The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-12-11

A144714e-l-e.1
<he most periidious manner, the violation of
ordinances. sanctioned and established by
himself as the law OF the land
Being thus left without any hope Of pro-
tection from the mother country--betra, ed
by magistrate whose duty it was to have
provided forthe safety and tranquility OF
ehe people and government committed TO
his charge, and exposed to all the evils of a
state OF anarchy, which we have so long en-
deavored To aveet' il becomes our duty to
provide for our own security as free and
sndepenGent state, absolved from all allegi
ance to government which no longer pro.
tectsus.
We, therefore. the representatives afore
said, appealing to the Supreme ruler of the
world for the rctitude of our intentions, do
solemnly publish and declare the several
districts composing this territory of West
Florida TO be a FREE AND INDEPENDENT
sTATE--and that they ha, a right To insti-
tutc for themselves such form of govern.
mem as they may think conducive to their
safea and happiness-To form treaties-To
establish commerce-To provide for their
common defence-and do all acts which
may of right be done by sovereign and IN
dependent nation. AT the same time de-
clarng all acts within the said territory of
West Florida, after this date. by any tribu
pal or authorities not deriving their powers
from he people agreeably to the provisions
established by this convention, to be null
aud Woodland calling upon all foreign natl
ons to respect this our declaration. acknow
Lodging our independence, and giving us
such aid as may be consistent with the laws
And usages of nations.
his declaration made in convention at
the iown OF Baton Rouge, on the twenty
sixth day OF September, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten
We the representatives, in the name afore.
Said, and on behalf of our constituents, do
hereby solemnly pledge ourselves to support
with our lives and fortunes
BY order of the Convention.
(Sisned) JOHN RHEA, President,
[Signed) AND. STEELE, Secretary.
MR.. SMITH TO GOVERNOR HOLMES
Oenartment Of S.afe,
Nov. 15M, 1910.
SIR,
have received your letter of the 18th of
October, enclosing the memorial of the Con
vention of West Florida. To repress the
unreasonable expectations, therein indicated,
IN relation TO the vacant land in that Terri
cory, it is deemed proper to lose no time in
Communicating to you and to Governor Clai
borne the sentiments of the President on the
subject.
The right Of the u. 5. to the Territory If
West Florida, as far as the River Perdido,
was fairly acquired by purchase, and has
been formally ratified by Treaty. The de.
nVery OF possession has, indeed, been de
ierred, and the procrastination has been
heretofore acquiesced in by this government
from hope, patiently INDUCED, that ami.
cable negotiation would accomplish the eoui-
table purpose of the u. S But this DELAY.
which proceeded only from the forbearance
OF the u >. to enforce a legitim ate and we'll
known Claim, could not, impair the legajitv
or their title, nor could any Change in the
internal state OF things, without their sane
zion. ho~soever brought about, varv their
Eigat Ii remains, OF course, as perfect as
II was before the interposi;ion of the Con
yenti9h. And the people of Yves, Florida
must not for a moment be msled bv the ex
pecifttio that the ". S. will surrender for
their exclusive benefit what had been pur-
chySed with the treasure and for the benefit
nj the whole. The vacant land of this Ter
rltory, thrown into common stock with all
the other vacant land of the Union, will be
a property in common for the national uses
/ot all the people of the u. S. The commu-
NIFTY or interests upon which this government
invariably acts, the liberal policy which il
has uniformly displayed towards the people
OF The Territories "a part of which policy has
ever been just regard to honest settlers)
Will, nevertheless. be a sufficient pledge to
the inhabitants of West Florida. for the
early and continued attention of the Federal
Legislature TO their situation and their wants.
These observations will apprise you, Sir.
OF the sentiments of the President. as to the
propositions in the memorial in relation to
she vacant land in West Florida, and
will enable you to make, when necessary
and proper, suitable explanations to the peo
pie OF that Territory. You will, however.
keep in mind that the President cannot re.
cognlze IN the Convention of West Florida
any independent authority whatever to pro.
pose or TO form compact with the u g.
am, Sir, with the highest respect, your
most obedent servant,
(Signed) r. SMITH.
His E1ceHency DAVID HOLMES,
Governor A4iasi8afhi.
DISPATCHES IRON MIR sMIrn TO Nm