Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1838-02-24
Documents submitted 10 The H. Of Representatives. on Sa.
turdny last, about Canada

Documents submitted 10 The Of Representatives., Sa
turday last, about CdHada
| MIR. Bynum obair'd the floor, but yielded IT.,
ieporarily the reQTe: OF Mr. Howard who, obscrv-
ing that the House would naturally be anxious to kaow,
from the latest authentic advices the existing state OF
things the Canada frontier sent TO The Clerk table,
and asked to have read, the two following letters Leave
| beinr given, they read AZ follows:
HEAD QUARTERS, 1lh Military Dept,
DesrOtt, Feb. II ic:}S
GenerulI have the honor TO inform you, that large
bodies of men, unarmed in Tie neghbohood OF Mon
roe and Gibraltar in this Stale in detached partles hav
nr il is believed in their possession and amnlun
lions of war; concealed in wagons III such manner as
TO escape detection, unless they are searched which,
am informed by the District Attorney, il is out Of the
power Of the civil authorities to do, under existing laws
These forces nre, it understood, under the command
of Gen Van Rensselaer, and Mr.. Mackenzie, who have
assumed fictitious names, and assembling pIeParao
~ 10 an invasion Of Canada the 22d nSt the day
fixed by Cen Sutherland effect landing. order 10
that effect being in the hands OF Gov. Mason.
Under these circumstances, ii becomes highly import
ant that some efficient should be adopted 10
maintain our neutral relations with Great Britain, which
are about 10 be violated, either Ivy uresng the officers
and leading Of the expedition srzng their arms
and ammunition neither Of which things be done,
am advised, under the existing laws.
With the knowledge Of these facts, and after consult
ing with the Executive Of this Stale, have deter mined,
believing the exigency of tie warrants in
doing to srnd express TO Washington, by whom this
letter will he delivered TO you, who will carry dispatches
from Gov. Mason 10 the President Of The U. S, and
other civil funclionaries in that city, requesting them
urge immediate and speedy action the bill which has
lately passed the Senate, and which before the
House Of Representatives, clothing officers with
rnorc ample powers than they now have, ~ maintain
our neutrality.
am, Sir. very respectfully, your obi scrv,t,..
II. BRADY,
Brig Gen United States Army.
Brig. Gen. R. JONES, Adjt.Gen. U. S. Army.
DETROIT. Feb. II, 1888.
SrR regrc to inform you that contrary 10 my most
confident expectations, this frontier is again thrown into
state Of confusion by the appeoru of the force
Gently disbanded from Navy Island" have no idea
that this assembage OF persons make any effective
ipressiun on Canadian Shore but the fact Of their
appearance calculated 10 keep this side of the line in
continued rment, and the opposite shore constant
state Of alarm and apprehension.
The Patriot forces $50 caed) at present scatter
ed in detached parles in different directions, prepa.
ralory 10 movement against the Canadian frontier,
on The twenty second Of the present month. Their
aud munitions of war in boxes, and conveyed
through The country merchandise. If the existing law
would permit the seizure OF these boxes, reasonable
suspicion that they contain the weapons for expedition
against the domInions Of foreign Power peace with
the Government Of the u States the parties could at
once be disarmcd and permanent tranquility restored
10 the frontier. With this view, General Brady has De.
termned TO despatch express 10 Washington, urging
the immediate passage by the House Of Representatives.
Of the bill which has recently passed the Senate for the
preservation of neutrality with foreign Powers.
concur fully with the General in his views Of the neces
sty Of such law and would earnestly, but respect
fully suggest that you should present such consdera
tons to the House of Repre- senaliycs will secure the
:mned passage of the bill above referred TO- and that
il bp transmitted to this frontier without delay.
With sentiments of the highest considerations have
'''' ''''''' y - STEVENS T. MASON.
To his Excellency NJ VAS buren,,
President yf the United States.