The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-10-02
WEST FLORIDA.
From tie Weekiy Chronicle.

From our attentive correspondent in West
Florida we have received the following com.
muncations, which we lay before our rea
ders without comment
ST. JoHN's PLAINS, July Is, 1910
During the day appointed for the meeting
OF the convention the whole of the detega
ton assembled, and proceeded to business.
(ApPointing officers. Slc.)
THURSDAY. July 90.
On moticn--Resofv. I'd unaainiou8tU, That
1T is the immediate object of this assembly,
to promo,e the safety, honor and happiness
OF his majesty's (Ferdinand y Province of
West Florida, to guard against his enemies
both foreign aud domestic; TO punish wrongs
land correct abuses dangerous to the exis
tence and prosperity of the state.
RESOLVED uaonimonsty That this eonven-
Mon consider themselves leg ally authorised.
by tae decree of his eXcetlency hereto pre-
fixed, TO exercise the powers, aud perform
sthe duties expressed in the proceedings of
yesterday.
Ordered, That the convention do now
stake into consideration the existing grev
sances ofthe country which require immedi
ate redress-whereupo the following rcso
buttons were unanimously adopted.
Resoiped, That we consider it griev.
lance. that while the country is place OF
refuge for the deserters and fugitives FROM
.
tories. men Of character and fortune are pro-
hibited from settling among us. by which
neans population is daily increasing, dan
sSerous to the peace and safety of the coun
try, while we have noipcrease of such as are
Interested in maintaining order aud obedi-
enCe To the laws.
q ResotDed, That we consider Il griev
snce, that in the present defenceiess state of
the country, when we are by no meaus secure
tic 81.
Invasion, no sufficient measures are pursu !
ed to organize. arm & discipline the milti
q, to act with promptitude in defence of the
country
ResolUed, That We consider it griev-
once, that evil disposed persons are not de
serred from the commission of crimes, by
examples NJ the speedy and condign punish
ment OF offenders there being no tribunal j..
mong us competent to give final Judgment in
criminal cases. by which means the most :
trocious criminals either go unpublished, or
are sent TO a distant tribunal, so that no adj
vantage is derived from the example of the
punishment inflicted
RESOLVED, That weu consider it a eriev
ance. that much eXpence and delay, in OBJ
tanning justice in civil cases. arises from the
want OF tribunal among us, Competent to
tiecide finally ON all points of law and eoui
ty, from the too limited Jurisdiction of in
trlcts OF this government; and from the re
Su'etion which requires that all process be
Conducted in language not understood by a
large majority of the people.
ReSotOed, 4 hat We consider as griev.
ance the abuses and irregularities which
have been practiscd in the office of the sur
veyor for This department ofsthe government,
Tor some years past, by which means many
causes of litigation are likely to arise, and
m IF he bab n 4.
deprived of their just claims, and that the
Boundaries of land having been made by lie
gal authority, these lands should be re sur
veyed at any time after, with a view to all
ter boundaries
Resolved, That we consider as a eriev.
ance. the want of almost entire neglect of
laws respecting roads. slaves and live stock,
OF every description in the country.
On motion, Ordered, That Messts John
n. Johnson, Thomas Liiley, Jotin W. Leo
nard, Philip Hicky and Jonn Mills, be a
committee TO draf; a plan for the redress
OF grievances, and for the defence and safe,
ty OF the country, and that they report by
bill or otherwise
RESOLVED, That we consider it a gri.v-
ance, that 10 fee bills are exhibited bC off
GERS in the employment Of the government,
by which neglect the inhabitants are sub
Jected to inlpositions and eztravag4nt char.
5Sss ny hednSOf SAID olnCerS, tor their ser
vices; and that petitions of pressing impor
tance, when presented, are often neglec
ted, and remain tor long time unanswer.
ed. ~
ReSotOed, That an uniform standard OF
weights & measures be established through.
out this province, and that select commit
tee determine the best mode Of carving the
same into effect.
ReSoiUed. That we consider the facility
s@ith which the exlled French FROM our IS
iahd ut Cuba have found means to introduce
themselves into this province, very seri.
osls and alarming grievance. and that prompt
measures ought to be resorted to, to prevent
their future introduction.
Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o.
clock,
FRIDAY, July II.
Abe committee assembled. e..
On molion-Resolued, That II is a griev
ance, that number OF the inhabitants, whit
now are aGd have been for some years pas
resident IN this province, are unable to OBJ
tain titles to lands on which they have set
tied by permission Of government, in con
sequence of a mistaken policy or design il
the oihcers OF government; and which land
are occupied, by numbers Of his Majesty
subjects, who are wiling to come forward il
support of uie general good and defence Q
'hf country.