Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-03-08
His Exce!'sacy, ths Govern0r Of Cam.
LEBANON, Feb. 4 1909,
SIR,

LEBANON, Feb. 4 1909,
SIR,
{ have received your letter of the 18th
January, conveying to me request OF the
president Of the United States, tilat as COM
mander in chief OF the militia Of this state,
would appoint a select number of officers of
our Militia, to whom the collectors Of the
customs may apply for military aid in GER
tain cases, which may By them, he thought
necessary for compelling obedience TO the
laws OF Congress enforcing the embargo.
have had the subject of this request
deration; the final result Of which now
have the honor to communicate to you.
| have reflected that neither the constitu-
ton, nor statutes Of this state, have given
to the commander in chief of it's militia, any
authority to make such appointments of Of
fcers as has been requested nor does my
information suggest to me, any authority
given to the president of the u. States, de-
rived either from the constitution or laws of
the United States, to cali upon the execu-
tive OF an individual state to take an agency
IN appointments, such as are contemplated
by the request mentioned.
Conceiv;ng also as do, and believing it
to be the opinion Of the great mass OF the
citizens OF this state, shat the late law Of
Congress Tor the more rigorous enforce
nlent OF the embargo, is unconstitutional in
many OF its provisions, interfering with the
state sovereignties, and su5versve of the
guaranteed rights, privileges, and immuni-
ties of the citizens OF the u. States, have
from these considerations, deemed it peculi-
arly and highly improper for a state execu-
tive to contribute It's U0llnteer aid in sup
port OF laws bearing such an aspect.
An when | reflect upon the extent Of mea-
sures which must probably be resorted to
fer the enforcement of this law a law which
from the means contemplated for It's support
and execution, it would seem is to require
al the military and naval force of the union
cannot suppress my deep anxiety for the
events it may produce.
might also add, that cannot be induc-
ed TO risk my responsibility to the public by
contributing towards placing a 6 serious
power" in the hands, and at the disposal of
men In whom should not be able in all in
stances, to repose the fullest confidence -
more especially, when thelr Individual acts
and measures, may no always be under the
regulations OF the BEST motlves, and when
their proceedings in execution of this law,
will naturally tend TO put at an extreme .ha-
zard, the peace, lives, property, and dear
estrlghts OF our fellow citizens.
Under this view, therefore, of the subject,
and with these considerations before me my
mind has been led 10 serious and decided de-
termination to decline compliance with your
request, and TO have no agency In the appoint
mci,;s which the President has been pleased
to refer to me
While | take the liberty of thus declining
this agency, you will be pleased to recolect,
that on all former occasi ons, when CONSTITUTE
onal applications have been made to this state,
for the execution of the constitutional laws and
acquisitions of the Union, the promptitude
and readiness of their compliance, have me-
rited and received the appreciation, if not the
applause, of the general administration OF the
United States.
| With all due consideration, | am, Sir,
Your obedieut servant,
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
Hon. Secretary at Var.