The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1815-08-02
PLYMOUTH, .Ahri! IS, 1915.

Sinh pursuance Of instructions received
from Messrs. Clay apd Gallatin, have now
the honor TO transmit TO you tho report pre-
pared by Mr.. Larpent ard myself on behalf
OF our respective governments, in relation 10
the unfortunate transactions at Dartmoor Pri-
son Of War, on the 9th of the present month.
considering it Of much importance that
the report, whatever it might be, should go
forth under our Joint signatures, have for
borne to press some of tho points which il in
wolves, as far as otherwise might have done,
and it therefore may not be improper in this
letter to enter into some little explanation Of
such parts of the report. Although il does
appear that part of the prisoners were on
that evening in such state, and under such
circumstances, as 10 have justified, in the view
which the commander Of the depot could not
but take Of it, the Intervention OF the military
force, and even in a strict sense, the first use
of fire arms, yet cannot but express il as my
settled opinion, that by conduct a little u ore
temporisiDg, this dreadful alternative Of firing
upon unar med prisoners might have been a.
voided. Yet as this opinion has been the re-
suit OF subsequent examination, and after hav-
ing acquired knowledge of the compare.
lively harmless state OF the prisoners, it may
be but fair 10 consider, whether in such mo-
ment OF confusion and alarm, as that appears
TO have beer, the officer commanding could
have fairly estimated his danger, or have meas
ured out with precision the extent and nature
OF the force necessary TO guard against it.
But whon the firing became general, as it
afterwards appears to have done, and caush,
with electric rap;dity, from the square to the
platforms, there Is no plea nor shadow of ex
fnr al
ton OF the soldery, nor tor the more deliber.
ate, and thei eiore more uDjusiitiablc, firing
which took place into three of the prisons,
Nos. |, 8 and 4, but more particularly into
No. 3, after the prisoners had retired into
them, and there was no longer any prctence
Of apprehensions as to their escape.--Upon
this ground, as you, Sir, will perceive by the
report, Mr.. Larpent and myself had no differ
ence OF opinion, and am fully persuaded that
my own regret was not greater than his at
perceiving how hopeless would be the attempt
totrace TO any individuals Of the military these
outrages proceedings.
As 10 whether the order TO FIRE came from
Capt. Shorthand, yet confess myself unable
TO form any satisfactory opinion, tho perhaps
the bias Of my mind 10, that he did give such
ain order. But his anxiety ard exertions 70
stop il after it had continued for some little
time, are fully proved, and his general con-
ductprsvious to this occurrence, as far as we,
could with propriety en,er into such details,
appears 10 have been characterised with great
fairness and even kindness, in the relation in
which he stood towards the prisoners.
On tho subject OF any complaints against
their own government existing among the
prisoners, II was invariably answered to Sc
vcral distinct questions put by me on that
head, that none whatsoever existed or had
been expressed by them, although they con.
fcsscd themselves to entertain some animos-
ily against Mr.. Beasley, to whom they at,ri-
butte their detention in this country; with
what justice you, Sir, will be better able to
Judge. They made no complaint whatsoever
as to their provisions and general mode Of
living and treatment in the prison.
havo transmitted TO Mr.. BeasIy list Of
the killed and wounded on this melancholy
occasion, with request that he would tor.
ward it to the u. States for tho information
of their friends at home, and am pleased to
have 1t in my power to say, that the wounded
are for tho most part doing well.
have also enclosed to Mr.. Beasley the
notes taken by me of the evidence adduced
before us, with request that he would have
them fairly copied, as also copy of the de-
positions taken before tho Coroner, and de-
sired him to submit them to you when in or
der.
Icanno, conclude, Sir, without expressing
my high sense OF the impartiality and manly
fairness with which this enquiry has been con-
Quoted on the part of Mr.. Larpent, nor with
out msn,ionng that every facility was afford
ed to Us in its prosecution, as well by the mill
tary officers commanding here and at the pri.
son, as by the magistrates in the vicinity.
have the honor to be, with much respect,
YOUR most obedent humble servant,
(&gaed) CHARLES KING.
III, Ers'yJ. @. adams, G'c. Gr. Se.
kelGv~s~