Be pleased, sir, to accept the assurance of my con-into irons, to be sent to England and tried for his sideration. R. J. MEIGS. ife These things were unblushingly communicated Resolution concerning the conduct of the corps of Vo-by the captain of the frigate to an American gentle lunteers from this state, during, and previous to, man who has arrived at New-York. "Will not God the late campaign under the command of general visit for these things?" Honors are heaped upon our gallant seamen in all WHEREAS it is deemed of vital importance to every quarters. A resolution has passed the house of rerepuplican government, that an ardent love of coun- presentatives of Pernsylvania to present an approtry should characterize its inhabitants: Whereas priate sword to lieut. Biddle, late of the Wasp, with those are especially deserving of the gratitude of the thanks of the commonwealth, for his gallant contheir country, who stand forth early, and with ala-duct in the late engagement of that ship with the crity in its defence:And whereas this general as- Frolic. Hull. sembly has been advised of the promptitude and ho- Captain Dobbin, at Erie, has four large gun boats nest zeal with which the corps of volunteers from in a forward state. They are fifty feet straight rab. this state (lately under the command of general Hull) assembled, were organized and marched into the enemy's country, and of their bravery and general good conduct: Therefore, bit keel, seventeen feet beam, and five feet in the hold, to carry 24's and 32 pounders. These, with Rock, rapidly fitting out by lieutenant Angus, will the seven vessels at the Navy Yard below Black give a good account of the British on Erie when hostile operations re-commence. Be it resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the state of Ohio,-That the thanks of this state are due to the officers and soldiers compo of the late United States ship Wasp had entered, was The time for which the greater part of the crew sing the said corps, for the patriotism, bravery and general good conduct which they evinced during But as it was known that their late commander nearly expired when they arrived at Washington-city. their late arduous and disasterous expedition. JOHN POLLOCK, Speaker THOMAS KIRKER, Speaker of the senate. Attest.-R. Osнons, clerk of the H. R. C. A. NORTON, clerk of the senate. NAVAL. Be it further resolved, That the governor of this Jones, was to take charge of the Macedonian, they state, be requested to forward to each of the late gave three cheers and re-entered the service. commandants of the three regiments composing We are indebted to the "National Advocate," said corps, a copy of these resolutions; and that published in New-York, for the following interesting he take such further notice of them in his general Particulars. The frigate United States is 176 feet orders as commander in chief of the militia of the deck, and 42 feet beam; her gun deck is 6 feet 6 -state, as propriety may direct. inches high; she has 15 port holes on a side, and carries 24 pounders on her main deck. The MaceOf the house of representatives.donian is 166 feet deck and 42 feet 8 inches beam: her gun deck is 6 feet 10 inches high; she has 15 port holes on a side, and carries 18 pounders on her main deck. The latter is said to be the best model for a frigate, and was accounted the most completely fitted vessel in the British service. It further ap pears, that the British formerly used 24 pounders in The British squadron off the Chesapeake have cap. their frigates but have abandoned them for 18's, as tured the very valuable brig Herald, from Bordeaux more certain in their fire and easier managed. Capt. for Baltimore. The brig had encountered a gale of Carden, while lying at Norfolk some time ago, ob. wind off the Western islands, in which she carried served to commodore Decatur, after examining both away her fore-top-mast, part of her foremast, and frigates, that he preferred his own-and also said, was otherwise crippled. She was becalmed to the" when the American officers have had as much exleeward of the squadron, which came down upon her perience as we have had, they too will prefer the 18 with a stiff breeze, and she did not take it until they pounders." Decatur did very well with his 24's ;--were within 30 yards of her. She still attempted and it is best to follow judge Peters' advice, and in an cape, and had 150 shot fired at her before she all cases, "let very well alone." struck! A subscription is opened in Virginia to build a ship The schooner Price, of Baltimore, has arrived at of the line by private contributions and makes a bupNew-York from Nantz, with a very valuable cargo.py progress. The legislature will also “lend a hand.” On the second day out she was becalmed in sight of It is proposed to call her the VIRGINIA. Would not the Abercrombie of 74 guns, who manned 3 boats to the vessel be more aptly named the "Negociator 2 " take her. When the enemy arrived within musketWe derive this hint from an excellent carricature shot, captain Staples presented them with the con- print, published in New-York, called "Decatur's netents of his six carronades, and they immediately gociation for American seaman,” representing the friretired very well satisfied, without doing the leastgate United States,in fine condition with all her sails injury to the schooner. The privateer ship America, of 18 guns, has returned to Salem after a 4 months cruise, in which she captured many valuable vessels. She was fifteen days in the English channel. set, towing the Macedonian under jury masts, into port, with her flag union down, and underneath the stars and stripes of Columbia-distressed and prize. An American privateer, name unknown, appeared off the harbor of Arrowshot, in the gut of Canso, If any man can receive the following facts with- on the 28th of November. After the captain of a out emotion, his blood must be as cold as an adder's British government brig, of 10 guns, had ascertainon board the British frigate Romulus, cruising ed her force (4 guns and 35 or 40 men) he took on off Lisbon, were two Americans, who had been on board 20 volunteers, making his whole crew equal board about two years, and always refused to enter: to 60 men, and in company with a letter of marque one of them was from Rhode Island, the other from ship, went to take the privateer. The impudent New-Castle. Hearing of the war, they asked per-yankee kept his post; and without attempting escape, mission to be considered prisoners of war. They beat them off three times, when they finally left him, were replied to by an order from the captain to give being very much damaged, and heartily sick of the them TAREE DOZEN LASHES each; which being receiv-unprofitable contest. ed, the New-Castle man submitted--but the Rhode The account that capt. Dacres had killed capt. Islander using some threatening language, was cast) Stackpole (see page 285) is contradicted. It is confidently stated in a Charleston paper, that himself of thus publicly returning his most sincere the British frigate Southampton, and the United thanks to the commodore for his humanity and beStates brig Vixen (a prize) have lately been ship-nevolence to him; and also to his gallant officers and wrecked upon the Cat Key, Bahama, Particulars seamen (many of whom were personally acquainted not mentioned. with the deceased's father) for having contributed An old couple, 70 or 80 years of age, residing in largely and honorably towards the support of the Baltimore, who long have mourned their only son as said deceased's three orphan children, which clearly dead,had a few days ago the satisfaction to hear that demonstrates that the brave American seamen are he lived, by a letter dated "on board his majesty's ship possessed of both courage and humanity, superior Poictiers, of Cape Henry," where he could look up-to any other nation. May the same spirit that actu on his native land and hope to reach it! He was im-ates the crew of the United States animate others pressed many years ago. to the like gallant conduct; and the American flag The British government affords the most extensive will soon reign triumphant by land and sea. protection to those semi-American vessels that seek In the action with the United States, (says the N. it by licenses, though her naval officers, not under-Y. Columbian) an American seaman, who had been standing the matter, frequently vex them, and send impressed into the British service, and was then on them into port as prizes, where they are immediate-board the Macedonian, was shot with a round 24 lb. ly released. ball in the head, and his brains and blood dashed A gentleman arrived at New-York, lately on board against a beam and the spar-deck of the ship. On the Atalanta frigate, was informed that four Ameri-Jour seamen going on board the prize, some of the cans, who were sent to England to be tried as de-comrades of the unfortunate tar pointed out the reserters, had been cleared, and were then on board on mains of the poor fellow, when each of the American their return to Halifax. He understood they were sailors, and all who have since visited the spot, took some of the seamen for whom com. Rodgers had de-a portion of the still remaining gore from the place, tained twelve Englishmen as hostages. He states that the crew of the Atalanta were much alarmed at the idea of falling in with the Essex. and swore they would preserve the precious relic to the end of their lives, as a stimulus to avenge the death of their brother on the despoilers of the ocean. The American account of the capture of the Ma- Yesterday morning, (says a New-York paper of the œdmian has been published at Halifax, without com-19th inst.) during the preparations for the sailors' din ment. We, therefore, suppose that she was not "de-ner at the city hotel, a lady in the house was delifective." vered of a fine son, which was presented to the galREMARKABLE SAILING.-The privateer brig Ana-lant commodore in the course of the day, and named conda, arrived at New-London from Hart-Island, in Stephen Decatur. eight hours, a distance of 120 miles, which is the The privateer schooner Revenge, of 3 guns, (one shortest passage ever known. Capt. Shaler expect-of them a 12 pounder) capt. Sinclair, of this port ed to take a few additional hands there, and in one has been taken and carried into Halifax, after a brave or two days proceed on his cruise.-N. Y. Col. resistance. She was first attacked by a sloop that A letter from Sockett's Harbor, dated the 28th went out, manned with about 100 volunteers, and of December, says→→ carrying 6 guns, for the express purpose of taking "Our fleet has had heretofore entire command of her; she maintained a running fight of four hours the Lake, but the season prevents any further active with the sloop, and finally beat her off. A three operations for the present. The enemy has suffici-masted schooner or lugger, of 17 guns, was then ent force to cope with it, if they had sufficient expe- sent out, which succeeded in taking the privateer, rience; they are devoid of both these requisites. after a short contest. In the battle with the sloop, The officers and men are in good spirits. The Bri-the Revenge had one man (by the name of Warner) tish fleet has gone into Kingston and laid up there. killed, and 3 wounded. It is reported the sloop had It is probable we shall be attacked by the enemy between 40 and 50 killed and wounded. Salem pap. when the navigation is sufficiently closed-we ex The nautical skill of the officers of our navy has pect they will cross on sledges with a view of des-been before proven and acknowledged by the enemy. troying our shipping. Should they cross, we will The instance now offered to the public cannot be use every exertion for the preservation of the fleet. ungratifying to the friends of a navy or to the We shall rely principally upon the sailors and regu-friends of the officer who conducted the retreatlars, as there is no dependence to be placed upon The United States brig Argus, captain Sinclair, sailthe militia. I fear we shall not be able to oppose the ed from Boston in company with the United States. force that may be brought against us, owing to the After parting with her consort she proceeded to the mortality that prevails among the troops; nearly one coast of Brazil, down the north coast of the country half our force was reported this morning as unfit from St. Roquo to Surinam, thence he passed to the for duty." windward of the islands and in every direction beRICHARD Moss, quarter-master, died on board tween the Bermudas, Halifax and the continent-the frigate President, Oct. 16. A few hours before After a lapse of 96 days, she has returned into port, his death, he informed com. Rodgers that he had a having made five prizes valued at about $200,000.wife and three children in Boston, dependent on him During her cruise she fell in with a squadron of the for support; and expressed considerable anxiety for enemy, consisting of six sail, two of which were of them, knowing he had but little time to live. Soon the line, one of them a remarkable fast sailer.-The after his death, at the suggestion of com. Rodgers, favor of the moon enabling them to chase as well at a subscription paper was opened, (which he headed) night, as in the day, the chase was continued for and was handed through the ship to the officers and three days, without intermission and under various crew for subscription, when upwards of seven hun- circunstances, but the unremitted excrtions of his dred dollars were immediately subscribed by the geofficers and crew enabled him to elude the pursuit. nerous and feeling officers and tars, for the relief of Pressed on all sides by the number of the enemy and poor Moss's widow and children. the baffling and unsettled state of the weather, the Address of thanks-The father of the deceased Argus was at one time within musket shot of a 74, John Archibald, who fell in the late gallant action on and at another surrounded; the determined vigilance board the frigate United States, under the command of captain Sinclair rescued her however from the of the heroic commodore Stephen Decatur, avalis difficulty. They had joined in the chase an armed transport,, of a government in the Mississippi territory, in obewith a view no doubt of distracting the attention dience to the provisions of the act supplemental to and deceiving the chase, which being discovered,ke the last mentioned act. The bill was read and passbore down upon her and compelled her to clear the ed to a second reading. way. Such was the confidence of captain Sinclair HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. in the sailing of the Argus, that during the chase Thursday, Jan. 7.-The house as before resumed although at one time so closely pressed as to be com-the consideration of the bill for raising an additional pelled to lighten his vessel, by throwing over his military force. spare anchors and spars and deck boats, and start- Mr. D. R. Williams with a view to propose certain ng the salt water with which his casks had been fill-amendments wished to re-commit it to the comed as the fresh had been used, and reduced to the mittee of the whole, which was agreed to. He last necessity of wetting his sails; yet did he pre-then moved to amend the bill by inserting "such serve all his guns, and one night during the chase number of regiments not exceeding twenty, as the he found time to capture, man and dispatch a prize president might think necessary to the public ser. So close was they upon his heels that when he again vice," his object was (as this bill goes to repeal the made sail, two of the ships opened their batteries act for volunteers) that such number might be de upon him. ducted from the amount as there were of volunteers The Argus was built at Boston about ten years now in the service. The motion was agreed to.ago, and has not since undergone any material re- Mr. M. Clay moved that the time of enlistment pairs-she has been with a short intermission con-should be for three years instead of one, negatived stantly in service, is admitted to be one of the finest by a large majority. Messrs. Bleecker and Tallvessels in the service of her class. During the late madge then spoke against the bill generally, and the cruise we understand she complained a good deal, house adjourned. Nat. Intel. and cannot proceed to sea without repairs. The Friday, Jan. 8.-Mr. Jennings after some pointed model of such a vessel as the Argus is certainly in-remarks on the state of our frontiers, proposed three estimable. resolutions having a view to the raising of 12 companies of rangers, and for compensating such of the militia and volunteers as should offer their services, &c. which were laid upon the table. American Prizes. WEEKLY LIST-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 302. "The winds and seas are Britain's wide domain, “And not a sail, but by permission, spreads!" The house then resumed the unfinished business of yesterday. Mr Wheaton spoke against the bill. On motion of Mr. M'Kee it was so amended as to British Naval Register. place the appointment of the other field officers as 311. Brig Dart, 8 guns, of and for Port Glascow, well as the colonels, in the president and senate.-richly laden with rum, cotton and cocoa, captured Mr. Clay (the speaker) then spoke in favor of the near the western islands by the America of Salem bill, and after proceeding about an hour, declared and sent into that port. The America had captured himself exhausted, and obliged to suspend his retwo other very valuable vessels, which are expected marks to a future opportunity. The committee then daily; and at the time the prize left her had upwards rose, reported progress, and the house adjourned. of 70 prisoners on board. Saturday, Jan. 9.-Mr. Cheves, from the coni312. Ship Queen, 16 guns and 40 men, from Li-mittee of ways and means, among other bills reverpool, with a cargo invoiced at from 70 to 100,000 ported a bill to increase the salaries of the secretasterling, captured by the General Armstrong of N.ries of the war and navy departments (to a level with York, but unfortunately wrecked off Nantucket-the two other secret.ries) which was twice read.--She was, perhaps, the most valuable prize yet made. The house resumed the army bill, as before-Mr. This ship was bound to Surrinam, and was bravely Clay finished his observations. Mr. Quincy made a defended, the captain, his first officer and nine of few remarks in rejonder, and Mr. Sheffey wishing his crew being killed before she was surrendered.to speak, it was agreed that the committee should The Gen. Armstrong was not much injured by the rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again. contest. 313. Brig James and Charlotte, from Liverpool for St. John's, guns, with coal, dry goods, &c sent into Salem by the America of that port. 314. Schooner laden with dry goods, &c. from Jamaica for the Spanish Main-valuable-sent into Savannah by the Liberty of Baltimore. The prize carries two guns and had thirty men-the privateer had only one gun and forty men. Proceedings of Congress. SENATE-MONDAY, JANUARY 11. seat. Monday, January, 11. The house restined the army bill as before. Mr. Sheffey spoke against it, and Mr. Robertson in support of it. The committee obtained leave to sit again. Tuesday, January 12. The house again resumed the army bill. Mr. Emott spoke against the bill and ga nst the war-Mr. Macon replied. Wediesday, January 13. After transacting some other business, the house proceeded to consider the army bill, as before--on the question, shall the bill pass-Mr. Cuits spoke in reply to former remarks of Mr. Quincy, and in support of the bill. Mr. Kent followed on the same side. And Mr. Randolph suc fceeded in opposition to it. No decision. [On looking at the journal of congress for many days past, all persons will at least agree that Mr. Bradley, from the committee to whom was re-the freedom of debate is allowed its utmost latitude. committed the Mississippi bill, reported in part, "a The discussion of the bill for creating an additional bill to carry into effect the report made to congress military force, has involved the whole policy of the in February, one thousand eight hundred and three, United States, foreign and domestic, past and preby James Madison, then secretary of state, Albert sent. As every thing has been said that can be said, Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, and Levi Lin-we trust, as a great deal is yet to do, that congress coln, attorney-general of the U. States, commission will begin to act; for their time is short.] ers appointed in pursuance of the act entitled "An Thursday, Jun. 14.-After Messrs. Stow, Calhoun, act for an amicable settlement of limits with the Key, and Cheves had spoken, the additional army bil state of Georgia, and authorising the establishment" was carried-yeas 77, nays 42. Particulars hereafter Ohio Burr Stones. jan increase of "federal" votes, but to the security felt by the "republicans," who did not attend the Always delighted to notice the opening resources of polls. our country, and happy with any incident that re-f lieves our dependence for foreign supplies, it is Nov. that Mr. Barlow, our minister in France, had A report prevailed in London about the 12th of with uncommon pleasure that we give place to the proceeded to the head-quarters of the emperor, to following important communication from a corres-obtain the loan of 12 sail of the line and 36 frigates, pondent at CHILICOTHE, well assured that his state-for the use of the United States during the present ment may be implicitly relied on. "At a time like the present, when the injustice so clamorous on this that we plainly perceive their war with Great Britain. The ministerial editors are and aggressions of European nations have forced us fears. They talk lustily of "French influence" and into a war, for the maintenance of our rights and our the like, as is their business to do. We know noth independence, and when the establishment and fos-ing of this proposition but from the London papers, tering support of every species of domestic manu-and these papers do not always speak the truth? facture, is of the first importance, every discovery, But if we had the number of vessels the enemy as which increases our knowledge of the internal re-signs us by this project, we think a negociation might sources of our country, and lessens our dependence soon be opened from their cannon's mouth that would upon foreign nations, will be viewed with sincere produce all we want--a safe and honorable peace, in pleasure by every real American, as another link to very short time. If Great Britain shall fight us the chain of INDEPENDENCE, which bids fair, at no into a naval power as she did into an independent distant period, to encircle the wide extent of our free nation, she will equally repent it. paper spurious. and happy country. "From considerations, like these, it affords me generahty of the accounts received by way of LonThe news from Russia is vague and uncertain. The much pleasure to have it in my power to inform you don, shew that the French have met with some sethat an extensive quarry of American "Burrs" has vere checks. been discovered in this state, near the head of Rater in a very different view-yet some account this But the 25th bulletin places the matcoon creek, about thirty-five miles, in a south-east direction, from this place. It is found in rocks, at ligence for our next. We expect some authentic intel the surface of the earth, large enough to make millstones of any size. From these rocks a great many greatly at the siege of Burgos, without affecting From Spain we learn that the British suffered pair have already been made, and taken to various parts of the state. Owing to the plenty in which Wellington had retreated to Salamanca, leaving his jany good. The French have re-taken Madrid; lord these rocks are found at the surface, it has not yet sick, wounded and cannon behind him. It was supe been necessary to examine farther, but there can be no doubt, it is sufficiently extensive to warrant the on the people of Spain and Portugal to rise en masse. posed he would retire to Lisbon: he had called upbelict that the quarry is inexhaustible. The mill-From hence a tolerable idea may be formed of the stones made at this quarry, bear a striking resemb-real state of things in the Peninsula. lance to the "French Burrs;" bearing, like them, a rugged and cellular appearance. The substance of the Turks on their side against France. For an of The Russians have made great exertions to engage the Racoon creek Burrs, appears to be formed of in-fensive treaty of alliance they offered to renounce all numerable fossils of the hardest kind of flint, cethe countries on the left side of the Pruth-but the mented, as if by the action of fire, into a mass, con- Grand Turk turned a deaf ear to their propositions. taining numberiess cavities, filled with loose earth The new Russian province south of the the Pruth, s and sind. Upon striking a piece of steel along its surface, a stream of sparks follows the collision.sarabia. part of Moldavia, has received the name of BesThese mill-stones are found, upon trial, to be, not only equal, but really superior to the French Burrs; October for raising a new levy of 40,000 men, at the The diet of Poland, issued an order on the 6th of the flour being nicer, the stones running longer with-request of the emperor of the French. out dressing, and grinding a greater quantity in the same time. So much is general Worthington con- The British king still lives, as usual. vinced of these facts, that having procured a pair, A gentleman of Portsea (says a London paper) it to do country work at his merchant mili, near this is said, has submitted to government a shell, that at place, he found them so much superior to his French the immense distance of three miles will explode Burrs, that he has actually thrown the latter out, and 20 balls of combustible matter of three inches disubstituted in their place a pair of Racoon creek ameter, and upwards of 1000 musket and pistol balls: Burys! From the great demand for these Burrs, they these will be scattered on the horizon within a cir are sold at the quarry for from 80 to 120 dollars per cle whose diameter is 1400 yards. The weight of pair." THE CHRONICLE. the shell will be upwards of 2 1-2 cwt. We understand (says a New York paper) that Mr. Joseph G. Chambers, of Luzern county, Pennsylva nia, has invented a Gux, which he can charge in such Gen. John Armstrong has been appointed secreta a manner, that by a single operation of the trigger, y at war, and capt. William Jones, of Philadelphia, it will discharge several loads in succession, (say 6 an old an experienced, seaman, appointed secretary or 6) with a space between each sufficient to take of the navy. Perhaps no two persons could be se-another aim. This gun has but one barrel, and does lected to bring into the executive more decision and not exceed a common gun in size. N. Y. Pap. etrength, than these gentlemen. Richard Skinner, Izra Butler, James Fisk, Charles Rich, William Strong and William C. Bradley, Esq epublicans, have been elected representatives in the 13th congress of the United States by the people of Vermont, by an average majority of 270 votes. It is said that the reduced majority was not owing to Senator in Congress. A London paper states that between thirty and produce, are lying in Gottenburg, which port they forty American ships all richy laden with Baltic made as a place of safety on hearing of the war The British have lately captured several of our vessels bound to and from France-but not so many as they used to do before the declaration of the war, though the trade has been more active. No. 21 OF VOL. III.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1813. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit-VIRGIL. [WHOLE NO. 73. Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at 5 per annum. Legislature of Maryland. HOUSE OF DELEGATES-TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24. The committee of grievances and courts of justice, to whom the following order of the house of delegates, of November 18th, 1812. was referred litary force, when they saw the civil authority inadequate to the security of Mr. Wagner and his property. From the office of dig count and deposit a part of the mob proceeded to the house of Mrs. Wagner's father; and a committee, appointed by themselves,searched every apartment of the house; there an Irishman was the most noted for his savage threats. They next visited Mr. Wagner's own house, and used every stratagem which rage suggested, to hunt out the contemplated victim of their revenge. No efficient measures being adopted the ensuing morning by the constituted autho-, rities of the city, to arrest the rioters, and to cause them to enter' "Ordered, That the committee of grievances and courts of jus-into the customary recognizance to keep the peace, they were em tice be, and they are hereby instructed to inquire into the late riots boldened, and sought for new victims; they collected in the even and mobs in the city of Baltimore, and the causes thereof, with aing, with a force almost incredible, at the house of one Hutchens, view to ascertain whether there has been any culpable inertness or charged by them with using expressions derogatory to the charac neglect of duty on the part of any of the civil or military officers ter of general Washington. They demanded him, with expressions of the state, or whether the defect is in the law, in order that pro of rage evidencing a determination to sacrifice him. The mayor per remedy in either case may be applied"had prevailed on him to escape. To prevent any violence to his Beg leave to report in part, That in compliance with the order house, and to cause the rioters to disperse, it was suggested that the of the house of delegates, and under the exercise of a general pow-mayor and George E. Mitchel, esquire, then a member of the exe er with which the committee of grievances are invested, they have cutive council, should enter the house and search it; this they did inquired into the recent disturbances which have so agitated the amidst the cries of Hutcheus' children, and reported to the mob city of Baltimore, and depressed the reputation of our state in the that he was not to be found. They then dispersed, with promises eyes of our sister republics, "the causes thereof, and the conduct of of future vengeance against him, and those who either should rally the civil and military officers in relation thereto." They find, from for his protection or for the preservation of the peace of the city. the testimony collected by your committee, and which accompa- To the shipping, regularly cleared out according to the laws of the nies the report, that the city of Baltimore has for a long time been United States to unprohibited ports, and bearing the products of considered the ardent advocate of every measure of the general our soil, they turned their attention; and in their strength, by dis government leading to the war in which the nation is now en mantling the vessels, they prohibited to the merchant the pursuit gaged. of wealth in the channels sanctioned by the government of his That the Federal Republican, edited by Messrs. Hanson and country. In the wantonness of their cruelty, the unfortunate blacks Wagner, exercising a constitutional right of reviewing the mea attracted their attention; and Briscoe, a free negro, charged with sures of the national cabinet, arraigned, in glowing colors, the in the expressions of affection for the British nation, has to deplore the tegrity and policy of the system which was to plunge into hostili-sacrifice of his houses, (amounting to eight hundred dollars) by ties: That the exercise of this right produced a general spirit of their unfeeling agency. An African church, erected by the piety, intolerance against that establishment; and that leading and dis of the well disposed for the improvement and amelioration of the tinguished advocates of the administration, were so far forgetful of blacks, became to them an object of jealousy; and rumors of a com the spirit of our constitution, of the sacred protection which the bination for its destruction, at length aroused the municipality of freedom of the press required from their hands, and of their obedi- the city from its lethargy, and a patrole of horse, by overawing the ence to the sovereignty of the law, as to indulge in denunciations turbulent, gave to this unhappy place the appearance of quiet against the establishment, and to circulate the horrible impression, Your committee have omitted to present to your consideration á that the same course of strictures upon the measures of the cabi-variety of incidents, where private revenge sought its gratification net, would, after a declaration of war, merit and receive the sam-under the imposing garb of zeal against the reputed enemies of mary application of popular vengeance. The fitness and correct their country; and where those citizens who have sought an ness of this doctrine were inculcated by the instrumentality of the asylum here from the oppression of their governments, attempted democratic presses, having an extensive circulation amongst that to gratify their embittered passions, by proscription of each other, description of persons the most likely to be impelled to excess, the alledged causes of which grew out of the disturbances at home. and the fit instruments of outrage. That under the influence of To this source may be traced those convulsions of the city, where the feelings excited by the above improper expressions of distin- the United Irishmen and Orangemen where the most prominenta guished characters, and publications in the democratic papers, During this prostration of the civil authority, Mr. Wagner sought committees were organized by men of daring characters (only one an establishment in the district of Columbia, where the Federal of whom has been named to your committee) to obtain subscribers Republican was revived. Mr. Hanson, impelled by considerations to a plan, having for its undisguised object, the demolition of of duty to his country, and believing that a decisive stand ought to the office of the Federal Republican. In this effervescence of the be taken for the preservation of the freedom of the press, resolved public feeling, and state of preparation, the congress of the United on its re-establishment in the city of Baltimore. A right secured States declared war on the 18th of June. The editorial remarks in to him by the first principle and express language of our compact. the Federal Republican on the ensuing day, reprobated the mo- Woful experience had taught him to believe, that the same spirit tives and expediency of the measure! The ministerial papers re- of intollerance which led to its first annihilation, would again ma plied to those remarks in a style of bitterness and acerbity,well calcu- nifest itself, by an attempt to prevent its re-establishment; and con lated to direct and secure the consummation of the promised threat tidently expecting that a resistance on the first onset would lead of revenge. On Sunday rumors were afloat, and a belief entertain either to the dispersion of the mob, or the interposition of the civil ed, that public meetings at Pamphelion's Hotel, the Apollo and authority, and thus cause a recognition of his right to locate his Stewart's Gardens, had determined to silence the press. On Mon- establishinent there; he organized, by the aid of his personał day the paper appeared without remarks on the attitude which the friends in Montgomery, a force for and a plan of defence, but not congress had assumed; but still, well grounded apprehensions of aggression. In execution of this design he came to Baltimore were entertained by Mr. Wagner, that his establishment and per- on Sunday the twenty-sixth of July-his friends arrived on the son were both endangered, and he took the precautionary measure same day; their arrival was known but to few. The means of deof removing his book of accounts from the office. In the evening fence and resistance, had been previously prepared and deposited the plan of lawless outrage was commenced by a parcel of boys in the house, with a secrecy and caution defying a suspicion of the and a few men. The assemblage quickly augmented, bringing object; and on Monday morning the Federal Republican was eir with them fire hooks, and every apparatus requisite for the deculated amongst the subscribers, purporting to be printed at Nos struction of the building. The operations of the mob were con- 45, Charles-street. This paper contained spirited strictures upon ducted with a regularity and subordination inducing a belief that the lawless temper of the city, and the indisposition of the civil or the whole was the result of a digested system of operations, and ter military officers to discharge the respective duties of their office; inated in a loss to the proprietors of three or four thousand dol-and upon the executive of Maryland. It does not appear to your committee, that the state of preparation in which Mr. Hanson and In this work of destruction a Frenchman was the most conspicu-his friends were, was known to the citizens generally, and that no ous and vociferous against the establishment, upon account of the acts were done by them, either calculated to excite irritation or general tone of its politics. A portion of the rioters, under a be apprehension of aggression in the minds of the citizens. Their Let that Mr. Wagner was concealed in the old office of discount course of conduct during the whole day evinced a determination to and deposit, attempted to enter the same: from this they were di- adhere to the original design, of avoiding all ostentation of prep verted by the zeal of two democratic gentlemen, who gave them ration, and to act entirely on the defensive. During the day, in assurances that Mr. Wagner was not there. The destruction of the formation was communicated to these in the house, that an attack house cost much labor and time: during which many stood by, and would be mande; every precaution which prudence and humanity contributed nothing to the protection of the rights guaranteed to suggested was adopted, to prevent any occurrence which might st the citizens by our form of government. From the force of this tract the attention of the mob. At early candle light, the wicked remark, your committee with pleasure except the names of Ed- and daring attempt to expel a citizen from his residence, or to in ward Johnson, the mayor of the city, and judge Scott, who used volve in one common ruin himself and his property, was commenç every pursuasive suggestion to divert the moh from their outrages; ed, and continued, notwithstanding frequent and reiterated solier but who omitted to attempt a resort to the protection created by tations by the persons in the house to the moh, to desist and retire: the vigilance of the legislature, in procuring a requisition for a mi and not until the windows were shuttered, was even a fire or inti lars. VOL. III. |