VOL. II.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1812. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL. [No. 50 Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at $ 5 per ann. Congress. MESSAGE.-To the Senate of the United States. Extract from the instructions given by Timothy Fickering, esq secretary of state, to Rufus King, esq. dated "Department of State, June 8, 1796. I transmit to the senate, copies and extracts of documents in the "Among the articles left unadjusted, one of the most interesting archives of the department of state, falling within the purview of nature regards the impressing of American seamen, Mr. Pinkney their resolution of the 4th inst. on the subject of British impress was instructed on this head, in June, 1792. You will there see that ments from American vessels. The information, though volumi- the mode prescribed by the late act of congress, of certificating our nous, might have been enlarged, with more time for research and seamen, was pointedly reprobated. The long but fruidless attempts preparation. In some instances, it might, at the same time, have which have been made to protect them from British impresses, been abridged, but for the difficulty of separating the matter, ex-prove that the subject is in its nature difficult. traneous to the immediate object of the resolution. JAMES MADISON. July 6th, 1812. DOCUMENTS. Extract of a letter from Thomas Jefferson, esq. secretary of state, to "Department of State, June 11, 1792. "The simplest rule, as remarked to Mr. Pinckney, would be, that the vessel being American, should be evidence that the seas men on board her are such. But it will be an important point gained, if, on the high seas, our flag can protect those of whatever nation, who shall sail under it. And for this, humanity as well as interest, powerfully plead. Merchant vessels carry no more hands than their safety renders necessary. To withdraw any of them on the ocean, is to expose both lives and property to destruc tion. We have a right then to expect that the British government will make no difficulty in acceding to this very interesting provision. And the same motives should operate with nearly en "The peculiar custom in England of impressing seamen on eve-force, to procure for us the like exemption in all the British colory appearance of war, will occasionally expose our seamen to pe- nies, but especially in the West Indies. In the latter, the conseculiar oppressions and vexations. It will be expedient that you quence of an impress is the detention of the vessel: by the deten take proper opportunities, in the mean time, of conferring with tion, the vessel is injured or destroyed by the worms and the rem the minister on this subject, in order to form some arrangement nant of the crew exposed to the fatal diseases of the climate. for the protection of our seamen on those occasions. We entirely Hence a longer detention ensues; the voyage becomes unprofita reject the mode which was the subject of a conversation between ble, if not ruinous to the merchant, and humanity deplores the loss Mr. Morris and him, which was, that our seanien should always car- of many valuable lives. But there is another cogent reason for ry about them certificates of their citizenship. This is a condition the absolute exemption from inpresses in the British colonies.never yet submitted to by any nation; one with which seamen That the practice will be, as it always has been, attended with monwould never have the precaution to comply-the casualties of their strous abuses; and the supreme power is so remote, the evils be calling would expose them to the constant destruction or loss of come irremediable before redress can even be sought for. To this paper evidence, and thus the British government would be guard against abuses on the part of American citizens, every masarmed with legal authority to impress the whole of our seamen, ter of a vessel, on his arrival in any port of the British colonies, The simplest rule will be, that the vessel being American, shall be may be required to report his crew, at the proper office. If, at evidence that the scamen on board of her are such. If they appre-terwards any addition be made to them by British subjects, these hend that our vessels might thus become asylums for the fugitives may be taken away. In the ports of Great Britain and Ireland, of their own nation from impress gangs, the number of men to be the impress of British subjects, found on board of our vessels, must protected by a vessel may be limited by her tonnage, and one or doubtless be admitted. But this should be controlled by regulatwo officers only be permitted to enter the vessel in order to exa tions to prevent insults and injuries, and to administer prompt remine the number on board; but no press gang should be allowed lief where American citizens (which will assuredly happen) shall ever to go on board an American vessel, till after it shall be found be mistaken for British subjects. that there are more than their stipulated number on board, nor till "There are three classes of nien, concerning whom there can be after the master shall have refused to deliver the supernumeraries no difficulty. 1. Native American citizens. 2. American citizens, (to be named by himself) to the press officer who has come on board wherever born, who were such at the definitive treaty of peace. for that purpose; and even then the American consul shall be call-3. Foreigners, other than British subjects, sailing in American vesed in. In order to urge a settlement of this point before a new oc- sels, and whose persons ought to be sacred, as it respects the Bri casion may arise, it may not be amiss to draw their attention to the tish, as those of native citizens. The 4th class consists of British Peculiar irritation excited on the last occasion, and the difficulty of born subjects, but who, or many of whom, may have become citizens avoiding our making immediate reprisals on their seamen here. You subsequent to the treaty of peace, or who hereafter may be admit will be so good as to communicate to me what shall pass on this ted to the rights of citizens. It is this class alone about which subject, and it may be made an article of convention to be entered any pretence of right to impress can be made, With regard to into either there or here." Extract of a letter from Thomas Jefferson, esq. when secretary of state, to Thomas Pinkney, minister plenipotentiary of the United States at London, dated these, it may be attempted to protect them, as well in time of war as of peace, in the following cases: First, when they shall have served in American vessels, public or private, for the same tera in which foreigners serving in British vessels would acquire the rights of British subjects, which is understood to be three years: or, 2dly, if so much cannot be obtained, when those persons, origi "I enclose you a copy of a letter from Messrs. Blow and Mcl-tally British subjects, shall have resided five years in the United haddo, merchants of Virginia, complaining of the taking away of States, and been formally admitted to the rights of citizens, actheir sailors, on the coast of Africa, by the commander of a British cording to our laws. "October 12th, 1792. armed vessel. So many instances of this kind have happened, that "It must often happen that sailors will lose their certificates : it is quite necessary that their government should explain them-provision should therefore be made for the admission of other rea selves on the subject, and be led to disavow and punish such con- sonable proof of their citizenship, such as their own oaths, with duct. I leave to your discretion to endeavor to obtain this satistic-those of the masters, mates, or other creditable witnesses. The tion by such friendly discussions as may be most likely to produce rolls of the crews, or shipping papers may also be authenticated the desired effect, and secure to our commerce that protection by the collectors of the customs; and then they ought to be admit against British violence which it has never experienced from any ted as of equal validity with the individual certificates.” other nation. No law forbids the seamen of any country to engage, in time of peace, on board a foreign vessel: no law authorises such seaman to break his contract, nor the armed vessels of his nation to interpose force for his rescue "Philadelphin, Nov. 6, 1792. Mr. Pickering to Mr. King dated Department of State, Sept. 10, 1796. "I enclose a letter from Francis S. Taylor, deputy collcetde of Norfolk, relative to four impressed seamen. It appears to be writ Extract of a letter from Thomas Jefferson, esq. secretary of state ren with candor, and merits attention. If, as the captain of the under the presidency of general Washington, to Thomas Pink Prevoyante (Wemyss) says, the dignity of the British government ney, esq. American minister in London, dated will not permit an enquiry on board their ships for American seat men, their doom is fixed for the war: and thus the rights of an ins *I wrote you last on the 12th of October, since which I have r-dependent neutral nation are to be sacrificed to British digney erived yours of August 29, with the papers and pamphlets accom-Justice requires that such enquiries and examination should be panying it. Leuclose you now the copy of a letter from Mr. Put made, because the liberation of our seamen will otherwise be imard, our consul at Madeira, exhibiting another attempt at the prac-possible. For the British government, then, to make professions tice on which I wrote you in my last, made by capt. Hargood, of the of respect to the rights of our citizens, and willingness to release British trigate Hyaena, to take seamen from on board an American them, and yet deny the only means of ascertaining those visits, s Vessel, bound to the East Indies. It is unnecessary to develope an insulting tantalism. If such orders have been given th. Brich to you the inconveniences of this conduct, and the impossibility of commanders, (and Mr, Liston's communication in the conversation letting it go on. I hope you will be able to make the British mi- of which I sent you a copy on the 31st ult, coustenes the idt a nistry sensible of the necessity of punishing the past and prevent the agency of colonel Talbot and Mr. Trumbull will be fruitless, ing the future." and the sooner we know it the better. But I would fain hope BB 1 386 25th of May, by captain Poyntz, of his majesty's ship Solebay. She The American master, Hewit, and Howe, the supercargo, with the consent of the British seamen who were put on board to navi gate her, overpowered the prize master. (Mr. Bryce) kept him prisoner several days, and at last by threats and violence, forced him to leave the vessel and to go on board of a schooner bound to New-Providence. other things; and if the British government have any regard to "I was pleased with your success in obtaining relief for so many the Lucy to conduct her to Jamaica; and with a view to accommo. ter, detained by his majesty's ship the Hind, in company with the she was ordered for Bermuda; but the master, by the use of bribe- Extract of a letter to Rufus King. Esq. from the secretary of to search and detain such American vessels as are suspected a t state-dated "Lord Grenville's observations on the act of Congress for the "Trenton, October 3, 1797. relief and protection of American scamen, present difficulties which demand consideration at the ensuing session. But your reasoning in your letter to his lordship of the 30th of last Novembr, is conclusive against the British pretences to retain real American seamen who are married in their dominions, or who have vo luntarily entered on board British vessels. It behoves the honor and sath of the British government to adhere to their principle on natural alle ice wholly, or to renounce it wholly and an anwer on this point would have become his lordship's candor. have now received express orders from his majesty to clain, as an ing loaded with enemies' property, or goods contraband of war, act of justice (which is expected from the character of the federal destined to an enemy's port. It remains that I should add, that I government, and the good understanding which subsists between the two countries) that the vessels of which the masters and supercargoes have thus illegally possessed themselves, be delivered up to me, together with the British seamen and the deserters who have assisted in rescuing them out of the hands of the prize masters, that they may be sent to some one of his majesty's culonies, to be there dealt with according to law. Philadelphia, February 2, 1800. cretary of state. "I consider colon Talbot's agency in the West Indies, to be no longer very important. The rigid Conduct of admiral Sir Hyd Parker (who from the beginning has thrown obstacles in the way) leaves but hittic room to get our scamen released. The opposition of the officers in general, induced colonel Talbot to take out writs 18th December, to vice-admiral sir Hyde Parker, soliciting the dis of habeas corpus at Jamaica, by which, directly or in their const-charge of certain American seamen said to be detained on board of I have the honor, sir, of enclosing a duplicate of my letter of the quences, be obtamed the discharge of near fifty seamen: but admi- bis squadron on the Jamaica station; and I flatter myself it will rul Parker has for some time past, forsiden his officers to pay any have the desired effect, although it be not accompanied by copies obedionee to such writs; and colonel Talbot informs me, that some of the documents attesting their citizenship. I cannot, however, of our staten have been punished for attempting to send letters to omit this opportunity of calling to your remembrance, what 1 have kit to inform their situation. Mr. Liston has assured me that frequently stated in conversation, that while the papers called pr the British officers have orders 3.0 to press any American sen-tections are granted with a fraudulent intention, or without a premen, and of course not to retain, against their will any already im- per examination of facts, by inferior magistrates or notaries public pressed: but if they persist in obstructing very channel of infor- in the United States, and while they can easily be procur d by ination and proor of their citizenship, such orders are and will con- such natural born subjects of his majesty as choose to abandon has tinde deceptive." The Secretary of State to the president of the United States. The Secretary has the honor to lay before the president, Ist. Mr. Department of State, Feb. 20, 1800. Liston's note of February 20,1800,with papers reftared to relative to the rescue of three Amirican vessels from the hands of the British captoes, and for the restoration of which he is instructed by his governacht to apply. of war. service in the hour of danger, it is not to be expected that any 2. Mr. Liston's note of the 4th February, together with his pro- as present. cretary of state. - should from to time regularly treat of and concerning such ara TIMOTHY PICKERING. R. LISTON presents his respects to colonel Pickering, semave, from time to time, taken the liberty of maling verbal complants to you, sir, respecting the practice latcry becoine Tve abovementioned treaty: quit among the Dusters and super ar goes of American merchantmen, ofre run by force or by fraud och vesels have been de-improvement of that friendship and harmony new subsisting tained by the coats of his majesty's ships of war, with a view tween the contraeung parties that measures should be tabei hey 2. And whereas, it will greatly conduce to the maintenance uzmel metual consent for the gang up of das rters on cach side. 10 a future trial in the court of ad..any. X in particular, mentioned the cases seated at large in the enclos edpapors. 3. Therefore, the parties have with this view appointed the is Frespective ministers to meet, in gouate, and conclude on this ADDITIONAL ARTICLE. mutual delivery of deserters, whether seamen or soldiers and Robert Liston, Esq. TIMOTHY PICKERING. 5. It is agreed that no refuge or protection shall be afforded in the territories or vessels of either of the contracting parties, to the captains, officers, mariners, sailors or other persons, being part of the crews of the vessels of the respective nations, who shall have the territories or vessels of either of the contracting parties, to 1. It is agreed that no refuge or protection shall be afforded in deserted from the said vessels; but that on the contrary, all such the officers, mariners, or other persons, being part of the crows deserters shall be delivered up, on demand, to the commanders of of the vessels of the respective nations, who desert from the such vessels from which they have deserted, or to the commanding same; but that on the contrary, all such deserters shall be deliver officers of the ships of war of the respective nations, or such other ed up, on demand, to the cominanders of the vessels from which Persons aided que mide by make requisition in that be they shall have deserted, or to the commanding officers of the provided that proof be made by an exhibition of the register ships of war of the respective nations, or such other persons as of the vessel or ship's roll, or authenticated copies of the same, may be duly authorised to make requisition in that behalf. Pre or by other satisfactory evidence, that the deserters so demanded vided, That proof be made by exhibition of the shipping paper or were actually part of the crew of the vessels in question. evidence, that the deserters so demanded were actually part of the contract, or authenticated copies thereof, or by other satisfactory crews of the vessels in question. 9. With a view to the more effectual execution of this article, the consuls and vice-consuls of his Britannic majesty and of the United States may cause to be arrested all persons who have deserted from the respective nations as aforesaid, in order to send them back to the commander of the said vessels, or to remove them out of the country. For which purpose, the said consuls and viceconsuls shall apply to the courts, judges, and officers competent, and shall demand the said deserters in writing, proving as aforesaid, that they were part of the said crews, and on this demand, so proved, the delivery shall not be refused; and there shall be given all aid and assistance to the said consuls, for the search, seizure and arrest of the said deserters, who shall even be detained and kept in the prisons of the country, at their request and expence, until they shall have found an opportunity of sending them back or removing them as aforesaid. But if they be not so sent back or removed within three months from the day of their arrest, they shall be set at liberty, and shall not again be arrested for the same cause. 2. With a view to the more efectual execution of this article, the commanders of the vessels from which such desertions shail take place, and the consuls and vice-consuls of Lis Britannie majes ty and of the United States respectively, may caus to be arrested all persons who shall desert from the vessels of the respective na tions as aforesaid. And for this purpose the said commanders, con suls and vice consuls shall apply to the courts, judges and officers, competent, and shall demand the said deserters in writing, and adduce proof of their desertion as aforesaid; and on this demand, and satisfactory proof, the delivery shall be made.---And there shall be given all necessary aid to the consuls and vice con suls, for the search, seizure and arrest of the said deserters, who, if it be requested, shall be detained and kept in prison, at the expence of those who demand them as aforesaid, until they can be put on board of their own or other vessels of their that if this be not done within three months from the day of their nation, or be otherwise sent back to their own country: Provided, arrest, such deserters shall be set at liberty, and not again be arrested fer the same cause. 7. It is, however, understood that this stipulation is not to extend to authorise either of the parties to demand the delivery of any sailors, subjects or citizens, belonging to the other party, who have been employed on board the vessels of either of the respective nations, and who have in time of war or threatened hostility, forded by either of the contracting parties, to any non-commission3. It is further agreed that no refuge or protection shall be afvoluntarily entered into the service of their own sovereign or na-ed officer or soldier who shall desert from the military service of the tion, or have been compelled to enter therein, according to the other, but that on the contrary, the most effectual measures shall laws and practice prevailing in the two countries respectively. be taken, in like manner as with respect to sailors, to apprehend 8. It is farther agreed, that no refuge or protection shall be afforded by either of the contracting parties, to any soldiers who may desert from the military service of the other, but that, on the contrary, the most effectual measures shall be taken, in like manner as with respect to sailors, to apprehend any such soldiers, and to deliver them to the commanding officer of the military posts, forts or garrisons from which they have deserted or to the consuls or vice consuls on either side, or to such other person as may be duly authorised to demand their restitution. 9. It is however understood that no stipulation in this additional article shall be construed to empower the civil or military oficers of either of the contracting parties forcibly to enter into the public ships of war, or into the forts, garrisons or posts of the other party, or to use violence to the persons of the land or sea officers of the respective nations, with a view to compel the delivery of such persons as may have deserted from the naval or miltary service of either party as aforesaid. any such non-commissioned officers and soldiers, and to deliver shall be construed to empower the civil, military or naval officers An Act To anthorise the issuing of Treasury Notes. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the president of the United States be, and he is hereby authorised to cause treasury notes, for such suna or sums as he may think expedient, but not exceeding in the whole the sum of five millions of dotiars, to be prepared, signed and issued in the manner hereafter provided. In reference to your letter of the 2d February last, I soon after took occasion to intimate to you what appeared to be the president's way of thinking on the subject. I have now the honor to state to you, that while, by the law of nations, the right of a belli- Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the sad treasury notese gerent power to capture and detain the merchant vessels of neu- shall be reimbursed by the United States at such places,respectively, trals, on just suspicion of having on board enemy's property, or of as may be expressed on the face of the said notes, one year, re earrying to such enemy any of the articles which are contraband spectively, after the day on which the same shall have been issued; of war, is unquestionable,-no precedent is recollected, nor does from which day of issue they shall bear interest, at the rate of five any reason occur which should require the neutral to exert its pow- and two fifths per centum a year, payable to the owner and owners er in aid of the right of the belligerent nation in such captures of such notes, at the treasury, or by the proper commissioner of and detentions. It is conceived that after warning its citizens or loans at the places and times respectively designated on the face of subjects of the legal consequences of carrying enemy's property said notes for the payment of principal. or contraband goods, nothing can be demanded of the sovereign Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the said treasury notes of the neutral nation, but to remain passive. If, howev. r, in the shall be respectively signed in behalf of the United States, by per present case, the British captors of the brigantine Experience, sons to be appointed for that purpose by the president of the Unit Hewit, master, the ship Lucy, James Concily, master, and the briga ed States; two of which persons shall sign_cach note, and shail tine Fair Columbian, Edward Casey, master, have any right to the each receive, as a compensation for that service, at the rate of one possession of those American vessels or their cargoes, in conse-dollar and twenty five cents for every hundred notes thus signed by quence of their capture and detention, but which you state to them respectively; and the said nots shail ikewise be counter have been rescued by their masters from the captors and carried signed by the commissioner of loans for that state where the into ports of the United States, the question is of a nature cogniza- notes may respectively be made payable. ble before the tribunals of justice, which are opened to hear the Sec. 4. And be it further ena të!, That the secretary of the trea captors complaints, and the proper officers will execute their destry be, and he is hereby authorised, with the approbation of the president of the United States, to cans to be issued such portion You suggest that these rescues are an infringement of the law of the said treasury notes, as the president may think expedicat in of nations. Permit me to assure you that any arguments which the payinent of supplies or debts due by the United States, to such you shall offer on that point, will receive a just attention. public creditors, or other persons as may choose to receive such With regard to the British seamed and deserters, who have as notes in payment as aforesaid, at par: And the secretary of the sisted in the rescues, with great truth I am authorised to assure treasury is further authorised, with the approbation of the presi you, that the government have no desire to detain them; but be-dent of the United States, to borrow from time to time, not under sides that the many months elapsed since those events, and the con- par, such sums as the president may think expedient, on the credit sequent dispersion of the men, would probably render their dehve- of such notes. And it shall be a good execution of this provision ry practicable, it is not known to be authorised by any law. to pay such notes to such bank or banks as will receive the same This has brought into view your project of stipulations for the at par and give credit to the treasurer of the United States for the crees. amount thereof, on the day on which the said notes shall thus be issued and paid to such bank or banks respectively. Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That the said treasury notes shall be transferable by delivery and assignmentendorsed thereon by the person to whose order the same shall, on the face thereof, have been made payable. the subject, as nothing definite appeared to be. done. The following proclamations will shew how the case stands at present in the two first named states; but the governor of the latter has convened the legislature for the further consideration, as is supposed, of this matter. All of the other governors have complied with the President's requisition, and the marching of regular troops to Albany will teach governors Strong and Griswold the necessity of being duly prepared "to repel invasion, &c." Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the said treasury notes, wherever made payable, shall be every where received in payment of all duties and taxes laid by the authority of the United States, and of all public lands sold by the said authority. On every such payment, credit shall be given for the amount of both the principai and the interest which, on the day of such payment, may appear due on the note or notes thus given in payment. And the said interest shall, on such payments, be computed at the rate of one ceat and one half of a cent per day, on every hundred dollars of princi pal, and each month shall be computed as containing thirty days. MASSACHUSETTS-GENERAL ORDERS. Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That any person making payment to the United States, in the said treasury notes into the hands of any collector, receiver of public monies, or other public officer HEAD QUARTERS, Boston Aug. 5, 1812. or agent, shall, on books kept according to such forms as shall be prescribed by the secretary of the treasury, give duplicate certin- general Henry Sewall is appointed to command the By the general orders of the 3d of July last, major. cates of the number and respective amount of principal and interest esstern division of the militia, which was detached of each art every treasury note thus paid by such person; and every under the order of the 25th of April last, consisting collector, receiver of public monies, or other public officer or agent, who shall thus receive any of the said treasury notes in payment, of all the detached militia in the district of Maine. shall, on payinent of the same into the treasury, or into one of the banks where the public monies are, or may be deposited, receive credit both for the principal and for the interest, computed as by major general Dearborn, by order of the PresiThe commander in chief having been requested aforesaid, which, on the day of such last mentioned payment, shall dent of the United States, to direct a part of the appear due on the note or notes thus paid in. charged for the interest accrued on such note or notes, from the militia, detached under the said orders of the 25th And he shall be day on which the same shall have been received by him in payment, April, to march to Passamaquoddy, for the defence as aforesaid, to the day on which the same shall be paid by him, as of the posts and harbors on the eastern border aforesaid :-Provided always, That no such charge or deduction shall be made with respect to any bank into which payments as of this commonwealth; and considering that aforesaid may be made to the United States, either by individuals that part of the state is in a peculiar manner in or by collectors, receivers or other public officers or agents, and Which shall receive the same as specic, and give credit to the trea- danger of invasion, and that disorderly persons surer of the United States for the amount thereof, including the may attempt to disturb and annoy the peaceable ininterest accrued and due on such notes on the day on which the habitants in that neighborhood, and endanger their same shall have been thus payed into such bank, on account of the United States. See. 8. And be it further enacted. That the commissioners of the lives and property; has thought fit to order and does sinking fund be, and they are hereby authorised and directed to hereby order, that three full companies of the eastcause to be reimbursed and paid the principal and interest of the ern detached division of the militia, be designated treasury notes which may be issued by virtue of this act, at the seby major-general Sewall; and after being complete. veral time and times when the same, according to the provisions of this act, should be reimbursed and paid. And the said commission-Iv armed and equipped ordered to march as soon as ers are further authorised to make purchases of the said notes, in possible to Eastport, in the district of Maine, which the same manner as of other evidences of the public debt, and at is appointed the place of rendezvous. The said a price not exceeding par, for the amount of the principal and interest due at the time of purchase on such notes. So much of the three companies will form a battalion, under the funds constituting the annual appropriation of eight millions of command of a detached major, to be designated by dollars, for the principal and interest of the public debt of the United States, as may be wanted for that purpose, after satisfying major general Sewall, who will also designate an adthe sums necessary for the payment of the interest and such part intant and quarter master, and the whole to march of the principal of the said debt as the United States are now pled without delay to the place of rendezvous. The maed annually to pay and reimburse, is hereby pledged and appropri ated for the payment of the interest, and for the reimbursement or jor commanding the battalion will see that provipurchase of the said notes. treasury not otherwise appropriated as may be necessary for that And so much of any monies in the ion is made for the subsistence of his troops, and purpose, is hereby appropriated for making up any deficiency in the transportation of their baggage from the places the funds thus pledged and appropriated for paying the principal whence the companies march, until their arrival at Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That a sum of twenty thousand the place of rendezvous, in the manner prescribed dollars, to be paid out of any mones in the treasury not otherwise by law. Major-general Sewall in designating the appropriated, be, and the same is hereby appropriated, for defray-companies to march, will as far as may be, take ing the expence of preparing, printing, engraving, siguing, and otherwise incident to the issuing of the treasury notes authorised by them from the nearest counties and districts, and Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall falsefrom places the least exposed to the enemy. ly make, forge or counterfeit, or cause or procure to be falsely made, forged or counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in falsely divisions of the militia, from which any part of the The major generals and other officers of the local making, forging or counterfeiting any note in imitation of or pur- said battalion may be drawn, will afford their aid in perting to be a treasury note aforesaid; or shall falsely alter, or and interest as aforesaid. this act. cause or procure to be falsely altered, or willingly aid and assist in completing the companies, and will see that the falsely altering any treasury note issued as aforesaid; or shall pass, men are armed and equipped as the law directs. utter or publish, or attempt to pass, utter or publish as true, any The commander in chief expects that this order false, forged or counterfeit note, purporting to be a treasury note as aforesaid, knowing the same to be talsely forged or counterfeited; will be obeyed by his fellow citizens of the dranghtor shall pass, utter or publish, or attempt to pass, utter or publish, ed militia, with promptitude, and when marching as true, any falsely altered treasury note issued as aforesaid, knowing to the place of their destination, as well as afterthe same to be falsely altered, every such person shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of felony, and being thereof convicted by due wards, that they will preserve good order, and rencourse of law, shall be sentenced to be imprisoned and kept at hard der due obedience to the commands of their officers. labor for a period not less than three years, nor more than ten years, and be fined in a sum not exceeding five thousand dollars. H. CLAY, June 30, 1812.- Approved, He would remind them that they were not only called forth to defend the frontier against any invasion of a foreign enemy, but to prevent the depredations of any lawless banditti who may be disposed to rob and plunder, whether they belong to our own territory or those of the enemy. Although war is declared betweed the United States and Great Britain, The neglect, or refusal of the governors of Massament. it is to be carried on only by the order of governchusetts and Connecticut, and, perhaps, of Rhode towns and villages bordering on the British line, It is the duty of the inhabitants of the Island, to place their drafted militia at the dispo-to endeavor to repel any invasion of our own tersal of the President of the United States, has ex ritories; but they have no right to make incursions -cited much conversation. We have not noticed into the territories of the enemy. Lawless plunder Drafted Militia. ers, by sea or land, as well in time of war as of I do therefore call upon all the good people of peace, are pirates or robbers, and their depredations this state to demean themselves in this day of unought, as far as may be, to be prevented or punish-precedented difficulty, as becomes the members of a ed; they only occasion distress and misery to the free and independent nation-to promote concord exposed inhabitants, and have no tendency to pro- among themselves-to yield a prompt obedience duce an equitable peace, which is the only justifia-to the constitution of the United States and the ble object of war laws made in pursuance thereof, to cherish the The officers will be careful to inculcate upon their union ofthese states; to discourage every species of men the necessity of discipline, and a sacred regard outrage towards the rights of person or property; to the rights of their fellow citizens. The soldiers to discountenance every appearance of menacing of a free government should view with abhorrence, the lawful authority of the state and nation, and to any attempt to assume power by the use of the sword, promote a spirit of submission to the laws of the or to invade the rights of those whom it is their duty land. to protect. By order of the commander in chief. WM. DONNISON. Adj. Gen. Proclamation While this spirit is thus recommended, the peo ple are to be protected in freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and in freedom of elections.-These important rights are not to be surrendered, nor impaired in any event. To examine fairly and truly to exhibit the nature and tendency of the By his excellency ROGER GRISWOLD, Esq. measures of government; to lift up a voice of warnGovernor and Commander in Chief in and over ing against any system of policy which seeks perthe state of Connecticut, in America. sonal elevation or aggrandisement, or which is cal This state, with the other states of the Union. culated to promote the projects of foreign or do, having, since the last session of the General Assemmestic tyrants, or to aid combinations of enemies bly, been involved in war, and no opportunity yet at home or abroad, against the peace, liberty, and afforded to make a communication to the immedi prosperity of the nation, and thus to enable the ate representatives of the people; feeling that an people justly to appreciate the measures of governevent so unexpected and calamitous may produce ment and to exercise discreetly the rights of elec. great anxiety, and that the proceedings of the go-tion, is the duty of freemen. In the exercise of vernor and council on certain subjects arising out these and all other rights, every min is to be proof this war should be known to their fellow citizens, ected by law; and for his entire security the faith I have thought proper, by and with the advice of the of every well regulated community is pledged. council, to issue this Proclamation. With these impressions, I hereby declare to the In pursuance of the usage of my predecessors in people of this state, that they may at all times reoffice in times of difficulty, I have caused the counly on the protection of the laws, and the power and cil to be twice convened since the declaration of disposition to execute them, and that the force of war, in both instances to advise together respecting the state will be exerted on any proper occasion, the course to be pursued on certain requisitions of (if, contrary to expectation, such occasion should the national government through general Dearborn, occur) to afford security to the rights of individufor certain portions of the militia to be placed at als, to preserve internal peace, to promote order, the forts at New London and New Haven. The and to maintain the privileges of the state. And I advice given in both cases met my entire approba- enjoin it upon all the magistrates and other peace tion, and accordingly a compliance with the requisi-officers, upon all entrusted with the execution of tion has been by me refused. the law, and upon all officers and soldiers of the It is the high and solemn duty of the chief magis militia to be in readiness to aid in the above objects; trate according to his oath of office, to maintain and I furthermore exhort all those capable of bearthe lawful rights and privileges of this state, as a ing arms to be at all times prepared and equipped in sovereign, free and independent state." obedience to the lawful authority of the state and nation, to repel invasion, and resist aggressions on the liberties and privileges of the United States, of this state, or of any individuals, or portions of the community. This duty forbade a compliance with a request that any part of the citizens of this state should be placed, under existing circumstances, in garrisons to perform the ordinary duties of soldiers. It is also the prerogative of the state to hold its militia for the maintenance of its lawful privileges, and never to permit them to be withdrawn from its authority, except in cases expressly mentioned in the constitution. such case existing, the officers and soldiers have not been ordered from their farms and other occupations, and from their homes into the service required. While it is to be regretted that By His Excellency's command. any difference of opinion existed as to the cases in which the militia ought to be demanded, it became my duty to obey the constitution of my country. Given under my hand at Hartford, this sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twelve, and of the independence of the United States of America, the thirty-seventh. ROGER GRISWOLD. THOMAS DAY, Secretary. Address. In a state of things so novel as that which now exists in the interesting crisis of a war with a fo To the President of the United States. reign nation wherein the property, the security, the TRENTON, July 10. liberty and lives of the people are jeopardized, a war which was opposed by so much talent, worth, and SIR-Believing it would be pleasing to you, at respectability in both houses of Congress, it night this crisis, to be acquainted with sentiments and have been anticipated that the justice and expedien cy of the measure would have been questioned and denied by many: still no such state of things exists as to justify the idea of seeking redress, except in a consitutional manner. views of your constituents in every part of the Union, the convention of Republican delegates from the several coun'ies of the state of New-Jersey, take the liberty of addressing you on behalf of their constituents and themselves. |