The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-01-09
Mr.. For to Mr.. Forsyth.

WAsHNGToN, December 10, l84O.
Sir: a am informed by his ExcelIency the Lieuten-
ant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada thai
Mr.. Alexander Mcleod, British subject, and late
deputy sheriff Of the Niagara district in Upper Can
ada was arrested at Lewistown in the State of New
York, on the 18th of last month, on pretended
charge of murder and arson as having been engaged
in the capture and destruction of the pratcal steam
boat "Caroline," in the month of December, 1887
After a tedious and vexatious examination MIR. Nc
Leod was committed for trial. and he is now imprson
ed in Lockport Jail.
feel it my duty to call upon the Government Of the
United States to take prompt and eectua steps fol
the liberation of Mr. Mcleod 1t is well known thai
the destruction of the steamboat Caroline" was
public act of persons in her Majesys service obeyine
the order ofther superior authorities That act there
FORE according to the usages of nations, only be
the subject of discussion between the two National
Governments: II cannot Justly he made the ground
of legal proceedings in the United States against the
individuals concerned, who were bound to obey the
authorities appointed by their own Government.
may add that believe it is quite notorious that
Mr. Mcleod was not one of the party engaged in
the destruction of the steamboat "Caroline and that
the pretended charge upon which he has been imprs-
oned only upon the perured testimony Of certain
Canadian outlaws and their abetors, who, unfortu-
nately for the peace of that neighborhood still
permitted by the authorities Of the State of New York
to infest the Canadian frontier
The question, however, Of whether Mr.. Mcleod
or was not concerned in the destruction Of the
Caroline is beside the purpose Of the present com
munication. That actwa the public &C. of persons
obeyng the constituted authorities Of her Maestys
Province. The National Government Of the United
States Thought themselves called upon to demonstrate
against it and renonstrance which the President
did accordingly address to her Majesty Government
is STILL believe, pending subject Of diplomatic dis
custom between her Maiesty's Government and the
United States Legation in London. feel therefore
justified ia expecting that the Presidents Government
will see The Justice and the necessity Of causing the
present imlliats release Of MIR Mel God as we'll al
Of taking such steps may be requisite for preventing
others Of her Maesys subjects from being persecuteC
or molested in the United States in similar manner
for the futule
1t appeafs that Mr.. Mcleod was arrested on the
18th ultimo that after the examination of witnesses
he finally committed for trial on the 18th, anC
placed in confinement in the Jail of Lockpor awaiting
the assizes which will be held there in February next
As the is naturally occasIonng great degree o.
excitement and Indignation within the British from
tier earnestly hope that it may be in your power to
give early and satisfactory to the present
representation.
/ avail myself Of this occasion to renew to you the
assurance of my distinguished consideration.
HI. S. FOX.
Hon JOHN FORSYTH &c &c