such instructions, gave no proof of a sincere desire [cognized as such by the whole world, and seperately to bring the present negociations to a favorable con- maintaining with foreign powers the relations be clusion. The undersigned did not allude, in refer- ionging to such a condition. Can it be necessary to ence to the alleged intention to annex Canada to the prove that there is no sort of analogy between the United States, to any instructions given by their go-political situation of these civilized communities, vernment subsequently to January last, because, and that of of the wandering tribes of North Ameasking at this time for no accession of territory, it rican savages? was only of its previous disposition that it appear- In referring to what the British plenipotentiaries ed necessary to produce any proof. So erroneous was represent as alarming and novel pretensions, what the inference drawn by the British plenipotentiaries, G. Britain can never recognize, the undersigned in both respects, that it was in virtue of the instruc-might complain that these alledged pretensions tions of June last, that the undersigned were ena- have not been stated, either in terms or in substance, bled, in their note of the 24th August, to state, that as expressed by themselves. This, however, is the the causes of the war between the United States and less material, as any further recognition of them by Great Britain, having disappeared, by the maritime Great Britain is not necessary nor required. On the pacification of Europe, they had been authorised to other hand, they can never admit nor recognize the agree to its termination upon a mutual restoration principles or pretensions asserted in the course of of territory, and without making the conclusion of this correspondence by the British plenipotentiaries, peace to depend on a successful arrangement of and which, to them, appear novel and alarming. those points on which differences had existed. The article proposed by the British plenipotentiaConsidering the present state of the negociation, ries, in their last note, not including the Indian the undersigned will abstain, at this time from ad- tribes as parties in the peace, and leaving the United ducing any evidence or remarks upon the influence States free to effect its object in the mode consonant which has been exerted over the Indian tribes inha with the relations which they have constantly mainbiting the territories of the United States, and the tained with those tribes, partaking also of the nanature of those excitements which had been employ-ture of an amnesty, and being at the same time reed by British traders and agents. ciprocal, is not liable to that objection; and accords The arguments and facts already brought forward with the views uniformly professed by the underby the undersigned, respecting the political condi- signed, of placing these tribes precisely, and in tion of those tribes, render it unnecessary for them every respect, in the same situation as that in which to make many observations on those of the British they stood before the commencement of hostilities. plenipotentiaries on that subject. The treaties of This article, thus proposing only what the under1763 and 1783, were those principally alluded to by signed have so often assured the British plenipotenthe undersigned, to illustrate the practice of Great tiaries would necessarily follow, if indeed it has not Britain. She did not admit in the first, nor require already, as is highly probable, preceded a peace in the last, any stipulations respecting the Indians between Great Britain and the United States. The who, in one case, had been her enemies, and, in the undersigned agree to admit it, in substance, as a other, her allies, and who, in both instances, fell by provisional article, subject, in the manner originalthe peace within the dominions of that power against ly proposed by the British government, to the apwhom they had been engaged in the preceding war. probation or rejection of the government of the The negociation of 1761 was quoted for the pur- United States, which, having given no instructions pose of proving, what appears to be fully establish- to the undersigned on this point, cannot be bound ed by the answer of England to the ultimatum of by any article they may admit on the subject. France delivered on the first of Sept. of that year, It will, of course, be understood, that if, unhapthat his Britannic majesty would not renounce his pily, peace should not be the result of the present right of protection over the Indian nations reputed negociation, the article thus conditionally agreed to to be within his dominions, that is to say, between shall be of no effect, and shall not, in any future the British settlements and the Mississippi. Mr. negociation, be brought forward by either party, by Pitt's letter, cited by the British plenipotentiaries, way of argument or precedent. far from contradicting that position, goes still fur- This article having been presented as an aindispenther. It states that "the fixation of the new limits sible preliminary, and being now accepted, the unto Canada, as proposed by France, is intended to dersigned request the British plenipotentiaries to shorten the extent of Canada, which was to be ceded communicate to them the project of a treaty emto England, and to lengthen the boundaries of Lou- bracing all the points deemed material by Great siana, which France was to keep, and in the view Britain; the undersigned engaging on their part to to establish what must not be admitted, namely, that deliver immediately after a counter project with all which is not Canada is Louisiana, whereby all the respect to all the articles to which they may not intermediate nations and countries, the true barrier agree, and on the subjects deemed material by the to each province, would be given up to France." United States, and, which may be omitted in the This is precisely the principle uniformly supported British project. by the undersigned, to wit: that the recognition of a (Signed) boundary gives up to the nation, in whose behalf it is made, all the Indian tribes and countries within that boundary. It was on this principle that the undersigned have confidently relied on the treaty of 1783, what fixes and recognizes the boundary of the U. States, without making any reservation respecting Indian tribes. J. QUINCY ADAMS, JONA. RUSSELL, FROM THE BRITISH TO THE AMERICAN MINISTERS. Ghent, October 21, 18:4. The undersigned have had the honor of receiving the note of their acceptance of the article which the undersigned had proposed the American plenipotentiaries of the 13th inst. communicating on the subject of the pacification and rights of the Indian na tions. But the British plenipotentiaries, unable to produce a solitary precedent of one European power treating for the savages inhabiting within the dominions of another, have been compelled, in support cessity of recurring to several topies, which though they arose The undersigned are happy in being thus relieved from the neof their principle, to refer to the German empire, ation with the difference remaining to be adjusted between the two in the course of their discussions, have only, an incidental connec body consisting of several independent states, re- countries. With a view to this adjustment the undersigned preferring in the present state of the negociation a general statement of the for mal arrangement of articles, are willing so far to comply with the request of the American plenipotentiaries contained in their last note, as to wave the advantages to which they think they were fairly entitled, of requiring from them the first project of a treaty. braced in the last note of the British plenipotentiaries, to which JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, C. Hughes, jr. secretary American mission extraordinary. No. XI. The undersigned having stated at the first conference the points upon which his majesty's government considered the discussions between the two countries as likely to turn, cannot better satisfy the request of the American plenipotentiaries than by referring To the plenipotentiaries of his Britannic them to that conference for a statement of the points which, in the Majesty, &c, &c. &c. Ghent. opinion of his majesty's government yet remains to be adjusted. With respect to the forcible seizure of mariners from on board True Copy merchant vessels on the high seas, and the right of the king of G. Britain to the allegiance of all his subjects, and with respect to the maritime rights of the British empire, the undersigned conceive that after the pretensions asserted by the government of the United States, a more satisfactory proof of the conciliatory spirit of his majesty's government cannot be given than not requiring any stipulation on those subjects, which tho' most important in themselves no longer in consequence of the maritime pacification of Europe produce the sane practical results. On the subject of the fisheries the undersigned expressed with 30 much frankness at the conference already referred to, the views of their government, that they consider any further observations on that topic as unnecessary at the present time. Copy of a letter from our commissioners to the secretary of stat, dated servants, (Signed) JONA. RUSSELL, NO. XII. On the question of the boundary between the dominions of his majesty and those of the United States, the undersigned are led to To the hon. James Munroe, secretary of state. expect from the discussion which this subject has already ander gone, that the N. W. boundary from the lake of the Woods to the Mississippi, the intended arrangement of 1803, will be admitted without objection. FROM THE BRITISH TO THE AMERICAN MINISTERS. Ghent, 31st October 1814. The undersigned have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note addressed to them by the American plenipotentaries on the 21th inst. in which they object to the basis of uti possidetis proposed by the undersigned as that on which they are willing to treat in regard to part of the boundaries between the dominions of his majesty and those of the United States. In regard to other boundaries the American plenipotentiaries in their note of August 24th, appeared in some measure to object to the propositions then made by the undersigned as the basis of ati possidetis. The undersigned are willing to treat on that basis, subject to such modifications as mutual convenience may be found to require, and they trust that the American plenipotentiaries will shew by their ready acceptance of this basis, that they duty appreThe American plenipotentiaries in their note of the 13th inst ciate the moderation of his majesty's government in so far con requested the undersigned to communicate to them the project of sulting the honor and fair pretensions of the United States as in the a treaty embracing all the points insisted on by Great-Britain, relative situation of the two countries, to authorise such a propoject as to all the articles to which they might not agree, and as to engaging on their part to deliver immediately after a contre proThe undersigned avail themselves of this opportunity to renew all the subjects deemed material by the United States, and omitto the American plenipotentiaries, the assurance of their hign conted in the project of the undersigned. sition. sideration. (Signed) True Copy. No. X. GAMBIER, of C. Hughes, jr. Secretary of Legation. The undersigned can now only repeat those declarations and deeline treating upon the basis of uti possidetis, or upon any other principle involving a cession of any part of the territory of the U. States. As they have uniformly stated, they can treat only upon the principle of mutual restoration of whatever territory may have been taken by either party. From this principle they cannot reced, and the undersigned after the repeated declarations of the British plenipotentiaries, that Great Britain had no view to ac quisition of territory, in this negociation, deem it necessary to add, that the utility of its continuance depends on their adherence to this principle. The undersigned were accordingly instructed to wave the ques tion of ctiquette and the advantage which might result from receiving the first communication, and, confiding in the engage ment of the American plenipotentaries, communicated in their notes of the 21st inst. all the points upon which they are instructed to insist. The American plenipotentiaries have objected to one essential part of the project thus communicated; but before the undersigned can enter into the discussion on this objection, they must require from the American plenipotentiaries that, pursuant to their engagement, they will deliver a contre project contaming all their objections to the points submitted by the undersigned, together with a statement of such further points as the government of the United States consider to be material. The undersigned are authorised to state distinctly, that the article as to the pacification and rights of the indian nations having been accepted, they have brought forward in their note of the 21st demands to make, no other stipulations on which they are ininst. all the propositions they have to offer. They have no farther structed to insist, and they are empowered to sign a treaty of peace forthwith in conformity with those stated in their former note. C. HUGHES, Secretary American mission. Events of the Sat. Head-Quartes, 8th Military District, GENERAL ORDERS. The undersigned having declared in their note of 21st of Aug. that altho' instructed and prepared to enter into an amicable dis cussion of all the points, on which differences or uncertainty had The commanding general congratulates the gal existed, and which might hereafter tend to interrupt the harmony lan volunteers under his command, upon their s.fe of the two countries, they would not make the conclusion of the peace at all depend upon a successful result of the discussion, and return and the fortunate issue of the expedition. He having since agred to the preliminary article proposed by the acknowledges with equal pride and pleasure the British government, had believed that the negociation already so meritorious conduct of the troops, so conspicuously wise than by the communication of a project embracing all the displayed in their patriotism in the first instance, in other specific propositions which Great Britain intended to offer. the first instance, in their patience under every dif They repeat their request in that respect, and will have no objec-fulty, and in the enthusiasm which pervaded all tion to a simultaneous exchange of the projects of both parties.) Thepurse will bring Larly into discussion the other topics ein- ranks when they expected to meet the enemy. long protracted, could hot be brought to an early conclusion, other Circumstances beyond military controul, and in to this place, that department was afterwards we their nature calculated to reflect on the fidelity of conducted by quarter master Reed. Dr. Turner, of the citizens, on both sides of this river, rendered a the 17th infantry, rendered many important services, movement around lake St. Clair absolutely necessary and much is due to the activity, zeal and intelligence to the success of the expedition. This necessity displayed by captain Bradford, of the 19th infantry, exposed the troops to many difficulties and hard-brigade major, already distinguished for his gallanships, in wading frequently along the shores of the try in the north, as well as the south. Lieutenant lake; in the passage of several deep and rapid rivers, Ryaburn and serjeant Martin, of the U. S. rangers, sometimes without boats, and on all occasions en-supported the character which that corps has countering swamps.-They have the consolation, established for bravery and enterprize. The honora however, to know that they have performed a route ble department of the indian chiefs, Lewis, Wolfe, of more than four hundred miles, one hundred and fand John, and interpreter Anthony Sharte, was eighty of which is a wilderness and a considerable truly animating to all the troops. part of that distance too without any road. The de- The mounted troops will be mustered with all tachment consisting of not more than seven hundred practicable dispatch, discharged and return to the and twenty effectives, penetrated two hundred miles interior by companies. ́into the enemy's territory; destroyed upwards of two The commanding general returns his most unhundred stand of arms, defeated and dispersed four feigned thanks to the volunteers under his command, or five hundred of their militia, encamped in a strong and in taking leave of troops, so much deserving position, with a loss on their part in the skirmishes his confidence, begs them to be assured that he will of the 6th inst. at Grand river, and Malcolm's mills, never cease to cherish a lively recollection of their of one captain and seventeen privates killed, anti services, with a hope that they may return in safety nine privates wounded, and three captains, five sub-to their respective homes, to enjoy the society of alterns and one hundred and three privates made their families, and the just gratitude of their counprisoners during the action and on the retreat, try. By command, C. S. TODD, act. adj. gen. whilst our loss was only one killed and six wounded. FROM GHENT.-The despatches from our min 165 militia were paroled. isters at Ghent, (which we have the pleasure to lay As the best evidence of the secrecy and rapidity before our readers in regular order,) have delighted of the expedition, the detachment was enabled, in and disgusted all that we have heard speak of them. despite of treason and stratagem, to enter the town There is a dignified firmness and manly moderation, of Oxford, 140 miles in the enemy's country, before with a power of argument and force of reasoning, the inhabitants were apprized that a force was ap-in the notes of our ministers that excites an honest proaching. The resources of the enemy have been pride in the mind of every American, as tending to essentially affected by the fact, that the detachment elevate the character of the republic in the eyes of subsisted entirely upon them; this circumstance, an impartial world, while he is disgusted with the together with the destruction of the five valuable tergiversation and pettifogging manner of their feemills in the vicinity of Grand river, which were em- ble opponents, the whole British cabinet. It was ployed in the support of the army in the peninsula, well observed in one of our papers, a few days ago, will present objections to any attempts during the that our ministers had as well supported the honor winter against this place. These important objects of their country at Ghent, as our tars had done it have been effected, and the detachment has return-on the sea and lakes, or (it might have been added) ed in complete safety, with the exception of one our soldiery by the bayonet, contending with "Wellington's invincibles." killed. The health of the troops was also unexampled ;| What is the probable result of this negociation is and the unexpected rise on Grand river alone pre-hard to suppose. The question of a speedy peace, vented a visit to Burlington Heights, the head quar- we rather apprehend depends on the prospect of ters of the province, distance only 25 miles. things in Europe, and the turn of events in the con The ardor and firmness manifested by the troops gress at Vienna. In case peace should not he made, whenever they expected to meet the enemy, was this fact will be apparent to every one, that the war not more conspicuous than the cheerfulness with on our part, if offensive in its outset, will be purely which they obeyed orders, whilst the difficulties defensive in its future progress and termination. they encountered can only be known to those who With the general pacification of Europe the chief participated in them. In representing the merits causes for which we went to war with Great Britain of the gallant corps, and the assistance afforded by have, from the nature of things, ceased to effect us; each in their respective stations, particular credit it is not for us to quarrel for forms-Britain may is due to that zealous and intelligent officer major pretend to any "right" she pleases; provided she Dudley, and his staff, especially to the activity of does not exercise it, to our injury adjutant Berry: the good conduct of Capts. Simp- We think the general opinion seems to be-that son, Moore, M'Clenny and Lancaster; lieutenants a peace will be made the affairs on Champlain, at Cardwell and M'Clain; ensigns Clarke and Whita- Plattsburg, Erie, Baltimore, &c. are powerful neker, sergeants Fry and Sopes, all of the Kentucky gociators against "subjugation" and "unconditional battalion. Particular notice is also due to the ac- submission. tivity of adjutant Wood and Dr. Chapez, of the Ohio battalion; and to captain Murray of the Ohio We would have been glad to have left out of the cavalry, captain Campbell and lieutenant Ellis of first sheet that issues this day, many things we had the Ohio battalion. The general regrets that cap. in type and therem inserted, if we had contempla tain Dewitt of that corps, in the skirmish at Mal-ted the length of the papers from Ghent. As it is, colm's mill, did not animate his command by his ex- many things must lie over. ample; and that quarter master Crouch of the Kentucky battalion possessed no other qualification than zeal. The quantity of matter, on hand, that we could wish to publish at once, is competent to occupy five or six sheets. The exertions of quarter-master Conner were du- *It is a fact that every aot from our commission ly appreciated by the detachment previously to its ers was submitted to the British cabinet; which passage of the river St. Clair, and upon his return without doubt, prepared the answer. No. 16 OF VOL. VII.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1814. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.-VIRGIL. [WHOLE NO. 172. Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchants' Coffee House, at $5 per ann The Investigation. REPORT. the heads of departments; or, in other words, it does not appear that any dissent was expressed. Correspondence of the secretary of war and general Winder. The committee charged with an enquiry so intimately concerning the character of administration, the The next day, July the 2, by a general order of sensibility of the nation, and the honor of its arms, the war department, the 10th military district was as the causes of the success of the enemy in his created, to embrace the state of Maryland, the disrecent enterprises against this metropolis, &c.have trict of Columbia, and that part of Virginia lying endeavored to combine despatch with effect, in between the Rappahannoc and the Potomac, under the manner in which they have collected the facts the command of brig. gen. Winder, who being then and views presented in the following statement: in Baltimore was advised of the fact by a letter Proceedings of the Cabinet of 7th June, 1814. from the secretary of war of the same date. On Previous to the 24 of Jule this city composed a the 4th of July a requisition was made on certain part of military district No. 5. Early in June last, states for a corps of 93,500 men, designating the the secretary of war furnished the president, at his quota of each, with a request to the executive of request, with a general report of the strength of each state to detach and hold in readiness for imthe regular troops and militia then in the service mediate service their respective detachments, reof the United States, and their distribution; which commending the expediency of fixing the places of was submitted to the heads of departments by the rendezvous with a due regard to points, the impor president on the 7th June. The secretary of the tance or exposure of which would most likely atnavy had furnished the president with a similar es-tract views of the enemy. Of that requisition, 2000 timate of our naval forces: that which was applica-effectives from the quota of Virginia; 5000 from ble to the limits of military district No. 10, will that of Pennsylvania; 6000, the whole quota of here after appear. By a reference to the estimate of Maryland, and 2000, the estimated number of the the land forces it appears, that the aggregate num-militia of the District of Columbia, were, ut at the ber of land troops stationed in district No. 5, on disposition of the commanding general, as hereaf the 7th of June, amounted to 2,208, of which ther:ter appears, making the aggregate number of 15,000, were 2,154 effectives, stationed as follows: at Nor exclusive of the regular troops, viz. the 36th regt., folk, 224 artillerists: the 20th, 35th and 1st batta one battalion of the 38th, two troops of dragoons, lion of the 38th regiment of infantry, amounting to two companies of the 10th infantry, one con pany 912. at Baltimore, 111 artillerists: 2d battalion of of the 12th, and two companies of sea fencibles, the 38th infantry, amounting to 316, sea fencibles supposed to amount to 1000 men, besides the artil173: at Annapolis, 40 artillerists: at fort Washery composing the garrisons of forts M'Henry and ington, 82 ditto; St. Mary's, 36th regiment of infan-Washington. try, 350.-The meeting of the cabinet on the 7th, On the 9th of July, general Winder in a letter to and the estimates of land and naval forces, had no the secretary of war, on the subject of the duties particular relation to the desence of any part of mi-which devolved upon him as commander of the 10th litary district No. 5; but for measures generally, military district, a previous conversation is alluded ani particularly in regard to the campaign on our to as having taken place between them, in conseterritorial frontiers in the north and north-west.-quence of the request of the secretary, in his letter Nor does it appear that this city had excited more of the 24 of July. General Winder appears to have than ordinary attention at this time. unders ood the intention of the secretary of war to Proceedings of the cabinet the 1st of July, be, that the militia force proposed for the 10th miBut soon after, certain intelligence being receiv-tary distaict should be drafted and designated, but ed of the complete success of the allies in the sub-that no part of it should be called into the field unjugation of France, the president believed that the til the hostile squadron in the Chesapeake should enemy had the inclination and the power to increase be remforced to such an extent as to render it prohis military and naval force against the United bable that a serious attack was contemplated; states Stites; and in that event he believed a variety of the difficulty of collecting a force in an emergency, considerations would present this city as one of the sufficient to retard the advance of the enemy; and prominent objects of attack. On the 26 of June, suggests the expendiency of calling out four thou despatches were received from Mr. Galiatin and sand of the militia, with a view to station them in Mr. Bayard, confirming the views of the president, equal proportions between South River and Washwhich induced him to convene the heads of depart-gton, and in the vicinity of Baltimore. ments on the first of July; at which time he pre- On the 12th day of July the secretary of war, in sented a plan of a force immediately to be called a letter to general Winder, encloses a circular adinto the field, and an additional force to be kept in dressed to the governors of certain states, requiring readiness to march without delay in case of neces a body of militia to be organized, equipt, and held sity. It seemed to be his object that some position in readmess for future service, and authorises him, should be taken between the Eastern branch and in case of actual or men..ced invasion of the disPatuxent with two or three thousand men, and that strict under his command, to call for a part or the an additional force of ten or twelve thousand militia whole of the quota assigned to the state of Maryand volunteers should be held in readiness in the land; and in another of the 17th of July, the secre neighboring states, including the militia of the dis-ary authorises general Winder to draw from Virgi trict of Columbia, and that convenient depots of nix, 2,00 men; from Pennsylvania, 5,000 men; and arms and military equipments should be establish- informs him that the whole of the militia of the ed. The measures suggested were approved by District of Columbia, amounting to about 2,000, VOL VII. was in a disposable state and subject to his order;, bore to dismantle fort Madison, as it might alarm making, together with the 6,000 from Maryland, the people, and produce disagreeable sensations: the estimate of 15,000 militia. On the 15th of Ju- preferring rather to risque it in case of attack. On ly the secretary of war advised general Winder, that the 23d of July, general Winder informs the secregeneral Porter had communicated the fact of the tary at war that the governor of Maryland had isarrival of the van of Cochrane's fleet at Lynnhaven sued his order for calling out 3000 of the drafts Bay, and that the agent at Point Look-out had re-under the requisition of the 4th of July, and bad presented that 2 seventy-fours, 2 frigates, an armed appointed Bladensburg as the place of rendezvous sloop and brig ascended the bay at half past 5, post according to his suggestion. In another letter of meridian, on the 14th: that he considered it proper the same date, general Winder informs the secretato call into service the brigade of militia which ry of war, that he had deemed it expedient to dihad been for some time held in readiness at Balti-rect capt. Davidson, with the city volunteers, to remore, and not knowing whether general Winder turn to the city of Washington, from the two-fold was at Baltimore or Annapolis, he had instructed the consideration that the facility with which they major-general under whose orders they wore orga-could turn out and proceed to any point, rendered nized, to call them out. them nearly as effective as if kept in the field, and General Winder in a letter of the sixteenth of July the importance to them individually of attending to to the secretary of war, among other things, ex their private concerns. That the rifles used by presses his embarrassment in relation to the situa- captain Doughty's company were very defective, and tion of Annapolis, and gives it as his opinion that a that captain Burche's artillery were without swords. large force and many additional works would be le recommends that the camp equipage should be necessary to defend it against a serious attack by left in charge of the company officers to facilitate land and water; states its importance to the enemy, their march. On the 25th of July, general Winder, and the ease with which it might be maintained by in a letter to the secretary of war dated at Warthem with the command by water, and an entrench-burton, near fort Washington, represents that fort ment of 7 or 800 yards protected by batteries; re-in several respects to be incomplete in its preparapresents fort Madison as exposed, and unhealthy tion for defence; encloses a representation of lieut. in the months of August and September, provided Edwards on the subject; makes a requisition of amwith two 50 lb. columbiads, two twenty-fours, two munition, and requests that col. Wadsworth may eighteens, 1 twelve and 1 tom, which might be cause the platform to be enlarged so as to make the turned with success against fort Severn; that these battery more effectual. The report of lieutenant guns should be removed and arangements made to Edwards speaks of the necessity of mounting heavy blow up the fort; and represents the importance artillery in the Block house, states that the 18lb coof defending the town if the means could be obtain-lumbiads were not mountetl, and that the garrison ed; states the governor of Maryland and council had wanted means to mount them, being destitute of taken the necessary steps to comply immediately gin and takle; represents the width of the platform, with the requisition of the general government. On which ought to be 21 feet, to be only 14, and that the 17th July, a letter from general Winder to the the heavy guns at their first discharge would recoil secretary of war states, that information, that he to the hurtoirs, and on being heated would run over deemed creditable, was received that the enemy was it; that five excellent long 18's were mounted on astending the river in considerable force; that he the water battery, which would be very useful in bad ordered the detachment of regulars at Notting-case of attack; but there was not a single pound of ham, bad sent out the alarm to assemble a militia ammunition for them, and that some of the gun force, and suggests the propriety of sending to carriages in the fort were quite out of order. that place the marine corps and all the militia This statement of lieut. Edwards was referred that could be procured from the district of Colum-upon its receipt to col. Wadsworth, with orders to bia. The secretary on the same day acknowledges supply what was wanting at the fort, of which the the receipt of the above letter, and states that the secretary advised general Winder, bearing date 28th marine corps was not under his command; but had July; and col. Wadsworth, in a representation about sent the request to the president, and, as the au- the same date, states, that two hands had been orthority to call the militia was vested in the com-dered from Greenleal's point on the Monday previmanding general, he had transmitted his requisition ons, to execute the necessary repairs of the gun carupon the district to gen. Van Ness; he also reminds riages; that the platform as well as the parapet was him that the two regiments near Baltimore had been too narrow, but not so narrow as lieut. Edwards had called into actual service, and expresses the wish of stated, for it was directed to be made 20 or 22 feet the president that no less than two nor more than 3000 of the drafts under the requisition of the fourth of July, should be embodied and encamped at some middle point between Baltimore and this city. wide; and that the disadvantages of too narrow a platform could be obviated with no great difficulty, by means of an elastic handspike introduced between the spokes of the wheels, which would prevent them from turning, and thus check the recoil From the letter of general Winder, of the 20th of of the piece. Further states, that two hundred July, it appears that the enemy proceeded up the rounds of shot and cartridges for the eighteeen's, Patuxent to Hunting creek, landed and committed could be sent down if ordered: that he had long some depredations in Calvert county, and returned since directed some grape shot to be prepared for down the river. Three companies of city volunteers the 181b. columbiad's; that a tackle and fall to had marched from the district, in obedience to the mount the guns in the block house should be preparlate call of gen. Winder, which he had halted at the fed; that capt. Marsteller had just informed him, Wood yard, and the detachments of the 36th and that a good takle and fall were at the fort when he 58th regiments at Upper Marlboro' while he pro- left it, and that the platform was upwards of 20 feet ceeded to Annapolis, to arrange with the governor wide. General Winder, in a letter of the 26th July, the calling out the Maryland militia; which he states from Piscataway, advises the secretary of war, that will be inmediately attended to by the governor. the enemy had descended both the Potomac and He states that he had called for the largest num-Patuxent rivers; that he expected him up the bay. ber directed by the president, viz. 3000, expecting and should not be surprized to find Annapolis his obthereby to get 2000, the lowest number; that he for-ject, which he feared would fall before 500 hundred |