Th following article from the New-York Evening |troit, late the United States' brig Adams, and the Post, positively shews us the unbounded pleasure brig Hunter, mounting 14 guns, but which afterwards with which the British sailors_return to the ser- proved to be the brig Caledonia, both said to be well vice of his majesty':-" By a letter from captain armed and manned, came down the lake and anchorZuell, of the cartel brig Isabella, of this port, dated ed under the protection of Fort Erie. Having been at Bermuda, we learn that he had arrived safe at that on the lines for some time and in a measure inactive place and landed about 100 British prisoners. Cap-ly employed, I determined to make an attack, and tain Zuell states that soon after he left this port, the if possible get possession of them. A strong induceprisoners, to induce him to put into some place ment to this attempt arose from a conviction that where they might make their escape, went into the with these two vessels, added to those which I have hold and bored several holes in the bottom of the purchased and am fitting out, I should be able to vessel, which caused the water to come in so fast meet the remainder of the British force on the Upthat the pumps could scarcely keep the vessel clear. per Lakes, and save an incalculable expense and laCapt. Zuell perceiving how things were going, took bor to the government. On the morning of their ar an opportunity when the prisoners were below, to put rival I heard that our seamen were but a short disdown the hatches: he then told them they should tance from this place, and immediately dispatched stop the holes they had made, or he would leave an express to the officers directing them to use all them to sink. Finding themselves thus situated, possible dispatch in getting their men to this place, they soon stopped the leaks, and the captain pursu-as I had important service to perform. On their ared his voyage without any further trouble." rival which was about 12 o'clock, I discovered that Certain British prisoners, at Charleston, (S. C.) they had only 20 pistols and neither cutlasses or batabout to be removed to the prison-ship, have publicly Hall of the regulars and militia, I was supplied with But on application to generals Smith and tendered their thanks to the sheriff and goaler of the district, for the kindness and attention they have a few arms, and gen. Smith was so good on my rereceived. This is as it should be-but far different quest as immediately to detach fifty men from the from the usage of our seamen at Halifax, Bermuda, regulars armed with muskets. &c. To a suffering American, who complained of his treatment at the former place, the British proved by certain Boston newspapers, most impudently exhibited to the prisoner, that he lived on the very fat of the land! The privateer Saucy-Jack,has returned to Charleston, after a cruise of 50 days, during which she took seven prizes. Among other truly imprudent things the Saucy-Jack did, was to enter the harbor of Demarara, and, by good management,make an easy prize of the very valuable British brig, William Rathbone, of Liverpool, from London, laden with dry goods, worth 40,000 sterling, (just arrived) mounting fourteen 18 pounders and two 6's. She was manned and ordered for Charleston. Some of the other prizes are valuable-we hope for their safe arrival. tle axes. By 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I had my men selected and stationed in two boats, which I had previously prepared for the purpose. With these boats, 50 men in each, and under circumstances very disadvantageous, my men having scarcely had time to refresh themselves after a fatiguing march of 500 miles, I put off from the mouth of Buffalo creek, at 1 o'clock the following morning, and at three I was along side the vessels. In the space of about 10 minutes I had the prisoners all secured, the topsails sheeted home, and the vessels under way Unfortuately the wind was not sufficiently strong to get up a rapid current into the lake, where I had understood another armed vessel lay at anchor, and I was obliged to run down the river by the forts, undera heavy fire of round, grape and canister, from a number of pieces of heavy ordnance and several pieces The following is extracted from the Quebec Mer-of flying artillery, was compelled to anchor at a cury-"In our columns is captain Hull's official ac- distance of about 400 yards from two of their batcount of his action with the Guerriere. What can teries. After the discharge of the first gun, which we say of this unfortunate rencontre, further than was from the flying artillery, I hailed the shore, that we had to contend on this occasion, with men and observed to the officer, that if another gun who are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh.- was fired I would bring the prisoners on deck From it the inference may be drawn, that a contest and expose them to the safe fate we should all share with the Americans is more worthy of our arms than-but notwithstanding they disregarded the caution was at first imagined. How often have we heard our and continued a constant and destructive fire. One military officers deplore their being obliged to van-single moment's reflection determined me not to quish men whose conquest would do them no cre- commit an act that would subject me to the imputadit. The behavior of the captain and crew of the tion of barbarity. The Caledonia had been beachConstitution, may serve to convince them of their er-ed, in as safe a position as the circumstances would ror. Of captain Hull, we may say, with Zanga "Great let me call him, for he conquered me.” He will, therefore, we trust, on a future occasion, be found worthy of being conquered." I admit of, under one of our batteries at Black-Rock. now brought all the guns of the Detroit on one side next the enemy, stationed the men at them, and directed a fire which was continued as long as our amMajor Ormsbee, late commandant at fort Erie, and munition lasted and circumstances permitted. Durbetween 20 or 30 of the enemy, were killed on boarding the contest I endeavored to get the Detroit on the brig Detroit [Adams] after she grounded on the day of her capture. our side by sounding a line, there being no wind on shore,with all the line I could muster; but the current being so strong, the boat could not reach the shore. I The naval force now on the Halifax station, con- then hailed our shore,and requested that warps would sists of two 74's, one 64, one 40 gun frigate, seven be made fast on land, and sent on board; the attempt 38's, two 36's, one 32, two 20's, eleven 18's two 16's to all which again proved useless. As the fire was such and five or six smaller vessels. Letter from Captain Elliot to the Secretary of the BLACK ROCK, Oct. 8. SIR-I have the honor to inform you that on the morning of the 8th inst. two British vessels, which I was informed were his Britannic majesty's brigs De as would in all probability, sink the vessel in a short time, I determined to drift down the river out of reach of the batteries, and make a stand against the flying artillery. I accordingly cut the cable, made sail with very light airs, and at that instant discovered that the pilot had abandoned me. I dropped astern for about ten minutes, when I was brought up on our shore on Squaw Island-got the boarding-boat ready, na passage, Turks Island passage, the Caycos par had the prisoners put in and sent on shore, with di-sage, then into the Gulph of Florida and home. The rections for the officer to return for ine and what pro- crew are in high health and spirits, not a man sick, perty we could get from the brig. He did not re-except the wounded in action; the most of them are turn, owing to the difficulty in the boat's getting nearly recovered. on shore. Discovering a skiff under the counter, I put Extract from the Log-book of the schooner Rossie. the four remaining prisoners in a boat, and with my July 12th, sailed from Baltimore. July 15, left officers I went on shore to bring the boat off. I ask-Cape Henry. July 17th, spoke ship Electra, of Philed for protection to the brig of lieut. col. Scott, who adelphia, informed her of the war. July 21st, spoke readily gave it. At this moment I discovered a boat brig Triton, of Portsmouth, informed her of the war. with about 40 soldiers from the British side, making Spoke ship Rising Sun, of Baltimore, informed her for the brig. They got on board, but were soon com- of the war. July 22d, seized brig Nymph, of Newpelled to abandon her, with the loss of nearly all buryport, for breach of the non-importation law; their men. During the whole of this morning both spoke ship Reserve of Bath; brig - from Lissides of the river kept up alternately a continual fire bon to New-London, informed her of the war. July on the brig and so much injured her that it was im-23, was chased by a frigate, fired 25 shot at us, outpossible to have floated her. Before I left her, she sailed her. July 30, chased by a frigate, out-sailed had several heavy shot of large size in her bends, her her. July 31, took and burnt the ship Princesssails in ribbons, and rigging all cut to pieces. Royal. Aug. 1, took and manned the ship Kitty: To my officers and men I feel under great obliga- 2d, took and burnt the following: brig Fame, brig tion. To captain Towson and lieutenant Roach of Devonshire, schr Squid, and took the brig Brothers the 2d regiment of artillery, ensign Prestman of the put on board her 60 prisoners, and sent her to St. infantry, captain Chapin, Mr. John M'Comb, Messrs. Johns, to be exchanged for as many Americans. 3d. Join Town, Thomas Dain, Peter Overstocks, and took and sunk the brig Henry and schr Race-horse, James Sloan, resident gentlemen of Buffaloe, for burnt the schr Halifax, manned the brig William (artheir soldier and sailor like conduct. In a word, sir, rived) and gave the schr Two Brothers to 40 prisonevery man fought as if with their hearts animated ers, and sent them to St. Jolins, on parole. 9th, took only by the interest and honor of their country. the ship Jeanie, after a short action, she mounting 12 The prisoners I have turned over to the military. guns, sent her for the United States (arrived.) 10th, The Detroit mounted six 6 pound long guns, com-seized the brig Rebecca, of Saco, from London, for manding lieutenant marines, a boatswain and gunner, a breach of the non-importation law, (ar.)-14th, and 56 men-about 30 American prisoners on board, spoke brig Hazard, from Cadiz, informed her of the muskets, pistols, cutlasses and battle-axes. In board-war. 16th, spoke ship Hercules, from Malta, inforing her I lost one man, one officer wounded, Mr. med her of the war. 17th, spoke brig Favorite from John C. Cummings, acting midshipman, a bayonet Cadiz to Boston. 20th, spoke brig John Adams, who through the leg his conduct was correct, and de-had been captured and plundered by the Guerriere, serves the notice of the department. The Caledonia and let go. Aug. 25, seized ship Euphrates, of New mounted two small guns, blunderbusses, pistols, Bedford, for breach of the non-importation law, (ar) muskets, cutlasses and boarding pikes, 12 men in-28th, spoke a brig, prize to the Benjn. Franklin pricluding officers, 10 prisoners on board. The boat vateer. 29th; spoke ship Jewell, of Portland, inforboarding her commanded by sailing master George med her of the war. 30, spoke schr Ann & Mary, of Watts, performed his duty in a masterly style. But New London, informed her of the war. Sept.7, spoke one man killed, and four wounded badly, I am afraid brig - , from Providence, R. 1. in distress; left mortally. I enclose you a list of the officers and men her under care of the Revenue cutter, of Newpor engaged in the enterprise, and also a view of the lake Sept. 9th, chased by three ships of war, a short and river in the different situations of attack. In a chase. Sept. 10, spoke ship Joseph, from Bonavista, day or two I shall forward the names of the prison-informed her of the war. 10th, spoke a brig, prize ers. The Caledonia belongs to the N. W. Company, to the schr Saratoga, of N. York. Sept. 12, chased loaded with furs, worth I understand $200,000. With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to be, &c. The hon. Paul Hamilton, JESSE D. ELLIOT. Sec'ry U.S. Navy, [The Detroit was burnt by the Americans, the 'chief part of the stores being saved.-Several of her guns are now in service against the enemy.] by a frigate six hours, outsailed her. Sept. 16, took his Britannic majesty's packet ship princess Amelia, after a severe action of nearly an hour, at pistol-shot distance. The captain, sailing-master, and one man was killed, the master's mate and six men wounded -we had Mr. Long, first lieutenant,severely woundled, and six men (most of whom have recovered) the ship cut to picces, and the Rossie much injured in sails and rigging. Sept. 16, fell in with three ships Com. Barney returned to Baltimore a few days dore, received an 18'pound shot through our quarter, and a brig armed, exchanged shot with the commosince in his schooner the Rossie. We insert the ex-wounded a man and lodged in our pump; continued tract from his log-book as a matter of record, to to dog and watch the above vessels, 4 days in hopes which it will be pleasant to refer a short time hence, to separate them, but in vain. Sept. 23d, spoke the Other vessels have been as actively employed as the private armed schooner Globe, capt. Murphy, of Bal Rossie-but her cruise may serve as a specimen. timore, went in pursuit of the above vessels, but Arrived, the private armed schooner Rossie, com-could not fall in with them. 25th, spoke a Spanish modore Barney, from a cruize-this schooner has brig bound to Porto-Rico. Oct. 8th, took (in comtaken, sunk and burnt eighteen prizes—she has been pany with the Globe) the schr Jubilee, and sent her ninety days effective at sea, her cruize extended to in. 9th, spoke a Spanish schr from Palma to Porto the castward of the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, Rico. 10th, chased and spoke the privateer schr and on the banks of the port of St. Johns-along Rapid, of Charleston, s. c. 52 days out, had taken that coast to the Isle of Sables, on St. George's Bank; nothing. 22d. seized the ship Merimack, for breach touched in at Newport, R. I. for officers and men, of the non-importation act. Result is three thousand filled water, and proceeded to the West-Indies. Pass-six hundred and ninety-eight tons of shipping, and ed off Bermuda; from thence to windward of the two hundred and seventeen prisoners-valued at up Sombrero passage, the passage by St. Thomas's, Mo-'wards of one million five hundred thousand dollars. American Prizes. (WEEKLY LIST-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 143.) 241. Brig Diamond, 220 tons, 12 guns, with a full cargo of cotton and logwood, and $2500 in gold, sent into Salem, by the Alfred privateer. 242. Brig George, 270 tons, laden with sugar and cotton, sent into ditto by ditto. Both vessels were from Brazil, and are valitable, worth $120,000. 243. Brig Neptune, a prize to the John, of Salem, has arrived at that port. 244. Ship Jane, of Port Glasgow, a prize to ditto, has also arrived at Salem. tion before them. If they will it-they can easily put afloat from 5 to 600 heavy guns by the time that the enemy will gather on our coast in the spring, and thereby put him to the most serious inconveniencies. It is true we cannot build 74's by that time; but we can convert some of our valuable merchantmen into excellent cruising ships of from 20 to 26 guns, and, in cach chief port, there may be built a 44 gun frigate. I am verily of opinion that the adoption of such a measure would affect the enemy more powerfully than the subjugation of Canada, important as the procedure may be; it will not cost one twentieth 245. A schooner laden with timber, taken by the part of the money, and, besides, may enable the pecSaucy Jack of Charleston, and given up to release ple on the sea-board to have a glorious part in the the prisoners she had made. struggle against impressment and piracy. As im 246. Sloop Louisa-Ann, laden with molasses-prudent, aye, and impudent in wrong, as the British seized and captured by a boat from the Benjamin government are, terror will seize them when they beFranklin privateer, with 7 men, in Trinity harbor, hold the foundation of a power that will contend Martinique, under the guns of a battery of 12 cigh- with them for the trident; and they will consider teen pounders. Captain Hull. how great our weight might be if thrown into the scale against them in their future wars. Policy, selflove, and every thing else that has influence in the mind of sordid men, would dictate to them the ab The following anecdote relative to the late splen-solute necessity of diverting us from warlike meadid action between the Constitution and Guerriere, sures by granting us an honest peace. If the British derived from an unquestionable source, is worthy of monarchy remains entire, there is no government record, as it is characteristic of the coolness, pru- but that of the United States that can reasonably dence and superior skill of the gallant American become a maratime rival.This remark may commander. seem wild to some who consider the mighty resour When the frigates had approached within cannon ces at the disposal of Bonaparte; but he wants seashot, the firing was commenced by the Guerriere. men, and Great Britain will never permit him to Capt. Hull was at the time walking the quarter-deck. have them in sufficient numbers to give her alarmShortly after the first fire from the British frigate, Some of the London wits have, in addition to his lieutenant Morris, who was so severely wounded in other titles, called him "muster ship builder to his the action, came up from the gun-deck, and inform- Britannic majesty ;" and, indeed his fine vessels ap ed captain Hull that "the enemy had fired and killed pear destined to remain in his own waters to carry two men-shall we return the fire?" "No sir," re-the flag of his enemy. The distance that we are replied Hull. moved from Great Britain, with the nature of our Shortly after he again returned— Sir they have coast and the different spirit of the people, forbid fired again and killed two more men-shall we fire ?" the idea that all the navy of England could shut "No sir" was the reply- ere a few minutes had up our flag from the sea, if we had a few stout veselapsed, the gallant Morris impatient for the contest, sels to make occasional openings in such part of the appeared again and in an earnest tone, wished to year as her squadrons might infest our shores. The know whether they might now fire-Hull after paus- force of the British navy, though eminently powerful, ing a moment and surveying the position of the ships is much deadened by the extent of the countries and exclaimed, "Yes sir, you may now fire." commerce it has to defend. We should have but the The order was promptly obeyed, and the effect one object to look at-the immediate protection of produced by the first discharge, showed with what ourselves. propriety the American commander had restrained It would then appear that, as a war or peace menthe ardor and impetuosity of his brave crew-when sure, an augmentation of the navy was indispensably he saw the effect of his fire, he immediately exclaim-necessary. It will cost money. True-but we are ed" By that vessel is ours." Poulson. Augmentation of the Navy. very The brilliant success that has attended to our sea-whom they may. Let us be as vigorous in war as we men on every occasion when they came into contact are reluctant to embark in it. Thus we may become with an enemy, aided by the apparently increasing what Sparta was, while virtuous. She never invaded necessity of the measure, as pointing to peace, with the rights or territories of others; but, in defence of independence and safety, the grand object of the her own, exerted herself with irresistible energy and war in which we have reluctantly engaged; we are effect. The state of the civilized world has so matefree to confess has materially changed our ideas as rially changed, and “ power so often is right," that to the expediency of a naval force-not for the pur- we must also change our habits, if we expect to up pose of protecting the gambling merchant, but as hold our principles. Creek Indians. the means of securing to agriculture and legitimate commerce a just respect from foreign nations; under the persuasion, that we have the materials, as well in ships as in men, to maintain our just rights and General Cocke offered the following resolutions in defend ourselves. From a pretty extensive corres-the house of representatives of the state of Tennespondence with the interior of the United States, Isce on the 20th ultimo, which were adopted, and am ready to believe that a great revolution has tak-ordered to be sent to the senate for their concuren place in the minds of the people, as to this im-frence: portant matter. Let us then urge our representa "Whereas murders the most horrid and inhuman, tives in congress to lose no time in bringing the ques- have been committed on the people inhabiting the frontiers of this state, by a nation (if they can be sol Roger Griswold, Esq. governor of Connecticut, denominated) called Creeks: atonements for which departed this life on the 25th ult. in the 51st year of murders the governor of this state has, in the most his age.He was interred with military and civil honors. correct and decided manner, and in strict conformi- The general assembly of Maryland met at Aunapoty with the existing laws, demanded; and which lis on Monday last. Jolin C. Herbert, Esq. was electhas been refused, as is believed by this general as-ed speaker of the house of delegates, and Upton S. sembly-in consequence of the false representations, Reed, Esq. clerk. or Indian statements, of Benj. Hawkins, agent for Judging from the returns that have reached us, we the United States in the Creek nation. And where-venture an opinion that the Madisonian electoral as it is the opinion of this general assembly, whose ticket has succeeded in Pennsylvania by a majority pleasure as well as duty it is to watch over and pre- of 25,000 votes. serve the liberties of those who have honored them The legislature of New Jersey have taken from the with their confidence, particularly when every prin-people the privilege of electing electors of a Presi. ciple of humanity and justice cries aloud for revenge.dent and Vice-President of the United States. The Therefore, election was, by law, to have come on three or four Resolved, that the governor of this state be di-days after the meeting of the assembly. By this rected to order into service on the frontiers, 10,000 measure the vote of New-Jersey will be given to Mr. of the militia of this state, to wit: 5,000 on the Clinton. They have also abolished the general ticket frontier of the West, and 5,000 on the frontier of for Congress. ". East Tennessee, for the purpose of preventing a re- Langdon Cheves, William Lowndes, John C. Cal. petition of those horrid scenes of savage barbarity; houn, John Chapel, Samuel Farrow, Theodore Gourand to punish with death, the savage foe who dare din and Williani Mayrant, all republicans, are electmake the attempt. ed to the 13th congress, from South Carolina. "Resolved, that the governor be directed to send Return J. Meigs, esq. has been re-elected governor a messenger to the Creek nation forthwith, and de-of Ohio, by a large majority. mand a prompt surrender of all the murderers of the The following gentlemen are elected to represent citizens of Tennessee; and if not delivered in 20 the state of Georgia, in the congress of the United days after the return of said messenger, to order out States: G. M. Troup, Wm. W. Bibb, Bolling Hall, a sufficient force to exterminate the Creek nation. John Forsyth, Wm. Barnett, Thomas Telfair. The "Resolved, that the governor of this state be re-three last are new members. They are republicans. quested to forward, without delay, to the president A collection of people at Savannah have destroyed of the United States, a copy of the foregoing pream-a vessel at that place, loaded with supplies for St. ble and resolutions, as expressive of our feelings and] Augustine; and at a meeting of the citizens, reso determination on a subject so intimately connected lutions have been entered into expressing their dewith the tranquility and happiness of the people of testation of all who engage in furnishing supplies to Tennessee. those who have proved themselves so inimical to "Resolved, that it is expedient that a law be im- the United States. In the affair first mentioned, one mediately passed, to authorise the governor to draw or two persons were unfortunately killed. on either of the treasurers of this state, for such All the money on board the Abergavenny, lost sums of money as may be sufficient to effect the ob- some years near Weymouth, to the amount £60,000 ject contemplated by the foregoing resolutions. in dollars, has been recovered by means of the diving "Resolved also, that the senators and representa- bell. The vessel has been since blown up under wa tives from this state to the congress of the United ter, so as to prevent the wreck from forming a danStates, be instructed and requested to use their best gerous shoal-London paper August 22. endeavors with the proper authority, to have Benj. Hawkins removed from the Creek agency." [We have before seen some insinuations against the conduct of colonel Hawkins; but we hoped, as we yet hope, they are unfounded. The subject be ing now, however, brought before a legislative body, [Ed. Reg. it becomes necessary to notice it.] Roman antiquities,-Some valuable Roman antiquities have lately been discovered by Mr. Noble, farmer of the ground, (while clearing away the stones of the east side for building) at Plumpton, a the former place about five miles. This village is village between Penrith and Carlisle, distant from situated near a Roman station, called Penrith by the country people; Bremetanaarum, by Horsely; and THE CHRONICLE. by Camden Petriana. The antiquities consist of a Dudley Chase, Esq. a republican, has been elected considerable number of silver and brass coins, some a senator of the United States, by the legislature of of them in good preservation; several pieces of brass Vermont, vice Stephen R. Bradley, whose period of which appear to have been appendages to the handle. service expires on the 4th of March next.The of a sword; and a part of a lamp of bronze, or some votes were, for Chase 110-for R. Tyler (also repub- similar metal, fashioned in the shape of a bird, of lican) 94 and 4 scattering. This choice clearly shews very fine workmanship. The belly is wanting; in the positive materials of what the majority is com- other respects it has received no injury from the corposed. roding tooth of time. Mr. Noble, we are glad to At the general election in October last, sixteen learn, is indefatigable in his endeavors to recover gentlemen were chosen, agreeably to the act of in-more monuments of former times. In his pursuits, corporation, as electors of Mayor of the city of Bal- he has cleared away the stones and rubbish from the timore. They were pledged to vote for Edward whole of the eastern side, 132 yards long, to the Johnson,and they were elected, nemine contradicente. very foundation of the wall, which is three course On Monday last they assembled for the purpose, and unanimously re-elected Mr. Johnson. Colonel Ogden is chosen governor of New Jersey. He had 30 votes-judge Pennington, the republican candidate, 22. The president has been pleased to confer the brevet rank of MaJon, on capt. Z. Taylor, for his gallant defence of fort Harrison. in height, quite entire, and of excellent masonry in the centre is a large gateway. Within the area of the fort, which contains three acres, the foundations of regular streets of houses are very discernable.We understand Mr. Noble's landlord has given him liberty to improve the ground as he pleases. We cannot doubt, then, that the whole station will be speedily cleared out. ib. No. 11 OF VOL. III.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1812. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit-VIRGIL. [WHOLE NO. 63 Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at § 5 per annum ̧ DOCUMENTS Accompanying the President's Message to Congress. Extract of a letter from Mr. Monroe to Mr. Russel, June 25, 1812. might be made completely effectual and satisfactory by suitable reof Great Britain, for as few of our seamen ever enter voluntaniy gulations and penalties, would operate almost exclusively in lavor vantage to Great Britain would be more than an equivalent for any into the British service, the reciprocity would be nominal; its ai she derives from impressment, which alone ought to induce her to lation to prohibit by law the employment of British seamen in the abandon the practice, if she had no other motive for it. A stipne service of the U. States, is to be understood in the sense and spirit of the constitution. The passage of such law must depend of course on congress, who, it might reasonably be presumed, might "On the 18th of this month a declaration of war against Great Britain passed congress. I sent you a copy of the act, of the Pre-give effect to it. sident's message, and of the report of the committee of foreign re By authorising you to secure these objects as the grounds of an ar lations, which brought the subject under consideration. mistice,it was not intended to restrict you to any precise form in This measure has been produced by the continued aggressions which it should be done. It is not particularly necessary that the seof the British government on the rights of the United States, and veral points should be specially provided for in the convention stipu the presumption arising from them and other facts, which it is un-lating the armistice. A clear and distinct understanding with the necessary to recite, that no favorable change of policy might be British government on the subject of impressment, comprising in it expected from it. It was impossible for the U. States to surrender the discharge of men already impressed, and on future blockades, if their rights, relinquishing the ground which they had taken, and it the orders in council are revoked, is all that is indispensable. The was equally incompatible with their interests and character to re-orders in council being revoked, and the proposed understanding ly longer on measures which had failed to accomplish their objects. on the other points, that is, on blockades and impressment, being War was the only remaining alternative, and that fact being clear-first obtained, in a manner, though informal, to admit of no mistake ly ascertained, you will find by the documents transmitted that it or disagreement hereafter, the instrument providing for the armis was adopted with decision. tice may assume a general form, especially if more agreeable to the "As war has been resorted to from necessity, and of course with British government. It may for example be said in general terais, reluctance, this government looks forward to the restoration of "that both powers being sincerely desirous to terminate the differ peace with much interest, and a sincere desire to promote it on ences which unhappily subsist between them, and equally so, that conditions, just, equal and honorable to both the parties. It is in full time should be given for the adjustment thereof, agree, the power of Great Britain to terminate the war on such condi- "ist. That an armistice shall take place for that purpose, to comtions, and it would be very satisfactory to the President to meet it in mence on the day of →→→→→ arrangements to that effect. "2d. That they will forthwith appoint on each side commission Although there are many just and weighty causes of complainters with full power to form a treaty, which shall provide, by recigast Great Britain, you will perceive by the documents trans-procal arrangements, for the security of their seamen from being ted, that the orders in council, and other blockades, illegal, ac- taken or employed in the service of the other power, for the regu cording to the principles lately acknowledged, and the impress-lation of their commerce, and all other interesting questions now ment of our seamen, are considered to be of the highest import-depending between them. ant. If the orders in council are repealed, and no illegal bloc 3d. The armistice shall not cense without a previous notice by kadetare substituted to them, and orders are given to discontinue one to the other party of →→→ days, and shall not be understood as the impressment of seamen from our vessels, and to restore those baving other effect than merely to suspend military operations by already impressed, there is no reason why hostilities should not im- land and by sea." mediately cease. Securing these objects, you are authorised to By this you will perceive that the President is desirous of removstipulate an armistice to commence from the signature of the in- ing every obstacle to an accommodation which consists merely of strument providing for it, or at the end of fifty or sixty days, or form, securing in a safe and satisfactory manner the rights and in other the shortest term that the British government will assent to.terests of the U. States in these two great and essential circum Definite arrangements will be made on these and every other distances, as it is presumed may be accomplished by the proposed unr ference by a treaty, to be concluded either here or at London, derstanding; he is willing that it be done in a manner the most sa though it is much desired that the subject should be entered on in tisfactory and honorable to Great Britain, as well as to the United this city. States. I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) JAMES MONROE. MR. GRAHAM TO MR. RUSSEL. "As an inducement to the British government to discontinue the practice of impressment from our vessels, you may give assurances that a law will be passed (to be reciprocal) to prohibit the em ployment of British seamen in the public or commercial service of the U. States. There can be no doubt that such an arrangement Department of State, August 9, 1812. wonk prove much more efficacious in securing to Great Britain SIR-The secretary left this city about ten days ago on a short ber seamen, than the practice to which it is proposed so be a substi-visit to Virginia. Since that period Mr. Baker has, in consequence tute, independent of all the other objections to it. of some dispatches from his government addressed to Mr. Foster, "Indennity for injuries received under the orders in council, and made to me a communication respecting the intentions of his go other edicts violating our rights, seems to be incident to their re-vernment as regards the orders in council. It was of a character, peal: but the President is willing that the consideration of that however, so entirely informal and confidential, that Mr. Baker did cixis should not be pressed at this time, so as to interfere with the not feel himself at liberty to make it in the form of a note vermal or preliminary arrangement alluded to. It will be proper to bring it pro memoria, or even to permit me to take a memorandum of it into view inerely to shew that it is expected that provision will be at the time he made it. As it authorises an expectation that somemade for it in the treaty which is to follow. Every other inte thing more precise and definite, in an official form, may soon be rerest may also be provided for at the same time. ceived by this government, it is the less necessary that I should go "It is hoped that the British government will find it consistent into an explanation of the views of the President in relation to it, with its interest and honor, to terminate the war by an armistice more particularly as the secretary of state is daily expected and will in the manner and on the conditions proposed. In so doing, it will be able to do it in a manner more satisfactory. abandon no right, it will sacrifice no interest; it will abstain only I refer you to the enclosed papers for information as to the ma from violating our rights, and in return it will restore peace with the power from whom, in a friendly commercial intercourse, so ma my advantages will be derived, not to mention the injuries which cannot fail to result from a prosecution of the war." ritime and military movements incident to the war, and will add, MR. GRAHAM TO MR. RUSSEL MR. MONROE TO MR. RUSSEL. Department of State, July 27, 1812. SIR-I wrote you on the 26th of June, by Mr. Foster, a letter which he promised to deliver to you in person or by a safe hand. In that letter you were informed, that the orders in council and other illegal blockades, and the impressinent of our seamen by Department of State, August 15, 1812. Great Britain, as you well knew before, were the principal causes SIR-Thinking that it may possibly be useful to you, I do myof the war, and that if they were removed, you might stipulate an self the honor to enclose a memorandum of the conversasian bearmistice, leaving them and all other grounds of difference, for final tween Mr. Baker and myself, alluded to in my letter of yesterday's and more precise adjustment by treaty. As an inducement to the date. From a conversation with Mr. Baker since this memoranBritish government to discontinue the practice of impressment dum was made, I find that I was correct in representing to the Pe Trosa our vessels, by which alone our seamen can be made secure, sident that the intimation from Mr. Foster and the Bish muthaYou were authorised to stipulate a prohibition by law, to he reci-rities at Halifax was to be understood as connected with a susp precal, of the employment of British seamen in the public or com- sion of hostilities on the frontiers of Canada. Have the honor, Se zuercial service of the U. States. A such an arrangement, which (Signed) L VOL. III. JOIN GRAHAM |