Events of the War. MILITARY. formation you can obtain, it should be the opinion you can come an upper road crossing the river Huron, at Godfrey's trading establishment, you are auCallender Irvine, esq. of Philadelphia, is appoint-thorised to proceed that route, in which case you will ed comunissary-general of the United States, in the give me an immediate notice. No person must know place of Samuel Carswell, esq. resigned. this excepting col. Anderson capt. Jobart and yourCaptain ROBERT KENT, of the 14th U. S. regiment, self. Take captain Jobart for a guide, and if he rehas marched from the encampment near Baltimore, commends other guides, with him, they shall be paid. with about 80 men, to the northward. Captain Le Croix, with his company will proceed on with you.- -Respectfully, W. HULL. The 11th regiment of New-York artillery have volunteered their services to the governor of the state. Captain HARTELL's company of New-York light infantry, have volunteered their services to the president of the United States. country. Captain Brush. DETROIT, August 12, 1812. Captain H. Brush, We have this week to announce a signal calamity-since I heard you was on your march, but I find that DEAR SIR,-I have several times written to you General Hull, with the whole North Western army, my letters have never reached you. Two detachments consisting of 2500 men, with 25 pieces of cannon, has have been sent to meet you, but both returned with surrendered to the British and Indians, command-loss. We have abandoned Canada, and the British ed by major general Brock, without a battle-without force is now opposite this place pointing their artilleany apparent effort to maintain the honor of his ry-the firing will commence shortly. I fear you As yet this lamentable transaction is involved in yourself and party-the enemy may not have force will not be able to see us. If possible take care of mystery. Our army appears to have been well sup-to see you and attend to us. plied with all sorts of stores-to have had an abundance of provisions with every m unition of war, and the British force, (without taking into view the advantages that might have been expected from the strong fortifications at Detroit,) seems inferior in point of numbers, to the troops under Hull. We are lost in astonishment in reflecting on this disaster; how it has been brought about is yet incomprehensible; a strange misfortune, mighty error, or horrid trea-army under general Hull, has been surrendered-by SIR, By the within letter you will see that the chery has befallen us; but, as we are uninformed of the articles you will see that provision has been made particulars, it is right to suspend our opinion until for the detachment under your command; you will the facts shall appear, all of which shall be carefully therefore, I hope, return to Ohio with us. recorded. The Western papers, and private letters from that quarter, abound with the severest animadversions on general Hill--charging him with incompetency, or insinuating something worse. This is also surprising, for few men ever entered upon a command with greater popularity than that gentleman. ation.—Adieu, I have not time to write. DUNCAN M'ARTHUR. Captain Henry Brush, DUNCAN M'ARTHUR HEAD QUARTERs, at Detroit. August 16th, 1812. surrender of this garrison in which you and your de SIR,-I have signed articles of capitulation for the It appears that colonel M'Arthur refused to accede Ohio militia as have not joined the army, will be tachment are prisoners of war.-Such part of the to the articles of capitulation-Gen. Hull is said to permitted to return to their homes, on condition be on board the Queen Charlotte, near Niagara, and that they will not serve during the war-their arms, a number of officers have arrived at gen. Van Rensel- however, will be delivered up if belonging to the lear's head quarters, on parole. The surrender does Bot appear to have cost the British one drop of blood. public. CHILICOTHE, August 25. By the politeness of captain Brush, who is just arrived from the river Raisin, we have been favored with the following important intelligence, which we hasten to lay before our readers: DETROIT, 14th August, 1812. I am very respectfully, W, HULL Brig. Gen. Cel Duncan M'Arthur, Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 16, 1812. GENERAL ORDERS. SIR-The state of the communication between this Hull announces to the north-western army, that he It is with pain and anxiety that brigadier general and the river Raisin, is such that a sufficient detach- has been compelled from a sense of duty to agree to ment cannot be sent at present to bring on the provi- the following articles of capitulation. sions with safety. You will therefore remain at the river Raisin, and in conjunction with the regiment as well as militia, will be immediately surrendered Art. I. Fort Detroit, with all the troops, regulars Le Croix's corps and your own, protect the provi- to the British forces, under the command of majorsions and yourselves until further orders. The de- general Brock, and will be considered as prisoners tachment sent for the purpose of opening the com- of war; with the exception of such of the militia munication are so fatigued after a severe and victo- of the Michigan territory who have not joined the rious battle that it will return here. I am respectfully, army. II. All public stores, arms and all public docu- Captain Bush, or the commanding officer at the river Raisin. III. His excellency brigadier-general Hull having expressed a desire that a detachment from the state P.S. If consulting with colonel Anderson and cap- of Ohio, on its way to join his army, as well as one tain Jobart, the bearer of this, and from all the in-sent from Fort Detroit, under the command of colo nel M'Arthur, shall be included in the above capitu- capture of Detroit, with general Hull and all his army, lation, it is accordingly agreed to; it is however to on the 16th instant, together with the Adams vessel of be understood that such part of the Ohio militia as war, and other naval force. The following is the subhave not joined the army, will be permitted to re- stance of an official communication, addressed to colonel turn to their homes, on condition that they will not Meyers, upon the subject—the dispatches having been serve during the war. Their arms, however, will be forwarded to his excellency sir George Prevost, by way delivered up, if belonging to the public. of York. V. The garrison will march out at the hour of On the night of the 15th instant, general Brock artwelve o'clock this day, and the British forces will rived at Amherstburg, with a reinforcement of 400 men, take immediate possession of the fort. including militia and regulars, and immediately pro(Signed) J. MACDONALD, Lt. Col. ceeded to make arrangements for advancing to SandMilitia, P. A. D. C. wich, which the enemy had evacuated a few days be J. B. GLEGG, Major fore. On the evening of the 15th a fire was opened from our batteries and continued for an hour with great effect, and recommenced before day on the morning of the 16th, from three mortars, one 18 pounder and two 12 pounders, at which time our troops crossed the river under cover of the Queen Charlotte and Hunter brig, at a point called Spring Wells about three miles below Detroit, preceded by a body of 600 Indians who were landed a mile lower down and marched through some thick woods with the intention of covering the left flank. The landing was effected in good order, without any opposition, the general being among the first boats. Approved, A. D. C. W. HULL, Brigadier-General, Approved, Major-General. The WM. HULL, Brigadier-general, "CHILICOTHE, August 22, 1812. Our army consisting of 700 men advanced in column and took up a good position in line about a mile and a half in front of Detroit-every preparation was in stantly made for the assult of the fort at one of the salient angles, which would have taken place in a few minutes, had not a white flag been perceived coming from the garrison, the bearer bringing proposals from "In haste I send you the following copy of a letter the exterminating general Hull, offering to surrender this moment received by major David Kinkead, from upon conditions which were soon dictated in generat Joseph Foos, brigadier-general 4th brigade, 2d divi-Hull's tent by captain Clegg, and colonel M'Donell, You will recollect that HULL evacuated Canada A. D. C. to general Brock. A detachment of geon the night of the 7th." (Aurora. "Madison county, head of Deer Creek, August 21, 1812. sion. neral Hull's army, under the command of colone M'Arthur, who were on their return to the fort, were included in the capitulation. The fruits of this atSIR-In haste I drop a line by the governor's ex-chievement have been the capture of 2500 regulars and press, he carries the melancholy news of the surren-militia and twenty-five pieces of ordnance and other der of Detroit, with the whole territory of Michigan, valuable stores, artillery, &c. without the loss of one by general Hull, to the British government, without drop of British blood. The Adams and other vessels a struggle. Our brave countrymen are now prisoners will be immediately employed in sending down the prisonof war. If the whole requisition late called for, in ers to Fort Erie. the three first brigades, in the 2d division, have not General Brock was to embark on the 17th in the yet marched, you will use every exertion by starting evening, and general Hull and the colors of the 4th expresses to ride night and day, to get them started. United States regiment accompany him. The firing You will then direct them to proceed to Urbanna, by from our batteries took effect the moment our guns openforced marches. The public stores on the frontiers, ed, and one 12 pound shot killed four officers and one and at the treaty, are to be protected. private at the same minute. The commander of Michilimukinac was among the number, although sent to general Hull on parole from our side not to serve during the war. JOSEPH FOOS. Brigadier-general, 4th brigade, 2d division ̧ Extract of a letter from Fort Wayne, dated August 19. "I have the mortification to announce to you the destruction of captain Heald and his company, on their retreat from fort DearThe defeat of General HULL has aroused the people born to this place. It happened on the morning of the 15th inst. by an army of Indians, of about five or six hundred, consisting of of Baltimore. A very considerable number of perthe following tribes, viz. Ottaways, Chippeways, Winnebagoes, sons have associated for the purpose of offermg their Kickapoos, Momominies, and some Pattawatomies. Captain Wells, services to the president, under the act of congress, who went to assist captain Heald on his retreat, is among the num ber of killed. We cannot learn that any escaped. But it is stated, authorising the acceptance of volunteers; and their that captain Heald, Mr. Kinzi, and some women, are made pri object is Canada. In our next paper we expect to soners. The particulars of the action I omit till another express." tains. Demo. Press. The detachment of 2000 Pennsylvania militia are to muster at make an honorable record of thear proceeding some Meadville, on the 25th September, thence to march to Buffaloe are sanguine enough to believe that Baltimore city (New York), the general orders have been sent by expresses to the and county will furnish a regiment of as brave and several brigade inspectors. The adjutant-general, Reed, proceeds to Meadville to organize the detachments, deliver commissions, &e hardy volunteers as have ever trod the field. Large &e. The draft is made from the 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, subscriptions are made, and are making, to provide and 16th divisions, all on the other side of the Alleghany moun for the comfort of these gallant fellows while from home, and to subsist the families of such as require But the volunteers are chiefly single men. On the spur of the moment, 1800 Kentucky volunteers, with 200 regulars assembled at Newport, as rdered by governor Scott-and have marched!-nitude deserves success. May they return covered with glory!-This promp British account of the capture of Detroit and general| Hull's army, by capitulation, on the 16th of August, 1812. From the Bee, printed at Niagara, Aug. 22. The pleasing task has now fallen to our lot, in confirmation of the uniform predictions of the Bee, to nounce to the public the important intelligence of * Or Chicago on lake Michigan. the it. Our southern coast appears to be in a respectable state of defence. The militia with alacrity obeying the call of their country. The regulars enlisted in English frigate Guerriere, which she captured, after South Carolina, have been drawn from the interior. a short, but severe action. The damage sustained Nothing very interesting has occurred on the New-by the fire of the Constitution, was so great, that it York frontier since our last, the proposed armistice was found impossible to tow her into port, and acappearing to have had a real effect in that quarter.-cordingly the crew were taken out and the ship sunk A few incidents like that recorded under the Wa-Particulars of the late action between the U. S. frigate CONSTITUTION, and the British frigate GUERRIERS, The 6th and 15th regiments of U. States' troops [Communicated to the editors of the Boston Gazette by an officer on board the Constitution.] terford head have occurred. have marched from Albany for the frontiers. The Abbe Raynal, has accused us of a total want of genius. In hundreds of instances this has been proved to be false. Had he Lat. 41, 42, N. long. 55, 33, W. Thursday, August been present this day at the navy yard, where an experiment was 20, fresh breeze from N. W. and cloudy; at 2 P. M. made on a piece of cannon of a new construction, he would have discovered a vessel to the southward; made all sail in come forward and apologised for his error. The improvement is simple; prudence forbids an explanation; suffice it to say, that chase; at 3 perceived the chase, to be a ship on the in this improved cannon, no accident can happen in spunging or starboard tack,' close hauled to the wind; hauled S. loading; and it may be charged and fired eight times in the same period that the common cannon can be loaded and fired six. S. W.; at half past 3, made out the chase to be a Some other very essential advantages attend it. Being the first of frigate; at 4, coming up with the chase very fast; the construction ever cast, it was tried first with a quarter charge at quarter before 5, the chase laid her main topsan -second, a half charge with ball-third, a full charge-fourth, a proof charge and last a full charge with ball; and all succeeded to the mast; took in our top gallant sails, staysails, to the entire satisfaction of those present, among whom were many and flying gib; took a second reef in the topsails, officers of the army. Nat. Int. hauled the courses up; sent the royal yards down Watertown, (Jeff. co.) August 11.-Col. Stone, while on his way from Sackets Harbor to Cape Vincent, in a boat with about 30 men and got all clear for action; beat to quarters, on was attacked last week by a launch, from the Royal George with which the crew gave three cheers; at 5, the chase nearly the same number of men. The British commenced their 18 rods when the balls came so fast from the British and some of oar part. fire some time before they were within reach. The col. directed hoisted three English ensigns, at five minutes past 5, his men to kneel close down in the boat, till they came within 12 the enemy commenced firing; at 20 minutes past 5, rodis of her. This order was obeyed until we came within about set our colors, one at each mast head, and one at the them through the clothes, and one through the hat of our men, the mizen peak, and began firing on the enemy, and con colonel ordered them to rise, take good aim and fire, which they tinued to fire occasionally, he wearing very often, and did all as one. No sooner was this fire made than the launch put we manoeuvring to close with him, and avoid being about, and made her escape, by double manning their oars under a discharge of several rounds from our boat; no lives were lost on raked; at 6, set the main top gallant sail, the enemy having bore up, at five minutes past 6, brought the Lexington, (K.) August 8.-We understand, that the executive has issued orders for the volunteers of this state, not destined for enemy to close action, standing before the wind; at Canada, to be placed under the command of governor Harrison. fifteen minutes past 6, the enemy's mizen mast fell The Red Banks, and Louisville, are appointed as their places of over on the starboard side; at twenty minutes past rendezvous, this arrangement will give governor Harrison the eoramand of 4000 as brave men as the world can produce. Many 6, finding we were drawing ahead of the enemy, luff of them had expressed their regret at not being ordered out with ed short round his bows, to rake him; at 25 minutes the first detachinent: They will now be gratified and under the commander of their choice, will soon march to certain victory, and past 6, the enemy fell on board of us, his bowsprit foul of our mizen rigging. We prepared to board, but immediately after, his fore and main masts went Buffalos, August 25.—“I arrived here yesterday, by the board, and it was deemed unnecessary. Our to inspect the troops. The vessels with Hull's army cabin had taken fire from his guns; but soon extin came down opposite this place last evening." guished, without material injury; at 30 minutes past 6, shot ahead of the enemy, when the firing ceased The United States frigate Essex has taken eight on both sides; he making the signal of submission, English ships, and has sent the prisoners to New-by firing a gun to leeward; set fore sail and main sail, and hauled to the eastward to repair damage; Prizes are pouring into almost every convenient all our braces and much of our standing and runport; and many privateers are still fitting out. Wening rigging and some of our spars being shot away. are endeavoring to get a list of them. 100 sail are-At 7, wore ship, and stood under the lee of the honor. foundland. at sea. EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED NAVAL. Thirteen American vessels, prizes, have been sent into St. John's, Newfonndland. COMMODORE RODGERS. prize-sent our boat on board, which returned at 8, with capt. Dacres, late of his majesty's ship Guerriere mounting 49 carriage guns, and manned with 392 men; got our boats out, and kept them employPhiladelphia, Aug. 31.-The British ship John, offed in removing the prisoners and baggage from the Lancaster, (midshipman Cox, prize-master) of six-prize to our own ship. Sent a surgeon's mate to asteen guns and thirty men, prize to the squadron un-s'st in attending the wounded, wearing ship occader the command of commodore Rodgers, is below.sionally to keep in the best position to receive the She was taken on the 26th of July, lat. 30, N. long. boats. At 20 minutes before 2, A. M. discovered a 21, W. on her passage from London to Martinique, sail off the larboard beam, standing to the south;-in ballast-and parted the next day, the squadron saw all clear for another action; at 3 the sail stood then standing N. W. off again; at day-light was hailed by the lieutenant We are informed, tkat in the action between the on board the prize, who informed, he had four fect President and Belvidere, commodore Rodgers had of water in the hold, and that she was in a sinking his leg broken, and twelve men were killed by the condition: all hands employed in removing the pri bursting of a gun. Midshipman Taylor, and three soners, and repairing our own damage through the men were killed, and midshipman Montgomery and remainder of the day. Friday the 20th commenced five men wounded by the fire from the Belvidere. with light breezes from the northward, and pleasant The squadron had only taken four vessels, viz.our boats and crew still employed as before. At two brigs which were burnt, and the abovemention-3 P. M. made the signal of recal for our boats (haved ship John, and brig Dolphin, of Guernsey, both ng received all the prisoners) they immediately left sent for the first port in the United States. her on fie, and a quarter-past 3, she blew up. Our BOSTON, August, 31. loss in the action was 7 killed and 7 wounded; among The United States frigate Constitution, captain the former, lieut. Bush of marines, and among the HULL, anchored yesterday in the outer harbor, fron, latter, lieutenant Morris, severely; and Mr. Ayia short cruise, during which she fell in with the j Now recovering. Su, at sun win, the master, slightly. On the part of the enemy, 2d, 11 A. M. saw Bermuda, we passed within gun15 men killed, and 64 wounded. Among the former, shot, cruised off under British colors. lieutenant Ready, 2d of the ship; among the latter, rise, saw a sail ahead, standing towards us; when captain Dacres, lieutenant Kent, 1st; Mr. Scott, we got near enough, manoeuvred for two hours; she master; and master's mate. appeared to be an English sloop of war; she gave chase, but soon gave it up, as they did not make any The Constitution took and destroyed 2 English way with us. 4th, saw a schr. to windward, and brigs, one in ballast and one loaded with lumber, chased all day; sweeps out from 4 till 8 r. M.—she bound to England. Also, two days previous to falling altered her course, and escaped under cover of the in with the Guerriere, re-captured the brig Adeline, night. 8th, officers and men put on allowance of of Bath, from London, with a full cargo of dry goods, three quarts of water per day, for cooking, &c. 9th, which had been taken 7 days previous, by the sloop liquor exchanged, quart for quart, for water. 14th, of war Avenger, took out the crew and put a prize saw a sail ahead, to which we gave chase, and capmaster on board, and ordered her into the first port tured without resistance. She proved to be the Driin the United States." Extract from the journal of the privateer schr. Globe of Baltimore. On the 14th July, got under way-blowing freshTaylor fell from the mainmast and broke his right| thigh;-at 9 o'clock, P. м. spring the mainmast, lost the tender, and put in to refit. 15th, arrived off| Annapolis; the fort fired at us on account of not hoisting a signal; the shot passed between the masts, no damage. 17th, shipped a new mainmast, &c.large brig hove in sight and came to in the bay; the fort fired several shot at her which did not reach tish schr. Ann, from the City St. Domingo for Cuernsey, laden with mahogany and logwood; mounts 4 guns, and carries 9 men.-[arrived.] [Several other interesting journals, in type, omitted.] The Chronicle. Several flags of truce and cartels with prisoners, &c. have are. rived at Boston and New-York. The British schooner Hope ar. rived at the first mentioned port on the 25th ult. having sailed from Halifax at an hours notice, on the arrival of a frigate in 30 days from England-the Hope had orders to wait an answer from Washington. The war in Spain continues without any material change in its aspect since our last notices of it. The details are tedious and generally uninteresting. The French, in possession of many of the provinces, are chilly acting on the defensive. sentatives in congress, from Rhode Island. Messrs. Porter and Jolinson (federalists) have been elected repre goods. We are now assured that France has declared war against Russia it was officially announced at Paris on the 24 of July. As the emperor is near the Russian frontier with a mighty army, great events may be looked for. Louisiana election.-The returns of votes being canvassed it ap Pared that W. C. C. Claiborne had 2750 votes and Jacques Villere 945; being the two highest of the candidates the legislature proceeded agreeably to the constitution to select the governor, and Mr. C. had 33 votes, Mr. V. but 6—the former was thereon declar ed duly elected. The Baltimore letter of marque Cora in company with us-the Cora sent her boat on board the brig, which proved to be H. B. M. dispatch brig Bloodhound, of 10 guns; took possession in co. 19th, got under The Manufacture of Spanish and Portuguese vessels is briskly way with a fine light breeze. 20th, arrived at Hamp-going on, as well in the ports of the United States, as in all the ton Roads. 24th, got under way, and went to sea ports of the world which the news of the war has reached! Several vessels have arrived from England, richly laden with with a fine crew of about 80 men in all. 25th, spoke ship Marmion, from New-Orleans for Baltimore.26th, spoke ship South Carolina, from do. for do. ; boarded a large ship from Havannah for New-York, all well. 27th, boarded a schr. from the West-Indies for New-England, who had fallen in with four sail of merchantmen without convoy three days before; brought to schr. Polly, of Boston, from Havana for do. examined her papers, &c. 30th, brought to The revolutionists in East Florida have formed a convention, con ship Camilla, of Philadelphia, from Cadiz for do;-sisting of 15 members to draft a constitution and make such other boarded a Swedish schr. from St. Barts. for Norfolk, tion was to have met on the 27th ult for the purpose of choosing a municipal regulations as may be deemed expedient. The conveks and while over hauling her, being at the mast-head, director or governor general. They intend, immediately after I discovered a sail ahead, which we gave chase to their government is organized, to make a vigorous effort to possess but lost her in the night. 31st, saw a sail, to which themselves of the province and deliver it up to the United States. [Washington (Geo.) Monitor. we gave chase and in about three hours were within We understand by a gentleman from East Florida, that the pagun-shot, when we commenced firing; she hoisted triots had a convention, and have appointed John Houston Mins British colors and returned fire with her stern chas-tosh, governor, and elected members of the legislature. ers, 2 long 9's, which was continued for about 40 minutes, against our long 9 (midship) that being the only gun we could get to bear, as it was blowing fresh, and she crowded all sail; when we got close enough we began to fire broadsides, (charged with We have favorable accounts from the Creek Indians. They round shot, double-shotted, and then with langrage have put to death six of the people, adjudged guilty of murdering certain white persons, and cropped five others; and appear de and round) which she returned, broadside for broad-termined to preserve a good understanding with the United States, side; when we got within musket-shot, and fired se-| A duel between lords Camden and Castlereagh, in consequence veral vollies into her, she struck, after a brisk engag the 9th of July, in which the latter was killed. of a dispute on American affairs, is stated to have been fought on ment of an hour and half. She proved to be the English letter of marque ship Boyd, from New-ProviBOSTON, August 29. When the Jamaica fleet was fallen in with, on the dence for Liverpool, laden with coffee dye-woods and cotton-mounts 10 guns, viz. 2 long 9's, 2 short 12's 6th of August, it consisted of about 70 sail under and 6 long 6's. None hurt on either side. Our sails convoy of the Africa 64, Thetis 38, (short handed, and rigging cut-their boat shot all over, rigging having lost 136 men by sickness) and two gun brigs. and sails cut, and several shot in the hull. Took out Two days previous the Shannon, Guerriere, and Belall the crew, except the mate and two men, and put videra, had left the fleet in pursuit of three sail a prize-master and eight men on board, and ordered which they supposed to be an American squadron. her for Baltimore-[arrived in Philadelphia.] The This tooks like men determined to be free, and,in all their laudable. exertions, we most heartily wish them success.-We trust that under the guidance of that Omnipotent Power, whose darling attri bute is liberty, they will be able to burst the fetters which have enchained them under a despot, and assume their proper rank among the people as freeien. Georgia Argus prisoners used as ourselves. Aug. 1st, parted with The address of the committee in the state of Newthe Boyd, and went in quest of two other English York, in support of the nomination of Dewitt Clin vessels which were expected this way. Repaired da-ton, as president of the United States is laid off for nages. Seven prisoners entered as seamen. Saw ajour next. schooner and gave chase, but lost her in the night; The title and index for the second volume will ac-. saw another sail same night, which also escaped.-company the next number. [WHOLE 54 No. 2 or vol. III.] BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1812. Hæc olim meminisse juvabit.—VINGIL. Printed and published by H. NILES, South-st. next door to the Merchant's Coffee House, at $5 per annum, Address, TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. consideration. she has taken. bias of that nomination is e‹rtain of influencing the result of that through members of congress, and an eventual choice by them selection. The connection between a nomination originated But is it consistent with the spirit of the constitution, or the princi conformably thereto, is obvious and has, we fear been contemplated. ples of justice, that those should decide in the last appeal, who had made themselves partizans in the first resort, and had committed themselves by previous engagements? rights of the individual states; and we are confirmed in that. opinion by observing that where the members of the house of re Of the committee of the city of New-York, acting under the authority Presentatives are, from necessity, permitid to interfere in the the general commitice of correspond nes of the state of Nection, they are compelled to vote by states. The constitation furs, un emport of the wavination of the hon. DE WITT CLIN thus, in every case, maintaining the principle that the chief TON, to the presidency of the United States at the ensuing election. magistrate is to be chosen by the states, in their separate, sovereign capacities. Itis perfectly manifest, therefore, that those who compose a conFollow-Citizens,—The most important interests of the United Sessional caucus are, except in our event, and that in the last Sentes are interwoven with the acts of their chief magistrate mediing in the el con of a extremity, excluded by the expr 9s v ords of the constitution, from Every citizen has, therefore, a drep concera in the choice of that then in the first instance, to nolainate the candidate for that office, president. Can their attempt hich offer, and an undeniable right to lay his reflections on that be consist, ut with its spirit? Who should non.mate? Some among subject, respectfully, but with freedom, before the community, of the states which enjoy the constinitional right to elect. Sur ly none which he is a member-On that broad basis we might perhaps of those persons, whose interference is cautiously prohibited as justify this address, and trust to the correctness of the pinciples reading with danger, and who are therefore Lade subject to an we aintain, for vindication with our country men; but we are incapacity imposed upon no other citizen: and yet, these philate daeed to present ourselves by another, and we think a sufficiented and disqualified characters, are to stand forth and designate the The state of New-York has, by an open nomination of a candi-president with an authority so conclusiv, that to differ from them, date for the presidency, enter its formal protest against the prae-spirit of the constitution, is stigmatized as nothing short of politi and exercise an independent right, agreeably to the letter and tice of congressional nominations. Convinced as we are of the superior worth and qualifications of Mr. Clinton, we are also imcal heresy! pelled by the sincerest respect to the federal constitution; by our different candidates, where a choice has failed through a division of The very power possessed by congress of selecting among the desir to preserve the sovereignty of the states, as guaranteed and the electoral votes, although it may be, and we believe has been the marked out by that instrument; by a regard to the rights of the people and to the freedom of election, to maintain her in the stand delicacy and fairness, to be an insup rable bar against them. The motive and ground-work of congressional nominations, ougat in all The general committee of correspondence on the part of the state, have appointed us a select committee to explain and vindicate the grounds on which the nomination has been made, and to aid in earrying it into effet. We have accepted the trust, and shall perfor it at least with fidelity. The fear of criticism and ensure shall not orerave the sense of duty, nor silence the strong convic tons of our judgment. Our interests and obligations, whether as citizens of this state, or or unis confederation, have, we know, a reciprocal relation; and we cannot be true to the one, without When making those nominations, they affect to act in the capaWe are aware of the distinctions made by members of congress. digeatly discharging the other. Neverin tess, we feel much restraint and embarrassment in thus city only of private citizens. Is it possible that the good sense of appearing before the American nation; we are sensible of the de- the community can be deceived by such a shadow artifice? If in cacy of the undertaking, and enter upon it with diffidence and ood faith they mean to act only as private citizens, let them do solicitude. While most anxious to avoid blame, and to obtain con- so in their respective states, to which the right of el-ction, and the s-leration only through the purity of our motives, and the sound-nsequent light of nomination belong. There (if any wher) their Jess of our opinions, we anticipate harsh animadversions: we shall influence would be correctly exercised. But at the very seat of be held up to the scrupulous as rash, and to the formal as innova-government, on forbidden ground, that almost all the disqualified tors: our appeal to your tribunal will be stigmatized as presup candidate, seems to us something like an indecent infrigement of persons in the union should assemble, and designats a presib astial trous: our sincere persuasions on subjects of national concert the rights of the states, and an open contempt of the provisions will be inpated to unworthy motives; will be treated with levity of the constitution. If the members of the house of representaby some, and opposed with bitterness by many. We are, however, convinced that those will be loudest in their lives were to assetable and point out to the president and snate, a invectives, whose interests are engaged, or whose prejudices have foreign ambassador or a judge, would it not be considered as monben enlisted against the cause we espouse, and in favor of the doc-strous arrogane? How then are we to characterize the act of the • teues we conceive it our duty to dispute.-Does the Mussulmana ment, and of the senate, who, notwithstanding their personal who venerates the Koran, and bows before the crescent, abide the disabilities, presume to rominate to the respective states, the offer scrutiny of the understandine, or weigh the force of argument, whom they are required to choose? Suppose the two houses, by a when fie reviles the christian infidcl that rejects the Mahometan concurrent resolution, reo mnended a candidate for the chief mafaith? gistracy, who would in sitate to say it was a violation of the constiFree citizens of Amerien, be not deceived by such as, wrapping tution? I then, such an act by them in the fort noon, woue! be the Ives up in the mantle of infallibility, disdain to inquire afteration, is not the very saine act by the very same wen in the truth by the sober light of reason, or to Farn wisdom in the school afternoon at bast an evasion of the constitution? Are not the of experience: distrust those who shrink from investigation, because chiefs to which we have already alluded, and thuse we are it is their interest to maintain prevailing tenets, and to continue about to suggest, as likely to result from their vote in enuens, as existing practices; examine national questions for yourselves: de from their vote in congress? Indeed, or two evils, ict us choose the ce upon them according to the counsel of your own unbiassediast. If they are to interfere let them do it in auch a way, my dat judgments. their condert may be irly cognizable by their constituents. It they must act, let dla mact at least under their official r. sponsibility. If we are not mistik: n, we have demonstrated that a nomination We have said that the state of New-York has entered its protest against congressional nominations. In doing so, it has acted wisely. The naination of a candidate for the presidency of the United to the presidency, by members of congress, is repugnant to the Andes by massociation of members of congress, convened at the seat constitution; we shall now vindicate that instrument, by sheving of government, is hostile to the spirit of the federal constitution, that the measure if it shall grow into usages will also be dangerous dangerous to the rights of the people, and to the freedom of election to the rights of the people, and to the purity and freedont of elec Whoever examines that constitution with attention, will perceive i "If it shall grow into usage:" and has it not alrendy grown that the election of the president is intended to be made, not by into usage? Is it not engiatting itself upon our constitution, and the people of the United States, in the sense in which they may be acquiring strength after the manner of afl other sucessful usurpa sad to choose the members of the house of representatives; but by tions? Even now, aequiescence in the regular non instion et l'esle the states comsosing the union, in their separate sovereign capacities,ington, is by many considered as the touchstone of republicanism. each state voting in the ratio of its population. The individuals, or the states that dare to exercise the right of The unbiassed exercise of this invaluable right of state sovereign-independent choies, are denounced as schis natics and factionists; ty has been guarded in that instrument with jealous care. "No and it arendy an innovation so recent, and so tiagrant, be called senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or the regular nomination, what will be its influence, should time and profit under the United States, shall be appointed an lector." Even repetition give it additional sanction? Let the encroachments of a state, in delegating its own sovereign right, is restrained from constituted authorities, upon every free governinent that has been confiding its power to any person connected with the congress of undermined, furnish the answer. hould the practice become invetcrate we do not hesitate to say, that to promulgate a nomitution Permit us now to ask, did this pointed exclusion of the individu- will be to decree the election. The congress will appoint the presi als composing congress, or interested in the general government, dent, and the constitutional electors will be more officers, to register from participating in the election of president, merely contemplate its edicts. the general government. the avoiding of corrupt influence? Even if that were is only ob- Would this change in our system produce beneficial results? jeet, no evasion of it should be tolerated; but we believe it further At best it would endanger the independence of the executive, bg, and more particularly aimed, at maintaining the authority and giving to congress an influence over the measures of government VOL. III. |