The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-08-30
CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO
AMERICANS SENT TO VAN DIEMAN's
LAND.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

SIR We beg leave to address you in behalf of
sundry citizens of the United States held prisoners
by the British Government in its penal colony of
Van Dieman's Land.
1t is represented to us that upwards of hundred
citizens of the United States thus held captive at
the present moment
They are chiefly young men of the State of New
York, who, during the late revolutionary movements
in Canada, conceiving that the struggle there was
analogous in principle to the revolutionary war OF
their country volunteered their services in aid,
as they were induced to suppose, of the people OF
the British Provinces in arms for independence
Being taken in arms against the established Gov
eminent of those Provinces, and found amenable to
its criminal laws, they sentenced to the punish
ment of transportation to Van Dieman's Land.
We have been charged with the presentation to
the House Of many memorials, and of the proceed
ngs of public meetings. seeking the nterposition of
the Government of the United States for the release
of these prisoners.
1t seems to us that the accomplishment of this OBJ
ject is one which it would be honorable and just for
the Federal Government to attempt, by application
to that of Great Britain.
Though convicted and sentenced in due form Of
law, for the acts commiticd by hom yet tho crimes
charged were of political nature class of offences,
in regard which is for Government to
nterpose amicably in behalf of its subjects held cap
tive by another Government.
These individuals, in volunteering to enter Canada,
deemed themselves to be exercising rights of emf
grafton, and of action in foreign war; appertaining
to them as citizens of the United States and it
not until after many of them had actually been made
prisoners in Canada that they became aware that
they were proceeding in violation of the laws OF
their own country as well as those of the British
Provinces.
They have already been severely punished; and,
for public effect, their liberation would it seems to
US, be more useful in preserving the peace of the
frontier than their longer detention.
We cannot but hope, therefore, that the Federal
Government, which has recently exerted itself SO
efficiently for the release of citizens of the United
States detained in Mexico may be induced to extend
its parental care to those, also who confined in
Van Dieman's Land.
We think that the present time, when arrange
ments are in progress for the removal OF so many Of
the causes of difference between the United States
and Great Britain, is suspicious occasion for So
Letting from the latter act of mercy towards the
citizens of the former thus atestng, in the strongest
Manner the reciprocal good feeling, by which both
Governments are actuated
We therefore would most respectfully submit to
your consideration the propriety and wisdom of i'm
mediately applying to the British Government for
the release of these citizens of the United States.
We have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
(Sgned) C. CUSHING,
FERNANDO WOOD,
CHS. G. FERRIS.