The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-11-17
LEGIsL.qrURE OF .NTW.Y0RK

los members appeared, qualified, snd took
their seats The house ,hen proceciei TO ballot Tor
Speaker, when the votes stood as toiows-
Jacob *. Van Rensselaer,, Cot Coluiuba) SIS
William Ross, (or Oranse) 40
Scattering,
The usual resolution for inviting the elergymen OF
the city, ofciate chaplains to the hoase, was
passed.
The committee appointed tn wait on his Exeellen-
cy the Governor, to inform him that the house MAS
ready to proceed to business, reported, that his eS
celiency had informed thcn that in consequence of
his very return tron the westward, he should
be unable meet the Legislature before to-morrow,
when he would meet tue two houses in the Asscm-
bly, Chamber, 1t IL o'clock.
UeSnesday, Nov. 4.
Four additional members appeared and took their
seats.
At 1s O'Clock, hi. Excelieucy the Governor met
the two houses in the Assembly Chamber, and deli.
vered the following
SPEECH
Gentlemen of the NerQte,
and of the assembly,
few days after the last adjournment of the Lee
gislsture, Declaration of War was officially auneun-
ced by the United States against the United King
dom OF Great Britain aud Ireland, and its Deepen
denotes. The great exposure OF vast range ci our
southern, northern and western frontier to annoy
ance from the eueny, and TO the depredatons OF s:
wages IN alliance with him, rendered the Proclamati-
of hostilsies, during the OF the Legislature
event peculiarly interesting to the ctizens OF this
state, and imposed upon the Executive task of i'm.
nense responsibility and embarrassment. L consi
sources which the foresight and berality ct the Le
gislsture had placed at my disposal, in such manner
"a not only TO provide security for the property
aud lives of the inhabitants OF the frontiers, hut
also to subserve the national will, by facilitating
the operations of the gencra! government for vi
sorous prosecution of the the most
tam means OF bringing 1t To a speedy and honorable
termination. My cndeaT0urs to accomplish these
objects, have been generously seconded by the Off
GERS and soldiers of the militia.
1t was to be feared whilst Great Britain held not
a..
TO maintain ndisputed supremacy the lakes
also, that the burthen of the militia of this state in
particular, in the first campaign OF tie war; would
be extremely arduous Accordingly, most or the
detached militia, together with considerable NUM-
Der Of independent, uniform and volunteer compa-
Mes have been called into actual service, either at
n York, Buffalo, Lewiston, Niagara, 0swego, Sack
etts Harbour, Ogderisbursh, or Plattsburgh, or IN
frontier towns between those places. 1t affords me
great satisfaction, however, inform you that it is
confidently expected that the appropriation made in
June last to meet the emergency of Invasion or war,
will be adequate Ia deray all the expencea hitherto
incurred on the part of the state. l
In rejecting upon the events and consequences OF
the war, from its commencement to the present Pc
rod, we find more caase OF eNultaton than could
reasonably have been expected, considering the pa
oitc structure of our national government, the en-
soyment of nearly thirty years of peace, the small
ness of our navy, the very limited number OF our
suIsr and disciplined troops, and temporary dehci
ency OF many munitions. Nearly as great proper
ton of homeward bound merchantmen have escaped
capture as has been customary during the last three
or four years ct peace. The market tor the produce
of the farmer has experienced unexpected and I'M
usust rise Instead of depression. Upon the Ocean
aud the Lakes, wherever gallant tars have come
an contact with the enemy, their conduct has given
lustTe to the American character; and III some ia
stances their achievements have been brilliant be-
yond example. 1t cannot but he expected that the
general government, impressed with the proprety,
the Justice aud the Indispensable necessity OF yielding
more ample protection to our commerce, and OF ren-
dering the American nation more formidable IN war,
will increase naval establishment to the extent
warranted by the resources and spirit OF the nation.
Although the surrender of the North w estern
Army is greatly to be deplored, and tended to in
the difficulties which the militia OF this state
have had TO encounter, and retard the operations
of government and although the attack ON Queens
ton did not eyentuate propitiousiy yet II cannot
be doubted that the Issue OF the contest will be glo-
rious to country. Reverses were to be expec-
ted in the first outset OF inexperienced troops
These have originated not in want of valor in Cur
soldiers of resources country, but i'll the
avoidable difficulties, under existing circumstances,
of drecting the one, and developing the other on
sudden emergency, with the greatest advantage
In the attack of Queenston, however, and in the at
fair of Brownstown. prior TO the surrender OF De
troit s. various other occasions, the army Il mi
litia have invariably exhibited the deliberate and
undaunted bravery OF veterans.
ibeg leave respectfully 90 re commend to your
ooasd Grafton the prOpriety OF making suitable
provisions for te families of those officers and SOL
si'ers OF the militia of this state, who have been
disabled, or Who have fallen in the battle of Queens
IL has not been usual to protrast the November |
meeting of the Legislature beyond the time requir
ell TO discharge the important trust of designating
Electors of President and pice-President OF the U.
Ststes hut impeTious dsty requires that the
Of John Bowman, convicted Of the crime OF murder
before Mr. Justice Thompson, at the last court OF
over and teruIinel, held IN the county OF Herkmer,
be submitted 10 year immediate attention. The OF
6eal com aunicaLion Of the presiding Judge is now
delivered. This uneqsvocai guilt OF the convict on
he = mar er.I
make yons duty with respect TO him extremely del
ieatt aud Responsible. This is the only matter of
an extraordinary nature which shall at present
press upou vour notice. Should you, however, be
disposed TO devote aueEtion, daring the present
sion, to other SUBJECTS, HPOo intimation OF that
iDtcrtion, shall do myself the honor of furnishing
ysa, by speei0 yaessage, detailed statement Ofthe
arrangements and proceedings which have been a.
dopted subsequently 10 the declaration Of war la
the mean time, cannot reiraD from seizng the |
earliest opportunity Of suggesting imperfec- |
tons which experience has pointed out in the exist
ing mode of detaeiiing militia tor public service, |
that the application Of suitable remedies may be the
subject Of your reflection during the Of the
Legislature.
Al persaus above the age OF forty-fve years, a. |
TnoBgst whom IL is TO be presumed The greatest pro-
portion Of wealth is distributed and great variety
of persons under that age, are exempt from militia
~ daty altogether in time of peace, and there is no
provision which subjects them to any contribution,
or duty in time Of w2r.--Besiies, the penalty for
che disSbedieBee OF those who liable 80 militia
duty, and who detached for actual service is PEE
goniary only, and the fine is neither appropriated
20 the benefit of those whose circumstances do not
enable III EN- TO eva1e actual service in that wnv