Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

MARCH, 1812.

British Intrigues.

H. of R.

me the memorial, a copy of which I herewith trans-country, but he utters a libel against all parties mit, and to whom the accompanying letter from Mr. Peel was written by my direction.

and against the Government itself. He states. that in the extra session of Congress in May, In compliance with his request, I now fulfil the as- 1809, there were sixty-one votes against Mr. Madisurance which I have given of stating to you my opin- son, in consequence of his arrangement with Mr. ion of the ability and judgment which Mr. Henry has Erskine; when we all know that the vote on the manifested on the occasions mentioned in his memo-resolution approving of the President's conduct

rial, and of the benefit the public service might derive
from his active employment in any public situation in
which you should think proper to place him..
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
LIVERPOOL.
TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST, Baronet, &c.

[The following is the report of the Secretary of State, communicated to the Senate by the Message of the 12th March, 1812.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, March 12, 1812. The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the Senate of the 10th instant, has the honor to report: That this department is not in possession of any names of persons in the United States who have, in any way or manner whatever, entered into, or countenanced the project or the views for the execution or attainment of which John Henry was, in the year 1809, employed by Sir James Craig; the said John Henry having named no person or persons as being concerned in the said project or views referred to in the documents laid before Congress on the 9th instant. Which is respectfully submitted,

JAMES MONROE.

The Message and documents having been read, Mr. RHEA made a motion to print them.

Mr. PITKIN said, that he had no objection to the papers being printed, but that he rose to protest against the sentiments attributed in these papers to the Federal party, being considered as those of the citizens of the State which he had the honor to represent. He trusted it would not be believed that they had any knowledge of any mission of this kind from Canada, or from any other quarter.

While, therefore, gentlemen will not, as I prein that affair was no criterion by which to judge. sume they will not, place any confidence in the statements made by this man against themselves, and against those whom he styles Democrats, I trust they will be equally incredulous as to any statements he has made against those he has called Federalists, with respect to their co-operation with the British Government in dividing tho Union. More especially as they come from one, who, disappointed at not receiving the promised reward from his Government, has turned traitor to his employers.

If, sir, there is any individual in this country, be he of whatever party he may, who has given countenance to this man as a British agent, and has joined him in a scheme of dividing the Union, under the auspices and with the aid of the British Government, I wish he may be known, and I sincerely hope that the House will institute an inquiry on this subject, and let every such man be held, as he ought to be, in contempt by all. ! found it impossible, sir, to remain silent under the imputations thrown, or attempted to be thrown upon that section of the United States from which I came, by the papers just read. I will repeat my wishes that the whole business may be fully and promptly developed.

Mr. BIBB said he agreed with the gentleman who just sat down on one point, that a full investigation ought to be had. It was due to the Congress, to our connexions with Great Britain, that an inquiry should be made into the transaction now exposed to view; and, in addition to the motion for printing, he should move a reference of the Message to the Committee of Foreign Relations.

It was the first time that he had heard that the opposition to the embargo in the States of Vermont or Massachusetts had any connexion with Mr. WIDGERY said it was an old saying among the British Government, or with any project of gunners, that you may know the wounded pigeons a separation of the Union in any manner, much by their fluttering. He would not undertake, as less under the agency of a British spy. So far as the gentleman from Connecticut had done, to he could understand the papers from the first exonerate his constituents in a body from any reading, Mr. P. said they did not intimate that implication in this business. One thing, he said, any disclosure had been made to any individual he knew, that the relation given in these docuof the United States by Mr. Henry of the objectments so exactly coincided with the conduct of of his mission, or that his scheme had been advocated or supported by any one. And I trust no gentleman will take the character of the parties in any section of this country, from a man who it seems has proved a traitor to his own Government. So far as the statements made in these papers may be considered as involving the party in concert with the Federal party, in any scheme of co-operation with the British Government in dividing the Union, it is one of the grossest libels that ever was uttered. Nor do I feel willing to take the character of the people of this country from the mouth of this man. He does not stop at debasing the character of the people of this

some gentlemen in the quarter in which he lived, that he was led to believe in their truth. It by no means followed, because this man had been a spy, that he could not tell the truth. When we look back to the times at which his letters were written, we must believe in their substantial truth. He called upon gentlemen to say, if the conduct of certain characters in those days did not warrant all that was stated of their designs. Let the papers be printed, Mr. W. said, and every one will be able to judge for themselves. Are we to shut our proceedings from the public view in this way, by refusing to publish these things? It is one of the most important communications

[blocks in formation]

made to Congress at the present session, and why should not the people see it? Let them see and judge. I will make no comments. sir, on this business; but I will say, that it is well known that at the time alluded to in those documents, an opposition to the laws and Government was organized. Mr. W. said he had full confidence in the truth of these documents, and he had therefore no disposition to keep them from his constituents. The House was in duty bound to give full publicity to these papers by printing

them.

Mr. PITKIN disavowed any intention to oppose the printing of these papers.

MARCH, 1812.

such an idea as that of a dissolution of the Union to any individual. No, sir; and I dare to say that he never did mention such a thing to any distinguished individual. As far as I know the sentiments of gentlemen in that quarter, they hold this Union dear, and look upon such a connexion as is supposed in these papers with as much abhorrence as any man, however attached he may be to the administration of the Government. Whenever a dismemberment of the Union has been talked of, it has been with awe, and with a fear that the present course of public measures would lead to such an event, and not with a view to bring it about. Sir, I know that other ideas have been spread over the country for the purpose of serving party views. But here, in this temple of our liberties, let us reason with one another according to the evidence before us. I rejoice that the subject has been brought forward, and that an agent so peculiarly adapted to the business in which he was employed has not been able to furnish any evidence of even the connivance of any individual at his mission.

Mr. GHOLSON said, it was a source of gratification to him, that, so far as the papers communicated by the President could be considered evidence at all, they were certainly highly honorable testimony in favor of the Eastern section of the Union. An emissary of great talents had been employed by the British in a nefarious sceme to dismember the United States, and to engender treason in the very bosom of our country and yet, Mr. G. said, it does not seem that this spy has been able to connect with himself any citizen of the United States. If he had held correspondence with any persons of distinction, the presumption is, their names would have been disclosed in the papers that have been read. Mr. G. was happy in cherishing the belief that the liberties of this country would always find a sufficient guarantee against machinations of this sort, in the patriotism of every portion of the Union. This communication, for which the House was indebted to the President, was highly interesting and important in one point of view. It demonstrated, as matter of fact, what had here-them; and why not these? If this man be a tofore remained only speculation and conjecture, that the British Government has long meditated the separation of these States; and what is more, that they have actually attempted the execution of this wicked design, and have endeavored to convert our own citizens into traitors! He would say no more.

Mr. QUINCY said, he was much obliged to the gentleman last up for the view which he had taken of the subject. It had struck him previously with much force, and he meant to have taken the floor to have expressed it. If ever there had existed in the British Government, or any other Government, an idea that there was a party in this country who would associate with it to dissolve this Union, he thanked God that the project was exposed. If it was true, as these papers stated, that this man had been so employed, he thanked God that the mission had been detected. The Administration, in bringing the subject before the House, had done worthily, and the subject ought to be inquired into. What is the fact, admitting all that this person has said to be true? Why, that an agent from the British Government, under circumstances peculiarly auspicious and suitable to his purpose, goes to the spot which he represents as the hotbed of opposition, to stir up disunion, and his papers do not contain an intimation that he dared to mention

Mr. RHEA said, at the time he had made the motion for printing, he had not the least idea that any opposition would be made to it. He did not say whether these papers were true or not true; whether they attacked any people or not. He hoped, therefore, the discussion of these points would cease. It was no reason against the publication of these documents that they had been disclosed by a British agent. [The SPEAKER observed that no objection had been made by any gentleman to the printing.] All the transactions respecting Andre and Arnold had been printed, so far as the Congress could lay their hands on

British spy or traitor, as he has been called, and what he states is not true, one thing is admitted: that the British are capable of employing persons of infamous character, by fabrications like these, to throw an odium on particular sections of the country. So that, on any view, this affair should be disclosed, if it were only to produce a firm union among the people. We all remember the publications of the period to which these papers refer, and the declarations then made; but all these would not induce me, at this moment, to say that all Mr. Henry says is true. This will be better understood when the committee shall make their report.

Mr. SEYBERT moved to increase the number of copies proposed to be printed to 5,000.

Mr. WRIGHT said, that such an extraordinary communication as that just received from the President, reflecting so much on various sections and parties of the Union, required serious consideration before they consented to publish such gross abuse of every portion of our people. Gentlemen should reflect that this very disclosure might be one of the means used by this miscreant to divide this country. If he wished to promote division, how could he better attain his object than by denouncing the people of a particular section? Who is this man, and where is he? is au inquiry that ought to be made. I am not one

INDEX

TO THE PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE

[blocks in formation]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]
[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors]

appointment of a joint committee to wait on
the President of the United States to in-
form him of the same
Affidavits and Bail, a bill from the House of
Representatives providing for, the more
convenient taking of, read

read a second time, and referred

reported amended

read a third time, as amended

[ocr errors]

91

93

118

119

Aggressions of Belligerents, papers in relation to 2043
Alien Enemies, a bill from the House of Repre-
sentatives supplemental to the act con-
cerning, read twice, and referred
reported amended, and so ordered to a third
reading

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

314

315

[ocr errors]

read a third time, and passed as amended 316
American Manufactures, Mr. Giles submitted a
resolution to refer to a select committee
so much of the President's Message as re-
lates to, which was agreed to, and a com-
mittee appointed -

Anderson, Mr., speech of, on the bill to raise an
additional military force -

remarks of, on joint resolution for a recess
Appointment of Officers, &c., a Message from
the President of the United States in re-
lation to, referred -
Apportionment of Representatives, a bill from the
House of Representatives for the, read
twice

[ocr errors]

amended, and ordered to a third reading
read a third time, and passed as amended
the House of Representatives disagree to the
amendment, and ask a conference, which
is granted
report of the managers that they could not
agree, and the Senate resolve to insist
the House of Representatives receded
Appropriations and Expenditures, Mr. Smith, of
Maryland, submitted a resolution direct-
ing the Secretary of the Treasury to lay
before the Senate a view of the, &c.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][subsumed][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

191

193

172

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

210

[ocr errors]

2002

Corcoran, Thomas, and others, Mr. Anderson
presented a memorial of, referred
Crawford, Mr., speech of, on the bill concerning
the Naval Establishment

111

149

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Capitol, &c., a bill from the House of Represent-
atives, making appropriations to discharge
all outstanding claims for work done on
the, read

read a second time, and referred

reported with amendments

ordered to a third reading as amended

read a third time, and passed as amended
the House of Representatives agree and dis-
agree, and the Senate recede

[ocr errors]

Captures, Mr. Smith of Maryland submitted a

resolution in relation to

amended, and agreed to

[ocr errors]

a report from the Secretary of State in reply
the said report in full
Carroll, of Carrolton, Mr. Smith of Maryland
presented a memorial of, and others, dep-
recating war -

Census, the President of the United States trans-
mitted a report from the Secretary of
State, in relation to the -

on motion of Mr. Leib, the Secretary of the
Senate was directed to obtain the number
of printed copies apportioned to the Senate
Chaplains, Mr. Varnum submitted a resolution
for the appointment of two, of different de-
nominations -

resolution agreed to -

16 Deferred Stocks, a bill from the House of Repre-
sentatives, respecting

[ocr errors]

18

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

read and referred

reported without amendment

read a third time, and passed

[ocr errors]

317

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Departure of Ships and Vessels, a bill from the

[ocr errors]

258

House of Representatives authorizing the,

183

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

the committee discharged -

299

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
« ZurückWeiter »