Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-01-23
THE ROUND ISLAND AFFAIR

QUESTION VI STATE RIGHTS.
Governor Mathews, of Mississippi, in his recent mes
sage to the Legislature of that State thus speaks of the
violation Of the laws of the State Of Mississippi BY
the United States Naval Officers commanding the
Round Island Blockading Squadron:
Dnrng the past year, company of men, about three
hundred in number, assembled on our gulf coast. at
place called Round Island within the jurisdiction of the
State of Mississippi What led to their assembape ~
the object OF that assemblage, not known; but il
was suspected, by the Naval Officers of the United
States then commanding in the gulf that thew medated
an expedition against Cuba against some power will
which the United States were peace Although these
men We're unarned and displayed military organi-
eaton, yet Lieut.. Iotten and Commander Rapdolnh
acting as they alleged, under instructions from the 90
yernment at Washington, issued each proclamation
IN which opprobous epithes applied to these men
and in which they were notified that they would not be-
allowed to leave the island except to dsperse and that
until such dispersion, all supplies should be cut off, Sc
vera vessels on our coast belonging to our citizens
were ordered under peril OF being fired upon not to
leave their position and was strictly bIockaed
tor several months to the great injury and ANNOYANCE Of
our citizens
Now, whether these men on Round Island were or
were not Just objects OF the suspicious OF those naval
officers, know not: is material to the subject be-
fore us to know. The Constitution of Mssissipp nro
vdes that No person shall be accused arrested or de-
except IN cases ascertained by law and accord
ing TO the form which the has prescribed and no
person shall be punished, except in virtue of law
established and promulgated prior to the offence and
Legally applied Nor can he be deprived OF his life
liberty, or property but by due course of law Ii also
provides that the military SHALL in all cases and AT ali
times, be in strict subordnation to the civil power
The same provisions exist substantially in the Fede
raj Constitution All these provisions were most IA
gravity violated by these naval officers by the arrest
detention and deprivation of the liberty OF our citizens
within the civil jurisdiction OF Mississippi without oath
or affirmation OF any person, and without due course OF
law Our coast was keptor weeks in state of block.
ade, and our citizens deprived of the exercise Of the
rights OF freemen in time of profound peace by mar
tlal law, and in total disregard OF the civil authorities
the State.
Ii these lawless acts are 10 become precedent Il
govern us future whenever citizen be SO unfortunate
as to tall under the suspicion OF military officer in de-
nance OF his right to the protection thrown around hin
by the civil laws OF his country he may be arrested de-
pyed OF his liberty, and injured in his property by h
mandate ot military officer. Esteemng this an out
upon rights and insult to the Sovereignty
Mississippi, but wishing to avoid any collision with III,
government OF the United States, addressed respect
tul note to the Secretary of the Navy "a copy of which
Is herewith submtted0 enclosing copies of the procama
ton OF Nlessrs. Toten and Randolph, and REQUESTING
copy OF the instructions under which thew acted r.
this communication received, in reply, his note, de.
Ginning compliance with my request and giving me mr.
information ON the subject. submit these facts to Won,
consideration that upon mature consideration YOU NAV
adopt such measures in relation thereto as NAV be deemed
expedent |, however, suggest the proprely OF instruct
ing our Representatives. and requesting our Senators in
congress- TO institute an inquiry into this transaction by
resolution or otherwise they may deem most nronaI