Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1813-02-12

N 49, - 1tGtNo
Transmit, for the information Of Con-
gress, copies OF a correspondence between
John Mitehiil, Agent for American Pri-
soners OF War at Halifax, and the British
INN commanding at that station.
transmit for the ike purpose copies of
a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the
Secretary Of the Navy.
JAMES MADISON.
Jan. %, 1918.
Ertrdct eta letter from John JitchiH,
esq. agent for american prisoners of
srar, at Haitian, TO the Secretary of
State, dated
9Th December, 1912.
cover you a copy ola correspondence,
which took place in consequence OF differ
ent applications | received, either by letter
or personally, from persons detained on
board his Britannia Majesty's ships of war
in this place.
I" formerly mentioned to you that the
admiral had assured me-, that he would dis
charge all the citizens OF the United States
who were in the fleet, and actually did
discharge several. This induced me to
think should be correct, and in the per-
feet line of my duty, in sending him a list
of the applicants to me, and requesting an
enquiry to be made, and discharges grant
ed to all who were citizens of the United
States l therefore, covered him a list of
the names now enclosed to you, which pro-
duced his letter to me of the same date
list Dec. 1922
" | read it with surprise, because some
ofthe men had informed me, their captains
had refused to report them to the admiral.
Now, if no one here was, OF is allowed to
do it, their situation is hopeless.
1t is not my place, sir, to reason with
you, on this business. Proofof nativity,
in his first letter, is a strong expression !:
and how few are in possession of it, and
how many who cannot obtain il.
"The second paragraph, in the second
letter, prevents my interfering ; and have
since been obliged to send a mar away, re-
questing him to apply to his commanding
officer"
Copq of a letter from John MiechW, esq.
ggemt for american prisoners Of scar,
at HaLifdr, to admiral Sir John Bor-
Iose Warren, dated
LIST December, 1912.
SIR-Since. the sailing of the last car
tells, in which you we're pleased to send
home several Americans, who had been in
his Britannia Majesty's service, others who
are now on board of the Centurion and
Statira, have requested of me to procure
their discharge, and to be sent home.
Will you, sir, have the goodness to d.
rect an enquiry, and order the release of
such as are citizens of the u. States ?
Besides the enclosed list, I am told there
are Others, whose names ! have not.
have the honor to be, &c. &c.
tSigned) JOHN MITCHELL.
agent, &c. &c
Copy of letter from admiral Sir John
Borlase Warren, to John NitehiH.
ESQ. agent for american prisoners of
par, at Haitian, dated
LIST December, 1912.
SIR-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of this date, re-
specting some men, therein mentioned, on
board his majesty's ships under my com
mand, said to be citizens of the u. States,
and in reply, beg to acquaint you, that
whenever | have received representations
from the captains of his majesty's ships, of
any part of their crews being citizens of
America, with sufficient proof of their ma
tiyity, l have directed their discharge from
the service.
must observe to you, that Icannot per-
init the interference of any applications
from men belonging to his majesty's ships,
but through their commanding officers
and in your department, of prisoners of
war only, | shall at all times be most hap
DIV to receive your communications
Ihave the honor to be, &c. &c. &c.
(Signed)
JOHN gORLASE WARREN.
Cory of a letter. from John MitchiH, Esq.
agent for american prisoners Of uoar,
at Halifdr, to Admiy al Sir John Bor-
Ease Ud,Ten, dated
Sd December, 1919.
SRI had Yesterday the honor to re-
ceive your letter, dated the LIST inst. and
observe that YOU cannot permit the inter
foaeDea If any apnlication from men on