Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-09-27
MESSAGE ANTICIPATED.

Important national affairs, Fellow-Cltlzens,
have urged me to convene Congress at an
earlier period than usual.
It's we'll known to the Legislative Body,
that ever since the revolution which separated
us from our mother country, Great-Brltaln
has insulted our flag, impressed our seamen,
and in every way endeayored to render us
contemplate in the eyes of the world. These
aggressions have been increasing day after
day, and wear after year. Our vessels trading
to any other than British ports, are lmmeal-
ateIy captured. Our seamen have been I'M
pressed in every quarter, and other unprece-
dented aggressions, which Call loudly tor re-
taliation, have been committed on our COM
merce. But what caps the Climax OF BRITISH
insolcnce, was the unprovoked attack OF the
Little Belt on the frigate President. Ihs
would not have been submitted TO Tor an IN
slant, had it not been found, on reflection,
that the affair nuSt be settled to our satlsfac-
.;on. because, as it has been established by
competent testimony that Bingham tired the
first shot, he acted in direct contradiction to
the orders of Admiral Sawyer, and OF course
must be shot, according TO the established u
sage of the British navy.
Considering the limited powers vested IN
the Executive, have refrained from taxing
such energetic measures as might have been
justified by the exigencies OF the times; but
placing full confidence in the wisdom OF the
LEGISLATURE, / have no doubt but they VIII a
Iont such measures as will be conducive to the
interest of the nation.
In order to be prepared for any untoward
event. ] have thought fit to put in commission
thirty eun-boats and some frigates, which had
been laid up in ordinary. Itook this RESPONSE
bility on myself, although unauthorized oy any
previous act OF Congress, as anticipated tbeir
willingness toaccede to any thing which Wouid
be so extremely beneficial to the country. At
the same time, recommend to the national
legislature the construction OF more vessels
of war of the gun-boat kind. Their convent
ence is obvious for the protection OF our har-
bors and for the prevention OF smuggling !;
and in case of danger they can easily run INTO
sboal water. A more particular description
of their convenience can be had by an appll-
cation to any master of navy-yard in the u
nited States
Against our friend the Emperor of France,
we have some little cause. of complaint, but
his particular complMsance on some occa-
sions makes ample amends for any little de-
tention which he might have occasloned to
our vessels. He is warm friend to the liber-
~ Of the seas and for this reason he ought
to receive our highest respect
With Denmark cur affairs stand nearly as
they did at the last session. A minister has
been sent to that court to adjust any difference
which may have taken place between that na-
lion and this: In making the appointment
narticplar care was taken to select such per-
Son as might be thought favorable to the great
arbiter of Europe, and who has hitherto, be-
sides. had the public money in his safe keep
ing. His Recommendation was from the best
anthority--from the saviour of our country and
Guardian of our freedom, the immortal Jeffer-
son Tn. sending minister to the court of
France, equal pains have been taken to Tx on
such person as would be every way agreea-
HE to the court to which he would be sent
No less attention has been paid to tlx on
person of eminent political knowledge, than
one whose literary talents hare acquired him