Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-04-15

FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW AND u. s. FORCES.
The Washington Republic publishes correspondence be-
tween Commodore Read commanding at the Philadelphia
Navy Yard and Secretary Graham in reference to using the
marines in tho surrender of Fugitive Slaves, when called for
by Marshas.
The Secretary says
The President; feeling tue full force Of his constitutional
Obligation 80 take that the laws be faithfully executed
directs that Il the Marshal OF his known deputies
charged with the of process by competent authority
OF the United States shall be unable raise the necessary
force for that purpose TO prevent rescue or 10 make
recapue in Of rescue by virtue OF his authority to
citizens his aid and shu! call for tho assistance
of the Marines you w i'll such event. promptly order them
accompany and assist him in the performance OF his duty
having previously instructed the officer in command of the
marines that during this service he will receive the orders Of
the Matsha his deputy and act only i'll strict obedience 10
them
Such will Be your duty in application from the Marshal
and his known Deputies But in the of like upplca
lions oa special Depule, appointed by Commissioners
United Suites process under of the
last of Congress- entitled San amend and sup
Elementary the entitled AN act respecting ngves
rom justice and persons escaping from the service OF their
masters approved February H. 1884, they will be required
in each instance produce you certificate of the JUS
tice Judge of the United States thei. district stating
that the execution of the process in question has been
actually resisted or that combinations to resist il have been
formed powerful 10 be overcome by the authority of such
Deputy TO call for the posse conntaus In which event
you will render him the like assistance if called by
Marshal his Deputy observing the cautions above Judi
Gated
Marshal Devens OF Boston also writes know if he cum
have the Naval Establishment TO use In lack of ais for tine
confinement OF tugitives The Secretary says to him:
BY the Presidents c,ion have the honor say in
py that the obs tace 10 the performance of your duty
sing withdrawal the State of Massachusetts of
the of her ~ for the OF persons arrested
fugitive slaves has been anticipated and provided agsns
BY the resolution of Congress approved March 1921 Sd
volume Statutes Large page 6i by which the Marshal
in such case expressly authorised and required hire
convenicn, place to serve temporary jail and 10 make
necessary provision for the safe keeping OF prisoners
united under the authority Of the United States and he
is 10 be aowe, all reasonable expenses incurred fer The
above purposes.
The e of the jals OF the Ste, therefore, is
doomed sufficient reason for grsnthG your request
that Commanders Of the and Revenue Gut
may you assistance 10 the execution OF the law
in question Tho President, however, desires to De un-
derstood ,ha, feels full force of his constitutional oath
and duty ito take that the laws be faithfully executed
and should other distractions arise which cannot be
come bv YOUR power your sid the posse coni-
,a,us-obs,rucons which, from the loyal and law abiding
led by him. you are desired to give early information Of them
tu the proper Department