The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-05-09

for your memorialisrs beg leave to state that
the town of Newport itself pays nearly one
sixth part of the whole taxes of the Colony,
and will probably (f not destroyed pay
that proportion of the charges and expen-
ses which have already arisen, or that shall
arise in the present contest with Great Brit
ain and America the preservation of said
town therefore is not only of infinite advan-
tage to the present owners and possessors
thereof, but to the Colony in general, for il
il should be destroyed the burden will be
greater on the other part of the Colony.
Your memorialists further observe, tha,
the weak, defenceles state of the town is
greatly owing to our forts being dismanlled
and the cannon removed, some Of which
are employed in the general service, by
many of our effective men, having enlisted
in the ContineAtal Army, more than any
other place on the Continent in proportion
to their numbers, who have carried with
them all the military stores, belonging to
the town, as well as to private persons still
remaining in it, who have cheerfully parted
with their arms, and stores, for the support
of the common cause.
Your memorialists weuld also further OBJ
serve, that they cannot be persuaded to be-
lieve that the destruction Of the town ol
Newport can have, at any season, or a: any
time, the least tendency to promote or serve
the common cause, more especially at this
inclement season of the year, when the in
habitants not knowing where to find shelter,
it being impossible for them, at this time,
to move into the country, their ruin would
be certain, and many persons would inevi-
tably perish, by The severity of the season.
Your memorialists would, for the reasons
aforesaid, most earnestly request the Cont
mental Congress that they might sill be
permitted to supply the ships, at least for
season, and they would beg leave to be un-
dersiood to ask this indulgence for these
reasons only and TO assure the Honorable
the Congress that they ask the favor of fur
ther supplying the Ships of War here as
usual. only from necessity and regard for
the common cause, and that they have not
given them any aid, countenance or nssis-
tance, in any respect whateser, unless sup
plying them with the appreciation and con-
sent aforementioned, should be SO consld-
cred, whatever Misrepresentation may have
been made and given of the conduct Of this
town TO the contrary by any persons
here
that similar indulgence has been gwen to
places less exposed and not so defenceless
as we are, not only on account of our can
non and military stores, and many of our
effective men being removed from us, but
on account Of our insular situation.
To conclude, trusting and con6ding in
the justice, wisdom, humanity and caro-
of the honorable the Continental Congress,
your memorialsts cheerfully submit them
selves, their wives, children and fortunes.
to your determination, not doubling bu!
that you will take our distressed circum-
stances into your deliberate consideration,
and make such orders and resolutions as
you in your wisdom shall adjudge eonven-
lent and necessary for their relief, consis.
tent with the general happiness and safety
of the country. And your memorialists as
in duty bound will ever pray.
VIM. CODDINGTON,
Tonn Clerk.