the quarters of the British officers, sanctioned by col M Dowell) by the savages.

our small vessels captured by the enemy to the eastward, have been forced to seek our ports, where their crews surrendered themselves prisoners. This Cannibal act, which has capp'd the climax of SCORPION AND TIGRESS.-Montreal, Oct. 15, 1814. British atrocity, and must ever be viewed with inHis excellency sir George Prevost issued the fol- dignant horror by the Christian world, will be sworn lowing general order, at Cornwall, U. C. the 7th inst. to by two respectable ladies, who came down in the "His excellency the commander of the forces has cartel and who were witnesses to it. I am further received from lieutenant-general Drummond, a report assured by Mr. Astor, who was detained there with from lieutenant-colonel M ́ Donall, dated Mackinaw, his cartel for near two months, that it was not disthe 9th September, conveying the gratifying intel- owned by the garrison of Mackinac, and that when ligence of the capture of two armed schooners, Ti-remonstrance was made by some who had not lost gress and Scorpion, which the enemy had stationed all sense of feeling and honor, they were threatened at the Detour, near St. Joseph's, for the purpose of with arrest by the colonel, if they checked the ineutting off all supplies from the garrison at Mack- dians in any of their wishes. One of the prisoners was inhumanly murdered, by one of their militia, to

inaw

This gallant enterprize was planned and executed decide a dispute between him and an indian, of who by lieutenant Worsley of the royal navy, and a de- had the best claim to the reward of his body or tachment of 50 of the Royal Newfoundland regi-scalp, and no notice was taken of it by the colonel. ment, under the command of lieutenant Bulger at-To relate to you, sir, all the acts of horror which tached for this service to the division of seamen have been practised upon those unfortunate victims under that officer. who fell into the enemy's hands on the 4th August would go far beyond the limits of a letter.

The United States sch. Tigress was carried by boarding at nine o'clock on the night of the 3d inst. and the schr. Scorpion at dawn of day on the morning of the 6th inst.

Erie, Nov. 11. Arrived on Sunday last, the cartel schooner Union, R. Martin master, 16 days from Mackmaw, and 3 days from Detroit, with furs and The skilful conduct and intrepidity, displayed in peltry, the property of John J. Astor. Besides sevethe execution of this daring enterprize, reflects the ral other passengers, came sailing-master, Mr. highest credit on lieutenant Worsley of the royal na Champlin, late commander of the Tigress, who we vy, and the officers, seamen and soldiers under his are happy to learn, is in a fair way of recovering command. Lieutenants Bulger, Armstrong and Ra- from the wounds he received in gallantly defending denhurst, of the royal Newfoundland regiment, are his vessel. Lieutenant Turner, and most of the offi noticed by lieutenant colonel M'Donail; as also Mr. cers and men of the captured schooners, have been Dickson and Livingston of the Indian department, sent to Quebec. Lieutenant Worsley was at the head who volunteered their services on this occasion. of the expedition sent against the Scorpion and TiThe enemy's loss was three seamen killed, and all gress. After the block house and Nancy were blown the officers of the Tigress and three seamen severe-up at Notowasaga, he coasted round from that place, ly wounded. in boats and canoes with 22 men, and arrived safe

The Scorpion mounted one long 24 pounder and a at Mackinaw. He immediately applied to lieutenant long 12; the Tigress one long 24 pounder. They colonel M'Dowell, for 100 of the Newfoundland rewere commanded by lieutenant Turner of the Ame-giment, (mostly fishermen) and said he would bring ricam navy, and had crews of 30 men each. in the two American schooners. Unfortunately for us he succeeded.

The British loss is two seamen killed. Lieutenant Bulger, Royal Newfoundland regiment and several soldiers, slightly wounded. (Signed) EDWARD BAYNES, Adj. Gen. N. A. Michilimackinac, 7th Sept. 1814.

The Union was detained at Mackinaw 38 days, until the schooners made a trip to Notowasaga, and returned with provisions. During this time her crew were closely watched. The commanding offi[Here follows a long letter, says a Boston paper, cer placed centinels over the vessel, who were perfrom Michilimackinac describing the joy of the amitted to plunder with impunity. When Mr. Champbove event. The sailors, it says, employed in the ex-in and 4 seamen, (all parolled prisoners) were put padition was 18, and with the troops embarked in on board the cartel, lieutenant colonel M'Dowell four batteaux. They rowed 45 miles. When the pri- refused to order on board any provisions, saying he zes were brought into Mackinac, they were greeted with the acclamations of thousands.] Extract of a letter from captain Arthur Sinclair, commanding the U. S. naval force on the Upper lakes, to the secretary of the navy, dated

Erie Roads, 11th of November, 1814.

supposed Mr. Astor had a sufficiency.

The passengers from Mackinaw speak in high terms of the humane and gentlemanly conduct of Mr. Robert Dixon, at the same time they depict the conduct of lieut. col. M'Dowell as illiberal, rascally and contemptible. The principal agent of Mr. J. J Astor, says that lieutenant colonel M'Dowell is unquestionably the greatest savage he saw on the island.

of Ohio.

Sailing master Champlin, who commanded the Tigress, has arrived here in the cartel from Mackinac, with some of the wounded. He has his thigh shattered by a grape shot, and has not yet been able About ten days previous to the cartel leaving Deto make out a detailed report of his capture. He troit, general M'Arthur with about 700 mounted appears not to have been surprised, but defended his men, and a few indians, had gone on a secret expedivessel very bravely, killing and wounding a number tion. Governor Cass has gone on a visit to the state of the enemy, who overpowered him with 150 sailors and soldiers, and 250 Indians, the latter headed by STINGS OF THE WASP. Dickson. The Scorpion was overpowered as men- Copy of a letter from sailing-master Geisinger, of the tioned in my letter of the 27th ult. The conduct of United States' sloop of war Wasp, to the secretary the enemy to our prisoners thus captured, and the inof the navy, dated human butchery of those who fell into their hands Savannah, November 4, 1814. at the attack of Mackinac, has been barbarous be- SIR-I have the honor to acquaint you of my arrival yond a parallel. The former has been plundered of at this port in the British brig Atalanta, or 8 guns. almost every article of clothing they possessed- prize to the United States' sloop of war Wasp, capthe latter had their hearts and livers taken out, which tured off the Madeiras on the 21st September. were actually cooked and feasted on (and that too in Captain Blakely's official despatches will be deli

August 30th captured British brig Lutice, with cargo of pork, &c. burnt her.

vered to you by Mr. Robert R. Stewert, of Philadel- [ phia, who left L'Orient, passenger in the Wasp. He a will be detained here a day or two in order to give 31st, boarded the brig Bony Cerd from Seville, some testimony respecting the prize, and will imike-bound to London, with Merino wool, fruits and wine, diately proceed to Washington. scuttled her.

The Atalanta was formerly the American schooner Siro, of Baltimore, captured in the bay of Biscay, by the British sloop of war Pelican. Her cargo consists of brandy, wine, silks, fruits, &c.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, DAVID GEISINGER. Honorable William Jones, secretary of the navy.

Sept. 1, fell in with a convoy from Gibraltar, of 16 sail, under the Armada 74, and a bomb ship-succeeded in cutting off a transport loaded with naval and military stores, &c. set her on fire in sight of the convoy.

12th September, captured the British brig Three Brothers with a cargo of wine, &c. burnt her.

13th, captured the brig Bacchus, from New foundland to Gibraltar, destroyed her.

September 23d captured the British brig Atalanta of 8 guns, with a valuable cargo, from Bordeaux bound to Pensacola.

The Wasp has been one of the most successful of our cruizers. By the accounts below it appears she has sunk a second sloop of war, and made many additional captures. It is supposed that since her departure from the United States, she has destroyed enemy's property to the value of two hundred thousand NAVAL VICTORY.-British accounts. Truro, Sept. pounds sterling! She sailed from L'Orient, in fine con- 8, 1814.-By the Lady Arabella packet, which ardition, on the 27th Aug. and between that date and rived at Falmouth on Wednesday from Lisbon, but the 22d September, (when the Atalanta left her) last from Cork, we learn that about an hour before made five valuable prizes besides the Atalanta, which the packet left the latter place, H. M. brig Castilshe sunk or burnt. A letter from an officer on board lian, 18 guns, arrived there, having on board the of her says, her complement of 173 men, have an ave-captain, and surviving crew of H. M. late brig Avon, rage age of only 23 years, "the greatest part so green, of 18 guns, which had sunk after a desperate action that is, so unaccustomed to the sea, that they were with the American ship of war Wasp, of 22 guns, sea-sick for a week;" and adds, "the Wasp is a beau- which sheered off on the Castillian's coming up.tiful ship, and the finest sea-boat, I believe, in the The Avon lost 30 men in killed and wounded. The world; our officers and crew, young and ambitious-slaughter on board the Wasp was also conjectured to they fight with more cheerfulness than they do any be very great.

other duty. Captain Blakeley is a brave and discreet From the Boston Coffee-House Books-The gentleofficer-as cool and collected in action as at table." men state, that they saw in the papers at Halifax, The following particulars are from the Savannah a more particular account of the action between the Republican Wasp and Avon, which mentioned, that the CastiOn the 1st September, at half-past 6 o'clock, P.M. lian fell in with them at the close of it, and had but the United States' ship Wasp discovered three sail a few minutes to remove the officers and crew, before to the lee bow-at 7 discovered a sail to windward, she went down; that on the Castilian coming up, which proved to be a brig of war, with a signal at the Wasp sheared off, being too much disabled to her fore-top-gallant mast head. The Wasp was im-risk another engagement. It was also stated, that mediately prepared for action, and chased the ene- the Avon had not struck, but was reported to have my till a quarter past 9 o'clock, when she hailed the had her colors nailed to the mast, and went down enemy and asked what vessel it was; but receiving with them flying. an answer not at all satisfactory, gave the enemy a

London, August 22. gun, which was returned by broadside from him. AMERICAN PRIVATEERS. The directors of the Roy. The Wasp then took a position on the lee quarter of al Exchange and London Assurance Corporations, the enemy, and poured a broadside into him, which strongly impressed with the necessity for greater brought down his fore and aft main sail, and soon protection being afforded to the trade in conse after his main-top-sail followed-the action then be-quence of the numerous captures that have recentcame general-50 minutes past 9 the Wasp being to ly been made by American cruisers, represented the windward at 10 the enemy ceased firing-he was same to the lords commissioners of the admiralty then hailed from the Wasp to know whether he had on Wednesday last, and on Saturday received an surrendered-to this enquiry no answer was given, answer, of which the following is a copy: but fired a gun and a few muskets from his topswhich was returned by the Wasp by several guns. The Wasp a second time demanded of the enemy if he had surrendered, to which he answered that he had; and observed that he was in a sinking condition -the Wasp's boats were instantly lowered down, but at that moment a man of war brig was discovered within musket shot; and two others to leeward of her-the prize was abandoned-the Wasp made sail and prepared for another action-at 11 o'clock the brig hove in stays, and gave the Wasp a broadside and then stood off together with the other two for the prize which was supposed to be sinking from the many signal guns they fired on board of her. The broadside which the Wasp received from the second brig cut away her main-top-sail-back-stay and damaged the top considerably.

Killed on board of the Wasp in the first engagement, Mr. Martin, boatswain, Henry Staples, 2d quarter gunner-wounded, James Snelling.

List of vessels captured by the United States' ship Wasp, from the 27th August to 224 September, 1814.

Admiralty Office, Aug. 19. STR-Having laid before my lords commissioners of the admiralty, the letter of the 12th inst. signed by you and the secretary of the London Assurance Corporation, on the subject of depredations committed by the American privateers therein mentioned, I am commanded by their lordships to acquaint you, that there was a force adequate to the purpose of protecting the trade, both in St.George's Channel and the Northern Sea, at the time referred to. I am, &c.

(Signed)

J. W. CROKER. After giving the names of some vessels captured, the same paper adds-"Should the depredations on our commerce continue, the merchants and traders will not be able to get any insurance effected, except at enormous premiums on vessels trading between Ireland and England, either by the chartered companies or individual underwriters; and as a proof of this assertion, for the risks which are usually written 15s. 9. per cent. the sum of five guineas is now demanded."

London, Sept. 1. It is the intention of the admis

alty, in consequence of the numerous captures, cable arrangements which might be entered into, made by the Americans, to be extremely strict with such as paroling the whole until a communication the captains who quit their convoy at sea, or who could be made to the commissary general of prisoncontrary to orders, sail without convoy. Prosecuers for an exchange, I would lose no time in making tions of masters of ships for neglect of this des- the necessary application for that purpose. Owing to some changes among the boats and tencription, have already commenced, as will be seen ders while in the roads, I am unable to ascertain, at by the subjoined extract of a letter: Lloyd's August 31, 1814. The lords commission-this moment, the precise number of the Franklin's ers of the admiralty have been pleased to inform crew, but judge them to be about thirty one men, the committee, that they have given directions to besides Mr. Hamersley, her commander, one midtheir Solicitor to prosecute the masters of the folshipman (Mr. Cook) and two acting as masters lowing vessels, viz.: Mr. Stuart, of the Arabella, mates and pilots.

JOHN BENNETT, Jun.

I have much satisfaction in assuring you, that evelately arrived at Liverpool from St. Domingo and Jamaica, for sailing without convoy; and Mr. Run-ry exertion was made by lieutenant Sanders to unite dell, master of the New Frederick, from Malta to his whole force, until the whole of the enemy's had Hull, for deserting the fleet under convoy of his effectually cut them off from the Franklin; and from the report of the inhabitants who were on the beach majesty's ship Milford, in June last. (Signed) and witnessed the gallant defence of that vessel unOntario, &c-A letter from Sackett's harbor gives til completely surrounded, and carried by the boardthe following account of the strength of the maming of five heavy boats at the same moment, and afmoth ship of the British on lake Ontario:-"She haster having beaten off their tender and two heavy 34 long 32 pounders on her lower deck; 34 long 24 launches, at different periods of the action, I canpounders on the middle deck, 20 carronades 68 not refrain from soliciting your attention to her mepounders on the spar deck, and 14 carronades 32 ritorious though unfortunate commander, should he pounders besides. Sir James is, also, building a have survived the action. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your large frigate at Kingston. Copy of u letter from captain Gordon to the secretary obedient servant. of the navy, dated

NORFOLK, 8th Nov. 1814.

CHARLES GORDON.

The honorable WM. JONES,
Secretary of the navy, Washington,

SIR-I have to report to you the loss of one of our tenders [the Franklin] commanded by Mr. Ham-Copy of a letter from capt. Gordon to the secretary of the navy, mersley, master's mate, after a very gallant defence of an hour and a half, against a tender and fourteen barges and boats of the enemy, off Back River Point, on Sunday last.

of

dated Norfolk, 9th Nov. 1814. Sir-I have the honor to enclose herewith, the report of Mr. Hamersly, commander of the United States' tender Franklin, from which it appears she was not carried by boarding, as reported by the citizens of Hampton, and, fortunately, did not lose a man, From the late depredations of the enemy's boats though from the enemy's own account to heut. Neale, she conItended for an hour and a half against fourteen boats and a tender; upon the bay craft in Back river, and having also ex-n all mounting five 18 pounders and carrying two hundred and tended their operations into Hampton Roads for the twenty men, commanded by sir Edward Hamilton of the frigate first time these twelve months, I was induced on Sa- Havanna. turday evening last, to order the two tenders and four of my boats off Back river for the purpose of convoying several bay craft which had been reported to me in that river and bound to this place, with positive orders to the officers to avoid separation in the night, and return to Hampton Roads with the craft without delay. Unfortunately, however, they were unavoidably separated in the night; the boats, owing to a rough sea, returned into Hampton, and the Franklin is reported to have separated from the Despatch at 11, P. M.

a

The circumstance of Mr. Hamersly being a prisoner would, course prevent him from stating other particulars in his report. Capt. Doyle, the senior officer at Lynnhaven, and sir Edward Han.ilton, are reported by lieut. Neale to have behaved in the most gentlemanly manner, and have made a temporary exchange of our midshipman, Mr. Cook, and three men, for the prisoners now in Norfolk, until finally settled by the commissary general of prisoners. The names and rank of the prisoners remaining unexchanged, together with those four exchanged in a temporary manner by capt. Doyle and myself, shall be forwarded without delay. I have the honor to be, &c.

Honorable Wm. Jones,
Secretary of the navy, Washington.

CHAS. GORDON

THE ENEMY IN THE DELAWARE.

The Britise force at present in the Delaware conLieutenant Saunders, of the Despatch, finding in the morning, from the ignorance of his pilot and sists of one 74, one razce, one frigate, 2 brigs, one light wind, that he had drifted near the enemy's schooner of 14 guns, and four small vessels as tenships in Lynnhaven, and that they were manning ders. They have captured some bay craft, and also their boats to attack him, immediately manned his re-captured a prize to the Patapsco of Baltimore. sweeps and made a signal for our boats, who were Preparations are made by general Gaines to receive under Old Point, and also the Franklin, that lay them, if they shall venture on shore. nearly becalmed up the bay and considerably to the

THE ENEMY IN THE CHESAPEAKE, eastward. The boats immediately joined the Des- Since our last have had some of their small vessels aspatch, and, a little breeze springing up, the enemy's high up as Poplar island, and are said to have capboats and tenders after exchanging a few shot gave tured about fifteen small craft. That part of the prisoners taken near Baltimore over the chase and directed their attention to the! Franklin. They came up and surrounded her about in September last, who were sent to Bermuda, have 10, when the firing cominenced, and were repulsed reached their homes. Those from Halifax may be ntil half past 11, when she was carried by board. soon expected.

ing

I,

1, of course, have no report from the Franklin, Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

but have sent lieutenant Neale with a flag to ascer tain the fate of her gallant officers and crew, which A Proclamation.-The two houses of the nationalTM consisted of about thirty five; and as there is a masters' mate and three seamen at present prisoners legislature having, by a joint resolution, expressed of war in Norfolk, I have authorised lieutenant their desire, that in the present time of public caNeale to make any temporary exchange the com lamity and war, a day may be recommended to be manding officer at Lynnhaven may appear disposed observed by the people of the United States as a day to accede to, with an assurance that on any practi-of Public Humiliation and Fasting, and of Prayer

From yesterday's National Intelligencer.

THE NATIONAL BANK BILL.

portions, the whole amount of subscription to be paid in at the time of subscribing-in the following proportions of specie and paper-six millions in specie, and forty-four millions in Treasury notes, hereafter to be issued in such proportions monthly as the bank will absorb; the United States to hold no stock in the bank, no control in its direction, nor any legal right to demand loans from the bank.

to Almighty God, for the safety and welfare of these states, his blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace-I have deemed it proper, by this After a very able debate, yesterday, the house of proclamation, to recommend that Thursday the representatives decided, by an immense majority in twelfth of January next be set apart as a day on which favor of Mr. Calhoun's amendment. The effect of all may have an opportunity of voluntary offering, this vote is, supposing the bill to be further amended at the same time, in their respective religious assem- (as is probable) in conformity to the views expressblies, their humble adorations to the Great Sove-ed by Mr. Calhoun, to give to the bank bill the folreign of the Universe, of confessing their sins and lowing features: the capital to be fifty millions; transgressions, and of strengthening their vows of subscriptions to be opened monthly in certain prorepentance and amendment. They will be invited by the same solemn occasion, to call to mind the distinguished favors conferred on the American people, in the general health which has been enjoyed; in the abundant fruits of the season; in the progress of the arts, instrumental to their comfort; their prosperity and their security; and in the victories which have so powerfully contributed to the defence and protection of our country; a devout thankfulness for all which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the Beneficent Parent of the human race, that He would be graciously pleased to pardon all their offences against Him; to support and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties; to continue to them the precious advantages flowing from political institutions so auspicious to their safety against dangers from abroad, to their tranquility at home, and to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would, in a special manner, preside over the nation, in its public councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to its arms, in maintaining its rights, and in overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against it; and finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions favorable to a just and reasonable peace, its blessings may be speedily and happily restored.

Gaven under my hand, at the City of Washington, the sixteenth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States, the thirty-eighth. JAMES MADISON.

Proceedings of Congress.

The usual detail was neglected until too late for this paper-but the history of proceedings shall be

See next article.

Thus amended, it is our belief the bill will pass the house of representatives. Its fate in the senate, with its present provisions, is perhaps questionable.

Foreign Intelligence.-The fate of Norway is still undecided-In said to have been killed on both sides--on which side the victory a great battle fought with the invading Swedes, 15,000 men are was is not stated. Switzerland was in a very disturbed state. Saxony is anxious for the restoration of her king, and is said to be encouraged in the notion by Austria, to thwart the designs of Prussia. Denmark appoints a member to the great congress at Vienna. The "emperor Napoleon" was about to establish a "court &c. His wife, Maria Louisa, openly manifests her attachment to gazette" at Elba, &c. write his own life and a history of his times, him, and an idea has gone abroad that Austria may enlarge the space of his empire. He has 1200 men under him at Elba, as a lowing placard was lately posted on one of the gates of the palais royal guard!-Talleyrand represents France at Vienna. The folroyal: An old fat hog, fed twenty years in England, valued at Eighteen Louis, to be disposed of for One Napoleon." Belgium will possibly soon be the theatre of war-Wellington is there with a great force, and the Hanoverians were hastening to join himFrance, we believe, will not give up these provinces, without another war. Austria has her war establishment complete-Bavaria is increasing her army, and the Hessians are up to their fu complement--the king of Naples is organizing and increasing his army, as he says, to act against the Barbary powers: it appears careful to protect their manufactines against their dear friends, quite plain that a new war is expected in Europe. The French are the British, in every way. The pope has ordered the restoration of the feudal system, through his states. Charles IV has returned to Spain, and that country yet remains unsettled.

Rome, July 25-The report still prevails that Parma, Modena and Guastalla, will be ceded to Bonaparte, and that in future he will reside on the continent. The public prints express the hope that this may be a mere rumor.

London dates to the 13th yet keep Lord Hill in England-it seems he waits for the result of the congress at Vienna.

compressed in our next. Not much business has been done, except to pass the loan bill and the act to authorise the fitting out of certain small armed vessels. The house have the bill to establish a naNorfolk, Nov. 4. Four British prisoners, consisttional bank before them, on the principles to consti-ing of a midshipman and three men, belonging to tute which a great diversity of opinion exists the Madagascar frigate, capt. Doyle, were brought however, we rather believe it will pass pretty nearly over from Hampton yesterday, and delivered into the as reported, with the addition of several other places custody of the marshal at this place. They were where subscriptions shall be received. taken on board an eastern shore craft, captured by the enemy some days previous, and ordered to The senate have had before them bills for classing Tangier Island, but which grounded in passing Eggthe militia, and authorising the president to call Island Shoals. The skipper (who remained on board) them out for the defence of the frontiers. They watching a favorable opportunity jumped into the are interesting and may be inserted at length. They punt along side, and paddled for the shore but soon have had also before them a bill making further after returned with several armed men, who retook provision for filling the ranks of the army-which the vessel and made the crew prisoners. allows the enlistment of free persons above the age of 18 years without the consent of the parent, master, guardian, &c. in writing, provided masters of apprentices shall receive certain portion of the bounty, &c. The 3d section increases the land bounty to 320 acres the 4th provides that any person who shall according to law, furnish at his own expence a recruit for the army, to serve during the war, shall thereafter be exempt from militia duty; a motion to strike out the provision as to minors was lost-ayes 11—nays 21.

Newbedford Oct. 28. Last evening arrived sehr. Clementine, from Dennis; about 10 o'clock yesterday morning, near Wood's hole, was boarded by a boat from the privateer Retaliation, with five men, who ordered the captain and crew, consisting of persons, to "pick up their duds and go ashore." While pretending to be complying with their orders, the crew of the Clementine watched a favorable opportunity, and each seized his man, and secured them, and have delivered them to the commandant of the garrison at Fairhaven.

No. 12 OF VOL. VII.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1814.

Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL.

[WHOLE NO. 168.

Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at $5 per ann

Legislature of Rhode-Island.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Nov. 1. House met pursuant to adjournment, at 10 o'clock, A. M. and proceeded to elect the hon. James Burrill, jr. speaker and Thomas Burgess, esq. clerk.

At 12 o'clock, his excellency the governor, by his private secretary, Thomas Burgess, Esq. communicated the following message and accompanying

documents.

Genilemen of the Senate, and

necessary advances for expenses which their own officers have ordered and approved of, and that the utmost extent of the promise of the secretary at war is, that if we will advance the money, they will apply it to our defence.

means.

In this unheard of and unforseen condition of things, the general assembly are called on to make further arrangements for the defence of the state. The larger states of course have more abundant tinues, to pay, such immense sums into the national In this state, which has paid, and contreasury, our means, by way of direct taxes owing to the very limited extent of our territory, must Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. necessarily be much circumscribed. The taxes alWe meet again with less sanguine hopes of the ready in operation, and those proposed at this sessirestoration of peace and prosperity than we indulgon, must draw from us a sum of money one half of ed at the last session. All the flattering expectati-which if applied to our own necessities, would inons induced by the meeting of ambassadors at Ghent crease, in a very respectable degree our means of dehave been disappointed, and we are to look forward fence. The direct tax on houses and lands alone, to the longer continuance of an unhappy war. will undoubtedly exceed the sum of sixty nine Though the original causes or pretexts of the war thousand dollars, no part of which have we any asare now abandoned by our administration, and they surance, is intended to be applied to the purposes are willing to make peace with Great Britain with- of our particular defence. out requiring any stipulation on her part, on the subjects of blockade or impressment, yet peace cannot, in the opinion of our government, be restored on the terms proposed by the enemy. It is exclusively the province and the duty of the general go-pondency. vernment to decide on our foreign relations-they only can declare war or make peace, yet I may be per mitted to express my regret that the negociation had not been permitted to proceed to such further length as to have ascertained with more precision the real pretensions and demands of England.

But I forbear further to enumerate our grievances, our sufferings and dangers-the catalogue might be swelled to a frightful size, and instead of furnishing us with motives for exertion might sink us into des

I shall always be ready to concur in every measure proposed by the general assembly for the defence of our native land, and our invaluable liberties, and, I trust the people, notwithstanding the extent of their losses, and the discouragement of the times, will be found worthy of their privileges and of their former prosperity. Having done all we can do, we must look for a blessing upon our arms and our cause to Him who alone ruleth among the natis ons of the earth.

Present appearances forbidding us to anticipate the speedy restoration of those blessings which peace alone can restore, it becomes our duty to look at the actual state of things and to prepare for those exertions, privations and sufferings through which, In pursuance of the act passed at the last session, in the righteous providence of God, we may be call-authorising me to borrow on the credit of the state, ed to pass. You will perceive in the correspondence a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars between the executive of this state, and the depart. a loan has been opened at the several banks and ment of the general government, a continued exer-proposals have been sent to different towns. The tion on our part to induce their attention to our ex-success of this measure has not fully equalled my posed condition, and to prevail on them to extend hopes; a part only of the loan has been obtained, and to us that support and assistance which, by the a particular statement of its progress will be made terms of the national compact, and by every con-out for your information in the course of the session. sideration of prudence, as well as justice, they were In compliance with the resolutions on that subject, bound to have afforded; and you will as readily dis-at a special session of the legislature in September, cover, on their part, repeated and continued delay, a draft has been made from the militia and char and finally an implicit refusal or an acknowledge-tered companies, to make up the states quota of five ment of their inability to comply with our requests. hundred men, under the requisition of the president On the part of this state we have exhibited a con-of the United States of the 4th of March, and they stant readiness to conform to the views of the general fare ordered into service accordingly-and the senior government, and to co-operate with them, agreea-class will soon be organized agreeably to the laws bly to the constitution, to the extent of our power, passed for that purpose.

and it is not understood that the general government In addition to the ordnance already stationed at itself has discovered or complained of any unwil- several points, field pieces have been provided for lingness or reluctance in us; yet, notwithstanding Little Compton, Tiverton, Warren, East Greenwich our constant importunity and our readiness to act and North Kingstown, with some supplies of ordin concert with the officers of the United States, nance stores, and I have the satisfaction to acknow our requisitions are uncomplied with, and, so far as ledge the receipt, from the United States, by the depended on the general government, our situation order of brigadier-general Cushing, of six field carhas continued as defenceless as at the commence-riages for heavy cannon.

ment of the war. I have the pleasure of being able to inform you You will perceive by the correspondence, that that at some late inspections and interviews of the the government have, in fact, refused to make the militia which I have attended, I had the satisfactionVOL. VII. M