The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-11-12


nunlcated by Mr.. Coles, his Private Secretary,
tie following Message TO Congress
feifow- Citizens Of fhe Senate,
~ aud House Of .Refsresenfafipes, t.y3
ON our pf. sent meeting !, is my fPst duty
Il invite your attention to the Providcn.ial fa-
vrs which our country has experienced, in
lie usual degree of health dispensed to It's in
hsbtanls, and in the rich abundance with
witch the earth has rewarded the labors bes-
twed on it. In the successful cultivation of
ohcr branches Of industry, end in the pro-
CESS OF general improvement favorable 10
tie naliona! prosperity, there is just occasion,
ako, for our mutual congratulations and
llankfulness <-
With these blessings are necessarily ming
led the pressurcs and vicissitudes incidental
10 the state Of war, into which the United
States have been forced by the perseverance
ct foreign power, in its system OF I'M Justice
and aggression n
Previous TO its declaration, it was deemed
proper, as a measure OF precaution and FORE
cast, that a considerable force should be riac-
ed in tic Michigan territory, with a general
view to its security, and in the event OF war,
to such operations in the uppermost Canada
as would intercept the hostile influence OF c..
Britain over the savagcs, obtain the command
of the Lake on which that part OF Canada
borders, and maintain cooperating relations
with such forces AS might be most convenient
ly employed against other parts. Brigadier.
Genera. Hull Was charged with this Provls-
ional service having under his command
body Of troops composed of regulars and vol
iunteers from the State Of Ohio.--Haying
rcsched his destination alter his-knowledge of
the war, and posse ssing discretionary author
ily to act Extensively, he passed into the neigh
boring territory OF the enemy with prospect
Of easy aud victorious progress. The c2pc-
di,ion nevertheless terminated unfortunately,
not only in a retreat to the town and fort of
Detroit, but in the surrender of both, and OF
the gallant corps commanded by that officer.
The causes of this painful reverse will be in
vesli gated by a military tribunal.
A disting sished feature in the operations
which prece eded and followed this adverse e.
vent, is tho use made by our enemy OF The
mcrciless savages under their influence.
Whilst the benevolent policy OF the U States
Invariably recommended peace, and promoted
civilization among that wretched portion OF,
the hnnarf race and was making exe,tions'
TO dissuad. them from taking either side in
the war, the enemy has not scrupled to call
to his aid their ruthless icroci,y, armed with
tho horrors Of those instruments OF carnage
aud torture, which arc known To spare neih-
cr age nor sex. In this outrage agains, the
laws Of honorable War, and aSains. The feel
iags sacred to humanity, the British COM
mandcrs cannot resort 10 plea Of retaliation;
ror it is committed in The face Of our exam
pic. They c.6uot mitigate it, by calling it a
se,fdcfence against men in arms for 1t en-
braccs the most shocking butchcries OF de-
lcnceless families. Nor can il be pretended
| that thew are no, answerable for the atrocities
perpcrated since :he savagcs are employed
with a knowledge, and even with menaces,
tha, their fury could not be controlled. Such
lis the spectacle which the deputcd authorities
Of nation boasting its religion and morality,
have no, been restrained from presenting 10
an enlightened age.
The misfortune at Detroit was not, howev-
cr, without consoling Effect. II was follow
ed by signal proofs, that the national spirit RI
scs according TO the pressure on ii. The
| loss Of an important post, anc the brave men
surrendered with it, inspired every where
new ardor and determination. In the States
and districts least remote, it was no sooner
| known, than every ciiizen was ready 10 t1y
with his arms, AZ once 10 protect his brethren
against the blood-thirsty savages let Loose by
| the enemy on an extensive frontier I; and te
| convert partial calamity into source OF IN
| vigorated efforts.
| This patriotic zeal, which it was necessary
rather 10 limit than excite, has embodied an
ample force from the States of Kentucky and
! Ohio, and from parts Of Pennsylvania & Vir.
| einia. 1t is placed, with the addition Of q
few regulars, under the command OF Briga'
dier-General Harrison, who possesses the en-
tire confidence Of his fellow soldiers, among
whom are citizens, some of them volunteer:
in the ranks, not less distinguished by ,beiI
political stations, than by their personal mer
its. The greater portion of this forge is pro
ceeding on its destination, towards the Mich
igan territory, having succeeded in relieving
an important frontier post, and in several in
cidental operations against hostile tribes o