The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-04-14

OF some On0 design al InelT pTolOnS5u sosslOn
and appeared extremely anxious that they
should adjourn. The respondent had also
been iaformed that IN Ihe House of represen-
taves the idea that very considerable part
of the Sale, belonged to the Spanish Govern
ment, and ought not 10 be represented, had
been openly advocated, and (avorably heard.
The cooperation of The Spaniards with the
English, whS, at that time a prevalent idea -
This Information, therefore appeared highly
important lie determined to examine, with
the utmost care, all tho facts that had been
communicated TO him, and not TO act upon the
advice he had received, until The cleares' de-
monsIralion should have determined its pro-
prely. He was then almost an entire stranger
IN the place he was seat to defend, and uuac-
qnainted VITA the language OF majority Of
its inhabitants Whilst these circumstances
were unfavorable to his obtaining information
on the one hand, on the other they prctlIded
the Suspicion that his measures were dictated
by personal friendship, private luminosity or
party views Uninauenced by such motives
be began his observations. He sought for in
formation; and TO obtain it, communicated with
men of every description. He believed that
even then he discovered those high qualities
which have since distinguished these brave
defenders Of their country; that the variety Of
language, the difference of habit, and even the
national prejudices which seemed 10 divide
the inhabitants, might be made, If properly di-
Iected, the source Of the most honorable en-
uNaIion. Delicate attentions were necessary,
to foster this disposition, and measures Of the
highest energy, 10 restrain The effects that such
an assembIage was calculated to produce; he
determined to use lhem boh-he called 10
his aid the impulse of national feeling, the
higher motive of patriotic sentiment, and the
noble enthusiasm Of vaIor. They operated IN
a manner which history will record; and all
who could be influenced by these feelings. rail-
lied round The standard oftheir country. Their
efforts however, would have been .unavalling,
if the dlsafFecled had been permitted TO coun.
teracl them by their treason, the imid TO par.
alyze them by their example, and both to stand
aloof in The hour of danger, and enjoy the
fruit Of victory, without The danger Of defeat.
A powerful, disciplined, and royalty appointed
army was on our coast, commanded by Off
GERS of tired vaor and consummate skilI;-
their feet had already destroyed the feeble de-
fence on which alone we could rely 10 prevent
their landing on our shores; their point of at
tack was uncertain--a hundred inIeIs wore 10
be guarded by a force not sufficient in numbers
for one, we had no lines OF defence; treason
lurked among us, and only waited the expect
ted signal of defeat 10 show itself openly
Our men we're few, and those few, but badly
armed; our prospect Of aid and supply was
distant and uncertain; ou utter RUN II We fall
ed, at hand and inevitable; every thing de-
pended on the prompt and energetic use Of the
means we possessed-on putting the whole
force Of The community into operation; it was
contest for the very existence Of the
State, and every nerve WAS TO be strained in
lis defence. The physical force Of every in>
dividual, his moral faculties, his property and
the energy Of his example, were 10 be called
Into action, and instant action. No delay, no
Inquiry about rights, or ALL was l0s'; and
every thing dear 10 man, his property, his life
The honor Of his family, his country, lis Con-
siituiOD and laws, were swept away by the
avowed prime ples, and the open practice of
The enemy with whom we were 10 cOnlcnd.--
Foruficafons wore to be erected, supplies pro
cured, arms 10 be sought for, requisItions 10
be made; the cmissaries of the enemy to be
overawed, lnsubordinaiIon and lurking treason
10 be punished, and the con,agion Of cowardly
eGample't TO b stoPped.i
"ln this crisis, and under a firm persuasion
tina. none Of these obj jecons could be effect
! ed by the exercise of the ordinary powers
confded to him, under q solemn conviction
that The country committed 10 his care would
be saved by that measure only from utter ruin
under religious belief that be was perfor-
ming the most important and sacred duty, the
respondent proclaimed martial law"
Martial law quieted or suppressed all dis
content; it enabled the General, 10 concentrate
and infuse his ownnobe daring into the whole
OF his small and i'll provided force; and two
days after, tho victory of tho Sth Of January
was gained.
If sufficient has moi been stated 10 justify
The General in declaring martial law, ask yol
to consider the position in winch he was pla'
ced; the city of Orleans was, ircm the neCes'
sty of the case, his camp; the British in su
perior force had landed and were eight oI
nine miles below the CITY; within three hours
march; in his camp were many over whom h'
had no control, whom he could not prevent
Cor punish by any process Of civil law.) from
conveying intelligence TO the enemy, Of hi
nurnbers, means of defence, or offence, a
we'll as ofhs intended or probable movement
was not the entire command Of his own cam
necessary TO any efficient action? II seems 4
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