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BBITAIN* Baltimore, April 1815. \\ X^iMbVk ^ > \^v>>*W AN EXPOSITION OK TUB i.\iusi:s.iXD ciUR.iCTr.n 01 TlIS I,ATB WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. „f *\,a Wrliish commissioners r llnceB, and to be treated as . civilized people - ;L of civil society to which the ^an tr^a. .» the attempt to cut off a sect.oD «f/"''^^^" ^^ 'f",^hich there --raroadhetweenC^^^^^^^^^ would be no need .r. peace and wlu. u jvi^,,achusett upon us during ^^'■-'^'^''" °''''.* -^ . rowl e.i.ns on O. /„n»ole.,tcd by the state -thoray-the. ^-^^^^^^^^^ ^, ,^, loans: all these and other ^^^'^^^^X^y part of th. V. States, left 1H^I« P-«P-\;^^^^ rr^o ernn^ent was apprised ^T\rJf W: la!' ;^r Xpeafecould have been ace.. rn the <• lose of the last i ,„co«rai-.mf«f wuch plisbedmAugus 18li were^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ j,,^^^^^^ the B-.it.sh ^"V";;7^ J ;' t„ these views, the cxce.Uve atatrs to persevere in the war ^^^^ ^,„«;(fln had dcter.n:aed to -^^^ ^ ^ ;; / ^^^^^^^^^ country the ea.es eertain expulsion of the enemy from a » h.« po . continent. The measure^ P?P"r]f thi sin" f vigorous mea- for raising 100,000 ine.,^a^^ l^n ^^ ^^'^P "^^^^^^^ ^o go '-o .ures; and a deeWion' .r -P-^j;^' .nwhentU the public ; Ihi. ablepaper ^^ ;f^J;'ZLi--^ copy ofit , lv-,ces .f a peace being concluded -^''^ ^7;^. „^ J',,^ ,„ k« accidentally fallen into our ^af ^ -^ ^ ^^^^^^ „,.^,,, ^unatioD of the vM.-*^Aurora. I ION ICTEli EAT BIUTAIN. le British commissioners inlcifcve v.ilh the lerri. :eof irSj-lhtir aUouipt on>' fioil were entitW to ivilizcd people, < an tribes are slr& territory, under the pre- vaScotiti, for which there ould afford them an inroac ofapartofMassachusctt? leir known deigns on Oi- i to the government of the ceinthccailypartoftha government was apprized ,ce could have hccn accom. r the encoura'icrnent winch •cm three of the Kastern these views, the cxccUive iial appeal to the Amerkan w to the country the caiscs he necessity of such mi'h- , campaign of this yeat, as Tiphant termination hy the n all his posscssioi by the Secretary f this plan of vigorous mea- tion was prepared to go '-o dy for publication when tic were received— a copy ofit kds, and we think wc can lo ■ public, as the best meaOHot ose whose chagrin is ei"»d 6 9UCce»6fuUD<3glorio'J»tr- ^.V EXrOSITIOX C^c. Whatever may he the termination of tfie ncirnriations nt nhent, the dispatches of the American coniniissivyiircs, which have been communicated by tJic President of tljn I'liitt'd Slates to Congress, during the present sc.'-slon, uill ('istinclly nnl'old to the.impirtial of all nations, the objects and dispofeitiong of th" parties to the present war. - oe United States, relieved by the general pscillcation of the treaty of Paris, from tlic danger of actual suflerance, umler 'he evils which had compelled them to re*iort to arnis, liave a- ■ owed their readine=.i to resimie the relations of pcaee and uini- H' with Grout llrilaiii. upuntlie simple and single cuiiiition ol T"escrving their tertitory and their sovereignty entire anci un- impaired. Thc>ir desire of pence, indeed, "upon terms of reel frocity, consistent with the ri;j;hts of both parties, as sovere*^n av,d independent nations,"* ha^ not, at uny time, been iiiih.ciie- cd by the piovocatiaiis of an unprecedented course of hostili- ti«i ; by the ineitentients of a successful campaign ; or by the a g atkms which h;ive seemed again to tJircaten the traiiquiiity o' Fiirope. ii'.t the IJri'ish go-crnmont. after " a discussion with the go- vivntnent of America, for the conciliatory adjustment of th« difvrancec subsifting bftwcer the two states, witJi an earnest deire on their pni-l (as it was alledged) (o bring them to a fiivo rable issue, upon principles of a perfect reciprocity, not imon- eisentwith the c?tr-bli»hed maxims of public law, and with the m-uintiine rights of the British empire ;'"f and alUr " expres^lv dicLlaiming any intention to acquire an incref>so of trrritiMy,'"^ haT» TDCscmptorily demanded, as the price of peace, concessions ited merely for their own agiirandiremeiil, and for the 'ition of tlieir adversary. At one time, ilu-y proposed, np n qra nnii., a stijrulaticn that the IndirnsiijiiahitiNE fJie '-.'.i v_y of tlie United Staffs, within the limit? otrbiiilud bv tie treaty of I7i.,:>, should be iiu lurked as the nilJos of G'Wt .Inta^T. (a.party to that treaty* in tl-.. pr-iected pacifcation : ar,rcl Casr'ere.'icch, Haic^d Jnniiav',-, I8I4. . xclord CiBtleiCiglrs letter to Mr, Muiu-oc, ciutAl the 4. e« of the Pec^ ^j,^,^ i,aq>end ■ They have but --^f^^tly, a a vvc.c^a ^.^^ ^^ ^ ,„,e; and the volume of th^.naU.na ^ .^^.^^^^^ ,^.„efore. clancc, to ever eye. 1 he po ic> oi u«c ^ ^ .^^ ^^^pg, Cvbatever it has been, in he.r lorei^n -s « cl asm .^^^^ c relations, it i. impossible ^o 7;'^<^?^- ;^^^';t V^ nolicy o prc- to mistake. ^^ ^ho as.ertu.ju that it has t,e .^^^ ^.^,^ j,^ serv^ peace and am.ty uUh «1\»^'«, ""''^^g^rtion, thai it has doubted, the proofBare » l^'^^.t^^J*;/' i^l'iJ .Ited Sta^., but been a policy to mamtam th° r.^hU o^ t^ ,tlier nation , be at the same time to '-e^P-f ^'^'^^^f^^ 'k the assertion, that it (.• 1- •' a ; 21st (it Aui;u.-.(, nolo of iIk ■f till IKU; 18U. 1V.£ © © d of its citi*en».ll And ct, that proposition) ther the uti iiossidetis ; whc, md obtained ihc miliUv he state of Massachusett, ethe subject of a cessioi, 1 of the American govefh Oreat Britain, neither r- . recipiooity," nor the rue has indulged pretension, to be lejccted. The alte- ■t the war, or honorably o Dption; but she want* tie jprchensions are awakcnel, Vienna, and her hopes ne . 3t in America, itio-.isof every country aa ual, when self examinafton il obligation; when theg;c>- from the path of peace, ind it mav resort for conala- 1 8 measures; and when p.n ruth and justice, cannot taw hich even nations are W to 8 of each other. The Juit- ,s, arc neither insensible tc f their pecviliar situatDn.— , established their iiidepend- ional bietary lies open at u. tljeir Eovernment, theiefore, iu„ ns well 39 in their fomes- ,cea1;anditinustbedflicult t it has been a policy o prc- he nations of the wcrld be If the assertion, tha' it has \,U of thrt United States but rhts of every otlier nation be fted If the assertion that u ally' towards the bellig'vei.l e Jrc.fs will be found mre- ,and and of France. And.f.in |,V.pM»!4: t;>f note t)f Ne Vn."- dV.«.a\U31s'.'jf Oct. 18U. :lnc, the afesprtion that it hai been a policy, by all honorable means, to cultivate with Great Biiliiin those sentiments of nui- fuHl good will which naturally belong to nations connected by the tics of a common ancestry, an identity of language, and a similarity of manners, be doubted, the proofs will bo found in *hat patient forbaarancc, under the pressure of accumulating wrongs, which marks the period of almost thirty years, that e- lapsed between the peace of 1783, and the rupture of 1812 The United States had ju»t recovered, under the auspices of theif present constitulion, from the debility which their revolit- tionary struggle had produced, wlicn the convulsive move- ments of France excited throu)j,hout the civilized world tha mingled seiisationHof hope and fear — of admiration and alarm. The interest which those movements would, in themselves, have excited, was incalculably increased, however, as soon as Great Britam became a party to the first memorable coalition against France, and assumed the character of a belligerent power ; for, it was obvious, that Lhc distance of the scene would no longer exempt the United States from the influence and the evils of the European conflict On the one hand, their government was connected with France by treaties of alliance and com- merce ; and the service! which that nation had rendered to the cause of American independence, bad made such impressions upon the public mind, as no virtuous statesman could rigidly condemn, and the most rigorous statesman would have sought in vain to efface. On the other hand. Great Britain, leaving the treaty of 1783 unex«cute4], forcibly retained the American posts upon the northern frontier ; and, slightini; every overture to place the diplomatic and commercial relations of the two countries upon a fair ftnd friendly foundation.f seemed to con- template the success of the American revolution; in a spirit of unextinguishable animosity. Hervoicehad, indeed, been heard from Qiii'bp.c and Montreal, instigating the savages to war J— Her invisible arm was felt in the defeats of general Harmerlj and general St Clair,} and even the victory of general WaynelT was achieved in tl»'i presence of a fort which she had erected, far within tlMt ten itorial boundaries of the United States, to sti- mulate and countenance the barbarities of the Indian warrior.** Yet the American government, neither yielding to popular feeling, nor acting upon the impulse of national resentment, hastened to adopt the policy of a strict and steady neutralitv and solem.ilv announced that policy to the citizens at home, and to the nations abroad, by the proclamation of the 22d of April, 179,1 Whatever may have been the trials of its pride^ and of f See .Mr. .■Vdams's corre^pondrnce. * See the speeclics of lord Dei Chester. K On the waters of the Miami of the like, on the 21st of Octobor, 1790. h At Fort recovery, on the 4tli of Noveudier, 17i.l. 11 On the M:ami of li.kts, in August J794. •• See the correspondence between Mr. Ka-idolph.the Amcr'ean secretary, ef state, and Mr. Hammond, ilje British pJeiiipotentiarT, dated .Mav and June, 179-t. ® © ® O ® ® o o ij) © ® ® © G I', rortitu-lc; whatever may have bcfnlhr -^rP" ;^t.«nB upo . . « ■1 htv -ind its honor, it will Im- ciernon.trar. d ,n the ...(.v.-!. h^t he Afneric vn ' ov r ...cat, throu.h..nr, lb. Ku.o.oun .-mlo .eotialiy the expoK.t.on ^^'''^^.^^^''''^jj.t ej^.^i-ience has show.., treaties of commerce ami alhaLce. »*;'^ ^''^ .^ „^,, ,„ i,e .>-. t rh" i'on*»(!i;nce and rPHpect ot i.reai uiiiam ui^ « that fh-^/-on..( ti^ce • ' .^^tialitv and uidrpcmlencc Un- "Tr^blf tanat Irc cdent periodn. that... exc.up. ion ln,m {;;-^^^i^^u..n.tion and th^^^^ an order of the 8th ot June • ^ ^ .^ ^^^^ :r ii^;:^^e. "o3£ u poru^ there, or security ^va« o be gwen th^U -J^ ^^J^^^j^^ „.„j,,,, * in the ports of a ««""^';y '" J^Xian to inflict famine upon The -<^'-,^» f^J^-^^^^ench pe'^^^^^^^^^ at that time, properly es- the whole ot the Irencn pe;'l'^' . . glaving an in- t,i,nated throughout ^.^° -^'''^^J^^? i' sh orSer w s caUlated fraction of "^"^'"'^ "£'^*' ^^ ,v^^^^^^^ diplomatic animad- to p,-odnce did not esc pe t»^Jf;\2 agaression was soon fol- vei-s on and rcmonstva.icc. liiu ""\J^^ , the, war of 1'J6« ' ,„wed hy another of a '"ore hostae ca»t^ thc.uTe that'neutvA Great B.-itain had "^"Jjl^y^,;^ ^ °.,^X bene t^^ a trade with nations were not ent led to «"J2..\v,.m which in the .reason th. colonies of a belhgercn P^^^'; ' ""\.;,;t ,tate The rule of peace, they ^^*^ '^^J'^'^'^l^ XZZytcu^^^^^ ,J,. without -y,«f -VZt"som:"r:;t^ef ;::..tuin stipul/- on pubhclaw. It .t »» i «•- ,<,,i„ pvrlnde each otlier frum tions, by .which the part.cs ^^^^I'^^l^^f^^^^^^^ tha. the comuiercc ot thc.r «-«*Pf!=^ f^jfX '""vide for the exclu- -s^?;r:^^:^ :i;d^.l^«ances. w.. . . "—"0.1. .n counciUf tl.c 8tU of June. 179.^ a..d th. rea.onsl.anc* of t-iitt Aiiiciicun guvei-iimtnt' © (1) hr iBV,nU.itienB upon .to muA \\\ the s^.i'v;!. 'hat till' l-.->t, cts and tsc parties that ve inflexibly adhered l(> ritativol}-, eslablislied lo (clainalion of nculraluv, » have bei-n dcccribt.d, sped of (ireat JJritain, ince, ahcoiitraveiiiriT; «3- iiix>iu« '<) bi'hlow on llie t expfvience has »liown, eat Ui-ilain arc not to be and iiuU'pcndencc. Vn- can izoveinment, tlie ex- iviuif-nt has been e«mally :t\ially aseertaitied in tha thai :in exemption from merciiil monopoly of G. Iio condition of becoming i-ars. Wfiile the procla- e\v of the British minTster, iiicd from the cabinet, by wholly or in part with rt in France, or any port ere required to be carried ie» were either to be sold t they should only be sold ih his Britannic majesty * sign to inflict famine upon at thai time, properly es- •Id ; and so glaring an in- ■itish order was calculated ties of diplomatic animad- I aggression was soon fol- cast. In the .war of I'Jft* ' iblish the rule, that neutral i« bcnelits of a trade with from which, in the seas.m V? parent state. The rule from any general autliority ime treaties contain stipula- y exclude each otlier from onies; andif it betrne, tha!. often provide for the extlu- neree ; still Great Britum rule of the war of 17r)(), by such ordnances, while it is June. 17?^.", and the remonslcaiiM U sT) n*,l tnu- tliot the rule forms ;i part of lh»- lew ol luitions ; t\nt fhal it has been adopted hy any other Rovernnunl ; nor that .v vrn Great Britain her>-elf his uniformly practised upon tho rule ■ since its appli.ation was unkm-vvTi from the v ar ot I <,.e, .mtil'the French w;,r (if 17'.tJ, including , the cntne pern.d of the Aiuericua war. Let it be, arjiMmcnlatively, a lowfd. how- ,'V.>r that Groat Britain possesMHl the right, as w. II as the p^w- «,• to revive and enforce the rule; yet, the time and the inan- ner of cxercisinj; the powr, would alVord ample rai.»es toi re- proach. The cili/eHs (ff the Tniled Slates had open!) .nfing- cdin an extensive tnUliJ'«ith the French isiunWs in the A\ est Indies, isnorant of the aUud-ed existence ot the rule ol ihu war of KifKor unappii^'dof any intention to call it into aaion, when the order otllse 6th yf Aox ember, 17^3 was silently cir- c-uhitcd among th' Biitish cruisers, consioniug to legal adjudi .-ation " all vessels load^-n with goo.ls, the produce oi any colo- ny of France, or carrying provisions or supplies for the use ot al.y such colony.-f A great portion of the commerce ot the United States was thus annihilated at a blow; the amicable diMjositions of the government were again disregarded and con- temned; the sensibility of the nation was excited to a high dc erec of resentment, by the apparent treachery of the British or- der; and a recourse to reprisals, or-to war, for indepmty and redress, seemed to be unavoicfible. But the love of justice had es- tablished the law of neutrality; and the love of peace tnugU a lesson of forbearance. The American government, thevclore, rising superior to the provocations anu the passions of the day, instituted a special mission to represent, at the court ot London, the injuries and the indignities which it had auftVied ; " to vin- dicate its rights with iirmncss, and to cultivate peace with sm-^ cerity."i: The immediate result of this mission, was a treaty of aniitv, commerce, and navigation, bvtween the Ui.iti d Staler andr.i-eat Britain which was signed by the ntgociators on the 19lh of November, ^794, and finally ratitied, with the content of the Senate, in the year 179.5. But both the mission anci its result, serve also todisplay the independence and the impartiali- ty of the American government, in asserting its rights ai.d performing its duties, equally unawed and unbiassed by the ii. stiuments of belligerent power or persuas-ion. On the foundation of this treaty tho United States, m a. pure sprit of good faith and confidence, raised tho hope and the e.x^ peetation, th..t the maritime usurpations of Great Bv;lRin v.ould Cf-asc to annoy them ; that all doubtful claims of Jarisd.ttion Mould be suspended ; and that even the exercise of an iik on- tistible right would ht so modified, as to present neither insult lor outrage, nor incovenienoe, to their ;irllagor to their commerce , of the United* States have. lut the hope and the expectation jeen fatally disappointed. Some relaxation in the rigor, wUb- t Sec tlie Pfiiish orflor of the 6th nf Ncni n,bcr, 1. ^^- , ,. . . { See the preMaint's mc^sa^e tn Uie sftn:ire, ot '.lie 10th of Apr;l 1. J-i noimnatint' Mr. Jay as envoy cxiraordinury tu his UJiUimic nuijetiy. O O o o o o - o o o ovit tny aUeration Tn the principle, of the order in eouifeil «if the 6th November, 1793, woh introduced hy the nubseqiient or- dvri of the Ith of January, \79*, andthe2jth of January, 1798: btit from the ratification of the treaty of 1794, until the short rCfpUe afforded by the treaty of Amiens, in 1802, the cum- nerce uf the United ijtates nontimied to be the prey of British cruisers and privateers, under the adj^udiuating patronage of the British tribunals. Another grievance, however, asvumud at thia epoch a form and magnitude which caats shade over the social happtness, us wellas the politiciU indept^ndence of the nation -^ The merchant vessels of the United States were arrested on tho high seas, while in the prosecution of distant voyages; consi- derable numbers of their crews were impressed into the naval nrvice of Orcat Britain ; th«commercial adventurcs.of th» own- ers were often, consequently, defeated ; and the loss of proper ty, the embarrassments of trade and navigation, and the stene of domestic aHHiction, became intolerable. This grievance (which constitutes an important surviving cause of the Ameri* can declaration of war) was early, and has been incessantly, ur- ged upon tho attention of the Britiah government. Kvenin the year 1792, they were told of " the irritation that it had excited — and of the diffienlty of nvoiding to make immediate reprisals on their seamen in the United States."|| They were told " that to many instances of the kind had happened, that it was c^uite secesaary that they should explain themselve» on the subject, and be allowed to disavow and punish such violence, which had never been experienced from any other nation."{ And they were told " of tho inconvenience of such conduct, and of the impossi- bility of letting it go on, so that the British ministry should be mtde sc&iiible uf the necessity ui* punishing the p^ist, aiiu pre- venting tho futuro,"f But after the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, had been ratified, the nature and the extent of the grievance became atill more manifest ; and it was clearly and firmly presented to the view of the British government, as leading unavoidably to discord and war between tho two na- tions. They were told, " that unless they would come to some accommodation which might ensure the Amerioan seamen a- gainst this oppression, measurea would be taken to cause th« inconvenience to be equally felt on both sides*. They were tdd "that the impressment of American citizens, to serve on board of British armed vessels, was not only an injury to the unforli- nate individuals, but it naturally excited certain emotions in the breasts of the nation to whom they belong, and of the just and humane of every country ; and that an expectation was indulj- cd that orders would be given, that the Americans ao circnn.- stancod should be immediately liberated, and that the Britisk I See Jie letter of Mr. Jetferson, secretary of state, lo Mr. Pinkney, ml nistcrat Lniulon, dated lllh of June, 1792. ^ .See the letter from the same to tlie same, dated the 12th of Ort. 1792. ^See the letter i'rom t\\es:\)w to the same, dated the 6lh Xov. 17t'2. • See the letter from Mr. I'inkuey, minister id London, to tiw secretary a^ jtat'', dated 13iU Majch, J79J. ie order 5n couifcil <"^' in nin*^ months, (part of the years 1/96 and Ii97) made applications for the discharge of twohiij*. drodand seventy one seamen, who had, in most cases, exhibit-, ed such evidence as to satisfy him, that they were real Amrr*. cans, forced into tlie British service and pers. vering, K'rieiul* Iv, in refusing pay and bounty >') They wen told, -that if ti,e Jiritish gorenunent had any regard to the righlt of tho Vnilid States any rcHpect for the nation, and pUcooany vahie on their friendship, it would facilitate the means of relirrinc thrircp pressed citizens.'!! Thry wcro told, "tlut the British t.a%al olhcer* often impressed Swedes. Danes, and other foreignero. trom the vessels of the United States; that they migfit. with as much reason, rob American vessels of the properly or m.r- chand.sc of Swedes, Danes, and Portuguese, as seiae and detain Jnthc.r service tho subjects of those nations found on hoard of in,?J'?" "T^^V ""'* ^*",* '*»* president was extremely an». lousto have this busmesK of imprescing placed on a reasonable rooting. $ And they were told. " that the impressment of A mo- deSvtff""?-!''?*' %"* 'u^^'y °' V^ '"■'<»"» mngi.itude, which SVv, ^u'^'"'^ *^'^ *^^' *"S» ''•"» >'•>"«>' of the nation; that no »\^!\u " .is''erted.to impress the natives of America lytt XtLnf^ vveremipressed; they were dragged on board British •h,p« of war with the evidence of citizenship in their hands, and forced by violence there to serv^until co,«;lasive testimo^ niali of their birth could be obtamed; that many must oerish -nrelieved, and all wepe detained a co;siderable time in Taw- less and injurious confinement ; that the continusnce of the Kch'o'S ,:"r' h''^; P"f '^^^ '^''''''■'' »'*^'*^^" ^^" "•"i"'» Which ought be the friends of each other; nad that it was ZZ^tZ'^'V'' 'rt* ?"'"• ^"' '^ takeefre'ctulfmeasurer?' wrorT; 'to "Cknowledged wrong, than by perseverance in that «pn?f' p^"'^'^ against themselves the well founded resent- Shichl^T'"' '"'I fo'-'^^.the government into measure* Shok"^ V l^t?^'^ terminate in an open rupture • f buch were the feelings and the sentiments of the American frtrSrir r^'' T'' '';""«^ *'<"'^* -Lninistration . fn'ela" on S?rance?SH I'^^f^'" "^ ""Pr.^sn.ent ; ar.d such the n mon- atrances addressed to the justice of Great Britain. It is ohvi- 30d? Julv." rS "' ^' • ''''^' '"'"'^ "'"ordinary, to lord Grenville. datci the 4*te?U '^iVth of C!l ■ ^7^' '"""'""' "' *'""'°"' *" '^ '^"^^'•y "^ ''■■'''' 1796 * • ^^^' *^"'"' ^^'^ """*^ "» "^^ »«'"«. «l«ted the 26lh of October, im. '* ^ **'-^ff» *'«»t«- at LondoH. dated Uie iUh Sc^t. \0 . .- « ih.,\ iVm c-iusc. inclepcnilont. of cvcrv other, ha^ 0U3, tlicrelore, thil ^'^'^/'^r'''; . certain cause oi war ; yet, the. characterUt.c 1^.7 ^^^ ."^^dS bV n'^.odaf^on ; u„.i every remonstrance was only /"^;^®^°^° -^^jn^^nied «ith nn over- a««ertion of Aiuoncan "S»'t'» J^^s ^t^^'JP • . j, ^j i},,at I3n- ture. to secure, in any P;-^*;;;^ ^Z^^^; ^er fi more and m.re tain- Ti'"^'^^'^'"''''^'-^!';' Vtandard of the British rights, difficuU to ascertain and <'^y^f ";"*;, h clain,». The rigl.t ot according to t^^^ "^^^''^'T;^' ,Sr„ ^^ vcluvnl ship, for the pur- tcring and searching »" j^-^J^ .'^^^iie, confined to the case of pose of inipre*^'"^"'' 7;;.: *°; f J^''^ ,,, „,o,,th of Fehruary, JBritish deserters ; •^"'^^f.^'^", .^^J^, ^ "4,j„.tv, then hI PMadel- 1800. the minister of .^^^^ *^' .^^^^ i,^., •!. to* take into cor..idera- phia, urged the ^"^^"^^"^07^"™^^^^^^^^^ aourcc of complaint, Son, as the -^y ™Xt head ^ ^posai ^vhich he had made and irritation, upon that head, a P ^ ^y^ government, lor two years before, m the "^'^^ ^* J .."^^ fjut this project of » the reciprocal restitution otdesci^^tt^^^.^ ^^ ,he treaty was then de.med '"^fj^Xe 's of the executive depart- United States, and the chief otnc^^^^ the same rea- ments of the government, ^^"J" »^*;" ,,,t period, induced he «on. Bpecifically which at a^ subseq P ^^^ f^cm the presid3nt of the U. ^t»^f ' ^^^.S^^ini^'^ters at London, in the :-.,f„ nprnniated by the American m. provide against ,eet the consequences, -•-• to nave ., -,. „^_-^ on the high seas, among the in»"^» enumerate :nerchant ^«««^ as soon British claim expanding with Mng ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^ j^^^i found to include a "g^^^or and setTall British seamen ; ilnext seas, in order to ^<=^'^^^Jf/^,itth su^J^<=t; and finally, in ts embraced the case of every B^'t^^'^J^d.d to every mar me % practical enforcement, it h«8 been ^ ^^^^^^ ^^ the who could not prove, upon the spot, United States. ^ . . j^ ^^^^ was thus ambiguouB While the nature of ^^^ f .'^'^J" J *h it was referred, tor jus- and fluctuating, the prmc.ple to which It ^^^^.^^^^y ^^ ,, tification and support, W"^J»^^«;,^,„e code ofthe]^-'^^ Jusory It was not recorded in ^^J ^ ^^,.y works of the ci- natioL;itwasnot displayed in^^^^ viliun -, nor had it ever been exemi ^^^ ^^^^^ .• 1 ,w Mr KinK's propositions to lor'l ^''^" ,gg Uic 25ih °I i-tb.:uidlht-MlU of April, IbCO. lent, of every other, had tain cause oi' war ; yet, I Slates slill prevailed • ne-ociation ; and every inpanied «ith nn over- therijiihts ofllrcat Bvi- 'uder it more and mare rd of the British ri.iilits, sh claims. The right ot iVcVuvftt siup, for the pur- , confined to the case ot the month of Fehyuai'.V, ,ajo.tv, then al Phdadel- •' lo'takc into coTii-idera- 'very source of complauit, losai which he had made najesty's government, lor •'4 IJut this project, of* by the president of the J of the executive depart- >nsuUed for the same rea- .uent period, induced the d his approbation trcm the iinisters at London, in tl.e sufficiently provide against ■n :"U and "that It la better consequences, than not t» ,igh«a9, among the things , of desertors."l.ll Buv. the iRular elasticity, was soon ,?ncan vessels on thehjh .all British seamen; It next subiect-.and finally, in itB :Ktendedto every marme^^ thathewasi^cttiaenotthe ,laim was thus af ^^f (^^^ iiGhitwasretcrred,tor "8. ,e at oi.ce, arbitrary and iJ- positivecodeofthe lawot 'el„..entavy works of he e - .lifi.Ml in the maniime usages Ping, the secretary of sUte, dated AC, atton.cy general, daitaui 11 of any other t'ountry, in any other age. Tn trtith, it Trusthr. ofl- aprin- of the uiunicipal law of Great Britain alone ; etiually o- porativo in a tiuiC of peace, and in a time of wi^r ; and, ufidir all ciicvirnstance,-), inllictini; a coercive jurisdiction, upon the commerce and navigation of the world. For the legitimate rights of the belligerent powers, the Tnt- ted Stales liad fell and evinced a sinceie and open ropcct. Al- thou^li they had marked a diversity of doctrine among the ir.o«t ocKhiittcd jurists, upon many of the lilig-itcd points of the law of v\ai' .although they had formerly c^punscf), with the txan.} lo of the most powerful goveinmcnt ofKuiope, the prii.t';| ics of fhe armed neutrality, which were eslablistcd in the year I7t0, ujion the basis of the memorable declaration of the empress- of ill tiie Russias; and allhongh theprincipU's of tl.at declaration have been incorporattd into all their public trt aties, exetpt in the instance of the treaty of 1794 ; yet, the United States, still faithful to the pacific and impartial policy which they professed, did not hesitate, even at the conorm-nceDient of the French n vo- lulioiiary war, to accept and allow thr* esfjo»iition of the law of nations, as it was then maintained by Great Britain ; and, con- sequently, to admit, upon a much contested point, ti.at the pro- perty of her enemy, in their vessels, might be lawfully captur- ed as prize of war.* It was, also, freely admitted, that a bel- ligerent power had a right with proper cautions, to enter and search American vessels, for the goods of an enemy, and for articles contraband of war ; that, if upon n search, such goods or articles were found, or if, in the course of the search, pep- aons in the military service of the enemy were discovered, a bel- ligerent had a right, in doubtful cases, to carry Amerit an ves- sels to a convenient station, for further examination ; and that a belligerent had a right to exclude Auieiican vrs&els from porta and places, under the blockade of an adequate naval force.-^ These rights the law of nations might, reas-onably, be deemed to sanction ; nor has a fair eytrci.se of llie powers necessary for the enjoyment of these rights, been, at any time, controvert- ed, or opposed, by the American gove.innient. But, it must be again remarked, that the claim of Great Bri- tain was not to be salistied, by the most an. pie and explicit re- cognitioH of the law of war ; for, the law of wfr treats only of tha relations of a belligerent to his enemy, while the claim of Great Britain embraced, also, the relations be! w--en a sovereitn and his subjects. It was said, that cvciy British siihjccl ^^ as bound by a tie of allegiance to his sovereign, whi( h no lip te of time, no change of place, no exigency of life, could possibly ■weaken, or dissolve. It was said, that the British sovereign ■was entitled, at all periods, and on all oc asions, to the servi- ces of his subjects. And it was said, that th. Brili»^h vessels of • .Se,: t!ic cnn-OHpoiulerce of the ye; r 1792 between Mr J( ilerson, sen Mi. n' of stale, iiii'l the minis-ters of Cirr-at Hrit.-iin n"rl d uice. Si o .-ils'i iV'r. jVll.r.-oi,'-. letter to the Aincricim imnistu- lit i'iiris, ol the sunie jear, r-- •^'Jesting the rctttll of -Mi". Genet. 12 waruptvn the high seas, might lawfully Rnd forcibly cuter tho merchant vcHsels of every other nation (for tl.c theory of these pretensions is not limited to the case of the United .jtatcs, al- thonch that case has beeti, almost exclusively, affected by their practical operation) tor the purpose of discoverit-g and impress- ing British 8ubiect8.+ The tJnited Slates presume not to dis • cuss the forms, or the principles, of the governments established in other countries. EnjoyiuR the right and the blessing of self government, they leave, implicitly, to every foreign nation, the choice of its social and political institutions. But, whatever may be the form, or the principle, of government, it is an universal axiom of pubiiclaw, among sovereign and independent states, that every nation is bound so to use and enjoy its own rights^as «ot to injure, or destroy, the rights of any other nation, bay then, that the tie of allegiance cannot be severed, or relaxed, a^. respects the sovereign and the subject; and say that the sover- eign is, at all times, entitled to the services of the subject ; »till, thtre is nothing gained, in support of the British claim, unless rtcan, also be said, that the Biitish sovereign has a right to aeek and seize his subject, while actually within the dominion, or under the special projection, of another sovereign state. This will not, surely, be denominated a process of the law ot na- tions, for the purpose of enforcing the rights of war ; and it it Bhall be tolerated as a process of the munioipAl law of Oreat Britain, for the purpose of enforcing the right of the sovereign to the service of his subjects, there is noprinciple of di»crimi- aatlon, which can prevent its being employed in Mace, or m war. with all the attendant abuses of force and fraud, tojustify the seizure of British subjects for crimts, or for debt»; and the aeizureof British property, for any cause that shall be arbitra- rilv assiencd. The introduction of these degrading novelties in- to the maritime code of nations, it ha* been the arduous task of the American government, in the onset, to oppost* ; and it rests with all other goyernmen's to decide, how far th.-ir honour and their interests must be eventually implicated bv a tacit acqaieseeno«, in the successive usurpations of the British ttag. If the right claimed by Great Britain be, indeed, common te all gov-ru.nents. the ocean will exhibit, in addition to itsmnny other n ;rils, a scene of everlasting strife and contention ; but what other governm^mt has ever claimed or exemsed the ncht? if the right shall be exeiuav ly established as a trophy ofthe naval superiority of Great Britain, the ocean which has bern sometimes emphutically denominated, " the highway of na- tions '■■ will be identified, in occupancy and -ise, with the do- minions of the British crown ; and every other nation must f n- ioy the liberty of passage, upon the pay.... .* -<■ " *yf"®u^ ^'° indulgence of a lie nee : but what nation is prepared for this sa- crifice of its honor and its interests ? And if. after all, the right be now asserted (as experience too plaiiily indicate.) ♦o'' the purpose of impos ng upon the United States, to accommodate ' t»Sec the Bfitish declaration of tfae »i A of January, 1W3. find fopoibly cuter the- for tlic theory of these the United States, al- isively, affected by their iscoveritig andimprcss- ites presume not to di« • jovernmeiils established and the blessing of self ^cry foreign nation, the ions. But, whatever may mcnt, it is an universal ind independent states, I enjoy its own rights, as ' any other nation. Say B severed, or relaxed, art • and say, that the sover- iccs of the subject ; still, lie British claim, unless sovereign has a right to ly within the dominion, mother sovereign state, process of the law of na- rights of war ; and if it munioip.\l law of Great he right of the sovereign noprincipie of di»crimi- ■mployed in ppace, or in ■orce and fraud, to justify L"S, or for debt* ; and the ise that shall be arbitra- ge degrading novelties in- 1^ been the ardaous task nset, to oppost* ; and it ^ide, how far thfir honour y implieated, by a tacit itians of the British Hag. 1 be, indeed, common to t. in addition to its mony •ife and cont<»ntion ; but edorexf^mspd the right? ished as a trophy of the le ocean, which has bern •d, *' the higliv/ay of na- f and use, with the do- ery othp? nation must f n- yiii. t c*" "* t-i-Jiiie or tho on is prepared for this sa- And if, after ail, the right jlai;)ly indicate?) for the i States, to accommadat^ r January, 1W3. 13 f he British maritime policy, »new and odious limitation of the aovereieuty and independence, which were acquired by tlie glo- rious revolution of 1776, it is not for the American government to calculate the duration of » war. that ihall be waged, in re- sistance to the active attempts of Great Britain, to accomplish her project ; for, where is the American citizen, wh» would to- lei-atc a day's submission, to the vaesal^ge of such % condi- tion? But the American goverment has seen, with some surpriie, the glos% which the Prince Regent of Great Britain, m his de- claration ot the lOth of January, 1»13, has condescended to bes- tow upon the British claim of a right to impress men, on board of the merchant vessels of other nations ; and the retort, which he has ventured to make, upon the conduct of the United State?, relative to the controverted doc^trincs of expatriation. 1 he A- nierican government, Uke every other civilized government, »- vows the principle, and indulges the practice, of naturalizing foreigners. In Great Britain, and throughout tl»e continent of Europe, the laws and regulations upon the subject, are not ma terially dissimilar, when eompatcd with the laws and regula- tions of the United States The effect, however, of such natur •ralization, upon the connexion, which previously subsisted, be- tween the naturalized person, and the govemment of thecoun- try of his birth, has been difFerently considered, at different times, and in different places. Still, there arc many respects, in which a diversity of opinion does not exist, and cannot arise. It is agreed, on all hands, that an a£t of naturaliiation is not a violation of tiie law of nations ; and that, in particular it is not in itself, tai offence againfitthe government, whose subject is na- turalized. It is agreed, that an act of naturalization creates, between the parties, the reciprocal obligaUons of allegiance and protection. It is agreed, that while a naturalized citizen con- tinues within the territory and jurisdiction of his adoptive go- vernment, he cannot be pursued, or seized, or reetrauitd, by Ills former sovereign. It is agreed, that anaturahzed citizen, whatever may be thought of the claims of thesovere^gn of his native country, cannot lawfully be withdrawn trom the obliga- tions of hiscor.tract of naturalization, by the force, or these d.iction of a third power. And it is agreed, that no soveieign can lawfully interfere, to take from the service, or the employ- ment, of another sovereign, persons who are not the subjects of either of the, sovercig^is engaged in the trans^aclion. JJuyonrt the principles of these accorded propositions, what have tlio IJ- nited Stales donetojuiUfy tho imputation of "harboring brt- tish»camon,:ind of exfrciiing anassumcd riftht to transfer the allogiKnceofBri.'ishMibj.^ctf.^'-*- Tl,e United Stntcshave, m- leed, iii,i6ted upon th« light of navigsting the ocean m pe.icc rmd saf ■tv. protecting ull thati-s covered by then- llaa, as on a placa of equal and commot. jurisdiction to all natior.a; sa^e where the law of war inteipoieb the exceptions ot vi»itaU*«V .:ci: ■;rent nations, not even except- ing Great Dritain herself, have, indeed, announced a dt-temiina- tion, since tlie declaration of lio«tilit»«>«. to afford pr>>tection, as well to the naturalizad, as to the native citizen, who, giving the strongest proofs of lidelity, should be token in arms by the enemy ; and the British cabinet, well know that this determi- nation could have no influence upon those councils of their so- vcrcis^n, whicli preceded and produced the war. It was not, then, to " h.u-bor British seamen," nor to "transfer the alle- giance iif Briush subjects ;" nor to " cancel the jurisdiction of thcirle/.iliiiiite sovereign ;" nor to vindicate " the pretension that acts of naturalization, and certificates of citizenship, were as valid out of their own territory, as within it ;"f that the U- nilcd States have asserted tlie honor and the privilege of their fits;, by the force of reason and of arms. But it was to resist a systenialic scheme of maritime aggrandizement, which, pro- scribing to every other nation the limits of a territorial boun- dary, claimed for Great Br. tain the exclusive dominion of the seas ; and which, spurning the settled principles of the law of war, condoiiiued the ships and mariners of the United States, to suiTer, upin the high seas, and virtually within the jurisdic- ti on of their dig, the most rigorous dispensations of the Bri- tish municipal code, inflicted by the coarse and licentious hand of a lirili.sh press gaiig. Tiie iDJuslice of tiie British claim, and the crnclty of the British practice, have tested, for a series of j'ears, fche pride and the patience of the Amorican government: but, still, every exp<4riment was anxiously made, to avoid the last resort of na- tions. Tliecliim of (»rcat Britain, in its theory, waslimiifed to tlie right of .necking and impressing its own subjects, on board of the merchant vessels of the United States, altliongh in fatal experience, it has been extended y »'«'-t'^"";«g"%'fftif "Js e' *" °'^^'' *" "'"*'"■" '* tedinBrilishportsto enter the ve8^,el,.n ^^ ^^ ^.ddition to number of men on board ;, and ^V* ,;^° u^,„id be liable to im- hrcrew, the British subjects en*^''^^^ J^?^ of a Uw, that pressmon't J It was o«Y-««^ 'j;;:. ^J ' thTt they should be the American seamen should be rcgisicn , ^^^^ ^.^jj ^j provided with certificates of citizen Vnplan^^^^ ^^ [he crew of evvry vessel should b''/^ '""^ ^,i be given to de- vas offered that no rejige ^^^'^'^l^^^^Znldbemvveuicvci.f sorters; but, that, on '^-J^'^'J^^^^^^^^^^^^^ in a convention It was" aoain and again *'"f7°,"'f„,m(,d and whch should settle tW quMtion of ''"r,S"'"V '"he VnV"> SatcX l\ w» s»fe for F.i.sl«'>'l. •"'' ""'1 "n ,LlhiW- H "cil./.CT.s or .ubjeeli.. f,.„m cl.nd..tmelj «X 'Si any SmenbelonsioB Vo the o. T*» the Wter or Mr. Joff.™.n, «.erc. W^^^^^ ter .t Lr>ntlon, 'nr, 7y^. ^ ^t,. ricVermg, sc 4,s.'?:.E:;:.Mr".'urii"»s;s^^^^^^ "rsS°,Ur h ...r ofMr. K» »-.nU..r .. Unto to th. ».rct.ry ot ,...c. w .regsDh cf the United States any pcMOni except citizens of the United States ;and that no foreigner should be admitted to be como a citizen hereafter, who had not for the continued term of five years, resided within the United States, without beine Unu/d'kT5e^r^*'* ^"^ ^•*"' °"' "^"^^ » "'^"y «>f th^e It is manifest then, that such proTision nJght be made bv law ; and that such provision has been repeatedly and urgentl v proposed ; as would, in all future times, ex,ludc f^om the m«rf time service of the United States, both in public and in private vessels, ev«ry pei-son, who could, possibly, be claimed by Great BritiMn,as a native subject, whether he had, or had not, been naturalized m America ^ Enforced by the same sanctions and securities, which are employed to enforce the penal code of Cjrreat Britain, as well as the penal code at the United States the piovision would afford the strongest evidence, that n* Bri' tish subject could be found in service onboard of an American vessel ; and, consequently, whatever might be the British right impressment, in the abstract, there would remain no justifia- ble motive, there could hardly be invented a plausible pretext to exercise it at the expense of the American right of lawful commerce. If, too, as it has sometimes been insinuated, there would, nevertheless, be room for frauds and evasions, it is suffi- cient to observe, that the American government would, always be ready to hear, and to redress, every just complaint: or, if re- dress were sought and refused, (a preliminary course, that ought never to have been omitted, but which Great Britain has never pursued,) it would Btill be in the pow«r of the British go- vernment to resort to its own force, by acts equivalent to war, for the reparation of its wrongs.— But Great Britain has, un- happily, perceived in the acceptance of the overtures of the A- merican government, consequences injurious to her maritime policy : and, therefore, withholds it at the expense of her jus- ^Ice. She perceives, perhaps, a loss of the American nursery foe- her seamen, while she is at peace; a loss of the service of American crews, while she is at war; and aloes of many of those opportunities, which have enabled her to enrich her navy, by the spoils of the American commerce, without exposing her own commerce to the risk of retaliation or reprisals. Thus, were the United States, in a season of reputed peace. involved in the evils of a state of war; and thus, was the Ame- ric.in ilag annoyed by a nation still .professing to cherish the sentiments of mutual friendship and respect, which had been re- cently '■oiiched, by the faith of a solemn treaty. But the A- merican government even yet abstained from vindicating its rights, an I from avenging its wrongs, by an appeal to arms It w.is not an insensibility to those wrongs, nor a dread of British power, nor a ailbserviency to British interests, that prevailed af % See the act of congress, passcil on tlie 3il of March, 1813. *f 9;e tlie lottt-r of iiistnictirms from Mr Monpoo, secretary nf state, to t.K' p'ciiipoteiuiai'ies fin- treating- of peace with G, Bi-itain, ui-.dw the me- diation oi the emperor Alexander, dated the I5th of Apnl. 18:S, !<'■! 17 lerpons except citizens of the icr should be admitted to be- not for the continued term United States, without being. I, out ©f the t .rritory of the orision nJght be made by eon repeatedly and urgently nea, exQludc from the msri- both in public and in private issibly, be claimed by Great r he had, or had not, been d by the same sanctions and enforce the penal code of code o{ the United States, ngest evidence, that ne Bri- ce on board of an American r mtght be the British right src would remain nojustifia- nvented a plausible pretext, le American right of lawful imesbeen insinuated, there luds and evasions, it is suiTi' government would, always ery just complaint : or, if re- ft preliminary course, that )ut which Great Britain has le power of the British go- , by acts equivalent to war, iut Great Britain has, un- I of the overtures of the A- injurious to her maritime at the expense of her jus- of the American nursery e ; a loss of the service of ivar ; and a loss of many of bled her to enrich her navy, srce, without exposing her tion or reprisals, a season of reputed peace, ir ; and thus, was the Ame- . professing to elierish the respect, which had been re- lemn treaty. But the A- ned from vindicating its J, by an appeal to arms It ng?, nor a dread of British interests, that prevailed b*: .1 of March, 1813. Wonpoc, secretary pf state, to ith G, Britain, ilr.di^r the ine jiurest love of P'.'ace. while peace could be rendered compatible wiih the hun* or and independence of the nation. During the. period wmch lias hitherto been more particular- ly contemplated (from the declaration of liostilities between G. Bi'itaiu and France inthe year 1792, untiitlie khort-lived paci- fication of the treaty of Amiens in l\i02) there were not wan- ting (iccas ion», to test the consistency and the impartiality of the American government, by a comparison of its conduct to- wards Hi Britain with its conduct towards other nations. The manifestations of the extreme jealousy of the French govern- ment, and of the intemperate zeal of its ministers near the U. States, were co-eval with the proclamation of neutrality ; but after the ratiiieation of the treaty of London, the scene of vio- lence, spoliation, and contumely, opened by France, upon the U. States, bfcame such, as to admit, perhaps, of no parallel, except in the cotemporaneous scenes which were exhibited by the injustice of her great competitor The A niericau govern- ment acted, in both cases, on the san^e pacific policy ; in the •ame spirit of patience and forbearance ; but with tlie same determination also, to assert the honor and independence of the nation. When, therefore, every conciliatory effort had failed, and when two succesMve missions of peace had been contemptuously repulsed, the American government, in th© year 1798, annulled its treaties with F'rance, and waged a ma- ritime war against that nation, for the defence of its citizens, and of its commerce, parsing on the high seas. — But as soon atf* the hope was conceived, of a satisfactory change in the disposi- tionsofthe French government, the American government tiaa- tened to send another mission to France ; and a convention, Bigned in the year 1800. terminated the subsisting difference* between the twocouwtries. Nor were the United States, able, during the same period, to a-void a collision with the government of Spain, upon many im- portant and critical questions of boundary and commeree ; of IndiaN warfare, and maritime spoliation. Preserving, howev- er, their system of moderation, in the assertion of their rights, s course of amicable discussion and explanation, produced mu- tual satisfaction ; and a treaty of friendship, limits, aad navi- gation was formed in the year 1795, by which the citizens of the United States acquired, a right, for the space of three years to deposit their merchandises and effects in tlie port of Kew- Orleans ; with a promise, either that th> enjoyment of that rifiht ehould be indefinitely continued, or that another part of the Imnks of the Mississippi should be assigned for an equivalent establishment. But, when in the year I802^t,he port of New- Orleana was abruptly closed against the citizens of the United States, without an aesignmeut of any other e«• riously endangered ; until the Spanish f^overnuient, yioldinf!, to the remonstrances of the United Slates, disa\owed the act of the intendunt of New Orleans, and ordered tlierij-ht of depoaite to be reinstated, on the terms of the treaty of 1795. The etVccts produced, even by a temporary bii.tpeniiion of the right ofde»po»it at New Orleans, upon Hie interests and fee- lings of the nation, naturally aug^CBted to the American ^o- verninent, the expediency of guarding against their rceurrence, by the acquisition of a permanent property in the province of i^ouisiana. The minister of the United Slates, at Madrid, was, accordingly, instructed to apply to the government of Spain upon the subjact ; and, on the 1th of May, 1803, he re- ceived an answer, stating that " by the retrocession made to France, of Louisiana, that power regained the province, with the liniils it had saving the rights acquired by other powers ; and that the United States could address themselves to the French government, to negociate the acquisition of territories which mi!;ht suit their interest.* But before this reference, official infomiation of the same fact had been received by Mr. Pinkney from the court of Spain, in the month of March pre- ceding ; and the Americn government, having instituted a .special mission to negociale the purchase of Louisiana from France, or from Spain, whichever sliould be its sovereign, the purchase was, accordingly, accomplislied for a valuable consi- deration (that was punctually paid) by the treaty concluded at Pari.^ on th3 30th of April, "l»03. The American government has not seen, without some sen- sibility, that a transaction, accompanied by such circunistauet of general publicity, and of scrupulous good faith, has been de- nounced by the prince regent, in his declaration of the 10th of January, 1813, as a proof of the" ungenerous conduct" of tlie U. States towards Spain.f In ampUtication of the royal charge, the British negociators at Ghent, have presumed to impute the acquisition of Louisiana, by the U. States, toa spi- rit of aggrandisement, not necessary to their own security; and to maintain '•' that the purchase was made againot the known conditions, on which it had been ceded by Spam to France ;"tthat " in the face of the protestation of the miHisl^r of his catholic majesty at Washington, the president ot the U. Stales ratified the treaty of purchabevtl and that '-there was -rood rcison to believe, that many circumstanees attending the t'ran-saction wereindustrloii.lv concealed."^. The American go- vernmet.t cannot condescend to retort aspersions so unjust, 13 liinsuacrc so opprobrious; and peremptorily rejects the preten- ^'» See tl.Mot'er from I><.n I'edrn Ccvallos. Oie miiusler of Spuln, to »Ir. C Vinknev, the raini-ttr of the Uiilfed Stales, dated the 4tli ot May, IHJ., :>"m which ihe nassaee cited is liteially translated. .t- ■<>■,' tho t'niice Itege.il', cU-claiaMon of tlie lOlh ot .Tantiary, 16' J- j Sr>t;.K iK.-ic of the British colnmiasioners, d.itcd 4Mi Seplt-ii.htT I814. i iicc the -.vJi. of Jw lirltisli coiiimiisionei •.d-Util me 19ih St-pt. Ihl4^ \ '-0K ths note of ibc Ur.ti.'ih conr.nissi'-n'i.-s dated UiC 8tli et O:. lei*. y\ ■ies was again most >»• ;ovfniuient, yielding to , disa\ov\e(l the act of red t)ie rij-ht of depouite Xy of 1795. jvary bii.tpentiion of the I lie iiiteieiits and fee- to tlie American |i;u> gainst their recurrence, ivty in the province of ,cd States, at Madrid, to the government of ri of May, 1803, he re- retrocession madft to tied the province, with ired by other powers ; •ess themselves to the cquisition of territoriea before this reference, ,d been received by Mr. e month of March prc- it, having instituted a Lse of Louisiana from ild be its sovereign, the d for a valuable consi- the treaty concluded at een, without some sen- i by such circunista.uet good faith, has been do- ledavation of the 10th rigenerous conduct" of |)litication of the royal jnt, have presumed to r the U. States, to a spi- o their own security ; was made againot the en ceded by Spain to testation of the minister the president of the U. tl and that '■ there was umstanoea attending the ed."^. The American go- aspevbions so unjus-t, ia jrily rejects the preten- emiiuslerofSpur'ito Mr. C dated the 4tll dated UieBtliefO:; 181*; ,. «» nurchase was concluded, before hostilities «ei-e •B»»!' "« "" f Jo-mnenced between G. Britain and France, ana p. evu.u»lym, deedto the departure of the French ambassador Uom London, t Ameiican t^.inistcr openly notified to the ^"J^i'^S^--; ment, that a treaty had been signed, "by whicli the <-«'°P'e^J Svereignty of the town and territory of Wew Orleans, a. well as of all Louisiana, as the same wa. heretofore possessed J Spain, had been a.-quired by the U. States ot A.ner ca and that in drauinu up the treaty, care had been taken so lo '>im» tl;^ sTmo. as nttfo infringe any right of O. lintam. m he na- vication of the river Mississippi."! 1" the answer of the UU JiTgovernmcnt, .t was explicitly declan^d by lord Uawkesbury, " that he had received his majesty's commands to expiesa tne pleasure with wl,:ted between thctwo countries, and which vvai so conducive to their mutual benefif't Tlie world will judge, whether, under such circumstances, the British governineiitl.aa any cause, on its own account, to arraign the conduct ot the V, States inmaking the purchase of Louisiana ; and, certainly, no greater cause will be found for the arraignment, on attcunt ot Spain T)ie Spanisli government was apprized ol the inenti- on of the U. States to negociate for the purchese of that pro- vince ; its ambassador witnessed the progrcssof the neguciatioii at Pari.s ; and the conclusion of the treaty, on the .' 0th .d Apnl 1803, was promptly known and undirstood at Siadnd. Yet, the ""• Ste the letter from the sccvetHry of state, to Mr. King", the An-.ciic.^w minister i.t L< .vdu.., dated the 29l1. of Januury, 1«0L< i ai d Mr. hn.gi s let- Ui- to tlie secittiiiy uf state, <;sttd ttie 2btl> ct .April, ie(_o. f Sec the Ic-Uer of Mr. King, to lord U^wktsbu^y, dfettd the IStli ot May, i'.'t-e f e le'ter of lord H.wk«6but/,.to Mr. King, dated tlie 9ili of Mafi 1803. B2 20 Spanish government fntorposed no o^jt^ction, no protettatlon a^ainMtthetraritaetion, in Kurupe ; and it was not until the month of September, IH03, that the American government heard, with lurprize, fmm the minister of Spain, at Waniiing t'>n, that hia catholiu mRJ<^Hty wai disanliitfted with the cesNion ofLouisrana to the V. States. N<>twith»t;im]ing thin diplomatic lemoristrance, however, the Spanish government proceeded lo deliver the possession of Louisiana to France, in execution of the treaty of St. lidel'onso ; saw France, bj> an almost simulta- neous act, transfer the possession to the U. Slates, in execution of the treaty of purchase ; and, finally, instructed the marquis de Casa Yrnjo, to present to the American government, the de- 'elaration of the 15th May, 1804, acting "by the special order of hi(t sovereign," " that the explanations, which the goveninient of Franre hadgivento his catholic majesty, concerning the sale ©f Louisiana to the United States, and the amicable dispositions, on the part of the king, his master, towards these states, had determined him to abandon the opposition, which, at a prior period, and with the mo.st substantial motives, he had manifesti>- ed against the transaction "|l But after this amicable and decisive arrangement of all differ- ences, in relation to the validity of the Ijouisiana purchase, a question of some nnbarraBsment rei> ained, in rflation the boun- daries of the ceded territory. This question however the A me- rican government always has been, and always will be, willing to discuss, in the most candid manner, and to settle upon the most liberal ba«i!<, with the government of Spain. It was not, therefore, a fair topic, with which to inflame the Prince Re- glint's declaration ; or to embellish the diplomatic notes of the iritish negociators at Ghent. $ The period has arrived, when Spain, relieved from her European labors, may be expected to bestow her attention, more efTectually upon the state of her co- lonifs; and, acting with the wisdom justice and magnanimity, •f which she has given frequent examples, she will find no dif- ficulty, in meeting the recent advances of the American gov> erpment, for an honorable adjustment of every point in contro- versy between the two countries, without seeking the aid of British mediation, or adopting the animosity of British coun- cils But still the United States feeling a constant interest in the epinion of enlightened and impartial nations, cannot hesitate to embrace the opportunity, for representing in the simplicity of truth, the events, by which they have been led to take posses- sion of a part of the Fioridas, notwithstanding the claim of Spain to tlie sovereignty of the same territory. In the accep- tation nnd understanding of the United States, the cession of Louisiana, embraced the country south of the Mississippi terri- H Sec the letter of the marquis dc Casa Yrwjf>, te tlue American secretary ' ef st:ite, date-l tiie 15ih of May, 1804. ^ See the prince regent's declaration of the 10th of Jamiary, 181 !. See the ao^es of tbe Uritisk commissioners, dattd 19ih Sejitcmbei', 8.h October, ISli. r jfiction, no proteitotJon id it was not until the American government r of Spain, at Wasliing uliitfied with the cesxion Imtiinding thii* diploniutic overnnienl proceeded to I France, in execution uf E>, by an almost aimulta- le U. States, in execution instructed the marquis rlcan government, the de- ; •' by the Apcciul order of , which the goveninient je»ty, concerning the calfl the amicable dittpntitions, owards these states, hud )Mition. vv'hich, at a prior motives, he had manifest*" arrangement of all diflfer* e Louisiana purchase, a ined, in rflation the boun- lestion however the A me* d always will be, willing and to settle upon the itt of Spain. It was not, I infla:me the Prince Re- B diplomatic notes of the period has arrived, when bors, may be expected to upon the state of her co- ustice and magnanimity, pies, she will tind no dif- » of the American gov> of every point in contro- ithout seeking the aid of limosity of British coun- t constant interest in the lations, cannot hesitate to nting in the simplicity of been led to take posses- ithstanding the claim of territory. In the accep- ed States, the cession of I of the Mississippi terri- jf>, te tluB American secretwy lOth of Jamiarv, 181 !. See the Sejilcmber, 8.'h October, ISli. it •«>rT, and eastward of the river Misttiistppi. and extendlrg to th» river Perdido, but " their concili'itoiy view**, and tluii tonfi- dence in the iinitiee of their cause, and in the 8Ut«ett8 oC a e mdid discutision and amieable ne^ociation with a Jiisi untinable indumtiificatiuo, on account of maritime spoliations and the suspension of the rikht of depo.-it »t New Orleans, seemed to be inditinitely postponed, on the ])art ef Spain. Uy events which the United Hlutes had not contribu- ted to pro(hiee,and could not control ; when a crisis had arriv- ed subveriiiveof the order of things under the Spanish authori- ties, contravening the views of both parlies, and endangering the tranquility and security of the adjoining territories, by the in- trusive establishment of a government, independent of Spain, as well as of the United Stales ; and when at a later period, there was reason to believe, that Great Britain her^eir design- ed to oceupy the Kloridas, (and she has, indeed, actually occu- pied P<-ngacola, for hostile purposes,) the American govern- ment, without departing fi-om its respect for the rights of Spain and even consulting the honor of that state, unequal as she then was. to the task of suppressing the intrusive estabiishmrnt, wa4 impelled by the parumount principle of self preservation, to res- cue its (wn rights from the impending danger. Hence the U- nited States in the year 1810, proceeding step Ly step, accor- ding to the growing exigencies of the time, took possession of the country, in which the standard of independence had been dis- played, excepting such phces as were held by a Spanish force. In the year 1811, they authorised their president, by law, provi- ■ionaily to accept of the possession of Kast Florida from the local authorities, or to pre occupy it agtrSnst the attempt of a foreign power to seize it. In 1813, they obtained 'he po.»<»e8sion ef Mobile, the only place then held by a Spanish foi^ce in West Florida; with a view to their own immediati- security, but with- eut varying the questions depending between them and Spain, is relation to that provin . e. A nd in theyear 1814 the A merican ( om- nander, acting under the sanction of the law of nations, hut unauthorised by the orders of his government, drove from Pen- ■aeolathe British troops, who, in violation if the neural territory ef Spain, (a violation which Spain it is believed must herself re- lent, and would have resisted, if the opportunity had occuned,) •eized and fortified that station, to aid in military operations against the United States. But all these measures of safety and necessity were frankly explained, as they oecured, to the rovernment of Spain, and even to the govertiment of (Jreat Britain, antecedently to the declaration of war, with the sin- eercst assurances, that the possession of the territory thus ao- f See the proclamation of the j»resi'•} « • ' '^l^ which were renewed between <.ieal »ran. e..t. The ''- f f» ;,^j;'\J\^."«.ercia..nedi.tely follow- ed by a renewal o» /' ;"ff;'J';'^,iu,^, i,.dei.e,!"'-|;-'^ ':^a.e"ce therefore^ an interval .c t'niled States. I neie wa» sc t, aggrecMont inrating the aggression, of the »''''\^"; ' r* ^^^ aRurt>»io...- if the second war, and aUhouj^h, ^^^I'^l'^^l incaloi^lably continued to he the Ka..uj ^ ^^^^Xt^:\JnJ. „,ore '»<'«l'-;'^:'':;«:.';,;;„\,';;!,Slt« neutral and pacltic policy gov«rnnu-u '"'^^'^J//; ';';S;"A, J^ with the same good la.th in every exlrep.iity o '' « ""^^^ \^-^\ y.^d distinguished it» and forbearance tnat, in ^'>'- '"""f' "*; ,Vo,n the alternative conduct; until it was *^""'l'«'l;;'^^" ^ '^i*!;^ ';^'" A„d if Great of national degradation ^'': "f '""fj^^f.tio Ameri ', declara- !!;;;;tri wSlt^e-;: r^^r^^ii-nalone had obst. i;;i,;^lo.ed the r naval f^^^^ , ^^^ ,5^1. of ^■ith plainness and, .vccis on an^^^^^ ^„j ^i,^,, d,, belligerents «h««id ^« ^^ "^'!f 'j^^j i„ ,elation to the import- respect for tbo.e of "«"';,'^'^:, + ,„^",t^„lly p,.,.pared for .igna- ~ ^eTThrWtte.- fron the secretary oi' state to governor Claiborne, und tU p,.nrbm.l,on, .l.t.d ''^^i'f '^ «' '{^i of norida, trnnsmUtcd to the sccrc *^ SeetlHCi>v..rcea.ngsotthecon%en.K,no r t,,,, ■„„,,., in !iis Kttev of t Scf -lie IcUcrot Air. Kuif, 'm V-ik a. ... m -- 'h rt ♦ of fair and fiicnulj th«' United States to will be nMiiidcd by c 1 14) viiidicttlf their na- julftlioiis oi" the piiiicc lb»'.J. iiiul not a» auic- Lbeinitiu»fttioii«of Ihal jii-fjiitlicL'*, or viiiiliot , tiial ttio l'a«t The iniuftle the war in l;'.u ral hofleringH of Anic- it i-c»i»cctH, delusive and enewi'd between (iical ei-ciaiinediately follow- the belli jifit'iit |)0\vtrB til indeijendeme of the urefore, an interval so r from the aggrefMonK lat.ire, tho ag^rt>»ioti»- (!y beciune incalov»labIy ever, that the Auiericai. lutral and paoilic jiolicy, ,ith the same good laitU al, liad distinguished itu obc I'lom the alternative istancc And if Great if the American declara- Britain alone had obsli- ociation.- anticii)aling the rupture had obtained uHsnranfOB n the event of war, the ers should to drawn u-^ rcnerat, that the rights of odcralton, and with due in relation to the import- ;unlly prepared for gigna- uvy and lord St. Vincent, years, dcclarins that " no upon tho high Bcas, and to governor Claiborne, uiid the 10. or.da, transmitted to the sccrc- slppi t<:ii-itorv, in Ins Utter ot uf the secrttury of state, ualci TP il'affiiirei!, to the sdcretar}- of Srcrttaiv's answer: „ ... , r„f. uiKlMv. l-o.t.^:,thcRv-.tuU i!i(i NoviUibiT, i«t.;. iuryof sU^e, da'.i-dt... i'-hri 2S wlthwtthe iuri»<'''ttoti of either party, be deniandcd or trtk^;. out of any »hip or ve.M-l. belonging t». the liii/ens ur buhjt* t.i of one of tlic parttei, by the public or piuate urn..-d ahipa. or men of war, belonging to -.i- in Mie fcervi.e ol tht other party; and that »tiict order* should he given hT the due observance of the e«gagemc„t.'t T »"" cenveiition which explicitly reliuqui^hed iinpre.hmoi.t^fiom Amenean vei| B«U on tlie high b.:i.suha to which the Hriti»h miuisiei» hud. at firM, a^reerl. lord rtl V inc. nt wu» de»iiousafteiuard« to mo difv •• Mating, that on further letlccHon, he was ol opiniuu, •hat tho narrow i,ea» should be expi-esbly excepted, ihev hav^ inii been, a« iu» loideliip remarked, ininiemoriii iy cnHidered to bo within Iho dominion of Orcal iiritain." I he America,. jnini-iter. hu'vever, "havioK »i'Ppo»cd, from the tenor ol hiA conversHtiouH wilii lord St. Vincent, that the uoctnne ol m.n« rtausuiii wou\d nut he revived ajj.Hii.st the Viiiited stales on lhi» occasion; but that r.ngiund would be eonlcnt vHh the liiii.ca iurisdicfion or domin'on over the ^eus ndja^.nt to her Icrrito- vie.s which ib asHigncU by the law of mttiuiiH lo other states, was disappointed, on lectivii.g lord *t. ; iiiceni's c».mn.uiiua. «oa and ciiose rather tu abandon the ijcgdi iation than to ac- quiesce in the doctcine il propos-ed tu eMuhlihh.' i But it was iitillHome satisfaction to receive a fcrmal deeluHtion Ironi tho British government, communicated by its minister at yVash- ington, after the recommencement of the war in Ihirope, which promised in eflcet, to reinstate tlic praclieo of iiavnl blockades upon the principlef' of the law of nations ; so that no blockade, should bo con.'idcrcd ase.xislins;, " unless in lespi ct of particu- lar nort'^, wiiioh ijii;£ht be actually invested, and then tliat the vessels bound to such ports should not be eaptared, unlesa they had proviouslv been warned not lo enter thetn "'* A 11 tho precautions of the American aoverntnent were, never- theless, ineft'c( tnal, and the asburaices of the HriVibh govei nnient were, in .»o instance, vc;-itiod. The outrage of impressment was agiiii' iiidi^icriininately perpetrated upon the crt-w of every A tncfican vessel, and on every sea. 'I'lu^ enonn'ty of blockades- ost,ib!ished by an order in council, without a legitimate object, and maintained by an order in council, without the iipplication- of a coinp'tent lorce, was, more and more de.vdoped. The rule, denominated " the rule of the wir of 1750" was revived in nn afl"!Ct'»d style of modei-ation. but in a spirit of more ri- jTorous oxectitioi'i t The lives, the liberty, the fortunes .and the hMpijii^.e-i of the citizens of th(> Tinted Sfatef, en^'ftged in tlie pursuits of navigation and commerce, were once UiOi'e sub- 4 .Set' til.- letter of Mr. Kiii;^, to the sfcretury of M,ite, H.ited July ISM. j S.f the- l.Ui-r of Mr. King, to du secrt-l.try cA statf, dii'ed .luly, IMv?. ^ * See tlic leltfT of .Mr. M'-vrv, lo llie scoi-et: ry i.f slali, dMfd tlie 12lli ni Alir,!, 1801. ■i'v\ Ihr «ni loHod copv of u leuor from Mr. Nf ntuii, the s>(ro- t .ry of ihf ud r,;i ,iHy, i« M.' Il.inmoiid, dm Orili .h under swrc'.a;}- ot .stat«; for'fiir en .-iti'.iirs, dated .lun. 5, \»i'i. t See il.e o;.].:-; ri cj'.u:::'. vf '.Ic :i'h Iu:ie, IcOJ, and the JZthof Au^'. 24' hnUi t6 the violence and cupidity of the Brithh cru5zerB. AnS'- inbiiet, "o grievous, so iutolera'ble, had tlie affliction of the ration becornti, that tiie peopl», with one mind, and one voices called loudly upon t leir government, fop redress and pr >tec- tlon;t the con(5i'e.8S of the United Stat'S, participat.ing in the feelings and resenttrjents of the time, urged upon the execu- tive mig stPite, the necessity of an iinmediat^fiamand of repa- ration from up.^at Britain ;|| while the same patriotic spirit which opposed British usurpation in 1793, and encountered French hostility in 1798, was again pledged in every variety of form, to the maintainance of the national honor and indepen- dence, during the more arduous trial that arose in 1805. Amidst these acpui'S of injustice on the one hand, and of re- clamation on the other, the American government preserved its equanimity and its firmness. It beheld much in the con- duct of France and of her ally Spain to provoke reprisals. It be- held more in the conduct of Gteat Britain, that led, unavoida- bly (as* had often been avowed) to the last resort of arms. It beheld in tli?. temper of the nation, all that was requisite to justify an immediate selection of Great Britain, as the object of p (le laration of war. And it could not but behold in the policy of France, the strongest motive to acquire the United States, as an associate in ti»e existing conflFct. Yet these con- sider.itions did not tiien, more than at any former crisis, sub- due the fjriituJe. or inialaad the judgment of the American govoi-nmeut; but in perfect consislency with its neutral, as well as itspacitic sysiem, it demanded attonement, by remon- etrances Willi France and Spain ; and it sought the preserv*' tion of peace, by negociat ion with Great 3ritain. It has been shown that a treaty proposed, emphatically, by the British minister resident at Piiiladelphia, '' as the means of- dryinc up every source of complaint and irration, upon the head of iinpi'esment,' was deemed utterly inadmissible," by the A- TO?rican government, because it didnot sufficiently provide fof thatobjci'.t.^ It has, also, been shown, that another treaty, pro- posed by the American minister at London, was laid asid". be- cause tlie British govermnent, wiiile it was willing to relin- quish, expressly, impressments from American vessels, on the hi'^h seas, insisted upon an exception, in reference to the nar- row seas claimed as part of the British dominion; and expen- e-r^re demonstrated, that, although the spoliations committed upon the American commerce, might admit of reparation, by tii3 payment of a pecunia'-y equivalent: yet, consaltmg the ±See the memorluU of Boston Nt vv-Yoi-k, i»h.1adelphia, Baltimore, StC pr-sciv.d to conip-ess in the end of .he ;,ear WiS. and the beginning of the ''*i|'s>(' the rMoUitinim of the senate of the United States, of the lOili and 14J\of Febniai-y, 1806 ; and the resolutive of the house ot representatives • " lie United States. ^. , .,.,<.., t. § -ee Mr. I.'S on's Iv'tt.-r t- the sec.-c'r.ry of state, date*! tlie 4th of lebni- ai"-, 1800; an.l the le tcr .>f Mr Pi'-kciuK. senctai-y of st;ite,to the Pr«W- dent of the United Stales, dated the 3 Jth of February, itWO. ic Brithh cru5zerB. And-' had t lie affliction of the ine mind, and one voice^ fop redress and pr Sec- t's, participating in the urged upon the execu- mediat^fiamand of repa- le same patriotic spirit 1793, and encountered edged in every variety of onal honor and indepen- hat arose in 1805. the one hand, and of re- I government preserved eheld much in the oon- provoke reprisals. Itbe- itain, that led, unavoida- e last resort of arms. It ill that was requisite to at Britain, as the object Id not but behold in the e to ar quire the United conflFct. Yet these con- l, any former crisis, sub- i^ment of the American ncv with its neutral, as i attonement, by remon- id it sought the preserv*" eat 3ritain. •oposed, emphatically, by ielphia, '' as the means of - nd ir rati on, upon the head inadmissible," by the A- lOt sufficiently provide fof 1, that another treaty, pro- jondon, was laid asid". be- e it was willing to relin- American vessels, on the I, in reference to the nar- ish dominion ; and experi- he spoliations committed it admit of reparation, by lent: yet, consulting th» i-k, ''hiladelphis, Baltimore, fcc r 18^15, and the beginning of the ■ United States, of the lOili and ; of the house of representatives of stale, date*! tlie 4th of Febru- , benetui-y of st;ae,to the Ptew- f February, 1800. «5 konor and the feelings of the nation, it was impossible to reeeiv* •atisfaction for the cruelties of inipresament, by any other means, thaa by an entire disaonti nuance of the practice. W liet, therefore the envoys extraordinary were appointed in the year 1806, tonegociate with the British government, every authority was given, for the purposes of conciliation ^ nay, an act of con« gress, prohibiting the importation of certain articles of British manufacture into tlie United States, was suspended, in proof of a friendly disposition fl but it was declared, that " Uie sup- pression of impressment, and the definition of blockades, were absolutely indispensable ;" and that, "without a provision a. gainst impressments, no treaty should be concluded." The A- merican envoys, accordingly, took care to communicate to the British commissioners, the limitations of their powers. Inflo. enred, at the same time, by • sincere desire to terminate the differences between the two nations ; knowing the solicitude of their government, to relieve its seafaring citizens from actual sufterance ; listening, with confidence, to assurances and expla- nations of the British commissioners in a seiise fevorable f» their wishes; and judging from a state of information, thM gave no immediate cause to doubt the suflSciency of those aa- •urtnccB and explanations-, the envoys, rather than tern>inate the negociation without any arrangement, weitj willing to ret/ upon the efficacy of a substitute, for a positive article in tlie treaty, to be submicted to the consideration of their government, as this, according to the declation of the British commissioners, was the only arrangement, they were peimitted, at that time, to propose, or t» allow. The substitute was presented in tho form of a note from the British commissioners to the Ameri- can envoys, and contained a pledge, " that instructions had been given, and should be repeated and enforced, for the observance of the greatest caution in the impressing of British seamen • that the strictest oare should be taken to preserve the citizeiSa of the United States from any molestation or injury ; and th&t immediate and prompt redress should be afforded, upon ariy representation of injury sustained by them."* Inasmuch, however as the treaty contained no provision a. gamst impressment, and it was seen by the government. whe» tne treaty was under consideration for ratification, that the pledge coutamed in the substitute was not complied with, but, on the contrary, that the impressments were continued, with andimimshed violence, in the American seas, so long after the alleged date of the instructions, which were to arrebt them ; that the practical inefficacy of the substitute could'not be doubt- edby the government here, the ratification of the treaty was necessarily declined; and it has since appeared, thst after a change m the British ministry had taken place, it was declar- edbythesecretvy for foreign affairs, that no engagements were •; Jiee the act of congress, passed the 18th of April, 1806 ; and the act •uspemimg it, passed the 19th of December, 18(6. Sws the wM of the Bfitish ccmroissioneM, «Uted the 8th of Nov. 1806, V I , 26 JJeaTv without an e»P»*';*"'»VSroart of hi» ma esty, in the treity, ^"•" pegervation «n the P**^* "' „ J .i that with* intentions, ^^ V.^^rrfit should even occur ana «• The re..rv."0» »' ' P»"'V,»,. a 'he -»2»" If IS "^'m w been improper for "•« *^ S w »P'"" ""= '•'? wouU h»ve been J ,,ry «ete ««it.iiR > r ^ , „i,^. , a* coniiect«a with the face of it.* . with unabating •olici- wftl of the nejooiatioM 1 thit course w»« P«- eminent, to be "Wholly lepropoaed treaty, upon •nd of the view which titute ; the contempoTa- uMionera, delivered by to which ihe American party, or to give thj led by the American go^ ,n hi reference w the at Berlin, on the 2l9t of t if Fiance •hould carry Jon.and,ifV«eutralna- Id acquiesce in such -.-• ,e compelled, hov.ever re- Fence, and to adopt, in re nation. '''t*^>^"*!S,i in. Bhould have permitted jwithhi8«ubiect»:"' that rtipulation. of the present ;be United States of their *rt of his majesty, in the reoccur." and" that wi^h. relinquisbment of the un »ut such conduct and assur- eLwl^ouW give security fubmit to the French luno- maritime iaw, his majes- by the present signature ot V or precluded from adopt- icessary for counteracting validate a "olemn treaty at ^nd the menace of inflicting ?or the offences of another 5e to tHa-enes of violence outto display, and which It American ne6««?^°" *° *"; * wanting to explain the real X and before It ^jpo- 10 have known the eftect oi .ica«envay«. dated 27th October. '..:«»♦,» "^t t cf Decembei 27 the Berhn decree on die Ameiican government; nay, even be* 'fore the American government had itself heard of that decree, the destruction of American commerce was commenced by the order in council of the 7th January, 1807, which aunuuiieed, *that no vessel should be permitted to trade from one port to another, both which ports should belong to, or be in possession of France, or her allies; or should be so far under their control, as that British vessels might nut trade freely thereat."} During thu whole period of this oegociation which did not €oaUy close until the British Government declared, in the month of October, 1807, that negociation was no longer adniis' - aible, the course pursued by the British squadron, stationed more immediately on the American coast, was in the extreme, vexatious, predatory and hostile. The territorial jurisdiction of the United States, extending, upon the principles of the law of nations, at least a league ever the adjacent ocean, was total* ly disregarded and contemned. Vessels employed in the coast- ing trade, or in the business of the pilot and tisherman, were objects of incessant violence ; their petty cargoes were plunder- ed ; and eome of their scanty orews wore often either impvoss- ed, or wounded, or killed, by the force of British frigates. Brit- ish ships of war hovered, in warlike display, upon the coast; blockaded the ports of the United States, so that no vessel could enter or depart in safety ; penetrated the bays and rivers and even anchored in the harbors of the United States, to exer- cise a. jurisdiction of impressment ; threatened the towns and villages with conflagration, and wantonly discharged musket- ry, as well as canaen. upon the inhabitants of an open and un- protected country. The neutrality of the American territory was violated on every occasion ; and, at last, the American go< vernment was doomed to suffer the greatest indi^^nity which could be offered to a soverign and independent nation, in the »ver memorable atf^ck of a British 60 g»m ship, under the countenance of the British squadron, anchored within the wa- ters of the United States, upon the frigate Chesapeake, peacea« bly prosecuting a distant voyage. > The British government af- fected from time to time to disapprove a.nd condemn these out- rages ; but the ofl[?cers who perpetrated ihem were generally applauded ; if tried, they were acquitted ; if remevcd from thi- American station, it was only to be promoted in another sta- tion ; and if attonement were ofl'ered, as in the flagrant in- •tanee of the frigate Chesapeake, the atonement was so ungra^ cious in the manner, and so tardy in the result, as to betray the want of that conciliatory spirit which ought to have char- acterized it.» § See the ordei- in council of January 7, 1 80/. • See the evidence of these fucXa repoittd'to conRress in Norembfl- 1806. Sec the documents respecting cajit. Love, of the Driver ;c.iptian M hitby, of the liCander, and Captain dee also the correspondence respect inp the friptte Clifsapcake, with Mr Coiininpr at London ; with Mr. Uoke »t Waslungton ; wiih Mr, Erskinc, ai W4aluiigton J and with ' Jj .truo J. of .« S«',r&;S -°~« ^^ ""• '-"P*"- tion, could not fail to renaer wi imagina^ lively, more f VhlTeSrS. Te« ridSced The just and •Ute of peace, to which n««»*^'" Tj^^ ^g^d to be its shield Impartial conduct of a "S^J"^'^ ""'jnA^^^^ P"'*'" •nd its .afeguard, ''^f^J^^^^l^f'^l.u of the law of towards each other, became the on.y en ^^^^ ^^^^ war. Thewrongcommittedbyoneotuie B 1^^^^^^^ was thus made the ••6"?\/S^,''jjKn government com- wrong by the other; »"*^;f *J* ^erSthough it never denied plainid to both powers «^«[ '"^^^i'^^Sid an idle and offen- fhe cause, of '^^^'^';^^^^\;Tr.mc^i^-. .ggre«"on. ; •ive inquiry, into the P"^"7 • .^„<.b aeainat its antagonirt, or each demanded a course of ""?**^" *«.„„ rfght of self-go- which was calculated *» r^«?'S Stat? aS^^ i"'««»* Ternment, and coerce the U'^/^f ^°*f "'^Jg i„ the war. But and their policy i'^^** t»««»™;8 JJ^ Tnd n^^^^^^^ ,he American 6«vernment^ev^ d d a„d n^^^.^ ,^^ ^ % belligerent power, m ^•'"'S ";?" , j^g of their own m- if its enemy, and to «*«F\«P»" *S*aT.troVt^^^^ rights of a neu- iustice,"* is entitled to ^"^"'VltilShed by the law of na- Iral power, as y^^P'^^^^J'S^^^^;Jt.niuTe. of the tions. It was i'np08"*»^%»*;?*l*'i:,d U^^^^^ masked fiom the miscalled retalliatory system «^««» Jj'« '^Jft, of professed rew >„orld ; when Great BntamevenjnW^^ ^^ P^^^ ^^^ teUiation,de..Ured that F^nce waj«na^ ^^^^^ .^ tile denunciations of her decrees j^l " commerce with her herself, ""blasUingljfcenteredmto the same ^ ^^^ ^.^^^ enemy (through^'^t *"^fV*StfrdiS^^ neutrals.- ees) from which she hai interdtctea un 6 ^^ ^^^^^^ The pride of naval 'T""!! L'.tmniue a™d di*rection to the ial monopoly > g'^^^'Vni; *'ffi?e i^st although vision. eounclUof the BrniSh ca^ne^^^^^^^ ,„apreixts. for ^-;SS:w^r£ .tjratd aol^tudcthe .u. An^ttiTBrMlkmatton of thetnd otSwh, 18W. ^^ ing the exupenlMi irhich interdicted the ito the harbour* an* imenced hostilitiei a- 'easive allianPi with iliatory efforU to en- ol both cationa. id France, now, hoW- ;h, involving the de- vowed principle of ac- ate of war, compara- than the imaginaiy sduced. The just and iased to be its shield he belligerent power* riterion of the law of ihe belligerent power*, petration of a greater uan government con^ though it never denied rud an idle and offen- respective aggression*; , against its antagonirt, aerican right of self-go. 1, against their interest )ciate in the war. But d never can, admit, that ©restrain the violence he evils of their own m- poy.therightsofaneu- hed, by the law of na- he real features of th© • long masked ft'om the ler acts of professed re- able to execute the hos- nd when Great Britain lame commerce with her ries, perjuries and licen- unoflfending neutrals.— the cravings of commer- alse and direction to the the vast although vision- easions and pretexts, for uncils. Vashington, In the year » the name of his sover- •kade, the American go- ;eandBolieitude,the«u©- tmtf, IWi'- lUtfJFi 1W» 29 ecssive notlficaUotis of the 9t]i of August, ISOlt, tlje 8th of A- pril, 1806, and more particularly, of the 16lh of Slay, ItiOb, an- nouncing, by the last notification, "a blockade of the coast, ri. Vei'H, and ports, from the river Elbe to the port ol' Brest, both inclusive."} In none of the notified instances of blockade, were the principles, that had been recognized in 1S04, cdopted and pursued, and it will be recollected by all Europe, that neither at the time of the notification, of the loth of May, 1806, ; nor at the time of excepting the Elbe and Ems, from the opera- tion of that notification ;% nor at any time, during the contin- uance of the French war, was there an adequate naval force, actually applied by Great Britain, for the purpose of maintain- ing a blockade from the river Elbe, to the port of Brest. It was then in the language of the day, " a mere paper blockade" a. manifest infraction of the law of nations; and an act of pecu- liar injustice to the United Slates, as the only neutral power, against which it would practically operate. But whatever may have been the sense of the American government on the occa- sion; and whatever might be the disposition, to avoid making this the ground of an open i-upture with Great Britain, tho case assumed a character of tho highest interest, w hen, inde- {)endent of its own injurious consequences, France in the Ber- in decree of the 2l8t of November, 1806, recited, as a chief eaaae for placing the British islands in a state of blockade, «• that Great Britain declares blockaded, plawe b«foie which •he has not a single vessel of War ; and even places which Ler tinited forces would be incapable of blockading ; such as entire coasts, and a whole empire : an unequalled abuse of the right of blockade, that had no other object, than to inten-upt the commu- nications of different nations; and to extend the commerce and industry of England, upon the ruin of those nations."* The American government aims not, and never has aimed, at the justification, either of Great Britain, or of France, in their ca- reer of crimination and recrimination : but it is of some impor- tance to observe, that if the blockade of May, 1806, was an unlawful blockade, and if the right (f retaliation arose with the first unlawful attack, made by a belligerent power upon neutral rights. Great Britain has yet to answer to mankind according to the rule of her own acknowledgment, for all the calamities of the retaliatory warfare. France, whether right or wrong, made the British system of blockade, the foundation of Uie Berlin decree ; and France had an equal right with Great Britain, to demand from the United States, an opposition to e- very encroachment upon the privileges of the neutral charac- ter. It is enough, however, on the present occasion, for the A- merican government, to observe, that it possessed no power to prevent th e framing of the Berlin decree, and to disclaim any «n.f"Vl!? "■"'rowbj'snole to Mr. Munioe. dated the 9lh of A.rgu.t. \ See Lord Howick's note to Mr. *fnnroe, dated the 35th of Sept, 1806. 6«« the Berlin decree of the 21st of November, 1»06. Ml r 30 scribe to the American go^^^'^X indizSs and the outra: ,K>s,e«ed a knowledge of ^^^ existence m ^^.^^^ ^^^^^^ Authorized th« conclusion of the treaty wi jg^g which wa. ;''gn^<;.f^^r,t ^rann^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^--^^ '' P™",^! reserving to '^''}\*^^^1^,a state»,l« a neutral power, did aid not revoke, or if the ^"« ,; y^^. also, been shown, not resist, the obnoxio.is n^^"^*;,^^.;; ascertain, the deter- that before Great »'%" «^"^t«^Sn to the Berlin decree, mination of the ^n.ed States, in rejam ^^^e issued, the orders in council of *^*^J**i^f„i France, " at a time when professing to be a '«t*'«\;°;Xr>^«^«" *'«"»"*'" '^*'"^"**^ [he fleets^f France and »V«; »^»;" ^ valor and discipline of within their own ports, by the 8«pCT .^^^ ^^^ ^^.^^^. the British n-vyrt but operating, in^ a ^^J^^^^^ .. ^ States, as a neutral ^P^T"/'/" P^ts should beteng to, or be lo port to another, both «^^»«J Pf'^'fiies or should be so far un- fhe possession o , France "'^^Jif^^'^^u might not trade freely . derSor control, as lliatBr^-h^ ,. imtil the 12th of March, J^^' J^^^^^a to the American gov- residingal Washiagon coniman^*te ^^^ ^^^^^^ .^ ^^^^^^j ernment, in the "an^^/'lf ? Sion, that stronger measurei of January, 1807 ^'^^^^J.^^Sed States shoull resist the c would be pursued, -unless the tiniiea ^^ British gc per-tions of the Borim deci^e4 jj,';.%™ iod of those great ?emment was reminded 'j'^^J^^'^^^ope, instances had occur- events, which ««"*''«**l\*'ee of neutral Rations, more especially Ted, in which the =0™'?"''^ ° 'I^enced the severest distresses oi th« United States had exper^enc^^^^^^^^^^^^^ fromits own ordereand mea8ures,man^^^^ law of nations," ^f^^'/P^funited^ States would render them ac- escence en the part ^f^^^^^y^f one belligerent nation, through cessary to the P^°««t>5Lrainst the commerce of its adversa- theirrightsof f««*'-f'y'!fB;SJrto issue sachordere, unless S^rrrVo'f^rcSralXe^forcedaccordingtothe "hrsecreury of sU.'s let.rto Mr. Erskine. dated the .OUif March, 180»> ; in its operfctinn»- • to France, to pre- »c, or the mode, 168, and the outra- i turn, awaJledthe •itish government e Berlin decree, it the United State», ' December, 1806, e treaty, if France neutral power, did , also, been shown, gcertain, the deter- ) the Berlin decree, , 1807, were issued, le, " at a time when themeclves confined lor and discipline of against the UniUd' ir trade "from on© belong to, or be io jhould be so far un« ight not trade freely ;ed, that it was not citbh minifttep, then , the American gov- [le ordero in council it stronger maasurea IS should resist the o- omentthe British go- period of those great. I, instances had occur- itions, more especially he severest distresses ly unauthorized by the that no culpable acqui- would render them acr rerent nation, through nmerce of its adversa- Bue such orders, unless rdingtothelawof na- « sentiments of the A- 80 novel and important 5Ver, make its just im- ofTtate. dated the 12th of Erskinc, dated the Mthef 81 aresBion t^pon the British cabinet; for, without aMignirg any Jew provocation on the part of France, and «»"'?'')' "'"6' me^e. ly that neutral powers had not been induced to interpose, with effccr to obtain i revocation of the Berlin decree (winch, howo- ver. Great Britain herself had »^ffi™f '*/«i«i?.f ^f V \-J^htr and inoperative) the orders in council of the Uth cf Nuvember 1807, were issuid, declai^ng, "that all the ports and places of France and her allies, or o?«iy other country at war with hi majesty, and all other ports or places in Lurope,from which, al- though not at war with hismajesty, the British flag was exclud- od and all ports or places in the colonies belonging to his wijcstys enemies, sliould. from thenceforth, be subject to the same restrictions, in point of trade and navigation, as if the same were actually blocfcaded by his majesty's i«val forces, in the most strict and rigorous manner:" that "all rade in arti- cles which were the produce or manufacture ol the said eoun- tries or colonies, should be deemed and considered to be unlaw- ful ■" but that neutttil vessels should still be permitted to trade With France from certain free ports, or- through ports and pla* ees of the British dominions § To accept the lawful enjoyment of a right as the grant of a superior; to prosecute a lawful commerce, under the form* of favor and indulgence; and to pay a tribute to Great Britain for the privilege of a lawful tran- sit on the ocean; were concessions which Great Britain wa« disposed, insidiously, to exact, by an appeal to the cupidity of individuals, but which the United States could never .vitld, con- sistently with the independence and sovereignty of the nation. The orders in council were, therefore, altered, in this respect. at a subsequent period jf but the general intertBct of neutral commerce, applying more especially to American commerce, was obstinately maintained against all the force of reason, of remonstrance, and of protestation, employed by the Aineritan government, when the subject was presented to ite considera- tion by the British minister residing at Washington. The fact assumed ae the basis of the orders in council was unequivocally disowned ; and it was demonstrated, that so far from its being true " that the United States had acquiesced in the illegal o- peration of the Berlin decree, it was not even true that at th* date of the British orders of the Uth of November, 1807, » single application of that decree to the oommerce of the Unit- ed States, on the high seas, could have been known to the JEtii- tish government ;" while the British government had been ofH- daily informed by the American minister at liondoti, " that oxplanations, uncontradicted by any overt act, had been given to the American minister at Paris, which justified a reliance that the French decree would not be put in force against the United States.'* § Sec the orders in conncil of the llth of November, 1807. It See Mr. Canning's letter to Mr.Pinkney, 23d of February, 1808. • See Mr. Erskine's letter to the secretary of state, dated «nd of Febru- ary, IBOi; and the answer of the secret^ of state, dated 25tbof March^ St The British onkriof the 11th of November, tB07, s.-ere 4|iickly fuUowed by the French decree of Milan, datrO the 17th of December, 1807, ♦♦ which wa» said to be resorted to, •nly in ju«t retaliation of the barbarous system t dopted by England," and in which the denationalizing tendency of the orders, is made the foundation of a declaration in the decree, ••that every ship to whatever nation it might belong, that should have submitted to be searched by an English ship, or to a voy- age to England, or should have paid any tax whatsoever to th» Knglish government, was thereby, and for that alone, declared to be denationalized, to have forfeited the protection of its sova- veign, and to have become English property, subject to cap tare as good and lawful prize: that the British Islands were placed in a state of blockade, both by sea and land— and every •hip, of whatever nation, or whatever the nature of its cargo might be, that sails from ports of England, or those of the En- glish colonies, and of the countries occupied by English troops, and proceeding to England, or to the English colonies, or to countries occupied by English troops, should be good and law- ful prize : but that the provisions of the decree should be abro- gated and null, in fact, as soon as the English should abide a^ gain by the principles of the law of nations, whieh are, also, the principles or justice and honor."t In opposition, however, to the Milan decree, as well as to the Berlin decree, the Ameriean government strenuously and unceasingly employed every in- strument, except the instruments of war. It acted precisely to- ' " • ■ - ' :'^^,ZJlJ^. pn similar oc- euions • but France remained, for a time, as insensible to t!r» clam- of justice and honor as Great Britain each imitating ?h"^Jher^n extravagance of pretension and m obstmacy of **"when the American government received intelligence that throrders of the llth e? November, 1807, had been under the lonsiderr" on of the British cabinet, and were actually prepar- ed for promulgation, it was anticipated that France, in a zealoue OTOsecStion orthe ^taliatory warfare, would soon produce an Srof, at least, equal injustice and hostility. Thecnsis existed therefore, at which the United States were «o"),P*"^Vcn™™e.! liSer to withdraw their seafaring citizens and their commer. eS wedtrfrom the ocean, or to leave the interest of the marin- ep aiTd the merchant exposed to certain «!«» r*^*^"" ' "^n,. Sf er »"u w „„♦;„» war for the protection and defence of fSTnteCstr S princ&erandth^^ of the American l^'overimenr were stUl^i to neutrality and peaee- Jj SSeSS the nature and the amount of the aggressions which weigning t . ^ ^hj^h were threatened, if there wfre a^y pCouid cea.e to violate the neutral coxn- nerc'e of the Uditcd State., to declare the same by pi-oc ama- Son af eril»ich the trade of the Cnited Slat« ""K^ l;* J^- neled with the nation .0 doing.* Theee appeal. »« >»'« J"'*'" and the inmeBts of the belligerent pov^era P'«?""8 '"f «^i'"Ji: and the necessities of the country increasn.fr 'V'^" °^*]ln* t^lvcVby the Atnerican governmont. to *»*•* ^J^^^^Jf^'riJ^^J war ; to l-evoke it« restvictive syHtem ; and »° "^'f* *7^ J^ and French armed vessels from the hurbours Mid «»»«» "^/^ V," ted Ste. i b.^, again, emphatically to ».jnoance that m ca e either Gre'at Britain or France, 'l'^^^^^^^" ^^^^^^^^ of March. 18U. «o revoke, or mod-fy, her «;Yn. ' ^^JJ" i^^S^o^ ap.- " tha nrovisons of the non ntercourse and non importaiion ?aw sWratth. expiration of three months be revived agai"rt So naUon refuiing or ..glecting. to revoke, or modify ite •• ^In^ihe coor.e which the Amencan government had hifl^erto Bursued relative to the belligerent orders and decree., the cai^ SwZei^t aswellastheViolic citizen, "ay percejve «» «ctreme^citade, for the preservaton of peace; but ntl«.pu^ lic.ty and impartiality, of the over ure that was thus spreM before the belligerent powers, it « '•"P^'^'^J"' *^*\.*i"y ^e J- tioushonld be found, of foreign influence or ««f 7^\. JJ^"^. verture was ureed upon both nations for acceptance, at the Bamo S and?n th^esame manner; nor was an '•'t'^^'^-J^'^S^',^ from either of tiiem, that " it might be regarded by ^^e^»'g« lis enemy. 4. jj»vi. „i„j_^J tl.nt its measures were Vi» the retaliatory system, acknowledged, t''*tiu meas elations of pfiblic law; and each P««^6««^,^;»°'^'?,jf ' ^ th^^^ whenever the otb^r should set the example,! Although eorti«iling the interests of tn*- nvai pt>«crB - t - y Wga the dluv^hich they owed to the neutral f '"if J^^^^'^/hb^^^^^^ States : and when the British minister, residing at Wasningi "„ See tii ' e act of Confn-ess passed the first aml Pans. „ time to time by the presi- I Stc the documents laid before congress trom lune w uo« 7 4ant, and printed. iUil) or French pnw g lo the n«utral »n4 Uied, " that tae pr»- loriscd in ca*e either ke or modify, l>er o- ftte the neutral com- bame by fU'cclania* State* niiglvt be le- appeals to Uie justice I proving ineffectual ; ii)g, it was finally re- Lak« the haaards of • id to exclude Briti»h an uid waters of the to announce, that in kid, l»efore the third , her edicts, as that conuneree of the U- uld not, within three ter edicts in like man* ! and n on importation ithsbe revived against oke, or modify itf •■ eminent had hitherta and decrees, the can«- iaen, may perceive an peace ; but in the pub« that was thus gpread sible, that any indica- e or control. The o- jceptance, at the samO' in intimation withheld Bgardedby thebellige- self, and a warning to the commencement of it its measures were vi- itgolf to retract them, ilc.il Although the A- in it* remonstrances ar t regard to the questio* •ness, every hope of re- with a performance of character of the United Bsiding at Washington, of March, 1809. :ongrcs9. lav, 1«10. , , . .. My of state, and the Amen- ^ tune to time by the prcsi- 35 S^Knoic mS??^ ori-s in* c7u';iUf January and Nc^t-nv £^lKhU\een ^^Ujdrawn, as -pe- th^. U Sutos. Ilrcotirse law ^d by the acts ol congreM '.a;, in« and enlorcmg litie pT^e'ffhrU^t^d mates, -»';.»'}-j-"''^,,lrofT,' intentions; andin all the confidence, wh.ch the offica^ t' Uu r '" representative of his Brita.inic majesty, *'"'='^i="'*;*^ 'Vi^af L^^^ The act. and the authority for the act. were. ^°««;^,^. ^^' JJ^*, . Mi hv Great Britain ; atld an attempt was mndc, by the snctts. :Jr o^f Mr BfskJnl, through the ailof Insinuations, «^.Kjh wer^ ■ SgnantlyrepuWd, to justify the British rejectaon of t^^^^^^^^ tv of 1809 bv referring to the American rejection of »«« ^'^^^y S fJiTCet7ul of L es^ntial points of difterence tha Hj.; British government, on the f«f"»«^«''<'"'7; '^*'' ^j^c^, "f 'owl ly apprised by the Ammcan ^ioinitn* i^Uhtu *;:«" ''^"^^^^^^IVtode to acknowledge the rights of neutrals, he was autho"*«V«^°«: claJe thrt thf decrees%f Berlin and Milan were revoked, and • thS^afterthe 1st of November, 1810, they ^^'^'d, ^•"^^^ if/^l effect; it being understood, that in consequence ot that '^^I'ra^ tion, the English should revoke ^h"''/'^"" ;",^«Xd ^^cd nou^ce the new principles of blockade, which they had wnshcd to estabhsh ; or that the United States, ^^"fo^^^^ *« ^^Fn- of congress, should cause their rights to ^^J^X'-tlVr^lttY^ Iwsh "ft This declaration delivered by the official organ of t^e lovernmen t of France, and in the piesence, as it were, of the -lilT^iTcorrespondencebetwcen Mr.Bwkine theBr^^^^ nnij^ister^ snd the secretary of state on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of April, 18W9. ana loc President's 'proclam»t.i()n of the last date. » ,.*» ,„j Mr lack. f See the correspondence between the secreUry of sUte, and Mr. Jacr. «on, the Uritish minister. ^ _« .j„*.,i ♦»«. 5th of Ail. it See the duke de Cadcre's letter to Mr. Armstrong dated the 5th oi ab. CU8!« i8ia 36 Prioe3moyf.Tf\gn, vrnief tho highest tiithoritj, toeordia|;t9 mI) the ru1«-H of diplomatic inftrco'iruo ; and, oertunly, fur *uri)aR<4cdl fcny claim of crcdcin'«', whicli wo» nusiCHiicd by the British mi fiiatcr, residing at WasbinEton, whun the Hrrangcmi-nt of the year 1809, wa«uc>;eptedanu rxccatrdby the Aiiivrican ftovcrn- lacnt. The precident of the United titatat, therefor*?, owed to the coniii«t«iicy of his own character, and to the dictateit of « •incere impartiality, a prompt acceptance of the French over- ttire : and, accordingly, the authoritative promiN, that the fact •houlU exist At the Htipulated period, being again admitted at con- elusitc evidence of ita exintence, a proclamation waa issued on the Sd of November, 1810, announcing '-that the edicts of France had been so revoked, aa that they t>eased, on the bt day of the sanio month, to Violate the neutr:il commerce of the U States: and that all the restrictions imposed by the act of con- KiHs, should then cease and be diMontinued, in relation to anee and her dependenetes."ft That France, from this o- toch, refrainad from all atfgressiona on the high seas, or even in Bet- oWo ports, upoli the persons and the property of the citizens or the U. States, never was asserted ; but, on th» contrary, h*t violence and her spoliations have been unceasing causes of complaint. Those subsoquent injuries, eonatituting ai ffrt of the exiating reeUmationa of the United States, were, al- ways, however, disavowed by the French government ; whilst tike repeal of the Berlin and Milan decrees has, on every occa^ fion, bo«B ftfflrm«d , inaoiauch (h»( &reai Btitain hAraelr, Wil^ M iasr, compelled to yield to the evidence of the fact. On the expiration of three months from the date of the presi- dent's proclamation, the non-intercourse and non importation law was, of course, to be revived against Great Britain, unless, during that period, her orders in council should be revoked.—* The subject was, therefore, most anxiously and moat stnadily fvessed upon the justice and the magnanimity of the Brittsh go- 'vernment ; and even when the hope of success expired, by the lapse of the period prescribed in one act of congress, the United States opened the door of reconciliation by another act, which, in the year 1811, again provided, that incaae, at any time, " O. Britain should so revoke or modify her edicts, as that they shall cease to violate the neutral commerce of the United Sutes ; the president of the United should declare the fact by proclamation ; aitd that th«» restrictions, previously imposed, should, from the date of such proclamation, cease and be discontinued."* But, unhappily, every appeal to the justice and magnanimity of Great Britain was now^^as heretofore, fruitless and forlorn. She had, at this epoch, impressed from the crews of American merchant vessels, peaceably navigating the high seas, not less than six thousand mariners, who claimed to be ciMzens of the United States, and who were denied all opportunity to verify their claims. She had seized and confiscated the commercial proper^ ff. Sue the President's proclamition of the 2m\ of November, 1810. * See Ute act of congress, passed the 3iid of March, Ull . 39 ority, ftQcordiof; to •!) >ertunly, fur #ur|)a»«ti' J nod by tKe British mi le arrangpmcnt of llie the Aiiiurican jiovcrn- «•, tlierefore, owed to td to the dictates of a ;e of the French over- proDiiM, that the fuct again admitted aicon- amation was isaued on ig 'that the edicts of I'eaaed, on the lut day 1 1 coiumurce of the U Bsed by the act of con- itinued, in relation to Franee, from thii e- le high «ea«, or even in 1 the property of the isterted ; but, on th» tt have baea unceaiing injuriea. eonatituting & Jnited Statea, were, ml* eh govemmmt ; whilaC ees haa, on every occa> It Bviuin htneir, wi»^ e of the fact, n tha date of the proai- >e and non importation Great Britain, unlesa, I should be revoked. — ■sly and moat atnadily mity of the Britiah go- luccesa expired, by the if congreia, the United by another act, which, !aae, at any time, " O. licts, aa that they shall the United Statea ; the ) fact by proclamation ; jsed. should, from the discontinued."* But, magnanimity of Great tnd forlorn. She had, !>f American merchant »■, not less than sis iMzens of the United •tunity to verify their e commercial properjr of November, 1810. rch,mi. •f AtncrtcM citiien* to an hicaloulabl* Antount. She had anit* «d in the enormities of Prance, to dt-clarc a great proportion uf the terrtforoua globe in a atate of blockade ; ehasiug the Auie« rican merchant lUg efTectually from the ocean- She liad con- temptuuusly disregarded the neutrality of the America* territo* ry, and the jurisdiction of the American laws, within tlie. wa- ters and harbors of the United States. She was enjoying the •molivments of a surreptitious trade, ataiaed with every specie* of frsud iMi d eorruptiun, which gave to the belligerent {.eweri, the advantages of peace, while ttic neutral powers were involv- ed i» the evils of war. She had, in short, usurped and exerci.«< eJ va the wnt'T, a tyranny similar to that, which her great an- taguniAt had usurped and exercised upon the land. And, amidst allUicse proofs of ambition, and avarice, ahe demanded that the victims of her usurpations and her violence, should revere her •a the sole defender of the rights and libertiea of mankind. Wiiea, therefore, Great Britain, in manifest violation of her •olrinii proniisett, refuM'd to fviiow the example ot l-iai ce, bf the repeal of her orders in cuuni^l, the American guverniueiit was compelled to contemplate a r«sort to arms, as the oni> re- maining course to bp pursued, for its honor, its independence, and its safety. Whatever depended upon the United Statea themselves, the Unite'l States had performed for the preser- vation uf peace, in resistuneo of the French decrees, aH ^vcU as of the British orderi). What fiad been reqtii red from France in its relation to the ncutml character of the United Statet, France had performed, by the revocation of its Berlin and Mi- lan decrees. But whnt depended upon Great Britain for the purposes of jiisliue, in the repeal of her ovders in council, was withheld; and new evasions were sought, when the old were ex- hausted. It waft, at one time, allepicd, that satisfactory proof was not afforded, that France had rt>pcaled her decrees against the commerce of the United Statea ; as if such proof alone were wanting, to ensure the performance of the British promise f— At another time, it waa in8i)nger.'» ) national wrongs, ani "postpaned 4e6nitiva fie expectation that the the American minister would «peedily enable !, on the course due to of our country ;"• they laration of war, between I the 18th of June, \i\2. i which have been dis- e Prince Regent, by his khe United States a« the :laring war constitutes, lion, the United States roach ; but if the act of sidered as the result of e, the American govern- I of Heaven, and of the I, enslaved the subjects, commerce, insulted the nty of Great Britain-* ted States had sutYered, r t« the declaration of e British government.-*- ion of the imputed ag- riod for their declaratiom iggling for her own ex- led to overthrow the in* ;ht be more truly said, n choice, but upon com- ', (mtil the persecutions iv delay destructiveand tverte4 the commercial erity, into scenes of com* id brought the existence nt nation, intoquestion ; ent to the United States, ependent nation, by her I, or by her conduct when >r is it true, that the ex* ger, at the epoch of the jvernment uniformly en- t all times, saw morete !tary of state and Mr. Foster, Jun», 181 1 ; and the report of ic mesBage yrt» refened* ' 39 V A *«r tKa Unitod States, from her maritime powce; Apprehend for the iJmiea ^^"^ » ^.-niv. The event has •i from the tcrritorxal power o^o'-en^^ Utnt- •justified the opinion and the «PP'^^«";'^"^^^^ ^^d even as ban- id States asked, as essential !? .;^,'"' 7^^';^™ 'European war, G. eficial to the •^l"«^f,,»X.f Ke K antS Sut impairing BriUin, it is manifest, «'«!l*J*^''„8jTe splendor of her own the resources of her own «'V«"6th, or the spien sovereignty ; for her orders in «^'i«""' ''^.'^^^^^ ^o follow, in ,ot, it U true, as the P*[ <>';7"';« f I^^cIsKally rested the this respect, the examp eof F'*"';®; ^^Tt^e French decrees, advantage of her own people. ae-cribed the war as * The British eovernment has, also, oescrioeu vnc St the iart ?h?proof^^^^^ irresistible, that the enemy TulTd tv:;;'iiffe Jit course ^ a^d that e-ry pre^ut.oj. Luld be necessary, «P^^^^^^^^^ ,he ance between the ^T'*;^ S"°|' *J*, The military occupation "ri Wr SataftLeflT^^ indispensable to th. t^Se. whth L^been s^JU upon the Atlantic, wh^ for injuries wmon n moditieation of civihred warfare, Uring Upper Canada, havef however, been '^'»<^"<:«'^„Jy ^j^J,^"' S fcgociators at Ghent, as the proof, of a spirit of amb Uon and a-arandisement, on the part of their government In truth, Se prJdamat,onsw;re not only unautV.ovi.cd ""^ f-.PP-ved^ but were infractions of the positive instr.icUons JJ>?'^\*J^^ ^^^^"^ given, for the conduct of the war m Canada. J^^" ^^^f^J*, ral commanding t)ie north wcfelern avmy of ^l'^ "n ted htates ^ceTvTd onthf 2*thof June, 1«12. hi. first authority to com. ^•&'S«documetit»hid before congress, oatlieUJiofJuiie,! 49 m«ne« offensivs operttiimt, he wa» eapeciallj told, that ** He. mudt aatcounider himBelf authorised to pledge the government Co the iobabttants of Canada, further than assurances of pro- tection ID their peraons, property and rights." And on the ensu- ing I St of August, it was emphatically declared to htm, " that it bad baeome necessary, that be should not lose sight of the in- ■tructions of the Sith of June, as any pledge beyond that was inco.npatible w/tb the views of the government." • Such wae the nature of the charge of American ambition and aggr&n* diX'Jiaent, and suoh the evidence to aopport it. The prince regent, has however, endeavored to add to tb««M unfounded accusations, a stigma, at which the pride of the A> mei'ican government revolts Listening to the fabricatione of British eaiittsaries ; gathering scandals from the abuses of a free press ; and misled, perhaps, by the taperities of a p&rty spirit, common to all free government ; he aifects to trace the origin of the war to " a marked partiality, in palliating and assisting the aggressive tyranny of Prance ; and *' to the prevalence of •uch councils, as associated tlie United States, in policy with the government of that natio[i."f The conduct of the Americaa government is now open to every scrutiny j and its vindication IS iaseparabla from a knowledge of the facta. All the world must be sensible, indeed, that neither in the general policy of tite late ruler of Prance, nor in his particular treatment of the U-ii^^ed 8tatcj>r the sympathies and associations, overt or clandes- tine, which have been rudely and unfairly suggested. It is e> qiia.lly obvious, that nothing short of the aggressive tyranny, ex- ercised by Great Britain towards the United States, cculd have V>ant(>.racted and controlled, those tendencies to peace and ami- ty, which derived tieir impulse, from natural and social causes ; eombining the aifcct ions and interests of the two nations. The American government, fuithful to that principle of public law, which acknowledges the authority of all governments establish- ed de facto ; and conformding its practice, in this respect, to the example of Burope ; has never contested the validity of the go- vernments successively established m Prance ; nor refrained from that intercourse vvith either ef them, which the just in- terests of the United Slates required. But the British cabinet is challenged to produce, from the recesses of its secret, or of its public archives, a single instance of unworthy concessions, or of political al iance and combination, throughout the intercourse of the United States, with the revolutionary rulers of Prance. Was it ti.e inftnpnce of French councils, that indnced the Ame- can government to resi.st the pretensions of Prance, in 1793. and to encounter her hostilities ia 1798? that led to the ratification of the British treaty in 1795; to the British negociation in 1805, and to the convention with the British minister in 1809 ? • See the letter from the Secretary of the war department, t« Wf- 9^'» Boll, dated the 24th of Jun» and the 1st of August, 1812. t See the Bntiib declaration to tbc l«th ^iumij, tll3. 41 pecially toW, that ** he. pledge the government than assHrances of pro- ights." And on the ensu- declared to him, " that d not lose Bight of the in- pledge beyond that wat rernment."* Such wat ,n ambitioD and aggran- ipport it. deavored to add to th«M« hich the pride of the A« ig to the fabrication* of n-om the abusea of a free teritiea of a p&rty spirit, [Fccts to trace the origin palliating and assisting d " to the prevalence of ed States, in policy with conduct of the American :tiny ; and its vindication le facta. All the world in the general policy of ■ticalar treatment of the >olitical, or rational foun- iations, overt or clandes* irly suggested. It is e> le aggressive tyranny, ex- Jnited States, cculd have lencies to peace and ami- aiural and social causes ; of the two nations. The i principle of public law, It governments establish- tice, in this respect, to the ed the validity of the go- n France ; nor refrained lem, which the just in- But the British cabinet esses of its secret, or of its iworthy concessions, or of oughout the intercourse ion ary rulers of France. Is, that indnced the Ame- iis of France, in 1 793. and hat led to the ratification Britifth negociation in British minister in 1809 f WOT department, to Mf- 1*** ugust, 1812. that dictated the impartial overtures, which w m made to O Britain, as well as to l-'raiice, during the wliole pei iod ol the restrictive 'System i' that {produced tlie determiuatiun tu avoid making any Ireuty, even a treaty of coaimercc, with i'raiica, until the outrage of the ilam »ouillet decree was repaired fj that sanctioned the rcijeatcd and urgent eti'uits of the American go- vernment, to put an end to the war, almost us scon as it wa* declared i* or that, linalJ.v, prompted the explicit coiumunica- tion, whi>:h, in pursuance of intttructions, was made by the A- merican minist. r, at St. Petersbuigh, to the court of Russ a, staling. " that the principal subjects of discussion, which ha* long been subsisting between the United States and i'Vaiice, remained unsettled; that there was no immediate prospect, tiiat there would be a satisfactory settlement of them ; but that, wliAlever the event, in tliat respect, might be, it was not the in- tention of the government of the United States, to enter into any more intimate connexions with France ; that the govern- ment of the United fitates did not anticipate any event whatev- er, tliiitconld produce tliat effect; and that the American inin- istcpwas the more happy to find himself aathorized by his go- vernment to avow this intention, as different representations of their views had been widely circulated, as well in Europe, as in America."|| But, while every act of the American go\ernnient thuc falsifies the charge of a subserviency to the policy of France, it maybe justly remarked, that of ail the governments, maintaining a necessary relation and intercourse with that na- tion, from the commcncemetit. to the recent termination, of the revolutionary establishments, it has hap]>ened, that the goverfi- ment of the United Slates, lias least exhibited m^fks of conde- scension and (v-TicPssion to the successive rulers. It^s for Great Britain, more pir.icularly, as an accuser, to examine and explain the consistf.ncv of the reproaches, which she has uttered against the United Slates, with the course of her own conrluct ; with her repeated iif^ociations. during the republican, as well as dur- ing the iin[> ri .1 sway of France ; with her solicitude to make an 1 to propose tieaties ; with her interchange of eomnieicial bi'nefits.so irreconeihihie to a state of war; with the almost tri- unip'iant •^n'ry ofn Fr^-'neh ambassador into her capital, amidst the if:i'i:umiioii!i of the populace; and with the prosecution, in- stiUitRii. by the ordrrs of the king of Great Biitain himself, in the highest court of criminal jurisdiction in his kingdom, to piinirli till' printer of a aazetfe, for pubtishinga libel on the cmdiii^t and chnractcr of Hie late ruler of France! Whatever nii.v be tic source ofthese symptoms, liowever they may indi- C3 «a subs rvient policy, HUf'h oymptoms have never occurred in the United States, throughout th^ imperial government of France ^ . .:' . • Si/e li.p instrnrtions from ihe ■'•rn taryof state to the American minister aiRu'l.sdu-ctl l!,e2ftli M.-i 18; Sec \li .Muniui's Ittie, ic Mr. Adams, dated the 1st of Ju'v 1812 ; mA Mr, AJan b\ letiter to Mr. -Mui roe diited »h« llth Iktiinbtr, i8i2. C'i it The conduct of t!ic United States, from the moment of de- cliii-ing the war, will serve, a» well ab their previous eoiiduin, to rescue them from the unjust reproafhes of Great Britain. When war was declared, the orderA in council had been main- tained, with inexorable houtiliiy, until a thousand American vessels with their cargoes had been seized and confiscated, un- der their operation ; the British minitttcr at Washing' on had, with peculiar solemnity, announced thHt the orders would not be repealed, but upon conditions, which the American govern- ment had not the right, nor the power, to fulfil ; and the Eu- ropean war, which had raged, with little iiiiermission for twen- ty years, threatened an indefinite continuance. Under these circumstances, a repeal of the orders, and a cessation of the in- juries, wliich they produced, were events beyond all rational an- ticipation, it appears, hrtjwevtr, that the orders under the in- fluence of a parliamentary inquiry into their eflFects upon thcs trade and manufactures of Great Britain, were provisionally re- pealed on the 23d of June, ISlsJ, a few days subsequent to thu American declaration of war. If this repeal had been mad.j known to the United Stales, before their resort to arms, tho repeal would have anreated it ; and that cause of war being re- moved, the other essential causi. the practice of impressment, would have been the subject of renewed negociation, under the auspicious influence of a partial, yet important act of reconcilia- tion. But the declaration of war, having announced the practice of impressment, as a principal cause, peace could only be the re- sult of an express abandonment of the practice of a suspension of ithe practice, for the purposes of negociation ; or of a cessa- tion of actual sufferance, in consequence of a pacification in Eu« iope. which would deprive Great Britain of every motive for continuing (be practice. Henee when early intimations, were given, from Halifax and from Canada, of a disposition, on the part of the local authori- ties to enter into an armistice, the power of those authoritiea was so doubtful, the objects of the armistice were so limited, and the immediate advantages of the measure were so entirely on fjie side of the enemy, that the American government could not, consistently with its duty, embrace the proposition.* But aome hope of an amicable adjustment waj inspired, when a com- munication was received from admiral Warren, in September, 1812, stating that he was commanded by his government, to propose on t^ e ons hand *' that the government of the United Stales should instakxtly recal their letters of marque and repri- HftL against British ships, together with all orders and instruc- tions for any acts 'jf hostility, whatever against the territories ♦ So tlictetUrsofthe ilepartmeiit of state, to Mr. Riisstll, tlatfil tlie 9th and lUlh of Aii^'iist, )81t, and Mr. Grali.ini's memoraTiflum of a conveisa- -ion with Mr. Maker, the ni-ilish si cret.ii y of U'Rution, i nclosed in tlic li.«.t :,:Uer. i'le ^bo Mr. Munjoe'-s lellcr tf» Mr. Bvisi,eH, tViV-d '.\k '^ht of .V.-. )iV!t, ISi;'. •1 tt »r b g h tl ii w a tl tl 1 8i ti b tl » ti s .1' V H c i a r 43 n the moment of de- ir previous coiidui't, t» s of Great Oritain. >uncil had been inniu- thousand American id and confiscated, un- ' at VVa!3 r resort to arms, tho cause ofwar being re- ictice of impressment, negociation, under the ortant actof reconcilia- announccd the practice icecQuld only be the rc- ractiee cf a suspension ociation ; or of a ccssa- '. of a pacification in Eu« ,n of every motive fo? iven, from Halifax and irt of the local authori- ver of those authovitiea tice weresoiimited, and ire were so entirely on ican government could tlie proposition.* But a inspired, when a com- Warren, in September, I by his government, to vcrnment of the United IB of marque and repri- I all orders and instruct p against the territories to Mr. Riisstll, tlatf il ihe 9th memoranflum ot a convei'sa« U'Kution, unclosed in tlie \i,< ist,eH, tViVil'.he'';ist of .v.; ■iti.l •Hiis mainsty, or the persons or property of his Bubjects f and to promise on the otlier hand, if the American governmnt ac- ciuiesccdinthe preceeding proposition, that mstructions should be issued to the British squadrons to discontinue hosUhties a- eainst the United States and their citizens. This ovrrlurc, however, was subject to a further qualification, " that should the American government accede to tlie proposal for terminal, injr hostilities, llie British Admiral was authorised to arrange witii the American government, as to the revocation of the laws which interdict the commerce and ships of war of Great Brit- ain from the harbours and waters of the Unitad Staffs; but that in default of such revocation within the reasonable perioa to be agreed upon, the orders in council would be revived.' f— The American government, at once, at once expressed a dispo- sition to embrace the general proposition for a cessation of hoe- tilities.with a view to negociution ; declared that no peace could be durable, unless the essential object of impressment was ad- justed ; and offered, as the basis of the adjustment, to prohibit the employment of British subjects in the naval or commercial acrviic of the United States ; but adhering to its determina- tion of obtaining a relief from actual sufFrance, the suspension of tho p. actice of impressment pending tho proposed armibtice^ was deemed a necessary consequence; for, "it could not be pre- sumed, while the parties were engaged in a negociation to ad- just amicably this important difTcrence. that the United States would admit the right, or acquiesce in the practice, of the oppo- aite party ; or that Great Britain would be unwilling restrain her cruizer-ifrom a practice which would have the stronj^c'^t effect tv> defeat the negociation.'"^ So ju^t, so reasonable, so indifipensible, aprelimmarv, without which the citizens of the United Statea, navigating the high seas, would not be placed, by the armistice, on an equal footing with the siibjf cts of Great Britain, admiral Warnn was not authorized to accept; and the eiFortatunam:ca>- ble adjustment, through that channel, was necessarily abortive. But long befora the overture of the British admiraJ was made (a fftw days, indeed, after the declaration of war,) tha reluc- tance with which the United States had resorted to aims, wag nL^nifested by the stepi taktsn to arrest the progress of hostili- tiei, and to hasten a restoration of peace On the ii6th of June 1813, the American Charlie d'affairs at London, was instructed to m-ike the proposal of an armistice to the British govern* Tnrnt, which might lead to an adjiistmeiit of all diiTereiiees on th'' single condition, in the evrntofthe orders in council' being rep aled, that instructions slumld be issned, susjiending tho practice of impresement during the arnjislice. Ti)is proposal w IS soon folio'ved by .mot'ier, admitting, instead of positive in- i»ti'uctions, an informal understanding between the two govcrnr ■j- S.-C the letter ofalmiral Warroii, to the scrjetary of state, dated at Hal. if xtlu ■.>'lhor,Scp'-. l»\2, ^ Sci' If leUer of Mr. .MtuiTOP, to admiral Warren, dated the27iji i>f atober,ia3. 44 mcnts on th« 8uhjeet.ll Bkit both of these proposalt were un* hapily rejected.} And when a third, which 8eenj«d to k-avo no plea for hesitation, as it required no other pfiieminary,. than that the American minister at London, should find in the British government, a sincere disposition to accommodate the difference, relative to impressment, on fair conditions, '.vas eva- ded, it was obvious, that neitlier a desire of peace, nor a spirit of conciliation, influenced the councils of Cireat Britain. Under these circumstances the Americian government had no choice but to invigorate the war ; and ^let it. iius never lust siglit of the object of all just wars, a just peace. Tlie Emperor of Rus- sia having offered his mediation to accomplish that object, it was instantly and cordially accepted by the American govern- ment ;•[ but it was peremptor,ly rejected by the British Gov- ernment. The Emperor, in his benevolence, repeated his in- vitation ; the British government again rejected it. At last, however, Great Britain, sensible of the reproach, to which suci* conduct would expose her throughout Europe, offered to the American government, a direct negociation for peace, and thu offer was promptly embraced ; with perfect confidence that tho British government would be equally prompt in giving effect ♦...> its own propo.sal. But such was not Ine design or course of the British government. The American envoys were immediately appointed, and arrived at Gottenburg, the destined scene of ne- gociation, on the llth of April, lbl4, as soon as the season ad- Hiitted. The British government, though regularly informed, that no time would be lost on the part of the United State.^, suspended the appointment of its envoys, until the actual arri- val of the American envoys should be formally communicated. This pretension, however novel and inauspicious, was not per- mitted to obstruct the path to peace. The British government next proposed to transfer the negociation from Gotlenburgh to Ghent. .This change, also, notwithstanding the necessary de- Ifiy, was allowed. The American envoys- arriving at Ghent, on the 2lth of June, remained in a mortifying state of suspense and expectation for the arrival of the British envoys, until the 6th of August. And from the period of opening the negocia- tions. to the date of the last dispatch of the 31st of October, it has been seen that the whole of the diplomatic skill of the Brit- ish government, has consisted in consuming time, without ap- proaching any conclusion. The pacification of Paris had sud- denly and unexpectedly placed at the disposal of the British go- vernment B great naval and military force ; the pride and pas- sions of tlie nation were artfully excited against the Unitc4t States ; and a war of desperate and barbarous character w la 1 See ilie letters from the secretary of state to Mr. Rus«el, dated the 26th 0fJ'inc.ivd2rilivfJiilv,18»2. ., .. ,^ , , §sce the coirtsi.oinlence hot ween Mr. Hussell, .and lord C.isilereafil', dated Auivust m-A Kept, mbef, l812,aiKl Mr. Uusseil's letters to tlie secrtU- fvnf slate, (Idled Sept. Ibt 2. , .. « v» <»• i •1 See the correspvn IcMct letwecn Mr. Momoe and Mr. DascttctJ, in JMwcb, 181J- \ proposals were un* Inch soeii)«d to k-avo ) other pHieminary,. )n, should find in the to accommodate the r ccnditioii8, '.vas eva- peace, nor a spirit of at Britain. n government had no it liuB never lust sight The Euiporor of Rus- iipli»h that object, it he American govern- by the British Gov- ince, repeated his in- rejeoted it. At last, proach, to which sucit uropc, offered to the on for peace, and th« ct confidence that tho npt in giving eliectt-^ lesign or course of the oys were immediately ; destined scene of ne- sooTi as the season ad< li regularly informid^ if the United State?, until the actual arri* i-mally communicated. uspicious, was not per- le British government from Gotlenburgh to ding the necessary de- y-i arriving at Ghent, tying state of suspense itish envoys, until tlie r opening the negocia- ;he 31st of October, it matic skill of the Brit- ling time, without ap- tion of Paris had sud- iposal of the British go- ce ; the pride and pag- ed aga'Pit the Unitc4l rbarous character wisi Mr. Russel, dated the 26th )ell, and lord CasikTeafib, iseil's letters to tlie secrttu- roe and Mr. DaschkcH', in 4& ptianneif, at the very moment that the American governnifnt, finding its maritime citizens relieved, by the course jcct, which might otherwise have been indispensible precau-^ tions. Hitherto the American government has shewn the juslicc of its cause ; its resjjccl for the rights of other nations ; and its inherent love of peace. But the scenci* of war will also exhibita striking contrast, between the conduct of the United States, and the conduct of Great Britain. The same jneiduoiis policy wiiich taught the prince regent to describe the A rani- can governmont as the aggressor m the war, has inuucetl the British govei lunent (clouding the daylight, truth, ol the trans- action) to call the attrocities of the British fleets and armies, » retaliation upon the example of the American troopo in €an4« da. The United States tender a solemn nppcal to the civilized world, against the fabrication of such u chaige ; and they vouch, in support of tlieir appeal, the known morals, hnbitsai.J pursuits of their people; the character of their civil anti puhti- eal institutions ; and the whole career of their navy and th.ir army, as humane, as it is brave. Upon what pretest did ,l.e British admiral, on the I8th of August, lbl4, announee his de- termination, "to destroy and lay waste such towns and disiiicts upon the coast as might be found assailable ?'* It was the pretext of a request from the governor general of the Canodiii?, for aid to carry into effect measures of retaliation; viiilt in fact, the barbarous nature of the war had been deliberattiv stt- led and prescribed by the British cabinet. What could 'hava been the foundation of such a request? The outrages and i. reg- ularities which too often occur during a stale of national l.obtH- ities, in violation of the laws of civilized warfare, are always to be lamented, diKavowcdand repaired, ].y a just and honourable ^ov«rnmf?nt; but if disavowal be made, and if reparation L of- tered, there is no foundation for retaliatory violence. '• What- ever unauthorised irregularity may have been committed bv a- ny of the troops of the United States, the Ameiican govt-.n- inent has been ready, upon principles of sacred and ctenidl ob- ligation, to disavow, and as far as it might be pract cable, to re- Sair.';t In every known inat^ince (and'they arefi w) the oiler,- era have been suhjecttd to the regular investigation of a n.il- Uary tribunal ; and an officer, commanding a party of sfragleri; who were guilty of unworthy excesses, was in,medi?tely di/. missed v/ithout the form of a tdal. for !iot preventing those cx- i-esses^ The destruction oftf.e village of Newark, adjacent Lo I'ort Gf>i rge. on the 10th of December, IS I 3, was Ions subse- quent to the pillage and corillagritioncomi.iittod on the shores ♦ SreadiniralCociirme'skUfrto Afr M,;nr,r, date.Uhe 13ih of August ibll ; ami .Mr. Alrmrot'.s answer of tiie 6th September, 18(4. t See the letter from tlie serrc'.-»r\ '. (' vur t < '.; ■^ad;. r B^f-c-al vf'l nrp dated 4lhofOc'..>bei-. 1913. ' " ^" •« *-«'«•# 46 of the Ch*«apc»ke, t>iroughout the summpr of t^«'^"J* >??';.. *nd miKht fairly have been uUeged as a rotahnt.on for those . Sutrrze* ; but, in fact, it wxs justified by the American com. mandfr!who ordered it, on the V«nd, that it became neceH.a- Ty tothemiHtary operations at that P'»f '* V'"'»-"VVATh o'f Sn%overnm«nt; as soon a. it heard of the act on iU 6th of January. 1814, instructed the general coininandmg tnc no.ll eJn army ' to .ii. ivow the conduct of the officer vho commit- ::jit. 3 to transmit to governor Prcvo-t a eopy «* *^;^^;;. Unde; colour of wVich that officer ^ad «cted^}' f^^^Vr^^^^^^ al was accopdin}£ly communicated ; and on he ICHh of febiun. ry 18H Gov Prevost answered, " that it had been with great lat^ia cUon h; l,ad received the assurance 1 hut the P«-Ft';J'«" of the burninc the town of Newark, was both unauthoriHcd by Jhc Ani"S«overnme»t, and abhorrent to every American Seling that if any outrage, had ensued the wanton and unju* ,- fiab J^de^truction^of New^ark, pru«ing the bounds of just reta .- .tlon thev were to be attributed, to the influence of irritnted Is";ns L t^.e%art unfor'tunate sufTerers by tha» .v^;^* Eh in a"stat/of active warfare, it l^^^-J^^^^r'af J^ ^'^e- gctherto restrain; and that >^ ^=^» '« ^''V^^^^frthit ^f the Sh lOMtion of his majesty's government, as it ^as to that ot the gc^Cent of -he uiite'd sfates. the s«.aary of «ur, dated D.c. 10 and 13. ''JLtVe letter Won, the .cceUry atwarto m jor ^neral Wilkinson. J>'.-a tl.( 26',h of January ISU. . . ^ -^ fjeoi-p-e Pievost, dated % Sro the letter of iti:,io- g.nerAl ^^''^'^J-'^V "4, gImcc Vrcvost, tm tfce ttw; 2f«^t, -.f ,I;m.mvv, 1814, and the answer of Sir Oeafge i r,;r , , v IQtlk of Febrviary, 1814^ • •' ecm] the ; copy as tu pytc the j pirt of til Can: prim (id aj k-.omi the ( ofth iievfi ly di ami! Amc that may ry o the < rang neill It warf Stat men' ing I Msag mors a sh( tions bIoo( iarie inies unfo niei( ploit privE coast the I have j»red tioii of F.-l fcer, J net of the f !nne year I fptahntion fo^tl^os^ ;. ly the American com- htX it became neceiiBa- cc 4 while the Ameri* the act, on t^ a 6th of )inmanding tiic noitli- le officer vho commit- rtt, a copy of the order, cted."il This disavow r>n the ICHli of Februn- it had been with great •e, that the perpetration , both unauthorised by >nt to every American the wanton and onjustt- e bounds of just retali- e influence of irritated sufTci-ers by that *vci^t i not been possible alto- little congenial to the as it was to that of the •ateiy to adopt any plan devastation of private American government committed by its officer ; the province of redrew A few days after the jdian troops crossed the 6*d and »iezed fort Nia- ; they bui-Bt the villi gcs BufYalo and Black Rock ; I inhabitants; until, ia ofithe Niagara frontier, iddispersirg, beyond the vintpr, the male and the (.orge Prevost, h'mself in, and the havoc, which nation of the 12th of Jan ^ that for the homing of ent had occurred, and a ,laie;" and "that it was ystem of warfare, 80 re- la congenial to the Biit- tres of the enemy should ,fwar, dated Die. 10 and 13, to m jor general -Wilkinsnii, n to • ir r.eovf^e Pi*vo»t, dated )f Sir George I'rcvost, vn the 47 ecmpelhifii again t» resort to it."* Nay, w'.th his nnnvcr tc the AtniM-icaii g'-ncril, ulre:idy mentioned, h>; tran*>iniited " & copy of that proclaiiiation, as expressive of tiie deterniin^tion, as tu his future line of conduct;" andaddod, "that he was hup- py to learn, t!>at Uiere was no probiiily. titat any mea?uM;ti on the part of the American government would oblige him to de- part from it."f Where tlien shall we search for the foundation of the call upon the British admiral, to aid t!ic govei-nor uf Canada in in-jaiures of retaliation? Great Britain forjjot the principles of retaliation, when her orders in council were isgii s •a shock to the very elements of humanity. All belligerent na- tions can form alliances with the savage, the African and the blood hound; but what civilized nation has selected these auxil- iaries, in its hostilities ? It does not require the fleets and ar mies of Great Britain to lay waste an open country ; to biiin unfortified towns, or unprotected viliag'-s ; nor to plunder the nieichant, the farmer and tiie planter of his stores— these ex- ploits may easily be achieved by a single cruizcr. or a petty privateer; but when have such e.iplr.iis been performed en tho coasts of the continent of Europe, "or of the British Islands by the naval and military force of any belligerent power; or when have they been tolerated by anv honourable govrrnment. as the. predatory enterpi-isc of armed individunls ? Nor, is the destruc- tion of the public edifices, which adorn the metropolis of a • -ic: Sir fJeorgc Prevo.st'.) proclamation, d.leil .it q,itbec, on tiie 12tli of t »;■<• tin- I -tfAji- of .Sir Opo-tc Prtvmr. '.-. ffon. Wilkinsor, f1,-,t:;<1 the 10th ot l'..„r,i!n-y, 161* i :in(l the British ger.c.al oraerj, oi ;he iOJ of Khruurv. ber^4*''' ^''^'''■"^''' '•""'"' a-l^: '1 ^ocliranc. .hn.>j O-u tJ-hof S.ptetn, 4i 'jrfunti-y, atid serve to comm"rnoratp the triftf *>id science of the age, beyond tins .sphciv of Million of tlu". vilest inceiidittr>, as weH ad tlie 1110*1 trill. i»i>ljuil conqueror. It i-auiiot befoi-ttotlen, in- died, that in Uic toiir«e of ten years past, the cupitaTs of Iho priticipal poweiB of Lurope have been conquered, and occupied alteiiiatoly, \ty llie vicloi'iotis armie* of each other ,* and yet there has been no in.stiuicc of a co«ilaj!;ration of the palaces, the teiiijilcs or liu« Italic of justice. No ; su«h oxaniples have pro- ceeded from («r.«„it liritain alone ; a nation so elevated in il8 pride; so awful in it* power ; and so affected iii.il» tenderneats for the liberties of mankind! The charge is severe, but let the fails be adduci'd. I. Great Britain has violated the principles of social law, by ineiduous uttenipts, to excite the citiiieiis of the United States into acts of contumacy, treason and revolt, against theif gov- ernment For iiibtanee : iSo sooner had the American government imposed the re- strictive system upon its citizens, to escape from the rage and depredations of the belligerent powers, than the British go- vernment then pruftvHsing amity towards the United States, is- sued an order, winch was in cflect, an invitation to the Aniori- can citizens to break the lawi of their country, under a public promiHC of British protectiou and patronage, "to all vessels, which should engage in an Illicit trade, without bearing the customa- ry ship's documents and papor»."+ Acaiii : During a period of peace, between the U. States and G -eat Britain, in the year 1»0», the governor general of the Uanadas employed an aj;ent(who had previously been en- gaged in a si Hilar service wit'.i the knowledge and approbation ofUie British cabinet) "on a secret and confidential mission,*' into the United Stales declaring, " that there was no doubt, that his able execution of such a mission, would give him a claim, not wniy on the governor general, but on his majesty 9 ministers." Tlie object of tho mission, was to aseerlian, wheth- er there existed a disposition in any portion of the citizens, "to brinJ about a separation of the Eastern States from the gene- ral union ; and how far in such an event, they would lock up to England for assistance, or be disposed to enter into a connex- ion with her.' The agent was instructed to insinuate, that if any of the citir.ens Hhould wish to enter into a commonication wilh the British government, through the governor general, he was autb wiscdto ivceive such communication; and that he would safely transmit it to the govenror general."? He was accred itedby a formal instrument, under the seal and signature of tl.a Kovcmor general to be produced, " if he sa« good ground for exiKscting, that the doing so might lead to a more eonlidcnlial • See"Mr Muiiroe's letter twadiniralCocbvanc, dated the 6lh of Stplcn.- 't See the instnictlors to the c< nmamlers of BritiiiU ships of war and Brivurieis, dalcd ih- 1 llh of April. t»(/8. ♦ Seethe let' er from M:-. Itvl.iml, t! c s..-c-rli.ry of the gOV-.-iior gene-a!, to Mr. Henry, diited the 260* of JauUiiTJi ^^■>- eott fun ron Uni ed 1 6d •00 Bui ^ hoi an(4 nir. •m mil M-ei #.>r ipo« -the the dcr der wh Th -pat tho Mt eve «1oi liir yrt bei exc tiei ed ms am ier wit till ed vei hit of tfti-tf »Jirt science of the itest inceiidiur^, a!« wcH L^amiut be foiKottf II, in- it, the cupitaTs of iho iinquered, and occupied eacii other ,« and ^et ation of the palaces, the \ch oxaniplci» liave pro- ion flo elevated in il6 iVectud inLiU tendernesfi ^c ta ficvere, but let the iciples of social law, by i>8 of the United States ;volt, against theii* gov- nment imposed the re- c;ipe from the rage and •s, than the British go- ds the United States, id' nvitation to the AniOii- ■ountry, under a public [ige, "to all vesseU which ut bearing the custoni&- between the U. States he governor general of had previously been en- wledge and approbation jd confidential mission,^ at there xvas no doubt, ssion, would give him a •al, but on his majftsty'a was to asc.erlian, wheth- )rtion of the citizens, "to n States iVoni the gene- ent, thf.y would lock up d to cut».v into a connex- cted to insinuate, that if r into a cominonication the governor general, he icati( n; and that he ^»ould eral.'J He was accred seal and signature of tLa ' he sa« good ground for id to a more conl'iilcnlial anc, dated the 6lh of St ptciv.- of British ships of war and rtiiry of the govimor gene-aJ, eolrtftiMiiication, than lit' conld otlr.rwi«e l>u>kfor ;' ind he>»Ki» funiiHheJ witii a --yiilar " ior cirryin;? on the sffirct corre.^. roiKlince'ii Tht viit'ie and patriolism of ih'' citi/.nH ut the lTiiit.'d ^liU'f wtire superior to the arts a I'l rov uptWin eiip'fy- ed in this setTet end eor-fttJentifcl'Tnifsicii. if it ('\erw » <' clog- ed to any ct tliem ; and rhe ni «si<.ii itneU" term nai-^d h« «ooB as the arrany;finnit nith M>: I'-iskine woy nnnounecd/, — But, in the art ofreoalling theBW.n^t emiB^ary. he was inforin- ^ "that the whole of Ids left'TS were trin'^i rlhing to h" gont kome, where they could not fail of doiTig him preat credit, and it wss hoped they might eventually contvilmto ro his ptr- mnnent adviuitage."** To endeavor to rrnlire that liopo, the cmiss&ry proceeded to 1 ondon ; all the cirtoijistanres of Mh misfion were made known to t:h«» British minister; his serviccji Wcfe approved and acknowledged ; and he was sent to Conair» #or • reward ; with a'reccmmcndatury letter from lord liiver- ipofll to air Gaorge Prevost, "stating his lordship's opinion of -the abilHy «nd judgnetit which Mr. Henry had manifested on the occasions mentioned in bib memorial, (his secret and conli- duntial missions) aad of the henetit the public service might derive Trtfm his active PmT>loyment. in any public situation in which Sir George Priivost miglit think proper to place him.'''tf The world will judge upon these facta, Bnr th« protluetion of the paptrs relating to thorn, what credit is due to the print e regent's assertion, " that Mr. Henry's mission was undertaken williout the authority of even knowledge of his majest3r's gnverr.inen>." The first mi s- «1on was certainly known to the British gcvernment, at the time it occurred ; for the veeretary of the governor genera) cx- Erebbly states, "tliat the inform'atinn and political ebservnlione eretofore veceived frcm Mv. Henry, were transmittcid by his excidlcncy to the setrretary of ntite, who had exprrsfed his par- ticular approhntion of thein ;"• the seecnd mission x^as appiov- •d when it was known; afid :l remains for the British govern- ment to explain, npon any established principles of mwl-alify and justice the essential difference between ordering the of- fensive acts t« be idonc ; and reaping the fruit f those acts, wUhiint either expressly fr, ttyki.d's Ipf-er, dated ih«- idlh of .?ii;ie, 3809. 4| See UiK letter fmni lord Liverpool to sir Gt oiuc ^ttvoit, dated tbe ■ |6ih of .September. 18» 1 . • ahof Jknu«ry,,180» t« t>>clr injnre.l country ; anrl ihn rffort*. at ftn.becand lTnMf« tokimllo the flame of civil uar, hav»^ been a- ince.^n :.« hey have been in«diou« and abortive. Nay lb. governor ol "^l' ' •^'•^ « «i*h manna chartu, in favor of foreign merchant* found within he BrS Sominion., upon the breaking out of bo.til.ie; re- .ofved that cvcrv Am.rioan merchant within h.H jur.i.au ;t.u» Iri^e declaration'of war, should, at once, bo treated u^a pn«on- !.of wa'- hev«iUHe.>,vcrj citizen of the Dnifd Stutr. wh.wi- rilled Tn the mihtia; hecau.e the militia of the U. Btuiet x^ene le uirJd to s" vc thVi r country beyond the linit. of the .t. te U, J? S the V particularly belonged ; and because the mi U.a of " att Th «tatcs Aich bad accede.] to thi«mea.ure ^ve.e, in the v.ew If sir George Bcckviith, acting as a French con^criptu ii. f ILain Nor was this course of.cm«Jucl cenf.ne«f to the cola «iolfuthorWc9. On the 26th of OcU.ber. \h\'2, the British ^o- Ilrnment sued ^n order in cooncil authorising the ^ivernors I thTBi h West India i.U«dB to grant licenses to Ameman SLlefs for the importation ai.d exportation of certain articles paniedthe «"^^«'' '* ^^J* J^ t^'bemadc from the V States of „« sSd Vor lB,p.,rl«i.». f.-«n> the «h.r P»'" •» <^ I'""- other.' II . , , i„^„j »v_ lawn of humanity and ho«« comm t hostilities ajK-n the f'-''^'^^ ° 'J; \^^^^^ ^ has .on-c- notorious to adnut of ^^''-^^^.^^^J^.f ^^et .^as unauthorised tlmee, however, been «'^>«1- ^'^jj f '^^'^ 1 . ,ee regent, seizing the S^^iifi^^t K";;;;;::iti;n^s^ . be|,ve„ o^u.ep.. "^;re..en...aUe..e^per i.uca by ,ove..or Bec.w.tb. . »«. badges. ..n U,e 1 J-b "^ .^.''l^^-'lj:'' '" .fnor of Hcnnuda, dated the 14th of ,.:„f:.: rs,rSur inL-irci^i ti.n. u. i3.-.i^. .-..t., ». io.^8. •"'^eeS";li^::;'i^"^"e preside, to con.re.,. d.t«l the .4th «f FA- ruav)» l*>l.^. at i-cauite lh« militia of " all RHiri' were, in the view •nch conscription.'"! ucl cciifmedi to tlic cola er. \hV2, the Briliuh {r» itliorising tlic jiovrriiorB iinl licensee to American at ion of certain articleB iBtruciions whw-'h aecom- •oxided, tiiat "wtintever Ic from the V States of to the jxntB in the casV I reason to suppose, that ulfilled, if litcnses were olbei- portB in the Untt^ has not hesitated U> plate a just indigMtion, "the d to tlie world ; iutrodui^ jni equally distinguished he depravity of its char* iHHolve the ties of allegi- he adversary nation ; aiid parts, ti.e one from the WH of humanity and hon* ition of the war, with b»- le. Iin'ians at all times to f the ITuiteci States, is* too iieral denial It has son.e- L'onduct was unauthorised prince regent, seieing the ^od to he given on tlie part jy goveiiior Beckwiil), at »ar- • nciinuda, dated the 1 4th of lie Bi-iUsJi !.cCJi;U.rj o» toit»ft» on4!m5>t«lthc24thnfFA< $1 of sirJam.'i ( ruij;. governor of the Cnnii;ainot the I'nit- ed Stnti's was void of t'oun'littion ; tljat before tie wiir began, » policy tlie most opiio-ile liid been nnil. rinly iuh-simI ; ard that proof of i III-* vvastrndei-edby Mr. I'n.'jlcr to the Aineii'Mii govern- in. lit. "'^ D.it in it not known in Kuf jh; ru «('U as In Anienen, thil tlie lli'itish iVoi'th '.v.'st C^oinpuiy maintain a eorisl'inl inter. cive pioli-.blalionH of lln! l{^iti^h mitiistcp »c«!iling at Wa9liin;j;,ljii, frankly eommumculcd the eviden( e if British H^en-y. whieh had betu received at difiVrfnt period* ■ioce the, yatLV lb07; and observed, "tliot whatever may huve been the disposition of the British government, the cunouct of its subordinate o^entH had tended to excite the hostility of the Indiintribea ti>ward9tlie United States; and that in e8lima;ii g •he comparative evidence on tho siit.ject, it wan impoxsihle not to re'oHect the communication late'y made rehpeeliiig the con- ductof sir James Craig in anothi;!' irnpoiiatit Irans.u tion (the emplovmejit of MV., Hinry a-, an accredited agent, to alienato and detach tho citizens of a. partitular section of tie Unioa fvom ih"ir government) which, it appeared, was approved by firivA Llverpcoi '■ i The proof howver, that the British agents and military otli- tens were guilty of tlic charge thus exiiil.iicd, become conciii- ■i\i', wlieri subsequent to the coiinnunicalicn which was iiiado »» the JJritihh luinister, the defeat and tliiiht. of general Pri.etor'g army. or. the of i>laced in the po!-se,st.ion of (lie A- in.'victn commander, the cori-spur.dcnceand piipcrs of the ftii. lish otiieers Seh eted from tlie documents whii li were obtain> •d upon th.it occa-ion. the contents of a i'tw klters will .'•erve to characte.isi' the whole of tlie mags. In these litters, wiit. ten by Mr. MKcc tl>e Brii.ish agent, to colonel KunUud. the, ommander oftiie Uritislv troops. snpciHci ibe(i '-on his .>iajcs- tVs St i-viee," and dated dui-iric; 111... mouHia of July and August, l/'94. tha pc'iod of general Wayne's succest-ful expedil:< n a^ f'ltnst t'le In.-Jians, it aop^ars that the sealpn taken l:v the In- lans were sent to the British establishment at tin; rapid.i cl tho iibnr, ^ Sec 111., piirice regent's dcclar.itioii of the lOih of .Tfinu.irv, IKlj S"e ako Mr^^I-ovter's letuis .o Mr. Mnnme, d^ifj-l li.e 2 .il. I), rem: .K L'v""i 'J"' '^" ""'' *'^ "*'•'"'"-■• '^'' •■ ■"-'1 ^^'•- >loii'"tN «a..'.w r, .;:.■>', i th 9ihot ,F.mo;:ry, 18u'. and the iOtl. uf Jane, 18!.', and li.e docuuinits which .■iccun-ipiiny the roi-iesionftencf. ^ See M*. .VJoaroc's Ict'cr to Mr. Toatei', d.ircd the lOdj ot Jum-, iai2. 5* Srami* that the hoslilt operations of the Indians were con- lllTd ;vith the British agcat. tuid officer* ;t that vrhen certam trbe. oflrVdianH " Iraving oo.r.pleted the belts they car.-.ed w.th scali and prisoner., and hoing with»«it provisions, resolved ou 7oX homS it was la.ncnted^hat hi. majesty's posts wou d derive nrsccurity from the late great influx of Indians into tha part of thSnlry, should they persist in their resolution of .etC, iitr-onr/that " tha British agents were m.med. ally to hold a co.in.nl at the (ll.zc, in order to try it they could prevail on tho I ^ke Indians to remain; hnt that without ^oSns and ammunition being sent to that P>ace |t J- con ceivedto be extremely difficult to keep V"'™ '^^e^ 'er •mj th t "colonel Bnf^landwa^ making great *^-^«' *'«»« ' \«'^f P'f„ the Indians with provisions "H Butthe lan|,-ia6e «/. ^ '« ^"^J^^ pondence becomes at length so plam and ^'^ect Y, •J;;;';;^ impossible to avoid the coneln^ion oi a govcrnmeBtal '^g^J^J /*" tKrt of Cneat Brilain, in advising aiding, and eonducung he'lndian war, while «he professed fr end-up -^ P°a^^ °- ^.•Mr/ls the U. Slate*. " Scouts are sent {says Mr. M Kee lo co w1 Ensfa^d,) to view the situation of ^^^ ^Z'tZ'^'lu- andtre now muster ime thousand Indians. All the L;^kc \? S?ans from Sugana downwards, should not lose <>"« n)' ''^ ,VY,'r!f ;^Jte« of iust complaint, arising in a time of pea.o, il will *^^ .*' ""^'overmnent with the Indians, clarcd, the aUianceofthe Br, .hgoveimne^^^^ ^as avowed, upon pr.Mcnpes. the '•^^^VeH^i-.b ought into the r^.::'u;rs;^:;";-^^^r without r^ardto the t Sie the same letter. fc Sec thf same Ufer. i^;^0^:r.-^:^ Mr. M'Kee to Col. England. . 2nd July, 17M. me, dated the 5lU of July, \7^- I, England, dated tlie 13tb of Au- ; same, dated t!ie 30th of August, of the lOlh cf J. auai7» ^'^^*- 53 inhuman character of their warfare ; which neither spares 'ago n iiif letter from the American general. Hiurisoii to the Uritisli |^e» Fi'OGior, !i,f ii Ie:terfrom the nrilish Major Mtiir, In'Vian agent, to Col. Proctor datct! i!i( 2(jih i- being wouu- led, and one of hi* companiona, were made pviBoners ; and tli« third person of the party waakilltdlil But the savage, who had never known the reBtran.ta of civil- izcd life, and the piriile who had bi okei. the bonds ot society, were»ilke the objects of liii'ish conciliation and alliance, tor the purpose's of an unparalelled warfare. A horde of pirates and outlaws had formed a confederacy and establishment on the island of Ban-ataria, near th« mouth of the river Alississii-pi. Will Europe believe, that the commander ol the British forc€3» addressed the leader of the confederacy, from the neutral terri- tory of Pensacola," calling upon him, with hi« brave followers, to enter into the service of v.reat Britain, in which he should have the rank of captain ; promising that lands sliould be given to them all, in proportion to their respective ranks, on a peace takiBK place i assuring them, that their property should be guar- anteed and their persons pi-otected; and asking, in return, tha„ they would cease alLliostilities against Spain, or the s^'ies ot w^ Britain, and place their ships and vessels, under the British commanding officer on the station, until the commander m chiefs pleasure should be known, with a guaranttee of their fair value at aU events?'* There wanted ""'^ *° «';«"Pi'f>'. *J^ debas.ment of such an act, the occurrence, that the prate thoald spurn the proffered alliance, and accordingly, Lahttes answer was indignantly given, by a dehvery ot the letter, con- taining the BriiisiT proposition, to theAmerican governor of Lou- **' There we.e other sources, however, of support, which Great Britair. was prompted by her vengeance to employ, .n ^posi- tion to the plainest dictates of her own colonial policy. The e- vcms! which have e^irpated, or dispersed, vhe '''"te Popu U- Uon of at. Domingo, are in the recollection of a I men. Although British bmnanity might not shrink, from the infliction of simi- far ca iSs u^n tfie southern states of A"- c*'/ - ''-f^ If that course, cTther as an ineitemeirt to a revolt of the slaves tnthe BiUish islands, or as acause of retaliation on the part of the United States ought to have admonished her against its Idou^on Yet' in a formal proclamation issued by the com- m3ei n chief of his Britannic majesty's squadrons, upon the Xmen can st tton the slaves of the American planters were in- Ti ed toloin the British standard, in a covert phraseology, that Iff'n e 1^ but a slight veil for the real design. Thus adm.ra Co haie reciting "that it hnd been represented to him, that lianvper'sousnow resident in the l^iited States, hadj^xpressea TdeLe to withdraw therefrom, with a view of entering into Tuwlsiiiai Mi««lV«a,tU»crt HicJlst«tA»g«st,]814v $» of the flag W&8 disfc- 8ician,at't.'i- being wouu* (lade pvisonei'tt ; and tlia n the restraints of civil- :ii the bunds of society, iatibii aiid alliance, fur are. A horde of pirates md CBtablishmeiit on the jf the river Mis8i8»ii>pi. der of the British forc€3» f, froiii the neutral terri- I'ith liis brave followers, in, in wiiich he should at lanJa should be given jective ranks, on a peace property should be guar- d asking, in return, that Spain, or the allies of O 8sel«, under the British until the commander in a guaranttee of their fair id only to exemplify the iurrence, that the pirate id accordingly, Lafitte'e elivery of the letter, con- merican governor of Lou* of support, which Great ice to employ, in opposi- 1 colonial policy. The e« ersed, vhe white popula- tion of all men. Although rom the infliction of simi- •8 of America, the danger rt to a revolt of the slaves ' retaliation, on the part of nonished her against its itian issued by the com- esty's squadrons, upon the imerican planters were in- a covert phraseology, that desifin. Thus, admiral I vppnsented to him, tliat lited States, had cxpiessea th a view of entering into ec warfiire, iimlei' British auspi- ulciice beiwfcn «eii. Uarnson ,clio1%U. col. commamliiighia M.msicui l.»fitto,or tliccpra- th mffi««f«'# #mw<>, or of being received a» free teHfera int«r aume of liiH majosty s colonies," proclaimed that • all tho.-e who Biitfht be disposed to emigrate from the United Stales, Would, with their families, be received on board his majesty's ships «)r vessels of war, or at the military posts that might be establish- ed upon, or near, the coast of the United S^ate^ when th.y would have their choice of either entering mto his majesty a ,eaw land forces, or of being sent as free settlers to the British posBcssiuns in ^orth Ameiica, or the West Indies, where they would meet all due encouragement "f i«ut even the negroes seen., in contempt, or disgust, to hav recibl- ed the solicitation ; no rebellion, or massacre, ensued ^sml the alleeation, olt-iu reicated, that in relation to those who were ■educed, or forced, f tor. the service of their masters, mstanciO have occurred of soiiu, being afterwards transported to the Uj i- lash West India Isl .r,('s, and there sold into slavery, for the be- nefit of the captors, remains without contradiction. So coin- plicated an act of injustice, would demand the reprobation of mankind. And let the British government, which professes a iust abhorrence of the African slave trade; which endeavors to impose, in that respect, rebtraints upon the domestic policy of France, Spain, and Portugal; answer, if it can, the »olemn eiiarge against their faith, and their humanity. 3 Great Britain has violated the laws of civilized warfare, by pluadering private property j by outra-jing female honor ; by burning unprotected cities, townn, villages and houses ; and by laying waste whole districts of aa unresisting country. The menace and the practice of the British naval and militar iw force, " to destroy and lay waste such towns and distncU^ «poi. the American coast, as might be fouad assailable," hav« been cxoused upon the pretext of retaliation, for the wanton acs- •ruction committed by the American army in Upper Canada ;% but the fallacy of the pretext has already been exposed. It witl be recollected, however, that the act of burning Nt warK was instantaneously disavowed by the American government ; that it occurred in December 1813— and that sir George Provost himself acknowledged, on '^e TOth of February, 1811, that the measure of retaliation for all the previously impnti d misron- iuctof the American troops, was then fuM and e>mplete.|| Be- tween the month of February, 1811., when that ackn.r.vledt;e-' meat was made, and the month of August, 1814, when the Bn- tish admiral's denunciation was ifsued, what aw the outrage* upon the part of the American troops in Canada, to jcMi- fy a call for retaliation ? No: it was the system, not the ,n i- dent,ofthe war; and intelligence of the system had been re- ceived at Washington, from the American agents m Kuioj.e, rtith reference to the operations of admiral Warren, upon the shores of the Chesapeake, long before Admiral Cochrane had 2ui , the 111 o',' \' f -e»'i- n Secsii- r.eo.-,.e Prevost's Idler to gen. Wifku.t^h datvd th«lOJ>«Jf Febru»rj,1814. B6 gtifTuzAed to the command of the British deet on the American Blution. As ail appropriate introduction to the kind of war, which Great Uritaia iiitcmled to w.<^e against the itihabitaiits of the Liiitcd fstites, tiaiisactiouB wciirrciJ in England, lui.ier the a- voweU iiiiccLioii of the gov»!Ciuueut itself tiiat could not fail to wound the iiuual sense ot"evcp\ candid and generous Mpectator. All theodicci-fl aim mariutr.iof liie Ainericdu merchant whipst, who, havinjj los? their v-^bsels in other; laces, had goii« to Eng. land on tlie way to A-m^'rita ; or whohud been employed in B'-itish merclmtit «hip«, but were dcsiious of returning nonie} or who hud been detained, in consequence of coadeixniation of their vessels under tiie liritish ordn.s in coun(.il ; or who had %riived in Cwg'.and, throii-h any of th» other catuaiuea of the seafaring life ; were condemned to be treated as prisoners of war; nay, some of th-tn were actually impressed, while soiicit. Jng their pa.spoits ; alt.iOUd^h not on;- of thuir number had been in any wav, engaged in ho*.li!itie»Pgain^t G. B. ; and although the American govt-rnnient hadaffordid eveiy facility to the de- parture of the su.ne clash, as well as of every class of British sub- jects from the U. 8. for a reasonable period aftcrthe declaration of war.* But this act of injustice, for whicii even the pretext of retalintton has not been ad\Ane»-d, was accompanied by another .^f still greater cruelty and oppression The A aieriean seamen who h.»d been enlisted, or impressed, into the naval service of Great Britain, were lonn; stained, and many of them are yet retained, on board of British ship.s of war. ■wbtrcthey are con^ pellcd to combat against their country and !;1ieir friends: and even wlien the British government tardily am! reluctantly re- cognized the cifiz'»nbhip of impressed Americans, t& the num- ber e.sccedii,^.. l(HO ata single naval *!ati.>n. and dismi>*i; them aft p,is*vu rs of war on shore.— These unfortur.ate persons, who iiad passed into the power of tiic British government, by a vio- lation of theit own rights and inclinationi, as wtll as of th« ri.i.ts of their country, and whoconld only be regarded as-tha ip'liils of unhiwful violence, were, nevertheless, treated as the fi'utu of lawful war. Such was the in lemniflcation which G Brit. »in offered for the wrongs, that 8i;e had inflicted ; and such the rewa-d which she b-stowed, for services that she hadroceived.f Nor has the spirit of Britrs.'i warfare been confined to violations of the usages »i civilized nations, in relation to the r it.vl S!it"s. The svsfem df blockade, by orders in council, Itas been revived; and the American co. st from Maine to Lc:- isiana. has b-en declared, by tl,e proclamation of a British ad- miral to be in a state of blockade, which every day's ©hs rva- tion proves- to be, [»ac-tieally, inetfeetual, and which, mde. d, ' • SeoTlT- Ileasley's correspondenc; with Uic Britis!) government, in Oc. ■ fc'jhr, November, and December, 1H12 .See, also, tl.e .ict .)t C..ngre."s, pasrjJ the 6tli of My, ««I2. t six: tlic le'.wr trom Mr. Bcasley to Mr. M'Uay, dalnd Uw IS'U of Mui jSk fleet on the AniertcaiSt le kind of war, which tlie idhabitaiits tif tlie Eiiglaitd. luiticr the &• r tliut could not tail to nd generous Mpectator. M'icdU KiiTch;iut »hip>t, ices. had gon« to Eng- fiud been ein^jloyod in lus of returning honiej ice of coadeaiiiation of I coun(-il ; or who had other catualt iea of the Lreated as prUoneri* of njipesBed, while solicit- huir number had boea t G. B. ; and although vei y t'acihtw to the d»i- jry class of British »ub- •>d after tiie declaration lich even the pretext of coompanied by another The A anericaii seamen to the naval service of many of them are yet r. where they are con»- [ind "lioir friends: and ily am! reluctantly re- imencans, to the num- (\n. and dismissiedtlifm. i!y to imnimv; them aft ortuuate persons, who I government, by a vio- tiofli, as Will as of th« nly ber"garded a:j'the iheless, treated as the lifleation which (3 Brit, inflicted ; and such the that she had received. f are been confined to ions, in relation to tlio e, by ordiTt- in council, . st from Maine to Loi> matiou of a British ad- ;(, every day'i; ©hs-rva* il, and which, indei "ft'^« *"^* tfuh.tain t Nciih.r the orders in council, acknowledged to o ge, ,a ly\nlawlul. and declared to b. "'^''f'J' -'''"^i^^"''; ' Ivance -nor ihe ii«tlia and Milan decrees, which placed the Bu- * h Ul-mds in a state of blockade, wthout the fo.ceot as.ng.c Chiron to maintain it. were, u. pnnciple »^'^^.»'1«'J'-"' , « Se rights ut n.utralco,ame..t;e, than the ex.stn.g blockade •fthetntod Srutos. The revwai, theretore, of the s^ste.a, iltlLt e retalliato.-y pvctext, mustdernonarate to the v^oM- Td, '.rnunation, on th. part of Great BvUain to aoqnne a com- u.erc.ul .nonopol.v, by every demonstration «'^ '•"'';* /";;,; The trade of the Viiiled States wUh Kuss.a, and »»th otKr northern powers, by whose goverw.euts no edicts, violati;^ neut a n,^" , had been issued, was cut off by the «perat,on o£ ?he Briti.t. orders in council-of the year Ib07, a, efiectoally r.» their trad., with Prance and her allies, although the retaliato.y princii;lc wa. totally inapplkable to the case. Ai.d the block- ade ot- Ih- year 1814. is an attempt toOtstroy the trade of thc^e nations, and, indeed, of all ^*e other nation. ''* *'"«-«P^; */^ 'J United States; while Great Britain, herself, with the same policy and ardor that marked her illicit trade with l-ianre 5»lien France was her enemy, encourages a clandestine tratti* between her subjectB and the Ani«rican citizens, *t'««ver her possessions came in contact with the territory of the U. ^tate8. But approaching nearer to the scenes of plunder an« violence •f cruelty and cond»gration, which the BriUsh warfare "hih t. on the coaat of the United States, it must be again as^ked, whu« acw of the American government, of its ships cf war, or ot us armies, had occurred, or were even alleg. d, as a pretext for the perpetration of this series of outrages? It will not be asserted, that they were sanctioned by the usages of moderu war; because the sense of all Europe would revolt at the ass.r- tion. It will not be said, that they w^erethe unauthon»td excesses of the British troops ; because scarcely an act of plunder und violence, of cruelty and conflagration, has been committed, ex- cept in the immediate presence, under the positive orders and with the personal agency ef British officers. It mi. si not be a gain insinuated, that they were provoked by the Amt^rictn . x- ample; because it has been ricmon«,u-ated, that all suchin(*inu- ations are without colour and without proof And, alter all, Ihe dreadful and disgraceful progress of the British arms, wi 1 b« traced as the effect of that animosity, ansing out of i ecol- lections connected with the American revolution, which ha» al- ready been noticed ; or, as the effect of that jealousy, which the commercial enterprise, and native resources of the tinted Stales, a.e calculated to excite m the councils of 'a nation, aim- ing at universal dominion upon the ocean. w • j In the month of April, 1813, the inhabitants of Toplar Island, in the bay of Chesapeake, were pillaged ; and the cattle and other ' ' i he- the successive f.lotk.idps aiinonnccd by tlu- Hi-itish govemmc.V., tbd the successive naval coanrnwidei-s on tlie Amtricaa sration. 5Z IVvo utoclt of the f irmprs. tieyotnl what tfie enemy eoniS' •**'•« move, were viuntiiilj- killed * Ilk tiiu Hniiif, moiiLi) of April, the \'."}.arf. the jilore atwl th'a ♦r^herv at rren'Mtuwn laiiiliiiB:, WiM't, licMtroyid, atj itbe private atove«, and ilora houses, in the viiiago of Fieachtown, were burut.t In the same month of April, the enemy landed repeatedly; on Slinrp'9 fsliind, and m.-tdc a gtifit ral B-.veep of the •lock, allect- hiiay, 1813, Fvadericktown and Georgetown; s'fuHted on Sassafias river In the state oi' Maryland, were i>il- lageii and buint, and the adjacent country watt laid waste, by a . force under the comn»aiid of admiral Coi lib'irn ; and the officfcr* %veri' the most active on the occasion ^ Oil tlio 2td of June, 1813, the British f .vers made an attack upon Ci'ancy lohind. with a vi-w to o jtaso ^o-^session of Nor- f<.ik, which the commanding olJierra.hs.i p omised, in case oC euocefs, togive up to the p.-iulfr oi th^: troops.H The Uviti'^h. were r. pu.bcd; but enru^iedby def at ;i.ul disappointment, their course, was directed to Hampton, w'id itiey ent-red on t' e _ of June,. The .-cruo thnleuiued, c.>.;e'=(ls iill i-jwer of fl"S( np- tioii ; and a detuil of faoH won'! he uffensiv to the frelingc of detunim, a» well as of humuiiiv. "A d.ftncch ss and unre- al',' inp t^.wn was given up to indiscriminate --iilug" ; thoufrli retreat of the A av Ti ■ m troops ; and females, the married and the single, sulfered • Sc'.' tlic (!c Kisi'ioii of \Vm Sr.irs , '. „ t See til.- dip ).iiioi!- of I'isby Anderson and Cordeha Pennington- t sice ,Iac(ili 'iitisnu'? del). isitio.. l:^ee thi- d.p. .siMon of William T. Kilpatrick, James >\ood, Rosannk Moore mil R. .\laii--field. - , -i Set.- tlie drpo.itions of John Stavclv, Wihiain Spe.ncer, Joshua rV.>rd..!,uncs ScynUoi. R.HK.d B..vM:.bv, V. IV Ohii dlricr, loniittmn f.reer.. wood, .J .liM AM! I,, T. K-lHM-i'.on, M \.<'mn".\ 1 .'. 'I'- Vriizty t' Soe tietia-ui li^iot' ktlef to lU acwelaxj- oi ww, daud Hit iid »l jm/,. 4^ «n( lac tisi tu «n Bv •d -wl ell «fi of vr fai «h ail »ii ■CO th fit sii •h yx to ei «li A B «( .ib: «( tt h 1) A i\ »: IT ti 1 a: b t Che ennrnj) coals' •*•'•* rf. the store atnl th'a roy( d, atj itbe private at' Fieachtown, were landed repeatedly on ',]} of the ittock, alVect- avredegrace was pil- unnd of adruiral CooW- shed, '• ttaC with civf- d always been re^pcct- uiis wanted war, they :ovvn «i}ioii!d f)e lai.v)wer of d''si rip- nsiv to the frr'ingf of d'l'e.iiccl' ss ami unre- ate •>iiiug'' ; tho'ifrl> ci. id places cuTiod by as- male aad female, were twice in the hospital ; ind in the arms of ^Js li!> retreat of the A .v> knd tiie single, sulfeied Cordelia Pennington. k, James Wood, Rosanna. WiHiiiin Spencer, Josima !lui. filrur, loiiiitiian GretT.' ■ •1 .1. T. Vraziy. i WW, daUd lU id at JiUy,. m aiM-witrtmltv of personal abuse from the troopc o' ^^\*^*^' »„d from the infatuated negi-oc, at thc.i ,n.t.j.at.uu •* 1 h« fael that these atrueili.^ were comm.tted, the commander of the S t.l> fleet admiral Wurren. and the comn.«.der of the Br.. Ssh troovF .ir SidM,-.v B-ekwith, admitted, without he8.lat.o..,ft lot thev reported, «'» ou oli.er cK-caMoa., to the nrnvorth v and Jnavailinii pretext of a justifiable retaluttipn It was sa.d by ihe British (ieneraU " that the exc.ss.-8 at Hampton, were occaMon- •d by an ocenrrenee, at the r. eenl alt.^mpt at Craney island, ^hen tt.e lirili«h troops in a ba ge. «unk by the American g.m« cluug to the wreck of the boat, but «evera] Amencan. waded «« fron) Uie i>^land. tired upon, a-.d shot these men.' The truth It the ..^ertion w«« denied ; the act, if U had been perpetrated by the Aworicsin troops, wa- promptly disavoweu by th.H- com- mander; and a hoa.d of officers apponded to mvestiga'.e the facts, after stating the evidence, re.pevtod an " uubias^cd upnnon, 4hat the charge ugaim-t the American troopt< was unsupported-, ftnd that the character of the AmerH-ao Koldiir for human.ty »nd maguanimilv had niAbeen comntitted, but on the contrary .confirmed "ff the result of -this enquiry was liommunicat.d to the British gcBeral ; r.paratioa wasdemand d ; but it was soon j)eroe»ved, ihat whatever might personally be the liberal dispo- iitions of that officer, no adequate reparation could be made as •he conduct of hia troops was directed and sanctioned by hii g(x »i?.rnmcnt,ii|| .mi r » -vi* Ifturhig the period of these transactions, the village of L.eTef patient flufTering. they heard it anneuneed in Augtiiit, 1814, that the towns and districts upon their ooast, were to be destroyed ana iaid waste, i« revenge for unspecified and unkmwn acta of de- -atruction, which were charged againat the Aojerican twp* «« Upper Canada. The letter of admiral Cochrane w«rs dated ob the I8fch, but H Was net received until the 31st <»f August, 1814. In the intermediate time, the enemy debarked a body of about Ave or six thousaad troops at Benedie«^«m the Patiixent, and by a sudden aad steady march throi^h BladensbwK, approached the city of Washingtcm. This city has been selected for the .eeatefthe Amcricango-veiunment; but the number of its housei 4oes not exflced «0», epread ever an extensive site; the whole number of its hihabitanta does not exceed «000 ; an« the adiaceet eountry is thinly pop»iUted. Although the necee- eary preoaiftions had beeut)rdered %o assemble the militia, for the defence of the city, a variety «( ^attses combined to render the defence tinsucceerful ; and the «nemy took possession off Wishington on the evening of the 24th «f Aug»t, 1814 The commanders of the British force held at that time admiral Cocl* Tane's deselatlng order, although it was then unknown to the go- vernment and the peopl.- of the United States ,J»"* ««»«»<«>• «* the danger of so distant a separation from the Bnti^ fleet, ana desirous' bv every plausible artifice, to dctw the citizens from Hvinff to arms against the invaders, tWey Asevowed all design •of injuring private persons 'ind property, atid eave assmTincesc^ ■prorecliott, wherever there was submission General Ross aira admiral (lockburn then proceeded in person to direct and super- intend the bu8,i.(»sof conflagration; in a place which had yiei* «d to their arms which was unfortified, and hy which no hos- liUty was threatened. They set fire to the capitol, wrtlim whoe« •ty on tlje iUars cf 4' pabaiiiiock, with a »ef ge, yot rema-'ns to be neinorialH ot' the napv b»ervt>d, ' hat the mafl- nver Raisin, occurrcjl me year, the de^olaU I ledginc; a retnUatory ke, and oFits tnbut»- itresB ; and that in ihe vost himself, acknow- ) for the unauthorraed and for ttll the excess can artny, was at thtit ktes, indeed, regardinfj er than 'what was doe me to aathorixea just ke destruction of N«w- illageandconflRgration It wa« not vi^thout as- than a year -of patient Qgiiift, I8U, that th6 re to be destroyed anfl d unknown acta of d6> ie American troops itt !!ochrane wars dated ob s Slst-of August, 1814. rarked a body of about n the Patuxent, and by kdensbuTK, approached been selected for the he number of its housei I extensive site ; the not exceed *000; an* . Although the neeee- !isem1>le the militia, #ot ses combined to render 'my took pessession of x>f Aog«Bt, 1814 The that time adtnirel Coch^ then unknown to the go- States ; but cotwcioua of >m the British fleet, and deter th« citizens from fey ^isfvowed all design r, at»d e ave assurances of ion General Ross aird rsen to direct and super- a place which had yield* 1, and by which no hos- lie capitol, wiiltia wkwe walls were contained the halls of the congress of the United States, the hall of their highest tribunal for the administration of justice. ♦*»• "raliivofl »f tlits leKi8lHtiir«> »r>A tha natinnal li- brary. They set fire to the edifice, which the United States had erected for the residence of their chief magistrate. And they set fire to tho costly and extensive buildings, erected for the ac- commodation of the principal officers of the government, in the transaction of the public business. These magnificent monu- ments of the progress of the arts, which America had borrow- ed from her parent Europe, with all the testimonials of taste and literature which they contained, were on the memorable night of Jhe 24th of August, consigned to the flames, while Bri- tish officers of high rank and command, united with their troops in riotous carousal, by the light of the burning pile. But the character of the incendiary had so entirely superced- ed the character of the soldier, on this unparallelled expedition that a great portion of the munitions of war, which had not been consumed, when the navy yard was ordered to be destroy- ed upon the approach of the British troops, were left untouched • anu an extensive foundery of cannon, adjoining the city oL Washington, was left uninjured ; when in the night of the y3th ot August, the army suddenly decamped, and returning, with evident marks of precipitation and alarm, to their ships, left the interment of their dead, and the care of their wounded to the enemy, whom they had thus injured and insulted, in viola- tion ot the laws of civilized war. The counterpart of the scene exhibited by the British army was next exhibited by the British navy. Soon after themidnighi light ot general Ross from Washington, a squadron of Bri- tish ships ot war ascended the Potomac and reached the town o. A exandna on the 27th of August, 1814. The magistrates, presuming that the general destruction of the town was ii.tend- «1, asked on what terms it might be saved. The naval com- nmnder declured, " that the only conditions in his ,>ower to of- ter were such as not only required a surrender of all naval and !!"aM"«?ln°''''' ^ * ^^^^ then, nor at any antecedent P«"°^'"°/ "f iUaUiatory pretext, was the slightest if™^^\°"^;7f^5Url XienandCoch- which is now trd'inS^ganSbuintg the villages on the rane w«re employed mpiiiab'"&'*' => , . i ti,. -r^li;;,en. . ....Oe,-,. Deavborn to d>e secretary -f war.dat^d th. ''f;rd''l!u;r'^n'c^-'^ovcGh.uncry.o th« .ecruury of the navv. datod Oie 4th oi' August, 181J- . ahor fort yet, vern or ei gurt, was cani to a< callc sure And nooi any wha ban Stat the alle tion civi too seni eri the cosi tair tioT the the fori at 1 ma of api def cor mij the sral Dearborn, on the evacuated on the sue- in vioitoai Sof a dav by tmand of commodore ho time of the capture, lagazine and the inju- ind extensive ; but nei- re Chauncey, wa« any uses, destroyed by the nmaoder ; and the dcs- :heir force, would have iers which they had is- iblic stores of the ene- } public store houses to jrsons, houses, and pro ve, sir George Prevost f gove? oment in Uppe-' 1 perpetrated at Wash ' tracing the features of iblic edifice* which had ilroyed, while the muni- n, remained untouched- hat the public edifices, hief magistrate, by the ionaries of the province [library, were destroyed se which has never been mevican government by tion;nor by any of the as matter of complaint i >mmander had in any de- m occuncnee which the 8ured and repaired with I special purpose, canni rent and the candid au- 'ation be true, suspicion ncealment, with motives When Sir George Pre- hat the measure of ra- the preceeding miscon- , was he not apprised ot k the capital of Uppci- ,guBt,l81.''>? Yet, neither . until the 2Uh Jan. 1815 the retalliatory pretext, lirals Warren and Coch- irningthe villages on the e secretary. -f war, dated the ^0 th« secrjtsryofthenav.v. 6S r»u. rhwaneake were not all the retalliatory pretext^ Aore, «J *J:«^,^;f'3i.e'^„ow^ to those commander. ? And for the barbarous wariareioio ^^^ ^^^^^^ yet. "the f^'^'''^'''^i^.^±^!!^!^^t»ttdin justification Jernment in Upijr C^«»^J; 7^^^^^^^^ J„,a i, Au- ^nSi fortheJeS;^^^^^^^ gurt,l»i*,«orMio been inflicted by an Amer- was not the ' """"JJ^JJ^^^J^n^^^jn Upper Canada," known canforceontheseatof Oovejnmem ^^^^^^^ ^^^ to admiral ^°«^*»'*"^„f^'*;!' ' J' edl to carr? into efVpct mea- calledupon f^e adm.ra^^(it .^^^^^^^^^^ ^^.^^^ g^^,^^, !."T "? Wh the c!7an^^^^^^^^ "« »«""'*«*» ^"°* And yet. ^o h the caU, «"<» ^|^^^, ^^ y^rk. but) upon '""" ant'o; de^trSoH c^^^^ »>y the American army in Up. inada upon the inhabitants of the province, lor whom a- ::CSmi" ?rS:*upon the fact alledged by Sir G, St wSich^has nit been dissipated by enquiry VV he her any public edifice was improperly destroyed at Yo'-k « f what neriod the injury was done, if done at all, and b\ \v hat hand ^t was incited, are points that ought to l.avc been Sed when the charge was made; surely it is enough on ?Le parT of the American government to repeat, that the fact llleled was never before brought to its knowlegc, for .nvest.ga- ?i^nfd1savowal or reparation. The ^^--;^- f'^^J^'';:g;^f civil officers of the provincial government of Canada, 'ndicatts, ?inL n^se of shame, or a conviction of the injustice of the pre- e^t reproach It is'known.that there could have been no oth- erpu^Hc edifice for civil uses destroyed in Upper Canada, .Ai Se^iouse of the provincial legislature, a building of so httle cost and ornament; as hardly to merit consideration ; and cer- tainlv affording neither parallel nor apology, for the conflagra- tlon of the splendid structures, which adorned the metropo .s of the United States. If, however, that house was indeed destroy- mav it not have been an accidenUl consequence ot the con- )u in which the explosion of the magazine involved the 1? Or. perhaps it was hastily perpetrated by some ot inraged troops in the moment of anguish, for the loss ot a /ed conmander, and their companions, who had been kil- ,.u .,y that explosion, kindled as it was by a defeated enemy, for the sansuiuary and unavailing purpose : Or, in line, some sut- ferinz individual, remembering the slaughter ot his brethren at the river Raisin, and exasperated by the spectacle of a hu- man scalp, suspended in the legislative chamber, over the seat of the speaker, may, in the paroxysm of his vengeance, have applied, unaalhorised and unseen, the toi-ch of vengeance and destruction. , .,, , \Iany other flagrant instaa-es of British violence, pillage and conflagration, in defiance of the laws of civiliaed hostilities mi"-ht beadded to the catalogue, whi>h has beenexhib.tefl ; but r,he°eauiaevation wguld be superflaous, and it is time to close so fy {jtinful au expaiiiion of the causes and cliaractcp of thp war.*. Tlirt expoiifion had become necessary to repel and refuie fh; charges of ui. Prince Regent, when by hi» tfeclai-ation of Jan- uary, 1813, he unjustly «ti»tci! the Vnitcd Stitps to hi- the aggro«- Bors inlhe war ; and insultin^^iy aicriheM the conduct oftTiu A merican government to the inlluencc of Krem-h cotincilu. It was aUo necessary to vindicate t!ie course of the United States in the prosecution of the war ; and to eypo.«"( to the view .»t'tho world, the barbarous system ot hostilities, which the British go- vernment has pursued. Having actompiished lhf.-e piupusof the American government recurs with pIcuHure to a coiii(in|>la. tion of it* early and continued efforts, for the resloru'ion of peace. Notwithstanding the pressure of recent wrongs, ano iho . unfriendly and illiberal disposition, which (J rent Hrituin.has, at all times, nianifcnted towards ti»em, the United Status have never indulged tientinients ineonc^atihle with the rociirocity of good will, and an intercourse of mutual benelit and advaniage. They can never fepme, at seeing the British nation great, pros- perous and happy ; safe in its maritime rights : and jxiwoi foj ju its means ot maintaining them ; hut nt the same time, they can never cease to desire, that the councils of Gn'ut Ihitain nhoiilJ be guided by justice, and a respect for the equal ri^lit:* of other nations. Her maritime power may extend to all the legiti- mate objects of her sovereij^nty, and her con»nieic«, witJioot endangering the independence and peace of every other govcin- ment A biillance of power in this respect, isas ne(e'454ty on "he ocean as on the land : and the controul tiiat it ^^ivoj* tu t'li jiations of the woWd, over the actions of each ci he;*, in a>i sal jta. 1*5' in it» operation to the individual government, nluu.'i l',:ils it as to all the govrnm ents, by whii^h, on the just print 'plew of nic. tual Hupport and defence it may lie exercised. On fair and e((ua' and honorable terms, thereiore, peac'e is at the choice (if Great Britain ; but if she still determine uiH)n war, the United States reposing upon the justness of tlieir cause , and upon the pairi otism of their citizens ; upon the distinguislied valour of their land and naval forces ; and above all, upon the dispensationi* of divine providence; are ready to maintain the contest, for the preservationof tiie national independence, with llie same encc- sry and fortitude, which were displayed in acquiring it. Wixshln^ton. Fihrxxav^ 10, 1815. 'J cliaractop of tf f vhr.^ to repel and refuie fh; )y hi» tieclai-ation of Jan- :d Stitp* to bf the aggro' hes th« conduct ot th«j A : of Kreri.-h cotincila. If. iir«e of the United afates eypoM to the view .>t'rho ics, which the. Britihli go- rnpiislied thi-.^e puiposv.t, I pleiiHure to a coiit(in|i|u- », for the fesloru'ion of of recent wrongs, an) tlio » which (J rent Hntuin.hai*, , the United Htatos have le with the rociir ocity of lal henclit »nd udvaniage. Jritisli nation gi'eat, pros- e rights ; and [xiwei ful iu t the same time, th'iy can s of Gri'.ut IJritain nhoiilJ ' tlie. equal ri^ht:* of other extend to all the lef^iti- her comniercfl, witJioot ce of every oilier govern- spect, isas ne( P'lsdty on itroul tiiat it j^ivoj* I.d t'li f each ('(lie;*, irt as xal ita. overnmen!;, wluu.'i I'.iiU it the j'lit principles of nic. •cisL'd. On fa'if and f?(|uaf is at the choice cf Great n war, the United States ihc , and upon the pair! inguishcd valour of their ipon the disppnsatioiiw of tain the contest, for the ice, with llie same encc- i in acquiring it, I I