The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-03-28

To the Honorable Nicholas Cook Esq.
Deputy GoUernor OF the Colony of
Rhode Island, and others who are a
Committee constituted by the Geaer-
al assembly to transact the business
of Colony during their recess.
The memorial of the Town Council of
Newport in behalf of themselves and the
rest of the inhabitants of said Town sheweth,
That your memorialists ere filled with
the deepest anxiety on account of the in
creasing distress and difficulty in which
the Inhabitants of said Town are involved
from the interruption given to those supplies
which arc necessary for their daily support
and subsistence, and therefore consider it
duty, which they owe to their constituents,
to lay before your honors the present un-
happy state of their once fourishing capi-
tai of the Colony.
That upon the arrival of several vessels
from Boston the inhabitants supposing that
those who had the conducting those vessels
intended to take stock off this Island as
sembed and drove away all the Sheep and
Cattle excepting whit belonged to two per-
sons from off the neck, the only point of the
Island where it was probable any attempts
would be made TO take any Of the stock !:
This justfiable procedure of the inhabitants
together with the arrival of a number of
minute meu under the command of Esek
Hopkins, Esq, induced Capt. Wallace Of
his Majesty's Ship Rose to prevent the Fer
ry boats and wood vessels from coming to
the Town with their usual supplies of pro-
visions and fuel for the use Of the inhabi-
tants, by means whereofthey are exposed to
the fatal consequences that will immediate
ly arise for The want of the common nee
essaries OF life; calamity much to be
dreaded, and which from the local as well
as other circumstances Of the inhabitants
they cannot avert without your interposit-
ion.
That your memoralists in consequence
of representation made by Francis NAL
bone one OF the principle merchants of this
Town, that Capt. Wallace was willing to
treat with a committee to be appointed for
that purpose deputed in behalf of themselves
and the other inhabitants, six persons to
confer with Capt Wallace respecting the
interruption lie had given 10 the boats pass
ing to and from this Island. In pursuance
of the appointment the committee on the
18th instant reported, that said day, they
had an interview with Capt. Wallace who
promised and engaged that on the removal
Of the armed force now on the Island he
would permit the Ferry boats, Market boats
and wood vessels for the supply Of the iu-
habitants to pass without interruption, and
tha, he would not take any more stock from
off this Island; in consequence whereof he
expects to receive from the Town unmolcs-
ted his usual supplies Of fresh beef, beer,
&c. for the necessary use Of his ships; he
also further engages tina, in case he should
be under the disagreeabIc necessity hereaf-
tor, through any breach Of the presen, a.
greement, that he will not fire upon the
Town without giving the inhabitants suf.
ficien, warning, although he has positive in
structions which he produced to the Com
mittee to destroy every town where On arm
ed force may appear.
I Your memorialis's upon receiving this re-
por, appointed committee TO wait on Eset
Hopkins, ESQ, Commander Of the Troop'
now on the Island ,-snd lay before him tb'