The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-14
By WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Governor of the
State OF New York.

Whereas the Sheriff Of the county OF Albany, on
the 9Th day Of Dec inst, represented TO me that he
and his deputies had on several occasions been re-
sisted in the execution OF varions civil process Oh
the Supreme Court against citizens O. the said couh-
W and had found II impossible to execute such pro-
cess and that therefore the I'd day Of Dec, INST,
he had summoned the power his county, or so much
thereof as seemed expedient, and with that power,
consisting Of several hundred unarmed citizens, had
proceeded to the towns where tbs execution OF Inc
said process required 10 he made: that ne was
met by large body of who effectually resisted
him and prevented his further progress in the dis
charge Of his duty, wheIeupon he had returned 10
the city Of Albany and then applied TO me TO call
out sufficient military force to enable him to exc
cute the said process.
And, whereas, being unwilling 10 adopt that final
remedy until every effort of less serious character
had been made to maintain the supremacy OF The
laws, directed the said Sheriff TO obtain warrants
and attachments against the persons who had re.
sisted him in the discharge Of his duty and proceed
with the armed power Of his county to execute the
said process warrants and attachments.
And whereas, II has been made known 10 me that
the said Sheriff, together with the armed power OF
the county assembled in pursuance OF such direc-
tons has been met by large body OF persons with
the evident intent accompanied by threats, OF pre-
venting him from executing the said civil and cr-
minal process and that the said armed power oil The
county is insufficient to enable him TO perform his
duty.
Now, therefore, be it known that by virtue Of the
| laws Of this State, have taken measures 70 call
forth sufficient military force TO enable the Sheriff
of the county of Albany 10 execute effeciualy the
legal process committed TO him and to maintain the
| supremacy of the laws But before actually en-
ploying the said military force it appears 10 me pro-
per issue this my Proclamation further effort
TO avoid that extremity. Therefore enJoin upon the
people of this county and all others whom II may
concern that they aid and assist the eAicers of JUS
ce in the performance Of their duty lappeal to all
who have taken part in these unlawful proceedings
TO reflect upon their nature and consequences and to
remember that resistance 10 the officers OF justice is
ha-
comes concerted and organized II is instruction,
and that if death ensue the penalties Of treason and
murder incurred; that the only lawful means TO
obtain relief from any injuries, or redress OF any
lion the Courts of Justice and to the Legislature,
and that they shall receive every facility which the
executive department can afford in bringing their
complaints before the Legislature. ! enJon upon
Them therefore, to desist from their opposition, and
10 conduct and demean themselves as orderly, peace
able and weldsposed citizens justly estimating the
| individual rights they enjoy and knowing that the
only security for the preservation OF their rights
consists in the complete ascendaney OF the laws.
| call upon them 10 remember that while y Is oy
no means my desire that Of THAR fellow citizens
to look with severity upon offences which may nave
been committed under excitement and without due
consideration Of the consequences, the laws OF the
land cast upon them most serious responsibilities Tor
| any unhappy consequences which may result from
further resistance 10 the authority and power Of The
people of this State | warn them that assemblies
for The purpose of hinderng obstructing the Of
6cers of Justice are in themselves unlawful and
cannot result otherwise than inlnriously TO the pup
lie safety. They are therefore enjoined TO abstain
from all tumultuous assemblages, which always
leads to results mol contemplated and which are sure
to involve the well-meaning in the consequences OF
rash counsels and the movements OF eyidisposed
persons
In testimony whereof have hereunto subscribed
my name and caused the Privy seal oil the
IT, 81 State TO be hereunto affixed at the city OF
Albany, this tenth day Of December In the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
thirty nine .---- - ~ v
ny the Governor,
Samuel BLAroaroRD, Private Secretary.