Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-01-05
Special Message.

To THE LEGISLATURE Il received last evening,
after my annual message was prepared, information
of an occurrence which i hasten 10 communicate
you.
The territory of this state has been invaded, and
some of our citizens murdered by an armed force
from tho Province of Upper Canada.
By the documents accompanying this commsnlca-
ton it will be perceived that the steamboat Caroline
owned by one of citizens while lying at Schlosesr
on the Niagara river within the limits Of this state,
on the night of the 18th of December last was forci
bly seized by party of 70 80 armed men in boats
which came from, and returned to the Canada shore
The crew and other per this steamboat, amount
ing to thirty three were suddenly attacked at mid
night after they had retired TO repose and probably
more than one third of them wantonly massacred.
The boat was detached from the wharf TO which it
had been secured fire, taken into the middle OF
the river and by the force of the current carried over
Niagara Falls. Twelve Of the persons who were on
board Of it, are missing, and there is ground 10 fear
that they were killed by the invaders in their attack
upon IT, or persisted i'm its descent over the cataract
OF those who escaped from the boat, one was killed
on the wharf, and several others were wounded.
am warranted in assuring you, that the anthon-
ties not only Of this State but of the United States
have felt an ANXIOUS socitude to maintain the rela-
tons of peace and strict neutrality with the British
provinces OF Upper and Lower canada al all times
since the commencement Of the civil disturbances
therein, and have in all respects done what was in
cumbent upon them TO do, 10 sustain these relations
The occurrence 10 which have alluded is outrage
that has not been provoked by any act done, or duty
Union. 1fit should appear that this boat was intend
ed to be used for the purpose OF keeping up inter-
course between this State and Navy Island, which
is now held by an asscmblage of persons in defiance
of the Canadian government, this circumstance would
furnish no justification for the hostile invasion Of our
territory and the destruction of the lives of Our ci-
zens.
The general government s entrusted with the MAN.
ienance of eur foreign relations, and will undoubted
ly take the necessary steps 10 redress the wrong and
Sustain the honor Of the country.
Though have received no official Information OF
the fact have good reason 10 believe that the local
authorities Of this state have taken prompt and eth
Gent means, not only TO protect or soil from further
invasion, but 10 repress any retalating measures oil
aggression which our citizens under the impulse OF
deeply excited and indignant feelings might rashly
resolve to adopt; and that the patriotic militia in the
vicinity of the scene OF the outrage have obeyed with
sacrity the call which has been made upon them for
these purposes.
II will probably be necessary for this state TO keep
up military force for the protection Of cur citizens
and the maintenance Of peace until an opportunity ID
gwen to the general government to nterpose with tic
power. In that event. apprehend that i will be ne
cessary for you to provide by law for the payment
and maintenance Of such forces the occasion may
require.
shall doubtless receive within a short time off,
cal information OF what the local authorities have
done and shall be better enabled 10 form opinion
of what will be necessary on the part Of this state TO
preserve our rights and The public tranquility. shall
then communicate further with you on the subject
and suggest such measures in relation TO it, "a may
require your consideration. w. l.. MARCY.
Albany, January 2, 1888.