever been strenuously maintained by Great Britain, as a principle which cannot be abandoned. But the conduct of the "Leopard" in the instance in question, does not rest on the general principle of the right of search. Tlie case is still stronger, in favor of Great Britain and the Navy. In acting under the general prin- ciple of the right of search, it is exercised where there is no prior information of British seamen being on board a parti- cular neutral. It is sufficient that such a thing may be, and the right is enforced on its bare possibility, without any previous formal claim. In the case of the "Chesapeake" there was a certainty of four British deserters being on board. A claim was made in writing. All that was demanded was these four men. No general right was insisted on of searching for more, under a probability or possibility of finding others. Where- fore this must be considered as a special case distinct from all general principles previously agitated. It was a case founded on particular facts and standing alone, of course not involving any general question unless it be the right of demanding British seamen known to be in an American vessel. Whilst we advocate the conduct of the "Leopard," acting under orders, we sincerely and sensibly deplore the suffer- ings of the individuals who were the victims of a national difference. Nothing could be more gratifying to us than the intelligence that British humanity had offered allevia- tion and that its benevolen<;e in favor of the sufferers, was accepted by the United States. 3 -18- ■!i:; AMERICAN ACCOUNTS. Th(^ I'ollowiii^" is a copy of tho letter addressed })y the olUcers of thp Wardroom ol' the "Chesapeake," to tho Sccrotary of tho Navy. Late IT. S. shij> "Chesapeake," Hampton / Roads, Juno 28, 1807. \ Sir, The undersigned oflicers of the late U. S. ship "Chesa- peake," fooling deeply sensible of the disgrace which must 1)0 attached to the late (in their opinion) premature sur- render of the 1'. S. ship "Chesapeake" of 40 guns, to tho English ship of war "Leopard" of 50 guns, without their previous knowledge, or consent, and desirous of proving to thoiv country and to the world, that it was the wish of all tho undersigned, to have rendered themselves worthy ol' tho ilag under which they had the honor to serve, by a dotormined resistance, to an unjust demand, do request tho honorable Secretary of the Navy to order a court of enquiry into their conduct. At the same time they are compelled by imperious duty, by the honor of their flag, by the honor ol their countrymen, and by all that is dear to themselves, to request that an order may be issued for the arrest c*' of Commodore James .Barron on the charges herewith exhibited which the undersigned pledge themselves to prove true, viz. : 1st. On the probability of an engagement, for neglecting to clear his ship for action. 2dly. For not doing his utmost to take or destroy a vessel which we conceive it his duty to have done. With the highest respect, We subscribe ourselves, Your most obedient Servants, Ben. Smith, 1st Lieutenant, Wm. Crane, 2nd Lieutenant, W. H. Allen, 3rd Lieutenant, S. Orde Creighton, 4th Lieutenant, Sydney Smith, oth Lieutenant, Saml. Brook, S. M. The lion. R. Smith, Secretary of\ the U. S. Navy, Washington. • neaflectina" — 10 — COUtlT MARTIAL FUll THE TUIAL OF JOHN WILSON alia.'! JENKIN KATFORD (LATELY TAKEN FROM THE AMERL CAN FRIGATE "CHESAPEAKE") ON CHARGES OF DESERTION, MUTINY AND CONTEMPT. Halifax, Aug. 2:3, COURT MARTIAL. Oil Wednesday last, a Court Martial was held on board H. M. S. "Belleisle," Rear-Aduiiral Sir A. F. Cochrane, K 13. Oapt. N. D. Cochrane, for the trial ol'John Wilson aUas Jenkin Ratford (lately taken from the American frigate "Chesapeake,") on charges of Desertion, Mufinij and Con- tempt. PRESIDENT. Rear-Admiral Hon. Sir A. F, Cochrane. K. B. Capt. F. Pickmore, Capt. J. E. Douglas, W. Fahie, P. Beaver, E. Hawker, N. D. Cochrane. It clearly appeared on the trial, thai the prisoner was born in London, — was a volunteer in the service — had been some years in H. ]\I. S. "Leopard," but last in the "Halifax." That, on the 7th of March last, tlie ship being then in Hampton Roads, the prisoner was sent with four other men, under a petty-officer, in the jolly-boat, to weigh a kedge anchor ; when, taking advantage of the dusk of the evening, the men mutinied upon the officer, and som«? of them threatened to murder him ; but the rest interfering, they desisted — and landing at Sew^ell's point the five made their escape. A few days after, the deserters were seen parading the streets of Norfolk, in triumph, under th(^ American flag: — One of them, H. Saunders, being accosted by Lord Townsend, asserted that he had no intention of deserting, but was compelled by the others, and would embrace the first opportunity to return on board. At that moment the prisoner, Jenkin Ratford, took the arm of — 20 — Saunders, declaring* that neither he nor any of the others Khould return to tho ship — with a contemptuous gesture, asserted — That tht'V were then in the Land of Liberty, and instantly dragged JjsaundiTs away ^ : -That the prisoner had entered on board the "Cliosijpoake" — had proceeded to sea in her — and had been I'ound on board that ship, after the action (by an olUcer of 11. M. S. "Leopard,") hid in the coal-hole. A variety of other circumstances were dcvoloped in the courst; of tho evidenci;. The whol » of which tended to prove, that although deserters from the American naval or military establishments had been readily given up by H. M. ships on the station ; yet on the other hand, they had ever been refused by the Americans, when demanded by British officers. Two men had entered on board II. M. S. "Chichester " ; who, being demanded by an American officer as deserters from their service, were instantly restored, notwithstanding they were confessedly Englishmen. But W. Phillips, corporal of marines, John Mahoney, 37 th regiment and others, having deserted from the "Chichester," and entered, with their uniforms on, into the American service, were positively refused to be given up to the British officer sent to demand them. The evasion and duplicity of the American Commodore, in denying that there were any deserters, on board his ship, were strikingly contrasted with the humane and honourable conduct of Capt. Humphreys ; who, evidently demonstrated the greatest reluctance to pursue the steps, which the refusal of the American Commodore rendered absolutely necessary. After a full and patient hearing of the evidence, on both sides, the Court withdrew for about half an hour ; and, on its return, the Judge Advocate pronounced the sentence — Death ! * Applicatiou was then made to Lieutenant Sinclair, tlic American officeri at the Jlondezyous ; but without effect. — 21-- The Preudent addressod tht^ unhappy criminal in a most pathetic and impressive style — lamonting much the depra- vity, which had induced him to desert the cause of his King and Country in the present eventful moment, when the very existence of that Country was threatened by in- veterate and implacable enemies, on every quarter — and earnestly recommended him to occupy the remaining mo- ments of his life, in makini'' his peace with the Almighty. loan officeri »t the ANNALS OF THE I'lMKS. Another remarkable imtancc of different conduct on the part of the British and American, Nacal O/ficers respecting^ deserters. ^ London, Aus^ust 7, 1807. An American squadron of three frigates and a slocp, luider the orders of Commodore Dale, entered the Mediterranean in the summer 1801, to cruise against the Tripolines, with whom at the time they were at war. Although it was notoriously known, that a great proportion of the crews consisted of British seamen, yet no interruption was given them by the officers commanding on that station, but on the contrary every facility afforded, that could ensure suc- cess against their enemies. One day, when the " President," which bore the Commodore's pendant, and the " Phila- delphia," another frigate, happened to be the only ships of war in the Bay of Gibraltar, a boat, as was frequently the Case, came on shore from the " President." After landing, one of the men declared that he would not return on board of the frigate, that he was a British subject, and he would claim protection accordingly. On his refusing to embark, a scufHe ensued, in which the sailor was severely wounded. He contrived, however, to reach the main guard, when the officer on duty there took him under his protection. He 'ifT 9Q was pursued by a Midshii>inaii, and a party of men, and at ihe roquest of the Midshipman, who assured the ofiicerthat he was a desertor, he wns delivcvod up, and conveyed on board of tlic frigate before ihe atlair had been officially communicated to the Governor. The captain of tlie prison ship then went on board the " President," to inquire into the merits of the case. The Commodore stated to him, that every man in the squadron had sworn himself to be a citizen of the United States be- fore leaving- America, and if thev should take it into their heads to \. rjure themselves in every European port at which they might accid(Mitally stop, and be encoiiraged in such conduct, that he would soon be left without a man ; and that under these circumstances he felt it his duty to detain him as an American Seaman. All this appeared ex- tremely reasonable to the English Captain. i MESSAGE OF 'i^lJE PKESIDENT OP TJiE UNITED STATES RE- LA TINd TO THE ATTACK ON THE ' CIIESArEAKE." .Mi;.->Ai;xt (tK TflH unitiod states. AVasiiinoton City, Oct. 27, 1807. Tliis day at I'l o'clock, tht; President of the United States communicated, l)y Mr. Cojes, his Secretary, the follow- ing' Messaue to ])oth Houses of Congress. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Unit.d States : Circumstances folio wciti/ens, which seriously threatened the peace of our country have made it a duty to convene you at an earlier period than usual. The love of peace so much cherished in the bosom of our citizens, which had so — 23 long guided the proceedin(>'.s of tlieir public councils, and induced forbearance under so many wroiius, may not on- sure our continuance in the quiet pursuits of industry. The many injuries and depredations coinmitted on our commerce and navigation upon tlio high seas, for years pasl , the successive innovations on those principles of public law, which have been established l)y the reason and usagc^ of nations, as tlie rule of their intercourse, and the umpire and security of their rights and peace, and all the circum- stances which induced the extraordinary mission to London, are already known to you. The instructions given to our ministers were framed in the sincorest spirit of amity and moderation. They accordingly proceeded, in conformity therewith, to propose arrangements \vhich might embrace and settle all the points in diflerence l)et\veen us, Avhich might bring us to a mutual understanding on our neutral and national rights, and provide for a commercial inter- course on conditions of some equality. After long and fruitless endeavours to etfect the prnqioses of their mission, and to obtain arrangements within the limits of their in- structions, they concluded to sign such as could be obtained, and send them for consideration, candidly declaring to the other nogociators, that they were acting against their instructions, and that their government therefore could not be pledged for ratification. Some of the articles proposed might have been admitted on a principle of compromise, but others were too highly disadvantageous, and no suf- ficient provision was made against the principal source of the irritations and collisions which were constantly endan- gering the peace of the two nations. The question there- tore whether a treaty should be accepted in that form, could have admitted but of one decision, even had no [declaration of the other party impared our coniidence ui ii. Still anxious not to close the door against friendly adjust* Iment, new modifications were framed, and further conces- fsions authorized, than could before have been supposed -24r- uecessary, and our ministers were instructed to resume their negociations on those grounds. On this new reference to amicable discussion, we were reposing in confidence, when on the 22nd day of June last, by a formal order from a British Admiral, the frigate " Che- sapeake," leaving her port for a distant service, was attacked by one of those vessels which had bepn lying in our har- bours under the indulgences of hospitality, was disabled from proceeding, had several of her crew killed, jind four taken away. On this outrage no commentaries are'hcices- sary. Its character has been pronounced by the indignant voice of our citizens with an emphasis and unanimity never exceeded. I immediately by Proclamation, interdicted our harbours and waters to all British armed vessels, forbade intercourse with them, and uncertain how far hostilities were intended, and the town of Norfolk indeed being threatened with immediate attack, a sufficient force was ordered for the protection of that place, and such other pre- paration commenced and jiursued as the prospect rendered proper. An armed vessel of the United States was dis- patched with instructions to our ministers at London ; to call on that government for the satisfaction and security required by the outrage. A very short interval ought now to bring the answer, which shall be communicated to you as soon as received ; then also, or as soon after as the public interests shall be found to admit, tlie unratified treaty, and proceedings relative to it, shall be made known to you. The agression thus begun, has been continued on the part of the British Commanders, by remaining within our waters in defiance of the authority of the country, by habitual violations of its jurisdictions, and at length by putting to death one of the persons whom they had forcibly taken from on board the " Chesapeake." These aggrava- tions necessarily lead to the policy either of never ad- mitting an armed vessel into our harbors, or of maintaining in every harbor such an aimed force as may constrain I OK •"^ «jt» ^^ we were June last, ate " Che- ,s attacked n our har- is disabled , jiud four are ii€^»- > indignant mity never rdicted our els, forbade r hostilities deed being it force was !h other pre- set rendered 8 was dis- iLondon; to md security il ought now lated to you as the public lifted treaty, .owntoyou. lued on the within our country, by at length by had forcibly ise aggrava- of never ad- maintaining i\ constrain obedience to the laws, and protect the lives and property of our citizens against their armed guests ; but the expense of buch a standing force, and its inconsistence with our ])rinciples, dispense with those courtesies which would necessarily call for it, and leave us equally free to exclude the navy, as we do the army of a foreign power, From entering our limits. To former violations of maritime rights, another is now added of very extensive effect. The government of that nation has issued an order interdicting all trade by neutrals ))etvveen ])orts not in amity with them, and being now at war with nearly every nation on the Atlantic and Medi- terranean seas, our vessels are required to s.-^crifice their cargoes at the first port they touch, or to return home with- out the benefit of going to any other market. Under this new law of the ocean, our trade on the Mediterranean has been swept away by seizures and condemnations, and tliat in other seas is threatened with the same fate. ANNALS OF THE TIMES. Extract from a Speech of Mr. Randolph in Congress on the Bill for mnkui!*' further appropriations for the wpport of the Navy. " He wished to be clearly and explicitly understood as to the course which he thought it incumbent on the Ex- ; eeutive to have pursued, and consequently to what extent the course which had been pursued met his disapprobation. He thought Congress ought to have been immediately con- vened on.the capture of the "Chesapeake," and our mhiisters [at London instantly recalled, after having made an explicit peremptory demand of redress — and that redress too by British envoy dispatched to the United States for the jspecial purpose. Congress being convened, the nation — 26 — should have bc [essage which la Ministerial [itish Govern- Iral in the lato If the United | jcessary." 1" le attack of the |e jurisdiction I IWherever ourf The motion I Laving already The follow iiii^ is extracted Jrom the report of tlu' American Court of Enquiry on the conduct of Commodore Barron. G. It appears to the ('curt, that antecedent to the sailing- of the " Chesapeake," there had been received on board of her some i)ersons who had been claimed by the British Government as deserters from their service, but who were not ordered to be delivered up by the American officers. That there was also a report in circulation, and generally j known on board the " Chesapeake," that a threat had Ijeen [used by the Captain of the British shiji of war " Melampus," I to take these men from the "Chesapeake."' That Com- [modore Barron had full knoivledge of the facts that such men Itvere on board his Ship, that theij had been demanded by the [British Government, and had not been delivered up, the Court \are perfectly satisfied ; but no positive evidence has been idduced'to prove, that the report of the threat above men- tioned was communicated to him before his ship sailed. Commodore Barron made no defence. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES. Tuesday Nov. 17. — Mr. Blount, from the Committee to 'hom was referred so much of the message of the Presi- dent as relates to agressions, &c., made a report. The report commences with an expression of sensibility Lt the outrage committed on the " Chesapeake" ; states the tlJfw" — 28 ,u receipt of inlbrinatioii relative thereto IVorn the state and navy departments ; presents a general view oi" the circum- stances ; observes that it might be said to have been incon- testibly proved ; that W. Wtire, John Strachan, and Daniel Martin, are citizens of the United States ; but the Com- mittee add that they conceive it unnecessary for them or the House to go into any enquiry on that part of the sub- ject, as in their opinion whether tlie men taken from the " Chesapeake" were or were not citizens of the United States, and whether the "Chesapeake" w^as not within the acknowledged limits of the United States at the time they were taken, the character of the act of taking them remains the same. From the foregoing facts it appears to yoiir committee that the outrage committed on the frigate " Chesapeake," has been stamped with circumstances of indignity and in- sult, of which there is scarcely to be found a jiarallel in the history of civilized nations, and requires only the sanction of the government, under color of whose authority it was perpetrated, to make it just cause of, if not irresistible call for, instant and severe retaliation. Whether it will receive that sanction, or be disavowed and declared an unauthor- ized act of a subordinate officer, remains to be determined by the answer which shall be given to the demand of ex- planation ; that answer, now daily expected, will either sink the detestable act into piracy, or expand it to the mag- nitude of i)remeditated hostility against the sovereignty and the independence of this nation ; and until its true charac- ter shall be fixed and known, your committee deem it ex- l)edient to decline expressing any opinion as to the mea- sures proper to be adopted in relation to it. But as other acts of aggression have been committed within our ports and waters by British ships of war, as well anterior as posterior to this, some of them manifesting tho same disregard of our national rights, and seeming to flow from the same contempt for the authority of our laws, and — 29 — state and ,e circum- 2en incoii- ,nd Daniel the Com- »r them or 3f the sub- 11 from the the United ^vithin the i time they em remains committee hesapeake," iiity and in- rallel in the |,he sanction ority it was esistible call will receive 11 unanthor- determined iTiand of ex- will either to the mag- ereignty and true charac- deem it ex- to the mea- committed | war, as well lifesting tho ling to flow lur laws, and especially as the Efritish squadron, of which the '* Leopard" was one, after bein§r notified of the President's i)roclamation ordering them to depart from the waters of the United States, which they knew had been published in conformity to an act of Congress, anchored within the Capes of Chesa* peake Bay, and in that situation remained, capturing American vessels even within our acknowledged territorial limits, and sending them to Halifax for adjudication. Im- pressing seamen on board American vessels, firing on vessels and boats of all descriptions having occasion to pass near them in pursuit of their lawful trade, and occasionally denouncing threats, calculated to alarm the good people of the United States, particularly the inhabitants of Norfolk and Hampton, all which facts are substantiated by the ac- companying documents, No. 1 to (3, the committee are of opinion that it is expedient to provide more effectually for the protection of our ports and harbours ; but not being- prepared to report specifically on that subject, they ask further indulgence of the House, and beg leave to submit for their consideration the following resolution : Resolved, That the attack of the British ship of war I" Leopard" on the United States frigate " Chesapeake," was a flagrant violation of the jurisdiction of the United States, [and that the continuance of the British squadron (of which ithe " Leopard" was one) in their waters, after being notified |of the proclamation of the IVesident of the United States, )rdering them then to depart the same, was a further vio- llation thereof. The report was referred to a committee of the. whole on Monday. ANNALS OF THE TIMES. Mr. GrEOKQE Henry Rose, being appointed to a special lission to the United Statec, was yesterday presented to [is Majesty at the levee. ^ This gentleman is a member — 30 — of the RrUisli Parliaintnl for Soiifhamptun ; ami aon of the Rt. Hon. Geohoe Rose, Clerk of the Parliamcnl. Mr, Rose, is not appointed to supercede Mv. Euskine. His mission only regards the unfortunate uiiair of the " Chesapeake.' Quehcc, Thursda//, January 28, 1808. The paper-s by yesterday's Burlington Mail contain no news of importance. Although Mr. Rose arrived in Hampton roads on the 2Gth December, he had not reached Washington on the oth January. It appears there were difficulties concerning- tlie reception of the frigate, on ac- count of the Proclamation prohibiting- the entrance of British ships of war into the harbours of the United States ; and that the Ambassador h-ad also sent to Washington to know in what manner he would be received. The answer, according to the report extracted from the American Papers, is favoura])le. It is stated that during- the whole time re- (juired for these proceedings, Mr. Rose did not leave the frigate. PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT OF LOWER CANADA EXTRACT FROM SIR JAMES HENRY CRAIG'S, GOA'ERNOR IN CHIEF, SPEECH FROM THE THRONE ON JANUARY 29, 1808. I have no doubt, that you join with me gentlemen, in lamenting the discussions that have arisen, between His Majesty's Government, and that of America. I have no information to convey to you, that might tend to throw any light ux)on a subject, in which this Colony must be so materially interested. Let us hope, that the moderation I ixc — 31 — aon of the EUSKINK. i\ir ol' tho 28, 1808. . couiaiu no arrived in not reached i there were igate, on ac- cntranci' ol" lilted States ; ashington to The answer, ■ican Papers, ole time re- ot leave the and wisdom ol' the Government of the United States, will lead them to meet that of His Majesty, in its endeavours l)y an equitable accommodation of dilferences, to avert the calamities of "War, from two nations, who from habits of affinity, unity of language, and the ties of common ancestry, seem destined by Providence, for the enjoyment of the blessings of continiied peace, while the reciprocal advant- ages of their commercial intercourse, seem no less to point them out to each other, as the objects of a mutual connec- tion, of amity, and confidence. But while we indulge in this hope, we will not bo deluded by it, into the neglect of any means, that may be necessary, for our defence and safety ; and I place every confidence in your r<'ady co-operation, in any measure that may be judged expedient, to add to the energies of Gov- ernment, with this important view. The Loyalty and Affection to His Majesty's Government, so spiritedly mani- fested on thi > occasion, by the Militia of the Province, who I liavo stood forward with a cheerfulness, not to be exceed- [ed, demands my warmest applause, and furnishes us with the best grounds for hoping, that in the event of any [attack on this Province, we shall derive from them, all the »ssistan(.'e, that can be expected from a brave pt^ople, con- tending for every thing that is dear to theiii. CANADA GOVERNOR IN )N Lentlemen, in [between Ili^ I have no [nd to throw ly must be so le moderation REPLY OF THE LEGISLATURE. With deference we trust, that your Excellency will rest poured, we deeply lament the discussions which have arisen )el ween His Majesty's Government and that of America, Lnd it would have afforded us heartfelt satisfaction, if your Ixcellency could have conveyed to us any favourable in- )rmation upon a subject, in which this Colony must feel tsolf so materially interested ; and we, in union with your Excellency, shall cherish the pleasing hope, that the mo- — 32 — deration and wisdom of the Government of the United States, will lead them to meet that of His Majesty, in its endeavours to avert the calamities of war, by an equitable adjustment of differences ; and that neither the blessings of Peace, or the reciprocal advantages of an extensive com- mercial intercourse, will be interrupted ; but that the two nations will long continue to consider each other, as ob- jects of a mutual connection of amity and confidence. But whilst wo thus entertain an anxious desire for the attain- ment of these most desirable objects, permit us, Sir, to oflt'r to your Excellency, our most solemn assurances, that w«' will not suffer ourselves to be thereby deluded, nor will we, until there shall be well founded reason to rely on a continuance of peace, neglect any of the means within our power, but will, by steady and persevering exei-tions. readily and cordially co-operate with your Excellency, in the adoption of every measure which can contribute to our defence and safety ; and with this important view, you may, Sir, safely rely, that nothing shall be wanting on ouv part, to convince your Excellency and the world at largo, that to add to the energies of His Majesty's Government, will in all times, be considered by us, as a sacred duty of indissoluble obligation, which we owe to the best of So- vereigns ; and we humbly but confidently trust, that all our future deliberations and measures will evince to youi Excellency, that we are actuated to the discharge of thai high and momentous duty, by an affectionate attachmeni to our beloved Sovereign, commensurate with your Ex cellency's most ardent wishes. It is, with the most pleasing sensations, we receive you: Excellency's communications on the subject of the Militi; of the Province, we devoutly hope and fully confide, tha His Majesty's Militia of Lower Canada, will still continiit to manifest a Loyalty and affection to His Majesty's Gov^ ernment, and to merit a repetition of your Excellency^ warmest Applause, by yielding prompt and cheerful oh — 33 — po the United jsty, in its 11 equitable blessings of Busive com- bat tho two >tber, as ob- Ldence. But V the attaiu- , Sir, to otlVr ices, that \vo led, nor will to rely on a IS within our iio- oxeHions. Ixcellency, in tribute to our lit view, you anting on ouv ^^orld at largo. Government, sacred duty of he best of So- trust, that all vince to youi charge of thai ,te attachment ith your Ex re receive you: | It of the Militis confide, tha. still continii^ iMajesty's Govj ir Excellency- Id cheerful oV dionoe to all your Excollenoy's commands andovdovs ; and we hum])ly pri'suiiie, thai the I'ulun* condmti of His Ma- J(\sty's Canadian Militia, will lurnish ph;di>vs which may safely lead your Excellency to a lirni ivlianco, thai in the event of any attack on this Province, all the assislancc will be derived from iln'm, that can ])e expected from a brave ople, contendini»- for everything that is dear to them. e acknowledge with the highest gratitude, your Exccl- eucy's solicitude for the convenience of the Province', in lot having yet called togother that portion of the Militia, hich had been directed to hold themselves in readiness to .ssemble at the shortest notice ; and we bog leave to pledge urselves, that we will cheerfully co-opcrato in Jixing a etermimite period to the existence of the present Militia aws, and in the adoption of such new legiskiiive provi- ons, as may be considered best calculated to avoid every convenience that might result, from the various pv^nts hich fuluri} times may produce. ANNALS OK THE TIMES. Ftbruartf 11, 180S. [There is iiothing of moment from "Washington. Mr. ^so was presented to the President of the United Stat»'s the loth January, The probability in tiivour of th«» itinuance of Peace l)Otween the United States and Great Itnin increase daily. February 18, 1808. [r. Rose, whose powers are said not to bo as extensive leretofore reported, has already had several interview's the Secretary of State — no results have as yet irans- — but hopes are entertained of an amicable adjust- it. O 1 — »Jt — Subsoquoiit ftdvircs, oflalcr ro1)abl(> lliat no new slop will bo lakcn rr- laliiin- to Iho dilliMcnco.s brlvvcon CJn-al Brilain and Iho llniti'd Htalos, lill Iho o!l(»cl proiluriMl in lilii'^'land l)y Iho • <'nibar^"o can bo known. This will nol bo l)oror« Iho 1)0- uiniiino- of April. An Ad auihorizin^' Iho Prosidonl to raiso Iho ornbar^'O will prol)n,])ly bo passed bol'oro iho broakini^' up olCoiigToss. ^Tnrrh 10. 180S. Acoounls IVom Washinj^lonoriho 20111 nil. slalo Ihal Iho non-ociaiioDs carriod on IJioro bolwotMi Grcal Britain and Iho lInilo(l Stalivs have boon suspondod. Thing's aro how- (M'or said to bo in a Irain ol' adjustniont ; but it is nndor- stood that a dolinitivo arrangomont will not bo ollbotod liM the ai'rival oi* furthor instructions from England, In thf ui(«an tiuio a snx^plemontary non-importation act bill, aiul aiiolhor supplementary embargo act bill, have been pro- ceeded on in Congress, and will pro1)ably pass the ihroi' branches. The former contains a clause which cxempl- IVom the ellect of the non-importation act all American vessels which sailed from the United States previous to tin 14th of December last; the latter extends the embargo to land communications and inland navigation with foreiuti territories. The operation of the latter will be almost ex- ; clusively against this Province and the other British Pro vinces in North America ; the former will enable tin' j United States to receive the greatest part of their Sprini supply of British maniii{ictui'es. — a5-~ ]\o mission }({ api>lo|Liy , whicli ob- lisU'V NNH'Tl' Mv. Ivoso's 1)0 lakt'ii IV- viu nml Hk' 'Um\ l>y t^»«' • Ibro ilio 1)0- Pn'sidonl t<> I holovi' tht' I 10. 180S. slalo iUal lh»^ I, livitiiin iviul wvn aro how- t it is nudor- oUocUhI till land. In ih' act l)ill, i^ii'^ tvc boon pro- ,^ss the Ihve.' lich cxompl^ xU Amcriciiii ovions to th»' c embargo to with forciiiu 10 almost ex- 1- British Pro 11 enable the their Spi'i"'- Marrlt -Jl, 1808. The late Anierioan Pnpfrs simmu to conliini (ho opinion that London will now bo the llioatic of (lio no^-oeiations which wore lately carried on at Washin^'lon, J^iltlo i)ro- gross sooms to have boon made in these non'ociatioiis, pre- vious to their suspension ; lor, if we may believe th«^ news- papors, the nei>-ociators stumbled on the thn'sJiold : Mr. KoseoU'ered reparation Tor (he attack on the '•Uhesai)eake/' but required (he abrogation of the President's Proclama- lion, issued shortly al'(or that allair, Tor excludiiifj all Britisii ships oi" w^ar IVoin tlu^ Harbours and walers of the United Slates. To this, it was answered, on the part ol" America, that (he Proclamation in (|Ui>,sti(jn, was not issued, solely, Ion account of the attiick on the "Chesapeake, ' but also on aceouni ol" other subjects of complaint, particularly th(; ini- l^ressment oi' seamen ; and that i( would not bo annulled till (hose causes ol' complaint are removed. Thi^ groat muestion relating* to seanuMi being thus brought forward, [and Mr. Hose's instrucdons not extending to tha( subject, which was considered as settled by the King's Proclama- tion, the Negociations were of course at a stand. The suspension took place sooii after the arrival at "Wash- ington, of the intelligouce of Russia having declared igainst Englaiul, and it is ^n'obably that cirnimslance 'hich has induced thi^ American Government to believe! [hat they will be able to obtain some further concessions rom Crreat Britain, The last accounts from England re- nvsont the Government as disposed to avoid a w^ar with le United States, by every reasona])le means ; but w^Q are dly convinced that no concessions on Ihc subject of sea- len, essentially diU'erent from thi' priiictples laid down in 10 King's Proclamation will be made. « 3Iarc/i 31, 1808. I^It has been said in the Lontlon paiiorsthat 5000 men are be sent to His Majesty's Provinces in North America- in — 36 — the Spring. General Prevost is mentioned as coming out with these troops to command at Halifax. We have seen a letter from a gentleman at Washington who is well informed, mentioning, that nothing farther can bo done by Mr. Hose, on account, as it is said, of his in- structions being too limited. This gentleman, the two Cassamajors, Mr. Erskine, jun. and Mr. Foster, are to re- turn home shortly in the "Statira." Mr. Erskine (the minister) and Mr. Mansfield remain here. The writer, \^'ho generally concurs with the administratioti, sui)poses that the statements and representations lately sent to Great Britain ]>y the executiv^e will meet with a favorable recep- tion. — N. Amcr. It is understood, that a court-martial, which lately sat ou Commodore Barron, have ac(|uitted him of all the charges alleged against him l)y the court of enf[uiry. — Phil. Gaz. Letters to the 8th inst. have been received from Wash- ington. Nothing further is said of the negotiation ; but that it had been suspended. Mr. lioSE was, however, still at Washington. A Bill for raising an army agreeably to the Tresident's request has ])een read in the House, and another bill for the same purpose in the Senate of the U. S. A bill for a new draft of militia has also been read in the House. The okl draft, we believe, expires in April. February 2. — The troops going out to North America with Sir Georoe Phevost are assembling at Portsmouth. The 7th and the 8th Regiments, under the command of the Hon. Col, Pakenham^ aiul Col. Houghton, are already embarked; the 13th, commanded by Col. Colville, is marchnig from Plymouth, and the 5th battalion of the 60th, commanded by Baron Rottenburg, has sailed from Cork for Portsmouth sill 37 — joining out ^Yashin gton farther can 1, oi' his iii- m, the two , arc to re- Er-skino (th*) The v.'riter, m, supposes ent to Great arable reccp- BosTON, March, 28, 1808. The English reinforcomcnts for Halifax, under General Prevost, sailed from Portsmouth, the 13th February. The 7th, 8th, 13lh and 2ord regiments compose a part of it; and are to be joined by the 08th from Bermuda. [The 08th is in Quebec] The English papers say the whole force de- stined for Canada and Nova Scotia will amount to 10,000 men ; which they also state as sullicient to defend those colonies against the threatened invasion from the United States: lately sat on 1 the charges ■ PIiU. Gaz. from Wash- oiiation; but lowever, still e Tresidents ler bill for the )ill for a new se. The old lAmerica wW' Imouth. Tho Id of the Hon. Ly embarkeil ; larchmg from commanded |r Portsmouth EXTIiACT FKOM (iOVEIlNOll-CiENEllAI/S SPEECil FU»>M THE TJriiOiNB, APlilL 11, ISOS. Ili« Majesty has further been pleased to inform His Par- liament, that, for an unauthorized act of force committed ;|against an American ship of war, he had not hesitated to |oller immediate and spontaneous reparation, but that an 4^ltempt has been made by the American Government to Connect with the question which has arisen out of this act, ll^retensions inconsistent with the maritime rights of Great ritain. His ]\Iajesty is pleased to add, that such preten- ions His Majesty is determined never to admit, and to that etermination every voice in His Majesty's Dominions is aised in cheerful assent. It will remain now to bo seen hether the American Government will per.'^i.st in its un- slifiable pretensions, or whether it will not at length open s eyes to its true interest, which should lead it to strength- en by every means that it possesses, instead of injuring, the nly Power that stands between ita^ida subjugation, which, the fall of that Power, would be its inevitable doom to c worst of tyranny. — 38 — iii!!ii6?!i Halifax, April 12, 1808. His Excellency Licnlenaiit-Gencial Sir Georcie Pre- vosT, Jjart. and Brigadier-General Houghton, ^viill their respective suites, arrived here on Tliursday al'ternoon last, in His Majesty's ship "Penelope," Capt. Dick, from Ports- mouth, As soon as the '' Penelope " had anchored, Major- General Hunter, and suite, accompanied by the Honor- able Michael Wallace, Acting Sinn-ctary of the Province, waited on His Excellency on ])oard the "Penelope." A I six o'clock the General left the frigate, which saluted on the occasion, and proceeded to the King's wharf, where the grenadiers of His Majesty's lOlst regiment Avcre drawn up to receive him, and by whom he was escorted to the Government House. On His l]xcclleney's reaching the sliore, a salute was fired from Fort George, and every mark of respect sliewn that the short notice of his intention to land immediately, would admit of. The following Stalf Olficers liave arrived with Lieu- tenant-General Preyoht : Captain Coote, of the loth Light Dragoons, and Captoin Prevost, of the (KJth Fool, Aides-de-Cainp. Captain Ligertwood, Military Secretary. Cai)tain Watts, 3d Dragoon Guards, Miijor of Brigade and Mr. George, private Secretary to His Excellency. Capi Taylor, of the 7tli Foot Major of Brigade to Brigadier Gt neral Houghton. We are happy to state that of the transports, wliich lii Portsmouth, with his Excellency Sir G. Prevost for tlii place, not one is missing, and that considering the caii season of the year, they have arrived in the best orcl imaginal)le. They have brought the 1st battalion of IIi I Majesty's 7th, or Royal Fusiliers— the 8th regiment ; the 23rd, or lioyal Welch Fusiliers. These regiments c tain upwards of 1,000 men each, and appear in the higli state of military order. I on — o<' — 12, 1808. :ou(JE Pre- f, Aviih ilicir :ernoou last, , from Ports- 101-0(1, Major- J the Honor- [he rrovince, snelope." At h saluted on .vharf, Avhere t were drawn scorted to tho . reaching" the id every mark < intention to •d with Lieu- and )-Canip. >r of Brigade 'Ueney. Capi Brigadier Or rts, which I'l KVOST for til: ring- the <'avl; the best ord' battalion of H^ re"-iment tin regiments cor ,r in the higln" AVc understand that several other regiments, with de- tachments of Artillery, itc, may \n^ shortly expected here. The convoy lel't Portsmouth on the loth of Fehru;iry. having o]i hoard ilie 1st Bntlalion of tlie 7th regiment, the jsth, llio 13th and 2-''>rd regimenis, touched at Bermuda [on tho 24th ult., and left Jive tr:insporls with the l^lh co- Iffimont at that Island. 3ENTENCE A^iAlNST CAinWLX .1 AMES r.AURON OF TIIR (TNirp;!) STATES KliHIATE ''CilESATEAKE."' r.\lTi:i) STATES Wasitinoton, May 12.— The General Court Martial ^semhled on hoard United States frigate Ihc "Chesapeake," 11 the harbour of "Norfolk, and stale oi" Virginia, pursuant the orders of the SecrolaTy of jhe Navy, to try James larron, Esq., a Ca})tain in I lie Navy of the United States. Itave acquitted him of all th(^ charges, excepting the vi/. For neglecting on tlu! prohabilily of an engage- lent lo cli'ar his ship for action — of this charge, they have i-onounced him guilty, and for this olience, they have ad idgcd, and sentenced him to be suspi>nded from all oom- land in (he Navy of the United States, and this without ly pay or emoluments of any kind, for the period and rm of live years, from Ihe 81 h day of February l!S08. lis s.'ntiMice is conlinued by Ihe president . ANNALS OF THE TIMES. (FiIOM the BALTlMOPtE WlIIG OF JULY IG. — " Let Actings be called in e\ ery town, city, county and village the United States, let them earnestly and respectfully Iress the President, and urge the //c^t.s.s//// of calling Con- kss together ])y prnrlamafion, as speedily as the law — 40 — permits. Lot Congress convene — declare Wae, against lilng-land — make ourselves and posterity forever secure, by the expulsion of the English from North America ; for, we will ever be subject to faction, while, there exists a dishonest neigh1)0ur on our northern borders, who will attempt to • weaken us by sowing divisions among us ; seducing citizens from their duty, and ollicers from their trust. " Let those grand, but simple plans 1)0 executed Avith an American spirif, now ardent for aurh adventtiroi. And Oh ! what consequences may we not expect? Halcyon days, years, centuries will succeed a temporary war, which can neither bo Idoody nor expensive ; the respectability of our character will then be acknowledged everywhere, which is now admitted nowhere. Vkou the AuiioRA. — '- The time is now' very short ; should the enemy not commit any outrage, before the period of the meeting of Congress, w' c have even then only four months to wait for the deliberative voice of the nation — should the British Government recal its arbitrary orders of council, and the French Em^ieror his decrees, the Ame- rican executive w^ould have power to put an end to the embargo. *' But there is too much reason to believe that the British Government will not relax the system which it has adopt- ed ; and that, instead of an embargo. Congress w'ill at once cutoff all communication and intercourse — or, if the people will, by their representatives, prefjr it to an embargo, enter at once into an active and decisive war." * From the Washins;ton Monitor. " The course of conduct to be pursued by the people of the United States is as lucid as a ray of light. On either hand we are presented with an enemy, if w^e choose so to consider it. France cares very little for our friendship as it regards herself; but values our enmity as it relates to — 41 lio British lis adopt- ill ai oiico ho ]iooplo ombarffo, people ol' On cither loose so to eiidship as relates to Great Britain, whilst the latter estimates our amity as es- sential to her vital interests, but from the expectation oi' a revolution among our citizens in her favour rejt^cts the olive branch that we have so often presented to her. Against England, to maintain our unity, our independence, and our character as a free people. The au'gre vat ions of France are wounding to our sense of national honour ; those of the British insulting and degrading to every noble passion of our nature; because it presumes upon our want of fortitude and virtuous i>rinciples. We are a peaceable nation; we must therefore preserve a pacific posture as long as it is tenable consistent with our interest and rights. We are also a gallant nation we must therefore make war when j peace is no longer reasonable or to be tolerated. In any j event the Embargo is a wise minisure. If wt; refrain from I war, it acts as a girth which binds our most valual)le [resources to the country. It will also act rosiTiVELY upon the enemy, by which, in due time, he must vuidoubt- ledly feel the want of our friendly offices. If v/e make war, [the Embargo is one of those middle measures which breaks the dreadful shock in rushing from a state of peace into a state of desperate hostilities. 5XT11ACT FEOM THE MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON CITY, NOVEMUKIl S, ISOS. The communications made to Congress at their last jssion, explained the posture in which the close of the iiscussions relative to the attack by a British ship of war |ii the frigate " Chesapeake " left a subject on which the Nation had manifested so honorable a sensibility. Every [lew of what had passed authorised a belief that immediate teps would be taken by the British Government for re- ressing a wrong, which, the more it was investigated, 6 — 42 — appeared tho more clearly to require what had not been provided for in the special mission. It is found that no steps have been taken for the purpose. On the, contrary it will be seen, in the documents laid before you, that tho inadmissable preliminary, which obstructed the adjustment, is still adhered to, and moreover that it is now brought into connection with the distinct and irrelative case of the orders in council. The instructions which had been given to our minister at London, with a view to facilitate, if no- cessiiry, the reparation claimed by the United States, are included in the documents communicated. {From English Papers.) KELATIXG TO THE EMBARGO. We have not inserted the preface to the resolves pro- posed to the Congress of the United States by the commil- tee of foreign relations, ])ecause it is, in a great pari, a second edition of Mr. Madison's letter to Mr, Erskine. Tho following extracts are however interesting as they may h considered as expressing the sentiments of the majority ol the Congress. " These [the Berlin decree and British Orders] togethci " with the Milan decrees of December, 1807, which Iillei' " the measure, w^ould on the princijile of self-defence hav' " justificated immediate hostilities against both nations ok " the part of the United States ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ " Your Committee can perceive no other alternative, bii " abject and degrading submission ; war w4th both natioii> " or in a continuance and enforcement of the present sus " pension of commerce. There is no other alternativt " but war with both nations, or a continuance of the pre " sent system. For war with one of the belhgerents oiilj -43- l not been 1(1 that no contrary il ou, that the adjustment, m brought case of the been given ihtate, if ne- . States, arc resolves pro' the commit- great part, a irskiue. Thi they may bi majority ot ers] togethi'i which filleti -defence havi ,h nations ok ^ ^ * Lernative, bii would be submission to the edicts and will of the other, ** and a repeal in whole or in part of the embargo must ^' necessarily be war or submission. ' A general repeal I" without arming, would be submission to both nations.' — ' A general repeal and arming of our merchant h vessels, would l)e war with both, and war of the worst *• kind, sulFering the enemies to plunder us without retalia- tion upon them.' ' A partial repeal must, from the situation of Europe, necessarib, be actual submission to one of the aggressors, and war with the other.' ' The last position, is the only one in which there can be any dou])t. # # ^ But' the committee says it is a " pro- ^* position which the difficult situation of the United Stat«»s could alone have suggested, and which will prove more inadmissible or impracticable as the subject is more thoroughly investigated. The alternative is painful ; it is between a continued suspension of commerce and war I with both England and France." But the choice must ultimately be made between the two, and it is ir.portant that we should be prepared for either the one or the other. # * # # ^ » The present unsettled state softhe w'orld, the extraordinary situation in which tlie [United States are placed, and the necessity, if war be re* [sorted to, of making it at the same time against l)otli Inations, and these the two most powerful of the world, |are the principal causes of hesitation. There would be lone in resorting to that remedy how^ever calamitous, if selection could be made on any principle of justice, or ithout a sacrifice of national independence. On a uestion of such difficulty, involving the most important terests of the union, and w^hich has not, perhaps until both natioib "llately, been sufficiently considered, your committee think e i>resent suj *i%tie House alone competent to pronounce a decisive er alternative ^pinion." ice of the pr^^The latter part of these extracts naturally excites a smile, hgerents onl; jjto the resolves, proposed by the Committee, mi — 44 — We do not believe they will give any oflencc to Great Britain. Upon the whole, they are rather conciliatory, as liir as she is concerned. At i)re8ent her ships of war are I'xchuled the American ports ; every impediment to the introduction of her manufactures, which can be enforced, already exists by means of the Embargo and non-importa- tion act. But with respect to France, the case is quite dillerent ; nothing was ever done against her ; all was love and friendship ; but now, she is all at once, put upon the same footing with Great Britain. These resolves in lact say to England, " you insinuate, that as a prelimiary •' to an adjustment of diti'erences, we must repeal our pro- " claniation excluding your ships of war from our waters; No ; We ivill not mbmit. But, our harbours, shall be no " longer nsylums to your enemy ; and the necessity ol " keeping your ships on our coasts will be removed." Had such a proceeding been adopted by the American Govern- ment, as soon as it was acquainted with the Berlin Decree lilnuland and the United States might have now been friends ; for nothing tended so much, to irritate the peopl' ot lilngland, as the fact that our enemy's vessels had a fro^ use of the harboiu's of the United States while our brav sailors were refused common hospitality ; and this too after reparation had been offered for the attack on i\v " Chesai)eake.'' ANNALS 01'' THE TIMES. AMERTCAX.^ l^LACINC! THEMSELVES IN A MORE COMPLETE STATE ItErENCE. According to the jiresent appearances the American Coi gress seems determined to enforce the Embargo, The 1): for that purpose passed the Senate on the 21st ult , andli 1)een twice read and referred for the 24th, in the House llepresentatives. But We have seen that a law enacted c: day, may l)e suspended the next. It is probable that t m — 45 — J to Great ciliatory, as of \var arc [lent to tho be enforced, lon-imporia- ;asc is quite ler; all was Congros.s will be guidod in its final dclormation by Iho events in Europe which may be known before tho break- iiii^ up of Coni»"ress. A bill has passed both ])raiu'hos for4,41Gonioors, seamen and marines. The whole of the expenses of the navy for I the current year is stated at 2,()G2,0G0 dollars 51 cents. It I is also proposed to authorise the acceptance and arming of I 50.000 volunteers. This it appears, is the extent of the ce. put upon :| measures for "placing' the country in a more complete state J resolves in :|of defence " agreeable to the resolution lately passed. a prelimiary 'peal our pro- 1 our waters; 3, shall be no necessity ol ■moved." Had srican Govern- Berlin Decree ve now beoi; f SUBSTANCE OF THE NON-INTEllCOUKSE ACT5, AS FINALLY PASSED OX THE 1st MARCH, IS(»<). hECTlox 1. — No sJti'/>s of war to be admitted into the harbours or watt'rs of the United [States, excepting in cases lof distress, or being charged with dispatches, or being ilVu'kets. M i*l e ■oeopl- I Section' 3. — No vessch whalsoevcr, sailing under the 11 1 „ ^\u^ lEnglish or French Flags, or owned in whole or in part bv ;sels had a liC' | '^ ^ x j -|subj(>cts of either, to enter the harbours or waters of the ^United States, after the 20th May next, on pain of conlisca- ition of the vessel and cargo. Exceptions the same as in ^e(;tion 1. m Section 4. — No importation from France or England or ^Hheir dependencies, or places in the actual possession of ^^ither, or of their produce or manufacture, to be made, after the 20th May next, on pain of confiscation and treble the ralue of the goods conRscated. This article not to effect jihe cargoes of vessels which sailed for places beyond the Jape of Good Hope previous to the 22nd December, 1807, ^r A'essels, generally, which have since sailed under per- lission. iiilc our brav and this toe attack on tb MPLETE STATE American Coi bargo. The1) nst ult , and lii in the House law enacted oi .probable that t: Section 11.— The President of the United States may, case that France or England recall or modify their edicts — 4G — so as to "cease to violate the neutral commorco of the United States," declare the same by rroclamulioii, and the suspension oi' the trade of the United States as it regards tlnnn, or either of them, shall then cease. Section 12. — The Embarao and Supplementary Acts repealed after the 15th March, 180!); exceptiiii»* so far as they relate to Great Jbitain and France and their depen- dencies, tVc. Skction 13. — During the suspension of trade with Great Britain and France, no vessel to sail for any Foreii,ni i>ort without havini*' given bond to the amount of dovd)l»; the value of the vessel and cargo, not to trade with Great Britain or France or their dependencies, iScc. Section 14. — The restriction on the coasting- trade •Mitirely repealed, excepting so far as relate, to places ad- jacent to the l(n'ritories of foreign nations. Section 17. — The non-importation Act, passed the 18th April, 1800, and the Act Supplementary thereto repealed. Section 19.— And be it further enacted, that this act shall continue and be in force until the end of the next session of Congress, and no longer ; and that the act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the ports and har- bours of the United States, and the several acts supple- mentary thereto, shall be, and the same are hereby repeal- ed from and after the end of the next session of Congress. Approved, March 1, 1800. Til. JKFFERSON. PliOCf.AMATfON BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas it is prowded by the lltli section of the act ol' Congress, intituled : " An Act to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and Great Britain — 47 — CO of the 1, and the it regards lary Acts so I'ar as Ay depen- vith Great n'vvj;n povt louble the viih Great iing' trade places ad- sd the 18th repeah^d. at this aet )l" the next 3 act hiying ts and har- icts supple- •eby repeal- r Congress. I'ED SPATES of the act ol' commercial reat Britain and France, and their dependencies; and lor ojher pur- poses." — Ihat "in case either Franc*' or Great liritain shall so revoke or modify her edi(.'(s as that they shall (mmisc to violate the neutral commerce of the United Slates," the President is authorixed to declare the same by Proclama- tion, after which the trade suspended by the said act and by an act laying an Embargo, on ships and vessels in the ports and harbours of the United States, and the sciveral acts supplementary thereto may be renewed with the luition so doing; And whereas the lion. David Montiiguo Erskine, His Ihitannic Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, has by the order and in the name of his Sovereign, d«;clared to this government, that the British orders in council of January and Novembm-, 1807, .will have been withdrawn as rt>spt3cts the United Stat«'s, ion the 10th day of .Tiini' next; now, therefore, I James I Madison, Pr(>sident of the United States, do hereby pro- claim that th«! orders in council aforesaid, will have been iwithdrawn on the said ienthday of June next; after which [day the trade of the United States with CJreat Britain, as [suspended by the act of Congress above mentioned, and fan act laying an Embargo on all ships and vessels in the .ports and har])Ours of the United States, and the several acts supplementary thereto, may be renewed. Given under my hand and seal of the United States, at f Washington, the nineteenth day of April, in the i(L. S.) year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred ■'i V and nine, and of the independence of the United I States, the thirty-third. ^ JAMES MADISON. By the President, rt. smith, Sccrclar/j of S(a(c 'A — 48 — PUOChAMATloN BY THE rUESlDENT ()F THE UNITED STATES OF AMEIilCA. A rU()ULAMATl(3N. WiiKUKAS ill (u)uso(jiioiic'u ol'ii communioiiliou IVom His Ihilainiic Mnjcssly's Envoy Fxtriiorcliuary luul Ministo.' Pioiiipotonliary, de('lariiii»' tlml the Ih'itisli Orders in Cou oil ol' January and Noveniher, 1S07, \V()uld have been with- drawn on the 10th day orJvine hist; and ])y virtue oi' au- thorily •••iven in such event, by tlie 11th section of the Act ot Coni^Tess, iiitituh'd : " An Act io interdict the commercial intercourse jx'tvveen the United States and Groat Britain and Francii and their dependencies, and lor other purposes," 1, .Tamks Madison, President of the United States, did issut? my Proclamation, binirini^- date on the ll>th of April last, declarim^" that Ihe Orders in Council aforesaid would have been so withdrawn on the 10th day of June, aflev which the trade suspended by certain Acts of Cong'n miL»ht be renewed. And whereas it is now oflicially m..,.. known to mi that the said Orders in Council have not been withdrawn agreeably to the communication and de- claration, aforesaid ; 1 do hereby proclaim the same, and consequently that the trade renewable on the event of the said orders being withdrawn, is to be considered as under the operation of the several Acts by which such trade was suspended. Given under my hand and seal of the United Slates^ at the City of Washington, on the 0th day of August, 1809. (Signed,) JAMES MADISON. R. SMITH, ^ecrelai'f/ of Stale. Se — 40 — HON. F. J. JACKSON, ENVOY EXTllAOUDINAUY AND MiNIsrEU PLENIPOTENTIARY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY, TO HON. K. SMITH, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON. MR. JACKSOX TO MR. SMITI[. Washington, Oct. 27, 1809. {^111^ — Finding by your letter of the 10th instant, that notwithstanding the frequent statements made by me in lour conferences of the terms of satisfaction which I am empowered to oiler to this country for the unauthorized attack made by one of His Majesty's ships of war upon the [frigate of the United State, the "Chesapeake," I have not [had the good furtune to make myself distinctly understood )y you, I have the honour to enclose herewith a paper or memoranda containing the conditions on the basis of which am ready to proceed to draw uji with you the necessary )fficial documents in the form proposed in my letter of the ilth instant, or in any other form uiion which wc may lereafter agree. I have tho houor, &c., J F. J. JACKSON. the HON. ROBT. SMITH, &c., &c., &c. PROPOSITIONS Offered by Mr. JACKSON to Mr. SMITH. Tho President's Prockmation Df July, 1807, prohibiting British ships of war the entrance into the Harbours of ie United States having been annulled His Majesty is [illing to restore the seamen taken out of the " Chesa- sake " on reserving to himself a right to claim, in a re- llar way by application to the American Government, b discharge of such of them (if any) as shall be prove4 7 — 50 — to be either a natural born subject of His Majesty, or a deserter from His Majesty's service. His Majesty is willing to make a provision for the fami- lies of such men as w^ere slain on board the " Chesapeake," iu consequence of the unauthorized attack upon that fri- gate, provided that such bounty shall not be extended to the families of any man who shall have been either a natural born subject of His Majesty's service. MR. SMITH TO MR. JACKSON. Department of State, Nov. 8, 1800. Sir, — In my letter of the 19th ult., it stated to you the declaration in your letter of the 11th, that the despatch from " Mr. Canning to Mr. Erskine of the 23rd January, was the only despatch by which the conditions were pre- scribed to Mr. Erskine for the conclusion of an arrange- ment on the matter to which it related, was then for the lirst time made to this government." And it was added, tliat if that despatch had been communicated at the time of the arrangement, or if it had been known that the proposi- tions contained in it were the only ones on which he was authorized to make an arrangement, the arrangemeni would not have been made. In my letter of the 1st inst. adverting to the repetition in your letter of the 23rd ult , of a language implying a knowledge in this government that the instructions of your predecessor did not authorize the arrangement formed by him, an intimation was dis tinctly given to you, that after the explicit and peremptory asseveration that this government had not any such knov ledge, and that with such a knowledge such an arrange ment would not have been made, no such insinuation couli; bo admitted by this government. Finding that in you reply of the 4th instant, you have used a language whict — 51- cannot be understood but as reiterating and even aggravat- ing the same gross insinuation, it only remains, in order to preclude opportunities which are thus abused, to inform you that no further communications will be received from you, and that the necessity of this determination will with- out delay, be made known to your government. In the mean time a ready attention will be given to any commu- nication afiecting the interests of the two nations, through any other channel that may be substituted. I have the honor to be, &c , (Signed,) The Hon. F. J. JACKSON, &c., &c. R SMITH. Mr. Oakley, His Majesty's Secretary of Legation, is desir- |ed by Mr. Jackson to state to the Secretary of State, that as Mr. Jackson has been already once most grossly insulted by the inha])itants of the town of Hampton in the unpro- voked language of abuse held by them to several officers [bearing the king's uniform, when those officers were them- iselves violently assaulted and put in imminent danger ; he [conceives it to be indispensable to the safety of himself, of the gentlemen attached to his mission, and of his ftimily, luring the remainder of their stay in the United States, to )e provided with special passports or safeguards from the Lmerican Government. This is the more necessary since )me of the newspapers of the United States are daily using language whose only tendency can be to excite the people [o commit violence upon Mr. Jackson's person. In con- jequence he requests that the undermentioned names may >e inserted in the documents to be furnished him. Francis Umes Jackson, Mrs. Jackson, their three chiIiDren, Jharles Oakeley, Esq. His Majesty's Secretary of Le- gation, Mr. Georoe Ottey, Private Secretary. Servants. — Robert Clavering, Francis Martin, William Lttree, Charles Beecroft, Richard Low, John Price, John — 52 — Lilly, James Wright, Amelia George, Mary Smith, Harriet Patten, Martha "Wood, Frances Blacknell. Received at the Department of State on the 11th November, 1809. HOUSE OF REPRESENrATIVES OF THE U. S. OF A. IN KELAIION TO MR. JACKSON. On the 3d instant, the House of Representatives of the United States agreed to a resolution from the Senate, de- claring that Mr. Jackson had insulted the Governmeni, Ayes 72, Nays 41 ; and on the same day, the message from the President, in this day's Gazette, recommending the renewal of the Hundred Thousand Militia and Volunteer Act, and hinting at a loan^ was laid before that body, thus displaying to the members the formidable means they havo of avenging the insult. noVI^iRNOR GENERAL'S SPEECH, FEBRUARYS, 1810, ALLUDINd TO THE DIFFERENCES WITH THE U. S. OF A. '• With respect to our relations with the American Go- V^ernment, I am concerned to have to state to you, that far from that amicable settlement of the differences between us, to which the arrangement that had been agreed on by His Majesty's Minister led us to look forward, the circum- stances that have since occurred, seem rather to have widened the breach, and to have removed that desirable event to a period that can scarcely be foreseen by human sagacity. The extraordinary cavils that have been mad^ with a succeeding Minister — the eager research that coiili- discover an insult, which defies the detection of all othei penetration— the consequent rejection of further commuiii cation with t?:iRt Minister, and indeed every step of an in tercourse, the particulars of which are known by authenti documents, evince so little of a conciliatory disposition, aiK |u W: — 53 — ith, Harriet ?ived at the )9. IN RELATION itives of th(? 3 Senate, de- GloY eminent, nessage from tmending the id Volunteer tat body, thus Lina they havo 810, ALLUBTNd , OF A. American Go- ,0 you, that iar jnces betwe(>ii agreed on by rd, the circum rather to have that desirable seen by human tve been madr irch that coul^ ni of all other rther commimi y step of an i" Am by authenti disposition, a"' so much of a disinclination to meet the honourable advances |made by His Majesty's Government while these have been further manifested in such terms and by such conduct, that the continuance of peace between us seems now to depend [ess on the high sounded resentment of America, than on the moderation with which His Majesty may be disposed io view the treatment that he has met with." '• In laying before you this picture of our actual situa- lion, I am confident I do not deceive myself when I feel it p be unnecessary to urge you to be prepared for every [vent that may arise from it. In the great points of our icurity and defence, I persuade myself one Heart and one ;ind will actuate all. On His Majesty's part should hos- ilities ensue, I feel warranted in assuring you of the [ecessary support of regular troops, in the confident ex- sctation of a cheerful exertion of the interior force of the »untry, and thus united, I trust we shall be found equal any attack that can be made on us. Animated by every Lotive, that can excite them to resistance, our Militia will >t be unmindful of the courage they have displayed in jrmer days, and the bravery of His Majesty's Army has iver been called in question." lEPLY OF THE LEQISI^ATIVE COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 6, 1810. h We thankfully acknowledge the communication which |ur Excellency has been pleased to make to us, with re- 3ct to our relations with the American Government. HVe mot but express our concern that that amicable settle- bnt of the differences between us, (to which the arrange- |nt that had been agreed on by His Majesty's Minister us to look forward,) has not taken place, and that the pumstances that have since occurred should seem rather lave widened the breach and to have removed that de* ible event to a period that can scarcely be foreseen. But — 54 at the same time we feel with your Excellency that the ex- traordinary cavils which have been made with a succeed- ing minister, the eager research that could discover an in- sult which defies the detection of all other ]>enetration, the consequent i ejection of further communication with that minister, and every step of intercourse with him, evince but little of a conciliatory disposition, and much of a disin- clination to meet the honorable advances of His Majesty's Government, and as we have a just sense of what is due to the vindication of His Majesty's honor from us in common with all his subjects, we have learnt with satisfaction that the continuance of peace between us, seems now to depend less on the high sounded resentment of America, than on the moderation with which His Majesty may be disposed to view the treatment that he has met with." " Animated by your Excellency's assurance of the necos sary support of regular troops and of His Majesty's Navv should hostilities ensue, we shall cheerfully have recoursi to every means in our power to assist His Majesty in tht defence of this part of his Dominion against every attack and to ensure the best exertions of the interior force of th country for that purpose, and under this impression, whili we feel the expediency of renewing immediately thost Acts by which the executive government is enabled mort effectually to discharge its duty in guarding against danger which can scarcely be reached by the ordinary process i Law, We earnestly beseech your Excellency to be assure of our utmost endeavours to be ftilly prepared for ever event that may arise from our actual situation. In such cause, may it please your Excellency, one heart and on mind cannot but actuate all — Not only His Majesty's Mil || tia, (who will not be unmindful of the courage which tht have displayed in former days,) but all classes of his Caii dian subjects,*will hold themselves bound by gratitude well as duty to give every proof of the most atfectiona: attachment to a beloved Sovereign who has made the ha — 55 — that the ox- i a succeed- scover an in- etration, tho jii with thill him, eviiico ch of a disin- His Majesty s i ^hat is due to : Ls iu common tisi'action thai ow to depend erica, than on ly be disposed of the necoR' , lajesty's Navv have recourse !^Iajesty in th. ;t every attack ■ior force of lb pression, whii lediately tho^t enabled moit against danger lary process » ly to be assuro )ared for ever ion. In such heart and on Majesty's Mil •age which tb sses of his Can by gratitudes nost affectionat xs made the ha; piness of his people, the great object of his conduct and • favored them, beyond example." UEPLY OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, FEBRUARY 9, 1810, " We are much concerned to learn from your Excellency, that, far from the amicable settlement of the existing dif- ferences with the American Government to which the irrangement that has been agreed on by His Majesty's Minister led us to look forward, the circumstances that liave since occurred, seem rather to have widened the jbreach, and to have removed that desirable event to a period Icarcely to be foreseen. We learn with equal surprise and ^effret the extraordinarv cavils that have been made with a [ucceeding Minister; the eager research to discover an in- ilt, defying the detection of all other penetration ; the msequent rejection of further communication with that Minister, and that every step of an intercourse, the parti- ilars of which are known by authentic Documents, should ince so little of a conciliatory disposition, and so much a disinclination to meet the honorable advances made His Majesty's Government, while these have been irther manifested in such terms, and by such conduct, lat the continuance of a peace between us seems now to jpend less on the high sounded resentment of America, lan on the moderation with which his Majesty may lu^e [sposed to view the treatment he has met with." " Your Excellency may rest assured, that in laying he- re us, the i)icture of our actual situation, it is unnecessary urge us to prepare for every event that may arise from In the great point of our security and defence, your [cellency may be persuaded, that one heart and one mind 11 actuate all, and wdth the assurance of the necessary >port of regular troops, united with the cheerful exertion the interior force of the country, wo trust that we shall found equal to any attack that can be made on us." — 56— . " The sentiments of attachment manifested by the inha< bitants of this Province for their happy Constitution whicli, insures to them the free exercise of their rights and liberties, naturally commands their gratitude and fidelity to a So- vereign and nation whence this inestimable bJ^«sing is derived. Animated by these and every other motive that can excite resistance, the militia of Canada will not be un- mindful of the courage they have displayed in former days, and will emulate the bravery of His Majesty's army which has never been called in question." RESOLVES REPORTED IN THE SENATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, FEBRUARY 8, 1810. Retolvedf — That the Legislature of Massachusetts, is affected with sincere and profound regret at the late unex- pected and sudden termination of the correspondence be- tween the American Secretary of State, and Francis James Jackson, His Britannic Majesty's Minister, for which they can perceive no just or adequate cause. Resolved, — That it is our anxious wish, that some means may be devised, consistent with the honor of the United States, to resume the negociations between the two coun- tries,- for obtaining reparation of real injuries, and to establish peace and amity, so essential to the interest and happiness of both, upon a permanent basis. Resolved, — That acts of embargoes and non-intercourse, and the whole system of commercial restraints auopted and contemplated by the late and present administration, are impediments to a restoration of our amicable relations with Great Britain, and have proved in the highest degree per nicious to the best interests of this country, and especially of this commercial state ; that all the predictions of their opponents have been verified; that by the operation oi these acts, the publiQ treasury has been drained, and -67-^ jy the inha- ition which, md liberties, ility to a So- ) bJ^ssing is motive that 11 not be un- former days, armv which JSACHU SETTS, lachusetts, i^ he late uncx- pondence be- ANCis James r which they t some means ►f the United le two couii iries, and to interest and n-intercourst 5 auopted and listration, an relations witli st degree per- md especially tions of theii operation ol drained, and i brought to the verge oi bankruptcy ; that the commerce of ^tho country has been palsied, and in a great measure, irre- Icoverably destroyed ; that the whole of this impotent Isystem has become a subject of derision with those it was •fintended to coerce, and that its mischiefs have recoiled lupon our own country. I Resolved^ — That the temporary suspension of these acts afforded demonstration of the means of the United States to pursue a highly lucrative commerce, even under exist- ing embarrassments, and an opportunity which was gladly lembraced by our Mercantile Citizens ; that, during this in- terval all our shipping was employed, and that our navi- gation experienced civility and protection from the British Jruisers, whilst it has been constantly annoyed by the de- )rcdations of France and her allies. Resolved, — That all measures calculated to produce un- lecossary hostility with Great Britain, at all times impolitic id contrary to the true interests of this nation, are at the Jresent crisis peculiarly unfortunate, and ought to bo dis- countenanced by all constitutional means ; that our coun- try is defenceless and our treasury exhausted ; that to for- Jfy one, and replenish the other, will require time, ccono- ly, and the advantages of renewed commerce ; that, on the ;|ontrary. Great Britain is inaccessible and invulnerable, ixcept in one of its provinces, the conquest of which, if it lould be effected, would prove a curse and a scourge to jiurselves and our posterity. Resolved, — That a war with Great Britain would inevi- ibly lead to an alliance with France, and thus furnish to jr ambition the means and the pretexts for organizing rithin the United States, the materials and instruments >r schemes of future domination. These materials un-, ippily abound on the northern frontier, and in our newly squired territory in the South. From such a contest, the [nited States, if unsuccessful, would, be compelled to retire 8 — 58 — with a disgraceful surrender of the objects of the war, or ii succcssiul, by contributing to the downfall of Britain, would be left alone to encounter a power, who, unopposed by the navy of his present enemy, would call into requisi- tion all the resources and energies of our solitary Republic, to defend, in doubtful conflict, our liberties upon our own shores. \-& ANNALS OF THE TIMES. The recent high price of provisions has raised an outcry against those who buy provisions in the country, to seli again in town ; and, we find, that a Bill has been intro duced into the House of Assembly, in consequence of a petition from a number of the inhabitants of Quebec, fo: preventing that practice. We are afraid that the Petition crs have taken the effect for the cause ; and that the remi dy they propose, would increase the high prices of whici they complain. These high prices might, in: that case, b really an evil ; for they probably would be caused h scarcity, of which we do not hear that the Petitioners nov complain. It is at all times a dangerous experiment to ai tempt to restrain the natural propensity of individuals t better their condition. Liberty in this respect, seems t be the foundation of all public prosperity, and the test ( good government. This propensity ought only to b restrained where it interferes with the liberty of other ii dividuals, where deceit is used, or where it may be daiige: ous to the public morals, and the general security. Hai ?eti m\ BEGAKDING THE RECALL OF MR. JACKSO^'. New York, March 13, 1810 ' 'rtv Extract of a letter from Washington. — " Congress talk siBti Adjourning early in Apri|. 'J!h^ news from England do i 10 war, or il of Britain. , unopposed into requisi- ry Republic, )ou our own ;ed an outcry antry, to sell as been intro lequencc of a >f Quebec, fo; t the Petition that the remi trices of whicl n that case, b be caused 1)] etitioners nov periment to ai individuals t jpect, seems t ,nd the testt it only to t' rty of other ii may be dange: jcurity. — 59 — away all idea of war — they find they cannot provoke Enn- land to go to war, and they dare not make war themselves. •The Democrats have a story here that Mr. Jackson is to be recalled in disgrace, and that another minister is to be sent put immediately ; but this I set down as fudge, a mere (jtlectioneering trick." (This letter comes from a gentleman .pf noted accuracy.) ■ New York, March 14. — Extract 0/ a letter from Wash- ington, March 10. — " The committee of conference wore to J|ave a meeting to-day ; but nothing will be done till the |eturn of the •' Adams " frigate. I '• The official dispatch of Mr. Pinkney, has dwindled clown to an unofiicial letter from that gentleman. " There is not a word in at a.z to Mr. Jackson, his name not even mentioned. It merely states having had a con- ence with Lord "Wellesley, who expressed himself and lis Majesty's Government as being cordially disposed to all differences, and from the tenor of his Lordship's inversation, he (Mr. Pinkney,) concludes they will send it another minister immediately." We understand, that a letter has been received this rning from a gentleman of high standing in the demo- tic ranks, which says that the Marquis Wellesley stated Mr. Pinkney that the Government of England wholly itied Mr. Jackson in the part he took in the late corres- dence ; but that to convince the United States that they e earnestly desirous of an adjustment of difficulties, were willing to recall him, and to send another ister of talents and rank. ^CKSO^*. '^^RMON BY THE CATHOLIC BISHOP PLESSlg OF QUEBEC^. . t iQ 1810 arcn , *)mmunication.— On Sunday last, afterr the recent and longross talk ■•*"ig Proclamation of his Excellency the Governor in m England do^lpf was read, the Catholic Bishop of Quebec gave an -60- appropriate Sermon upon loyalty, in presence of an au- dience of between seven and eight thousand person. The incontestible principles of the scriptures, the extensive though very just consequences resulting therefrom, a detail of the inestimable blessings conferred on this Province by Divine Providence during a series of fifty years, an exposi- tion of the benevolent views, the paternal goodness, the amiable and well known qualities of him who in this coun- try represents the best as well as the most happy of mo- narchs ; in a word every thing was urged in the most pressing and energetic style that could confirm the inha- bitants of this city in that respect, love and submission which We all owe to the Civil Government of the Province May the sentiments of this Prelate so sincerely attached to the true interest of his country extend to all those who inhabit it ! At the conclusion of the Discourse, the Choir struck up a Domine Salvum fac Regent, ■which the musii repeated on the air of God Save the King. ANNALS OF IHE TIMES. ;•;:* Boston, Friday 6, 1810. — It is impossible to compar the conduct of the British Government towards us, wit that of ours towards them, without being mortified at th contrast. In the Message of our President we find gros hostile unfounded insinuations; the government folloi suit, and seem to take pride in shew^ing an impotei malice. In the King's speech we find nothing illiber; insulting or unfriendly, while the government pursues firm and dignified course. This Speech was delivered the 23rd of January. It cannot injure the feelings of ti most fastidious American ; yet a few days previous, t minister, Lord Wellesley, had officially notified ^' Pinckney, that they approved of the conduct of Mr. Ja son ; considered the treatment he had received as uuv — 61 — e of an au- erson. The le extensive rom, a detail Province hy :s, an exposi- roodness, tho in this conn- happy of mo- il! the most firm the inhu- Ld snbmissioii ftheTrovineo sly attached lo ill those who irse, the Choir ich the mm ^ ranted ; and were convinced that any further attempts to I settle by nogociation in this country would be fruitless. This is the very result that well informed statesmen among' us predicted. Quebec, May llth, 1810. The Congress of the United States rose on the 1st instant to meet in December, They have repealed the Non Inter* ■jcourse act, but subject to be revived against any one of the |>elligerents who, within a limited time, shall not have :|withdrawn his orders or decrees, in the case of their hav- ing been withdrawn by the other. The exclusion of ships ,|^f war is continued. All talk of war, towards the end of le Session had subsided. Loans and the reduction of the ^rmy and navy were the order of the day. )le to compat wards us, wit mortified at tli we find gros ernment folio ig an impotei lothing illibei' inent pursues ^'as delivered I ,e feelings of ti ys previous, t notified ^ ict of Mr. .Ta ceived as unv RECALL OF MR. JACKSON. FoREiQN Office, March 14, 1810. Sir, — The letter which I had the honour to receive from )u under date of 2nd January, together with the addition - paragraph, received on the 24th January has been laid jfore the King. The several conferences which I have held with you fespecting the transactions to which your letter refers, have, [trust, satisfied you, that it is the sincere desire of His Ma- ity's Government, on the present occasion, to avoid any scussion which might obstruct the renewal of amicable Itercourse between the two countries. \The correspondence between Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith been submitted to His Majesty's consideration. [is Majesty has commanded me to express his concern, it the official communication between His Majesty's — 62 — Minister in America and Iho Oovcrnmont of the United ►States, should have been iiitorruptod, lu'lbro it was possi))lo I'or His Majesty, l)y any interposition ol' his authority, to manifest his invariable disposition to mtiintuiii the relations of amity with the United States. I am commanded by Ilis Majesty to inform you, that I have received from Mr. Jackson the most positive assur- ances, that it was not his purpose to give ollence to the Government of the United States, by any expression con- tained in his letters, or by any part of his conduct. The expresHions and conduct of His Majesty's Minister in America having, however, appeared to the Government of the United States to be exceptionable, the usual course in such cases would have been, to convey, in the lirst in- stance, of His Majesty, a formal comi^laint against his Mi- nister, and to desire such redress as might be deemed suit- able to the nature of the alleged offence. This course of proceeding would have enabled His Ma- jesty to have made such arrangements, or to have oftered such seasonable explanations, as might have precluded the inconvenience, which must always arise from the suspen- sion of official communications between friendly powers. His Majesty, however, is always disposed to pay the ut- most attention to the wishes and sentiment of states in amity with him ; and he! has therefore been pleased to direct the return of Mr. Jackson to England. But His Majesty has not marked, with any expression of his displeasure, the conduct of Mr. Jackson; whose i'i< grity, zeal and ability, have long been distinguish hhI Majesty's service, and who does not appear, c a occasion, to have committed any intentional Oi ace ag ist the Government of the United States. 1 am commanded to inform you, that Mr. Jackson in ov dered to deliver over the charge of His Majesty's affairs in America, to a person properly qualified to carry on tho ORDINARY intercourse between the two governments, — 63 — the United ivs possible ithority, to lie relations you, that I litivo assur- .•nee to the (rcssion con- let. y's MinistiM' jrovernment asual course the iirst in- inst his Mi- ieemed suit- >led His Ma- have oftered recluded the the suspen- y powers, pay the ut- of states in sed to direct xpression of whose i"* isljed ice ag' .ist ckson i)^ OX' y's affairs in arry on tho overnments, which His Majesty is sincerely desirous of cultivating on the most friendly terms. As an additional testimony of this disposition, I am au» thorized to assure you, that His Majesty is ready TO RK* CEIVE, with sentiments of uiuliminished amity and j^ood will, any communication which the Government of the United States may deem l)eneficit.i to the mutual interests of both countries, through any channel oLnegociation which jmay appear advantageous to that government. I request that you will accept the assurances of the high [consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your jmost obedient and humble servant. (Signed,) William Vinckncy^ Esq., ^'c, i^-c, ^-c. WELLESLEY. ANNALS UF THE TIMES. 'xtracl of a Idler from General Armslronii^ to Mr. Smith, dated Paris, 1th April, 1810. The Emperor left Paris a few days ago for St. Cloud hence he goes to Compeign, where he will remain till laster. It is not pro-bable that I shall have any answer to y propositions till he returns to Paris. The day before e set out he gave me a ship to carry myself and family tlie United States. The minister recommended that I hould not pin myself down to a day as to departure, as ireumstances might make it proper for me to stay somewhat nger than 1 noir intended. The treaty between France d Holland was ratified the 3rd March, and will be ►ublish* 4 this day in Holland, I am assured that it contiains le foll( mg articles. " A ^ ' e merchandize conveyed into the ports of Holland, boci American vessels since the first day of January, -64- 1809, shall be put under sequestration, subject to the dispo- sition of France according to the circumstances and the political relations with the United States." Paris, IQth April, 1810. Sir, — The "John Adams" is yet detained, I am able to in- form you that on the 11th inst. the Emperor directed the sale of all the Amprican vessels taken in the ports of Spain, and that the money arising therefrom should be placed in his caisse privie. He has also refused to give up the "Hero," and has ordered that the case be brought before the Coun- cil of prizes where condemnation certainly awaits it. I send a copy of a note upon which this last order was taken and another relating to our business in Naples. I am. Sir, with consideration, yours, &c., &c. JOHN ARMSTRONG. Hon. Robert Smith, SfC. REPEAL OF FRENCH DECREES OPENING THE POUlfS OF THE UNITED STATES TO FRANCE. It will be found, by referring to the correspondence be tween the American Ambassador in London and His Ma jesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, published iii the Gazette of the 8th instant, that Great Britain engaged to revoke the Orders in Council, " whenever the repeal o; " French Decrees shall have taken effect, and the commerce " of neutral nations shall have been restored to the condi " tion in which it stood previously to the promulgation o " those Decrees." The President of the United States, by this Proclamation has announced himself satisfied on this head, by the simple declaration of France. Whether the revocation has actually taken effect, in a manner to satisfy Great Britain, will b — 65 — to the dispo. ices and the [pril, 1810. ,in able to in* ' directed the arts of Spain, be placed in y the "Hero," Dre the Conn- awaits it. I ler was taken &c., &c. ISTRONG. 'OIU\S OF THE ipondeiice be and His Ma published ii: :itaia engagec the repeal o: the commerci I to the condi omulgation o Proclamation by the simple a. has actually ritain, willbf nown shortly. In the meantime she must submit, for her want of confidence in the declaration of the enemy, to the penalty of having the ports of the United States open to he armed vessels of that enemy, while hers are excluded. hose who reflect on the circumstance, that, for some time j)ack, France has not had any place of refuge for her armed essels beyond the Atlantic, and recollect the mischief done y her plundering squadrons while they had such a refuge, will not think the penalty insufficient for the offence. I A PROCLAMATION. ■ "Whereas by the 4th section of An Act, passed May 1, II8IO, intituled, " An Act concerning the commercial inter- course between the United States and Great Britain and jrance and their dependencies and for other purposes," is enacted, " That in case either Great Britain or France lall, before the third day of March next, so revoke or mo- lify her edicts as that they shall ceaso to violate the neutral ipommerce of Ihe United States, which fact the President of |he United States shall declare by proclamation, and if tho Ither nation shall not within three months thereafter so Revoke or modify her edicts in like manner, then the third lourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninths tenth and eigh' llpenth sections of the act, intituled : "An Act to interdict le commercial intercourse between the United States and hreat Britain and France and their dependencies, and for jLher purposes," shall, from and after the expiration of iree months from the date of the proclamation aforesaid, revived and have full force and effect, so far as relates the dominions, colonies and dependencies, and to the ^ticles the growth, produce or manufacture of the domi- [ons, colonies and dependencies of the nation thus refusing- neglecting to revoke or modify her edicts in the manner )resaid. And the restrictions imposed by this act shall, )m the date of such proclamation, cease and be discon- 9 — 66 — tinued in relation to the nation revoking or modifying her decrees in the manner aforeskid." And whereas it has been officially made known to this government that the edicts of France violating the neutral commerce of the United States have been so revoked as to cease to have eftbct on the first of the present month. Now therefore, I, James Madison, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim that the said Edicts of France have been so revoked as that they cease on the said firsi day of the present month to violate the neutral commerct of the United States ; and that, from the date of these pre- sents, all the restrictions imposed by the aforesaid act shall cease and be discontinued in relation to France and her dependencies. In testimony whereof, &c., dated Nov. 2, 1810. JAMES MADISON. ANNALS OF 1 HE TIMES. Quebec, November 29, 1810. We were mistaken, when we supposed that the Ameri can Government had declined putting England and Fraiict upon the same footing, in consequence of the promiseii revocation on the part of both, of their decrees and orden of Council, only because they did not choose to put ih. same confidence in the declaration of England as of France Some extracts from newspapers, which usually express th sentiments of the American administration, will be fouiu, in this day's Gazette, which show that the Government otol the United States will not be satisfied with the revocatio: of the orders in council issued subsequent to the Berlin d cree ; but that they will further insist on the revocation o all orders for the blockade of ports before which ships ari -67- >t actually stationed, and also upon the discontinuance of impressments from American vessels. SIR JAMES CRAIG'S SPEECH. Quebec, 13lh December, 1810. (Of the state of Public affairs in Europe, I have no official ktice, on which I can ground any information to be given [you. In these parts it appears however, that no advances re been made towards an accommodation of ^ he diffbr- jes, that have so long subsisted between Fis Majesty's fvernment and that of the United States ; such, is indeed, far from being the case, that I am warranted in stating, ^t new claims, as relating to their Neutral rights, have ^n brought forward, by the latter, of a nature that seem jly to place that wished for event, at a very uncertain [iod. SUCCESSOR TO MR. JACKSON. her 29, 1810. '^ {Documents Accompanying Iht President's Message.) Mr. SMITH to Mr. PINCKNEY. Department of State, Nov. 15, 1810. ^R, —From a view of the conduct of the British Govern- in relation to a Pleniiiotentiary successor to Mr. :son, as presented in your several communications, in- ing even those brought by the "Hornet," at which date [on which inviting occasion the subject does not appear we been within the attention of Government, the Pre- it thinks is improper, that the United States should me to be represented at London by a Minister Pleni- Ltiary. In case, therefore, no appointment of a succes- Mr. Jackson, of that garde, should have taken place — 68 — at tho receipt of this letter, you will consider your func- tions as suspended, and you will accordingly take your leave ofabsence^ charging a fit person with the affairs of the Legation. Considering the season at which this instruction may have its effect, and the possibility of a satisfactory change in the system of our relations with Great Britain, the time of your return to the United States, is left to your discre- tion and convenience. (Signed,) R. SMITH. Wm. Pinckney, Esq. UNITED STATES. NON-INTERCOURSE. Sections of the non-intercourse Act, in operation againsi Great Britain since the first day of February, viz : thi 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 18th, as iollows Sec. 3. And be il further enacted. That from and afto: the twentieth day of May next,''*^ the entrance of the har bors and waters of the United States, and the territorio. thereof, be, and the same is hereby interdicted to all ship or vessels sailing under the Hag of Great Britain or Fraiict or owned in whole or in part by any citizen or subject o either ; vessels hired, chartered, or employed by the govern ment of either countiy, for the sole purpose of carryiii: letters or dispatches, and also vessels forced in by distre& or by the danger of the sea, only excapted. And if an' ship or vessel sailing under the flag of Great Britain e France, or owned in whole or in part by any citizen or s«l ject of either, and not excepted as aforesaid, shall after tli twentietji of May next arrive, either witlj oj without — 69 — f your func- y take your [iff'airs of the ruction may ctory change lin, the time I your discre- I SMITH. ation againsi lary, viz : thi th, as follows •om and afto: ce of the hai the territorio: a to all ship tain or France n or subject o by the govern ie of carryiu; I in by distre^ i. And if an; real Britain o citizen or su^ shall after tb |l^ QT wit,hP^' argo, within the limits of the United States, or of the ter- itories thereof, such ship or vessel, together with the car- o, if any, which may be found on board shall be forfeited, nd may be seized and condemned in any court oi the nited States, or the territories thereof, having competent jurisdiction ; and all and every act and acts heretofore assed, which shall be within the purview of this act, shall e, and the same are hereby repealed. V Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That from and after Me twentieth day of May next, it shall not be lawful to im- |)ort into the United States or the territories thereof, any goods, wares or merchandize whatever, from -any port or ' lace situated in Great Britain or Irelund, or in any of the olonies or dependencies of Great Britain, nor from any port px place situated in France, or in any of her colonies or de- |>endeucie8, nor from any port or x>lace in the actual pos- ion of either Great Britain or France. Nor shall it be wful to import into the United States or the territories ereof, from any foreign port or place whatever, any Joods, wares or merchandise whatever, being the rowth, produce or manufacture of France, or any of her ijBolonies or her dependencies, or being of the growth, pro- Huce or manufacture of Great Britain or Ireland, or of any of the colonies or dependencies of Great Britain, or being the growth, produce or manufacture of any place or country in Ihe actual possession of either France or Great Britain, 'rovided. That nothing herein contained shall be construed affect the cargoes of ships or vessels wholly owned by |be citizens of the United States, which had cleared for l^y port beyond the Cape of Good Hope, prior to the enty-second day of December, one thousand, eight hun- red and seven, or which had dejiarted for such port by rmission of the President, under the acts supplementary the act laying an embargo on all ships and vessels in the rts and harbors of the United States. ^EC, 6. And be it further enacted, That whenever any — 70 article" or articles, the importation of which is prohibited by this act, shall after the 20th oi May, be imported into the States, or the territories thereof, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, or shall after twentieth of May, be put on board of any ship or vessel, boat, raft or carriage, with intention of importing the same into the United States, or the territories thereof, all such articles, as well as minor articles on board the same ship or vessel, boat or carriage, belonging- to the owner of such prohibited articles, shall be forfeited ; and the owner thereof shall moreover forfeit and pay treble the value of such articles. Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, Th&tiiaxiy Articles, the importation of which is prohibited by this act, shall after the twentieth of May, be put on board of any ship or vessel, boat, raft or carriage, with intention to import the same into the United States, or the territories thereof, contrary to the true intent and meaning of this act, and with the know- ledge of the owner or master of such ship or vessel, boat, raft or carriage, such ship or vessel, raft or carriage, shall be forfeited, and the owner and master thereof shall moreover each forfeit and pay treble the value of such article. Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That if any article or articles, the importation of which is prohibited by this act, and which shall nevertheless be on board of any ship or vessel, boat, raft or carriage, arriving after the said twentieth of May next, in the United States, or the territories thereof, shall be omitted in the manifest, report or entry of the master or the person having the charge or command of such ship or vessel, boat, raft or carriage, or shall be omitted in the entry of the goods owned by the owner, or consigned to the consignee of such articles, or shall be imported or landed, or attempted to ba imported or landed, without a permit, the same penalties, fines and forfeitures shall be incurred and may be recovered, as in the case of similar omission or omissions, landing, importation, or attempt to -71- )ited by into the e intent May, be jarriage, d States, as minor carriage, , shall be rfeit and icles, the lall after or vessel, the same ►ntrary to ;he know- >r vessel, carriage, reof shall of such article or this act, y ship or wentieth 3S thereof, y of the id of such mitted in consigned ported or w^ithout a shall be of similar ttempt to i ■ill 'tii land or import, in relation to articles liable to duties oil their importation, into the United States. Sec. 8. And be U further enacted, That every collector, naval officer, surveyor, or other officer of the customs, shall have the like power and authority to seize goods, wares and merchandize, imported contrary to the intent and meanini? of this act, to keep the same in custody, until it shall have been ascertained whether the same have been forfeited or not, and to enter any ship or vessel, dwelling house, store, building or other place, for the purpose of searching for, and seizing any such goods, wares and merchandize, which he or they now have by law, in relation to goods, wares and merchandize, subject to duty ; and if any person or persons shall conceal or buy any goods, wares or merchan- dize, knowing them to be liable to seizure, by this act, such person or persons shall, on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay a sum double the amount or value of the goods, wares and merchandize so concealed or purchased. Sec. 9. And be it further enacted^ That the following ad* ditions shall be made to the oath or affirmation taken by the master ,or persons having the charge or command of any [ship or vessel arriving in any port of the United States, or [the territories thereof, after the twentieth of May, viz : " I [further swear or affirm, that there are not, to the best of [my knowledge and belief on board, {insert the denomination [and name of the vessel) KHj goods, wares, or mercha-ndize, the importation of which into the United States, or the ter- ritories thereof, is prohibited by law ; And I do further iwear or affirm, that if I shall hereafter discover or know >f any such goods, wares or merchandize, on board the said ressel, or which shall have been imported in the same, I rill immediately and without delay, make due report there- to the collector of the port of this district." Sec. 10. And be it further enacted^ That the following Idition be made, after the twentieth of May, to the oath affirmation taken by importers, consignees or agents, at — 72 — the time of entering goods imported into the United States, or the territories thereof, viz : " I also swear or affirm, that there arc not to the best of my knowledge and belief amongst the said goods, wares or merchandize, imported or consigned as aforesaid, any goods, wares or merchandize, the importation of which, into the United States or the territories thereof, is prohibited by law; and I do further swear or affirm, that if I shall here&fter dis- cover or know of any such goods, wares or merchandize, imported or consigned as aforesaid, I will immediately and without delay, report the same to the collector of this dis- trict." Sec. 18. Points out the methods to be adopted for ro- covering, distributing, and accounting for the Penalitio> and Forfeitures, which may be incurred under the preced- inar Sections of the Act. EN(JA(!EMENT BETWEEN THE U. S. FIIIGATE "PllESlDEN'i AND THE BRITISH SLOOP OF WAR "LITTLE BELT." BOSTON MAY 27. "New York, May 24, 18 U. •' Yesterday about 12 o'clock, the U. S. frigate " Pre dent," Commodore Rogers, arrived off Sandy Hook from tli Chesapeake. In the afternoon, two officers came ii from her on board the Pilot Boat "Thorne»" from whoi we have the particulars of the firing off Cape Henry, wliif has, for the last two days, given rise to so many reports b conjectures. The facts, as stated below, will, we have t doubt, prove substantially correct. The mistake will regretted by every one. '• There is no truth in the reports of the " Presiden having been sent out in pursuit of the frigate that it Wfts -73^ ited States. he best ot Is, wares or oods, ,any ch, into the ited by law; ercfofterdis- lerchandize. ediately and . of this dis- .opted for re- le renalitio> n- the precod- » rilESlDENT, Le belt." pressed a man from the brig "Spitfire," and the imfortunate affair now before us has no connexion with any particuhir i orders to Commodore Rogers. These being facts, no ad- fditional circumstance has now occurred to widen the |breach between the two governments, under whose flags Kthese vessels sail. The " mistakes of a night" ought not, icannot produce a war. — {New York Guz.) ay 24, 18 U. igate "Pre? Hook from th exs came w from who- e Henry, wlii^ any reports n 11, we have i mistake will' he "Presideii frigate thati^ Particulars of the Engagement between the United States Frigate " President," Commodore Rogers, and the British sloop of war " Little Belt," Capt. Bingham. On the night of the 16th instant, about o'clock, the gate fell in with the sloop of war, about 20 miles N. E. Cape Henry ; and when within pistol shot of her, Com- odore Rogers hailed her — no answer was given — Com- odore Rogers hailed her a second time, and in the act of Ifailing, a shot was fired from the slooj) of war into the |rigate which struck her mainmast. The frigate imme- ^ately fired a shot into the sloop of war, she then poured ||broadside into the frigate. Here the action commenced, Mid continued about 15 minutes, when the sloop of war <||asod firing. The frigate remained near her all night. "^e next morning Commodore Rogers sent an officer on l||ard, to offer any assistance they might require ; and to )ress his regret at the circumstance that had occurred the jceding evening. The sloop of war proved to be the attle Belt," Capt. Bingham, who apologized ; and gave ia reason for firing into the frigate, that he supposed her |be a Frenchman ; and politely declined any assistance, le believed he would be able to reach a port of safety, ^he " Little Belt" lost in killed and wounded 30 men, very much injured, having had nearly all her masts spars shot away, besides several shots in her hull. ?his sloop of war i§ Danish built yessel, and was taken -74- at Copenhagen. In Steel's List she is rated a 20 gun sloop ; (Falso ; only 14.) but carries 24 thirty-two pound car- ronudes. The President received some trifling damage in her rig- ging, and had one boy slightly wounded in the arm. Wo have seen several accounts of the above action, both printed and written ; but they difter in no esssential cir- cumstance, except the following. In the Evening Post ac- count, which the editor says was fui;nished by the Capt. ot the "President," and one other officer of the ship, it is stated, *' That token Commodore Rodger s hailed the sloop of " vmr, to know who she was, and tohere from ; the Commander " of the sloop answered, by asking, who, and what the frigate " lans. Commodore Rodgers conceiving himself entitled to the ^\/irst answer, hailed a second time, and instantly after received •' a shot ivhich struck his mainmast.''' Fact. — Adm. Sawyer, has given positive orders to every British Officer on this station, not to impress an American. If any naval officers deviate, it is on his own responsibility that he will violate the commands of his superior. The American government having been informed of the very unjustifiable impressment or impressments of New York, has, under date of Saturday, 18th May, demanded the res. toration by a despatch from the Secretary of the state to the British charge des afiaires, Mr. Morier. These facts wo know to be as stated. — Bait. Pap. Orders of Government. — We find the following in tht Baltimore Federal Republican of Monday : •' We are correctly informed that a letter is in town from one of the members of the Executive, stating that Rogers has positive orders to search for a British frigate, demand the impressed men she has on board, and if refused, to take them by force. " The above may be relied upon." — Bait. Fed. Rep. " There was a great noise here yesterday, -^casioned by the assertion in the Baltimore Federi^l Republican, respect 76 — un sloop ; )und car- ill her rig- irm. Qtion, both sential cir- ig Post ac- he Capt. of B ship, it is the sloop of Commander the ffigali itilled to the fler received rs to every I American, sponsibility berior. The of the very New York, ided the res. e state to the se facts wo viiig ill the .11 town from that Rogers | ^ate, demand | fused, to take id. Rep. casioiied by lican, respect- ing the frigate •' President," but we noW know, hy a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, that Commodore Uogers, of the President, has orders only to go in search of the British frigate, and demand the man impressed, but not to use force." THE 'TRESFDEXT" AND "LITTLE BELT.' Co/n/ of a fetter from Commodore Rodoers, tn the Secretary of the Navy. United States Frigate "President," ofri Sandy Hook, 23rd May, 1811. \ HiR, — I regret extremely being under the necessity of representing to you an event that occurred on the night of t IGth inst., between the ship under my command, and His Britannic Majjesty's shipof war the •' Little Belt," command- ■ ed by Captain Bingham ; the result of which has given ^ me such pain, as well on account of the injury she sus- ^ tained, as that I should have been compelled to the measure that produced it, by a vessel of her inferior force. The ^circumstances are as follows: — On the 16th inst,, attwenty- Mve minutes past Meridian, in seventeen fathom water. Cape Henry bearing S. W., distant fourteen or lifteen leagues, a sail was discovered from our mast head in the last, standing towards us under a press of sail. At half ►ast one the symmetry of her upper sails (which were at this time distinguishable from our deck) and her making lignals, shewed her to be a man'of'war. At forty- live linutes past one p.m., hoisted our ensign and pendant ; hen, finding her signals not answered, she wore and ftood to the Southward. Being desirous of speaking her, id of ascertaining what she was, I now made sail in chase ; id by half-past three, p.m., found We were coming up with >r ; as by this time the upper jnfft of her stem began to -76- shew itself above the horizon. The wind now began, and continued j^adually to decrease, so as to prevent my beini,' abl(^ to approach her sufficiently before sunset, to discover her actual force, (which the position she prcHcrved dnrin*,' the chase was calculated to conceal) or to judge even to what nation she ]>elonged ; as she appeared studiously to decline shewing her colors. At lifteen or twenty minulos past seven, p.m., the chase took in her studding sails, and soon after hauled by th , wind on the starboard tack ; sho at the same time hoisted an ensign or ilag at her mi/oii Peak ; ])ut it was too dark for me to discover what nation it rei)resented ; now for the first time her broad side was presented to our view ; but night had so far progressed that although her appearance indicated she was a frigate, I was unable to determine her actual force. At fifteen minutes before eight p.m., being about a milf and a half from her, the wind at the time very light, I directed Capt. Ludlow to take iwsition to windward of her and on the same tack, w^ithin short speaking distance This, however, the commander of the chase appeared from his mancEUvres to be anxious to prevent, as he wore anil hauled by the wind on different tacks four times succes sively between this period and the time of our arriving a! the position, which I had ordered to be taken. At fifteei; or twenty minutes past eight, being a little forward of he: weather beam, and distant from seventy to a hundred yard> I hailed " what ship is that ?" to this enquiry no anwer wa given, but I was hailed by her commander and askei '• what ship is that ?" Having asked the first question, of course considered myself entitled by the common rule of politeness to the first answer ; after a pause of fifteen t twenty seconds, I reiterated my first enquiry of •' what shi is that," and before I had time to take the trumpet froi my mouth, was answered by a shot, that cut off one of on maintop-mast breast back stays and went into our maii mast— at this instant Capt. Caldwell of marines) who w — 77 began, and it my beini? to discover rved durins Ige even to itudiously to nty minuios ng sails, and . rd tack ; sho X her mi'/oii what nation road side was r progressed ;ras a frigate. about a milf very light, 1 idward of he: ting distance ippeared fron he wore am' r times succos )ur arriving a 3n. At fifteen brward of ho lundredyarcl r no anwer vs'v Ler and aski'^ irst question, common rule ise of fifteen f f of " what shi; e trumpet i'rot Lt off one of on ; into our maii irines) who v^ Standing very n«'ar to m»> on the gangway having observed sir, who has iirod at us" causi'd me to pauw for a moment just as I was in the act of giving an order to liro a shot in feturn ; and before I had time to resume the repetition of ^he intended order, a shot was actually fired I'rom the second Uvision of this ship ; and was scarcely out of the gun b»». )re it was answered from our assumed enemy by three Others in quick succession, and soon after the rest of his ^roadside and musketry. When the lirst shot was lired, jing under an impression, that it might possibly liave proceeded from accident and without the orders of the Jommander, I had determined at the moment to lire only t single shot in return, but the immediate repetition of the rt^vious unprovoked outrage induced me to believe that ■Ae insult was premeditated, and that from our adversary leing at tlie time as ii^norant of our real force as 1 was of lis, he thought this, perhaps, a favorable opnortunity of §Dquiring promotion, although at the expense of violating Wir neutrality and insulting our flag; I accordingly with fliat degree of repugnance incident to feeling equally de- ifermined neither to be the aggressor, or to sufler the Hag 1$ my country, to be insulted with impunity, gave a general rdev to lire ; the elfect of which, in from four to six Hnutes, as near as I can judge, having produced a partial lence of his guns, I gave orders to cease firing, discover- llg by the feeble opposiHon that it must be a sloop of very inferior force to what I had supposed, or that some un* rard accident had happened to her. iMy order in this instance however (although they pro* ?ded alone from motives of humanity and a determination \t to spill a drop of blood unnecessarily) I had in less than ir minutes some reason to regret, as he renewed his fire, [which two 82 pound shot cut off" one of our fore-shrouds injured our fore-mast. It was now that I found my- under the painful necessity of giving orders for a re- kition of our fire against a force which my forbearance — 78- alone had enabled to do us any injury of moment ; our fire was accordingly renewed and continued from three to five minutes longer, when perceiving our opponent's gati" and colours down, his main top sail yard upon the cap and his lire silenced, although it was so daik that I could not dis- cern any other particular injury we had done or how far hi' was in a situation to do us further harm, I nevertheless embraced the earliest moment to stop our fire and prevent the further effusion of blood. Here a pause of half a ; minute or more took place, at the end of which, our ad- i versary not shewing a further disposition to fire, I hailed | and agai.i asked " what ship is that V I learned for tho first time, that it was a ship of His Britannic Majesty's ; but | owing to its blowing rather fresher than it had done, 1 was; unable to learn her name. After having informed hei| commander of the name of this ship, I gave orders to wear. run under his lee and haul by the wind on the starboard tack, and heave to under top-sails, and repair what littlo injury we had sustained in our rigging, which was ac- cordingly executed, andwu continued lying to on different tacks with a number of lights displayed, in order thutour adversary might the better discern our position, and com- mand our assistance, in case he found it necessary during the night. At day light on the 17th, he was discovered | several miles to leeward, when I gave orders to bear up and run down to him under easy sail ; after hailing him I sent a boat on board with Lieutenant Creighton, to learn the names of the ship and her commander, with directions to ascertain the damage she had sustained, and to inforn; her commander, how much I regretted the necessity o\: my part, which had led to such an unhappy result ; at tin same time to offer all the assistance that the ship under in; command afforded, in repairing the damages he had siu tained. At 9 a.m., Lieut. Creighton returned with iufor mation, that it was His Britannic Majesty's ship " Littl Belt," commanded by Capt. Bingham ; who, in a polit -70 manlier iU^/iiUned tho acceptance of any assistance ; saying, at tho same time, that he had on board all the necessary requisites to repair the damages, sufficiently to enable him |to return to Halifax. This howevar was not the most unpleasant part of Capt. JBiiigham's communication to IJeut, Creighton, as he in- [formed him, that, in addition to the injury his ship had Isustained, between twenty and thirty of his crew had been Ikilled and wounded. The regret that this information caused me, was such, |v a may be sure, as a man might be expected to feel, whose [greatest x^ride is to prove, without ostentation, by every [public as well as private act, that he possesses a humane [and generous heart ; and with these sentiments, believe ne, sir, that such a communication would cause me the lost actue pain during the remainder of my life, had I not the consolation to know that there was no alternative left le between such a sacrilice and one which would have )een still greater, namely, to have remained a passive spectator of insult to the flau' of my country, whilst it was }onlided to my protection— and I would have you to be convinced, sir, that however much individually T may pre- ripusly have had reason to irel incensed at the repeated mtrages coaimitted on our Hag l)y British ships of war, leither my passions nor prejudices had any agency in this iliair. To my coimtry, 1 am well convinced of the importance )f the transaction which has imposed upon me the necessity )f making you this communication ; I must, therefore, from motives of delicacy, connected with personal con- siderations, solicit that you will be pleased to request the 'resident to authorize a formal inc^uiry to be instituted into i\\ the circumstances as well as into every part of my cort- luct connected with the same. The injury sustained by the ship under my < ominand Ik rery trifling, except to the fore and main masts, which I •••■I^^" — 80 — before mentioned; no person killed, and but one (a boy) wounded. For further particulars I refer you to Capt. Caldwell, who is charged with the delivery of this communication. I have the honor to be, with great respeci, sir, your obedient servant, (Signed,) JOHN RODGERS. Hon. Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy. Tlic Frigate Piesident. — Just as our paper was prei>aro(l for the press, we w^ere favored with the following extract of a letter, written by an officer on board the " President,' and dated, " Ofl'Capc Henry, May 14th."— The letter was brought to Baltimore by a Pilot boat : — '• Last Friday, w^e lay safely moored at Annapolis — the Commodore was with his wife at Havre de Grace, about 70 miles from us — our sailing master was at Baltimore, 4ii miles distant — our purser and chaplain at Washington— our sails all unbent — and our captain dining on boiird the Argus, when at " o'clock the Gig was seen at about jiv'' miles ahead, sailing at the rate of t*^n miles an hour, abroad pendant Hying, denoting that the Commodore was on board, although not expected in a fortnight. All the officers wei culled on deck to receive him. He entered the gangway and passed rapidly down into his Cabin. The lirst lion tenant was sent for, and remained with the Commodoi' about live minutes, when he returned to the deck, anddi? })atched expresses for the sailing master, purser, chaplain &c. The captain was informed that we were under sailin:; ofders. " He had just begun a line dinner — obliged instantly i quit it — all hands w^'nt to work, bending the sails andpiv paring for sea, and to cap the w hole our doctor was set .t one (a boy) ^t Caldwell, nunication. L'l , HIT, your :ODGERS. avy. van prei>arc(l uiiig' extract " President,' he letter was iiiapolis — the Graee, about Baltimore, 4" Vashington— on bop.rd the at about live . hour, a broad was on board, joflicers wcii he gangway The lirst lieu- e Coinmodoit deek, anddb ser, chaplain ! under «ailiii? i instantly ti 1 sails andpi'^ ;tor was set t — 81 — work, making plaisters, splinters, rubbing up torniques, lances, saws, knives, &c., &c., signals of bloody work. " On Saturday, our officers returned from Washington land Baltimore, much faster than they went ; and on Sunday imorning at day light, we weighed anchor, and with a head fwind beat until last evening, when the wind shifted, and e are now before it. f " By the officers who came from Washington, we learn ithat we are sent in pursuit of the British frigate who had limpressed a passenger from a coaster. Yesterday, while Jbearing down the Bay, we spoke a brig going up, who in- brmed us that she saw the British frigate the day before, iff the very place where we now are, but she is not now n sight. We have made the most complete preparation or battle. Every one wishes it. She is exactly our force, r f we have the *' Argus " with us, which none of us are ised with, as we wish a fair trial of courage and skill. ihould we see her, I have not the least doubt of an engage- ent. The Commodore will demand the person impressed the demand will doubtless be refused — and the battle ill instantly commence. Our frigate works well, and mpletely beats the " Argus" in sailing. " The Commodore has called in the boastwain, gunner, d carpenter, informed them of all circumstances, and :ed if thev were ready for action. Ready was the reply if each." New York, May 23.— We have been favored with the Ltract of a letter from Philadelphia, which pat the busi- Bss of the orders to Captain Rogers at rest ; he is in- tructed to search for the frigate and demand the man im- ressed, but to use no force. — {Evg. Post.) New Yobx, May 25.— The National Intelligencer of last pursday contains the following warlike paragraph : — ♦' W jthin the course of a few days past, several cases have n — 82 — occurred of impressment by British vessels on our coast from 00:1 "ting vessels. These impressments having taken place under aggravated circumstances, have excited, as they ought, a very general indignant feeling. The United States frigate " President " put to sea from Annapolis under such circumstances, as justify the impression that the object of her sailing was to obtain the release of these men. Under these circumstances rumours of an engagement off our Capes have reached us, which we present to our readers as | they follow, barely observing, that it is well understood | that the commanders of our public vessels are generally in- structed to submit to no fjuestion I'rom any foreign vessel which shall ^vear the semblance of j? threat, in manner or | words." {from /he Naliunut ItifeUigencer, May :J0.) We understiuid that the conduct of Commodore Uodiivi>, in repelling and chastising the attack so carelessly and rashly made on the United States frigate " President" by the British ship of war "Little Belt," has the approbation of the President of the United States ; and that the request of the Commodore for an investigation into his conduct on the occasion has not been acceded to, his known candor and honor precluding any doubt of the correctness of his staty- mont of the circumstances of the affair. And we assert that it may conlidently be expected by our naval coiiimanders, that in supporting the dignity of our ilag, they will be re- warded with the applause of the American government and nation. Ihe Prem'denl and Lilllt /ie//.— The reader will iind in this day's Gazette several articles relating to the affair be- tween these two vessels, and among the rest, the American Commander's account of the transaction, as published by his Government. This gentleman, after having had a week to deliberate, choses to rest his defence on an aJleired breach — 83^ our coast ring taken excited, as rhe United polis under \i the object len. Under nt off our I- readers a:< understood merally in- i?ign vessel manner or re Koduer!?, lessly and ^sident" hy ipprobation the request conduct on candor and his state- sert that it nimandors. will be n- OA'ernmen! of the " common rules of politeness" on the part of the Captain of the " Little Belt," in not answering the question l)ut to him. He does not venture to assert a right, in a neutral vessel, to cjiiestion belligerent ships of war, which thev may niei^t with at sea. It was a mere matter of com- mon politeness. Well, so be it. But h't us see how the question of politeness stands. Politeness is at respi^ctful deference for the feelings of others. It is reciprocal. No person can exact it who does not practise it, Commodore Rogers supposes it to be jierfectly polite, to run after a friendly person in the street, and continue the pursuit, thoush he perceives that his superior force has made that person apprehensive of his being an enemy, till he can get in a situation to leave him no retreat, and then question him ! The Commodore's " rules of common politeness" seem to dili'er materially from those generally received, and it would be befitting his "generous and humane heart,'" to make them known to the world, before he undertakes to enforce them at the mouth of his cannon. Commodore Rogers does not indeed say that he wy Capt. IRBV jr, the worthy le was ever k imbarrassmoii i us. His hear! ubdued forai e an admini» tration marked throughout by pure intentions and success- ful results ; he jivas closing: forever a long career of useful public life ; he wiis taking leave of a whole community, Hvhose esteem he had justly won ; and looking for the last time on a few who had been his companions in arms in arious quarters of the world, and particularly on one, who long since, and through many of the changes of his life, had enjoyed his entire confidence and friendship. A salute of 19 guns from the Grand Battery gave the last ferewell of the country. He was conveyed to the frigate, ind received with yards manned in the usual manner, and t salute as Vicc-Admiral of British North America. The hipping had all their colours displayed, and a transport |rcssel repeated the salute in a most spirited manner. I Whatever may now be said of this personage here, will spoken across the grave. We shall never fix our «yes him again, nor can he evermore be approached by any us. Ho has taken his seat in history, where his fame ill rise in proportion as he shall be judged with rigor, will be found by a thousand evidences that he united ^e genius of greatness with an ardent love of doing good, pid possessed an association of talents seldom found hi any dividual. His reigning passion was to perform his duty mpletely and conscientiously ; his favorite amusement, confer by acts of charity the means of subsistence on the idigent, and to add to the relief of many in declining cir- mstances. Every project, every act, whatever objects ey might refer to, bore the impression of this character ; j^d if one principle of it was stronger than another, it was overable in a broad deep tone of benevolence, which gned throughout the whole. His appearance and address inounced a superiority which was readily admitted, be« se unequivocally felt; and many who from various ses had frequent access to him, sensibly experienced the ic of such an union of happy qualities. t is to be regretted that increasing ill-health will deprive 'I - 86 ^ his country of any further personal services. But there arc hundreds living who have ser\"ed under him, and to whom he has communicated his spirit, his principles, and much of his professional experience. Such a man's usefulness long survives his earthly frame ; and, in a ci^rtain sense, he may be said to live longer after death than before, lit- is returning to the country of great men, where, we trust. he may enjoy a few years, at least, of that holy repose, which can only be experienced at the close of a long lifo passed in continual service, under every climate, and ofton in trying circumstances; always for the advantage of every cause entrusted to him ; for the satisfaction of his own sharp sense of rectitude, and for the perpetual increase of his well earned honors. His Excellency is accompanied by Colonel Kempt, Quarter Master General, Colonel Thornton, Military Secretary Colonel Eflice, Deputy Adjutant General, and Capt. Dumm and Lieut. M'Coy Aides-de-Camp. These gentlemen shuro largely in the regrets that have been occasioned ])y this event. They have been universally esteemed and admired for combining all the great qualities that can distinguish the accomplished Soldier, and seem to render complete the sadness of this separation. KELA nXf 1 TO THE " Lt'LTLE BELT From the Hat if ax Journaf, May 27. Arrived yesterday, His Majesty's Sloop of War, " Liltlo Belt," Capt. Bingham, from a cruise. The " Little Belt" has been cruising oil' the American coast — from conversations with several of her officers, we have derived the following interesting information : At eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the IGth inst., whoii 87- Jut thore arc lid to whom , and much J useiulne.ss in-taiii sonso, beibre. Ilf re, we trust, holy roposo, ' a long lifo ,e, and ofton tage of cv<'ry of his own l1 incrcas(^ of mpt, Quarter f Secretary Capt. D urn IIS tlemen .shjirc lied l)y this and adiniriHl distinguish comploto the V^ir, ^' Liltl." le American r officers. \v»= tioii : I inst., whou About too miles to the eastward of the Chesapeake, a sail was observed and chase immediately yiven, at one it was discovered to bo a frigate, steering E. with a Commodore's blue pendant at the main, and the conclusion drawn that t wjis an American ship. The " Little Belt" then altered er course to the southward, and in about two hours after- [wards the frigate, under a press of sail, was seen standing or her. it was soon noticed that she gained upon the Little Belt," mid at half.past six the latter hove to, w hen uarding against a surprise, the usual preparations were ade for action, at which time th«» stars in the frigate's t)endant were perfectly \ isible, at about eight, she came vithin hail, and was twice asked from the sloop of war |ivhat ship it was. The answer to the lirst enquiry, was a l-epetition of the question, to the second, a broad-side of iround and grape shot, which was immediately returned, ^nd an action commenced which continued full three uarters of an hour, when the frigate ceased liriiig, iilled er sails, sheered oft', and hailed the '• Little Belt," (which, iust at that time had also ceased liring) asked what ship- as told her name, and then enquired if she had struck er colours, and was answered in the n(\gative. The name f the frigate was then asked, and an answer returned that it was the United States ship " President." She afterwards tood oft' under easy sail, and both ships lay to the remainder f the night, repairing their damages, in the morning the igate bore down upon the *' Little Belt," and, coming with- hail, asked permission to send a boat to her, which was anted, and an officer came on board with a message from ||Dommodore Rogers, saying he lamented the transaction, id not think she was so much inferior in force to the President" — tons mrry the Little Belt Jiad fired first — would fvillingly render her every assistance in his power, and idvised that she should go into an American j^ort to repair. |Phe officer then took his departure, returned to the " Presi- jient," which made sail, and was soon out of sight, leaving — 88 — the "Little Belt'' almost a complete wreck, sails and rig< giiig cut to pieces, 11 killed, 21 wounded, and withom explanation of their extraordinary conduct. We hero beg leave to refer our readers to the following extract of a letter from an intelligent gentleman at Key: York, dated Tuesday, the 14th inst. the day the Packet sailed from thence : — " The following was posted up in the oiKv^e of the New York Gazelle, this morning — The Frigate President, i; ordered in pursuit of the British Frigate^ to demand^ at the MOUTH OF HER GUNS, t/je release of the Man who toas laktt from the American Brig Spitfire a short time since.''' The following paragraph, extracted from a New Yorii paper of the 3rd inst. alludes to the impressment of a maii belonging to the " Spitfire" : — " Arrived the elegant new brig "Spitfire," Noil, 4 (by from Portland, in ballast. Off the Hook had a young man never before on the ocean, pressed by a British frigatt shameful conduct. It is hoped measures will be imme diately taken to recover this young man, by obtaining letter from Col. Barclay, and dispatching a pilot boat ii pursuit of the frigate." From the above particulars it appears that a man beloii? ing to an American vessel was impressed by a Britk frigate, off" New York, and that Com. Rogers was sent i demand him. That, after cruising several days, the "Pro dent" fell in with the " Little Belt," (which, however, wj not the ship that made the impressment) and, after mai cEUvring with the apparent intention of raking her, bi without succeedmg, commenced the unequal fight." — 89 — ails and rig. wid without ho following email at Nev f the racket B of the New President, ii nanil, AT THE who toas taktt nee. a New York oient of a mat ;• Noil, 4 (lay a young man British frigatt will be immi by obtaining a pilot boat ii it amanbeloii? by a Brilu trors was sent i lays, the "Pr»^ 1, however, wi and, after mai aking her, bi lal fight." SxTliAC'T of a letter from an Officer, dated on board Majesty's sloop " Atalanta," off {Sandy-Hook. June 16th, 1811. His " The only pu])lic information in my power to communi- te, is, that on Sunday, the 9th in.st., being in company ilh His Majesty's ship •' Kurydice," wo fell in with the merican frigate " United States," off the Capes of Virginia; |nd that during a conversation of an amicable nature be- een Captain Bradshaw from the " Kurydice," and Com- odore Decatur, whose broad pendant was flying on board e " United States," a shot was fired towards the " Eury- ice," but did not strike her and from which no unpleasant nsequences took i>lace, as Commodore Decatur instantly iled and declared upon his honour it was an accident, d not intended as an insult to the British flag, which as- rancos he repeated in person to the first Lieutendnt of ie " Eurydice," who was sent immediately on board the nited States" to demand officially the reason of the shot ving been fired. The matter being so adjusted wo rted company. A few days since, the frigate " I' nited States," of 44 guns, m. Decatur, being on a cruize olf the Capes, fell in with 10 British ship of war " Eurydice," of 24 guns, and italanta," brig of 18 guns. On Com. Decatur's backing sails, and hailing the frigate, one of his guns unluckly nt ott', the frigate's guns being discharged with locks, not with matches. The Commodore immediately sent officer on board the " Eurydice" to explain the accident ; mutual civilities were exchanged. — {Norfolk Demo. \per.) ^o the Norfolk statement that a shot was fired from tho ate *' United States," Capt. Decatur, at tho British frigate urydice," we have to add, that according to a letter ived in town from on board the former frigate, the shot ,ck the " Eurydice" ; that it was intentionalli/ fired, h\\\ n ^, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) <;^ ^^ 1.0 I.I Mm 2.0 1.8 IL25 III 1.4 11.6 '/: ^^ 7 FhotDgraphic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WiBSTIR.N.Y. 14SM (716) •72-4503 •I — 90 — without Cupt. Decatur's orders ; and that it was with diffi- culty he could refrain a continuance of the lire. Should this account prove to be correct, which we think it will, from the direct character of the information, we are far from anticipating' any censure upon Captain Decatur. Such is the hostile spirit invariably inculcated by the executive and its minions against Great Britain ; precipitate has Mr,; Madison been in approving the hostile bearing of Capt , Rogers in the affair of the "Little Belt," that we should wonder, if the state of discipline on board the American; frigates should admit of a moderate degree of obedience and subordination, when British vessels of inferior force are mot with. Under such circumstances, it must be painful for a man of honor and correctness to hold a command. — [Ball. Fed. Rep.] From Norful/c, June 11. '' Commodore Decatur, off our capes, yesterday, had a long and friendly parley with a British Frigate, and sloop of war. The latter, the " Atalanta," of 18 guns. Captain Hickey, landed here William Gray, Esq., and Lady, pas- sengers, and despatches ; and sailed again to-day, in the sloop of war, for Halifax." The public here, was in expectation this week, of a< counts of another battle by mi slake, between some of Hi; Majesty's ships and American cruisers. It will be seen thai | a gun was fired by mistake from the United States 44 gnu frigate, on the " Eurydice," of 24 guns, but, another Britisli vessel of 18 guns, being at hand, the American commando; thought proper to apologise immediately, and the partio separated good friends. From the tenor of an article which we have extractec from the Halifax Royal Gazelle of the 6t|i ult., ij; woulc --91 — jippear that the examination of the officers of the " Little Jelt" has been sent to England, and that that affair will bt be resented by our naval officers there, till the decision if the Government at home is known. No retaliatory leasures for the non-intercourse had Ijcen adopted in Eng- md up to the 14th May ; the intention is even said to have [een abandoned for the present ; so that, if some of the Lmerican 44 gun frigates do not fall in with some of His [ajesty's vessels from to 14 guns or so, we trust that )thiiig' will happen to widen the breach between the two lountries, till the result of Mr. Foster's mission is known. New York, June 2G, 1811. On Sunday afternoon, arrived off Sandy Hook, the British )p of war " Sapphire," from Bermuda, and yesterday an icer belonging to her came up to town with dispatches lative to the affair between the United States frigate ^resident," and the British sloop of war " Little Belt " [e understand they consist of an official letter from Ad- pal Sawyer, enclosing Captain Bingham's letter, contain- a minute and circumstantial account of what took place ^m the moment he described the " President" to the close [the battle which terminated so disastrously to his ship. }e dispatches w^ere sent on to Mr. Morier, the British fnister, at Washington, by yesterday's mail.— -E. Post. ?he following is the official despatch of Capt. Bingham, the " Little Belt," containing his account of the late Ion between the sloop of w^ar and the U. S. frigate President." The letter has been sent on to Washington, probably has been communicated to the Secretary of te, by Mr. Morier. After perusing the two accounts [ry reader will see that a Court of Inquiry, in which can be ascertained on oath, is necessary for the attain* It of the whole truth of this affair. — 92- Cnpt. Binghanis Letter. Itis Majesty's sloop "Little Belt," May 21st, 1811, lat. SC, 50, N. Ion. 7 1, 49, W. Cape Charles bearing W. 48 miles. Sir, — I beg leave to acquaint you that in pursuance of your orders to join H. M. ship " Guerriere," and being on my return from the northward, net haying fallen in with her ; that about eleven, A.M., May 16th, saw a strange sail, to which I immediately gave chase. At one P.M., dis- covered her to be a man of war, apparently a frigate, stand- ing to the eastward, who, when he made us out, edged away for us, and set his royals Made the signal 275, and iinding it not answered concluded that she was an Ameri can frigate, as she had a Commodore's blue pendant flyina at the main. Hoisted the colors and made all sail south. the course I intended steering round Cape Hatteras ; the stranger edging away but not making any more sail. At 3.30 he made sail in chase, when I made the private signal which was not answered. At 0.30, finding he gained so considerably on us as not to be able to elude him during the night, being within gun-shot, and clearly discerniiiii the slars in his broad pendant, I imagined the most prudent method was to bring to, and hoist the colors that no mis- take might arise, and that he might see what we were The ship was therefore brought to, her colors hoisted, hti guns double shotted, and every preparation made in case of surprise. By his manner of steering down, he evidently wished to lay his ship in a position for raking, which I frustrated by wearing three limes. About 8.15, he came within hail — I hailed, and asked what ship it was ? He repeated my question. I again hailed, and asked what ship it was ? He again repeated my words, and fired broadside, which I instantly returned. The action then| became general, and continued so for three-quarters of aii| hour, when he ceased firing, and appeared to be on tire about the main hatch wav. He then filled. I was obliged — Os- lo delist from iiring, as, the ship falling off, no gun would bear, and had no after to keep her to. All the rig-ging and sails cut to pieces ; not a brace nor a bowline left. He hailed and asked what ship this was ? I told liim. He then asked me if I had struck my colors ? My answer was No, and asked what ship it was ? As plainly as I could understand (he having shot some distance at this time) h.' answered the United States frigate. He fired no mor«» guns, but stood from us, giving no reason for his most ex- traordinarv conduct. • At daylight in the morning, saw a ship to windward when having made out well what we were, bore up and passed within hail fully prepared for action. About 8 o'clock he hailed and said if I pleased, he would send a boat on board : I replied in the affirmative, and a boat ac- cordingly r-ame with an officer, and a message from Com- modore Ivodgers, of the 'President," of the United States, to say that he lamented much the unfortunate affair (as he t^M-ined it) that had happened, and that had he known our force was so inferior he should not have fired at me. I asked his motive for having fired at all? His reply was that •' we fired the first gun at him ;" w^hich was positively not the case. I cautioned both the oftlcers and men to ])e particularly careful, and not suffer any more than one man to be at the gun. Nor is it probable that a sloop of war, within pistol shot of a large 44 gun frigate, should com- mence hostilities. He offered me every assistance I stood in need of, and submitted to me that I had better put into ione of the ports of the United States ; which I immediately declined. By the manner in which he apologized it appeared to me I evident that had he fallen in with a British frigate, he would certainly have brought her to action. And what I further confirms me in that opinion, is, that his guns were not only loaded with round and grape shot, but with every scrap of iron that could be possibly collected. — 04 — 1 have to lament the loss of 32 men killed and wounded, among whom is the master. His Majesty's ship is much damaged in her masts, sails, rig-ging and hull, and as there are many shot through be. tween wind and water, and many shots still remaining in- side, and upper works all shot away, starboard pump also, I have judged it proper to proceed to Halifax, which will, I hope, meet with your approbation. I cannot speak in too high terms of the ollicers and men I have the honor to command, for their steady and active conduct throughout the whole of this business, who had much to do, as a gale of wind came on the second night after the action. I beg leave to enclose a list of the 32 men killed and wounded ; most of them mortally, I fear. I hope. Sir, in this affair, I shall appear to have done my duty, and conducted myself as I ought to have done against so superior a force, and that the honor of the British colours was well supported. I have the honor to be, Sir, w^ith much respect, your most obedient humble servant. A. B. BINGHAM, Captain. To Herbert Sawyer, Esq., Rear Admiral of the lied, Commander in Chief, &c , &c. We have made some further extracts from the American Papers, to shew the tone and language used by the Ameri- cans in consequence of their s^allant achievement against the *' Little Belt." We^ have inserted also the American ojlicial statement, which, is in direct contradiction to pro- bability and indeed to the solemn declaration of Capt. Bingham and all the Officers of the " Little Belt." There could be no pretence for this hostile attack ? No demand — 95 — was made lor any Amoricaiis iinprossed by our officers — no complaint was urged; the Irigate commenced hostilities at once, as if the American Government had determined to " cut short all intermission" and shew ns her determination to negociate only at the cannon's month. Bo it so — it is not lor us to dread the issue of any contest with America. And if she prefer fighting under French banners, and in aidence of French purposes, in other words if she choose to accept a Bonaparte for a Washington, on her head l)e all the guilt and shame, — aye and of the ruin of such policy. — (Courier.) ^ To the above extracts from the London paper?!, we add the following note, communicated to us by a passenger in the "Juno" : — " No communication had been made, when we sailed, (July 0) by the government of England to par- liament, on the subject of American affairs since the account of the engagement between the " President" and " Little Belt" was received. The opinion entertained by the people seemed to be strongly against the conduct of Capt. Rodgers ; and an opinion generally prevailed, that unless reparation be immediately offer 3d, or a satisfactory explanation given by our government, war will be the consequence ; and as a preparatory step for whatever may be the result, a squad- ron of four sail of the line, one frigate, and a sloop of Avar, under the command of Sir Joseph Yorke, sailed from Ports- mouth, July 5, for our coast. Sir Joseph is said to have sealed instructions, which he is not to open until he arrives in a certain longitude." A letter from an American gentleman of the first respec- tability in London, dated 3rd July, has the following Post- script :— " War with the United States will take place, if the — 96^ Amoricaii government do not give satisfaction for the atiaek on the " Little Belt," which is said here to have been mado by the ' President.' ' The Court of Inquiry on the conduct of Commodore Rodgers in the atiliir of the " Little Belt," will assemble immediately in New York. Commodore Decatur will pro- side, and Mr. Sandford, of New York, be Judge Advocate. " GuERiiiKRE," Frigate. — The " Henry," from England, arrived in New York, a fortnight since fell in wuth and was boarded from the British frigate " Cruerriere," which had not her name on hex "oretopsail as stated in a late Balti- more papw. This information therefore is of a piece with the gossiping tale which magnilied her into a iifty gun ship. All we know of her is, that in Steele's Lists for many years she has been recorded thus ; "Guerricre," taken from the French, 38 guns, S. J. Pechell, Halifax station; taken 1806," by the " Blanche" frigate of 88 guns. It is not probable, if she were a 50 gun ship, she would be degraded in an official list to a 38 by a nation which prides itself so much on the strength of its navy. With the same pro- priety that the " Guerriere" is called a 50 gun ship, might we call our 44, 56 gun ships ? THE CLOUD OF WAR. H0U8E OF KEPKESENTATiVES. Monday, Dec. 30, 1811.— An additional bill on the suh-i ject of National Defence was reported, read and referred I ^^ By this Bill an additional appropriation of 400,000 1 dollars, is viade, for the purchase of arvts. -9T- Mr. "Wright laid on the table, a motion for a committee to repoit a bill for the protection, recovery, and indemnifi- cation of American seamen. The bill to authorize the President to accept and organize '>0,000 volunteers, was taken up in committee of the whole. A debate ensued on the question of the Committee's Irishig, in order to take up and decide on the Standi nt:^ Army Bill. In this debate Mr. Porter^ contended that Volunteers jw«*re more efficient than Regulars, and could be raised in half the time. This he said was an important consideration kvhon it was recollected that it was the determination of \erery branch of the plover nment to assert our rigid by force, and to make a descent as speedly as possible upon the BRITISH possessions. Mr. (Speaker) Clay contended that 25,000 regulars were more efficient than 50^000 volunteers. On the regulars alone, he said, could we safely calculate for the conquest of Canada. The motion that the Com* [mittee rise prevailed. The House went into Committee on the Bill from the [Senate for raising an Additional Regular Army of 25,000 men. The amendments of the Committee of the House, by which it was proposed to reduce the number to 10,800 were first [taken up. Messrs. Fisk and Wright opposed the amendments, which hvere rejected 65 to 44. The regiment of Light artillery was Ichanged for aitillery ; and several other amendments were |agi-eed to ; but no definite question taken on the bill, when the House Adjourned. Dec. 30. — The question was, whether the house will Joncur in the amendment, which reduces the number of len from 25,000 to about 15,000. Mr. Fisk was against concurring, as he thought we should want at least 26,000 men in the contemplated attack m Canada. He said, that we should, in the end, find it |he cheapest to have that number. 13 -98- Mr. "Wright was also against concurring. He said if he should hear to-morrow, that the Orders in Council were revoked, he would seize Canada, and hold it for an indem- nification. He thought it all important that thic "Rill should pass immediately, that the officers may be appointed, and that they may attend forthwith to recruiting the men. The house refused to concur in the amendment. Tuesday, Dec. 31.— After the disposal of some local and private business. A committee was appointed to request the President to inform the House, if American Tobacco is admitted to be imported into ci-devant Holland ; and if ad- mitted, whether the regulations en r^gle, relative to that article, extend to Holland, and the Hanseatic towns. Additional Regular Army. — The House again went into committee on this bill from the Senate. But on motion of Mr. Williams, (of South Carolina) and others, who asserted that serious apprehensions were entertained on the frontier of another attack from the " Prophet," who, it was said, had been reinforced with 2,000 men ; the Committee rose in order to take up the bill allowing the President to raise corps of Kangers for the protection of the frontiers. The Rangers bill was then read a third time and passed, with- out amendment or debate. The House then, in committee, took up again the Bill from the Senate for raising 25,000 Additional Regular Troops. Mr. Clay, (Speaker), expressed his sentiments with res- pect to this bill. He contended that the force it proposed to raise, so far from being too large, was entirely too small for war. If this army of 25,000 men was intended for the invasion of Canada, their number w^ould be greatly reduced before they reached Quebec. This diminution would be owing to the garrisons required for intermediate places that might previously be subdued — for although the army would leave no European force behind them, they would leave the inhabitants of Upper Canada behind them — 00 — i 1 — the calculations on the treason of those people, ho con- sidered utterly groundless and objectionable. Thus wo should have but a very small Ibrce lel't to lay seige to Quebec, a place already almost impregnable, and which in the event of hostilities, would no doubt receive great rein- forcement. With regard to the idea that Britain was fight- ing the battles of the world, Mr. C. observed, that if she would relinquish her own insolent pretensions, she might then challenge universal symi>athy in the present contest — but not till then. He could not consent to submit to the kicks and scoffs of G. Britain, under the chimerical fear of French subjugation. He requested gentlemen to look at the fate of desolated Spain. Had she been benefitted by her base subserviency to Imperial dictates ? No. If she had nobly asserted her rights, her monarch w^ould not now be groaning in a dungeon. He contended that the true cause of British aggression was her determination to destroy a growing rival, which she saw, and sickened in seeing in the American States. He hoped and believed no man in the House could be unwilling to go to war, under the apprehension of losing his seat — he trusted that the interest of the country would be pursued, whatever might be the consequences. Nor did he believe the people of the United States would dismiss men from their stations for honestly performing their duty. Mr. C. expressed his de- termination to support the rights and honor of his country, even at tlie hazard of life. Mr. Widgery wondered Mr. C. had said nothing about the militia— some States might put no dependence \i\)on them, but the militia of New England was an army well I equipped, and would fight— would take Canada imme- diately if authorized. You'll get no men, no you wont, by this bill, only officers ! How was' t with the Oxford army ! [They recruited 6 months and only got 6 men ? The strength |of the country is to the northward and eastward. We shall ind some of the House, I have 'em some en'era in my eye — 100 — (looking" ill the l'cdoralist8) but I don't want to call names, who will vote for this bill, but when it comes to the ques- tion of peace or war they'll be oil'. They only want to give us rope to get ourselves into dilRculty. If empowered, Mr. Widgery said he could raise a company in New lilng- land himself, large enough to take Canada, and Congress need trouble their heads no more about it — but it never would be taken by such bills as that before the committee. Mr. Boyd made many judicious remarks on the impolicy and certain injury of war. The committee rose. Mr. Smilio said it was late and he and other gentlemen wished to speak, and moved that the house adjourn. — Carried. To- morrow being New Year's day, and the President's levee, little will probably be done. The passage of the bill is probable. , ,^ ., . UPPER CA NADA. GENERAL BROCK'S SPEECH. . . York, February 4. • Yesterday at one o'clock, His Honor Isaac Brock, Esquire, President, administering the Governmentof Upper Canada, and Major Greneral Commanding His Majesty's Forces; therein, accompanied by a numerous suite, proceeded to the Government Buildings, and opened the .present Session i of the Legislature, when he was pleased to deliver the | following SPEECH to both Houses. Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council ; Andj Gentlemen of the Legislative Asseinhly : I should derive the utmost satisfaction, the first time of! my addressing you, were it permitted me to direct your | attention solely to such objects as tended to proniote tho ^ peace and prosperity of this Province. ;arned. To- i — 101 — The gflorious contest in which the British Empire is en- gaj^ed, and the vast sacrilice which Groat Urilaiii nobly oH'crs to secure the independence of other Nations, might be expected to stifle every ^ 'ig of envy, and jealousy, and at the same time to exciw the interest and command the admiration of a free People; l)ut rei>ardless of such generous impressions, the American Government^ evinces a disposition calculated to imjiede and divide her efforts. England is not only interdicted the harbours of the United States, while they afford a shelter to the cruisers of her inveterate enemy, but she is likewise required to resign those maritime rights which she has so long exercised and enjoyed. Insulting threats are offered, and hostile prepara- tions actually commenced ; and though not without hope that cool refiection, and the dictates of Justice may yet avert the calamities of war, I cannot under every view of the relative situation of the Province be toD urgent in re- commending to your early attention, the adoption of such measures, as will b3st secure the internal peace of the Country, and defeat every hostile aggression. Principally composed of the sons of a Loyal and bravo band of Veterans, the Militia, I am confident, stand in need of nothing but the necessary Legislative provisions, to direct their ardour in the acquirement of Military instruc- tion, to form a most efficient force. The growing prosperity of these Provinces, it is manifest begins to awaken a spirit of envy and ambition. The ac- knowledged importance of this Colony to the Parent State, will secure the continuance of her powerful protection. Her fostering care has been the first cause, under Provi- dence, of the uninterrupted happiness you have so long en- joyed. Your industry has been liberally rew^arded, and you have in consequence risen to opulence. These interesting truths are not uttered to animate your patriotism, but to dispel any apprehension which you may — 102 — have imbibed of the possibility of England forsaking yon for ynu must be sensible, that if once bereft of her support, | if once deprived of the advantages which her commerce I and the supply of her most essential wants give you, this | Colony from its Greographical position, must inevitably sink into comparative poverty and insignificance. But Heaven will look favorably on the manly exertions which the Loyal and virtuous inhabitants of this happy land are prepared to make, to avert such a dire calamity ! Our gracious Prince, who so gloriously upholds the dignity of the Empire, already appreciates your merit, and it will be your first caro to establish, by the course of your | actions, the just claim of the Country to the protection of | His Royal Highness. I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of announcing to | you, from this place, the munificent intention of His Royal | Highness, the Prince Regent, who has been graciously pleased to signify, that a grant of One Hundred Pounds per annum, will be proposed in the annual Estimate, for | every future Missionary of the Gospel, sent from England, who may have faithfully discharged for the term of ten years, the duties of his station in this Province. Gentlemen of the House of Assembly ; I have no doubt, but that with me, you are convinced of the necesssity of a regular system of Military instruction to the Militia of this Province ; on this salutary precaution, in the event of a "War, our future safety will greatly depend, and I doubt not, but that you will cheerfully lend your aid, to enable me to defray the expense of carrying into effect, a measure so conducive to our security and defence. I have ordered the Public Accounts to be laid before you, and have no doubt but that you will consider them with tl^at fttkntion which the nature of the subject way rec^uire. -10^ — I Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council ; And Gentlemen of the House of Assembly .' I have without r.oerve, communicated to you, what has [occurred to me, on the existing circumstances of this Pro- vince. We wish and hope for peace, but it is nevertheless [our duty to be prepared for War, The task imposed on you, on the present occasion, is [arduous, this task however, I hope and trust, laying aside every consideration, but that of the Public Good, you will perform with that firmness, discretion, and promptitude, which a regard to yourselves, your families, your Country jand your King* call for at your hands. As for myself, it shall be my utmost endeavor to co- I operate with you, in promoting such measures as may best contribute to the security and to the prosperity of this Pro- vince. To His Honor ISAAC BROCK, Esquire, President adminis' tering the Government of the Province of Upper Canada, and Major General Commanding His Majesty's Forces therein, Sfc, SfC, Sfc. \May it please your Honor, We, His Majesty's most dutiful and Loyal subjects, the [Commons of the Province of Upi)er Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to return you our sincere thanks for your most gracious Speech to both houses of the Legisla- ture at the opening of the present Session ; also permit us, (Sir, to congratulate you upon your appointment to the high Ifitation you fill, which we consider as a proof of the [confidence and high estimation of His Royal Highness the [Prince Regent, in your Honor's talents and experience at [this portentous crisis. — 104 — We feel a deep sense of the satisfaction your Honol- Would derive from having no other objects to direct our at- tention to, upon the first time of addressing us, but such as tended solely to promote the iieace and prosperity of this Province. With your Honor we should have expected that the glorious contest in w^hich the British Empire is engaged, and the vast sacrifice Great Britain is making to secure tho independence of other nations, would have stifled every feeling of envy and jealously, and would at the same timo have excited the interest and called forth the plaudits and admiration of a free people ; but we view with astonish- ment that the Government of the United States, insensiblo to those impressions which beget a generous sympathy, evinces a disposition to impede and divide those efforts ; and by an infatuated partiality, England is not only inter- dicted the Harbours of the United States, while they afford shelter and supplies to the cruizers of her inveterate enemy, but she is likewise required to resign those maritime rights which she has. so long exercised and enjoyed, and which the whole NavJ power of Europe has not been able to eflect. We unite with your Honor in the hope, notwithstanding ■ the insulting threats and hostile preparations of that Government, that cool reflections and the dictates of justice and sound policy may yet avert the calamities of war. In conformity to the recommendation of your Honor, w shall pay early attention to the adoption of such measures as shall appear to us best calculated to secure the internal ; peace of the country and defeat every hostile aggression. We feel highly gratified at the confidence you express to; have in the ardour and efficiency of the Militia of this Pro- vince, and it shall become our immediate duty in our: Legislative capacity, to devise the means for their acquir- ing needful military instruction, and trust they will, il| — 105 — ted that the occasion should require, prove the Loyalty and Bravery of their Fathers have not degenerated. While we express our regret that the growing prosperity of this Colony, and its increasing importance to our Parent state, should excite a spirit of envy and ambition ; wo r(^- I joice in the happy and peaceable enjoyment of the fruits of : our industry, and gratefully acknowledge the fostering care and powerful protection of the Mother Country as the primary causes. The assurance your Honor is pleased to give us, of Eng- I land not forsaking us, demands our warmest acknowledge- ment, yet permit us to assure your Honor, though conscious of our dependence on her support and protection, and the [mutual commercial advantages arising to both, we never could imbibe an apprehension of her abandoning us, and [hope we require no incitements to animate our patriotism ; [but relying on the justice of our cause, we fervently im- ; plore Heaven to look favourably on such exertions as we I may be enabled to make to avert so dire a calamity from j the inhabitants of this happy land. Our most zealous endeavours shall be used to establish land ensure by the course of our actions, a continuance of the protection of our Gracious Prince, who so gloriously upholds the dignity of the Empire, and are truly grateful [to His Royal Highness for the flattering appreciation of us. I which your Honor has been so good as to communicate. We have to return you our unfeigned thanks for the jsatisfaction you feel in announcing to us the munificent intention of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, who has been graciously pleased to signify that a grant of One [Hundred Pounds per annum will be proposed in the annual jefthnate, for every future Missionary of the Gospel sent from England, who may have faithfully discharged, for the iterm of Ten Years, the duties of his station in this Province, jwhich demands our unbounded gratitude, being a flatter- ling proof, t)iat this remote part of the Empire participates 14 — 106 — the vigilance and solicitude of His Royal Highness for the general good, amidst the many weighty andimporiant con- eerns which must at this crisis occupy His lloyal Highness ,s attention. "We are perfectly convinced of the necessity of a regular system of military instruction to the Militia of this Pro- vi ice, and sensible how far, in the event of a war, our future safety depends on so salutary a precaution ; we shall cheerfully lend our aid towards defraying the expense of carrying the mt isure into effect. When we receive the public accounts, we shall investi- gate them as usual, with the attention they require . We thank your Honor for the frank unreserved manner in which you have communicated your sentiments on the existing circumstances of this Province, and concur with your Honor in the wish and hope for peace ; but neverthe- less we conceive it to be our duty to be prepared for war, which often has been the means of averting it. The task imposed on us at this crisis, we are aware is arduous ; but divesting our minds of every other consider- ation but that of the public good, and animated by a senso of duty, this task we shall endeavour to perform with that firmness, discretion and promptitude which a regard to our King, our Country, our ^Families and ourselves calls for at our hands. We have the most perfect reliance in your Honor's utmost endeavour to co-operate with us in promoting such measures as may best contribute to the security and to the prosperity of this Province. Commons House of Assembly, Wednesday, bth Feb., 1812. (Signed,) Attest, (Signed,) SAMUEL STREET, Speaker. DONALD McLean, Clk. House of Assemblv, — 107 To His Honor ISAAC BROCK, Esq., President Administer- ing the Government of the Province of Upper Canada, and Major-General Commanding His Majesty s Forces in the said Province, SfC, Sfc, Sfc. May it please Your Honor, "We, His Majesty's most dutiful and Loyal Subjects, the [Legislative Council of Upper Canada in Provincial Parlia- ment Assembled, do offer you our thanks for your Speech at the opening of this Session of the Legislature, and should have felt the greatest satisfaction, had it only been necessary [for Your Honor, to have called forth our attention to objects [of internal regulation and Government, witjiout having joccasion to recommend measures of defensive preparation. "We admire the glorious efforts of Grroat Britain in the :ause of liberty and of man, and that noble struggle which jhe still Avith success maintains to avert the yoke of ser- vitude from surrounding nations ; while we lament that so p*eat a cause should be counteracted by a people who [boast that they are free, interdicting her ships from their larbours, and while affording shelter to her inveterate jnemy, call upon her to surrender what she has ever held lost valuable and sacred — her maritime rights. But we are still not without hoj^e that cool reflection and the dictates of justice will avert the calamities of war, rhile we see and feel the necessity pointed out by your [onor of adopting such measures as will best secure not mly the internal prosperity of this country, but defeat jvery hostile aggression that may assail it. We will most cordially unite with the other Branches of le Legislature in adopting such measures as may enable )ur militia, many of them descended from a loyal and brave )and of "Veterans, to exert with effect that loyality, zeal and )urage which distinguished their fathers. ■IMIii — 108 — The gracious intentions of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent io this Province, -wo humbly and gratefully acknow- ledffe. Highly sensibly of the comforts and blessings which wo possess, and anxious for the continuance of that happiness which we enjoy, we feel from the declaration of your Honor, satisfaction as well as confidence that you will co-operate with us in promoting such measures as may best contri- bute to the security and to the prosperity of this Province. Legislative Council Chamber, Wednesday, 5lh February, 1812. PANfBL TOMPKINS' SPEECH TO THE HOUSES OF LEGISLATICN OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. E.drar.lfrom the Speech of His Excellency Daniel D. Tomp- | KINS, to both Houses of the Legislature of the State of | Neiv York, at the opening of the Session, January 28, | 1812. In my communication to the representatives of the people at their last meeting, I had the honor to revert to the then state of our foreign relations, and to note the accumulated ;| injuries which had been inflicted upon us by the i^owers ol Europe. I shall, therefore, forbear to repeat the disgusting | detail, on the present occasion. Nothing has occurred to alter our relative situation with France since the last session of the legislature. One item of complaint, however, has been expunged from the long catalogue of British wrongs, whilst fresh aggravations and insults have been substituted in its stead. The almost | forgotten topic of an attack upon the frigate " Chesapeake, has been lately revived by an unexpected tender of repara- tion, w^hich has met the acceptance of our national rulers. — 109 — LEGiSLATlO.N All affront calculated to excite equal .sensibility, is to be found in the late assault of the " Little Belt" upon the frigate " President," mitigated to be sure, by the consoling" reflection, that it was bravely and nobly chastised upon the spot. Although accumulated evidence of the actual suspension of the operation of the obnoxious decrees of France, has been submitted to the British cabinet, we are still doomed to witness persistance in her orders in council, of which the edicts of Berlin and Milan were the pretended and osten- sible basis, in defiance of a solemn stipulation to the con- trary ; and to be the victims of an increased rigor in their execution, which has given the decisive and ultimate blow to our neutral commerce. It would be painful to dwell upon every item of aggres- I sion and insult which swells the list of our grievances. The precise points of difference are stated, and luminously [discussed in the documents w^hich have recently been sub- I mitted to congress by the national executive. These are so universally and well understood, and the merited con- jfidence in the wise and patriotic managers of our national concerns, has been so thoroughly confirmed, as to have produced an union of feeling and sentiment in the nation j seldom before witnessed ; and it I'urnishes a source of con- Iscious pride and satisfaction in every American bosom, to [be convinced, that whatever may be our local and domestic jdiilerences, we shall be an united and formidable people, [upon all questions which involve our national existence land privileges, or which affect the vital principles of in- [dependence. Experience has at length taught us the feeble reliance [which is to be reposed on appeals to the veracity, the |magnanimity or the justice of monarchs, and has dissipated jvery remaining gleam of hope that our rights will be suitably respected. The consequent unanimity and spirit vbich inspire tlje Ration, and wMch have dictated the }atp — 110 — moasurus oi' Congress, shew a cleterminatiou to enibrcc rc8- pect for our rights and sovereignty at every hazard. It therefore behoves the state of New York to clothe her- sell' in armour, and to stand prepared for the approaching contest. The security of her valuable and exposed mari- time frontier, on the south, and the protection of her in- habitants \i\)on the extensive borders of the north and west, challenge our anxious solicitude and united services. LOWER CANADA. SIR GEOUOE TKEVOST'S SPEECil ON THE OPENING OF TAK- LIAMENT, FEBRUARY 21 st, 1812. " Notwithstanding the astonishing changes that mark the age in which we live, the Inhabitants of this portion of the Empire have witnessed but as remote spectators, the awful scenes which desolate Europe ; and while Britain, '• built by nature for herself, against infection and the hand oi' war," has had her political existence involved in the fate of the surrounding Nations, you have, hitherto undisturbed, in the habitations of your Fathers, viewed without alarm, the distant storm, which now seems bending its course towards this peaceful and happy region. " Should the unfriendly disposition of the Government of the United States, continue unchanged, by the wise measures and magnanimous conduct of the Prince Regent, it will require no ordinary exercise of loyalty to withstand its effects, and no common energy in the discharge of the important duties we shall be called upon to perform. " Viewing these circumstances, I recommend an in- creased and unremitting care and vigilance in securing the Colony from either open invasion or insidious aggression. And I hope the Provincial Parliament will testify the loyal *!,;■: — Ill — Ibrcc ro8- •d. lolhe her- broaching sed mari- f hor in- and west, COS, disposition by which it is animated, in its early attention to those Acts whicli experionco has proved to be essential for the preservation of His Majesty's Government as by Law happily established in this Colony, and also by its readiness in supplying His Majesty with such aid as shall be suited to the exigencies of the times, by enabling his loyal Canadian Subjects to assist in repelling any sudden attack made by a tumultuary force, and effectually to par- ticipaU^ in the defence of their counlry, against a regular invasion at any future period." f UF TAU- it mark the •tion of the , the awful ain, "built he hand ol . the fate of idisturbed, out alarm, •• its course rcre of the ANSWER T<^ TUE FOrtEGOINO BY l.EGISLATIVE COUN'JII.. We have the fullest conviction that by the Prince Regont on the behalf of His Majesty, every wise and proper measure will be pursued to terminate amicably the ditterences which now subsist between His Majesty and the Government of the United States of America, but as the unfriendly dis- position of that Government may remain unchanged, and the measures of His Royal Highness may fail to accomplish their object, we think it our bounden duty to assure your Excellency, that although the failure of such measures must necessarily call for great sacrifices on our part, and must extensively affect the interests of the Province ; yet t hat the blessings of peace, however important to us, arc* not desirable, if thoy cannot be preserved to us consistently with the rights, the honor, the safety, and the dignity of His Majesty's Crown. Your Excellency therefore may rely upon an increased and unremitted care and vigilance on our part, in securing the colony from either open invasion or insidious aggression ; upon an early attention to those acts which experience has proved to be essential for the preservation of His Majesty's Government, and to every measure which can tend to enable His Majesty's Loyal Canadian subjects to assist in repelling any sudden attack — 112 — \vhich may bo made ])y a tumultuary force ; and eft'ectually to participate iu the defence of their country againwt a regular invasion at any future period. Your lixcellency's recommendaticm of such steps as shall tend to the amelioration of the internal communications throughout the province; to the increase of commerce and the encourag'ement of agriculture, cannot fail to animato our eiuh^avours to promote these important objects. ANSWER BY TIIE COJIMONS. Should the wise measures and magnanimous conduct of the Prince Regent, fail to operate a change in the unfriendly disposition and hostile character of the Government of tho ITiiited States, sensible as we are that it will require no common energy to withstand their eltects and perform tho important duties wiiich will develope upon us, wc con- lidently assure your Excellency, that in the loyalty, un- animity and zeal of His Majesty's Canadian subject.s, you will iind resources, under the protection of Divine Provi- dence, fully adequate to the crisis. We l)eseech your Excellency to be persuaded, that view- ing these circumstances, we w411 use our utmost care and vigilance in securing the Colony from open invasion or in- nidious aggression ; we will give our attention to thoso acts which your Excellency regards as essential to the pre- servation of His Majesty' Government, as by law happily established in this Colony notwithstanding the repugnance we might feel from an improper use of one of them, and the bad efl'ects which might have resulted therefrom, to bin Majesty's Government, had it not been for the unshaken lidelity of His Majesty's Loyal Canadian subjects, and their conviction of the goodness of His Majesty's Government, and the transient inconveniences which, from the common fate of human things, are inevitable. "We can howevor — 118 awsurc your Excolloucy, that the confidoiieo wo place in your Excelloncy, diminishes considerably our fears oi' the use which might hereafter be made of this Act. And your Kxcellency may bo persuaded, we shall regard it as a most fortunate opportunity, to manifest qui* attachment to His Majesty's Government, and our gratitude for the benefits we have experienced by granting to His Majesty such sup- plies as may be suited to the exigencies of the times, and as will enable His Loyal Canadian subjects, to show their zeal for His Majesty, in repelling any sudden attack made by a tumultuary force, and effectually to participate in the defence of their country, against a regular invasion at any future period. The amelioration of the internal communications through- out the Province, the increase of commerce, and the en- couragement of agriculture, shall also meet our early and serious attention ; and we shall endeavour to adopt such measures as will convince the inhabitants of every part of the Province of our solicitude and that of the Government, for their comfort and welfare. The statement of the Provincial revenue of the Crown, and of the expenditure for the last twelve months, shall be duly attended to ; and yout Excellency may rely on such liberal supplies as may be found requisite to meet the jircs- sure of the times, and those services connected with the security of the Province. The splendid political and exalted moral virtues exercised by our fellow subjects in Great Britain, and which have firmly secured the Empire against the machinations of our implacable foe, cannot but increase our disposition to follow their example, by displaying our zeal and uraanimity in supporting and strengthening of His Majesty's Govern- ment at this eventful period, for the preservation of that most excellent form of government conferred on us by a great, a free, and an enlightened people. 15 ' — 114 — The cicumBtances of tho times imperiously call upon us to express to your Excellency, our readiness and that of our constitutents, to meet whatever events may arise out of | them, without fear of the result ; and though we deprecate war with our neighbors, as an evil to be avoided, if practi- cable, with due regard to tho honor and interest of the mother country ; yet, on no other terms, have we tho most distant wish that an accommodation should take place. To which His Excellency was pleased to make the fol- lowing reply : — , Gentlemen of the House of Assembly : I return you my thanks for this loyal address. Your i expressions of attachment to His Majesty's person and^ government, of gratitude to His Royal Highness the Prince § Regent, and of zeal for the public service, afford me the j best hopes, that nothing will be wanting on your part, to I co-operate in those measures which I shall deem necessary i for the safety of this province, and in my endeavours to i secure the continuance of tho peace and tranquility of its J^ inhabitants. I feel obliged to you for the assurance you have given] me, of your attention to those acts which I have considered] to be essential for the preservation of His Majesty's govern- ment, as by law happily established in this Colony ; at thcj same time, I cannot but regret, that on this occasion, youj should have thought it expedient to advert to any proceed- ings which have taken place under any one of those Acts;! and I earnestly recommend to you, as the most effectual] means of ensuring tranquility to the Province, and of evinc- ing your zeal for the Public Good, to direct your attention! solely to the present situation of Affairs ; and I shall hope and expect from you, so much of your confidence as shall give firmness and effect to the legal administration of the Grovornment, and thereby citable me to promote the Wei- — 116 — fare and Prosperity of this Country, and to maintain entire ready for it. 'Tis vain to suppose our difficulties are over ; the belief that they have but just commenced, is much more rational." THE STORY OF JOHN HENRY. "}. 25th, to a AVashinoton, March 9, 1812. HOUSE OF liEPRESENTATIVE3. The following message was received from the President of the United States : — To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States : I lay before Congress copies of certain documents which remain in the department of State. They prove that at a recent period, w^hilst the United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neutrality tow^ards Great Britain, and in the midst of amicable professions and negociations on the 118 — part of the British government through her public minister here, a secret agent of that government was employed in certain states more especially at the seat of Government in Massachusetts, in fomenting disaffection to the constituted authorities of the nation, and in intriguing with the dis- affected, for the purpose of bringing about resistance to the laws, and eventually, in concert with a British force, of destroying the union, and forming the Eastern part thereof into a political connexion with Great Britain. In addition to the effect which the discovery of such a procedure ought to have on the public councils, it will not fail to render more dear to the hearts of all good citizens, that happy union of these states, which, under Divine Providence, is the guarantee of their liberties, their safety, their tranquility and prosperity. JAMES MADISON. February 20th, 1812. John Henry informs the Secretary of State, that he was in Montreal in the winter of 1809, and became an agent and spy for Sir James Craig, then Governor of Canada, to reside in the eastern states, and render accounts to the Governor, of the situation of public affairs, proceedings of legislative and other bodies, strength and plans of parties, prospects, &c., and, as some expectation had been enter- tained that on account of the ruinous operation of the em- bargo laws, if they were not discontinued, a separation of the Union might take place, he was to ascertain whether such a plan was likely to succeed, and authorized, if thought necessary, to promise the support of the British. Hence a cypher was agreed upon ; Henry departed ; wrote letters from Vermont and part of Newhampshire, on his way to Boston in February and March, but mostly from Boston in March, April and May. For his services he had been — 119 — promised remuneration, and had sought it in vain of Sir James ; he has since sought it of the British ministry, who would neither give him the office of Judge Advocate of Lower Canada, worth five hundred pounds sterling per annum, nor a consulate ; he is, therefore, free from any ob- ligations, and for the good of this country, unfolds all his own and their iniquity. First comes a letter from H. W. Ryland, Secretary to Craig, making offers to Henry, proposing a cypher, &c., dated January 26, 1809. He accepts. A letter from Ryland to Craig, dated February, 6, unfolds the cypher ; tells him to go to Bosto^i ; find out the leading characters ; the strength of parties ; ascertain whether the federalists, depressed and oppressed by the embargo, think of separa- tion ; and how far, if at all, they wish the aid of Great Britain. A credential is enclosed, to be used only if found very necessary. A letter of Henry's in reply, shows his readiness to servo the British interest and proceed on his mission. Montreal, February 2. Henry says he has learned the cypher, though not completely. A letter from Vermont says, the people there consider the embargo unnecessary, oppressive and unconstitutional ; talks of making Vermont an ally. A letter from Windsor, Feb. 18, says, half of Vermont will not join in any opposition to government; and there is no man fit to take the lead in case of civil commotion. A letter from Amherst, N. H., Feb. 23, says he chooses to send by private conveyance whenever i^racticable, because democratic Post Masters will all break a seal as quick as their word, and there is no trusting them ; the administra- tion love popularity, and will do anything however mean or unjust, to maintain it ; scolds about democracy. Boston, March 6. — A large party here attached to France. The embargo he thinks will be taken off, and a non-inter- course succeed — speculations on the subject. 120 — Boston, March 17. — Thinks a Northern Confederacy quite feasible, an alliance the consequence ; but the leading federalists do not entertain an idea of withdrawing, if it can possibly be avoided. The common people love the Con- stitution, though they hate the embargo and would not re- pudiate the constitution, tho' they suffer just now under it, or under the administration of it. The distinguished federalists will do nothing for a separation ; they have great integrity of intention. March 9th and 18th. — Unimportant speculations should a non-intercourse take place. — Not necessary for Great Britain to make concessions. March 29th. — New Hampshire has elected a federal governor — Connecticut needs no change — [a laugh] — of no consequence who is governor of Rhode Island, as he is merely the president of the council. The administration wish a war with England, but can do nothing without the aid of the Northern States, the bone and muscle of the whole Union. April 18. — The Northern States will do nothing for us towards separation. April 26. — Speculations on Erskine's arrangement. May 5. — Madison will not be supported by his party if he conducts honorably towards England. May 17. — Opinion, resulting from the New York election. Here Henry leaves Boston and goes to Montreal, being told by Eyland, (Craig's secretary,) that he is no longer wanted there. At Montreal he gives more opinions and advice. In one of Ryland's letters to Henry, he says : " I am really out of spirits at the idea of Old England truck- ling to such a debased and acccursed government as that of the United States." It appears Henry could not obtain pay for the vast services he rendered ; and we have, dated June 18th, 1811, his memorial to Lord Liverpool, co'iplaining and begging an office ; Lord Liverpool's secretary replied, that Governor C^aig said nothing aboi;t his being recompensed in England. iiledoiacy le leading f, if it can the Con- Id not re- ,' under it, inguislied lave great ns should for Great a federal h] — of no 1, as he is inistration ithout the e of the ig for us Srskine's )orted by England, election. al, being longer o lions and says: "I id truck- it as that ; services 1811, his ^ging an rovernor Sngland* -.121- Other letters till November, 1811, but Henry gets no office. HiNC Lachrimae, and hence his patriotism towards this country, and his exposure of the whole to our government. When the reading was finished (which lasted about an hour and a half) a motion was made to print the message and documents. Mr. Pitkin had no objection to the printing, but they were calculated to cast an unjust odium on a part of the country. Nobody, that he had any knowledge of, ever heard of the man before, or of any such project. The letters were a libel on the government, on federalists, on de- mocrats, on every body but himself, and himself he had proved a traitor. He would not consent to take a charae* tor from such a man. Mr. Bibb thought an enquiry ought to be instituted ; though he had no belief that the federalists had ever thought of joining the British for any such purpose. He would refer the documents to the committee of foreign relations, Mr. "Widgery said, among other remarks — the old gunner knows by its fluttering when he has wounded a pidgeon — all coincides with my knowledge of some men and pro- cedings about that time. I would enquire. Are we to nhet ourselves up from enquiry — I believe as much in the truth of them documents, Mr. Speaker, as that you are in that chair. Mr. Gholson said, if any evidence, it was highly honor- able to the Eastern section of the union, for he says, not one could be found to meddle in the project. But it de- monstrates a scheme to dismember the union. Mr. Quincy was thankful, if there is now or ever has been an idea in Great Britain that there is a British party in America, that the contrary is proved. Mr. Wright was of opinion that the publication would be calculated to disgust the Northern section of the Union. He had no belief of the federal party's having ever enter- 16 h Pi ii — 122 — tained a wish to join the British. He would refer them to the committee of Foreign Relations. Mr. Troup. They are important as they prove by this acknowledged traitor and spy that such a plan has been agitated. A short time since the British Minister here denied that Sir James Craig induced the Indians to acts of hostility. Yet we see what Sir James can do. Mr. Seybert moved to print 5000 copies, Mr. Rhea having before moved for lOQO. Mr. Randolph would print them ; it would be impossible to keep them from the public, and if their printing should not be authorised, mutilated parts would go to the world like the mutilated accounts of the proceedings of Congress. If worthy of communication to the house they were worthy of being acted upon. He would refer them to the committee of Foreign Relations, with power to send for persons, papers and effects. He would decide at once, and not omit till another day, lest the man should run away. Though branded as a traitor and spy by all parts of the house, per- haps some valuable testimony may be obtained from him. Mr. Fisk said he knew Henry. He would not abscond. He was an Englishman by birth, but had long resided in this country ; married in Philadelphia ; was an officer in John Adams' army. Knew not that he was more dishonor- able than Jackson at Copenhagen. "What did Erskine de- clare about the same time ; declarations are now made in Parliament how much the interest of both countries is united. Not a new project this of separation — openly talked about before ; would refer the gentleman (Mr. Quincy,) to two numbers in the Boston Centinel in April, 1795, advising a separation, if the British treaty should not be adopted. The debate continued till 4 o'clock, when it was unani- mously voted to print the documents, and unanimously voted to refer them to the committee of foreign relations. The yeas and nays were taken on authorizing the Com- — 123 — mittee to send for persons, papers and effects ; the yeas were 04, noes, 10. Noes :— Alston, Bard, Boyd, Fisk, Hyneman, Macon (if heard correctly) Roberts, aeaver, Smilie, Troup. On the motion for printing 5000, the vote was not quite unanimous. The committee of foreign relations were all together, immediately after the house rose, probably they will make enquiry of Mr. Monroe, and perhaps send immediately for Henry. The house adjourned at 4 o'clock. Mr. Lloyd, in Senate, offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the names of all concerned ; as many names are scratched out. — Ev. Post. From Washington, March 10, 1812. It is said this morning that Mr. Monroe appeared before the committee of Foreign Relations, and stated that it was stipulated with Henry that he was not to be further inter- rogated, with respect to persons or other particulars. It is also said that he has sailed from New York for France ; and that he declared that he would on no consideration what- ever, expose the name of any person with whom he had to do in his mission. You will soon probably know a little more of the matter, and how very cunning our adminis- tration is in electioneering. — Alb. Gaz. From the New York Evening Post, March 13. POSTSCRIPT.— The southern mail did not arrive this day until after one o'clock. From an attentive friend we have received the National Intelligencer containing the documents accompanying the President's late message ; but on account of their ^reat length, occupying twelve columns It — 124 — in the Inlclligencer, wo cannot insert the whole this even- ing. Our correspondent's letter and part of the documents follow — they will bo continued to-morrow. FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT. WfishinglQn, House of Representatives^ Tuesday^ March 10. Tho' not much business of public importance has been done in the house to-day, there has been not a little con- yersation on tho comical communication of tho President yesterday. The friends of the administration yesterday tried to make something serious of it, and to justify the President in sending it to the house, but on more maturely considering the subject to-day, I imagine there are not many of them who do not wish he had been prudent enough not to have resorted to so pitiful a project for electioneering purposes. Another edition of a letter to General Stark would have answered a better purpose. It was confidently declared and generally believed, a week ago, that the Wasp was shortly to sail for Europe. This was plumply denied by the Secretary of the Navy to several persons. This morning we were told that when Mr. Monroe was called before the committee of foreign relations last evening, and asked where Henry was, Mr. Monroe answered that the government, [i.e. Monroe, Madi- son, &c ,] were pledged not to pursue or molest Henry, and that he made within GO days, in defence of our maritime frontier or seaports :" Mr. M. answered that pretty considerable preparations would be made. IL? said New York was in a pretty respectable state of delence, ])iit not such as to resist a formida1)le fleet^but, that it was not to l)e expected that such kind of war would be carried on. It was replied that we must expect what commonly happens in wars. Mr. M. said, that although a great distress nnd injury might take place in one part of the union it would not essentially ailect the population or our resources at large. As to the prepared state of the (Country, he said in case of a declaration of war, the president would not feel himself bound to take upon himself more than his share of responsibility. Mr. M. said, the unpre- pared state of the country was the only reason why ulterior measures were deferred." New York, April 16.— Yesterday afternoon between three and four o'clock, the United States frigate " President," Commodore Eodgers, and " Essex," sailed from this port on a cruize. When the frigate got oi^posite Castle William, they lired from G to 8 twenty-four pound shots at the castle, for the purpose of trying its strength, which we are happy to state was found to be ball proof, and more than answei's the most sanguine expectations. We understand, the Commodore will try a simihii- ex- periment on Fort Richmond, when he passes the narrow.^. People c.f New York! The Embargo laws must be piotected ! ! Your fathers, your sons and your Ijrolhers . 18 1^ — 138 — must gird on the armour of war — not to repel the incur- sions of a foreign enemy, but to compel the freemen of America to submit to the most odious and detestable laws, calculated to please Bonaparte, and to ruin and enslave the people of the UnittKl States. A CONSCRirXION ! is already ordered — Head the following article from the Columbian. Hostile Preparations. — "We understand that His Excel- lency Governor Tompkins has received orders and instruc- tions from the secretary of war, to detach and organize thirteen thousand of the militia of this state for immediate service, for which ammunition, &c., are provided, and orders for draui>-hting are expected to be issued forthwith. Pett'r B. Porter, Esq., is appointed by His Excellency quarter-master general for this state. Every thing indicates a determination in our government to proceed to the 7/ ///w?rt ratio. Boston, April 23. It is ascertained that Governor Gerry has received orders from the President of the United States, to 'draft from the Miliiia of the State, 10,000 men, the quota assigned to Massachusetts ; and that they be immediately organized and prepared for military duty. Where they are to march — or what duty is required of them, we have not learnt. Perhaps tlio Chronicle or Patriot editors can inform the public. Col. Porter has arrived in town to visit our forts and cause them to be supplied with additional military stores, and to place them in a situation the better to resist attack. i* ' — 139 — UNITED STATES CONGRESS. IN SENATE L'Orit AnUL, 181 l\ The bill supplomontary to Iho net to oslablish a war do. partmont, was read a third time and passed. The bill respecting associations for maritime security; and the bill concerning merchant vessels armed lordeienee, were read a third time and passed. The two bills yesterday passed the house, were read and passed to a second reading. Mr. Pope reported the following bill : A bill more effectual/}/ to protect Ike commerce cuul coasts of the United States. Whereas British and other armed vessels have hurrassed and committed depredations on the commerce of the United States on or near the coasts thereof, in violation of the law or nations ; therefore, Be if enacted, Sfc. That it shall be lawful for the Presi- dent of the United States, and he is hereby authorized to instruct and direct the commanders of the armed vessels belonging to the United States to seize, take and bring into any port of the United States to be proceeded against ac- cording to the laws and usages of nations, any such British or other armed vessels which shall be found hovering on the coasts of the United States for the purpose of harrassing or committing depredations on the vess.els belonging to the citizens thereof. Substance of the bill passed to the third reading; in (he TJoffsc of Representatives of the United States, April 21, ISVI, Yeas, 53, N'a^s, 28, and be taken vp again on the lllh May. 1. From 4th June, 1812, persons impressing wa/u'c Ameri- cans, from on board American vessels, shall be held to be guilty of Piracy and Felony. l{ n; 1 i (' — 140 — 2. Ant/ person sailing- niuliT tlie {la.i; (■■[' (he TTiiitocl States, may ropel i'orcc by force, on an a(tL'ini>t to impress him. •■}. The rresidenl, ui)oii inronnaiioii lliat any citizen ol the I'nited States shall hav(* bi'cn improssed, is authorized to retaliate on British subjecls on the lii^ah seas, or within the British territories. 4. Impressed seamen authorised to atlacL, in the hands ol'any British subject, or debtoi of British . deject, 'JO dol- lars per month, during their detention. 5. The President of the United States authorised to cap- ture, by way of reprisal, on the high seas, or the British territories, a number of British subjects equal to the nuin- 1)er of American seamen in possession of Great Britain, and to exchange the same by cartel. (). No aid to be given to any ship or vessel which may have taken any person from on board an American vessel, (excepting persons in the military service of an enemy) under pain of one year's imprisonment, and 1,000 dollars line. 7. The President authorised to establish a j/o/i-intcrroursr with the nation to whom such ship or vessel may belong. Extract to tJicEditon^ - (hited Vnnhitiixlon, April 28. " Gov. Wright's Bill has been re committed, and made the order of the day for JMonday the 11th May. Letters of marque and reprisal are talked of to 1)o issued about the 20th of jlay." — Delaware Republican. th V\ w Ll he PKErAKA'iUONS FOR W.\U. MOiNTHEAL, June 20. Advices were received on Thursday last by one of the most respectable Houses in this city, that on the oth inst 141 the British schoonor "Lord Nolson," on hor voyage from Pivscott to Niagara, liidoii entirely with British propuiy, was boarded by the Anioricnn armed vef^sel the "Oneida" on Lake Ontario, and taken into Saeket Harl^or, Avhen^ ihehas been dismanth}d and the property on ])oard fsei/ed. Tlie pretext set up ibr this new and unwarrantable conduet is, that this vessel's papers were not satisfactory to the Ameri- can oHicer with respect to her destination and intended voyage, and that she had no clearance from any Custom House. Novv^ it is well knov/n by us all, as well as ])y the Americans, that there is uo law in LFpper Canada oldiging vessels to clear out ; and indeed, such law would appear to bo superfluous in an inland navigation like that of the Lakes. Since the above, has been captured also by an Amciican armed boat, the American schooner '•Ontario,"' (Said to he Ihc propcr/j/ <orteiuls Ihai the lovers ol' ])loo(l are to be gratified. Troops are march- ing in various directions, principally lo the northern fron- tier. Those raised in tliis vicinity are under marching orders Directions were received yesterday to purchase horses for the dragoons here; and the company will ini" mediately march to Pittslicld. Major General Dearborn has fixed his Head Quarters in this town, whore a ro the operty d they e their 'need ; but this favor eould not ]m granted ! It now remains fur the people to suli'er, or make use of the constitutional means of averting, in soint? measure, this dreadful calamity, by a change of men, that there miu'ht ])e a change' of measures. By Express. — Brigadier General ]]loomlii»ld, commander of the United States forces on this station, received a letter by a government Express from the Secretary at War, this oriiing, and immediately issued the following : — (COPY.) GENEUAL OIIDERS. in.AD-QrAUTEHS, 2ini( JINK, IML'. " General Bloomfleld announces to the trooi)^, that AVAlv IS DECLARED BY THE UNITED STATES, AGAINST GliEAT BTilTATN. " By order, "II. II. MACPIIERSON, " Aide-de-Camp." From Ihe New York Public Advertiser of June 20. Off the Hook, and cruising and boarding vessels within our waters not two miles from the Light House, the British frigate " Belvidere," and the sloop of wviY " Tartarus." It appears they were not afraid, notwithstnnding the United States " President"' is in the harbour ! Yesterday morning the frigate " President," Commodore Kodger:-, ; " United States," Commodore Decatur ; " Con- gress," Capt. Smith ; sloop of war " Hornet," Capt. Law- rence, and brig "Argus" all sailed from this port on a cruize. (This American Squadron got to sea about half-past 4 P.M — 144 — \Vt» undorstaiul iho Commodoro roceivod his instructions yosterdav mornini^, l>v an Express IVomtho J^secrotary of the Navy.) ' ■ • . ■ AN ACT Drr/ariii!^ War beftrern tlir. Uniled KinjXitoni of Croal Br i lain (Hid Ireland and fhr ffrprndeucies thereof ami the United States of America and their Territories. BE it onactod by the Senate and Ilons^^ of Roprosonta- tives of tho United .States of tlmorlcain Conn'ross assem])lcd. That AVAR )).> and the same is hcro])y docUired to exist belWi^Mi the Uniled King'dom of Great Britain iiud Irehnid and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their terriories; and that the President of the United States be and he is hereby authorized to use the \vhoh> land and naval force of the United States to carry th ' r-,r.n » into elt'Mit, and to issue to private armed vessels of l'i.> Unih'd St:it.\s, commissions or letters of marque and Livii'M-al reprisal, in such form as he shall think i^roper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and elleets of the g'overnment of the same United Kingdom of Gient Britain and Ireland, and the subjocts thereof. Approved. James Madisox. .Tune 1 8, 1 8 1 -1. On the linul passage of the act in the senate, the vote was niui'teen to thirteen. In the house of Representatives seventv-nine to fortv-uine. [W'o suppose that the President's secret message to Con- gress, contains the reasons for this Declaration of AVar ; or else the members of that Honorable Body have thought it prudent to keep their reasons to themselves. Reasons, how- ;:..■ i ructions •V of the Britain United resell ta- nTl])lC(l. to t'xist Iroltind tat(\s of t of the use tho 3 carry (ssels of ue and or, and essels, United abj'^cts SOX. )i<} was alives ) Con- ir ; or j^ht it how- — 145 — ever, they must give, and strong ones too, for a measure which goes to change North America, a country, up to the verv date of this declaration, a site of more extended human happiness than any other in the World, into a field of blood, desolation and misery. If they have no power- ful reason for such a measure, amounting to imperious necessity ; then they are mad, insincere, or wicked beyond conception. Whatsoever events may arise out of the present state t)f things, we are persuaded that the people of this country want no other excitements to the discharge of their duty, than those which they will Hnd in the Rentiments they have inherited from their forefathers, a.id the conviction, that those who thus wantonly interrupt the peace and hap- piness which they have so long enjoyed, are not less their personal enemies than the enemies of the British Govern- ment.] Montreal, June 27. Since our last, we have received advices that, another British vessel, nith British property on board, has been seized on Lake Ontario by the Americans. The meaning of all this surely cannot be mistaken. We are happy to announce that our armed vessel the ** Royal Q-eorge," on Lake Ontario, has been completely manned, and is now fully prepared to command respect in that quarter, so essential to the protection of Upper Canada. Resolutions of the Town Meeting- of Boston on the \otli . June, 1812. Whereas the proceedings of the national Government afford reason to conclude, that it is their> determination to involve our Country in a war with Great Britain, and meet? — 146 — iiigs, ol' the i)eople in a lew places have been held at which measures have been adopted, and sentiments expressed, calculated to induce government to persevere in those hostile dispositions ; and it appearing desirable that the Government should have lull iniormation of the opinions and wishes oi' the people. THEREFORE RESOLVED, That under existing- circumstances, the inhabitants of this town most sincerely deprecate a war \vith Great Britain, as extremely injurious to the interests and hap- piness of the people, and peculiarly so as it necessarily tends to an alliance with France, there) )y threatening the subversion of their liberty and independence. That an offensive war with Great Britain alone, would bo manifest- ly unjust ; and that a war with both the belligerent powers, would be an extravagant undertaking, which is not required by the honour of the nation. Resolved, That, we view with just indignation, and emotions inspired by the love of our country, the outrages and aggressions which are offered to our lawful commerce ; and we believe it is the duty ol" government to commence and proceed with as much diligence as the resources of our country will warrant in providing for ils efficient protec- tion, by a naval force. And we deem all commercial restrictions as so many engines of destruction adapted to complete the ruin of that portion of our commerce which cfscapes the rapacity of foreign aggressors. Resolved, That it is the true policy, and duty of this na- tion, to adhere to an impartial neutrality, to abandon com- mercial restrictions, to husband the resources of the coun- try, and to indemnify itself against the losses to which its commerce is exposed in the present European war, by im- proving those casual i^dvantages which arise from this state of things, and which cannot be cxpt'cted in o time of pro -147- Ibund peace. That to abstain, from efforts of impotent resentment, blind rage or desperate policy, is not to be deemed submission to any ibreii»n power ; but a conformi- ty to necessities imposed on our country by an overrulinj;- providence, for which our courage and patriotism are not responsible. That we should endeavour to ride out the storm we cannot direct ; and that to plunge into the pre- sent war, would be a wanton and impious rejection of the advantages with which the Almiiihty has ])1«'ss(h1 our country. Resolved, That our free Constitution secures to the peopli* the right at all times to meet together in a peaceable man- ner, and exjwss their opinions on public men, and mea- sures, and to adopt means for the security of their rights ; and that our fellow citizens in this and the other commer- cial states, are earnestly requested to join with us in n public expression of their sentiments on the system of com* mercial restrictions, and their abhorrence of war ; and that this town, should it become expedient, Avill appoint com- mittees for the purpose of receiving their Communications, corresponding or meeting with them for the adoption of such constitutional measures as may be proposed for the restoration of our unalienable commercial rights ; for the security of our peace, and for the election of such men to office as will use their best endeavours for the promotion of these objects so essential to the preservation of our consti- tution ; to the security of our union, and to the i^i^osperiiy of our country. JOHN C. JONES, Chairman. The foregoing report having been repeatedly read and debated, was voted to be accepted. THOMAS DAWES, Moderator. Attest, THOMAS CLARK, Clerk, i J i — 148 — fnt: QUEBEC GAZETTE •J BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR aEORGE PREVOST, Baronet, President in and over the Province of Lower Canada, and Administrator of the Government thereof, Lieutenant General and Com- mander of all His Majesty's Forces in the Provinces of Lower and Upper Canada, Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick, and in the Islands of Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and the Bermudas, Vice- Admiral of the same, &c., &c. A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS War has been declared by the Government of the United States of America, to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Dependencies thereof, and the United States of America, and their territories ; and whereas divers persons being subjects of the said United States of America, are now within the limits of this province, and it is expedient and necessary that such persons should depart from this pro* vince within a limited period : — I have therefore thought fit, by and with the advice of the Executive Council of this Province, to issue this my proclamation, to order, enjoin and direct, and I do thereby order, enjoin and direct, all persons who are subjects of the United States of America, to depart from this province within fotirteen days from the day of the date of this proclamation. iii — 149 — nment en the id the aerica, being now t and s pro* »ught fthis njoin t, all erica, the And WheHeas by an order of police issued at the City of Quebec, on the 29th instant, requiring all such subjects of the United States of America, as are now in the District of Quebec, to depart from the City of Quebec on or before the first day of July next, before twelve o'clock, and from the District of Quebec on or before the third day of July next, before twelve o'clock ; and whereas the persons ])eing* subjects of the United States, who are now in the City and District of Quebec, are principally persons who have enter- ed this province in good faith, in the prosecution of com- mercial pursuits ; — I have therefore thought fit to enlargi'. and I do hereby enlarge the period allowed by the said order of police, for the departure of such persons from the City and District of Quebec, for and during the period of seven days from the day of the date of this proclamation. Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms, at the Castle of Saint Lewis, in the City of Quebec, this Thirtieth day of June, in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and in the fifty-second year of His Majesty's Reign. GEORGE PREVOST. By His Excellency's Command, JNO. TAYLOR, Dep. Sec'y. GEORGE PREVOST aEORGE THE THIRD, by the Grace of GOD, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and so forth : To all our loving subjects and to all others whom these present ? may con- cern, Greeting: Whereaa War has been declared by the Government of the United States of America, to exist between the United Kingdom ot Great Britain and Ireland — 150 — and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories ; — And the sailing and de- parture of ships and A'essels, and the exportation of i^oods, wares, monies, merchandise and commodities of any description whatsoever, from our Province of Lower Cana- da, may at this time prove injurious and prejudicial to the interests of our Empire. AVe have therefore thought fit by and with the advice of our Executive Council of our said Province of Lower Canada, to issue this our Royal Procla- mation, and to order, and we do hereby order that an Em- bargo be forthwith laid on all ships and vessels, and on all goods, wares, monies, merchandize and commodities, in and within our said Province of Lower Canada, and we do hereby further strictly prohibit and forbid the sail- ing or departure of any ship or ships, vessel or vessels, and the exportation of any goods, w^ares, monies, merehan- «lizt» and commodities whatsoever, from any port or place in and within our said Province of Lower Canada, to any pUu.'o. Country, Kingdom, Dominion or Territory whatso- evor. sav»» and except such ships and A'essels as are at this time loaded and have already cleared out from the Custom House. And it is our will and i^leasure, and we do hereby order, that the said Embargo do continue and remain from the date of these presents until the SIXTEENTH day of JULY next ensuing, of all which our loving subjects and all others concerned, are to take due notice, and to govern themselves accordingly, we by the tenor of these presents, firmly enjoining and commanding them, and all and every our Officers and Ministers whatsoever, to be in all things and to the utmost of their power, aiding and assisting in the due execution of this our Royal Proclamation. In testimony whereof, we have caused these our letters to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of our said Province of Lower Canada to be hereunto affixed : Witness, our right trusty and well beloved Sia Georoe Prevost, Baronet, President of the Province of Lower Canada, and Adminis- -151 — States of ^ and de- of floods, of any ver Cana- iial to the i-ht fit bv V.J ^ our said il Procla- it an Em- s, and on modities, lada, and [ the sail. • vessels, tnerchan- or place I, to anv whatso- re at this ! Custom here])}' ain from 1 day of jeets and govern presents, lid every II things isti"g- in ion. In ;rs to be >vince of ►ur right Baronet, Idminis- trator of the Government of our said Province, &c., &c., t^c, at our Castle of Saint Lewis, in our City of Quebec, in our said Province, the Thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and of our reiffu the fifty-second. G. P. JOHN TAYLOR, Dep. Sec. GEORGE PREVOST. aEORGE THE THIRD, by the Grace of GOD, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith : To our much beloved and faithful L(?gislative Councillors of our Province of Lower Canada, and to our faithful and well beloved the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of our said Province, Greeting : Whereas by an Act passed by our Provincial Parliament in the Forty- third year of Our Reign, it is, among other things enacted, that in case of war, invasion, or imminent danger thereof, insurrection, or other pressing exigencies, if the Legislatun^ shall then be separated by such adjournment or proroga- tion as will not expire within fourteen days, it shall and may be lawful for the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, or person Administering the Government, to issue a Proclama- tion for the meeting of the Legislature within fourteen days, and the Legislature shall, accordingly meet, and sit upon such day as shall be appointed by such Proclamation, and continue to sit and act in like manner to all uitents and purposes, as if it had stood prorogued and adjourned to same day. And whereas war has been declared by the Government of the United States of America, to exist be- tween the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Dependencies thereof, and the United States of America, and their Territories. And whereas our Provin- cial Parliament now stands prorogued to the Twentylirst F 165010 MAn 6 - ]3Gd — 152 Pf 4 (lay ol' August \\f you, B your and jUy of >f, we id the to be iloved Br our 3f the Saint esaid, 1 one Fift>. r.