The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-12
From The Ne,e York American.


We insert the proclamation Of Sir George Arthur on
the subject Of the burning Of the Sir r. Peel, which
considering oil the aggravang circumstances OF the case,
is temperate document. The affair is Of the le-
Ultimate consequences Of the patriot fermentation which
has been disturbing frontier, and the
ample is made warning embryo patriots the bet
ter.
PRocLAMATioN--UPPER CANADA.
By His Excelloncy Sir George Arthur, Knight Com
mander Of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order,
Lietenant-Governor Of the Province of Upper Cana
da, Major General Commanding Her Majesty's
\. Forces therein, &c. &c.
Whereas information has this day been received that
the thirteenth day fMay, instant, the British
boat Sir r. Peel, while lying pesceably American
island was treachcrousy attacked by body Of rufans
from the American shore, set fire 10, and burned; the
passengers, among whom were defenceless females,
wantonly and brutay insnlted, and large amount Of
elties Ps ether property on board the said boat was
robbery and outrage fail to excite feelings Of the
utmost indignation IN the minds OF Her Malestys sub
ecs, who may be induced thereby to acts Of
retaliation for the redress Of injury, without properly
considering that il belongs TO the Government of Her
Majesty to claim that redress, and to the Government Of
the United States to that be promptly rendered.
The steamboat Sir Robert Peel with the persons and
the property board, lay at wharf the shore of
friendly power, in the confidence OF that security which
every civilized nation extends the subjects and
property Of foreigners within It's territory In times OF
The Government Of the United States, il may be
confidently expected will vndicate the national honor
and feel deeply the insult which this act of savage and
cowady violence committed in the dead Of night, has
inflicted upon their nation. They will not and cannot,
with any regard TO national character delay bring the
criminals to punishment to render to the injured SUBJ
Jects OF Her Majesty edress-though be too late, in
this instance to offer them protection.
The derneanor and conduct Of the population of this
Province has been that Of people resting securely
H. IL.
power Of the Great Empire Of which they form part,
and accordingly, even during rebellion and foreign inva
son this country has not been dsgraced by any
OF individual violence or revenge, the part OF its loyal
inhabitants The character whish has thus been gained
this Province has commanded the admiration Of the
British peopledenonsrated the proud superiority Of
British lnsuutionsaDd is too valuable to be sacrificed
in its smallest part, for the sudden qualification Of in
dgnant feelings, however justly they may have been
aroused.
therefore express to Her Majestys faithful and loyal
subjects my entire confidence in their dgnifed forbear
ance, and that the British Flag, which has been
bly, defended by Them will not be stained by having
outrage insult offered to the persons property Of
foreigners within its territory, and under its protection
Il need not be said to men who understand the cha
racter and institutions Of Englandthat injury offered
TO one British subject is felt by all-and that the mu
Qualities of duty aud affection, which bind free and
loyal people and their sovereign together, give the
strength Of the whole Empire to an injured individual
This consideration is all that is necessary to restrain
loyal community within becoming bounds, and to insure
their leaving to their government that claim for redress
which this unprovoked outrage imperatvcly demands.
Until the American Government shall have taken
such measures will the lives and property of
British subjects within the territory of the United States
from spoation aud violence the utmost guard aud eau
ton is required the part Of Masters Of Steamboats,,
and other vessels, in entering American habors as il is
but plain, that at present the subjects Of Her Ma
jesty may be sometimes placed in the power Of lawess
banditti, when they imagine themselves within the pro-
lection and authority Of friendly Government
Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Toronto,
this thirty first day Of May, in the year Of Lord
thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, and Of Her
Majestys Reign the first.
G. ARTHUR.
BY command Of His Excellency,
G. A HAeERMAN, Attorney General
u CAMEPoN Spcrrtary