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MEETING AT BALTIMORE.
Ai a general mi eting ofthe citizens of Balti
more, held the 291 h day o! June, 1807 ugice
ably to public nonce, at the Court-house,
general S Smith, was called to the chair
and John Srui-ur s’, esq. appointed sccieta
rv ; when the lollowing re solution a were
Unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we view with indignation
and honor the wanton attack lot'-ly made up
on the On x.ipeake, by the Bi iri-vti ship ol war
leopard, hy winch many ol our citizens hate
been killed and wounded, and the government
ol out country grossly insulted.
Resolved, That we have every confidence in
the wisdom and firmness ot the administration
to enforce satisfaction lor an outrage so daring
and injurious to the honor and dignity ol our
country, and that we will with our lives and
fortune s, support the government in all such
measures as they may adopt on the momen
tous occasion, to obtain redress and satisiac
ti..n for the outrage aforesaid.
R< solved, Chat until the decision of our go
vernment shall have tveen made known, w e will
l< gat'd with abhorrence and detestation,all per
sons who sh .11 countenance thi . unprovoked
and outrageous conduct, by holding any inter
course with, or affording aid to any of his Bri
tannic maics v’s ships of war now on our coast.
Rcs'tlvetl, That w: highly approve tlie pat
riotic and spirited conduct of our tcllovv-ciiizciis
at Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Resolved , That A < xander M‘Kim. Thomas
M. Elderry, James 11. .Vl'Culloch, James Col-’
ttnun, Samuel Sierrct, Robert Gilmore, Mark
Pringle, and John Stephen, lie a committee
whose duty it shall he to forward a copy of
these resolutions to the president of the United
States, the governor of Maryland, and to cor
respond with such committees as may heap
pointed by the other cities and towns of the
union, on this subject.
PcrJved, That the proceedings of this meet
ire; he published in thenevvspapc sos this city,
for the mfoi illation of our fellow citizens.
MEETING AT RICHMOND.
At a numerous meeting of the citizens of
Rich nond, Muncheser, and their vicinities, and
ol many other persons from distant places,
held at the Capitol, on the 271 h ol lune, 18 t 7,
for the purpose of taking under their conside
ration the lawless outrage commuted on the
frigate Chesapeake, hy a Butish squadron;
The honorable Spencer Roane, judge of the
court of appeals, was unanimously chosen
Chairman, and Thomas Ritchie esq. unanimous
ly elected Secretary. A committee was then
appointed, consisting of the following mem
bers -The honorable Alexander iVl l ßae, lieu
tenant governor ; the honorable Cieed 1 aylor,
chancellor; John Page, George Hay, William
) ~>uche< , William Wnt,and Peyton Randolph,
lisqrs. to lay before the meeting such resolu
tions as they might deem proper to propose in
the present ctisis. The committee having re
tired, leuirncd and reported lo the meeting the
f (lowing resolutions and address : The pre
amble to the resolutions was adopted with otdy
three dissenting voices; the resolutions and ad
dress were unanni.uousty adopted. ‘The chan -
Yuan ol the meeting was unanimously reqiiesi
• ‘ to sign the resolutions and addicsson behalf
of the meeting, at and to transmit the address to
the president of the United Stales The mem
bers ol the committee formerly appointed, were
then r eeled a corresponding committee, bv
virtue of the fourth icsoiuiion, for the purposes
tfiereing specified.
W E, the citizens now convened, have read
w ith horror ana indignation, the narrative of the
attack made by the British ship Leopatd, ou
United States frigate Chesapeake. The de
mand w-'ich preceded the attack was lawless
in us nature, and most insolent mils manner.
The attack i self was not only lawless and inso
lent, hut base and cowardly ; because it was
made by a ship of 50 guns, prepared for action,
and supported hy a British squadron, in a time
ot prolouiul peace, on an unsuspecting and
therefore unprepared friend, a single American
f. irate of six and thirty guns—such are the
glorious triumphs of the Butish navy ! We oh
serve that this attack llowed from a de iberute
i nler given by the British admiral Berkley, at.
Halifax : We believe that he would not have
dared to comprontU his m.tion by so bold and
flagrant a breach of national law. without the
previous sanction and order of his .govern
ment: W consider it therefore as an actio
the British government. We compare this
monstrous outrage (committed in the moment
ot treats) with other acts of usurpation and ag
gression, practised upon us hy the same na
tion—their impressment of our seamen so long
continued; and their gross and perpetual viola
tions of our commerce, which they have the
effrontery to advocate even from their tribunals
of law : the review confirms us in the belief,
that the attack on the Chesapeake is not the
act either of commodore Douglas or admiral
Berkley, any more than the act of the oriental
slave, who licks the dust from the foot of des
potism, is the a t of the slave and not of the
despot : but that this attack is the act ~f the
British government'; and simply anuthcr effu
sion of the same spirit which produced their
impressments and commercial spoliations.
This act is of the same stamp and color with
the rest. We behold in it all. a consistent pic
ture ; a nation insolent in the consciousness ot
her naval strength—totally regardless of the
rights of others—totally regardless of all law,
reason, and humaiutv— lestitute of every mo
tive. feeding, and principle, which hinds civili
zed nations together-—and having no rule of
at-lon whatever, but se’f aggrandizement, and
the gratification ol her own caprices by brutal
lori e. \\ e compaie this bloo y violence with
the cares-es and attentions w hich they are even
now shewing to our ministers at their leasts in
Le .don ; and vve behold a nation, which, to
the picture of b.ack and savage piracy, adds
the features of smiling treachery and mean
hvpot isv ! A nation which by her actions
proclJn s the opinion, that we ate not on v so
feeble as to be insulted and outraged with im
punity, but so weak as to be amus
ed forever with the perfidious semblance of ne
goci tion for the redress of our wrong , while
she takes the shot ter cut of blood and battle for
the attainment of her furfoses. W ith a na
tion ol such principles and such practices, we
wislt no friendship, no intercourse: to such
complicated and incessant w rongs, continually
aggravat'd in proportion to out patience, we
ate disposed to submit no longer.,/Wherefore,
1. Resolved unanimously, 1 hat the thanks ol
the citizens of Richmond, be communicated to
our fellow-citizens ot Norfolk, for the exempla
ry promptitude and energy which they have
displayed on this occasion ; and that they be
ussiiied that we unite *riih them, fieuil and
hand, in all their let lings and resolutions.
‘2. Re., lord unanimously, “1 hat while vve de
precate the horrors of war, and approve all
honorable means of averting them, vve possess
the firm hope that the government of the Uni
ted Stales will avenge this unparalleled outrage
with the -.pit it whit it becomes the nation, and
which the nation feels—believing as vve do,
that however unequal our naval strength, our
enemies have, nevertheless, vulnerable points
within our teach, through which we maybe
able to strike them vitally.
3. Resolved una.in, juJo, That in the sup
port of all measures c’.iiectcd to that end, * vve
pledge cur liven and fortunes, aud our sacred
honor,'’ hailing with firm and joyous hearts, the .
auspicious omen connected wdth this well te
lncmbcrcd holy pledge :—W hat we did in the
weakness of infancy, it will lie strange if vve
cannot repeat in the vigor of manhood !
4. R: so. vrd unanimously, I hat a committee
lie appointed to correspond with such other
committees as may he appointed in the several
towns and counties in this commonwealth, for
the purpose of collecting the national senti
ment on this important occasion.
5. Resolved unanimously, 1 hat the chairman
of this committee be requested to communi
cate a copv of these resolves to the President
of the United States, one to the executive of
each state, one to the chairniuin of the com
mittee at Norfolk, and one connected with a
printed copy <>l the narrative of the outrage, to
every general officer and commandant of a re
giment in this slate, to he communicated hy
him in such manner as he may approve, to
those under his command
6. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of
this meeting be returned to the chairman, for
the able and impartial manner in which lie lias
discharged the duties of his office.
Signed on behalf of the meeting.
SPENCER ROANE, Chairman.
( Test ) Thomas Ritchib, Sec’ry.
To the President, of the United States.
Sir— We, the citizens of Richmond, Mun
ches er and their vicinities, and many other
persons lrom distant places, who have assem
bled to ‘take under considerate n, the late hos
tile attack upon the frigate Chesapeake, by a
Binisit ship ot war, and the murder of a num
ttei ol Attiet icati seamen in a time of peace, are
impelled by the strongest motives to express
those sentiments of indignation which the oc
casion must naturally inspire. \\ hen vve re
tlccl upon the uniform course of pacific con
duct winch has been observed bv the govern
ment ol me U itited States, towards all foreign
nations ; when vve recollect, on the other hand,
t e innumerable insults and aggressions which
Creai-tiiltaiu lias indicted on our just and law
ful commerce ; we can only discover in diis
recent act ot violence, the consummation of a
system which has for its object the prostration
ui neutral lights, at the feet of a haughty and
ambitious power. The door of negotiation is
finally closed ; the first blow of war has been
struck ; and the people of America are called
upon to deei le, whether they “ ill rally around
the standard ot the constitution, or resign at
once that glorious independence which was
purchased by the valor of their fathers, and ce
mented with their blood. At a period of such
magnitude as the present, it is peculiarly ne
cessary that the /n ofle of America should dis
play to the wot kl the devotion which they feel
to the tree, mild, and beneficent government
under which hey live, and their invincible de
termination to resist to the utmost extremity,
every outrage on their rights from whatever
quarter it may proceed. The persons who
now address you, speak not only for them
selves, but for their country ; they feel that
they deliver the sentiments ol the nation ; and
they are confident that they will find a corres
ponding emotion in the bosom of the chief ma
gistrate of the union.
When an act of unequivocal Ivostilitv has
been perpetrated ; when our armed vessels
are not permitted to leave our own ports with
impunity; when a Btitish commander gives
the signal from our very harbors, for the cap
ture of our ships ; it becomes a question, not
of reason, but of jWdng. Whatever may be
the grounds of the contest in which vve are en
j gaged, vve are* compelled to close in that ap-
I peal to arms which has been made hy our ad
’ vers.ity. h is impossible to pursue a tempo
: rising conduct, without engraving an endelible
’ stain on our national character. Th ; reputa
tion of our country- is at stake ; and it must
: now be aconied whetkether we shall assume
the dignified attitude of an independent ‘.fate,
or meanly crouch under the lash el an insolent
foe.
No nation upon earth has so many* cogent
reasons for maintaining a friendly intercourse
with the rest of the world, as the United Mates.
Far removed from that bloody scene of ambi
tion. which Europe has exhibited lor centuries ;
pursuing the even tenor of holiest industry ;
regardless of that illusive glory which is only
to be obtained at the expense of happiness ;
anxious only for that solid renown, which
springs from an undeviating course of justice
and virtue ; too simple for the insiduous aits ol
courtiv intrigues, and too refined for the exet
tion of lawless powet ; they might have llattet
ed themselves with the hope that they should
escape the ravages ot those conflicts which
have desolated the old continent. America has
every thing to hope from peace, and every
thing to deprecate from war But her grow
ing commerce and rising prosperity, cherished
by the genial warmth of fteedorn, were objects
too tempting to the rapacious eye ot a power
who arrogates to herself, the exclusive domin
ion of the seas From the moment when our
independence was established, Cteat-Biitain
regarded with malignant jealousy, the ptogtess
of a nation w hom she had once held in bondage.
Fiont that moment until the present, she has
waged an open ot concealed war against out
bid] .putable rights. It would he superfluous
to dwell on the various crimes which she has
committed against the law of nations ; but it
mav not be iniprop r to enumerate a lew, more
piominent than the test, which marks the
spirit which has pervaded her whole conduct,
she has occupied po-es within our territory
which ought to have been surrendered by trea
ty ; site has enlarged the law of contraband, be
yond the most libera! construction of the law
of nations; she has seized our vessels laden
with provisions; she has invented anew sys
tem of blockade, w hich extends not merely to
single ports actually invested, but to whole
countries with whom she might beat won- ;
she has mollified, restrained and enlarged the
ri his of neutrals, according to her interest or
caprice, while her courts of admiralty have
cat-fit and her edicts into rigid execution ; she has
denied to neutral nations the incontestable t ight
to re-expo t to a belligerent power, the com
modities which they have fairly purchased from
a colony of the same powet —and she has
blockaded our ports and impressed seamen
from our vessels within our lawful jurisdiction.
But attrocious as these acts may seem, they
are insi nificunt when compared with the fla
grant outrage lately committed on the frigate
Chesapeake. The most humble sycophant of
Great-Britain has never vet asserted her right
to search a ship of war belonging to a neutral
nation. A vessel of this descripton is as S ‘cred
as the territory itself—its flag is a passport
throughout tne world, and an insult offered to
it is a direct attack upon the sovereignty of the
state to which it belongs. A conduct like this
can neither he defended nor palliated, and it is
necessary to meet the approaching conflict with
the decision becoming freemen.
While we are sensible of the evils which
must result from war. we are prepared to en
counter them, in defence of our dearest rights.
We are confident hat hut one sentiment pre
vadesthe American people—and that, however,
thev may be divided as to points of domestic
policy, thev are actuated hy one soul in repelling
the aggressions of a foreign power. It remains
for the wisdom of the constituted authorities,
to direct with efficacy the energies of the na
tion. It is our part to declare to you and to the
world, that vve are prepared to support with out
lives and our font-tunes, the gov eminent of out
choice against every power upon earth.
Signed by order of the committee,
SPENCER ROANE, Chairman.
Attest, Thomas Ritchie, Sec’ry.
MEETING AT PETERSBURG.
On Friday the 27th of June, in consequence
of the intelligence previously received from
Norfolk, of the violation of our national dignity
by an armed ship of his Britannic majesty, iti
attacking, vvithou any previous declaration ol
war, the Chesapeake frigate belonging to the
United States, and in cold blood, murdering
three, and desparately wounding sixteen Ame
rican citizens, the inhabitants of Petersburg
assembled at the court-house, to express their
feelings on the alarming occasion. The meet
ing was uncommonly numerous, and but one
sentiment animated every bosom. A dignified
and manly deportment w*ts observed, evincive
ol the interest which the citizens felt for this
daring and unheard-of outrage. The resolu
tions adopted, were such-as became a free peo
plp, jealous of their rights, and watchful over
their dearest interests. Not a murmur was
heard to disturb the awful sti lness which per
vaded the meeting, while the resolutions were
reading. Every tongue was mute—every ear
attentive ; and when the question was put by th :
chairman for adopting the resolutions, a loud
and universal burst ot approbation re-echoed
through the meeting.
• Anything further would be unnecessary; the
resolutions and the insult, speak ot themselves.
We will add one observation. — i fie adherents
of England would do well to observ e a profound
silence; and it rests with them to confirm and
strengthen that dignified moderation of the citi
zens of Norfolk, and the public generally while
smarting under the grossest injury and insult,
that was ever yet heapeu on an independant
nation.
The citizens having assembled to the num
ber of three or four hundred, appointed Dr. John
Shore, chairman, and John F. Mav. secretary.
After several resolutions were proposed, they
were referred to a committee consisting of
Messrs. John F. May, John M'Rae, Joseph
Jones, Archibald 1 hweatt, Archibald Baugh,
Robert Birchen, Wiiliam Claik, John M. ban
ister, John Wilder, arid John M-Creery. V\ ho
shortly alter made the following report:
The citizens of the town of Petersburg, par
ticipating m the feelings of their fellow-citi
zens of Norfolk—filled with the same hor
roi—electiilied by the same spirit of indig
nation-assembled at the court-house, June
26th, 1807, for the purpose of taking into
consideration, the late unprecedented out
rage of Great-Britain, in demanding the pri
vilege of searching a public armed vessel of
the United States; compelling a submission
to that demand, by attacking the said United
States frigate within our jurisdiction, when
unprepared for resistance—wounding and
murdering our fellow-citizens, and fouibly
seizing and carrying aw ay icurot the crew of
the said irigate.
Ist. Resolved, That w hen events occur of a
nature inteiesting to the public at large, it is the
duty of the people to express their sentiments
foi the infoimation and guidance of the gov-,
ernment, proclaiming a manly approbation
where it is due, and the strongest and typ-t
determined reprobation of acts, hostile to tie
intoiests and delegating fiom the dignity and
independence of our country.
2d. That by the law and usages of nations, a
national ship is always exempt and free from
examination or search, by any foreign vessel or
power.
3d. That this premeditated outrage is con
sidered as tantamount to a declaration of war
on the part of Greut-Britain, and as evincive of
an irreconcilable hostility to this nation.
4th. That w e entertain a confidence, that the
government of ttie United States will adopt the
most deci-i\e and vigorous measures to obtain
reparation for the injuries and wrongs sustained
from the government of Great-Britain.
sth. That this meeting will consider as infa
mous, ah those who may furnish supplies of any
kh and to B Fish armed vessels.
6th. That no pilot ought to conduct any Brit
ish armed ship into out harbors or waters.
7th. That we will heartily concur in a suspen
sion of all intercourse with Great-Britain, until
sttch intercourse can be enjoyed on terms of re
ciprocal respect and independence.
Bth That we will pledge to the government
of the United States, our fortunes and our blood
for the support of all measures which may be
necessary and proper to vindicate the rights of
our country.
9th. That we will, for the spare of 30 days,
wear crape on the left arm, as a testimonial of
our respect for the memory, and regret lor the
loss of our brave tars.
10th. That the proceedings of this meeting
be published in the papers of this town—and
that the president snd secretary be requested to
transmit a copy to the executive of the United
States.
Attest. JOHN SHORE, Chairman.
John F. Mat, Sec’ry.
CH ARLESTON, July 11.
At a meeting of the second Battalion of the Chars
leston Regiment ofyirtillery, held on the B<h
of July , major Bowles in the chair , the follow
ing resolutions were unnanimcusly adofi ed:
Resolved , That we view with the utmost in
dignation and abhorrence, the viola'ion of our
neutrality , of every principle of humanity, and
and of the acknowledged laws of civilized na
tions, committed by a squadron of armed ves
sels of the Biitish King, in their base and
cowardly.attack upon the United States Frigate
Chesapeake, near the Capes of Virginia, on the
23d of June last, when it was known that s! e
was not in a situation for defence, and could
not possibly be apprehensive of danger, as the
two nations were at peace, and she was ap
proaoached under the insidious appearance of
friendship.
Resolved , That as this British squadron, act
ed under the express ordets of a high naval
commander, we cannot but believe that its un
warrantable and treacherous conduct is sancti
oned by the British government, and may re
sult in a rupture between our country and that
nation ; and that therefore it becomes our du
ty to hold ourselves in readiness to avenge the
blood of our murdered fellow-citizens, and the
insulted dignity of our country.
Resolved , That vve have the utmost confi
dence in the wisdom and firmness of the go
vernment ; and that we respectfully wait its
decision, as to the measures proper to be pur
sued at this important crisis ; hereby pledging
our honors as citizens and as soldiers, to aid and
support with our liver and our fortunes, what
ever me rm it may adopt to chastise foreign ag
gression, and maintain unimpared, the honor
and independence of our country.
Resolved, That colonel Stevens, comman
dant of our regiment; and major Bowles of
our battallion ; be requested to transmit to
the President of the United States, these re
solutions.
T. BOWLES, Chairman.
Attest Conrad J. Graeser bec’ry.
At a meeting of a number of masters of ve.ssels %
in the port of Charleston, held at the Marine
Hotel, on Monday evening, the 6 h instant.
Captain Isaac Seymour in the Chair :
Resolved , That a committee of six be ap
pointed, to lay before a future meeting, such
resolves as they shall deem most proper.
Res'l.u and, That all masters of v essels, be re
quested to hoist their colors half mast, on Wed
nesdav next, in memory of our murdered fel
low-citizens, who fell on board the United
States frigate Chesapeake.