Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-01-19


GEsERAL JAcKsoy's FISE.-A great deal of discus.
sion has been elected by this matter both in and out OF
Congress- and in the various State Legislatures, seve
raj Of which have adopted resolutions nstrucng their
Senators in Congress to vote for remission OF The fine
The facts are these: Martial law having been pro.
claimed at New Orleans by Gen. Jackson during the
defence Of that city in the Winter Of lSl4-lo was ne
cessariy continued In force during the presence of the
enemy the coast, which until the receipt OF the
news of the final ratification Of the treaty OF Ghent.-
During this time the alien French residents in the city,
claimed exemption from military duty Gen Jackson
therefore ordered all such aliens remove from the
city; but one Louis Louaer, nationaliret French
man, objected TO this, and wrote communication IN
Of the papers, finding fault with the order and ad
vsing disobedience to it. For this he arrested and
imprisoned by order of the General. The publication
was made March Sd. The arrest took place on the
5h On the day, writ of habeas corpus was OBJ
tanned from the District Court of the U. 5. Mt New
Orleans, in favor of Louaiier, and General Jackson
was informed OF il by letter from Louaer's lawyer.
whereupon, Gen. J Immediately ordered the arrest OF
Judge Hall, who had issued the writ
The General of course, neglected 10 obey the habeas
corpus. Louailer was subsequently tried by court
martial, and acquitted. When Judge Hall obtained
his release few days afterwards, he summoned the
General before his Court, and imposed him fine of
one thousand dollars. The fine was Immediately paid,
and General Jackson retired from The Cont amidst the
nccamatioua of The people. The ladies Of the city
at once raised a subscription Of the amount, which
they rendered to the General but he conscnted to re-
ceive it only in trust, for the use of those who had
been made widows and orphans in the defence OF the
city. Nc attempt ever made By Genera! Jackson
TO procure restitution Of the fine down to the time of
his final retirement from public life, did he ever
seek 10 avail himself Of opportunities afforded in many
situations Of high official trust, Of drawing public
attention 10 The subject.
AT the last session Of Congress, the matter was
brought forward but it unfortunately became party
question: aud failed Of success. The friends Of Gene
raj Jackson sought 10 obtain return .! the fine without
any reference to the circumstances which attended Ills
imposition but the opposing party wished 10 couple II
with proTsoes and conditions which would have been
derogatory the Generals character and feelings, and
Of course, could not be acceded 10.
In this position the matter now Glands, and the prin-
cipal question raised is, TO The legality Of General
iacksons proceedings IN ordering the arrest OF Loua-
lier and Judge Hall, and in disregadng The habeas
corpusor in iac whether the continuance Of martial
lay necessary, down 20 the time of receiving in
telSence of the actual ratification OF the Treaty OF
Peace The question is cf importance; but il has
already been sufficiently discussed TO elicit all the
truth and, however il may be determined there can
moi be doubt of The purity and patriotism of the &c.
nerals motives. General Jackson needs the mo.
ney and is in infrm health and, during the proract.
ed agitation of the subjec, Congress, there is danger
.hct death may intervene, and prevent the nation from
doing an act Of justice TO one Of It's most faithful
wants.
We say .hen return the old soldier his money, p,in-
cpal and interest al once, without any clause or pro-
yiso, and without any attempt to convey by implica.
ton, a reproach upon his coed name.
[yrt,o York Sun.