The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-08-19

partcufar ptgsouss rnu iHr trduopufthtion ot
them for underlined Causes from The ports of
the British colonies to the island Of G.. Britain.
The evidence under the second head estab-
fishes the fact, tlsat however the practice of
detaining American ciiizens as British sub
iects may be regarded as to the principle IL
involves, that such detcniions continue to oc.
cur, through the agency Of the naval snd 9TH
cr commanders of that government. 1t proves,
too, that however unwilling to allow other na-
tions TO naturalize her subjects, Great Britain
is disposed to enforce the obligation entered
into by their ctizcns when naluraiized under
her own laws. This practice, even suppos-
ing the release of every person thus detained,
obviously subjects our captured citizens, up
on mere suspicion, to hardships and pcrlis
from which they ought 10 be exempt accord
ing to the established rules in relation TO
prisoners Of war.
The evidence under the third head shcws,
that while all other American cilizens were
permitted to depart within reasonable time
after the declaration of war, all mariners who
were in the dominions of Great Britain,
whether they resorted TO her ports in time OF
peace for lawful purposes, or were forced in.
10 them under prctence OF illegal commerce,
are considered prisoners OF war. The in
justice Of this exception is not more apparent
than the jealousy it discloses towards that
class of our fellow-citizens. But the COM
mittee can but remark, that 1t the practice
Of hiring American seamcn to navigate Brit
ish vessels is generally adopted and authofiz.
ed, and that it is suffered appears from the
advertisement Of George Maude, the British
agent at Port Royal, which is to be found
with the testimony collected under the first
head, that the naval strength of that empire
will be increased in proportion TO the number
Of our seamen in bondage. The present war
having changed the relation Of the two coun-
tries, the pretended right OF impressment
can no longer be exercised, bur the same end
may 30 accomplished by the substitution of
this mode. Every seaman thus employed
(the terms Of whose engagement have not
been ascertained) increased the naval strength
OF tho enemy, not only by deprivng The Un'.
ed States OF his active services, but by cna-
bling Great Britain to carry on and even ex-
tend her commerce without diminishing the
number of sailors employed in her vessels Of
war.
The testimony collected under the fourth
head, proves, that it is the ordinary practice
OF the officers of British armed vessels 10
force impressed Americans TO serve against
their country, by threats, by corporal punish
ment, and even by the fear of immediate ex-
ccution-an instructing commentary upsn
the professions OF the government, OF its
readiness TO release impressed American sea-
men found on board ships of war.
On the evidence collected under the fifth
head, it is only necessary to observe, that in
one case, the case Of DR.. M'Keehan, the C.
normity is increased by the circumstance Of
the flag being dives,ed of every thing OF
hostile character, having solely for its object
the relief Of the wounded and suffering pris.
oners who were taken at the River Raisin on
the 23d January, 1919. The treatment OF,
Dr.. M'Keehan, not by the allies Of Britain,
but by the officers of her army, Can only be
nationally accounted for, by the supposition,
tha. it was considered good policy to deter A
mercan surgeons from going to the relief of
their countrymen, as the Indian surgeons had
a more speedy and efectual mode Of reliev-
ing their sufferirgs.
The evidence respecting the ransom Of A
mcrican prisoners from Indians, collected un-
der the sixth head, deserves attention, prin-
cipaliy from the policy it indicates, and as it
is connected with Indian cruelties. Consid-
cring the savages as an auxiliary force in the
pay Of Great Britain, the amount Of ransom
may be regarded as part of their stipulated
compensation for military services and as
would be increased and their value
by the terror inspired by the most
barbarities, it may be fairly concu.
ded, whatever may be the intention of the
British government, that the practice of re-
decming captives by pecunia-y means will be
occasionally quickened by the butchery of our
and by the indisnities offered
70 their remains /; as long as the Indians are
by the enemy. The Justice of this |
conclusion is confirmed by the testimony of /
hose witnesses who were retained after ran.
SON as prisoners of war.
The testimony collected under the seventh
head shews, that tho private property of un-
lrmed citizens have been pilIaged by the off, |
:ers and crews of the British vessels Of war l
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