into the inner harbor, under the protection of the I trust that every British seamen will unite in musquetry, by the Oneida, and four small schooners supporting the noblest cause that ever called for the fitted out as gun-boats; the Governor Tompkins not efforts of men, the preservation of the liberties, indehaving been able to join in the action until about sun-pendenco, religion and laws of all the remaining nadown, owing to the fightness of the winds, and the tions of the world, against the tyranny and despotPert's gun having burst the second or third shot. ism of France, and to defend the honor of the British We are replacing all deficiencies, and I shall pro-flag upon the sea, at a moment when Providence has ceed up the lake the first wind, in the hopes to fall blessed her arms with success, in sustaining the efin with the Earl Moria and the Prince Regent; at forts of injured Spain and Portugal. any rate I shall endeavor to prevent them froin forming a junction with the Royal George again this win ter. I shall also visit Niagara river if practicable, in order to land some guns and stores that I have taken on board for that purpose. If the enemy are still in possession of Queenstown, I shall try to land them a few miles below. I shall have the honor of writing you more in detail upon this subject on my return or perhaps before I leave here,if the wind should continne a-head. I have the honor to be, very respectfally, sir, your Hon. P. Hamilton, sec'ry of the navy. Given under my hand at Halifax, the 5th day of October 1812, in the 52d year of his majesty's reign. JOHN BORLASE WARREN. American Prizes. WEEKLY LIST-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 192. 260 Schooner Three Sisters, laden with Plaister, sent into Salem by the Fame. 261 Schooner Comet, two guns and small arms, captured on the South side of St. Domingo, and sent into Savannah, by the Rapid of Charleston. She is laden with sugar, bees-wax, tobacco and dry goods. 262 Schooner Searcher, a New-Providence privateer, of one gun and twenty men, captured by the Rapid, and burnt. 263 Schooner Mary, of St. Thomas, captured by ditto and ransomed; not having men to spare to send her home. SACKETT'S HARBOR, Nov. 13, 1812-(night.) SIR-Since the enclosed letter [the above] from the pm. was written, the Growler has returned with a 264 Schooner Mary Hall, sent into Sackett's Harprize, and in her capt. Brock, brother to the late geheral of that name, with the baggage of the latter.bor, by the squadron under the command of captain By the prize we learn that the Earl Moria was off the Chauncey, on lake Ontario, False Ducks, and the commodore has put off in a snow storm in the hope of cutting her off from Kings ton. 265 Sloop Elizabeth, sent into ditto by ditto. On late general Brock) of the 49th British regiment. board this vessel was captain Brock (brother of the 266 Schooner burnt by ditto. The new army Bill. From information received from capt. Brock, there is no question but that Kingston is strongly defended. He expressed surprise to find our vessels had got out of the harbor after having been in it; and says that the regiment to which he belongs is quar- In the proceedings of congress is brief notice of tered there, 500 strong, besides other regulars and the new army bill, introduced by Mr. Williams, a well appointed militia. The resistance made fully chairman of the military committee, which finally justifies this report. He assured, sir, that in the ac- passed after a stormy debate, excited by Mr. Quintion, of which the commodore has given you an ac-cey, and repelled with great force by Mr. Williams count, the national honor has been most ably sup-and others. The third provision, which authorizes ported. In great haste, your most obedient servant, the enlistment of persons above the age of eighteen SAML. T. ANDERSON. The honorable Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Nary. PROCLAMATION By the right hon JOHN BORLASE WARKEN, Bart. K. B. Admiral of the blue and commander in chief of his majesty's ships and vessels employed on the American and West Indian station, &c. &c. &c. years, instead of 21, as heretofore, is objected to-it was pronounced by Mr. Quincey to be atrocious and odious," "unequal, absurd and immoral,” and that it violated private contracts, &c. The bill was defended on the practice of all nations, to secure the service of the youth-Mr, Williams stated, that Great Britain authorizes the enlistment of persons only sixteen years old; and further said, that the revolutionary congress had made enlistments valid in this country at the same age: he also observed, WHEREAS, many British seamen are now in the that the bill for raising a provisional army passed in United States of America, and several of them by 1798, which became a law, had the very provision various means have been seduced to serve on board now introduced. Mr. Randolph admitted this-he the American ships, at war with the United Kingdom was opposed to it in 1798 and he opposed it now, of Great Britain and Ireland, and others who have and herein complimented himself on his consistency. deserted from his majesty's service, have been Mr. Pitkin contended that the practice of the revoFORCED to serve against their native country: lution was to have the consent of the parent, and I therefore call upon all British seamen and others cited a case that took place in Connecticut under the in the present state of the war, and before it may be law of 1799, wherein an apprentice was taken from too late, to join the British colours under which ma-the recruiting officer by a habeas corpus, and reny of them have formerly obtained glory and honor ; fleased—and damages were sued for. This, we rato repair to any of his majesty's provinces, garrisons, ther suppose, would be the case under any law that ships or vessels and upon their giving themselves congress could pass-for the power of that body is up, and declaring their sense of error, I pledge my-only prospective. self to obtain for them his royal highness the Prince Regent's free pardon and forgiveness; and to those who are willing to enter into the British navy every encouragement they can wish. The following were the yeas and nays on the final passage of the bill in the house of representatives→→ YEAS-Messrs. Aiston, Anderson, Bacon, Basset, Blackledge, Brown, Butler, Calhoun, Carr, Cheves Clay, Cochran, Condit, Crawford, Cutts, Bavis, Daw- 1st. In a correspondence with the secretary of the treasury. 2dly. In a detailed examination of committees of merchants from Boston, New-York, Philadel phia and Baltimore, and some accompanying documents. Sdly. In a statement made by Mr. Russell, late charge des ffaires of the United State at the court of London, who, at the request of the committee was so obliging as to attend them. and give this statement. NAYS-Messrs. Bigelow, Boyd, Breckenridge, Brigham, Champion, Cooke, Chittenden, Davenport, That on a view of the whole subject, the comEly, Emott, Fitch, Gold, Hufey, Jackson, Law, Lew-mittee are of opinion, that the secretary of the trea is, Macon, Milnor, M'Bryde, Moseley, Newbold, sury has full power to remit or mitigate the penalties Pearson, Pitkin, Potter, Quincy, Randolph, Ridge-and forfeitures incurred, should en interposition in ly, Reed, Rodman, Sammons, Stanford, Sturges, either way be called for by the circumstances of the Taggart, Tallmadge, Wheaton, White, Wilson-37. Proceedings of Congress. case; they therefore recommend, that it be "Resolved, That it is inexpedient to legislate upon the subject, and that the petition, with the accom the treasury." panying documents, be referred to the secretary of Both houses have, as yet been chiefly employed in receiving petitions, &c. and in preparing business. The bill concerning prizes and prize goods with some amendments, not affecting its general spirit,has Monday next. passed the house. ers. of the whole, and made the order of the day for The said report was read, referred to a committee The resolve was Mr. Wright's retaliatory bill has been rejected, on to bestow a gold medal on capt. Hull of the ConstiA resolution offered by Mr. Bassett, proposing the suggestion that the president, as commander in tution frigate, and silver medals to the other officers, chief, is already invested with all the necessary pow-with dollars as prize money to the officers Nov. 20. A bill was introduced by Mr. Williams to of the whole. The blank was filled with $100,000, and crew, was taken up and considered in committee raise the pay of the non-commissioned officers and and the resolve passed, 50 to 37. privates of the United States army, to eight dollars laid on the table, by the house. per month for privates, the officers in proportion; to exempt all such persons from arrest for debt, however contracted-to authorise the enlistment of persons over the age of eighteen years, and for the dura- On Saturday night last, the extensive establishment in the city tion of the war against Great Britain, instead of five joint property of Mr. Johnson (our mayor) and two other gentle of Baltimore, known by the name of "Johnson's Brewery," the years, at the option of the recruit. The two first men, was destroyed by fire. The loss is estimated at 90,000 dois. provisions were agreed to without opposition; but Ohio election of electors. "Madisonians"-Col. John Jones, Messrs. the two latter were violently opposed-the bill pass-James Richard, Jahn Hamm, Thomas Liams. Highest vote, 7490 Matthias Corwin, David Abbot, David Purviance, James Dunlap, ed the house the next day. Ayes 64-nays 37. Monday, Nov. 23.-Mr. Newton reported a bill to prevent the use of licenses or passes, issued under authority of any foreign power. Twice read and committed. THE CHRONICLE. Highest "Clintonian," 3301. Two Madison tickets were support gress from Louisiana. General Thomas Posey is chosen a senator from the state of By an arrival from St. Domingo, we karn that a severe engage. Mr. Cheves reported a bill for defraying the expences incident to detaching the militia; it was im-state of Georgia, for six years ensuing the 4th of March next. mediately taken up as in committee of the whole, and ment had taken place between Petion and Christophe, in winch one million of dollars appropriated. The bill was the latter was defeated. The report further states, that Christophe finally passed. was killed a few days after in a quarrel with one of his aids. The present military force of France, independent of the troops A proposition to admit the Mississippi territory in-of the allies, is given at 687,200 men. to the union as a new state, was taken up in committee of the whole and reported to the house for a third reading. French troops in Spain, July 1, 1310. From a French official auxiliaries, 49 battalions-226 battalions and 135,000 men. Coralpublication-French infantry, 177 battalions: light infantry and ry, curassiers, 4 squadrons; dragoons, 96 do. chasseurs, 29 do. hus surs, 20 do.-149 squadrons and 29,800 men-total. French, 164,900. seurs de Montagne 3, Legion du Midi 1, Hanoverian 2, Poles & Foreign infantry-Swiss 6, Germans 9, Warsaw 6, Dutch 2, Cha Irish 2, Prussians 2, D'Yssembourg 1-total, 42 battalions and ob-25,200 men. Cavalry, of the Confederation of the Rhine 1, Dutch 1, mount-drous and 2,400 men. Total foreign, 52,800 men. Besides the above, Westphalian 3, Hanoverian 3, Polish lancemen 4-total, 12 squa-" Tuesday, Nov. 24.-The bill for the erection of the Mississippi territory into a state, was passed by considerable majority. Mr. Jennings offered a resolution having for its ject the raising of two additional companies of ed rangers, for the defence of the frontiers. MERCHANTS' BONDS. Wednesday, Nov. 25.-Mr. Cheves, from the committee of ways and means, made the following report: a there were in Catalonia, 18 battalions and 8 squadrons of French, and 37 battalions and 14 squadrons of foreign troops37,400 men' of 230 aco men. We mention them at this time, to shew the species making a grand total of French troops in the Peninsula, July 1810, of force that Bonaparte has employed in Spain and Portugal. A London paper says, "the government of Lower Austria have forbidden children who die of the natural small-pox, to be buried "The committee of ways and means, to whom was with the usual solemnities and forms. The parents and guardians referred so much of the President's message, of the of such, also, are to be publicly designated as the slaves of a fatal 4th instant, as relates to the late importations of Bri-of the health and lives of those entrusted to their care, offered them, prejudice, wawilling to employ a sure and convenient preservative tish manufactures-also, the petitions of sundry by Divine Providence and their government." merchants (enumerated in the report) report, that We have accounts from Lisbon to the 2nd Ult. Wellington was they have bestowed on the subject a degree of atten-Spain-Marmont and Ling Joseph had formed a junction at Gr at Burgos, and expected a general battle. Massena had entered. tion proportioned to its importance; that they have, nada. General Maitland, with 10,000 troops from Sicily, had made in the present investigation, confined themselves to the cases of importation directly from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and that the result of the examination and enquiries will be found: sometimes called Louis XVIII. had arrived at Lisbon from England, No. 14 OF VOL. III.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1812. Hec olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL. [WHOLE NO. 66. Printed and published by II. NILLS, South-st, next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at £5 per annum, Legislature of New-Hampshire. suits and inclination of our people, strongly urged House of Representatives, them to maintain peace with all nations, on almost Quorums of both houses having been previously any conditions, not absolutely incompatible with the formed, his excellency William Plumer delivered preservation of our essential rights. What stronger in presence of the legis aure the following speech: proof can be adduced, of the anxiety of our governFellow citizens of the Senate, and ment to preserve peace with all nations, than that our presidents for eighteen successive years, in their official communications to congress at their annual On the day preceding the termination of your last sessions, have been obliged to state some well ausession, our foreign relations experienced a great and thenticated infringement of our national rights; material change-a change more important than has and that, during that period, our ambassadors to occurred since the establishment of our general go-foreign courts have been constantly charged with vernment. The aggravated wrongs, the flagrant acts complaints of the numerous wrongs done to us; but of injustice, the gross insults inflicted by Britain on that the ministers from other nations to us have not the U.S. and their frequent repetition,have at length come to ask redress for wrongs, but often to excuse, induced congress,in vindication of our violated rights, to palliate or justify those inflicted by their govern. to appeal to the last resort of injured nations. Bri-ments. From England, our government have in vain tain, whose history for centuries has been charac-sought redress by negociation and by commercial reterised by war and devastation, has become so inured gulations. They exhausted the means of negociato blood and slaughter, that her government has ac-tion; but instead of obtaining redress, our wrongs quired the habit of committing wrongs and inflicting accumulated, and even pending those discussions insults upon the nations of the earth. She has, for a se-that haughty court added insults to the injuries she ries of years, by her conduct evinced a deadly hosti-had before inflicted. lity to our national rights, to our commerce, peace Pacific measures having failed, congress were and prosperity. She has wantonly impressed thou-brought to the painful alternative of submission or sands of our unoffending seamen, Immurred them war. Submission to a foreign power necessarily leads with in the walls of her floating castles, held them in to all the misery and degradation of servitude-a servitude for an unlimited period, often for life, and name disgusting to freemen. Submission never compelled them to fight, not only with nations with checked usurpation, or satiated the lust of power, whom we were at peace, but to turn their arms but has always augmented its demands. The wretchagainst their own country. She has violated the edness of a people who have yielded to foreign domirights and peace of our coasts, wantonly shed the nation, has invariably been in just proportion to the blood of our citizens in our own harbors, and instead degree of their submission. But congress estimated of punishing has rewarded her guilty officers. Under the rights of our country too high, and wore thempretended blockades, unaccompanied by the pre-selves too just and magnanimous basely to sacrifice sence of an adequate force, she has unjustly deprived them at the footstool of the British throne. The us of a market for the products of our industry; and war they declared in vindication of our rights is not by her orders in council, has, to a great extent, swept only just, but necessary. It was a duty the nation our commerce from the ocean: thus assuming alowed to its scamen who have been imprisoned, and right to regulate our foreign trade in war, and lay-to its merchants who have been robbed and pinning a foundation to prescribe it in peace. She has dered of their property It is not less the duty of a permitted her subjects publicly to forge and vend government to defend and protect its citizens, than our ship-papers, to carry on a commerce with that it is of the citizens to support government. The very enemy from whose ports she interdicted our duties of allegiance and protection are mutual; and trade. Whilst her accredited minister, under the no good government or good citizen will hesitate to mask of friendship, was treating with our govern-perform them. As long as the citizen performs his ment, her spies were endeavoring to alienate our duty to the state, the government is bound to afford citizens, subvert our government and dismember him protection. Our impressed seamen, so far from the union of the states. And to add to this catalogue having renounced their allegiance to the U. States, of atrocious crimes-crimes tinged with the deepest now demand from the government protection, and dye-have we not sufficient reason to believe, that from the nation vengeance for the wrongs they unshe has excited and armed the numerous tribes of justly suffer from their cruel task-masters. savages, with whom her subjects have long been The justice and necessity of this war are much connected in trade, to wage war against us! a wat greater than most of the wars either ancient or mo whose characteristic is indiscriminate cruelty, andern, that are recorded in history, sacred or civil.whose object is extermination. A single case from each will confirm and illustrate Where is the nation, ancient or modern, that has this position. In ancient times, certain Jews insultborne such treatment without resentment or resist-jed and abused a concubine so that she died. The ance! Where is the nation that is passive under such men of Benjamin refused to give up the culprits, and humiliating degradation and disgrace! Surely wrongs for this offence the other tribes made war on them: like these imperiously demand redres. But acts of more than one hundred thousand persons were skin, the purest justice and the strictest impartiality, and one of their tribes nearly exterminated. And confirmed by the strongest attachment to peace, on we have the sure word of testimony, that Gon approv the part of the United States, were unavailing.-led of that war. In modern times England waged The disposition of our government, the habits, pur-war in support of her claim to cut logwood in the Vou. All 0 Bay of Campeachy, and to gather salt in the islandtion. In these, as well as in all other cases where of Tortugas; and in the reign of her present-king, he acts, he is responsible to the nation for his offi she made war against Spain, because the Spanish cial conduct. His being himself subject, in comcourt refused to let her see a treaty it had made with mon with his fellow citizens, to the good and evil France, to which England was not a party, and a effects of his administration-the high responsibility sight of which she had no right to demand. If Gon under which he acts-and the limited period for justified and supported the war of Israel to avenge which he holds his office, afford to the people great The death of a single woman, will not lus unchangea-, security against a wanton abuse of power. To ad. ble justice and his invincible power sucocor a war, mit that he has the power to call upon the governors not of our own socking, but forced upon us by the of the several states to order a portion of the militia tyranny and injustice of our enemies--a war in de-into service, bat that those governors can with pro ence of our rights a war to avenge the murder of pricty refuse to carry those orders into effect, would our citizens, the imprisonment, slavery and death of establish a principle of insubordination incompati thousands of our seamen! Is not the agency of the ble with all military principles, and would, in fact, ALMIGHTY, in the nature and fitness of things, em-nullify the authority vested in the president as com ployed in promoting the cause of truth and justice, mander in chief of the militia. Apply this princiand in supporting and vindicating the equal rights ple of insubordination to one of your regiments, and ne has himself established! Our cause is just; and consider its effects. Admit that the majors are not the American people, as a band of brothers, unite,bound to obey the orders of their colonel, the cap and act with the firmness and resolution of freemen, tains and subalterns those of their majors, or the our success will be certain. privates those of their captains: could such a regi The only constituted authority of our country inent be respectable in peace-could it afford secu Which has the power to decide on our foreign rela-rity in war-or even support its own existence? tions, having declared war, that authority we are, as well by interest as duty, bound to respect and sup-are not bound to call out the militia upon the re If the respective governors of the several states port. There is no riddle course-we must support quisition of the president, but are to exercise their our government, or oppose it afford aid to our coun-judgment whether the state of affairs require it, try, or countenance her enemies. If we oppose the some governors living nearer the scene of action and government we shall inflict punishment on ourselves, having more information, would comply, but others protract the war, prolong the evils we fear, or com- refuse. This diversity of opinion and conduct, pel the government to make an ignominious and dis-would produce such a state of uncertainty and con graceful peace-a peace which cannot long endure, fusion, as might greatly endanger the public safety, and which will necessarily terminate in another war. As the constitution has vested the president with The multiplied wrongs and injustice of which the power of directing and managing our foreign rethe United States complain, have not been inflicted lations, he must necessarily have carlier and more by England only; we have just and serious cause of complaint against France. She too has infringed invasion, than any officer can have, and of course correct information, when the nation is in danger of our rights, and greatly embarrassed and wantonly he must be better qualified to determine when the destroyed much of our commerce. If pacific means aid of the militia is necessary, should eventually fail to procure redress, I trust, our government in due time, will adopt such encr- To contend that the constitution of the United getic measures as the interest, honor and dignity of States requires that some portion of our territory the nation shall require. The wrongs committed by should be in the actual possession of an invading en one of those nations against us, afford no justifica-emy before the president can call out the militia to tion or excuse for the injurious conduct of the other, oppose that enemy, is a construction favorable in nor in any degree lessen the causes of hostility, on deed to the enemy, but fatal to the security of our our part, against both. own country; and would if reduced to practice, in Soon after the declaration of war against England, a great degree and in many cases, wholly defeat the I received a letter from the secretary of war, written very object of the constitution, that of providing the by the direction of the president, requesting me to means of security to our citizens and preventing the order into the service of the United States, on the sore calamity of an invasion. It is a correct princi requisition of major-general Dearborn, such part of ple, that when doubts arise respecting the import of the quota of the militia of this state as were detach-a law, contemporaneous constructions are entitled ed under the law of Congress of April 10th, 1812, as to great respect. In this case, we have the highest he should deem necessary for the defence of the authority that the nature of the subject can admit. sea coast. From general Dearborn I afterwards re- Both houses of congress, at early periods after the ceived, at different periods, requisitions for calling establishment of the constitution, passed two laws, out and stationing at Portsmouth harbor, four comthe one May 2d, 1792, and the other February 28th, panies of the detached militia for the defence of the 1795, in both of which they expressly authorised the president to call out the militia, not only when the The president of the United States is by law vest-United States should be actually invaded, but when ed with power and authority to call out the militia, they should "be in imminent danger of invasion.”— to precute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, And to add still greater weight to those high authori repel invasions, and when the United States are ties, general Washington, who was president of the imminent danger of being invaded. In executing the convention that formed the constitution, and it must laws and providing against invasions, the president, be admitted, was a correct judge of its intention, who by the constitution is appointed commander in approved and signed both of these laws. chief of the militia of the United States, is judge of Believing that the president was in fact command. the time when it is necessary, and of the number of er in chief of the militia of the several states, and the militia that is requisite to be called into service. judge of the time when it was necessary to call To admit that he has the power to order the militia them out, as soon as I received requisitions from into service, but no authority to determine the time general Dearborn, without consulting flesh and blood, or fix the number that should be called, would ren- promptly issued orders for calling into the service der the power vested in him useless; and might ex-such portions of the detached militia as were requir pose a portion of the citizens te inevitable destruc-'ed. Four companies under major Bassett are sta sea coast. tioned at Portsmouth harbor, for the defence of our officers, as well as from my own knowledge, I have own sea board. reason to believe that in some instances surgeons Numerous applications were made to me from va- have excused soldiers from duty without sufficient rious parts of the state, particularly from the inhabi- cause. The effect of this has been to create a spirit tants of several frontier towns, representing the of murmuring and complaint in those soldiers who frontiers as being in danger of predatory attacks from were equally entitled to certificates, but who dis the enemy, and urging the necessity of my ordering daining to apply for them, performed their duty a military force for their security. Without loss of Another ill effect attending this law and the practice time, I made a representation of their case to genc-under it, is, that although the exempts obtained the ral Dearborn; who requested me to call out a com-certificate upon a disability that ceased long before pany of the detached militia for their defence. I im- the next muster, yet the certificate remains in full mediately issued orders accordingly: and a compa- force until the captain and surgeon meet, and both ny under captain Mahurin is stationed at Stuarts of them declare the disability removed. Add to town. These five companies are in the service and this, that the captain of the company and the sur pay of the United Sates. geon of the regiment, in many cases, live at a conIt is a tribute of respect justly due to the adjutant siderable distance from each other, and cannot, with general M'Clary for his ready assistance; and to the out inconvenience, loss of time and money, meet to brigadier generals Storer, Robinson and Montgome-decide the question. Would not this evil be in a ry, to state that the orders issued to them on this oc- great measure remedied, if no soldier was excused casion, were executed with promptitude and fidelity. from duty, unless the certificate was signed by both Permit me to request your attention to the pro- the captain of his company and the surgeon of his priety of making some additional provision for the regiment, and if the exemption should extend to the detached militia. This portion of our valuable citi- then next muster. zens are liable on short notice, and at seasons of the year when their own business renders it inconve- I have freely and without reserve communicated to nient to them, to be called into actual service, for a you my sentiments upon the peculiar state of our term not exceeding six months after they arrive at country, and some of the important subjects con. the place of rendezvous. As the law of the United nected with its interests. My duty required me to States allows them no bounty, clothing, or arms, is be explicit; and I feel no disposition to shrink from not this portion of our fellow-citizens liable to bear its performance. This is the only apology I can more than their share of the necessary burthens of make for the length of time I have detained you. the war, unless some bounty should be granted to And, gentlemen, be assured that I shall readily con them by the state? cur with you in such measures as shall promote and Congress, on the 23d of April, 1808, having ap- perpetuate the prosperity of this state, and that of propriated a certain annual sum for the manufac-our common country. WILLIAM PLUMER. ture and purchase of arms and military equipments for the militia of the United States, to be distributed to each state, I applied to the secretary of war, and received from him an order for the delivery of one thousand stand of arms. These arms have since been delivered to my order, and are now in the custody of the commissary-general of this state. It is necessary that such a law should be made for their distribution, as the exigencies of the state, and the law of congress require. [Two short local paragraphs omitted.] November 18, 1812. Legislature of New-York. The following message from his excellency the Go vernor was laid before the house of assembly on the last day of their last meeting. It was order. ed to be printed, with the documents accompany. ing it, and referred to a select committee, to report thereon at the next meeting of the legislature. Gentlemen, At a time when we are actually at war, I conceive arguments are unnecessary to convince you of the great importance and real necessity of improving the Pursuant to the suggestion which I had the honor state and condition of our militia. To render it that to make in my public communicatian at the opening are and natural defence, for which it was instituted, of the session, I now do myself the honor to lay be. arms, ammunition and discipline are indispensably ne- fore you a statement of the proceedings which have cessary. In the two former we are yet in a great de-been adopted during the present war in relation to gree deficient. Your wisdom and patriotism, I trust, the security and defence of this state by the militia. will devise the means for the necessary supply. I re- The statement is as minute and specific as the shortcommend to you the expediency of requiring each ness of the intervening time and the pressure of other town in the state to purchase and have constantly on official concerns has permitted. I flatter myself this hand,certain quantities of gunpowder,balls and flints, communication will be regarded also as a substantial to be ready for use on any einergency. I know of no and satisfactory compliance with the request contain. law of this state, by which any appropriations are ed in the resolutions of the honorable the assembly, made, or authority given to any officer to purchase passed on the 5th inst. ammunition, blankets, tents, or any article of camp In pursuance of the act of congress, entitled “an equipage-articles of absolute necessity in case we act to authorise a detachment from the militia of the should be invaded or our militia required to march United States," passed the 10th day of April last, to the defence of our frontiers, or to aid our sister the President of the United States, by an order under states in repelling an invading foe. date of April 15th, required the commander in chief Orders to that effect There are other objects of minor importance, re- of this state to detach, organize and hold in readi lating to the militia, that appear to me to require ness for public service 13,500 militia, including offi legislative aid. Permit me to mention one for your cers, being our quota of the 100,000 men provided consideration. The surgeon of each regiment or for by the last mentioned act. bis mate is authorised to give a certificate to any so!- were accordingly issued without delay, and on the dier that he is unable to perform military duty; and 18th day of June last the said quota was organized this certificate absolutely exempts him until the com-into divisions, brigades and regiments, as will ap manding officer of the company and surgeon shall pear by the general orders upon that subject; a co Both decide that the disability is removed. From py whereof marked (A) accompanies this message. complaints made to me by several respectable militia Previously to the organization, and antecedently to |