The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-12-29

Cape Of Good Hope, was received from the
Senate and passed the usual form OF first x
second reading.
Alter some introductory remarks, Mr..
Grunay offered tor consideration resolu-
ton Calling Tor certain information respect
ms naval timber and expenditures, &c.
On this resolution and amendment there
to proposed by Mr.. Reed, discussion Of
some length took place, as we'll Oh the po-
hey OF increasing the navy. as on the propo-
sition before the House in which Messrs
Reed. Blacklcdge, Grundy, Tallmadge,
Roberts. Cults and Rasset took part.
Mr.. CuttS moved th.e the resolution. and
amendment lie ON the table. which motion
was supported by MIR. Widgery, and OPP
posed by Mr.. Aston, CT the ground that
the friends of naval augmentation would
have their views furthered by the enquiry
proposed, rather than embarrassed.
The question on Mr. CiiftS'S motion was
taken and carried, Ayes OF, Noes Al, and
the resolution ordered to lie on the table ac-
cordngly.
IMPRISONMENT OF SEAMEN.
The Speaker laid before the House the
following message from the President of
the u. States
o the House u Representatives Of the
United States.
transmit to the House of Representa-
hves report o, the Secretary Of State,
complying with their resolution of the 9Th
inst.
JAMES MADISON.
December 21sE, 1912,
REPORT.
The Secretary of State to whom referred the
resolution OF the House of Representatives of the
gun INST requesting Information touching the con-
duct OF British officers towards persons taken in A
iner,can armed ships, has the honor to lay before
t ., President the accompanying papers marked a.
ID U. from which it appears that certain persons,
some OF whom are said to be native, and others ma
turazed citizens of the United States being parts of
the crews of the United States armed vessels the
Nautilus AVID the Wasp, and of the private ar
med vessel, the Sarah-Ann,' had besn seized uh-
der the pretext OF their being British subjects by
british officers for the avowed purpose, is under
STOOL o having them brought to trial for their lives
ana that Others being part of ,he crew of the Nau
tiins, have been taken into the British service.
The Secretary oil State begs leave also to lay be-
,0re the President the papers marked ID. and f.
from these II will be seen, that whilst British naval
onlcers arrest as criminals such persons taken on
board American armed vessels as they may consider
british subjects. they claim a right to retain on
BOARD british ships OF war, American citizens who
may have married in England, or been impressed
they consider an impressed American, when he is
discharged from one of their ships, a prisoner of
war. All which is respectfully submitted.
JAMES MONROE.
DEPARTMENT Of State,
Decenl6er 70, 1912.
(.g}
SIR JOHN BoELASE WARREN TO Mr.. MONROE
HaLJas, Sept 80, 1919.
Having received information that most TN.
authorised act has been committed by Com Rod.
gers, IN torcibly Selling twelve British seamen prs
oners OF war, late belonging to the Guerrero, and
laklhg them out OF the English cartel brig Endeav
or on her passage down the harbor of Boston, after
they had been regularly embarked on board of her
or an exchange, agreeable to the arrangements set
ueu between the two countres,S that the said Brit
ISM seamen, so seized detained on board the
United States frigate President as hostages Ifesi
myself called upon to request, sir, your most seri-
Gus attention t. a measure raught with mischief
and inconvenience, destructive of the good faith of
nag OF truce and the sacred protection of cartel
should be extremely sorry that the imprudent act
on any officer should involve consequences so partc-
uary severe as the present instance must naturally
produce, repeated and although it is very much
my wish during the continuance of the difference,
existing between the two countries, to adopt every
measure that might render the effect of less RI
gorous, yet in another point of view, the conviction
OF the duty owe my country would in the event of
such grievances as have already stated, being
tnusd, not admit of any hesitation in retaliaory de.
elsions but as am strongly persuaded of the high
hoerahty OF your sentiments, q that the act com
planned of has originated entirely with the office
who committed it, and that it will be as eensurablc
in your consideration it deserves, rely upon your
taking such steps will prevent recurrence oil
conduct so extremely reprehensible in every shape
have the honor to be,with the highest considera-
ton, Sr,your most obedient and most faithful hum.
bic servant,
(Sisned) JOHN BORLASE WARREN.
Admiral Of the Blue and Commander
in Chief, &c.
HIS Exceiiency Jas. Monroe Esq.
Secretary Of State.
Mr. MONROE 70 SIR JOHN BoRLAsE WARREN
Department Of STATE,
Oct. 2Sth, 1872
SIR have had the honor to receive your letter
OF the 3Oth Sept. complaining that Com Rodgers,
commanding squadron of the u. States navy al
the port OF Boston, had taken twelve British sea-
men lately belonging to his Britannia majesty,
ship the Guerriere, from cartel in the harbor of
l;oston, and that lie detain 4; them on board the
President, frigate Of the United States, as hosa.
ses
am instructed to inform you, that inquiry shal
be made into the circumstances attending, and the
caused which produced the act, of which you com
plain and that such measures will be taken on a
knowledge OF them, as may compOrt with the rights
OF both nations, and may be proper in the case to
which they relate
beg you, SIR to be assured that it the sincere
desire of tie President to see (and to promote, so
far as depends on the u. 81 that the war which
exists between the two countries be conducted will,
the utmost regard to humanity. l have the hon.
| or, &c.
(Signcd) JAMES MONROE
| Sir John Boridse H,0,ren, .ld,n. Of
the blue, and commander IN chief &c.
".
UaShingtsn, Dec. II, 1919.
Silt have iiie iiunUr annex list OF IL of
the crew of the late o. States sioup of var Wash,
detained by Capt John Berreslord, of the Brit,s,
ship Poictiers, under the pretence OF their bein,
British subjects
have the honor to be, respectfully, sir,
fOu oift