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and I shall be particularly obliged if you will favor me with an answer as soon as may be, as the legisla ture of the state will meet on the 5th of the next month.

those persons yet remaining in our possession, who out on this occasion, will be placed under the imme had been hostages, and the intention of the govern-diate command of a major general of the militia. ment towards thein, you should have then resorted to I will thank you, sir, to consult with the president, the same declaration of consequences, conveyed in and inform me whether the expenses thus necessariterms amounting to a threat, which you had been inly incurred for our protection will be ultimately reformed in the letter I addressed to you on the 11th imbursed to this state by the general government; of June, on a former occassion, was unavailing, d had been considered exceptionable. Tushy letter of the 22nd of June, I informed you, that those who had been hostages and not sent for exchange for the cartel then in port, should be res tored to the ordinary state of prisoners. Why, then, unless you were well assured that this had not been, do you say in yours of the 2nd instant, you had hoped that the American government would have been induced to follow the example of your government. The fact is, at this time there is no British prisoner in this country in any other situation. The The attack of the enemy on Baltimore and probaorder to that effect went from this office on the 22d | ble eventual attack on other places, with the heavy of June, as to the prisoners in Massachusetts, and duties incident thereto pressing on this department on the 19th of July as to one (William Lincoln) in have prevented my answering it at an earlier day. Rhode Island. The copy of my letter to the marshal It may be satisfactory to your excellency for me of that state, now sent, will explain the cause of to explain the views and principles on which this gohis confinement being thus much lengthened, name-vernment has acted, in regard to the defence of our ly, his attempt to escape. eastern frontier.

I am sir, with great respect, your most obedient
and humble servant,
CALEB STRONG.
Mr. Secretary Monroe.

Copy of the Secretary's answer.
Department of State, Sept. 17, 1814.
SIR-I have had the honor to receive your excel.
lency's letter of the seventh instant.

The reasons which determined thisg overnment to It was anticipated, soon after the commencement relax in the mode of treatment toward hostages, are of the war, that while it sted, every part of the detailed in that letter, and were the same which in-union, especially the sea-board, would be exposed duced it to accept a proposition on the part of sir to some degree of danger, greater or less, accordGeorge Prevost, to include all hostages on both ing to the spirit with which the war might be waged. sides in the general exchange of prisoners made with It was the duty of the government to make the best him, with the reservation of the right to replace provision against the danger which might be practithem with others, should it from any change of circable, and it was proper that the provision should cumstances be deemed necessary. These reasons, continue while the cause existed.

to wit: Information from our agent in London, that [ The arrangement of the United States into militathe American prisoners sent to England for trial ry districts, with a certain portion of the regular were not then confined or treated otherwise than or- force, artillery and infantry, under an officer of the dinary prisoners, operating, generally so soon as they had been acted on in the exchange of part of the hostages,held by us in the quarter just inentioned, produced instructions from this office to put on the same footing "the persons heretofore designated as hostages of the maritime class, and to hold them ready for exchange: they are accordingly now so held."

Massachusetts Legislature.

regular army, of experience and high rank, in each district, with power to call for the militia, as circumstances might require, was adopted with a view to afford the best protection to every part that cirsumstances would admit.

It was presumed, that the establishment of a small force of the kind stated, constituting the first elements of an army, in each district, to be aided by the militia in case of emergency, would be adequate to its defence. Such a force of infantry and artillery, might repel small predatory parties, and form a ralying point for the militia, at the more exposed and

DOCUMENTS ACCOMPANYING THE MESSAGE OF THE GO-important stations, in case of more formidable inva

VERNOR TO THE GENERAL COURT.

Copy of a letter from the governor of this commonwealth, to the secretary of war.

sion. A regular officer of experience stationed in the district, acting under the authority, and pursu ing the will of the government, might digest plans Boston, September 7, 1814. for its defence; select proper points for works, and SIR-The troops of the United States, which at superintend the erection of them, call for supplies different periods were stationed on the sea coast of of ordnance, for tests and camp equipage, for small this state, have been afterwards ordered to join the arms and other munitions of war; call for the mili army on the western frontier, so that very few have tia, and dispose of the whole force. These duties, remained in the state: We have therefore four 1 it it was believed, could not be performed with equal necessary, in the course of the last and present year, advantage by the officers of the militia, who being to call out small bodies of militia, as guards to the called into service for short terms, would not have towns most exposed. As the danger has increased, it in their power, however well qualified they might the number of detached militia has been augmented, be in other respects, to digest plans, and preserve and I have now issued the enclosed general order for that chain of connection and system in the whole buthe protection of Boston and the towns and property siness, which seemed to be indispensable. in its neighborhood, and shall immediately isste an On great consideration, this arrangement was order of a similar kind for the security of the dis-deemed the most eligible, that could be adopted untrict of Maine. der the authority of the Unired States. Indeed none

A few weeks since, agreeably to the request of occurred that could be placed in competition with general Dearborn, I detached eleven hundred mili-it. In this mode the national government acts by its tia for three months, for the defence of our sea coast, proper organs, over whom it has control, and for and placed them under his command as superinten-whose engagements it is responsible. dant of this military district, but such objections The measures which may be adopted by a state and inconveniences have arisen from that measure, government for the defence of a state, must be conthat it cammot now be repeated. The militia called sidered as its own measures, not those of the United

.

JAS. MONROE.

States. The expenses attending them are chargeable, Credit will be given to the state for such advance, to the state, and not to the United States. Your ex-and the amount be considered a loan to the United cellency will perceive that a different construction States. would lead into the most important, and, as is be- I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, lieved, into the most pernicious consequences. If sir, your most obedient humble servant, state could call out the militia, and subject the U. States to the expense of supporting them, at its plea- His excellency Caleb Strong, &c &c. sure, the national authority would cease as to that Copy of a letter from the governor of Rhode Island to important object, and the nation be charged with the governor of Massachussetts. expenses, in the measures producing which the naProvidence, Sept. 21, 1814. tional government had no agency, and over which it SIR-By virtue of certain resclutions passed by could have no control. This, however, though a the general assembly of this state, at their session serious obj ction to such a construction is not the holden on the 15th day of September instant, I am most weighty. By taking the defence of the state authorized and, requeste case of the invasion of into its own hanis and out of those of the general the neighboring states, to march immediately to government, a policy is introduced on the tendency their assistance such part of the military force of of which 1orbear to comment. I shall rema only, this state as shall be by me though expedient to dethat if a close union of the states and a harmonious tach for that service. And I am also requested to co-operation between them and the general govern-assure your excellency of the readiness of this state ment, are at any time necessary for the preservation to render you all the aid and assistance in our pow of their independence, and of those inestimable lier, in case of invasion or imminent danger thereof, berties which were achieved by the valor and blood and to solicit theo-operation of your state, and of our ancestors, that time may be considered as your speedy aid andsistance in case of an inva having arrived. sion of this state, or of Imminent danger thereof. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM JONES.

Copy of the governor's answer.

It follows from this view of the subject, that if the force which has been put into service by your excellency has been required by major-general Dearborn, or received by him and put under his command, His ercellency Caleb Strong, Esq. that the expenses attending it will be defrayed by the United States It follows likewise as a necessary Boston, Sept. 23, 1814. consequence, that if this force has been called into SIR-I have received your obliging communication service by the authority of the state, independent-of the 21st inst. and shall lay it before the legislaly of maj. gen. Dearborn, and be not placed under ture of this state which will assemble on the 5th of him, as commander of the district, that the state October next. I have no doubt they will sincerely of Massachusetts is chargeable with the expense reciprocate the sentiments expressed by your geneand not the United States. Any claim which the ral assembly. state may have to reimbursement, must be judged of In the meantime I pray you to be assured that I hereafter, by the competent authority, on a full view shall be ready to co-operate with you in the present of all the circumstances attending it. It is a ques-alarming state of public affairs, and in case of intion which is beyond the authority of the executive. vasion of the state of Rhode-Island, or of immeYour excellency will perceive that this government diate danger thereof, to afford all the aid and assisthas no other alternative than to adhere to a system ance which the powers with which I am entrusted of defence which was adopted on great considera- enable me to render. tion with the best view to the general welfare, or te And that I am with very great respect, sir, your abandon it, and with it a principle held sacred; most obedient and humble servant, thereby shrinking from its duty, at a moment of great peril, weakening the guards deemed necessary His excellency William Jones, for the public safety, and opening the door to other consequences not less dangerous.

By these remarks it is not intended to convey the idea, that a militia officer of a superior grade regu.

CALEB STRONG.

governor of the state of Rhode-Island.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Saturday, October 8th.

larly called into service, shall not command an offi-The committee to whom was referred the message of cer of the regular army, of inferior grade, when acting together. No such idea is entertained by the government. The militia are relied upon essentially for the defence of the country. In their hands every thing is safe *. It is the object of the government to impose on them no burthens, which it may be possible to avoid; and to protect them in the discharge of their duties, in the enjoyment of all their rights.

his excellency, with the documents accompanying the same, respectfully report in partThat the unhappy and ruinous war, declared against Great Britain, has assumed an aspect of great and immediate danger to this commonwealth. The persevering invasion of Canada, has, at length, produced, as by natural consequence, the invasion of our Atlantic frontier, and River towns. A portion of the territory of this state, is already in the actual The various points which are attacked and menaced occupation of the enemy, and the sea-coast, in all by the enemy, especially in this quarter, where they such parts as may be deemed assailable, is openly are waging in considerable force, a predatory and menaced with desolation. To defend our soil, and desolating warfare, make it difficult to provide im- to repel the invader, no force or means, bearing any mediately for all the necessary expenditures. Any proportion to the emergency, have been provided by aid which the state of Massachusetts may afford to the national government. It was just to have been the United States, to meet these expenditures, will expected, that, before hostilities were provoked be cheerfully received, and applied to the payment from a formidable enemy, or, at least that, at some and support of the militia of that state, in the ser- period subsequent to their commencement, means of wice of the United States. It will be proper that defence and protection would have been afforded to the money thus advanced should be deposited in a sea-coast so extended, and so exposed to the ra some bank in Boston, that the disbursement of it vages of an enemy, as that of Massachusetts. But may be made under the anthority of the government events forbid a reliance on any such expectation. The of the United States, as in similar cases elsewhere. Iprincipal part of the regular force raised, or at and

time quartered in this state, has been withdrawn fomical of any mode of defence which can be devise the war on the Canadia border. The fortifications, in a protracted warfare. until lately strengthened by the exertions of our own But while your committee think, that, the people... citizens, were essentially defective, and the navy in of this commonwealth ought to unite, and that they 2 situation calculated to invite, rather than repel ag will unite, under any circumstances, at the hazard of gression, and to require protection, instead of afford-fall that is dear, in repelling an invading foe, it is not ing it. Indeed, when the circumstances under which believed, that this solemn obligation imposes silence, the war was declared, and has been prosecuted, are upon their just complaints against the authors of the viewed in connexion with the utter neglect of the ornational misfortunes. It is on the contrary, a sacred dinary preparation for such a state; the inference is duty, to hold up to view on all occasions the defairly warranted, that the American cabinet intended structive policy, by which as tate of unparalleled nano other means of defence for this state, but such as tional felicity has been converted into one of humia brave and free people would feel themselves impel-liation and danger, believing, that, unless an almost led to make, by their own sense of danger and love ruined people will discard the men and change the of country. That it relied upon the passions and measures which have induced this state of peril and sufferings, incident to a state of war, to overcome the suffering, the day of their political salvation is past. repugnance so universally felt by our citizens to the It should never be forgotten that this disastrous conunjust and ruinous contest; and to leave them at li-dition of public affairs, has been forced upon Massaherty to drain our population and our treasures for chusetts, not merely against her consent, but in opthe protection of their favorite enterprises. But when position to her most earnest protestations. From the commonwealth was found to be in danger of in- the moment that the administration, yielding to its vasion, the people have not paused to consider the own passions, and calculations of party power, commotives or objects of their national rulers, in leaving nienced its system of commercial hostility to Great them defenceless; but at the summons of their go-Britain, and of conformity to the views of the late tyvernor, they have repaired to the standard of their rant of France, its tendency to involve the nation in country, with a zeal and alacrity which demonstrate, the most needless and cruel embarrassments, was that the principles which unite men of every class distinctly foreseen, and declared by former legisla and description in the determination to conquer or tures. The insufficiency of our youthful, though dje in its defence, are not enfeebled by our party di-flourishing commerce, to cope with that of Great visions. Thousands of brave and hardy yeomanry, Britain in a struggle of restrictions, was announced composing a part of a well provided and well disci- by the united warning of those best versed in a knowplined militia, have hastened to the post of danger, ledge of this subject. It was never doubted by these and other thousands are ready to follow,at a moment's persons, that a war with Great Britain, would be acwarning. The most liberal and effectual aid has companied by an extinction of commerce; by the ba been afforded in erecting forts and batteries; and but nishment of our sailors; the desolation of our coast, ne spirit animates the whole mass of our citizens, the blockade and invasion of our sea ports, the with the invincible resolution of defending their na- failure of national credit; the necessity of oppres tive land against the incursions of an enemy, who has sive taxes; and the consummation of national ruin not discriminated between those who anxiously by an alliance with the late despot of Europe, sought peace, and those who have wantonly provoked from which greatest of all calamities we have been It is however a fact, not to be disguised, preserved only by his fall. Of all these evils, were that while the people of this state with the blessing our rulers forewarned by Massachusetts, whose vital of Heaven, have confidence in the sufficiency of their interests were thus put in jeopardy; and they were resources, for defending their own soil, if applied ex implored by every consideration of policy and huma clusively to this object, yet they cannot be supposed nity, to stay their hands from the cruel and wanton equal to this, and also competent to respond to the sacrifice of the interests of those who asked from heavy and increasing demands of the national govern- them, nothing but the privilege of pursuing their own industrious callings. But government deaf to The state of the national treasury, as exhibited by this voice, and listening to men distinguished in their the proper oficer, requires an augnientation of exist-native state only by their disloyalty to its interests, ing taxes, and if in addition to these, the people of and the enjoyment of a patronage bestowed upon Massachusetts, deprived of their commerce, and har-them as its price, have affected to consider the parassed by a formidable enemy, are compelled to pro-triotic citizens of this great state as tainted with diside for the indispensable duty of self-defence, it affection to the union and with predilection for Great must soon become impossible for them to sustain Britain, and have lavished the public treasury in vain this burden. There remains to them therefore no attempts to fix by evidence this odious imputation. alternative but submission to the enemy, or the con-Thus dishonored and deprived of all influence in the trol of their own resources, to repel his aggressions. national councils, this state has been dragged inte It is impossible to hesitate in making the election. an unnatural and distressing war, and its safety, perThis people are not ready for conquest or submis-haps its liberties, endangered. sion. But being ready and determined to defend | It is therefore with great concern, that your comthemselves, and having no other adequate means of mittee are obliged to declare their conviction, that the defence, they have the greatest need of those re- constitution of the United States, under the adminis sources derivable, from themselves, which the na- tration of the persons in power, has failed to secure tional government has hitherto thought proper to employ elsewhere.

the war.

ment.

to this commonwealth, and as they believe to the eastern section of this union, those equal rights and Your committee are also of opinion, that if the benefits, which were the great objects of its formawar is to continue, provision for a military force, in tion, and which they cannot relinquish without quin addition to the ordinary militia, must be resorted to: to themselves and posterity. These grievances justhat a considerable force must be embodied, and tify and require vigorous, persevering and peaceable maintained, ready to meet the enemy in his varied exertions to unite those who realize the sufferings, and distant enterprises-that the continual calls upon and foresee the dangers of the country, in some sysgreat bodies of militia, to march from home, at all tem of measures, to obtain relief, for which the orseasons, and to remain at a distance from their fa-dinary mode of procuring amendments to the consti milies, will be the more oppressive, and least econo-tution afford: no reasonable expectation, in season to

Resolved, That on the

day of.

this legislature will, by joint ballot, elect
persons to meet such delegates as may be appointed
by the said states, or either of them, at in the
state of

REPORT

prevent the completion of its ruin. The people how-jand concerns, and upon the best means of preserving ever, possess the means of certain redress; and when our resources and of defence against the enemy, and their safety, which is the supreme law, is in questo devise and suggest for adoption by those respection, these means should be promptly applied. The tive states, such measures as they may deem expediframers of the constitution, made provision to amend ent; and also to take measures, if they shall think defects which were known to be incidental to every proper for procuring a convention of delegates from human institution: and the provision itself was not all the United States, in order to revise the consti less liable to be found defective upon experiment, tation thereof, and more effectually to secure the than other parts of the instrument. When this de- support and attachment of all the peopie by placing ficiency becomes apparent, no reason can preclude all upon the basis of fair representation. the right of the whole people who were parties to Resolved, That a circular letter from this legisla it to adopt another; and it is not a presumptuous ex-ture, signed by the president of the senate, and pectation, that a spirit of equity and justice, en- speaker of the house of representatives, be addressed lightened by experience, wouid enable them to re- to the executive government of each of said states, concile conflicting interests, and obviate the princi-to be communicated to their legislatures, explaining pal cause of those dissentions, which unfit govern- the objects of the proposed conference and inviting ment for a state of peace and of war, and so to amend them to concur in sending delegates thereto. the constitution, as to give vigor and duration to the instant, union of the states. But as a proposition for such a convention from a single state, would probably be unsuccessful, and our danger admits not of delay, it is recommended by the committee, that in the first instance, a conference should be invited between those states, the affinity of whose interests is closest, and whose habits or intercourse, from their 4ocal situation and other causes are most frequent, to the end, that by a comparison of their sentiments and The committee to whom was referred the message views, some mode of defence suited to the circum- of his excellency the governor, and the documents stances and exigencies of those states and measures accompanying the same, beg leave to report as to so for accelerating the return of public prosperity may much thereof as relates to the application made to be devised; and also to enable the delegates from the secretary at war, on the subject of having the Ahose states, should they deem it expedient to by militia called into service for the defence of this the foundation for a radical reform in the national state; that, in their opinion, the application of his compact by inviting to a future convention, a depu-jexcellency to the secretary at war, on the seventh tation from all the states in the union. They thereof September last, on the subject of the militia, was fore report the following resolves-which are sub-highly proper; and corresponds with the watchfulmitted. ness and zeal which his excellency has always manifested, in guarding the rights and interests of this Resolved, That the calamities of war being now commonwealth. brought home to the territory of this commonwealth; That the answer of the secretary at war, to the a portion of it, being in the occupation of the ene-application so made, is of a character justly to alarin any, our sea-coast and rivers being invaded in seve-the citizens of this state, and especrily that porral places, and in all exposed to immediate danger, tion of them who have been, and those who may be the people of Massachusetts are impelled by the necessarily called into service, and who will also be enty of self-defence, and by all the feelings and at-called on, to pay their proportions, respectively, of tachments which bind good citizens to their country, the sums assessed, and to be assessed, as to direct to unite in the most vigorous measures for defend- taxes: no part of which sums seems intended to be ing the state and expelling the invader, and no par-applied in defending this state from invasion, or iu ty feelings, or political dissentions can ever interfere compensating the militia for their services. with the discharge of this exalted duty.

H. G. OTIS, per order.

Resolved, That provision be made by law for raising by voluntary enlistment for twelve months or during the war, a number of troops not exceeding ten thousand to be organized and officered by the governor, for the defence of the state.

On so much of the message of his excellency the gevernor as relates to his application to the secretary ut war, and the answer thereto.

The tenor of the answer of the secretary at war, has induced your committee to recur to the principles of the compact entered into between this state and the United Staets.

It is provided in the fourth section of the fourth article of the constitution, that the United States Resolved, That the governor be authorized to ac-shall guarantee to every state in this union, a repubcept the services of any volunteers, and to organize lican form of government; and shall protect cach them as part of the aforesaid troops, who shall hold of them against invasion." To enable the United themselves in readiness to march at a moment's States to do this, power is given by the eighth secwarning to any part of the commonwealth, who shall tion of the first article, "to call forth the militia to be entitled to full pay and rations, when in actual execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrecservice, and to a just compensation short of full pay,tions, repel invasions; to provide for organizing, to be provided by law, during the entire term of arming, and disciplining the militia; for governing their enlistment. such part of them as may be employed in the service Resolved, That the governor be authorized to bor- of the United States, reserving to the states, respecrow from time to time a sum not exceeding one tively, the appointment of the officers, and the autho million of dollars, at an interest not exceeding six rity of training the militia according to the disci per cent, and that the faith of this government be pline prescribed by congress." And by the second pledged to provide funds at the next session of this section of the second article, it is provided, that "the legislature at furthest for the payment of the in-president shall be commander in chief of the army Lerest on the sums borrowed. and navy of the United States, and of the militis of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States."

Resolved, That persons be appointed as deZegates from this legislature to meet and confer with delegates from the states of New-England, or any of them, upon the subjects of their public grievances

Before the adoption of the national form of gevernment, the state of Massachusetts possessed

66 66

t

every attribute of sovereignty, and the people of war answers-"That the measures which may be this state would not have surrendered those relating" adopted by a state government for the defence of to peace and war, negociation with foreign powers, a state, must be considered as its own measures, and to the resources of this community, founded in not those of the United States. That the expenses taxation, but upon the assurance that the surrender-" attending them are chargeable to the state, and ed attributes would have been used, among other" not to the United States " purposes, to provide for the common defence, to When the people of this commonwealth call to to protect this state against invasion, to promote mind, that since the adoption of the federal constithe general welfare; and to secure the blessings of tution, thirty millions of dollars have been collected liberty to them, and their posterity. At a moment in this state, and paid into the treasury of the Unitthen, when a war voluntarily commenced by our na-ed States; when they are daily reminded, by collectional rulers, is prosecuted to conquer the provinces tion of taxes, that the sum of three hundred and sixof the enemy, and is retaliated upon the Atlantic teen thousand two hundred and seventy-two dollars states, with powerful fleets and armies, which ac- is now in process of collection, as a direct tax; when cording to the late proclamation of the president of they reflect that of the sum of eleven millions six hunthe United States, have come to desolate every as- hundred and sixty thousand dollars already approsailable place, the committee cannot but consider priated for the year 1814, they will be called on to the answer of the secretary at war as further evi- pay one million two hundred and sixty five thousand dence of a disposition on the part of the present ad- dollars, and that the proportion of this state, for ministration to withhold these equal benefits of the the fifty millions that must be raised for the year union to which this commonwealth is entitled. 1815, if the expenses of that year should be as great It appears from this answer, that the government as they have been during the year 1814, will exceed of the United States, soon after the commencement five millions and three hundred thousand dollars, of the war, anticipated that "the seaboard would they cannot learn without indignation, that no part be exposed to some degree of danger, according to of these sums are intended to be applied in defraythe spirit with which the war might be waged;"ing the expenses incurred by them, in protecting and although the armies of the United States were themselves against invasion, unless the militia have employed to effect the conquest of Canada, and it been called for by an officer of the regular army of the was therefore, certain that the Atlantic frontier United States, and the expense incurred under his diwould be invaded, the only provision made by the rection. United States against the impending danger, con- Your committee are opinion, that the legislature sisted in dividing the United States into military of Massachusetts are bound to preserve, by all the districts, "with a certain portion of regular force, means in their power, the resources of the state so artillery and infantry, under an officer of the regular far as may be necessary for defence in their present army, of experience and high rank, with power to perilous and distressing circumstances. But having call for the militia as circumstances might require." been informed that the expenses which have been If this arrangement was intended as a performanc incurred, and those which will be necessarily incur of the highly responsible duties, which the United red, in defending this state against invasion, cannot States had assumed towards the individual states, it be ascertained during the present session of the le behoves the state of Massachusetts to enquire, whe-gislature; and presuming that the amount thereof ther these acts were a performance of these duties; and if not, to seek that redress which is consistent with its rights; and to ascertain the measures necess try to be adopted to meet the dangers which the policy of the national government has produced.

will be made known to the legislature at the next session, and that such statements and information will accompany the same as to his excellency the governor may seem proper, your committee respectfully commend that the further consideration of this subject be referred to the next session of the general court.

D. A. WHITE, per order.

In senate, Oct. 18, 1814-Read and accepted.
Sent down for concurrence.

The committee do not find in any terms, used in the constitution, nor by any fair construction of that instrument, a power vested in the president of the United States, to place the militia under the command of any officer of the regular army of the United States. When the militia is called forth for! any purpose, intended by the constitution, they are In to be commanded by their own officers, subject to the command of the president.

JOHN PHILLIPS, president. the house of representatives, Oct. 18, Read and concurred,

TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker.

In the house of representatives, Oct. 5. Soon after the house was called to order, a motion was made by Mr. Low of Lyman, which was laid on the table:

But independently of this assumption of power by which the militia would be subject to the performance of duty indefinite as to time or place, it is not known to your committee, that any such force, as is referred to in the answer of the secretary of war, Moved, That a committee be appointed to confer has been stationed within this commonwealth, nor with all the New Englund states and see if they will do they know that any part of the regular army has agree to appoint a committee to join them, and rebeen employed within this state, excepting to re-pair to the city of Washington immediately, then cruit the armies employed on the borders of Canada, and there personally to make known to the president, and excepting also the number of men usually em- the general opinion of all the New England states ployed in the forts of the United States in time of in regard to the present war, and the manner in peace. In the mean time the whole burden of defence which it has been conducted, and inform him that has devolved, in the most inconvenient and costly he must either resign his office, as president, or reform on the citizens of this state; who have been move those ministers and other officers of the genecalled from their families, and their daily employ-ral government, who have by their nefarious plans ments, and who would not have been disposed to ruined the nation-with leave to report by bill or obey the call, but from an highly honorable sense of otherwise.---Read, and to-morrow, at eleven duty. To the enquiry of his excellency the governor, o'clock, assigned for the consideration of the subwhether the expenses thus necessarily incurred for the protection of this state from invasion, would be reimbursed by the United States, the secretary of

ject.

[This motion was withdrawn the next day.]
The resolutions attached to the report signed H.

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