Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-08-14
NEw.YoRK. July 9.


satisfaction to present our readers this e.
vening, with the copy ola charge which has
been much the subject of conversation IN
our city, ever since il has been delivered
as well it might be, for it lrelates to a to-
pic ia which we all are concerned, and 10
which most Of US feel deep interest. The
attention of every man is particularly invi-
ted to that part which treats of the rights of
the press, together with its limitations in
time of war. That what is here laid down
is the sound law, viii not be disputed by a
ny man of respectable standing in the pro.
fession. Its excellent remarks on mobs
and riots are earnestly recommended to the
notice of the timid police of Baltimore.
Gentlemen Of the Grand fury,
Since the last term of this Court, new
state of things has occurred, which has
placed us in belligerent position with one
of the great powers of Europe. This event
imposes new obligations on our citizens,
the observance of which it becomes the du-
" of our courts aud magistratesto enforce
The former freedom of communication add
intercourse, with nation lately in amity
with us, is now abridged; and acts hereto.
fore not only lawful but commendable, may
now expose the agent to the charge OF
Treason, Mispyisoa Of Treason, or a High
Misdemeanor. . Treason against the Un'.
ted States" SAYS the constitution, shall
consist only in ievying war against them,
or in adhering to their enemies, giving
the m aid and comfort" Treason against
this state is committed by leVylng war a.
gaiast the people of this state, within this
state. or BY being adherens to the enemies
of the people of this state, giving to them
aid and comfort in this state, or elsewhere.
Misprison Of treason is the concealmrnt
or keeping secret any treason.
ANY offences against the laws OF the state
connected with aid, comfort or intercourse
with the enemy. or with levyng war against
the people of this state, within this state,
are proper subjects for your cognizance /;
and If since the promulg alton of the drcla.
ration of war, any offences of this kiud have
been perpe,rsted, it your duty TO present
them for punishment. Considering the ex
posed situation of our maritime frontier,
and the very critical situation of this port
il ia peculiarly important to shut out from
the enemy all means of intelligence and
that citizen must be lost indeed to every
sentiment Of virtue, who would embark
his feelings and eff rts against his own
country; who would give intelligence to
the enemy; and expose the vulnerable
points of place in which are deposited the
bones OF his ancestors, and where reside
his wife and childcen, his friends and tel.
low citizens; and vile and ungrateful mus,
De the alien who would so far abuse our To-
cal and national hospitality, as to turn our
Indulgence to our ininry, and return curses
fer bl- ssings and evi. for good. Ouf x.
ten i've Atlantic frontier, and our position
with respect to the Canadas, not only ex'
pose US 70 the inroads and attacks OF an enc,
nv, but are peculiarly calculated to favor
spies, aud to encourage Intelligence and
comm lncation adverse to the interests Of
the country, and fepugnant to the laws o.
she land. Vigilance, determination and
courage, are thers fore necessary, to mee
this exposure. Ii is proper to remark
however, gentlemen, there is but one jus
ti6able modc of animadversions upon aber'
rations of law and that is through the me
dunn Of magistrates and courts. A state
Of var does not destroy or diminish the
rights of the citizen to examine the conduct
ofpublc men, and the tendency of public
measures. And If, in the exercise of tight
he should deviate into SANDER or sed'non
is liable to punishment in the ordinsr, chan.
nels of Justice. Bm there car be no state Q,
things mare depisrab!e, no condition IF 50.
cie.g mare horrib!e, than 10 subject him to
the fry ofa NIB or to the vengeance OF
frantic and unprincipled incendaries. I,
has reached the ears OF the magistrates, but