Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1807-07-09

of his ofac6, but at the same TUE PIr
mo me from obtaining shat Information ~
absolutely necessary for his msiesty's ser
yicc. i ann therefore determined It this -
friugementis not IMMEDIATELy NNuLL
10 prohibit every vessel bound either 10 g.
out Of Norfolk, 10 proceed 70 their deslina-
ton, until I know the pleasure OF my go.
vernment, orthe commanders inch'ef's on
this station. You must be perfectly aware
that the British flag never has or ever VIII
be insulted with impunity. You must also
be aware that il has been, and IS still 10 my
power TO obs.rnct the whole trade OF the
Chesapeake since the late circumstance,
which l desisted from, trusting Inst ggenr.
raj unanlraiiy would be restored. Respect
ing the deser,ers lately apprehsndec from
the United States fIigase Chesapeake 10
my opinion, must be decided betwsn Tue
two governments ALONE. II therefore
rests with the inhabitants at Norfolk either
to engage in a war, or remain on terms OF
peace. Agreeable to my intentions have
proceeded toH aH,ptooR loads with the squa-
dron under mygcnmmand, TO wait your an
swer which I truss you will faver me with
without delay.
have the homer to be, sir.
Your most obedient servant,
(Signed)
J. E. DOUGLAS.
enclose you two lettsrs TO the British
consul atNorfolk, whichyou will be pleased
to forward him. J. E. D.
To which the Mayor returned the bAow
ing ansWey
NORFOLK, July 4, 1907.
SIR,
HAVE received yoar me.
nacing letter Of yesterday This moment.-
The day on which this answer is written
ought of itself TO suffice, 10 prove to the
subjects ofyour sovereign, that the Amc.
rican people arc not to be intimidated by
menace, or induced te adop. any measures
except by a sense Of their perfec. proprie:y
-Seducsd by the false shew of security,
they may be some times surprized and
slaughtered while unPrepared to resist a
supposed friend. That decisive security
however is now passed forever. The late
occurrence has taught u to conide our
safety no longer TO any thing but cur own
force. We co NOT seek hostility nor shall
we avoid live are prepared for the
worst which you may attempt, and will do
whatever shall be judged proper TO repel
force whatsoever our efforts shall render
any act Of outs necessary. Thus muchf for
the threats of your letter, which can be
considered in no other light, than as ad-
dressed to the supposed fears of our citsi-
zens.
In answer to that part which,is pattieu.
lsrly addressed TO me, as the frs, jadaeial
officer Of this borough, | haze but TO say,
tha. you mus, be aware, that the judiciary
of nocounuy possesses any other powers.
than those conferred upon them by the
laws.
The same channels through which you
have derived the intelligence stated by
yourself. must also have annsunced to you
.hatthe act of which you complain, is an
act of individuals, and not Of the govern
ment. Ifthis &C, be wroas and illegal, the
Judiciary Ct this country, whenever the
case is properly brought before il, will take
cars to do iss duty. At present they have
no judicial information of any outrage
on their laws, aud therefore cannot act.
Ifyon sir, please to consider this act Of
individuals as a measure ~"eznemely hos.
,ile'' and shall con- meuce hostility, with.
out waiting the decision of our TWO go.
ye.nmeuss, (slshough you yourself ackuaw.
ledge that it properly belongs ts them a.
lone to decide the inhabitants Of Norfolk
will conform to your example. aud pro,ext
themselves against any iawless aggression
which may be made apeo their persons or
properly, They therefore leave il with you