Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1805-02-08

would recollect, that list Of impressed
seamen was furnished this morning from
the Department Of State, which exceed
ed in number any thing he had expected.
He thought these impressments ought to
be prevented, and that the subject de-
manded investigation. He had drafted
a resolution which he would submit to
the House having in view to connect
this with another very important subject.
Many gentlemen must have observed
that some late Proclamations had been
issued dy the governors of the several
British West India Islands, interdicting
the American trade after Nav next.
The proclamation bore date in October
or November, and were to take effect in
six months. 1t appeared to him that the
British government were dete rmined to
exclude US from their islands upon the
expectation that their own vessels would
be competent 10 carry the necessary sup,
plies. MIR. c. said We had light to
carry the productions of the United
States on American bottoms, and he hop
cd we should never permit fore gn ships
to come 10 our ports and carry OF an ex-
elusive trade with any country whatever
where our vessels were not allowed the
same privilege. His intention was to
prevent the American carry ing trade to
the West Indies from failing into the
hands of other nations. He would not
exclude foreign vessels from our ports +;
but it was desirable that our own export
trade should not be mono2olized BY TO-
reigners. The subject was highly inn
portant to this country. Will the Uni
ted States tamely submit to see some of
its best citizens torn from their families
and friends, without attempting some
thing for their relief? Shall we see ano-
Their pursuing measures hostile to our
commercial rights and make no e fort to
: correct the mischief. The West India
Islands depended on the United States
for their ordinary supplies, and our ves-
sels had usually carried large proPorti-
:. on Of their cargoes on American account
but it appeared now that we were to be
shut out from this trade and it was in flu
ture to be carried on in foreign vessels.
An efectual remedy would be to prohi-
bit the expectation Of our productions in
foreign bottoms to all ports or islands
with which we are not permitted to have
intercourse, and in order that the sub
ject might undergo an examination,
which its Importance demanded; he Of.
offered the following resolution.
Resolved, That the committee OF
commerce and manufactures be instruct
! ed 10 enquire if any, and what further
provision be necessary for the protection
Of the commerce and seamen ofthe Uni
ted States and to enquire whether any
foreign country has made any late regu!a-
tions with a view to monopolise any
branth Of the American CARRYING trade,
tothe exclusive benefit Of such foreign
country, Or which in their operation may
be injurious to- the agricultural or COM
mercial interest of the United States.
And also to enquire into the expediency
OF prohibiting the expectation from the
United States, Of all goods and merchan-
die whatever, in foreign ships bound
90 to any port with which the vessels of the
United States are not allowed commu-
nication, orwhere free and unrestraii1-
ed trade is NOT permittcdin th- produc-
tons Of the United States and that the
committee be authorised to report by bill
or otherwise.
! Mr.. Randolph wished the resolution
to lie for consideration few days. He
would mention Monday the gentleman
had said it was an important subject, and
III he had no objection it would be as
well to allow the resolution to remain
Enacted upon for little time. 1t might
be printed for the consideration Of the
House, and he rather supposed some
alteration wouldbe necessary in the form
/ Of the resolution.
Mr. CrowninshiAId rcnI;ed that l..