Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1817-12-03
which affected their neighbors. 1t seem

ch DlDudutCs dlSus thot WIZ t'OS~
the conflict, along our coast, and IN con-
tigunus countries, would occasionally IN.
terrupt our commerce, and otherwise al
feet the persons and property OF our ci'i-
zens. These anticipations have been re-
allied. Such injuries have been received
from persons AGING under the authorl-'
ty of both the parties, and for which re-
dress has, in most instances, been with
held. Through every stage OF the con.
act, the United States have maintained
an impartial neutrality, giving aid to ne'-
Their OF the parties in men, money, ships
or munitions Of war. They have regard
ed the contest, not in the light OF an or
binary instruction or rebellion, but as a
civil war between parties nearly equal,
having, as to neutral powers, equal rights.
Our ports have been open to both, and e.
very article, the fruit OF our soil, or oil
the industry of our citizens which either
was permitted to take, has been equally
free to the other. Should the colonies
establish their independence, it is proper
now to state, that this government neI-
Their seeks, nor would accept, from them
any advantage, in commerce or other
wise, which will not be equa y open to
all other nations. The colonies will, in
that event. become independent states,
free from any obligation to. or connection
with, us, which it may not then be their
interest to form on the basis Of fair re-
Ciprocity.
In tn. summer Of the present year, an
expedition was set on foot against East
Florida, by persons claiming to act under
the authority of some Of the colonies, who
took possession OF Amelia Island. at the
mouth Of the st. Mayy's river, near the
boundary of the state Of Georgia. As this
province lies eastward of the Mississippi,
and is bounded by the United States and
the ocean on every side, and has been a
subject of negotiation with the govern
ment of Spain, as an indemnify for losses
BY spoliation, or in exchange for terrific
~, Of equal value, westward of the Mis-
sissippi, a fact well known to the world,
it excited surpvizc that any cOunteuance
should be given to this measure BY any OF
the colonies. As it would be difficult to
reconcile it with the friendly relations
existing between the United States and
tie colonies, a doubt was entertained,
whether il had been authorized BY :hcm,
or any of them, This doubt has gained
strength, by the circumstances which
have pnfoIdcd themselves in The prusecu-
ton of the enterprise, which have mark
ed it as mere private. unauthorized al
venture. Projected and commenced with
an incompetent force. reliance seems to
have been placed on what--ig ht be drawn
in defiance o; our laws, from within our
limits and OF late, as their resources
have failed, it has assumed more mark
ed character of unfrendliness To US; the
island being made channel for the ILL
cit introduction Of slaves from Africa in.
to the United States, an asylum for lug-.
tive slaves from the neighborihg states
and port for smuggling of every kind.
A similar establishment was made, at
an earlier period, by persons Of the same
description, in the Gulf of Mexico, ct a
place called GaIvezton, within the limits
Of the U. States, as we contend, under
the cession of Louisiana. This enterprise
has been marked, in more signal man
ner bv all the Objectionable circumstances
which characterized the other, and more
particularly by the equipment of Prlva-
teers which have annoyed our commerce,
and BY smuggling. These establishments,
if ever sanctioned by any authority what.
ever, which is not believed, have abused
their trust, and forfeited all claim to con-
sideratlon. A just regard for the rights
and interests OF the United States requi-
red that they should be suppressed, and
orders have been accordingly issued TO
that effect. The imperious cunsidera-
tions which produced this measure will
be explained to the parties whom it may,
in any degree, concern,
To obtain correct information on every
subject in which the United States are
interested; to inspire just sentiments il
all persons 10 authority, on either side, OF
our friendly disposition, so far as it may
comport with an impartial neutrality
and to secure proper respect to our CON-
merce ia every port, and from every flag,
it has tcen thought proper to send ship
of war, with three distinguished citizens,
along the southern cuast, with instruction
to touch at such ports as they nay find
most expe,iient for these purposes
With the existing authorities, with those
in the possession Of. and exercising the
sovereignty, must the communication be
held from them alone can redress I or
! m st iriur,ns. committed by persons act