The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-23
IMPORTANT OFFICIAL PAPERS.

The follwing Message from the President Of the
United States was communicated TO the House Of Re-
representatives. Wednesday last
To the House Of Representatives. Of The United States:
| transmit, in compliance with resolution Of the
House OF Representatives Of the lth inst reports from
the Secretaries OF State, Treasury, and War with the
documents referred to by them respectively. 1t will be
seen that the outrages committed on the steamboat Sir
Robert Peel under the British flag within the waters of
the United States, and the steamboat Telegraph,
under the American flag at Brockvle Upper Canada,
have not been followed by any demand, by either Co
vernment the other for redress. These acts have
bcen so far, treated each side criminal offences
committed within the jurisdiction Of tribunals competent
to inquire into the facts and punish the persons
cerned in them. Investigations have been made,
of the individuals inculpated have been arrested, and
prosecutions are in progress the result Of which cannot
be doubted The excited state Of public feeling the
borders Of Canada on both sides OF the line, has
stoned the painful anxiety to this Government
Every effort has been and wibe made to prevent the
success OF the design apparently formed, and in the
course OF execution, by Canadians who have found
refuge within territory, aided by few reckless per-
Of our own country, TO involve the nation in
with neighboring and friendly Power Such design
cannot succeed while the two Governments appreciate
and confidently rely upon the good faith Of each other in
the performance Of their respective duties. With
fixed determination to all the in my power to
put speedy and satisfactory termination to these border
troubles, have the most confident assurances of the
cordial cooperation of the British authorities home
and in the North American possessions, in the accom-
pshment of purpose sincerely and earnestly de-
sired by the Governments and the people Of the United
States and Great Britain.
M VAN BUREN,
Washington, June 20, 1898.
A number Of Documents accompanied this Message,
the contents Of which may be generally inferred from
the Message itself The following report from the Sc
cretary Of War; however is of sufficient consequence
to be separated from the rest for publication
DEPARTMENT OF War, June 10, 1888
Sir: In relation much Of the resolution Of the
House OF Representatives Of the lth instant has by
your direction, been referred to this Department. have
the honor 10 state that the receipt Of intelligence of
the destruction OF the British steamer Sir Robert Peel
orders were Immediately issued to the commanding Of
fcer at Fort Niagara, 10 deach portion of his force
to Sackets Harbor and, shortly after the disposable
recruits at New York and Fort Monroe were ordered,
part TO strengthen that post part 10 Patisburg and part
to Swanton, on the Vermont frontier, at the time
measures were taken 10 employ steamer to be manned
with competent military force for police purposes,
each of the lakes Erie and Ontario.
The Department, having subsequently received in
formation communicated by the Governor Of the State
of Now York, that the dsturbers of public order had
taken refuge on portion of the Thousand Islands,
situated within the jurisdiction Of the United States,
where they collecting and munitions of war;
and engaged in fitting out hostile expeditions against
Canada, MAJOR ueheral Macome was despatched 10
Sackes Harbo TO take the command of the forces on
the Northern frontier, with instructions take prompt
and vigorous to maintain treaty stipuatons
and to execute the laws OF the United States and es-
pccaly TO lose time in directing operations against
the lawless who, for the avowed purpose Of
mltting deprcdatons upon tho territory Of friendly
Power have stationed themselves the islands in the
river ST. Lawrence The General has been since adj
vsed to station guard Of regulars each OF the fer
mes on the rvcr and at each port Of entry the lakes,
IN order TO protect the persons and property Of the sub
Jccis OF Her Britannia Majesty from any further outrage
and there - reason to believe from the character and
well-carned reputation Of that officer that he will carry
these instructions into effect TO the extent the limited
force under has command will permit with promptness
and energy.
With regard to the concentration and movements OF
foreign troops the Northern and Northeastern from
tiers Of the United Sates the Department is no, in
formed that the regular troops Of her Britannia Majesty