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

was not the result OF any distrust of their ii
tie, as has been particularly evinced bv the
general tenor OF their laws, and by the d -
tinction made in the application of thos,
laws between that Territory and foreign
countries; bot was occasioned by their con
clliatory views. and by confidence i'm The
Justice OF their Cause and in the success OF
candid discussion and amicabie negotiation
with just and friendly power.
| And whereas a satisfactory adjustment.
too long delayed, without the fault of the
United States, has for some time been en-
tireiy suspended by events over which they
had no control; and whereas crisis has al,
length arrived Subversive of The order at
things under he Spanish authorities where
| by failure of the United States to take
the said territory into its possession may
lead to events ultimately 'contravening The
views OF both parties. whilst in the mean
time the tranquility and security of our adj :
Joining territories are endangered, and new
facilities gwen to violations of our revenue
and commercial laws, and of those prohibit
ing the introduction of slaves:
Considering moreover, that under these
peculiar and imperative circumstances
torbearance on the par. of the United States
to occupy the territory i'm question. and
thereby guard against the confusions and
confinSencies which threaten it, might be
an insensibility TO the Importance of the
stake: considering that in the hands of the
Cnited States 1t will not cease to be a sub
Ject OF tair and friendly negotiation and ad
justment: considering hpalv that the ncis
OF Congress, though contemplating a pre-
sent possession by foreign authority. have
contemplated also an eventual possession of
the said territory by the United States. and
are accordingly so framed as in that case to
extend IN their operations he same -
Now be it known, that l JAMES MADI
oON, president OF the United STATES Of A
merica. IN pursuance OF these weishty and
urgent considerations, have dee med it right
and requisite, that possession should be IA
Ken OF the said territory, IN the name add
behalf of the United States William &. G..
Claiborne, Governor of the Orleans Terri
tory. OF which the said terri nv is 10 be ia
Ken as part, will accordingly proceed 70
execute the same; and TO exercise over the
SAID territory the authorities and functions
legally apPertafning 20 his office. Aud the
good people inhabltlng the same, are invited
and enjolned to pay due respect to him in
that character; to be obedient to the laws :;
to MAINTAIN order; to cherish harmony and
III every manner to conduct themselves as
peaceaoie Citizens, under full assurance
that they will be protected in the enjoyment
ct their liberty, property snd religion
In testimony whereof, / have caused the
seal OF the United States to be hereunto
afhxed. and signed the same with my
hand. Done at the City of Wash
g.. So ing on the twenty seventh day of
October, a. y 1870 and IN tine thirty
NTH year of the independence of the
said United States.
(oigned) JAMES MADISON.
BY the President.
K. SMITH, Secretary Of Stare.
Extract Of a letter from Governor Holmc,
81 me Mississihhi Territory, 10 The Sc :
creLary Of STATE da.ed Oct I'm. 1910.
The enclosed letter ! have been re-
quested 10 transmit TO yu''
10 tie Han. Robert SDlflh. Secretaru of
Sfate TOR tie Uniled States,
he convention of the state of Florida
nave already transmitted an offici / c3D. a..
their Act OF independence. tn ough his Ex
ce'iency Governor Holmes % Il e Preside.
or the Unlted States, accompanied with the
expression of their hope aad desire, Ia thus
commonwealth may be immediately nc.
knowiedged and pro ected. by the govern
men' OF the United States as an integr !
part OF the American Union. On subiec
80 interesting the Community renresen
ed by us. 1t is necessary ha, we sho Id h. G
ne most direct and unequivucal assurances
o. the views d wishes of the American
government without delay, since our weak
aud unprotected situation will oblge us to
look to some tore 5n government fuI suppor
should Il be refused to US. by the Country
which we have considered as our parent
state.
We therefore make this direct appeal
through you, to the President and General
Government of the American States, to so
iici that immediate protection, to which we
Consider ourselves entitled and TO obtain q
speedy and fayorab decision. we offer the
| following considerations LIST. he govern.
meat OF the United States, ~ their Ins,,uc
tons to the eDvoys extraordinary at Paris
IN March, 1906. authorised Tie purchase Of
Eas florida. directing them at the same
time To engage France 20 intercedc with the
Cabinet OF opdin. to relinquish any claim 10
the territory which now for s this com
monwealth. ID. In all diplomatic cores
pondcnce with the American ministers 4
broad, the government ot the UnItcd State s.
have spoken Of West Florida as a part Of
The Louisiana cesSIoDs They have legi,lat
Ell Tor the country as a part Of heir own
territory, aud have deferred 70 take posses.
sion OF II IN expectation that Spain might
be induced to relinqulsh her clam by ami
cable negotiation. 81. The American p "
ernment has already refused 10 accrrdit any
minister from the Spanish jana which body
was certainly more legaIy organised, a.
the representative of the s.,vetet,,,tv tb.,