Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-08-17
To the Editors, of the Richmond En-
quirer
sc Augustine, JQv 25. Us

4.
81 wrote to you some days ago and in
formed you of the cession Of this country
to the government of the United States
This was an event which was hailed with
Joy by every American who was here,
because each Aattered himself he would
be under the protection of the constitution
and laws of the United States. But this
was short-lived hope; for Immediately
after the exchange of flags took place,
Gov. Jackson's proclamation is issued,
declaring t" all laws and municipal regu.
lations which were in existence at the
cessation of the late government remain
in full force, and all civil officers (except
those entrusted with the collection ofthe
revenue) are continued IN their functions.
during the pleasure of the governor for
the time being, or until provision shall
otherwise be made" This unqualified
declaration that the laws of Spain remain
in full force, has led many persons here
into error, and belief that the Spanish
laws prevail, though they shall be in d.
rect opposition to the constitution and
laws of the United States have too
high an opinion of Gov Jacksons under.
standing to suppose he ever contempla-
ted making the laws necessary for the
government of the territory, superior to
those laws and that constitution which
he has sworn 20 support. Unfortunately,
however, this error has been adopted
here by those highest in authority. from
which very serious consequences have
arisen to certain individuals.
Some short time ago there was Span.
ish vessel bound from this port to the lila.
vana, on board of which a gentleman
from Georgia supposed he had some
slaves, and made application to the pro-
per authorities to 60 on board and take
them, if they could be found He found
negro woman and two or three children,
which he brought on shore and was per.
mitted to retain in his possession on pro-
mise that they should not be carried away
until the right Of property was established
in the negroes. 1t was admitted that the
woman was a slave, but contsnGed hat
the children were free. because the father
had paid the sum of y25 for each of the
children before they were born-which it |
is said by the Spanish laws he had RICH.
to do. The owner of the slaves fearing
he might be deprived Of them I'm viola
ton of his promise, attempted to carry
them off, but was discovered, the negroes
taken from him. and he and three other
persons put in close confinement in the
fort, on suspicion Of aiding him in carry
ing away these negroes Here they wep
kept four or five days without beins per.
mitted to see any of their friends, and
without being allowed to write or receive
note that was not inspected by the off.
Ger on guard. At length the principal
and one of the accessories were brought
out into public room, or temporary
court, to be examined before the chief
magistrate or acting commandant, the al {
kalda or mayer of the city, and the tenn !
porary attorney for the United States
These poor men expected they would be L
allowed to defend themselves by counsel y
but this was peremptorIy denied by the
commandant or chief ofiicer-saying, hs
had right to try them by martial law,
and that was court martial. They then
proceeded to exame the parties, and at.
ter having finished the examination, de
cided to send the principal back to the
fort or prison, and discharged the acees
sary. The next day the principal wa
brought up again before the same cour,
when it was concluded to admit him u
bail in the penalty of 1000 dolls; but ad
being able to give the security required,
he is still kept in confinement: the other
two persons were discharged-1'biS is an
evil which has arisen from our civil Off.
GERS not coming on in time, and the civil
authority being placed in the HANDS of
young soldier who is perfectly unacqualnt,
ted with the duties Of his new office. !
trust it will not be long before the seere.
tary and judge arrive, for at present vs
know not by what laws We are governed
should be glad to see some remaks n
your paper, how far the constitution ana
general laws of the United States govern
this territory. BY the constitution then
are certain rights granted, such as ~
privilege Of the writ Of habeas corpus
and trial by jury in criminal cases. tina;
in my opinion extend to every corner o.
the United States But this 10 dsulsa