Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-06-14
CASE OF Mcleod.

Accompanying the Presidents message, n copy
Of a correspt udence between Mr.. Fox, the Brit
ISL Minister, and Mr.. Webster, Secretary of State,
was communicated to Congress. The letter of
MIR. Fox bears date March IL, and contains sub
stanally this
The approval by the British Government Of the
language and tenor Of Mr.. Fox's former letters 10
Secretary Forsyth on this question.
A demand, in the name Of the British Govern
inent, uf the unconditional surrender oil Mcleod,
on the GROUND that the destruction of the Caroline
was an act of public character, executed by
persons under tire authority of the British Gov
eminent, to whom Mcleod was bound 10 yield
obedience.
Mr. Fox also indirectly justiies The destruction
of the Caroline an act of necessary sell-de
fence; declares it unjust to hold Mcleod re-
epGnsibe for acts committed in tie exercise OF his
duty 10 his governments; argues that the General
Government must have the power to release him,
as Otherwise Great Britain would be obliged to
treat New York as seperate and distinct from the
Union-an independent stale, with whom she
could make wal or pence; and concludes iy a.
verring the belief of the British Government that
Mcleod was not in any manner concerned in the
destruction Of the Caroline.
MIR. Webster replied on the 24h of April, and
declares that the President has not the power to
release Mcleod that even the King Of England
could no. release person under the same circun-
stances in'Great Britnin; that the only modes OF
release are such the courts can rcnder-by
nolie prOSequi or discharge, after trial, on writ
bubp hat Tho lntto. IL A
himself has sought al the Islands of the Supreme
Court OF New York, and the British Minister is
informed that that Court may he safely relied on
ior the Just aud impartial administration of the
law in this case. AS TO the point whether the MS
sumption OF the destruction of The Caroline by
the British Government releases Mcleod from h
personal responsibility to this Government, ,h'
Secretary says no doubt is entertained by this gov
ernmenl that it does. MIR. Webster then proceed
to the Caroline case, & by the way gives the Brit
ish Minister tremendous diplomatic hit for cal
ling the Patriots" pirales, by reminding him tina
for the greater part of the last two centuries Brit
ish subjects have been permitted TO engage in tn
civil wars OF other counlries--yea, the govern
ment itself had so engaged-but never hadEnglan'
regarded her Subjects thus engaged, as pirates
Mr.. Webster declares that the Amercun Govern
ment was foremost in acknowledging, and has al
ways strictly regarded, the obligations of neuira
iy, and that in this respect no ground for Just CON
piaint has been given to Great Britain. The rePi
concludes follows, in which is shown whit
Great Britain must do, land that she cannot do
before she can justify the destruction of the Care
line.
Under these circumstances, and under those ira
willbe Tor Her Majesty Government to show al
on what state OF facts and what rules of alton,
law the destruction Of the Caroline" is to be d,
tended. twill be for that Government to sho'
o pscessiy ofsslf. defence, ipstan5 overwhemin