Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-08-07
BY WILLIAM HULL,
Brigadier. General and Commander of the
North Western Army ofthe U. States.
A

North Western Army efthe U. States.
A PROCLAMATION.
INHABITANTS OF CANADA! after thir.
ty years of peace and prosperity, the Uni
ted States have been driven to arms. The
injuries and expressions, the insults and
ndignities of Great Britain have once more
left them no alternative but manly resistance
or unconditional submission. The army
under my command, has invaded your
country, and the standard of the Union
now waves over the Territory Of Canada.
To the peaceable unoffending inhabitanr II
brings neither danger nor difficulty. I
come to find enemies, not to make them.
| come to protectnot to injure you.
Separated by an immense ocean, and an
extensive wilderness from g. Britain, you
have no participation in her councils, no in-
terest in her conduct--you have felt her
tyranny, you have seen her injustice; but
do not ask to avenge the one, or TO re-
dress the other. The u. States are sufi.
GENTLY powerful to afford every security
consistent with their rights and your ex-
pectations. / tender you the invaluable
blessing, of civil, political and religious
liberty, and their necessary result, indi-
vidual and general prosperity.-That liber-
| " which gave decision TO our counsels, and
energy to our conduct in struggle for in
| dependence, and which conducted US safe
ly and triumphantly through the stormy PEE
riod fthc revolution. That liberty, which
has raised US to an elevated rank among
the nations of the world and which Afford
| ed us greater measure ofpeace and secu-
ritv, ofwealth and improvement, than ever
fell TO the lot of any people.
In the name of my country, and by the
authority Of government, l promise you
protection to your persons, property and
rights remain at your homes pursue
your peaceful and customary avocations,
raise not your hands against your brethren.
Many ofyour fathers fought for the free
dom and independence we now enjov.-
Being children therefore of the same fami-
ly with US, and heirs to the same heritage,
the arrival of an army of friends must be-
hailed by you with cordial welcome
You will be emancipated from tyranny and
oppression, and restored to the digni6ed
station of freemen. Had any doubt Of
eventual success, might ask your assists
ance, but do not. l come prepared for
every contingency--I have a force whict
zviN look dosUn all opposition, and that farce
is but the vanguard Of a much greater! If,
contrary to your own interests and the just
expectations of my country you should take
part in the approaching contest, you will be-
considered and treated as enemies, and the
horrors and calamities of war will stalk be.
fore you. 1.-THE barbarous and savage pole
| CIV of Great. Britain be pursued, and the
savages are let loose to murder our citizens
and butcher our women and children, this
war will be war of extirmination. The
first stroke of the tomahawk-the first att
tempt with the scalping knife will be the
signal of one indiscriminate scene of desc.
lation. No white man found fighting by
the side of an Indian will be taken prisoners
instant destruction will be his lot. If the
dictates Of reason, duty, justice and hui
manity, cannot prevent the employ of
| force which respects no rights, and knows
no wrong, it will be prevented by severe
and relentless system of retaliation. 1
doubt not your courage aud 6rmness--I
will not doubt your attachment to liberty.
| If you tender your services voluntarily,
| they will be accepted readily. The United
States offer you peace liberty and security
your choice lies between these and war
slavery and destruction. Choose then, bus
choose wisely, aud may HE who knows
the Justice of our cause, and who holds in
his hand the fate of nations, guide you to
| result the most compatible with your rights
and interests, your peace and happiness.
By the General
A. p. HULL, Capt. Of the 18Th y. S.
Reg'f Of Infantry and Aid de.camp.
Head 9uarsers, sandwich.
WILLIAM HULL.