Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1824-05-13


there were four objects for which the
forces were sent to Detroit under
my command.
| I. With a general view to tie &C.
curity of the Michigan territory.
Q. In the event Of wan. to make
such operations in uppermost Cana
da as would Intercept the hostile in
fluence OF G.. Britain over the savages.
8, To obtain the command of the
lake, on which that part Of Canada
borders.
4. To cooperate with other forces
in that quarter.
The 6rss object declared by the
President. is what | have stated, the
security of the Michigan territory "a
gainst the Indians, as We then had
no other enemy.
| being at that time the governor
of the territory, it is natural to sup
pose, under the circumstances which
existed with respect TO the savages,
that I felt solicitude for its safety.
It was. indeed, that motive alone,
which induced me to accept the COM
msnd. The troops being composed
principally Of undisciplined militia,
and without artillery, is conducive
evidence. that it Was not an army
designed for invasion and conquest.
Indeed. it was time of peace, and
there was no danger from any other
quarter than from the lawIess sa-
wages. No power but Congress had
an authority to declare war. and The
President had no power to order a
militia force for any other purpose
than the safety of the country, in he
manner which has been mentioned.
That had no reason to expect there
was any other object than the srru-
rity of the territory. is evident, from
every communication | made to the
government, both previous and after
accepting the command In the C.
vent of war, it was perfectly under
stood to be my opinion, that the com.
mand Of tho lakes wa, not only es-
sential for successful invasion of
the enemy, but for the existence of
the army commanded.
In the next place, the President in
formed Congress that in the event of
war it was expected the forces uH
der my command would make such
operations in uppermost Canada. as
would intercept the hostile influence
of Great Britain over the savages.
1t was perfectly understood, in the
event of war, that the savages who
resided in our territory were not to
be employed. In that event l was
directed to advise them to remain
quiet at their villages, and take no
part i'm a contest in which they had
no interest, and to assure them of
protection and safety. This was hu-
name, and, had it been practicable,
would have been wise policy. For a
a number ofyears had only not been
Governor of the territory of Michigan,
but superintendent of Indian affairs
The duties of this office rendered con.
slant intercourse with them necessary.
1 had become acquainted with their ha
bits. and their ruling passions From
the knowledge which my situation had
thus enabled me to acquire of their
characters. | we'll knew that as soon as
the trumpet Of war was sounded, they
would not follow this pacific advice, and
remain Indifferent spectators, BY the
documents which | have presented. and
to which ave referred in these mum.
bers, it will be manifest. that l repeat
eddy, and in the most explicit terms,
gave this opinion to the government
Notwithstanding this opinion, | did
every thing in my power, in conforms
" to my instructions. to induce them
TO remain neutral Before and after
the declaration Of war, | sent messa-
ges, with the interpreters to the diff
ferent villages, exp aiming the view. of
the government, and enforcing them
with all the reasons. | was capable OF
sugges ing. likewise collected the
chiefs 10 counsel, repeated he views of
the government, and urged them to re
strain their warriors, and induce them
to follow the advice Of their great Fa.
Their. the President Of the U. States.
This was all was au horlscd to do.
Many who joined the British stand.
ard, would have joined oursif the 60.
vernment would have accepted their
services.
There was no probability Of prevent.
inu an intercourse befween them and