Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-04-24

sand dollars for every such offence: Provided
however that nothing in this section contained
shall be construed to prevent the departure of
vessels which according to the act last above
mentioned are, or may be permitted to depart
in the manner and under the restrictions pro-
vided by the said act.
Sec. Q And be it further enacted, That it
shall be lawful for the President of the u.
States or such other person as he shall have
empowered for that purpose, to employ any
part of the land or naval forces, or militia of
the u. States or of the territories thereof as
may be judged necessary for the purpose of
preventing the illegal departure of any ship
or vessel, or the illegal expectation of any
specie or of any goods, wares, or merchau-
die contrary to the provisions of this, or of
the last above mentioned act, and for the
purpose of OBTAINING, taking possession of and
keeping in custody any such ship or vessel,
species, goods, wares or merchandise.
Sec. 3. Aadbe it further enacted, That all
penalties and forfeitures incurred by virtue of
this act, shall and may be prosecuted, sued
for, recovered and distributed, and may be
mitigated and RENTED in the manner provi-
ded by the act entitled an act laying an en-
barge on all the ships and vessels in the ports
and harbors of the U. States for a limited
time ; and also, that the penalties and forfeit
ures incurred by virtue of this act, may be
recovered subsequently to the expiration there
OF, in the same manner as if this act had con-
tinued in full force and virtue.
April l6.
Mr.. Wheaton offered a protest, resolution
and other pa pers respecting the capture by the
French in January last, of the brig Comet,
owned by John and James Rowland, of N.
Bedford. Mass. bound from Savannah to Eng
land, laden with pine timber and slaves. The
Comet, after being captured in the English
channel, and the French privateer that cap
tured her, were pursued by a British vessel
the Comet was run on shore on the French
coast and lost. The crew were robbed even
of most OF their clothes ; most of them impri-
soned and very i'll treated.
Mr.. Wheaton observed that if this capture
did not prove the continuance of the Berlin
and Milan DEGREES, they must convince the
most slowly asserting, that other French de-
crees were in operation, of worse principle,
or rather perhaps of no principle. He moved,
after they were read, that they should De re
ferred to the secretary of state.
Mr.. Bassett objected-There was no proof
OF American property.
Mr.. Wheaton said there was, he presumed,
sufficient evidence.
Mr.. Gold remarked that it was seized as
neutral property there was no allegation to
the contrary.
Mr.. Aston would not refer it, because the
owners expressed no such wish.
After further debate the mott on to refer the
papers to the secretary of state, was carried
by a large majority.
April II.
The House in committee of the whole, Mr..
Breckenridge in the chair, on a bill making
further provision for the army of the y. 8.
The committee struck out the 5th section
OF the bill which provides for the appointment
of a private secretary to each Major-G General,
rose and reported the bill as amended. The
House disagreed to the amendment made by
the committee of the whole.
Mr., Talmadge moved to amend the section
by continihg the appointment of a secretary to
the senior major general when commanding
the army of the u. S. which was adopted.
Mr.. Sheffey moved to strike out the 9TH
section of the bill, which provides for the ap-
pointment of additional major and brigadier
generals.
This motion gave rise to considerable de-
bate and the question was not taken when our
letter came away, half past 8 o'clock.