USA > Massachusetts > The history of Massachusetts, the commonwealth period. 1775-1820 v. III > Part 40
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respect for civil government, and a spirit of obedience to the laws. I am sensible that many of those I address consider themselves as called to op- pose the measures of our present rulers. Let this opposition breathe nothing of insubordination, impatience of authority, or love of change. It becomes you to remember, that gov- ernment is a divine institution, essen- tial to the improvement of our nature, the spring of industry and enterprise, the shield of property and life, the refuge of the weak and oppressed. It is to the security which laws afford that we owe the successful applica- tion of human powers. Government, though often perverted by ambition and other selfish passions, still holds a distinguished rank among those influences by which man has been rescued 'from barbarism, and con- ducted through the ruder stages of diversified employments and depend- ences, the refined and softened man- ners, the intellectual, moral, and religious improvements of the age in
which we live. We are bound to re- spect government as the great securi- ty for social happiness; and we should carefully cherish that habit of obedi- ence to the laws, without which the ends of government cannot be accom- plished. All wanton opposition to the constituted authorities; all censures of rulers originating in a factious, aspiring, or envious spirit ; all un- willingness to submit to laws which are directed to the welfare of the community, - should be rebuked and repressed by the frown of public in- dignation."
1 Niles's Reg. iii. 15, 28, 109; Bradford, iii. 141, 142 ; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 367, 368. The Guerriere was so much damaged in this engagement, that it was found impossible to tow her into port, and the crew accordingly were taken out, and the ship was sunk. The citizens society to the habits of order, the of New York raised a sum of money to purchase swords, to be presented to Captain Hull and the officers of his ship.
2 European Mag. for July, 1812,
392
PROSECUTION OF THE WAR IN THE UNITED STATES.
CHAP. the war was defensive; but on the part of the United States, IX. hostilities were vigorously pushed, and Canada was invaded.1
Aug. 5.
1812. The militia of Massachusetts were not called out, except on the application of the inhabitants of Eastport and its vicinity, on the eastern boundary of the state, and near Passamaquoddy Bay, for arms and troops for the protection of the frontiers.2 Yet great exertions were made by the officers to arm their companies, and have them in readiness to repel invasions. Nor were the seaports generally free from alarm ; for, as war had been declared against a powerful nation, whose navy was superior to that of the United States, they felt themselves in a dangerous situation, and in most cases suspended the busi- ness of navigation, as well as the fisheries in which they were engaged.3 That this interruption of their customary pursuits, and on which in a great measure they depended for support, produced great distress, may be readily supposed. Upon all, indeed, who were concerned in commercial enterprises, directly or indirectly, the evils of the war heavily pressed. They had long been suffering under the system of restrictions and non- intercourse ; a vast amount of capital had been thrown out of employ, as well as a large number of vessels and seamen ; the price of imported articles had become enormous ; the produce of the country was held at high rates ; and, from the scarcity of work and the scarcity of money, few were able to purchase as usual, and all found it difficult to procure necessaries for their families.4 Hence many citizens of Massachusetts, who
66. See also ibid. for Aug., 1812, 163, where the proclamation is given. 1 On the invasion of Canada, and the defeat of Hull, see Hull's Trial ; Niles's Reg. iii. passim ; Ingersoll's Hist of the War, i. chap. ii .; Hil- dreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. ; Brad- ford's Hist. Fed. Gov't. 191.
2 Dearborn MSS .; Gov. Strong's Message; Bradford, iii. 138, 152, and Hist. Fed. Gov't. 187, note. On the 5th of August, general orders were
issued by Governor Strong, at the request of General Dearborn, and by order of the president, to direct a portion of the militia, detached under the orders of April 25, to march to Passamaquoddy, for the defence of the ports and harbors on the eastern bor- ders of the state. Niles's Reg. ii. 388. 3 Address of House of Reps. ; Bradford, iii. 152. Address of House of Reps. ; 4 Bradford, iii. 153.
393
1
REMONSTRANCE OF NEW YORK.
had supported the administration with great enthusiasm, be- CHAP. came dissatisfied, and complained of the policy of the govern- IX. ment as loudly as others. Meetings were held in different 1812. places to protest against the war ; and the citizens of Plym- outh, and of a number of other towns, joined in such remon- strances.1
Nor were these demonstrations confined to New England ; for in other parts of the United States the war was unpopu- lar, and was publicly condemned. The meeting in New York Aug.19 was "the largest assembly of respectable citizens ever wit- nessed in that place," and was " attended by the most distin- guished and experienced patriots " of the state, among whom were conspicuous the venerable Jay, Rufus King, Gouverneur Morris, Egbert Benson, Matthew Clarkson, and Richard Var- ick. The resolutions passed by this meeting were exceedingly spirited ; and, in conclusion, they observed, “ We are under the dire necessity of declaring that we have no confidence in the men who have brought us to this perilous condition. We do not, because we cannot, examine the causes of that manage- ment, the mischievous effects of which we so deeply feel and so seriously apprehend ; but, called upon by an imperious sense, of duty, we declare our sentiments, and we entreat our fellow- citizens to declare theirs. We implore them to lay aside party . distinctions, to banish party feelings, and to unite. In union is force ; in force, safety. If it shall appear that the majority is in favor of war, be it so ; we must submit. If, as we fully believe, a great majority is in favor of peace, let the fact be known. And, to this end, we propose that representatives be chosen in the several counties of this state- discreet men and friends of peace - to correspond or confer with each other, and cooperate with the friends of peace in other states in
1 European Mag. for Sept., 1812, 77, and the Boston Centinel and 242. Comp. also the article on " En- Chronicle for 1812. ergy in War," in Niles's Reg. iii. 76,
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394
PROPOSALS FOR AN ARMISTICE.
CHAP. devising and pursuing such constitutional measures as may IX. secure our liberties and independence, and preserve our union,
1812. which are endangered by the present war." 1
Jun. 26. Eight days after the declaration of war on the part of the United States, the president, through Secretary Monroe, sent by Mr. Augustus Foster, the returning British minister, an authority to Russell, the American agent, still resident at London, to agree to an armistice, on certain conditions, prelim- inary to a definitive arrangement of all differences ; and at Halifax, on his way home, Foster obtained from the naval commander on that station consent to a mutual suspension of proceedings against captured vessels, which he forwarded to Mr. Baker, the secretary of the British legation at Washing- Aug. ton, to be communicated to the American government, together with his advice to Sir George Prevost, the governor general and commander-in-chief in Canada, to propose a suspension of hostilities by land. But the American government refused to Aug.22. ratify this armistice, under the plea, as was urged by Monroe, that the authority of the president to suspend the proceedings of prize courts was doubtful ; that it was uncertain how far . the arrangement would be respected by the British officers, should it not prove agreeable to the British government ; that security was wanting against the Indian allies of the British : that the arrangement was unequal, in affording an opportunity to reënforce Canada, which meanwhile could not be attacked ; and, especially, that should hostilities be suspended previous to any answer from the British government on the subject of impressment, it might look like waiving that point, which the American government would never consent to yield.2
1 Bradford, iii. 157, note, and Hist. 190 ; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 325-332. Fed. Gov't. 188, 189, note. On the riots in Baltimore, which took place June 22 and July 26, - the first four days after the declaration of war, - see Niles's Reg. ii. 373-380, 405- 407 ; Bradford's Hist. Fed. Gov't. iii. 344-348; Bradford's Hist. Fed.
2 Madison's Message of Nov., 1812; Am. State Papers, 1811-1815 ; In- gersoll's Hist. of the War, i. 193, 445, 447-451; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series,
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395
THE WAR PROCEEDS ON THE POLICY OF IMPRESSMENT.
Thus the war finally proceeded on the matter of impress- CHAP. ment alone- an evil, it must be owned, of serious magnitude.1 IX. The number of cases of impressment which were satisfactorily 1812. proved was less, it is true, than the whole number alleged, Oct. 27. which was at least six thousand.2 But if only sixteen hundred bona fide citizens of America had been thus ruthlessly seized, - and Castlereagh himself admitted that number,3 - this was Feb. 18. 1813. enough to justify an earnest remonstrance and resistance ; and the fact that, at the breaking out of the war, twenty-five hun- dred American seamen, claiming the rights of citizenship, and refusing to fight against their country, were committed at once to Dartmoor and other prisons, where most of them were de- tained for a period of nearly three years, - the British govern- ment refusing to release any except upon proof of American origin, which was difficult to be obtained while hostilities con- tinued, - caused an excitement in the community almost unpar- alleled, and was appealed to with great force by the friends of the war in justification of the policy of the president.4 True, the making of impressment the turning point of the war may have been, and " was, in fact, an accident and an after-thought." Yet, after all, there was enough in this matter to appeal to
Gov't. 195-197; Statesman's Manu- al, i. 357; Niles's Weekly Reg. ii. 197, 236-238, 243-248, 252-255. " During the week we have had some pleasant rumors. It was stated that Mr. Foster, the British minister, had offered, or was about to offer, cer- tain highly important and interesting propositions to the government of the United States, embracing, in short, the complete adjustment of all the great and leading causes of complaint that we have urged against his country for many years past. It is a fact, that a British messenger, a Mr. Ruffe, ar- rived at New York, a few days ago, with despatches, which the British papers say contain proposals of a very conciliatory nature.
1 The communication of Admiral
Warren to Mr. Monroe was made September 30, 1812, and " proposed an immediate cessation of hostilities, in order to bring about a reconcilia- tion so interesting and beneficial to America and Great Britain." Mon- roe's answer to this letter was dated October 27, 1812; and it was after this that the " war continued for the single grievance of'impressment." In- gersoll's Hist. of the War, i. 448-451. 2 Indep. Chronicle for 1812; Ca- rey's Olive Branch.
3 Ingersoll's Hist. of the War, i. 481; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii.
4 Taggart's Address to his Con- stituents on Impressments, Feb. 17, 1813; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 349-353.
396
MEASURES ADOPTED IN MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAP. the patriotism of the people, and to demand of the government IX. security from the domineering insolence of unauthorized press
1813. gangs. And, on this ground, the war party acted consistently, though it may still remain an open question whether the diffi- culty would not have ceased at the restoration of peace in Europe, or whether it might not have been adjusted by a wise negotiation. But the evil existed, and remained unredressed. And, as negotiation was rejected by the president, there re- mained no alternative but to decide the controversy by an appeal to arms.1 And it will not, perhaps, be doubted, at this day, whatever may be thought of the original causes of the war, that the result was favorable to American commerce, and that the prosperity of the United States, which has reached an unexampled height, may be attributed in part to the steps then taken.2
Jan.
As the determination of the general government to continue the war was now too evident to be mistaken, the governor of Massachusetts, at the ensuing winter session of the General Court, recommended the adoption of measures for the defence of the state, and advised the legislature to make appropria- tions for that purpose. Accordingly, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars was placed at the disposal of the executive, to purchase firearms, cannon, and other munitions of war, to
1 Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. been rejected, the sword was not the 319, 334, 352, 353. “ Pacification only alternative, but the gibbet was to be erected wherever a naturalized American citizen was taken in arms, if born a Briton. Impressment by sea was to be imposed by extermina- tion ashore. The armies and navy of the United States were to be de- terred, and more than decimated, by executing their soldiers and sailors as traitors -by English officers, among whosc soldiers and sailors were Ger- man, Spanish, French, Italian, and Indian levies." refused on the terms proposed by the enemy," says Ingersoll, Hist. of the War, i. 453, 454, "left war on the single issue of impressment, and pro- duced fresh and monstrous aggrava- tions of hostilities. All the enormities of British warfarc - excitement of slaves and employment of savages- were to be exceeded by another still more abominable device. The United States were to be punished. The dogma of British indisputable allegi- ance was to be enforced on hundreds 2 N. Am. Review for July, 1816, 238, 239; Statesman's Manual, i. 376. of thousands of American citizens and soldiers. The olive branch having
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397
APPLICATION TO CONGRESS FOR AID.
enable the militia, if called out, to act with effect. His excel- CHAP. lency was also authorized to appoint three commissioners for IX. the defence of the sea coast ; and Generals Cobb, Heath, and 1813. Brooks were selected for that purpose - all of whom were experienced officers, distinguished for their services in the war of the revolution. An order was likewise passed by the Feb. 27. House, during the session, directing the adjutant general of the state to represent to Congress and to the president the defenceless condition of the sea coasts, and to desire aid from the general government in money and ammunition ; but the Senate refused to join in this resolution. The governor then applied, under his own hand, to the administration, for the Mar. 1. portion of firearms coming to the state by a former order of Congress ; but this application was refused ; nor were arms Mar.25. furnished to Massachusetts until some time after, and near the close of the war, though most of the other states had already re- ceived their portion.1 The vote of the House, however, of a sub- sequent date, instructing their senators and representatives in Jun. 10. Congress to use their influence in the national legislature for an immediate augmentation of the naval force of the United States, was concurred in by the Senate; and that body was disposed also to view with favor the proposition, previously made, that the state should build a seventy-four, to be pre- Feb. 16. sented to the United States for the national naval service during the war ; but, after some discussion, the proposition was rejected.2
The few vessels of war which had been fitted out by the Oct. 18 general government were signalizing themselves, in this inter- Dec. 29. to
1812.
1 Niles's Reg. iv. 236; Bradford, ii. 158, 159. For the report of the committee of the legislature, made June 10, 1813, relative to the refusal of the secretary of war to supply the state with its quota of arms, see Mass. Resolves for 1813; Niles's Reg. iv. 251. In the winter of 1813-14, 1500 stands of arms were furnished to
Massachusetts by the general govern- ment, and the receipt of the same is acknowledged in the governor's mes- sage of January 12, 1814. Mass. Resolves for 1813-14; Niles's Reg. v. 342.
2 Niles's Reg. iv. 41; Bradford, iii. 159, 160. Similar proposals were made in other states.
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398
RE-ELECTION OF GOVERNOR STRONG.
CHAP. val, by feats of gallantry which the whole nation applauded ; . IX. and the capture of the Java, the Macedonian, and the Frolic,
1813. by the Constitution, the United States, and the Wasp, under the command of Captains Bainbridge, Decatur, and Jones, were hailed as auguries of the triumph of the American arms. Captain Bainbridge touched at Boston soon after the capture of the Java, while the legislature was in session ; and the Jun. 15. Senate passed a vote of thanks to him and his crew for their gallant conduct ; but the House saw fit, in adopting a similar motion, to refer to the other victories, and they were all in- cluded in the resolution of that body.1
May. The reelection of Mr. Strong by a majority of thirteen thousand out of one hundred and one thousand votes, and the triumph of the federalists in both branches of the legislature, were considered as proofs of the confidence of the people in the patriotism of the governor, and of their dissatisfaction with the war policy of Madison, who had recently been re- elected to the office of president.2 The message of his excel- May 28. lency to the General Court gave a concise history of the conduct of the belligerent nations in Europe towards the United States, and expressed the opinion that the government of France had generally been the first in the depredations on the commerce of America, and had inflicted injuries to the greatest amount ; and that peace might have been maintained with Great Britain by a sincere desire on the part of the administration to adjust the disputes which had existed con- sistently with the rights and interests of the United States.3
1 Niles's Reg.' iii. 156, 205, 217, 237, 253, 301, 312, 324, 397, 410; iv. 52, 131, 162, 273; Bradford, iii. 160-162; Ingersoll's Hist. of the War, i. 195, 389, 416 ; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 364-370, 397-399. The Peacock was soon after captured by the Hornet, under Captain Law- rence. The Wasp was also captured by the Poictiers, October 18, and car- ried to Bermuda. For sketches of
Decatur, Bainbridge, and Jones, see Niles's Reg. v. Supp. Comp. also the Life of Decatur, Cooper's Naval Biog., Ingersoll's Hist. of the War, Analec- tic Mag., &c.
Address of Com. of Corresp. to the Democratic Citizens of Penn., on the Election, 1812; Bradford, iii. 162; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 404.
3 Message of Gov. Strong, of May 28, 1813, in Mass. Resolves; Niles's
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CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE.
Yet, disposed as he was to maintain the honor and dignity of CHAP. his country, he did not neglect to advise further means for the IX. defence of the state - particularly for the sea coast, which was 1813. most exposed. Both the Senate and House concurred in these views, and assured him of their support in all necessary meas- ures for the safety and protection of the state ; and a large sum was appropriated for the purchase of firearms, cannon, and gunpowder.1 A remonstrance against the policy of the war Jun. 12. was likewise proposed by petitions from the towns, adopted by large majorities in both Houses, and sent to Congress, which was convened in an extraordinary session, called by the president on account of the embarrassments in the nation growing out of the hostile attitude of the government.2
Previous to the adoption of this remonstrance, a battle had June 1. been fought off the harbor of Boston, in sight of a multitude of anxious spectators, between the United States frigate Ches- apeake, commanded by Captain Lawrence, and the British frigate Shannon, commanded by Captain Broke, which termi- nated unfortunately to the American ship. The citizens of Boston were the more interested in this engagement, inasmuch as the Chesapeake had been some time in port, and her officers ' were well known and highly esteemed. But the battle was commenced with great disadvantage on her part; and the contest was too eagerly sought by her gallant commander,
Reg. iv. 233; Bradford, iii. 163; Hil- dreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 426; In- gersoll's Hist. of the War, i. 483.
1 Bradford, iii. 163, 164; Hil- dreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 427, 428. 2 Mass. Resolves for 1813; Niles's Reg. iv. 297-301; Bradford, iii. 166. A minority of the legislature protested against this remonstrance. Mr. Gore was elected senator during this ses- sion, in the place of Mr. Lloyd, who had resigned his seat. A report was also adopted by the legislature at this
time, complaining of the admission of Louisiana, without the unanimous consent of the states, as unconsti- tutional and unauthorized - the commencement of a process of west- ern annexation which threatened to swamp the political influence of Mas- sachusetts and the Eastern States, which could not be suffered to pass in silence, lest silence might seem to give consent. Ingersoll's Hist. of the War; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 428.
400
BRITISH BLOCKADE OF THE COAST.
CHAP. before he was prepared for action. The ship was taken, and I, IX.
the captain himself was mortally wounded.1
1813.
In the summer of this year, a number of British ships were hovering on the coast in the Province of Maine, but no attempt was made to land. The militia, however, were called to the places where the inhabitants were alarmed ; and their appear- ance, in all probability, prevented the meditated attacks. Later in the season, the movements of the enemy became more threatening ; several harbors were entered, and the in- habitants were plundered of their sheep and other live stock. Hence the citizens of most of the towns contiguous to the sea- board applied to the executive for the means of defence ; and munitions of war were purchased and furnished them by agents appointed for that purpose.2 The neglect of the general gov- ernment to afford any assistance to the state was remonstrated against, and complained of as a wanton dereliction of duty ; but these complaints were considered by the friends of the administration as altogether unjustifiable ; and it was contend- ed by some that to question the justice or the expediency of the war was a political sin approaching almost to treason.3
1 Ingersoll's Hist. of the War, i. which was denounced as " moral trea- 395 et seq. ; Niles's Reg. iv. 246, son," that Captain George Crownin- shield, Jun., of Salem, one of a family " of the most adventurous and spirited men and merchants in the world," under a flag of truce, proceeded to Halifax, for the body of Lawrence, which was reburied at Salem, with great parade, the Hon. Joseph Story acting as the orator of the day. Sen- ate Resolve of June 15, 1813; the Voter's Text Book, 35 ; Otis's Let- ters, 84 ; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 429, 430; Niles's Reg. iv. 287, 293, 303, 390, 421; Boston Patriot for 1813. For a biographical notice of Lawrence, see Niles's Reg. v. Supp., in which is given an account of the ceremonies at the reinterment of his remains. 276, 374 ; v. 5; Bradford, iii. 167, 168 ; Hildreth's U. S., 2d series, iii. 420-422. Captain Lawrence died five days after, and was buried at Hali- fax, with military honors. The action lasted but fifteen minutes ; and dur- ing that time the Chesapeake had forty-eight killed and ninety-eight wounded, and the Shannon had twen- ty-three killed and fifty-six wounded. Before the fate of Lawrence was known, the Senate of Massachusetts, on the report of a committee, of which Quincy was chairman, declined passing a vote approving the con- duct of that officer in the capture of the Peacock, though they professed high respect for his naval skill, and military and civil virtues. The war 2 Bradford, iii. 169-174. party was so exasperated at this vote, 3 Bradford, iii. 167, 174, 176.
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INTERDICTION OF THE COASTING TRADE.
Nor was the action of the general government in other CHAP. respects approved by the friends of peace ; for a new embargo IX. was laid, the duration of which was not to exceed a year. 1813. This measure was as oppressive in its operation as the embargo Dec. 17. of 1807, and was extremely obnoxious to the people on the sea coast, who were most directly affected by it. For, in interdicting the coasting trade from one port to another, and forbidding the occupation of fishing near the harbor, it de- stroyed the business of many industrious citizens, and added to their burdens, which were already great.1 The governor took notice of this act in a message to the legislature, and not 1814. Jan. 12 only complained of its oppressiveness, but plainly intimated that it was unconstitutional. " The late acts," said he, "inter- dicting the trade coastwise between different parts of the same state, as well as between the states respectively, contain provisions of such a character as makes it worthy of inquiry whether any measures can be properly adopted by the govern- ment of this state which would be likely to induce Congress to repeal them, or to amend them in such a manner as to ren- der their constitutionality less questionable." 2
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