Star.
London, England, 1813-02-11 00:00:00

The Bat was then riported.to the House as amen-
ded, and agreed to.
Mr. Rouen then moved to postpone the fuFther
consideration of the Bill until January.
Mr. WIDGERY opposed, and Mr. Mitcort advocated
the postponement, when the question was decided by
yeas and nays. For the pOstponement, 45—against
it, 77.
Kr. Co'Ts then renewed this motion, to strike out
the 74's and substitute ten frigates ; but
The. House adjourned, without taking any ques-
tion on the motion.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22;
_ _ _

A Bill from the Sealite, for the admission of ves-
sels from beyond the Care of Good dope, was read
twice.

A motion for an inquiry respecting naval timber,
and the expenditure of it, occas►oned a long diKus-
sion, in which Messrs. Reed, Blackledge, Greedy,
Tallmage, Roberts, Cutts, and Bassett took part
when

Mr. Clan moved, that the motion lie on the table.
Carried, ayes 61—Noes 44.

INIPRISONMENT OF SEAMEN.

a The President of the United States communicated,
by message, the following Report of the Secretary of
State : REPORT.

,be
and

mad

!ES,

'del-
and

66 The Secretary of State, to whom was referred
the resolution of the House of Representatives of the
9th instant, requesting information, touching the
conduct of British Officers towards persons taken in
American armed ships, has the honour to lay before
the President the accompanying papers, marked
A.B.C. from which it appears, that certain persons,
some of whom are said to be native, and other natu,
ralized citizens of the United States, being parts of
the crews of the United States' armed vessels, the.
Nautilus and the Wasp, and of the private armed
vessel, the Sarah Ann, have been seized, -under the
pretext of their being BiltiSh subjects, by British of-
ficers, for the avowed purpose, as is understood, of
having them brought to trial for their lives: and
that others, being part of the crew of the Nautilus,
hare been taken into the British service,
66 The Secretary of State begs leave also telay before
the President the papers marked D. and E. From,
these it will be seen, that while the British naval of-
ficers arrest as criminals such persons taken on board
American armed vessels, as they may consider Bri-
eish subjects, they claim a right to retain on board
British ships of war, American citizens who may
have married in England, or been impressed from
on board British merchant vessels—and that they
consider an impressed American, when he is dis-
cbatged from one of their ships, as a prisoner of war,
Ail which is respectfully submitted.
(Signed) 66 JAMEA MONROL"
16 Department of State, Dee!lS, 1812."
(A.)
SIR JOHN 3011;;ASE WARREN TO MR.' MONROE.
" Halifax, Sept, 1812.
Stn—Having received information that a most
unauthorised act has been committed by Commodore
11.odgers, in forcibly seizing twelve British seamen,
prisoners of war, late belonging t' the Guerriere,
and taking them out of the English cartel brig En-
deavour, on her passage down the harbour of Boston,
after they had been regularly embarked on board of
her, for an exchange, agreeable to the arrangements
settled between the two countries, and that the said
British seamen so seized, are now detained on board
the Upited States' frigate President, as hostages. I
feel myself called upon to request, Sir, your most se-
rious attention to a measure so fraught with mischief
and inconvenience, destructive of the good faith of a
flag of truce, and the sacred protection of a cartel.
I should be extremely sorry that the imprudent act
of any officer should involve consequences so particu-
larly severe as the present instance must naturally
produce, if repeated ; and although it is very much
my wish, during the continuance of the differences
existing between the two countries, to adopt every
measure that might render the effect of war less rigo-
rous ; yet, in another point of view, the conviction of
the duty I owe my country would, in the event of
.such grievances as I have already stated being con-
tinued, not admit of any hesitation in retaliatory de-
cisions; but as I am strongly persuaded of the high,
liberality of your sentiments, and that the act com-
plained of ha; originated entirely with the officer who
committed it, and that it will be as censurable in
your consideration as it deserves, I rely upon your
taking such steps as will prevent a recurrence of con-
duct so extremely reprehensible in every shape.
t‘ I have the honour to be, 8;c.
(Signed) 66 JOHN BORLASE WARREN,
Admiral of the Blue, and Commander in Chief, &c "
• •
" His Excellency James Monroe, Esq. Secretary of State."
1411. SIONRO,E TO SIR JOHN BORLASE WARREN.
" Department of State, Oct. 28, 18‘11.
" Sin—l have had the honour to receive your let-
ter of the Stith September, complaining that Com-
modore Fikodgers, commanding a squadron of the
united States' navy, at the port of Boston, had taken
twelve British seamen, lately belonging to his Bri-
tannic Majesty% ship Guerriere, from a cartel in the
harbour of Boston, and that he detained them on
board the President, a frigate of the United States,
as hostages..
66 I am instructed to inform you, that incigiry shall
he made into the circumstances attending, and the
causes which produced the act of which you com-
plain ; and that such measures will be taken, on a
knoWledge.of them, as may comport with the right;
of both nations, and may be proper in die case to
which they relate.
66 I beg you, Sir, to be assured, that it is the de-
sire of the President to see (and to promote, so far
as dePends on the United States), that the war
which e;ists between our countries be conducted with
the utmost regard to-humanity.
A I. ave the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) 44 JAMES MONROE.
61 Sir John Borlase Iltz.rren, •
Admiral of the air, and Conunan4r in Chief, &c.
(B.) "Washington, Dec. 17, 1812.
" SIR—I have t:pe honour to annex a' list of 12 of
the crew ofthe late United States sloop of war, Wisp,
detached by Captain Johs Berestord, of the British
ship. Poictiers, under th'e pretence of their being' Bri-
tish subjects.—l have the honour to be, respectfully,
Sirtiout obediOnt servant, - (Signed), `I
GEO. S. WliE, Purser.
Tis Hon. P;id Hamiiton, Secretary of the Navy." •
[lime follows, says the. Arational Isulligenrer, seve-
ral other documents, already published, or not deem-

ed of materi4l importance, weft thefopowing.3—?
[We %.;#ll thesp ether documents bad not been sup-
pressed.]
i•
(C.)
EXTRACT OF 4 LETTER FROM MA.TOR•GENZRAL FINCIK•
NEY TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR.
“ H. Q. pharlestoth Nov. 4,1512.
" information having been given upon oath to
Lieutenant Grandison, who at present commands in
the naval department here, that six American sea-
men, who had been taken prisoners on boardnf our
privateers, had been sent to Jamaica to be tried as
British subjects for treason, heocalled upon the Mar-
shal, to retain double that number of Bridal seamen
as hostages. The Marshal, in consequence of instruc-
tions from the department of State, asked my advice
on the subject, and I have given my opinion, that they
ought to be detained until the pleasure of the Presi-
dent shall be known. The testimony of Captain
Moon is herewith. I hope, Sir, you will have the
goodness to have this business put in the proper train
to have the President's pleasure on this subject com-
municated to the Marshal."
The Message, &c. was referred to a Committee.
NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT,
The Bill on this stibject was again taken up.
Mr. ROBERTS renewed a motion to strike out the
74's, which was negatived 65 to 65. He then moved
to add six sloops of war to the equipment—Nega-
tived, ayes only 44. The bill was then ordered to
be read a third time to-morrow.
RBLIEF Of THE MERCHANTS.
The House, in Committee, Mr. Talmage in the
Chair, took up thg bill from the Senate for remitting
the penalties of the Merchants' Bends.
A motion was made by Mr. Roberts to reject the
'bill. Lost. ayes 50, noes 56. cither motions to alter
the bill met a similar fate.
Mr. NELSON entered into an animated discussion
of the policy of the bill, in which he declared himself
in favour of mending relief to the Merchants, and
against any discrimination.
After a variety of motions to amend, and adjourn,
were put and negatived, . the bill was ordered to be
read a third time-62 to 58. Adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, =Paso 23.
After some local concerns were attended to, the
House took up the bill from the Senate for augment-
ing the Naval Establishment. The question 44 Shall
this bill pass ?" then occurred.
Mr. M'Kez opposod the passing of the bill, A
motion to postpone it was supported by Messrs. Mil-
ner, Bassett, and Widgery, and lost, 73 to SI.
Mr. POTTER opposed the bill ; and Mr. RANDOLPH
moved to postpone it till to-morrow. Motien lost.
The question, " Shall this bill pass ?t' was then
decided as follows—Yeas 70, Nays 56. So the bill
was passed.

RELIEF OF THE MERCHANTS.
The bill from the Senate on this important subject
was read a third time, and the question, I, Shall the
bill pass ?" was stated, when, on the motion of Mr.
Cheaves, a clause was unanimously added, by which
provision was made that duties shoulcl be payable on
the goods the same as if they had been legally im-
ported.
The passing was again opposed by Mr. ROAERTS,
and advocated by Mr. Cifeaves; when the question
was taken on the final passing of the bill, and carried
as follows--Yeas 64., Nays 61 ; so the bill passed,
and was sent to the Senate for their concurrence in
the amendments introduced.
BVFFALOgI DECEMILER is.
I:lntl.—A meeting took place between General
Smith and General -Porter yesterday afternoon on
Grand Island, in pursuance of previous arrangements.
They met at Dayton's tavern, and crossed the
river with their friends and surgeons--both gentlemen
behaved with the utmost coolness and unconcern—a
shot was exchanged in as intrepid and firm a manner
as possible by each Gentleman, but without effect. It
was then represented by General Smith's second, that
General Porter must now be convinced that the
' charge of cowardice against General Smith was un-1
founded, anti should, in honour, be retracted ; which,
after mutual explanations to the matters which had
given rise to the charge, was accordingly done by
him. General Smith then explained, that his re-
marks on General Porter were the result of irritation,
and were intended as provocatives, from having been
assailed by General Rester, and that he knew nothing
derogatory to General Porter's character as a Gen-
tleman and Officer. The hand of recouciliatlon v.T.
then offered and received.

JAMAICA PAPERS.
NGSTON, DECEMBER 12.

Two severe earthquakes were felt in this city, the
first on Sunday night,, and the second on Monday
morning.
We are informed, that in Annatto B.ty, where the
Experiment lost her anchor and cable in the late
earthquake, and where there was previously only a
depth of 60 fathoms of water, there is now a depth
of 120. In another part of the same Bay, where the
depth was 100 fathoms, bottom cannot now be found.
The pinnace belonging to the Pelham, which was
proceeding to shore at the instant of that phenome-
non, felt as if sinking, and, after the undulations had
ceased, her copper was scorching hot. At about half
a mile distance there was -a smoke, from which there
was a sulphureou,s smell. It would appear from the
above that there must have been a volcanic eruption.
The Spanish' sloop San Ysidro, which arrived on
Saturdaj from, Porto Rico, was captured on the. 29th
og Beata, by au American privateer of three guns.
and 50 men, which, after taking away the papers and
' some poultry, suffered her to proceed.
The Fawn, 20-gun ship, anchored at Port Royal
on Sunday, with the recaptured British ship Perth-
' shire. This vesscl sailed from Newfoundland the
18th of October, with a cargo of fish, bound to this
island, in company with the Uip,ion, Rennie, for Mar-
tinique, and parted with her off that island on the
24th' nit. Off Altavelak on the 29th ult. she fell in
with the American privateers Lady Madison and
Eagle, 'of one gun and 50 men each, which engaged, I
the-PerVishire for upwards of half an hour, when she
lug compelled to strike. At the latter part of the 1
action, Capt. Mqc.inlay received a mortal wound, and
died in a few rn,iirdtes, Mr. Pratt, ay prize-master,
and 16 men, were put on board of her, witii orders to
pioieed for the first port in thg U.nited, 'takes;„ but
yesterday se'innight, off caps Tiburon, they in,
with the 'awn, r{hich recapped the Pcubpittre.

' • - • • 4r

PoI4I.I4MENPRrAItOCIZIVNGS.

HOUSE OF LORDS, FEBRUARY 10.

The Oaths were administered to the Earl of Deasy width,
Bishop of BATH and WELLS.
The Earl of DERBY presented three Petitions against the
Bast India Monopoly from the Merthants and Ship Own," el
Liverpool, the Trustees of the Livsipool Docks, and the Ca,
poration of Liverpool Ordered to lie on the table.i
His Lordship also presented a Petition, to the same dr.-Gs
from the inhabitants of Manchester and Salford, signed ot,
behalf by the Boronghreeves and Constables.
The LORD CH.ANCJI.LLOR observed, that the Pethias
could not be received as the Petition of the Inhabitants, the Sip
natures of the Borisughreeves and Constables not being a Corp,„
rate Act. The Petition migh., however, stud as the Poit.oo
of those who had signed it.

The Earl of DERBY would not contest the point of wer
with th,: N-ble and I.earned Lord, but agreed that th.! Petiti.es
should Itand as the Petition of those who signed it. The Ida.
bitants, who had unanimously agreed to this Peti•lan, vecoi!
be enabled, if they thought 'it expedient, to Lennon agas r
another form.

The Petition was ordered to Its on the table.

The Earl of DERBY also presented a Petition from the Pri.
sorters e.nnOned for Debt in the Castle of Lancaster. Orderea
lie on the table.
The Bishop of BATH and WELLS "resented a Petitice
against the Catholic Claims, from the Archdeacons and Chili
cot the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Ordered to lie on the train.
Tbel...arl of UXBRIDGE presented a similar Petition tram
the Gentry, Clergy, and Freeholders of the County of A4glesta,
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Commissioners of the Customs presented certain Antn
Accounts directed by several Acts of Parliament. Ordered ts
lie on the table.
Adjourned till to-morrow (this day).

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The Call of the House, which stood for this day, was pot,
poned to this day selthight.
. Mr. FINLAY presented IPetition from the Tanners of as
City of Glasgow, agaiGat the Leather Tax.
Mr. W. SMITH presented a aitnilar Petition from the Leather
'Dade of the City of Norwich.
Sir CHARLES MORDAUNT prefented a Petition from
the Town of Birmingham, against the Hart India Comlianl's
Monopoly.
Mr. WHITBREAD presented a Petition from the Corpon.
tion of the, Borough of Ipswich, in favour of the Roman Codicil
Claims. The Petition' was read by the Clerk, and expressed
the conviction of the Petitioners, that all religious restrictions
were evil, clew to prevent greater evils; and their perata‘iqy
that by the I.Jn'.on of the Irish with the English Legislaturr,
all reasonable grounds of objection to the removal of the di.ahi-
litira, under which tbe Roman Catholics of Ireland lz,haur, tut
been removed.

In answer to a question, Mr. lArnursit tap said, that
tition in question was signed by six names, Cuurtinpr. of iv.
wich. The whole number of these Courtme was twelve, two
of whom were disquahOed front taking a part on the subject,—
Of :he remaining ten, six had signed this retition, which, front
the liberal ay of the semi/twats expressed in it, he (Mr. Wkit•
bread) was proud to present.
It,.LAND NAVIGATION OF IRELAND.

- -
Mc. WELLESLEY POLE wi'hed to know from the Right
Honourable Secretary for Irelaud, whether he had it in comet..
placion to propose any measure during the rresent Session, 55.
specting the Inland Navigation of Ireland.
Ms. PELLE said, that he was in expectation of Petitions
being presented on the subject from the Members of the Grac4
Cana4 CouwAny.

ACT OF MON.
Sir JOHN NEWPORT asked; whether the Right
lionourable Secretary (Mr. Peek) meant to briog
forward to-morrow the measure, of which notice ha
been given for that day, to prohibit the exportation
of Starch from ireland ? the answer to which goes..
tion would determine him (Sir J. Newport) whither
he should bring forward some resolutions concerning
the Act of Union with lrelandt which he conceived,
would be violated by this measure.
Mr. PEELS having ittswered in the affirmative,
Mr. JOHN NEWPORT said, that by an article
in the Act alluded to. it was enacted, that after the
15t of January, all Bounties on, and Prohibitions
of, any Exports from one of the United Kingdoms
to the other, shoul I ceas^ and deter Mine.

[Here the Hon:it:rat:le Baronet was called to order
' by Mr. Peek; but after the declaration that he in•
tended to propose tii. I).,,lutions he had alluded to.
proceeded.l
This solemn agreement between the two countries,
he contended, should not. be departed from on ac-
count of any temporary expedients or transit,ny ad-
vantage. if it were once departed Irom, how (he
would ask) could the inhabitants of that kingdom,
which only returned one-sixth of the Members of that
Legislature, be secure against any encroachments!
In proposing what he bad to propose, be was ac-
tuated by no other wish than that of preserving har-
mony between tne two kingdoms—bat be felt that
tile only means of preserving harmony would be to
mete out equal justice between the two kingdoms ;
because it was found convenieut to prohibit the ma-
nufacture of an ankle in England, it would luilow,
according to the principles of the Bill he alluded to,
that the qportation of it should be prohibited ni Irei
land. In the case of the Distillery Prohibitions there
was a plea set up that thee was a dissonance in the
different parts of the Act of Union on the subject;
in this case, however, no such reason could be ad-
duced. He did not conceive that the Right How
Secretary had any deliberate latention of violating
the Act of Union, hut that the measure he proposed
was a violation of a main article of it, Was.evicieut:
Ttle Noble Lord who had proposed the Act of Union
in Ireland, had held out to that country, that it WAS
safe, as commercial replations were •laid down
which would not be altered by the United Legisla-
ture. The commercial advantages which Ireland
possessed, she WAS entitled to as a right, as she had
in return given up her independent Legislature. If
the Act of Union were constantly to•be violated, it
would be better (however reluctant he should be to
propose such a measure) to secure the harmony be-
tween the two commies, by restoring to the Lesser an
independcnt Legislature, which, though it would re-
spect the interests of this country, would not be en-.
tirely swayed by the advice of a few of its commer-
cial men. To prevent the unhappy consequences.
which would result from the infraction s of the Act in
question, he would propose two Resolutions. The
Resolutions were to this effect :-1. That by the 6th
article of the Act of Union between the Kingdoms of
Great Britain and Ireland, it was provided, that after;
the Ist of January, 1801, all bounties on, and prohi-
bitions of, the exportation of goods from one of the
two Kingdoms to the other, should cease and de.
termine :—Y. That this article cannot be infringed
upon or varied, without a manifest violation of the
cuminercial compact between the two parts of th I
now United Kingdom,
The Resolutions having been mad from the Chair,
Mr.P4ELE rose to explain his reasons for giving
the notice of the measure in question. In the begin-
ning of the Session, when notice had been given of
the continuance of the prohibition of the manufacture