The Sun.
London, England, 1838-02-15 00:00:00

CONTRADICTORY AFFIDAVIT.

State of New York, County of Niagara.
Henry Emmons, of the town of Niagara, in said county, being duly
sworn, says he is bar-tender at the public-house kept by James Field, at
Schlosser, in said county, and has been such bar-tender for one month
preceding the day of taking this affidavit. That there never has been
an individual detained by a military guard at Schlosser during any part
of that time; and this deponent further says that from his employment
at Schlosser, it would be impossible for any person to be detained there
without the knowledge of this deponent. That particularly no such per-
son as George Nolop ever was known to be at Schlosser in any manner.
And this deponent further says, that he has read a copy of Geo. Nolop's
affidavit, taken at the district of Niagara, in Upper Canada, on the 30th
day of December last, and that no part of the same is true to the know-
ledge or belief of this deponent; and this deponent further says, that
there is no fort at Schlosser, or nearer that pia( e than Fort Niagara, a
distance of sixteen miles from Schlosser. That there never was a cask
filled with six-pound shot, or two casks of grape and canister, in the
house or near the premises where this deponent resides. And this
deponent further says that no person fired a gun at the persons engaged
in taking the steam-boat Caroline, and massacring the persons on board
of her; and that there were no armed men near the boat at the time she
lay at the Wharf. That so far as he saw or believes no guns or arms
were carried on board said Caroline, by the persons going on board to
sleep, the night she was taken.

HENRY EMMONS.
Sworn and subscribed this Ist day of January, 1838, before me,
JAMES M. SMITH, jun., Commissioner of Deeds.

State of New York, County of Niagara.

Benjamin Holt, Milton Keyes, Alanson Liscom, William Chappell,
E. Benton Reynolds, all of Schlosser, in said county, being duly sworn,
say that they have heard the foregoing affidavit of Henry Emmons read,
and that the same is true its all respects, from their knowledge and be.
lief, and that each and all of those deponents were at Schlosser at the
time the steam-boat Caroline was taken and burnt.
BENJAMIN HOLT.
E. BURTON REYNOLDS.
ALANSON LISCOM,
DI I LTON KEYES.
WILLIAM CHAPPELL.
Sworn and subscribed, this Ist day of January, 183 S, before me,
JAMES M. SMITH, Commissioner of Deeds.

Upper Canada, District of Niagara, to wit :—Luke Walker, of the
city of Buffalo, in the State of New York, in the United States of Ame
rica, labourer, maketh oath and saith that he was on board the steam-
boat Caroline last night when she was captured ; that there were about
thirty armed men on board ; that the said boat, as he understood, was
the property of the patriots in Navy Is'and ; she had been employed
during the day in taking provisions and stores to the island ; that de-
ponent was in the cabin lying down, when he heard the watch on the
deck cry out, " Hurrn, boys, here comes the enemy l" that he heard the
Captain say to the men, " Sep well to-night, for we shall have hard
work tomorrow; there arc many gentlemen coming from Rochester,
snd we shall have to take them over." Isis

LUKE Y. WALKER,
mark.
Sworn before me at Chippewa, first having being ful:y read and ex.
plained to him, this 30th December, 1837.
W. HAMILTON MERRITT, J. P.

UNITED STATES.
(From the New York Journal of Commerce.)
PRERIZAVATION OF NEUTAALITY.--It will be seen that Mr.
Buchanan's Bill for the preservation of neutralityhas passed the SenatJ
without opposition. It has yet to pass the House. The following is a
c,py of it :
" A Bill to amend an Act entitled ' An Act in addition to the Act
fur the punishment of certain crimes against the United States, and
to tepeal the Acts therein mentioned : approved the 12th of April,
1818.'

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, that the several coPec_
tors, naval officers, surveyors, and inspectors of the Customs, the mar.
shals and deputy marshals, of the United States, and every other person
who may be especially empowered for the purpose by the President of
the United States, shall be, and they are hereby respectively authorised
and required to seize every vessel or vehicle belonging to any citizen or
citizens of the United State, and about to depart the same, when the
circumstances of the case shall render it probable that such vessel or ve.
hide is intended to be employed in carrying on hostilities against the
subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince, state, or colony,
with whom the United States are at peace ; or in conveying men, arms,
or munitions of war to any place from whence such hostilities are car-
ried on, with intent to give aid and comfort to the persons carrying on
the same ; and to detain every such vessel or vehicle, and all arms and
munitions of war which may be found therein, until the owner or owners
thereof shall enter into bond to the United States, with sufficient sur..

ties, in double the value of the said vessel or vehicle, and of the pro.
perty fount therein, that the said vessel or vehicle shall not be em.
',toyed by such owner or owners, nor by any other person, with his or
their consent, or knowledge, in carrying on or aiding such hostilities as
above mentioned; or until the President of the United States shall di-
rect the restoration of the vessel, vehicle, or property so seized.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, that the several officers and persons
in the preceding section mentioned shall be, and they are hereby also
authorised and required, to seize all arms and munitions of war belong-
ing to any citizen or citizens of the United States, and about to be car.
ried out of the United States, when the circumstances of the case shall
render it probable that the same arc intended to be sent to any place
from whence hostilities are carried on against the subjects, citizens, or
property of any foreign prince, state or colony with whom the United
States are at peace, fur the purpose of being used in carrying on such
hostilities ; and to detain the property so seized until the owner or own-
ers thereof shall give such bond and security as is required in the pre-
ceding section, or until the President of the United States shall direct
the restoration thereof.

" Sec a Be it further enacted, that if any body of armcd men who
have been actually engaged in carrying on hostilities against the sub.
jests,
the
citi zens:or property of any foreign prince, state or colcny
with
whom United States are at peace, shall come within the limits and
jurisdiction of the United States, whilst such hostilities are pending, it
shall be the duty of the several officers or persons hereinbefore mentioned,
and they are hereby respectively authorised and required, to seize and take
from such body of armed men all weapons and arms brought by them
within the Unit. 11 States, and to detain the same until the resp:ctive
owners thereof shall give such bond and security as hereinbefore pre-
scribed, or until the President of the United States shall direct the re-
storation thereof.
" Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, that every person apprehended and
committed for trial for any offence against the Act hereby amended,
shall, when admitted to bail for his appearance, give such additional
security as the Judge admitting him to bail may require, not to violate,
nor to aid in violating, any of the provisions of the Act hereby amended.
" Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, that whenever the President of the
United States shall have reason to believe that offences have been, or
are likely to be, committed against the provisions of the Act hereby
amended, within any judicial district, it shall be lawful for him, its his
discretion, to direct the judge, marshal, and district attorney of such
district, to attend at such place within the district, and for such time
as he may designate, for the purpose of the more speedy and convenind
arrest and examination of persons charg:d with the violation of the Act
hereby amended ; and it shall he the duty of every such judge, or other
officer, when any such requisition shall be received by him, to attend at
the place and for the time therein designated.
Sec. p. pp jt further enacted, that it shall be lawful for the Presi.
dent of the United States, or ,40 person as he may empower for that
purpose, to employ such part of the land PT naval forces of the
execution of this 4cti• and the Act
United %atm of pf the militia, as shall !4e neeog4ry pri;y2pt
the violation and to enforce thO tin
hereby amended."

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1838.

COMMERCIAL STEAM-PACKET
COMPANY.

Yesterday the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders
of this Company was held at the London Tavern ; Mr.
BLEADEN, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in the
cha'r. The meeting was exceedingly numerous and highly
respectable.
The CHAIRMAN stated that the objects of the meeting were
to receive the reports of the Auditors to the Board of Direc-
tors, and the report of the Board of Directors to the body of
shareholders, and to declare a dividend for the past year. lie
had great satisfaction in believing that the reports would be
satisfactory to the shareholders, as he trusted they would see
that their interests had been properly attended to, and would
feel gratified at the excellent prospect before them of their
continued and increasing prosperity. The reports, which
would be read by the Secretary, contained all that he could
address to them. After they had been read, every Gen-
tleman might make such observations on them as he might
think proper.
The SF.CRETARY (Mr. J. Bleaden) then read the reports.
First, the Auditors' Report to the Bo:;rd of Directors, from
which it appeared that the total receipts of the Company,
from the Ist of October, 1836, to the 31st of December,
1837, arnonuted to 133,3881. 11s. 2d.;_ aril its various dis-
burvments in the same period amounted to 130,1761. 14s. Id.,
leaving a cash balance to the credit of the Company of
1,2111. 17s. Id. They likewise stated that the amount of
purchase of the interest in the British and Fort ign Steam
Navigation Company amounted to 37,4481. ss. Bd., which
sum being arranged by shares being taken, did not interfere
with the cash balance. The Report proceeded to state, that
looking to the great outlay of the Company in forming and
establishing stations, and particularly foreign stations, and
being aware that important negociations for other stations are
now zn progress, which will be of the first importance to the
Company, and which will require renewed and extendad re-
sources to meet, they could not recommend a dividend to be
made to the extent they should otherwise feel it incumbent on
them to do, and therefore left it to the discretion and judg-
ment of the Board to decide as to the amount ; but threw out
a suggestion how far the disposable shares of the Company
might be made applicable for payment of the same where the
amount should exceed five pounds ; and recommended that
the certificates should be dated on the Ist of January last,
which would give the holders the additional advantage of
being entitled to dividend from that date. The Report con-
cluded as follows :—" On the whole, therefore, we have great
pleasure in congratulating the Directors on the present posi-
tion of the Company; and, considering the immense diffi-
culties it has surmounted, we have no doubt that should our
services be again required in the honourable but ardent office
we are engaged in, we shall have to present as flattering and
pleasing an account to the Shareholders, as their most san-
guine expectations can anticipate. We have, therefore, in
conclusion, to renew the expression of our approval of the dif-
ferent matters submitted to our review and consideration."
The reading of the Report appeared to give great satisfac.
tion.

The SECRETARY then read the following Report from the
Board of Directors to the Shareholders :
" The Report of the Auditors, which has been submitted to
the Board of Directors, and by their direction laid before you
this day, has so ably explained the position in which the Com-
pany at present stands, that the Board have but little to add
to the statement it contains ; and in following up their recom-
mendation respecting the dividend on the present occasion,
they have no doubt but every proprietor will acquiesce in the
views which the Board of Directors have taken on the subject,
after the most attentive and mature consideration ; and which
is, that a dividend at the rate of six per cent. per annum be
made on all payments from their respective dates, to the 31st
of December last ; and the Directors arc so well satisfied with
the suggestions embodied in the Report of the Auditors, and
the urgent reasons they have given fur their recommendation,
that they have unanimously resolved to take the amount of
their own dividends in shares of the Company, and shall re-
commend the same to their respective friends, where the
amount exceeds the sum of 51. ; satisfied that the adoption of
this plan will enable the Company to apply its resources to the
important object at present under negotiation, and which,
when completed, will no doubt form a most valuable addition
to the funds of the Company, and considerably increase the
value of the interest of each proprietor.
The Directors, on reviewing the position of the Company
since they had the pleasure of meeting the great body of
Shareholders in April last, have certainly much reason to be
well pleased at the result. A formidable opposition on every
station to which your vessels were sent has given way to a
competition honourable and favourable, it is hoped, to all
parties, an extensive and extending commercial interest at
every port visited by your vessels, and a strenuous and earnest
desire at all stations to assist and promote the views of the
Company, must, in the end, produce the most beneficial results.
The Proprietors must be aware that, in carrying on an
important concern such as they are now engaged in, it cannot
be expected that casualties will not sometimes occur; and it
must always be a source of deep and lasting regret, when
loss of property is attended with loss of life. The former is
one that industry and perseverance can replace : the latter is
one that we only can hope, under similar calamities, a Divine
Providence may in future avert. The Directors consider they
could not pass over in silence the total loss of their vessel, tho
Apollo; but, as it will become the subject of legal inquiry,
this meeting must be aware it would be imprudent to enter
into it farther at the present moment.
" The Directors are anxious on every occasion to embrace
any opportunity that offers to benefit the rising interest of the
Company, and they have, therefore, availed themselves of the
earliest moment to obtain the protection of an Act of Parlia-
ment, passed in the first year of her present Alsjesty's reign,
for conferring certain powers and immunities on trading and
other Companies ; and they have no reason whatever to doubt
that their cifirts will be successful. Oa the whole, therefore,
your Executive body can with confidence congratulate the
general meeting on its present prospects, its future resources,
and the importance of its standing amongst the first Commer-
cial Companies of this great metropolis ; and they rely with
confidence on a continuance of that zeal in its favour which
has always been shown by the great body of shareholders, and
which must realize those expectations which have b,en formed
of it to their fullest extent.

" The Directors, in conclusion, have further to inform the
feeling it a matter of the greatest import-
otrd should be strengthened by members whose
shareholders,iltlnaee
sthatand
ihce h
taßbracters will confer honour on it, have elected
ti.e gentlemen who staad as Honorary Directors (and who
are qualified by their shares), to be Directors, and which
they have no doubt will meet the cordial and entire approval
of the Proprietors."
Mr. WARD congratulated the shareholders on the highly
satisfactory reports they had heard read, which proved that
the affairs of the Company were in a state of great prosperity
—that they had overcome all their difficulties, and had greatly
extended their connection with foreign ports, which, it could
not be doubted, would prove a source of lasting advantage.
He warmly approved of the recommendation of the Ward of
Directors, that a dividend of six per cent, should be declared,
which would be better than declaring a larger dividend, while
surmounted hithertolattended, and
difficulties
by
they were making a further outlay of capital for carrying their
great undertaking
to the extent of which it was certainly
capable, and to which taey were invited by the success with
which their efforts
having so completely
which their progress had for a considerable time been opposed.
lie was satisfied the meeting would feel great pleasure in re-
ceiving the reports, and agreeing to the recommendation of
the Directors. He concluded by moving the first resolution.
[See advertisement.]
orts had
beenthe great
Mr. MORGAN seconded the resolution, r.nd fully concurred
in approval of the reports, and in the recommendation of the
Directors.
Mr. LILLEY expressed great satisfaction at the reports,
and the excellent prospcc's of the Company, and highly
approved of the recommendation of the Directors respecting
the dividend.
The resolution being put from the Chair, was unanimously
agreed to.
Mr. CARR, in moving the second resolution, expressed great
satisfaction at the recommendation of the report, to increase
the capital of the Co.npany by the conversion of dividends
into shares, which he hoped, and could not doubt, would be
generally adopted by the shareholders.
LL moved the third resolution, which was seconded
Mr. PRICE seconded the resolution, Whiell was agreed to
SMITH moved the fourthwhich •
ib A ‘ LDI ONE, rod unanimously agreed to.
y A3l,frr r...\lunanimously.v\,o.,NivEs
resolution,i, was
seconded by Mr. LILLEY, and passed unanimously.
Mr. HARSIER, a Director, moved the fifthresolution•
. ,
which was seconded by Mr. J. W
. RIGHT, and unanimously
agriNeferd. NtVoiRE returned thanks on behalf of the Committee.
They all felt perfect confidence in the
success of the concern
come, and they might vie with an Other A company had never been formed that had greater difficul:
ties to contend with. All their difficulties were now over-
ence. Their prospects were ally
most cheering. They
tber company in ex'st-
were met, when they set out, by an opposition supported by
an immense capital that opposition was now removed, and
for ever,: because no companyi could now
and as an agreement had ti
kenplace between the existing
;
companies, the greatest advantage would be derived from
it. lie was glad they had agreed to apply the dividends to
the purchase of shares, as they had now an open course,
and ports to s‘hich to run their boats without opposition,
an
prosperity and
success. . .

A resolution requesting. the auditors to continue their ser-
vices, was unanimously agreed to.
The several resolutions having passed,
The CIIAIRSIAN said he had to state to the meeting, that
since they had last met, the Board of Directors had under-
tlken to do their own repairs, for which purpose they had
engaged an able engineer and shipwright, and also a plumber,
and he had reason to believe that the saving that should by
this mcans be effected would not fall short of 40 per cent.
They found that the lowest sum for which they could make a
contract for keeping their engines in repair was 6,0001. a-
year, and he had every reason to believe they should now
have it done for 2,0901 a-year. This took from their cash
2001. or 3004 a week, and made it desirable that shares should
be taken, as also to pay for the Grand Turk and the vessel now
laid down ; and he was satisfied those who took shares first
would he best off.—(
Mr. PEag,ietii. in moving the vote of thanks to the Secre-
tary, said the (Jompany had the great advantage of having
a Secretary who devoted himself day and night to their
interests.

Mr. RonissoN seconded the resolution, and said it waR
possible that any Company could have a more industrious or
Eizereta-!.y,
The resolution having been passed unanimously,
Mr. J. BLEADEN, in aeknowledg,ing the compliment, said it

was most gratifying to him to have his services approved of by
so numerous a meeting of Shareholders. So long as he
should have the happiness to enjoy their good opinion, no
exertion on his part should be wanting to promote the prospe-
rity of the Company.
*Mr. T. POWELL moved the vote of thanks to the Chair-
man, with whose great merits they were all so well ac-
quainted.
Mr. ANDERSON, who hal just entered the room, seconded
the resolution. lie said he was so anxious to be present, at
least at some part of their pr.;ceedings, that ho had hastened
so fast from a Court of Law whore he had been obliged to at-
tend, that lie had not breath, neither had he the capacity to do
any thing like justice to the merits of their excellent Chair-
man. His indefatigable exertions and great abilities were well
known to every shareholder. The Company had for a long
time to contend against great difficulties, and it was impos-
sible that they could have been met with greater judgment,
calmness, and determination than their Chairman had exhi-
bited. It was impossible that any one could have filled his
station with more benefit to the Company, or more honour to
himself. He felt confident that while the affairs of the Com-
pany were in his hands, as their Chairman, they must prosper.
He (Mr. Anderson) had unlimited confidence in his abilities,
as well as unlimited respect for his integrity. He was soiry
it had not fallen into abler hands to second the resolution, or
into the hands of some member of the Company possessing
greater weight than himself; hut he felt assured of their tn-
nimous and hearty concurrence in the vote of thanks which
had been proposed by his excellent friend Mr. Powell.
The resolution was passed with great applause.
The CHAIRMAN said he could only repeat the acknowledg-
ments for their kindness he had so often made. He had en-
deavoured to perform his duty strenuously and faithfully ; he
was deeply indebted for this renewed expression of their good-
' will, and should endeavour to deserve it.—( Applause. ) The
' more the shareholders strengthened the hands of the Directors,
the more they would enable them to do for the benefit of the
Company, which had become so great as to have a capital of
nearly a quarter of a million. He had great sat'sfaction in
stating, that so great was the confidence felt in the Company
in the ports to which their vessels went, that shares were taken
there to a considerable extent. The Chairman then observed
that the thanks of the Company were justly due to their
bankers, Messrs. Ladbrokes, Kingscote, and Co., for the con-
fidence they constantly manifested towards the Company.
He moved a vote of thanks, which was passed unanimously,
with applause.
A SHAREHOLDER said the prospects of the Company were
so encouraging that he thought they should have an anniver-
sary dinner.—( Cheers.)
It was immediately proposed and agreed to that it should be
referred to the Committee to make al the necessary arrange-
ments fur a dinner to celebrate the anniversary of the establish-
ment of the Commercial Steam-packet Company.
The CHAIRMAN then adjourned the meeting.